The European Commission and the High Representative welcome the Council’s decision authorising them to enter into negotiations with each of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with the aim of concluding bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs). The aim of the SPAs is […]
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Republic of Korea joins Horizon Europe programme
Last July 17, the Republic of Korea has officially become the first Asian country to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s multibillion research and innovation programme. Korean researchers and organisations can now participate in several areas of the programme on equal terms with those for EU Member States. They will be able to join and […]
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EP calls for addressing China’s restrictions on rare earth exports
Parliament is concerned about China’s export restrictions on key raw materials and the impact on the EU economy. On 4 April 2025, China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets used in the defence, energy and automotive sectors in response to increased US tariffs on Chinese products. Under the new rules, exporters […]
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EU and Moldova forge deeper ties at historic first Summit in Chișinău
At the first ever EU-Moldova Summit in Chișinău, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu agreed to deepen cooperation in the interest of EU and Moldovan citizens. The leaders discussed EU accession and related reforms, economic growth as well as security and defence […]
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EU and Ukraine reach agreement in principle on a modernised trade relationship
The Commission has concluded negotiations with Ukraine on the review of the EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA). The agreement in principle on the review of the trade liberalisation provisions under the Association Agreement marks a new phase in establishing a long-term, predictable, and reciprocal framework within the broader context of Ukraine’s accession process. It […]
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New chapter in the cooperation between Europe and Canada
The European Union and Canada have concluded a Security and Defence Partnership and launched cooperation initiatives in industrial policy and digital trade during a bilateral summit held yesterday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in Brussels, days after he hosted the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. With the new […]
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Commission advances on the modernisation of EU-Switzerland relations
Last June 13, the European Commission takes a significant step to strengthen and expand the relationship between the EU and Switzerland. It is submitting proposals to the Council to authorise the signature and conclusion of a comprehensive package of agreements, marking an important milestone towards the ratification of a modernised framework for cooperation. Key Components […]
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The EU sets out its International Digital Strategy
Last June 5, the European Commission and the High Representative are setting out a joint vision for the EU’s external action for digital. As the digital revolution is reshaping economies and societies in a global geopolitical landscape which is more challenging than ever, the new EU International Digital Strategy shows that the EU is a […]
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MEPs approve updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement
On Tuesday, the Transport and Tourism Committee voted to extend the EU road transport agreement with Ukraine until the end of 2025 to continue facilitating the transport of goods. The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement concluded in June 2022 has proven to be an effective EU response to the transport sector disruptions caused by the Russia’s […]
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