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
Climate adaptation: EU Commission launches Destination Earth system in Finland
Destination Earth (DestinE) is a flagship initiative of the Commission, aiming to develop a highly accurate digital twin of the Earth.
10/06/2024
European elections: Provisional results on 10 June 2024 (evening update)
The above projection is based on provisional results from 26 EU member states (10/06/2024 – 09:38) – still waiting for the results in Ireland. The country data are available in the table of the report.
10/06/2024
Preliminary projection of the mandates in the European Parliament 2024-2029 (updated)
Th provisional Composition of the European Parliament based on available provisional or final national results published after voting has finished in all Member States, based on the structure of the outgoing Parliament. According to Parliament’s rules of procedure, a political group shall consist of at least 23 Members elected in at least seven Member States.
09/06/2024
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
UNCTAD announces first-ever Global Supply Chain Forum
In a world facing unprecedented challenges, the Global Supply Chain Forum (GSCF) 2024 is set to provide a crucial platform for leaders and experts to discuss the changing landscape of international trade and logistics.
21/03/2024
ECON Committee MEPs vote to boost citizens’ involvement in financial markets
Economic and monetary affairs MEPs voted on new rules to help retail customers invest in quality financial products, protect them from misleading communication and biased advice.
21/03/2024
MEPs agreed on toolset against bank failures to protect taxpayers and deposits
Economic and monetary affairs MEPs adopted new rules concerning orderly market exit for banks of all sizes to minimise the economic burden on society and moral hazard.
21/03/2024
U.S. Federal Reserve maintains target range for the federal funds rate
The Committee seeks to achieve maximum employment and to limit inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are moving into better balance. The economic outlook is uncertain, and the Committee remains highly attentive to inflation risks.
20/03/2024
Late Payments Directive: Lead EP Committee approves measures to support SMEs
On Wednesday, the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection adopted its position on the regulation on combating late payments. The draft rules aim to improve the payment discipline of all actors (large companies, SMEs and public authorities) and to boost the competitiveness of companies, in particular SMEs.
20/03/2024
EuroCommerce: MEP’s attempt to fix Late Payments proposal still misses the mark
EuroCommerce, the European association representing small and large retailers and wholesalers, remains concerned that the ‘solution’ tabled is irrespective of the desire of companies to negotiate payment terms that enable them to continue their mutually beneficial business relationships and will not solve the problem of late payments.
20/03/2024
European merchants ask for reasonable exemptions from mandatory euro cash acceptance
Most merchants continue to offer consumers the option to pay in cash, despite a consistent decrease in the use of this payment method in everyday transactions. The principle of mandatory acceptance of Euro cash by merchants is therefore unnecessary, yet it may pose great difficulties in specific use cases.
20/03/2024
Europol: 9 arrested in hit against holiday-rental fraudsters
Europol supported the Romanian Police (Politia Romana) and the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in an operation that led to the arrest of nine scammers engaged in the publishing of fake advertisements for cheap holiday rentals. Although this sort of cyber fraud is not new, the level of sophistication exhibited by the gang involved in this case is unprecedented, and a multifaceted investigation was required to crack the case.
20/03/2024
Main messages from the Tripartite Social Summit
In 2023, European enterprises continued to seek to drive the EU’s green and digital transitions, and their task was made more difficult by high energy costs, an increasing regulatory burden and continuing geo-political uncertainty. Furthermore, they have felt the effects of reduced consumer demand for private goods and services in a context of increased financing costs linked to higher interest rates and increasing demand for affordable and accessible services of general interest. To make sure that the European Union decarbonises without deindustrialising, a European Industrial Deal needs to be developed with tailored measures to support SMEs in their transition.
20/03/2024
EU Commission prepares for pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
This document contributes to the ongoing discussion process about the internal reforms the EU will need to make to prepare for an enlarged Union. It looks at the implications of a larger EU in four main areas – values, policies, budget and governance – laying the ground for the pre-enlargement policy reviews announced by President von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address. The EU must deepen as it widens. We must start preparing today for the Union of tomorrow and use enlargement as a catalyst for progress. All of Europe has gained from enlargement. It made the EU the world’s largest integrated market. It opened trade and financial flows, thereby contributing to economic growth in the EU and in acceding countries alike, and strengthened the EU’s weight in global affairs.
