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 […]
The new European Centre for Democratic Resilience begins its work
At the meeting of the General Affairs Council on February 24, the Commission and the Council Presidency invited EU ministers to celebrate the launch of the European Centre for Democratic Resilience. The aim of the Centre, a flagship initiative of the European Democracy Shield, is to facilitate a consolidated approach involving the whole of society […]
The EU and Nigeria open negotiations on a bilateral agreement on cooperation in science and technology
The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria have started negotiations for a bilateral Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement. The aim is to boost cooperation in research and innovation, in line with the conclusions of the 2023 EU-Nigeria Strategic Dialogue and the 2024 EU-Nigeria Summit. A bilateral agreement on […]
Council gives final green light to measures to improve the efficiency and robustness of the EU asylum system
The Council formally adopted the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin, as well as a revision of the concept of safe third country. These two legislative acts aim to better harmonise the EU’s migration and asylum framework and increase its efficiency. The EU-wide list of safe countries of origin will help Member States […]
The EC adopts proposals to sign and conclude the Agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom on Gibraltar
On 17 February, the European Commission adopted its proposals for the signing and provisional application, as well as for the conclusion of an agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Gibraltar. The main objective of the agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Gibraltar is to ensure the future […]
Building a sustainable future for small-scale coastal fishermen in southern Spain
On the coast of Cádiz, in southern Spain, the producer organisation OPP72 helps small-scale fishermen secure fair markets and protect their future. Founded in 2010, this organisation brings together some 70 producers and 59 vessels from the ports of Conil, La Atunara and Rota. As a producer organisation officially recognised by EU legislation, OPP72 benefits […]
SAFE instrument: Council clears the way for financial assistance to eight Member States and the conclusion of the agreement with Canada
The Council adopted a series of implementing decisions making financial assistance available to eight EU Member States under the SAFE instrument: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Romania. A second batch of Council Implementing Decisions on financial assistance for Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland has been authorised by the […]
Internships – Directorate-General for Market Infrastructure and Payments – Germany
The ECB’s Directorate General Market Infrastructure and Payments is responsible for the euro payment, securities settlement and collateral management systems, collectively referred to as “TARGET services”. Its tasks include overseeing the financial market infrastructure and payment instruments in the euro area, thereby contributing to the smooth functioning of financial markets. It also works with the […]
Commissioner Lahbib visits Ukraine to reiterate EU support
As Russia continues to attack Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, leaving more than a million people without electricity or water, the European Union stands firm alongside Ukraine to help its people endure another winter under attack. Today, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is in Ukraine to reaffirm that Europe’s support is constant, concrete […]