EU External Relations

Up one level

EU looks to rekindle transatlantic alliance under Biden

Following the Trump years of bilateral tensions and unilateral tendencies, the EU put forward a strategy Wednesday to strengthen ties with the United States after US President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

EU gender equality plan puts women's rights at heart of global recovery

The EU executive and its foreign affairs arm put forward ambitious plans Wednesday to promote gender equality and women's empowerment through all external action of the European Union.

EU in solidarity with Greece over refugee crisis

The EU made a strong show of support for Greece Tuesday as its leaders were welcomed by Greek prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to review the refugee crisis and tensions at the Greek-Turkish border.

EU sets up sanctions against Turkey for Cyprus oil drilling

The EU Council adopted a framework for restrictive measures Monday in response to unauthorised drilling by Turkey of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean, enabling sanctions on individuals or entities.

EU reaches out to Asia with infrastructure plan

The EU Commission and foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini adopted a Joint Communication Wednesday setting out a vision for a new and comprehensive strategy to better connect Europe and Asia.

EU urges China to play by the rules on trade

China needs to take responsibility for global problems of overcapacity in the steel and aluminium sectors, and conform to stricter rules on state aid, the European Union said at a summit in Beijing Monday.

EU moves to tighten cooperation with Cuba

The EU-Cuba Joint Council met for the first time Tuesday, discussing implementation of the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement which has been provisionally applied since November 2017.

EU offers Iraq support towards more stable future

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and the European Commission proposed Monday a strategy for Iraq to address the challenges the country faces following the territorial defeat of Da'esh.

EU strengthens sanctions against North Korea

EU ministers strengthened restrictive measures against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Thursday, and prolonged sanctions over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Tusk cements EU-Ukraine partnership, urges unity

The EU cemented its partnership with Ukraine at a summit Thursday, as Council president Donald Tusk urged the country to keep 'your unity at any cost, and avoid like the plague internal conflicts.'

Values first, Europe tells President Trump

"The greatest task today is to consolidate the free world around Western values, not just interests," EU Council President Tusk told US President Donald Trump when he met European leaders Thursday.

Syria must go forward without Assad, says EU

Ahead of a two-day conference in Brussels on the future of Syria, European foreign ministers set out their objectives for the country Monday, which do not include a future for president Bashar al-Assad.

Afghanistan and EU sign cooperation deal

The European Union vowed support for the Afghan people Saturday as it signed a Cooperation Agreement on Partnership and Development with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

EU reaffirms strong support for Ukraine

The EU reaffirmed its support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity Monday, reiterating its refusal to recognise the "illegal annexation of Crimea and Sebastopol" by the Russian Federation.

'Difficult moment' in EU-US relations as EU congratulates Trump

The presidents of the European Union's three main institutions congratulated Donald Trump Wednesday on his election as the next President of the United States.

Brussels proposes cooperation accord with Cuba

The European Commission adopted Thursday a proposal on the signing of a Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba, marking a turning point in EU-Cuba relations.

EU opens new chapter in Turkey membership talks

The EU opened a new chapter on financial and budgetary provisions in accession talks with Turkey Thursday - the twelfth meeting of the country's accession conference at ministerial level.

Culture strategy to help drive EU foreign policy

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini adopted a new EU strategy for international cultural relations Wednesday, with a view to making the EU a stronger actor on the global scene.

EU strategy to support Myanmar reform

The EU's foreign policy chief and the European Commission adopted a Joint Communication Thursday setting out a vision for EU engagement with Myanmar as the country's transition enters its next phase.

EU tightens sanctions against N Korea

The EU added another 18 people and one entity to the list of those subject to EU restrictive measures against North Korea Thursday, adding to sanctions imposed by United Nations Security Council resolutions.