The European Commission’s 2022 European Semester Spring Package provides Member States with support and guidance two years on from the first impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the midst of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Spring 2022 Economic Forecast projects the EU economy to continue growing in 2022 and 2023. However, while the EU economy […]
MEPs want a special international tribunal for crimes of aggression
The special international tribunal should investigate Russian leaders and military commanders and their allies for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. In the resolution adopted on Thursday, Parliament calls on the EU to take all necessary action in international proceedings and courts to support the prosecution of the Russian and Belarussian regimes for war crimes, […]
Nato Salesman of the year is surprised by his own efficiency
Yesterday morning, Finland and Sweden simultaneously handed in their official letters of application to join NATO, a momentous step for the two historically militarily non-aligned countries. The decision was a direct reaction to Russia’s war in Ukraine. According to Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, “a chain of events leading to the applications had begun last December, with a statement […]
Ukraine’s financing gap and longer-term reconstruction
The Commission has set out plans in a Communication for the EU’s immediate response to address Ukraine’s financing gap, as well as the longer-term reconstruction framework. This Communication follows from the European Council call to address the consequences of the war in Ukraine via a dedicated Europe-led effort. Immediate response and short terms needs Since […]
Spain’s position on the expulsion of 27 employees of the Embassy in Russia
Spain rejects the decision taken by the Russian Federation to expel a total of 27 staff members of the Spanish Embassy in Russia. The Russian authorities justify this decision on the basis of reciprocity for the expulsion of 27 officials of the Russian Embassy in Madrid notified last April. However, the expulsion decided then by […]
Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council – 16 May 2022
Western Balkans During a working lunch EU Foreign Affairs Ministers were joined by their counterparts from the six Western Balkans partners, and discussed the future of the region on its path to the European Union. The Council welcomed the choice of those partners who aligned fully with the EU’s foreign policy and sanctions, and expressed its […]
Statement on Russia’s war against Ukraine – G7 Foreign Ministers
We, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, are steadfast in our solidarity with and our support for Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s unjustifiable, unprovoked and illegal war of aggression, a war in which […]
Deeper cooperation between EU and Japan is a vital necessity
At the 28th EU-Japan summit in Tokyo, leaders discussed bilateral relations and how to coordinate their responses to Russia’s war against Ukraine and to important global and regional challenges. They also launched the digital partnership. The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, representing […]
Commission approves 125 million Spanish scheme to support gas-intensive sectors
The European Commission has approved a 125 million Spanish scheme to help gas-intensive sectors cope with the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The scheme has been approved under the Temporary Crisis Framework for State Aid, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, on the basis of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, which aims to […]