On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), Commissioner for Fisheries and the Oceans, Costas Kadis, will participate in a dedicated event on bord of the EFCA patrol vessel Ocean Sentinel in Limassol, Cyprus on Monday 10 November 2025. [Press statements scheduled at 10:30 local time, see attached invitation]
The Ocean Sentinel is the EFCA vessel currently patrolling the Mediterranean Sea, and the event will honor inspectors operating across sea basins. The Ocean Sentinel also serves as a testament to the EFCA’s multi-mission capabilities as the vessel can conduct search-and-rescue operations in the eastern Mediterranean. The Commissioner’s participation underscores the agency’s pivotal role in enforcing the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, while reaffirming the Union’s commitment to sustainable marine governance in the Mediterranean and beyond. The event will highlight EFCA’s achievements in strengthening maritime surveillance, fostering international cooperation, and ensuring compliance with EU fisheries regulations.
Commissioner Kadis will emphasise the agency’s forward-looking strategic priorities, highlighting the digital transition as a cornerstone to accelerate the implementation of the revised Fisheries Control Regulation. This initiative aims to modernise monitoring systems, streamline data integration, and boost operational efficiency across EFCA’s mandate. He will also highlight the agency’s commitment to reinforced regional cooperation, particularly in the Mediterranean, by deepening multilateral partnerships-most notably with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)-to strengthen governance frameworks and promote equitable, sustainable fisheries practices.
Since its establishment in 2005 EFCA ensures compliance with EU fisheries rules through joint operations, surveillance, and global partnerships. The visit takes place as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency, with fisheries and oceans high on the agenda. Initiatives such as the Ocean Observation Initiative, the Islands and Coastal Communities Strategy, and the CFP evaluation will shape the bloc’s blue economy priorities, all underpinned by the EU Ocean Pact’s commitment to a resilient, thriving marine environment.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: + 32 229-96302; Anna Wartberger – Tel: +32 2 28 20 54)
The EU adopts stricter rules on visas for Russian nationals
The Commission has adopted stricter rules on visas for Russian nationals, in view of the increased security risks stemming from Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine, including the weaponisation of migration, acts of sabotage and the potential misuse of visa.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: ‘Russia’s illegal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine continues to pose a serious threat to European security, with heightened risks related to sabotage, disinformation and drone incursions in the Union. The EU has consistently tightened entry conditions for Russian nationals since the onset of this illegal aggression. By further restricting visa rules, we are taking an additional and necessary step to safeguard the security of the European Union and its citizens.’
Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, said ‘Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has created the most dangerous security environment in Europe for decades. We now face unprecedented drone disruptions and sabotage on our soil. We have a duty to protect our citizens. Stricter rules will now apply to Russian nationals requesting a visa to travel to the EU. Travelling to and freely moving within the EU is a privilege not a given.’
Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, said: ‘The protection of the EU’s external borders requires the implementation of robust and comprehensive visa management rules. Under the newly adopted provisions, all visa applications submitted by nationals of the Russian Federation will be subject to enhanced verification procedures and elevated levels of scrutiny. This will contribute to the integrity and security of the Schengen area.’
From now on, Russian nationals will no longer be able to receive multiple-entry visas. This means Russian nationals will have to apply for a new visa each time they plan to travel to the EU, allowing for close and frequent scrutiny of applicants to mitigate any potential security risk.
The goal is to mitigate threats to public policy and internal security while allowing exceptions for limited and justified cases such as independent journalists and human rights defenders, ensuring uniform application across Member States and preventing circumvention.
This decision is based on a joint assessment by Member States under local Schengen cooperation in Russia and follows the approval by all Member States in the Visa Committee.
Since Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, the EU took unprecedented action for Russia to stop this unjust and unprovoked aggression, including the full suspension of the Visa Facilitation Agreement with Russia and the adoption of guidelines to support Member States to deprioritise visas for Russians and refrain issuing them, increasing the security and border controls. Today’s Commission decision builds on these efforts and is based on a joint assessment by Member States under local Schengen cooperation in Russia.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 460 76 14 21; Elettra Di Massa + 32 229 82161)
Europeans continue to view democracy and economic power as EU’s main strengths, according to latest Flash Eurobarometer survey
According to the results of the latest Flash Eurobarometer survey on ‘EU challenges and priorities’ published today, respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law (36%) and the economic, industrial, and trading power of the EU (31%) remain the EU’s main strengths, followed by the good relationships and solidarity between the EU’s Member States (28%).
When asked about values, over half of Europeans say that the EU rather than other countries in the world best embodies respect for fundamental rights and values, freedom of speech and expression (55% for each) and social equality and welfare (52%).
