The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament have reached a deal on the core political elements of five key regulations that will thoroughly overhaul the EU’s legal framework on asylum and migration. The five EU laws that the Spanish presidency and Parliament have agreed on touch upon all stages of asylum and […]
Council and Parliament reach deal to Reform of electricity market design
The reform of the electricity market is the EU’s long-term response to the energy crisis experienced in 2022. Despite a high share of renewables in energy generation, high spikes in fossil fuel prices (especially gas) have caused a steep increase in electricity prices. This is due to the functioning of the EU electricity market, where the price of […]
Council and EU Parliament reach provisional agreement on EU law protecting journalists and human rights defenders
The EU has taken an important step towards the protection of journalists and human rights defenders against unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament reached a political deal on a directive which would protect these individuals from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The use of […]
EU adopts digital visa for people planning to visit the Schengen area
The Council adopted new rules on last 13th November, which will allow people who plan to travel to the Schengen area to apply online for a visa. The Schengen area is a zone of 27 European countries which have abolished many types of internal border controls. The possibility of applying for a Schengen visa online […]
Instant payments: Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement
The Council and the European Parliament have reached a political agreement on the instant payments proposal, which will improve the availability of instant payment options in euro to consumers and businesses in the EU and in EEA countries. The new rules will improve the strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector as they will help reduce any excessive reliance […]
Spanish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities
Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Committee on Culture and Education On 7 September, acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training Pilar Alegría said the presidency will focus on educational responses to support Ukraine, ambitious implementation of the European Education […]
European Council meeting: Middle East and Ukraine on the agenda for EU leaders
At the European Council on 26 and 27 October, EU leaders will discuss the unfolding situation in the Middle East and continued support to Ukraine. They will also cover the mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget. Oriente Próximo In light of Hamas’ brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attack against Israel and the unfolding tragic scenes […]
EU and US united in promoting peace and security worldwide
EU leaders, including the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met with US President, Joe Biden, and the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, in Washington DC. The summit was an opportunity to review […]
The European Council will discuss the current situation in Israel and the region this afternoon
Video conference of the members of the European Council, 17 October 2023 Agenda highlights In light of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attacks against Israel and the unfolding tragic scenes in the Gaza Strip resulting from the siege, President Charles Michel has convened an extraordinary European Council meeting, to be held by video conference on Tuesday 17 October […]