The Commission and the High Representative put forward a Joint Communication on an EU Cyber Defence policy and an Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0 to address the deteriorating security environment following Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and to boost the EU’s capacity to protect its citizens and infrastructure. With its new cyber defence policy, the […]
Smoke, mirrors and gas: the Kremlin deflects blame for the energy crisis
The phrase ‘smoke and mirrors’ refers to a 19th-century illusion that magicians used to project an image in the air. Since then, it has come to mean chicanery and deception. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Russian state and pro-Kremlin outlets have been active in spreading disinformation related to energy – […]
Commission invests EUR 3 billion in innovative clean technology projects to accelerate energy independence
Today, the European Commission is launching the third call for large-scale projects under the EU Innovation Fund. With a budget doubled to €3 billion thanks to increased revenue from the auctioning of EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) allowances, this 2022 call for large-scale projects will boost the deployment of industrial solutions to decarbonise Europe. With a special focus […]
Conclusions adopted by the European Council on October 20 and 21, 2009.
On 20-21 October 2022, the European Council adopted conclusions on Ukraine/Russia, critical infrastructure, energy and economy and external relations. This meeting follows the informal European Council held in Prague on 7 October, during which EU leaders discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine and the impact it is having on the energy market and the economy in […]
European Council conclusions on energy and economy, 20 October 2022
Energy and economy In the face of Russia’s weaponisation of energy, the European Union will remain united to protect its citizens and businesses and take the necessary measures as a matter of urgency. The European Council has agreed that in light of the ongoing crisis, efforts to reduce demand, to ensure security of supply, to […]
Ukraine: EU sanctions three individuals and one entity in relation to the use of Iranian drones in Russian aggression
The Council has added three Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity to the list of those subject to restrictive measures for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. This is in view of their role in the development and delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used by Russia in its war against Ukraine. The […]
New sanctions package for Russia
In light of Russia’s escalating war of aggression against Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions, the Council decided yesterday to impose a new package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. The agreed package includes a series of biting measures intended to reinforce pressure on the Russian government […]
Statement by the Members of the European Council: Support to Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty
In the face of Russia’s war of aggression as well as Moscow’s latest escalation, the European Union stands resolutely with Ukraine and its people. We firmly reject and unequivocally condemn the illegal annexation by Russia of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. By wilfully undermining the rules-based international order and blatantly violating the fundamental […]
Guidelines on general visa issuance in relation to Russian applicants and controls of Russian citizens at the external borders
The recent escalation of war by Russia, including through military mobilisation and sham ‘referenda’ led to an increase of citizens, including conscripts and their families fleeing the Russian Federation. The guidelines call for reinforced security scrutiny when issuing visas to Russians and heightened border controls, while fully respecting EU asylum law. The EU Commission has […]