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. […]
Agreement reached on the first EU-wide criminal law rules against corruption
MEPs secured new EU measures for the more effective prevention and prosecution of corruption, including reinforced cooperation and greater transparency. On Tuesday evening, Parliament and Council negotiators reached a provisional agreement on the EU’s first ever directive harmonising criminal laws to fight corruption, strengthening efforts to prevent, prosecute and punish offences across the EU. A […]
EU and Southern Mediterranean partners launch the Pact for the Mediterranean in Barcelona
On November 28, Ministers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean partner countries gathered in Barcelona to jointly launch the Pact for the Mediterranean: an historic moment for the EU’s deeper cooperation with Mediterranean countries. The launch took place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a partnership that promotes cooperation and stability between […]
EU and the Republic of Korea reinforce tech and digital cooperation at the third Digital Partnership Council
On November 28th, the European Union and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed the central role of their partnership in advancing cooperation on emerging digital technologies to unlock mutual benefits for their economies. During the third Digital Partnership Council held in Seoul, the EU also underlined its commitment to strengthening cooperation with digital partners across […]
EU and South Africa advance cooperation on clean trade and investment
The EU and South Africa have just signed a landmark Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, along with a new cooperation agreement on minerals and metals value chains and new projects under Global Gateway, Europe’s investment strategy for the world. Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa together with President Cyril Ramaphosa at a Leaders’ meeting […]
EU and Tajikistan held 11th Cooperation Council meeting in Brussels
The European Union (EU) and the Republic of Tajikistan held its eleventh Cooperation Council meeting on 19 November, in Brussels. The meeting was chaired by Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan and by Constantinos Kombos, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, on behalf of Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs […]
Commission proposes strengthened cooperation to combat tax fraud
On November 14th, the European Commission proposed an amendment to strengthen cooperation between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (‘EPPO’), the European Anti-Fraud Office (‘OLAF’), and Member States. The proposal provides a legal basis for the exchange of information and access to VAT data, enhancing the EU’s ability to combat fraud against the financial interests of […]
Commission announces over €5 billion in funding for skills under Erasmus+ 2026
Last November 12, the European Commission has opened the Erasmus+ 2026 call for proposals, offering new funding opportunities in education, training, youth and sport across Europe and beyond. With a budget of around € 5.2 billion for 2026, the programme continues to invest in skills development and citizenship education through cross-border mobility and cooperation projects. […]
Switzerland joins Horizon Europe and other key EU research and innovation programmes
The European Union and Switzerland have signed the agreement on Switzerland’s participation in Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, and the Euratom Research & Training (R&T) programme. The agreement places Swiss researchers and organisations on the same footing as those in EU Member States: they may lead consortia, receive direct EU funding, and access all thematic pillars and instruments of […]