Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 January to 30 June 2026. Under the slogan “An Autonomous Union. Open to the World,” the Presidency focuses on 5 overarching priorities: Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness Autonomy through Competitiveness Open to the World, Autonomous An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves […]
High Seas Treaty enters into force: A milestone for ocean conservation
The High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), enters into force on 17 January 2026. The European Union and its Member States are celebrating this significant milestone in ocean conservation and sustainable use of Ocean. This landmark agreement provides a framework for the common governance of about half of our planet’s surface and 95% […]
EU and Mercosur sign historic and ambitious partnership
Last January 17, the European Union and Mercosur signed a Partnership Agreement (EMPA) and an Interim Trade Agreement (iTA), representing a historic milestone between the two regions, and an ambitious platform for strengthening their economic, diplomatic and geopolitical relations. The Agreement signed will create one of the biggest trade zones in the world covering a […]
The EU invests over €307 million in artificial intelligence and related technologies
The European Commission has launched two new calls for proposals under the “Digital World, Industry and Space” cluster of the Horizon Europe work programme, allocating €307.3 million to strengthen Europe’s digital innovation and competitiveness. A total of €221.8 million will be allocated to an initiative focused on developing reliable artificial intelligence (AI) services, innovative data […]
Commission approves first wave of defence funding for eight Member States under SAFE
The European Commission has endorsed the national defence plans of eight Member States, marking a milestone in Europe’s push to strengthen its security. The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council to approve financial assistance for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Last year, the EU has made more progress […]
Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt
Last January 15, the European Commission disbursed €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to Egypt, an important commitment of the EU-Egypt Strategic Comprehensive Partnership signed in March 2024. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “Egypt is an important strategic partner for the European Union. Last January 15’s €1 billion payment shows both the EU’s commitment to this partnership […]
EU-Mercosur: President Costa and President von der Leyen to travel to Brazil and Paraguay
The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend the EU-Mercosur signature ceremony in Asunción, Paraguay on 17 January 2026. Ahead of the ceremony, on 16 January, President Costa and President von der Leyen will visit Rio de Janeiro to meet President […]
Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027
Last January 14, the European Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant milestone in the EU’s strong support for the country’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression. The legislative package consists of: A new proposal establishing a support loan for […]
EU commits to strengthening partnership with Lebanon
During their joint visit to Beirut, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council, António Costa, met with President of the Republic of Lebanon Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. On the first anniversary of President Aoun’s nomination, President von der Leyen and President Costa welcomed the decisive steps taken to […]