20/03/2024
EU Commission takes action to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU
The EU’s 2014 Quality Framework for Traineeships set out 21 quality principles to ensure high-quality learning and working conditions. In its 2023 evaluation of this Council Recommendation, the Commission found that it had a positive impact on the quality of traineeships in the EU. However, the Commission’s evaluation also found room for improvement and both the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Parliament called on the Commission to improve traineeships.
20/03/2024
EU Commission sets out actions to tackle labour and skills shortages
Today, the Commission has presented an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages and proposes to work together with Member States and social partners to address these issues over the coming months and years. The action plan is part of the EU’s strategy to boost its competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience. For almost a decade, labour and skills shortages have been increasing in all Member States. These shortages are driven by demographic shifts, the demand for new skills linked to technological developments and the twin transitions, the drive to develop further our own industrial sectors, defence and security needs, and challenges related to working conditions in some sectors and locations. The Commission has identified 42 ‘shortage’ occupations, with some differences across the Member States.
20/03/2024
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
DG Connect: EU Commission appoints Thomas Skordas as Deputy Director-General
Brussels, 3 May 2022 The European Commission has decided today to appoint Thomas Skordas as
03/05/2022
Insight EU Dossier: Industry 4.0, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence – Issue 2 / 2022
INTRO Special Committee report on Artificial intelligence: press conference, plenary debate and vote on Tuesday,
03/05/2022
Insight EU Smart Cities Monitoring 30 April 2022
UNECE UNECE and Regional Commissions stress upscaling new multilateralism for the implementation of the New
03/05/2022
Apple Pay: EU Commission sends statement of objections
Brussels, 2 May 2022 The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that
02/05/2022
Future of Europe: Conference Plenary agrees final set of proposals
Brussels, 2 May 2022 On 29 and 30 April, the Conference on the Future of
02/05/2022
Special Committee A.I. report: Plenary debate and vote on 3 May 2022
Brussels, 29 April 2020 The final report by the Special Committee on Artificial Intelligence in
29/04/2022
Bundesnetzagentur untersagt Zero Rating-Optionen von Telekom und Vodafone
Erscheinungsdatum: 28.04.2022 Die Bundesnetzagentur hat heute die Vermarktung der Zero Rating-Optionen „StreamOn“ und „Vodafone Pass“ untersagt.
29/04/2022
EU survey on business users experience with online platforms
27 April 2022 As part of its ongoing task to ensure continuous monitoring of the
29/04/2022
Climate-neutral and smart cities: 100 European cities participating
Brussels, 28 April 2022 The Commission today announced the 100 EU cities that will participate in the EU
28/04/2022
EU and partners publish a “Declaration for the Future of the Internet”
Brussels, 28 April 2022 Today, the European Union, the United States, and several international partners
28/04/2022
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
Red Sea: Joint statement on Houthi attacks
The Houthi-led seizure of the Galaxy Leader on November 19 and the detention of its 25-member international crew – who remain unjustly detained – is appalling. Such behaviour also threatens the movement of food, fuel, humanitarian assistance, and other essential commodities to destinations and populations all over the world. The undersigned further encourage all states to refrain from facilitation or encouragement of the Houthis. There is no justification for these attacks, which affect many countries beyond the flags these ships sail under. We again call on the Houthis to release the Galaxy Leader crew and ship immediately and to cease additional attacks on commercial vessels in the region’s vital waterways.
20/12/2023
Europol publishes IOCTA spotlight report on online fraud schemes
Spotlight report untangles the web of deceit surrounding online fraud schemes in the EU. Fraud schemes are perpetrated with the intention of defrauding victims of their assets using false and deceitful pretexts, or with the use of cyberattack techniques. This results in the voluntary or involuntary transfer of personal or business information, money or goods to criminals. From ATM attacks and account takeovers to skimming and shimming, the wide availability of crime-as-a-service has made this criminal activity more accessible. Criminals show great versatility and adaptability in adjusting their modi operandi and modelling their narratives around socio-economic trends as well as current crises, taking advantage of emergency situations to create charity scams.
20/12/2023
G7 Foreign Ministers condemn launch of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile by North Korea
The G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU strongly condemn North Korea’s launch of another intercontinental ballistic missile on 18 December, for the fifth time this year, following the launch of a short-range ballistic missile the day before. The DPRK must cease these illegal and dangerous launches, which blatantly violate UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs) and undermine international peace and security as well as the global non-proliferation regime.
