The Council gave its green light to UK participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes, approving the agreement in principle reached between the Commission and the UK government on 7 September 2023. According to the agreement in principle, as of 1 January 2024, researchers and organisations in the UK will be able to […]
Read MoreEuropean Union signs the Samoa agreement
The EU and its member states signed today a new Partnership Agreement with the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) that will serve as an overarching legal framework for their relations for the next twenty years. This agreement will succeed the Cotonou Agreement and will be known as the “Samoa Agreement”. The […]
Read MoreEU-Armenia: joint press release on the Second Political and Security Dialogue
The second high-level EU-Armenia Political and Security Dialogue took place on Wednesday in Brussels. Building upon the inaugural meeting of the dialogue held in Yerevan this January, the meeting confirmed mutual interest of Armenia and the EU to further enhance political dialogue and cooperation in the areas of foreign, security and defence policy. The EU […]
Read MoreEuropean Union calls for immediate pauses in hostilities in Gaza
The EU is gravely concerned about the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The EU joins calls for immediate pauses in hostilities and the establishment of humanitarian corridors, including through increased capacity at border crossings and through a dedicated maritime route, so that humanitarian aid can safely reach the population of Gaza. In line with the European […]
Read MoreEU coordinates further 6 Humanitarian Air Bridge flights for Gaza
The EU continues to work around the clock to channel humanitarian assistance to Gaza. A further 6 EU humanitarian air bridge flights are now scheduled for the coming days. Of these, two flights from Brindisi, Italy, are scheduled to depart today and tomorrow carrying 55 tonnes of items donated from the EU to the World […]
Read MoreRecognition of parenthood in the EU: no discrimination against children’s rights
MEPs propose to limit the possibility for EU countries to refuse to recognise parenthood established in another member state based on public policy concerns. With 14 votes against 4 and no abstentions, the Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) adopted its opinion on draft legislation facilitating the recognition of parenthood across the EU. Its aim is to […]
Read MoreCommission presents a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans including €6 billion in grants and loans to accelerate economic convergence with the EU
The European Commission has adopted a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, with the aim of bringing some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. The objective should be to enable partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly […]
Read MoreInstant payments: Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement
The Council and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on the instant payments proposal, which will improve the availability of instant payment options in euro to consumers and businesses in the EU and in EEA countries. The new rules will improve the strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector as they will help reduce any excessive reliance […]
Read MoreEU releases €61 million in humanitarian aid for people in Afghanistan and Afghan refugees in Pakistan
As the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan continues to be of serious concern, the EU has released €61 million in humanitarian aid to address the needs of vulnerable people in the country, as well as refugees in neighbouring Pakistan. A total of €60 million are allocated for humanitarian organisations working in Afghanistan and another €1 million, […]
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