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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 13539
Contents Publication in full By article 2 / 33
EXTERNAL ACTION / Western balkans

Between EU and candidate countries, contrasting perspectives on enlargement

A number of leaders and members of government from the countries of the Western Balkans were in Brussels on Thursday 5 December for a forum organised by the think-tank ‘Friends of Europe’. The meeting highlighted contrasting perspectives on enlargement.

While the representatives of the Western Balkans are advocating rapid accession in order to strengthen European cohesion, the EU insists on a cautious and meritocratic approach to the political, economic and institutional challenges.

Contents

EXTERNAL ACTION
MERCOSUR: Ursula von der Leyen in Montevideo to finalise negotiations on EU/Mercosur trade agreement
WESTERN BALKANS: between EU and candidate countries, contrasting perspectives on enlargement
AFRICA: European Economic and Social Committee and African Union continue their dialogue on democratic development of continent
AFRICA: European Commission concludes an “administrative arrangement“ with ‘Smart Africa’ to boost digital innovation
SECTORAL POLICIES
TRANSPORT: EU Council adopts its negotiating position on driving disqualifications
TRANSPORT: EU Council adopts its negotiating positions on passenger rights
TRANSPORT: European ministers still disagree on definition of combined transport
HOME AFFAIRS: regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse – Hungarian Presidency of EU Council will once again seek agreement of Member States
HOME AFFAIRS: European Commission publishes draft regulation organising gradual roll-out of EU’s Entry/Exit System
DIGITAL: European Commission orders TikTok to retain all data relating to Romanian elections
TELECOMMUNICATIONS: telecommunications reform and cybersecurity are main topics at Telecommunications Council in Brussels
ENVIRONMENT: opposed to inclusion of maritime transport in regulation on microplastics, several EU countries are blocking an agreement in EU Council
AGRICULTURE: European Commission launches ‘European Board on Agriculture and Food’
FISHERIES: intense discussions between European ministers expected on 9 and 10 December to set 2025 quotas
CLIMATE: European Commission reiterates its commitment to a post-2030 climate package and new legislation on adaptation
ENERGY: efforts to replace old wind turbines in Europe are not enough, according to WindEurope
INSTITUTIONAL
POLAND25EU: Donald Tusk promises an innovative EU Council Presidency
EUROPEAN COMMISSION: ‘von der Leyen II’ Commission adopts its internal working rules and organisation chart
EUROPEAN COMMISSION: EPP Group draws up its list of priority legislative initiatives for 2025
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: progress in European Parliament negotiations on committee reform
SECURITY - DEFENCE
DEFENCE: Andrius Kubilius outlines ‘White Paper’ on defence
ECONOMY - FINANCE - BUSINESS
EUROGROUP: meeting with Chancellor of Exchequer and budgetary policy on euro area ministers’ agenda
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS - SOCIETAL ISSUES
WOMEN’S RIGHTS: representatives of organisations denounce lack of appropriate measures for disabled women before MEPs
WOMEN’S RIGHTS: 69th session of United Nations Commission on Status of Women – MEPs refine EU priorities
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
HUMAN RIGHTS: Council of Europe creates new tool to assess and mitigate impact of artificial intelligence on human rights
REGIONS: President of Council of Europe’s Local and Regional Authorities reacts to death of Ukrainian mayor in Russian prison
NEWS BRIEFS
CULTURE: Music Moves Europe – with €5 million budget, new call for proposals to support green transition
DEVELOPMENT: European Parliament’s research department notes lack of conceptual clarity in EU’s commitment to “Policy Coherence for Development”
ENVIRONMENT: PAN Europe calls on EU Council to finalise negotiations with Parliament on water pollutants before summer of 2025
ENVIRONMENT: Water Europe puts forward nine recommendations to achieve a “Europe free of toxic PFAS”
YOUTH: European Solidarity Corps 2025 calls for projects published on Funding and Tenders Portal
DIGITAL: EU strengthens connectivity infrastructure with €142 million investment
CIVIL PROTECTION: European Commission mobilises its Civil Protection Mechanism for a medical evacuation in Gaza