The war in Ukraine remains the current main challenge that the EU is facing, mentioned by 47% of Europeans.
When asked about global challenges for the future of the EU, conflicts in the world is the most mentioned issue (41%), followed by irregular migration (35%) and climate change and environmental issues (31%). The fourth most mentioned issue is a new one, namely the risk that the EU will lose its voice and influence in the world (30%).
The Flash Eurobarometer 569 was conducted between 3 and 10 September 2025 across the 27 Member States. 25,893 EU citizens were interviewed online.
These and other results are available online, in a dedicated press release and the Eurobarometer survey itself.
(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66)
Twenty-one European airlines agree to modify their practices regarding environmental claims following dialogue with the Commission and national consumer protection authorities
Twenty-one airlines have committed to change their practices regarding environmental claims that were considered misleading by the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network. This follows a dialogue with the European Commission and the CPC network, led by the Belgian Directorate General for Economic Inspection, the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets, the Norwegian Consumer Authority and the Spanish Directorate General of Consumer Affairs.
Air Baltic, Air Dolomiti, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Easyjet, Finnair, KLM, Lufthansa, Luxair, Norwegian, Ryanair, SAS, SWISS, TAP, Transavia France, Transavia CV, Volotea, Vueling, and Wizz Air all agreed to introduce changes in their practices.
Henna Virkkunen Vice-President for Tech sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said: “This dialogue is an encouraging acknowledgement of the responsibility we share to provide consumers with truthful information and to work toward genuine improvements in reducing the environmental impact of aviation. I welcome the commitment made by the airlines to change their practices.”
Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: ‘Consumers are the firepower of our economy. Time and time again, Europeans have shown their readiness to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. It is now important that the industry match these efforts by ensuring transparency and honesty in environmental claims. Consumers deserve clear and accurate information about the true impact of air travel and the real efforts that can be made to increase sustainability.’
All these airlines have committed to stop claiming that the CO2 emissions of a specific flight could be neutralised, offset, or directly reduced by consumer financial contributions to climate protection projects or for the use of alternative aviation fuels. National consumer protection authorities will monitor the timely implementation of these commitments as per the timeline communicated by each airline. To ensure fair competition and a level playing field in the aviation industry, the Network will also assess the practices of other airlines operating in the Single Market, and where necessary, will require the same commitments.
The complete list of commitments can be found online. More information is available in our press release.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Antoine Lomba – Tel.: +32 2 299 32 33)
EU steps up cooperation with Latin America to tackle global health emergencies
The EU Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) have signed a new arrangement to strengthen global readiness against cross-border health threats. The agreement lays the ground for joint action on preparedness, response and equitable access to medical countermeasures.
Signed in the context of the upcoming EU-CELAC summit in Santa Marta, Colombia, on 9 and 10 November, the arrangement reflects the shared commitment of Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean to work together on global health security. The cooperation will focus on three main areas:
research and development, and stronger medical supply chains
innovation and capacity-building for health security
exchange of information on demand, procurement and best practices
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said: ‘Stronger cooperation is the best defence against the next health crisis. This agreement between HERA and PAHO shows what partnership means in practice: sharing expertise, building resilience, and making sure no region is left alone when an emergency hits. It is a clear signal of our joint commitment to protect lives through solidarity and preparedness.’
Close collaboration and cooperation are essential in the event of health emergencies, to ensure timely equitable access to vital medical countermeasures, such as vaccines, therapeutics, medical devices, and personal protective equipment. The Arrangement will be operational for five years from the date of its signature.
The 2025 EU-CELAC summit reiterated the importance of taking forward the bi-regional partnership and strengthening health systems resilience to improve prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies.
(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
EU supports the clean transition with over pound 358 million in 132 new projects across Europe
The Commission has granted today more than pound 358 million to 132 new projects across Europe under the LIFE Programme for environment and climate action.
LIFE projects play a significant role in the EU’s transition to a clean, circular and resilient economy, helping safeguard and restore the EU’s biodiversity, supporting industrial competitiveness and contributing to the EU’s long-term goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050. This investment will have a lasting impact on our environment, economy, industry and the well-being of all Europeans. The projects will cover all areas of the LIFE programme, mobilising: nature and biodiversity; circular economy and improving quality of life; climate resilience and mitigation efforts; and clean energy transition.
You will find more information in our press release and project summaries.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73; Constanze Ulrich – Tel.: +32 2 299 38 44)
Commissioner Síkela visits Zambia to strengthen cooperation on the Lobito Corridor and on raw materials
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, will visit Zambia from 10 to 12 November to deepen the EU-Zambia partnership and promote industrial and infrastructure development along the Lobito Corridor, a Global Gateway flagship initiative linking Zambia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He will also discuss cooperation on critical raw materials (CRMs).
