The European Commission has launchedAGILE, a new €115 million funding instrumentdesigned to bring disruptive defence technologies from the laboratory to the field at record speed. This pilot programme aims to accelerate the development and testing of disruptive defence innovations, as well as their market uptake, such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing and drones, with a […]
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The EU’s crisis reserve is assisting Cyprus in its response to foot-and-mouth disease
Whilst Cyprus continues to grapple with the aftermath of February’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic reserve of emergency supplies,rescEU, to support the ongoing response. The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via theEU Civil Protection Mechanism. It includes disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks, […]
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The EU and Australia are strengthening their ties through a trade and security and defence partnership agreement
The EU and Australia have announced the launch of an innovative Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations on an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations on Australia’s participation in Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation funding programme. Through these measures, the EU and […]
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The Council agrees on a position to simplify the rules on artificial intelligence.
On 13 March, the Council agreed on its position regarding the proposal to simplify certain rules relating to artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal forms part of the so-called‘Omnibus VII’legislative packageunder theEU’ssimplificationagenda. This package includes proposals for two regulations aimed at simplifying the EU’s digital legislative framework and the application of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence. […]
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A stronger partnership between the EU and Canada amid global turmoil
In a report adopted on Wednesday, MEPs call for deeper cooperation between the EU and Canada to address security threats and boost trade amid growing geopolitical tensions. Given the current turmoil in the international order, the EU must take its strategic partnership with Canada to a new level, MEPs say, pointing to shared interests and […]
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The European Parliament advocates protecting copyright and creators against AI
The use of copyright-protected works by artificial intelligence requires transparency and fair remuneration, according to Parliament. On Tuesday, the plenary approved a series of recommendations to protect creative work covered by copyright from use by artificial intelligence, with 460 votes in favour, 71 against and 88 abstentions. MEPs believe that EU copyright law should apply […]
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Commission holds first meeting of Special Panel on child safety online
Last March 5th, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosted the first meeting of the Special Panel on child safety online. The panel, announced in the 2025 State of the Union address, will provide expert recommendations to better protect and empower children online and will explore the need for potential harmonised age restrictions to access social […]
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Commission proposes EU-wide rules against the trafficking of illicit firearms
The European Commission has presented a proposal for a directive to combat firearms trafficking and other firearms-related offences in the EU. This is the first legislative initiative to be adopted under the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU. Illicit firearms pose a serious threat to public security, enabling terrorism, organised crime, gang violence and other serious offences. […]
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Commission presents new counterterrorism agenda
Last February 26, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism, setting out the way forward to reinforce Europe’s collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats. The EU has strengthened its response to terrorism and violent extremism over the past decade. However, the evolving nature of these threats requires […]
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