Council of the EU:latest

 

Public procurement Monday, 29 April 2024

● Council of the EU   Current call for tenders, 29/04/2024   Call for tenders for Training in First Aid in the Workplace Ref. UCA 24/001  Deadline for sending requests to participate: 15/05/2024

Press material Monday, 29 April 2024

● Council of the EU   29/04/2024 16:49 | Press release | Council adopts directive to delay reporting obligations for certain sectors and third country companies   The Council has today given its final approval to the directive on time limits for the adoption of sustainability reporting standards for certain sectors and third country undertakings, which amends the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to give the companies concerned more time to apply European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. More time to prepare reporting The directive adopted today will postpone the adoption of sector-specific sustainability reporting standards for EU companies and general sustainability reporting standards for non-EU companies  to 30 June 2026. This will allow companies to focus on the implementation of the first set of ESRS and limit the reporting requirements to a necessary minimum. It will also allow more time to develop these sector specific sustainability standards and standards for non-EU companies. Next steps Following the Council’s approval today of the European Parliament's position, the legislative act has been adopted. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the directive will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication. Background In its communication ‘Long-term competitiveness of the EU: looking beyond 2030’, the Commission identified reporting as one of the main burdens for companies in general and for SMEs in particular. Therefore, it proposed reducing reporting obligations by 25% without undermining the underlying policy objectives. Current EU law requires listed companies to disclose information about the risks and opportunities arising from social and environmental issues. On 31 July 2023, the Commission adopted the first cross-cutting standards and standards for all sustainability topics. The directive adopted today implements a two-year postponement for the publication of sector specific standards and standards for non-EU companies in order to give companies more time to apply the first batch of standards and prepare for the next ones. The directive is part of the first package of measures to rationalise reporting requirements and is consistent with the SME Relief Package.    Commission’s proposal Council’s mandate for negotiations Final text sent to the European Parliament

Press material Monday, 29 April 2024

● Council of the EU   29/04/2024 16:29 | Press release | EUAM Iraq: Council extends the mandate of the EU advisory mission on security sector reform until 2026   The Council today adopted a decision extending the mandate of the EU Advisory Mission in support of Security Sector Reform in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) until 30 April 2026, with a budget allocation of almost €66 million for the period from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2026. The strategic objectives of the mandate of EUAM Iraq were also amended so as to further contribute to the development/strengthening of civilian aspects of security sector reform in Iraq. Today’s decision was taken as part of the strategic review of the mission carried out by the Political and Security Committee. Background EUAM Iraq was launched in October 2017 in response to a request by the Iraqi government for advice on how to undertake civilian security sector reform. The mission, headquartered in Baghdad and with an office in Erbil, had an initial mandate of one year which was extended three times, following the assessment of Iraqi needs. The mission’s overarching task is to contribute to the development/strengthening of civilian aspects of Iraqi Security Sector Reform, including the Iraqi National Security Strategy, associated national strategies and other national security priorities, through strategic advice and assistance. This task, supported by several international partners, includes inter alia support to Iraqi efforts in areas such as institutional reform, countering organised crime, anti-corruption, the protection of cultural heritage, integrated border management and counter-terrorism/countering violent extremism. EUAM Iraq is mandated to advise and assist the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities in charge of aspects related to civilian Security Sector Reform. The mission can conduct visits at regional and provincial levels in support of Iraqi efforts to strengthen countrywide coordination as it relates to civilian security sector reform. EUAM Iraq website Delegation of the EU to Iraq

Press material Monday, 29 April 2024

● Council of the EU   29/04/2024 13:04 | Press release | European Peace Facility: Council adopts an assistance measure to support the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire   The Council today adopted an assistance measure worth €15 million under the European Peace Facility to support the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire. This support will strengthen the operational capabilities of the Ivoirian Armed Forces to secure areas close to land borders and to counter non-state armed groups, which are destabilising the country and the whole West Africa region. Through the proposed assistance, the EU will provide equipment not designed to deliver lethal force in order to upgrade the Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance’s capabilities of the Air Forces of Côte d'Ivoire through the acquisition of communication and data transmission equipment and unmanned aerial systems. It will also strengthen the logistics and security of military units deployed in the northern areas of Côte d'Ivoire through the provision of multi-purpose vehicles and personal protective equipment. The delivery of the equipment will be accompanied by relevant tactical and on-the-job training, as relevant, to ensure the full effectiveness of the support and draw the maximum benefit from it. Background The European Peace Facility was established in March 2021 to finance all Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) actions in military and defence areas, with the aim of preventing conflict, preserving peace and strengthening international security and stability. In particular, the European Peace Facility allows the EU to finance actions designed to strengthen the capacities of third states and regional and international organisations as regards military and defence matters. European Peace Facility (background information) EU cooperation on security and defence (background information)