The Council last January 16 decided to extend by one year, until 20 January 2027, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU citizens and companies are prohibited from making funds available to them. Individuals […]
Council paves the way for creation of AI gigafactories
On 16 January, the Council adopted an amendment to the Regulation governing the activities of the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC Joint Undertaking), extending its objectives to facilitate the creation of artificial intelligence (AI) gigafactories in Europe and to include a specific pillar on quantum technologies. The amended Regulation enables the development and […]
The EU invests over €307 million in artificial intelligence and related technologies
The European Commission has launched two new calls for proposals under the “Digital World, Industry and Space” cluster of the Horizon Europe work programme, allocating €307.3 million to strengthen Europe’s digital innovation and competitiveness. A total of €221.8 million will be allocated to an initiative focused on developing reliable artificial intelligence (AI) services, innovative data […]
Commission approves first wave of defence funding for eight Member States under SAFE
The European Commission has endorsed the national defence plans of eight Member States, marking a milestone in Europe’s push to strengthen its security. The Commission submitted a proposal to the Council to approve financial assistance for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal and Romania. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Last year, the EU has made more progress […]
Commission provides €1 billion in macro-financial assistance to Egypt
Last January 15, the European Commission disbursed €1 billion in Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to Egypt, an important commitment of the EU-Egypt Strategic Comprehensive Partnership signed in March 2024. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “Egypt is an important strategic partner for the European Union. Last January 15’s €1 billion payment shows both the EU’s commitment to this partnership […]
Europol signs Working Arrangement with the Argentine Republic
In December, the Ministry of National Security of the Argentine Republic and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) signed a Working Arrangement in order to support the Member States of the European Union and Argentina in preventing and combating serious and organised crime and terrorism. The Working Arrangement provides for a structured legal framework […]
EU-Mercosur: President Costa and President von der Leyen to travel to Brazil and Paraguay
The President of the European Council, António Costa, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will attend the EU-Mercosur signature ceremony in Asunción, Paraguay on 17 January 2026. Ahead of the ceremony, on 16 January, President Costa and President von der Leyen will visit Rio de Janeiro to meet President […]
EP group leaders express unequivocal support to Greenland and Denmark
This Wednesday, the Conference of Presidents adopted the following statement in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order and supporting Greenland and Denmark. The European Parliament stands firmly in support of multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Any attempt to undermine the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Denmark and Greenland, violates international law […]
Commission presents a financial support package for Ukraine for 2026–2027
Last January 14, the European Commission adopted a set of legislative proposals to secure continuous financial support to Ukraine in 2026 and 2027. This marks a significant milestone in the EU’s strong support for the country’s defence against Russia’s war of aggression. The legislative package consists of: A new proposal establishing a support loan for […]