On behalf of the EU, the Belgian Presidency of the Council has signed the protocol to include provisions on cross-border data flows in the agreement between the EU and Japan for an Economic Partnership. The protocol will provide greater legal certainty, ensuring that data flows between the EU and Japan will not be hampered by […]
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EU and US take stock of trade and technology cooperation
The European Union and the United States held the fifth meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Washington, D.C. The meeting allowed ministers to take stock of the progress of the TTC’s work and to provide political steer on key priorities for the next TTC Ministerial meeting, which will take place in […]
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Practical arrangements for the participation of Commissioners in European and national elections
The European Commission has issued, based on guidelines adopted in 2019, a reinforced guidance on ethical standards for Members of the Commission who take part in electoral campaigns for the European Parliament. In addition, dedicated guidelines have also been developed regarding participation in election campaigns at Member State level. Both guidelines build on opinions of the Commission’s Independent Ethical Committee and […]
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Commission decides to register two new European Citizens’ Initiatives
The European Commission decided to register two European Citizens’ Initiatives, entitled ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’ and ‘European Citizens’ Initiative in Defence of Agriculture and Rural Economy in Europe’. The organisers of the ‘Ban on conversion practices in the European Union’ initiative call for a ban on interventions aimed at changing, repressing or suppressing […]
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Hungary: European Parliament warns of threat to EU values, institutions and funds
Parliament condemns the deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government to undermine the EU’s founding values. In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 345 votes for, 104 against and 29 abstentions, MEPs express strong concern about the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, in particular through the recently […]
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Deal on new stricter anti money laundering rules
The Council and Parliament found a provisional agreement on parts of the anti-money laundering package that aims to protect EU citizens and the EU’s financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing. With the new package, all rules applying to the private sector will be transferred to a new regulation, while the directive will deal […]
Read MoreThe European Commission has published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds
The European Commission published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), showcasing some of the overarching achievements of the ESI funds as things stood at the end of 2022. These funds are the main financial instruments of Cohesion Policy, supporting regional development investments from the 2014 – 2020 […]
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Guatemala: Council establishes dedicated framework of restrictive measures in support of democracy
The Council established a dedicated framework for restrictive measures in support of democracy and a peaceful and orderly transfer of power in Guatemala. This decision will allow the European Union to hold accountable those obstructing a democratic transition following the 2023 general elections, which resulted in a clear victory of President-elect Bernardo Arévalo, as attested […]
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Ukraine Facility: Council agrees on elements of new support mechanism for Ukraine
On last Wednesday 10th January, member states’ EU ambassadors approved a partial negotiating mandate on a proposal to set up a new single dedicated instrument to support Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and modernisation, while supporting its efforts to carry out reforms as part of its accession path to the EU. The Ukraine Facility would thus pool […]
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