On this occasion, the Vice President held meetings with the Senior Advisor to the President of the Republic of Colombia for Digital Transformation, Saúl Kattan, the Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Sandra Urrutia, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Arturo Luna and representatives of other ministries and national agencies. In these meetings, a bilateral […]
European Commission presents new strategic framework for integrated border management in Europe
On 14 March, the Commission adopted a communication outlining a five-year strategic framework for integrated border management in Europe and recommendations to Member States on mutual recognition of return decisions and accelerated returns. The European Council, at its extraordinary meeting on 9 February 2023, confirmed the importance of ensuring effective control of the EU’s external […]
Agreement on naval cooperation reached between European Union and Japan
In a move aimed at further facilitating joint naval activities, on 15 March the European Union’s Naval Force Atalanta (EUNAVFOR Atalanta) and Japan’s Deployment Surface Force for Counter-Piracy Enforcement off the Coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden (DPSA) signed a new Administrative Arrangement for communication and coordination on joint anti-piracy exercises. The document […]
EU tests its response mechanism to space threats
The European Union enhances its response mechanism in view of new threats in space: Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) 2023 and PSC Space Table-Top 2023 exercises From 6 to 10 March 2023, the EU conducted the Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) 2023 exercise at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Headquarters in Brussels followed by […]
Council sets priorities for the EU budget for 2024
Recovery and Resilience Facility The Council discussed how the Recovery and Resilience Fund and the REPowerEU chapter can effectively promote the green transition and ensure Europe’s energy independence from Russia in the context of high inflation and supply chain disruptions. In addition, the Council adopted an implementing decision approving the revised recovery and rehabilitation plan […]
The European Union-Latin America and Caribbean Digital Alliance was launched in Colombia
The European Union-Latin America and Caribbean Digital Alliance was launched, a joint initiative to champion a human-centric approach to digital transformation. It is supported by an initial contribution of €145 million from Team Europe, including €50 million from the EU budget to boost digital cooperation between both regions. The Alliance’s aim is to foster the […]
European Union updates its Maritime Security strategy
The European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy to ensure a peaceful use of the seas and safeguard the maritime domain against new threats. They have also adopted an updated Action Plan through which the Strategy will be implemented. Maritime security is vital to the European Union and […]
EU agrees stronger rules to boost energy efficiency
The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached this morning with the European Parliament and the Council to reform and strengthen the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. This deal marks a further step in the completion of the ‘Fit for 55′ package to deliver the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU Plan. It shows once again the EU’s determination to become climate […]
The European Commission announces more than 116M € of investment in strategic projects under the new LIFE Program
The Commission announced an investment of over €116 million for the new LIFE Programme‘s Strategic Projects. The funding will help eight major projects in Belgium, Estonia, Spain, Italy, Poland, Slovakia and Finland reach their climate and environmental targets. The projects are expected to mobilise significant additional funds from other EU funding sources, including agricultural, structural, regional and research funds, in addition to national funds […]