The Council recalled the EU’s longstanding commitment to international law and to the values and guiding principles developed in the United Nations framework, and reaffirmed the readiness of EU member states to continue working to establish norms, rules, and principles of responsible behaviours across the full range of space activities. The Council reiterated the strategic nature of space, and the necessity for the […]
EU leaders start debate on the strategic agenda
In Granada, leaders addressed key issues for the future of the EU, including the strategic agenda, enlargement and migration. Highlighting achievements to date, EU leaders discussed long-term priorities with regard to enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy. They adopted the Granada declaration, in which they outlined key priorities and actions to make Europe a strong, dynamic […]
EU leaders addressed how to help Ukraine through the winter
EU leaders met in Brussels for a one-day summit. They adopted conclusions on Ukraine/Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, the Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations and other items, covering Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine The European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and […]
EU fight against terrorism: one group and two individuals added to the EU sanctions list
The Council has decided to add one group and two persons to the list of those subject to restrictive measures against ISIL/Da’esh and Al-Qaeda and persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with them. The measures target Hurras al-Din, a Syria-based al-Qaeda affiliated group, its leader Faruq al-Suri, and its religious leader Sami al-Aridi. Hurras al-Din operates in the name […]
Extraordinary EU meeting and concerted response on Afghanistan
At the extraordinary meeting on 31 August, in Brussels, EU Home affairs ministers discussed recent developments in Afghanistan, more specifically in relation to potential implications in the areas of international protection, migration and security. The Council adopted a statement on the matter. A unified response on the impact of the situation in Afghanistan on the […]
166 arrested in international crackdown against crime in Southeast Europe
A total of 34 countries teamed up last week to combat organised and serious international crime originating from Southeast Europe as part of joint action days (JAD). The four-day operation was aimed at tackling illegal immigration and the trafficking of firearms and drugs, which are key priorities of the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats […]
Military Solidarity in action: assistance in the fight against COVID-19 in Europe
From the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the armed forces of EU Member States have played a critical role in fighting the virus – abroad, at home and in European solidarity. They are providing transport and logistic support, building field hospitals in record time, deploying their medical staff, and supporting national authorities and services. The […]
EU defence instruments must be used in national planning
The EU’s defence tools —Capability Development Plan (CDP), Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), European Defence Fund (EDF) —will only have the desired effect on enhancing the coherence of Europe’s defence landscape and boosting European defence cooperation if they are fully embedded and used by Member States in their national defence […]
External action: videoconference between Josep Borrell and the heads of EU missions and operations
“The EU has around 5,000 women and men working for 16 crisis management missions and operations deployed on three continents – soon to become 17 with the new civilian mission to be launched in the Central African Republic. They are the beating heart of the EU’s common security and defence policy and often the face […]