On June 20, the Council approved conclusions on a strategic partnership with the Gulf region. The objective is to build a strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its member states. An enhanced and deep cooperation between the EU and the Gulf partners is a key priority for the European Union and a shared interest in […]
Council and Parliament agree to reduce limit values for the presence of persistent organic pollutants in waste
The Council and the Parliament reached a provisional deal concerning the revision of annexes to the persistent organic pollutant regulation in order to set further restrictions to the presence of these substances in waste. Persistent organic pollutants are particularly harmful chemicals. Although they are generally no longer used in new products, they can still be […]
European Semester 2022: country-specific recommendations agreed
On June 17, the Council agreed its Country Specific Recommendations on the member states’ National Reform Programmes of 2022 and the Council opinions on the updated Stability or Convergence Programmes. This step is part of the 2022 European Semester programme, which enables member states to coordinate their economic, employment and fiscal policies. Next steps The […]
Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s perspective to become members of the EU
Today, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova as invited by the Council. Today’s Opinions are based on the Commission’s assessment in light of the three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic […]
Parliament activates process to change EU Treaties
On Thursday, Parliament adopted a resolution calling on the European Council to agree to start the process to revise the EU Treaties. In light of the array of ongoing and recent crises, MEPs used their prerogative to call for the Treaties to be changed by: reforming voting procedures in the Council to enhance the European Union’s capacity […]
Council adopts legislation entrusting new tasks to the Europol
On 24 May, the Council adopted a regulation amending the Europol Regulation. The text should be published in the Official Journal and enter into force before the end of June. Europol is an EU agency that plays a crucial role in police cooperation. On the basis of the Commission proposal, the European Parliament and the […]
Council approves Data Governance Act
After the European Parliament, the Council 16th may approved a new law to promote the availability of data and build a trustworthy environment to facilitate their use for research and the creation of innovative new services and products. The Data Governance Act (DGA) will set up robust mechanisms to facilitate the reuse of certain categories of protected public-sector […]
Chemical Weapons Convention: Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union to mark the 25th anniversary
On 29 April 2022, we mark the 25th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). With 193 States Parties, the Convention today enshrines the international norm against the use of chemical weapons. Since it entered into […]
European Peace Facility backs African Union with 600 million euros
The Council adopted on 21 April a decision establishing an assistance measure under the European Peace Facility to support the African Union for an amount of EUR 600 million. The EU reiterates its strong commitment to the partnership between the European Union and the African Union and to cooperation in the field of peace and […]