The Council approved conclusions on democratic resilience and safeguarding electoral processes from all forms of foreign interference. As billions of citizens cast their ballots globally in 2024 – including in the European Parliament elections – the conclusions underline that democratic resilience remains a central focus of the Council’s agenda. In an evolving security environment, […]
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Council approves gas and hydrogen market package
The Council has adopted a regulation and a directive establishing common internal market rules for renewable and natural gases and hydrogen and reforming the existing EU gas legislation. The new rules will help make the shift to renewable and low-carbon gases, in particular hydrogen, in the energy system, with a view to achieving the EU’s […]
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Eurovision debate: lead candidates for Commission Presidency to debate on 23 May
The Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency will take place on Thursday 23 May from 15.00-16.45 in Parliament’s plenary chamber in Brussels. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is organising the debate, has confirmed the participation of Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der […]
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EIB and MicroBank to provide €200 million to finance microenterprises and self-employed in Spain
The EIB and MicroBank have signed a €100 million loan that MicroBank will top up with a further €100 million to provide microloans to small businesses and self-employed individuals wanting to launch or expand their businesses. The transaction will boost job creation, especially among young entrepreneurs in need of liquidity to turn their ideas into business […]
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EU mobilises assistance for Gaza via Cyprus Maritime Corridor
A new aid shipment from Cyprus to Gaza via the Maritime Corridor and the newly constructed US pier is taking place, carrying EU supplies. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Romania is sending more than 88,000 cans of food to Palestinians in need. The Commission covers the transport costs of this delivery. An EU logistics […]
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EU bans Russian-controlled media outlets
The Council decided to suspend the broadcasting activities in the European Union of four additional media outlets, which spread and support the Russian propaganda and war of aggression against Ukraine: Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. These media outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian […]
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Commission reports on overall progress on the Security Union
The Commission adopted the Seventh Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy for 2020-2025. The report provides an overview of the implementation of the Security Union Strategy since its adoption in 2020. It takes stock of progress and achievements in 5 key areas: protecting the EU’s physical and digital infrastructure; fighting terrorism […]
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International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU
Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires us to focus on fighting inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Equality, freedom and justice must apply to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender […]
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EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran
The Council has decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and […]
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