As Europe faces an unprecedented level of security threat, innovation in defence, security, and space technologies has become a strategic imperative. The EIB Group has stepped up its support to the security and defence industry in 2024, widening the scope of defence and security projects eligible for financing earlier this March. The European Investment Fund (EIF) […]
European Union and Mexico hold 10th High Level Political Dialogue
In the framework of their Strategic Partnership, the European Union and Mexico held on 21 May their 10th High Level Political Dialogue in Brussels. Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service, Olof Skoog, and Mexico’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Teresa Mercado Perez, co-chaired the meeting. The parties had an open and frank exchange […]
Protecting Europe’s Wildlife and Habitats with Natura 2000
Did you know that Europe is home to the largest network of environmentally protected areas in the world? Over 27 000 nature sites protected by EU laws make up the Natura 2000 network! Every year on 21 May it is celebrated Natura 2000 Day, when it is highlighted what is being done to protect most valuable […]
EU reinforces its support for Ukraine and reviews ties with Israel
The Foreign Affairs Council – under the chairmanship of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas – convened the EU defence ministers in the morning and the EU foreign ministers on 20 May. Russia’s war against Ukraine and EU support for Ukraine EU defence ministers discussed EU military support to […]
Commission welcomes deal on compulsory licensing to boost EU crisis readiness.
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement between the European Parliament and the EU Member States on new rules for compulsory licensing, an important intellectual property tool to the existing EU crisis response toolkit. The new Regulation establishes an EU-level framework to efficiently grant a compulsory licence in clearly defined cross-border crisis or emergency situations. […]
Europe-Japan cooperation in AI-based manufacturing technologies
The EU-Japan.AI project was launched in 2021 to advance long-term cooperation and knowledge sharing between the EU and Japan for artificial intelligence (AI)-driven innovation in manufacturing. To this end, the project consortium created an open web platform that would connect all stakeholders and facilitate the exchange of information between them. These initiatives will continue well […]
Proposal for the implementation of the “safe third country” concept
The Commission proposes to facilitate the implementation of the safe third country concept. The Commission has proposed some rules that will facilitate the implementation by Member States of the safe third country concept. This will speed up asylum processes and reduce pressure on asylum systems, while preserving legal safeguards for applicants and ensuring respect for […]
Nearly €1 billion awarded to boost renewable hydrogen development.
Last May 20, the Commission announced the selection of 15 renewable hydrogen production projects for public funding across the European Economic Area (EEA). The projects, located across five countries, are expected to produce nearly 2.2 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, avoiding more than 15 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. The hydrogen will be produced in sectors such […]
Spring 2025 Economic Forecast
The EU economy began 2025 on a somewhat stronger footing than anticipated. It is projected to keep growing at a modest rate this year, with growth expected to pick up in 2026, despite heightened global policy uncertainty and trade tensions. The Commission’s Spring 2025 Economic Forecast projects real GDP to grow by 1.1% in 2025 […]