| 15/10/2024 18:17 | Meetings | | | | | Ministers continued preparations for the October European Council and approved a declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism. They also focused on EU-Switzerland relations and the 2024 European Semester. |
| ● General Secretariat of the Council | | | | | | The new EU institutional cycle starting amid a complex environment; the European Commission’s priorities relating to competitiveness; Mario Draghi’s report on the European economy; deployment of low emission zones in cities; a cost-efficient transition to clean electricity; financing European air defence through EU debt; the stability of cyberspace; and Russia’s increasing influence and activities in Africa are some of the topics discussed in the present Think Tank Review. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 15/10/2024 15:23 | Press release | | | | | The Council today approved a declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism. The declaration highlights alarmingly high levels of antisemitism across the EU and emphasises that the EU stands unequivocally against all forms of antisemitism, racism, hatred, and discrimination. The Council calls in the strongest possible terms for further action to combat these phenomena. Among the specific areas, the declaration underscores the importance of combating all forms of antisemitic hate speech, including Holocaust denial and trivialisation. These growing trends, especially online, harm Jewish communities, undermine collective historical memory, and threaten the cohesion and security of European democratic societies. The declaration also stresses the need to foster Jewish life through culture, education and Holocaust remembrance as key elements for promoting tolerance, mutual understanding, cultural heritage and intercultural dialogue. Another important priority is to ensure the safety of Jewish people and the security of Jewish premises and institutions, as well as to support and protect the victims of all forms of antisemitism, racism and all other forms of hatred. The Council invites member states, the Commission, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, and the EU Agency for Law Enforcement Training to continue and intensify their efforts to combat antisemitism and foster Jewish life in their respective areas of competence. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 15/10/2024 12:01 | Meetings | | | | | The Agriculture and Fisheries Council will meet in Luxembourg on 21-22 October 2024. Fisheries ministers will discuss fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, with the aim of reaching a political agreement on catch limits for 2025. Additionally, they will also exchange views on the upcoming meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). As far as agriculture is concerned, the Council will seek to endorse a set of conclusions on a farmer-focused post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Moreover, the Council will discuss the main challenges the EU food chain is facing, as well as trade-related agricultural issues. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 15/10/2024 10:50 | Press release | | | | | The second meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania at ministerial level was held today in Luxembourg. The European Union delegation was led by Mr Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with the participation of Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi. The Albanian delegation was led by Mr Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania. The meeting served to open negotiations with Albania on Cluster 1: Fundamentals, including the following areas and negotiating chapters: - Functioning of democratic institutions
- Public administration reform
- Chapter 23 – Judiciary and fundamental rights
- Chapter 24 – Justice, freedom and security
- Economic criteria
- Chapter 5 – Public procurement
- Chapter 18 – Statistics
- Chapter 32 – Financial control
The EU also set interim benchmarks, both on the horizontal level for the cluster, and for chapters 23 and 24 (the rule of law chapters) that would need to be met before the next steps in the negotiating process of this cluster can be taken. In addition, the EU set benchmarks for the provisional closure of chapters 5, 18 and 32. “Albania is performing well in the accession process, and with the opening of the first, fundamental chapters in the EU accession negotiations, the country has reached another important milestone in its enlargement efforts. One of the key priorities of the Hungarian Presidency is to advance EU enlargement, as the European Union requires renewed momentum, fresh energy, and new perspectives, which the Western Balkans can provide. I look forward to Albania's continued progress on its path to EU membership.” | | — Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on behalf of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union |
Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis and relevant European standards will continue throughout the negotiations. The Accession Conference will return to this cluster at an appropriate moment. BackgroundFollowing the introduction of the revised methodology for the accession negotiations in 2020, negotiating chapters are divided in six thematic clusters: - Fundamentals
- Internal market
- Competitiveness and inclusive growth
- Green agenda and sustainable connectivity
- Resources, agriculture and cohesion
- External relations
Negotiations on the Fundamentals cluster are the first to be opened and the last to be closed. Progress under this cluster will determine the overall pace of negotiations. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 22:18 | Press release | | | | | Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to peace and security. At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), the EU will support an effective, achievable and ambitious global goal on climate finance and will call for ambitious climate plans in order to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C within reach. The Council today approved conclusions that will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position for COP29, which will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11 to 22 November 2024. Delivering in BakuThe Council calls for an ambitious and balanced COP29 outcome that: - keeps the 1.5°C temperature goal within reach, in light of the best available science
