"Representation in Ireland - Dublin Newsletter" Newsletter Issues

Commission proposes targeted review of Common Agricultural Policy to support EU farmers (19/03/2024)

The European Commission has proposed to review certain provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), with the aim of reducing the administrative burden for EU farmers and of allowing greater flexibility regarding compliance with certain environmental conditionalities. National administrations will also benefit from greater flexibility to apply certain standards. Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski said: "The proposals embrace a pragmatic and targeted approach to enable the good work of our farmers and provide increased flexibility for Member States to achieve CAP objectives".

Statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič on famine in Gaza (19/03/2024)

In a statement issued this week, the High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič urged Israel to allow free, unimpeded, and safe humanitarian access to all people in need in Gaza and to cooperate with UNRWA and other UN agencies and other humanitarian actors involved in the humanitarian response including by issuing requisite visas and other permits in a timely manner. They said: "Hunger cannot be used as a weapon of war. What we are seeing is not a natural hazard but a manmade disaster, and it is our moral duty to stop it. Over 30,000 people have already died due to the conflict, a large part of them children, and the death toll could rapidly increase due to starvation or diseases. The situation has gone beyond catastrophic. There is an absolute imperative to act now".

Commission prepares for pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (20/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Communication on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews. This document looks at the internal reforms the EU will need to make to prepare for an enlarged Union. Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said: "Enlargement is a geostrategic investment, increasing the EU’s political and economic weight on the global stage. It anchors democracy across the continent and strengthens the competitiveness of the Single Market, for instance, by reducing critical external dependencies. But to fully seize opportunities of this geopolitical investment, both the EU and future Member States must be well-prepared".

Commission sets out actions to tackle labour and skills shortages (20/03/2024)

Labour and skills shortages are on the rise in all EU Member States. A recent survey has revealed that almost two-thirds of SMEs cannot find the talent they need. To address these labour and skills shortages, the European Commission this week presented an action plan setting out key measures that the EU, Member States and social partners should take in the short to medium term. Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said the Commission wants: "to work together with Member States and social partners to bring more people into the labour market, support skills development and better working conditions, as well as attract skilled talent from outside the EU".

European Parliament adopts plans to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions from the buildings sector (20/03/2024)

The European Parliament last week adopted the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The new law aims to progressively reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy consumption in the EU building sector and make it climate neutral by 2050. It also aims to have the worst-performing buildings renovated and improve information-sharing on energy performance. The European Commissioner responsible for Energy, Kadri Simson, thanked Irish MEP and Lead Rapporteur for the Directive, Ciarán Cuffe, for the constructive cooperation on the file over the last two years.

Skillnet Ireland ranked first out of 47 on European Commission report (15/03/2024)

Skillnet Ireland has been ranked first out of 47 in a new European Commission report assessing best-practice upskilling initiatives for enterprise across the EU, the United States, UK, Canada, China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, India and South Africa. Skillnet's ranking was based on its overall average key performance metrics. It also topped the analysis for impact on businesses and impact/contribution to the economy including to the digital and climate agenda.The 'Pact for Skills: Analysing of Upskilling and Reskilling Policy Initiatives and Identifying Best Practices' was conducted by PwC.

President von der Leyen visits Cairo to launch the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership between the EU and Egypt (20/03/2024)

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was in Cairo last weekend where she met with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two signed a Joint Declaration for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. President von der Leyen said: "We will work together in six areas of mutual interest: political relations; economic stability; investments and trade; migration; security; and, people and skills. To reinforce this strategic partnership, the EU is tabling a significant financial and investment support package worth €7.4 billion over the next four years".

Commission takes action to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU (20/03/2024)

According to a new Eurobarometer report, 65% of young Irish people said that they had done at least one traineeship. The European Commission this week put forward proposals to improve working conditions for trainees, including pay, inclusiveness and quality of traineeships in the EU. EU Jobs and Social Rights Commissioner Nicolas Schmit said: "Traineeships can be a great way for young people to get a first work experience, learn new skills, and build their network. However, they must be quality traineeships, meaning there’s a clear learning objective, they are paid, and the trainees can receive mentoring and guidance to help them transition to the world of work".

Team Europe and African partners launch four initiatives to strengthen health systems and social protection in Africa (20/03/2024)

Ireland is part of a Team Europe Initiative (TEIs) launched this week to support public health Institutes in Africa along with the European Commission, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Africa CDC. The initiative will promote regional collaboration and networking among African and European institutes, and enhance health workforce training, research and knowledge exchange. It will benefit from €50 million from the EU budget from 2024–2027.

Commission takes action to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU (20/03/2024)

The European Commission this week proposed a series of targeted actions to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU. These include: leveraging research and boosting innovation; stimulating market demand; streamlining regulatory pathways; and fostering public and private investments. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said that the Commission wants "to create the right environment for this sector to grow and deliver global solutions to societal and environmental problems".

European Humanitarian Forum announces pledges of over €7.7 billion for global crises (19/03/2024)

At this week's European Humanitarian Forum in Brussels, EU Member States together with the European Commission announced planned humanitarian funding of more than €7.7 billion for 2024. In particular, the EU and Member States committed to taking action in addressing conflict and preserving humanitarian space, notably in the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip. EU ministers expressed grave concern regarding the current humanitarian situation in the Strip and called for rapid, unhindered, safe and continued humanitarian access to the people in need.

Commission recommends actions to combat counterfeiting and better protect intellectual property rights (19/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Recommendation to combat counterfeiting, both offline and online, and enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR). The Recommendation, also known as the EU toolbox against counterfeiting, aims to foster collaboration between rights holders, service providers, and law enforcement, while encouraging best practices and the use of modern tools and technologies.

The European Union and Switzerland launch negotiations to deepen bilateral relations (19/03/2024)

President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd this week launched the negotiations on a broad package of measures to deepen and expand the EU-Switzerland relationship. The negotiations aim at ensuring a level playing field for competition between EU and Swiss companies operating within the EU internal market and guarantee the protection of the rights of EU citizens working in Switzerland, including non-discrimination between citizens of different Member States.

New EU guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research (21/03/2024)

AI is transforming research, making scientific work more efficient and accelerating discovery. The European Commission, together with the European Research Area countries and stakeholders, has put forward a set of guidelines to support the European research community in their responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Research Commissioner Iliana Ivanova said: "Generative AI can hugely boost research, but its use demands transparency and responsibility. These guidelines aim to uphold scientific integrity and preserve public trust in science amidst rapid technological advancements".

European Prize for Women Innovators: Two Irish-based women innovators take home prizes (21/03/2024)

The European Commission this week announced the winners and runners-up of the 10th edition of the European Prize for Women Innovators. Two Irish-based innovators were among the runners-up. Bàrbara Oliveira, CTO and Co-Founder of Luminate Medical, whose technology helps prevent the side effects of cancer treatment, won third place in the Rising Innovators prize. And Cristina Purtill, CEO of Plio Surgical, took home 3rd place in the EIT Women Leadership prize. Plio Surgical is a TCD spinout that has developed a magnetic solution to intestinal post-surgery recovery.

Tourism: Council gives its final approval to the regulation for short-term rentals (19/03/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a regulation on data collection and sharing for short-term accommodation rental services. The new rules introduce harmonised registration requirements for hosts and short-term rental properties, including the granting of a unique registration number to be displayed on property websites and online platforms. After being signed by the President of the European Parliament and the President of the Council, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication. It shall apply 24 months after its entry into force.

EU and the Philippines announce resumption of negotiations for a free trade agreement (19/03/2024)

The EU and the Philippines have officially announced the resumption of negotiations for an ambitious, modern and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) – with sustainability at its core. Trade agreements such as these are a cornerstone of the EU's economic security, opening new opportunities for businesses and consumers, strengthening supply chains and promoting sustainable trade practices. An FTA with the Philippines, a booming economy of 115 million people in the heart of the strategically important Indo-Pacific region, would therefore be a valuable addition to the EU's network of trade deals.

Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 to underpin journey to a green, digital and resilient future (21/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a strategic plan to dedicate 10% of the Horizon Europe's total budget for 2025-2027 to biodiversity-related topics. This new commitment complements existing targets for climate expenditure (35% over the lifetime of Horizon Europe) and main digital activities (€13 billion over the same period). Research Commissioner Iliana Ivanova said: "The strategic plan for the last three years of Horizon Europe makes sure that our research and innovation funding underpins our climate, biodiversity and digital ambitions, while also maintaining the flexibility we need to respond to any emerging needs".

Commission sends Statement of Objections to Kingspan for providing incorrect, incomplete and misleading information during merger investigation (19/03/2024)

The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Kingspan alleging that the company provided incorrect, incomplete and misleading information during the 2021 Commission's investigation under the EU Merger Regulation (‘EUMR') of Kingspan's planned acquisition of Trimo. Kingspan ultimately abandoned the transaction. In March 2021, Kingspan notified to the Commission its plan to acquire Trimo. Both companies are producers and distributors of mineral fibre sandwich panels. In April 2021, the Commission opened an in-depth investigation into the transaction.

Share of Irish people using social media networks rises to 70%: Eurostat (21/03/2024)

70% of Irish people used social media networks in 2023, according to new Eurostat figures. This is up from 47.5% in 2013 and from 60.5% in 2020. The EU average for 2023 was 59% with social media participation highest in Denmark (91%) and Cyprus (83%) and lowest in France (44%) and Germany (49%).

Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March: European Council, Brussels (19/03/2024)

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders will discuss continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester. The leaders will also have a lunch with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. A Euro Summit will be held in the margins of the meeting.

Friday 22 March: Euro Summit, Brussels (19/03/2024)

The Euro Summit will discuss the economic situation, exchange views on policy coordination, and take stock of the Eurogroup report on the future of the capital markets union.

Monday 25 March: Environment Council, Brussels (19/03/2024)

On the agenda: the Commission’s proposal to revise the waste framework directive; the Commission’s proposal on preventing plastic pellet losses to the environment; the Commission's communication on the EU 2040 climate target; and, ongoing progress on the regulation on an EU forest monitoring framework.

Monday 25 March: Day of European Authors 2024 (19/03/2024)

The second edition of the Day of European Authors is taking place on Monday 25 March 2024 in all 40 Creative Europe countries. A number of schools around Ireland are organising reading events to celebrate the Day. Details of all registered events taking place around Europe are available on the link below.

Tuesday 26 March: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (19/03/2024)

The Council will discuss the current situation on the EU's agricultural markets, in particular following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The exchange of views will be based on information from the European Commission and Member States. Among the 'Other business' items on the agenda, the Belgian presidency will publicly provide information on the events it has organised on the future of agriculture and the common agricultural policy (CAP). Also in public session, the presidency will present the outcome of the 'Call to care for animal welfare' symposium (Brussels, 29 January 2024), while the Spanish delegation will provide information on the recent fisheries-related judgment of the Court of Justice in case C-330/22.

Tuesday 26 March: Digital Markets Act: The Opportunities for European Startups (IIEA event) (19/03/2024)

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to make digital markets fairer and more contestable, and to provide new opportunities for startups and investors in the EU. On Tuesday lunchtime 26 March, Eoghan O’Neill, Senior Policy Officer in the Platforms Policy and Enforcement Directorate of the European Commission, will address an online IIEA event on the new DMA obligations for the world’s largest digital platforms. He will outline how these obligations may translate into opportunities for startups and investors.

Tuesday 26 March: EU Trade – Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing Environment (IIEA event) (19/03/2024)

In her address to the IIEA, Dr Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, will present how geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges are affecting international trade, and their implications for the EU’s trade policy. Furthermore, Dr Weyand will assess the role that trade plays in strengthening competitiveness of EU businesses and advancing the EU’s economic security interests, while supporting the EU’s green transition. This online event is part of the Future Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Tuesday 2 April: A Panoramic View of Pan-European Politics (IIEA event) (19/03/2024)

In his address to this online IIEA event, Damian Boeselager MEP will discuss the prospects of Pan-European Politics in a year of elections around the world, with a particular focus on his experience in his first term as a Member of the European Parliament. Mr Boeselager will discuss his perspectives on EU Enlargement, the rising popularity of far-right political parties in some member states, and questions regarding defending the rule of law as some of the key issues ahead of the 2024 European Parliament Elections.

Tuesday 9 to Thursday 18 April: European Election Information Stands (21/03/2024)

European Movement Ireland are travelling around the country and bringing their ‘Can Vote, Will Vote’ Information Stands to Third-level Institutions. These events are taking place as follows: Tuesday 9 April - MTU, Bishopstown, Cork; Tuesday 16 April - TU Dublin, Blanchardstown; Tuesday 18 April - SETU Waterford. EMI staff members will be on hand to provide information on the upcoming European Elections, and answer questions on how to vote, who’s running, and what is it all about?

Wednesday 10 to Thursday 11 April: European Parliament plenary session, Brussels (20/03/2024)

Daily agendas for this plenary session can be found at the link below.

Thursday 11 April: Eurogroup, Luxembourg (19/03/2024)

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

Friday 12 April: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg (19/03/2024)

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

Tuesday 16 April: EU Road Safety Conference 2024, RDS, Dublin (19/03/2024)

The EU Road Safety Conference takes place at the RSE in Dublin on 16 April 2024. The conference is an opportunity to engage with EU Member State authorities and all stakeholders on the progress being made with implementing the Safe System approach and with achieving the goal of halving road deaths by 2030. In particular, it will allow participants to assess the state of play of road safety in the EU as we approach the mid-point of the EU Road Safety Policy Framework. It will also offer a forum for analysis and exchange between senior EU policy makers and the wider European road safety community. Speakers include: Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General for Mobility and Transport at the European Commission. Jack Chambers, Minister of State for Transport, and Georges Gilkinet, Belgian Minister for Transport.

Wednesday 17 April: Webinars on the Head Office Tax System (HOT) for SMEs (21/03/2024)

The European Commission adopted, last September, a proposal for a Head Office Taxation System that allows SMEs operating cross-border through permanent establishments the option to interact with only one tax administration – that of its Head Office. Compliance with business taxation rules can be complex. If SMEs wish to operate cross-border, they become taxable in more than one Member State as soon as their activity abroad creates a permanent establishment, which requires compliance with different tax systems and rules. On Wednesday morning 17 April the Commission will host a webinar comprising a presentation of the new proposal and a Q and A session. The webinar will be live-streamed.

Friday 19 April: European Parliament 2024 Election - SETU Hustings Event, Waterford (19/03/2024)

The South East Technological University (SETU) is hosting an Ireland South European Parliament candidates’ hustings event on Friday 19 April at 11.15 am on the Cork Road campus of SETU. Speakers include Billy Kelleher MEP, Grace O’Sullivan MEP and Professor Niamh Hourigan with more to be confirmed. This event is open to students and staff of SETU, as well as to the wider public. It is being organised by Gerry Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations and Politics, SETU, and member of the Team Europe Direct speakers network in Ireland.

Joint Statement on Ministerial Consultations to advance a maritime corridor to deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza (14/03/2024)

On Wednesday (13 March), Ministers from the Republic of Cyprus, the European Commission, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Qatar and the United States held consultations on the opening of a maritime corridor to deliver much-needed additional humanitarian assistance to Gaza by sea. The ministers agreed that there is no meaningful substitute to land routes via Egypt and Jordan and entry points from Israel into Gaza for aid delivery at scale. The ministers also agreed that opening Ashdod port (Israel) to humanitarian assistance would be a welcome and significant complement to the corridor.

President von der Leyen addresses European Parliament Plenary on the preparation of the March European Council meeting (14/03/2024)

In her address to this week's European Parliament Plenary ahead of next week's European Council, President von der Leyen spoke about the situation in Gaza and the setting up of a maritime corridor to deliver aid: "As we speak a ship is setting sail from Cyprus to Northern Gaza. It carries the most basic kind of humanitarian aid, which is also the most needed today: food, plain and simply food for a population that faces a humanitarian catastrophe. This maritime corridor is the result of unprecedented international cooperation, under the leadership of President Nikos Christodoulides. We have worked hand in hand not only with Cyprus, but also with the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the United Kingdom".

Commission to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to protect its peat bogs (13/03/2024)

The European Commission has decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to apply the Habitats Directive to protect sites designated for raised bog and blanket bog habitats from turf cutting. The Habitats Directive requires Member States to designate their most precious natural habitats and to protect them from harmful activities. These sites in Ireland continue to be degraded through drainage and turf cutting activities, and insufficient action is being taken to restore the sites.

