The Council today established a new framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This new regime prohibits the export from the European Union to Iran of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). It also provides for travel restrictions and asset freeze measures that could be […]
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EU urges Russia to immediately resume work on the Black Sea Grain Initiative
The European Union condemns unequivocally Russia’s decision to terminate the Black Sea Grain Initiative. With its decision, Russia is further exacerbating the global food security crisis it created by its war of aggression against Ukraine and its blockade of Ukrainian sea ports. Russia must cease illegally blocking Ukrainian sea ports and allow freedom of navigation […]
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Eurobarometer: Europeans show more optimism regarding economy
The latest Standard Eurobarometer survey conducted in June 2023 and published yesterday shows that EU citizens continue to back overwhelmingly the energy transition and to expect massive investment in renewables. They continue to widely approve measures taken by the EU to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. They also support stronger EU defence cooperation and increased […]
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Syrian gang leader arrested with 14 other suspects in Spain
Europol supported the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in dismantling an organised criminal network smuggling migrants from Syria to the EU. Law enforcement authorities from France, Germany and Norway were also involved in the investigation. The investigation revealed that the criminal network, possibly active since 2017, was involved in a wide range of illegal activities, […]
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Deal on boosting the production of ammunition and missiles in the EU
The Council presidency has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament representatives on the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). The agreed regulation will urgently mobilise €500 million from the EU budget (in current prices) to support the ramp-up of the manufacturing capacities for the production of ground-to-ground and artillery ammunition as well as missiles. In doing so, it […]
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2022 EMPACT results: fighting organised crime
The 2022 results of the EU’s flagship instrument to fight organised crime have been published. Across its 15 crime areas, EU-wide law enforcement and judicial actions have led to: 9 922 arrests identification of 4 019 victims of trafficking of human beings 3 646 migrant smugglers arrested over €180 million seized over 62 tonnes of […]
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EU-NATO Task Force: Final assessment report on strengthening our resilience and protection of critical infrastructure
The EU and NATO share a common interest in preventing disruptions to critical infrastructure that provides essential services to citizens and supports our economies. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has brought new risks, physical and cyber-attacks, often combined as a hybrid threat. The EU and NATO have stepped up their cooperation with the launch […]
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EU proposes comprehensive new on Climate-Security nexus
The European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication laying out how the EU will address the growing impact of climate change and environmental degradation in the fields of peace, security, and defence. Recurrent climate extremes, rising temperatures and sea levels, desertification, water scarcity, threats to biodiversity, environmental pollution and contamination are threatening the health and […]
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A stronger European defence industry: Council and European Parliament agree on new rules to boost common procurement
The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on the European defence industry reinforcement through common procurement act (EDIRPA). The regulation will incentivise EU member states to jointly procure weapons, thereby ensuring interoperability, economies of scale and – ultimately – a strong European defence industry. The Council and the EP agreed on an ambitious […]
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