The programme sets goals for the European Union to deploy an EU satellite constellation called ‘IRIS²’ that will provide ultra-fast and highly secure communication services by 2027. The Council has adopted a regulation on the EU’s secure connectivity programme for 2023-2027. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The programme sets goals for […]
Provisional agreement reached on European green bonds
The new regulation aims to prevent greenwashing in the bonds market. Issuers of bonds will be able to demonstrate that they are funding green projects aligned with the EU taxonomy, whilst investors will be able to identify high-quality green bonds more easily. The EU is taking further steps to implement its strategy on financing sustainable […]
EU reviews measures restricting aid to Syria to speed up delivery of humanitarian aid
The Assad regime and its supporters, as well as industries where the regime was making money, are the targets of EU sanctions in force regarding Syria. The sanctions policy does not forbid the EU from exporting goods to Syria, including food, medicine, or medical equipment, and it does not target Syria’s healthcare system. To ensure […]
Statement by the members of the European Council after one year of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
One year ago, Putin’s Russia started its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible strength in defending their homeland and the core principles of international law against the Russian aggression. They have shown resolve in defending democracy and freedom, resilience in the face of hardship and dignity when confronted with […]
President Zelenskyy says Russia is a grave threat to the European way of life
On Thursday, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the European Parliament during an extraordinary plenary session in Brussels. Opening the session, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said to President Zelenskyy: “We understand that you are fighting not only for your values, but for ours.” “Ukraine is Europe and your nation’s future is in the European Union”, President […]
Extraordinary European Council meeting: discussion on further assistance to Ukraine
Russia’s war against Ukraine, the economic situation in the EU and migration are on the agenda of EU leaders as they meet in Brussels for a special European Council meeting, which kicks off on 9 February. Agenda highlights: Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine EU leaders will discuss recent developments with regards to Russia’s war of […]
The Single Market, the key instrument for meeting current challenges, turns 30 years old
The Commission has published the 2023 Annual Single Market Report and the 2022 Single Market Scoreboard, as part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the Single Market. The reports confirm that the Single Market remains a key tool to address Europe’s current challenges and highlight the importance of continuously improving its functioning, as well as […]
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the publication of the recent UN Group of Experts report
The EU commends the resolute African-led initiatives to address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The EU reaffirms its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls on all parties to rapidly implement the decisions taken within their frame. The EU welcomes the political […]
Council approves reinforced rules on granting trade preferences to developing countries
EU member states’ ambassadors today agreed the Council’s negotiating mandate on the revised Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) regulation that grants trade preferences to developing countries. The new framework maintains the main features of the current system, but includes some improvements, such as stronger links to respect for human rights and the environment, and a better monitoring and transparency of […]