The Council and the Parliament negotiators today reached a provisional political agreement to raise the share of renewable energy in the EU’s overall energy consumption to 42.5% by 2030 with an additional 2.5% indicative top up that would allow to reach 45%. Each member state will contribute to this common target. This provisional political agreement will now need […]
European Council agrees on digitisation of Schengen visa
The EU member states’ ambassadors today agreed the Council’s negotiating mandate for a proposal to digitalise the visa procedure. The proposal introduces the possibility to apply for a visa online and replaces the current visa sticker with a digital visa. It aims to make the visa application procedure more efficient and to improve the security […]
New European Agency to monitor illegal trafficking in new drugs
The Commission welcomes the political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on a stronger mandate which establishes a new EU Drugs Agency. The new Agency builds on the achievements of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Illicit drugs pose a complex security and health problem that affect millions of people […]
Agreement between the European Parliament and Council to install more recharging and refuelling stations across Europe
Following the provisional political agreement reached today by the Council and the European Parliament, more alternative fuel refuelling and recharging stations will be installed across Europe in the coming years, enabling the transport sector to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. What is the EU doing to promote the development of renewable energy? The objective of […]
Fit for 55: deal on new EU rules for cleaner maritime fuels
Parliament and Council reached a deal on cleaner maritime fuels, asking to cut ship emissions by 2% as of 2025 and by 80% as of 2050, to help the EU become climate neutral. A provisional agreement reached on early Thursday morning between the European Parliament and Council negotiators sets up a fuel standard for ships […]
EU renews individual sanctions against Russia
1 473 individuals and 205 entities are subject to an asset freeze and/or a travel ban because their actions have undermined Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The Council decided to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until […]
EU presidents call for accelerated efforts: “Let’s channel Europe’s savings into growth”
The EU is committed to accelerating the green and digital transformation. Decisions taken will affect the next generation. It is our collective responsibility to do the right thing. Building a zero-emission industry, improving technological competitiveness and diversifying supply chains will be important factors for Europe’s continued prosperity and strategic sovereignty in the coming decades. The […]
EU adopts space-based connectivity programme
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 […]