The European Union and Euratom will leave the Energy Charter Treaty, while member states will be allowed to support its modernisation during the next Energy Charter Conference. The decisions are linked as they form the two pillars of a political compromise known as the Belgian roadmap on the Energy Charter Treaty. The formal adoption by the […]
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European Commission approves up to €1.4 billion for fourth major project of common European interest in the hydrogen value chain
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment in the hydrogen value chain. The project contributes to the EU’s target of 90% reduction of emissions from the mobility and transport sectors, in order for the […]
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Council to sign agreement with Serbia and Frontex
The Council has decided that the EU will sign an agreement with the Republic of Serbia on operational activities being carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement will allow the EU and Serbia to organise joint operations involving Frontex and the Serbian border guards. It also means that Frontex […]
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European Commission approves up to €1 billion for fourth major project of common European interest in the health sector
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the first Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment of healthcare products, as well as innovative production processes of pharmaceuticals. This IPCEI will notably contribute to the European Health Union‘s objectives by delivering innovations addressing diseases for […]
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Eurostat: EU natural gas demand falls by 7.4% in 2023
The EU‘s demand for natural gas has been declining for 2 consecutive years. After a 13.3% yearly decrease in 2022, demand fell by another 7.4% in 2023, totalling 12.72 million terajoules in 2023. This also marks the lowest demand recorded since the collection of monthly cumulated data began in 2008. This reduction has been affected by measures outlined […]
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Joint statement of the parties to the European Economic Area Agreement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its entry into force
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The EEA Agreement, which unites our States in the internal market, has been the bedrock of our close and special partnership. It has greatly contributed to the prosperity of our societies and economies. This exceptional milestone invites […]
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EU and Australia sign partnership on sustainable critical and strategic minerals
The EU and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a bilateral partnership to cooperate on sustainable critical and strategic minerals. The MoU was signed on behalf of the EU by Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, and Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton. The signatories for Australia were Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King, […]
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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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Eurobarometer: Expectations of EU citizens ahead of the elections
The latest Standard Eurobarometer released last week shows that Europeans want to see the EU stronger and more independent, especially in the face of the current global challenges, while they are growing optimistic about the future. Expectations for a stronger, more independent and resilient EU More than three quarters of Europeans (77%) are in favour […]
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