The first European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council summit to take place in Brussels
The first summit between the leaders of EU and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is scheduled to take place in Brussels on 16 October. The summit is an opportunity for the EU to develop a closer partnership with the GCC and its Member States (the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait), who are geostrategic partners at a time of challenging geopolitical circumstances.
Today, the High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell will host a working dinner at ministerial level with EU Member States and the Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ahead of the EU-GCC Leaders’ summit on Wednesday. Ahead of the dinner the High Representative will do a doorstep in the Council, at around 19:00. You can follow the press remarks live on EbS.
Tomorrow, President von der Leyen and the High Representative Borrell, will partic
ipate in the first ever summit between EU and GCC leaders. The meeting will be co-chaired by the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as the rotating President of the GCC. The Summit will be followed by a press conference later in the afternoon, co-chaired by the High Representative, which will be available on EbS.
The Ministerial and Leaders’ meetings will offer an occasion to discuss how the EU and GCC can further cooperate on common key global challenges; economic cooperation, including trade and investment; energy; sustainability and climate; connectivity; people-to-people contact. These high-level events are a confirmation of the shared commitment to develop EU-GCC cooperation and the Strategic Partnership between the two blocs.
(For more information: Peter Stano – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 53; Gioia Franchellucci – Tel.: +32 2 296 80 41)
New Commission tool will help deploy innovative technologies to reduce industrial pollution aroun
d Europe
Following the launch of the European Innovation Centre for Industrial Transformation and Emissions (INCITE) in June 2024, the Commission unveils today the INCITE information platform that centralises data on innovative clean industrial technologies.
INCITE is a key component of the revised Industrial Emissions Directive (IED). It promotes the uptake of innovative technologies that can lower emissions (including greenhouse gas emissions) or reduce waste of resources. The platform is designed to receive and collect data from and on all industrial sectors covered under the IED, with an initial focus on energy-intensive industries such as iron, steel, cement, and chemicals production. To start with, around 20 illustrative techniques are available on the platform originating from ongoing EU-funded projects. Examples include carbon capture and storage projects in the cement and lime sectors, hybrid furnaces in the glass industry, and projects for treating PFAS in wastewater.
Users can submit information
through a simple questionnaire. The platform helps stakeholders make informed decisions by providing a comprehensive overview of the environmental performance, technology maturity, costs and benefits, and possible trade-offs of these technologies. The platform will also support dialogue and cooperation between industry, technology providers, research and technology organisations, policymakers and financial actors. In addition, it will support national authorities in the process of approving first-of-a-kind industrial plants and provide information to financial actors to identify the most promising technologies to invest in.
This tool is managed by the Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). Innovative techniques considered ready for use and with significant environmental benefits will be included in the Sevilla process, to develop future environmental norms and further increase the deployment of clean technologies in Europe. More information is available here.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +
32 2 299 10 99; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
Commission publishes Eurobarometer survey on Europeans’ perception of values and rights
The Commission has published today the results of its second Eurobarometer survey on justice, rights and values, which provides insight into EU citizens’ perception of the values and rights promoted by the EU through its legislation, policies and funding programmes, as well as the instruments available to promote and protect them.
Carried out in all EU Member States in March and April 2024, the survey shows that more than half of Europeans feel well informed about the rule of law in their own country, while two thirds believe that EU rights and values – such as fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law – are adequately protected. When asked about their awareness of EU legislation in this area, and despite a slight decrease, more than 60% of respondents said they were informed. For example, almost half of Europeans are aware of their right to reside freely an
ywhere in the EU and their right to equal treatment in employment.
