EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 24 February 2025
EU to work towards an agreement at COP16 on international biodiversity in Rome
Tomorrow, the parties to the COP16 Global Biodiversity Conference will gather in Rome where discussions resume to agree on crucial issues to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. This is the continuation of the COP16 meeting that took place in Cali, Colombia, in October 2024, which led to several achievements. However, parties could not reach an agreement on all decisions needed to properly implement the Global Biodiversity Framework.
At those resumed global biodiversity negotiations, the EU will work to find consensus and reach an agreement on all pending decisions, including on resource mobilisation, the monitoring framework and the procedures for review of implementation.
After the resumed sessions in Rome, the next Conference of the Parties – COP17 – will take place in 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.
Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: “The EU and its Member States remain fully committed to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. At these resumed negotiations, together we must find a way to continue mobilising resources from all sources and ensure continued biodiversity financing after 2030 that is effective and coherent. We are ready to work together with all parties to move forward and build on the progress made in Cali.”
You can find more information on the EU priorities at COP16 in Rome online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 296 64 83; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
EU agri-food trade slowed down in November 2024, following peak in October
The latest agri-food trade report published today by the European Commission shows that in November 2024, EU agri-food exports reached €20.1 billion, remaining stable compared to the same month in 2023. Cumulative exports between January and November 2024 rose by 3% to €217.2 billion. The overall EU agri-food trade slowed down in November 2024 compared to the previous month.
EU agri-food exports in November 2024 reached €20.1 billion, down 7% from October's peak performance, but consistent with November 2023 levels. Cumulative exports for the year reached €217.2 billion, marking a +3% growth compared to 2023. Coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices exports saw the largest increase in value, led by cocoa paste, butter and powder.
EU agri-food imports remained strong in November 2024, reaching €15.5 billion, which is 5% lower than October but still 18% higher year-on-year. Cumulative imports for the year increased by 7%, driven by high prices and growing import volumes. Imports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices increased overall by €8.4 billion (+44%) from January to November 2024.
More insights as well as detailed tables are available in the latest edition of the monthly EU agri-food trade report.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 2 296 64 83; Thérèse Lerebours- Tel: +32 2 296 33 03)
Commission launches new cybersecurity blueprint to enhance EU cyber crisis coordination
Today, the Commission has presented a proposal to ensure an effective and efficient response to large-scale cyber incidents. The proposed blueprint updates the comprehensive EU framework for Cybersecurity Crisis Management and maps the relevant EU actors, outlining their roles throughout the entire crisis lifecycle. This includes preparedness and shared situational awareness to anticipate cyber incidents, and the necessary detection capabilities to identify them, including the response and recovery tools needed to mitigate, deter and contain those incidents.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: "In an increasingly interdependent Union economy, disruptions from cybersecurity incidents can have far-reaching impacts across various sectors. The proposed cybersecurity blueprint reflects our commitment to ensuring a coordinated approach, leveraging existing structures to protect the internal market and uphold vital societal functions. This Recommendation is a crucial step forward in reinforcing our collective cyber resilience."
The proposed plan builds on the existing frameworks, such as the Integrated Political Crisis Response and the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, while aligning with recently adopted initiatives, such as the Critical Infrastructure Blueprint and the network code on cybersecurity for the EU electricity sector. It proposes measures to strengthen collaboration between civilian and military entities, including NATO, while reflecting the objectives of the forthcoming EU preparedness strategy. Furthermore, today's proposal promotes secure communication and strategic efforts to counter disinformation.
This also complements the Joint Communication of the Commission and the HRVP to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables, which Executive Vice-President Virkkunen presented in Helsinki on 21 February.
You can find more information online.
(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel. + 32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic — Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)
EU adopts 16th sanctions package against Russia
The Commission welcomes the Council's adoption of the 16th Russia sanctions package. As Russia's illegal aggression enters its fourth year, this package is designed to further ramp up pressure on the aggressor and is part of the EU's unwavering commitment to a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.
The 16th package targets systemically important sectors of the Russian economy such as energy, trade, transport, infrastructure, and financial services. It also adds further measures aimed at tackling circumvention. To curb the risk of our sanctions being bypassed, certain provisions of the 16th package are now also mirrored in the Belarus sanctions regime. The EU has in addition updated and strengthened its sanctions regimes concerning Crimea and Sevastopol, and the non-government-controlled areas of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
The 16th package contains the following key elements:
ANTI-CIRCUMVENTION MEASURES
Today's package targets 74 additional vessels, bringing the total number of listed vessels to 153. These vessels are part of the shadow fleet or contributed to Russia's energy revenues.
