Main results Catalan, Basque and Galician The Council discussed a request by Spain to include Catalan, Basque and Galician in Regulation No 1/1958, which governs the EU’s language regime. The request was notified to the Council presidency on 17 August 2023, in a letter by Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the European Union and Cooperation. Currently, the […]
EU leaders discuss Ukraine, migration and economy at European Council on June 29-30
EU leaders discussed continued support for Ukraine, notably sustainable military and financial support, and how to boost long-term economic strength and resilience in the EU. They also discussed migration, the EU-China relationship and external relations. The EU leaders were joined by NATO Secretary-General, Jens Stoltenberg, for a working lunch to discuss EU-NATO cooperation and Euro-Atlantic security. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, addressed […]
Council adopts EU rules on crypto-assets market
The EU brings crypto-assets, crypto-assets issuers and crypto-asset service providers under a regulatory framework. Setting an EU level legal framework for this sector for the first time, the Council adopted a regulation on markets in crypto-assets (MiCA). MiCA will protect investors by increasing transparency and putting in place a comprehensive framework for issuers and service providers including compliance […]
Council and European Parliament agree to protect geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products
The Council and the European Parliament reached today a provisional deal on the regulation for geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. Once this regulation is finally approved, geographical indications (GIs), which up to now were used mainly for foods and beverages, will be enlarged to industrial products whose qualities are essentially linked to the […]
Agreement between the European Parliament and Council to install more recharging and refuelling stations across Europe
Following the provisional political agreement reached today by the Council and the European Parliament, more alternative fuel refuelling and recharging stations will be installed across Europe in the coming years, enabling the transport sector to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. What is the EU doing to promote the development of renewable energy? The objective of […]
EU renews individual sanctions against Russia
1 473 individuals and 205 entities are subject to an asset freeze and/or a travel ban because their actions have undermined Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The Council decided to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until […]
Provisional agreement reached on European green bonds
The new regulation aims to prevent greenwashing in the bonds market. Issuers of bonds will be able to demonstrate that they are funding green projects aligned with the EU taxonomy, whilst investors will be able to identify high-quality green bonds more easily. The EU is taking further steps to implement its strategy on financing sustainable […]
Traineeships at the General Secretariat of the EU Council
Every year, there are around 100 places available for paid traineeships, and up to 6 places for paid trainees with a disability. What can you expect from your traineeship? A traineeship at the General Secretariat of the Council (GSC) offers: first-hand experience of the work of the GSC EU knowledge – insight into the processes and policies of the EU […]
Extraordinary European Council meeting: discussion on further assistance to Ukraine
Russia’s war against Ukraine, the economic situation in the EU and migration are on the agenda of EU leaders as they meet in Brussels for a special European Council meeting, which kicks off on 9 February. Agenda highlights: Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine EU leaders will discuss recent developments with regards to Russia’s war of […]