EU agri-food trade kicks off 2025 with rising exports and imports
The European Commissions latest report reveals that in January 2025, EU agri-food trade surged, with exports at €19 billion and imports at €16 billion, narrowing the trade surplus to €3 billion. The UK and Switzerland were key destinations for exports, with significant increases in cocoa products and coffee. Meanwhile, imports from Côte dIvoire and Ghana rose sharply due to soaring cocoa prices.
More details and tables are available in the monthly EU agri-food trade report.
(Contact: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2295 45 78; Thérèse Lerebours - Tel.: +32 2 296 33 03)
Montenegro joins the EU LIFE programme for environment and climate action
Montenegro now participates in the EU LIFE programme, benefiting from resources for climate action and environmental projects. This follows an agreement signed by Commissioner Jessika Roswall and Minister Damjan Ćulafić.
Applicants from Montenegro can submit proposals under the LIFE calls for proposals 2025.
(Contact: Maciej Berestecki — Tel.: + 32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Microsoft addresses anticompetitive concerns related to Teams
The European Commission seeks feedback on Microsofts commitments to address competition concerns related to its Teams product. Microsoft proposes offering versions of its suites without Teams at reduced prices and increasing interoperability with other products.
A press release is available online.
(Contact: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of Shepherds Flat by GCM, BCI and Brookfield
The European Commission approves the acquisition of Shepherds Flat by GCM, BCI, and Brookfield, noting no competition concerns. More details are on the Commissions competition website.
(Contact: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
Commission clears acquisition of 407 by PSPIB, CPPIB and Cintra
The European Commission has approved the acquisition of 407 International by PSPIB, CPPIB, and Cintra, with no competition concerns noted.
More information is available on the Commissions competition website.
(Contact: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Commission commitment against violence based on sexual orientation
The European Commission reaffirms its stance against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation, marking IDAHOT on May 17. The LGBTIQ equality strategy post-2025 will address discrimination and promote inclusivity.
Commissioner Hadja Lahbib emphasizes the importance of this commitment.
(Contact: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Celebrating European Union Prize for Literature
Commissioner Glenn Micallef will honor literary talents at the European Union Prize for Literature ceremony in Prague. The Prize promotes emerging authors from 40 countries, celebrating Europes rich literary diversity.
More information on the winners will be available online.
(Contact: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)