The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA). The regulation will incentivise EU member states to jointly procure weapons, thereby ensuring interoperability, economies of scale and – ultimately – a strong European defence industry. The Council and the EP agreed on an ambitious […]
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Agreement on additional military support of €3.5 billion
Ministers adopted a decision increasing the overall financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by €3.5 billion which is a signal of the EU’s enduring commitment to military support for Ukraine and other partners alike. The EPF helps prevent conflict, preserve peace and strengthen international security and stability. With today’s top-up, the overall financial […]
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EU adopts 11th package of sanctions against Russia for its continued illegal war against Ukraine
The eleventh package addresses the growing circumvention of EU sanctions. Measures include the strengthening of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with third countries to impede sanctions’ circumvention, a ban on the transit of goods and technology via Russia, and tighter export restrictions. Circumvention tool In order to address the growing circumvention of EU sanctions, the EU […]
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An EU approach to enhance economic security
The European Commission and the High Representative published a Joint Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy. This Joint Communication focuses on minimising risks arising from certain economic flows in the context of increased geopolitical tensions and accelerated technological shifts, while preserving maximum levels of economic openness and dynamism. The proposed strategy sets out a […]
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Terrorism in the EU in 2022 – facts and figures
Europol’s European Union Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2023 (TE-SAT) provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date intelligence picture on terrorism in the European Union. This report is based on data provided to Europol by EU Member States on terrorist attacks and terrorism-related arrests in the European Union. Key findings for 2022 Terrorism continues to pose a […]
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The EU and NATO deepen their strategic partnership
The Council took note of the eighth progress report on the implementation of the 74 common proposals endorsed by the EU and NATO Councils on 6 December 2016 and 5 December 2017. The report highlights and elaborates on the tangible progress achieved between June 2022 and May 2023, across all areas of cooperation. Whilst tackling the gravest […]
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Council agrees stronger press freedom and free speech protection
EU member states have reached a common position (general approach) on a draft law which will protect journalists and human rights defenders against manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. Such so-called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs) are an increasing phenomenon to silence people who speak out on issues of public interest. The draft […]
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EU imposes sanctions against nine russian individuals for violations of human rights
The Council imposed restrictive measures against nine individuals, under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime, for sentencing the Russian opposition politician, democracy activist and outspoken Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza to 25 years in prison on politically motivated charges and false allegations. The EU strongly condemns the ruling and calls on Russia to immediately and unconditionally release Vladimir Kara-Murza and all […]
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Tabletop exercise and new study focus on protecting critical energy infrastructure
What should the European Union and its Member States do if its energy production and transport infrastructure were attacked by hostile groups in a region where like-minded, democratic countries coexisted with unfriendly authoritarian regimes? What if vulnerable critical energy infrastructure was essential for defence? As the European Defence Agency contributes to EU security, EDA organised […]
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