The Council established a new framework for restrictive measures against those responsible for serious human rights violations or abuses, repression of civil society and democratic opposition, and undermining democracy and the rule of law in Russia. The decision to establish this new sanctions’ regime is part of the EU’s response to the accelerating and systematic […]
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Foreign interference: Council advocates safeguarding elections
The Council approved conclusions on democratic resilience and safeguarding electoral processes from all forms of foreign interference. As billions of citizens cast their ballots globally in 2024 – including in the European Parliament elections – the conclusions underline that democratic resilience remains a central focus of the Council’s agenda. In an evolving security environment, […]
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EU to use profits from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine
In the light of Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council today adopted a set of legal acts ensuring that the net profits stemming from unexpected and extraordinary revenues accruing to central securities depositories (CSDs) in the EU, as a result of the implementation of the EU restrictive measures, will be used for […]
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Commission reports on overall progress on the Security Union
The Commission adopted the Seventh Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy for 2020-2025. The report provides an overview of the implementation of the Security Union Strategy since its adoption in 2020. It takes stock of progress and achievements in 5 key areas: protecting the EU’s physical and digital infrastructure; fighting terrorism […]
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Commission invests over €1 billion in 54 ambitious defence industrial projects through the European Defence Fund
the Commission announced the results of the 2023 calls for proposals under the European Defence Fund (EDF) amounting to €1,031 million of EU funding to support 54 outstanding joint European defence research and development projects. The selected projects will support technological excellence across a wide range of defence capabilities in critical areas, including cyber defence, ground, air […]
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EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran
The Council has decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and […]
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EU sanctions extremist settlers for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians
The Council decided to list four persons and two entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and for the violation of right to property and to private and family life of Palestinians […]
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Iran: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU
The EU condemns in the strongest terms the Iranian drone and missile attacks against Israel. This is an unprecedented escalation and a threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel. In this highly tense regional situation, further escalation can be no one’s interest. We call on all parties to […]
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EU approves extra €5 billion in military support for Ukraine
The Council decided to increase the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility (EPF) by €5 billion in current prices, and ringfence this top-up for Ukraine, by establishing a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund (UAF) within the EPF. The newly established UAF will allow the EU to further support the evolving needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces through the […]
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