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 seeks information on EU ocean policy
On 12 January, the European Commission launched a call for data to shape the European Ocean Law, which is expected to be adopted in 2026. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to developing cohesive maritime governance and sustainable use of ocean resources. The call will remain open until 9 February 2026 and is open to […]
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 […]
EU and Jordan deepen partnership with first-ever Summit
Last January 8, the EU and Jordan are marking a key milestone in their long-standing relationship with a first-ever bilateral Summit. The EU was represented by President von der Leyen and President Costa, and Jordan by His Majesty King Abdullah II. The leaders took stock of the implementation of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership (SCP) […]
New measures to boost circular economy and strengthen Europe’s plastic recycling
The European Commission has unveiled a first set of pilot actions to accelerate Europe’s transition to a circular economy, with a particular focus on the plastics sector. By optimising the recycling of plastics, these measures will further unlock the potential of the Single Market and enhance the EU’s economic security, strategic autonomy, competitiveness and environmental sustainability. This […]
EU agriculture ministers meet to focus on securing EU food security and sovereignty
Last January 7, EU agricultural ministers met in an extraordinary meeting, on the invitation of the European Commission and Minister Maria Panayiotou for the Cypriot Presidency of the Council. The Commission was represented at this meeting by Commissioners Hansen, Šefčovič and Várhelyi. Recognising that agriculture is crucial for European sovereignty and that the EU agri-food sector is key […]
Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on ‘Ethics, Transparency and Integrity for European Political Parties’
Last January 5, the European Commission has registered a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), entitled ‘Ethics, Transparency and Integrity for European Political Parties’. The initiative invites the Commission to “devise a European model of ethical governance based on transparency, integrity and shared responsibility”. To this end, the organisers call for the Commission to “propose a legislative […]