Parliament is concerned about China’s export restrictions on key raw materials and the impact on the EU economy. On 4 April 2025, China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets used in the defence, energy and automotive sectors in response to increased US tariffs on Chinese products. Under the new rules, exporters […]
New import surveillance tool to help EU prevent harmful trade diversion
The European Commission has set up a new surveillance tool to help protect the EU against sudden and potentially disruptive surges in imports. This system aims to prevent harmful trade diversion, which occurs when a significant amount of goods that cannot enter other markets due to high tariffs and other restrictions are redirected into the […]
Parliament calls for an EU crackdown on Russia’s ’shadow fleet’
MEPs demand more targeted EU sanctions against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which provides a key financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Russia uses old tankers, often uninsured and with unclear ownership, to export its crude oil and petroleum products abroad, despite EU, G7 and international sanctions. These activities have also raised fears over the […]
EUROPEAN AGENDA: Confinement COVID-19
Following the detection of the new Omicron variant and the increase of diagnosed cases in Europe, European countries have taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus among their populations. Council of Ministers approves the end of the mandatory use of face masks in Spain The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the […]
Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on 26 persons and one entity
The Council today added 26 persons and one entity to the list of persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The new listings include oligarchs and businessmen active in the oil, banking and finance sectors, as well as government members, and high level military personalities, and propagandists who contributed to spread […]
Council updates recommendation on free movement restrictions
The Council has adopted a recommendation amending the recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This update responds to the evolving epidemiological situation, the ongoing vaccination campaigns and the adoption of the EU digital COVID certificate. Free movement restrictions Member states should continue to strongly […]