The measures add a new listing criterion, targeting those who support the operations of unsafe oil tankers.
The package imposes targeted export restrictions on 53 new companies supporting Russia's military-industrial complex or engaged in sanctions circumvention. This includes 34 companies in countries other than Russia.
ADDITIONAL LISTINGS
Today's package includes 83 additional listings, including 48 individuals and 35 entities, such as those supporting the Russian military complex, active in sanctions circumvention, Russian crypto assets exchanges and in the maritime sector.
The 16th package also adds another new criterion for listing individuals and entities that are part of Russia's military and industrial complex, support it, or benefit from it.
TRADE MEASURE
Direct import ban on Russian aluminium:
In addition to the prohibition for imports of processed aluminum goods from Russia, already in place, this package includes a ban on EU imports of primary aluminium from Russia.
To ensure a smooth transition for businesses, a quota mechanism is introduced, allowing 275,000 tons, which equates to 80% of EU imports in 2024, to be used over a 12-month period.Dual-use export restrictions have been extended to additional items in order to cut Russia's access to key technologies it has been using on the battlefield, covering:
Dual-use chemical precursors to produce chloropicrin and other riot control agents used as chemical weapons by Russia in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.
Software related to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine tools used to manufacture weapons, and video-game controllers used by the Russian army to pilot drones on the battlefield.
Chromium ores and compounds due to their military applications.
The limited derogations and exemptions for certain dual-use and advanced tech exports, e.g. for medical use, have been clarified and further tightened to support effective application by customs and licensing agencies.
Moreover, additional export restrictions have been introduced on industrial goods, specifically targeting minerals, chemicals, steel, glass materials, and fireworks, with special military significance.
ENERGY MEASURES
The EU has decided to completely prohibit temporary storage or the placement under free zone procedures of Russian crude oil or petroleum products in EU ports, which was until now allowed, if the oil complied with the price cap and went to a third country.
The package extends the prohibition to provide goods, technology and services for the completion of Russian LNG projects to also apply to crude oil projects in Russia, such as the Vostok oil project.
The package extends the existing software ban to restrict the export, supply or provision of oil and gas exploration software to Russia.
TRANSPORT MEASURES
The package extends the flight ban to enable the listing of third-country carriers conducting domestic flights within Russia or supplying aviation goods to Russian airlines or for domestic flight in Russia. If listed, these airlines will not be allowed to fly to the EU.
Road transport prohibition: The package adds an amendment that prevents increasing Russian ownership above 25% in EU road transport undertakings, thereby closing potential loopholes for circumventing existing sanctions.
INFRASTRUCTURE MEASURES
Full transaction ban on specific Russian infrastructures: This includes two Moscow airports (Vnukovo Airport and Zhukovsky Airport), four regional airports, and the Volga port Astrakhan and Makhachkala port on the Caspian Sea. The sea ports Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic Sea and Novorossiysk on the Black Sea were also included.
Ban on construction services provided by EU operators in Russia.
FINANCIAL SECTOR MEASURES
Russia has diverted much of its financial flows via smaller banks. The 16th package strengthens our measures on the financial sector. In particular:
Addition of 13 financial institutions to the list of entities subject to the prohibition to provide specialised financial messaging services.
Addition of 3 banks to the transaction ban due to their use of the Financial Messaging System of the Central Bank of Russia (SPFS) system to circumvent EU sanctions.
Extension of the transaction ban to enable the EU to list financial institutions and crypto asset providers that participate in the circumvention of the Oil Price Cap and facilitate transactions with listed vessels of the shadow fleet.
MEASURES AGAINST DISINFORMATION
Suspension of broadcasting activities of additional 8 media outlets in the EU or directed at the EU, in view of their role supporting and justifying Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.
Background
EU sanctions remain at the core of the EU's response to Russia's unjustified military aggression against Ukraine, as they degrade Russia's military and technological capability, deprive the Kremlin from the revenues it uses to finance the war, and impose ever higher costs on Russia's economy. In this respect, sanctions contribute to fulfilling the EU's key objective, to continue to work for a just and lasting peace. Their effects grow over time as the sanctions erode Russia's industrial and technological base. As guardian of the EU Treaties, the European Commission ensures the uniform implementation of EU sanctions by EU Member States and monitors their enforcement.
Russia is actively attempting to circumvent sanctions. This is clear evidence that our measures are having an impact. This also calls for us to redouble our efforts in tackling circumvention and to ask certain third countries for closer cooperation. EU Sanctions Envoy David O'Sullivan continues his outreach to third countries to combat circumvention. Working with like-minded partners, we have also agreed a list of Common High Priority sanctioned goods to which businesses should apply particular due diligence, and which third countries should not re-export to Russia. In addition, within the EU, we have also drawn up a list of sanctioned goods that are economically critical and toward which businesses and third countries should be especially vigilant.