Commission proposes to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina and updates on progress made by Ukraine and Moldova (13/03/2024)

The European Commission this week recommended to open EU accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. President von der Leyen said: "Since we granted candidate status, Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken impressive steps forward. More progress has been achieved in just over a year than in a whole decade. Of course, more progress is necessary to join the Union but the country is showing that it can deliver on its membership criteria and on its citizens aspirations to be part of our family". The Commission also this week put forward proposals for draft negotiating frameworks for Ukraine and Moldova which will be submitted to the Council of the EU.

Commission sets out key steps for managing climate risks (13/03/2024)

2023 was the hottest year on record. According to the February report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the global average temperature for the preceding 12 months had surpassed the threshold of 1.5 degrees set in the Paris Agreement. This week, the European Commission presented a Communication setting out how the EU and its Member States can effectively get ahead of the risks and build greater climate resilience. Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič said the Communication is "a loud call to action at all levels".

The EU in 2023: Commission publishes General report on the activities of the European Union (13/03/2024)

According to the latest edition of the EU General Report, published this week, the EU has continued to tackle the issues that concern Europeans most in 2023. The report looks at how the EU has responded to emerging and existing global challenges. It also looks at progress made towards achieving key EU priorities such as cutting greenhouse gas emissions and meeting ambitious climate targets, ending the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels and overhauling our migration system.

Irish project shortlisted for 2024 European Natura 2000 Award! Vote now to help it win the Citizens’ Award! (14/03/2024)

Ireland's Wild Atlantic Nature project is one of 27 projects that were this week short-listed for this year's Natura 2000 Award. The Wild Atlantic Nature project, funded by the EU LIFE programme, is a ground-breaking project that works with farmers in Ireland's North-West to protect Natura 2000 sites and habitats. You can vote to help it, or one of the other short-listed projects, win the Citizens' Award at the link below. The Natura 2000 Award recognises initiatives in Natura 2000 sites with an exceptional commitment to biodiversity conservation, sustainable management of habitats on land and on sea, as well as community engagement.

Cosmetics top the list of products notified under the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-foods products (14/03/2024)

The European Commission this week published its annual report on Safety Gate, the European Rapid Alert System for dangerous non-foods products. In 2023, authorities from the 30 participating countries of the Safety Gate network notified 3,412 alerts and 4,287 follow-up actions. Cosmetics was the most frequent type of product notified as posing a health risk in the EU in 2023 when it accounted for 32% of alerts. It was followed by toys (13%) and motor vehicles (12%). In Ireland, there were 118 alerts and 198 follow up actions in 2023 with the most common ones relating to childcare articles and children's equipment (34%), electricial applicances and equipment (16%) and cosmetics (9%).

EU renews individual sanctions against Russia (13/03/2024)

The Council of the EU decided this week to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2024. The existing restrictive measures provide for travel restrictions for natural persons, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed individuals and entities.

Commission adopts new measures to enhance the EU’s water resilience and to improve water quality and quantity (12/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted two new measures to enhance the EU’s water resilience and to improve water quality and quantity throughout the continent: a standard methodology to measure the presence of microplastics in water and a delegated act to ensure that reusing treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation is safe. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said the new standards would allow citizens to be "assured that their drinking water will be carefully monitored against the presence of microplastics and that any wastewater that is reused is safe, limits excessive water abstractions and helps to restore the broken water cycle".

Commission welcomes the adoption of EU mandate by the Council for negotiations with Switzerland (12/03/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the Council of the EU's decision authorising the European Union to enter into negotiations with Switzerland on a broad package of bilateral measures, together with the corresponding negotiating directives. The aim of the negotiations is to modernise and deepen bilateral relations between the EU and Switzerland. It will also ensure a level playing field for competition between respective companies operating within the internal market and guarantee the protection of the rights of EU citizens in Switzerland, including non-discrimination between citizens of different Member States.

EU provides an initial humanitarian aid of €70 million for Africa's Great Lakes region (13/03/2024)

As the Great Lakes region of Africa is suffering from major humanitarian crises caused by conflict, violence and natural disasters, the Commission is announcing new humanitarian aid worth almost €70 million. €63,75 million are allocated for humanitarian projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including €4,75 million for disaster risk reduction. A further €6 million is allocated to the Burundi regional refugee response, providing humanitarian aid to Burundi refugees in neighbouring countries (including Rwanda and Tanzania) as well as returnees to Burundi.

Commission welcomes the political agreement on new and stronger rules for the import, export and transit of firearms (14/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached a political agreement on the Commission's proposal to update the Regulation on the import, export and transit of firearms for civilian use. Over the last years, the risk of illicit trade of firearms has increased with criminals constantly changing how they smuggle dangerous weapons into the EU. The revised regulation will improve the traceability of weapons and ensure proper exchanges of information. At the same time, the legal trade of firearms will be simplified.

Provisional agreement on better cross-border enforcement of road safety traffic rules (13/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached provisional agreement on facilitating the enforcement of road traffic rules across borders. The new rules will introduce the automated exchange of information between national authorities as well as mutual assistance procedures to identify offenders and enforce fines. Although current EU rules on cross-border enforcement have helped increase compliance with road safety traffic rules by non-resident drivers, some 40% of cross-border offences continued to be committed with impunity in 2019.

Commission takes stock of key achievements on migration and asylum (13/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Communication taking stock of the achievements in the area of migration and asylum over the last four years. The Commission has made progress on a two-track approach: putting in place sustainable reforms with the Pact on Migration and Asylum, while also working on targeted operational actions to support Member States.

Commission sends request for information to LinkedIn on potentially targeted advertising based on sensitive data under Digital Services Act (14/03/2024)

The European Commission this week formally sent LinkedIn a request for information under the Digital Services Act (DSA), asking for more details on how their service complies with the prohibition of presenting advertisements based on profiling using special categories of personal data. LinkedIn is also required to provide information about how it ensures that all necessary transparency requirements for advertisements are provided to its users. This enforcement action is based on a complaint submitted to the Commission by civil society organisations.

Commission adopts renewal of insurance equivalence decision for the US (14/03/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a Delegated Decision renewing the 2015 equivalence decision for the United States in the area of insurance. Thanks to this decision, EU insurance groups will be able to calculate capital requirements for their operations in the US on the basis of local rules. By eliminating the need to reconcile with EU rules, European groups can continue to operate on an equal footing with their American counterparts, and to benefit from alleviated administrative burden and reduced costs

EU allocates €20 million in emergency humanitarian aid to Haiti (13/03/2024)

The European Commission this week allocated €20 million in humanitarian aid to Haiti, where unprecedented levels of gang violence are dramatically increasing humanitarian needs. The funding will help humanitarian partners to address the most urgent needs of the population, in terms of protection, food assistance, nutrition, water and sanitation and healthcare. With over €500 million allocated since 1994, Haiti is the main recipient of EU humanitarian aid in Latin America and the Caribbean.

European Citizens' Panel discusses how to become more energy efficient (12/03/2024)

Over three weekends between February and April 2024, 150 randomly selected European citizens are coming together in a European Citizens’ Panel to discuss how individuals, communities, the public and private sector and others can become more energy efficient in a way that makes the most impact on the climate, economy, jobs, health and energy bills. The European Citizens’ Panel on Energy Efficiency has also been tasked with coming up with a list of recommendations to feed into upcoming EU initiatives. The European Commission is planning to publish its very first proposal for a Recommendation on the “Energy Efficiency First” principle later in 2024. Citizens who are not randomly selected to participate in the Panels can contribute with their ideas through the Citizens` Engagement Platform, an online space for all EU citizens to share their ideas and exchange with others.

Road fatalities rising fastest in Ireland (08/03/2024)

In 2018, the EU set itself a 50% reduction target for road deaths by 2030. Although EU-wide, road deaths in 2023 fell by 10% compared with 2019, the downward trend has flat-lined in several EU countries. Ireland is one of five EU countries where road fatalities are actually going in the opposite direction. Although the number of road deaths per million inhabitants in Ireland continues to be amongst the lowest in the EU at 35 per million inhabitants compared to an EU average of 46, the fatality rate is rising faster than in any other EU country. Compared to 2019, road fatalities in Ireland were up by 31% in 2023, the largest rise in the EU.

Irish women can expect to live for over 3 years longer than Irish men: Eurostat (14/03/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that life expectancy (at birth) in Ireland was 82.6 years in 2022, down slightly from 82.8 years in 2019 but up from 76.6 years in 2000. This is above the EU average of 80.6 years. In all EU countries, women could expect to live longer than men. In Ireland, the average life expectancy for women was 84.2 years in 2022 while for men it was 80.9 years, i.e. a gender gap of 3.3 years which is the second lowest in the EU. The average EU gender gap was 5.4 years with the highest recorded in Latvia where women could expect to live a full 10 years longer than men. The EU region with the highest life expectancy in 2022 was the Spanish region of Comunidad de Madrid (85.2 years) while the region with the lowest was Severozapaden in Bulgaria (72.3 years).

Friday 15 March: The Challenged, Challenging but Very Necessary ECHR (IIEA event) (08/03/2024)

The President of the European Court of Human Rights Siofra O’Leary will discuss what sort of challenges the Court is facing as it seeks to uphold democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law across 46 States. Further, President O’Leary will address what challenges the Court’s judicial work poses for national systems and why, despite some legitimate criticism of the Convention system, we in Europe should not lose sight, at this critical point in history, of what that system was established to do: namely, to monitor compliance with the minimum standards necessary for a democratic society operating within the rule of law.

Monday 18 March: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (08/03/2024)

On the agenda of this meeting: the Russian aggression against Ukraine; Belarus; and the situation in the Middle East.

Tuesday 19 March: General Affairs Council, Brussels (08/03/2024)

Agenda highlights: preparations for the March European Council; the 2024 European Semester; and, the future of Europa.

Wednesday 20 March: Tripartite Social Summit, Brussels (08/03/2024)

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

Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March: European Council, Brussels (08/03/2024)

Over the course of a two-day summit, EU leaders will discuss continued support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s war of aggression, security and defence, the unfolding situation in the Middle East, enlargement, external relations, migration, agriculture and the European Semester. The leaders will also have a lunch with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. A Euro Summit will be held in the margins of the meeting.

Friday 22 March: Euro Summit, Brussels (08/03/2024)

The Euro Summit will discuss the economic situation, exchange views on policy coordination, and take stock of the Eurogroup report on the future of the capital markets union.

Monday 25 March: Environment Council, Brussels (14/03/2024)

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

Tuesday 26 March: EU Trade – Challenges and Opportunities in a Rapidly Changing Environment (IIEA event) (12/03/2024)

In her address to the IIEA, Dr Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission, will present how geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges are affecting international trade, and their implications for the EU’s trade policy. Furthermore, Dr Weyand will assess the role that trade plays in strengthening competitiveness of EU businesses and advancing the EU’s economic security interests, while supporting the EU’s green transition. This online event is part of the Future Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Tuesday 26 March: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (14/03/2024)

The Council will discuss the current situation on the EU's agricultural markets, in particular following Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The exchange of views will be based on information from the European Commission and Member States. Among the 'Other business' items on the agenda, the Belgian presidency will publicly provide information on the events it has organised on the future of agriculture and the common agricultural policy (CAP). Also in public session, the presidency will present the outcome of the 'Call to care for animal welfare' symposium (Brussels, 29 January 2024), while the Spanish delegation will provide information on the recent fisheries-related judgment of the Court of Justice in case C-330/22.

Tuesday 2 April: A Panoramic View of Pan-European Politics (IIEA event) (13/03/2024)

In his address to this online IIEA event, Damian Boeselager MEP will discuss the prospects of Pan-European Politics in a year of elections around the world, with a particular focus on his experience in his first term as a Member of the European Parliament. Mr Boeselager will discuss his perspectives on EU Enlargement, the rising popularity of far-right political parties in some member states, and questions regarding defending the rule of law as some of the key issues ahead of the 2024 European Parliament Elections.

Friday 19 April: European Parliament 2024 Election - SETU Hustings Event, Waterford (13/03/2024)

The South East Technological University (SETU) is hosting an Ireland South European Parliament candidates’ hustings event on Friday 19 April at 11.15 am on the Cork Road campus of SETU. Speakers include Billy Kelleher MEP, Grace O’Sullivan MEP and Professor Niamh Hourigan with more to be confirmed. This event is open to students and staff of SETU, as well as to the wider public. It is being organised by Gerry Arthurs, Lecturer in International Relations and Politics, SETU, and member of the Team Europe Direct speakers network in Ireland.

Invitation to tender concerning a negotiated procedure for the supply of a marquee and ancillary equipment at the National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska, Co. Laois on 17 to 19 September 2024 (12/03/2024)

The European Commission Representation in Ireland intends issuing a call for tenders for the supply of a marquee and ancillary equipment at the National Ploughing Championships. The estimated maximum budget attributed to this project is €60,000 (excl. VAT). If you are interested in this tender, please consult eTendering - Data (see below).

Public consultation on protecting sharks and related ecosystems (12/03/2024)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on ways to better protect and manage sharks and related marine ecosystems, to help prepare follow-up to the European Citizens' Initiative “Stop Finning – Stop the Trade”. It will be available online for a period of twelve weeks, until 4 June 2024.

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (07/03/2024)

Did you know that the European Commission has made a pledge to plant an additional 3 billion trees by 2030? Last Monday, we were delighted to be joined by Commissioner Mairead McGuinness, the Ambassadors of a number of EU states to Ireland, the children from Kilternan Church of Ireland National School and staff from Eurofound for our special tree planting event co-organised with Crann - Trees for Ireland on the occasion of National Tree Week 2024 (see below for more on this).

Commission fines Apple over €1.8 billion over abusive App store rules for music streaming providers (05/03/2024)

The European Commission has fined Apple over €1.8 billion for abusing its dominant position on the market for the distribution of music streaming apps to iPhone and iPad users (‘iOS users') through its App Store. In particular, the Commission found that Apple applied restrictions on app developers preventing them from informing iOS users about alternative and cheaper music subscription services available outside of the app (‘anti-steering provisions'). Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: "For a decade, Apple abused its dominant position in the market for the distribution of music streaming apps through the App Store. They did so by restricting developers from informing consumers about alternative, cheaper music services available outside of the Apple ecosystem. This is illegal under EU antitrust rules".

Commission to pay €50 million to UNRWA and increase emergency support to Palestinians by EUR 68 million in 2024 (01/03/2024)

The European Commission decided last Friday to allocate an additional €68 million to support the Palestinian population across the region to be implemented through international partners like the Red Cross and the Red Crescent. This comes in addition to the €82 million to be implemented through UNRWA in 2024, bringing the total to €150 million. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi said: "With today’s decision, the Commission is diversifying its assistance for the innocent Palestinian people in Gaza. At the same time, the commitment of UNRWA to introduce robust measures to prevent possible misconduct and minimize risk of allegations is welcome".

Commission proposes first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy (06/03/2024)

The European Commission this week presented the first-ever European Defence Industrial Strategy. It sets out a clear, long-term vision to achieve defence industrial readiness in the European Union. High Representative Josep Borrell said: "Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has brought back high intensity warfare to Europe. After decades of under-spending, we must invest more on defence, but we need to do it better and together".

Digital Markets Act enters into force (07/03/2024)

From today (Thursday 7 March), Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Amazon, Microsoft and ByteDance, the six gatekeepers designated by the Commission in September 2023, have to fully comply with all obligations in the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA establishes new rules for 10 defined core platform services, such as search engines, online marketplaces, app stores, online advertising and messaging, and gives new rights to European businesses and end-users. Commissioner Thierry Breton said: " European users have more control over their data and are now empowered to make choices they did not have before due to default settings. Any company found to be non-compliant will face severe sanctions, including as last resort a breakup".

Maynooth Post Primary School in Co Kildare wins 2024 Model Council of the European Union debate (05/03/2024)

The team from Maynooth Post Primary School in Co Kildare representing Malta won first place at the Model Council of the EU annual debate for secondary school students which took place last Friday 1 March in Dublin Castle. The winning team – Hannah Adams, Adrien Kells and Aoibhin Geraghty - and their classmates will travel to Strasbourg in October to take part in Euroscola, where they will become MEPs for a day in the European Parliament. Ardscoil Rís from Dubin and St Leo's College from Carlow took joint second place. Honourable mentions were also given to the following schools: Coláiste Chill Mhantáin in Burkeen, Co Wicklow, Loreto Secondary School, Clonmel and Deansrath Community College, Dublin.

