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07/07/2022

EU news you can use

European Commission presents new European Innovation Agenda to spearhead the new innovation wave (06/07/2022)

The European Commission adopted a New European Innovation Agenda to position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups. By leading on innovation, in particular on the new wave of deep-tech innovation requiring breakthrough R&D and large capital investment, Europe will reinforce its central role in shaping the green and digital transitions. Deep tech innovation will reinforce Europe's technological leadership and generate innovative solutions to pressing societal challenges, such as climate change and cyberthreats.

EU Taxonomy: European Commission welcomed the result of the vote by the European Parliament (06/07/2022)

The European Commission welcomed the result of the European Parliament on Wednesday on the Complementary Delegated Act on climate change mitigation and adaptation covering certain gas and nuclear activities. The Commission pointed out that the vote was an important recognition of its pragmatic and realistic approach in helping many Member States on their transition path towards climate neutrality. The inclusion of the transitional activities of gas and nuclear is a small, albeit necessary part of the whole EU Taxonomy, which is focused on renewable energies. Renewables will continue to be the focus for green investors and the creation of green financial products.

New rules to improve road safety and enable fully driverless vehicles in the EU (06/07/2022)

The new Vehicle General Safety Regulation came into force on 5 July. It introduces a range of mandatory advanced driver assistant systems to improve road safety and establishes the legal framework for the approval of automated and fully driverless vehicles in the EU. The new safety measures will help to better protect passengers, pedestrians and cyclists across the EU. It is expected to contribute to saving over 25,000 lives and avoiding at least 140,000 serious injuries by 2038. Further on the Commission will deliver this summer technical rules for the approval of fully driverless vehicles, making EU a pioneer in the field.

European Investment Bank agrees €200 million loan to support investment in school buildings across Ireland (01/07/2022)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed a €200 million loan to support investment in school buildings across Ireland. The funding will support the construction, enlargement and modernisation of 30 schools over the next 5 years, as well as delivering improved energy saving measures to these schools. The EIB is also supporting the deep energy retrofit of 580 schools in Kildare, Offaly, Meath, Wicklow and Wexford.

European Commission publishes its latest short-term outlook for EU agricultural markets amidst global food security concerns (07/07/2022)

The report found that the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to impact global commodity markets and to represent a major threat to global food security. In a post-COVID-19 recovery already marked by market balance challenges and price surges, it brings additional instability and uncertainty.

Commission calls on telecom operators to continue to help refugees stay connected (07/07/2022)

The European Commission encouraged EU and Ukrainian telecom operators to prolong their agreement which allowed refugees from Ukraine use their mobile phones with no, or only low, roaming charges during three months. The Joint Statement, facilitated by the European Commission and the European Parliament, was signed on 8 April, and the initial three months period would now expire. An assessment published by the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) shows that the agreement between the operators was very successful.

Digital finance: Commission welcomes political agreements on milestone regulatory framework for crypto-assets (01/07/2022)

The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on its proposal for a Regulation on markets in crypto-assets (“MiCA”) which aims to protect consumers against some of the risks associated with the investment in crypto-assets, and help them avoid fraudulent schemes. The Commission also welcomed the political agreement on its proposal to amend the Transfer of Funds Regulation (TFR). Commissioner Mairead McGuinness said: "Together, these proposals will bring crypto markets into the regulated space and address risks related to consumer protection, market integrity, financial stability, and financial crime. At the same time, MiCA will bring legal certainty for market participants and promote innovation in the single market with a new EU passport for crypto service providers."

European Parliament adopts EU's new rulebook for digital services (06/07/2022)

The European Commission welcomed the adoption by the European Parliament of the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, proposed by the Commission in December 2020. The two acts set out a first comprehensive rulebook for the online platforms that we all depend on in our daily lives. These new rules will be applicable across the whole of the EU and will create a safer and more open digital space, grounded in respect for fundamental rights.

55% of car rental brokers' websites screened violate EU law (04/07/2022)

The European Commission and national consumer protection authorities published the results of an EU-wide website screening (“sweep”) of websites brokering car rentals. Under the coordination of the Commission, authorities of ten Member States, together with Norway, checked 78 websites brokering car rentals, including airlines' websites, to find out whether the major brokers operating in Europe comply with EU consumer protection rules. Overall, only 45% of the websites comply with EU standards, the sweep found.

State aid: Commission proposes rules to simplify procedures for State aid to green transport (06/07/2022)

The European Commission proposed a Council Regulation enabling the Commission to exempt from prior notification under EU State aid rules certain types of aid for rail, inland waterway and multimodal transport, with the objective of promoting green transport. The proposed Regulation will now be discussed in Council.

Somalia: EU send Humanitarian Air Bridge to deliver life-saving aid (06/07/2022)

Due to the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Somalia, the EU launched a Humanitarian Air Bridge, to delivering emergency supplies to hard-to-reach areas which are no longer accessible by road. This is a major logistics operation, with an estimated 50 to 70 flights needed. The EU has allocated up to €800,000 to this special operation, which will support the delivery of EU-funded medical and nutritional supplies during the dry season. The funding for the flights and the supplies comes from the humanitarian budget of the EU.

Certain antimicrobials to be reserved for humans (04/07/2022)

The European Commission welcomed the support that Member States gave on Monday to the establishment of a list designating antimicrobials to be reserved exclusively for treating certain infections in people. This means that these antimicrobials cannot be used in animals under any circumstances. The sale of veterinary medicinal products containing these antimicrobials will be prohibited. Through this measure, the EU preserves the efficacy of antimicrobials that are of paramount importance for human health.

Consumer protection: Amazon Prime changes its cancellation practices to comply with EU consumer rules (01/07/2022)

Following a dialogue with the European Commission and national consumer protection authorities, Amazon has committed to bringing its cancellation practices into line with EU consumer rules. Consumers from the EU and EEA will now be able to unsubscribe from Amazon Prime with just two clicks, using a prominent and clear “cancel button”.

Ukraine: Commission waives customs duties and VAT on the import of life-saving goods for Ukrainians (01/07/2022)

The European Commission has decided to allow Member States to temporarily waive customs duties and VAT on the importation from third countries of food, blankets, tents, electric generators and other life-saving equipment destined for Ukrainians affected by the war. This measure, which was requested by Member States, will apply retroactively from 24 February 2022 and will be in place until 31 December 2022.

Police cooperation: EU and New Zealand sign international Agreement to fight serious crime and terrorism (01/07/2022)

Europol and the New Zealand authorities have signed an agreement, which will allow the exchange of personal data between Europol and the New Zealand authorities responsible for fighting serious crime and terrorism. The agreement will guarantee a high level of protection of fundamental rights, including through the necessary data protection safeguards.

Ireland has the lowest rate of youth unemployment in the EU (07/07/2022)

At 4.9% Ireland has the lowest rate of youth unemployment in the EU according to the latest figures published on 1 July by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Young people in Germany and Malta are doing a little worse jobwise with unemployment rates at 5.3% and 6.4% respectively. The situation with youth unemployment is worst in Greece at 36.8% and Spain at 27.1%. In May 2022, 2.467 million young persons (under 25) were unemployed in the EU, of whom 1.988 million were in the euro area. In May 2022, the youth unemployment rate was 13.3% in the EU and 13.1% in the euro area, down from 13.8% in both areas in the previous month

Thursday 7 July: Webinar - Safeguarding food security in the EU and beyond (07/07/2022)

Have you missed our webinar this morning on Food Security which explored EU actions to address rising food prices and tackle global food security with Michael Scannell, Deputy Director-General, Agriculture and Rural Development, Directorate General, European Commission; Joanna Reid, Director of International Programmes, Goal; Professor Michael Wallace, Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin; and Sophie Healy-Thow, Nutrition Activist and moderated by Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland? No problem, you can look back at it at the link below.

Friday 8 July: Defending Europe: American Perspectives on the Madrid Summit and NATO’s New Strategic Concept (01/07/2022)

At this IIEA webinar David F. Helvey, the US Secretary of Defense Deputy Representative in Europe and the Deputy Defense Advisor for the US Mission to NATO, will discuss the outcomes of the Madrid Summit and explore their implications for the United States’ participation in Europe’s security.

Monday 11 July: Eurogroup meeting (01/07/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 12 July: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (01/07/2022)

Agenda highlights: adoption of the euro by Croatia; presentation of the Czech Presidency work programme; the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility; the European Semester 2022; the G20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors; and the conclusions on the Commission 2021 fiscal sustainability report.

Wednesday 13 July: Webinar - EU cohesion policy and European Structural and Investment Funds (01/07/2022)

On Thursday morning 13 July, Near FM is hosting a webinar on EU cohesion policy and European Structural and Investment Funds. Speakers will include: Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland; Travis O'Doherty, URBACT project and Programme Manager at the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly; Soumya Joseph, Migrant Women Opportunities for Work; and Professor Kevin McDonnell, Farm4More, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science. The event will look at EU cohesion policy and European Structural and Investment Funds: sustainability, social inclusion, economic growth and development. It is part of Near FM's Europe in my Backyard series.

Wednesday 13 July: Briefing on the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU (07/07/2022)

In person event to discuss the vision and priorities of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union with the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ireland, H.E. Petr Kynštetr, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne TD.

Thursday 14 July: Webinar - The Digital Transformation: Addressing Consumer Vulnerability (01/07/2022)

At this IIEA webinar, an expert panel will discuss how digital consumer vulnerability can be regulated while ensuring that technology-enabled innovation can thrive. This panel features: Dr Jennifer King, Privacy and Data Policy Fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence; former Director of Consumer Privacy at the Center for Internet and Society at Stanford Law school, USA; Professor Bruno Liebhaberg, Director General of the Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE), Brussels, Belgium; Dr Stephen Unger, Chair of the UK Chapter, International Institute of Communications, previously Chief Technology Officer of Ofcom and Vice-Chair of the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications; and Jeremy Godfrey, Chair of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland.

Thursday 14 July: Webinar - The UK and its relations with the EU to 2025 (07/07/2022)

Dan O’Brien, IIEA Chief Economist, will talk to Sir Ivan Rogers, former UK Permanent Representative to the EU in this relaunch of the IIEA Insights series.

Monday 18 July: Europe is our Future - Opportunities in Your Sector Across Europe, University of Limerick (01/07/2022)

This event will open with a keynote address from Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and the Capital Markets Union. Following the keynote address, Enterprise Ireland Market Advisers from across Europe will lead sector-specific panel sessions aimed at helping participants understand which European markets are most appropriate for their products and services and how best to break into and grow in these markets. The event is hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) and Enterprise Ireland and will take place in the University of Limerick from 11 am to 2.15 pm.

Monday 18 July: Foreign Affairs Council (01/07/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 18 July: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (01/07/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 July: MacGill Summer School (01/07/2022)

The 42nd MacGill Summer School will take place from July 21st-24th, at The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, Co Donegal.

Tender No. COMM/DUB/2022/LVP/0500 concerning a negotiated procedure for an annual campaign to support and encourage student journalists to learn and write about the EU (01/07/2022)

The European Commission Representation in Ireland is planning to launch a call for tenders for an annual campaign to support and encourage student journalists to learn and write about the EU. Companies wishing to take part in the proceedings are invited to indicate their interest by 15th July via the e-Tendering platform: https://etendering.ted.europa.eu/cft/cft-display.html?cftId=11499. The proceedings will be conducted via the e-Tendering platform.

Road Safety: Commission launches public consultation on vehicle roadworthiness rules (06/07/2022)

The European Commission launched a public consultation on a revision of the rules governing the roadworthiness of vehicles in the EU, planned for mid-2023. Roadworthiness inspections of vehicles are essential both for road safety and maintaining a vehicle's environmental performance over its lifetime. The results of the public consultation will feed into the revision of the EU's roadworthiness rules, including those on periodic roadworthiness testing, roadside inspections for commercial vehicles, and vehicle document registration. The Commission invites all those interested to express their opinions on the impact of the current legal framework, as well on the possible policy measures that could be taken and the impact they may have.

EU Global Health Strategy: Commission launches public consultation (04/07/2022)

The European Commission launched a public consultation and call for evidence on the new EU Global Health Strategy that will remain open for 12 weeks. Gathering evidence and views from citizens and stakeholders is essential for preparing a well-informed EU external health action strategy that responds to the challenges that have emerged since the 2010 Communication on the EU role in Global Health.

Commission seeks views and input on compulsory licensing of patents (07/07/2022)

The European Commission launched a public consultation on compulsory licensing of patents, inviting interested parties to express their views on the topic. In particular, the Commission looks for suggestions on how to build a more efficient and coordinated compulsory licensing scheme in the EU, reduce current fragmentation and improve the Europe's resilience in managing crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The consultation will be open until 29 September 2022 and is available on the Have Your Say portal.

Antitrust: Commission invites comments on draft proposals for the future of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation and Supplementary Guidelines (06/07/2022)

The European Commission launched a public consultation and a call for evidence inviting all interested parties to comment on its draft proposals for the future of the Motor Vehicle Block Exemption Regulation (‘MVBER') regime. The draft rules follow a review process launched in December 2018, in view of the expiry of the MVBER on 31 May 2023, with the aim of gathering evidence on the functioning of the rules applicable to vertical agreements in the automotive sector. Interested parties are invited to submit their comments on the draft rules by 30 September 2022.

30/06/2022

EU news you can use

European Council grants EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova (24/06/2022)

At their summit on 23 June, EU leaders decided to grant candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova. They also recognised the European perspective of Georgia and stated that they are ready to grant candidate status to Georgia once the priorities specified in the Commission’s opinion on its membership application have been addressed. Welcoming the decisions, President von der Leyen said: "I am deeply convinced that the decision that we have taken today strengthens us all. It strengthens Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in the face of Russian aggression. And it strengthens the European Union. Because it shows once again to the world that the European Union is united and strong in the face of external threats."

EU – New Zealand Trade Agreement: Unlocking sustainable economic growth (30/06/2022)

The EU and New Zealand have today (Thursday) concluded negotiations for a Trade Agreement, which is set to open significant economic opportunities for companies and consumers on both sides. The deal also includes unprecedented sustainability commitments, including respect of the Paris Climate Agreement and core labour rights, which are enforceable through trade sanctions as a last resort. Bilateral trade is expected to grow by up to 30% thanks to this deal, with EU annual exports potentially growing by up to €4.5 billion.

EU 2022 Strategic Foresight Report: twinning the green and digital transitions in the new geopolitical context (29/06/2022)

The European Commission this week adopted the 2022 Strategic Foresight Report – “Twinning the green and digital transitions in the new geopolitical context”. It identifies ten key areas of action where a policy response is needed to maximise opportunities and minimise potential risks. Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said: "To reach climate neutrality by 2050, we need to unleash the power of digitalisation. At the same time, sustainability must be at the heart of the digital transformation. That is why this Strategic Foresight Report takes a deeper look at how to best align our twin objectives, especially as they take on a significant security dimension due to the current geopolitical shifts."

Transport infrastructure: EU invests EUR 5.4 billion to support key projects across the continent (29/06/2022)

Some 135 transport infrastructure projects were this week selected for EU grants totalling €5.4 billion. This includes 3 Irish projects led by Donegal County Council, Wexford County Council and Iarnród Éireann who are to receive a total of over €6.2 million in funding. Ireland is also a co-applicant in 4 other projects selected for funding including one led by the Future Mobility Campus Ireland. The funding will support post-pandemic economic recovery in all EU Member States while also contributing to the construction of missing transport links across the continent, supporting sustainable transport, improving safety and interoperability, and creating jobs.

State aid: Commission approves €56 million Irish scheme to support fodder producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (29/06/2022)

The European Commission this week approved a €56 million Irish scheme to support the agricultural sector, in particular fodder producers, in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The Commission found that the Irish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework which recognises that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance. In particular, the aid will not exceed €35,000 per beneficiary and will be granted no later than 31 December 2022.

