The European Union is committed to an open and rules-based multilateral trading system, with a modernised WTO at its core. The EU supports an ambitious and realistic package for the 12th World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference (MC12), and expects all WTO members to make a constructive contribution, according to their needs and capacities. The Council […]
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ECB announces interest rate hike to curb inflation
High inflation is a major challenge for all of us. The Governing Council will make sure that inflation returns to its 2% target over the medium term. In May inflation again rose significantly, mainly because of surging energy and food prices, including due to the impact of the war. But inflation pressures have broadened and […]
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Commission clears creation of joint venture by Repsol and Telefónica
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Repsol Customer Centric, S.L. (‘Repsol’) and Telefónica de España, S.A.U., (‘Telefónica’), both of Spain. The joint venture will be active in the implementation of photovoltaic projects in Spain, mainly consisting in the acquisition, installation and maintenance of ground-level […]
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Council adopts its position on new rules for consumer credit
The Council agreed its position (‘general approach’) on the revision of the consumer credit directive. The revised directive repeals and replaces the current 2008 directive on credit agreements. Since 2008, the increasing digitalisation of the European economy has led to significant changes in the consumer credit market. This has led to the emergence of new […]
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EU budget 2023
The Commission has proposed an annual EU budget of €185.6 billion for 2023, to be complemented by an estimated €113.9 billion in grants under NextGenerationEU. The EU budget will continue to mobilise significant investments to boost Europe’s strategic autonomy, the ongoing economic recovery, safeguard sustainability and create jobs. The Commission will continue to prioritise green […]
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EU-US strengthen coordination on export controls on Russia
The European Commission and the US Commerce Department have agreed to strengthen coordination on the enforcement of export controls on Russia, building on the excellent cooperation under the US-EU Trade and Technology Council. In a meeting in Brussels, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, US Ambassador to the European Union Mark Gitenstein and Assistant Secretary […]
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June 8 – World Oceans Day
June 8 marks World Oceans Day, a date established by the UN to recognize the importance of the oceans to the planet. The ocean covers more than 70% of the planet. It is our source of life and sustenance for humanity and all other organisms on earth. To commemorate this day. The CDE of Almeria […]
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Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) – 3 June 2022
WTO reform and preparations for the 12th WTO ministerial conference Ministers discussed preparations for the 12th World Trade Organization ministerial conference (CM12), which will take place in Geneva from 12 to 15 June 2022 against the backdrop of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers expressed broad support for the Commission’s suggested line of action for the 12th ministerial conference, in particular […]
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Commission approves 10 billion aid scheme for Spain
The European Commission has approved an up to €10 billion Spanish scheme (“National Guarantee Scheme”) to support self-employed and companies across sectors in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on […]
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