Today, the EU Commission’s Fit for Future Platform, a high-level expert group composed of stakeholders and representatives of all Member States, held its final plenary meeting under it’s current mandate.
Preliminary results of the European elections in Bulgaria.
Preliminary results of the European elections in Austria.
The Secretary General highlighted Sweden’s many contributions to the Alliance, including highly capable forces and advanced capabilities.
Today, the EU Commission’s Fit for Future Platform, a high-level expert group composed of stakeholders and representatives of all Member States, held its final plenary meeting under it’s current mandate.
The new rules introduce harmonised registration requirements for hosts and short-term rental properties, including the granting of a unique registration number to be displayed on property websites and online platforms. Hosts will submit simple information to obtain this registration number, which will be required to provide short-term accommodation rental services. Online platforms will have to provide information regularly to a single digital entry point in the member states on the rental activities of their hosts. This will help the competent authorities to produce reliable statistics and to take well-informed regulatory measures.
This agreement focuses on trade and investment liberalisation, exclusively within the EU’s competence, while investment protection provisions are covered by the broader Advanced Framework Agreement (AFA), which is still in the ratification process within the member states. The iTA will expire when the AFA, after ratification by all member states, enters into force. The agreements aim to update the current EU-Chile association agreement and will strengthen EU-Chile political and economic relations and deepen cooperation and trade.
President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd launched today the negotiations on a broad package of measures to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship. The two mandates authorise the EU Commission and Switzerland to negotiate a package as outlined in the Common Understanding, endorsed by the Swiss Federal Council and the European Commission in November 2023.
Luxembourg’s legislative and institutional reforms are weakened by structural resource issues affecting the entire criminal justice system. In spite of having secured the first foreign bribery convictions of natural persons since the Convention came into force in the Grand Duchy, the very weak enforcement of the foreign bribery offence remains a matter of concern.
Together with Prime Minister of Greenland Múte Bourup Egede, and in the presence of Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, President von der Leyen signed two cooperation agreements totalling almost €94 million, under Global Gateway, the EU investment strategy for the world. These will bring investments in education and skills on the island and support the clean energy transition.
A cross-border investigation led by the Romanian Border Police (Poliția de Frontieră), supported by Europol and involving the Bulgarian General Directorate Combating Organised Crime (Главна Дирекция Борба с организираната престъпност) and the German Police (Bundespolizeiinspektion Waidhaus), has resulted in the dismantling of an organised crime group involved in migrant smuggling. The group were smuggling migrants from Bulgaria to Romania, across the Danube river, and then toward Western Europe.
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Lawson, Inc (‘Lawson’) by Mitsubishi Corporation (‘Mitsubishi’) and KDDI Corporation (‘KDDI’), all of Japan. The transaction relates primarily to the retail sale of daily consumer goods. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture (‘IPlanet’) by Italiana Petroli S.p.A. (‘IP’) and EV Asset Holdings S.p.A, all of Italy. The transaction relates primarily to the installation and operation of ultra-fast public charging stations for electric vehicles off-motorways in Italy, as well as to the provision of subscription services for public charging stations for electric vehicles.
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Nordic Waterproofing Holding AB (‘Nordic Waterproofing Group’) of Sweden by Kingspan Holdings Ireland Limited (‘Kingspan’) of Ireland. The transaction relates primarily to the manufacture and supply of waterproofing membranes and other roofing solutions. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active.
Under the new rules, citizens will have immediate and easy access to their digital health data wherever they are in the EU. Health professionals will be able to access the medical records of a patient when required for treatment in a different Member State, allowing for evidence-based decision making, in full compliance with EU data protection rules. The EHDS also creates a strong legal framework for the re-use of health data for research, innovation, and public health purposes. The data will help develop life-saving treatments and personalised medicines, but also improve crisis preparedness, under strict data security and access conditions, and respecting fundamental rights.
Today, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is in Greenland to inaugurate the EU Office in Nuuk – Europe’s concrete presence in Greenland and in the wider Arctic region. Together with Prime Minister of Greenland Múte Bourup Egede, and in the presence of Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, President von der Leyen signed two cooperation agreements totalling almost €94 million, under Global Gateway, the EU investment strategy for the world. These will bring investments in education and skills on the island and support the clean energy transition.
