The Council adopted a decision and a regulation clarifying the obligations of Central Securities Depositories (CSD) holding assets and reserves of the Central Bank of Russia (CBR) that are immobilised as consequence of EU’s restrictive measures. After Russia launched its illegal and unjustified full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU, in coordination with […]
EU and NATO sign a new joint declaration on cooperation
This third declaration, which was signed on 10 January, sets out a shared vision of how the EU and NATO will act together against common security threats while expanding and further developing their cooperation. The EU and NATO stand united in condemning Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine: ‘We fully support Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence […]
UN approves Russia’s expulsion from Human Rights Council
The UN General Assembly on Thursday suspended Russia’s membership of the Human Rights Council by a vote of 93 in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions. The decision was taken in a resolution in which the General Assembly “expresses its grave concern at the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ukraine, in particular at […]
Commission carries out unannounced inspection of Gazprom sites in Germany
On 29 March 2022, the European Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several companies in Germany active in the supply, transmission and storage of natural gas. The Commission has concerns that the inspected companies may have violated EU competition rules that prohibit abuse of a dominant position. The Commission officials were accompanied […]
Europe in danger: What next for EU Security and Defence?
The classical distinction between war and peace is diminishing and the European Union faces increased competition, intimidation and coercion. International politics is increasingly transactional, EU values and multilateralism are being challenged, whereas democratic freedoms and international law are questioned. In short, Europe is in danger. How can the Union operate in such an increasingly competitive […]