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.
At the EU-Egypt Investment Conference, co-organised by the EU and the Government of Egypt on 29-30 June, the EU and Egypt are teaming up to intensify private sector investments in Egypt. They are also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the disbursement to Egypt of up to €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance.
EU leaders have agreed on appointments and nominations for the EU’s top jobs and adopted the strategic agenda for 2024-2029, a policy plan that steers the EU’s future direction and goals. They also adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, migration, the Black Sea, Moldova, Georgia, hybrid threats, the fight against antisemitism, racism and xenophobia and a roadmap on internal reforms.
The EU’s green reach strategy will need to use a broad range of levers to build equitable partnerships that will help partners make deeper emissions cuts. Bruegel, a leading EU-based think tank, points out how.
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 reform’s overall objective is to reduce debt ratios and deficits in a gradual, realistic, sustained and growth-friendly manner, while protecting reforms and investments in strategic areas such as digital, green or defence.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) released an interim final rule (IFR) amending the Department’s licensing policy for exports of firearms, ammunition, and related components under its jurisdiction.
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, Slovakia’s plans to compensate digital terrestrial television (‘DTT’) network operator Towercom for its direct costs incurred for the release of the 700 MHz band.
The Association Agreement will allow Andorra and San Marino to participate in the EU’s internal market and enhance cooperation in other policy areas.
IAG and Air Europa operate an extensive network of domestic routes in Spain, short-haul routes within the European Economic Area (‘EEA’) and neighboring countries as well as long-haul routes, in particular to and from North and South America.
EU HR Borrell on freezing Russia’s assets: “We introduced rules for Central Securities Depositories, that generate these revenues, to keep them aside, to identify them, and account for them separately. These revenues are now on separate accrual accounts. We expect this mechanism could provide approximately €3 billion annually.”
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its Report on high earners for 2022. The analysis reveals an increase of the number of individuals working for EU banks and investment firms who have received a remuneration of more than one million Euro.
The transaction relates primarily to the transport and subsequent permanent offshore storage of liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial emitters.
The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction.
New European anti-money-laundering rules will change the EU’s financial crime prevention landscape for good. But what will change in practice?
The figures speak for themselves: European insurers have assets worth EUR 9,348 bn and EUR 2,468 bn for European institutions for occupational retirement provision (IORPs). A substantial part of these assets is already invested in Europe, as 69% of insurers’ investments in equity, corporate and sovereign bonds are within the EU.
The Commission has conducted a simulation exercise with designated platforms, Digital Services Coordinators, and civil society organisations to test their readiness against election manipulation and interference in relation to the European election.
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, 17 October 2022 In response to some of the most consequential cyber attacks to date and
Brussels, 17 October 2022 The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a
Brussels, 13 October 2022 Statement of the Chair and Rapporteur on the adoption of the
Brussels, 12 Ocotober 2022 The European Commission has decided today to appoint Renate Nikolay as
Brussels, 12 October 2022 The Commission has launched the second set of calls for proposals
Brussels, 12 October 2022 Today, Parliament and Council reached a political agreement on rules to
Brussels, 11 October 2022 “Check against delivery” Dear Ambassadors, dear colleagues, Thank you very much
Brussels, 11 October 2022 Today, the Commission published Guidelines for teachers and educators in primary and secondary
10 October 2022 The European Commission and Member States launch consultation on the semiconductor value
CZECH EU PRESIDENCY Design and Transformation: UMPRUM will present the past, present and future of
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.
We will also continue to support the brave Ukrainian armed forces, to fight off the brutal invaders. So far, the European Union and its Member States have mobilised EUR 28 billion worth of military equipment. And of course, more is coming, and more is needed – more tanks, helicopters, air defence systems, missiles. As well as more ammunition. The European defence industry has already increased its production capacity by 40% – and this is still growing.
Stéphane Séjourné, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, had a meeting on 31 January with the families of our four compatriots who have been arbitrarily held in Iran for months on end.
He assured them that he stands alongside them in this terrible ordeal, as do all the State’s services, on President Macron’s instructions.
The Federal Council adopted further sanctions against Russia at its meeting on 31 January. This is in response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine. In doing so, the Federal Council joins the European Union (EU), which adopted its 12th package of sanctions in December 2023. The new measures will enter into force on 1 February. Switzerland previously added 147 individuals and entities to its sanctions listings on 21 December.
As a neutral state, Switzerland strives to ensure its defence independently. If attacked, however, it is free to organise its defence with other states. To this end, interoperability should be extended without creating obligations, dependencies or constraints that would conflict with neutrality. The current institutional framework for cooperation with NATO, the Partnership for Peace, also allows cooperation in the area of defence to be intensified in the future.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Emmanuel Macron have signed a renewed strategic innovation partnership declaration between Sweden and France. It includes new areas such as nuclear energy, forestry and security.
Mr Macron is currently paying a two-day State Visit to Sweden hosted by His Majesty The King.
Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen has proposed Lieutenant General Janne Jaakkola as the Chief of Defence for the period 1 April 2024-31 March 2029. On 31 January 2024, President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö appointed Jaakkola as the next Chief of Defence. The current Chief of Defence, General Timo Kivinen, will end his active service on 31 March 2024. During his career, Lieutenant General Janne Alpertti Jaakkola has distinguished himself in various positions both in Finland and abroad. He has held several positions in the Defence Command since 2015, including that of Chief of Logistics and Chief of Planning of the Defence Forces. He took up his current position as Deputy Chief of Staff, Strategy, on 1 January 2023.
This funding aims to address the most pressing humanitarian needs in Chad, notably those of refugees, returnees and host communities affected by the Sudanese conflict in the east of the country, those of internally displaced persons affected by the Lake Chad Basin conflict in western Chad, and the most vulnerable members of the population whose survival is threatened by starvation and malnutrition. This new EU humanitarian funding will address the most urgent protection and humanitarian aid needs, including providing emergency food, medical care, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, and children’s education during a crisis.
The report, adopted with 63 votes for, two against and two abstentions, builds on the European Commission’s draft for an anti-corruption directive that would strengthen the existing legislative framework.
Three years ago, on 1 February 2021, the military in Myanmar overthrew by force a democratically elected Government. The military’s actions have undermined the country’s democratic development and plunged Myanmar into a deep political, economic, human rights and humanitarian crisis, significantly threatening the stability of the country and the region. The European Union (EU) renews its condemnation in the strongest possible terms of the military coup and its aftermath. We remain deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence and the evolution towards a protracted conflict in the country.
Utilizing innovative satellite imagery and official data, UNCTAD currently estimates that Gazan economy had already contracted by 4.5% in the first three quarters of 2023. However, the military operation has greatly accelerated the decline and precipitated a 24% GDP contraction and a 26.1% drop in GDP per capita for the entire year.
On 29 January, Europol’s Operational Task Force (OTF) Limassol carried out an action day led by Cyprus, involving Latvia and Portugal, supported by Eurojust. The OTF targeted a criminal network facilitating illegal migration into the EU via sham marriages. The investigative activities suggest that the criminal network was also involved in human trafficking and money laundering activities, as well as forcing victims into bogus marriages for immigration purposes.
Ukraine has been bravely defending its people and its territory against Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and illegal war of aggression ever since 24 February 2022. This crime of aggression, that started ten years ago, is a brutal attack against the peaceful life of our Ukrainian neighbours and a grave violation of international law. Furthermore, it threatens the security and stability, democracy and prosperity of the entire European continent. The EU has rightfully assured Ukraine its full and unwavering support for its legitimate right to self-defence under article 51 of the UN Charter, continues to work on ensuring effective and sustainable long-term military support to Ukraine and decided to open accession negotiations with 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.
Today, the Commission is presenting three initiatives to advance transnational cooperation between higher education institutions, with the ultimate goal of creating a European degree. A voluntary European degree would benefit students and the higher education community by boosting learning mobility within the EU and by enhancing students’ transversal skills. It would help meet labour market demand and make graduates more attractive for future employers while, at the same time, attracting students from around the world and boosting European competitiveness.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) launched a consultation on Draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) related to the registration and supervision of external reviewers under the EU Green Bond Regulation (EuGB).
Following this submission, ACER will assess if the amendments are in line with the Electricity Balancing Regulation and is consulting with its stakeholders to make an informed decision.
Organisations join forces to track COP28 energy outcomes, build consensus on transitions aligned with 1.5 °C, and support the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions.
“This year, you are meeting at a pivotal moment. Agriculture and food security are very high on the political agenda, Both in the EU institutions and in Member States. And rightly so. In the past years, Europe’s agri-food sector has shown remarkable resilience. It weathered a pandemic and an energy crisis. The European Union supported you then, and it will continue to do so” – EU Commission President von der Leyen.
The aim of the scheme is to promote cooperation and integration between operators in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and to stimulate better market relations. In particular, the scheme will support the development of sectoral contracts, through investment aid which will be distributed among a variety of beneficiaries operating in the different segments of the sector, from production to the processing and the marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.
Today, the Council formally adopted a directive on the protection of the environment through criminal law. The law will improve the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime offences. The directive establishes EU-wide minimum rules on the definition of criminal offences and penalties. It replaces the previous law which dates back to 2008.
Today member states’ representatives in the Special Committee on Agriculture endorsed a targeted review of certain basic acts of the common agricultural policy (CAP) proposed by the European Commission as a response to the concerns voiced by farmers. This review addresses issues encountered, for instance, with the implementation of the CAP strategic plans and aims to deliver simplification, reduce the administrative burden, and provide greater flexibility for complying with certain environmental conditionalities.
“This morning, we started by discussing our proposal on managing climate risks. Our current progress on adaptation simply is not keeping up with the impacts. At the same time, the risks are manageable – if and only if we do manage to work together” – EU Commissioner Hoekstra.
The European Consumer Organisation’s Executive Board has appointed Agustín Reyna as the next Director General. He will be taking over from the current DG, Monique Goyens, who is retiring this year after having led the consumer group network for almost 17 years.
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