Today, the Commission has formally sent requests for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to Bing and Google Search (Very Large Online Search Engines, or VLOSEs), as well as to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, and X (Very Large Online Platforms, or VLOPs). The Commission is requesting these services to provide more information on their respective mitigation measures for risks linked to generative AI, such as so-called ‘hallucinations’ where AI provides false information, the viral dissemination of deepfakes, as well as the automated manipulation of services that can mislead voters.
The Commission has adopted today the first implementing rules on cybersecurity of critical entities and networks under the Directive on measures for high common level of cybersecurity across the Union (NIS2 Directive).
Brussels, 31 March 2022 Taking the EU Customs Union to the next level: innovative ideas
On 30 March 2022, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs and Minister of
The EU Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will host a structured dialogue with
Brussels, 30 March 2022 Today, the Commission has launched together with partnering organisations the Destination Earth
Brussels, 29 March 2022 Today, the Commission proposed a negotiating mandate enabling the EU to
Brussels, 29 March 2022 The European Commission has today adopted a positive assessment of Sweden’s
Luxemburg, den 29. März 2022 Die Einrichtungen der EU werden immer häufiger zum Ziel von Cyberangriffen. Ihre
Brussels, 25 March 2022 The European Commission and the United States announce that they have
Brussels, 25 March 2022 EU Parliament on Digital Markets Act: EU rules to ensure fair
25 March 8.45 Andreas Schwab for the Parliament, Cédric O for Council’s French Presidency, and
Georgia and Moldova are EU candidate countries facing elections this month. Both risk coming under increased Russian influence, but for very different reasons. The EU should invest in keeping them in its camp. This CER Insight explains why.
The Ukrainian economy continues to show remarkable resilience, although the outlook remains subject to exceptionally high war-related uncertainty. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), continued strong ownership and reform momentum—including domestic revenue mobilization combined with timely and predictable external financing—are necessary to safeguard macroeconomic stability, enhance institutional reforms, and support reconstruction efforts, while facilitating a green recovery on the path to European Union (EU) accession.
The Netherlands’ support for Ukraine is steadfast. For 2024 the government has set aside over €2 billion in aid. This sum is mainly intended for military support, but a portion of it will also go to criminal investigations and justice, recovery and reconstruction, and donations to funds. This was announced by Minister of Defence Kajsa Ollongren, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hanke Bruins Slot and Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Liejse Schreinemacher.
Norway joins the leadership of the newly formed coalition where several countries are expected to participate. Various capability coalitions have been established, specializing in different capacities such as air defence and maritime operations. The objective is to further develop the collaborative efforts of allies and partners in supporting Ukraine, both in the short and long term.
These are the first listings under the newly established framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They complement the previous four rounds of listings on Iranian drones already adopted under other sanctions regimes.
Based on the technological capabilities of Bluetooth trackers, and the information shared with Europol, it is confirmed that drug traffickers use them to track the transit of illicit cargo. Through the trackers, cargo can be traced after arrival in ports, and onward by road towards storage locations in European markets. They are likely also used to locate illicit shipments upon arrival in ports.
The 5 individuals currently targeted under the sanctions regime for obstructing the political transition in Mali are subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the EU. Additionally, the provision of funds, other financial assets or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited.
The Council approved today conclusions on civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), underscoring the added value of civilian CSDP missions in today’s geostrategic environment, as confirmed by the establishment of three new missions in Armenia, Moldova and the Gulf of Guinea in 2023.
The Council today adopted a decision launching the EU security and defence initiative in support of West African countries of the Gulf of Guinea, for an initial duration of two years. It also approved the operation and mission plans for the civilian and the military pillars of the initiative, respectively.
This week, the Department of Commerce hosted a series of speakers and meetings as part of the first day of the Defense Industrial Base Conference to convene more than 300 U.S. and Ukrainian industry and government representatives to explore opportunities for co-production and other industrial cooperation with Ukraine.
These measures shall be renewed, or amended as appropriate, if the Council deems that their objectives have not been met. The Council will continue closely monitoring the situation in the country. It stands ready to list any person obstructing a consensual and peaceful solution towards the upocoming elections in the DRC, including by acts of violence, repression or inciting violence, or by undermining the rule of law or involved in serious human rights violations or abuses, as well as those responsible for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity, or for inciting violence.
