The informal meeting of higher education ministers took place at the Egmont Palace in Brussels on Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March 2024. This was an opportunity to look at a key theme for European integration, i.e. student mobility leading to qualifications. Student mobility is one of the most unifying projects for the European […]
Parliament backs deeper political and economic ties with Chile
On Thursday, MEPs approved the EU-Chile Advanced Framework Agreement and its complementing deal on trade and investment liberalisation. The agreements lay down the framework for deeper and broader political and economic cooperation between the like-minded partners on global issues, such as foreign and security matters, sustainable development, environmental protection, climate change, sustainable energy, rule of […]
EU long-term budget for 2021-2027: Council concludes the mid-term revision
The Council adopted three legislative acts related to the revision of the EU multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, giving the final go-ahead for the package, which is aimed at reinforcing the EU long-term budget in a targeted manner and addressing new challenges, such as the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The package […]
Maritime safety: Council and Parliament strike deals to support clean and modern shipping in the EU
To support clean and modern shipping in the EU, the Council presidency and European Parliament’s negotiators reached provisional agreements on two pieces of legislation of the ‘maritime safety’ legislative package, namely those amending the 2009 directives on compliance with flag state requirements and on port state control. The revised directives achieve a careful balance between, […]
Council adopts regulation on instant payments in euro
The Council adopted a regulation that will make instant payments fully available 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 on third-country financial institutions and infrastructures. Improving the possibilities […]
EU Agriculutre Ministers approve short-term measures to respond to farmers’ concerns
Against the backdrop of ongoing farmers’ protests and based on information from the Belgian presidency and a non-paper on simplification prepared by the European Commission, agriculture ministers discussed the current crisis and challenges in the sector. The Council confirmed its political will to respond effectively to the concerns of farmers and, as a first step, […]
Study confirms that EU trade opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters
A study assessing the potential impact of ten free trade agreements (recently concluded or currently under negotiation) confirms that the EU trade approach opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters. Engaging in preferential trade relations diversifies import sources, thus improving the resilience of EU food supply chains. The development of new markets through preferential […]
EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia after two years of its war of aggression against Ukraine
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. Two years since Russia brutally invaded Ukraine, EU’s support for Ukraine and its people remains as strong as ever. Europe is united and determined to continue defending its values and founding principles. This package focuses on further limiting Russia’s access to […]
Maritime safety: deal on stricter measures to stop shipping pollution
Parliament and Council negotiators reached an informal deal to extend an existing ban on discharge of oil spills by ships to include sewage and garbage. On Thursday, EU co-legislators preliminarily agreed to update EU rules on preventing pollution from ships in European seas and ensuring perpetrators face fines. Banning more types of spills from ships […]