The Council has settled on its negotiating position (general approach) for an EU law which introduces criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU sanctions. This directive, when adopted, will be an important tool to ensure that violating sanctions does not pay off. The draft law defines the conduct member states will need to […]
Read MoreAccording to the latest Eurobarometer, citizens are aware of the impact of the EU on their lives
One year ahead of the next European elections, public interest in these elections has measurably increased. A clear majority of citizens (56%) are interested in the next European elections, 6 points higher compared to 2018, one year before the last European elections. Around two thirds of respondents (67%) say they would be likely to vote […]
Read MoreMEPs denounce deliberate and systematic efforts to undermine EU values
In its latest resolution, Parliament raises serious concerns over developments in Hungary, in light of the upcoming Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU. Following a plenary debate on Wednesday on the situation of rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary and frozen EU funds, the text was adopted on Thursday (442 for, […]
Read MoreEU mobilises emergency equipment to assist Italian authorities
Following a new request for assistance from Italy, the EU has mobilised offers of pumping equipment from Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, France, Poland, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to help the Italian authorities deal with heavy floods. The request comes after severe weather conditions in Italy have caused floods and landslides […]
Read MoreThe King of Spain visits the European Union Satellite Centre
The European Union Satellite Centre was honoured to host His Majesty the King on a special visit to SatCen headquarters on 11 May 2023. It was the King’s first visit as Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces to the Centre, coinciding with 30 years since the start of SatCen’s operational activities. […]
Read MoreAccording to the latest Eurobarometer, Europeans appreciate that the EU provides expertise and assistance to the Member States
Europeans appreciate that the EU provides expertise and helps Member States in the design and implementation of reforms across wide range of policy areas. This is one of the key conclusions of a flash Eurobarometer survey conducted in April 2023, which confirms the importance and need for support offered by the Commission’s Technical Support Instrument (TSI). Through the TSI, the […]
Read MoreSpanish Parliament approves the transposition of six European Directives
More accessible products and services The first of the rules to be transposed is Directive 2019/882, which ensures non-discrimination for people with disabilities when accessing certain products and services. Products include general-purpose computer equipment and operating systems, self-service terminals and responses provided from the European emergency number 112. The services that will apply new requirements […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission presents new strategic framework for integrated border management in Europe
On 14 March, the Commission adopted a communication outlining a five-year strategic framework for integrated border management in Europe and recommendations to Member States on mutual recognition of return decisions and accelerated returns. The European Council, at its extraordinary meeting on 9 February 2023, confirmed the importance of ensuring effective control of the EU’s external […]
Read MorePolitical agreement on the European Year of Capabilities
The Commission welcomes the political agreement reached on 7th March by the European Parliament and Member States on the European Year of Skills. Following the announcement by President Ursula von der Leyen in her 2022 State of the Union address, the Commission submitted its proposal on the European Year of Skills to the co-legislators last October. During the European Year […]
Read More