First EU-Gulf Cooperation Council: Remarks by EU leaders
The first EU-GCC Summit will take place in Brussels on 16 October 2024 under the theme: “Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity”.
16/10/2024
ON THE TOP
Retail investment package: EU Council agrees on its position
The package introduces a new concept of ‘Value for Money’ to ensure that investment products are offered to retail clients only if they offer good value for money. Furthermore, the Council wants remove the proposed ban on ’inducements’ (often called “commissions” or “retrocession fees”) received for execution-only sales wihout advice is provided to the investor.
12/06/2024
Ukraine Recovery Conference: EU Commission to showcase steadfast support for Ukraine
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is participating today in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024, hosted jointly by Chancellor Scholz and President Zelensky in Berlin on 11 and 12 June.
11/06/2024
ECDC reports worsening spread of mosquito-borne disease outbreaks in EU/EEA
Latest European figures show an upward trend in the number of cases of dengue imported from dengue-endemic regions, as well as an increasing number of local outbreaks of West Nile virus infections and dengue within the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA), the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) reports.
11/06/2024
LATEST NEWS TICKER
BUSINESS
Serbia: IMF Staff reaches staff-level agreement on arrangement review and follow-up
The Serbian authorities and IMF staff reached an agreement on the fourth and final review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and on a successor 36-month Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI) request. The PCI is a non-financing instrument designed to support strong economic policies. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board in December 2024.
17/10/2024
The EBA launches call for papers for its 2024 Policy Research Workshop
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today launched a call for papers in view of its 13th Policy Research Workshop taking place on 6-7 November 2024 and titled “Boundaries of Banking Regulation”. The deadline for submitting papers is 5 July 2024.
26/03/2024
USPTO agenda for public symposium on A.I. and intellectual property
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will hold a public symposium on artificial intelligence (AI) and intellectual property.
25/03/2024
U.S Government publishes National Action Plan on Responsible Business Conduct
The Biden-Harris Administration has released the 2nd U.S. National Action Plan (NAP) on Responsible Business Conduct. The plan shall reflect a commitment to strengthen and improve respect for human rights and labor rights, expand use of green energy, counter corruption, protect human rights defenders, advance gender equity and equality, and promote rights-respecting use of technology.
25/03/2024
ISIL(Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda: EU Council adds a person and an entity to its autonomous list of sanctions
The Council decided today to add Mohamed Ibrahim al-Shafi’i Al-Salem, also known as Aba Al-Sahraoui, and Katiba Macina to the EU autonomous list of persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL(Da’esh) and Al-Qaeda, subject to EU restrictive measures. Aba Al-Sahraoui is the leader of ISIL-affiliated group ‘Islamic State Sahel Province’, which primarily operates in the tri-border area of Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali. Katiba Macina is an affiliate of Al-Qaeda and its associated group Jama’a Nusrat Ul-Islam Wa Al-Muslimin (JNIM). It is active in the Sahel, in particular in Central Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.
25/03/2024
EU Commission clears acquisition of Rügenwalder by Pfeifer & Langen
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Rügenwalder Mühle Carl Müller GmbH & Co. KG and RM Vermögensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG (‘Rügenwalder’) by Pfeifer & Langen Industrie- und Handels- KG (‘Pfeifer & Langen’), all of Germany. The transaction relates primarily to the food sector, in particular to the processing and preserving of meat substitutes.
25/03/2024
EU Commission clears creation of joint venture by CIP, PHPL and MIESCOR
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Connect Infrastructure Pte. Limited (‘CIP’), PTCI Holdings Pte. Limited (‘PHPL’), both of Singapore, and Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corporation (‘MIESCOR’) of Philippines.
The transaction relates primarily to the leasing of space on telecommunications towers in the Philippines.
25/03/2024
Combatting violence and harassment in the workplace: EU Council invites EU countries to ratify ILO convention
EU Council has adopted a decision inviting member states to ratify the International Labour Organization’s convention on violence and harassment (ILO convention 190). Violence and harassment in the workplace is a widespread and persistent phenomenon around the world: more than one in five people have experienced violence and harassment at work, whether physical, psychological or sexual, with women being particularly at risk.
25/03/2024
European Semester: EU Commission publishes reviews for six Member States to assess macroeconomic imbalances
The 2024 Alert Mechanism Report (AMR) adopted in November 2023 as part of the European Semester Autumn package selected 12 Member States for which an IDR should be prepared. The European Semester is the European Union’s framework for the coordination and surveillance of economic and social policies. The remaining six IDRs for France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Portugal will be published in the coming weeks.