- moves us all forward towards long-term resilience
- includes agreement on an effective, achievable and ambitious new collective quantified goal
“This ambitious yet balanced text, grounded in consensus among EU countries, will serve as the EU’s roadmap to Baku. The EU will continue to play a leading role in international efforts to limit global warming, calling for solidarity with vulnerable countries and communities in this collective battle. Because climate change spares no country, territory or region.” | | — Anikó Raisz, Hungarian Minister of State for Environmental Affairs and the Circular Economy |
Climate finance and new global goalThe Council stresses the importance of agreeing a new collective quantified goal (NCQG) on climate finance that is achievable and fit for purpose. The new goal should be designed on the basis of a broad, transformative and multi-layered approach, including various flows of finance and a broader group of contributors. This would reflect the evolution of respective economic capabilities and increasing shares of global greenhouse gas emissions since the early 1990s. In this context, the Council reiterates that public finance alone cannot deliver the levels of finance needed to achieve a climate-neutral and resilient global economy; private investment will have to provide the largest share of the required investment in the green transition. More ambition for nationally determined contributionsLimiting warming to 1.5ºC requires collective effort and further action from all countries, especially major economies. The Council therefore underlines that the next round of nationally determined contributions – the climate plans to be submitted in 2025 – need to reflect progression and the highest possible level of ambition, in line with the outcome of the global stocktake of last year’s COP. They should include economy-wide and absolute reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases. Mitigation and adaptationIn its conclusions, the Council underlines the importance of urgently scaling up mitigation ambition and implementation in this critical decade. It also calls on all parties to make greater efforts to integrate and mainstream climate change adaptation and resilience into relevant existing policies. Looking back at the global stocktake from last year’s COP28, the Council underlines the need to build on and implement all aspects of the global stocktake decision. The conclusions emphasise in particular the importance of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dialogue to track collective progress, the mitigation work programme to scale up mitigation ambition and the work programme on just transition pathways to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement in a way that is just and equitable for all. The Council also reiterates the call to transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, so as to achieve net zero by 2050 in keeping with the science.
BackgroundEvery year, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meets to determine climate ambition and responsibilities, and identify and assess climate measures. The EU and its member states are parties to the Convention, which counts 198 parties (197 countries plus the European Union) in total. The rotating presidency of the Council, together with the European Commission, represents the EU at these international climate summits. Last year’s COP28 marked the conclusion of the first global stocktake of the world’s efforts to address climate change under the Paris Agreement and to keep the global temperature limit of 1.5°C within reach. COP29 will be based on two pillars: - enhance ambition, ensuring that all parties commit to ambitious national plans and transparency, including finalising the first enhanced transparency framework
- enable action, reflecting the critical role of finance in turning ambition into action and including the establishment of a new global climate finance goal
On 8 October 2024, the Council approved conclusions on climate finance which complement the EU’s general position ahead of the COP29 climate conference as described in this press release. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 21:18 | Meetings | | | | | EU environment ministers met in Luxembourg to approve conclusions on the EU’s position in view of the upcoming UN conferences on climate change and biodiversity. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 21:07 | Meetings | | | | | The Foreign Affairs Council exchanged views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Under current affairs, EU ministers touched on the latest developments in Armenia/Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Horn of Africa and Venezuela. Ministers had an informal discussion over lunch with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs. |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | | | | Temporary agent (TA AD5) – Political Administrator – Africa and MENA Directorate Reference: CONS/10/2024/TA-AD/RELEX.2 Closing date for applications: 28/10/2024 at 17:00 (CET) |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 16:16 | Press release | | | | | Today, the Council approved conclusions in view of the Conference of Parties on the Convention on biological diversity (COP16) and the meetings on the Cartagena protocol and the Nagoya protocol, to be held in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 1 November 2024. The conclusions will serve as the EU’s general negotiating position at the meetings. The continued loss of biodiversity is a global and existential threat to humanity and transformative change is needed to address this challenge. Against this background, the Council stresses the urgent need for the full and effective implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. “Two years ago, we agreed to protect a third of the lands, water and seas of this planet by 2030. Our success will rely on swift action and should be thoroughly measured through effective monitoring of our progress. Furthermore, biodiversity should be present across all policies and sectors: we depend on it for medicine, energy, clean air and water and it protects us from natural disasters.” | | — István Nagy, Hungarian Minister for Agriculture |
