Avian influenza viruses pose an increasing threat, with the potential to adapt to humans and trigger future pandemics. Employing a One Health approach, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have issued scientific advice that assesses avian influenza virus mutations and the potential of these viruses […]
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Business taxation: María José Garde re-elected as chair of the code of conduct group
The code of conduct group has re-elected María José Garde (Spain) as its chair, for a second term of two years starting on 5 February 2025. María José Garde has chaired this Council preparatory body that oversees the implementation of the EU’s code of conduct on business taxation group since 2023. María José Garde is […]
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Tariffs on agricultural products and fertilisers, new measures against Russia and Belarus
The European Commission has adopted a proposal to impose tariffs on a number of agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as on certain nitrogen-based fertilisers. The agricultural products affected by the new tariffs constitute 15% of agricultural imports from Russia in 2023 that had not yet been subject to increased tariffs. Once adopted by the Council, […]
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Democratic Republic of the Congo receives €60 million in humanitarian aid from EU
The European Commission today announced new humanitarian support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with an initial amount of €60 million for 2025. Following the latest developments in the East of the country, the European Union stands ready to boost emergency assistance, particularly for the newly displaced populations in and around Goma. The […]
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Members of the European Commission commit themselves to the Court of Justice for the new mandate
As required by the Treaties, the members of the European Commission for the 2024-2029 term, led by President von der Leyen, gave yesterday a solemn undertaking before the European Court of Justice, committing to respect and guard the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The College was welcomed by the Court, […]
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Your opinion counts! Participate in the consultation on the zero net emissions industry law
The Commission has opened a series of calls for public information on four draft pieces of secondary legislation to implement the Zero Net Emissions Industry Act, which aims to boost the competitiveness of the clean technology sector across Europe. The three delegated acts and one implementing act will help companies and public authorities to […]
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Council extends economic restrictive measures against Russia for another six months
The Council today extended EU restrictive measures for a further six months, until 31 July 2025, in the light of continued actions by the Russian Federation destabilising the situation in Ukraine. These economic measures, which were first adopted in 2014, have been significantly extended since February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and […]
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Georgia: Council suspends visa-free travel for diplomats and officials
Today, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. This may lead to Georgian diplomats and officials having to apply for visa when travelling to the EU. “Fundamental rights and democratic values are core principles of EU integration. Officials that represent a country which trample down these values should not […]
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Petitions Committee: activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in response to the floods in Valencia among other issues
During Monday’s session, the Petitions Committee discussed four Spanish petitions on alleged non-compliance with the EU regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela. Under the regulation, individuals linked to human rights violations face travel bans within the EU. All the petitions concern the presence of Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, who is […]
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