European Union

An Italian captain of a frigate, plus a Russian who was accredited at their embassy, have been accused of "serious crimes tied to spying and state security", according to Reuters. Ansa news agency said Nato documents were among the files that the Italian had handed over, raising potential security worries for other members of the Western military alliance. The Italian captain was arrested, while two Russian diplomats were expelled.

The European Medicine Agency insisted on Wednesday that the AstraZeneca vaccine's benefits outweigh the risks, but acknowledged that people should be aware of the "remote possibility" of rare blood clots occurring, Reuters reported. "A causal link with the vaccine is not proven, but is possible and further analysis is continuing," the EU drug agency said. The statement comes after several countries limited the jab use for certain vulnerable groups.

Europe has an opportunity to use the textiles strategy, due to be published this year, to build on its history of textile manufacturing and switch to a more sustainable industry, benefitting citizens and the environment, writes Valérie Boiten.

EU institutions have put forward a first-ever, controversial entry into the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the Netherlands in May.

The Slovenian prime minister recently lashed out against both journalists and MEPs. His country will soon take over the presidency. In Brussels, there is concern - but also faith that Janez Janša cannot have much impact on the EU machinery.

The European Parliament's plans to replace the current paper-based MEPs attendance control system with a digital register, based on a fingerprint scanner, raises "critical concerns", the EU data protection watchdog has warned.

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

The EU treaties give the European Union certain powers. Learn about the EU’s competences and how it works with its member states.

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

The EU treaties give the European Union certain powers. Learn about the EU’s competences and how it works with its member states.

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2021 - EP

A joint press conference followed by Q&A session will be held by President of the European Council Charles Michel and Director-General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on an international pandemic treaty.

The Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU's military operation in the Mediterranean - EUNAVFOR MED IRINI - until 31 March 2023.

Weekly schedule of President Charles Michel 29 March – 4 April 2021

The Council lifted restrictive measures on one person previously responsible for acts that threaten the peace, stability, and security of Libya, or that obstruct or undermine the successful completion of its political transition.

Remarks by President Charles Michel following the video conference of the members of the European Council of 25 March 2021

Following the informal video conference on 25 March 2021, the members of the European Council adopted a statement on COVID-19, single market, industrial policy, digital and the economy, the Eastern Mediterranean and Russia.

President of the United States Joe Biden joined the videoconference of EU leaders for an exchange of views on transatlantic relations.

Following the informal video conference on 25 March 2021, the members of the Euro Summit, meeting in an inclusive format, adopted a statement on the international role of the euro.

EU leaders and social partners met, via video conference, at the tripartite social summit to discuss the question "how to achieve a fair and sustainable recovery?"

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the alignment of certain third countries with the Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/353 of 25 February 2021 amending Decision 2012/642/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Belarus.