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Press material Tuesday 24 May 2022   ● Council of the EU   24/05/2022 12:06 | Press release | EU support to Ukraine: Council agrees on further increase of support under the European Peace Facility   The Council adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) that will allow the EU to further support the capabilities and resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, and protect the civilian population against the ongoing Russian military aggression. After having adopted three tranches of support totalling 1.5 billion this year, a fourth tranche will add €500 million to the resources already mobilised under the EPF for Ukraine, thereby bringing the total amount to €2 billion. "The history of tomorrow is being written today, on the battlefields of Ukraine. With these €500 million, the EU has allocated a total €2 of billion to support EU member states’ supplies of military equipment to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This support is just one part of European efforts to help Ukraine defend itself. The EU and its member states are determined to continue. We have done it since the beginning of the war and we will continue until the end." Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy The scope of the equipment to be provided in the new support package is in line with the current priorities as expressed by the Ukrainian government. In this light, the assistance measures consist of €490 million for military equipment designed to deliver lethal force for defensive purposes, as well as €10 million intended to cover the provision of equipment and supplies, such as personal protective equipment, first aid kits, and fuel.

● Council of the EU

24/05/2022 11:42 | Press release | Europol: Council adopts legislation entrusting new tasks to the agency   Today, the Council adopted a regulation amending the Europol Regulation. The text should be published in the Official Journal and enter into force before the end of June. Europol is an EU agency that plays a crucial role in police cooperation. On the basis of the Commission proposal, the European Parliament and the Council have agreed to strengthen Europol’s capacity to better support member states in combating new threats and modi operandi. The text introduces improvements in the following areas: Research and innovation: Europol will help member states use emerging technologies, explore new approaches and develop common technological solutions, including solutions based on artificial intelligence, which should always be subject to robust safeguards in terms of the protection of fundamental rights. Processing of large data sets: Europe will be able to process large and complex data sets to support member states in combating serious crime and terrorism, always with due respect for fundamental rights, including the right to privacy. Cooperation with private parties: private parties hold an increasing amount of personal data that may be relevant for criminal investigations. Europol will be able to receive data directly, to ensure a point of contact at EU level to lawfully share multi-jurisdictional data sets. Cooperation with third countries: the scope for Europol to cooperate with third countries is extended to include the possibility of exchanging personal data with countries where appropriate safeguards exist. Cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office: Europol will have to cooperate closely with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office by supporting its investigations at the latter’s request and by notifying it immediately of any criminal conduct which falls within its remit. SIS alerts: Europol will support member states in the processing of data transmitted by third countries or international organisations and may propose that member states enter information alerts in the Schengen Information System (SIS). Own-initiative investigations: the Executive Director of Europol may propose opening a national investigation into non-cross-border crimes affecting a common interest covered by an EU policy. It will be up to the national authorities to decide whether or not to comply with this request. Regulation amending the Europol regulation

● Council of the EU

24/05/2022 10:55 | Press release | Council approves conclusions on a strategic approach for the development of vaccination as a complementary tool for the prevention and control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)   In the face of recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the poultry sector, agriculture ministers today adopted conclusions on a strategic approach for the development of vaccination as a complementary tool for the prevention and control of the epizootic. The measures contained in the conclusions are aimed in particular at the poultry sector in the context of the most serious epizootic in recent history in Europe. In their discussions, ministers underlined the cross-border nature of the animal disease and its ability to spread very rapidly, irrespective of national borders, causing serious socio-economic consequences that hamper agriculture and disrupt trade. They also recalled the risk that HPAI could pose to human health. Ministers underlined the paramount importance of the application of strict biosecurity and other existing HPAI prevention and control measures, and agreed that vaccination could usefully complement these measures and help reduce the risk of spread among domestic poultry. They also called for further scientific knowledge, including updated risk assessments, and asked member states and the Commission to intensify their efforts to develop vaccination strategies targeted at risk areas, species and farming practices. Member states were also encouraged to carry out vaccination trials and share their results through scientific collaboration. Ministers reiterated the importance of monitoring the evolution of circulating virus strains. They also invited the Commission to explore the possibilities of a pooled purchase or vaccine bank mechanism to ensure a robust and responsive supply of vaccines. Finally, they called for joint efforts to enhance the acceptability of HPAI vaccination in international trade and invited the Commission and member states to develop an operational roadmap to support these dialogues and discussions.