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 […]
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 […]