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15/06/2021 - Covid-19 / Enlargement, external relations and trade / Security and defence
The EU-US summit on 15 June delivered a series of bilateral trade initiatives. Leaders agreed to resolve long-standing disputes regarding aircraft, discuss measures on steel and aluminium, and set up a Trade and Technology Council. They also discussed COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring a sustainable recovery, protecting the planet and cooperating on foreign and security issues.
15/06/2021 - Covid-19 / Energy, environment and climate / Enlargement, external relations and trade
At a summit held in Brussels on 14 June, the leaders of the EU and Canada agreed to further strengthen their strategic partnership. They committed to ensuring universal access to COVID-19 vaccines, ambitious climate action, and a sustainable and green economic recovery. The EU and Canada will also cooperate more closely in the areas of health, ocean protection, raw materials, and security and defence.
13/06/2021 - Covid-19 / Energy, environment and climate / Enlargement, external relations and trade / International aid, development and cooperation
At the Cornwall summit from 11 to 13 June, the G7 leaders committed to improving global access to COVID-19 vaccines, strengthening the global health system, and ensuring ambitious climate action.
04/06/2021 - Covid-19 / Enlargement, external relations and trade
The EU has submitted its proposal seeking the commitment of World Trade Organization (WTO) members for a multilateral trade action plan to expand the production of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments and ensure universal and fair access.
27/05/2021 - Covid-19 / Energy, environment and climate / Enlargement, external relations and trade
At a summit held by videoconference, the leaders of the EU and Japan concluded a ‘green alliance’ that will boost cooperation to accelerate climate and environmental action. They also discussed global access to COVID-19 vaccines, digital transformation, bilateral relations, and foreign and security policy.
25/05/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Institutional affairs / Security and defence
On 24 and 25 May 2021, the European Council adopted conclusions on COVID-19, climate change, Belarus, Russia, the UK, the Middle East and Mali.
20/05/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
The Council exchanged views on the trade policy review. Ministers reviewed the state of play of the WTO reform and preparations for the next Ministerial Conference of the WTO and took stock of latest developments and prospects in EU-US trade relations.
- Outcome of the Council meeting
- COVID-19: Council updates recommendation on restrictions to travel from third countries
- EU supports start of WHO process for establishment of Pandemic Treaty: Council decision
- EU’s humanitarian action: Council adopts conclusions
- More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council
11/05/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Institutional affairs
Ministers focused on the state of play on the COVID-19 EU coordination and the Conference on the Future of Europe. Under any other business, the Council was informed about matters related to the Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process, and the EU-Switzerland relations.
10/05/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Security and defence
EU ministers of foreign affairs were briefed about current affairs and exchanged views on Western Balkans and transatlantic relations. The Council also adopted conclusions on Security and Defence, and the Horn of Africa.
05/05/2021 - Business, taxation and competition / Enlargement, external relations and trade
The legislative proposal follows the adoption of the White Paper in June 2020 and an extensive consultation process with stakeholders. It aims at closing the regulatory gap in the Single Market, whereby subsidies granted by non-EU governments currently go largely unchecked, while subsidies granted by Member States are subject to close scrutiny.
29/04/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
The Council adopted a decision on the conclusion of the EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement and the security of information agreement. This is the last step for the EU in the ratification of the post-Brexit deal. Both agreements will enter into force on 1 May 2021.
28/04/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
Parliament voted with a large majority in favour of granting its consent to the agreement setting the rules of the future EU-UK relationship. The consent decision was adopted by 660 votes for, five against and 32 abstentions, while the accompanying resolution, setting out Parliament’s evaluation of and expectations from the deal, passed by 578 votes, with 51 against and 68 abstentions.
25/03/2021 - Covid-19 / Economy and the euro / Enlargement, external relations and trade
EU leaders met via video conference to take stock of the COVID-19 epidemiological situation. They also discussed transatlantic relations together with US President Joe Biden. The situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, relations with Russia, the single market, digital agenda and the international role of the euro were also on the agenda.
- Statement of the members of the European Council, 25 March 2021
- Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel, following the videoconference of the members of the European Council
- Statement by the members of the Euro Summit
- Introductory remarks by President Charles Michel at the videoconference of EU leaders with US President Biden
24/03/2021 - Covid-19 / Enlargement, external relations and trade
The European Commission has introduced the principles of reciprocity and proportionality as new criteria to be considered for authorising exports under the transparency and authorisation mechanism for COVID-19 vaccine exports.
22/03/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Security and defence
The Foreign Affairs Council was briefed about current affairs and exchanged views on Southern neighbourhood and Turkey. Ministers also held an informal exchange with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet.
- Outcome of the Council meeting
- EU imposes further sanctions over serious violations of human rights around the world
- Myanmar/Burma: EU sanctions 11 people over the recent military coup and ensuing repression
- EU sets up the European Peace Facility
- Cybersecurity: Council adopts conclusions on the EU's cybersecurity strategy
- More press releases from the Foreign Affairs Council
26/02/2021 - Covid-19 / Enlargement, external relations and trade / Institutional affairs / Security and defence
On 25 February, the members of the European Council met via video conference to discuss the current situation with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparedness for health emergencies. On 26 February they met again, focusing on security and defence, and relations with the Southern Neighbourhood.
22/02/2021 - Covid-19 / Enlargement, external relations and trade / Security and defence
EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs were briefed about current affairs and exchanged views on Russia, and Hong Kong. The Council also adopted conclusions on: Myanmar/Burma, a human-rights-based post-COVID-19 recovery, and EU priorities in UN human rights fora in 2021.
18/02/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
The European Commission has set out its trade strategy for the coming years. Reflecting the concept of open strategic autonomy, it builds on the EU's openness to contribute to the economic recovery through support for the green and digital transformations, as well as a renewed focus on strengthening multilateralism and reforming global trade rules to ensure that they are fair and sustainable.
17/02/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Justice and citizens’ rights
09/02/2021 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
To relaunch and strengthen the strategic partnership between the European Union and its Southern Neighbourhood partners, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a joint communication proposing an ambitious and innovative new Agenda for the Mediterranean.
