EU and the UK
date: 26/05/2017
Statement by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker following the terrorist attack in Manchester
"It was with great sadness and profound shock that I learnt of the brutal attack that struck Manchester. It breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instil fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration. I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to Prime Minister May and to the British people. Today we mourn with you. Tomorrow we will work side by side with you to fight back against those who seek to destroy our way of life. They underestimate ours and your resilience – these cowardly attacks will only strengthen our commitment to work together to defeat the perpetrators of such vile acts."
European Commission receives mandate to begin negotiations with the UK
The European Commission welcomed the Council's decision on 22 May to authorise the opening of the Article 50 negotiations with the UK and to nominate the Commission as Union negotiator. The Commission also welcomed the adoption of the first set of negotiating directives which outline the priorities for the first phase of the negotiations. The European Commission now has the necessary political and legal mandate to negotiate with the UK on behalf of the EU27.
Michel Barnier's speech
EU funding to tackle the problem of fake news
An EU-funded researcher at the University of Oxford will receive top-up funding to create an online tool to assess suspicious social media accounts and counter fake news. Professor Philip Howard is one of seven UK-based researchers who will receive funding to explore the commercial or innovation potential of the results of their EU-funded research. Other topics cover health, science and technology, including work that will help control exhaust gases or a novel coating that regulates heat.
FT Circular Economy Summit
Speaking at the Financial Times' Circular Economy Summit, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella said the Commission has often taken inspiration from the UK when it comes to the circular economy. He went on to explain that the circular economy is not just about the environment but also about industrial policy, water policy, digital transformations, waste. He outlined the various strands of EU funding which support actions related to the EU's circular economy package, such as the European Social Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, the European Fund for Strategic Investments and Horizon 2020. Mr Vella also mentioned future initiatives such as the strategy for plastics expected later this year.
Commissioner Vella's full speech
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