DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 20 March 2024
Commission prepares for pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews
The Commission has today adopted a Communication on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews.
This document contributes to the ongoing discussion process about the internal reforms the EU will need to make to prepare for an enlarged Union. It looks at the implications of a larger EU in four main areas - values, policies, budget and governance - laying the ground for the pre-enlargement policy reviews announced by President von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address.
The EU must deepen as it widens. We must start preparing today for the Union of tomorrow and use enlargement as a catalyst for progress. All of Europe has gained from enlargement. It made the EU the world's largest integrated market. It opened trade and financial flows, thereby contributing to economic growth in the EU and in acceding countries alike, and strengthened the EU's weight in global affairs.
While reforms were necessary before, with enlargement they become indispensable.
Getting ready for a larger Union
Enlargement is in the Union's own strategic interest. While there are challenges, the benefits of a well-managed enlargement process span across various areas: geopolitical, economic, environmental, social and democratic. The EU has successfully managed previous enlargements, by adjusting EU policies ahead of accession, ensuring a rigorous accession process, targeted assistance and – where needed – transitions.
For these benefits to materialise, both the EU and aspiring Member States must be well-prepared, and the accession process must remain merit-based. This requires full and sustained political commitment and engagement, first and foremost from the enlargement countries, but also from the EU itself. By drawing on the lessons learned from previous enlargements and further improving our policies at 27, we are becoming better prepared for a larger Union. Notably, gradual integration has become an important element in preparing enlargement countries well ahead of accession.
Values
Upholding democracy, rule of law and fundamental rights is a cornerstone of the EU. It has to guide a deep-rooted transformation in enlargement countries. These values continue to guide a deep-rooting transformation in enlargement countries. The EU is strengthening its tools to ensure the rule of law is upheld consistently across the Union, beyond accession.
Policies
While challenges may appear, a larger Union broadens the many benefits of the Single Market. However, for these benefits to materialise for citizens and businesses, the enlargement process must be well-prepared.
Today's document focuses on:
Budget
The precise financial impact of enlargement will primarily depend on its timing, scope and on the result of the merit-based accession negotiations. In any event, enlargement should be factored into the reflections leading to the next long-term budget. Future EU spending programmes should be developed with future enlargement in mind. In parallel, there will also be a need to look at how pre-accession tools can be fine-tuned to better prepare for accession and the transition towards participating in EU funds.
Governance
Since 2022, there have been reflections on EU institutional reforms. The prospect of enlargement has given this debate a new sense of urgency. While the Commission has indicated its support to Treaty change, 'if and where it is needed', it believes that the EU's governance can be swiftly improved by using the full potential of the current Treaties, such as ‘passerelles clauses' allowing for a shift from unanimity to qualified majority voting within the Council in key areas. It will also be necessary to take account of the enforcement workload ahead, which is crucial to preserving the integrity and functioning of the European Union and its single market.
Background
A larger European Union holds significant political and economic potential. Maximising these opportunities will depend on our ability to identify, define and anticipate areas for improvement, and to set out a clear strategy on how to progress on the parallel tracks of enlargement and EU reforms.
Today's Communication kicks off the work on the in-depth policy reviews, announced by President von der Leyen in her 2023 State of the Union address. The Commission will carry out these reviews in early 2025. The reviews may take different forms depending on the sectors and will benefit from stakeholders' input on the specific impacts of a larger Union on individual policies. Depending on the outcome of the reviews, substantive reform proposals in individual sectors, including the preparation of Commission's proposal for the next long-term budget, could then be a second step in this process.
For more information
https://commission.europa.eu/publications/communication-pre-enlargement-reforms-and-policy-reviews_en
Quote(s)
Enlargement is a geostrategic investment, increasing the EU’s political and economic weight on the global stage. It anchors democracy across the continent and strengthens the competitiveness of the Single Market, for instance, by reducing critical external dependencies. But to fully seize opportunities of this geopolitical investment, both the EU and future Member States must be well-prepared. This Communication is the first stepping-stone towards EU reforms inevitable to make us ready for a larger Union, with a series of in-depth policy reviews to begin in early 2025.
Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for European Green Deal, Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight
Contacts for media
Daniel FERRIE
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Saul GOULDING
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Commission takes action to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU
Quality traineeships can help young people gain practical work experience, learn new skills and eventually find a good quality job. For employers, they are an opportunity to attract, train and retain talent. A quality traineeship requires fair and transparent working conditions and an adequate learning content.
The EU's 2014 Quality Framework for Traineeships set out 21 quality principles to ensure high-quality learning and working conditions. In its 2023 evaluation of this Council Recommendation, the Commission found that it had a positive impact on the quality of traineeships in the EU. However, the Commission's evaluation also found room for improvement and both the Conference on the Future of Europe and the European Parliament called on the Commission to improve traineeships.
Today, the European Commission is taking action and is proposing to improve working conditions for trainees, including pay, inclusiveness and quality of traineeships in the EU. The initiative consists of:
In 2019, the latest available reliable data, there were an estimated 3.1 million trainees in the EU. Approximately half of all trainees (1.6 million) were enrolled in paid traineeships.
Boosting rights for trainees
The proposed Directive will help Member States improve and enforce good quality working conditions for trainees, as well as combat regular employment relationships disguised as traineeships.
Key elements of the proposed Directive include:
Fairer and more inclusive traineeships
The reinforced Council Recommendation applies to all trainees regardless of their employment status, including traineeships that are part of formal education and training curricula and those required for accessing specific professions.
Key elements of the revised Council Recommendation include:
These new elements are in addition to what already exists in the 2014 Quality Framework for Traineeships Recommendation, such as having clear vacancy notices, providing a written agreement before the start of the traineeship setting out the terms, making sure traineeships are not excessively long or repeated, ensuring that the learning experience is a core part, guaranteeing the health and safety aspects, and promoting their recognition afterwards.
