The European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions have signed a new Joint Action Planto strengthen the role of cities and regions in research and innovation (R&I). Under the Joint Action Plan, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will work together to strengthen the regional and local dimension of the EU’s […]
The Commission is releasing emergency funds to protect the fisheries and aquaculture sectors from the crisis in the Middle East
The European Commission has activated the crisis mechanism of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), which enables Member States to provide financial compensation to fishermen, aquaculture producers, processors and retailers whose livelihoods have been affected by the consequences of the conflict in the Middle East. This measure, which applies retroactively from 28 February […]
Council approves new rules for greater transparency in the funding of European parties and foundations
The Council gave its final green light to changes to the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations. This revision of the regulation is aimed at reinforcing the transparency of European political parties and strengthening the framework for their funding, in particular to counter the risks of manipulation and interference by […]
Commission launches two strategies to speed up AI uptake in European industry and science
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 […]