Convention on biological diversitySwift implementation and efficient monitoringIn its conclusions, the Council reaffirms the commitments made in 2022 under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: to protect a third of the planet for nature by 2030 and to put nature on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and planet. Against this background, it reiterates the commitment of the EU and its member states to implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework, as demonstrated by the recent adoption of the EU regulation on nature restoration. The Council is committed to adopting at COP16 a solid, efficient, transparent and clear process for the global review of collective progress in its implementation, in order to measure the extent to which goals and targets have been achieved. The Council reiterates the critical importance of mainstreaming biodiversity across all levels of government and society. The EU is strongly committed to tackling biodiversity loss, ecosystem, land, water and ocean degradation, climate change and pollution in an effective and integrated way. Mobilizing financial resourcesThe Council supports the role of the Global Environmental Facility, the financial mechanism of the Convention which has already reached 69% of its biodiversity finance target. It also welcomes the establishment of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, the aim of which is to scale up financing for the implementation of the agreed framework. The Council reiterates its commitment to mobilizing resources from all sources for the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and stresses the importance of adopting at COP16 a revised strategy for resource mobilization. Digital sequence information on genetic resourcesThe Council stresses the importance of finalising a multilateral mechanism for benefit-sharing from the use of digital sequence information on genetic resources, including setting up a dedicated global fund at COP16. For the Council, it will be important to ensure certainty and legal clarity for providers and users of digital sequence information. Cartagena protocol on biosafetyThe Cartagena protocol on biosafety aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. In its conclusions, the Council emphasizes the need for the full implementation of the protocol by strengthening national biosafety frameworks, adopting robust science-based risk assessment and management procedures, in particular in decisions related to living modified organisms. Nagoya protocol on access and benefit sharingThe Council underlines the importance of fully implementing the Nagoya protocol to achieve the objectives of the Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly in ensuring that benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources are shared fairly and equitably. This can contribute to biodiversity conservation and includes measures such as easier access to genetic resources. BackgroundThe UN Convention on biological diversity was opened for signature at the Rio ‘Earth Summit’ in 1992 and entered into force in December 1993. The EU and its member states are parties to the Convention. The UN Convention on biological diversity has two protocols, the Cartagena protocol on biosafety and the Nagoya protocol on access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization, which entered into force in 2003 and 2014, respectively. The conferences and meetings of parties of these agreements take place every two years. COP15 (in 2022) agreed on the new Global Diversity Framework which sets 23 targets aimed at halting the biodiversity loss, including a pledge to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. COP 16 (the ‘first implementation COP’) will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework. At COP16, governments will review the progress made in implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 15:04 | Press release | | | | | The Council adopted today restrictive measures against five individuals and one entity responsible for actions destabilising the Republic of Moldova. “Moldova faces massive direct attempts from Russia to destabilise the country, as well as challenges arising from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This is a direct threat to a sovereign country, to its democratic life, to its path towards the European Union. The EU will continue providing all its support to the legitimate aspirations of the Moldovan people. Today’s listings are yet another contribution to the resilience of Moldova.” | | — Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy |
The new listings include Evghenia Guţul, who is the Governor (‘Bashkan’) of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, and is responsible for promoting separatism in that region, thereby attempting to overthrow the constitutional order and threatening the sovereignty and independence of Moldova. Today’s listings also include other individuals for their destabilising actions in Gaugazia: Mihail Vlah, the deputy to the Bashkan and media relations advisor, Iurii Cuzneţov, the deputy head of department for external affairs of the region, and Illia Uzun, the deputy president of the executive committee and member of the Gagauz National Assembly. Evrazia, a Russia-based non-governmental association whose goal is to promote Russia’s interests abroad, including in Moldova, is also sanctioned, as well as its director and founder, Nelli Parutenco. Those targeted are subject to an asset freeze and a prohibition on the provision of funds or economic resources to them, directly or indirectly. Additionally, the sanctioned individuals are subject to travel bans to the European Union. Restrictive measures under this regime now apply to a total of 16 individuals and 2 entities. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. BackgroundIn April 2023, the EU established a framework for targeted restrictive measures against persons responsible for supporting or implementing actions which undermine or threaten the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova, and the democracy, stability and security in the country. Efforts to destabilise Moldova have noticeably increased since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and represent a direct threat to the stability and security of the external borders of the EU. The EU remains unwavering in its support for the Republic of Moldova and its peace, resilience, security, stability, and economic growth in the face of destabilising activities by external actors. The EU is also a major donor in Gagauzia, supporting the region’s modernisation, civil society and economic development. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 13:58 | Press release | | | | | The Council of the European Union has adopted conclusions addressing the urgent challenges posed by desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD), underscoring the critical need for a cohesive and integrated approach to environmental management across the EU. These conclusions highlight the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, alongside the exacerbation of desertification and land degradation both globally and within Europe. The Council urges the European Commission to propose a comprehensive EU-wide action plan aimed at combating DLDD, with a goal of building resilience to drought and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) by 2030. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental issues, the Council invites the EU and its Member States to elevate the importance of regenerative land management and governance in their external actions. Continued engagement and partnerships on DLDD are vital to fostering sustainable development and addressing the multifaceted challenges of land degradation. Coherent FinancingThe conclusions acknowledge the necessity of coherent financing strategies to support sustainable land management and restoration. The Council calls for a review of existing funding instruments and the exploration of alternative private and mixed funding sources, particularly to operationalise DLDD actions and implement ecosystem restoration actions through nature-based solutions. Transforming Agriculture and Food SystemsTo achieve LDN by 2030, the Council emphasises the need for transformation of agriculture and food systems towards sustainability, drought resilience, and climate-smart practices. This transformation should be guided by the 13 principles of agroecology as defined by the FAO High-Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition. Strengthening Synergies and collaborationThe Council reaffirms its commitment to addressing the interlinked challenges of DLDD, climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and pollution in a coherent and integrated manner. With the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the 16th session of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) taking place consecutively, there is a unique opportunity to enhance cooperation among the three Rio Conventions. This collaboration will support the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its associated Sustainable Development Goals. The Council strongly emphasises the need for improved collaboration among the CBD, UNFCCC, and UNCCD at all levels. It calls for enhanced synergies, particularly in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, the Paris Agreement and the Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme. Such collaboration is essential for developing and implementing effective national strategies that address biodiversity, climate adaptation and DLDD in a synergic manner. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 13:52 | Press release | | | | | The Council today prolonged the application of the EU restrictive measures (sanctions) against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons imposed on 25 persons and 3 entities for an additional year, until 16 October 2025. Those designated are subject to an asset freeze and EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds, financial assets or economic resources available to them. In addition, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed. The sanctions regime aims to contribute to the EU’s efforts to counter the proliferation and use of chemical weapons, as well as to support the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on their Destruction (CWC). BackgroundOn 22 March 2018, the European Council confirmed that the use of chemical weapons, including the use of any toxic chemicals as weapons under any circumstances, is completely unacceptable, must be systematically and rigorously condemned and constitutes a security threat to us all. On 15 October 2018, the Council adopted the legal framework for restrictive measures against the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. This framework currently applies until 16 October 2026. On 14 October 2024, the Council adopted the Decision to prolong the application of the restrictive measures to the listed persons and entities laid down in this legal framework for a further 12 months until 16 October 2025. The EU follows developments in this domain closely and can decide to renew sanctions and amend the list of targeted persons and entities in case its objectives have not been met. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 12:09 | Press release | | | | | The Council adopted today restrictive measures against seven individuals and seven entities following Iran’s missile and drone transfers to Russia. This decision follows the indication by the European Council in March 2024 that, were Iran to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for use against Ukraine, the EU would be prepared to respond swiftly, including with new and significant restrictive measures. Today’s designation includes individuals and entities responsible for the development and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), missiles and related technology to Russia in support of its war of aggression against Ukraine, and to armed groups and entities undermining peace and security in the Middle East and the Red Sea region. The listings include three Iranian Airlines (Saha Airlines, Mahan Air and Iran Air), and two procurement firms. These are respectively responsible for the transfer and supply, through transnational procurement networks, of Iran-made UAVs and related components and technologies to Russia, to be used in its war of aggression against Ukraine. Two companies involved in the production of propellant used to launch rockets and missiles were also listed. Furthermore, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures on the Deputy Defence Minister of Iran, Seyed Hamzeh Ghalandari, prominent officials of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Qods Force (IRGC-QF), IRGC Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, and IRGC Aerospace Force Space Division, as well as the managing directors of the EU-listed companies Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industries (HESA) and Aerospace Industries Organization (AIO). Those targeted will be subject to an asset freeze and travel ban to the European Union. Additionally, the provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to or for the benefit of natural or legal persons, entities or bodies listed is prohibited. The relevant legal acts have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. BackgroundIn a statement dated 13 September 2024, the EU strongly condemned the recent transfer of Iranian-made ballistic missiles to Russia, considered as a direct threat to European security and as a substantive material escalation from the provision of Iranian UAVs and ammunition, which Russia had used in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. The High Representative stated that the EU would respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran. In its conclusions of 21-22 March 2024, the European Council stated that were Iran to transfer ballistic missiles and related technology to Russia for use against Ukraine after having supplied the Russian regime with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are used in relentless attacks against the civilian population in Ukraine, the European Union would be prepared to respond swiftly and in coordination with international partners, including with new and significant restrictive measures against Iran. Moreover it stated that Russia’s access to sensitive items and technologies with battlefield relevance must be restricted to the maximum extent possible, including by targeting entities in third countries enabling this circumvention. On 14 May 2024 the Council broadened the scope of the EU framework for restrictive measures in view of Iran’s military support of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, so as to cover both drones and missiles, as well as the Iranian drone and missile programme’s support for armed groups and entities in the Middle-East and the Red Sea region. The framework was subsequently extended until 27 July 2025, and will continue to be reviewed annually. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 12:07 | Media advisory | | | | | Indicative programmeAll times are approximate and subject to change Place: ECCL building, Luxembourg from 07.45
Arrivals (live streaming)
In the margins of the General Affairs Council Second Accession Conference with Albania Chair: Péter Szijjártó, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade +/- 08.00
Beginning of the Accession Conference At the end of the meeting (+/- 09.25) press conference in live streaming. Videos and photos from the event
General Affairs CouncilChair: János Bóka, Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs +/- 09.00
Doorstep by János Bóka (live streaming) +/- 10.00
Beginning of the General Affairs Council Adoption of the agenda Approval of "A" items: +/- 10.05
Preparation of the European Council on 17-18 October 2024: Conclusions +/- 12.15
European Semester 2024: integrated country-specific recommendations +/- 12.30
EU-Switzerland relations +/- 13.00
Any other business: EU-UK relations +/- 13.30
Declaration on fostering Jewish life and combating antisemitism +/- 14.15
Any other business: - Follow-up to European Parliament elections
- Situation in Georgia in view of the elections
At the end of the meeting (+/- 14.45) press conference in live streaming. Videos and photos from the event
Meeting page – Second Accession Conference with Albania, 15 October 2024 Meeting page – General Affairs Council, 15 October 2024 |
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| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 11:23 | Press release | | | | | The Council has today adopted a decision to conclude the trade agreement between the European Union and its member states, on one hand, and Colombia and Peru, on the other, as well as a decision to conclude the protocol concerning Ecuador's accession to this agreement. This is the final step of the ratification process of the agreement, through which the EU and these Andean countries commit to a close, long-term trade relationship, also covering services, intellectual property, public procurement, and human rights. The agreement allows the gradual opening of markets, which will increase trade and investment between the parties. Although most of the agreement has been provisionally applied since 2013, the conclusion will allow the full implementation of the agreement from 1 November 2024, thus giving an increased degree of legal certainty to this trading relationship. “The goal of the Hungarian Presidency is to foster closer cooperation between European and South American countries. This effort aims to prevent the world from becoming fragmented again and to safeguard our fundamental interest in maintaining free world trade and a strong global economy. The entry into force of this agreement will strengthen trade and investment relations with Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. It will further stimulate growth and job creation, while improving conditions for businesses on both sides.” | | — Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó |
The EU is the third-largest trading partner and a major investor in the Andean countries. In 2023, total trade of the EU with the Andean countries was worth around €33 billion. Benefits of the trade agreement include:- opening markets for goods, services, government procurement and investment
- better conditions for trade through new rules on non-tariff barriers, competition, transparency and intellectual property rights
- a more stable and predictable environment for businesses with a bilateral dispute settlement mechanism and a mediation system for non-tariff barriers
- arrangements for cooperation on competitiveness, innovation, production modernisation, trade facilitation and technology transfer
- a comprehensive Trade and Sustainable Development chapter with commitments aimed to ensure high levels of labour and environmental protection, which includes a transparent arbitration system and procedures to engage with civil society
Accession of EcuadorThe Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru anticipated the possibility that other Andean countries could join. Ecuador decided to join the trade agreement, and the protocol of accession for Ecuador was signed in November 2016 and has been provisionally applied since 1 January 2017. Today, the Council has also adopted a decision on the conclusion of the protocol of accession of Ecuador to the trade agreement between the EU and Colombia and Peru, which is as well the final step of this ratification procedure. Next stepsThe Trade Agreement with Colombia and Peru, and the referred Protocol to take into account the accession of Ecuador, are set to enter into force on 1 November 2024. BackgroundThe trade agreement with Colombia and Peru was signed on 26 June 2012 in Brussels. The European Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the trade agreement on 11 December 2012. The agreement has been provisionally applied with Peru and Colombia since 1 March and 1 August 2013, respectively, with the exception of Articles 2, 202(1), 291 and 292, related to the parts of the agreement referred to disarmament and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the rights and obligations existing under the Paris Convention and the TRIPS Agreement, administrative proceedings and review and appeal. On 6 May 2024, the ratification procedures of the trade agreement by member states were finalised. The protocol of accession to the trade agreement with Colombia and Peru to take account of the accession of Ecuador was signed on 11 November 2016 in Brussels. The European Parliament gave its consent on the conclusion of the protocol on 14 December 2016. The protocol has been provisionally applied between the EU and Ecuador since 1 January 2017 and with Colombia and Peru since 1 December 2017 and 1 November 2017 respectively, with the exception of Article 2, Article 202(1) and Articles 291 and 292 of the Agreement. On 15 July 2024, the ratification procedures of the protocol by member states were finalised. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 11:12 | Press release | | | | | Today the Council formally adopted a directive setting updated air quality standards across the EU. The new rules will contribute to the EU's objective on zero pollution by 2050 and will help prevent premature deaths due to air pollution. EU citizens will be able to seek compensation for damage to their health in cases where EU air quality rules are not respected. Strengthening air quality standardsThe revised directive prioritises the health of EU citizens: it sets new air quality standards for pollutants to be reached by 2030 which are more closely aligned with the WHO air quality guidelines. Those pollutants include, among others, particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, all known to cause respiratory problems. Member states may request that the 2030 deadline be postponed if specific conditions are met. Air quality is assessed using common methods and criteria across the EU, and the revised directive brings further improvements to air quality monitoring and modelling. The revised directive will also ensure early action, with air quality roadmaps that need to be prepared ahead of 2030 if there is a risk that the new standards will not be attained by that date. The air quality standards will be reviewed regularly in line with latest scientific evidence to assess whether they continue to be appropriate. Access to justice and right to compensationThe new directive ensures fair and equitable access to justice for those affected or likely to be affected by the implementation of the directive. Member states need to ensure that citizens have the right to claim and obtain compensation when their health has been damaged due to a violation of air quality rules set in the directive. Next stepsThe text will be published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force on the twentieth day following publication. Member states will have two years after the entry into force to transpose the directive into national law. By 2030, the European Commission will review the air quality standards and every five years thereafter, in line with latest scientific evidence. BackgroundAir pollution is the biggest environmental health risk in Europe, as pollutants can be extremely harmful to both humans and the environment. Around 300 000 premature deaths in Europe every year are due to air pollution. To address the issue, the European Commission put forward the revision and consolidation of two ambient air quality directives in October 2022, as part of the EU’s zero pollution action plan. An agreement between the two co-legislators on the final shape of the text was found in February 2024. This