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 […]
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 […]
EU opens new chapter in its relations with Syria
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa have visited Damascus to discuss the renewed bilateral relations with Syria. They met with Syrian President Ahmed al-Shaara to discuss this new chapter in bilateral relations, focused around three pillars: A new political partnership supporting a peaceful and inclusive transition and reconciliation […]
Commission hosts the G7 meeting on global health security
From 12 to 14 January, the European Commission is hosting a meeting ofthe Global Health Security Initiative (an informal network of G7 countries and organisations) in Brussels, with the aim of strengthening public health preparedness and addressing new global health risks. The meeting will discuss new and emerging health threats, as well as the group’s […]
Commission proposes to support dismissed workers in the car industry in Belgium
The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help 3,414 workers dismissed after the closure of carmaker Audi’s plant in Brussels. In February 2025, Audi stopped producing the Q8 e-tron car model in Brussels and closed its plant. As a consequence, several suppliers of Audi […]