Latest stories - External relations and foreign affairs

Joint Statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy on the election of Tomislav Nikolić as President of the Republic of Serbia

21/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

"Serbia's European perspective is very concrete and we therefore hope to be able to rely on President Nikolić's personal dedication to achieve this aim."

• Serbia – Country profile
• Opinion on Serbia's application for membership of the EU

Joint statement by President Barroso and President Van Rompuy after the G8 working session on the global economy

19/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

“We had an important debate with the other G8 leaders on the global economy in Camp David this morning. We were comforted to hear that all leaders agree on the need to take action to boost confidence and nurture recovery in response to the current economic challenges we face.”  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.) on 18-19 May 2012: "Acting together"
• The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.): Questions and Answers
• President Barroso's G8 website
• President Van Rompuy's G8 website

EU bolsters its support to reformers in its Southern and Eastern neighbourhoods

15/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Over the last twelve months, the EU has responded with determination to a fast - changing situation in its neighbourhood. The joint Communication assesses the results of the new policy.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO|

• DOCUMENT. Communication on delivering on a new European Neighbourhood Policy
• Progress reports on implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy
• Remarks by Commissioner Štefan Füle
• Remarks by HRVP Catherine Ashton
• More information on the European Neighbourhood Policy

Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once more

14/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime. It froze the assets of two entities financially supporting the regime and targeted three additional persons with a travel ban and an asset freeze.

• Council conclusions on Syria
• FACTSHEET. The European Union and Syria
• The Foreign Affairs Council also adopted conclusions on Afghanistan to serve as guidelines for upcoming international meetings
• Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Customs: EU and USA agree to recognise each other's "trusted traders"

04/05/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

EU and U.S. certified trusted traders will enjoy lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in their transatlantic activities, as a result of a mutual recognition decision signed today.  |VIDEO|

• Commissioner Šemeta's statement
• More information on customs and security

Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

23/04/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Council decided to adopt restrictive measures on the export to Syria of additional equipment, goods and technology that can be used for internal repression or for making and maintaining such products. It also agreed to ban the sales of luxury goods from the EU to Syria.

• Council conclusions on Syria
• FACTSHEET. The European Union and Syria

Parliament deplores Argentina's decision to expropriate YPF

20/04/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The European Commission should use all appropriate dispute settlement tools available at the WTO and G20 to respond to Argentina's "unilateral and arbitrary" decision to expropriate the YPF energy company, says a resolution adopted by Parliament.

• Statement by Catherine Ashton
• VIDEO. President Barroso’s press statement

Syria: Stepping up the pressure

27/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Against the backdrop of the Syrian regime's continued use of violence against civilians, Foreign Affairs ministers decided to ratchet up the pressure on the Syrian regime by reinforcing the restrictive measures already in place.

Dismantling trade barriers – work still to be done says report

27/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The report updates progress in negotiating the removal of protectionist measures by six partners: China, India, Japan, Mercosur, Russia and the US. It identifies 6 new priorities for EU negotiators.

Funds have helped Croatia prepare for joining EU says auditor

01/02/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The Court of Auditors finds that pre-accession funding has helped the country prepare for managing future EU funds. Its recommendations include stronger anti-corruption measures.

Proposals to boost trade-led growth in developing countries

27/01/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

The measures would help developing countries increase international trade and would focus more on the poorest countries. They include stepped up negotiations on free trade agreements.

EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans

03/01/2012  -  External relations and foreign affairs

Current duty free access to the EU market has been extended to 31 December 2015. The original agreement ended on 31 December 2010. Exporters will be able to claim compensation for duties paid in 2011.