EU News

9th Cohesion Report shows that Cohesion Policy continues to narrow the gaps in EU regions and Member States

The Commission published its 9th Cohesion Report, showing that Cohesion Policy is fulfilling its mission to narrow economic, social, and territorial disparities across the EU. Great strides have been made to reduce the gaps that exist between the Member States and regions, strengthening the EU Single Market and making sure that the EU continues to invest in human capital and sustainable development. Exploiting the full …

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European Media Freedom Act: Council adopts new rules to protect journalists and media providers

The Council has adopted a new law that will safeguard media freedom, media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will establish a common framework for media services in the EU’s internal market and introduce measures aimed at protecting journalists and media providers from political interference, while also making it easier for them to operate across …

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EU and Norway sign strategic partnership on sustainable land-based raw materials and battery value chains

The EU together with the Kingdom of Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) launching a strategic partnership to develop sustainable land-based raw materials and battery value chains. This is an important building bloc and another tangible result of the EU-Norway Green Alliance, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister of Norway Jonas …

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The Commission allocates €500 million to ramp up ammunition production, out of a total of €2 billion to strengthen EU’s defence industry

the Commission allocated the €500 million foreseen under the Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP). This will allow the European defence industry to ramp up its ammunition production capacity to 2 million shells per year by the end of 2025. The Commission also launched the Work Programme for the instrument for the reinforcement of the European defence industry …

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The European Union and Switzerland launch negotiations to deepen bilateral relations

President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd launched today the negotiations on a broad package of measures to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship. This follows the adoption of the Swiss and EU negotiating mandates on 8 and 12 March 2024, respectively. The two mandates authorise the Commission and Switzerland to …

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Green diplomacy: Council conclusions reaffirm the EU’s commitment to work closely with partners to accelerate a global just and inclusive green transition

The Council approved conclusions on green diplomacy, unequivocally affirming the EU’s commitment to promote a just and inclusive green transition, and to support the implementation of global commitments in this regard, in close cooperation with partner countries worldwide through enhanced multilateralism and global action. In its conclusions, the Council reiterates the gravity of the accelerating triple planetary crisis of climate …

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First ever defence industrial strategy and a new defence industry programme to enhance Europe’s readiness and security

The European Commission and the High Representative presented the first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy at EU level and proposed an ambitious set of new actions to support the competitiveness and readiness of its defence industry. Two years ago, Russia’s unjustified, on-going war of aggression against Ukraine marked the return of high-intensity conflict on our continent. The European …

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New global rules to simplify trade in services enter into force in the WTO

Trade in services just got a boost with the entry into force of new World Trade Organization (WTO) rules facilitating and simplifying trade in services. The new rules apply to a large and diverse group of WTO Members, including developed, developing and least developed countries – representing 92% of world trade in services. The set …

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Report from experts on Cohesion Policy proposes ways to maximise the effectiveness and impact of Cohesion Policy in the future

The independent Group of High-Level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy presented its report, which assessed the functioning of Cohesion Policy and included recommendations on how to ensure the Policy continues to promote prosperity and convergence across the EU. These recommendations will add to the ongoing reflections and body of opinions from many stakeholders and institutions …

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Easier access to EU funding for rural areas thanks to EU Rural Toolkit

The Commission launched a new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas. EU funds and programmes that can foster sustainable growth and well-being in rural areas abound. However, identifying the most appropriate option is not always straightforward for potential beneficiaries. The Rural toolkit gathers funding opportunities from 26 different …

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