Commissioner McGuinness joins the children of Church of Ireland NS in Kilternan to kick start National Tree Week 2024 (07/03/2024)

Commissioner Mairead McGuinness helped get National Tree Week (3-10 March) off to a great start last Monday with children from Kilternan Church of Ireland National School, ambassadors from a number of EU countries and staff from the European Commission Representation and Eurofound. The tree planting event was organised by the Representation in conjunction with Crann - Trees for Ireland. The participation of the school is linked to a project called EasyTreesie Easy Treesie – Planting 1M trees with Ireland's 1M children.

Ireland's Third Age Foundation wins EESC Civil Society Prize for mental health (07/03/2024)

Ireland's Third Age Foundation has won the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Civil Society Prize for mental health. The charity earned the prize for its social engagement network AgeWell, which tackles loneliness in old age by offering companionship and help to those who are isolated, frail and vulnerable. In total, the EESC rewarded five non-profit organisations for their outstanding contribution to fighting mental health disorders, which have risen dramatically in the EU. The Third Age Foundation took home a prize of €14,000 while the four runners-up each received €9,000.

Commission sends request for information to Meta under the Digital Services Act (01/03/2024)

The European Commission has formally sent Meta a request for information (RFI) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission is requesting Meta to provide more information related to the Subscription for no Ads options for both Facebook and Instagram. In particular, Meta should provide additional information on the measures it has taken to comply with its obligations concerning Facebook and Instagram's advertising practices, recommender systems and risk assessments related to the introduction of that subscription option.

Tinder commits to provide consumers with clear information about personalised prices (07/03/2024)

Following a dialogue with the European Commission and national consumer authorities, Tinder has committed to inform consumers that discounts they propose for premium services are personalised by automated means. Tinder uses automated means to, for exemple, identify consumers who showed little or no interest in their premium services at a standard price to subsequently offer them personalised discounts. Personalising discounts without explicitly informing consumers is unfair as it hinders them from making an informed choice.

Council and Parliament strike a deal to ban products made with forced labour (05/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a political agreement this week on the regulation prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market. The Regulation covers products made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, and also imported goods, without targeting specific companies or industries and all types of forced labour. This is particularly important because it is estimated that around 27.6 million people are in forced labour worldwide.

Commission welcomes political agreement on revised rules to protect plant health in the EU (06/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached political agreement on the revision of the Plant Health Law proposed by the Commission. The revised regulation will help protect plant health in the EU more effectively, which is vital for a competitive and sustainable agricultural and horticultural production. The measures include, for example, increased phytosanitary guarantees and a more transparent procedure for granting temporary derogations from import prohibitions.

Commission welcomes political agreement on Advance Passenger Information to facilitate border management and strengthen security (01/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a political agreement last week on two Regulations on Advance Passenger Information (API). Over a billion passengers enter, leave or travel within the EU every year. The increase in the volume of travel showed the need to harmonise the way API data is collected and shared throughout the EU. The new rules will make the data available more efficiently for border and law enforcement authorities, in full respect of EU data protection standards. It will strengthen the prevention, detection, investigation and prosecution of terrorist offences and serious crime, particularly on travels within the EU.

EU organises 13 Humanitarian Air Bridges to Yemen to fight health emergency (01/03/2024)

To respond to life-threatening outbreaks of infectious diseases in Yemen and the subsequent health emergency among the affected population, the EU organised 13 Humanitarian Air Bridge flights to deliver vital assistance to civilians during the month of February. These flights enabled humanitarian partners to cover the immediate needs of the population and support Yemen's preparedness for potential future outbreaks of infectious diseases such as cholera.

EU continues to implement the Memorandum of Understanding with Tunisia (06/03/2024)

The EU is maintaining its commitment to Tunisia through the disbursement of financial aid in the form of budgetary support worth €150 million under the support programme for macroeconomic reforms by Tunisia approved by the EU and Tunisia in December 2023. This disbursement is intended to assist Tunisia in stabilising its macroeconomic situation and in its efforts to improve the management of its public finances and business climate.

Commission welcomes political agreement on Cyber Solidarity Act (06/03/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached agreement on the Cyber Solidarity Act, proposed by the Commission in April 2023. The new regulation will improve the preparedness, detection and response to cyber security incidents across the EU. To detect major cyber threats quickly and effectively, the new regulation establishes a ‘cyber security alert system’, which is a pan-European infrastructure composed of national and cross-border cyber hubs across the EU. The new regulation also provides for the creation of a cybersecurity emergency mechanism to increase preparedness and enhance incident response capabilities in the EU.

Ireland's fertility rate drops to just above the EU average: Eurostat (07/03/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that there were 1.54 live births per woman in Ireland in 2022, down from 1.78 in 2021 and from 2.05 in 2010. Ireland is now just above the EU average of 1.46, which was down from 1.53 in 2021 and from 1.57 in 2010. France had the highest total fertility in the EU (1.79 live births per woman) in 2022, followed by Romania (1.71), Bulgaria (1.65), and Czechia (1.64). The lowest fertility rates were seen in Malta (1.08 births per woman), Spain (1.16) and Italy (1.24).

Friday 8 March: A European Approach to Combatting Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence (IIEA event) (04/03/2024)

In this IIEA hybrid event, which has been organised to mark International Women's Day, an expert panel will share their perspectives on the recently passed EU Combatting Violence Against Women Directive. The panel will discuss the various measures contained within the Directive, and will assess whether the Directive goes far enough in placing enough onus on EU Member States to tackle violence against women. Speakers at this event will include: Frances Fitzgerald MEP, Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur for the Directive; Sarah Benson, CEO, Women’s Aid; and, Rachel Morrogh, CEO, Dublin Rape Crisis Centre.

Monday 11 March: Eurogroup, Brussels (01/03/2024)

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

Monday 11 March: City-to-City Exchanges: online matchmaking event (01/03/2024)

The European Urban Initiative is hosting an online event on 11 March 2024, 1-3 pm, to inform about City-to-City Exchanges. A City-to-City Exchange is when one city facing a challenge in sustainable urban development teams up with another city from a different EU Member State that has expertise to help solve the problem. The European Urban Initiative provides financial support for the actual visits and assigns an expert moderator who can help in the planning and moderation of the visit.

Monday 11 March to Thursday 14 March: European Parliament Plenary Session, Strasbourg (07/03/2024)

Daily agendas for this plenary can be found at the link below.

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 March: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy), Brussels (01/03/2024)

Agenda highlights: platform work; the European Semester; the Youth Guarantee; and, social investments and reforms.

Tuesday 12 March: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (01/03/2024)

Agenda highlights: the state of play of the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF); the economic and financial impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine; G20 follow-up; the 2025 EU budget; the state of play of legislative proposals in the field of financial services; and, a debate with employment and social affairs ministers on social investments and reforms for resilient economies.

Thursday 14 March: MEDIA Networking Breakfast and Briefing on AVMSD Audiovisual Media Services Directive (07/03/2024)

On Thursday morning 14 March, the Creative Europe Desk Ireland MEDIA Office is hosting a Networking Breakfast on the Audiovisual Media Services Directive supported by Coimisiún Na Meán. The focus of this event will be the EU’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive. Marta Sanagustin Riazuelo, Head of Sector in the Audiovisual and Media Policy Unit in the European Commission's Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, will give an overview of these amendments to the AVMSD.

Friday 15 March: The Challenged, Challenging but Very Necessary ECHR (IIEA event) (01/03/2024)

The President of the European Court of Human Rights Siofra O’Leary will discuss what sort of challenges the Court is facing as it seeks to uphold democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law across 46 States. Further, President O’Leary will address what challenges the Court’s judicial work poses for national systems and why, despite some legitimate criticism of the Convention system, we in Europe should not lose sight, at this critical point in history, of what that system was established to do: namely, to monitor compliance with the minimum standards necessary for a democratic society operating within the rule of law.

Monday 18 March: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (04/03/2024)

On the agenda of this meeting: the Russian aggression against Ukraine; Belarus; and the situation in the Middle East.

Tuesday 19 March: General Affairs Council, Brussels (04/03/2024)

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

Wednesday 20 March: Tripartite Social Summit, Brussels (04/03/2024)

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

Thursday 21 and Friday 22 March: European Council, Brussels (04/03/2024)

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

Call for proposals for pan-European audiovisual reporting (05/03/2024)

The European Commission this week launched an €11 million call for proposals to support independent audiovisual reporting on EU affairs by pan-European media outlets. The aim is to enhance the quantity, quality and impact of such reporting, in as many languages and EU countries as possible and particularly where this offer is scarce. Part of the support is specifically dedicated to set up an international AV news service in Hungarian. Applicants are expected to produce and disseminate audiovisual content using both traditional and new media formats and distribution channels

Call to organise European Maritime Day in My Country events (06/03/2024)

The European Commission's Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has launched a call to organise European Maritime Day events between 1 April and 31 October 2024. European Maritime Day In My Country events aim to raise awareness about the importance of the oceans and seas and to engage the public, particularly young people. Anyone can organise an event, and it can target any audience as long as the activity clearly highlights the importance of the ocean and maritime issues. Event organisers will not receive any financial support. However, they will receive a set of promotional material, including sustainable branded cotton bags, notebooks and a European flag. Plus they will gain greater visibility for their actions related to the ocean and maritime activities.

Call for proposals for the Promotion of Agricultural Products 2024 call (07/03/2024)

The European Commission co-finances and directly organises campaigns and events to promote EU farm products worldwide. Two funding opportunities are now open, with a budget of €176.4 million to co-finance SIMPLE and MULTI campaigns. The deadline to apply is 14 May 2024.

Irish Eco Showboat shortlisted for New European Bauhaus prize - Vote now to help it win a public choice award (06/03/2024)

Fifty beautiful, sustainable and inclusive projects have been shortlisted for this year's New European Bauhaus Prizes. One Irish project has been shortlisted under the "reconnecting with nature" category. The Eco Showboat, a solar powered electric boat and floating work of art, toured Irish rivers and canals for two years, criss-crossing the Irish midlands, connecting artists, scientists and communities with the aim of sparking widespread environmental action through artistic creation, trans-disciplinary collaborations and science workshops. In total, 20 projects will be awarded prizes of which two will be selected by public vote. See below if you wish to take part in the vote.

Applications open for the EU Organic Awards 2024! (04/03/2024)

The call for applications for the 3rd edition of the EU Organic Awards opened this week and will run until 12 May 2024. Eight awards will be given in seven categories. Any EU actor or institution along the organic value chain with a noteworthy project contributing to the greater affordability and/or accessibility of organic products in the EU can apply. Last year, the Merry Mill in Co Laois won the award for "Best organic food processing SME".

European Capital of Innovation Awards 2024 now open for applications! (06/03/2024)

The European Commission this week launched the 2024 European Capital of Innovation Awards (iCapital). The prize is awarded to European cities that are front-runners of innovations that benefit their citizens. The contest will award a total of six prizes for two categories: the European Capital of Innovation and the Rising Innovative City. The city winning the 2024 European Capital of Innovation title will receive €1 million while the first two runners-up of this category will be rewarded with €100,000 each. In the Rising Innovative City category, the winner will be rewarded with €500,000 accompanied by two runners-up that will receive €50,000 each. Cork city took 3rd place in the 2023 Rising Innovative City award.

European Commission invites farmers to participate in online survey on simplification (07/03/2024)

The European Commission has launched an online survey to gather directly the views of EU farmers. The survey is open from 7 March to 8 April, and will help to identify the sources of administrative burden and complexity stemming from CAP rules as well as other rules for food and agriculture, both in relation to their application at national level and also to the recording and reporting obligations linked to them. The preliminary results will be presented by mid-April.

Competition for Administrators in the field of transport re-opened (01/03/2024)

EPSO, the European Personnel Selection Office, is reinforcing its commitment to multilingualism by implementing a full 24-language regime in open competitions. This change aims to enable candidates to freely select any two of the 24 official EU languages for testing. As part of this transition, the current competition will also undergo adjustments to its test portfolio, for instance, the case study will be replaced with a written test focusing on written communication skills. The competition is being re-opened to take those adjustments into account. This applies to both existing candidates and new candidates interested in applying. The new application period ends on 9 April 2024, at 11 am (Irish time).

Message from Barbara Nolan, Head of Representation (27/02/2024)

This week is a particularly busy one for the Representation. I was delighted to welcome representatives from Ireland's Europe Direct and European Documentation Centres to Europe House this week for their annual coordination meeting. It was great to see such commitment and enthusiasm! Tomorrow we will host an even bigger event - the annual Model Council of the EU debate. Teams from 27 schools from around Ireland will travel to Dublin Castle where they will each play the role of an EU Member State in a debate on “Reforming the EU for Future Enlargement”. Minister of State for European Affairs Peter Burke T.D., will give the opening address and Barry Andrews MEP will deliver the closing speech. We are also delighted to welcome back Martina Fitzgerald as chair, as well as our judges Noelle O’Connell, CEO of European Movement Ireland, Mary McCaughey, Head of Information and Communication, Eurofound and Petar Natsev, Council of the EU. I would like to wish all of the schools taking part the very best of luck and lots of fun!

Two years in, EU continues to stand firmly with Ukraine (29/02/2024)

President Ursula von der Leyen travelled to Kyiv last weekend for the second anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. During her visit, the President paid tribute to Ukraine’s resistance which stands as a beacon of hope for freedom-loving people everywhere. She recalled Europe’s steadfast commitment to support Ukraine and said that Europe would "stand firmly by Ukraine, financially, economically, militarily and most of all morally, until your country is finally free". The President also announced that a new Defence Innovation Office would open to intensify and improve security cooperation between the EU and Ukraine. She also handed over 50 cars provided by the EU to Ukrainian national authorities. The cars will support the investigation and prosecution of war crimes in de-occupied territories and adjacent areas.

European Parliament votes in favour of Nature Restoration Law (27/02/2024)

At their plenary session in Strasbourg this week MEPs voted in favour of the new Nature Restoration Law proposed by the Commission in June 2022. The new law sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which calls for binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters.

EU adopts 13th package of sanctions against Russia after two years of its war of aggression against Ukraine (23/02/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the adoption by the Council of the EU last Friday of a 13th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package targets primarily the military and defence sectors and associated individuals, including those involved in DPRK armament supply to Russia, as well as members of the judiciary, local politicians and people responsible for the illegal deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children. Altogether, EU restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine now apply to over 2,000 individuals and entities.

Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on strengthening European defence in a volatile geopolitical landscape (28/02/2024)

In an address to the European Parliament plenary this week, President von der Leyen said it was time for Europe to step up to defend its interests and values: "The simple truth is: We do not have the luxury of comfort. We do not have the control over elections or decisions in other parts of the world. And we simply do not have the time to skirt around the issue. With or without the support of our partners, we cannot let Russia win. And the cost of insecurity – the cost of a Russian victory – is far greater than any saving we could make now. This is why it is time for Europe to step up".

Commission presents new initiatives boosting European industrial leadership in advanced materials (28/02/2024)

The European Commission this week proposed an encompassing strategy to move towards EU industrial leadership in advanced materials, a key enabling technology highly relevant for the twin green and digital transition. Advanced materials are engineered materials with innovative properties and functionalities. They are key for European competitiveness and the green and digital transitions. The demand for advanced materials is expected to significantly increase in the coming years, for instance for the production of renewable energy, batteries, zero-emission buildings, semiconductors, medicines and medical devices, satellites, space launchers or planes.

Commission calls on Ireland to improve its National Energy and Climate Plan to ensure collective achievement of the EU’s 2030 targets (23/02/2024)

The European Commission has published its assessment of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plans of Ireland, Belgium and Latvia, which contain recommendations to assist the countries in raising their ambitions in line with EU targets for 2030. The updated NECPs set out each EU country's roadmap to collectively meet the EU's legally binding target of 55% net greenhouse gas emission reductions by 2030, and the corresponding energy and climate objectives, as revised in the different aspects of the so-called ‘Fit for 55’ package.

