As every year, September is the time for the #SOTEU, the State of the European Union Debate. This annual meeting, which marks the start of the European political year, is a debate in which the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presents the initiatives and measures proposed for the coming months. This […]
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Spain will have two more seats in the 2024 European elections
MEPs have approved the European Council’s decision increasing the number of seats in the European Parliament for the next legislative term from 705 to 720. The European Council’s proposal was based on Parliament’s report of June 2023, which started the process and was prompted by demographic changes in the EU since the 2019 elections. Additional […]
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Parliament endorsed new measures to better protect citizens who donate blood, tissues or cells
MEPs adopted the report on new rules governing the use of so-called substances of human origin (SoHO) in the EU, with 483 votes in favour, 52 against and 89 abstentions. The measures apply to substances – such as blood and its components (red/white cells, plasma), tissues and cells – used for transfusions, therapies, transplantations or […]
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Russia’s war on Ukraine: EU extends individual sanctions for another six months
The Council decided yesterday to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 March 2024. The existing restrictive measures provide for travel restrictions for natural persons, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the […]
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European Parliament back plans to boost use of renewable energy
Parliament on Tuesday voted to boost the deployment of renewable energy, in line with the Green Deal and REPowerEU plans. The update of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED), already agreed upon between MEPs and Council, raises the share of renewables in the EU’s final energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030. Member states should strive to […]
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European Commission proposes new measures to boost SME competitiveness and resilience
On 12th September, the Commission is presenting a series of initiatives to address the needs of Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the current economic environment. Representing 99% of Europe’s businesses, SMEs are essential drivers of Europe’s green and digital transitions, but continue to face unpredictability and volatility as a result of a number of […]
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The EU-backed FIRE-RES project is joining the battle against Europe’s forest fires with its new platform and app.
Wildfires are becoming a major threat worldwide. In Europe alone, they are responsible for around 85 % of annual burned areas. To help address this problem, the EU-funded FIRE-RES project is developing an integrated fire management strategy that will focus on fire prevention and preparedness, detection and response, and restoration and adaptation. As part of […]
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The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, will take part in the Ibero-American Forum in Spain.
Weekly Forecast – The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, will be in Madrid on 13 and 14 September. In the framework of this visit, the Commissioner will participate in the Ibero-American Forum of Government Consumer Protection Agencies, organised by the Spanish Presidency of the Council, where he will have the opportunity to give a […]
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SOTEU 2023: Charting the course for the year ahead
“This is Europe’s spirit. A Union that stands strong together. A Union that prevails together.” Ursula von der Leyen, during her 2022 State of the Union speech In her 2023 State of the Union address, European Commission President von der Leyen will outline the main priorities and flagship initiatives for the year to come, building […]
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