Antitrust: Commission accepts commitments by Insurance Ireland to ensure access to its data sharing platform (30/06/2022)

The European Commission has made commitments offered by Insurance Ireland, an association of Irish insurers, legally binding under EU antitrust rules. Insurance Ireland must ensure fair and non-discriminatory access to its Insurance Link information exchange system, which contains important data for companies offering motor vehicle insurance services in Ireland. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager said: "The commitments will restore the level playing field in the Irish motor insurance market and ease the entry of new players. As a result, consumers may benefit from a larger choice of suppliers."

Fit for 55 package: Council reaches general approaches relating to emissions reductions and their social impacts (29/06/2022)

The Council of the EU this week adopted its negotiating positions (general approaches) on important legislative proposals in the ‘Fit for 55’ package which was presented by the European Commission last July. Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans welcomed the news saying: "With this package we can really do what we have engaged to do in the climate law, what we are obliged to do legally in the climate law. This will allow us to get a to reduction of at least 55% of our emissions by 2030 and this will really set us on a trajectory to climate neutrality by 2050."

EU and US step up cooperation on energy security (27/06/2022)

In a statement following their meeting on the margins of this week's G7 Summit in Germany, President von der Leyen and US President Joe Biden said the EU and the US were "working together to find ways to further reduce Russia's energy-derived revenues in the coming months to further curtail Russia's ability to fund its unprovoked war in Ukraine". They went on to say that "The United States and the European Commission are also taking decisive action to reduce overall demand for fossil fuels in line with the Paris Agreement and our shared goal of net zero emissions no later than 2050".

Energy Security: Commission welcomes swift adoption of new gas storage rules (27/06/2022)

New storage legislation adopted this week will strengthen the EU's security of gas supply in view of the upcoming and next winters. Faced with the threat of supply disruptions by Russia, the EU Gas Storage Regulation requires that Europe's gas reserves are refilled before the winter, and their management protected from outside interference. In particular, the new rules will require the EU Member States to fill storage facilities to 80% of capacity by November this year – and to 90% in the years after. Member States without storage infrastructure are required to agree bilateral arrangements for sufficient quantities to be stored for their use in neighbouring countries.

EU and Norway agree to step up cooperation to ensure additional gas supplies (24/06/2022)

The EU and Norway have agreed to step up cooperation in order to ensure additional short-term and long-term gas supplies from Norway. This agreement will step up cooperation to ensure additional short-term and long-term gas supplies from Norway, to address the issue of high energy prices, and to develop long-term cooperation on offshore renewable energy, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and energy research and development with a view to developing an even deeper long-term energy partnership.

Commemorative Erasmus Euro coin enters into circulation (30/06/2022)

From this week, a new €2 Erasmus coin will enter into circulation all over the Euro Area. The new coin celebrates 35 years of the Erasmus+ programme which has given over 12 million young Europeans the opportunity to study all over Europe, develop new skills and forge unforgettable memories. About 37 million Erasmus coins will be issued to commemorate the programme and the experiences of whose whose lives it has enriched and transformed.

New Roaming rules for travellers in the EU: “Roam like at home” for 10 more years (30/06/2022)

Tomorrow, 1 July 2022, the new improved Roaming regulation enters into force. It extends “Roam-like-at-home” until 2032 – the scheme thanks to which travellers in the EU and the EEA can call, text and surf abroad without extra charges. The new rules will also bring about significant benefits for EU businesses and citizens, who will enjoy a better roaming experience, with the same quality of mobile service abroad as they have at home. The new rules also improve access to emergency communications across the EU and guarantee clear information about services that may be subject to extra charges.

Commission proposes to prohibit flavoured heated tobacco products (29/06/2022)

The European Commission has proposed to prohibit the sale of flavoured heated tobacco products in the EU. A recent Commission report has shown a rise in sales of these products. The proposal will now undergo a period of scrutiny by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament and enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. Member States will have eight months to transpose the Directive into their national law and after the additional three months of transition, the provisions will start to apply.

Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs Task Force Joint Statement (30/06/2022)

It is now 100 days since Finance, Justice, Home Affairs, and Trade Ministers and European Commissioners launched the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force. In that time, REPO has leveraged extensive multilateral coordination to block or freeze more than $30 billion worth of sanctioned Russians' assets, freeze or seize sanctioned persons' high-value goods, and heavily restrict sanctioned Russians' access to the international financial system.

COVID-19: extension of the regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate (28/06/2022)

The Council of the EU this week gave its green light to the extension of the regulation establishing the EU digital COVID certificate until 30 June 2023. The extension of the regulation will ensure that EU travellers as well as those from third countries connected to the system can continue to use their EU digital COVID certificate for travel within the EU in member states where these certificates are required.

State aid: phase out of COVID Temporary Framework (30/06/2022)

As announced in May 2022, the State aid COVID Temporary Framework will not be extended beyond the current expiry date of 30 June 2022, for most of the tools provided. On 19 March 2020, following the coronavirus outbreak, the Commission promptly adopted the COVID Temporary Framework to enable Member States to use the full flexibility foreseen under State aid rules to support the economy and the most severely affected companies and sectors in a timely, targeted and proportionate way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market. Since its adoption, the Commission has taken over 1,350 decisions approving around 980 national measures notified by all 27 Member States for an estimate total State aid amount approved of approximately €3.2 trillion.

New Europol mandate enters into force (29/06/2022)

The EU agency for law enforcement cooperation (Europol) this week marked the entry into force of its new and stronger mandate. Under this reinforced mandate, Europol will be able to step up its operational and analytical support to Member States in tackling emerging security threats and fighting serious and organised crime as well as terrorism. It will also enable the agency to cooperate directly with private parties, in full compliance with strict data protection requirements.

Removing barriers for persons with disabilities: European Accessibility Act must be in national law this week (28/06/2022)

This week was the deadline for Member States to transpose the European Accessibility Act into national law. The Act aims to facilitate the access for people with disabilities to public transport, banking services, computers, TVs, e-books, online shops, and much more. Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, said: "Everyday products and services must be accessible for all. These new rules will make life easier for at least 87 million people – almost one in five Europeans – who have disabilities, including many older people, as well as for those who have a temporary impairment."

Ukraine: Commission supports Member States to include refugee children in their education systems for the next school year (30/06/2022)

The European Commission has published a practical manual to help Ukrainian children and young people to continue their education in the EU, from early childhood education and care to upper secondary education (0-18 years). The document gathers essential education principles and practices for supporting the inclusion of displaced children from Ukraine in education. It is addressed to all relevant parties, including teachers and national authorities.

Ukraine: Cohesion Policy steps up support to address the consequences of Russia's aggression in Ukraine with the ‘Flexible Assistance to Territories' (29/06/2022)

The European Commission has taken another important step to help Member States, regional and local authorities and partners to address the consequences of Russia's aggression against Ukraine by adopting the ‘Flexible Assistance to Territories (FAST-CARE)'. This will make it easier for EU countries and regions to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine by speeding up the process and offering maximum flexibility using the funds.

Ukraine: EU mobilises emergency reserves for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats (27/06/2022)

Following a request from the Government of Ukraine for medical equipment, protective gear and specialised equipment for public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, the European Commission has mobilised its new rescEU emergency reserves. With a total financial value of €11.3 million, this assistance will be delivered to Ukraine from the EU's emergency stockpiles hosted by Romania, Hungary, Sweden, Germany, Greece and Denmark.

294 organisations join the EIT Higher Education Initiative to unlock the innovation potential of higher education institutions (30/06/2022)

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) this week announced the 26 winning consortia selected to take part in the second round of the EIT HEI Initiative. 294 organisations from 38 countries will receive up to €31.2 million in total - Irish organisations taking part include Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), Waterford Institute of Technology ((SETU) and Griffith College. They will join a network of over 270 organisations that are all geared to strengthen their innovation and entrepreneurial capacity.

Two Irish projects among the winners of this year's European Citizen's Prize (27/06/2022)

Two Irish projects - Jigsaw Pandemic Response and Connect Migrant Youth - are among the winners of this year's European Citizen's Prize. Awarded every year by the European Parliament, the Prize goes to projects organised by people or organisations that encourage mutual understanding and closer integration between people in the EU, cross-border cooperation that builds a stronger European spirit and EU values and fundamental rights. A total of 300 applications were submitted for this year's prize, out of which 30 winners were selected.

Start of deliveries of vaccines in response to the monkeypox outbreak (29/06/2022)

This week saw the delivery of the first vaccine doses purchased by the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) in response to the current monkeypox outbreak, with an initial 5,300 doses arriving in Spain, out of the total 109,090 doses procured. It is the first of a series of deliveries that will take place regularly in the weeks and months to come to ensure that all Member States are ready to respond to the current monkeypox outbreak, prioritising the most affected Member States.

Annual Report on Taxation 2022 - With crises still looming, the EU should prepare a tax framework fit for the future (29/06/2022)

The European Commission's Annual Report on Taxation 2022, published this week, shows that EU Member States' tax revenue has decreased for the first time since the 2009 financial crisis, while public expenditure jumped from 46.5% in 2019 to 53% in 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis. This report shows that the pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine are testing both the resilience of our economies and our capacity to respond. However, some immediate measures to tackle the current crises, including a temporary reduction of energy taxation and income support for poorer or hardest hit households, have already been implemented.

Commission launches new Alliance to make hydrogen-powered and electric aircraft a reality (24/06/2022)

The European Commission has officially launched the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, calling on the members of the aviation community to join forces in preparing for the advent of zero emission aircraft. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation aims to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of hydrogen- and electric-powered aircraft, to ensure that air transport contributes to Europe's 2050 climate neutrality objective. It will gather representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, standardisation and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators.

One in ten Irish people having difficulties in making ends meet (29/06/2022)

New data from Eurostat show that, in last quarter of 2021, 10% of Irish people had difficulty or great difficulty in making ends meet while 23% could make ends meet easily or very easily. The data, which only covers 7 EU Member States, also shows that in the last quarter of 2021, 22% or Irish people indicated that their household income had increased over the preceding 12 months. A further 62% reported that their household income had remained more or less the same while 16% said their income had declined.

Friday 1 July: Start of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union (27/06/2022)

The Czech Republic will take over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from France on Friday 1 July and will hold it for 6 months. The motto of the Czech Presidency will be “Europe as a Task: Rethink, Rebuild, Repower”.

Friday 1 July: Discussion: "Is it Possible to Lead an Honest Life Under a Dishonest Political System?" (27/06/2022)

The European Parliament Liaison Offices in Ireland and the United Kingdom are hosting an in-person discussion to mark the award of the 2021 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to the Russian activist and political prisoner Alexei Navalny. The subject of the discussion will be: "Is it Possible to Lead an Honest Life Under a Dishonest Political System?". This event takes place from 3 to 4.30 pm on Friday 1 July at Europe House, 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2. Speakers include: Barry Andrews MEP; Maria Logan, Open Russia Foundation, Trustee to the Future of Russia Foundation and the Khodorkovsky Foundation; Sinéad Gibney, Chief Commissioner, Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission; and Caoilfhionn Gallagher QC, Barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, specialising in human rights and civil liberties. The event will be moderated by Pat Leahy, Political Editor, The Irish Times. To register, please email: events-epdublin@europarl.europa.eu.

Monday 4 to Thursday 7 July: European Parliament plenary (30/06/2022)

The next plenary session of the European Parliament takes place from 4 to 7 July. Click on the link below to access the agendas for the different days.

Wednesday 6 July: The 2nd Annual John Hume ‘European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture (27/06/2022)

On Wednesday evening 6 July, the IIEA will host the second edition of the ‘European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture, which will be delivered by Prof. Brigid Laffan. David O’Sullivan, Director General of the IIEA, delivered the Inaugural 'European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture in May 2021, and will chair this year’s event. The John Hume 'European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture recognises those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to European principles and values.

Thursday 7 July: Webinar - Safeguarding food security in the EU and beyond (27/06/2022)

On Thursday morning 7 July, the European Commission Representation in Ireland, in cooperation with European Movement Ireland, will host an online event on the theme: "Safeguarding food security in the EU and beyond". The event will explore EU actions to address rising food prices and tackle global food security. Speakers include: Michael Scannell, Deputy Director-General, Agriculture and Rural Development, Directorate General, European Commission; Joanna Reid, Director of International Programmes, Goal; Professor Michael Wallace, Professor of Agriculture and Food Economics, School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin; and Sophie Healy-Thow, Nutrition Activist. The event will be moderated by Barbara Nolan, Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland.

Thursday 7 July: Webinar on EU Grants for news media (27/06/2022)

The European Commission's DG Connect and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) will host a webinar for the news media industry and stakeholders to explain the different funding opportunities that the EU offers to the sector. The webinar will take place on Thursday 7th July from 9am to 11.15am Irish time.

Thursday 7 July: EUNIC Ireland's European Book Club (27/06/2022)

Join Culture Ireland on Thursday evening 7 July 2022 for a discussion with Sara Baume, on her award winning book Spill Simmer Falter Wither. Moderated by RTE’s Zbyszek Zalinski, this event marks the finale of EUNIC Ireland’s European Book Club 2022. EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) Ireland's European Book Club is a series of monthly discussions on a bestselling novel and is held on the first Thursday of the month (January – July 2022) at 6pm with a live discussion with the author of the selected novel.

Monday 11 July: Eurogroup meeting (27/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 12 July: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (27/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 13 July: Webinar - EU cohesion policy and European Structural and Investment Funds (27/06/2022)

Monday 18 July: Europe is our Future - Opportunities in Your Sector Across Europe, University of Limerick (24/06/2022)

Monday 18 July: Foreign Affairs Council (27/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 18 July: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (27/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 July: MacGill Summer School (27/06/2022)

The 42nd MacGill Summer School will take place from July 21st-24th, at The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, Co Donegal.

Tender No. COMM/DUB/2022/LVP/0500 concerning a negotiated procedure for an annual campaign to support and encourage student journalists to learn and write about the EU (29/06/2022)

EU launches €10 million call to support deep-tech start-ups led by women (24/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched the second Women TechEU call. This year, up to 130 deep-tech start-ups led by women will receive funding worth €10 million, as well as business acceleration services to grow into tomorrow's female tech leaders. Women TechEU provides support to women-led startups at the earliest, riskiest stage of their company's growth. In addition to a €75,000 grant, the finalists receive mentoring and coaching through the EIC's Women Leadership Programme. Applications are open until 4 October 2022.

Building Europe with Local Councillors - Call for Applications (28/06/2022)

The project “Building Europe with Local Councillors” will create a European network of locally elected politicians aimed at communicating the European Union through an unprecedented alliance between the European and local government structures. In order to establish the network, the Commission is launching a call for applications for local authorities (municipality, province, department or region) wishing to become partners of the Commission in communicating the EU on the ground by appointing a locally elected representative as member of the “Building Europe with Local Councillors” network.

Job opportunities for Language Editors in the EU Publications Office (30/06/2022)

The Publications Office of the European Union is looking for language editors (temporary agent appointment as AST1- AST3 for maximum 5 years) to join its Irish and English language teams in Luxembourg. If you are a native speaker with experience of copy-editing, proofreading or other language-correction work then do not hesitate to apply. Excellent knowledge of Irish or English grammar, syntax and spelling is required, as is the ability to learn and apply the rules of the EU’s Interinstitutional Style Guide. The successful applicants will work as part of a specialised team, copy-editing manuscripts (generally using Word and other MS Office applications), correcting PDF proofs and performing validation tasks in various electronic formats. Please contact liga.ledina@publications.europa.eu for further information or send your CV if you are interested in applying.

Commission seeks feedback on performance of EU antitrust enforcement framework (30/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched a call for evidence and a public consultation inviting feedback on the performance of the EU Regulations which lay out the procedures for the application of EU competition rules (Regulation 1/2003 and Regulation 773/2004). Interested parties can respond to the public consultation for 14 weeks, until 6 October 2022.