Frankfurt to host the EU’s new anti-money laundering authority (AMLA) (23/02/2024)

Representatives from the Council of the EU and the European Parliament last week reached an agreement on the seat of the future European authority for anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing (AMLA). AMLA will be based in Frankfurt and begin operations mid-2025. It will have over 400 staff members. The new authority will have direct and indirect supervisory powers over obliged entities and the power to impose sanctions and measures. Commissioner Mairead McGuinness said the Authority would have two main areas of work: supervision and close cooperation with the Financial Intelligence Units of the Member States.

Galway deep-tech start up selected for EIC accelerator funding (28/02/2024)

A new set of 42 companies were this week selected to receive European Innovation Council (EIC) funding, combining grants and equity. Galway deep-tech company Mbryonics Ltd is one of them. It will receive a grant as well as an equity investment (blended finance) for its StarCom Optical Inter-Satellite Link project. The EIC Accelerator offers start-ups and SMEs grants of up to €2.5 million combined with equity investments through the EIC Fund ranging from €0.5 to €15 million or more. In addition to financial support, all projects benefit from a range of Business Acceleration Services that provide access to leading expertise, corporates, investors and ecosystem actors.

Commission welcomes the signature of the working arrangement between Frontex and the United Kingdom (26/02/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the signature this week of the working arrangement between Frontex and the United Kingdom. Frontex is the EU's Border and Coast Guard Agency tasked with supporting Member States in managing and securing the EU's external borders. The working arrangement provides a long-term framework for close cooperation between Frontex and the UK authorities to tackle illegal migration and cross-border crime, in full compliance with the EU and the UK's international human rights obligations.

Police cooperation: Council gives green light to better data exchanges between police authorities (27/02/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a regulation on the automated search and exchange of data for police cooperation. The new law will improve the existing framework – often referred to as Prüm I – which already allows law enforcement authorities to consult the national databases of other member states as regards DNA, fingerprint and vehicle registration data. The new rules will broaden the data categories for which automated exchanges can happen. Police authorities will be able to also search for facial images and police records.

Commission recommends that Member States continue saving gas to secure supplies and stabilise markets (28/02/2024)

Gas savings by businesses and citizens across the EU have made an important contribution to tackling the energy crisis, spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. Collectively, the EU reduced gas demand by 18% between August 2022 and December 2023, saving around 101 billion cubic metres of gas. This is above the 15% savings target which was agreed under emergency legislation adopted in Summer 2022. With the emergency legislation due to expire on 31 March, and the situation more stable than it has been for the past two years, the Commission is now proposing the adoption of a Council Recommendation on continued gas demand reduction measures.

European Citizens' Panel discusses Energy Efficiency (26/02/2024)

A new European Citizens' Panel kicked off in Brussels last weekend. 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 Member States discussed the benefits and challenges of increasing energy efficiency, and how households, businesses, and communities should act. The panel was complemented by a new Citizens' Engagement Platform, an easily accessible online platform that enables all EU citizens to join the debate and take a seat at the table.

Council adopts regulation on instant payments (27/02/2024)

The Council of the EU this week adopted a regulation that will make instant payments fully available in euro to consumers and businesses in the EU and in EEA countries. The instant payments regulation will allow people to transfer money within ten seconds at any time of the day, including outside business hours, not only within the same country but also to another EU member state. The new rules will come into force after a transition period that will be faster in the euro area and longer in the non-euro area, that needs more time to adjust.

EU provides initial €171 million in humanitarian aid for Greater Horn of Africa region (27/02/2024)

Around 65 million people in the Horn of Africa are estimated to be in immediate need of humanitarian assistance. The EU has announced an initial allocation of €171 million in humanitarian aid to the region for 2024 in addition to €72 million already announced for Sudan. This brings the total initial allocation for humanitarian aid to the Greater Horn of Africa to €243 million for 2024. The main priorities for EU funding are: addressing the acute food and nutrition crisis in the region, improving access to basic services, providing education and protection to children in humanitarian crises, and setting up systems to help anticipate the impact of disasters through contingency planning and early action.

New global rules to simplify trade in services enter into force in the WTO (28/02/2024)

Trade in services just got a boost with the entry into force this week of new World Trade Organization (WTO) rules facilitating and simplifying trade in services. The new rules apply to a large and diverse group of WTO Members, including developed, developing and least developed countries - representing 92% of world trade in services. The set of rules agreed in the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation will streamline authorisation requirements and ease procedural hurdles faced by businesses around the globe, in particular micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement modernising ship inspections and oversight (28/02/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on updating the requirements for the Port State Control of vessels calling at EU ports, and on the flag State requirements for merchant vessels registered in EU Member States. Flag State control and port State control are important tools when it comes to a wide range of issues linked to shipping, such as maritime safety, environmental protection, as well as working conditions on board.

Share of renewable energy in heating/cooling lowest in Ireland: Eurostat (27/02/2024)

Ireland at only 6.3% had the lowest share of energy from renewable sources in heating and cooling in the EU in 2022, up from 4.3% in 2010. On average across the EU, the share of energy from renewables in heating and cooling continued stood at 24.8% in 2022, up from 17% in 2010. Sweden at 69.3% was in top place. Energy for heating and cooling accounts for around half of the EU’s total gross final energy consumption.

Citizenship granted to almost 1 million people in the EU in 2022: Eurostat (29/02/2024)

In 2022, 989,000 people acquired the citizenship of the EU country where they lived, according to Eurostat. The highest number of the new citizenships (in absolute numbers) were granted by Italy (213,700 or 22% of the EU total), followed by Spain (181,800; 18%) and Germany (166,600; 17%). In Ireland, 13,597 people were granted citizenship in 2022.

Friday 1 March: Model Council of the EU debate, Dublin (23/02/2024)

The annual Model Council of the EU debate, a simulation of a meeting of the Council of the European Union, takes place in Dublin Castle on Friday 1 March. Teams from 27 schools from across Ireland will gather in Dublin Castle for a debate on the theme “Reforming the EU for Future Enlargement”. Each of the 27 EU Member States will be represented by a team of 3 students from an Irish secondary school.

Friday 1 March: EUAct2 - Debate on Northern Ireland and EU Representation, Dundalk (27/02/2024)

European Movement Ireland is hosting this event exploring the topic of Northern Ireland and EU Representation. The event will feature a number of high-level speakers including lecturers and youth activists and is organised as part of ‘EUAct 2’ – a project aimed at promoting youth engagement with EU affairs. The event will talk place in a panel format, with short speaker interventions before opening to audience interaction and Q&A. It will run from 1 to 3 pm at Carroll’s Building, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

Monday 4 March: Commissioner McGuinness and Representation staff to take part in tree planting event in Kilternan, Co Dublin (28/02/2024)

On Monday, 4 March, European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness will help get National Tree Week off to a great start by planting 1,000 native trees in Kilternan, Co Dublin, with children from Kilternan Church of Ireland National School, ambassadors from a number of EU countries, and European Commission staff. This event is also part of the European Commission’s #3BillionTrees Pledge to plant at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030, and the EU’s new For Our Planet campaign which aims to encourage citizens and civil society to take action for our planet, including by planting trees.

Tuesday 4 March: What Happens When Enforcement Doesn’t Happen (IIEA event) (23/02/2024)

Catherine Barnard, Professor of EU law and Employment Law and senior tutor and fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, will address an IIEA online event on: “What Happens When Enforcement Doesn’t Happen: The Implications for the Individuals, for Other Employers and for The State.”

Monday 4 March: Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Energy), Brussels (29/02/2024)

The Council will discuss the state of play in terms of security of supply and preparations for winter 2024-2025. Ministers will also have an exchange of views on flexibility as an essential tool in the energy transition. Under any other business, the Commission will inform ministers about progress made by member states with a view to achieving the 2030 objectives for the environment, climate and energy.

Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 March: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Brussels (23/02/2024)

Ministers will exchange views about the general state of the Schengen area, the European free travel zone, and the recently presented evaluation of the EU law establishing Frontex (the EU border and coast guard regulation). Also on the agenda: asylum and migration; the state of play of two legislative proposals to combat child sexual abuse; combatting drug trafficking and organised crime; and, the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Tuesday 5 March: European Climate Pact online debate between Commissioner Hoekstra and Climate Pack Ambassadors (29/02/2024)

On Tuesday afternoon 5 March, Climate Action Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will hold an online debate with European Climate Pact Ambassadors to explore how the Pact Community on the ground can shape the way forward for EU climate action. Dan Boyle, Pact Ambassador from Ireland, will be one of the 4 Climate Pact Ambassadors taking part. The debate, which starts at 2pm, will be live-streamed. The European Climate Pact is a movement of people united around a common cause, each taking steps in their worlds to build a more sustainable Europe for us all. Launched by the European Commission, the Pact is part of the European Green Deal and is helping the European Union to meet its goal to become climate-neutral by 2050.

Thursday 7 March: Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), Brussels (23/02/2024)

On the agenda: the late payment regulation and the 2024 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report.

Monday 11 March: Eurogroup, Brussels (28/02/2024)

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

Monday 11 March: City-to-City Exchanges: online matchmaking event (29/02/2024)

The European Urban Initiative is hosting an online event on 11 March 2024, 1-3 pm, to inform about City-to-City Exchanges. A City-to-City Exchange is when one city facing a challenge in sustainable urban development teams up with another city from a different EU Member State that has expertise to help solve the problem. The European Urban Initiative provides financial support for the actual visits and assigns an expert moderator who can help in the planning and moderation of the visit.

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 March: Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Social policy), Brussels (28/02/2024)

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

Tuesday 12 March: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (28/02/2024)

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

Friday 15 March: The Challenged, Challenging but Very Necessary ECHR (IIEA event) (27/02/2024)

The President of the European Court of Human Rights Siofra O’Leary will discuss what sort of challenges the Court is facing as it seeks to uphold democracy, the protection of human rights, and the rule of law across 46 States. Further, President O’Leary will address what challenges the Court’s judicial work poses for national systems and why, despite some legitimate criticism of the Convention system, we in Europe should not lose sight, at this critical point in history, of what that system was established to do: namely, to monitor compliance with the minimum standards necessary for a democratic society operating within the rule of law.

Tender No. COMM/DUB/2023/OP/1056 Communication services for the European Commission Representation in Ireland. (29/02/2024)

The European Commission Representation in Dublin has published a call for tenders to procure services for the production, placement and distribution of multimedia content for the EC Representation in Ireland. This call is being split into three lots: Lot 1 concerns Audio-visual and multimedia content, Lot 2 concerns Print and online media and Lot 3 Purchase of advertisement services. Entities wishing to submit a tender are invited to do so by 05/04/2024 at 17:00 via the e-Tendering platform (see link bel0w). The proceedings will be conducted via the e-Tendering platform.

Call for proposals for alternative fuels infrastructure projects (29/02/2024)

The European Commission has launched a €1 billion call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to support the deployment of alternative fuels supply infrastructure along the Trans-European Network of Transport (TEN-T). The call for proposals covers the roll-out of alternative fuels infrastructure for road, maritime, inland waterway and air transport.

National Student Media Awards 2024: European Commission category now open for submissions (26/02/2024)

The European Commission category of the 2024 National Student Media Awards is now open for submissions. The award will be given to the best article which covers EU affairs, and which was printed in a student publication in the year previous to the closing date of entries to the SMEDIAs 2024 as published on the Student Marketing Network website. The winner will receive a €1000 prize. Submissions close on 7 March 2024.

Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny (19/02/2024)

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, delivered a statement on the death of Alexei Navalny: "We are shocked and grieved by today's reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter".

Digital Services Act starts applying to all online platforms in the EU (16/02/2024)

The EU's landmark rulebook, the Digital Services Act (DSA), entered fully into force last Saturday, 17 February. The rules, which had already applied to a number of very large platforms and very large search engines since 2023, now apply to all platforms and hosting services. This means they will all need to implement a number of different measures including: countering illegal content; protecting minors; banning advertisements that target users based on sensitive data such as political or religious beliefs or sexual preferences; and making it easier to submit complaints.

Commission presents new initiatives for digital infrastructures of the future (21/02/2024)

The European Commission this week presented a set of possible actions to foster the innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures across the EU. Fast, secure and widespread connectivity is essential for the deployment of the technologies that will bring us into tomorrow's world: telemedicine, automated driving, predictive maintenance of buildings, or precision agriculture. The package aims to start a discussion on concrete proposals with stakeholders, Member States and like-minded partners on how to shape future EU policy.

Two Irish environmental projects awarded over €35 million in EU LIFE funding (22/02/2024)

The European Commission announced this week that it is investing over €233 million in twelve new Strategic Projects across Europe under the LIFE programme to support the implementation of the EU's environmental and climate ambitions under the European Green Deal. Two of the twelve projects are Irish. MPA-LIFE-IRELAND, which will receive over €15 million in EU funding, aims to designate at least 30% of Ireland's marine territories as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by 2030. LIFE SNAP Ireland, which will receive over €20 million in EU funding, will target barriers to the implementation of Ireland's Natura 2000 priority action fund. The coordinator of both projects is the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Halfway through its lifetime, the Recovery and Resilience Facility continues to deliver across the EU through ambitious reforms and investments (21/02/2024)

The European Commission this week presented the mid-term evaluation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the EU's recovery instrument at the heart of the €800 billion NextGenerationEU (NGEU) plan. The RRF was established in February 2021 and has the two-fold objective of helping Member States to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as bolstering their resilience and making our economies and societies greener, more digital and more competitive. The mid-term evaluation shows how the RRF has delivered on its objectives so far.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement for cleaner air in the EU (21/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached a provisional political agreement on the revised Ambient Air Quality Directive. Once adopted, the new law will set 2030 EU air quality standards aligned more closely with the WHO global air quality guidelines. This is an important step to better protect our health and move forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050.

Commission opens formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (19/02/2024)

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, as well as the risk management of addictive design and harmful content. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: "TikTok needs to take a close look at the services they offer and carefully consider the risks that they pose to their users - young as well as old".

European Commission presents options for simplification to reduce the burden for EU farmers (22/02/2024)

The European Commission this week sent a paper today to the Belgian Presidency outlining first possible actions to help reduce the administrative burden weighing on farmers’ shoulders. The document, which will be discussed with Member States in the Agricultural Council of 26 February, lists a range of short- and mid-term actions that can be taken to achieve simplification. This will serve as the basis for discussions and joint action with EU countries.

Two finalists from Ireland in the running for the 2024 European Prize for Women Innovators (20/02/2024)

Two of the ten finalists for the 2024 European Prize for Women Innovators, which were announced earlier this week, are from Irish companies. Bàrbara Oliveira, CTO and Co-Founder of Luminate Medical, whose technology helps prevent the side effects of cancer treatment, has been short-listed for the Rising Innovators category. And Cristina Purtill, CEO of Plio Surgical, which developed a magnetic solution to intestinal post-surgery recovery, has been short-listed for the EIT (European Institute of Innovation and Technology) Women Leadership category. The winners across the 3 prize categories will be revealed at the R&I Week Opening event on 18 March 2024.

Irish charity Third Age Foundation nominated for EESC Civil Society Prize on mental health (20/02/2024)

Irish charity the Third Age Foundation is among the finalists for the 14th Civil Society Prize awarded by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to non-profit organisations, associations and individuals for projects addressing mental health. The Third Age is contending for the prize with its AgeWell project, together with four other projects: two from Finland and one each from Slovakia and Italy. The EESC will reveal the final ranking of the winners on 7 March. The total prize money of €50,000 will be shared among the five front-runners. The first prize winner will take home €14,000 while the other four finalists will each receive €9,000.

EU provides €83 million in humanitarian aid to support people in Ukraine and in Moldova (20/02/2024)

The European Commission is providing an initial €83 million in humanitarian aid to support the people affected by Russia's war against Ukraine in 2024. Of the €83 million humanitarian funding, €75 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Ukraine to provide emergency aid including access to basic needs such as shelter, protection services, clean water, education and healthcare. €8 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Moldova providing targeted assistance to the most vulnerable, including humanitarian cash assistance for basic needs, protection, and health.

President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak welcome successful conclusion of negotiations on a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex (19/02/2024)

President von der Leyen spoke by phone with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last Sunday. The two leaders welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations on a new working arrangement between UK agencies and Frontex, which will be formalised in the coming days, as part of wider cooperation between the UK and EU on crack down on illegal migration. The two leaders also shared the view that the situation in Ukraine requires full attention.

