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22/03/2019 - Institutional affairs
The European Council adopted conclusions on jobs, growth and competitiveness, climate change, external relations, as well as securing free and fair elections and fighting disinformation.
21/03/2019 - Institutional affairs
The extension until 22 May is conditional. It will be granted if the UK Parliament approves the withdrawal agreement next week. If it does not, EU leaders agree to delay Brexit until 12 April, expecting the UK to "indicate a way forward before this date".
20/03/2019 - Research and innovation
The EU institutions have reached a partial political agreement, subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and Council, on Horizon Europe.
20/03/2019 - Business, taxation and competition
19/03/2019 - Institutional affairs
The Council discussed the next multiannual financial framework and prepared the European Council meeting. It also adopted a series of Brexit contingency measures and agreed its position on the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III).
- Outcome of the Council meeting
- Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III): Council agrees its position
- Brexit: Council adopts a series of contingency measures for a "no-deal" scenario
- Ensuring the continuation of Erasmus+ activities in the event of no-deal Brexit: Council approves contingency measures
- EP elections: EU adopts new rules to prevent misuse of personal data by European political parties
- More press releases from the General Affairs Council
19/03/2019 - Security and defence
The Commission has today adopted work programmes to co-finance joint defence industrial projects in 2019-2020 worth up to €500 million. A further €25 million have been earmarked to support collaborative defence research projects in 2019, with calls for proposals launched today.
- Factsheet: The European Defence Fund
- Factsheet: European defence work programmes
- Commission implementing decision on the financing of the European Defence Industrial Development Programme and the adoption of the work programme for the years 2019 and 2020
- Commission decision on the financing of the 'Preparatory action on Defence research' and the adoption of the work programme for 2019
19/03/2019 - Economy and the euro
18/03/2019 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
As the meeting was taking place on the 5th anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, the High Representative and foreign ministers marked the event by reiterating publicly key elements of the EU position.
18/03/2019 - Food, farming and fisheries
The Council had a public exchange of views on the whole CAP reform package on the basis of a presidency's state of play report, and suggested changes to the text of all three regulations: the CAP strategic plans, the horizontal and Common Market Organisation regulations. Ministers also had a discussion on the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
18/03/2019 - Research and innovation
Ahead of the 21-22 March European Council discussion on innovation, industry and competitiveness, the Commission takes decisive steps to set up a European Innovation Council (EIC).
16/03/2019 - Employment and social rights
Ministers held a policy debate on the European Semester 2019 and adopted conclusions on the 2019 Annual Growth Survey and Joint Employment Report. The Council also reached a partial general approach on a proposal for a Regulation on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
15/03/2019 - Business, taxation and competition / Economy and the euro
The Commission takes stock of the progress achieved in building a Single Market for capital, including as regards sustainable finance, and calls on EU leaders to keep up the political engagement to lay down the foundation of the Capital Markets Union.
15/03/2019 - Institutional affairs / Justice and citizens’ rights
15/03/2019 - Institutional affairs
This week’s plenary session saw MEPs approve contingency measures in case of a no-deal Brexit, back new rules to improve accessibility and pass a new cyber security act.
13/03/2019 - Institutional affairs / Justice and citizens’ rights
To ensure the least possible disruption, MEPs voted on travel, transport, Erasmus, social security and fisheries measures.
13/03/2019 - Justice and citizens’ rights / Security and defence
MEPs warn that Russia’s disinformation campaigns are the main source of disinformation in Europe, along with China, Iran and North Korea.
13/03/2019 - Transport and travel
The European Commission has today adopted new rules stepping up the deployment of Cooperative Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) on Europe's roads.
12/03/2019 - Enlargement, external relations and trade
Against the backdrop of China's growing economic power and political influence, the European Commission and the High Representative review European Union-China relations and the related opportunities and challenges.
12/03/2019 - Business, taxation and competition / Economy and the euro
The Council adopted new conclusions on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. Ministers also discussed excise duty regime, the digital services tax, InvestEU and the European Semester.
12/03/2019 - Enlargement, external relations and trade / Security and defence
MEPs adopt the EU Cybersecurity certification scheme for products, processes and services, whilst also expressing their deep concern about Chinese IT in the EU.
