The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1960, in which peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were senselessly killed. While this tragic event marked a turning point and ultimately ushered in the transition to democracy and equality in South Africa, the fight against racism continues […]
How does the EU protect you through the new rules for digital platforms?
The European Union has created the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Two laws to better protect users and consumers on the internet. Digital platforms have become very important agents in our daily lives. Today we communicate, buy, search for information or consume audiovisual content through our digital devices. However, this […]
EU condemns illegitimate “elections” in occupied territories of Ukraine
On 8-10 September, regional and local elections were organised in Russia and illegally also in the territories of Ukraine that Russia has temporarily occupied. The European Union strongly condemns the holding of these illegitimate so-called “elections” in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the City of Sevastopol and in parts of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia […]
Council approves €1 billion in ammunition aid for Ukraine
On 13th April, The Council adopted an assistance measure worth €1 billion under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This measure will allow the EU to reimburse member states for ammunition donated to Ukraine from existing stocks or from the reprioritisation of existing orders during the period 9 February to 31 May 2023. […]
European Council adopts regulation on CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans
‘Fit for 55’: The new rules aim to reduce emissions from road transport that has the highest share of emissions from transport – and provide the right push for the automotive industry to shift towards zero-emission mobility while ensuring continued innovation in the industry. The new rules set the following targets: 55% CO2 emission reductions for […]
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 […]
Council adds the violation of restrictive measures to the list of EU crimes
The Council unanimously adopted a decision to add the violation of restrictive measures to the list of ‘EU crimes’ included in the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU. Pavel Blažek, Czech Minister of Justice: The EU has responded with determination to Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war against Ukraine. It has adopted an unprecedented number […]
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 […]
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 […]