The Commission decided to identify Cameroon as a non-cooperating country in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, giving it a so-called ‘red card’. From now onwards EU Member States shall refuse the importation of fishery products from Cameroon even when accompanied by catch certificates validated by the national authorities. The decision is based on the EU’s […]
Read MorePresidency Statement on the Coordination of COVID-19 Travel Measures
On 4th Janurary, the Member States of the EU, in the presence of the Schengen Associated Countries, met in the framework of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) to discuss the epidemiological situation in the EU/EEA and developments in China. The Member States agreed on a coordinated precautionary approach in the light of COVID-19 developments […]
Read MoreEuropean Single Market is turning 30
This year, the EU celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Single Market – one of the major achievements of European integration, and one of its key drivers. Established on 1 January 1993, the European Single Market allows goods, services, people and capital to move around the EU freely, making life easier for people and opening up new opportunities […]
Read MoreCan brain training slow cognitive decline?
Is the belief that a daily sudoku can ward off dementia just wishful thinking? Expert Arfan Ikram says these mental gymnastics deserve some thought. If you’re worried about memory loss and cognitive decline then listen up – it’s time to break out those crossword puzzles, download a language-learning app, or learn how to solve sudoku. […]
Read MoreEuropol 2022: Another year Making Europe Safer
2022 was a year marked by sudden, unexpected events, from continuing to deal with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical and economic turmoil. As the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, Europol supports EU Member States in preventing and combating all forms of serious international and organised crime, cybercrime and terrorism. Of the […]
Read MoreGame on! Extra-EU toy imports totalled €7.1 billion
When embarking on the hunt for the perfect presents to delight children, toys are surely at the top of the list. The EU is a net importer of toys from the rest of the world, with €7.1 billion worth of toys imported from extra-EU countries in 2021. Extra-EU exports totalled around a third of this (€2.4 billion). China main toy importer to the EU China […]
Read MoreDemocratic Republic of the Congo: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the publication of the recent UN Group of Experts report
The EU commends the resolute African-led initiatives to address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The EU reaffirms its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls on all parties to rapidly implement the decisions taken within their frame. The EU welcomes the political […]
Read MoreEP President launches procedure for two waivers of immunity
President Metsola has launched an urgent procedure for the waiver of immunity of two Members of the European Parliament, following a request from the Belgian judicial authorities. The first procedural steps have been taken and the President will announce the request in plenary at the first possible opportunity on 16 January. The request will be then […]
Read MoreCroatia joins the Euro and Schengen areas
On 1 January 2023 Croatia adopted the euro as its currency and fully joined the Schengen area. This marks an important milestone in the history of Croatia, of the euro and Schengen areas and of the EU as a whole. It follows a period of intensive preparation and substantial efforts by Croatia to meet all […]
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