Next steps
The Commission's proposed Directive will be discussed by the European Parliament and the Member States. Once the proposed Directive is adopted by the co-legislators, Member States will have two years to incorporate it into national law.
The Council Recommendation will be presented to the Council for consideration and adoption. Following this, the Commission will support Member States in implementing the Recommendation and will invite them to provide updates on national initiatives, reforms, best practices and statistics.
The EU's 2014 Quality Framework for Traineeships sets out 21 quality principles for traineeships that Member States are recommended to put into practice to ensure high-quality learning and working conditions. In its 2023 evaluation of this Council Recommendation, the Commission found that it had a positive impact on the quality of traineeships in the EU. At the same time, the evaluation found room for improvement in applying, monitoring and enforcing the framework's quality principles.
It is estimated that there are around 3.1 million trainees in the EU (among them 1.6 million paid trainees) and the demand for traineeships is expected to grow at least by 16% by 2030. According to a 2023 Eurobarometer survey, 78% of young Europeans did at least one traineeship and 68% said they found a job afterwards. 21% of respondents did a traineeship in another Member State, marking a significant increase since 2013 (9%).
Today's package follows up on the European Parliament resolution of June 2023, calling the Commission to update the 2014 Quality Framework; the Conference on the Future of Europe, where EU citizens asked the Commission to ensure quality traineeships; and the European Year of Youth. It also contributes to implementing the European Year of Skills and complements the reinforced Youth Guarantee and other Commission initiatives supporting youth employment.
For More Information
Proposed Directive
Proposed Council Recommendation
Impact assessment
Commission's 2023 evaluation of the 2014 Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships
Commission's page on traineeships
European Year of Skills
Eurobarometer survey on traineeships
Subscribe to the Commission's newsletter on employment, social affairs and inclusion
Today’s package will promote quality traineeships across the EU, helping young people to access better opportunities to transition from education to the workplace, and assist businesses in finding, training and recruiting young talent. We want to create more opportunities across the board and offer paid traineeships that are accessible to all young people regardless of their socio-economic background. By improving this access as well as the quality of traineeships, we are also seeking to alleviate labour and skills shortages, helping companies to thrive and young people to find jobs that match their skills and interests. This in turn will help to create a more inclusive and dynamic labour market for young people in the EU.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People
Traineeships can be a great way for young people to get a first work experience, learn new skills, and build their network. However, they must be quality traineeships, meaning there’s a clear learning objective, they are paid, and the trainees can receive mentoring and guidance to help them transition to the world of work. We also need to make every effort to make traineeships more accessible and inclusive, they should not be just for a privileged few. Every young person in Europe deserves a good start to their working lives.
Nicolas Schmit, Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights
Related topics
Employment and social affairs
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Commission to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU
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Veerle NUYTS
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Flora MATTHAES
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flora.matthaes@ec.europa.eu
Commission sets out actions to tackle labour and skills shortages
Today, the Commission has presented an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages and proposes to work together with Member States and social partners to address these issues over the coming months and years. The action plan is part of the EU's strategy to boost its competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience.
For almost a decade, labour and skills shortages have been increasing in all Member States. These shortages are driven by demographic shifts, the demand for new skills linked to technological developments and the twin transitions, the drive to develop further our own industrial sectors, defence and security needs, and challenges related to working conditions in some sectors and locations. The Commission has identified 42 ‘shortage' occupations, with some differences across the Member States.
The action plan is also a key deliverable of the European Year of Skills. It builds on the many policy and funding measures already in place at EU level, such as the Pact for Skills – which has so far provided training to 3.5 million workers –, the 2030 employment and skills targets endorsed at the Porto Social Summit, the adequate minimum wages and platform work directives, and the €65 billion in EU funds available to invest in skills.
The action plan is a follow up to the Val Duchesse Social Partners Summit of January 2024 and the Commission has come forward with it, in cooperation with social partners, whose role is crucial to implement solutions to address these challenges. The plan sets out actions in five areas to be implemented swiftly at the EU, national, and social-partners' level:
Addressing labour and skills shortages is crucial in boosting sustainable economic growth in the EU, seize the opportunities of the green and digital transitions, foster the creation of quality jobs, increase our economic and social resilience in the face of geopolitical shifts, and ensure sufficient funding for employment and social policies in the EU.
Examples of actions
The Commission will:
Member States are invited to:
Social partners intend to:
The Commission will monitor progress in implementing this action plan in the framework of the European Semester. In addition, the Commission will invite Member States in the Employment Committee and the Social Protection Committee to have regular tripartite exchanges on this issue, with the participation of European and national social partners.
Labour and skills shortages are expected to continue rising over the coming decades, predominantly thanks to demographic change and the increase in the demand for workers with specific skills, for instance required for the digital and green transitions. Nearly two thirds (63%) of small and medium-sized businesses said in a recent Eurobarometer survey that they cannot find the talent they need. By 2030, 3.5 million new jobs are expected to be created in renewable energy sectors alone. In addition, the Commission identified 42 occupations that it considers as EU-wide shortage occupations. At the same time, 21% of people aged 20-64 in the EU are currently inactive and require targeted assistance to enter the labour market.
Investment in people's skills helps to tackle labour shortages, master the green and digital transitions, and ensure Europe's future competitiveness. In this light, 2024 is marked as the European Year of Skills, an initiative that aims to help people to get the right skills for quality jobs and support companies in addressing skills shortages in the EU.
The action plan on skills and labour shortages is a concrete next step which contributes to this aim. It was announced at the Val Duchesse Social Partners Summit, convened by President von der Leyen and the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU, on 31 January, following its announcement in the 2023 SOTEU address. The plan builds on various initiatives already in place at EU and Member States level, as well as by social partners who have been consulted on the plan. It furthermore builds on initiatives of the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan, policy guidance in the framework of the European Semester and EU funding support. Implementing this action plan is crucial for achieving the 2030 EU headline targets on skills and employment, aiming for 78% of employment and 60% adult participation in yearly training.