new directive simplifies EU rules on ambient air quality by merging the two existing EU directives into one. Its goal is to bring quality standards in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 10:21 | Press release | | | | | The Council has adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU. The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry fees, priority access, assistance, and reserved parking spaces. Furthermore, ministers have adopted a directive extending these provisions to non-EU citizens who legally reside in EU countries, meaning they will also be able to use these cards during short-term stays in other member states. National authorities will be responsible for issuing physical and digital European disability cards in an accessible format. The cards will be recognised throughout the EU as proof of disability or entitlement to specific services based on a disability. The European parking cards for persons with disabilities will be produced in physical format, with member states having the option to also issue them in digital format. Next stepsThe directives will now be signed by both the Council and the European Parliament and will enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. For both directives, member states will have two and a half years to adapt their national legislation and three and a half years to apply the measures. BackgroundThe Commission published a proposal for a directive establishing a European disability card and a European parking card for persons with disabilities in September 2023. The Council reached an agreement with the European Parliament on 8 February 2024. The Commission’s proposal for a directive extending the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities to non-EU citizens legally residing in EU member states was published in October 2023. The Council and the Parliament reached an agreement on 4 March 2024. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 10:15 | Press release | | | | | The Council has adopted new rules that aim to improve working conditions for the more than 28 million people working in digital labour platforms across the EU. The platform work directive will make the use of algorithms in human resources management more transparent, ensuring that automated systems are monitored by qualified staff and that workers have the right to contest automated decisions. It will also help correctly determine the employment status of persons working for platforms, enabling them to benefit from any labour rights they are entitled to. Member states will establish a legal presumption of employment in their legal systems that will be triggered when certain facts indicating control and direction are found. Next stepsThe directive will now be signed by both the Council and the European Parliament and will enter into force following publication in the EU’s Official Journal. Member states will then have two years to incorporate the provisions of the directive into their national legislation. BackgroundThe Commission’s proposal was published on 9 December 2021. Employment and social affairs ministers agreed on the Council’s general approach at their meeting on 12 June 2023. Negotiations with the European Parliament began on 11 July 2023, and were concluded with an agreement reached on 8 February 2024. |
| ● Council of the EU | | | 14/10/2024 10:13 | Press release | | | | | The Council has today adopted a regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances (CLP). This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The CLP regulation updates the existing 2008 EU legislation, clarifies the rules on labelling chemical substances, and adapts them to different forms of trade (such as online trade or bulk sales at refill stations). The regulation also promotes the circularity of chemical products, makes labelling (including digital labelling) clearer and easier to read, and ensures a higher level of protection against chemical hazards. Protection adapted to take account of new hazardsThe risks associated with chemical products requires specific legislation for their classification, labelling and packaging. The 2008 CLP regulation was insufficiently adapted to the emergence of new hazards (e.g., the presence of endocrine disruptors or the long-life effect of certain substances), new trends in digital and circular economy sales, such as online shopping or bulk purchasing, and digital labelling. The newly adopted revision of the CLP regulation facilitates the reporting on new hazards related to chemicals that are placed on the market and gives the Commission and the other stakeholders new powers to classify harmful substances and accelerate their identification. It also codifies the requirements for a voluntary digital labelling. The new regulation introduces specific rules at the refill stations for chemical products. The regulation will apply to all solid-state chemicals, although there will be a five-year derogation for substances with more than one constituent (MOCS) of botanical origin which have not been chemically modified. Once that period expires, the Commission can propose new legislation based on latest scientific knowledge. Next stepsFollowing the Council's approval today, the legislative act has been adopted. After the signing of the act by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the new CLP regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force three days later. BackgroundThe revision of the CLP, alongside the planned revision of the REACH Regulation, is an important element of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which is a key building block of the European Green Deal. The Commission proposal was presented on 19 December 2022, and the Council concluded a mandate to launch negotiations with the European Parliament on 30 June 2023. Both co‑legislators reached a provisional agreement on 5 December 2023. Since then, the provisional agreement followed the corrigenda procedure during the EU elections. It has finally been adopted at first reading. |
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