The Council has reached an agreement (‘general approach’) on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The aim is to tackle the increase in packaging waste generated in the EU, while harmonising the internal market for packaging and boosting the circular economy. The proposal considers the full life cycle of packaging. It […]
Agreement on internal gas and hydrogen markets
The Council and the Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the directive to establish common rules for the internal markets in renewable and natural gases and in hydrogen. The directive seeks to facilitate the penetration of renewable and low-carbon gases into the energy system, enabling a shift from natural gas, with a view to […]
European Union signs the Samoa agreement
The EU and its member states signed today a new Partnership Agreement with the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) that will serve as an overarching legal framework for their relations for the next twenty years. This agreement will succeed the Cotonou Agreement and will be known as the “Samoa Agreement”. The […]
Deal to reinforce the supply of critical raw materials
The Council and the European Parliament today reached a deal on the proposed regulation establishing a framework to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, better known as the Critical Raw Materials Act. The agreement is provisional, pending formal adoption in both institutions. The political agreement reached today keeps the overall objectives […]
Council and Parliament reach agreement on 2024 annual budget
The Council and the European Parliament reached agreement on the EU’s annual budget for 2024. Next year’s budget strongly focuses on the EU’s main policy priorities and reacts to the currently difficult geopolitical context. Total commitments are set at €189 385,4 million. €360 million have been kept available under the expenditure ceilings of the current multiannual financial framework for […]
Spanish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities
Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Committee on Culture and Education On 7 September, acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training Pilar Alegría said the presidency will focus on educational responses to support Ukraine, ambitious implementation of the European Education […]
EU ministers reach agreement on Baltic Sea catch limits for 2024
Fisheries Fishing opportunities for 2024 in the Baltic Sea Fisheries ministers reached a political agreement on next year’s total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for the most commercially significant fish stocks in the Baltic Sea. The agreement is in line with the scientific advice provided by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and with […]
Council agrees to tighten CO2 emission standards for heavy duty vehicles
The Council has reached an agreement (‘general approach’) on a proposal to update and strengthen the regulation on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The aim of the proposal is to further reduce CO₂ emissions in the road transport sector and to introduce new targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040. The new rules will contribute to […]
Council greenlights Post-Cotonou agreement
The new partnership agreement between the EU and 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries will guide relations for the next twenty years. It will replace the Cotonou agreement, adopted in 2000. The Council adopted a decision on the signature and provisional application of the European Union and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Partnership Agreement, […]