23/06/2022

EU news you can use

European Commission recommends confirming Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia's perspective to become members of the EU (20/06/2022)

The European Commission has presented its Opinions on the applications for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova. The Opinions are based on the Commission's assessment in light of the three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis). The Commission has recommended that Ukraine and Moldova be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas. It also recommended that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union once a number of priorities have been addressed. The applications will be discussed at this week's European Council.

Commission puts forward pioneering proposals to restore Europe's nature by 2050 (22/06/2022)

The European Commission this week proposed the first-ever legislation that explicitly targets the restoration of Europe's nature. The proposed Nature Restoration Law will set legally binding targets for nature restoration in different ecosystems and will apply to every Member State, complementing existing laws. The aim is to cover at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 with nature restoration measures, and eventually extend these to all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The new law will also make around €100 billion available for biodiversity spending, including restoration.

Commission puts forward proposals to halve pesticide use by 2030 (22/06/2022)

The European Commission this week proposed clear and binding rules to reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. The new rules include: legally binding targets at EU and national level to reduce by 50% the use and the risk of chemical pesticides and the use of the more hazardous pesticides by 2030; strict new rules on environmentally friendly pest control; plus a ban on all pesticides in sensitive areas such as urban green areas, including public parks or gardens, playgrounds, schools, recreation or sports grounds, public paths and protected areas.

European Commission Representation in Ireland expresses support for Dublin Pride 2022 (23/06/2022)

Colleagues from the European Commission Representation in Ireland together with those from the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and diplomats from other embassies, will take part in the Dublin Pride Parade on 25 June 2022 under the banner of ‘Diplomats for Equality’. In a statement, Diplomats for Equality said: "We are delighted that Dublin Pride 2022 will take place in-person this year, allowing us to continue to support and celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, and Queer/Questioning persons (LGBTIQ+) community, the work of Dublin Pride, as well as other organisations and services. We commit to continuing our work to promote respect and non-discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons, both in Ireland and abroad."

Food security: EU to step up its support to African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine (21/06/2022)

The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €600 million from the reserves of the European Development Fund to address the current food security crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These funds will support African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to cope with the dire situation, through humanitarian assistance (€150 million), sustainable production and resilience of food systems (€350 million) and macro-economic support (€100 million).

Afghanistan: EU mobilises €1 million in humanitarian assistance following devastating earthquake (23/06/2022)

In response to the powerful earthquake that struck southern Afghanistan early morning of 22 June, the European Commission is allocating €1 million in humanitarian funding to address the most urgent needs by affected Afghans. Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič said: "An estimated 270,000 people living in the affected areas will require emergency assistance. In response, the EU is mobilising an initial €1 million in emergency support. Our trusted humanitarian partners will deliver the aid to those most affected in an already extremely fragile country. The EU stands ready to provide further assistance."

State aid: Commission approves €11.2 million Irish scheme to support producers of tillage and protein crops in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine (22/06/2022)

The European Commission has approved a €11.2 Irish scheme to support the agriculture sector, in particular producers of tillage and protein crops, in the context of Russian invasion of Ukraine. Under the scheme, the aid will take form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to provide liquidity support to the beneficiaries affected by the current geopolitical crisis. The Commission found that the Irish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid: will not exceed €35,000 per beneficiary; and will be granted no later than 31 December 2022.

Sustainable Finance: Commission welcomes political agreement on company sustainability reporting (22/06/2022)

The European Commission this week welcomed the political agreement reached on its proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The new Directive will modernise and strengthen the rules about the type of social and environmental information that companies have to report. EU Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union Mairead McGuinness said the new Directive will “enable companies to communicate and manage their sustainability performance more efficiently. Citizens will be able to measure the success of companies not just in financial terms but also assess how they impact people and the environment."

Two thirds of Irish people think farmers need to change the way they work to fight climate change: Eurobarometer (21/06/2022)

A new Eurobarometer survey on Agriculture and the CAP shows that 67% of EU and 68% of Irish respondents think that EU farmers need to change the way they work in order to fight climate change even if that means EU agriculture will be less competitive. The survey also shows that 60% of EU and 63% of Irish respondents are prepared to pay 10% more for agricultural products that are produced in a way that limits their carbon footprint. When asked about EU financial support for farmers, 50% of Irish people thought it was about right while 39% thought it was too low.

Irish woman selected as new Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency (23/06/2022)

Dr Sharon McGuinness has been selected as the next Executive Director of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) following an open competition. Dr McGuinness had been the Chief Executive Officer of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in Ireland since 2018. The Helsinki-based ECHA is the EU agency with responsibility for implementing the EU’s chemicals legislation.

Bringing the EU closer to citizens: Commission launches 'Building Europe with Local Councillors' project (22/06/2022)

The European Commission this week launched the 'Building Europe with Local Councillors' project, which aims to equip local councillors and authorities across the EU with the tools they need to communicate about the EU to people in their local constituency or area. This project will set up a network across the EU, providing local authorities with access to up-to-date material about EU policy and rules that might affect their constituency, targeted webinars about key issues, as well as open the possibility to visit the EU institutions.

Commission unveils new approach to trade agreements to promote green and just growth (22/06/2022)

The European Commission this week unveiled a new plan to enhance the contribution of EU trade agreements in protecting the climate, environment and labour rights worldwide. In its Communication on “The power of trade partnerships: together for green and just economic growth”, the Commission has put forward measures to further strengthen the implementation and enforcement of Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD) chapters of the EU's trade agreements. All recent EU trade agreements include chapters on trade and sustainable development.

New pan-European partnership on Culture and Creativity (23/06/2022)

A new Knowledge and Innovation Community on Culture and Creativity is being set up by the the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). Its mission will be to unlock the innovation potential of the cultural and creative sectors and industries, and to contribute to their sustainable growth and recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. EU Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said: "The new EIT Culture and Creativity Innovation Community will capitalise on the unique richness of European diversity to guarantee that creatives are ingrained in the pan-European Innovation Ecosystem."

EU Consumer protection: TikTok commits to align with EU rules to better protect consumers (21/06/2022)

Following dialogues with the Commission and the network of national consumer protection (CPC) authorities, TikTok has committed to align its practices with the EU rules on advertising and consumer protection. The changes will make it easier for EU consumers to: identify ads (with better labelling in different languages); understand how to purchase & use coins; and report ads that could unfairly pressure/trick children.

Ukrainian driving documents: Commission proposes to temporarily ease requirements (21/06/2022)

The European Commission has proposed temporary rules on Ukrainian driving documents to allow Ukrainian citizens residing in the EU under the temporary protection regime to continue to use their Ukrainian driving licence, without needing to exchange it for an EU driving licence or to sit a new driving test. The measure will also ease requirements for professional drivers.

Refurbed (Ireland) joins other EUREFAS members in pledging for a responsible refurbishment market (23/06/2022)

Refurbed, Ireland’s leading online marketplace for refurbished electronics, this week announced its pledge, along with 16 other members of the European Refurbishment Association (EUREFAS), for a responsible refurbishment market. By signing the pledge, Refurbed and the other members of EUREFAS committed to combating climate change by reducing e-waste, carbon emissions and over-consumption of raw materials and aiming for carbon neutrality, as well as maximising the reuse of electronic equipment through refurbishment.

SMEs embracing sustainable and digital business models despite various challenges (21/06/2022)

According to the 2022 SME Performance Report, Europe's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have been shifting to more sustainable and digital business models despite dealing with difficult challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and now also with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The report also highlights the risks of rapidly rising prices of energy and raw materials, new supply shortages and rising inflation at a time when implementing the green and digital transitions is particularly crucial. According to the Irish country fact sheet, Ireland has a large population of very low-productive SMEs. Irish SMEs also tend to be over-reliant on a small, domestic customer base with only about 6% of them directly trading across borders.

Healthier Together: the Commissions launches €156 million initiative on non-communicable diseases in Europe (22/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched an important initiative to help EU Member States reduce the burden of EU Non-Communicable Diseases by addressing the leading causes of avoidable premature death in Europe and improving citizens' health and well-being. It identifies effective actions and the available legal and financial supporting tools across five main areas: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, mental health and neurological disorders, as well as their main contributing factors. The Initiative will have a budget of €156 million under the 2022 work programme of the EU4Health programme.

Ireland and Denmark have the highest consumer prices in the EU: Eurostat (21/06/2022)

Ireland and Denmark (both 140% of the EU average) had the highest consumer price levels in 2021 according to new figures from Eurostat. They were followed by Luxembourg (132%), Sweden (128%) and Finland (126%). The lowest price levels were found in Poland (60%) and in Romania and Bulgaria (both 56%). Ireland also had the highest prices for alcohol and tobacco (205% of the EU average) and the third highest prices for food & non-alcoholic beverages (119%).

Per capita Active Individual Consumption in Ireland below the EU average: Eurostat (22/06/2022)

New figures from Eurostat show that while Ireland recorded the second highest per capita GDP in the EU in 2021 at 220% of the EU average, per capita Active Individual Consumption (AIC) was at only 90% of the EU average. Luxembourg (146% of the EU average) had the highest AIC per capita in the EU while Bulgaria (63%) had the lowest. Actual individual consumption (AIC) is a measure of material welfare of households. Eurostat attributes the high level of GDP in Ireland in part to the presence of large multinational companies holding intellectual property.

Irish homes are the second least likely to be over-crowded in Europe: Eurostat (21/06/2022)

New Eurostat figures show that only 3.2% of Irish people lived in homes that were overcrowded in 2020, the second lowest share in the EU after Cyprus at 2.5%. On average, 17.5% of the EU population lived in overcrowded households, meaning they did not have enough rooms for the number of people in the household, their family situation and their ages. Latvia (42.5%), Bulgaria (39.5%), Poland (36.9%) had the highest shares of people living in overcrowded conditions. The figures also show that the share of people living in households which spend 40% or more of their disposable income on housing was below 5% in Ireland in 2020.

Thursday 23 and Friday 24 June: European Council (21/06/2022)

The European Council will discuss the wider Europe, Ukraine, EU membership applications from Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, economic issues, the Conference on the Future of Europe and external relations.

Sunday 26 to Tuesday 28 June: G7 summit, Schloss Elmau (21/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 27 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy) (21/06/2022)

Energy ministers will aim at reaching a general approach on the proposals to amend the renewable energies and the energy efficiency directives that are part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package. Ministers will adopt a regulation aiming at filling the EU’s gas storage reserves before the winter and sharing them in a spirit of solidarity. They will also discuss the energy situation in the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine. Ministers will exchange views on a proposal to reduce methane emissions and on a proposal on energy performance of buildings.

Monday 27 June: Webinar on EU job opportunities in the defence industry and space (20/06/2022)

On Monday 27 June, Ireland’s Permanent Representation to the EU will host a webinar on a recently launched EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office) recruitment competition for Administrators and Experts in Defence Industry and Space. Attendees will hear from colleagues working in this policy area, as well as hearing from EPSO regarding the competition process. Anyone interested in attending should register (via the below link) before 10:00 (Irish Time) on 26 June 2022. The event will be moderated by Eamonn Mac Aodha, Director of the Parliament and Institutions Section in the Irish Permanent Representation to the EU.

Monday 27 June: Webinar - Priorities of the Czech Presidency of the EU (21/06/2022)

The Czech Republic will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 July 2022, as part of the Trio Presidency taking over from France before handing over to Sweden in January 2022. On Monday lunchtime 27 June, the Czech Minister for European Affairs Mikulás Bek will address an IIEA webinar on the priorities of the Czech Presidency, which focus on Ukraine’s place in Europe and the EU, energy security, transatlantic relations, defence policy, and countering cybersecurity threats. The Czech Presidency also plans to reinforce the EU’s economic resilience and to uphold the rule of law and democratic values within the Union.

Tuesday 28 June: Environment Council (21/06/2022)

Environment ministers will aim at reaching a general approach on proposals that are part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package, relating to the carbon market, carbon sinks, effort sharing between member states, CO2 emission standards for cars and vans and a social climate fund. Ministers will also discuss a proposal to minimise the risk of deforestation and forest degradation associated with products placed on the EU market, with possibly the aim of reaching a general approach. The Presidency will present a report on progress made in discussions on a proposal on waste shipments.

Tuesday 28 June: United Nations Peacekeeping: Challenges to Global Peace and the Path Ahead (21/06/2022)

2022 has seen a marked shift in the levels and severity of intra and interstate conflict. The security of many of the environments in which peacekeeping is deployed has deteriorated due to local and regional dynamics, and this has only been compounded by tensions within the permanent five of the Security Council. In an address to the IIEA, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix will discuss the current state of UN Peacekeeping, the challenges it is facing and what more is needed to make the utmost of this unique multilateral tool. This webinar takes place on Tuesday afternoon, 28 June.

Friday 1 July: Start of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union (23/06/2022)

Friday 1 July: Discussion: "Is it Possible to Lead an Honest Life Under a Dishonest Political System?" (21/06/2022)

Wednesday 6 July: The 2nd Annual John Hume ‘European Spirit of Peace’ Lecture (21/06/2022)

Thursday 7 July: EUNIC Ireland's European Book Club (20/06/2022)

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 July: MacGill Summer School (21/06/2022)

The 42nd MacGill Summer School will take place from July 21st-24th, at The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, Co Donegal.

EU launches €10 million call to support deep-tech start-ups led by women (21/06/2022)

The European Commission this week launched the second Women TechEU call. This year, up to 130 deep-tech start-ups led by women will receive funding worth €10 million, as well as business acceleration services to grow into tomorrow's female tech leaders. Women TechEU provides support to women-led startups at the earliest, riskiest stage of their company's growth. In addition to a €75,000 grant, the finalists receive mentoring and coaching through the EIC's Women Leadership Programme. Applications are open until 4 October 2022.

16/06/2022

EU news you can use

European Commission launches infringement proceedings against the UK for breaking international law and provides further details on its proposals for Northern Ireland (16/06/2022)

The European Commission launched this week infringement proceedings against the United Kingdom for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. Despite repeated calls on the UK government to implement the Protocol, it has failed to do so. This is a clear breach of international law. The aim of these infringement proceedings is to restore compliance with the Protocol in a number of key areas where the UK hasn't been implementing it properly – ultimately with the goal of protecting the health and safety of EU citizens. At the same time, the Commission is today providing additional details on the possible solutions it put forward in October 2021 to facilitate the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Statement by European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič (16/06/2022)

European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič issued on Monday, 13 June a statement on the UK government's decision to table a bill disapplying core elements of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

Galway selected to host one of Europe's next generation supercomputers (16/06/2022)

The National University of Ireland in Galway is one of five new sites selected by the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking to host Europe's next generation supercomputers. The other four high-performance machines will be in Germany, Greece, Poland and Hungary. They will power further development of novel scientific and industrial applications in personalised medicine, development of new drugs, wind farm design modelling, and biomolecular research.

EU Digital COVID Certificate extended for one more year (14/06/2022)

The European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional political agreement this week on a proposal by the European Commission on the extension of the EU Digital COVID Certificate by one year. The extension will allow persons to continue using their certificate to travel across the EU past the Regulation's initial expiry date of 30 June 2022 should a rise in infections make it necessary for Member States to temporarily reintroduce restrictions.

Ukraine: Commission presents guidance to help people fleeing war access jobs, training and adult learning (16/06/2022)

The European Commission issued guidance to member states that describes measures they can take to integrate people arriving from Ukraine into their labour market and support their access to vocational education and training (VET) and adult learning.The guidance covers both people eligible for temporary protection under the Temporary Protection Directive as well as those eligible for adequate protection under national law. Since the beginning of Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine and its civilians, over 7 million people have fled Ukraine and reached the EU. So far, only a relatively small number of those of working age have entered the EU labour market, though the number of people wanting to do so is expected to rise.

