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International donor conference: €3.25 billion mobilised by international community to rebuild Mali

Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Represented at the highest levels, the international community has mobilised decisively in support of Mali's development priorities. Donors have made public financial commitments on the basis of the Plan for the Sustainable Recovery of Mali 2013-2014 (PRED) presented by the Malian government.

European Neighbourhood Policy in 2012: Continuing engagement for a stronger cooperation with neighbours despite turbulent political and economic conditions

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:44:00 +0100

The "ENP annual package" shows that many partners remain committed to strengthening relations with the EU and that the EU has deepened its support to those partners embarking on important reform agendas.

EU and Ukraine: towards closer relations

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:45:00 +0100

The 16th EU-Ukraine summit took place in Brussels. The objective of the meeting was to discuss the conditions for the signature of the Association Agreement and a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area at the Eastern Partnership summit in Vilnius in November.

Foreign Affairs Council: EU Training Mission in Mali launched

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:07:00 +0100

The EU's training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali) was launched by the Foreign Affairs Council. The objective of the mission is to support the training and reorganisation of the Malian Armed Forces.

European Union and United States to launch negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:54:00 +0100

When negotiations are completed, this EU-US agreement would be the biggest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated – and it could add 0.5% to the EU's annual economic output.

Foreign Affairs Council meets in Brussels

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 01:24:00 +0100

At the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council the focus was on the EU's southern neighbourhood. Other topics included the foreign policy priorities during president Obama's second term in office, the situation in Mali and Somalia as well proposed steps towards an EU policy in the Arctic.

Donor Conference on Mali: EU pledges € 50 million to support an African-based peace operation (AFISMA)

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:27:00 +0100

At a donor conference on Mali hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Commissioner for development, Andris Piebalgs, representing the European Union, confirmed the contribution of €50 million from the European Union to support the African-led International Support Mission to Mali (AFISMA).

EU-CELAC Summit: Santiago Declaration

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:10:00 +0100

Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the European Union (EU), and the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission, convened in Santiago, Chile, to renew and deepen their Strategic Partnership.

The EU brings forward the deployment of its training mission in Mali

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:21:00 +0100

In the light of the recent developments in Mali, the EU's Foreign Affairs Ministers decided to speed up the deployment of the military training mission in Mali (EUTM Mali).

Where the European Commission's humanitarian aid will go in 2013

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:38:00 +0100

The European Commission has adopted its plan for the allocation of over €661 million in humanitarian aid funding for 2013.

New EU initiative to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:24:00 +0100

The Critical Maritime Routes in the Gulf of Guinea Programme (CRIMGO) will help governments across West and Central Africa to improve safety of the main shipping routes by providing training for coastguards and establishing a network to share information between countries and agencies across the region.

30th EU-Russia summit: a way forward

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:58:00 +0100

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy hosted the 30th EU and Russia bilateral summit. The agenda addressed a wide range of bilateral issues, covering political and economic matters and strategic perspectives for the EU-Russia relationship.

Commission proposes improved rules to enforce EU rights under international trade agreements

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:43:00 +0100

The proposal covers the EU's trade responses in cases of illegal trade measures in other countries, and it will allow effective action to safeguard the interests of EU companies and workers.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:33:00 +0100

Ministers debated recent developments in the Middle East. The Council stressed that now is the time to take bold steps towards peace and underlined the urgency of renewed, structured and substantial peace efforts in 2013.

Towards a free trade agreement with Japan

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:00:00 +0100

The EU Foreign Affairs (Trade) Council approved a mandate for the negotiation of a free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan and authorised the opening of negotiations with Japan on a framework agreement.

Syria: EU welcomes opposition agreement

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 23:00:00 +0100

At the meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council, ministers highlighted the EU's support for the efforts of Joint Special Representative Lakhdar Brahimi in finding a political solution and welcomed the agreement reached by the Syrian opposition forces, whom the EU considers "legitimate representatives of the aspirations of the Syrian people".

A visa policy to spur economic growth in the EU

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 11:17:00 +0100

If fully exploited, the current visa rules could ensure that the EU remains an attractive destination for more tourists/third country nationals, while at the same time boosting EU's economic activity and job creation.

ASEM: a strong partnership for peace and prosperity

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The overarching theme of the meeting was "Friends for Peace, Partners for Prosperity". The main topics were economic and financial matters, global, regional and socio-cultural issues and the future development of the ASEM.

The EU publishes revised preferential import scheme for developing countries

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 10:44:00 +0100

The new scheme will be focused on fewer beneficiaries (89 countries) to ensure more impact on countries most in need.

Improving standards for the reception of asylum seekers

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:55:00 +0200

Ministers reached agreement on a directive laying down standards for the reception of asylum seekers. This directive is one of five legislative instruments making up the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) package.

