In 2023, the EU exported 8.5 million tonnes of recyclable products (paper, plastic and glass) to extra-EU countries, a 34% increase from 2022 (6.4 million tonnes), while imports dropped by 19% to 3.2 million tonnes, down from 4.0 million tonnes in 2022.
The European Parliament was officially constituted on Tuesday in Strasbourg, following the European elections on 6-9 June 2024.
As the next stage of the Hungarian Prime Minister’s peace mission, the meeting in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, focused on the possibilities of peace.
A study has been published evaluating the impact of the Next Generation Internet initaitive projects based on various criteria such as alignment with EU Digital rights, enabling EU legislation, impact on standardisation, provision of alternative solutions, and sustainability.
At the EU Justice Council meeting in Luxembourg, justice ministers addressed the fight against impunity in the context of Russia’s war of aggression and the implementation of the EU anti-racism action plan.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published today the final Guidelines on the criteria related to simplicity, standardisation and transparency and additional specific criteria for on-balance-sheet securitisations (so-called STS criteria).
The case concerns complaints about the Russian military operations in Ukraine since 24 February 2022 and the conflict in eastern Ukraine involving pro-Russian separatists which began in 2014, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17. See press release of 20 February 2023.
At the 8th edition of the Brussels Conference on ‘Supporting the future of Syria and the region’, the EU pledged €2.12 billion for 2024 and 2025. This assistance will support both Syrians inside Syria and those in neighbouring countries, as well as their host communities in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq.
The G7 meeting was dedicated to a broad range of issues: Global outlook and developments, Support for Ukraine, Financial Sector Issues, Artificial Intelligence, Health and Finance, Green Transition, International Tax Cooperation, Multilateral Development banks and support for Low-income Countries, and several Initiatives for Development with a focus on Africa.
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published a Report on the issuance of what is commonly referred to as ‘virtual IBANs’ (vIBANs). In the absence of a common definition, the Report observes that the industry issues vIBANs in different ways and for different purposes and national authorities diverge in interpreting and applying regulatory requirements.
EU Ministers approved Council conclusions on “A competitive European industry driving our green, digital and resilient future”. The Council also approved conclusions on the future of the internal market, based on the momentum given by the high-level report presented by Enrico Letta.
During ECR’s and VOX’s (Spain) “Europa VIVA 24” event in Madrid last weekend, the ECR Group presented their Manifesto containing a series of commitments for the new legislative term, with a clear call to preserve “national identities.”
The directive introduces obligations for large companies regarding adverse impacts of their activities on human rights and environmental protection. The rules concern not only the companies’ operations, but also their subsidiaries, and those of their business partners along the companies’ chain of activities.
Boosting the competitiveness of European industry should be high on the political agenda of the next European Commission and these conclusions provide the way forward towards a new European competitiveness deal.
The EU Council has today adopted conclusions on the situation and the future of the single market. The conclusions, entitled ‘A single market for the benefit of all’, call for a holistic new strategy for the single market with a focus on improving its regulatory framework towards enhancing its potential benefits.
The EU Auditors’ report had criticised the decreasing competition in EU public procurement over the last decade, particularly in view of the large proportion of direct awards in some member states and single bidder procedures. The public procurement market is estimated at €2 trillion per year, or 14% of the EU’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“We think about Türkiye as a candidate country, a key partner, a strategic and major NATO ally, and a country that is in the crossroads of two armed conflicts. Our engagement is more necessary than ever, and this is why I want to do as much as I can after the European Council decision so that we can take one by one the different elements and strands of the work forward” – EU Commissioner Várhelyi.
Today, the EU Commission has sent a request for information (RFI) to Temu requesting the platform to provide detailed information and internal documents on the mitigation measures taken against the presence and reappearance of traders selling illegal products on its online marketplace.
Brussels, 31 January 2023 Today, Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth,
Written by Pieter Baert (1st edition). The crypto-asset sector, while still relatively new, has already
30 January 2023 European Health and Digital Executive Agency The deadlines to apply for the
30 January 2023 On 30 January, the European Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the
Brussels, 30 January 2023 Today, the European Commission and national consumer protection authorities of 23
Letters of formal notice Platform-to-business online trading practices: The Commission calls on CZECHIA, LITHUANIA, HUNGARY,
Letters of formal notice Data protection: Commission launches infringement procedure against BELGIUM for lack of
Brussels, 26 January 2023 As of today, EU rules establishing a dedicated airspace for drones
Brussels, 26 January 2023 Have you ever struggled to understand whether you were buying directly
Brussels, 25 January 2023 Today, the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), supported by the
At the EU Justice Council meeting in Luxembourg, justice ministers addressed the fight against impunity in the context of Russia’s war of aggression and the implementation of the EU anti-racism action plan.
People in the Horn of Africa are facing mounting humanitarian needs as the region is plagued by multiple conflicts, climate extremes and economic shocks. Around 65 million are estimated to be in immediate need of assistance. The EU announced today an initial allocation of €171 million in humanitarian aid to the region. This funding is in addition to €72 million already announced for Sudan. Overall, the total initial allocation for humanitarian aid to the Greater Horn of Africa in 2024 is €243 million.
NGO workers, human rights defenders, and journalists are increasingly threatened and attacked, often with impunity.
The work of civil society is often stigmatised, through “foreign agent” laws or other legislative and administrative measures which hamper legitimate NGO activities. The use of excessive force against peaceful protesters hinders democratic participation. The EU strongly condemns attacks on freedom of association and peaceful assembly.