Farm to Fork: Ongoing reduction of chemical pesticides’ use in the EU but pace needs to pick up (16/06/2022)

To track the progress towards meeting the chemical pesticides reduction targets of the Farm to Fork strategy, the European Commission each year publishes figures on the use and risk of chemical pesticides in the EU. For 2020, the figures show that chemical pesticides are less used overall, with a lower associated risk. The use and risk of chemical pesticides declined by 1% compared to 2019, and by 14% compared to the baseline period (2015-2017). The figures also show that the more hazardous pesticides are used significantly less. They declined by 9% compared to 2019, and by 26% compared to the baseline period. This marks the second consecutive year with a meaningful reduction. At the same time, the EU keeps its global position of a prime exporter of food products. While progress is steady and ongoing, its pace is still not fast enough.

HERA secures vaccines for EU Member states in response to the monkeypox outbreaks (14/06/2022)

The European Commission's Health Preparedness and Response Authority, HERA, concluded a contract with the company Bavarian Nordic to purchase 109 090 doses of their 3rd generation vaccines in response to the current monkeypox outbreaks. As the number of cases continues to grow, this agreement will make vaccines rapidly available to all EU Member States, Norway and Iceland.

New stronger and more comprehensive Code of Practice on disinformation published (16/06/2022)

The European Commission welcomed this week the publication of the strengthened Code of Practice on Disinformation. The 34 signatories, such as platforms, tech companies and civil society followed the 2021 Commission Guidance and took into account the lessons learnt from the COVID19 crisis and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. The new Code sets out extensive and precise commitments by platforms and industry to fight disinformation and marks another important step for a more transparent, safe and trustworthy online environment.

Eurobarometer: 91% of the Irish people approve of EU economic sanction against Russia (16/06/2022)

91% of the Irish people approve of the economic sanction of the EU against Russia in response to their invasion of Ukraine. This is the fifth highest approval rating of the joint EU action among the member states. On average 8 of 10 EU citizens approve the sanctions according to the latest Eurobarometer released this week. It confirms the large support for the EU's response to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and shows that European citizens expect the EU to phase out its dependency on Russian sources of energy.

Friday 17 June: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (10/06/2022)

On the agenda: Croatia and the euro; the European Semester 2022 and approve the country specific recommendations; the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); the economic and financial aspects of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine; corporate taxation; and the Solvency II amending directive and the review of the alternative investment fund managers directive (AIFM). Economy and finance ministers are also expected to discuss new own resources of the EU.

Monday 20 June: Hybrid conference "Health (One Health)" (10/06/2022)

The Consumers and Environment Category of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is hosting a hybrid conference entitled "Health (One Health)" on 20 June from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The aim of the conference is to look at how the European Union can be more active in this area, especially through better cooperation among the key stakeholders. The conference will feature contributions by representatives of civil society organisations active in various Member States as well as a number of high-level speakers.

Tuesday 21 June: Reflections on the Future of Anglo-Irish Relations (16/06/2022)

The Institute of International & European Affairs hosts an online presentation by Bertie Ahern, former Taoiseach of Ireland, entitled Reflections on the Future of Anglo-Irish Relations. This event will take place on Tuesday, 21 June 2022 at 1p.m. Irish time via the Zoom platform.

Wednesday 22 June: Supporting Democracy and Security: The War in Ukraine (10/06/2022)

On Wednesday 22 June, European Movement Ireland and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung will host an online event, ‘Supporting Democracy and Security: The War in Ukraine’. The event will discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the implications for European security and other policy areas. It will also examine the EU’s response to the war, Ukraine’s future in Europe and arising geopolitical developments. These issues will be examined from Irish, German and EU perspectives. Speakers include Minister Simon Coveney TD, Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, and H.E. Cord Meier-Klodt, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Ireland. The welcome address will be given by Katie O’Connor, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung UK & Ireland, and the event will be moderated by Noelle O Connell, CEO, European Movement Ireland.

Thursday 23 June to Friday 24 June 2022: European Council (16/06/2022)

The June summit of European Union heads of state and government will take place in Brussels on 23 and 24 June.

Monday 27 June: Priorities of the Czech Presidency of the EU (16/06/2022)

The IIEA will host an online presentation by Dr. Mikuláš Bek, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, entitled, Priorities of the Czech Presidency of the EU. This event will take place on Monday, 27 June 2022 at 1.00p.m. (Dublin time) via the Zoom platform.

Friday 1 July: Discussion: "Is it Possible to Lead an Honest Life Under a Dishonest Political System?" (10/06/2022)

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 July: MacGill Summer School (10/06/2022)

The 42nd MacGill Summer School will take place from July 21st-24th, at The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, Co Donegal.

New Erasmus+ call for deeper transnational cooperation between universities in Europe (16/06/2022)

The European Commission launched a new Erasmus+ call for proposals to pilot a joint European degree label and to test institutionalised EU cooperation instruments, such as a possible European legal status for alliances, as announced in the European Strategy for Universities. These flagship initiatives of the strategy aim to facilitate deeper transnational cooperation between higher education institutions in Europe. This open and competitive call for proposals has a total budget of € 2 million.

European Commission launches Access City Award 2023 competition (14/06/2022)

The European Commission opened for applications the Access City Award 2023 competition. Participating in the Award is an opportunity for cities to gain European recognition and a chance to review their current accessibility situation. It also allows European cities to share experiences in a strive to further improve and become an even better cities to live and visit. The deadline to apply is 8 September 2022.

Virtual Cycling Challenge to celebrate the World Bicycle Day (10/06/2022)

To mark the World Bicycle Day on 3 June, the Polish Embassy in Dublin has opened a cycling competition for children. The Virtual Cycling Challenge is aimed at children attending primary school in Ireland. They are asked to cycle the total distance of 15 km until 26 June.

09/06/2022

EU news you can use

Russian invasion of Ukraine reverberates around the world: President von der Leyen at the European Parliament (09/06/2022)

In a speech to the European Parliament this week, President von der Leyen addressed the issues of energy, defence and the relief and reconstruction of Ukraine. She said: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine reverberates around the world. This is not just about what its impact is on economics, geopolitics and security architecture. It is about the lives and livelihoods of millions of people around the world. Millions of people who fear that they will not be able to afford to heat their homes and to feed their children tomorrow. The numbers are stark. This year alone, some 275 million people are likely to be at least at the risk of food insecurity across the world."

EU budget 2023: Empowering Europe to continue shaping a changing world (07/06/2022)

The European Commission proposed an annual EU budget of €185.6 billion for 2023, to be complemented by an estimated €113.9 billion in grants under NextGenerationEU. The EU budget will continue to mobilise significant investments to boost Europe's strategic autonomy, the ongoing economic recovery, safeguard sustainability and create jobs. The Commission will continue to prioritise green and digital investments while addressing pressing needs arising from recent and current crises.

Commission welcomes political agreement on adequate minimum wages for workers in the EU (07/06/2022)

The European Commission welcomed the political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the Directive on adequate minimum wages proposed by the Commission in October 2020. The Directive establishes a framework for the adequacy of statutory minimum wages, promoting collective bargaining on wage setting, and enhancing the effective access of workers to minimum wage protection in the EU. It does not require Member States to introduce statutory minimum wages, nor does it set a common minimum wage level across the EU.

Agreement reached on proposal for gender balance on corporate boards (08/06/2022)

The Council of the EU and the European Parliament this week reached a political agreement on a European Commission proposal for a new EU law promoting a more balanced gender representation on the boards of listed companies. By 2026, listed companies should aim to have at least 40% of their non-executive director positions or 33% of their non-executive and executive director positions held by members of the under-represented sex.

European Commission welcomes political agreement on a common charger in the EU (07/06/2022)

The European Commission welcomed the swift provisional political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the Commission' proposal on a common charging solution. As of 2024, all new handheld mobile phones, tablets, digital cameras, handheld videogame consoles, headphones, headsets, portable speakers, e-readers, keyboards, mice, portable navigation systems, and earbuds will have to be equipped with a USB-C charging port. The deadline for laptops is 2026.

Four Irish medtech companies to receive European Innovation Council funding (07/06/2022)

Four Irish medtech companies were among 74 innovative companies this week selected for European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator funding. They are Galway-based Venari Medical Limited and Loci Orthopaedics, Mayo-based Ovagen Ltd and Dublin-based Selio Medical Ltd. The EIC Accelerator offers start-ups and SMEs grants of up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments ranging from €0.5 to €15 million. In addition to financial support, all projects benefit from a range of Business Acceleration Services.

European Commission and United States sign cooperation arrangement on preparedness and response to public health threats (09/06/2022)

The European Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services this week signed an arrangement to strengthen cooperation on preparedness and response to public health threats. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: "We share broad mutual interests in the control and prevention of infectious diseases globally. Today we put this cooperation on new footing, to jointly identify health threats, work together on procuring medical countermeasures and prepare for health threats together."

European Anti-Fraud Office publishes its report for 2021 (09/06/2022)

The results of European Anti-Fraud Office’s activities for 2021 were published this week. The report unveils emerging fraud trends on a wide range of issues and also investigations and operations with a special focus on fraud schemes damaging the environment – from an afforestation project that never happened to a collapsed pipeline for drinking water – as well as important frauds in the field of customs and waste smuggling.

EU sets up €20 million support for Ukrainian start-ups (09/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched an ambitious €20 million action to support the Ukrainian innovation community. Through a targeted amendment of the 2022 European Innovation Council (EIC) work programme, the new initiative will support at least 200 Ukrainian deep tech start-ups with up to €60,000 each. In addition, the EIC will offer non-financial support, such as business advisory services and matchmaking.

Ukraine: EU boosts operational support to humanitarian organisations (08/06/2022)

As humanitarian needs continue to rise in Ukraine due to the illegal Russian invasion, the EU is providing direct operational support to aid organisations working inside the country. In this regard, the EU has set-up and fully funded two warehouses in Ukraine, respectively in Vinnytsia and Dnipro, as well as contracting trucking services to get humanitarian aid to those in need. The use of these EU funded humanitarian services is offered free of charge to aid organisations operating in Ukraine, as part of the new European Humanitarian Response Capacity system.

Support for Ukraine is strong and widespread throughout Europe: Eurofound (08/06/2022)

According to a new Eurofound survey, over 70% of people in the EU agree with the imposition of economic sanctions on Russia, with two-thirds feeling that more stringent sanctions should be imposed. Support for economic sanctions is particularly high in Scandinavian countries, the Baltic states, Romania, Poland and Ireland. The survey also revealed high or very high concerns about the war, with higher rates recorded in some of the countries sharing borders with Russia, as well as southern Mediterranean countries and Ireland.

Ukraine: 500 patients transferred to European hospitals thanks to the Civil Protection Mechanism (07/06/2022)

More than 500 Ukrainian patients in need of urgent medical assistance have to date been transferred from Ukraine, Moldova and other neighbouring EU Member States to European hospitals thanks to the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the support of 13 Member States, including Ireland and EEA partners. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: "As the humanitarian tragedy worsens, more people will need our help. The EU’s support to Ukraine and its people is unwavering."

Call for Nominations for endangered heritage sites (09/06/2022)

All over Europe our shared cultural heritage is faced with increasing threats. Europa Nostra's 7 Most Endangered Programme is a civil society campaign to save this endangered heritage. The Call for Nominations for this year's Programme is now open. If you know of important heritage in Europe that is endangered – such as an historic monument or an ensemble of historic monuments, an archaeological site, a place of worship, an industrial complex, a historic garden, a museum, a movable or an intangible heritage asset – then nominate it by 15 September.

2021 EU Budget: Performance report highlights key role in supporting EU recovery and advancing key EU priorities (07/06/2022)

The European Commission presented the Annual Management and Performance Report for the EU budget for the 2021 financial year, through which the Commission takes overall political responsibility for the management of the previous year's EU budget. In challenging times, the EU budget, supplemented by the NextGenerationEU recovery instrument, continued to deliver for EU citizens, in full respect of the highest standards of financial management.

New EU rules addressing terrorist content online apply from this week (07/06/2022)

New EU rules on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online apply from this week. Competent authorities in the member states have the power to issue removal orders to hosting service providers requiring them to remove terrorist content or disable access to it in all member states. Internet platforms will have to remove or disable access to flagged terrorist content within 1 hour of receiving a removal order from the competent authority.

EU Bathing Water report: share of Irish waters qualifying as "excellent" below EU average (03/06/2022)

According to the latest annual EU Bathing Water report, just under 78% of Irish beaches met the European Union's most stringent ‘excellent' water quality standards in 2021, below the EU average of 85%. In Austria, Malta, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Denmark and Germany, 90% or more of bathing waters qualified as ‘excellent'. The report also shows that minimum water quality standards were met at 95% of sites in Europe in 2021 and 97% of sites in Ireland. Only 1.4% of sites in Ireland and 1.5% across the EU were classed as "poor".

Ireland records highest rise in GDP in the first quarter of 2022 (08/06/2022)

According to Eurostat, Ireland recorded a GDP rise of 10.8% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the fourth quarter of 2021, the highest rise in the EU where the average rise was 0.7%. When compared to the first quarter of 2021, GDP was up by 11.3% in Ireland, the second highest rise in the EU after Portugal at 11.9% and double the EU average of 5.6%. The figures also show that Ireland recorded the highest growth in employment in the EU in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the first quarter of 2021 at 12.3%.

Sunday 12 to Wednesday 15 June: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) (03/06/2022)

The Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) will meet on 12 June in Geneva, in the margins of the WTO ministerial conference. Five years after the last ministerial meeting in Buenos Aires, the 12th WTO ministerial conference will take place in Geneva from 12 to 15 June. MC12 will focus in particular on the reform of the WTO and on the response to the unprecedented disruption to the world economy and global trade caused by the pandemic and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.

Monday 13 June: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (03/06/2022)

EU agriculture ministers will meet in Luxembourg to discuss the state of implementation of the EU common fisheries policy and consultations for fishing opportunities for 2023. They will further exchange views on the application of EU standards on imported agricultural and agri-food products, and discuss the situation of agricultural markets in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Tuesday 14 June: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Health) (07/06/2022)

On the agenda: the European health data space (EHDS). The EHDS is a proposal for a directive (from May 2022) to make it easier for patients to have access to their health data in electronic form and to share this data with health professionals within the EU. Ministers will hold a policy debate on this topic. Also on the agenda: the revision of the EU’s global health strategy and the state of play of the draft cross border threats to health regulation.

Wednesday 15 June: Ireland, Europe, and the World in James Joyces’ Ulysses (07/06/2022)

Ahead of Bloomsday on the 100th anniversary of Ulysses, and of Irish independence, the IIEA is hosting a lunchtime event on 15 June exploring the European and international dimensions of James Joyces’ novel and the myriad visions of Ireland’s place in the world, which then as now occurred during great turbulence and uncertainty in the world.This anniversary also marks 100 years of Irish independence, as well as 50 years since Irish accession to the European Union. Speakers include Anne Fogarty, Full Professor and Director of the Centre for James Joyce Studies at UCD, and Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States.

Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June: Rural Pact Conference, Brussels (03/06/2022)

The Rural Pact conference will bring together EU, national, and regional politicians along with local authorities, social and economic stakeholders in a participatory event that reflects the rural vision’s ambition and bottom-up character. The conference is organised by the European Commission in partnership with the European Committee of the Regions, the European Economic and Social Committee, the European Parliament, the Presidency of the European Council and the European Rural Parliament. Live streaming will be available for the plenary sessions.

Thursday 16 June: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social) (07/06/2022)

On the agenda: the state of play as regards the draft law on improving working conditions in platform work; the European Semester; the Porto Social Summit: one year later; a recommendation on individual learning accounts; the fair transition towards climate neutrality; and the employment of people with disabilities.

