The European Commission and the High Representative welcome the Council’s decision authorising them to enter into negotiations with each of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates with the aim of concluding bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs). The aim of the SPAs is […]
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Commission approves up to €403 million in State aid for major EU healthcare project
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the second health-related Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support innovations in medical devices. This includes the introduction of novel digital and artificial intelligence (‘AI’) features in medical devices. The IPCEI will support collaborative research and innovation, as well as the first industrial […]
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Republic of Korea joins Horizon Europe programme
Last July 17, the Republic of Korea has officially become the first Asian country to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s multibillion research and innovation programme. Korean researchers and organisations can now participate in several areas of the programme on equal terms with those for EU Member States. They will be able to join and […]
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EP considers budget proposal insufficient to meet Europe’s challenges
MEPs warn that the 1.26% ceiling will force cuts as debt repayments loom and warn about the long-term budget presented by the Commission. Parliament’s co-rapporteurs for the multiannual financial framework (MFF), Siegfried Mureșan (EPP, Romania) and Carla Tavares (S&D, Portugal), together with the co-rapporteurs for own resources,Sandra Gómez López (S&D, Spain) and Danuše Nerudová (EPP, […]
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A simpler tax architecture to benefit EU firms and citizens
MEPs on Tuesday adopted suggestions for reforms to the tax architecture to boost competitiveness while continuing to address tax avoidance and evasion. The report, drafted by Michalis Hadjipantela (EPP, CY), was adopted in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee by 46 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 11 abstentions. It will feed into the ongoing legislative […]
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EU adopts 18th package of sanctions against Russia
The European Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of the 18th Russia sanctions package, aimed at further ramping up pressure on the country and supporting EU’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The new measures focus on five building blocks: cutting Russia’s energy revenues, hitting Russia’s banking sector, further weakening its military-industrial […]
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Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on air passenger rights
Last July 16, the European Commission registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Save your right, save your flight!’. The aim of the initiative is to call for the reversal of changes that undermine passenger’s rights and the preservation of the ‘current compensation eligibility thresholds’ for air passengers. Following a thorough legal analysis, the Commission […]
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An ambitious budget for a stronger Europe: 2028-2034
Last July 16, the European Commission presented its proposal for an ambitious and dynamic Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to almost EUR 2 trillion (or 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income on average between 2028 and 2034). This framework will equip Europe with a long-term investment budget matching its ambitions to be an independent, […]
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Deal on more funding to boost skills development and address new challenges
Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on changes to the European Social Fund+ to boost skills in the defence and decarbonisation industries. The co-legislators agreed to support EU-countries using ESF+ funding for skills development in the defence sector and decarbonising industries. Regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine will also receive additional support, […]
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