The EU is investing around €65 billion in skills programmes, notably via the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).
Factsheet: Action Plan on labour and skills shortages in the EU
Communication: Action Plan on labour and skills shortages in the EU
2023 Employment and Social Developments in Europe report
We are facing a critical shortfall of talent in Europe that we are addressing today. Nearly two-thirds of Europe’s 25 million SMEs say they cannot find the right workers with the right skills. To fill this pressing need across various sectors and levels, today we are proposing to work together with Member States and social partners to bring more people into the labour market, support skills development and better working conditions, as well as attract skilled talent from outside the EU. At the same time, we want to promote greater internal mobility within the EU’s labour market, while preserving workers’ rights and regional development. Our ability to stay competitive and advance our economic and social resilience depends on tackling these challenges head-on.
Labour and skills shortages are becoming endemic and addressing them now is a must-do to preserve our resilience. With today’s Plan, we push for concrete delivery of actions to unlock the EU’s growth potential, support its competitiveness, and provide better opportunities for all. And we are not alone, this time we are joining efforts with social partners and Member States to ensure tangible results.
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President for Promoting our European Way of Life
Europe’s labour market is at a crossroads: businesses are struggling to find workers to fill their vacancies, which is holding them back. We have an opportunity to bring more people onto the labour market, prepare them for the jobs in demand, and to boost Europe’s competitiveness. This Commission has introduced several measures to increase training, improve working conditions, and empower social partners, but more can and should be done. With everybody’s commitment, we can turn a corner on skills and labour shortages, and build an economy that works for people.
Commission actions tackle labour and skills shortages in EU
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Commission takes action to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU
Today, the Commission has proposed a series of targeted actions to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU. The Communication on Building the future with nature identifies the challenges and barriers and proposes to tackle them, in line with the Communication on the long-term competitiveness of the EU.
The advances in life sciences, supported by digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), and the potential of solutions based on biology to solve societal issues, make biotechnology and biomanufacturing one of the most promising technological areas of this century. They can help the EU to modernise its agriculture, forestry, energy, food and feed sectors and industry. In addition, these technologies can contribute to a more competitive and resilient EU, that provides better healthcare to its citizens, and succeeds in its green and digital transitions.
Reaping the benefits of the biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector
The EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector is facing several challenges: research and technology transfer to the market, regulatory complexity, access to finance, skills, value chain obstacles, intellectual property, public acceptance and economic security.
This is why the Commission is putting forward a set of actions:
Communication on Building the future with nature: Boosting biotechnology and biomanufacturing in the EU
Questions and answers
Factsheet
Biotechnology - European Commission
Everywhere across Europe, we are faced with the same challenges: Climate change affects us all. Resource scarcity affects us all. Biotechnology can contribute to solving these challenges. Biotech also largely supports Europe’s economy and contribute to our competitiveness, with high growth potential and labour productivity. And by reducing the Europe’s dependency on fossil-based input and other sources of raw materials biotech also increase circularity and strengthen our path towards independence of fossil fuels. With today’s proposal we want to create the right environment for this sector to grow and deliver global solutions to societal and environmental problems.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age
Research and innovation
Europe Fit for Digital Age
Actions to boost biotechnology and biomanufacturing in EU
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Johannes BAHRKE
+32 2 295 86 15
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Johanna BERNSEL
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Johanna.BERNSEL@ec.europa.eu
Roberta VERBANAC
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Ana MARTINEZ SANJURJO
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Commissioner Kyriakides travels to Italy in the context of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan
Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, will be in Italy from 21-22 March to discuss the implementation of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan at national level and visit specialised institutions that are involved in cancer projects funded by the EU4Health programme.
In Rome, Commissioner Kyriakides will hold a bilateral meeting with Orazio Schillaci, Italian Minister of Health, to discuss, amongst other topics, Europe's Beating the Cancer Plan and the pharmaceutical reform. The Commissioner will then deliver a speech at the event ‘The network of breast units: an integrated model for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation', organised by the Italian Health Ministry. In addition, together with Dr Alberto Costa, scientific advisor to Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, the Commissioner will visit the paediatric cancer ward of Bambino Gesu' Children's Research Hospital, and meet with its President Tiziano Onestias.
In Milan, Commissioner Kyriakides will visit the Italian National Cancer Institute (INT) and the European Institute of Oncology (IEO). Both institutions participate in several EU4Health funded projects. For instance, INT is the coordinator of the Joint Action on Networks of Expertise (JA JANE) and the ‘European Linkage of Initiative from Science to Action in Health' – ELISAH project. IEO is the coordinator of the project Cancer Care Beacon - Reducing Disparities Across the European Union (BEACON). In addition, the Commissioner will deliver a speech at the 14th European Breast Cancer Conference. The Commissioner is also attending a charity event, the WEmbrace Awards 2024, celebrating physical wellness, diversity and inclusion.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Ana Apse-Paese - Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
Press statement by President von der Leyen with UN Secretary-General Guterres
Dear António,
I am very glad to see you here in Brussels. At a time when we face several crises that are intricate, interlinked, and international by nature whether it is Ukraine or Gaza, Sudan or Haiti. This makes the cooperation between the European Union and the United Nations more important than ever before. We work together to help restore peace and stability in regions in turmoil.
Today, we will of course discuss Gaza. Allow me, first of all, to express my deepest condolences for the recent loss of UN staff on the ground. We are extremely concerned about the war in Gaza and the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian situation. Gaza is facing famine. This is unacceptable. It is critical to achieve an agreement on a ceasefire rapidly now that frees the hostages and allows more humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. So let us hope for a positive outcome of the discussions led by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. I discussed this with Emir Bin Hamad Al Thani recently, and President El-Sisi in Cairo on Sunday. We are also very concerned about the risks a full-scale offensive in Rafah would have on the vulnerable civilian population. This needs to be avoided at all costs.
