The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union in the first five months of 2024 fell by nearly a quarter (23%) to nearly 80 000, according to preliminary data collected by Frontex. The Western Balkans and Central Mediterranean saw the biggest drops in detections of irregular crossings among the major migratory routes (-71% […]
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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Is the clock ticking on AI?
Renowned AI experts call on world governments and tech giants to take action now on AI risks. “Probably none of us will have a job,” Elon Musk stated about AI when speaking remotely at a leading tech conference in Paris on 23 May. The billionaire hasn’t been shy about referring to AI as his biggest […]
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European Commission designates Temu as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act
The Commission has formally designated Temu as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Temu is an online marketplace with an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union. This user number, which Temu has communicated to the Commission, is above the DSA threshold for designation as a […]
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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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EU security and defence: Council sets out five main priorities
The Council approved conclusions on EU security and defence in a context of an unprecedented combination of threats and challenges, such as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and increased tensions in the Middle East, the Sahel and other areas of the world. Since the start of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against […]
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Russia: new sanctions in response to human rights violations
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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Council gives go-ahead to strengthen rules against trafficking in human beings
The Council adopted a directive that adds the exploitation of surrogacy, of forced marriage and of illegal adoption as forms of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. The modification reflects the gravity, as well as the prevalence and the relevance of these forms of exploitation. Knowingly using the service provided by a trafficking victim will […]
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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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