At the EU summit in Brussels, leaders decided to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. They also agreed to start negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina once the necessary conditions are met and granted Georgia candidate status. EU leaders discussed continued support to Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, enlargement and reforms, the mid-term […]
Read MoreCommission proposal to strengthen the Single Market by tackling legal and administrative obstacles in Europe’s cross-border regions
On last 12rh December, the Commission adopted an amended proposal for a ‘Regulation on Facilitating Cross-Border Solutions’ in order to help Member States resolve obstacles that are impacting the daily lives of the 150 million European citizens living in Europe’s cross-border regions. The obstacles that citizens, businesses, and public administrations face in these regions include different technical standards or […]
Read MoreCouncil and Parliament reach political agreement to criminalise violation of EU sanctions
The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament concluded their negotiations for an EU law which introduces criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU sanctions. This directive ensures that those who violate or circumvent EU sanctions will be prosecuted. This gains particular importance in the context of the Russian war of […]
Read MoreEU ministers meet Ukraine MFA Dmytro Kuleba
The Foreign Affairs Council discussed the Russian aggression against Ukraine, after an intervention by Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba who joined EU Foreign Ministers in person. He briefed EU ministers on the latest developments on the ground, and highlighted how Ukraine is currently committed on two fronts: the military front – as Putin tries to create a […]
Read MoreEU impose new restrictive measures to Iran due to supply unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia
Yesterday, the European Council imposed restrictive measures against 6 persons and 5 entities involved in Iran’s development and production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) used in Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. These are the first listings under the newly established framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. They complement […]
Read MoreEU announces €125 million in initial humanitarian aid for Palestinians for 2024
As the humanitarian situation continues to worsen in the Middle East, the Commission will provide €125 million in humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people in 2024. This new funding will support humanitarian organisations working in both Gaza and the West Bank. In Gaza, where the humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, the focus will […]
Read MoreCouncil and EU Parliament reach provisional agreement on EU law protecting journalists and human rights defenders
The EU has taken an important step towards the protection of journalists and human rights defenders against unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament reached a political deal on a directive which would protect these individuals from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The use of […]
Read MoreEU increases training support for Ukrainian forces
The Council decided to provide additional funding for training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces under the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). Such support will be granted through the European Peace Facility (EPF) and take the form of necessary lethal and non-lethal equipment and supplies, as well as services to back […]
Read MoreWhich measures adopt EU to combat online child sexual abuse?
The European Parliament wants to establish effective rules to prevent and combat online child sexual abuse while protecting people’s privacy. The proliferation of online materials of children engaging or appearing to engage in a sexual act has been on the rise, particularly of materials depicting younger children. In 2022, there were more than 32 million […]
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