25/03/2024
Eurobarometer: Positive perceptions about the economy and the quality of life in the EU regions
The Commission published today a Flash Eurobarometer conducted at the regional level, showing that EU citizens look positively at the economic situation and the quality of life in their region. Over eight out of ten Europeans (82%) say that the quality of life in their region is good. At the same time, 65% of Europeans say that the current situation of the economy of their region is good.
25/03/2024
Finland: Residence permit processing time reduced by half
The development measures of the employment and economic development services (TE services), the Finnish Immigration Service and the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment reduced the processing time of residence permits for employed persons to an average of 41 days in February 2024 from the previous year’s figure of 77 days. A faster processing time for favourable decisions is particularly significant. In February 2024, the average processing time was 23 days for first permits and 21 days for extended permits.
25/03/2024
EU leaders discuss agricultural and economic challenges in Brussels
The European Council discussed the challenges facing agriculture and the concerns raised by farmers. EU leaders noted that the EU’s own agricultural production is key to food security and to the Common Agricultural Policy. Farmers must have a stable and predictable framework. EU leaders called for rapid action to reduce the administrative burden for farmers and to ensure a fair income for farmers by strengthening farmers’ position in the food supply chain. They discussed the need to help Ukraine export grain outside the EU so that Ukraine can get much-needed revenue without affecting the sales of EU farmers.
25/03/2024
Bosnia and Herzegovina: EU Council extends framework for restrictive measures until March 2026
The European Union will therefore keep its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on individuals or entities who undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, constitutional order and international personality of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Restrictive measures can also be imposed against those who seriously threaten the security situation in the country, or undermine the Dayton/Paris General Framework Agreement for Peace.
25/03/2024
DIGITIZATION
EU research and innovation leadership: Experts call for increased investment
More excellent research, impactful innovation and technology scale-ups are needed to make Europe more globally competitive, secure and sustainable. These are among the twelve expert recommendations presented today to the EU Commission to strengthen Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, and its successor.
16/10/2024
Copyright: EU Commission urges several Member States to transpose EU rules
Brussels, 19 May 2022 Today, the Commission has decided to send reasoned opinions to Bulgaria,
19/05/2022
Platform workers: Employment MEPs propose better working conditions
Brussels, 19 May 2022 Using automated systems to match supply and demand for work cannot
19/05/2022
Customs procedures: EU Parliament and Council reach deal on “Single Window”
Brussels, 19 May 2022 Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement today on an EU
19/05/2022
NATO opening the first International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy
Bucharest, 17 May. 2022 English French Russian Ukrainian On Tuesday (17 May 2022), NATO Deputy
18/05/2022
EP ITRE Committee backs Path to the Digital decade for 2030
Brussels, 17 May 2022 Legislation setting up a roadmap for digital skills, infrastructure, businesses and
18/05/2022
Main results of the EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee meeting
Brussels, 17 May 2022 The third meeting of the EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee took place
18/05/2022
Insight EU Smart Cities Monitoring 16 May 2022
UNECE UNECE to coordinate UN Task Force on new Master Plan for the city of
17/05/2022
EU Council approves Data Governance Act
16 May 2022 After the European Parliament, the Council today approved a new law to
17/05/2022
MEPs discuss global impact of the Digital Services Act with Frances Haugen
Brussels, 16 May 2022 The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee will examine the future
17/05/2022
Key outcomes of the 2nd EU US TTC Ministerial Meeting in Paris
Brussels, 16 May 2022 The EU and the US have today reaffirmed their close cooperation
16/05/2022
SECURITY
Kazakhstan: 21st Cooperation Council with the European Union
As Kazakhstan’s first trade partner and foreign investor, the EU expressed strong support for the country’s economic reform and political modernisation process.
17/10/2024
Moldova establishes National Cybersecurity Agency with e-Governance Academy Expertise
The newly formed Agency will be responsible for implementing state policies on cybersecurity, ensuring high security for the networks and information systems of critical service providers. As part of its mandate, the Agency will form a national cyber incident response team and establish a national contact point to facilitate interaction between national authorities and public institutions with similar authorities in other countries. Additionally, the Agency will contribute to increasing citizens’ awareness and education in the field of cybersecurity.
27/12/2023
JHA: Agreement to reform the EU’s migration and asylum system
The agreement to thoroughly reform the EU’s legal framework on migration and asylum has been one of the main achievements of the Spanish presidency of the Council, which has also strengthened the citizenship orientation and democratic values of the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice. After several years of negotiations, an agreement has been reached at the end of the Spanish six-month period between the Council and the European Parliament on the main political elements of five key regulations of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
27/12/2023
UN: ‘Act on the lessons of COVID-19’, Guterres says on Epidemic Preparedness Day
The Secretary-General said these efforts are making progress. He recalled that the High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response, held in September, concluded with a robust political declaration which complements negotiations underway towards a pandemic accord. This first-ever global agreement aims to enhance collaboration, cooperation, and equity in responding to pandemics of the future, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his end-of-year message published on Tuesday.
