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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
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 […]
Read More
Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny
We are shocked and grieved by today’s reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter. Alexei […]
Read More
Immobilised Russian assets: Council decides to set aside extraordinary revenues
The Council adopted a decision and a regulation clarifying the obligations of Central Securities Depositories (CSD) holding assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) that are immobilised as consequence of EU’s restrictive measures. After Russia launched its illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU, in coordination with […]
Read More