EU’s long-term budget The Council held a policy debate on the mid-term revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, proposed by the Commission on 20 June 2023. The Commission presented the package to the Council. Ministers provided their initial comments on its main elements: the creation of a Ukraine facility for 2024-2027 the proposed additional […]
Read More2023 Strategic Foresight Report
The European Commission presented the 2023 Strategic Foresight Report, which analyses how to put ‘sustainability and people’s wellbeing at the heart of Europe’s Open Strategic Autonomy’ and suggests ten concrete actions to achieve this aim. The EU is engaged in a profound and ambitious transition to achieve climate neutrality and sustainability in the next few […]
Read MoreThe European Commission has published its Rule of Law Report 2023
The Commission has published its fourth annual Rule of Law Report, taking the pulse of the rule of law situation in each Member State. While Rule of Law concerns remain in some EU Member States, the report has become a key driver for change and positive reforms. In fact, 65% of last year’s recommendations have been, […]
Read MorePresident von der Leyen and the College of Commissioners will participate in the inauguration of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU in Madrid
President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Madrid today, Monday, together with the other European Commissioners, to participate in the inauguration of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. They will first visit the Galería de las Colecciones Reales and will be received by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain, and members […]
Read MoreCouncil and Parliament strike a deal on a European digital identity
With a view to ensuring secure, trusted, and seamless access to cross-border public and private services in the EU, the Council presidency and European Parliament representatives reached a provisional political agreement on the core elements of a new framework for a European digital identity (eID). The revised regulation constitutes a clear paradigm shift for digital identity in […]
Read MoreCouncil reaches agreement on new European Media Freedom Act
EU member state ambassadors have agreed the Council’s position on a new law to safeguard media freedom, pluralism and independence in the EU. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will establish a common framework for media services in the EU internal market and introduce measures aimed at protecting journalists and media providers from political interference while also making it easier for […]
Read MoreAn EU approach to enhance economic security
The European Commission and the High Representative published a Joint Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy. This Joint Communication focuses on minimising risks arising from certain economic flows in the context of increased geopolitical tensions and accelerated technological shifts, while preserving maximum levels of economic openness and dynamism. The proposed strategy sets out a […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission approves €680M in aid for the deployment of 5G mobile networks in Spanish rural areas
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €680 million Spanish scheme made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF’) to roll out equipment and infrastructure for high-performing 5G standalone networks in underserved rural areas. The measure is part of Spain’s strategy to address the needs of citizens and businesses in […]
Read MorePriorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Spain assumes the Presidency in the second half of 2023, from July 1 to December 31, in a period of great challenges for the Member States and the European Union as a whole. The Spanish Presidency has established four priorities for its semester. Reindustrialise the EU and ensure its open strategic autonomy The international openness […]
Read More