The European Commission adopted two proposals to strengthen equality bodies, in particular their independence, resources and powers, so they can combat discrimination in Europe more effectively. Equality bodies are essential in assisting victims of discrimination and making sure that EU law on non-discrimination is implemented on the ground. This new legislation will ensure that equality bodies […]
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Council and Parliament strike provisional deal to cut down deforestation worldwide
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on a proposal to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products that are imported into or exported from the European Union. The agreement is provisional pending formal adoption in both institutions. The provisional agreement sets mandatory due diligence rules for all operators and […]
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EU leaders and Western Balkans partners reconfirm strategic partnership
This was the first-ever summit between EU and Western Balkans leaders to take place in the Western Balkans region. The summit was an opportunity to reconfirm the key importance of strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans, a region with a clear EU perspective. The main topics of discussion were: tackling together the consequences the Russian aggression against Ukraine […]
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EU to invest €13.5 billion in research and innovation for 2023-2024
The Commission has adopted today the main Horizon Europe work programme 2023-24, with around €13.5 billion to support researchers and innovators in Europe to pursue breakthrough solutions for environmental, energy, digital and geopolitical challenges. As part of the broader EU €95.5 billion research and innovation programme, Horizon Europe, this funding will contribute to the EU reaching its climate goals, increasing energy resilience, […]
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EU-US Trade and Technology Council addresses common challenges and responds to global crises
The EU and the US held the third Ministerial Meeting of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in College Park, Maryland. The TTC is a key forum to deepen transatlantic cooperation to facilitate trade and develop global standards on technology and security. Geostrategic challenges, including Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, have reinforced the […]
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EU agrees on maximum price for a barrel of Russian crude oil
The Council has decided to set an oil price cap for crude oil and petroleum oils and oils obtained from bituminous minerals (CN code 2709 00) which originate in or are exported from Russia, at USD 60 per barrel. The level of the cap was established in close cooperation with the Price Cap Coalition and will become […]
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Future of Europe Conference: citizens expect more from the EU
On Friday, December 2, the EU institutions and more than 500 citizens assessed the response to the proposals of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The European Parliament hosted an event in Brussels to discuss how the institutions are following up on the final Conference proposals, attended by representatives of the Parliament, the Council […]
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New Copernicus data access service
The Commission welcomes the procurement of a new Copernicus data access service following the signature of a contract between the European Space Agency and a consortium led by T-Systems International. This service will empower users with immediate access to extremely large amounts (petabytes) of earth observation digital data from the Copernicus Sentinel satellites constellation. This […]
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EU addresses local plastics challenges through pilot scheme in Colombia
Colombia is ranked among the top 20 most polluting rivers in the world, due to the high levels of plastic material in the Amazon and Magdalena rivers. The latter is affected by its proximity to major cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, and its highly interconnected water basin. This is why the European Union, in […]
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