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 […]
EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime: listings renewed for an additional year
The Council yesterday decided to prolong and update the list of individuals, entities, and bodies subject to restrictive measures against serious human rights violations and abuses, for a further year until 8 December 2025. With the latest updates, the restrictive measures currently apply to 116 persons and 33 entities. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and […]
Assistance to member states affected by natural disasters: Council gives go-ahead to proposal
Member states’ representatives in the Special Committee on Agriculture have endorsed providing further assistance to EU countries affected by recent unprecedent natural disasters through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). “The EU is enabling those member states who have unused rural development funds from the previous programming period to swiftly and flexibly react to the devastating effects of […]
Council adopts law for clean and smart construction products
The Council has adopted the construction products regulation (CPR), which harmonises the EU rules for marketing of those products, facilitates their free movement in the single market, reduces administrative burdens and promotes the circular economy and technological development in that sector. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The CPR updates the existing […]
Council agrees on VAT in the digital age package
The Council today reached an agreement on new measures that will bring the EU’s value added tax (VAT) rules into the digital age. With new rules on electronic invoices and real-time data reporting, as well as business carried out through digital platforms, this package of legislation will fight tax fraud, support businesses and promote digitalisation […]
Hungary takes over Council presidency
Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2024. The Hungarian presidency’s programme is structured around seven priorities, including enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and reinforcing the EU’s defence policy. This is the second time Hungary has held the Council presidency. The Council of the EU is […]
Joint statement of the parties to the European Economic Area Agreement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its entry into force
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The EEA Agreement, which unites our States in the internal market, has been the bedrock of our close and special partnership. It has greatly contributed to the prosperity of our societies and economies. This exceptional milestone invites […]
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU
Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires us to focus on fighting inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Equality, freedom and justice must apply to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender […]
EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran
The Council has decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and […]