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 […]
The Single Market, the key instrument for meeting current challenges, turns 30 years old
The Commission has published the 2023 Annual Single Market Report and the 2022 Single Market Scoreboard, as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the Single Market. The reports confirm that the Single Market remains a key tool to address Europe’s current challenges and highlight the importance of continuously improving its functioning, as well as […]
Agriculture and Fisheries Council: EU ministers discuss progress on the EU Forest Strategy for 2030
Agriculture New EU Forest Strategy 2030 Agriculture ministers discussed the progress made so far on implementation of the New EU Forest Strategy for 2030, as well as measures that could be taken both at national and EU level to enhance its efficiency. Ministers also exchanged views on how to enhance cooperation between the Commission, member […]
Council and European Parliament agree on boosting secure communications with a new satellite system
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a regulation establishing the EU’s secure connectivity programme for the period 2023-2027. Providing secure communication services to member states… The programme sets goals for the European Union to deploy an EU satellite constellation called ‘IRIS2’ (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), which will […]
EU budget for 2023: Council and Parliament reach agreement
The Council and the European Parliament have this week reached an agreement on the EU budget for 2023 that places particular emphasis on the EU’s main strategic priorities. Total commitments are set at €186.6 billion. This is an increase of 1.1% compared to the 2022 budget as amended. €0.4 billion have been kept available under […]
Environment Council: Climate Summit COP 27
EU environment ministers approved Council conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for the 27th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP 27). All eyes will be on us in Sharm El-Sheikh. The EU has always been at the forefront of climate action and we will continue to lead by example. Protecting our planet for future […]
Council of the European Union agrees on stricter standards for energy efficiency of buildings
Conclusions of the European Council on Transport, Telecommunications and Energy on October 25, 2022 EU energy ministers adopted a general approach on a proposal setting new requirements for the energy performance of buildings (EPBD). The main objectives of the revised directive are that all new buildings should be zero-emission buildings by 2030, and that existing buildings should […]