The European Commission has adopted an amendment to the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework to enable Member States to continue to use the flexibility foreseen under State aid rules to support the economy in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The Temporary Crisis Framework was adopted on 23 March 2022 and first amended on 20 July 2022, to complement […]
Read MoreFirearms: Updated rules to increase security and facilitate legal trade
The Commission is proposing to update EU rules on the import, export and transit of firearms for civilian use. As many as 35 million illicit firearms are estimated to be in the hands of civilians in the EU, and around 630,000 firearms are listed as stolen or lost in the Schengen Information System. The updated […]
Read MoreDeal confirms zero-emissions target for new cars and vans in 2035
On Thursday night, Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on revised CO2 emissions reduction targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. EU negotiators secured an agreement with member states on the Commission’s original proposal to reach zero-emission road mobility by 2035 (an EU fleet-wide target to reduce the CO2 emissions produced by […]
Read MoreEnvironment Council: Climate Summit COP 27
EU environment ministers approved Council conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP 27). All eyes will be on us in Sharm El-Sheikh. The EU has always been at the forefront of climate action and we will continue to lead by example. Protecting our planet for future […]
Read MoreCouncil of the European Union agrees on stricter standards for energy efficiency of buildings
Conclusions of the European Council on Transport, Telecommunications and Energy on October 25, 2022 EU energy ministers adopted a general approach on a proposal setting new requirements for the energy performance of buildings (EPBD). The main objectives of the revised directive are that all new buildings should be zero-emission buildings by 2030, and that existing buildings should […]
Read MoreEU-Morocco Green Partnership: Commission adopts a key programme to support the agricultural and forestry sectors in Morocco
The Commission adopted a new programme worth €115 million to support the ecological, inclusive and innovative development of Morocco’s agricultural and forestry sectors. The programme “Terre Verte” aims to contribute to the national strategies of Morocco “Green Generation” and “Moroccan Forests” covering the period 2020-2030 by promoting an ecological transition conducive to the creation of […]
Read MoreThe European Union Military Committee (EUMC) was held on October 24-25, 2022.
Emphasising the sense of urgency of achieving the fundamental and ambitious goals set out in the Strategic Compass without delay, CHODs committed themselves to building a militarily strong and capable EU, now. The agenda covered all most pressing issues in the defence and security domain, starting with the implementation of the EU Rapid Deployment Capacity […]
Read MoreEuropean Green Deal: Commission proposes rules for cleaner air and water
The Commission is proposing stronger rules on ambient air, surface and groundwater pollutants, and treatment of urban wastewater. Clean air and water are essential for the health of people and ecosystems. Air pollution alone means nearly 300,000 Europeans die prematurely each year, and the proposed new rules will reduce deaths resulting from levels of the main pollutant […]
Read MoreEuropean Health Union: building a stronger EU health response
Today, the Council has adopted the final building blocks of the European Health Union: the Regulation on Serious cross-border health threats, the Regulation on the extended mandate of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Emergency Framework Regulation to provide extra powers to the European Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA). These new rules complete […]
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