The Council approved a revised EU maritime security strategy and action plan, aimed at addressing security challenges at sea. The strategy and its accompanying action plan were first adopted by the Council in 2014, with the action plan being updated in 2018. Together, the two documents have provided a comprehensive framework for tackling various threats […]
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Council and European Parliament reach agreement on strengthening geographical indications
Council and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional deal aimed at strengthening geographical indications (GIs) and other quality schemes for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products and improving their uptake across the EU. The deal will bring tangible benefits to the rural economy and it will safeguard the EU’s gastronomic heritage across the world. Geographical indications showcase the very best of our […]
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European Council votes in favour of lower limits for occupational exposure to asbestos
The Council formally adopted new rules on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. This directive updates the existing rules in line with the latest scientific and technological developments. The updated rules significantly lower the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels to asbestos […]
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The EU supports school feeding in Afghanistan for nearly 2 million girls and boys in primary school
The European Union has announced an additional EUR 9.9 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support nearly 2 million primary school students in Afghanistan. The European Union is allocating an additional EUR 9.9 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support nearly 2 million primary school students in […]
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EU and US united in promoting peace and security worldwide
EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC. The summit was an opportunity to review […]
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European Commission will adopt EU roadmap to step up fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks
The Commission will adopt an EU Roadmap to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks, building on the legislative and operational initiatives put forward so far. The drugs trade is one of the most significant security threats faced by the EU today. Seizures of cocaine in the EU are hitting record levels, with 303 tonnes […]
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European Commission refers Spain to the Court of Justice of the EU for non-compliance with EU rail rules
The Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose and apply Directive 2012/34/EU establishing a single European railway area. The Commission takes the view that the rail regulatory framework in Spain is in breach of several provisions of the directive concerning: the management independence of […]
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New measures to simplify the resolution of disputes out of court and boost consumer rights
Last Tuesday 17th October, the Commission has proposed to modernise and simplify rules on out-of-court dispute resolution to adapt them to digital markets. This proposal will expand the range of issues that can be resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive out-of-court, including matters related to misleading advertising, access to services and unjustified geoblocking. To […]
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EU launches Humanitarian Air Bridge operation to bring aid to Gaza
Following the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas terrorists against Israel and the aftermath, which has led to a disastrous humanitarian situation for the people of Gaza, the EU continues to step up its emergency assistance to the Palestinian people. The EU is now launching an EU Humanitarian Air Bridge operation consisting of several flights to Egypt to […]
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