The Council has reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on updated rules to help prevent overfishing. The revision of the fisheries control system modernises the way fishing activities are controlled to ensure that EU vessels and those fishing in EU waters follow the rules set out in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). The agreement updates […]
European Union prepares stricter rules for waste shipments
The Council adopted its negotiating mandate to start talks with the European Parliament on a proposal to update EU legislation on cross-border waste shipments. The aim is to ensure that international shipments of waste don’t pose a threat to human health and the environment, and to promote the use of waste as a resource in […]
EU renews temporary trade benefits for Ukraine
In a demonstration of its unwavering political and economic support for Ukraine, the Council suspended all customs duties, quotas and trade defence measures on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, until June 2024. The Council adopted today a Regulation which renews the suspension of all customs duties, quotas and trade defence measures on Ukrainian exports […]
Council adopts position on ecodesign requirements
The Council has adopted its position (‘general approach’) on the proposed regulation establishing a framework for setting ecodesign requirements for sustainable products. The new regulation will replace the existing 2009 directive and enlarge the scope to set environmental sustainability requirements for almost all kind of goods placed on the EU market. It establishes a Digital […]
Main results of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council: promoting a more sustainable, competitive and resilient Europe
Agriculture Opportunities of the bioeconomy Following an exchange of views, the Council approved conclusions on the opportunities provided by the bioeconomy in the light of current challenges, with a focus on rural areas. Ministers highlighted the key role that the bioeconomy could play in achieving the environmental and climate goals under the European Green Deal, […]
Council adopts new rules on pay transparency
The Council has adopted new rules to combat pay discrimination and help close the gender pay gap in the EU. Under the pay transparency directive, EU companies will be required to share information about how much they pay women and men for work of equal value, and take action if their gender pay gap exceeds 5%. […]
10th EU-US Energy Council
The 10th EU-US Energy Council met on 4th April in Brussels, chaired by EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell Fontelles, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk. Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström, represented the Presidency of the Council of the […]
Agreement between the Council and the European Parliament on the instrument against coercion
The European Council and the European Parliament reached a preliminary political agreement on the anti-coercion instrument today. The Swedish Presidency agreed on this legislation on the protection of the Union and its member states from economic pressure by third nations on behalf of the European Union Council. (Anti-Coercion Instrument – ACI). This mechanism intends to […]
European Parliament proposes new law to modernize and strengthen minimum income schemes
MEPs have proposed a new law to tackle the current cost of living crisis to modernize and strengthen minimum income schemes in member states. On Wednesday, the plenary passed a resolution defending the EU minimum income directive to make minimum income schemes more affordable and effective. It will also ensure the social reintegration of workers […]