At the request of the French President and Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, medical cargo worth €1 million arrived in Cairo on Sunday 25 February, in the presence of the French Ambassador to Egypt and the relevant international affairs minister from the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. Coordinated by the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs’ Crisis and Support Centre in conjunction with the French Embassy in Cairo, the operation is part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism and will be for the benefit of the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population. Comprising eight tonnes of medical equipment put together with the Ministry of Labour, Health and Solidarity, this humanitarian delivery aims to address the needs expressed by the Egyptian authorities and help Egypt’s hospitals treat injured people evacuated from Gaza.
Switzerland takes note of the fourth report of the Investigation and Identification Team of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which has been working to identify the perpetrators of chemical weapons use in Marea, Syria on 1 September 2015. Switzerland condemns the use of chemical weapons in the strongest terms and calls on all parties to the conflict in Syria to refrain from using them and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian law. Those responsible for crimes under international law in Syria must be held accountable.
In accordance with established practice, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs invited civil society organisations (CSOs) to comment on Finland’s activities at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council on 12 February. Representatives of more than 40 CSOs participated in a discussion with Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen. The discussion focused on the rights of children and the safety of civilians in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan as well as on increasingly narrow civic space in countries such as Belarus, Iran, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.
The new EU Special Representative will continue the work of his predecessors to contribute to the implementation of the EU’s policy on human rights, EU’s positions on promoting compliance with international humanitarian law and support for international criminal justice. Furthermore, he will help establish a stronger European voice through dialogues on human rights with governments in third countries and international and regional organisations, as well as with civil society organisations and other relevant actors. The Special Representative will work closely with the European External Action Service and EU institutions to ensure the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy in external actions.
Yesterday, parliamentary and local elections were held in Belarus. The continuously increasing and unprecedented level of repression, human rights violations, restrictions to political participation and access to independent media by the Lukashenka regime have severely undermined the legitimacy of the electoral process. In this context, it is clear that conditions for free and fair elections were not met and new parliamentary and local officials lack democratic legitimacy.
Today the Council has decided to prolong the restrictive measures linked to internal repression in Belarus and regime’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine for another year, until 28 February 2025. The decision was taken on the basis of the annual review of the restrictive measures and in view of the continuing repression and drastically deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus, and the ongoing involvement of the country in Russia’s illegal military aggression against Ukraine.
Today, the Council adopted a regulation on the automated search and exchange of data for police cooperation. The new law will improve the existing framework – often referred to as Prüm I – which already allows law enforcement authorities to consult the national databases of other member states as regards DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. The rules agreed today will broaden the data categories for which automated exchanges can happen. Police authorities will be able to also search for facial images and police records. Moreover, if allowed by national law, searches across all categories to find missing persons or identify human remains will also be possible.
“Russia bears full responsibility for this war, a blatant violation of international law including the UN Charter, for which it must be held fully accountable. There can be no impunity for Russian war crimes and violations and abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, including the forced deportation of children and conflict-related sexual violence. We condemn Russia’s appalling attacks against Ukraine’s cities and its civilian, energy, and port infrastructure, some of which have also impacted Allied territory. “
“We the Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) met today with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine and salute once more the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people who have been fighting tirelessly for Ukraine’s freedom and democratic future” – G7 statement.
For two years now Ukraine has been defending itself every day against Russian aggression. The Netherlands will continue to support Ukraine, for as long as it takes. This article presents an overview of the Netherlands’ main objectives and the actions it has taken in support of Ukraine.
The EU Commission has approved the acquisition of joint control of NTS Middle East of the United Arab Emirates by ADNOC Drilling Company, Alpha Dhabi Holding, both of the United Arab Emirates, and Tubacex of Spain. The transaction relates primarily to the provision of specialised machining services to the oil and gas sector.
“This Coalition establishes a new cooperation framework to do just that. It brings together Member States, Financial Institutions, and the European Commission’s services to think, plan and execute together on energy efficiency financing” – EU Energy Commissioner Simson.
ACER publishes today its report on the proposed gas transmission tariff methodology for Interconnector Limited (INT), the natural gas pipeline in the North Sea connecting UK and Belgium, allowing bidirectional flows to supply gas to continental Europe.
“There are four core values that drive agrifood production in the EU: quality, safety, authenticity and sustainability. Through a strong legislative framework, the European Commission ensures that these values are respected” – EU Commissioner Wojciechowski in China.
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 report was published by the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) jointly with the UN World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). Based on scientific data and analysis, the report showcases continued alarming trend of rising temperatures and climate change impacts across Europe.
Denmark second payment request for €422 million under the RRF covers six milestones and 12 targets. These include several reforms in the areas of digitalisation of healthcare administration, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, healthcare, as well as research and innovation for the green transition.
“Geopolitical challenges – in particular wars and armed conflicts – are multiplying across the world. They are threatening our tried-and-tested rules and mechanisms for tackling major problems together. And they are increasingly disrupting trade flows. What does that mean for us Europeans, what does that mean for you?” – EU Commission President von der Leyen.
The EU Commission’s Communication gives industry and investors predictability regarding the manufacturing of products indispensable for the green and digital transition, health and defence in the EU.
The agreement sets out an overarching framework for enhanced political and sectoral cooperation, thus ensuring closer political and economic cooperation on a whole host of bilateral, regional and multilateral issues.
The text of the following statement was released by the G7 foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America and the High Representative of the European Union.
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