The Council adopted today a decision confirming that the participation of Switzerland in the PESCO project ‘Military Mobility’ meets the general conditions set out in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 of November 2020, and will bring substantial added value to the project. Today’s decision authorises the Netherlands as project coordinator to formally invite Switzerland to join this […]
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EDA seeks standardised framework for small arms ammunition
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (SAAT) project, a four-year initiative led by Belgian defence company FN Herstal and supported by a diverse European consortium to establish a common standard for small arms ammunition. The project, which brings together 18 partners from nine countries — including defence manufacturers, research organisations, […]
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Ukraine: Council extends the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission for two years
On 8 November, the Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) for a further two years, until 15 November 2026, with a budget allocation of nearly €409 million for the period from 14 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. EUMAM Ukraine remains a […]
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New sanctions against extremist settlers and violent activists from Israel
The Council has approved additional restrictive measures against five persons and three entities under the European Union’s Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious and systematic human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank, including abuse of the right of everyone to enjoy the highest attainable standard […]
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EU adopts 14th package of sanctions against Russia
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package responds to the needs and findings on the ground, and tackles enforcement issues. As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia’s sources of revenue and capacity to wage […]
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European Commission launches new EU Knowledge Centre on Preventing Radicalisation
The Commission yesterday launched the new EU Knowledge Centre on the prevention of radicalisation. The Centre builds on the success of the Radicalisation Awareness Network, which has contributed to awareness raising and information exchange among practitioners (since 2011) and with policy makers (since 2021). The Knowledge Centre will now have a broader scope of action […]
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83 states and organisations send a clear signal to the people of Ukraine
Switzerland invited delegations from around the world to take part in the the high-level conference on peace in Ukraine on 15 and 16 June 2024 in Bürgenstock (Canton of Nidwalden), with the objective of developing a common understanding of a path towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Speaking on Saturday 15 June, President […]
Read MoreGaza: Statement by the High Representative on the adoption of UN Security Council resolution
The European Union welcomes the adoption of the United Nations Security Council resolution 2735, supporting the new ceasefire proposal announced on 31 May. The European Union calls for its immediate implementation, as well as the implementation of the UN Security Council resolutions 2728, 2720 and 2712. The EU recalls its full support to the comprehensive […]
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Council sets higher tariffs on Russian and Belarusian grain products
The Council adopted a regulation that aims to levy prohibitive tariffs on grain products imported from Russia and Belarus. The regulation increases duties on cereals, oilseeds and derived products from Russia and Belarus to a point that will in practice halt imports of these products. The regulation increases import tariffs for cereals, oilseeds and derived […]
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