On 2 March 2026, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin signed a broad package of agreements aiming to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship. The package establishes a modern framework for the EU and Switzerland, enabling frictionless access to a market of […]
Commission proposes EU-wide rules against the trafficking of illicit firearms
The European Commission has presented a proposal for a directive to combat firearms trafficking and other firearms-related offences in the EU. This is the first legislative initiative to be adopted under the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU. Illicit firearms pose a serious threat to public security, enabling terrorism, organised crime, gang violence and other serious offences. […]
Commission presents new counterterrorism agenda
Last February 26, the European Commission presented a new agenda to prevent and counter terrorism, setting out the way forward to reinforce Europe’s collective response to evolving terrorist and violent extremist threats. The EU has strengthened its response to terrorism and violent extremism over the past decade. However, the evolving nature of these threats requires […]
Council gives green light to signing of package of agreements with Switzerland
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 […]