High vaccination coverage key against expected increase of measles cases in the EU/EEA (16/02/2024)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has said that measles cases are expected to continue increasing in the EU/EEA in the coming months due to sub-optimal vaccination coverage for measles-containing vaccines (MCV) in a number of EU/EEA countries, the high probability of importation from areas experiencing high circulation and the fact that the coming months represent the seasonal peak of the virus. ECDC data shows that in January and early February 2024, the number of EU/EEA countries reporting measles cases has increased. At least seven deaths have been reported from two countries.

EU and Rwanda sign Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains (19/02/2024)

The European Union and Rwanda this week entered an important agreement to nurture sustainable and resilient value chains for critical raw materials. The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding signals both parties' intention to strengthen their partnership for closer integration of raw materials value chains. This cooperation model will bring the possibility for the partner country to diversify their economy and will be a driver for structural transformation as it will promote added value and integrate better standards in the partner country.

Zalando commits to provide clearer information for consumer following EU action (22/02/2024)

Following a dialogue with the Commission and national consumer authorities, Zalando has committed to removing misleading sustainability flags and icons displayed next to products offered on its platform. Such claims can mislead consumers about the environmental characteristics of the products. As from 15 April 2024, the icons will not appear anymore. Instead, clear information about products' environmental benefits, such as the percentage of recycled materials used, will be provided by Zalando.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement on tackling ship-source pollution to help make European seas cleaner (16/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU last week reached political agreement on the amendment of Directive 2005/35/EC on ship-source pollution and on the introduction of penalties for pollution offences. They agreed to align the Directive with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (Marpol) and to extend the scope of the directive to cover more types of polluting substances discharged into the sea, such as sewage and garbage. The new rules will improve transparency by making information available online regarding the pollution offences in European seas and the penalties imposed.

New mobile machinery rules to ease safe circulation on public roads across the EU (22/02/2024)

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the road approval and market surveillance of non-road mobile machinery. The new rules will facilitate the use of mobile machinery, including cranes, harvesters, forklifts, or snow cleaners, on public roads while ensuring a high level of road safety.

Ireland's Southern region had the highest per capita GDP in the EU in 2022: Eurostat (22/02/2024)

Ireland's Southern region was the EU region with the highest per capita GDP in 2022 at 286% of the EU average according to new figures on regional GDP published this week by Eurostat. Luxembourg (257%) was in second place followed by Ireland's Eastern and Midland Ireland (247%). The high levels of GDP in these two Irish regions is partly explained by the presence of some major multinational enterprises. Meanwhile, per capita GDP in Ireland's Northern and Western region was at 105% of the EU average. The EU regions with the lowest per capita GDP levels were the French overseas region of Mayotte (30%), Severozapaden in Bulgaria and the French overseas region of Guyane (both 40% of the EU average).

Ireland below the EU average for share of electricity from renewable sources: Eurostat (21/02/2024)

New Eurostat figures reveal that 36.8% of Ireland's electricity consumption came from renewable sources in 2022, up from 19.8% in 2012 but below the 2020 figure of 39%. On average across the EU, 41.2% of electricity came from renewable sources in 2022, up from 37.4% in 2020. Sweden at 83.3% had the highest share (mainly hydro and wind) followed by Denmark at 77.2% (mainly wind). The lowest shares were reported in Malta (10.1%), Hungary (15.3%), Czechia (15.5%) and Luxembourg (15.9%).

Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 February: Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers, Ghent (16/02/2024)

Addressing the EU competitiveness challenge is a top priority for the Belgian presidency. The Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors will examine how public and private financing in Europe will be organized in the coming years. During the informal meeting of economic and financial affairs, three major debates are taking place on: the future of the European Investment Bank; retail investor participation in financial markets and financial literacy; and, the report on the future of EU competitiveness as is currently being prepared by Dr. Mario Draghi.

Friday 23 February: Review of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the EU) in 2023, Irish Centre for European Law (16/02/2024)

On Friday morning 23 February, the Irish Centre for European Law’s (ICEL) conference, Review of the CJEU in 2023, will take place at the Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40. The conference will analyse the key judgements and trends emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union during the last year. It will feature keynote addresses by Koen Lenaerts, President of the CJEU and Advocate General Anthony M. Collins. Speakers also include Professor Herke Kranenborg (Privacy and Data Protection), Aoife Carroll BL (Environmental Law), and Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (Employment and Social Rights).

Friday 23 February: Eurogroup meeting, Ghent (16/02/2024)

On the agenda of this meeting: the future of European capital and financial markets and macroeconomic developments and prospects.

Monday 26 to Thursday 29 February: European Parliament plenary session, Strasbourg (22/02/2024)

The European Parliament will meet next week in Strasbourg. Daily agendas for this session are available at the link below.

Monday 26 February: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (16/02/2024)

Based on information from the Belgian presidency and the European Commission, ministers will exchange views on ways of ensuring prompt and structural responses to the current crisis that the agricultural sector is facing. Among the 'Other business' items on the agenda, the presidency will provide information on the ministerial conference titled ‘Biosecurity and vaccination: essential tools in prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases’ that took place in Brussels on 24 January 2024. Furthermore, the Danish delegation will provide information on unilateral management measures for fisheries introduced by the United Kingdom.

Wednesday 28 February: Public conference - The best of Europe for Women, Europe House, Dublin 2 (21/02/2024)

On Wednesday evening 28 February, the French Embassy in Ireland is organising a public conference on the theme: "Women's rights and Gender equality: what's at stake in the 2024 European elections?". Strong voices from France and Ireland will discuss why and how it is essential to capitalise on the 2024 EU elections to firmly establish women’s rights and gender equality at the core of the EU. Further information and a full list of speakers is available at the link below.

Thursday 29 February: The Eurozone’s Economy in 2024: Is the Glass Half Full? (IIEA event) (16/02/2024)

Paschal Donohoe TD, President of the Eurogroup and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform of Ireland, will participate in a fireside chat with Daire Lawler, IIEA Senior Economics Researcher and Chair of the YPN, and a question-and-answer session with members. In his capacity as President of the Eurogroup, the grouping of euro area finance ministers, Minister Donohoe will discuss the challenges and opportunities for the economy of the euro area in 2024, as well as the Eurogroup’s work programme for the first half of the year which is focused on strengthening the 4 C’s: coordination; capital markets; competitiveness; and the common currency.

Friday 1 March: Model Council of the EU debate, Dublin (21/02/2024)

The Model Council of the EU debate is a simulation of a meeting of the Council of the European Union. On Friday 1 March, 27 schools from across Ireland will gather in Dublin Castle to take part in the 2024 Model Council. Each of the 27 EU Member States will be represented by a team of 3 students from an Irish secondary school. The topic for the 2024 debate is “Reforming the EU for Future Enlargement”.

Tuesday 4 March: What Happens When Enforcement Doesn’t Happen (IIEA event) (19/02/2024)

Catherine Barnard, Professor of EU law and Employment Law and senior tutor and fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, will address an IIEA online event on: “What Happens When Enforcement Doesn’t Happen: The Implications for the Individuals, for Other Employers and for The State.”

Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 March: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Brussels (19/02/2024)

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

Thursday 7 March: Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), Brussels (19/02/2024)

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

Call for proposals to develop a demonstrator marine fishing vessel (20/02/2024)

The European Commission this week launched a €2.2 million call for proposals to develop a demonstrator marine fishing vessel equipped with alternative propulsion technologies and innovative energy solutions. The pilot project aims to significantly improve the energy performance of the current fishing vessels, reducing their greenhouse emissions and enhancing the sector’s economic resilience. The call is open until 11 June 2024 and the project(s) will be selected by the end of the third quarter of 2024.

Applications now open for graduate traineeships at the European Commission (22/02/2024)

Applications are now open for 5 month paid traineeships at the European Commission for the period running from period from October 2024 to February 2025. Twice a year, the Commission offers 5-month paid traineeships for university graduates with good language skills. The traineeship programme is open to all EU citizens, regardless of age. A limited number of places are also allocated to non-EU nationals. The programme is open to all eligible candidates regardless of their sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, membership of a national minority, disability, age or sexual orientation.

The 2024 Regiostarts Awards competition is now open! (21/02/2024)

Applications opened this week for the 17th Regiostars competition. Regiostars are Europe's yearly awards for cohesion policy-funded projects that demonstrate excellence and new approaches in regional development. Applicants can choose between five thematic areas: A competitive and smart Europe; A green Europe; A connected Europe; A social and inclusive Europe; and A Europe closer to the citizens. The winners of the 5 Categories plus the Public Choice Award will be announced in October. Applications are open until 31 May 2024.

Winter 2024 Economic Forecast: Commission revises downwards its growth projections for Ireland (15/02/2024)

The European Commission has revised downwards its expectations for the performance of the Irish economy in its Winter 2024 Economic Forecast published today (Thursday). Ireland's GDP is now expected to grow by 1.2% in 2024 compared to 3.0% in the Autumn Forecast, mainly reflecting a lower-than-projected carry-over from 2023. In 2025, economic activity is expected to expand by 3.2%, slightly lower than in the Autumn 2023 Forecast. Overall inflation in Ireland is projected at 2.2% in 2024 and 1.9% in 2025, lower than forecast in the autumn.

Commission welcomes political agreement on European Disability and Parking Cards (09/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached political agreement on the Directive establishing the European Disability Card and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities as proposed by the Commission. The cards will ensure easier recognition of disability status as well as equal access to special conditions and preferential treatment across the EU during short-term stays in other EU countries. The Directive will enter into force following formal agreement by the Parliament and the Council in the coming months.

New needs assessment updates total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine over the next decade (15/02/2024)

After almost two years of Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine, an updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA3) released this week by the Government of Ukraine, the World Bank Group, the European Commission, and the United Nations currently estimates that as of 31 December 2023 the total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine is $486 billion (€452.8 billion) over the next decade, up from $411 billion (€383 billion) estimated one year ago. Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi said: “Russia's war of aggression continues to have far-reaching consequences on Ukraine. The EU will continue to play a key role in addressing the short and medium-term challenges identified in today's RDNA3 report".

Commission announces initial humanitarian aid budget of €1.8 billion for 2024 (13/02/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted an initial humanitarian budget of more than €1.8 billion for 2024 to help support the almost 300 million people estimated to need humanitarian assistance around the world. Since 1992, the Commission has been providing humanitarian aid in over 110 countries, reaching millions of people across the globe each year. Its assistance is delivered through humanitarian partner organisations, such as European humanitarian non-governmental organisations, international organisations (including UN agencies), and specialised agencies in the Member States.

Investigation by the Commission and consumer authorities finds that online influencers rarely disclose commercial content (14/02/2024)

This week, the European Commission and the national consumer protection authorities of 22 Member States (including Ireland) as well as Norway and Iceland released the results of a screening (“sweep”) of social media posts from 576 influencers. The sweep found that nearly all (97%) of these influencers posted commercial content but only one in five systematically indicated that their content was advertising. The objective of the sweep was to verify whether influencers disclose their advertising activities as required under EU consumer law.

European farmers exempted from rules on land lying fallow (13/02/2024)

The European Commission has officially adopted a regulation which grants a partial exemption for European farmers from the conditionality rule on land lying fallow. The Regulation entered into force on 14 February and applies retroactively as of 1 January for one year – that is, until 31 December 2024. Instead of keeping land fallow or keeping unproductive features on 4% of their arable land, EU farmers growing nitrogen fixing crops (such as lentils, peas, or favas) and/or catch crops without plant protection products on 4% of their arable land will be considered as meeting the so-called GAEC 8 requirement. Those farmers who so decide can, however, continue fulfilling the requirement with land lying fallow or non-productive features.

Commission monitors strengths and challenges of EU's competitiveness (14/02/2024)

The new Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report, published this week, details the competitive strengths and challenges of Europe's Single Market, tracking yearly developments according to the nine competitiveness drivers identified in the EU's 2023 Long-term competitiveness Communication. Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager said: "Today’s report confirms Europe’s many competitive strengths, and that a strong Single Market remains key for our businesses to thrive and exploit new opportunities. But more efforts are needed to pull in investments, boost our strategic technologies and ensure that our workforce is equipped with the right skills".

Commission closes market investigations on Microsoft's and Apple's services under the Digital Markets Act (15/02/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted decisions closing four market investigations that were launched on 5 September 2023 under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), finding that Apple and Microsoft should not be designated as gatekeepers for the following core platform services: Apple's messaging service iMessage, Microsoft's online search engine Bing, web browser Edge and online advertising service Microsoft Advertising. The decisions do not affect in any way the designation of Apple and Microsoft as gatekeepers on 5 September 2023 as regards their other core platform services.

Commission reports on the effective implementation of the Terrorist Content Online Regulation (15/02/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a report on the implementation of the Regulation to address the dissemination of terrorist content online. The Regulation, which entered into application on 7 June 2022, requires that terrorist content in the EU is taken down by online platforms within one hour upon receipt of a removal order issued by Member States' authorities. The report published this week assesses the application of the Regulation by Member States and hosting service providers and the impact it has had so far in addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online.

EU increases humanitarian aid to displaced Karabakh Armenians with €5.5 million (15/02/2024)

The European Commission has allocated an additional €5.5 million in humanitarian aid to support Armenians displaced from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Many of the people who fled to Armenia during the last year's mass exodus took little or no belongings with them, leaving them dependent on emergency aid. This aid comes in addition to the €12.2 million already announced by the Commission in response to the the mass exodus of Karabakh Armenians in September 2023 and is intended to support people in need with access to food, shelter healthcare, mental health services, and protection.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement modernising maritime accident investigations (15/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a political agreement earlier this week on the investigation of maritime accidents, modernising a 2009 Directive. The Directive applies only to maritime transport vessels to which the international conventions apply or to fishing vessels. Among key new measures, the co-legislators agreed to bring the most serious accidents involving smaller fishing vessels (less than 15 metres) within the scope of the Directive. More than 2,000 marine accidents and incidents are reported in the EU every year.

Commission adopts revised Market Definition Notice for competition cases (15/02/2024)

The European Commission has adopted a revised Market Definition Notice (“the Notice”). Market definition requires identifying the boundaries of competition between companies when assessing mergers and most antitrust cases. The revised Notice brings the Commission's guidance in line with new market realities, as well as with developments in the Commission's case practice and EU case law. It will enhance transparency and legal certainty for businesses, facilitate compliance and contribute to a more efficient competition enforcement.

Second lowest old age dependency ratio in Ireland: Eurostat (15/02/2024)

Ireland's old-age dependency ratio (i.e. the number of people aged 65 years and over compared with those of working age) was 23.2% in 2023. While this was the second lowest in the EU, it was up considerably from 2003 when it was 16.4%. The EU average for 2023 was 33.4% (up from 24.1% in 2003) with Portugal (38%) in top place and Luxembourg at the bottom (21.5%).

Ireland had the second lowest median age in the EU in 2023: Eurostat (15/02/2024)

On 1 January 2023, the median age of Ireland's population was the second lowest in the EU at 39.1 years. This means that half of the Ireland’s population was older than 39.1 years, while the other half was younger. Since 2013, Ireland's median age has risen by 3.7 years, one of the largest rises in the EU. For the EU as a whole, the median age was 44.5 years on 1 January 2023, up by 2.3 years since 2013, when it was 42.2 years. Cyprus (38.4 years) had the lowest median age while Italy (48.4) had the highest.

Friday 16 February: Inclusivity for Persons With Disabilities? The Electoral Rights of Persons With Disabilities in the European Union (IIEA event) (13/02/2024)

In his address to the IIEA Alejandro Moledo, Deputy Director of the European Disability Forum, will give an overview of the findings of the European Disability Forum’s 6th Human Rights Report, which is entitled: political participation of persons with disabilities. The report outlines the legal and practical barriers that persons with disabilities face when exercising their electoral rights in the EU elections across the 27 EU Member States. This online event takes place at 1 pm on Friday 16 February,

Monday 19 February: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (13/02/2024)

Agenda highlights: the Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; the latest developments in the Sahel; and current affairs.

