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 […]
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 Commission adopts simpler rules for the EU’s agri-food promotion policy
The European Commission has adopted simpler rules for the EU’s agri-food promotion policy, reducing the administrative and financial requirements for beneficiaries and Member States. These changes will make it easier to implement the programmes and will benefit organisations applying for EU funding. Drawing on 10 years’ experience in managing these programmes, the amendment streamlines administrative […]
The EU is stepping up its international support for the Palestinians through an initiative for the swift recovery of Gaza and greater international coordination
On 13 July, the European Commission held the second meeting of the Donors’ Group for Palestine, co-chaired by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa. Sixty-five delegations gathered in Brussels to launch a new early recovery initiative in Gaza and discuss the Palestinian Authority’s reform […]
Europeans are calling for stronger measures on online child safety, democratic resilience, defence and the energy transition
A newly published Eurobarometer survey reveals that Europeans are extremely concerned about the risks children face on social media. Given the growing reliance on these platforms, the public believes that greater protection and more robust measures are needed to combat disinformation. Furthermore, in light of global challenges, Europeans are calling for greater democratic participation, stronger […]
The Commission is taking Ireland, Spain, France and the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose the cybersecurity rules
The European Commission has decided to refer Ireland, Spain, France and the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to notify the measures transposing the SRI 2 Directive on the security of network and information systems into national law [Directive (EU) 2022/2555]. The Directive strengthens the EU’s cybersecurity by setting […]
Serbia and enlargement: MEPs expect a genuine commitment to EU values
The Serbian government continues to assert that EU accession is its strategic objective, but MEPs warn that this is often not reflected in its actions. Progress towards EU accession involves not only adopting reforms, but also their thorough and comprehensive implementation, MEPs warn in a report on Serbia adopted on Wednesday with 468 votes in […]
The Commission has registered the European Citizens’ Initiative calling for an unconditional basic income
On 7 July, the European Commission registered a European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Introduction of an unconditional basic income (UBI) across the EU’. The organisers of the initiative believe that,“with rapid advances in artificial intelligence and robotics, there is an urgent need to decouple our livelihoods from our ability to sell our labour, as we […]
The EU is deploying aid to help fight forest fires and tackle the numerous blazes ravaging Portugal and France
As Europe is fighting wildfires in several Member States, the Commission is swiftly mobilising assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism (UCPM). Over the weekend, Portugal and France have activated the UCPM due to devastating wildfires, with several of them active simultaneously and burning thousands of hectares. France activated the UCPM on 5 July. The European Commission […]