For More Information
Questions and Answers
Official Journal (legal texts will be available soon)
More information on sanctions
Quote(s)
With this strong package of sanctions, Europe is responding with unity and determination to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to support Ukraine and its people. To stop the Russian aggression, and to support our shared objective with Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace, Russia must continue paying a high price for its actions. It is also essential that we continue to forge effective measures to prevent circumvention, against Russia and its accomplices. We will continue taking decisive action to ensure full implementation of our existing sanctions, and bring in new sanctions as necessary.
Maria Luís Albuquerque, Commissioner for Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union
For three years now, Russia has relentlessly bombed Ukraine, attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take. This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies. There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end Russia’s aggression, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
Commission steps up support for Ukraine's energy security and paves the way for full market integration
In Kyiv today, the European Commission has offered a new support package to Ukraine to secure its energy system and enable its full integration within the European energy market.
This package will allow for the full coupling of Ukraine's electricity market with the EU by early 2027, together with Moldova, as well as further integration in the EU gas sector, provided that Ukraine significantly accelerates the necessary market reforms. It will also boost the security of supply in Ukraine and the wider region, as the Commission will assist with the necessary purchases of gas. Crucially, with a massive acceleration of domestic renewable power production, this package will increase the overall resilience of the Ukrainian energy system.
Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure has been the target of relentless Russian attacks over the past three years, with half of the country's energy infrastructure destroyed. Only a fully independent energy system can shield Ukraine from current attacks and future pressure. Ukraine's full integration with the EU energy market will act as part of the overall security guarantees the EU can provide, as well as an effective pre-condition for reconstruction as energy security is key to allow for investments to flow across the country.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “For three years, Russia has sought to plunge Ukraine into darkness by relentlessly targeting the energy infrastructure. This needs to stop for good. With the package we offer today Europe will ensure Ukraine has a resilient, secure and competitive energy system. More renewable energy and full energy markets integration will bring to greater energy security both for Ukraine and the European Union.”
An energy security and integration package for Ukraine
The package offered in Kyiv today consists of:
The package will facilitate electricity market integration with the EU by spring 2027, together with Moldova, as well as further integration in the EU gas sector. This will be possible if Ukraine speeds up the implementation of existing commitments under the Ukraine Plan and the Energy Community in relation to legal, regulatory and public service obligation frameworks. This includes establishing a support mechanism for vulnerable households.
The Commission will assist in funding gas purchases, especially through the Ukraine Facility together with its implementing partners. This will result in ample gas reserves to ensure security of supply, benefiting both Ukraine and the wider region.
The package will accelerate investments in renewable energy, adding up with up to 1.5 GW of generation capacity. This represents approximately a 25% increase of total renewable energy generation capacity in Ukraine. Support will be channelled from the Ukraine Facility.
These new measures will build on over €2 billion of EU support delivered over the past three years to increase the resilience of Ukraine's energy system and to guarantee people's access to energy. Support will be primarily via the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as humanitarian aid and proceeds from Russian immobilised assets.
Substantial support delivered
The EU has delivered on each of the three priorities set out by President von der Leyen in September when she presented a €156 million package to address the immediate needs of the Ukrainian population ahead of winter while strengthening energy systems:
Repair: 1.8 GW of power capacity from thermal power plants repaired.
Stabilise: Wind and solar projects rolled out across Ukraine to bring energy security to critical services as well as households and businesses, including via the “Ray of Hope” project which is allowing for the installation of solar panels to power hospitals.
Connect: EU electricity exports for winter increased with commercial capacity reaching 2.1 GW and an emergency buffer extra capacity of 250 MW.
Today in Kyiv, the Commission and Ukraine also agreed on a roadmap to step up cooperation on renewable gases. By providing alternative and cleaner supplies, this will strengthen energy security in the EU and in Ukraine, while supporting development and investments in the renewable gas sector in Ukraine.
For three years, Russia has sought to plunge Ukraine into darkness by relentlessly targeting the energy infrastructure. This needs to stop for good. With the package we offer today Europe will ensure Ukraine has a resilient, secure and competitive energy system. More renewable energy and full energy markets integration will bring to greater energy security both for Ukraine and the European Union.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
In uncertain times, reliable friends matter even more. Today we provide a new energy security and integration package to help Ukraine gain control over its long-term energy supplies, laying the groundwork for its successful reconstruction and accelerated integration in the Union. This is essential to ensure Ukraine is never again subject to energy blackmail and to strengthen the security of our continent as a whole.
Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement
Russia’s continued atrocious attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, to keep in the dark and the cold the unbreakable Ukrainian people, is a stark reminder of the importance of achieving energy independence. This is a key strategic goal both for the EU and Ukraine. Our energy security, which powers our competitiveness and prosperity, cannot be held hostage by anyone. More homegrown renewables and better interconnections amongst us is the best guarantee for a better and safer future together.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Joint statement by the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and the President of the European Parliament
Three years ago, Russia started its full-scale and illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia's brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine's independence and freedom.
Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.
The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in unity to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided to Ukraine economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance that totals to EUR 135 billion, with EUR 48.7 billion of military assistance. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including reconstruction of the country after the war.
Russia and its people are paying a price for their leader's actions. Together with partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war and remain ready to increase the pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We are already using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defence industry and energy recovery. Today, we have adopted a sixteenth sanctions package to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression.
In parallel, we have taken unprecedented actions at the EU level to ramp up European defence industry production, and we will continue to increase our capacity. This will allow us to step up our military support and cooperation with Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening our defence readiness and European sovereignty.
Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations. Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU's internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union.
In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We highlight the need to ensure the international community's continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula.
We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail.
Statement by President von der Leyen at the International Summit on the Support of Ukraine in Kyiv
"Check against delivery"
Dear Volodymyr,
24 February 2022 is a day that will live forever in infamy.
Today we join you in remembrance of the fallen heroes of Ukraine, and those still fighting on the frontlines.
A peaceful nation was invaded, with no reason except Putin's imperial obsession. But we believe in a free and sovereign Ukraine on its path towards the European Union. And we join you to shape this future together.
The war in Ukraine remains the most central and consequential crisis for Europe's future. Putin is trying harder than ever to win this war on the ground. His goal remains Ukraine's capitulation. And then we know what could happen next. Because it has already happened before.
It is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It is Europe's destiny. So our first priority remains to empower Ukraine's resistance. So far, our Union and Member States have supported Ukraine to the tune of EUR 134 billion. That is more than anybody else.
Thanks to our Ukraine Facility and the G7 loan, we have closed Ukraine's budgetary gap for the entire year 2025.
In parallel, we must speed up the immediate delivery of weapons and ammunition. And this will be at the heart of our work in the coming weeks.
Today, I am here with the College of the European Commission. A free and sovereign Ukraine is not only in the European interest but also in the interest of the entire world. Autocrats around the world are watching very closely whether there is any impunity if you invade your neighbour and violate international borders. Or if there is true deterrence.
This is not only paramount for Europe. It is also important for Asia, for Africa, and both sides of the Atlantic. An investment in Ukraine's sovereignty is an investment in the prevention of future wars.
And there is more in it for Europe and the world. Ukraine has a highly innovative and thriving defence industry. This should never fuel the arsenals of an aggressive power, but strengthen the resilience of a European Union that is taking on more responsibility for its own security.
Ukraine has a lively start-up scene with a lot of expertise in rising sectors like AI and drones. The can-do attitude and entrepreneurial spirit of young and dynamic Ukrainian companies can provide important impulses to Europe's competitiveness.
Europe is here to strengthen Ukraine in this critical moment. I can announce that a new EUR 3.5 billion payment for Ukraine will arrive already in March.
And as President Costa just said, there is a special European Council. I will present a comprehensive plan on how to scale up our European arms production and defence capabilities. And Ukraine will also benefit.
When we talk about security, we are not just talking about the military dimension. The people here in Ukraine know this very well. For three years, Russia has sought to plunge Ukraine into darkness by relentlessly targeting the energy infrastructure.
We have prepared an ambitious package on energy security. The aim is to ensure a resilient, secure and competitive energy system for Ukraine. We will fully integrate Ukraine's and Moldova's electricity market with our electricity market by the end next year. And we will seize the full potential of Ukraine's vast gas storages, of which 80% are located close to EU Member States.
This generates income for Ukraine. And we will accelerate investments in Ukraine's renewable energy. All these efforts will result in greater energy security for both – Ukraine and the European Union.
Finally, no one wants more peace than the people of Ukraine. But a just and lasting peace only comes through strength. This is why we strengthen your economy. This is why we increase the resilience of your energy supply. This is why we will continue training and equipping your troops. Think of the importance of artillery ammunition, for example.
And today we are adopting our 16th package of sanctions. We will increase punitive sanctions against Russia, unless they demonstrate true willingness to achieve a lasting peace agreement.
Slava Ukraini.
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