The Commission allocated the €500 million foreseen under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). This will allow the European defence industry to ramp up its ammunition production capacity to 2 million shells per year by the end of 2025. The Commission also launched the Work Programme for the instrument for the reinforcement of the European defence […]
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Russian voters had no real choice, says the EU
The presidential elections held by Russia on 15-17 March took place in a highly restricted environment exacerbated also by Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russian authorities have continued to increase the systematic internal repression by cracking down on opposition politicians, civil society organisations, independent media and other critical voices with the use of […]
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20th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism
Ahead of the 20th European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism, the Commission issued the following statement: “On the European Remembrance Day for Victims of Terrorism we honor the memory of all those who have tragically fallen victims to terrorist acts, whether on EU soil or beyond our borders. This year holds particular significance as […]
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First ever defence industrial strategy and a new defence industry programme to enhance Europe’s readiness and security
The European Commission and the High Representative presented the first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy at EU level and proposed an ambitious set of new actions to support the competitiveness and readiness of its defence industry. Two years ago, Russia’s unjustified, on-going war of aggression against Ukraine marked the return of high-intensity conflict on our continent. The […]
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MEPs: EU must actively support Russia’s democratic opposition
The Russian state, and Vladimir Putin personally, bear criminal and political responsibility for the death of their strongest opponent, Alexei Navalny, say MEPs. The European Parliament strongly condemns the murder of Alexei Navalny and gives its full support to Yulia Navalnaya in her determination to continue his work. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, they […]
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Counter terrorism: deal to share air passenger data in advance
The Belgian presidency of the Council and European Parliament negotiators have provisionally agreed on two regulations that govern the collection and use of air passenger data for border management and law enforcement. The new rules will improve the handling of advance passenger information (API) data to perform checks on passengers prior to their arrival at […]
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Parliament calls on the EU to give Ukraine whatever it needs to defeat Russia
The EU must support Ukraine with whatever is needed for Kyiv to win its war against Russia, say MEPs in a resolution adopted on Thursday. In the text, passed by 451 votes in favour, 46 against with 49 abstentions, MEPs take stock of the two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February […]
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EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia after two years of its war of aggression against Ukraine
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles. This package focuses on further limiting Russia’s access to […]
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Security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea: Council launches EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
The Council launched today EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. The objective of this defensive maritime security operation is to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf. Operation ASPIDES will ensure an EU naval presence in the area where numerous Houthi attacks have targeted international commercial vessels since October 2023. In close cooperation […]
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