In the meantime, we do everything we can to channel more aid to Gaza. We allocated an additional EUR 125 million for humanitarian aid for Palestinians in 2024. Out of this total, EUR 81 million has already been contracted to key UN partners such as the World Food Programme, WHO and UNICEF. Now, the flow of aid by land is too slow. So we call for the opening of more land crossings, while we further develop alternatives, for example, airdrops and of course through the maritime corridor we opened from Cyprus. I am very glad that the Open Arms' operation was completed successfully, but now of course we need to see many more such ships and deliveries via the maritime corridor to Gaza.
But of course, we must also continue to focus on the actual delivery of aid to Palestinians on the ground. We have seen the images of food distribution, among stampede and chaos. So we must work on safe delivery of aid with agencies that are present on the ground, and this includes of course, first and foremost, UNRWA. I appreciate, António, your determination and transparency in addressing the allegations against UNRWA staff. We have a constructive dialogue with UNRWA. It allowed us to disburse a first payment of EUR 50 million as part of the EUR 82 million to be implemented through UNRWA in 2024, in the interest, first and foremost, of the people of Gaza.
While we address the emergency of the crisis, we must also prepare for the day after. Europe will support recovery and reconstruction, as soon as conditions allow. And we need to build a clear political path towards a two-state solution.
We will also of course discuss Ukraine. The European Union is steadfast in its support to Ukraine in its brave fight for freedom. Our EUR 50 billion Facility for Ukraine is now up and running. We have just disbursed the first EUR 4.5 billion today. I would like to take the opportunity to thank you, António, for your efforts. I remember very well how you promoted the Black Sea Grain Deal last year. It helped Ukraine continue to export grain to the world at the beginning of the conflict – that was crucial. Today it is good to see how much grain is being exported again via the Black Sea, also thanks to the Ukrainian armed forces.
To conclude, dear António, Europe will continue to play an active role in the UN initiatives for peace and stability. We are your number one financial supporter, and proudly so. And we are also looking forward to making your Summit for the Future in September a real success.
Team Europe and African partners launch four initiatives to strengthen health systems and social protection in Africa
Three health Team Europe Initiatives (TEIs) were launched today during the high-level event on the European Union (EU) – African Union (AU) partnership on Global Health for equitable access, in Brussels. The TEIs will strengthen health security, support Public Health Institutes in Africa, and boost digital health. On this occasion a Team Europe Initiative on Social Protection was also launched.
The Team Europe Initiative on Sustainable Health Security will strengthen prevention, preparedness and response to infectious threats and anti-microbial resistance in African countries. It brings together the European Commission, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Spain, ECDC and the Africa CDC.
The partners will apply a One Health approach, recognizing that the health of people, animals, and ecosystem are intrinsically tied, and support the operational capacities of Africa CDC, including laboratories, surveillance systems and implementation research at national, regional and continental levels. Building upon ongoing successful actions, such as the collaboration between the Africa CDC and ECDC that started in 2021, the initiative will benefit from €123 million from the EU budget from 2022–2027.
The Support to Public Health Institutes in Africa initiative will strengthen African national public health institutes and public health schools. It will promote regional collaboration and networking among African and European institutes, and enhance health workforce training, research and knowledge exchange.
Bringing together the European Commission, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Africa CDC, this initiative focuses on reducing inequities in access to quality health care and disease prevention, building integrated and holistic health systems and ultimately advancing universal health coverage. It will benefit from €50 million from the EU budget from 2024–2027.
The Digital Health initiative supports African partners in strengthening health systems and achieving universal health coverage through digital solutions, notably those relevant for pandemic preparedness and response. The initiative will help strengthen primary health care, and developing a joint strategy on digital health aligned with regional needs. The initiative will benefit from €87 million from the EU budget from 2024–2027, and bring together the European Commission, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Sweden, and the Digital for Development (D4D) Hub. The Social Protection initiative strengthens national social protection systems in Sub-Saharan Africa through collaborative efforts at regional level. It will build on exchanges of European and African experiences and good practices to establish social protection systems. This initiative brings together the European Commission, Belgium, France, Germany and Ireland. The EU contributes to social protection system strengthening at country level in Sub-Saharan Africa through ongoing bilateral cooperation worth approximately €250 million.
Today's launch was attended by the European Commission, Belgian Government, African Union and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), as well as high-level representatives of various member states encompassing the Team Europe together with EU institutions.
The initiatives are part of EU Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package presented at the 6th EU–AU Summit in 2022 and support the joint vision for 2030. They are fully in line with the EU Global Health Strategy and the New Public Health Order for Africa to foster resilient health systems on the continent, showcasing the joint commitment of the EU and the AU to supporting initiatives for pandemic preparedness, health security and equitable access to quality essential health services.
At the high-level event, the Africa CDC and the European Commission also signed an administrative arrangement to establish modalities of cooperation, including regular technical dialogue, capacity-building, and promotion of technical collaboration, additionally intending to exchange information and facilitate staff exchanges.
Africa-EU Partnership
Health - European Commission
Global Gateway Africa-Europe Investment Package factsheets
Strong international partnerships and shared goals are crucial to effectively tackle current and future health challenges. As we expand the strategic Africa-EU Health partnership, today’s initiatives are part of the external dimension of the European Health Union and a strong sign of our mutual commitment to working together. This means jointly strengthening prevention, preparedness and response and prioritising a One Health approach and the fight against AMR to ensure better health care and protection for all our citizens.
Stella Kyriakides, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety
Learning the lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Team Europe and Africa are further strengthening their cooperation on global health and social protection to put SDGs back on track. These initiatives underscore our collective Team Europe commitment to fostering sustainable health security and advancing public health and social protection in Africa and with Africa. By collaborating with regional partners and leveraging innovative approaches, we aim to build resilient systems that benefit communities across the continent. These initiatives showcase the Global Health Strategy, a pillar of the Global Gateway investment strategy’s, in action.
Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for International Partnerships
The launch of these three TEIs focusing on health and one on social protection shows that we want to tackle the various aspects of health profoundly. The TEIs bring together the challenges of both health security and universal health coverage and come up with tangible answers.
Caroline Gennez, Minister of Development Cooperation of Belgium
Through collaborative efforts with Team Europe, we're advancing health initiatives like One Health and Primary Health Care, to advance health systems and disease surveillance across Africa. The launch of these three Team Europe Initiatives focusing on health, alongside our commitment to social protection, signifies a crucial step in addressing global health challenges directly and emphasising universal health coverage.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Directoral General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Commission disburses first €4.5 billion of bridge financing to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility
Today, the Commission has disbursed the first €4.5 billion of support under the EU's new Ukraine Facility. Through this exceptional bridge financing, the EU is providing much needed liquidity to Ukraine, to help finance the functioning of the state, such as public wages, pensions, and the provision of basic public services, so that the country can continue focusing efforts on winning the war. Ukraine has also submitted its official Ukraine Plan that paves the way for regular payments under the Facility conditioned to the reform and investment agenda of Ukraine for the next four years. As a next step, the Commission will now swiftly assess the Ukraine Plan and submit a proposal for a Council implementing decision to approve it as conditions to access regular payments.
Following her meeting with Ukrainian Primer minister Denys Shmyhal, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today is a good day for Ukraine, as more EU funds are flowing to meet urgent needs. The Commission has just paid to Ukraine a first tranche of 4.5 billion Euro from the Facility. This payment, in the form of bridge financing, is crucial to help Ukraine maintain the functioning of the State in this difficult moment. Ukraine has also delivered the Ukraine Plan. This success is all the more impressive, since it is only 19 days ago that the Ukraine Facility entered into force. The plan maps out how Ukraine can get back to rapid growth, and start to recover the losses that the war has caused. With it, Ukraine has laid a solid foundation for the EU's support, right up until the end of 2027.”
The European Union has demonstrated unprecedented unity in condemning Russia's actions and in providing support to Ukraine. So far, the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions have together provided wide-ranging support to Ukraine and its people, amounting to almost €98 billion since the start of Russia's war of aggression. This includes support made available to cater of the needs of around 4 million Ukrainian refugees in EU Member States. This also includes the first payment of €4.5 billion under the Ukraine Facility, which entered into force on 1 March 2024, one month after the political agreement on the MFF revision reached in the special European Council meeting of 1 February 2024.
A press release with more information is available online.
(For more information: Ana Pisonero - Tel: +32 229-54320; Zoi Muletier – Tel.: +32 229-94306)
10 EU regions selected as part of Pillar 2 of the Talent Booster Mechanism to help alleviate the effects of demographic change
Today, the European Commission has selected 10 EU regions - that are at risk of falling into a ‘talent development trap' - to receive tailored support as part of the Talent Booster Mechanism to help them mitigate the effects of demographic change and a departing younger population.
After publishing a call for expression of interest in December 2023, a Committee of Commission experts reviewed the challenges and needs of each region and their motivation to receive expert support. 10 regions were selected from eight Member States: Nord-Vest (Romania), Castilla y León (Spain), Campania (Italy), Norte (Portugal), Extremadura (Spain), Centre - Val de Loire (France), Região Autónoma dos Açores (Portugal), Pohjois-Savo (Finland), Thessalia (Greece) and Banská Bystrica (Slovak Republic).
The regions will benefit from detailed analyses, policy recommendations, and action plans tailored to address their specific demographic and territorial challenges, with the support of expert advice from the OECD.
The support under Pillar 2 of the Talent Booster Mechanism specifically targets regions at risk of falling into what is commonly referred to as the ‘talent development trap' – a departing younger population which leads to a decline in working-age population, low numbers in university and higher-education graduates, and difficulties in retaining talent.
Under Pillar 1 of the Talent Booster Mechanism, 10 regions already in a ‘talent development trap' were selected last November to receive technical assistance to help them create concrete frameworks to address the impact of demographic change.
The eight-pillar Talent Booster Mechanism was introduced by the Communication on Harnessing Talent in Europe's regions. The Mechanism supports EU regions affected by the accelerated decline of their working age population, in training, retaining, and attracting people with the necessary skills to mitigate the impact of the demographic transition.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Laetitia Close – Tel.: +32 2 296 70 73)
Commission and the research community develop guidelines on responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence in research
The Commission and the European Research Area countries and stakeholders have jointly put forward a set of guidelines to support the European research community in their responsible use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). While generative AI tools offer speed and convenience in producing text, images and code, researchers must also be mindful of the technology's limitations, including possible plagiarism, revealing sensitive information, or inherent biases in the models.
Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age said: “We are committed to innovation of AI and innovation with AI. And we will do our best to build a thriving AI ecosystem in Europe. With these guidelines, we encourage the research community to use generative AI to help supercharge European science and its applications to the benefit of society and for all of us.”
Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Generative AI can hugely boost research but its use demands transparency and responsibility. These guidelines aim to uphold scientific integrity and preserve public trust in science amidst rapid technological advancements. I call on the scientific community to join us in turning these guidelines into the reference for European research.”
With the rapid spread of the use of this technology in all domains, including science, these recommendations address key opportunities and challenges, building on the principles of research integrity, offering guidance to researchers, organisations and funders for a joint approach across Europe. As generative AI is constantly evolving, these guidelines will be updated with regular feedback from the scientific community and stakeholders who can share their views here.
The EU's new AI Act also introduces dedicated rules for general purpose AI models, including large generative AI models. These new obligations will ensure transparency along the value chain and will be operationalised through codes of practices. The new AI Office will play a key role in the implementation of the AI Act, including for the rules for general purpose AI models.
The AI innovation package, launched in January 2024, provides financial support dedicated to Generative AI, and also includes initiatives to attract, train and retain generative AI specialists.