27/12/2023
Ukraine: Andriy Yermak had a phone call with the National Security Advisor to the President of South Africa
On the instructions of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak had a phone call with National Security Advisor to the President of the Republic of South Africa Sydney Mufamadi. Andriy Yermak thanked his interlocutor for the active participation in the meetings at the level of advisors on the implementation of the Ukrainian Peace Formula. The parties exchanged views on preparations for the next meeting of the national security advisors and key events to implement the points of the Peace Formula next year.
27/12/2023
Zelenskyy: We must strengthen Ukraine to the point where Russia feels that every one of their strikes will face our retaliation
According to the President, this year, thanks to the Ukrainian defense industry enterprises, the production of weapons and equipment has tripled compared to last year. There is also an extremely significant increase in the production of ammunition, particularly for artillery. Systematic deployment of ammunition manufacturing for domestic drones is underway, while the quantitative and qualitative indicators of missile production have grown as well. Next year, special attention will be paid to the production of explosives and powders, which are in short supply worldwide.
27/12/2023
Russia: Mikhail Mishustin holds strategic session on space exploration
“The President also gave instructions to distribute the mechanisms of state support developed for industrial investment projects to the rocket and space sector, and take measures to expand exports. We consider the countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America as the main potential markets. It is important to keep in mind that the development of the space sector is backed by people. It is our people who achieve these goals using their knowledge and labour. During my visit to the Lavochkin Research and Production Association and a meeting with its employees, we discussed their concerns in detail, including those of young people who are only beginning their career in the sector.”
27/12/2023
Gaza: Southern areas ‘bursting at seams’ amid new wave of bombing
Aid missions to supply Gaza have become increasingly difficult amid reports of continued heavy bombing of the Strip overnight by the Israeli military and intense clashes “in most areas” with Hamas fighters, UN humanitarians warned on Wednesday. Locations in the north and south of the enclave were hit as Israeli ground forces also reportedly pushed into central areas, along with the firing of rockets by Palestinian armed groups into Israel, prompting concerns from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, about the safety of civilians uprooted time and again.
27/12/2023
Gaza: France concerned by the Israeli authorities’ announcement
France is gravely concerned by the Israeli authorities’ announcement of an intensification and continuation of fighting in Gaza, at a time when systematic bombardment has again caused a very large number of civilian casualties in recent days. France strongly reiterates its call for an immediate truce leading to a ceasefire. The framework of international law requires clear principles of distinction, necessity, proportionality and precaution, everywhere and at all times, in order to spare civilians. Israel must take practical measures to protect the lives of Gaza’s civilians.
27/12/2023
UN: France welcomes the appointment of a humanitarian coordinator for Gaza
In accordance with resolution 2720, which emphasizes the pressing need to deliver more humanitarian relief to Gaza’s civilian populations, and in view of the tragic situation facing civilians in Gaza, France calls on Israel to facilitate the delivery of aid throughout the Gaza Strip and to take urgent measures to guarantee complete, safe, unhindered humanitarian access. France also reiterates its call for an immediate truce leading to a ceasefire.
27/12/2023
Russia: Government extends export quotas for iron and steel scrap and waste
Russian Government has extended the tariff rate quota for iron and steel scrap and waste exports outside of the Eurasian Economic Union until 30 June 2024. This decision is part of the Government’s consistent export control policy for metals used in manufactured goods. Under the new resolution, the quota for iron and steel scrap and waste exports at 600,000 tonnes. Within this quota, the export duty is set at 5 percent or at least 15 euros per tonne. For exports above the established quota, the duty will be 5 percent or 290 euros per tonne, whichever is greater.
26/12/2023
Amendments to Administrative Offences Code for foreigner deportation in Russia
The Federal Law comprehensively amends the Russian Federation Code of Administrative Offences in order to improve regulations for ordering and enforcing an administrative punishment in the form of administrative deportation of a foreign citizen or a stateless person from the Russian Federation.
26/12/2023
Russia: Defence Minister’s report to the President on the Ukrainian attack on Feodosia
“Earlier, the Defence Ministry reported that the large landing ship Novocherkassk, stationed in Feodosia, had been damaged last night, as Russian military units were repelling an attack by the Ukrainian armed forces involving air-launched guided missiles. While repelling the air strike, air defence units destroyed two enemy Su-24 tactical bombers (that had launched the guided air-to-surface missiles) near Zhovten, located 125 kilometres northeast of Nikolayev.”
26/12/2023
SUSTAINABILITY
EU Commission adopts rules to include offshore ships into emissions monitoring
As part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, the MRV Maritime Regulation was revised in 2023 to include greenhouse gas emissions from offshore ships in its scope as of 1 January 2025. This should apply to all offshore ships of 400 gross tonnage and above.
