EU Foreign Ministers met on February 21, 2022 in Brussels to discuss a number of current issues affecting the European Union. The meeting was chaired by Josep BORRELL, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Foreign Ministers discussed recent developments in Russia’s military activities around Ukraine. This was followed by a discussion on […]
EU agrees to give Europol more powers and resources in its fight against crime
The Council presidency and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on a draft regulation amending the Europol regulation. The provisional agreement is subject to approval by the Council and the European Parliament before going through the formal adoption procedure. On the basis of a Commission proposal, the European Parliament and the Council agreed to […]
Europe’s priorities in the field of agriculture and fisheries
Following the meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 17 January 2022, the European ministers set several objectives and priorities in the field of agriculture and fisheries. Agriculture – Priorities of the French presidency These priorities include, on the one hand, the reciprocity of trading standards – in other words, ensuring (chiefly by means of ‘mirror […]
Europe agrees to strengthen competition in the digital field
The Council reached an agreement on its position (“general approach”) on the proposed Digital Markets Act. The proposal aims to ensure the competitiveness and fairness of the digital sector in order to promote innovation, high quality of digital products and services and high quality and choice in the digital sector. Online platforms that provide basic […]
What Slovenian MEPs expect from their country’s presidency
Slovenia took over the rotating presidency of the Council on 1 July. Find out what Slovenian MEPs expect during their country’s turn at the helm. Slovenia took over the presidency of the Council of the European Union from Portugal. The focus is on facilitating the EU’s recovery and making it more resilient. On 6 July, […]
Council agrees its negotiating mandate on the Digital Green Certificate
EU ambassadors today agreed a mandate for negotiations with the European Parliament on the proposal for a Digital Green Certificate. This certificate will facilitate safe and free movement during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing proof that a person has either been vaccinated against COVID-19, received a negative test result or recovered from COVID-19. The […]
COVID-19: Council updates recommendation on measures affecting free movement
The Council adopted a recommendation amending the recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restrictions of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the updated recommendation, a new colour (dark red) is added to the existing categories of green, orange, red and grey in the weekly map published by the ECDC. This colour […]
Main results of the European Council, 10-11 December 2020
EU leaders reached a deal to address the concerns expressed on the recovery package and agreed on the 55% emissions reduction goal. They also adopted conclusions on COVID-19, security and external relations, and met for a Euro Summit in inclusive format. [toc] Long-term EU budget 2021-2027 and recovery package The European Council agreed a number […]
Main results of the European Council meeting, 15-16 October 2020
On 15 and 16 October, EU leaders met in Brussels to discuss the epidemiological situation, relations with the United Kingdom, climate change and foreign affairs, in particular relations with Africa. COVID-19 The European Council assessed the current epidemiological situation, which is unprecedented and gives rise to very serious concern. Leaders welcomed the progress achieved so far […]