The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a single window for customs which sets the appropriate conditions for digital collaboration between customs and partner competent authorities. The aim is to make international trade easier, shorten customs clearance times and reduce the risk of fraud. It will also help reduce the administrative burden […]
The Council adopts the 2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’
To ensure that the EU meets its objectives for a digital transformation in line with EU values, member states last Thrusday agreed on a negotiating mandate for the 2030 policy programme ‘Path to the Digital Decade’. This text aims to strengthen the EU’s digital leadership by promoting inclusive and sustainable digital policies that serve citizens and businesses. […]
Council and European Parliament agree to strengthen cybersecurity across EU
The Council and the European Parliament agreed on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, to further improve the resilience and incident response capacities of both the public and private sector and the EU as a whole. Once adopted, the new directive, called ‘NIS2’, will replace the current directive on security […]
EU ministers confirm unity in support for Ukraine
Ministers discussed the Russian military aggression and stood united in their support for Ukraine. Ministers highlighted the importance of accountability for the gross violations of international law. The EU will support the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor and the Ukrainian prosecutor financially and with staff on the ground. The EU advisory mission will now be deployed on the […]
EU adopts fifth package of sanctions against Russia
In light of Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine, and the reported atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine, the Council decided to impose a fifth package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. The agreed package includes a series of measures intended to reinforce pressure on the Russian government and economy, and […]
Council approves immediate disbursement of €3.5 billion to EU countries welcoming refugees
As part of the EU’s efforts to support Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, EU ambassadors today endorsed a proposal giving member states immediate access to more initial funding from REACT-EU (Recovery Assistance for Cohesion and the Territories of Europe), as well as facilitating the provision of basic needs and support for refugees from Ukraine. A total […]
Council adopts €150 million assistance to the Republic of Moldova
The EU will provide a macro-financial assistance operation of €150 million in the form of loans and grants to benefit the Republic of Moldova. The assistance shall contribute to strengthening Moldova’s resilience in the current geopolitical context, and covering Moldova’s balance of payments needs as identified in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. It intends to support Moldova’s economic […]
Council updates EU fishing rights for 2022 to reflect agreement with UK
The Council has adopted a regulation updating the EU’s fishing rights for 2022 to incorporate the agreement reached with the UK in December 2021. The regulation sets out the final total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for member states in the Atlantic and North Sea, taking into account fish stocks subject to bilateral consultations. Changes to the previous year’s TACs […]
Ukraine: Home Affair Ministers discuss reception of refugees
Main results Ministers met to discuss further coordination of the reception of refugees from Ukraine. Since 24 February 2022, around 3.8 million people, mainly women and children, have arrived in the European Union after fleeing from the war in Ukraine. Ministers took stock of the means of material and financial support deployed with regard to both their level […]