The Council has given its final approval to the new EU rules enabling more effective returns of people who are not legally entitled to remain in the EU. As set out in the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration, the new rules, which will come into force in the coming weeks, complement the Pact on Migration […]
Asylum policy: Council pushes forward EU legislation on safe countries of origin and safe third countries
The Council agreed on 8 December its position on two pieces of EU legislation that will strengthen the practical application of the fundamental safe country concept in EU asylum rules. These new EU migration laws aim to establish faster and more efficient asylum procedures for those who should not be granted protection within the EU. […]
Internships – Traineeship at the EU Council – Belgium
Twice a year the General Secretariat of the Council offers 5-month paid traineeship periods in Brussels: 1 February to 30 June (first period) 1 September to 31 January (second period) Regular paid traineeships Eligibility Applicants must be EU citizens; Have a university degree; Proficiency in English or French (C1 level) and very good knowledge of […]
Business taxation: María José Garde re-elected as chair of the code of conduct group
The code of conduct group has re-elected María José Garde (Spain) as its chair, for a second term of two years starting on 5 February 2025. María José Garde has chaired this Council preparatory body that oversees the implementation of the EU’s code of conduct on business taxation group since 2023. María José Garde is […]
Georgia: Council suspends visa-free travel for diplomats and officials
Today, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. This may lead to Georgian diplomats and officials having to apply for visa when travelling to the EU. “Fundamental rights and democratic values are core principles of EU integration. Officials that represent a country which trample down these values should not […]
Council adopts new regulation improving cross-border access to EU health data
The Council of the EU has adopted a new law that will make it easier to exchange and access health data at EU level, paving the way for it to come into force. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation aims to improve individuals’ access to and control over their personal electronic health data, while also enabling […]
Combatting child sexual abuse: Council adopts position on strengthened EU criminal law
Last december 13, the Council agreed its position on a proposal to update the EU’s criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The revised rules expand the definition of the offences, making sure that all forms of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including those enabled or facilitated by new […]
Migrant smuggling: member states reach agreement on criminal law
Today the Council agreed its position on an EU law on preventing and countering migrant smuggling. The objective of this proposal is to bring member states’ criminal law closer together on issues such as the definition and sanctioning of migrant smuggling. The position agreed today will serve as the basis for upcoming negotiations with the […]
Schengen: Council decides to lift land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania
EU member states have decided to remove checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January 2025. It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members. Lifting checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between those member states […]