Thursday 16 June: Eurogroup (09/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Thursday 16 June: Local Dialogue on Youth and Democracy, Dublin (03/06/2022)

On Thursday morning 16 June, the European Committee of the Regions, in co-operation with European Movement Ireland and the Irish Regions European Office, are hosting an event focusing on the role of youth and democracy in Europe. The keynote address will be given by Thomas Byrne TD, Minister of State for European Affairs. Other speakers include: Apostolos Tzitzikostas, President of the European Committee of the Regions; Thomas Matthew, Board Member, European Youth Forum; and Diandra Ní Bhuachalla, United Nations Youth Delegate Ireland. The event will be moderated by Noelle O Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland and will take place in person at the Council Chamber, Dublin City Hall, Dame Street, Dublin 2 from 11:00 – 12:30.

Friday 17 June: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (09/06/2022)

Monday 20 June: Hybrid conference "Health (One Health)" (03/06/2022)

Friday 1 July: Discussion: "Is it Possible to Lead an Honest Life Under a Dishonest Political System?" (08/06/2022)

Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 July: MacGill Summer School (09/06/2022)

The 42nd MacGill Summer School will take place from July 21st-24th, at The Highlands Hotel in Glenties, Co Donegal.

€4.1 million call to monitor and defend media freedom and pluralism (07/06/2022)

The European Commission has published a €4.1 million call to monitor and defend media freedom and pluralism, financed through Creative Europe. €1 million will be allocated to further strengthen the position of media councils and to develop journalistic standards. The remaining €3.1 million will make sure the EU continues to provide a rapid response mechanism to protect journalists under threat after 2023. Non-profit organisations, international organisations, universities, educational institutions and research centres within the EU and in associated countries including Ukraine may submit their proposal until 20 September 2022.

Job opportunities in the EU agencies (09/06/2022)

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) has advertised a number of interesting job opportunities, both for permanent and temporary positions, on its database. The positions include contract agent posts, traineeships and secondments and are located all over Europe.

Video contest: Youth dialogue on the future of finance with Commissioner McGuinness (08/06/2022)

As part of the European Year of Youth, Commissioner Mairead McGuinness is to hold a dialogue with young people from all over Europe about their vision for the future of finance. Young people aged between 18 and 25 who are interested in participating and in meeting the Commissioner are invited to take part in a video contest on the theme of “the future of finance” - full details at the link below. The 10 winning entrants will meet the Commissioner in Brussels on 25 October 2022. Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the European Commission. The deadline to participate is 8 July 2022.

Rural Inspiration Awards (RIA) 2022: The Future is Youth (07/06/2022)

Submissions are now open for the Rural Inspiration Awards 2022. The awards are open to all rural development projects supported by EU funding (EAFRD/EAGF). The theme of this year's awards is 'The Future is Youth' inspired jointly by 2022 being the European Year of Youth, the long-term vision for rural areas, and the Rural Pact, developed by the European Commission. Applications may be submitted under four categories: Green Futures, Digital Futures, Resilient Futures, and Socially Inclusive & Innovative Futures. The deadline to apply is:

Student competition to name the next EU satellite constellation. (07/06/2022)

As part of the European Year of Youth, the European Commission has launched the “Name the New EU Space Constellation”, a student competition to award the name of the next satellite constellation. This is a call for creative ideas to give a name to a new EU space-based secure connectivity system. Alongside Copernicus and Galileo, this will be the third pillar of the EU Space programme; a state-of-the-art satellite constellation providing high-speed and secure communication services across Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Public consultation on an Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan (03/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the development of an Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan. The Action Plan, announced in the EU Biodiversity and Farm to Fork strategies, will help achieve the European Green Deal’s 2030 target of reducing nutrient losses by 50%, while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. The objective is to reduce fertiliser use by at least 20%. Farmers, industries, NGOs, citizens and other interested parties are invited to share their views on this action plan via an online consultation that runs until 26 August 2022.

02/06/2022

EU news you can use

EU leaders agree new sanctions against Russia (01/06/2022)

At this week's special summit, EU leaders agreed on a sixth package of sanctions that will include a ban on almost 90% of all Russian oil imports by the end of the year. President von der Leyen said: "This is an important step forward. We will soon return to the issue of the remaining 10% of pipeline oil." The leaders also condemned Russia's destruction and illegal appropriation of agricultural production in Ukraine and reviewed progress in phasing out EU dependency on Russian fuels. They agreed to grant Ukraine macro-financial assistance of up to €9 billion.

EU Energy Commissioner visits Ireland (02/06/2022)

EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson is in Ireland for two days this week to engage with local actors on the EU's energy policy and, in particular, the recently proposed REPowerEU plan. The Commissioner kicked off her visit with a meeting with Minister for Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan (see below link to their joint press point after the meeting), before going on to address the Oireachtas' Committee on Environment and Climate Action. She also took part in a roundtable with energy stakeholders. On Friday, she will visit EU-funded green energy projects in Co Offaly and participate in the opening ceremony of Ireland's first green hydrogen production facility.

EU Agriculture Commissioner visits Ireland (31/05/2022)

EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski was in Ireland this week where he gave the opening address at the World Potato Congress (see below link to his speech). The Commissioner began his visit by meeting the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, before going on to address the Irish Farmers’ Association National Council where he told attendees that: "The Commission recognises that the Irish grass-based model has a lower climate impact, with higher standards for animal welfare and greater resilience. We will support Irish farmers to embrace all possibilities to cut emissions and improve their environmental performance." The visit finished with two farm visits - Rathvale organic farm and a livestock farm at Killeen, Oldtown, Co. Dublin.

Solidarity with Ukraine: Commission launches an EU platform for registration of people enjoying temporary protection or adequate protection under national law (01/06/2022)

The European Commission has launched an EU platform for the exchange of information on beneficiaries of temporary protection and adequate protection. The platform will allow EU Member States to exchange information on registered persons in real time so that individuals fleeing Ukraine can effectively benefit from their rights in all Member States, while addressing instances of double or multiple registrations and limiting possible abuse.

President von der Leyen commits further financial support for food security in a speech to the African Union (30/05/2022)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the African Union Extraordinary Humanitarian Summit and Pledging Conference that took place in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. The President underlined that the war of conquest that Russia is waging against Ukraine is threatening food security across the world. She pointed out that the European Union is committing further financial support to African partners.

Coronavirus: Commission secures an agreement with Moderna to adapt delivery schedules to Member States' needs (02/06/2022)

The European Commission and vaccine developer Moderna have reached an agreement to postpone the delivery of some Covid-19 vaccine doses initially planned for the second quarter of 2022 to later in the year. In addition, should an adapted vaccine receive an EU marketing authorisation following the assessment of the European Medicines Agency, a part of the doses scheduled for April, May and June may be delivered as booster vaccines adapted to the current Covid-19 variants from September and during the autumn and winter months of 2022.

Fisheries management review: less overfishing, but further efforts to protect marine resources needed (01/06/2022)

The European Commission this week published its Communication “Towards more sustainable fishing in the EU: state of play and orientations for 2023” giving an annual review of EU's fisheries management and outlining priorities ahead for 2023. The figures show that conservation efforts are further bearing fruit and the EU fisheries policy has been delivering in reducing overfishing in European waters.

Croatia to adopt the euro on 1 January 2023 (01/06/2022)

The European Commission this week concluded that Croatia is ready to adopt the euro on 1 January 2023, bringing the number of euro area Member States to twenty. The conclusion is set out in the 2022 Convergence Report, which assesses the progress that Bulgaria, Czechia, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Sweden have made towards joining the euro area. These are the seven non-euro area Member States that are legally committed to adopting the euro.

EU agri-food trade shows strong growth in first two months of the year (31/05/2022)

The latest EU agri-food trade figures published this week show that the total value of EU agri-food trade was €28.3 billion in February 2022, an 18% increase compared to the same month last year. The figures also show that, in the first two months of 2022, exports to the United Kingdom and the United States grew significantly compared to the same period last year. Exports to the UK increased by 23% (driven by wine, poultry and eggs) to reach a value of 6.6 billion. Exports to the US grew by 26% to 4 billion, largely driven by increased demand for beverages.

European Citizens' Initiative: Commission decides to register ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay' initiative (02/06/2022)

The European Commission has decided to register a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Good Clothes, Fair Pay'. The initiative calls on the Commission to propose legislation requiring companies in the garment and footwear sector to carry out due diligence in respect of living wages in their supply chains. The organisers have one year to collect one million signatures from at least seven different Member States.

Commission proposes to increase EU aid under the EU school scheme to the countries catering for displaced Ukrainian children (02/06/2022)

The European Commission has published a regulation allowing for an internal redistribution of EU aid under the EU school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme to cater for displaced Ukrainian children enrolled in EU schools. Member States that have unused budget can redirect it to countries welcoming displaced Ukrainian children. As of now, Ireland is projected to receive €2.7 million under the scheme for the 2022/23 school year.

Ireland's youth unemployment rate lowest in Europe: Eurostat (01/06/2022)

Ireland's youth unemployment rate fell to 5.6% in April, the lowest in the EU and down from 20.1% in April 2021, according to the latest Eurostat figures. The youth unemployment rate in both the EU and in the euro area was 13.9% in April 2022 rising to 36.8% in Greece. The general unemployment rate in Ireland was 4.8% in April 2022, down from 7.5% in April 2021 and well below the Euro Area average of 6.8%.

Largest families in Ireland: Eurostat (01/06/2022)

New figures from Eurostat, published for Global Day of Parents, show that Ireland had the largest share of households with children living in them in the EU at 33% in 2021 compared to an EU average of 24%. Finland had the lowest share at 19%. The figures also show that Ireland had the highest share of larger families with 23% of households with children having three or more compared to an EU average of 12%. Ireland (39%) also has the second lowest share of one child households after Sweden (37%).

Inflation rises to over 8% in Ireland and the Euro Area (31/05/2022)

New Eurostat estimates, published this week, put the annual inflation rate at 8.2% for Ireland and 8.1% for the Euro Area in May 2022. This compares to annual inflation rates of 1.9% for Ireland and 2% for the Euro Area in May 2021. Rising energy costs (up over 39% in May 2022 compared to May 2021) are the largest contributor. Estonia is expected to see the highest annual inflation rate in the Euro Area this month at 20.1% followed by Lithuania (18.5%) and Latvia (16.4%).

Friday 3 June: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) (26/05/2022)

Ministers responsible for trade will exchange views on the state of play of the WTO reform and the preparations for the 12th World Trade Organisation ministerial conference (MC12), to be held in Geneva from 12 to 15 June 2022. They will also hold debates on the state of play in EU-US trade relations and on trade relations with China.

Friday 3 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications) (26/05/2022)

Telecommunications ministers will discuss progress reports on the Artificial Intelligence Act, the regulation on a European digital identity (eIDAS) and the Data Act, and will exchange views on the green and digital transition.

Monday 6 to Thursday 9 June: European Parliament Plenary (26/05/2022)

The next plenary session of the European Parliament takes place from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 June. The agendas for the different days can be consulted at the link below.

Tuesday 7 June: EU Careers Webinar (30/05/2022)

European Movement Ireland in collaboration with EU Career Ambassadors are hosting an online EU Careers Webinar on Tuesday, 7 June at 4pm. The event will look at the various ways of pursuing a potential pathway into an EU career. Speakers include: Luís Loureiro de Amorim, Head of Outreach and External Relations at EU Careers, EPSO; Caoimhe McCarthy, Projects Coordinator, European Movement Ireland; and Cian Duff, EU Career Student Ambassador, EPSO, Trinity College Dublin. The event will be moderated by Ciarán Murray, EU Careers Manager at European Movement Ireland.

Thursday 9 June: Conference on the 'Just Transition', Tullamore (26/05/2022)

On 9 June, the Diversity Europe Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in partnership with Irish Rural Link, will organise a conference in Tullamore on the topic of the 'Just Transition'. The event will take place at the Bridge House Hotel from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with the participation of the following high-level speakers: Minister Pippa Hacket, Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Keiran Mulvey, Just Transition Commissioner; Cllr. Declan Harvey, Cathaoirleach of the Offaly County Council; Cllr. Eamon Dooley, Member of the European Committee of the Regions (Renew Europe party) and of the local executive of the Offaly County Council; Séamus Boland, President of the Diversity Europe Group of the EESC and CEO of Irish Rural Link.

Thursday 9 and Friday 10 June: Justice and Home Affairs Council (02/06/2022)

On the agenda for 9 June: two proposals to modernise judicial cooperation; fighting impunity in the context of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine; the draft environmental crime directive; the rights of the child; and the state of play on the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights. On 10 June, Ministers will discuss the situation of the Schengen Area and the reform of the Schengen Borders Code; European coordination on welcoming people fleeing the war from Ukraine; police cooperation; and asylum and migration.

Thursday 9 and Friday 10 June: Competitiveness Council (31/05/2022)

On Thursday, Ministers will discuss strategic industrial ecosystems, the EU Chips Act, revision of the consumer credit directive. On Friday, they will discuss support for young researchers in times of crisis and have a policy debate on the resilience and competitiveness of the EU space programme. They are also expected to adopt conclusions on Space Traffic Management (STM) and on Copernicus by 2035.

Sunday 12 to Wednesday 15 June: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) (02/06/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 13 June: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (02/06/2022)

Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 June: Rural Pact Conference, Brussels (02/06/2022)

Thursday 16 June: Local Dialogue on Youth and Democracy, Dublin (01/06/2022)

Monday 20 June: Hybrid conference "Health (One Health)" (30/05/2022)

26/05/2022

EU news you can use

Commission proposes rules on freezing and confiscating assets of oligarchs violating restrictive measures and of criminals (25/05/2022)

The European Commission this week proposed to add the violation of EU restrictive measures to the list of EU crimes. The Commission also proposed new reinforced rules on asset recovery and confiscation which, in addition to contributing to the implementation of EU restrictive measures, will have a strong impact on the fight against organised crime. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said the Commission's proposal will allow the Commission "to more efficiently trace, freeze and confiscate the assets of crime bosses and criminal organisations like the Kinahan cartel".

European Semester Spring Package: Commission issues country specific recommendations (24/05/2022)

The European Commission's European Semester Spring Package, published this week, provides Member States with support and guidance two years on from the first impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and in the midst of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The package includes country-specific recommendations and country reports for all 27 Member States. The recommendations for Ireland include: ensuring that the growth of nationally-financed current expenditure is in line with an overall neutral policy stance; expanding public investment for the green and digital transition and energy security; and addressing the expected increase in age-related pension expenditure by ensuring the fiscal sustainability of the state pension system.

Countering Russia's aggression a task for the entire global community: President von der Leyen (24/05/2022)

In a special address to the World Economic Forum in Davos this week, President von der Leyen said: "The playbook of Russia's aggression against Ukraine comes straight out of another century. Treating millions of people not as human beings but as faceless populations to be moved or controlled, or set as a buffer between military forces. Trying to trample the aspiration of an entire nation with tanks. This is not just a matter of Ukraine's survival. This is not just an issue of European security. This is putting our whole international order into question. And that is why countering Russia's aggression is a task for the entire global community."

Increased support for EU farmers through rural development funds (20/05/2022)

The European Commission has proposed an exceptional measure funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to allow Member States pay a one-off lump sum to farmers & agri-food businesses affected by significant increases in input costs. Once adopted by the co-legislators, this measure will allow Member States to decide to use available funds of up to 5% of their EAFRD budget for the years 2021-2022 for direct income support for farmers and SMEs active in processing, marketing or development of agricultural products. This represents a potential budget of €1.4 billion in the EU.

Flahavan's – An Irish family business exporting to South Korea (25/05/2022)

Waterford family business, Flahavan's Porridge, is one of a number of Irish companies that have been able to grow their exports in East Asia thanks to the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement which allows them to avail of preferential tariffs as well as making it easier to clear customs. CEO of Flahavan's, John Flahavan, said: "We, in Ireland, are a small open economy, so we are heavily reliant on the ability to trade freely with our partners. This agreement enables this and helps drive growth for everyone. Overall it has made a real difference and we have created more jobs to keep up with demand."

