On 3 September, the Council gave its final approval to an ambitious reform of the EU’s customs framework – the most comprehensive of its kind in decades. The updated legislation provides the Union with a more modern set of tools and new innovative instruments to further facilitate global trade, particularly in the field of e-commerce, […]
21st round of sanctions: the EU deals a heavy blow to Russia’s energy, financial and cryptocurrency sectors
On 23 July, the Council approved the 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine. This package includes tough economic sanctions targeting the sectors that have the greatest impact on the Russian economy and on its ability to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine, and the […]
EU countries have approved the UK’s involvement to help meet Ukraine’s urgent defence needs
On 22 July, EU countries approved the UK’s participation in the loan to support Ukraine, a €90 billion package to help meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs in 2026 and 2027 as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression. “The EU’s solidarity with Ukraine is a key priority of the Irish Presidency. Today’s approval reflects […]
Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034: The Council agrees on a negotiating position on EU support for migration, border management and internal security
On 15 July, the Council agreed on its partial negotiating position on the regulation establishing EU financial support for migration, border management and visas, and internal security for the period 2028–2034. These financial instruments will help Member States to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum, ensure the efficient management of the EU’s external borders […]
The Council and the Parliament reach an agreement to strengthen the European Chemicals Agency
The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to strengthen the management and funding of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The new rules will create an independent legal framework to help ECHA manage its growing number of responsibilities efficiently. Since its establishment in 2007, ECHA and its scientific […]
The Council agrees on a partial mandate to promote culture, the media and democratic values
The Council has agreed its position on the main elements of the new AgoraEU programme for the promotion of culture, the media and civil society in Europe. The programme will be included in the next multiannual financial framework (MFF), which will run from 2028 to 2034. The AgoraEU programme aims to promote common values such […]
The Council adopts new EU-wide legislation to combat corruption
The Council has given its final approval to a new piece of EU legislation that harmonises the definition of corruption across all Member States and establishes a common level of penalties for such offences. With measures to prevent corruption and rules to strengthen its investigation and prosecution, the legislation will bolster the fight against corruption […]
The Council adopts rules to improve forest reproductive material and support the EU seed sector
The Council has adopted new rules to improve the quality, availability and traceability of forest reproductive material (FRM), whilst supporting innovation and competitiveness in the EU seed sector. “Today’s decision marks a crucial step towards more resilient and sustainable forests in Europe. It improves the quality of forest reproductive material, supports innovation and provides Member […]
The Council supports the move to take bio-based innovations from the laboratory to production
The Council adopted last March 17 conclusions on the EU’s new Bioeconomy Strategy, which welcome the vision of a competitive and sustainable bioeconomy by 2040, promote the use of circular and bio-based solutions across all relevant sectors—as non-fossil alternatives—and support innovation and investment. The bioeconomy uses renewable biological resources, such as plants, animals and microorganisms, […]