For more details, please see our factsheet and news item.
(For more information: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 2 295 86 15; Roberta Verbanac – Tel.: +32 2 298 24 98)
CALENDAR
Wednesday 20/03
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Bruges, Belgium: meets with Ms Federica Mogherini, Rector of the College of Europe ; delivers a speech at the event organised by the Hellenic Society of the College of Europe; meets Mr Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus.
Ms Stella Kyriakides participates in the high-level Ministerial dialogue on the EU-African Union Global Health Partnership organised by the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the EU; delivers pre-recorded remarks to the event marking the opening of the new Paediatric Oncology Center in Bucharest.
Thursday 21/03
Mr Margaritis Schinas meets jointly via videoconference with Mr Thomas Bach, President of the IOC and Mr Moussa Faki, Chairman of the African Union Commission.
Ms Stella Kyriakides in Italy (until 22/03): meets with Mr Orazio Schillaci, Minister of Health of Italy and visits the ‘Bambino Gesu' Children's Research Hospital' in Rome; attends the WEmbrace Awards 2024 in Milan.
Friday 22/03
Mr Margaritis Schinas in Nicosia, Cyprus ; participates to a cross-ministerial meeting with Mr Konstantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior, with Ms Athina Michaelidou, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, with Mr Marios Hartsiotis, Minister of Justice and Public Order, with Ms Marilena Evangelou, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, with Ms Vasiliki Kassianidou, Deputy Minister of culture ; delivers a keynote speech at the University of Nicosia; meets Ms Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus ; meets past participants of the European Solidarity Corps.
Ms Stella Kyriakides in Milan, Italy: visits the Italian National Cancer Institute; visits the European Institute of Oncology; attends the Europa Donna 30th anniversary celebration; delivers a keynote speech at the European Breast Cancer Conference.
European Commission issues €7 billion in its 3rd syndicated transaction of 2024
The European Commission has today raised €7 billion of EU-Bonds in its 3rd syndicated transaction for 2024.
The transaction concerned a new, single-tranche €7 billion NextGenerationEU (NGEU) Green Bond due on 4 February 2050. The long 25-year bond came at a re-offer yield of 3.339%, equivalent to a price of 98.481%. Bids received amounted to €86.5 billion, resulting in an oversubscription rate of over 12 times.
The proceeds of the transaction will be used to finance green projects in Member States' national Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs) – the roadmaps to spending under NextGenerationEU. All NGEU Green Bond issuances are guided by the NGEU Green Bond Framework, which is aligned with the Green Bond Principles of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA).
Today's bond syndication
Due on 4 February 2050, this bond carries a coupon of 3.25% and came at a re-offer yield of 3.339%, equivalent to a price of 98.481%. The spread to mid-swap is 80 bps, which is equivalent to 78.5 bps over the green Bund due on 15 August 2050 and 6.7 bps over the green OAT due on 25 June 2049.
The final order book was of over €86.5 billion. The total amount of the bond outstanding is now €7 billion.
The joint lead managers of this transaction were Barclays, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Société Générale and UniCredit.
The Commission has now issued approximately €35.5 billion of its €75 billion funding target for the first half of 2024. A full overview of all EU transactions executed to date is available online. A detailed overview of the EU's planned transactions for the first half of 2024 is also available in the EU funding plan. The next transaction in the EU's indicative issuance calendar is an EU-Bills auction on 20 March 2024.
The European Commission is empowered by the EU Treaties to borrow from the international capital markets on behalf of the European Union. It is a well-established name in debt securities markets, with a track record of bond issuances over the past 40 years. All issuances executed by the European Commission are denominated exclusively in euro. EU borrowing is guaranteed by the EU budget, and contributions to the EU budget are an unconditional legal obligation of all Member States under the EU Treaties.
The European Commission uses the proceeds of its bond issuances to finance select EU policy programmes. A landmark policy programme currently funded by EU borrowing is the NextGenerationEU recovery programme. The EU will also use bond issuance to finance up to €33 billion in loans to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility between 2024 and 2027. The Ukraine Facility provides stable financial support for Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and reforms on its EU accession track.
In January 2023, the EU launched the unified funding approach, extending the diversified funding strategy first established for NextGenerationEU to all other policy programmes funded by EU borrowing. Following the introduction of this approach, the EU funds its different policy programmes by issuing single-branded EU-Bonds rather than separately labelled bonds for individual programmes.
With today's transaction, the EU has now issued €320.1 billion in EU-Bonds under the unified funding approach, with €55.9 billion in the form of NGEU Green Bonds. Of the proceeds raised, €220.5 billion has been disbursed to Member States under the Recovery and Resilience Facility. A further €54.5 billion has been allocated to other EU programmes benefitting from NextGenerationEU funding. €18 billion was disbursed to Ukraine under the Macro-financial Assistance + policy in 2023, while proceeds are also being used to finance disbursements under the new Ukraine Facility. Because the Commission engages in short-term liquidity management operations to smooth upcoming funding needs, amounts raised will not necessarily be equal to amounts disbursed.
The EU's total debt outstanding now stands at €494.9 billion, including Euratom (€311 million) and EU-Bills (€16.2 billion).
To finance EU policies as efficiently and effectively as possible, the Commission's issuances are structured by semi-annual funding plans and pre-announced issuance windows. To support the secondary market liquidity of EU-Bonds, the Commission introduced a framework incentivising EU Primary Dealers to provide quotes on EU securities on electronic platforms in November 2023. In addition, the Commission will support the use of EU-Bonds in repurchase agreements by introducing a repurchase facility later in 2024.
The Commission is also publishing annual reports on the allocation and impact of NGEU Green Bond proceeds, with real time information about the eligible and reported green bond expenditure available in the NGEU Green Bond Dashboard here: Dashboard - European Commission (europa.eu).
Information on the allocation of the investors in this transaction is available in the transactions section of the EU as a borrower website. More information on EU's issuance activities is available here: The EU as a borrower – investor relations - European Commission (europa.eu)
Commission conference to boost effort to plant 3 billion trees by 2030 for more resilience against climate and environmental threats
Ahead of International Day of Forests, today the European Commission is organising the ‘Rooting for 3 Billion Trees’ conference in Brussels, also available to livestream. Tree planting organisations, NGOs and authorities from across the EU are invited to share best practices and provide recommendations on how to achieve the target of 3 billion additionally planted trees, part of the EU biodiversity and Forest Strategy for 2030.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, said:
In 2021, we pledged to plant at least 3 billion additional trees by 2030, in full respect of ecological principles. Today already 44 organisations from all 27 Member States have reported trees into our system, sometimes even several millions of trees in one go. This level of reporting shows that we are serious about our pledge. We do not settle just for words, we want results on the ground. This approach distinguishes our pledge from many other, similar initiatives.
At the event, Irish Minister for Environment Pippa Hackett will report her country’s additional trees into the pledge. The Belgian EU presidency, represented by Minister Céline Tellier, and French Deputy Secretary General for Ecological Planning Frédérik Jobert will outline how their countries aim to contribute to the target. So far, Belgium is the leading EU country when it comes to reporting newly planted trees with more than 5 million trees, followed by Czechia and Portugal. In 2023, France committed to plant 1 billion trees by 2030.
Thematically, the event also pays particular attention to natural regeneration – or “rewilding” – as an ecologically valuable way of reforestation. Natural regeneration also counts for the EU pledge. To emphasize that point, the Commission and Brussels region symbolically planted 9 trees in the park of Laeken earlier today. This selective planting of climate-robust species such as small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata), European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) will, in a few years, turn an intensively managed field into a biodiverse, semi-wooded area.
The other major theme on the agenda will be reforestation after forest fires. Due to climate change, the intensity and frequency of wildfires is rapidly increasing. Monoculture and even-aged forests, of which there are many in Europe, are particularly vulnerable. Reforestation into a more diverse forest ecosystem will better make our forests more resilient. To support Member States and practitioners, in 2023, the European Commission adopted new EU guidelines on biodiversity-friendly afforestation, reforestation and tree-planting.
Today’s event is part of the worldwide #ForOurPlanet campaign, a communication campaign from the Commission and the European External Action Service drawing citizens’ attention to the importance of tree planting, whether you live in a forest, the countryside or a big city. The campaign runs until 31 March and calls on citizens to take actions, big or small, to bring nature back into their lives.
To follow the webstream of the event (Wed 20 March, 14:00 – 17:30): Rooting for #3BillionTrees conference - European Commission (europa.eu)
More information
3 Billion Trees (europa.eu)
For Our Planet campaign for nature & climate kicks off - European Commission (europa.eu)
Forests - European Commission (europa.eu)
Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 for research and innovation to underpin journey to a green, digital and resilient future
Today, the Commission has adopted the second strategic plan for Horizon Europe. The plan, announced at the flagship Research and Innovation Days, sets out three key strategic orientations for EU's research and innovation funding for the last three years of the programme (2025-2027):
These orientations aim to address key global challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, the digital transition and an ageing population.
Open strategic autonomy and securing Europe's leading role in developing and deploying critical technologies are overarching principles that apply across all three key strategic orientations.
The strategic plan raises the ambition of Horizon Europe on biodiversity and commits to a target of 10% of the Horizon Europe's total budget for 2025-2027 dedicated to biodiversity-related topics. This new commitment complements existing targets for climate expenditure (35% over the lifetime of Horizon Europe) and main digital activities (€13 billion over the same period).
The strategic plan identifies nine new European co-funded and co-programmed partnerships: Brain Health, Forests and Forestry for a Sustainable Future, Innovative Materials for EU, Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition, Resilient Cultural Heritage, Social Transformations and Resilience, Solar Photovoltaics, Textiles of the Future, and Virtual Worlds.
The strategic plan also provides an overview of the achievement of EU Missions over their first years and introduces the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Facility. The New European Bauhaus is a pioneering movement that brings citizens, municipalities, experts, businesses, universities and institutions together to reimagine and jointly bring about sustainable and inclusive living in Europe and beyond. Given the cross-cutting nature of the NEB and of its R&I content, the NEB will be implemented as a cross-cluster issue in the Horizon Europe work programmes for 2025-2027. This R&I component will be complemented by a roll-out component that will be delivered through synergies with other EU programmes. Together, these two components will be referred to as the ‘NEB Facility'.
The plan addresses a number of specific issues, such as the balance of research and innovation and the integration of social sciences and humanities. On the former, the strategic plan commits to provide a balanced support to activities with a range of maturity and of technology readiness levels, ranging from knowledge-generating and early-stage research to innovation, to demonstration and first deployment activities, such as in model regions, living labs and lighthouses. It also commits to strengthen collaborative research projects with low technology readiness levels and maturity levels under Pillar II.
Effectively integrating social sciences and humanities into all clusters, including all missions and partnerships, is a key principle of the programme. This is reflected by flagging specific topics and requesting an assessment of their societal impact. Social sciences and humanities will be integrated into relevant projects, from their drafting to their selection and evaluation.
Next Steps
The key strategic orientations are the guiding principles for Horizon Europe and will be implemented through the work programmes. Work programmes set out the funding opportunities for research and innovation activities through thematic calls for proposals and topics.
The Horizon Europe main Work Programme 2025 will be developed following the orientations of the newly adopted strategic plan. In April 2024, the Commission will launch a feedback opportunity for the Work Programme 2025 open to all stakeholders.
The Horizon Europe strategic plan for 2025-2027 builds on an extensive analysis conducted by the Commission services, including a gap analysis on the missing topics and potential gaps within the intervention areas provided in the Horizon Europe legal basis. The strategic plan has been co-created by Commission services and co-designed with the European Parliament, Member States and Associated Countries as well as more than 2000 stakeholders and citizens who have contributed at various stages of the strategic planning process for Horizon Europe, such as the largest ever public consultation on European Research and Innovation Framework Programmes.
More information on the Horizon Europe strategic plan
Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027
Horizon Europe strategic plan 2025-2027 analysis
European Partnerships
EU Missions
Research and Innovation Days 2024
Paper on the Added Value of European investments in research and innovation
Paper on Why Investing in R&I Matters - A rationale for public and private investments
European Funding and Tenders portal
By setting out key strategic orientations for EU’s research and innovation funding, we can guide investments in cutting-edge research and breakthrough innovation. Via the Horizon Europe Work Programmes we can address key challenges such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, the digital transition and an ageing population. Our strategic plan identifies nine new areas: Brain Health, Forestry for a Sustainable Future, Innovative Materials, Raw Materials for the Green and Digital Transition, Cultural Heritage, Social Transformations, Solar Photovoltaics, Textiles of the Future, and Virtual Worlds.
Our research and innovation programme is the bedrock of our future prosperity and competitiveness. The strategic plan for the last three years of Horizon Europe makes sure that our research and innovation funding underpins our climate, biodiversity and digital ambitions, while also maintaining the flexibility we need to respond to any emerging needs.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market
The Commission has disbursed the first €4.5 billion of support under the EU's new Ukraine Facility. Through this exceptional bridge financing, the EU is providing much needed liquidity to Ukraine, to help finance the functioning of the state, such as public wages, pensions, and the provision of basic public services, so that the country can continue focusing efforts on winning the war. Today, Ukraine has also submitted its official Ukraine Plan, that paves the way for regular payments under the Facility conditioned to the reform and investment agenda of Ukraine for the next four years. As a next step, the Commission will now swiftly assess the Ukraine Plan and submit a proposal for a Council implementing decision to approve it as conditions to access regular payments.
Following her meeting with Ukrainian Primer minister Denys Shmyhal, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: “Today is a good day for Ukraine, as more EU funds are flowing to meet urgent needs. The Commission has just paid to Ukraine a first tranche of 4.5 billion Euro from the Facility. This payment, in the form of bridge financing, is crucial to help Ukraine maintain the functioning of the State in this difficult moment. Ukraine has also delivered the Ukraine Plan. This success is all the more impressive, since it is only 19 days ago that the Ukraine Facility entered into force. The plan maps out how Ukraine can get back to rapid growth and start to recover the losses that the war has caused. With it, Ukraine has laid a solid foundation for the EU's support, right up until the end of 2027”.
The Ukraine Facility of up to €50 billion will provide stable and sustainable financing to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction, and modernisation, including key reforms necessary on its EU accession track for the period of 2024-2027. This amount is composed of up to €17 billion in grants and up to €33 billion in loans.
On the ‘exceptional bridge financing'
As provided for in the regulation establishing the Ukraine Facility, exceptional support to Ukraine to support the macro-financial stability of the country for a limited period of time can be provided by the Commission in case the Ukraine Plan is not yet adopted or the Framework Agreement between the Commission and Ukraine is not yet signed. This is subject to the fulfilment of policy conditions as well as reporting requirements to ensure the transparent and efficient use of the funds. Policy conditions are linked to important reforms in the fight against corruption, money laundering and sound financial management, among others.
If the Commission assesses in April the positive fulfilment of these policy conditions and reporting requirements, the Commission will be able to disburse an additional €1.5 billion to Ukraine in bridge financing.
On the Ukraine Plan
As the next step, the Commission will assess the Ukraine Plan, which focuses on structural reforms, investments and measures to promote convergence with the EU, and shall submit a proposal for a Council implementing decision to assess it. The Commission will review whether the Plan responds to the objectives of the Ukraine Facility to support the recovery, restoration, reconstruction, and modernisation needs caused by Russia's war of aggression and if it is consistent to address relevant challenges in the context of Ukraine's accession path. Finally, the Commission will also assess if Ukraine's proposed measures can ensure an adequate level of protection of the financial interests of the Union.
The Council will have one month to assess the Plan. A Council Implementing Decision will detail the indicators of reforms and investments that Ukraine must fulfil for the disbursement of the financial support for each quarter of the year for the next four-year period.
Once the Ukraine plan, the Framework Agreement between the European Commission and Ukraine, as well as the financing and loan agreements are in place, Ukraine could benefit from the disbursement of a pre-financing of €1.9 billion. This would then be followed by regular quarterly payments if the agreed indicators for reforms and investments have been met.
Ukraine Facility Regulation
Factsheet Ukraine Facility
EU support to Ukraine
Today is a good day for Ukraine, as more EU funds are flowing to meet urgent needs. The Commission has just paid to Ukraine a first tranche of 4.5 billion Euro from the Facility. This payment, in the form of bridge financing, is crucial to help Ukraine maintain the functioning of the State in this difficult moment. Ukraine has also delivered the Ukraine Plan. This success is all the more impressive, since it is only 19 days ago that the Ukraine Facility entered into force. The plan maps out how Ukraine can get back to rapid growth and start to recover the losses that the war has caused. With it, Ukraine has laid a solid foundation for the EU’s support, right up until the end of 2027.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Another clear signal that we stand with Ukraine and invest by this also into our security. A lot of money, yet nothing compared to the Ukrainian people’s sacrifices for Europe.
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for Budget and Administration
We have just disbursed the first payment under our new Ukraine Facility as promised. This demonstrates that the European Union continues to stand side -by-side with our Ukrainian partners. This first payment will support the functioning of the state and the running of public services in Ukraine. We also welcome the strong commitment of the Ukrainian authorities to prepare the Ukraine Plan, which the Commission will now assess. The Plan is the vision of the Ukrainian government for internal reforms and investment priorities. It will be the main tool for implementing the Ukraine Facility.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement
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