Tuesday 20 February: EU-Georgia Association Council, Brussels (15/02/2024)

This meeting will be chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze will lead the Georgian delegation. The meeting will focus on Georgia’s EU accession path, political dialogue and reform, economic and sectoral cooperation, trade and trade-related matters, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Tuesday 20 February: General Affairs Council, Brussels (13/02/2024)

Ministers will start preparations for the European Council meeting on 21 and 22 March 2024. The Council will also take stock of developments regarding the rule of law in Poland.

Wednesday 21 February: A Keynote Address by Alberto Alemanno (IIEA event) (13/02/2024)

In his address to the IIEA Alberto Alemanno, Jean Monnet Professor of European Union Law and Policy at HEC Paris, will share his views on the state of the European Union and the major political, legal and public policy trends in advance of the European Parliament elections and the new legislature. This online event takes place at 1 pm.

Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 February: ‘Seize the summer with EURES’ (online event) (13/02/2024)

EURES Ireland, in cooperation with 12 European Counties including Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, are hosting Seize the Summer with EURES 2024 EURES - European Online Job Day on 21 and 22 February 2024. This is a free event open to all jobseekers interested in working in Tourism, Entertainment, Hospitality over the summer season 2024 or looking for permanent job in Europe. This virtual jobs fair will be attended by employers from 13 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and The Netherlands).

Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 February: Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers, Ghent (13/02/2024)

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

Friday 23 February: Review of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the EU) in 2023, Irish Centre for European Law (13/02/2024)

On Friday morning 23 February, the Irish Centre for European Law’s (ICEL) conference, Review of the CJEU in 2023, will take place at the Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40. The conference will analyse the key judgements and trends emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union during the last year. It will feature keynote addresses by Koen Lenaerts, President of the CJEU and Advocate General Anthony M. Collins. Speakers also include Professor Herke Kranenborg (Privacy and Data Protection), Aoife Carroll BL (Environmental Law), and Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (Employment and Social Rights).

Friday 23 February: Eurogroup meeting, Ghent (13/02/2024)

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

Monday 26 February: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (15/02/2024)

Based on information from the Belgian presidency and the European Commission, ministers will exchange views on ways of ensuring prompt and structural responses to the current crisis that the agricultural sector is facing. Among the 'Other business' items on the agenda, the presidency will provide information on the ministerial conference titled ‘Biosecurity and vaccination: essential tools in prevention, control and eradication of animal diseases’ that took place in Brussels on 24 January 2024. Furthermore, the Danish delegation will provide information on unilateral management measures for fisheries introduced by the United Kingdom.

Thursday 29 February: The Eurozone’s Economy in 2024: Is the Glass Half Full? (IIEA event) (13/02/2024)

Paschal Donohoe TD, President of the Eurogroup and Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform of Ireland, will participate in a fireside chat with Daire Lawler, IIEA Senior Economics Researcher and Chair of the YPN, and a question-and-answer session with members. In his capacity as President of the Eurogroup, the grouping of euro area finance ministers, Minister Donohoe will discuss the challenges and opportunities for the economy of the euro area in 2024, as well as the Eurogroup’s work programme for the first half of the year which is focused on strengthening the 4 C’s: coordination; capital markets; competitiveness; and the common currency.

Commission launches call for organisers for the first edition of the Defence Hackathons focusing on ‘digital in defence' (15/02/2024)

The European Commission this week opened a first call for expression of interest to select six local organisers for the first edition of the Defence Hackathons under the European Union Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). Innovation facilitators in the EU Member States and Norway are invited to register and may be selected as one of the six local organisers. The event will take place from 31 May to 2 June 2024. The call will be open until 11 March 2024, 12:00 CET.

Traineeships at the European Council (14/02/2024)

Twice a year, the European Council offers 5-month paid traineeships in Brussels: 16 February to 15 July (first period) and 1 September to 31 January (second period). Applications have just opened for the five month period starting 1 September 2024. Full details on the link below.

Opportunities for proof-readers at the EU Publications Office (14/02/2024)

The EU Publications Office is looking to recruit two English-language proofreaders to join their English language team. Potential candidates are expected to have an excellent knowledge of the current office automation tools (Word, Excel, Outlook, Acrobat pro, etc.), as well as the capacity, after internal training, to use automated workflow systems and tools specific to publishing. A relevant experience in the publishing domain – in particular in editorial and proofreading work – is essential. Full details on page 4 of the document linked to below.

Commission presents recommendation for 2040 emissions reduction target to set the path to climate neutrality in 2050 (07/02/2024)

The European Commission this week recommended a 90% net greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, in line with recent scientific advice and the EU’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. This recommendation is the start of a political debate and an open dialogue with all stakeholders in the process. The political and legislative decision on the 2040 target will need to be taken by the next Commission, after this year’s European elections.

EU leaders approve €64.6 billion in additional funding (02/02/2024)

The European Commission welcomed the historic agreement of the European Council last Thursday for the first ever revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework's (EU Budget) ceilings. The financing of the revision will be provided through a combination of fresh resources and redeployments within the EU budget. President von der Leyen said: "The European Council re-confirmed Europe's unwavering commitment to stand with Ukraine and agreed on the first-ever revision of our multi-annual budget confirming the priorities that the Commission presented in June. And I am very satisfied that we got 80% of the funding we asked for."

EU Leaders agree on €50 billion of reliable financial support for Ukraine until 2027 (06/02/2024)

At last week's special European Council, EU leaders reached a breakthrough and agreed on the Commission's proposal to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support between now and 2027. Under the so-called “Ukraine Facility”, the Commission will make available for Ukraine up to €50 billion in grants and highly concessional loans. This crucial funding will help Ukraine keep its administration running, pay salaries, pensions, and provide basic public services, as it continues to defend itself against Russia's aggression.

Fight against child sexual abuse receives new impetus with updated criminal law rules (06/02/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a proposal to update the criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. The revised rules expand the definitions of offences and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to victims. The threat of abuse is increasing throughout the EU with 1.5 million reports of child sexual abuse recorded in 2022.

Commission welcomes political agreement on new rules to combat violence against women and domestic violence (07/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached agreement on the Commission's proposal for a Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. The Directive criminalises physical violence, as well as psychological, economic and sexual violence against women across the EU, both offline and online. The new rules will also criminalise female genital mutilation, forced marriage and the most widespread forms of cyber-violence including the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.

European Commission to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to finalise the revision of its water plans (08/02/2024)

The European Commission has decided to refer Ireland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to finalise the revision of its river basin management plans, as required under the Water Framework Directive. The Directive focuses on ensuring good qualitative and quantitative health of European water bodies, such as rivers and lakes. In a separate decision, the European Commission has called on Ireland to comply with the Urban Wastewater Directive.

Galway students scoop the EU awards for young translators from Ireland (08/02/2024)

Fionnán Ó Coisdealbha from Coláiste Chroí Mhuire in An Spidéal, Co. Galway is the Irish winner of the 17th EU young translators contest "Juvenes Translatores" for secondary schools, the European Commission announced this week. County Galway students scooped 6 out of the 7 'special commendation' awards for Ireland: Róise Ní Churraoin also from Coláiste Chroí Mhuire; Rebecca Breathnach, Róisín Ní Lionaird, Katie Ní Lochlainn and Seán Ó Laoghaire, all from Coláiste na Coiribe in Galway City; and Renato Brule from Coláiste Éinde, also in Galway City. The 7th went to Zuzanna Lacka from St. Flannan's College in Ennis, Co. Clare.

Commission welcomes political agreement on new consumer rights for easy and attractive repairs (02/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU last week reached a provisional political agreement on the Commission's proposal on common rules to promote the repair of goods for consumers. Once adopted, the new rules will introduce a new ‘right to repair' for consumers, both within and beyond the legal guarantee, which will make it easier and more cost-effective for them to repair products instead of simply replacing them with new ones.

Commission welcomes political agreement on the Listing Act (02/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached agreement on the Commission's proposals for a new Listing Act. The Listing Act will help alleviate the requirements companies face both at the moment of listing and after they have been listed, and will contribute to preserving transparency, investor protection and market integrity. Commissioner McGuinness said: "The agreement on the Listing Act is an important step in making listing in the EU more attractive for companies, allowing for them to tap more diversified funding".

Commission welcomes agreement on postponing adoption deadlines for certain European Sustainability Reporting Standards (08/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached a provisional agreement on the Commission's proposal to postpone by two years the deadline for adopting sector-specific European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires all large companies and listed SMEs to report using common mandatory standards. Commissioner Mairead McGuinness said: "Sustainability reporting by companies is critical for the green transition and for transparency towards investors. In the medium- and long-term standardised reporting requirements means less burden on companies – not more. But we understand that the pace of change can be challenging for many companies".

European Commission calls on Ireland and 4 other countries to fulfil the obligations of the Regulation on dissemination of terrorist content online (07/02/2024)

The European Commission has decided to send a reasoned opinion to Ireland for failing to comply with certain obligations under the Regulation on the dissemination of terrorist content online. The TCO Regulation sets rules to ensure that hosting service providers, that make users' content available to the public, address the misuse of their services for the dissemination of terrorist content online. The Regulation, which entered into force in June 2022, provides for penalties for breaches.

EU and IFC to unlock over €500 million in private sector investments for reconstruction in Ukraine (06/02/2024)

The European Commission and IFC have just signed a guarantee agreement to support investments that will help drive an inclusive and sustainable reconstruction in Ukraine. Through the agreement the European Union will provide up to €90 million in financial guarantees to support investments in Ukraine to IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, as part of IFC's Better Futures Program (BFP). Mobilised investments under the program by the private sector are expected to reach more than €500 million across sectors including essential infrastructure and goods production, promoting decarbonisation and the preservation of livelihoods.

Commission sets out how to sustainably capture, store and use carbon to reach climate neutrality by 2050 (06/02/2024)

The European Union is committed to reaching ‘net zero' CO2 emissions by 2050. While the major part of this effort will come from reducing current emissions levels in the coming years, technologies that can capture CO2 or remove it directly from the atmosphere will also be needed. The Commission this week adopted an Industrial Carbon Management Communication, which provides details on how these technologies could contribute to reducing emissions by 90% by 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement to ban all remaining intentional uses of toxic mercury in the EU (08/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached agreement on the Commission's proposal for a revision of the Mercury Regulation. The revised Regulation will prohibit the last intentional remaining uses of mercury in the EU such as dental amalgam. Member States will also have to cease producing and exporting mercury-containing lamps, replacing them instead with mercury-free alternatives like LEDs.

Commission welcomes political agreement to make clean technology manufacturing in the EU resilient and competitive (07/02/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the provisional political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council on the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA). As a central part of the Green Deal Industrial Plan, the Act will ensure the EU is well-equipped for the clean energy transition by establishing a benchmark for EU manufacturing capacity for net-zero technologies to reach at least 40% of expected EU demand by 2030.

Commission signs €400 million agreement with Türkiye to support its recovery after the 2023 earthquakes (07/02/2024)

The European Commission this week signed an agreement with Türkiye on a €400 million grant from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to finance post-disaster recovery operations after the devastating earthquakes that hit the country in early 2023. This is the largest financial contribution awarded under the EUSF for a candidate country since its inception in 2002, and it is part of the €1 billion support that the EU announced for Türkiye in March 2023 at the International Donors' Conference.

EU provides €26 million in humanitarian aid to support refugees and people affected by the earthquakes in Türkiye (02/02/2024)

The European Commission has announced €26 million in humanitarian aid to support vulnerable refugees and their host communities in Türkiye. The southeastern region in Türkiye near the Syria border hosts a large number of the country's refugee population. It also witnessed one of the worst earthquakes in Türkiye's modern history, resulting in thousands of deaths and extensive destruction of infrastructure and housing.

Easier access to EU funding for rural areas thanks to EU Rural Toolkit (06/02/2024)

The European Commission has launched a new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas. The toolkit gathers funding opportunities from 26 different EU funds, from the Common Agricultural Policy to Cohesion Funds, Horizon Europe and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Rural entrepreneurs and local authorities can use the toolkit to find funding to help them develop their projects.

Commission welcomes new measures to boost the rollout of gigabit networks (06/02/2024)

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU this week reached a political agreement on the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, proposed by the Commission in 2023. The Act introduces a set of actions to simplify and speed up the deployment of very high-capacity networks, such as fibre and 5G, by reducing the administrative burden and the costs of deployment.

New EPSO selection procedures to allow candidates to sit all their tests in any one of the EU’s 24 official languages. (06/02/2024)

EPSO, the European Personnel Selection Office, has decided to start running its selection procedures in all 24 official EU languages. This means that, from this year, candidates will be able to sit all their tests in any one of the EU’s 24 official languages. The requirement to use two different languages for taking the selection tests in any given competition continues to apply.

Commission decides to partially register a European Citizens' Initiative on Cannabis (06/02/2024)

The European Commission this week decided to partially register a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘European Cannabis Initiative'. The organisers call on the Commission to: convene a trans-European citizens' assembly on cannabis policies, including sanctions and the consistency of Member States' policies; foster access to medical cannabis and allow the transportation of cannabis and its derivatives prescribed for therapeutic purposes to ensure the full enjoyment of the right to health; and allocate the necessary resources for researching cannabis for its therapeutic purposes. The Commission has concluded that the initiative can only be registered as regards the second and third objectives, as only these objectives fulfil the requirements for registration.

Ireland had 4th lowest share of energy from renewable sources in transport in 2022: Eurostat (08/02/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that Ireland, at 5.5%, had the 4th lowest share of energy from renewable sources in transport in the EU in 2022. This figure was up from 4.4% in 2021 but down from 8.9% in 2019. Sweden at 29.2% had by far the highest share followed by Finland at 18.8%. The EU average for 2022 was 9.6%, up from 9.1% in 2021.

Thursday 8 February: Sanctions Against Russia – Going Global (IIEA event) (02/02/2024)

The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O'Sullivan, was appointed in January 2023 to reach out to third countries and maximise the impact of EU sanctions against Russia by ensuring that sanctions are implemented fully and effectively. In his address to the IIEA, he will reflect on the objectives of these sanctions and his role as EU Sanctions Envoy so far. David O'Sullivan is a former Secretary General of the European Commission.

Tuesday 13 February: Rising Tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea – An EU Perspective (IIEA event) (07/02/2024)

In an address to the IIEA, Dr Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, will focus on the political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. She will discuss the Civil War in Sudan, tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, and other issues in a simmering Red Sea arena. She will also address the role of regional organisations, the increased influence of Gulf States in the region, and the impact of geopolitics on the Western as well as the Eastern shores of the Red Sea. Apart from her responsibility for the Horn of Africa, Dr Weber's mandate covers important and highly topical issues for the European Union, such as trade, new markets, and maritime security. This hybrid event takes place at 1pm on Tuesday 13 February.

Thursday 15 February: Summer Jobs in Europe webinar (07/02/2024)

Would you like to work in Europe over the summer season 2024? There are more than 200 jobs and over 1,000 positions available at the 'Seize The Summer with EURES' event with jobs in tourism, entertainment and hospitality across 13 European countries. The webinar will take place on Thursday 15 February starting at 6 pm. Anyone interested in attending should register at: eures@welfare.ie.

Friday 16 February: Inclusivity for Persons With Disabilities? The Electoral Rights of Persons With Disabilities in the European Union (IIEA event) (08/02/2024)

In his address to the IIEA Alejandro Moledo, Deputy Director of the European Disability Forum, will give an overview of the findings of the European Disability Forum’s 6th Human Rights Report, which is entitled: political participation of persons with disabilities. The report outlines the legal and practical barriers that persons with disabilities face when exercising their electoral rights in the EU elections across the 27 EU Member States. This online event takes place at 1 pm on Friday 16 February,

Monday 19 February: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (02/02/2024)

Agenda highlights: the Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; the latest developments in the Sahel; and current affairs.

Tuesday 20 February: General Affairs Council, Brussels (02/02/2024)

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

Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 February: ‘Seize the summer with EURES’ (online event) (07/02/2024)

EURES Ireland, in cooperation with 12 European Counties including Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, are hosting Seize the Summer with EURES 2024 EURES - European Online Job Day on 21 and 22 February 2024. This is a free event open to all jobseekers interested in working in Tourism, Entertainment, Hospitality over the summer season 2024 or looking for permanent job in Europe. This virtual jobs fair will be attended by employers from 13 European countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain and The Netherlands).

