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, […]
The Council agrees on a position to simplify the rules on artificial intelligence.
On 13 March, the Council agreed on its position regarding the proposal to simplify certain rules relating to artificial intelligence (AI). The proposal forms part of the so-called‘Omnibus VII’legislative packageunder theEU’ssimplificationagenda. This package includes proposals for two regulations aimed at simplifying the EU’s digital legislative framework and the application of harmonised rules on artificial intelligence. […]
Commission welcomes political agreement on strengthening farmers’ position
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the proposal for specific amendments to the legislation governing thecommon organisation of the markets in agricultural products (CMO)and other related provisions of the EU’s agricultural policy. These changes will strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply […]
President von der Leyen and President Costa travel to Kyiv on the 4th anniversary of the invasion
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, travelled to Kyiv on 23 February together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, on the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite its limited territorial gains and enormous losses, Russia continues to wage its illegal and unprovoked […]
Council gives final green light to measures to improve the efficiency and robustness of the EU asylum system
The Council formally adopted the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin, as well as a revision of the concept of safe third country. These two legislative acts aim to better harmonise the EU’s migration and asylum framework and increase its efficiency. The EU-wide list of safe countries of origin will help Member States […]
Internships – Traineeships at the Council – Belgium
Twice a year, the Council offers 5-month paid traineeships in Brussels. The Consilium traineeship programme offers a first-hand experience of how the Council and the EU work. They offer young professionals the opportunity to be involved in the Council’s daily activities, learn from their colleagues and advisors, and contribute to shaping important decisions. The name […]
Council agrees its position on the legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine
The Council today agreed its position on the legal framework for implementing the European Council’s agreement to grant Ukraine a loan of €90 billion for the years 2026-2027. The Council now aims to reach an agreement with the European Parliament quickly so that the first payment can be disbursed at the beginning of the second […]