The provisional application of the Agreement on International Trade (AIT) will create new opportunities, boosting exports of industrial goods, services and agri-food products to Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It will eliminate or drastically reduce tariffs on key exports such as cars and pharmaceuticals, and provides for an initial tariff reduction for most agri-food products, […]
Parliament approves the EU’s renewed trade instrument for development
On Tuesday, Parliament approved the revised rules on the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). The updated rules, approved by 459 votes to 127, with 70 abstentions, allow vulnerable developing countries to export goods to the EU at low or zero tariffs. Several international human rights and environmental conventions have been added to the list of […]
The EU and the US launch a strategic partnership on critical minerals
The EU and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a strategic partnership on critical minerals and agreed on an EU-US Action Plan on Critical Minerals. These initiatives reflect the EU’s commitment to deepening cooperation on critical raw materials. This is a key step towards improving the resilience and diversification of supply chains, […]
The EU and the EIB will support businesses in partner countries with €1.3 billion in funding
Following a new agreement between the European Commission and EIB Global, private project partners, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and financial institutions in the EU’s partner countries will have access to €1.3 billion in funding to support infrastructure projects in clean energy and digitalisation. This new initiative is backed by a €362 million guarantee from […]
EU adopts 20th package of sanctions against Russia
The Commission welcomes the adoption by EU Member States of the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The EU’s commitment to a free and sovereign Ukraine is unwavering. This package puts further pressure on Russia to engage in negotiations and do so on terms acceptable for Ukraine. Every day of further Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian […]
The EU and South Korea are strengthening their trade and technological cooperation
The European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, and South Korea’s Minister for Trade, Yeo Han-koo, co-chaired the 13th meeting of the EU-Republic of Korea Trade Committee, held under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both sides strengthened their cooperation by holding their first Strategic Dialogue on Trade, Supply Chains and Technology, whilst endorsing […]
EU agri-food trade posts EUR 3.2 billion surplus in January
Despite lower monthly trade flows, the EU agri-food sector continued to generate a solid trade surplus in January 2026, underlining its strong position in global markets. Part of the adjustment in trade values reflects lower prices for key commodities, particularly cocoa products. The EU agri-food trade surplus stood at EUR 3.2 billion in January, remaining […]
The EU is strengthening space cooperation with Norway and Iceland through a secure connectivity agreement
The European Union has signed an agreement with Norway and Iceland enabling both countries to join GOVSATCOM and the Secure Connectivity Programme, IRIS². The agreement underlines the EU’s commitment to cooperation with these countries. Secure, uninterrupted and rapidly deployable satellite connectivity is essential for security, resilience and emergency response in remote regions. In areas with […]
The Commission welcomes the choice of Lille as the headquarters of the EU Customs Authority
The Commission welcomes the agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council to establish Lille as the seat of the European Union Customs Authority (EUCA). The Commission received nine applications from Member States interested in hosting the EUCA. It subsequently drew up aneutral and objectiveassessmentof these applications and sent it to the co-legislators on […]