Furthermore, when it comes to initiatives, half of respondents have heard of the Code of Conduct to combat illegal hate speech on online social networks, almost half have heard of the European Disability Card and over 40% are aware of the European Citizens’ Initiative. Among awareness-raising campaigns, the best known are Europride, as well as Equal Pay Day, Access City and Roma Week. The Eurobarometer also provides insight into EU citizens’ knowledge of two funding programmes aimed at promoting justice and the rule of law: 29% are aware of the Justice programme and 36% of the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme. The Commission has today launched an EU-wide communication campaign to further increase awareness of the latter. The combined budget of the CERV and the Justice programme amounts to pound 1.8 billion.
Justice, rights and values – October 2024 – – Eurobarometer survey (europa.eu)
This survey aims to give a snapsho
t of EU citizens’ perception of the values promoted by the EU funding programmes related to rights and values (the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme and the Justice programme) and their awareness of the different instruments used to promote and protect rights and values. Over half of Europeans (53%) feel well-informed about the rule of law in their own country, while nearly three in ten feel well-informed about the rule of law in other EU countries.
Key findings
Fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law
Across the EU, 66% of respondents believe that the core values of the EU, such as fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law, are well protected in their own country. In 20 countries, at least half of all respondents agree with this statement.
Participation in political life remains strong, with 67% of EU citizens voting in local, national or European elections. Nearly one in five respondents (19%) indicate taking part in volunteering activities or community projects. Around on
e in ten EU citizens indicates being involved in NGOs, civil society organisations (10%) or in trade unions, political movements or parties (9%).
Over 60% of respondents report being aware of various pieces of EU legislation on justice, rights and values, with the highest level of awareness of: rights of EU citizens and their families to reside freely anywhere within the EU (77%), equal treatment in employment and occupation regardless of the religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation (74%) as well as the EU General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR and decision that makes certain forms and expressions of racism and xenophobia punishable by criminal penalties (both 72%). Although most EU citizens have heard of the above legislation, in most cases around a third are aware but do not really know what they entail.
Over one third of Europeans have heard, read, or seen something about funds available under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme. Just under three in ten Europeans have
heard, read, or seen something on the funds available under the Justice programme.
This Eurobarometer is the second in a series of three waves with the results of the first one published in November 2021.
(For more information: Jördis Ferroli – Tel.: +32 2 299 27 29; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 291 31 73)
EU adopts strong negotiating mandates for UN Conferences on Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Desertification
The Commission welcomes the ambitious negotiating mandates adopted by Ministers at yesterday’s Environment Council for the upcoming COP29 Climate Conference, COP16 Biodiversity Conference, and COP16 Desertification Conference.
At COP29 in Baku, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra will lead the EU negotiating team. Talks will mainly focus on how to finance the green transition, through the adoption of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance. As the Commissioner said in last night’s press conference, the EU will also seek to ensure that countries around the world are implementing the hi
storical decision at last year’s COP28 in Dubai to transition away from fossil fuels, triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency improvements by 2030 – the so-called UAE consensus. Negotiators will seek to maintain last year’s political momentum on reducing emissions, in particular in setting the framework for the next round of national climate targets – known as Nationally Determined Contributions – which are due for adoption in 2025, ahead of COP30. The Council Conclusions adopted yesterday also set out the EU’s conditions for concluding the negotiations under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on the rules for international carbon markets, which should ensure transparency and environmental integrity while contributing to emission reductions. The EU will also continue to ensure progress on adaptation policies and boosting global resilience to climate change.
The Council conclusions on the COP16 Biodiversity Conference confirm the EU’s commitment to the full and swift implementation of the
Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. The EU will work towards agreements on key issues including biodiversity mainstreaming in other policies until 2030, capacity-building and evidence-based policy making, and strengthening synergies between climate action and biodiversity. It will also push for advancements on sharing the benefits from genetic resources and mobilisation of resources for biodiversity. The EU recently submitted its specific Global Biodiversity Framework targets and COP16 will be the first major stocktaking opportunity since the historic agreement at COP15.
The Council also adopted conclusions on the upcoming COP16 under the UN Convention for Combating Desertification (UNCCD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which will be important for strengthening implementation and deciding on the global response to address droughts.