19/12/2023
Russia’s war in Ukraine: EU Council adds 61 individuals and 86 entities to EU’s sanctions list
Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to almost 1,950 individuals and entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are forbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.
18/12/2023
EU Council and Parliament agree on anti-money laundering authority seat
Today, the Council and the European Parliament representatives reached a common understanding on the process for selecting the seat of the future European authority for countering money laundering and terrorist financing (AMLA). The new authority is the centrepiece of the reform of the EU’s anti-money laundering framework. The authority will have direct and indirect supervisory powers over obliged entities and the power to impose sanctions and measures. Last week, the co-legislators reached a provisional agreement on the design of AMLA.
18/12/2023
SIRIUS 2023 report: Navigating the new era of obtaining electronic evidence
The EU Electronic Evidence legislative package, adopted in July 2023, marks a new era in obtaining electronic evidence, as it will enable competent authorities to issue legally binding orders directly to service providers offering services within the EU, regardless of their place of establishment. This move will help address issues regarding lengthy judicial procedures to obtain data across borders, as well as legal uncertainties surrounding practices of voluntary cooperation between competent authorities and service providers.
18/12/2023
Europol: Online Jihadist Propaganda – 2022 in review
The review addresses the trajectories of these groups, and how they have responded to shifting dynamics and attempted to overcome setbacks. It further identifies the dominant themes and types of productions exploited by the two groups during this period, while highlighting changes in key areas related to online jihadist propaganda, such as main narratives and the abuse of technology for propaganda dissemination. In order to shed light on changes in the groups’ narratives and online communication patterns, the research examined primary sources, including the groups’ operational claims, publications, statements, videos and audio speeches.
18/12/2023
2023 Atlas of Migration confirms continued strong EU support to Ukrainians fleeing the war
Today, on the occasion of International Migrants’ Day, the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) released a new edition of the Atlas of Migration, an online tool providing the latest harmonised and validated data on migration for the 27 EU Member States and for 171 countries and territories around the world. The 2023 edition features a special thematic section on EU solidarity trends towards people displaced from Ukraine. It shows that the determination and resilience of Europeans to support Ukraine and the displaced people remains strong at EU level. This coincides with results of August 2023 Eurobarometer survey showing that 79% of people are in favour of welcoming people fleeing the war to the EU.
18/12/2023
12th EU sanctions package against Russia for its war against Ukraine
In particular, this package includes additional listings of Russian individuals and companies and new import and export bans – such as banning the export of Russian diamonds to Europe – in very close cooperation with our G7 partners. Moreover, the package tightens the implementation of the oil price cap by monitoring more closely how tankers may be used to circumvent the cap. It also includes stricter asset tracing obligations and tough measures on third-country companies circumventing sanctions.
18/12/2023
NATO Deputy SG concludes two-day visit to Paris to meet senior government and industry representatives
On Friday, Mr Geoană met the Romanian ambassador to France and other Allied ambassadors before meeting with Préfet Stéphane Bouillon, Secretary General for Defence and National Security. While in Paris, the Deputy Secretary General also held talks with representatives from the defence industry, including Mr Éric Trappier, CEO of aerospace manufacturer Dassault Aviation, and Mrs Pascale Sourisse, senior executive vice-president of Thales Group.
16/12/2023
UN General Assembly: The UK supports calls for a sustainable ceasefire
The 7th October attacks committed by Hamas, which killed 1200 innocent civilians, were an abhorrent act of terrorism which should be unequivocally condemned. All hostages need to be released immediately. We have been clear that Israel must be targeted and precise in its efforts to address the threat posed by Hamas, and must minimise civilian casualties and protect civilian infrastructure in line with international humanitarian law. My Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary have repeatedly delivered this message to Israel, and will continue to do so.
16/12/2023
Russia: Situation of Alexei Navalny
The fact that we have had no news for the past several days about the situation of imprisoned political opposition leader Andrei Navalny is very troubling, given that his health has sharply deteriorated since his imprisonment. France holds Russia responsible for the health of its detainees, especially political prisoners, and reminds Russia of is international obligations with regard to human rights.
