The Council decided yesterday to extend by one year, until 20 January 2026, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). All individuals and entities previously identified as responsible for participating in the financing of Hamas and PIJ, or enabling their violent actions will […]
New €148 million EU humanitarian aid package for Ukraine
As Russia’s war of aggression continues to devastate Ukraine, approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance. New European Commission funding will be used to provide life-saving support and ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine. The €148 million in new funding will continue to support vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine […]
EDA seeks standardised framework for small arms ammunition
The European Defence Agency (EDA) has launched the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (SAAT) project, a four-year initiative led by Belgian defence company FN Herstal and supported by a diverse European consortium to establish a common standard for small arms ammunition. The project, which brings together 18 partners from nine countries — including defence manufacturers, research organisations, […]
EU launches Humanitarian Air Bridge operation for Syria
The European Commission is launching a new Humanitarian Air Bridge operation for those most in need in Syria, to deliver emergency healthcare and other essential supplies, as well as increasing its humanitarian funding. President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The collapse of the Assad regime offers new hope for the Syrian people. But […]
EU widens restrictive measures in view of Iran support of the Russian war
The Council yesterday decided to widen the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and to armed groups and entities in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. This additional measure is targeted to the use of vessels and ports for the […]
EU launches call for EU companies to invest in Ukraine recovery and reconstruction
At the first EU-Ukraine Investment Conference, which started on 13 November, the European Union has launched a call for expressions of interest to mobilise EU private investment in critical areas to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. Proposals will be reviewed and matched with the most suitable investment projects funded under the Ukraine Investment Framework, which is […]
EU strengthens defence preparedness with new equipment purchases
The Commission has approved funding for five cross-border projects to support more coordinated and efficient defence procurement among EU Member States. Implemented under the instrument for strengthening the European defence industry through common procurement (EDIRPA), each of the five selected projects will receive €60 million, representing a total amount of €300 million in funding. […]
Parliament calls for an EU crackdown on Russia’s ’shadow fleet’
MEPs demand more targeted EU sanctions against Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet’, which provides a key financial lifeline for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Russia uses old tankers, often uninsured and with unclear ownership, to export its crude oil and petroleum products abroad, despite EU, G7 and international sanctions. These activities have also raised fears over the […]
Ukraine: Council extends the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission for two years
On 8 November, the Council adopted a decision extending the mandate of the European Union Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine) for a further two years, until 15 November 2026, with a budget allocation of nearly €409 million for the period from 14 November 2024 to 15 November 2026. EUMAM Ukraine remains a […]