More information is available here.
(For more information: Adalbert Jahnz – Tel.: + 32 2 295 31 56; Tim McPhie – tel.: +32 2 295 86 02)
Commission will support around 40
projects boosting literary translation to promote diversity and circulation of European literary works
Today, the Commission has published a new call on the Circulation of European Literary Works, under the Creative Europe programme. The aim is to support the transnational circulation and diversity of European literary works of fiction. This will be done by supporting their translation, publication, distribution and promotion. With a budget of pound 5 million, about 40 projects will be selected for funding. The call is part of Creative Europe’s efforts to promote the richness and diversity of European literature and make it more accessible to a wider audience. Eligible candidates can apply until 11 February 2025. More information on the call for applications and the eligibility can be found on the EU Funding and Tenders Portal and here.
Additionally, to further mark its support to the sector, Creative Europe will be present at the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest event in the world dedicated to the b
ook and publishing sector, from 16 to 20 October. More information on how Creative Europe supports the book and publishing sector can be found here.
(For more information: Johanna Bernsel – Tel.: + 32 2 298 66 99; Flore Boutier – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 43)
EU announces pound 21.5 million in humanitarian aid for Asia-Pacific region, new Air Bridge flights
The Commission announces today a new humanitarian aid package of pound 21.5 million for the Asia-Pacific region, bringing the total EU support to almost pound 95 million in 2024. The new funding will support humanitarian projects in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Furthermore, a new EU Humanitarian Air Bridge flight taking essential supplies for victims of typhoon Yagi, that left a trail of destruction in the Asia-Pacific region, is being launched and due to arrive in the coming days in Laos.
The announcements come as Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, is visiting the Philippines and Indonesia this week to reinforce cooperation
in disaster preparedness and response with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other countries in the region.
In this regard, today Commissioner Lenarcic will represent the EU at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, Philippines, where he will highlight the EU’s commitment to supporting disaster preparedness and response, both in the EU and beyond. The EU recently supported the Philippines following typhoons Yagi and Gaemi.
New agreement on EU-ASEAN disaster management
Later this week in Jakarta, Commissioner Lenarcic will attend the signature of an agreement on disaster management between the EU’s department for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and ASEAN’s Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre).
This agreement will further strengthen cooperation between the EU and ASEAN countries in preparedness and response to disasters by:
Exchanging knowledge and best practices between ASE
AN and the EU;
Deploying and exchanging experts;
Developing training programmes.
Furthermore, during his stay in Jakarta, the Commissioner will mark the 20th anniversary of the devastating tsunami that hit Indonesia in 2004, recalling the EU solidarity during the response.
Quote(s)
The ongoing monsoon season has been particularly hard in Southeast Asia, where several countries have suffered severe floods and cyclones. As climate-induced disasters become more frequent and intense, it is even more important to reinforce international cooperation for better preparedness and efficient response. I am convinced that this agreement between the EU and ASEAN disaster management bodies will bring many gains, allowing us to learn from each other and better protect our populations
Janez Lenarcic, Commissioner for Crisis Management
CALENDAR
Monday 14 October 2024
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Greece (until 18/10): in Athens – meets with Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the President of the Hellenic Republic; meets with Mr
Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece.
Wednesday 16 October 2024
Ms Stella Kyriakides delivers a keynote speech via videoconference at the European Patients Forum High-Level Policy Event, ‘Towards a patient-centred EU mandate: Health policy with and for patients’; delivers pre-recorded remarks at the ‘Ukraine-EU Integration: Healthcare’ conference organised by the Ukrainian Ministry of Health.
Friday 18 October 2024
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Kozani, Greece: delivers a keynote speech at the ‘Science and Research Day’ event organised by the University of West Macedonia.
Saturday 19 October 2024
Ms Stella Kyriakides in Limassol, Cyprus: delivers a speech on breast cancer at the Awareness Raising Symposium.
Source: Cyprus News Agency