European Union

Weekly schedule of President Donald Tusk 24 November - 2 December 2018

The EU is introducing new rules which will ensure that products placed on the EU market comply with EU safety and environmental protection rules. Ambassadors today agreed on the Council's position on a new regulation which enhances the enforcement of EU rules for non-compliant products, while offering businesses incentives for compliance.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

Main agenda items, approximate timing, public sessions and press opportunities.

The Austrian presidency of the Council today reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on measures which will facilitate the circulation of goods across the EU. The new rules improve and expand the application of the mutual recognition principle.

With a view to the elections scheduled for 23 December 2018, the EU has issued a declaration reiterating its support for the elections, which should be held in an inclusive, transparent, credible and peaceful manner, with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

European Council President Donald Tusk has today sent the EU27 Member States the draft Political Declaration setting out the Framework for the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK.

Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

SEDE organized a public hearing on 'The threats posed by drones to Europe's armed forces' on Tuesday 20 November 2018, from 09.30 to 11.00, with external experts
Location : Paul-Henri Spaak, room 5B001
Further information
Draft programme
Presentation of Colonel Christophe Michel, SGDSN
Presentation of Tal Inbar, The Fisher Institute for Air & Space Strategic Studies
Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

SEDE organized a public hearing on 'Artificial intelligence and its future impact on security' on Wednesday 10 October 2018, from 09.00 to 11.30, with four external experts
Location : Paul-Henri Spaak, room 5B001
Further information
Draft programme
Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

SEDE organized a public hearing on soldiers' rights in EU Member States with representatives of the European Organisation of Military Associations (EUROMIL) and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic control of Armed Forces (DCAF).
Location : Altiero Spinelli, room A3E-2
Further information
Draft programme
Presentation by Emmanuel Jacob, EUROMIL
Presentation by William McDermott, DCAF
Source : © European Union, 2018 - EP

The EU heads of state and government gave the Brexit deal negotiated with Britain the green light on Sunday. Now it must gain the approval of the British and European parliaments. The politicians gathered in Brussels on the weekend displayed sadness, but also relief that an agreement had finally been reached after all the haggling. Is their solace justified?

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez had threatened to block the Brexit deal until in the last minute the EU backed Madrid, agreeing that Gibraltar will be left out of all negotiations between the UK and the EU and any decisions will require Madrid's consent. But Spanish media are less than enthusiastic.