The Commission adopted its first EU Visa Strategy, which sets out a framework for a visa policy that promotes the EU’s long-term interests. This strategy makes visa policy more strategic and better equipped to respond to increasing mobility, regional instability and geopolitical competition. The Strategy has the following objectives: strengthenthe security of the Schengen […]
The EU and KfW promote alternative financing for vulnerable businesses
The European Commission and KfW, the German development bank, announced the signing of a guarantee agreement worth up to €135 million to expand access to finance through alternative channels for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Western Balkans, the Eastern Neighbourhood, North Africa and the Middle East, and Turkey. Supported by the European […]
Europe’s health and competitiveness are being undermined by the slow implementation of anti-pollution laws.
A mid-term review of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan concluded that faster implementation is needed. Areview of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Planconcludes that Member States must act swiftly and decisively if the EU is to achieve its pollution reduction targets for 2030. The report highlights the close link between environmental protection and public […]
Commission approves Spanish state aid for electricity cogeneration
The European Commission has approved, in accordance with EU state aid rules, a €3.1 billion Spanish programme to support electricity production from new or substantially refurbished high-efficiency combined heat and power (CHP) plants. This measure will contribute to the implementation of Spain’s National Energy and Climate Plan, the Clean Industrial Pactand theEU’senergy efficiencytargets. The Spanish […]
EU approves landmark Declaration on the integrity of climate change information
The European Union has endorsed theDeclaration on the Integrity of Climate Change Information,following its approval by the Council on 20 January. This Declaration was launched during COP30 by the Global Initiative for Integrity of Climate Change Information, established by UNESCO, the Government of Brazil and the UN. It establishes shared international commitments to address the […]
The EU and Brazil sign agreements to create the world’s largest zone of free and secure data flows
The European Commission and Brazil have today adopted mutual adequacy decisions confirming that their data protection levels are comparable. Recognising the high standards of data protection that protect consumers and citizens on both sides, these agreements now allow businesses, public authorities and researchers to freely exchange data between the EU and Brazil. By ensuring that […]
New measures to protect EU steel market from global overcapacity
On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market. By 36 votes in favour and 2 against, with 5 abstentions, MEPs on the International Trade Committee have adopted their position on the proposed regulation to counteract the negative trade-related effects of the […]
The Commission establishes a working group to strengthen food safety controls on imports
The European Commission has established a task force to maintain and strengthen the EU’s capacity to ensure that imports comply with Union standards, while supporting employment and growth for EU producers. The task force will focus in particular on food and feed safety, pesticide residues and coordinated EU follow-up measures on specific imported products. It […]
EU and India conclude landmark Free Trade Agreement
The EU and India concluded negotiations for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. It will strengthen economic and political ties between the world’s second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, highlighting their joint commitment […]