Ukraine: Council adopts temporary trade liberalisation with Ukraine (25/05/2022)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a regulation allowing for temporary trade liberalisation and other trade concessions with regard to certain Ukrainian products. This means that for one year import duties on all Ukrainian exports to the European Union will not be due. Through these measures the EU will be able to significantly support Ukraine's economy. The Regulation is expected to enter into force shortly.

Eurojust: Council adopts new rules allowing the agency to preserve evidence of war crimes (25/05/2022)

The Council of the EU this week adopted new rules allowing Eurojust to store and preserve evidence relating to war crimes, including satellite images, photographs, videos, audio recordings, DNA profiles and fingerprints. The new rules will also allow Eurojust to process and analyse this evidence, in close cooperation with Europol, and share the information with the relevant authorities.

European Commission and the United States condemn Russia's use of energy blackmail (24/05/2022)

In a joint statement issued earlier this week on European Energy Security, the European Commission and the United States condemned Russia's use of energy blackmail and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Europe's energy security: "Russia has demonstrated that it is an unreliable supplier of energy to Europe through unjustified and unacceptable actions such as cutting off electricity and natural gas to Finland, halting natural gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria, and threatening similar actions against other European nations."

Consumer protection: Stronger consumer rules enter info force, fit for the digital age (25/05/2022)

The Better Enforcement and Modernisation Directive enters into force on Saturday 28 May. The new rules will give both consumers and competent authorities stronger tools to enforce their rights, such as imposing stronger penalties or remedies against harm. Vice-President for Values and Transparency Věra Jourová said the new rules will "ensure that consumers are shielded from unfair practices online as they are offline, making consumer rules fit for the digital age."

Public health: Stronger rules for placing medical tests on the market (25/05/2022)

New EU rules on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR) such as HIV tests, pregnancy tests or COVID-19 tests, are applicable from this week. The IVD Regulation seeks to ensure a high level of public health and patient safety, taking into account scientific progress, as well as a smooth operation of the single market for these products. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: "The COVID-19 pandemic has underlined the importance of accurate and safe diagnostics, and having stronger rules in place is a key element in ensuring this is the case for EU patients."

EU disburses €300 million in Macro-Financial Assistance to support the Tunisian people (25/05/2022)

The European Commission this week disbursed €300 million in Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) to Tunisia. This is the second and last disbursement under the COVID-19 MFA programme to Tunisia, approved to mitigate the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic and enhance macroeconomic stability. The first instalment of €300 million was disbursed in June 2021.

European Defence Fund: €1 billion to boost the EU's defence capabilities and new tools for defence innovation (25/05/2022)

The European Commission this week announced the adoption of the second annual work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The 2022 work programme will allocate up to a total of €924 million in funding. It also introduces a series of new tools to promote defence innovation, all under one new umbrella called the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). The programme addresses in total 33 topics structured along eight calls for proposals – to be opened in early June - to kick-start a number of large emblematic projects.

More than 7 in 10 Irish people perceive the independence of courts and judges to be good or very good (20/05/2022)

The latest EU Justice Scoreboard reveals that 73% of Irish people rate the justice system in their country in terms of the independence of courts and judges as good or very good, well above the EU average of 53%. When it comes to business, 78% of Irish companies rate the independence of courts and judges in Ireland as good or very good, 4th highest in the EU. Ireland also performs well above the EU average for access to justice for persons with disabilities meeting 6 of the 7 criteria assessed (the only area where Ireland fell down was that no survey was carried out in 2020 on the needs and satisfaction for persons with disabilities).

Young Irish people second most likly to have a third level qualification: Eurostat (25/05/2022)

Ireland (61.7%) had the second highest share of 25 to 34 year olds who had completed tertiary education in 2021 according to Eurostat. The EU average was 41% with Luxembourg in top place at 62.6%. EU Member States have set themselves a target of increasing the share of the EU population aged 25-34 who have completed tertiary education to 45% by 2030. Almost half of EU Member States have already met this target.

Share of early school leavers in Ireland fourth lowest in the EU (24/05/2022)

New figures from Eurostat show that the share of early school leavers in Ireland was 3.3% in 2021, down from 11.9% in 2010, and the 4th lowest in the EU after Croatia (2.4%), Slovenia (3.1%) and Greece (3.2%). The share of 'early school leavers,’ a term that refers to early leavers from education and training (aged 18-24), has steadily decreased in the EU over the last 10 years, from 13% in 2011 to 10% in 2021. Romania (15%) followed by Spain and Italy (both 13%) had the highest shares in 2021.

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May: Special meeting of the European Council (20/05/2022)

The European Council will discuss the latest developments in relation to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. EU leaders will discuss continued EU support to Ukraine, particularly humanitarian, financial, material and political support. The European Council will also discuss defence, energy and food security.

Monday 30 May to Sunday 5 June: EU Green Week 2022 (25/05/2022)

EU Green Week is an annual opportunity to debate European environmental policy with policymakers, leading environmentalists and stakeholders from Europe and beyond. This year's edition focuses on the European Green Deal - the EU’s sustainable and transformative growth strategy for a resource-efficient and climate-neutral Europe by 2050. Registration is open for the Green Week hybrid conference which opens on 30 May with a high level debate on what happens to the EU environmental policy in times of crisis.

Wednesday 1 June: Access2Markets Seminar (20/05/2022)

The European Commission's Directorate General for Trade is inviting companies, business organisations, trade promotion professionals, and other interested parties to join its virtual training seminar on Access2Markets on Wednesday 1 June from 8 am to 10 am. On the agenda: explanation of Access2Markets, its different import and export sections, barriers, Single Entry Point, Statistics, ROSA the Rules of Origin self-assessment tool, My Trade Assistant for Procurement and a Q&A session. Anyone interested in attending this free seminar should register before 1 pm on Tuesday 31 May.

Thursday 2 June: LIFE National Information Day (virtual event) (26/05/2022)

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications is hosting a virtual LIFE National Information Day on Thursday 2 June 2022, from 9.00-12.30. The LIFE Programme is the EU's funding instrument for Environment and Climate Action, and is structured into four sub-programmes: Nature and Biodiversity; Circular Economy and Quality of Life; Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation; and Clean Energy Transition. Applications are encouraged from public and private organisations seeking co-funding for projects. Large and small companies, Local Authorities, public bodies, NGOs, Higher Education Institutions, NGOs and community groups can participate.

Thursday 2 June: General Affairs Council (Cohesion) (24/05/2022)

EU ministers responsible for cohesion policy are invited to approve the draft Council conclusions on the Commission Communication on the 8th Cohesion report “Cohesion in Europe towards 2050”. In connection with the report, the Council will hold an exchange of views on the territorial dimension of cohesion policy and the alignment between common European priorities and the needs of local actors.

Thursday 2 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Transport) (24/05/2022)

Transport Ministers are invited to adopt General Approaches on the three relevant components of the “Fit for 55” package: Alternative Fuel Infrastructure (AFIR), RefuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime regulations, respectively. The Council will also adopt a General Approach on the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) directive, as well as on the directive improving stability requirements for passenger ships and will hold an exchange of views on the regulation for the trans-European transport network (TEN-T).

Thursday 2 June: Talk with Witold Szabłowski (Poland) - online event as part of the European Book Club (20/05/2022)

On Thursday evening, 2 June, award-winning Polish journalist Witold Szabłowski will speak at an online European Book Club event hosted by the Embassy of Poland in Ireland. Participants will be brought on a journey to post-communist countries to discover the true stories of people nostalgic for life under tyranny. The event will be moderated by RTE journalist Zbyszek Zalinski.

Friday 3 June: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Telecommunications) (24/05/2022)

Friday 3 June: Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) (24/05/2022)

Monday 6 to Thursday 9 June: European Parliament Plenary (24/05/2022)

The next plenary session of the European Parliament takes place from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 June. The agendas for the different days can be consulted at the link below.

Thursday 9 June: Conference on the 'Just Transition', Tullamore (24/05/2022)

Interreg NWE 2021-2027 opens first call for projects (24/05/2022)

The first Interreg NWE call for projects in the 2021-2027 period is now open. It will close on Wednesday 15 June at 11.00 am GMT. This call is open to all programme priorities and Specific Objectives (SOs). Over the lifetime of the Programme, € 287 million of ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) will be allocated to projects. The call is aimed at transnational cooperation initiatives that can deliver concrete results for the North-West Europe area.

Revision of the Waste Framework Directive (24/05/2022)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive, including the setting of EU food waste reduction targets. The revision will focus on the following policy areas: prevention (including reduction of food waste), separate collection, waste oils and textiles and the application of the waste hierarchy and the polluter pays principle. The consultation is open until 16 August 2022.

Regulatory framework for renewable hydrogen (24/05/2022)

As part of the REPowerEU plan to phase out Russian fossil fuels, the Commission has launched a consultation on two delegated acts clarifying EU rules applicable to renewable hydrogen under the 2018 Renewable Energy Directive. The first proposal, covering Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), sets the criteria for products that fall into the “renewable hydrogen” category. The second proposal on the methodology for GHG savings puts forward a detailed scheme to calculate the life-cycle emissions of renewable hydrogen as well as recycled carbon fuels to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction threshold set in the Renewable Energy Directive. The consultation is open until 17 June 2022.

Targeted consultation on the regime applicable to the use of benchmarks administered in a third country (24/05/2022)

The European Commission is seeking views on a possible enhancement of the rules concerning benchmarks administered outside of the European Economic Area (or third-country benchmarks). Benchmarks are an intrinsic part of financial markets: they are indices used, in particular, to price financial instruments and contracts (including household mortgages) or to measure the performance of an investment fund. The consultation is open until 12 August 2022.

19/05/2022

EU news you can use

REPowerEU: A plan to rapidly reduce dependence on Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the green transition (18/05/2022)

The European Commission has presented a plan to end the EU’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels and tackle the climate crisis. The REPowerEU Plan proposes energy savings, diversification of energy supplies, and the accelerated roll-out of renewable energy to replace fossil fuels in homes, industry and power generation. Executive Vice President Frans Timmermans said: "It is more urgent than ever that Europe becomes master of their own destiny, increase its resilience and sovereignty, and continue to lead the world in facing the climate crisis."

Northern Ireland Protocol: Statement by Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič following this week's announcement by the UK Foreign Secretary (17/05/2022)

In a statement following Tuesday's announcement by UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said: "Should the UK decide to move ahead with a bill disapplying constitutive elements of the Protocol as announced today by the UK government, the EU will need to respond with all measures at its disposal. Our overarching objective is to find joint solutions within the framework of the Protocol. That is the way to ensure legal certainty and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland. With political will and commitment, practical issues arising from the implementation of the Protocol in Northern Ireland can be resolved."

Spring 2022 Economic Forecast: Russian invasion tests EU economic resilience (16/05/2022)

According to the Commission's spring Economic Forecast, Ireland's GDP is expected to increase by 5.4% in 2022 (2nd highest in the EU after Portugal) and by 4.4% in 2023, slightly slower than previously expected due to higher inflation, supply bottlenecks and uncertainty created by the Russian aggression against Ukraine. The forecast also predicts that Ireland's rate of inflation will peak around mid-2022 and moderate thereafter as the impact of high energy prices starts to wane.

Ukraine: European Commission presents plans for the Union's immediate response to address Ukraine's financing gap and the longer-term reconstruction (18/05/2022)

The European Commission has set out plans for the EU's immediate response to address Ukraine's financing gap, as well as the longer-term reconstruction framework. The war has resulted in a collapse of tax, export and other revenues, compounded by large scale illegal appropriation of assets and export goods including in the agricultural sector. The Commission this week proposed to grant Ukraine additional macro-financial assistance of up to €9 billion in 2022. It also proposed a new instrument, 'RebuildUkraine', which would be dedicated to financing the reconstruction effort and aligning Ukraine's economy to the EU.

EU steps up action to strengthen EU defence capabilities (18/05/2022)

In light of the Russian military aggression against Ukraine, EU Heads of State or Government committed to “bolster European defence capabilities”. The Commission this week presented an analysis of the defence investment gaps, and proposed measures and actions to strengthen the European defence industrial and technological base. Commissioner Breton said: "We are presenting a clear roadmap of the defence capabilities in which it is most urgent to invest together, better and in Europe. To turn this vision into reality, we are proposing a European framework for joint acquisition supported by the EU's budget."

Audiovisual Media Services Directive: Commission refers Ireland to the Court of Justice of the EU (19/05/2022)

The European Commission has decided to refer Ireland and four other EU Member States to the Court of Justice of the European Union over their failure to transpose the revised Audiovisual Media Services Directive with a request to impose financial sanctions. The revised Directive provides EU-wide media content standards for all audiovisual media, both traditional TV broadcasts and on-demand services, in addition to video-sharing platforms. The aim is to create a safer, fairer and more diverse audiovisual landscape.

445 young Irish people selected under latest round of DiscoverEU (18/05/2022)

445 Irish 18 year olds are to receive free travel passes to travel around Europe between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 under the latest round of DiscoverEU announced this week. They will also benefit from pre-departure information meetings and a Discount card, which will give them access to more than 40,000 discount opportunities related to culture, transport, accommodation, food and many more. The second round of DiscoverEU applications will open in October 2022.

Waterford city to take part in the Partnerships for Regional Innovation pilot project (17/05/2022)

Waterford city has been selected to take part in the Partnerships for Regional Innovation pilot, a joint Commission / Committee of the Regions initiative. Participants in the project will share good practices and co-develop and test tools to mobilise multiple sources of funding and policies, and connect regional and national programmes to EU initiatives for the green and digital transformations. EU Research Commissioner Mariya Gabriel said: "These Partnerships allow us to build bridges to facilitate synergies of investment and innovative solutions."

Commission and EIB join forces to support Member States hosting people fleeing Russia's unjustified invasion of Ukraine with advisory platform for investments (19/05/2022)

The Board of Directors of the European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €4 billion credit line (or programme loan) to help national authorities, cities, regions and local communities in all EU Member States address urgent investment needs and help welcome and integrate people fleeing the war against Ukraine. The EIB credit line will make financing available for the development of key infrastructure and services for refugees and host communities, such as housing, schools, hospitals and access to jobs.

Commission launches a phone helpline for those fleeing the war in Ukraine (16/05/2022)

The European Commission has launched a dedicated phone helpline in Ukrainian and Russian to provide information and assist those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The helpline aims to assist people fleeing Ukraine by answering their questions and providing a wide range of practical and useful information, from the conditions on entering and travelling in the EU, to access to rights and opportunities, such as education, jobs or healthcare.

Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules for securing winter gas storage (19/05/2022)

The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the legislative proposal for minimum gas storage obligations proposed by the Commission. The proposed regulation aims to ensure that storage capacities in the EU are filled before the winter season and can be shared between member states in a spirit of solidarity.

Member States, workers and employers agree on the need to recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease (19/05/2022)

EU Member States, workers and employers in the EU Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work (ACSH) this week reached an agreement on the need to recognise COVID-19 as an occupational disease in health and social care and in domiciliary assistance and, in a pandemic context, in sectors where there is an outbreak in activities with proven risk of infection. If recognised as an occupational disease in a Member State, workers in relevant sectors, who have contracted COVID-19 at the workplace, may acquire specific rights according to national rules, like the right to compensation.

Coronavirus: Commission secures an agreement with BioNTech-Pfizer to ensure Member States have access to the vaccines they need (16/05/2022)

The European Commission and BioNTech & Pfizer have reached an agreement to ensure Member States have access to Covid19 vaccines when they need them for the months ahead, including future variant adapted vaccines if authorised. The agreement will adapt the originally agreed contractual delivery schedules. Doses scheduled for June and throughout the summer will now be delivered in September and during the autumn and winter period 2022, when Member States will more likely need additional stocks.

