Around the world, countries are racing to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Today, the European Commission set out two strategies to ensure Europe stays ahead, driving adoption in key industries and putting Europe at the forefront of AI-driven science. The Apply AI Strategy sets out how to speed up the use of AI in Europe’s […]
Close to €1.6 billion of EU funds will help Spain recover from Valencia’s devastating floods
The European Commission has proposed to the European Parliament and the Council an aid of €945 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to support the recovery from the destructive ‘DANA floods’ of October 2024 in Valencia. In addition, the Commission has approved the reallocation of €645 million from Spain’s cohesion policy funds via […]
Council backs research and innovation for startups and scaleups
The Council approved last September 30th conclusions on the importance of research and innovation for the EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. These conclusions provide guidance for the establishment of a strong and dynamic ecosystem where higher education and research institutions can support the creation and growth of new companies, valorise the results of their research, […]
European Commission issues €7 billion in its 10th syndicated transaction of 2024
The European Commission raised last november 19 €7 billion of EU Bonds in its 10th syndicated transaction for 2024, €3 billion of which in the form of NextGenerationEU (NGEU) Green Bonds. The dual-tranche transaction concerned a €4 billion tap of the EU Bond maturing on 4 December 2031, and a €3 billion tap of the NextGenerationEU […]
EU expands scope of sanctions against Iran
The Council has decided to broaden the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This framework, adopted in July 2023, currently prohibits the export of components used in the construction and production of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from the EU to Iran, and […]
Hungary: European Parliament warns of threat to EU values, institutions and funds
Parliament condemns the deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government to undermine the EU’s founding values. In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 345 votes for, 104 against and 29 abstentions, MEPs express strong concern about the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, in particular through the recently […]
The European Commission has published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds
The European Commission published its 2023 Summary Report on the Implementation of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds), showcasing some of the overarching achievements of the ESI funds as things stood at the end of 2022. These funds are the main financial instruments of Cohesion Policy, supporting regional development investments from the 2014 – 2020 […]
The Commission proposes to mobilise additional EU funding for EU farmers impacted by adverse climatic events
The Commission proposes to mobilise additional EU funding for EU farmers impacted by adverse climatic events, high input costs, and diverse market and trade related issues. The new support package will consist of €330 million for 22 Member States. In addition, Member States today approved the €100 million support package for farmers in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and […]
European Defence Fund: €1.2 billion to boost EU defence capabilities and innovation
The European Commission has adopted the third annual Work Programme under the European Defence Fund (EDF), allocating €1.2 billion to defence collaborative research and development projects. With this new Work Programme, the Commission unlocks new funding for defence projects to jointly develop strategic defence capabilities and technologies. It also introduces a series of new measures […]