On 29 May, the Council adopted a Recommendation on the development of a new European Union framework for science diplomacy. The framework aims to strengthen the Union’s position as a global leader in science and technology and to use scientific cooperation to advance its foreign policy objectives. Science as a diplomatic tool The Recommendation emphasises […]
Council gives green light to signing of package of agreements with Switzerland
On 24 February, the Council gave the green light to the signing of a comprehensive package of agreements between the EU and Switzerland aimed at deepening and broadening their bilateral relationship. This comprehensive package of bilateral agreements with Switzerland includes a wide variety of elements: the updating of four agreements that already give Switzerland access […]
EU and Montenegro make progress in accession negotiations
The 24th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro last December 16 provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapters 3 (right of establishment and freedom to provide services), 4 (free movement of capital), 6 (company law), 11 (agriculture and rural development) and 13 (fisheries). If necessary, the EU will revert to these chapters in due course. […]
The first EU-Egypt summit will be held in Brussels on 22 October
The President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will represent the EU at the first EU-Egypt summit, which will take place in Brussels on 22 October 2025. President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi will represent Egypt. The summit will discuss bilateral relations and ways to further […]
EU and OEACP reaffirm commitment to global sustainable development
The EU and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OASECP) have issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development. In a declaration adopted last July 1 by the Council of the EU, the […]
EU adopts plan to improve cybersecurity crisis management
Telecoms ministers adopted on 6 June the EU Master Plan for Cybersecurity Crisis Management, which provides guidance for the EU’s response to large-scale cybersecurity incidents or cybersecurity crises. The EU Cybersecurity Master Plan is an important guidance resource through which Member States can improve their preparedness for cybersecurity incidents, as well as their detection and […]
Council adopts new regulation improving cross-border access to EU health data
The Council of the EU has adopted a new law that will make it easier to exchange and access health data at EU level, paving the way for it to come into force. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation aims to improve individuals’ access to and control over their personal electronic health data, while also enabling […]
Basel III reforms: new EU rules to strengthen bank resilience
The Council adopted new rules aimed at making banks operating in the EU more resilient to possible economic shocks. The changes aim to increase the resilience of banks, strengthen their supervision and reinforce risk management. In addition they will strengthen supervision and sustainability in the banking sector. Vincent Van Peteghem, Belgian minister for finance, stated last Thursday: “The […]
Council to sign agreement with Serbia and Frontex
The Council has decided that the EU will sign an agreement with the Republic of Serbia on operational activities being carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement will allow the EU and Serbia to organise joint operations involving Frontex and the Serbian border guards. It also means that Frontex […]