Eurogroup president Paschal Donohue has praised the “brave people of Ukraine” He spoke after meeting the treasury secretary of the U.S. Afterwards, the Irishman said, “The meeting that we had had one item on the agenda. “That item was the transatlantic macroeconomic outlook and risks. And understandably, this discussion here today focused on the respective…
Council
8th Package of Sanctions Against Russia
The Commission said on Thursday that it welcomes the Council’s adoption of an eighth package of hard-hitting sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine. The package – which has been closely coordinated with our international partners – responds to Russia’s “continued escalation and illegal war against Ukraine, including by illegally annexing Ukrainian territory based…
Affordable Housing for All
Rental and housing markets in European cities and regions have come under significant pressure since the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Members of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and EU Budget of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) call for increased support for European regions and cities on the frontline of the refugee…
Michel Slams Putin
EU council president Charles Michel has issued a strongly worded statement after Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of four Ukrainian provinces. It reads, “President Putin has decided on Russia’s illegal annexation of the Ukrainian regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson. This annexation follows sham referenda and constitutes a dangerous and irresponsible escalation. It is…
26 September is the European Day of Languages
To mark the occasion, the Commission organised a conference on language learning. The online event focussed on language awareness in schools and how multilingual classrooms can support inclusion and solidarity. In light of the large number of displaced pupils from Ukraine, participants will discuss the support currently provided to these children and their families to learn…
Minimum Wages in the EU
MEPs say that minimum wages in all EU countries should allow for decent living and working standards, and member states should promote collective bargaining for pay. With 505 votes in favour, 92 against and 44 abstentions, Parliament adopted new laws on adequate minimum wages in the EU, on Wednesday. The EU law, agreed with the Council…
EU-Ukraine Association Council
Solidarity with Ukraine: The EU-Ukraine Association Council has taken place, with new agreements further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Ukraine Last Monday, the 8th EU Ukraine Association Council took place in Brussels to discuss the EU-Ukraine bilateral agenda, notably the implementation of the Association Agreement and state of play of EU-Ukraine cooperation. The EU…
Energy Council
The Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU held an extraordinary meeting of the Energy Ministers this weekend to discuss emergency measures to mitigate the extremely high energy prices. The dramatic deterioration of the situation on the gas and electricity markets is exposing a large number of European companies to unaffordable energy prices. Many enterprises…
Additional SURE Support Proposed for Bulgaria
The European Commission has presented a proposal to the Council for a decision to grant an additional €460 million in financial support to Bulgaria under the SURE instrument, bringing the total support to the country to €971 million. Once the Council approves this proposal, the financial support will be provided in the form of loans…
Council President Praises Bravery of Ukraine
EU council president Charles Michel has praised the “bravery” of Ukraine in its war with Russia. He was speaking at the Crimea Platform Summit on Tuesday. The former Belgian PM said, “Crimea is Ukraine. I start with the same, clear message I had the opportunity to convey last year when I took part in the…