MEPs support revoking Vanuatu’s visa freedom
Vanuatu’s citizenship-by-investment programme has created security concerns. Therefore, a suspension clause in the EU’s visa exemption rules could be used for the first time.
21/11/2024
LATEST NEWS
EU and Albania conclude new Security and Defence Partnership
The new political framework establishes a platform for enhanced dialogue and cooperation on security and defence issues, reflecting the determination of both Parties to work together to address shared security challenges in an increasingly complex global environment.
20/11/2024
Main results of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on Defence, 19 November 2024
The EU Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration discussed EU support to Ukraine and defence readiness and preparedness. Dive into the results of the meeting.
20/11/2024
U.S. Treasury targets key Hamas leaders and financiers
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is designating six senior Hamas officials, including the terrorist group’s representatives abroad, a senior member of the Hamas military wing, the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades, as well as individuals involved in supporting the terrorist group’s fundraising efforts and weapons smuggling into Gaza.
20/11/2024
EU disburses 3rd emergency instalment for the Palestinian Authority
The European Union disbursed further short-term emergency financial support to the Palestinian Authority (PA). It amounts to a total of €110 million in grants through the PEGASE mechanism to pay salaries and pensions of the civil servants in the West Bank and to ensure the provision of essential services.
19/11/2024
EU and North Macedonia sign new EU Security and Defence Partnership
On 19 November, the EU and North Macedonia signed a Security and Defence Partnership. This new political framework for dialogue and cooperation on security and defence issues was signed by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Timčo Mucunski, on behalf of North Macedonia.
19/11/2024
Main results of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, 18 November 2024
The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and on Georgia. Over lunch the Council touched on EU-US relations. After that, the Council discussed the situation in the Middle East and in the Horn of Africa.
19/11/2024
Cabo Delgado: EU Council tops up EPF support to Rwanda Defence Force
The EU Foreign Affairs Council adopted today a €20 million top-up to an existing assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to continue supporting the deployment of the Rwanda Defence Force in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.
18/11/2024
Sahel region: EU Council appoints João Cravinho as new Special Representative
Today the Council appointed João Cravinho as EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Sahel region. The new EUSR will actively contribute to regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, stability, and sustainable development in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, and Niger.
18/11/2024
EP hearing of Kaja Kallas as EU High Representative and Vice President-designate
The Foreign Affairs Committee questioned Kaja Kallas, Estonian candidate for High Representative and Vice-President for foreign affairs and security policy. In her introductory statement, Ms Kallas pledged to work on strengthening the EU’s position in the world and safeguarding its geopolitical and economic security. She also called for more investment in defence.
12/11/2024
Republic of the Congo: European Peace Facility supports the Congolese Navy
The Council today adopted a €5 million assistance measure under the European Peace Facility, to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Congolese Navy.
06/11/2024
Fighting cross-border crime: EU Council adopts EU law about transfer of proceedings
The law will be critical in ensuring that the best-placed country investigates or prosecutes a criminal offence. It also prevents unnecessary parallel proceedings of the same suspect in different EU member states and therefore will help to fight cross-border crime more effectively.
06/11/2024
European Peace Facility: EU Council adopts an support for Egyptian Armed Forces
The assistance will contribute to strengthening the capacities of the EAF to enhance the national security and stability of Egypt, as well as the protection of civilians.
05/11/2024
Bosnia and Herzegovina: UN Security Council renews mandate of EU-led Stabilization Force
The UN Security Council extended until 2 November 2025 the authorization to establish a European Union-led stabilization force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the 15-member Council reviewed the political, security and economic situation in the Western Balkan country.
04/11/2024
The future of UNRWA is a test of our humanity – EEAS blog post by EU HR Borrell
As the worst humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza’s history is unfolding, the Israeli Parliament has adopted laws to make the operations of UNRWA all but impossible. The UN Security Council has expressed its grave concern and the EU has condemned any attempt to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and UNRWA. The Agency is irreplaceable in providing life-saving services. Without it, civilians in Gaza will lose their last remaining access to
01/11/2024
1st EU-Japan Strategic Dialogue: EU High Representative Borrell meets Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya
During the Dialogue, High Representative Borrell and Foreign Minister Iwaya announced the EU-Japan Security and Defence Partnership. Japan is the first country in the Indo-Pacific to adopt such a political framework for enhanced cooperation on security and defence with the European Union.
01/11/2024
EU High Representative Josep Borrell to travel to Japan and South Korea
The visit will be an opportunity to strengthen the EU’s relations with Japan and the Republic of Korea and boost bilateral and regional cooperation, including on security and defence.
31/10/2024
North Korea: Statement by EU HR Borrell on the launch of an inter-continental missile
“The EU strongly condemns the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile on 31 October 2024. This illegal launch shows the DPRK’s continued intention to develop the means to deliver weapons of mass destruction” – EU High Representative Josep Borrell.
31/10/2024
The Niinistö report on strengthening Europe’s civil and military preparedness
Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland and Special Adviser to EU Commission President von der Leyen, and EU High Representative Josep Borrell were tasked to prepare a report assessing the complex challenges the EU faces. They also made recommendations on how to enhance the EU’s civilian and military preparedness and readiness.
30/10/2024
Georgia: EU High Representative Borrell asks for transparent inquiry of elections
“The Central Election Commission of Georgia and relevant authorities must investigate irregularities, pressure and intimidation on voters impacting public trust in the process, reported by observers. Those irregularities must be addressed swiftly, transparently and independently” – EU High Representative Josep Borrell.
30/10/2024
Myanmar/Burma: EU lists three individuals and one entity responsible for scam operations
The EU Council today approved additional restrictive measures against three persons and one entity associated with the Myanmar military junta, and responsible for scam operations based in the country, which are targeting both the Myanmar population and citizens from other countries in the region.
30/10/2024