17/10/2024
Russia: two years after the full-scale invasion, EU adopts 13th package of individual and economic sanctions
This package focuses on further limiting Russia’s access to military technologies, such as for drones, and on listing additional companies and individuals involved in Russia’s war effort. This is an unprecedented package of 194 individual designations, including 106 individuals and 88 entities. With it, the EU exceeds the threshold of 2000 listings, dealing a huge blow to those who enable Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine.
23/02/2024
Insight EU Environment Monitoring 21 February 2024
PLASTICS: Less than one-fifth of EU plastic was recycled in 2019, but 2025 targets can be still reached +++ GREEN TRANSITION: La présidente von der Leyen et le vice-président exécutif Šefčovič président le troisième dialogue sur la transition propre, axé sur les technologies propres +++ SUSTAINABILITY: The European Commission appoints a new Principal Adviser for G7 and G20 Sustainable Development Agendas for its Directorate-General International Partnerships +++ ECDC: Dr Pamela Rendi-Wagner nominated new Director of ECDC
23/02/2024
Insight EU Climate Monitoring 21 February 2024
CARBON REMOVAL: CO2 transport infrastructure: key to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 – Joint Research Centre +++ UNFCCC: UN: Climate-affected Madagascar adapts to new reality: A UN Resident Coordinator blog.
23/02/2024
Insight EU Energy Monitoring 21 February 2024
RENEWABLES: Eurostat: Electricity from renewable sources up to 41% in 2022 +++ IAEA: World’s First Nuclear Energy Summit +++ IAEA Director General Grossi Statement on Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant +++ More than 280 civil society groups urge the EU and G7 to stop funding the militarization of Russia in the wake of 2 years of aggression in Ukraine +++ WIND ENERGY: NIB backed by InvestEU finances a 186 MW onshore wind farm in northern Finland
23/02/2024
Study confirms that EU trade opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters
The study acknowledges that some sensitive sectors, notably beef, sheep meat, poultry, rice and sugar, are expected to face increased competition by the ten partners referred to in the study. This conclusion validates the current EU approach of systematically protecting sensitive sectors with carefully calibrated tariff rate quotas (TRQs). This essential tool in trade agreements can help mitigate possible market disruptions, thus providing protections to EU farmers and agri-food producers.
22/02/2024
Statement: Executive VP Šefčovič on the results of the first mid-term tender under the EU Energy Platform
Innovative clean technologies are the backbone of the green transition, and they will play an increasing role in the EU’s economy.
We therefore focused our minds on very practical issues, such as the necessary regulatory framework to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity, speedy access to financing to leverage private investment, and ways to secure skilled workforce.
22/02/2024
EU Commission invests over €233m in Strategic Environment and Climate Projects across Europe
Today, the Commission is investing over €233 million in twelve new Strategic Projects across Europe under the LIFE programme to support the implementation of the EU’s environmental and climate ambitions under the European Green Deal. These Strategic Projects are expected to mobilise substantial additional funds from other EU sources, including agricultural, structural, regional and research funds, as well as from national governments and private sector investment.
22/02/2024
Press statement by EU Commission President with Swedish PM Kristersson
The first topic we will discuss is, of course, the unwavering support for Ukraine. And here, I must commend you for the fact that last week you announced a package of military support for Ukraine from Sweden worth EUR 710 million. From the very beginning on, you have been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, and thank you for that. We will also discuss the topic of defence. European citizens want more Europe in defence. For us, it is very clear that it is important to have your opinion in the run-up of the European defence industrial strategy that the Commission will put forward in a couple of weeks.
22/02/2024
Clean Tech Industry Dialogue: Opening speech by EU Commission President
At the beginning of this week, on Tuesday, I was at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp. It was organised by the Belgian Presidency. It was an excellent summit. The main message was: Yes, the industry supports the climate goals of 2050 and 2040. We support the Green Deal. It is not a discussion about the ‘what’. We want to be involved in the discussion about the ‘how’ we are getting here. And this is exactly why we are sitting here today, and this is our task.
22/02/2024
Insight EU Environment Monitoring 20 February 2024
AIR POLLUTION: EU Commission welcomes provisional agreement for cleaner air in the EU +++ Air quality: EU Council background on deal to strengthen standards in the EU +++ EU Parliament background on deal to improve air quality +++ The EU greenlights stricter air pollution rules to protect citizens’ health, thanks to S&Ds +++ EU-Abgeordneter Lins (CDU) zur Trilogeinigung bei der Luftqualitätsrichtlinie +++ Air Quality Directive: Deal on stricter air pollution limits: A bitter-sweet victory.
22/02/2024