Following the joint statement from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on 11 July 2022, ECDC has released Preliminary public health considerations for COVID-19 vaccination strategies in the second half of 2022. ECDC, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, has […]
Read MoreDroughts in Europe in July 2022: almost half of the EU +UK territory at risk
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has published the “Drought in Europe – July 2022” report, an assessment of Europe’s drought situation based on the European Drought Observatory. The analysis of the evolution and impact of the prolonged drought in the EU shows that a staggering portion of Europe is currently exposed to warning (44% of […]
Read MoreEU and Azerbaijan enhance bilateral relations, including energy cooperation
On 18 July in Baku, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson met with President Ilham Aliyev and Azeri Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov to strengthen the existing cooperation between the EU and Azerbaijan. The two Presidents signed a new Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy. Currently, the EU […]
Read MoreForeign Affairs Council, 18 July 2022
Russian aggression against Ukraine The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine. At the beginning of the meeting the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, briefly addressed EU ministers via video conference, and briefed them about the latest developments on the ground and the dramatic effects of the Russian aggression on the civilian population in […]
Read MoreMinisters discuss agri-food market situation and agree to boost EU aquaculture
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Ministers discussed the implementation of the new CAP and the approval of strategic plans. They exchanged views on the preparation process at national level and stressed the need to have the strategic plans approved as soon as possible. Ministers also discussed the impact of the Russian war against Ukraine on the ongoing implementation of the new green […]
Read MoreApplication of EU law: Upholding rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law
the European Commission adopted its Annual Report on Monitoring the Application of EU Law. The report outlines the enforcement actions that the Commission took in 2021 to guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens and businesses across the EU. The Commission also published its regular package of decisions on infringements. The infringement […]
Read MoreState Aid: Commission approves up to €5.4 billion of public support by fifteen Member States to boost hydrogen technology
The Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, an Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research and innovation and first industrial deployment in the hydrogen technology value chain. The project, called “IPCEI Hy2Tech” was jointly prepared and notified by fifteen Member States: Austria, Belgium, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, […]
Read MoreCommission refers HUNGARY to the Court of Justice of the EU over violation of LGBTIQ rights
The European Commission decided to refer Hungary to the Court of Justice of the EU over a Hungarian law which discriminates against people on the basis of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission considers that the law violates the internal market rules, the fundamental rights of individuals (in particular LGBTIQ people) as well as […]
Read MoreCommission adopts proposal for “maintenance and alignment” package
The European Commission has adopted a joint (High Representative-Commission) proposal for a new package of measures to maintain and strengthen the effectiveness of the EU’s six wide-ranging and unprecedented packages of sanctions against Russia. This “maintenance and alignment” package clarifies a number of provisions to strengthen legal certainty for operators and enforcement by Member States. […]
Read More