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Press material Monday 19 April 2021   ● Council of the EU   19/04/2021 14:23 | Press release | Council adopts position on €14.8 billion EU space programme for 2021-2027   The Council today adopted its first reading position on the proposed regulation establishing the EU space programme ( “the programme”) for the years 2021 to 2027. This follows up on a deal reached last December with the European Parliament that paves the way for the swift adoption of the draft regulation at second reading. "The EU relies on space activities as drivers of sustainable economic growth and security. Our new EU space programme will enable us to remain competitive in the New Space economy and to preserve the EU’s space sovereignty. It will boost our economic recovery from the pandemic and our transition towards a green and digital economic model." Manuel Heitor, Portuguese Minister for Science and Technology and Higher Education The Council today adopted its first reading position on the proposed regulation establishing the EU space programme ( “the programme”) for the years … Press material Monday 19 April 2021   ● Council of the EU   19/04/2021 13:05 | Press release | A new agenda for the Mediterranean: the Council approves conclusions on a renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood   The Council approved conclusions affirming the EU's determination to renew and strengthen its strategic partnership with its Southern Neighbourhood. The objective is to address common challenges, take advantage of shared opportunities and unlock the region's economic potential for the benefit of its people. Spurring sustainable long-term socio-economic recovery and job creation in the Southern Neighbourhood is a key shared priority and the innovative cornerstone of the new Agenda for the Mediterranean. Working together, the EU and its Southern Neighbourhood partners can turn climate and environmental challenges, and digital transformation, into major opportunities for sustainable development, contributing to a just and inclusive green transition. The EU will use all its available instruments, including the NDICI-Global Europe and the European Fund for Sustainable Development plus (EFSD+), and engage with financial institutions to achieve this objective, paying particular attention to the human dimension and opportunities for young people. Good governance, the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democratic institutions and the rule of law are also considered to be essential for long-term stability, security and sustainable development in the region. The EU will step up its engagement on these issues, and renew its efforts on conflict prevention and resolution, as well as on cooperation on security, migration and the preparedness and response capacities of healthcare systems. The EU intends to strengthen the political dialogue across the Mediterranean by setting up annual meetings of EU member states’ and Southern Neighbourhood partners’ foreign ministers to review progress in the implementation of the new Agenda for the Mediterranean. Council conclusions Statement of the members of the European Council, 26 February 2021 European Council conclusions, 11 December 2020 Joint communication on a renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood, 9 February 2021 Towards a renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood (factsheet) The Council approved conclusions reaffirming the importance of a solid and long-term partnership between the EU and the Sahel, and of stepping up tha… Press material Monday 19 April 2021   ● Council of the EU   19/04/2021 11:13 | Press release | Sahel: Council approves conclusions on the EU's integrated strategy in the region   The Council approved conclusions reaffirming the importance of a solid and long-term partnership between the EU and the Sahel, and of stepping up that partnership through an ambitious EU strategy setting the framework for its policies and actions in the region. Since 2012 the Sahel has faced a profound security crisis that has hampered its development and, together with other long-term trends such as climate change, demographic pressure, the access to natural resources and epidemic risks, risks wiping out the progress made in recent decades. During the period of the previous EU Sahel strategy (2011-2020), the EU has mobilised all instruments at its disposal, from humanitarian aid to security forces, to support the Sahel populations, and now intends to intensify its political efforts through a new, ambitious, inclusive and flexible strategy based on the principle of mutual accountability with Sahel partner authorities. In line with international coordination efforts within the Sahel Coalition, the EU emphasises the importance of a 'civilian and political leap forward' focusing both on short-term stabilisation and long-term prospects for sustainable social, environmental and economic development, above and beyond military involvement. The promotion protection and fulfilment of all human rights will continue to remain at the heart of EU support for the Sahel, as well as efforts in the areas of governance and the rule of law, anti-corruption, and the provision of basic public services to all people. Recognizing past as well as emerging trends, the EU will continue to support Sahel partners in fighting terrorist armed groups, and support their efforts in the field of security sector reform. The EU will continue strengthening the multilateral system, with the United Nations at its core, alongside regional organisations, especially the African Union, ECOWAS and the G5 Sahel.