Thursday 22 to Saturday 24 February: Informal meeting of economic and financial affairs ministers, Ghent (06/02/2024)

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

Friday 23 February: Eurogroup meeting, Ghent (06/02/2024)

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

Friday 23 February: Review of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the EU) in 2023, Irish Centre for European Law (02/02/2024)

On Friday morning 23 February, the Irish Centre for European Law’s (ICEL) conference, Review of the CJEU in 2023, will take place at the Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40. The conference will analyse the key judgements and trends emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union during the last year. It will feature keynote addresses by Koen Lenaerts, President of the CJEU and Advocate General Anthony M. Collins. Speakers also include Professor Herke Kranenborg (Privacy and Data Protection), Aoife Carroll BL (Environmental Law), and Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (Employment and Social Rights).

Public consultation on draft Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines on the integrity of electoral processes (08/02/2024)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation to seek views on draft Digital Services Act (DSA) guidelines on the integrity of electoral processes. These are the first ever guidelines under Article 35 of the DSA and aim to present Very Large Online Platforms and Search Engines with best practices and possible measures to mitigate systemic risks on their platforms that may threaten the integrity of democratic electoral processes. The draft guidelines provide examples of potential mitigation measures relating to election-related risks, specific mitigation measures linked to Generative AI content, the planning of risk mitigation measures before or after an electoral event and specific guidance for the European Parliament elections. The exploratory consultation is open for feedback until 7 March 2024.

EU and social partners at Val Duchesse commit to strengthening social dialogue to tackle labour challenges (31/01/2024)

At a Social Partners Summit this week in Val Duchesse (Belgium), the European Commission, the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU and European social partners signed a ‘Tripartite Declaration for a Thriving European Social Dialogue'. The Declaration stands for a renewed commitment to strengthen social dialogue at EU level and to join forces in addressing key challenges in our economies and labour markets. The aim is to support thriving businesses, quality jobs and services as well as improved working conditions.

Commission recommends new measures on vaccine-preventable cancers under Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (31/01/2024)

The European Commission this week presented a proposal for a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. The proposal aims to reduce the cancer burden linked to infection with Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) by supporting EU Member States in boosting the uptake of vaccination. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: "Every year in the EU, almost 14,000 lives are lost to cervical cancer and over 16,000 new Hepatitis B infections are reported. With safe and effective vaccines, we have a historic opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer and other cancers caused by these viruses".

First EU-wide cybersecurity certification scheme to make European digital space safer (31/01/2024)

The European Commission has adopted the first-ever European cybersecurity certification scheme, in line with the EU Cybersecurity Act. The scheme offers a Union-wide set of rules and procedures on how to certify ICT products in their lifecycle and thus make them more trustworthy for users. Certification provides a formal recognition that ICT products can be trusted to protect both the hardware and software that citizens are using daily. The scheme will be published in the Official Journal of the EU shortly and will enter into force 20 days after publication.

Commission proposes to allow EU farmers to derogate for one year from certain agricultural rules (31/01/2024)

The European Commission has proposed to allow EU farmers to avail of derogations for the year 2024 from Common Agricultural Policy rules obliging them to keep certain areas non-productive. The measure will be voted by Member States in the coming days. Janusz Wojciechowski, Commissioner for Agriculture, said: "In proposing this temporary derogation, the Commission demonstrates flexibility and solidarity with European farmers in the face of exceptional difficulties."

Commission adopts proposal on a new EU-UK joint solution under the Windsor Framework on tariff-rate quotas for certain agri-food products, to benefit Northern Ireland businesses (30/01/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a proposal setting out a new EU-UK joint solution under the Windsor Framework regarding the use of tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) by Northern Ireland businesses. The proposal amends the section on ‘goods not at risk' of the decision of the Joint Committee of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement laying down arrangements relating to the Windsor Framework. The aim is to ensure that Northern Ireland businesses are able to make use of UK TRQs for imports from third countries of several agri-food products, such as New Zealand lamb.

Joint statement following today's call between Executive Vice-President Šefčovič and the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron (01/02/2024)

In a phone call this week, European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and the UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron both agreed on the high importance of seeing the Northern Ireland Executive restored and delivering for the people of Northern Ireland. The Foreign Secretary ​explained the package of measures being set out in Parliament as the next step in the process to see the Northern Ireland institutions restored. The Commission will continue to exchange with the UK through the channels set up by the Windsor Framework.

Commission welcomes political agreement on clearer labelling and improved composition of honey, fruit juices, jams and milk (31/01/2024)

The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached today by the European Parliament and Council to review and strengthen the existing marketing standards applicable to a honey, fruit juices, jams and milk. The so-called Breakfast Directives lay down common rules on the composition, sales names, labelling and presentation of these products to ensure their free movement within the internal market and help consumers make informed choices. This includes, for example, mandatory origin labelling for honey and higher mandatory fruit content in jams.

Commission pays tribute to former President Jacques Delors (01/02/2024)

In a ceremony in Brussels this week, the European Commission paid tribute to Jacques Delors who served as President of the European Commission for three terms, from January 1985 until the end of 1994 – a period marked by a deep commitment to freedom, social justice and solidarity. Jacques Delors died on 27 December 2023 at the age of 98. The ceremony was attended by a number of high-level guests including Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

EU reaffirms trade support for Ukraine and Moldova (31/01/2024)

The European Commission this week proposed to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas on Ukrainian exports to the EU for another year, while reinforcing protection for sensitive EU agricultural products. This is done in line with EU commitments to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. In parallel, the Commission has also proposed to renew by another year the suspension of all remaining duties on Moldovan imports in force since July 2022.

Commission welcomes provisional agreement for more thorough and more cost-effective urban wastewater management (30/01/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the provisional political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on a proposal to revise the urban wastewater treatment directive. The new directive will require the removal of more nutrients and micropollutants from urban wastewater, particularly those coming from toxic pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The new directive will also implement the ‘polluter pays' principle for the first time in the water sector.

Commission proposes to modernise river information services in EU (29/01/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted a new proposal to improve traffic management on the EU’s rivers and canals. The measure follows up on the action plan to shift more cargo to Europe’s inland waterways. Commissioner for Transport Adina Vălean said: "Modern river information services will help barge operators and skippers to better and more easily exchange with port operators and authorities to better plan and execute their voyages. In turn, this will help further integrating inland waterways transport within modern logistics processes and multimodal chains."

EU announces €117 million in humanitarian aid for Chad and Sudan in 2024 (31/01/2024)

During a visit to Chad this week, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič announced new funding of €45 million in EU humanitarian aid for Chad. This funding aims to address the most pressing humanitarian needs in Chad, notably those of refugees, returnees and host communities and the most vulnerable members of the population whose survival is threatened by starvation and malnutrition. The EU is also allocating an initial sum of €72 million to Sudan in 2024 to help the country cope with the impact of conflict and the resulting huge humanitarian needs for 24.8 million people.

Dublin Airport 8th busiest in Europe in 2023: Eurostat (29/01/2024)

Dublin Airport was the 8th busiest in Europe in 2023 based on the number of commercial flights according to Eurostat. The highest count of commercial flights in 2023 was recorded in the Amsterdam Schiphol airport in the Netherlands – 453,000. It was followed by Paris-Charles de Gaulle (451,000) in France and Frankfurt/Main (427,000) in Germany.

Ireland 4th highest for share of fossil fuels in energy supply: Eurostat (30/01/2024)

Ireland relied on fossil fuels to provide just over 87% of its energy supply in 2022, down from 94% in 2012, but 4th highest in the EU after Malta (96.1%), Cyprus (89.3%) and the Netherlands (87.6%). The EU average was 70.9% up slightly from 2021, when it stood at 69.9%. The only countries where the share was below 50% were Sweden (30%) and Finland (38%).

Thursday 1 February: Special European Council, Brussels (29/01/2024)

As a follow-up to the European Council meeting on 14 and 15 December 2023, EU leaders will discuss the mid-term revision of the EU’s long-term budget for 2021-2027, including support to Ukraine.

Friday 2 February: The Zeitenwende is Not Enough – Germany Needs a Grand Strategy (IIEA event) (29/01/2024)

Dr Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), will address an IIEA online event on the Zeitenwende, Germany’s security transformation. In his opinion, the Zeitenwende remains incomplete. Dr Benjamin Tallis is a Senior Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) where he leads the ‘Action Group Zeitenwende’ as well as the DGAP Grand Strategy Group & co-hosts the podcast BerlinsideOut. He is the author of the concepts of Neo-Idealism and Team Power and of the books To Ukraine With Love: Essays on Russia’s War and Europe’s Future and Identities, Borderscapes, Orders: (Im)Mobility, (In)Security and Crisis in the EU and Ukraine.

Friday 2 February: EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting, Brussels (01/02/2024)

The 24th EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting will take place in Brussels on 2 February 2024. The meeting will be co-chaired by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo. The ministers will aim to advance key areas of cooperation between the EU and ASEAN such as in driving trade, with a focus on green initiatives, digital transition and the establishment of secure supply chains, providing updates on the Global Gateway Initiative and reviewing regional and global security developments. Ministers will also review the implementation of decisions adopted at the EU-ASEAN Commemorative Summit held one year ago in December 2022 and agree on future steps.

Monday 5 to Thursday 8 February: European Parliament plenary session, Strasbourg (29/01/2024)

Daily agendas for this session of the European Parliament can be found at the link below.

Tuesday 6 February: Launch of Rural Toolkit (29/01/2024)

The online launch of the Rural Toolkit will take place on Tuesday 6 February from 9.30 to 11 am. The Rural Toolkit is the first comprehensive online guide to EU funding and support opportunities for rural areas in the European Union. The launch event will include a presentation and a live demo of the tool.

Thursday 8 February: Sanctions Against Russia – Going Global (IIEA event) (29/01/2024)

The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O'Sullivan, was appointed in January 2023 to reach out to third countries and maximise the impact of EU sanctions against Russia by ensuring that sanctions are implemented fully and effectively. In his address to the IIEA, he will reflect on the objectives of these sanctions and his role as EU Sanctions Envoy so far. David O'Sullivan is a former Secretary General of the European Commission.

Monday 19 February: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (29/01/2024)

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

Tuesday 20 February: General Affairs Council, Brussels (29/01/2024)

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

Friday 23 February: Review of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the EU) in 2023, Irish Centre for European Law (29/01/2024)

On Friday morning 23 February, the Irish Centre for European Law’s (ICEL) conference, Review of the CJEU in 2023, will take place at the Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40. The conference will analyse the key judgements and trends emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union during the last year. It will feature keynote addresses by Koen Lenaerts, President of the CJEU and Advocate General Anthony M. Collins. Speakers also include Professor Herke Kranenborg (Privacy and Data Protection), Aoife Carroll BL (Environmental Law), and Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (Employment and Social Rights).

Interreg North West Europe - Call for Proposals (01/02/2024)

The fourth call for project proposals is now open until Thursday, 21 March 2024 12:00 noon CET. This call covers all nine specific objectives addressed by the Programme and follows a two-step process. In step 1 applicants will focus on the project need and justification, its objective, the added value of the proposed approach and the relevance of the partnership. All projects which successfully pass step 1 will be invited to submit a more detailed application, including a complete work plan and budget.

EU Organic Awards 2024 (29/01/2024)

The EU Organic Awards are back this year. The EU organic awards comprise 8 awards across 7 different categories: best organic farmer (female) and best organic farmer (male); best organic region; best organic city; best organic bio-district; best organic food processing SME; best organic food retailer; and, best organic restaurant/food service. In 2023, the Merry Mill in Co Laois took the award for best Organic SME. The applications for the third edition will open on 4 March 2024.

President von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture (25/01/2024)

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen this week launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU's farming and food system. The Dialogue brings together key stakeholders from across the whole agri-food chain and will address challenges and opportunities, such as a fair standard of living for farmers and rural communities, supporting agriculture within the boundaries of our planet and its ecosystems, exploiting the huge opportunities offered by knowledge and technological innovation and promoting a thriving future for the EU's food system in a competitive world.

Commission proposes new initiatives to strengthen economic security (24/01/2024)

The European Commission this week put forward a number of proposals to strengthen the EU’s economic security. The proposals are part of a broader three-pillar approach to EU economic security by promoting the EU's competitiveness, protecting against risks and partnering with the broadest possible range of countries to advance shared economic security interests. Executive Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said: "The EU has benefitted greatly from being an export powerhouse, investing abroad and keeping its market open to trade and foreign investors. But to keep making the most of these opportunities, we must be more clear-sighted about the risks we face at this time of profound geopolitical turmoil and fast technological shifts".

Commission proposes to improve European Works Councils to strengthen transnational social dialogue (24/01/2024)

Workers will be better represented in EU-based multinational companies thanks to new rules for the so-called European Works Councils (EWCs) proposed this week by the European Commission. These Councils ensure that employees are involved in decisions related to transnational issues, like re-structurings. They help workers anticipate and manage changes in the world of work, including labour shortages and new technologies. Around 1,000 EWCs currently represent nearly 11.3 million European employees. This is still less than a third of the estimated almost 4,000 eligible companies.

Commission launches AI innovation package to support Artificial Intelligence startups and SMEs (24/01/2024)

The European Commission is stepping up its support to European start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so they can develop trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI) that respects EU values and rules. The new AI package put forward this week includes a broad range of measures to support these start-ups and innovation, along with a proposal to provide privileged access to supercomputers to AI start-ups and the broader innovation community. Other measures include setting up AI Factories and making sure AI supercomputer infrastructure available for start-ups can be purchased and upgraded and the establishment of an AI Office in the Commission which can develop and coordinate AI policy at European level and supervise the implementation and enforcement of the AI Act.

Council and European Parliament strike deal to strengthen rules against human trafficking (24/01/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed this week's political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings. The update of the directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings will include forced marriage, illegal adoption and surrogacy as types of exploitation. It will also require EU countries to make sure that people knowingly using services provided by victims of trafficking can face sanctions. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said the new legislation will make it mandatory in all Member States to punish those who knowingly use the services provided by victims of trafficking.

Drinking water to become safer thanks to new EU-wide hygiene standards for materials and products in contact with water (23/01/2024)

The European Commission this week adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. The new standards will apply to materials and products intended to be used in new installations for the abstraction, treatment, storage or distribution of water, or for repair works, such as for instance supply pipes, valves, pumps, water meters, fittings and taps. They will apply as of 31 December 2026 to materials and products used in new installations, or when older installations are renovated or repaired.

Commission launches the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership to fight organised crime and drug trafficking (24/01/2024)

The European Commission and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, together with Member States, ports authorities, European associations, EU Agencies (Europol, EMCDDA) and representatives from customs and law enforcement authorities, this week launched the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership. This public private partnership will strengthen the resilience of ports and step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal infiltration. It will focus on identifying vulnerabilities, sharing best practices and finding practical solutions to strengthen port security.

Six more Irish researchers receive European Research Council grants (24/01/2024)

Six more Irish researchers have been selected to receive European Research Council (ERC) grants from the 2022 reserve list. Three of the researchers are from Trinity College Dublin, two are from UCD and one is from the University of Ireland Maynooth. ERC funding, which was declined by the researchers based in the UK, has become available for researchers whose proposals were evaluated as excellent but were initially put on reserve lists because of lack of funds

Irish artist wins Music Moves Europe Awards 2024 (19/01/2024)

Irish artist Yunè Pinku is among the five winners of a 2024 Music Moves Europe Award, the EU Prize for popular and contemporary music. In doing so, she joins a very long and prestigious list of previous Irish winners including more recently Denise Chaila and Inhaler and further back, Hozier, Kodaline, James Vincent McMorrow, The Script and Dolores O'Riordan. The Music Moves Europe Awards are co-funded by Creative Europe, the EU funding programme for the culture and audiovisual sectors and are implemented by Eurosonic Noorderslag and Reeperbahn Festival with the support of partners from the music industry.

Commission welcomes agreement on strong EU targets to reduce CO2 emissions from new trucks and urban buses (19/01/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed last week's agreement between the European Parliament and Council of the EU on a provisional political agreement strengthening CO2 emissions standards for new heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) entering the EU market from 2030. The agreement sets CO2 emissions reduction targets for HDVs of 45% for 2030-2034, 65% for 2035-2039 and 90% as of 2040, compared to 2019 levels.

