Last July 17, the European Commission published its seventh annual Rule of Law Report, assessing the state of the rule of law across all EU Member States, as well as four candidate countries: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The rule of law underpins Europe’s prosperity, democracy and security. Independent justice systems, effective anti-corruption frameworks, […]
The Council and the Parliament reach a political agreement on a programme for agile and rapid innovation in defence
On 15 July, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the proposal to establish a Programme for Agile and Rapid Innovation in Defence (AGILE), a new €115 million instrument designed to provide rapid, agile and targeted financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises – including start-ups and scale-ups – that […]
The Commission has approved X’s action plan to comply with the Digital Services Regulation
The European Commission has accepted X’s action plan to comply with transparency obligations and ensure researchers’ access to data, in accordance with the Digital Services Regulation. The approved measures represent an important step towards providing researchers, civil society and the general public with greater transparency regarding X’s systems, in particular to monitor X’s systemic risks […]
The EU’s trade relations with developing countries continue to drive sustainable economic growth
On 16 July, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published anew joint report on the implementation of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), the EU’s main trade policy instrument for supporting exports from developing countries to the bloc. The report confirms that the scheme continues to contribute to […]
Blue Book traineeship opens to graduates from vocational education and training
Last July 16, the European Commission updated rules for its traineeship programme, establishing a single modernised framework that makes the scheme more inclusive and better aligned with Europe’s skills and employment objectives. For the first time, graduates from vocational education and training (VET) will be eligible to apply to the Commission’s traineeship programme – the ‘Blue […]
EU law on nitrates pollution remains effective, with scope for smarter implementation
The European Commission last July 15 published the first comprehensive evaluation of the Nitrates Directive since its adoption in 1991. Covering more than 30 years of implementation, the evaluation shows that EU rules remain effective to protect Europe’s waters from agricultural nitrate pollution. It also identifies opportunities to simplify its implementation, reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for both farmers and the environment. This is accompanied […]
Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034: The Council agrees on a negotiating position on EU support for migration, border management and internal security
On 15 July, the Council agreed on its partial negotiating position on the regulation establishing EU financial support for migration, border management and visas, and internal security for the period 2028–2034. These financial instruments will help Member States to implement the Pact on Migration and Asylum, ensure the efficient management of the EU’s external borders […]
The EU is allocating 20 million euros in humanitarian aid following the earthquakes in Venezuela
The European Union is to allocate a further 10 million euros in humanitarian aid to support the communities in Venezuela hardest hit by the recent earthquakes. The remaining 10 million euros, subject to approval by the budgetary authority, will be used to support search and rescue operations, medical teams and other specialist equipment, in addition […]
The EU and India strengthen their strategic partnership with the third Trade and Technology Council
On 15 July, the European Union and India held the third meeting of their Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels, thereby reaffirming the TTC as a key platform for cooperation on trade, technology and security. Highlighting the growing ambition oftheEU-India strategic partnership, both sides agreed to focus on strengthening strategic value chains and deepening […]