The Council decided to add two individuals to the EU terrorist list. This decision comes as part of European Union’s response to the threat posed by Hamas and its brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023. These sanctions are effective as of today.
EU-funded humanitarian assistance is provided in line with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. It is delivered through the UN humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organisations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as many local aid organisations partnering with them.
The formal partnership opens a direct line of communication between the two organisations and enables them to collaborate on both preparedness and rapid responses to global health crises.
The Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council on the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). This agreement will help the EU become home to clean technologies and make significant strides towards building a strong domestic manufacturing capacity of those technologies in the EU.
The REPower-CEST project is part of the REPowerEU chapter of Finland’s Recovery and Resilience Plan. The European Commission presented the REPowerEU plan in May 2022. The aim is to reduce the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and to speed up the green transition. The REPowerEU plan is based on the implementation of the proposals of the EU’s Fit for 55 package. The EU aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 per cent from the 1990 level by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
NEW GMOS: Die Grünen/EFA: Neue Gentechnik droht für Ökobranche zum Desaster zu werden +++ WASTEWATER: Florence School of Regulation: Towards a green, circular, and smart urban wastewater +++ ALGAE: New standard will help determine the amount of lipids in algae ++ ROTTERDAM CONVENTION: Inception workshop in Malaysia to enhance capacity in monitoring pesticide use in the field – Rotterdam Convention
COP30: IEA Executive Director meets with President Lula of Brazil on energy and climate priorities for G20 and COP30 +++ ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance ratings: EU lawmakers agree on new rules +++ Environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings: EU Council background on trilogue agreement.
ENERGY STATE AID: EU Commission approves €300 million Polish State aid scheme to alleviate social costs of closing coal- and lignite-fired power plants and lignite mines +++ La Commission autorise un régime d’aides d’État français de 325 millions d’euros en faveur de la production de chaleur à partir de biomasse +++ RENEWABLE ENERGY: Stakeholders invited to submit feedback to a call for evidence on renewable energy auctions design +++ EU Commission remarks on solar manufacturing crisis – SolarPower Europe Statement.
Today, the Commission launched a new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas. EU funds and programmes that can foster sustainable growth and well-being in rural areas abound. However, identifying the most appropriate option is not always straightforward for potential beneficiaries. The Rural toolkit gathers funding opportunities from 26 different EU funds, from the Common Agricultural Policy to Cohesion Funds, Horizon Europe and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. In just a few clicks, rural entrepreneurs and local authorities can find out the best funding available to help them develop their project.
The Commission has today published a detailed impact assessment on possible pathways to reach the agreed goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. Based on this impact assessment, the Commission recommends a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, launching a discussion with all stakeholders; a legislative proposal will be made by the next Commission, after the European elections, and agreed with the European Parliament and Member States as required under the EU Climate Law. This recommendation is in line with the advice of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) and the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Much of the attention around the special European Council has focused indeed on our EUR 50 billion Ukraine Facility – and rightly so. We are providing Ukraine not only with the funding to keep the economy running, but also with the strong predictability for the next four years. This Parliament has backed our proposal from the very beginning. And today, I would like to thank you for your unwavering support. This is what it means to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. With your approval, we will be able to make important payments to Ukraine as early as March. As we will discuss Ukraine in the next debate, allow me to focus on other topics of the special European Council.
GMO: New plant breeding techniques to boost resilience of food system +++ RIGHT TO REPAIR: EU Commission welcomes political agreement on new consumer rights for easy and attractive repairs +++ Reparieren statt Verschrotten: Recht auf Reparatur kommt – EU-Abgeordneter Markus Ferber (CSU) begrüßt neues Regelwerk +++ Statement des EU-Abgeordneten Schwab (CDU) zum Recht auf Reparatur +++ S&Ds secure new rules for a paradigm shift from a throw-away economy to the right to repair +++ Anspruch auf Reparatur kommt – Europa-SPD zur EU-Einigung zur Stärkung des Verbraucherschutzes +++EEB: New EU law sets to make repair more affordable for selected products, campaigners push for widespread right to repair
UNFCCC: From Vision to Reality, Getting the Job Done: Executive Secretary Speech +++ EFRAG BRIEFS:EFRAG launches survey on IASB’s ED Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Equity
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