On 16 July, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published anew joint report on the implementation of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), the EU’s main trade policy instrument for supporting exports from developing countries to the bloc. The report confirms that the scheme continues to contribute to […]
The Commission is proposing five joint defence projects to strengthen Europe’s industrial capabilities
The European Commission has proposed five new large-scale projects, known as European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCI),to help EU countries strengthen their defence capabilities through the joint development of key military systems. The industrial projects focus on five priority areas: drones and anti-drone systems; maritime and seabed defence; space; air and missile defence; and […]
Specialist prosecutors step up the fight against human trafficking
On 17 and 18 June, the Working Group of Prosecutors Specialising in Human Trafficking met at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague. The meeting was co-chaired by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and focused on recent developments in the fight against human trafficking. This fifth meeting of the Working Group addressed the practical challenges of applying the […]
EU concludes modernised Economic Partnership Agreement with Sub-Saharan Africa partners
Last June 10, the EU and four Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) States (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Seychelles) concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maros Šefčovič, participated via videoconference in the conclusion ceremony that took place today in Mauritius. The EPA represents the first of its […]
The EU launches the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation on Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
On 9 June, the European Union launched the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation on Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (T-MED), a flagship initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean. T-MED aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy, hydrogen, clean technology manufacturing and modern electricity grids across the Mediterranean region, with a view to fostering a more integrated, […]
EU and Kenya strengthen partnership
The European Union and Kenya are deepening their strategic partnership on trade, digital transformation and sustainable investment to drive mutual economic growth for the benefit of businesses and citizens on both sides. This reinforced cooperation reflects Kenya’s pivotal role as a key partner for the EU in Africa and at multilateral level. These commitments were […]
EU-Western Balkans Summit highlights enlargement as a strategic investment in Europe’s peace, stability and security
Last June 5, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola joined leaders from Member States and the six Western Balkan partners at the EU-Western Balkans Summit. The Summit was hosted by Montenegro in Tivat. Leaders took stock of […]
The Commission issues opinions on temporary internal border controls within the Schengen area
The Commission has issued opinions on the temporary reintroduction of internal border controls by Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, SloveniaandSweden. Whilst EU law allows for the temporary reintroduction of internal border controls under certain conditions, it also requires the Commission to issue an opinion where such controls last for more than 12 […]
The EU and the WHO are stepping up their efforts to respond to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda
The European Union and the World Health Organisation (WHO) are stepping up their cooperation to support national authorities in responding to the Ebola outbreaks currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda, with the aim of rapidly containing transmission, protecting communities and strengthening preparedness in the region, ultimately saving lives. Thanks […]