Last September 19 marks a historic milestone for ocean conservation as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement reached 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force in early 2026. This landmark agreement, the result of over a decade of international collaboration, represents a transformative step toward safeguarding marine ecosystems and addressing the urgent threats posed by climate change, pollution, and biodiversity […]
EU and Indonesia conclude negotiations on free trade agreement
Following the political agreement reached on 13 July by President von der Leyen and President Prabowo Subianto, today the EU and Indonesia finalised negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and an Investment Protection Agreement (IPA). On the EU side, negotiations were led by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič. Currently in Indonesia, he is marking this […]
Council signs off regulation to reduce pollution from microplastics
Today, the Council adopted the regulation on preventing the loss of plastic pellets into the environment, following a provisional agreement with the European Parliament. The new regulation aims to reduce microplastic pollution by strengthening controls and management of plastic pellets, a key industrial raw material, throughout the supply chain. Main elements of the regulation The new rules focus on […]
Commission consults on revision of farm animal welfare rules
The Commission has launched a public consultation to gather input for the review of EU farm animal welfare legislation. Farmers, citizens, businesses, national and regional authorities, NGOs and other interested parties are encouraged to share their views. The review of this legislation follows on from the mandate letter to Commissioner Várhelyi and takes place in […]
Commission welcomes agreement on modernisation of cohesion policy
The European Commission welcomes the adoption of important updates to Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 by the European Parliament and the Council. These changes will allow EU Member States and regions to reallocate funds to new strategic priorities, thereby improving investments in competitiveness, defence, affordable and sustainable housing, water resilience and energy transition. Member States and regions […]
Commission proposes suspension of trade concessions with Israel
Following President von der Leyen ‘s announcement in her State of the Union address, the European Commission has submitted to the Council its proposal to suspend certain trade-related provisions of the EU-Israel Association Agreement (hereafter “the Agreement”), as well as proposals for sanctions against Hamas, extremist ministers and violent settlers. The Commission has also suspended […]
Parliament inaugurates permanent presence in Kyiv
Expressing Europe’s continued and unwavering support for Ukraine, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola officially opened the EP’s office in Kyiv. The decision to open an antenna office, co-located with the EU Delegation, in Kyiv sends a strong political signal to Ukrainian authorities and citizens, reaffirming the European Parliament’s solidarity and partnership. Addressing the Members of […]
New strategy to strengthen prosperity and security with India
The EU last September 17 proposed a new strategic agenda to take bilateral relations with India to the next level. The European Commission and the High Representative have adopted a joint Communication outlining a “New EU-India Strategic Agenda”, marking a significant milestone in relations between the two partners. This initiative, announced by President Ursula von […]
2025 ESDE report highlights the importance of underrepresented groups
Better integrating underrepresented groups — such as women, older people, migrants and persons with disabilities — into the job market can help to mitigate skills and labour shortages and offset the demographic changes that risk shrinking the EU’s workforce by up to 18 million by 2050. The Commission’s 2025 Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report […]