EU Member States endorse a €150 billion loan package for European defense
The European Commission welcomes todays agreement in the EU Council on the Security for Action for Europe (SAFE) Instrument. As outlined in the ReArm Europe Plan / Readiness 2030, the Commission will raise up to €150 billion in capital markets to assist EU Member States in investing in key defense areas like air missile defense and drones.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated: “Exceptional times require exceptional measures. With SAFE, we are investing in cutting-edge capabilities for our Union and strengthening the European defense technological and industrial base. This is about readiness and resilience and creating a truly European defense market.”
Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defense & Space, said: The approval of the SAFE loan instrument is a vital step forward in bolstering Europes security and defense readiness.
More information is available in an online press release.
Investigations to protect minors from pornographic content
The DSA aims to ensure a safer online environment for minors. The Commission has opened formal proceedings against Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX, and XVideos for suspected breaches of the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, stated: The online space should be safe for children to learn and connect.
More information is available in an online press release.
€280 million for flood recovery
The Commission proposes that Austria, Czechia, Poland, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Moldova receive €280 million from the EU Solidarity Fund for flood recovery efforts.
More information is available in an online press release.
Positive assessment of Irelands second payment request
The European Commission has endorsed a positive preliminary assessment of Irelands second payment request for €115.5 million under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
More information about Irelands Recovery and Resilience Plan is available online.
Payments to France and Belgium under the Recovery and Resilience Facility
The European Commission disbursed payments to France and Belgium under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.
More details are available in these questions and answers.
Partnership to accelerate mpox testing in Africa
The Commission supports the partnership to accelerate mpox testing in Africa with €9.4 million.
36,000 youths to discover Europe by train
Nearly 36,000 young people will have the opportunity to explore Europe for free by train.
More information about DiscoverEU is available online.
New geographical indication from Spain approved
The Commission has approved the addition of Miel de Asturias to the register of Protected Geographical Indications.
Commissioners Roswall and Hansen in Sweden
Today, Commissioners Roswall and Hansen visit a farm in Sweden to discuss environmental policies.