On 10 November, MEPs on the Committee on Industry proposed reforms to the scope, governance and budget of the European Competitiveness Fund, focusing on the industrial and security dimensions. MEPs on the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy adopted their position (61 votes in favour, 13 against and 12 abstentions) on the European Competitiveness Fund […]
High-Level Platform meets in Moldova to boost digital connectivity between Europe and Asia
On 9 November, the first High-Level Meeting of the Digital Connectivity Platform was held in Chișinău, Moldova, organised jointly by the European Commission and the Moldovan Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalisation. This meeting lays the foundations for greater digital connectivity between Europe and Central Asia, via the Black Sea region, the South Caucasus and […]
Substantial agreement reached on the EU–Philippines trade agreement
The EU and the Philippines have reached a substantial agreement in their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is intended to strengthen economic ties between the EU and another fast-growing strategic partner in South-East Asia. Maros Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and […]
The Commission submits the landmark trade agreement with India to the Council for signature
The European Commission has submitted its proposals to the Council for the signing and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, requesting the Council’s authorisation. If authorised by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever signed between the EU and India. Once adopted and in force, […]
EU state aid rules facilitate investment and social support
New guidelines from the European Commission set out how state aid rules allow EU Member States to facilitate investment and provide social assistance. These guidelines help Member States to plan state aid for investment and social support, as set out in the Clean Industry Pact. A tool for managing state aid in the social sector […]
The EU launches the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation on Renewable Energy and Clean Technology
On 9 June, the European Union launched the Trans-Mediterranean Cooperation on Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (T-MED), a flagship initiative under the Pact for the Mediterranean. T-MED aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy, hydrogen, clean technology manufacturing and modern electricity grids across the Mediterranean region, with a view to fostering a more integrated, […]
EU-Western Balkans Summit highlights enlargement as a strategic investment in Europe’s peace, stability and security
Last June 5, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola joined leaders from Member States and the six Western Balkan partners at the EU-Western Balkans Summit. The Summit was hosted by Montenegro in Tivat. Leaders took stock of […]
EU long-term budget: MEPs call for a 10% increase to support the EU’s priorities
On Wednesday, MEPs confirmed their negotiating position on the EU budget for the period 2028–2034, including a breakdown of the amounts they wish to allocate to each EU funding programme. The EU budget for the period 2028–2034 (the multiannual financial framework – MFF) should be set at 1.27% of the EU’s gross national income (GNI), […]
The Commission urges organisations to join the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform
The Commission is inviting applications from new experts wishing to join the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform. This revamped platform will continue to work towards the Commission’s goal of achieving zero pollution. Earlier this year, the European Commission published themid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan,which takes stock of the progress made since 2021. According […]