European Council in Brussels on 18 and 19 October

Fri, 19 Oct 2012 23:00:00 +0200

The European Council reiterated its firm commitment to take resolute action to address financial market tensions, restore confidence and stimulate growth and jobs.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 23:00:00 +0200

The Council, reiterating that the EU stands by the Syrian people in its courageous struggle for freedom, dignity and democracy, underlined its deep concern at the spill-over effects of the Syrian crisis in neighbouring countries in terms of security and stability.

Nobel Peace Prize 2012 awarded to the European Union

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 12:28:00 +0200

“This Prize is the strongest possible recognition of the deep political motives behind our Union: the unique effort by ever more European states to overcome war and divisions and to jointly shape a continent of peace and prosperity”.

Commission outlines next steps for EU enlargement

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:59:00 +0200

In a set of annual reports, the Commission also assesses the progress towards EU accession made elsewhere in the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Iceland over the past year.

EU puts resilience at the heart of its work on fighting hunger and poverty

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 10:52:00 +0200

A new communication from the European Commission outlines a wide range of activities for building resilience, from improving access to food through supporting partner countries to ensuring that governments are alerted quickly at the outbreak of crises.

Herman Van Rompuy at UN General Assembly

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:12:00 +0200

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, addressed the United Nations General Assembly on behalf of the European Union in New York on 26 September 2012.

New EU funding to improve border management and regional cooperation in the Eastern Partnership

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 11:18:00 +0200

The European Commission has approved a new support package for the EU's Eastern Neighbourhood of just over €23 million that will help to improve security, boost trade and increase mobility for people living in the region.

EU-China summit: committed to further cooperation

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:10:00 +0200

The 15th summit with China, held on 20 September 2012 in Brussels, provided strategic guidance to the increasingly rich cooperation between the two sides.

EU Aid Volunteers: Commission proposes new global humanitarian initiative

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 12:14:00 +0200

The European Commission set out its plans to develop a global initiative that will create opportunities for some 10,000 people from 2014-2020 to volunteer worldwide in humanitarian operations.

EU welcomes Russia's WTO accession after 18 years of negotiations

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:22:00 +0200

After 18 years of negotiations, Russia joins the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as its 156th member today. This accession is particularly important for the EU, as the EU is Russia's first trading partner and Russia is the EU's third trading partner.

EU customs detain over 100 million fake goods at EU borders

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:10:00 +0200

In 2011, EU Customs detained almost 115 million products suspected of violating intellectual property rights (IPR) compared to 103 million in 2010. The number of intercepted cases increased by 15% compared to 2010.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 09:40:00 +0200

The Council discussed developments in the EU's Southern neighbourhood, focusing on Syria and Libya. It strongly condemned the ever increasing use of force by the Syrian regime.

The European Asylum Support Office publishes its first Country of Origin Information (COI) report on Afghanistan

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 17:31:00 +0200

The European Asylum Support Office has published its first country of origin information report. The report focuses on Taliban recruitment strategies in Afghanistan. It has also published a methodology guideline for future similar reports. Country of origin reports represent a crucial tool for the decision-making on asylum applications and their availability enhances harmonisation of asylum procedures in the EU.

Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 10:21:00 +0200

The Council discussed developments in the EU's southern neighbourhood, focusing on Syria and Egypt. It strongly condemned the brutal violence and massacres of civilians in Syria and urged the Syrian regime once more to immediately end the killing of civilians and to allow for a peaceful transition for the sake of the country.

The European Commission boosts its humanitarian aid for Syria as Commissioner Georgieva visits Syrian refugees

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:54:00 +0200

The European Commission is increasing its humanitarian aid by EUR 10 million for those affected by the escalating violence in Syria, Commissioner Kristalina Georgieva announced today during a visit to a refugee camp in Turkey.

G20 Leaders Declaration

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:21:00 +0200

G20 leaders showed strong resolve to promote growth and jobs and the EU made an important contribution, setting out its sustained, crisis comprehensive response and policy action.

Joint EU-Mexico statement following the EU-Mexico Summit in Los Cabos

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The Leaders highlighted the maturity of their relation in the framework of their Strategic Partnership. Likewise, the Leaders stressed the reliability and the depth of the aforementioned relation as well as the convergence in values and positions in multiple issues of the international agenda.

EU-Russia: joint commitment to develop strategic partnership further

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 15:12:00 +0200

During a two-day summit on 3 and 4 June in St Petersburg, the EU and Russia discussed perspectives for their relationship, economic and financial issues, and international developments.

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

Mon, 21 May 2012 13:51:00 +0200

"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."

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

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

“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.”

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

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:27:00 +0200

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.

Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once more

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:33:00 +0200

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.

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

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:15:00 +0200

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.

Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:22:00 +0200

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.

Parliament deplores Argentina's decision to expropriate YPF

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:56:00 +0200

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.

Syria: Stepping up the pressure

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

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

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

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

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100

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

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

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

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

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.