COVID-19: Commission steps up funding to vaccination roll-out in Africa (13/05/2022)

The European Commission has announced its intention to step up funding to accelerate the roll-out and uptake of vaccines and other COVID-19 tools in Africa, with a further €400 million in support. Of this, €300 million will support vaccination in Africa through the COVAX Facility and other partners while €100 million will support access to other COVID-19 tools: diagnostics, therapeutics and strengthening health systems.

A new Blue Economy Observatory to monitor and promote the sustainability of our ocean related activities (19/05/2022)

The European Commission this week launched the EU Blue Economy Observatory, a new knowledge dissemination platform for the sustainability of our oceans, seas and coastal areas. The new observatory will focus on socio-economic components of the maritime related sectors. It will provide a detailed picture of ocean-related activities, with the latest data, scientific evidence, insights, market information and findings in the EU Blue Economy.

State aid: European Commission approves 2022-2027 regional aid map for Northern Ireland (17/05/2022)

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules and in line with the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland's map for granting regional aid from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2027, within the framework of the revised Regional aid Guidelines (‘RAG'). Northern Ireland's regional aid map defines the regions eligible for regional investment aid. The map also establishes the maximum aid intensities in that eligible region.

Council gives green light to new rules for cross-border energy infrastructure (17/05/2022)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a revised Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation. Among other things, the new rules will end support for new natural gas and oil projects and introduce mandatory sustainability criteria for all projects. They will simplify and accelerate permitting and authorisation procedures. The revised rules also put the emphasis on the role of energy from renewable sources regarding all assets, including smart gas grids.

Data Governance Act approved (17/05/2022)

The Council of the EU this week approved new rules to promote the availability of data and build a trustworthy environment to facilitate their use for research and the creation of innovative new services and products. The Data Governance Act (DGA) will set up robust mechanisms to facilitate the reuse of certain categories of protected public-sector data, increase trust in data intermediation services and foster data altruism across the EU.

Astronomers reveal first image of the black hole at the heart of our galaxy (13/05/2022)

The first image of a massive hole at the centre or our galaxy were revealed last week by EU supported astronomers. The image, in unprecedented resolution, was produced by Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), a global scientific collaboration, where scientists funded by the European Research Council, through BlackHoleCam project, have played a key role.

Antitrust: Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the fashion sector (18/05/2022)

The European Commission this week started unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the fashion industry in several Member States.The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article 53 of the European Economic Area Agreement, which prohibit cartels and other restrictive business practices.

EU allocates €25 million in humanitarian aid for Palestinians (16/05/2022)

The EU this week announced €25 million in humanitarian aid to meet the basic needs of vulnerable Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. The funding will focus on providing healthcare assistance, including mental care for trauma, to those affected by the continued violence, the ramifications of the blockade on Gaza and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Funding will also focus on improving access to schooling of Palestinian boys and girls to uphold their right to education.

Ireland accounts for 9% of the EU’s bovine population: Eurostat (19/05/2022)

New figures from Eurostat show that there were over 6.6 million cattle in Ireland in 2021, the third highest share in the EU after France (17.3 million) and Germany (11 million) and accounting for 9% of total EU numbers. In the EU as a whole, there were over 75.6 million cattle in 2021, 3% lower than in 2010. The Eurostat figures also show that there were over 1.7 million pigs in Ireland in 2021 and almost 4 million sheep.

Friday 20 May: Discussion: Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Youth (16/05/2022)

To mark International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia 2022 the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is organising a discussion on mental health issues and LGBTQ+ young people. Speakers include: Maria Walsh, MEP; Moninne Griffith, CEO BeLonG To Youth Services; Rory O’Neill, AKA Panti Bliss, “Gender Discombobulist” and “Accidental activist”. The event will be moderated by Aifric Ní Chríodáin, Executive Director, ShoutOut. This event will take place in Europe House, Dublin on 20 May 2022 from 3:00pm-4:00 pm. Prior registration required - please email events-epdublin@europarl.europa.eu.

Friday 20 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Development) (16/05/2022)

The Foreign Affairs Council in its development configuration will be chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. It will exchange views on the global implications of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, with a focus on food security and the multilateral response.

Monday 23 May: General Affairs Council (16/05/2022)

The Council will hold an exchange of views on the draft conclusions to be adopted by the special meeting of the European Council on 30-31 May 2022. As part of the Article 7(1) TEU procedure, the Council will also hold a hearing on Hungary. The presidency will inform the Council on the Conference on the Future of Europe, which concluded on 9 May, followed by an exchange of views.

Monday 23 May: European Economic Area Council (17/05/2022)

At the 54th session of the European Economic Area (EEA) Council, ministers will discuss the overall functioning of the Agreement on the European Economic Area (EEA Agreement). They will also hold a policy debate on reducing strategic dependencies in the fields of raw materials and energy. The EEA Council is expected to adopt conclusions on the cooperation between the EU and the EEA EFTA (European Free Trade Association) states, including on the digital transformation and the green transition.

Monday 23 May: Eurogroup (16/05/2022)

The Eurogroup will meet on 23 May, in Brussels. On the agenda: Macroeconomic and fiscal developments in the euro area, including the European Commission Spring Forecast; Upcoming vacancy of Managing Director of the ESM; and Banking Union - discussion on a draft work plan.

Tuesday 24 May: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (18/05/2022)

EU agriculture ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the spread of the highly pathogenic avian influenza and a strategic approach to the development of vaccination. Ministers will further exchange views on the situation of agricultural markets in view of the situation in Ukraine. Also on the agenda: agricultural markets, epidemiosurveillance platforms; keeping of companion animals and soil protection.

Tuesday 24 May: Economic and Financial Affairs Council (18/05/2022)

Economy and finance ministers will discuss the economic and financial consequences of the sanctions imposed on Russia after its unprovoked and unjustified military invasion in Ukraine.

Thursday 26 May: Insights from the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (16/05/2022)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. The IPCC’s three working groups, prepare comprehensive Assessment Reports about the state of scientific, technical, and socio-economic knowledge on climate change; its impacts and future risks; and options for reducing the rate at which climate change is taking place. On Thursday lunchtime, 26 May, Professor Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of Working Group II and Professor Jim Skea, CBE, Co-Chair of Working Group III, will present key conclusions from the Sixth Assessment Report and reflect on the broader implications of the IPCC’s findings during this decisive decade for climate action.

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May: Special meeting of the European Council (16/05/2022)

The special meeting of the European Council will take place on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May 2022 in the Europa building in Brussels. Further details will be available in due course.

Wednesday 1 June: Access2Markets Seminar (17/05/2022)

Thursday 2 June: Talk with Witold Szabłowski (Poland) - online event as part of the European Book Club (18/05/2022)

LIFE 2022 Calls for proposals open: €598 million to help make your green project ideas come true (17/05/2022)

The European Commission this week launched the 2022 LIFE Programme Calls for project proposals. This year, there is €598 million available. LIFE will fund projects under its four sub-programmes: nature and biodiversity - €242 million; circular economy and quality of life - €158 million; climate change mitigation and adaptation - €99 million; and the clean energy transition - €98 million.

Scientific Traineeships at the Joint Research Centre (19/05/2022)

Applications are currently open for paid graduate traineeships in the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC). The place of traineeship can be one of the following JRC sites: Ispra (Italy), Geel (Belgium), Petten (the Netherlands) or Karlsruhe (Germany). The traineeship session will start on 1 October 2022 and will run for a fixed period of 5 months.

12/05/2022

EU news you can use

Statement by Vice-President Šefčovič on the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland (11/05/2022)

In a statement following a phone call with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on the implementation of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland, Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said: "It continues to be of serious concern that the UK government intends to embark on the path of unilateral action. This is despite a series of wide-ranging and impactful solutions proposed by the EU, based on our intensive engagement with all representatives in Northern Ireland. These proposals would substantially improve the way the Protocol is implemented."

Fighting child sexual abuse: European Commission proposes new rules to protect children (11/05/2022)

The European Commission has proposed new EU rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse online. The proposal sets obligations for companies to detect and report the abuse of children, with strong safeguards guaranteeing the privacy of all. A new independent EU Centre on Child Sexual Abuse will be set up to help EU countries, companies and local authorities establish robust prevention measures, ensure that offenders are brought to justice and support victims. Worldwide, around 85 million pictures and videos depicting child sexual abuse were reported in 2021 alone.

President von der Leyen addresses closing event of the Conference on the Future of Europe (10/05/2022)

Addressing the closing event of the Conference on the Future of Europe on 9 May, President von der Leyen said: "You have proven that this form of democracy works. And I believe, we should give it more room, it should become part of the way we make policy. This is why I will propose that, in the future, we give Citizens' Panels the time and resources to make recommendations before we present key legislative proposals."

Commission to establish Solidarity Lanes to help Ukraine export agricultural goods (12/05/2022)

As part of the EU's solidarity response with Ukraine, the Commission this week presented a set of actions to help Ukraine export its agricultural produce. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its blockade of Ukrainian ports, Ukrainian grain and other agricultural goods can no longer reach their destinations. With today's Communication, the Commission sets out an action plan to establish ‘Solidarity Lanes' to ensure Ukraine can export grain, but also import the goods it needs, from humanitarian aid to animal feed and fertilisers.

State aid: Commission will phase out State aid COVID Temporary Framework (12/05/2022)

The European Commission will phase out the State aid COVID Temporary Framework, adopted on 19 March 2020 and last amended on 18 November 2021, enabling Member States to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. Executive President Margrethe Vestager said the Framework had "allowed Member States to act quickly and effectively to help companies hit by the crisis, while ensuring that support remained limited to those in actual need."

State aid: Commission approves €45 million Irish support measure for fishery-processing sector in the context of Brexit (10/05/2022)

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €45 million Irish scheme to support the fish-processing sector affected by the effects of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. The scheme will run until 31 December 2023. The beneficiaries are small and medium-sized enterprises active in the processing and preserving of fish, crustaceans and molluscs.

State aid: European Commission approves €5 million Irish scheme to support Helicopter Emergency Medical Services in the context of the coronavirus pandemic (12/05/2022)

The European Commission has approved a €5 million Irish scheme to support Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) charity operators in Ireland affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure is aimed at mitigating the liquidity shortages that the beneficiaries are facing and at ensuring the operation of a vital emergency medical service.

European Commission launches visionary 3D “Voice your Vision” platform in Ireland (12/05/2022)

The European Commission wants young Irish people to have a say on the future direction of the EU and is inviting them to upload voice recordings with their thoughts on a range of issues from the future of Europe to mental health, inclusion, and climate change on its new "Voice your Vision" platform. The platform was launched as part of the European Year of Youth 2022 with the objective of empowering young Irish people and young Europeans in general to voice their own vision of the future.

Syria and the region: close to €6.4 billion mobilised during the 6th Brussels Conference (11/05/2022)

The international community pledged close to €6.4 billion for 2022 and beyond during the sixth Conference on 'Supporting the future of Syria and the Region', organised by the European Union in Brussels this week. Out of this amount, over €4.8 billion was pledged by the EU, with over €3.1 billion coming from the European Commission and €1.7 billion from the EU Member States. The EU and its Member States have remained the largest donors supporting people in Syria and the region since the beginning of the crisis in 2011, mobilising €27.4 billion overall.

New recommendations on the wearing of face masks on planes to come into effect from 16 May (11/05/2022)

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) have issued an update to the health safety measures for air travel, paving the way for a relaxation of the need to wear medical masks on board a flight from 16 May, but noting that a face mask is still one of the best protections against the transmission of COVID-19. Vulnerable passengers will still be advised to wear a face mask as will people taking flights to or from a destination where mask-wearing is still required on public transport.

EU-Japan Digital Partnership launched (12/05/2022)

At their summit in Tokyo this week, EU and Japan leaders launched the EU-Japan Digital Partnership. The Partnership will help the EU and Japan achieve their shared goals in key areas such as: a secure 5G, "beyond 5G" and 6G technologies; safe and ethical artificial intelligence applications; the resilience of global supply chains in the semiconductor industry; green data infrastructures; and the development of digital skills for workers. President von der Leyen said: "It is the first partnership of this kind that we conclude with any partner."

Consumer protection: Commission adopts stronger consumer rules for online financial services (11/05/2022)

The European Commission has proposed to reform the current EU rules on Distance Marketing of Consumer Financial Services, which govern financial services sold at a distance. The Commission wants to give stronger consumer protection to those concluding contracts (for mortgages, consumer credit, insurance etc.) over the internet. This includes clearer rules on what, how & when sellers must provide pre-contractual information as well as making it easier to cancel a contract online, thanks to a withdrawal button.

Implementation of sanctions: Commission publishes consolidated list of travel bans (11/05/2022)

The European Commission has published a consolidated list of travel bans in its EU Sanctions Map tool. Member State authorities as well as EU citizens can use the tool to see who is subject to a travel ban under EU sanctions measures, and therefore are prevented from travelling to the EU. Commissioner Mairead McGuinness said: “It is important that there is full transparency on this issue and for our citizens to know which individuals are subject to travel bans. This includes those who are implicated, in one way or another, in Russia's unjustified aggression against the people of Ukraine."

MSCA: €857 million for researchers and organisations in 2022 (12/05/2022)

A new round of funding is now available under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) to support researchers’ training, skills and career development and organisations involved in research activities. With a budget totalling €6.6 billion over 2021-2027, the MSCA support researchers from all over the world, at all stages of their careers and in all disciplines. The action also funds organisations with support for excellent doctoral, postdoctoral programmes and collaborative research and innovation projects.

Commission steps up support to displaced researchers from Ukraine (11/05/2022)

The Commission has officially announced the launch of the MSCA4Ukraine scheme, part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. It will support displaced researchers from Ukraine for them to continue their work in academic or non-academic organisations in Europe. The scheme will also allow them to re-establish themselves in Ukraine to rebuild the country's research and innovation capacity.

Commission boosts Horizon Europe budget to support green, health and digital innovations and displaced researchers of Ukraine (11/05/2022)

The European Commission this week adopted an amendment to the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2021-2022, increasing the budget by nearly €562 million to further support EU Missions. Of this additional amount, €507.1 million is dedicated to the five EU Missions. Launched in September 2021, the Missions aim to achieve ambitious goals in health, climate and the environment by 2030.

New EU Plan to address trafficking risks for people fleeing the war in Ukraine (12/05/2022)

Over 5.4 million people have arrived in the EU since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. The vast majority of them are women and children - particularly vulnerable to trafficking in human beings. A new anti-trafficking plan, developed under the lead of the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator, aims at raising awareness, reinforcing the prevention against trafficking in human beings, enhancing the law enforcement and judicial response, as well as improving identification and support to victims.

Corporate taxation: Commission proposes tax incentive for equity to help companies grow, become stronger and more resilient (11/05/2022)

The European Commission has proposed a debt-equity bias reduction allowance, or DEBRA, to help businesses access the financing they need and to become more resilient. This measure will support businesses by introducing an allowance that will grant to equity the same tax treatment as debt. The proposal stipulates that increases in a taxpayer's equity from one tax year to the next will be deductible from its taxable base, similarly to what happens to debt.

Eurobarometer on Youth: Young Irish people (09/05/2022)

A new Eurobarometer on the European Year of Youth shows that young Irish people (aged 15 to 30 years) tend to be less aware than their EU counterparts of certain EU-funded opportunities to stay in another EU country such as Erasmus+ youth exchanges, Erasmus+ for pupils aged 11-18, and Erasmus+ for apprentices and entrepreneurs. Awareness of Erasmus+ programme for students aged 18+, and of DiscoverEU was, however, above the EU average. The survey also showed that young Irish people (15-30 years) were the most likely at 67% to have participated in activities such as sports clubs, volunteering or youth clubs over the last 12 months.

Antitrust: Commission adopts new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and Vertical Guidelines (10/05/2022)

The European Commission this week adopted the new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (‘VBER') accompanied by the new Vertical Guidelines. The revised rules provide businesses with simpler, clearer and up-to-date rules and guidance. The new rules will help them to assess the compatibility of their supply and distribution agreements with EU competition rules in a business environment reshaped by the growth of e-commerce and online sales. The revised VBER and Vertical Guidelines will enter into force on 1 June 2022.

