On 25 March, a group from the European Commission and the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities visited the facilities of the ENAIRE Control Centre in Madrid to see first-hand projects demonstrating how NextGenerationEU funds support the development of the Single European Sky, through the Spanish Strategic Aerospace Project (PERTE Aerospace) of the Recovery, Transformation […]
12 members of an Irish high-risk criminal network arrested
This week, Irish and Spanish law enforcement authorities took decisive action against one of Ireland’s high-risk criminal networks. In a coordinated series of raids in both countries, An Garda Síochána and Guardia Civil officers arrested 12 suspects (6 in Ireland and 6 in Spain). The criminals are suspected of involvement in large-scale drug trafficking, mainly […]
Commission takes stock of the work of HERA to reinforce health security in the EU
Last March 26th, the Commission has published a report assessing the work of the Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) since its creation over three years ago. The report highlights HERA’s achievements in strengthening EU-level preparedness and response capacities, as well as taking on new tasks, such as addressing the supply chain aspects of […]
What is it known about the Preparedness Union Strategy?
Last March 26th, the Commission and High Representative launch the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe’s capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats. It comes as the European Union is facing increasingly complex crises and challenges that cannot be ignored. From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, […]
Network smuggling migrants between Spain and France busted in Marseille
Europol supported the French National Police (Police Nationale/OLTIM) and the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) in dismantling an organised criminal network smuggling migrants from Spain to France. The investigation was initiated in November 2022 and targeted individuals, based in Marseille, suspected of smuggling migrants between Spain and France. Europol’s analysis of the operational data made […]
Commission approves Spain’s new “Río Negro” geographical indication
The European Commission has approved the inclusion of ‘Río Negro’ wines in the Register of Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Rio Negro” wines are white and red wines produced in the province of Guadalajara in Spain. They are known for their high aromatic intensity: the whites are dominated by citrus, floral and fruity series, with […]
A provisional agreement on new rules for driving licences
Last March 25th, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the update of the driving licence directive. This update of the directive will have an important impact on the issuing of driving permits throughout the EU, updating the minimum requirements related to fitness of drivers across the EU, harmonising rules […]
New online debate on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform
Building on the Youth Policy Dialogues of the first 100 days of the new mandate, the Commission is now launching a new online debate on the Citizens’ Engagement Platform. This brings the most prominent themes raised by young people into an open, EU-wide discussion. Youth Policy Dialogues are an annual initiative that allow young people to engage directly […]
Commission approves €5 billion German State aid scheme to help industries decarbonise production processes
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €5 billion German scheme to help companies subject to the EU Emission Trading Scheme (‘ETS’) decarbonise their production processes. The scheme contributes to the achievement of Germany’s energy and climate targets as well as of the EU’s sustainable prosperity and competitiveness objectives. The German scheme The scheme […]