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Image header Agence Europe
Europe Daily Bulletin No. 13784
Contents Publication in full By article 23 / 27
NEWS BRIEFS / India

Friedrich Merz wants to conclude EU-India free trade agreement quickly

12/01/2026 (Agence Europe) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, visiting Ahmedabad (India) on Monday 12 January, called for the swift conclusion of a free trade agreement between the EU and India, highlighting a context of “profound political changes”. During this state visit, he advocated concluding this trade agreement at the end of January, at an EU-India summit that has been anticipated for nearly a year. The event is due to take place on the 27th, according to several sources....

Contents

Russian invasion of Ukraine
ECONOMY: on 14 January, European Commission to present its proposals regarding €90 billion loan to Ukraine for 2026 and 2027
RUSSIA: European Commission recognises that discussions with Vladimir Putin will be necessary, but that time is not yet come
EXTERNAL ACTION
IRAN: High Representative of Union threatens regime with sanctions
CHINA: European Commission sets out conditions for alternative to countervailing duties on Chinese electric vehicles
SECTORAL POLICIES
DIGITAL: Cyprus Presidency of EU Council launches technical work on simplifying AI Act
DIGITAL: “If X doesn't act, we will” - Ursula von der Leyen attacks X 's AI for creating nudes of users online
COMPETITIVENESS/RESEARCH: European Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe - European Court of Auditors is already pointing out certain weaknesses in new 2028-2034 MFF
TRANSPORT: MEPs approve their position on air passenger rights at second reading
TRANSPORT: MEPs disagree on introduction of remote sensing to measure emissions in vehicle checks
AGRICULTURE : experts and MEPs call for better protection for Europe’s livestock sector
AGRICULTURE : negotiations between European Parliament and EU Council on meat-related names will take place on 5 March
FISHERIES: European Commission introduces a digital system for collecting data on recreational fishing
SEA: European Commission seeks input on future EU ocean policy
HOME AFFAIRS: Europol announces arrest of 34 people involved in ‘Black Axe’ international criminal organisation
ECONOMY - FINANCE - BUSINESS
ECB: 70 economists speak out in favour of a digital euro that contributes to EU’s financial sovereignty
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS - SOCIETAL ISSUES
GENDER EQUALITY: European Commission analyses 23 EU projects to advance equality through research and innovation
HOUSING: members of European Parliament’s Special Committee welcome content of first-ever European plan on affordable housing
INSTITUTIONAL
BUDGET: speaking to MEPs, Olivér Várhelyi outlines implementation of health spending and funding guidelines in 2028-2034 MFF
SECURITY - DEFENCE - SPACE
DEFENCE: Andrius Kubilius calls for a European Security Council
COUNCIL OF EUROPE
DEMOCRACY: Marta Cartabia regrets withdrawal of United States from Council of Europe’s Venice Commission
NEWS BRIEFS
AGRICULTURE : MEPs approve agreement with Council of EU on measures to promote wine
EESC: Séamus Boland warns against deterioration in mental health of young people facing socio-economic difficulties
INDIA: Friedrich Merz wants to conclude EU-India free trade agreement quickly
INTERNAL MARKET: European Commission consults on strengthening defence single market
EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Mercosur, PfE Group in European Parliament to table motion of censure against European Commission
ANIMAL HEALTH: MEPs approve compromise text with EU Council on dogs and cats
SYRIA: EU calls for end to hostilities in Aleppo region