MEPs approved a revamp of EU fiscal rules making them clearer, more investment friendly, better tailored to each country’s situation, and more flexible. The new rules, approved on Tuesday, were provisionally agreed upon between European Parliament and member state negotiators in February. Focus on investments MEPs significantly beefed up the rules to protect a government’s capability to […]
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European Commission backs Spain’s request for a targeted review of its recovery plan
The Commission yesterday endorsed Spain’s request for a specific revision of its Recovery and Resilience Plan, which Spain had submitted to the Commission on 19 March 2024. The proposed amendments are of a technical nature and stem from the comprehensive review of the Spanish plan, which was adopted by the Council on 17 October 2023. […]
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The European Union to conclude a Strategic Partnership Agreement with Japan
The Council adopted this week a decision on the conclusion of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its member states and Japan. The decision facilitates, on the EU side, the entry into force of the agreement as soon as the parties have completed their internal procedures and have notified their counterparts. […]
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EIB and Andalusia Region sign €215 million loan for financing education, energy transition, health, sustainable transport and digitalisation projects
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €215 million loan agreement with the regional government of Andalusia to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the regional government of Andalusia will go towards projects that contribute to the dual green and digital transitions and to social […]
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Lobbying lawmakers: EU audit reveals transparency blind spots
Lobbying EU lawmakers can still slip under the radar, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors. The EU transparency register, which provides information on who lobbies the Commission, Parliament, and Council, has positive features and informs citizens about the potential influence of lobbyists. However, it suffers from weaknesses and information gaps that make […]
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Commission allocates additional €10 million to support researchers from Ukraine under Horizon Europe
The Commission has topped up the budget of the MSCA4Ukraine initiative, set up to support researchers forced to flee Ukraine, with an additional €10 million. The scheme, set up under Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) has supported displaced researchers since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. The additional funding will allow at least 50 […]
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The European Commission proposes to facilitate the mobility of young people between the EU and the United Kingdom.
The Commission has proposed to the Council to open negotiations with the United Kingdom on an agreement to facilitate youth mobility. Such an agreement would make it easier for young EU and UK citizens to study, work and live in the UK and the EU respectively. The withdrawal of the UK from the EU has […]
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EU-Central America: EU Council gives green light to the Association Agreement
The Council adopted last week a decision to conclude the agreement establishing an association between the European Union and its member states, on the one hand, and Central America on the other. This is the final step of the ratification process of the agreement, through which the EU and Central America commit to a close, long-term relationship in […]
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European Commission publishes Schengen report setting out new priorities for the coming year
Today, the Commission reports on the State of Schengen over the past year and sets the priorities for the year ahead. The Schengen area has evolved into the world’s largest free travel area. Guaranteeing smooth and secure travel to a population of almost 450 million people, the Schengen area is essential for the European Union’s […]
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