Commission takes action to ensure complete and timely transposition of EU directives (25/01/2024)

The European Commission is adopting a package of infringement decisions due to the absence of communication by Member States of measures taken to transpose EU directives into national law. The Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to those Member States who have failed to notify national measures transposing directives, whose transposition deadline expired recently. Ireland is being sent letters of formal notice for failure to communicate the complete transposition of the Directive introducing new transparency rules for payment service providers to help crack down on Value-Added Tax (VAT) fraud and for failure to transpose agreed rules to strengthen and expand EU emissions trading.

Commission welcomes the political agreement on the voluntary digital labelling of EU fertilising products (23/01/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the voluntary digital labelling of EU fertilising products. The new rules will allow manufacturers and suppliers of CE-marked fertilising products that meet EU-wide standards for health, safety, and the environment to provide labelling information in digital form. This will ultimately foster a more efficient use of EU fertilising products. Simultaneously, the rules streamline labelling obligations for businesses, so that their costs will be reduced.

Commission sends Statement of Objections to six companies in farmed Atlantic salmon cartel case (25/01/2024)

The European Commission has informed Norwegian salmon producers Cermaq, Grieg Seafood, Bremnes, Lerøy, Mowi and SalMar of its preliminary view that they breached EU antitrust rules by colluding to distort competition in the market for spot sales of Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon in the EU. The Commission has concerns that, between 2011 and 2019, the six salmon producers, exchanged commercially sensitive information, relating to sales prices, available volumes, sales volumes, production volumes and production capacities, as well as other price-setting factors

Ireland has the 4th largest share of new cars in the EU: Eurostat (23/01/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that the total number of passenger cars in the EU reached nearly 253 million in 2022 (+14% compared with 2013). In Ireland, the total number of passenger cars reached over 2.335 million in 2022, up over 17% on 2013. The figures also show that Ireland (13.1%) had the joint 4th highest number of new passenger cars (i.e. less than 2 years old) in the EU in 2022 after Luxembourg (18%), Germany and Sweden (both 15%). With regard to electric cars, the number of battery-only electric passenger cars in the EU countries reached almost 3 million in 2022, a +55% increase compared with 2021 (1.9 million). In Ireland, the number of electric cars reached almost 37,000 in 2022, an increase of over 70% on 2021.

Monday 29 January: General Affairs Council, Brussels (19/01/2024)

The Council will hold a policy debate on the ‘Defence of European Democracy’ package. The discussion will take place in public session. Also on the agenda: a presentation by the Belgian presidency on the priorities for its term of office and a country specific dialogue on the annual rule of law dialogue.

Tuesday 30 January: EU Basics Webinar (22/01/2024)

On Tuesday 30 January, the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland is hosting a free EU Basics Webinar. The webinar will start with a presentation followed by a Question and Answer session.

Thursday 1 February: What Went Wrong with Brexit – And What We Can Do About It (IIEA event) (19/01/2024)

In his address to the IIEA, three years after the UK-EU Brexit deal came into force, Financial Times journalist, Peter Foster, will examine how the UK’s 2016 vote to leave the EU roiled British politics and led to the limited deal that currently governs relations between London and Brussels. In a year of big elections, Mr Foster will reflect on how a Labour-led government, under Sir Keir Starmer, might look to promote more constructive relations between the UK and the EU.

Thursday 1 February: EU funding Interreg NWE - info session for Irish partners (22/01/2024)

The Southern Regional Assembly is hosting an information session for Irish applicants interested in applying for Interreg North West Europe Call 4 funding. The information session, which takes place from 10-11 am, will look at funding priorities, project success tips, consortium joining & networking opportunities.

Thursday 1 February: Special European Council, Brussels (19/01/2024)

A special European Council will take place in Brussels on 1 February. The main agenda item for this meeting will be the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027.

Friday 2 February: The Zeitenwende is Not Enough – Germany Needs a Grand Strategy (IIEA event) (22/01/2024)

Dr Benjamin Tallis, Senior Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), will address an IIEA online event on the Zeitenwende, Germany’s security transformation. In his opinion, the Zeitenwende remains incomplete. Dr Benjamin Tallis is a Senior Research Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) where he leads the ‘Action Group Zeitenwende’ as well as the DGAP Grand Strategy Group & co-hosts the podcast BerlinsideOut. He is the author of the concepts of Neo-Idealism and Team Power and of the books To Ukraine With Love: Essays on Russia’s War and Europe’s Future and Identities, Borderscapes, Orders: (Im)Mobility, (In)Security and Crisis in the EU and Ukraine.

Tuesday 6 February: Launch of Rural Toolkit (24/01/2024)

The online launch of the Rural Toolkit will take place on Tuesday 6 February from 9.30 to 11 am. The Rural Toolkit is the first comprehensive online guide to EU funding and support opportunities for rural areas in the European Union. The launch event will include a presentation and a live demo of the tool.

Thursday 8 February: Sanctions Against Russia – Going Global (IIEA event) (19/01/2024)

The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O'Sullivan, was appointed in January 2023 to reach out to third countries and maximise the impact of EU sanctions against Russia by ensuring that sanctions are implemented fully and effectively. In his address to the IIEA, he will reflect on the objectives of these sanctions and his role as EU Sanctions Envoy so far. David O'Sullivan is a former Secretary General of the European Commission.

Friday 23 February: Review of the CJEU (Court of Justice of the EU) in 2023, Irish Centre for European Law (23/01/2024)

On Friday morning 23 February, the Irish Centre for European Law’s (ICEL) conference, Review of the CJEU in 2023, will take place at the Chartered Accountants Ireland, 47 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, D02 YN40. The conference will analyse the key judgements and trends emerging from the Court of Justice of the European Union during the last year. It will feature keynote addresses by Koen Lenaerts, President of the CJEU and Advocate General Anthony M. Collins. Speakers also include Professor Herke Kranenborg (Privacy and Data Protection), Aoife Carroll BL (Environmental Law), and Ciara Fulton, Partner, Lewis Silkin (Employment and Social Rights).

Ireland’s National Dialogue on the Future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy (23/01/2024)

The Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe this week launched Ireland’s public consultation on the future of the European Union’s Cohesion Policy. This forms part of a wider process which is being facilitated by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform in advance of negotiations on the post 2027 Cohesion Policy Legislative Package expected to be presented in mid-2025. This public consultation will be followed by a National Forum meeting later in the year. The combined results will contribute directly to Ireland’s position on this key EU policy post 2027. The consultation is open until 18 February 2024.

Commission welcomes political agreement on the first Anti-Money Laundering Regulation and new Anti-Money Laundering Directive (18/01/2024)

The European Commission has welcomed the political agreement reached this week between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the Commission's proposals for the first anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regulation and the sixth AML/CFT directive. The anti-money laundering regulation will exhaustively harmonise rules throughout the EU, closing possible loopholes used by criminals to launder illicit proceeds or finance terrorist activities through the financial system while the directive will improve the organisation of national anti-money laundering systems. Welcoming the agreement, Commissioner McGuinness said: "This week's agreements are an important milestone in the fight against dirty money in the EU. The new approach sets out rules which address decisively the weaknesses identified in the past, and provides flexible mechanisms to ensure our financial system is not an easy destination for the proceeds of crime".

Large rise in number of staff and learners coming to Ireland under the Erasmus+ programme (15/01/2024)

According to the recently published Erasmus+ annual report for 2022, a total of 41,726 staff and learners travelled to Ireland under the Erasmus programme that year, the highest number ever and up from a previous high of 29,905 in 2019. The numbers of Irish people who travelled outside of Ireland were also higher than ever at 9,544 with Spain being the overall most popular destination for Irish people. The figures include staff and learners from higher education, vocational education and training, school education, adult education and youth programmes. Erasmus+ is the EU programme in the fields of education, training, youth and sport for the period 2021-2027 supporting both individuals and organisations.

President von der Leyen addresses European Parliament on the conclusions of the December European Council (17/01/2024)

President von der Leyen addressed the European Parliament in Strasbourg this week on the conclusions of the December 2023 European Council and preparations for the Special European Council on 1 February 2024 which will focus on the EU budget. Speaking about the opening of accession negotiations with Ukraine, the President said: "The last European Council has shown the political will to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes. But we must back this decision with adequate funding. We have proposed to guarantee stable and substantial financing to Ukraine over the next four years to support the daily functioning of the State, to stabilise the economy and to bring it closer to our Union. All this requires an updated EU budget".

MEPs adopt new law banning greenwashing and misleading product information (17/01/2024)

The European Parliament this week gave its final green light to a directive that will improve product labelling and ban the use of misleading environmental claims. The Green Claims Directive aims to make product labelling clearer and more trustworthy by banning the use of general environmental claims like “environmentally friendly”, “natural”, “biodegradable”, “climate neutral” or “eco” without proof. The directive now needs to receive final approval from the Council of the EU, after which it will be published in the Official Journal and Member States will have 24 months to transpose it into national law.

TCD researcher awarded European Research Council grant (18/01/2024)

The European Research Council (ERC) this week announced another 102 Proof of Concept grants, bringing the total number of researchers receiving such funding to 240 (including 4 from Ireland) in last year’s three competition rounds. Professor Conor Buckley from Trinity College Dublin was among the 102 grant recipients announced this week. He received the grant for his pioneering non-surgical solution to treating back pain. Each Proof of Concept grant is worth €150,000 and helps ERC grantees to bridge the gap between the results of their pioneering research and the early phases of its commercialisation.

Irish project shortlisted for EU architectural prize (18/01/2024)

The European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe this week announced the names of the 40 finalists for the EU Prize for Contemporary Architecture/Mies van der Rohe award, as the most outstanding representatives of contemporary European architecture. Chosen from a pool of 362 nominations for the EU Mies Award 2024, these works span 38 European cities in 33 regions and 20 countries. One Irish project has been shortlisted - the Annesley Gardens project from Metropolitan Workshop LLP which transformed a backland site in an architectural conservation area in Dublin into a residential street of 20 homes. Announcing the short-listed works, Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland Barbara Nolan said: "They are marvellous examples of architects’ commitment to responsible, ethical and environmentally conscious design".

New Regulation on Digitalisation of Justice enters into force (16/01/2024)

New rules on digitalisation of justice entered into force this week. The Regulation on digitalisation of judicial cooperation and access to justice will ensure that communication in the EU is harmonised and cross-border civil and criminal procedures will be digitalised. The Regulation will also make it possible for citizens and businesses to launch requests or communicate with judicial authorities in cross-border situations. The so-called European electronic access point, an interface for launching small claims against a defendant in another Member State, will be set up on the European e-Justice Portal. This will help consumers to obtain redress.

Agri-food business mission to Kazakhstan (15/01/2024)

EU Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski will be visiting Kazakhstan on 27-31 May 2024, accompanied by a business delegation of senior representatives from the EU agri-food sector. The purpose of this visit is to facilitate European agricultural food and beverage exports to Kazakhstan and expand their presence in the Central Asian markets. The Commission is inviting business representatives from the following sectors to apply: fruits, vegetables, and their preparations; wines and spirits; preparations of pig meat and poultry; dairy products; and cereals and their preparations. Businesses interested in taking part should apply by 26 January 2024.

Commission opens participation to Critical Medicines Alliance (16/01/2024)

The European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) this week launched an open call for expression of interest to join the Critical Medicines Alliance. The set up of the Alliance is one of the key actions to prevent and address shortages of critical medicines announced by the Commission in October 2023. The Alliance will bring together all relevant stakeholders, and work to strengthen cooperation between the Commission, national governments, industry, and civil society. It will identify the challenges, priorities for action, and possible policy solutions to the issue of shortages of critical medicines in the EU.

European Commission and European Investment Fund join forces to boost investment in defence innovation (15/01/2024)

The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have joined forces to step up their support to EU's defence and security through the launch of the Defence Equity Facility. The initiative, consisting of €100 million from the European Defence Fund and an additional €75 million from the European Investment Fund, will significantly expand EIF's investment capacity to support, in the next four years, private equity and venture capital funds with strategies covering technologies relevant to defence.

Ireland in 10th place for average life satisfaction: Eurostat (15/01/2024)

Average life satisfaction in Ireland stood at 7.4/10 in 2022,10th highest in the EU, according to Eurostat. Although this figure was above the EU average of 7.1, it was down from 8.1/10 in 2018. The life satisfaction rating was highest in Austria (7.9), Finland, Poland and Romania (each at 7.7), Belgium and the Netherlands (both at 7.6) and lowest in Bulgaria (5.6), Germany (6.5) and Greece (6.7). The figures for Ireland show that life satisfaction was slightly higher for people with a third level education (7.6) than for those with a low level of education, i.e. below lower secondary (7.2). It was also higher for people living in rural areas (7.5) compared to those living in cities (7.3).

Passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants 5th lowest in the EU: Eurostat (17/01/2024)

New Eurostat figures show that Ireland had the 5th lowest share of passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants in the EU in 2022 at 457 (up from 426 in 2012). The EU average was 560 passenger cars per 1,000 inhabitants (up from 490 in 2012). Passenger car numbers were highest in Italy (684) followed by Luxembourg (678), Finland (661), and Cyprus (658). They were lowest in Latvia (414), Romania (417), Hungary (424) and Bulgaria (428).

Monday 22 January: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (12/01/2024)

Following an informal exchange of views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine, against the background of Russia's intense campaign against Ukraine over the new year and the opening of accession talks with Ukraine at December's European Council. The Council will also hold an exchange of views on the situation in the Middle East.

Tuesday 23 January: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (12/01/2024)

Agenda highlights: presentation of the work programme of the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU; trade-related agricultural issues; public discussion on the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in Europe; exchange of views on the proposed regulation on a monitoring framework for resilient European forests.

Monday 29 January: General Affairs Council, Brussels (12/01/2024)

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

Thursday 1 February: What Went Wrong with Brexit – And What We Can Do About It (IIEA event) (16/01/2024)

In his address to the IIEA, three years after the UK-EU Brexit deal came into force, Financial Times journalist, Peter Foster, will examine how the UK’s 2016 vote to leave the EU roiled British politics and led to the limited deal that currently governs relations between London and Brussels. In a year of big elections, Mr Foster will reflect on how a Labour-led government, under Sir Keir Starmer, might look to promote more constructive relations between the UK and the EU.

Thursday 1 February: Special European Council, Brussels (15/01/2024)

A special European Council will take place in Brussels on 1 February. The main agenda item for this meeting will be the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027.

Thursday 8 February: Sanctions Against Russia – Going Global (IIEA event) (12/01/2024)

The EU Sanctions Envoy, David O'Sullivan, was appointed in January 2023 to reach out to third countries and maximise the impact of EU sanctions against Russia by ensuring that sanctions are implemented fully and effectively. In his address to the IIEA, he will reflect on the objectives of these sanctions and his role as EU Sanctions Envoy so far. David O'Sullivan is a former Secretary General of the European Commission.

New Creative Europe call to support literary translations and book promotion (16/01/2024)

The European Commission this week launched the 2024 call for the Circulation of European Literary Works under the Creative Europe Programme. Backed by a budget of €5 million, this initiative aims to facilitate the translation, publication, distribution, and promotion of various forms of European works of fiction, including novels, poetry, and comics, through approximately 40 projects. The size of supported projects varies from small-scale projects (up to 10 books, €100 000), to medium-scale (up to 20 books, €200 000), and large-scale projects (at least 21 books, €300 000). The deadline for applications is 16 April 2024.

EU Award for Gender Equality Champions (11/01/2024)

The 2023 EU Award for Gender Equality Champions is now open. The award recognises and celebrates the outstanding results achieved by European academic and research organisations through the implementation of Gender Equality Plans. There are 3 prize categories: Sustainable Gender Equality Champions; Newcomer Gender Equality Champions; and Inclusive Gender Equality Champions. Each prize winner will receive €100,000. The deadline to apply is 25 January 2024.

MakeEUBlue Awards 2024 (17/01/2024)

The EU4Ocean coalition has opened applications for its annual MakeEUBlue Awards. The Awards recognise innovative and outstanding initiatives in the field of ocean literacy in Europe. The winners will benefit from multiple prizes, including an official award certificate, a hand-made ocean-themed trophy, and a financial reward. Applications are open until 9 February. The winners are to be announced at the European Maritime Day, which this year takes place on 30-31 May in Svendborg, Denmark.