During the visit, the Commissioner will meet with the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and other government leaders, civil society, business representatives and key stakeholders.
The Commissioner will open the EU-Zambia Lobito Business Forum, which aims to deepen investment and industrial cooperation along this trade route. The event will support Europe’s strategic partnership with Zambia in building sustainable CRM value chains that create local jobs and strengthen Europe’s economic security.
During the visit, Commissioner Síkela will sign a pound 116 million Global Gateway package for Zambia, including support for the development of the Lobito Corridor, critical raw materials value chains and continued investment in education, through renewed budget support.
The trip will further advance the EU-Zambia Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials value chains, signed in October 2023. The partnership covers the entire value chain of critical and strategic raw materials, from exploration and extraction to processing, refining, recycling, and skills development. In this context, the Commissioner will visit the Kobaloni Energy cobalt processing project, one of Africa’s first battery-grade cobalt sulphate refineries.
Audiovisual material of the visit will be available on EBS.
(For more information: Guillaume Mercier Tel.: +32 229-80564; Jennifer Sanchez Tel.: +32 229-58316
Commissioner Brunner in Colombia to strengthen cooperation in fighting against organised crime and drug trafficking
Today, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, is in Colombia to strengthen international cooperation and exchange best practices in the fight against organised crime and drug trafficking.
The visit starts in Bogotá, where Commissioner Brunner will exchange with members of the Specialised Narcotics Unit of the Colombian National Police. This unit is responsible for the centralised analysis of scanner data from ports, risk profiling, and the validation of authorised economic operators.
The Commissioner will then travel to Santa Marta to co-chair the 3rd EU-Colombia Dialogue on Drugs, alongside Colombian Acting Minister of Justice and Law, Augusto Ocampo, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rosa Villaciencio, and Minister of Defence, Pedro Arnulfo Sánchez. The dialogue will address the growing shared threat of organised crime and drug trafficking, in line with the EU Drugs Strategy, besides fostering exchanges between the EU and Colombia, including on the demand and harm reduction pillars of the policy. The meeting will also provide an opportunity to take stock of ongoing cooperation through projects such as EL PACCTO, COPOLAD and EUROFRONT. This dialogue is a key platform for sharing insights and strategies to combat drug-related crimes and enhance tangible cooperative efforts.
Commissioner Brunner will also visit the port of Santa Marta to discuss measures to ensure the resilience of logistical hubs and to counter the infiltration of organised crime in ports. This visit will also provide an opportunity to understand the measures in place in Colombia to intercept illicit substances while maintaining the flow of legitimate trade.
Enhancing the fight against organised crime, including drug trafficking, is a priority for the European Commission, as highlighted in the new European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU presented in April 2025.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Dumitrescu Cristina – Tel.: +32 2 296 60 91)
Commissioner Jørgensen in Germany to discuss energy and housing
On Monday, 10 November, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will travel to Germany for a two-day visit focused on advancing the EU energy agenda and efforts to tackle the housing crisis. The visit will include meetings with federal and regional policymakers, as well as on-site discussions with local organisations and project representatives.
The Commissioner’s visit will begin in Potsdam, where he will visit the EWP Geothermieprojekt – the city’s first major deep geothermal energy project, designed to supply heating to up to 5,000 households – with Carsten Schneider, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety.
The Commissioner will engage in energy discussions with Minister Schneider on Monday and meet with the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, the following day.
On Monday afternoon, Commissioner Jørgensen will participate in a joint meeting of the Economy and Energy, the Housing and the European Affairs committees of the German Parliament – the Bundestag.
EU efforts to ensure the affordability of housing across the Union will also feature prominently in the Commissioner’s visit to Germany, as the Commission plans to adopt the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan by the end of the year. Still on Monday, Commissioner Jørgensen will hold a meeting with the Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Construction, Verena Hubertz.
On Tuesday, he will visit the Miteinander House, a pioneering social housing project offering affordable, long-term living options that promote independence and security for vulnerable groups together with Christian Gaebler, Senator for Urban Development, Building and Housing. At the site, they will also meet with two social welfare organisations. Later on, the Commissioner will visit the Wasserstadt Spandau, an innovative affordable, sustainable and socially inclusive housing project, with Stephan Machulik, State Secretary for Housing and Tenant Protection.
The Commissioner will then participate in a roundtable on security challenges – including energy security – at the WELT Security Summit in Berlin.
Audiovisual coverage of the visit will be available on EBS.