The European Union will effectively and permanently stop the import of Russian gas and move towards the phaseout of Russian oil under the provisional political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council last December 3. This historic decision will end the EU’s dependence on an unreliable supplier, which has repeatedly destabilised European energy […]
Commission boosts energy interconnectivity across Europe
Last December 1, the Commission has granted 235 cross-border energy projects the status of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) – the second such list since its launch in 2023. The selected projects will be eligible to apply for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility and will benefit from expedited permitting and regulatory […]
EU opens registration for craft and industrial product names under new geographical indication scheme
From 1 December 2025, Europe’s glassblowers, potters, cutlers, jewellers and other makers will be able to register their product names under the EU’s new geographical indication (GI) scheme for craft and industrial goods. This marks the first time GI protection, long used for food and drink, will cover non-agricultural products, completing the Single Market for […]
European Union and Singapore discuss reinforcing digital cooperation
Last December 1, the EU and Singapore held their second Digital Partnership Council meeting in Brussels, reiterating their intention to cooperate across a range of digital areas from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity and beyond. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to enhance mutual competitiveness, foster innovation and shape digital rules and standards. Today’s Digital Partnership Council, co-chaired […]
EU launches plan to strengthen preparedness for cross-border health crises
Last November 28, the European Union is boosting its health preparedness architecture through the new Union prevention, preparedness and response plan for health crises. It will provide policymakers, crisis managers, and stakeholders with practical tools, such as exchanging information, expertise and technical assistance when a crisis occurs, for coordinated action in times of health crises […]
EU and Southern Mediterranean partners launch the Pact for the Mediterranean in Barcelona
On November 28, Ministers from EU Member States and Southern Mediterranean partner countries gathered in Barcelona to jointly launch the Pact for the Mediterranean: an historic moment for the EU’s deeper cooperation with Mediterranean countries. The launch took place on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process, a partnership that promotes cooperation and stability between […]
Commission launches Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition
Last November 27, the European Commission has launched a new scheme – the Skills Guarantee – to support workers and businesses and tackle labour shortages in strategic and growing sectors. A flagship initiative under the Union of Skills, the Skills Guarantee will reinforce strategic sectors in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund. Ιt will enable workers […]
EU and the Republic of Korea reinforce tech and digital cooperation at the third Digital Partnership Council
On November 28th, the European Union and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed the central role of their partnership in advancing cooperation on emerging digital technologies to unlock mutual benefits for their economies. During the third Digital Partnership Council held in Seoul, the EU also underlined its commitment to strengthening cooperation with digital partners across […]
Commission presents new Bioeconomy Strategy
Last November 27, the Commission adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, charting a way forward to build a clean, competitive and resilient European economy. By using renewable biological resources from land and sea and providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the EU will move forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy […]