"Representation in Malta - EC Report Malta" Newsletter Issues

Europe's moment: Repair and prepare for the next generation (29/05/2020)

On 27 May, the European Commission put forward its proposal for a major recovery plan. To ensure the recovery is sustainable, even, inclusive and fair for all Member States, the European Commission is proposing to create a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EU, embedded within a powerful, modern and revamped long-term EU budget. The Commission has also unveiled its adjusted Work Programme for 2020, which will prioritise the actions needed to propel Europe's recovery and resilience.

Coronavirus Global Response: kick off of new campaign with support of Global Citizen (29/05/2020)

On 28 May, the Commission announced the next steps in the Coronavirus Global Response, the global action for universal access to affordable coronavirus vaccination, treatment and testing. The pledging marathon that started on 4 May will now see the launch of a new campaign with the international advocacy organisation Global Citizen, “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future”, that will culminate in a Global Pledging Summit on Saturday 27 June.

Reinforcing Europe's resilience: halting biodiversity loss and building a healthy and sustainable food system (29/05/2020)

On 20 May, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive new Biodiversity Strategy to bring nature back into our lives and a Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The two strategies are mutually reinforcing, bringing together nature, farmers, business and consumers for jointly working towards a competitively sustainable future.

Commission proposes a public loan facility to support green investments together with the European Investment Bank (29/05/2020)

On 28 May, the European Commission presented its proposal for a public sector loan facility under the Just Transition Mechanism. The facility will be implemented with the involvement of the European Investment Bank and will encourage investments that support the transition towards a climate-neutral economy by public sector authorities to the benefit of coal- and carbon-intensive regions.

Tourism and transport: Commission’s guidance on how to safely resume travel and reboot Europe’s tourism in 2020 and beyond (29/05/2020)

On 13 May, the Commission presented a package of guidelines and recommendations to help Member States gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen, after months of lockdown, while respecting necessary health precautions.

European Semester Spring Package: Recommendations for a coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic (29/05/2020)

On 20 May, the Commission proposed country-specific recommendations (CSRs) providing economic policy guidance to all EU Member States in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, focused on the most urgent challenges brought about by the pandemic and on relaunching sustainable growth.

Coronavirus: Commission welcomes Council adoption of €100 billion SURE instrument (29/05/2020)

The European Commission warmly welcomed the agreement between Member States in the Council on the regulation establishing the European instrument for temporary Support to mitigate Unemployment Risks in an Emergency (SURE).

State aid: Commission approves €11.5 million Maltese scheme to support investments in the production of coronavirus-relevant products (29/05/2020)

The European Commission has approved a Maltese aid scheme of €11.5 million to support investments in the production of productsthat are relevant to the coronavirus outbreak, including vaccines, ventilators and personal protective equipment. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April and 8 May 2020.

State aid: Commission approves €40 million Maltese support scheme to grant interest rate subsidies to companies (29/05/2020)

The European Commission has approved a €40 million Maltese interest rate subsidy scheme to support companies facing acute liquidity shortages due to the current coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020 and 8 May 2020.

Spring 2020 Economic Forecast: A deep and uneven recession, an uncertain recovery (29/05/2020)

The coronavirus pandemic represents a major shock for the global and EU economies, with very severe socio-economic consequences. Despite the swift and comprehensive policy response at both EU and national level, the EU economy will experience a recession of historic proportions this year.

State aid: Commission approves €215 million Maltese employment aid scheme to support sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak (30/04/2020)

The European Commission has approved a €215 million Maltese wage subsidies scheme to support companies operating in the sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020.

Coronavirus Response: Commission adopts banking package to facilitate lending to households and businesses in the EU (30/04/2020)

On 28 April, the Commission adopted a banking package to help facilitate bank lending to households and businesses throughout the European Union. The aim of this package is to ensure that banks can continue to lend money to support the economy and help mitigate the significant economic impact of the Coronavirus.

Coronavirus: President von der Leyen outlines EU budget as Marshall Plan for Europe’s recovery (30/04/2020)

On 16 April, President Ursula von der Leyen gave a speech at the European Parliament plenary session on the EU’s coordinated action to fight the coronavirus pandemic and its consequences.

Coronavirus: Commission presents guidance on implementing EU rules on asylum and return procedures and on resettlement (30/04/2020)

On 16 April, the Commission adopted guidance on the implementation of relevant EU rules on asylum and return procedures and on resettlement in the context of the coronavirus pandemic, which it will present to Member States. This responds to Member States’ request for advice on ways to ensure the continuity of procedures and the respect of, at a minimum, basic rights.

EU and Mexico conclude negotiations for new trade agreement (30/04/2020)

The European Union and Mexico concluded on 28 April the last outstanding element of the negotiation of their new trade agreement. Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan and Mexican Minister of Economy Graciela Márquez Colín – in a phone call today – agreed on the exact scope of the reciprocal opening of public procurement markets and a high level of predictability and transparency in public procurement processes.

EU leaders approve €540 billion package of safety nets and task Commission with developing proposal for Recovery Fund (30/04/2020)

During their videoconference on 23 April, EU leaders discussed progress on the various dimensions of the European response to the pandemic and welcomed the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting of containment measures.

Coronavirus Global Response: EU launches pledging effort (30/04/2020)

The European Union is joining forces with global partners to kick-start a pledging effort – the Coronavirus Global Response – starting on 4 May 2020.

Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak (30/03/2020)

Speech delivered on Thursday 26 March by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the European coordinated response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus: Commission bid to ensure supply of personal protective equipment for the EU proves successful (30/03/2020)

The joint procurement of personal protective equipment launched by the European Commission to address the coronavirus crisis has proven successful.

Coronavirus: Commission presents practical guidance to ensure continuous flow of goods across EU via green lanes (30/03/2020)

On 23 March, the Commission issued new practical advice on how to implement its Guidelines for border management, in order to keep freight moving across the EU during the current pandemic. To ensure that EU-wide supply chains continue to operate, Member States are requested to designate, without delay, all the relevant internal border-crossing points on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) as ‘green lane' border crossings. The green lane border crossings should be open to all freight vehicles, whatever goods they are carrying. Crossing the border, including any checks and health screening, should not take more than 15 minutes.

Coronavirus: Commission proposes to activate fiscal framework's general escape clause to respond to pandemic (30/03/2020)

On 20 March, the Commission proposed the activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) as part of its strategy to respond quickly, forcefully and in a coordinated manner to the coronavirus pandemic. Once endorsed by the Council, it will allow Member States to undertake measures to deal adequately with the crisis, while departing from the budgetary requirements that would normally apply under the European fiscal framework.

State aid: Commission adopts Temporary Framework to enable Member States to further support the economy in the COVID-19 outbreak (30/03/2020)

The European Commission has adopted a Temporary Framework to enable Member States to use the full flexibility foreseen under State aid rules to support the economy in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak. Together with many other support measures that can be used by Member States under the existing State aid rules, the Temporary Framework enables Member States to ensure that sufficient liquidity remains available to businesses of all types and to preserve the continuity of economic activity during and after the COVID-19 outbreak.

ECB announces €750 billion Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) (30/03/2020)

On 18 March, the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to launch a new temporary asset purchase programme of private and public sector securities to counter the serious risks to the monetary policy transmission mechanism and the outlook for the euro area posed by the outbreak and escalating diffusion of the coronavirus, COVID-19.

COVID19 in Malta - Multilingual update (30/03/2020)

To help the communities of expats living in Malta, in this section, we will publish a summary of the daily Corona Virus news on the island. Check this page daily to keep up to date!

Commission boosts budget for repatriation flights and rescEU stockpile (30/03/2020)

On 27 March, the European Commission proposed to make €75 million from the EU budget available to help Member States repatriate EU nationals and to increase the budget of the RescEU medical stockpile.

Standard Eurobarometer 92 - National Report (28/02/2020)

The European Commission Representation in Malta is pleased to publish the National Report of the latest Standard Eurobarometer Survey (EB92). The national report outlines the main findings of the fieldwork conducted between 14 and 28 November 2019. A total of 501 face–to–face interviews were conducted with respondents residing in Malta aged 15 years and over.

Malta Country Health Profile 2019 (28/02/2020)

The European Commission Representation launched the Malta Country Health Profile 2019. On Wednesday 26 February 2020, Ms Gemma WILLIAMS, Research Fellow from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and Mr Peter Paul BORG, Policy Officer from the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety of the European Commission, presented the Malta Profile to Maltese Stakeholders and the press. In their interventions, they presented the highlights of the Malta Health Profile, outlining the health status and risk factors, as well as the effectiveness, accessibility and resilience of the health system.

The EU's Response to COVID-19 (28/02/2020)

The European Commission is working on all fronts to support efforts to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes ongoing coordination with Member States to share information, assess needs and ensure a coherent EU-wide response. The Commission is also funding research, offering support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and supporting China with emergency medical supplies to tackle the outbreak at its source.

Shaping Europe's digital future: Commission presents strategies for data and Artificial Intelligence (28/02/2020)

On 19 February 2020, the Commission unveiled its ideas and actions for a digital transformation that works for all, reflecting the best of Europe: open, fair, diverse, democratic and confident. It presents a European society powered by digital solutions that put people first, opens up new opportunities for businesses, and boosts the development of trustworthy technology to foster an open and democratic society and a vibrant and sustainable economy.

European Commission launches EU-wide public consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan (28/02/2020)

On 4 February, World Cancer Day, the European Commission launched an EU-wide public consultation on Europe's Beating Cancer Plan. The consultation will help shape the Plan, identify key areas, and explore future action.

Winter 2020 Economic Forecast: Offsetting forces confirm subdued growth (28/02/2020)

The Winter 2020 Economic Forecast published on 13 February 2020 projects that the European economy is set to continue on a path of steady, moderate growth. The euro area has now enjoyed its longest period of sustained growth since the euro was introduced in 1999.

Commission presents review of EU economic governance and launches debate on its future (28/02/2020)

On 5 February, the Commission presented a review of the effectiveness of the economic surveillance framework and launched a public debate on its future.

Call for Tenders – Event organisation services for the European Commission Representation in Malta (29/01/2020)

The European Commission Representation in Malta will be issuing a call for tenders for the provision of event-organisation services for Europe Day 2020. This will consist of a tender for the provision of services related to events that will take place in Malta and Gozo, including a reception for around 300 guests, entertainment in Valletta, and a family fair in Gozo which will take place around the 9 May 2020.

Launch of the Croatian EU Presidency (29/01/2020)

On Thursday 16 January the European Commission Representation in Malta, together with the Croatian Embassy in Rome, held an event at Europe House, Valletta to mark the beginning of the Croatian Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Writing Stars/Brillantini tal-Kitba visit the EU institutions (29/01/2020)

The Representation collaborated with the National Literary Agency within the Education Ministry to organise a trip to the European Institutions for the winners of the competition Writing Stars/Brillantini tal-Kitba.

Coronavirus: EU Civil Protection Mechanism activated for the repatriation of EU citizens (29/01/2020)

As the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus intensifies, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated following a request for assistance from France to provide consular support to EU citizens in Wuhan, China.

Shaping the Conference on the Future of Europe (29/01/2020)

On 22 January, the European Commission set out its ideas for shaping the Conference on the Future of Europe, which should be launched on Europe Day, 9 May 2020 and run for two years. The Communication adopted is the Commission's contribution to the already lively debate around the Conference on the Future of Europe – a project announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines, to give Europeans a greater say on what the European Union does and how it works for them.

Financing the green transition: The European Green Deal Investment Plan and Just Transition Mechanism (29/01/2020)

The European Union is committed to becoming the first climate-neutral bloc in the world by 2050. This requires significant investment from both the EU and the national public sector, as well as the private sector. The European Green Deal's Investment Plan - the Sustainable Europe Investment Plan - presented today will mobilise public investment and help to unlock private funds through EU financial instruments, notably InvestEU, which would lead to at least €1 trillion of investments.

Commission presents first reflections on building a strong social Europe for just transitions (29/01/2020)

On 14 January, the Commission presented a Communication on building a strong social Europe for just transitions. It sets out how social policy will help deliver on the challenges and opportunities of today, proposing action at EU level for the months to come, and seeking feedback on further action at all levels in the area of employment and social rights. The Commission has launched the first phase consultation with social partners – businesses and trade unions – on the issue of fair minimum wages for workers in the EU.

Speech of Vice-President Jourová on the Rule of Law in Malta at the European Parliament plenary debate (18/12/2019)

Speech delivered by European Commission Vice-President Vera Jourová on 17 December at the European Parliament plenary debate on the Rule of Law in Malta, after the recent revelations around the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The European Green Deal sets out how to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 (18/12/2019)

On 11 December, the European Commission presented The European Green Deal – a roadmap for making the EU's economy sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas and making the transition just and inclusive for all.

The Working Methods of the von der Leyen Commission (18/12/2019)

On 4 December, the von der Leyen Commission revealed its working methods which will be the basis for the new College to deliver on the President's Agenda for Europe during the next five years. They put collegiality, transparency and efficiency first.

European Semester Autumn Package: Creating an economy that works for people and the planet (18/12/2019)

On 17 December, the von der Leyen Commission launched a new European Semester cycle, the first of its mandate. It presents an ambitious, rebooted growth strategy focused on promoting competitive sustainability to build an economy that works for people and the planet.

Commissioner Vella: Overview of the challenges and achievements (28/11/2019)

On 15 November, we bid farewell to Karmenu Vella and thanked him for 5 years of excellent work as EU Commissioner for the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. Commissioner Vella gave an overview of how his work on the environment, oceans and fisheries created a solid foundation for the upcoming von der Leyen Commission. Read his full speech below.

#EuropeanCinemaNight - Klimt & Schiele - Eros and Psyche (28/11/2019)

On 4 December, join us for a special screening of 'Klimt and Schiele: Eros and Psyche' with free entrance at the Eden Cinemas! Short introduction and cocktail-reception for the audience will be taking place at 8.30pm, prior to the film. A short discussion will follow the screening.

Translating Europe Workshop Malta 2019 (28/11/2019)

The Language Office at the Representation organised its yearly Translating Europe Workshop on the 23rd November, this year celebrating 15 years of Maltese translation in the EU and also 10 years of l-aċċent, the linguistic bulettin of the Maltese language department at the European Commission.

Europe House Open Week (28/11/2019)

The festive season is near, but we moved it a bit forward this year! From 8 to 14 November 2019 we celebrated 15 years of Malta’s EU membership and 10 years of Dar l-Ewropa, the premises hosting the European Parliament Liaison Office and us in Valletta.

Parliament elects the von der Leyen Commission (28/11/2019)

Following the conclusion of the hearings process, Parliament approved the new Commissioners, presented to plenary by Commission President-elect von der Leyen on Wednesday. In a roll call vote that took place at noon on Wednesday, MEPs approved the new College of Commissioners with 461 votes in favour, 157 against and 89 abstentions.

Speech by President-elect von der Leyen in the European Parliament (28/11/2019)

Speech delivered by President-elect von der Leyen in the European Parliament Plenary on the occasion of the presentation of her College of Commissioners and their programme.

State of Health in the EU: shift to prevention and primary care is the most important trend across countries (29/11/2019)

On 28 November, the European Commission published the reports that depict the profile of health systems in 30 countries. Country Health Profiles are being issued with the Companion Report that shows some of the biggest trends in the transformation of the healthcare systems and draws key conclusions from the Profiles.

The European Parliament declares climate emergency (29/11/2019)

Ahead of the UN COP25 Climate Change Conference in Madrid 2-13 December, the Parliament on Thursday approved a resolution declaring a climate and environmental emergency in Europe and globally. They also want the Commission to ensure that all relevant legislative and budgetary proposals are fully aligned with the objective of limiting global warming to under 1.5 °C.

First Juncker Plan project in Malta brings broadband to 70,000 homes (28/11/2019)

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and GO p.l.c. (GO) have signed a €28 million loan to finance GO's investments in telecommunication infrastructure. GO is listed on the Malta Stock Exchange and is the country's leading telecommunication services company.

Autumn Fiscal Package: Commission adopts Opinions on euro area Draft Budgetary Plans (28/11/2019)

On Thursday 20 November, the European Commission presented its Opinions on euro area Member States' 2020 Draft Budgetary Plans, taken steps under the Stability and Growth Pact and adopted the fourth Enhanced Surveillance Report for Greece.

Autumn 2019 Economic Forecast: A challenging road ahead (28/11/2019)

The European economy is now in its seventh consecutive year of growth and is forecast to continue expanding in 2020 and 2021. Labour markets remain strong and unemployment continues to fall. However, the external environment has become much less supportive and uncertainty is running high. This is particularly affecting the manufacturing sector, which is also experiencing structural shifts. As a result, the European economy looks to be heading towards a protracted period of more subdued growth and muted inflation.

Europe House Open Week (31/10/2019)

The festive season is near, but it is already time to celebrate! From 8 to 15 November 2019 we will be celebrating 15 years of Malta’s EU membership and 10 years of Dar l-Ewropa, the premises hosting the European Parliament Liaison Office and us in Valletta.

The second Maltese ELRC seminar (31/10/2019)

The second Maltese ELRC (European Language Resource Coordination) seminar will be held tomorrow at the Old University School (Valletta Campus), Valletta, to discuss the European Commission’s eTranslation automated translation service, and related topics.

#EUandMe Roadshow (31/10/2019)

From 21 to 28 October, a vintage Maltese bus converted into a mobile cinema visited colleges around Malta & Gozo. Its mission: to inspire students through short films directed by up-and-coming European filmmakers!

Climate Diplomacy Week (31/10/2019)

Climate Diplomacy Week was celebrated in Malta from 10 to 20 October 2019. The European Commission Representation, together with the diplomatic representations of France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, came together to organise an event fostering dialogue on climate change and showcasing success stories to inspire further action.

Brexit: European Council adopts decision to extend the period under Article 50 (31/10/2019)

The European Council has adopted a decision to extend the period under Article 50.3 (of the Treaty on the European Union), in the context of the UK's intention to withdraw from the EU. The extension will last until 31 January 2020 to allow more time for the ratification of the withdrawal agreement. The withdrawal can take place earlier on 1 December 2019 or 1 January 2020, if the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties.

Security Union: Significant progress and tangible results over past years but efforts must continue (31/10/2019)

On 30 October, the European Commission took stock of the progress made in the past years towards achieving an effective and genuine Security Union. The report presented recaps the initiatives taken by the Commission in some of the key areas of the Security Union including, the fight against terrorism, information exchange, countering radicalisation and cybersecurity, while noting that further efforts are needed, in particular on the implementation of EU security legislation.

Code of Practice on Disinformation one year on: online platforms submit self-assessment reports (31/10/2019)

On 29 October, the European Commission published the first annual self-assessment reports by Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, Twitter and 7 European trade associations under the Code of Practice on Disinformation. The reports by the signatories of the Code set out the progress made over the past year in the fight against online disinformation. The self-regulatory Code of Practice was launched in October 2018 and is an important pillar of the Action Plan against Disinformation.

Juncker Plan has made major impact on EU jobs and growth (31/10/2019)

The Investment Plan for Europe, the Juncker Plan, has played a key role in boosting jobs and growth in the EU. Investments by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group backed by the Juncker Plan's European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) have increased EU gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.9% and added 1.1 million jobs compared to the baseline scenario.

European Labour Authority starts its work (31/10/2019)

The European Labour Authority started its activities on 15 October with an inaugural ceremony and the first meeting of its Management Board. The launch takes place two years after European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker announced the idea for such an Authority in his 2017 State of the Union address before the European Parliament.

Euro area finance ministers agree on budgetary instrument for convergence and competitiveness (31/10/2019)

Meeting on 13 September, euro area finance ministers held a thematic discussion on growth and jobs during which they shared good practices on conducting spending reviews and managing public assets to boost the efficiency of public investment.

10-20 October - Get ready for the Climate Diplomacy Week (24/09/2019)

Climate Diplomacy Week will be celebrated in Malta from 10 to 20 October 2019. The European Commission Representation, together with the diplomatic representations of France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom, have come together to organise an event that is intended to foster dialogue on climate change, as well as showcase success stories and inspire further action.

The EU in your life - Public call for artwork to celebrate 15 years of EU membership and 10 years of Europe House (24/09/2019)

Get your work exhibited at Europe House! With 15 years of EU membership and 10 years of Europe House under our belt, we've got a lot to celebrate this November.

European Day of Languages & more (24/09/2019)

The Language Office is once again organising the yearly celebrations of the European Day of Languages, together with their traditional partners l-Għaqda tal-Malti and comic animators Danusan.

#EUBeachCleanUp 2019 (24/09/2019)

Every year millions of tons of trash end up in the ocean. By 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the sea. Therefore, the European Union, the United Nations and the Smurfs are teaming up. For clean oceans and clean beaches.

Remarks by Commissioner Avramopoulos following Malta's ministerial meeting on temporary arrangements following disembarkation (24/09/2019)

On Monday 23 September, at a ministerial meeting hosted by Minister Michael Farrugia, Malta, Italy, France and Germany reached a temporary agreement on a system to jointly handle migrants crossing the Mediterranean.

Is your business prepared in case of Brexit? (24/09/2019)

Should the UK leave the EU without a Withdrawal Agreement, which would put in place a transition period, it will be treated as a non-EU country for customs purposes as of the date of its withdrawal. Businesses in the EU should start preparing for this possibility, if they have not yet done so.

The von der Leyen Commission: for a Union that strives for more (24/09/2019)

On Tuesday 10 September, President-elect Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission. The new Commission will reflect the priorities and ambitions set out in the Political Guidelines. The Commission is structured around the objectives President-elect von der Leyen was elected on by the European Parliament.

GDP up by 0.2% and employment up by 0.2% in the euro area; 0.2% and 0.3% in the EU (24/09/2019)

Seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 0.2% in both the euro area and the EU during the second quarter of 2019, compared with the previous quarter, according to an estimate published on 6 September by Eurostat, the EU statistical office.

Investment Plan: EU invests EUR 670 million in micro-enterprises, wind power and the circular economy (24/09/2019)

Croatian micro-enterprises and start-ups looking to purchase small machinery and equipment worth up to EUR 25,000 can benefit from a EUR 10 million guarantee extended on 9 September by the European Investment Fund (EIF) to UniCredit Leasing Croatia.

Last call for Blue Book Trainees (28/08/2019)

Each year, the European Commission offers five-month-long paid traineeships for 1,800 trainees. The deadline to apply for the next round of Blue Book Traineeships is on Friday 30 August, so hurry up!

Smurfing our blue planet: European Union and Smurfs team up to protect the ocean (28/08/2019)

What do the European Union and the Smurfs have in common? Both are blue, and both care deeply about the health of our – blue – planet. And now they will partner to clean up beaches across the world, and encourage people to take care of our ocean.

Spring 2019 Standard Eurobarometer: Europeans upbeat about the state of the European Union – best results in 5 years (28/08/2019)

A new Eurobarometer survey released on 5 August shows a strong increase in citizens’ positive perception of the European Union across the board – from the economy to the state of democracy. These are the best results since the June 2014 Eurobarometer survey conducted before the Juncker Commission took office.

Main results of the G7 summit (28/08/2019)

At the G7 summit of 24-26 August in Biarritz, France, world leaders discussed global challenges such as Iran, trade tensions, the fight against inequalities and climate change. They also discussed the global issue of the wildfires in the Amazon. At the end of the summit, they adopted the G7 Leaders' Declaration.

EU announces record €550 million contribution to save 16 million lives from AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria (28/08/2019)

On 24 August, the EU announced a €550 million pledge to The Global Fund (link is external) during the G7 summit in Biarritz. The Fund is an international partnership to fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria around the world. Its work has already saved 27 million lives since it was created in 2002.