The second list of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) has been published in the Official Journal of the European Union today. It outlines 235 selected cross-border energy infrastructure projects that will strengthen energy connectivity across the continent, bringing nearer the completion of the Energy Union. Once in force, in 20 days time, it […]
The Commission, EU countries and industry representatives are meeting to assess the situation in the oil market
At today’s extraordinary meeting of the Oil Coordination Group, representatives from the European Commission, EU member states and the industry provided an update on the state of the EU’s oil supply security, as disruptions in the Middle East enter their sixth week. Industry representatives taking part in the discussion reported that, for the time being, […]
The EU and Montenegro have provisionally closed the chapter on trans-European networks in the accession negotiations
The 26th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed the accession negotiations on Chapter 21 (Trans-European Networks). In the current geopolitical context, enlargement is, more than ever, a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity. I am pleased to see that another chapter of negotiations with Montenegro is being closed today, at […]
Fisheries and aquaculture: Council agrees its negotiating position on a new framework for statistics
The Council has agreed on a mandate to open negotiations with the European Parliament on a Regulation establishing a new European framework for fisheries and aquaculture statistics. The new framework will modernise the collection and use of statistical data on fisheries and aquaculture across the European Union, thereby enabling the use of reliable and timely […]
Coal and Steel Research Fund: Council adopts position to make steel and coal industries cleaner and more competitive
The Council has reached an agreement (general approach) on a package of two proposals to reform the Coal and Steel Research Fund. The two Council Decisions aim to accelerate and simplify investments in research and innovation to promote competitiveness and a green and just transition for the steel sector and mining regions in the EU. […]
EC proposes €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support workers laid off from Liberty Steel in Belgium
The European Commission has proposed mobilising €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to support 507 workers made redundant following the bankruptcy of Liberty Steel Belgium. Liberty Steel’s production lines in Belgium were shut down in December 2021 due to a shortage of raw materials. Despite efforts to restructure the entity, production never […]
SAFE instrument: Council clears the way for financial assistance to eight Member States and the conclusion of the agreement with Canada
The Council adopted a series of implementing decisions making financial assistance available to eight EU Member States under the SAFE instrument: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Romania. A second batch of Council Implementing Decisions on financial assistance for Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland has been authorised by the […]
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 […]
Parliament and Council seek bringing down prices of gas
MEPs and the Polish Presidency of the Council reached an informal agreement on Tuesday to extend the EU’s 2022 gas storage scheme until 31 December 2027, as it would otherwise have expired at the end of 2025. The provision is designed to ensure gas supply security ahead of the winter season. MEPs and Council also […]