DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 26 March 2025
Commissioner Kadis hosts informal ministerial exchange on ocean conservation, ahead of trip to Sweden
Today, Commissioner for Fisheries and Ocean, Costas Kadis, hosts an informal ministerial exchange to discuss the EU's leadership in global ocean conservation efforts, ahead of the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in June and of the presentation of the European Ocean Pact.
The meeting aims to reaffirm the EU's commitment to preserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources, identify priorities, and follow up on the recent European Council conclusions from 20 March 2025. The meeting will place a strong emphasis on laying the groundwork for the forthcoming European Ocean Pact and international ocean governance. Discussions will focus on promoting a competitive and sustainable blue economy, multilateralism, and the implementation of key agreements, such as the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement), with the goal of achieving tangible outcomes at UNOC3.
Following the exchange, still today, Commissioner Kadis will visit Sweden, where he will engage with various stakeholders, scientists, fishermen, and NGOs, meet with local Coast Guard officers and visit local fish processing facilities together with several Members of the European Parliament. Together with the Minister of Rural Affairs, Mr Peter Kullgren he will also visit Herrvik, meet with local fishermen and attend a lunch hosted by Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, County Governor of Gotland County. He will conclude his visit by attending presentations from the Blue Food - Centre for Future Seafood and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, gaining insights into their initiatives and work, together with Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki — Tel.: + 32 487 63 24 98; Anna Wartberger — Tel: + 32 2 298 25 04)
Commission takes stock of the work of HERA to reinforce health security in the EU
Today, the Commission has published a report assessing the work of the Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) since its creation over three years ago. The report highlights HERA's achievements in strengthening EU-level preparedness and response capacities, as well as taking on new tasks, such as addressing the supply chain aspects of critical medicines shortages.
The report acknowledges HERA's central position in the EU's reinforced health security framework, helping to ensure that the EU is better equipped to develop, produce and deploy the medical products needed to respond to health threats. At the same time, it identifies areas where improvements are needed to make the most of HERA's potential to protect citizens and reinforce Europe's preparedness.
The review acknowledges that HERA's particular structure within the Commission allows close and constant relations with key stakeholders, such as Member States, industry, civil society and EU agencies. This has positively contributed to ensuring effective joint European action and cooperation with global actors to enhance health security. The report also sheds light on areas where further work is needed, such as enhancing coordination and cooperation with Member States, and ensuring flexibility in HERA's work in the area of preparedness.
HERA was established in October 2021 in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant it was set up at speed, and the Decision establishing HERA as a Commission service called on the Commission to carry out an in-depth review by 2025. The report adopted today reviews the implementation of the operations and functioning of HERA.
The report feeds into the Commission's overall efforts to bolster health security and preparedness in the EU, including strengthening resilience and preparedness on the lines set out in President Niinistö's report.
Further information is available in our press release.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
The Commission welcomes the agreement on mutual recognition of driving disqualifications
The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council on a key legislative file aimed at improving road safety.
The first attempts to establish European-wide rules on driving disqualifications began over 60 years ago. The new Directive will ensure at last that drivers who commit serious offenses in one Member State face consistent consequences across the EU. Under current rules, driving disqualifications imposed in one country may not be recognised in another, allowing offenders to continue driving and putting others at risk.
Through a system of mutual recognition, disqualifications issued in one Member State will now apply across the EU for serious offences such as excessive speeding (50 km/h over the limit), driving under the influence, and causing death or serious injury by reckless driving.
Commissioner for Transport, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, said: "This agreement represents another major step forward for road safety across Europe. The new disqualification rules will close gaps that allow dangerous drivers to evade penalties by crossing borders. With nearly 20,000 lives lost on EU roads last year, this initiative will be a crucial element in advancing our goal of reducing road fatalities by 50% by 2030."
Today's agreements follows yesterday's agreement on modernised driving licence rules. The European Parliament and the Council will now formally adopt the new Directive, which will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. Member States will have 4 years to transpose the Directive into national legislation.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 20 54)
Commissioner Šefčovič in China to discuss trade and investment relations
Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič will be in Beijing on 27 and 28 March, for his first official visit under the new Commission mandate. The aim of the visit is to foster a more balanced and cooperative trade relationship between the EU and China, with a focus on reciprocity, transparency, and mutual benefit. EU-China trade relations are worth €730 billion annually.
The Commissioner will meet key representatives of the Chinese government, including Vice Premier He Lifeng and Minister for Customs Sun Meijun, on Thursday 27 March, and Minister for Commerce Wang Wentao, on Friday 28 March. In his meetings, he will address the EU's systemic concerns over the negative impact of China's non-market policies and practices, and raise market access barrier issues affecting EU exports and investment in China. In particular, one of the aims of the trip will be exploring ways to align Chinese investments in the EU with EU priorities and policy objectives. On Thursday, the Commissioner will also engage with European business representatives via the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
Executive Vice-President Fitto and Commissioner Kos in Italy and Slovenia to discuss the future of the EU's Interreg cooperation programmes
Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Marta Kos will kick-start the much anticipated Interreg GO! event held in the twin cities of Gorizia, Italy, and Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The two cities are the European Capitals of Culture in 2025.
The two-day event is poised to attract approximately 500 decision-makers from local, regional, national, and European levels. Over the two days, participants will explore the evolution of Interreg cooperation programmes and their significant role in preparing candidate countries for EU accession.
Key highlights will include the presentation of findings from extensive consultations on the future of the Interreg programmes post-2027. This process has notably involved cross border bodies, regional and local authorities, enterprises, civil society organisations, current and former beneficiaries, and, for the first time, nearly 15,000 citizens from regions covered by current Interreg initiatives.
Discussions will also focus on the effectiveness of Interreg programmes in addressing cross-border challenges. Key topics will include enhancing resilience to climate change and natural disasters, overcoming legal and administrative hurdles in public service provision for individuals and businesses, fostering people-to-people projects, safeguarding shared cultural heritage, improving cross-border healthcare, and bolstering border security. Additionally, the expansion of cooperation with candidate and neighbouring countries, including those near the EU's outermost regions, will be a primary focus.
The entire Interreg GO! event will be webstreamed.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha +32 229-52117)
The European Commission appoints a new Director at its Directorate for Environment
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Valérie Drezet-Humez as Director for General Affairs, Knowledge and Resources at the Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV). This department is responsible of protecting, preserving and improving the environment for present and future generations, promoting sustainable development withing and beyond Europe's borders. The date of effect will be determined later.
Ms Drezet-Humez brings over three decades of experience in European affairs, with a strong background in environmental policy and European governance. Over the course of her career at the European Commission, she has held several demanding roles, consistently demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and excellent coordination skills. She has contributed to a wide range of areas within the Commission, from overseeing the implementation and revision of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) to Policy Assistant to Directors-General and Head of the Commission Representation in France. Throughout her career, she has shown remarkable endurance, efficiency, and the ability to perform under pressure. Her diverse experience, including as senior manager in the Commission, has equipped her with the skills to manage complex and sensitive files. These qualities make her particularly well-suited for her new role.
Ms Drezet-Humez, a French national, is currently Principal adviser for synergies and efficiencies at the Secretariat-General of the European Commission. Previously, she headed the European Commission Representation in France, and was Head of Unit for two highly paced units at the Secretary-General – Commission's Registry/Greffe, and later for the Briefings for the President and the Vice-Presidents. Before joining the Commission in 1995, she worked in the private sector within the legal field.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel.: +32 229-66483; Isabel Otero Barderas - Tel.: +32 2 296 69 25)
EU Preparedness Union Strategy to prevent and react to emerging threats and crises
Today the Commission and High Representative launch the Preparedness Union Strategy to support Member States and enhance Europe's capability to prevent and respond to emerging threats.
It comes as the European Union is facing increasingly complex crises and challenges that cannot be ignored. From growing geopolitical tensions and conflicts, hybrid and cybersecurity threats, foreign information manipulation and interference, to climate change and increasing natural disasters, the EU needs to be ready to protect its citizens and the key societal functions that are crucial for democracy and daily life.
Concretely, the Strategy includes 30 key actions and a detailed Action Plan to advance the Preparedness Union's objectives, as well as developing a ‘preparedness by design culture' across all EU policies.
President Ursula von der Leyen said: “New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits. Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in the neighbourhood to save lives and livelihoods.”
Key objectives and actions of the Strategy include:
Protecting Europe's Essential Societal Functions:
Promoting Population Preparedness:
Enhancing Crisis Response Coordination:
Strengthening Civil-Military Cooperation:
Bolstering Foresight and Anticipation Capabilities:
Increasing Public-Private Cooperation:
Enhancing Cooperation with External Partners:
Overall by taking a proactive approach to preparedness, the EU aims to build a more resilient and secure continent, better equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Background
The Niinistö Report on Preparedness and Readiness of the EU concluded that strengthening Europe's civilian and military preparedness and readiness to address today's growing security challenges – in health, migration, technology security, climate, defence or the economy – is a matter of urgency. The report called for a profound change of mindset, and a shift in the way we understand and prioritise preparedness across the European Union. It also recognised that preparedness is not only a national responsibility but a shared European endeavour requiring stronger role for the Union in coordinating and supporting Member States in this area.
The Strategy therefore focusses on an integrated all-hazards approach, a whole-of-government approach, which brings together all relevant actors, across all levels of government (local, regional, national, and EU) and a whole-of-society approach, bringing together citizens, local communities and civil society, businesses and social partners as well as the scientific and academic communities.
Moreover, working closely with Member States, the Union has the ability to face future crises – and can deliver substantial and effective solutions for citizens and societies. The events and risks the European Union went through in the last years, and the strong and efficient response to the COVID-19 pandemic - demonstrated how the close cooperation between the European Union and the Member States allows for better outcomes for people and societies.
For more information
Joint Communication on Preparedness Union Strategy
Annex of the Joint Communication on Preparedness Union Strategy
Questions and answers
Factsheet
Quote(s)
New realities require a new level of preparedness in Europe. Our citizens, our Member States, and our businesses need the right tools to act both to prevent crises and to react swiftly when a disaster hits. Families living in flood zones should know what to do when the waters rise. Early warning systems can prevent regions hit by wildfires from losing precious time. Europe stands ready to support Member States and trusted partners in the neighbourhood to save lives and livelihoods.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Today we face an increasing number of external security challenges and a growing number of hybrid attacks in our common European space. It is clear that Europe must be stronger on all fronts and at every level of society. It is always better to prevent crises than to deal with their consequences. Our strategy is about building a comprehensive picture of the threats we face, preparing citizens including by improving their risk-awareness, stepping up civil-military cooperation, and working more closely with external partners, including NATO. Preparedness is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society challenge – today we advocate for a collective response.
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission
This Strategy is for people and societies, to help ensure that when a crisis strikes, everything works as it should, and we are ready to act swiftly and effectively. For that, we need a new preparedness mindset so that everyone knows what to do in any emergency, no matter its nature. Europe must act with agility, working closely with Member States to boost efficiency, save time and save lives. This Strategy is our insurance policy, so we are ready to care of our people when they need it most.
Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness
Preparedness must be woven into the fabric of our societies — everyone has a role to play. Today’s threats are fast, complex, and interconnected; our response must be more proactive, more integrated, and more coordinated at European level. By harnessing the energy of our institutions, businesses, and citizens, we can build resilience and ensure Europe emerges stronger from crises.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management
CALENDAR
Calendrier du lundi 24 mars 2025 au dimanche 30 mars 2025
Monday 24 March
Mr Costas Kadis receives Mr Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia; receives Mr Jakob Jensen, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries of Denmark; receives Ms Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Minister of Ecological Transition, Biodiversity, Forestry, the Sea and Fisheries, of France; receives Mr Timmy Dooley, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine of Ireland.
Tuesday 25 March
Mr Costas Kadis delivers an opening speech for the official launch of the campaign ‘EU Aquaculture - We work for you with passion'; participates on a dialogue with stakeholders; participates on Euractiv Policy Conference; ‘European Agriculture and Fisheries at the crossroads –Paving the way for a sustainable and competitive future'; receives representatives of the High Seas Alliance; receives representatives of Blue NGOs.
Wednesday 26 March
Mr Costas Kadis in Rome, Italy: delivers a speech, via prerecorded message at the Win-BIG Mediterranean Conference and Learning Lap; receives Ms Romina Pourmokhtari, Minister for Climate and the Environment of Sweden; receives Ms Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Thursday 27 March
Mr Costas Kadis in Simrishamn, Sweden: meets with MEPs Sofie Eriksson, Karin Karlsbro, Isabella Lövin, Jessica Polfjärd, Beatrice Timgren, Emma Wiesner; meets with scientists from Stockholm University, Baltic Sea center, coastal fishermen, Swedish anglers association and Swedish Society for Nature Conservation NGOs; visits local fish processing factory, fishermen and fishing vessels, meets with landing control officers and Coast Guard.
Friday 28 March
Mr Costas Kadis in Gotland, Sweden: meets with Mr Peter Kullgren, Minister for Rural Affairs of Sweden; meets with fishermen and owners of small-scale fishing vessels; meets with Ms Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, County Governor of Gotland County; meets with Blue Food - Centre for future seafood and with the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.
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