The European Commission and the European Defence Agency (EDA) have signed a Contribution Agreement to launch the second phase of theBraveTech EU initiative. This marks a significant step forward in EU-supported defence innovation. Under this agreement, the EDA will receive €35 million to implement the next phase of the programme. BraveTech EU, announced on 11 […]
Definition of rape based on the absence of consent across the EU
Parliament wants the Commission to propose legislation establishing a common definition of the crime of rape based on the absence of free, informed and revocable consent. In a report adopted on Tuesday by 447 votes to 160, with 43 abstentions, MEPs call on Member States that still define rape solely in terms of the use […]
Parliament approves the EU’s renewed trade instrument for development
On Tuesday, Parliament approved the revised rules on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). The updated rules, approved by 459 votes to 127, with 70 abstentions, allow vulnerable developing countries to export goods to the EU at low or zero tariffs. Several international human rights and environmental conventions have been added to the list of […]
Competition – ASEF Young Leaders Summit
The ASEF Young Leaders Summit (ASEFYLS) is a youth platform that builds a community of young people from Asia and Europe. It invites participants to embark on a learning journey to reflect on and develop their 1) self-leadership (you), 2) team leadership (us) and 3) social leadership (everyone). ASEFYLS is designed to foster a spirit […]
Parliament’s budget priorities for 2027: social cohesion, competitiveness, security
On Tuesday, MEPs backed a report setting out the Parliament’s priorities for the 2027 EU budget. The text emphasises that the 2027 budget must strengthen Europe’s social model, territorial cohesion and security, and calls for a budget that boosts competitiveness and prosperity, creates and protects quality jobs, and improves security and defence capabilities. Against a […]
EU and ASEAN reinforce Strategic Partnership at 25th Ministerial Meeting in Brunei
The 25th EU-ASEAN Ministerial Meeting convened on 28 April in Bandar Seri Begawan, bringing together Foreign Ministers from the European Union and ASEAN to advance their longstanding partnership and address pressing global challenges. Marking nearly five decades of dialogue relations, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to a rules-based international order, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development. Ministers welcomed progress under the EU-ASEAN Plan of Action […]
The EU and the US launch a strategic partnership on critical minerals
The EU and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership on critical minerals and agreed on an EU-US Action Plan on Critical Minerals. These initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation on critical raw materials. This is a key step towards improving the resilience and diversification of supply chains, […]
The EU and the EIB will support businesses in partner countries with €1.3 billion in funding
Following a new agreement between the European Commission and EIB Global, private project partners, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions in the EU’s partner countries will have access to €1.3 billion in funding to support infrastructure projects in clean energy and digitalisation. This new initiative is backed by a €362 million guarantee from […]
Internships – European Banking Authority – France
The EBA is the EU agency responsible for implementing a set of harmonised rules to regulate and supervise the banking sector across all EU countries. Its aim is to create a single market for banking products within the EU that is efficient, transparent and stable. The EBA is launching an internship programme designed to bring […]