16/12/2023
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
EU Commission approves €720m French State aid scheme to support forestry sector
France notified the Commission of its plans to support operators in the forestry sector in the prevention and restoration of damage to forests. The scheme will cover damage to forests resulting from forest fires, natural disasters, adverse climatic events, plant pests, infestations, catastrophic events and climate change-related events, in the period between 2023 and 2029. The scheme forms part of the forestry renewal plan of the France 2030 investment plan. The scheme, with a budget of €720 million, will run until 31 December 2029.
16/02/2024
UNECE on Cooperation and Standardiation to focus on digital, green transformation including AI
Would you trust artificial intelligence (AI) in your heart? This is not some imaginary, science-fiction scenario. Biomedical companies are already developing pacemakers embedded with AI. Digital technologies like AI are also opening new possibilities such as improved management of natural resources and facilitating the shift towards a circular economy.
16/02/2024
Insight EU Environment Monitoring 14 February 2024
COMPETITIVENESS: EU Commission monitors strengths and challenges of EU’s competitiveness +++ CIRCULAR ECONOMY: Textiles and food waste reduction: New EU rules to support circular economy +++ ECR Group: New EU rules to reduce textiles and food waste +++ Le commissaire Sinkevičius est en Hongrie et en Slovaquie pour y discuter de la progression dans les domaines de l’économie circulaire, de la protection de la nature et de l’objectif «zéro pollution»
16/02/2024
Insight EU Climate Monitoring 14 February 2024
GHG EMISSIONS: Eurostat: EU economy greenhouse gas emissions: minus 7.1% in Q3 2023 +++ U.S. Statistics: Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2022 +++ CARBON PRICING: The Role of Carbon Pricing in Moving the Industry Closer to Net-Zero by 2050 – Florence School of Regulation +++ CO₂-Preis für Verkehr und Gebäudewärme: Umsetzung des ETS II und des Klima-Sozialfonds in Deutschland.
16/02/2024
Insight EU Energy Monitoring 14 February 2024
IEA: At IEA Ministerial Meeting and 50th Anniversary, global leaders pledge to strengthen energy security and accelerate clean transitions to keep 1.5 °C target alive +++ 2024 IEA Ministerial Communique +++ ENERGY REGULATION: Bruegel: Unity in power, power in unity: why the EU needs more integrated electricity markets.
16/02/2024
Sweden: Development assistance for a new era
The global needs entail new demands to ensure a long-term perspective, transparency and effectiveness in Swedish development assistance. The Government therefore presents this reform agenda for development assistance that replaces the Policy framework for Swedish development cooperation and humanitarian assistance (Govt communication 2016/17:60) and the Strategy for multilateral development policy (UD2017/21055/FN).
15/02/2024
Oslo Energy Forum: Speech by Norwegian Energy Minister Aasland
“We border the North Sea and share the vast resources this sea offers. And we share the challenges: How to provide energy security to a growing world population. How to do so in a sustainable manner. While securing affordable energy to all, industrial investments and job creation.”
15/02/2024
IPCEI: EU Commission approves up to €6.9bn of State aid to boost hydrogen value chain
The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a third Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support hydrogen infrastructure. This IPCEI is expected to boost the supply of renewable hydrogen, thereby reducing dependency on natural gas and helping to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan. The project, called “IPCEI Hy2Infra”, was jointly prepared and notified by seven Member States: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia.
15/02/2024
Insight EU Environment Monitoring 13 February 2024
MARITIME SAFETY: Maritime safety: EU Council and Parliament strike a deal for more efficient accident investigations in maritime transport +++ EU Parliament on the deal on robust maritime accident investigation +++ EU Commission welcomes provisional agreement modernising maritime accident investigations +++ SUPPLY CHAINS: Acht große Wirtschaftsorganisationen lehnen den aktuellen Entwurf wegen handwerklicher Mängel ab +++ ECHA: Prepare your summary of biocidal product characterics now in IUCLID +++ EUON: Nanopinion: Nanoscale KISS method – a novel approach for 2D materials production.
15/02/2024
Insight EU Climate Monitoring 13 February 2024
UNITED NATIONS: Rising hunger: UN chief identifies wars, climate chaos as aggravating factors +++ EU ETS: Neue Studie zum EU-Emissionshandel: Verbände fordern nationalen Mindestpreis, Klimageld und zielgerichtete Förderung +++ EU COUNCIL:: Ad Hoc Working Party on Forest Monitoring +++ Proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 as regards strengthening the CO₂ emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles and integrating reporting obligations, and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/956 Analysis of the final compromise text with a view to agreement.
15/02/2024