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 […]
Council agrees on a recommendation on the changeover of Ukrainian banknotes to EU currencies
The Permanent Representatives Committee endorsed a Council recommendation on the conversion of hryvnia banknotes into the currency of member states hosting people escaping the war in Ukraine. The objective is to further support refugees who are having difficulty exchanging their banknotes into EU currencies. The recommendation invites member states to set up national schemes that […]
Charles Michel: Europe’s values, freedom and democracy will prevail
Just two weeks ago in this parliament, we expressed our shock and horror. The martyrdom of Mariupol, crimes against the city, crimes against its people. And today we express our outrage at crimes against humanity – against innocent civilians – in Bucha and in many other cities. Yet more proof that Russian brutality against the […]
Council agrees on 8th environmental action programme
The Council adopted its position on the 8th Environmental Action Programme (EAP). This programme will guide the development and implementation of environmental policy until 2030. The adoption of the Council’s position follows a provisional agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2021 and is the final step in the adoption procedure. The 8th EAP […]
Council adopts proposals aimed at securing the supply of medicines
Background With these proposals, the European Union intends to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland on the ground, in line with the measures for Northern Ireland presented by the Commission on 13 October 2021. European Health Union: a stronger role for the European Medicines Agency About the proposals EU ambassadors today agreed on […]
Support for Ukraine and the energy situation in Europe
Russian military action in Ukraine is causing major damage to the country’s energy capacities. Energy ministers have said that they are willing and ready to provide assistance to Ukraine in this regard. Moreover, these military operations are leading to an increase in gas prices in the EU as well as in international oil prices. This […]
Spanish government calls on Russia to put an immediate end to military invasion of Ukraine
The Government of Spain calls on Russia to put an immediate end to the military invasion of Ukraine The President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, participated during the night of February 24 in Brussels in the extraordinary European Council to address the military invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation during which they held a […]