The Commission presents an initiative to further strengthen and promote social dialogue with concrete actions at national and EU level. It renews our strong commitment to social dialogue as a cornerstone of the EU social market economy and its competitiveness. The initiative empowers social dialogue to adapt to the changing world of work and new […]
EU trade with Russia declined strongly
EU trade with Russia has been strongly affected following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the EU imposing import and export restrictions on several products. The effects of these measures have been particularly visible in the latest months. Considering seasonally adjusted values, both exports and imports dropped considerably below the levels prior to Russia’s invasion. Russia’s share in extra-EU imports fell from 6.4% […]
MEPs adopt legislation to boost EU chips industry
On Tuesday, MEPs backed plans to secure the EU supply of chips by boosting production and innovation, and setting up emergency measures against shortages. The Industry and Energy Committee adopted two draft bills: one on the “Chips Act” that aims to bolster technological capacity and innovation in the EU Chips ecosystem and a second one […]
EU adopts further restrictive measures against human rights violations in Iran
The Council decided to add 18 individuals and 19 entities to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in the context of the existing Iran human rights sanctions regime. This is in view of their role in the widespread and disproportionate use of force against non-violent protestors following the death of Mahsa Amini. Among the persons enlisted are representatives […]
1 million for the landmark WTO fisheries subsidies agreement
The EU has pledged €1 million for the Fisheries Funding Mechanism which forms part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies reached last year. Established in November 2022, this new Fisheries Funding Mechanism aims to support sustainability in fisheries and eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies. It will provide grants to developing and least […]
The EFCA strengthens its fleet with three new vessels to boost fisheries enforcement in EU waters
The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) presented the three new EFCA´s chartered patrol vessels, which will serve as additional platforms for EU fisheries inspections in European and international waters. Following the mandate from the EU institutions to strengthen EFCA´s operational capacity for assisting the Member States and the European Commission in the monitoring, control and […]
EU increases humanitarian aid funding to 1.7 billion euros for 2023
As humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, the EU maintains its commitment to support those in need by adopting its initial annual humanitarian budget of €1.7 billion for 2023. Human-induced humanitarian crises, resulting from wars with often widespread violations of international humanitarian law, conflicts or outbreaks of violence are the main source of humanitarian needs […]
New Copernicus cooperation arrangement between the European Commission and Japan
Director-General for Defence Industry and Space, Timo Pesonen, has signed on behalf of the European Commission, a Copernicus Cooperation Arrangement with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan. The Arrangement was signed in the margin of the EU-Japan Space Dialogue taking place in Brussels this week. The aim of this new Arrangement […]
Parliament wants to impose stricter EU rules for waste shipments
On Tuesday, Parliament adopted its negotiating position for talks with EU governments on a new law to revise EU procedures and control measures for waste shipments. The revised legislation should protect the environment and human health more effectively, while taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by waste to achieve the EU’s goals of a […]