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, […]
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 […]
Suspension of EU import duties on Ukrainian exports set for fast-track approval
The International Trade Committee gave their green light on Monday for a one-year suspension of all EU import duties on Ukrainian exports to support the country’s economy. MEPs in the International Trade Committee approved a proposal of the temporary trade liberalisation of Ukrainian products, in the wake of Russia’s war of aggression that is hampering Ukraine’s ability […]
Spring economic forecasts: Spain is expected to be the fourth fastest-growing economy in the EU
The outlook for the EU economy before the outbreak of the war was for a prolonged and robust expansion. But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has posed new challenges, just as the Union had recovered from the economic impacts of the pandemic. By exerting further upward pressures on commodity prices, causing renewed supply disruptions and increasing […]
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 […]
European Union Supports National Police and State Border Guard Service in Ukraine
The European Union (EU) donated communication equipment to the National Police of Ukraine (NPU) and the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) worth over EUR 200,000 through the PRAVO Police Programme. This donation help these institutions improve their operational capacity at a time when they are protecting Ukraine and its citizens against Russia’s aggression. The National […]
Ukraine: EU is stepping up support to sexual and gender-based violence survivors
The Commission announces €1.5 million for a dedicated project to support the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in assisting women and girls in Ukraine by providing sexual and reproductive health services. Funding will target essential supplies and equipment, including emergency kits for pregnant women. In addition, two mobile healthcare units for emergency obstetric and newborn […]