Irish SMEs most likely to report incidences of cybercrime (12/05/2022)

A new Eurobarometer survey on SMEs and Cybercrime reveals that one in three (32%) Irish SMEs had experienced at least one type of cybercrime over the 12 months prior to the survey, a little above the EU average of 28%. The most common types of cyber crime experienced by them were phishing, account take over or impersonation attacks (11%) and viruses, spyware or malware (9%). The survey also shows that Irish SMEs (87%) were the most likely to report incidences of cybercrime with 38% reporting to the police and 34% to their internet service provider. On average, only 54% of EU SMEs reported such incidences.

Thursday 16 May: Insights from the IPCC’s sixth assessment report (12/05/2022)

This IIEA webinar will be addressed by Professor Debra Roberts is Co-Chair of Working Group II, which assessed the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, negative and positive consequences of climate change and options for adapting to it, and by Professor Jim Skea, CBE, is Co-Chair of Working Group III, which focused on climate change mitigation, assessing methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. In this panel discussion, the two Co-Chairs will present key conclusions from the Sixth Assessment Report and reflect on the broader implications of the IPCC’s findings during this decisive decade for climate action.

Monday 16 May: EU-Canada Joint Ministerial Committee meeting (11/05/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Monday 16 May: Foreign Affairs Council (10/05/2022)

Foreign affairs ministers will discuss current affairs, including High Representative, Josep Borrell's recent visit to Chile. The Council will then hold an exchange of views on the Western Balkans. Ministers will also review the latest developments in the Russian aggression against Ukraine. Finally, they will informally exchange views with the Western Balkans foreign affairs ministers.

Tuesday 17 May: Brussels Economic Forum (10/05/2022)

The Brussels Economic Forum (BEF) is the flagship annual economic event of the European Commission. For over 20 years, it has gathered high-level European and international policymakers, academics, civil society and business leaders to identify key challenges and debate policy priorities for the European economy. To mark the European Year of Youth 2022, the Brussels Economic Forum will look at the economy of the next generation and shine a spotlight on youth. This year's event is taking place in a hybrid format. However, there are a limited number of places for people wishing to attend in person.

Tuesday 17 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) (10/05/2022)

The Foreign Affairs Council in its defence configuration will be briefed by High Representative Josep Borrell about current affairs, reviewing a number of recent developments and upcoming events. The Council will then exchange views on the implementation of the Strategic Compass, with a focus on the future of CSDP (Common Security and Defence Policy) missions and operations. EU ministers of defence will then have a discussion on the Russian aggression against Ukraine. They will exchange views with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (tbc) and the Minister of Defence of Ukraine, Oleksiy Reznikov, via videoconference.

Wednesday 18 May: European Union Military Committee (EUMC), EU chiefs of defence (12/05/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 18 May: EU Finance Days (online event) (10/05/2022)

EU FINANCE DAYS 2022 in Ireland takes place online on Wednesday 18 May. The event is organised by the European Commission services & Representations in cooperation with the European Investment Bank Group and the Enterprise Europe Network. During the event, the new financial and support programmes will be presented by experts. The event will take place online and is composed of several sessions covering the different aspects of the funding programmes. Participants will be able to interact with expert speakers and ask questions on the topics covered.

Thursday 19 May: Belarus in the New European Disorder: Challenges for the EU (10/05/2022)

On Thursday lunchtime, 19 May, French political scientist Dr Anaïs Marin will address an IIEA webinar on "Belarus in the New European Disorder: Challenges for the EU". In her address, Dr Marin will contend that the war provides the EU with a rare opportunity to review its neighbourhood relationship with Belarus, and to design tailored policies aimed at better supporting the democratic forces and civil society of that country which could ultimately excise it from Russia’s influences.

Thursday 19 May: EU Values Across Sectors (06/05/2022)

EU Values Across Sectors is a Europe-wide conference where representatives from various sectors will have the opportunity to learn, reflect on and discuss their role in promoting EU values in their work with young people and communities. With lots of interesting speakers and digital interaction, this event will showcase how Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps can fund projects that support these values of human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and human rights. This event is a joint collaboration between The Wheel’s Access Europe programme and Léargas, the National Agency for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps in Ireland.

Friday 20 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Development) (10/05/2022)

Friday 20 May: Discussion: Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Youth (10/05/2022)

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May: Special meeting of the European Council (10/05/2022)

The special meeting of the European Council will take place on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May 2022 in the Europa building in Brussels. Further details will be available in due course.

Traineeships in the European Parliament (12/05/2022)

Applications are currently open for Schuman traineeships in the European Parliament. The Schuman traineeships are paid and can be undertaken at one of the European Parliament’s official places of work – Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg – or in its Liaison Offices in the Member States. Applicants must: be aged 18 or over; be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or an accession/candidate country (a very limited number of traineeships to nationals of other countries can also be offered); hold a university level diploma; and have a thorough knowledge of one of the official EU languages and a very good knowledge of a second.

Evaluation of the Environmental Liability Directive (12/05/2022)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the evaluation of the Environmental Liability Directive (Directive 2004/35/CE), the Community framework aimed at preventing and remedying damage to soil, water and biodiversity, under the "polluter pays" principle. The Commission is inviting citizens and stakeholders for their views on the implementation of the existing rules. The consultation is open until 4 August 2022.

Payment services – review of EU rules (10/05/2022)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to gather evidence for the revised Payment Services Directive review and to inform its work on open finance. The revised Payment Services Directive (“PSD2”) is the basis for payment rules in the EU. It includes rules to make online payments services easier and safer, promote innovative payment services, strengthen the rights of users and protect them against fraud and abuse. The consultation is open until 2 August 2022.

05/05/2022

EU news you can use

President von der Leyen addresses the European Parliament on the social and economic consequences for the EU of the Russian war in Ukraine (04/05/2022)

In an address this week to the European Parliament Plenary, President von der Leyen presented the sixth package of sanctions, as well as the EU relief and reconstruction efforts. She said: "We now propose a ban on Russian oil. This will be a complete import ban on all Russian oil, seaborne and pipeline, crude and refined. We will make sure that we phase out Russian oil in an orderly fashion, in a way that allows us and our partners to secure alternative supply routes and minimises the impact on global markets. This is why we will phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months and refined products by the end of the year."

Future of Europe: Conference Plenary agrees final set of proposals (04/05/2022)

The Conference on the Future of Europe Plenary session met for the last time on 28 & 29 April when it agreed to a set of 49 detailed proposals covering a wide range of subjects from climate change to health, migration and the EU in the world. This follows a year long series of discussions, deliberations and collaboration by citizens from across Europe, on the kind of Europe they would like to live in. Commission Vice-President Dubravka Šuica said: "Our engaged and inspiring citizens have shown us the direction they wish Europe to take. Now it is our task, of the EU Institutions, to make it happen."

European Health Union: A European Health Data Space for people and science (03/05/2022)

The European Commission this week launched the European Health Data Space (EHDS), a health-specific data sharing framework establishing clear rules, common standards and practices, infrastructures and a governance framework for the use of electronic health data by patients and for research, innovation, policy making, patient safety, statistics or regulatory purposes. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said the European Health Data Space "places the citizens at its centre, empowering them with full control over their data to obtain better healthcare across the EU."

8 in 10 Irish people agree that Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready: Eurobarometer (05/05/2022)

A new Eurobarometer on the EU response to the war in Ukraine reveals that 79% of Irish people agree that Ukraine should join the EU when it is ready. The survey also shows that a large majority (69%) of Irish people agree that since the war in Ukraine started, the EU has been united (69%) and fast (59%) in its response. When asked about how they felt about the sanctions, 86% approved the economic sanctions against Russia. A large majority of Irish people (70%) also agreed that the war in Ukraine shows we need greater military cooperation within the EU. The fieldwork for the survey was carried out in mid-April.

Standing with Ukraine: Commission announces new aid worth €200 million for displaced people (05/05/2022)

The European Commission has announced a new aid package of €200 million to support displaced people in Ukraine, in the context of the International Donor's Conference convened jointly by Poland and Sweden. Close to 8 million people, two-third of whom are children, have been internally displaced since the beginning of Putin's war in Ukraine. More than 5.3 million have left Ukraine to seek shelter in the EU and neighbouring countries.

EU announces an additional €52 million to support the long-term resilience, recovery and reforms in the Republic of Moldova (05/05/2022)

The European Union is to mobilise an additional €52 million for the Republic of Moldova to advance the country's long term resilience, recovery and reforms, in particular via the implementation of the flagships foreseen in the Economic and Investment plan for its Eastern partners and support the implementation of the EU-Moldova Association Agreement.

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Apple over practices regarding Apple Pay (03/05/2022)

The European Commission this week informed Apple of its preliminary view that it abused its dominant position in markets for mobile wallets on iOS devices. By limiting access to a standard technology used for contactless payments with mobile devices in stores (‘Near-Field Communication (NFC)' or ‘tap and go'), Apple restricts competition in the mobile wallets market on iOS. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "In our Statement of Objections, we preliminarily found that Apple may have restricted competition, to the benefit of its own solution Apple Pay. If confirmed, such a conduct would be illegal under our competition rules."

Winners of ‘Aistritheoirí Óga 2022’ (Young Translators) announced (29/04/2022)

The winners of the 'Aistritheoirí Óga 2022' (Young Translators) contest were announced at an award ceremony in Dublin last week. Five secondary school students made the list - one from each of the four provinces in Ireland, who translated from English to Irish, and one who was selected for her excellent translation from French to Irish. This year's winners come from Carlow, Galway, Kerry, Roscommon and Tyrone. Cainnear Nic Réamoinn from Coláiste Chroí Mhuire in Galway was awarded the overall prize for the best translation in the country.

EU energy ministers meet to discuss securing energy supply (03/05/2022)

At an extraordinary meeting earlier this week, EU energy ministers discussed supply concerns following the suspension of gas deliveries by Gazprom to some member states. They reaffirmed their commitment to work towards the gradual elimination of the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels. The Ministers and the Commission agreed to continue their coordinated contacts with international partners and reliable suppliers and to rapidly establish the European Gas Purchasing Platform, in order to guarantee the EU's energy supply at affordable prices.

Joint Statement between the United States and the European Commission on European Energy Security (03/05/2022)

The EU-US Task Force on Energy Security met in person in Washington last week to review progress on diversifying natural gas supplies to Europe and reducing Europe’s demand for natural gas. The two sides discussed the EU Energy Purchase Platform and plans to establish a framework to accelerate diversification of gas supply, including additional LNG supplies. They also discussed options to reduce Europe’s demand for natural gas, including with the deployment of heat pumps, technologies that promote energy efficiency and savings such as smart thermostats, and renewable energy.

Friday 6 May: A Strategic Compass for EU Security and Defence (03/05/2022)

Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean, Director General of the European Union Military Staff, will address an IIEA webinar on the Strategic Compass for EU Security and Defence on Friday morning, 6 May. In his address, Vice Admiral Hervé Bléjean will discuss the main points of the compass, and the primary security challenges which face the EU.

Monday 9 May: Celebrate Europe Day 2022 – All About Youth! (29/04/2022)

Join us online for our hybrid Europe Day event organised in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland and the EU agency, Eurofound. 2022 is the European Year of Youth and this event will reach out to the local community to bring together up to 100 young people aged 16-29, as well as an online audience from around Ireland, to learn, listen and engage on key issues and opportunities for young people in the EU. The Minister for European Affairs, Thomas Byrne T.D. and Ciarán Cuffe MEP, will open this hybrid event at Eurofound’s conference centre, which will be moderated by Harry McCann, Member of the European pool of young journalists. The Ambassador of Ukraine to Ireland, Ms Larysa Gerasko, is also among the speakers. For details of this and other Europe Day events, click on the link below.

Monday 9 May: Concert - The Music of Edith Piaf - Celebrating Europe Day (03/05/2022)

To celebrate Europe Day 2020 and to mark the French Presidency of the Council of the EU, singer Jeanette Byrne will be performing a selection of songs by legendary French chanteuse Edith Piaf at Blanchardstown Library on Monday 9 May at 6.30pm. This event is organised by the Europe Direct Blanchardstown. It is free to attend but places are limited and advance registration is required.

Monday 9 May: Europe Day event at Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre (03/05/2022)

The Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre will host an in-person event with presentations focused on ‘An Economy that works for people’ and ‘NextGenerationEU: Ireland’s recovery and resilience plan’. Speakers will include Joy Harron from the Strategic Funding Unit and Economic Development of Donegal County Council and Toni Forrester, CEO of the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce.

Tuesday 10 May: Sustainable Fashion Workshop with Europe Direct Blanchardstown Library (03/05/2022)

Europe Direct Blanchardstown Library is hosting a workshop on sustainable fashion on Tuesday evening, 10 May. Participants will learn how to recycle and repurpose old clothes using visible mending and patch making. The event is free to attend but places are limited and advance registration is required.

Tuesday 10 May: Supporting the future of Syria and the region - Brussels VI Conference (03/05/2022)

Information on this conference will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 10 May: Reaffirming “the Conscience of Europe” (03/05/2022)

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on 20 May 2022. This coincides with a time of turmoil and a series of challenges to multilateralism on our continent. In this address to the IIEA, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and incoming Chair of the Committee of Ministers, Simon Coveney TD, and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejčinović Burić will discuss the Council of Europe’s role in responding to Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and offer a preview of Ireland’s Presidency.

Thursday 12 May: The Artificial Intelligence Act: Finding a Balanced Approach (03/05/2022)

Yordanka Ivanova, Legal and Policy Officer in the European Commission in the unit responsible for AI Policy Development and Coordination, will address an IIEA webinar on "The Artificial Intelligence Act". In her address to the IIEA, Ms Yordanka Ivanova will outline the thinking underpinning the AI Act proposal and she will discuss the latest developments and debates in relation to the proposed Act.

Monday 16 May: Foreign Affairs Council (03/05/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Tuesday 17 May: Brussels Economic Forum (03/05/2022)

Tuesday 17 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) (03/05/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Wednesday 18 May: EU Finance Days (online event) (05/05/2022)

Friday 20 May: Foreign Affairs Council (Development) (03/05/2022)

Information on this meeting will be available at the link below.

Friday 20 May: Discussion: Mental Health and LGBTQ+ Youth (03/05/2022)

Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May: Special meeting of the European Council (03/05/2022)

The special meeting of the European Council will take place on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 May 2022 in the Europa building in Brussels. Further details will be available in due course.

Security officers in the European Commission (05/05/2022)

The European Commission has published vacancy notices for temporary agent positions for Armed Security Officers within the Security Directorate of the Directorate General for Human Resources and Security. Candidates must: be a national of one of the Member States of the European Union; meet any obligations under national laws on military service; meet the character requirements for the duties concerned; and have a clean criminal record and enjoy full rights as a citizen of an EU Member State.

European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) (29/04/2022)

The European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) initiative rewards the best achievements in sustainable tourism and green transition practices in smaller destinations. The competition is open to destinations with a population of between 25,000 and 100,000. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2022 at 4 pm (Irish time). Ireland already has a number of European Destinations of Excellence with the most recent winner being Strandhill, Co Sligo.

European Capitals of Smart Tourism (29/04/2022)

The European Capital of Smart Tourism competition is an EU initiative which recognises outstanding achievements by European cities as tourism destinations in four categories: sustainability, accessibility, digitalisation as well as cultural heritage and creativity. The competition is open to cities with a population of over 100,000. The deadline for applications is 1 June 2022 at 4 pm (Irish time).

Farm to Fork: Commission seeks views on New Genomic Techniques (03/05/2022)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation calling on civil society, public authorities, business operators and everyone interested to provide their views on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) for plants. NGTs are capable of altering the genetic material of organisms which could be used for food, industrial or pharmaceutical purposes. The consultation is open until 22 July 2022.

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