EU and Turkey committed to their common future

Turkey and the EU discussed the importance of overcoming the common challenges ahead. In line with the conclusions of the European Council of 15 October, they agreed that the accession process needs to be re-energized. They are committed to carry further their existing ties and solidarity and adopt result-oriented action to prepare their common future.

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Donald Tusk: ‘this is an important moment for the EU and for Turkey’

In his introductory remarks, at the meeting of EU heads of state or government with Turkey, President Donald Tusk said: “[T]his is an important moment for the EU and I am sure also for Turkey. If the ambitious agreement that we are about to adopt is fully implemented, the 29th of November 2015 will be a crucial date in EU-Turkish relations.

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People in the EU: who are we and how do we live?

Demographic change, together with migration, globalisation and climate change, is recognised as one of the most significant challenges the European Union (EU) is currently facing. In recent decades, the profile of the EU population has changed, due in part to ageing society, changes in patterns of family formation and structure and shifts in the roles of men and women.

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Commission approves amended restructuring plans for Alpha Bank and Eurobank

The European Commission welcomed that capital to meet the shortfalls identified by the SSM’s comprehensive assessment for Alpha Bank and Eurobank has been fully raised from private investors. As a result, no state capital injections will be necessary. The Commission has also found the amended restructuring plans of Alpha Bank and Eurobank to be in line with EU state aid rules.

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New €20 banknote starts circulating today

The new €20, the third in the Europa series, enters into circulation today. It includes a new kind of security feature: a “portrait window” near the top of the hologram stripe which becomes transparent when seen against the light. The window reveals a portrait of Europa, a figure from Greek mythology, which is visible on both sides of the note.

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Eurogroup welcomed Greece’s progress

The Eurogroup welcomed the completion by the Greek authorities of the first set of milestones and the financial sector measures that are essential for a successful recapitalisation process. This is an important step towards addressing the main challenges that the Greek economy is facing and towards restoring it to a sustainable path.

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State of Play: EU measures to address the refugee crisis

In September, European Commission presented a set of priority actions to implement the European Agenda on Migration to be taken within the next six months. This included both short term actions to stabilise the current situation as well as longer term measures to establish a robust system that will bear the test of time. The list of priority actions set out the key measures immediately required in terms of: (i) operational measures; (ii) budgetary support and (iii) implementation of EU law.

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EU Council President Donald Tusk discusses security with Albanian PM Edi Rama

EU Council President Donald Tusk, in his remarks following a meeting on Sunday with Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, said: “Today in Tirana, Paris and Brussels there is fear, and there is hope. I am confident that hope and freedom are stronger than fear and terrorism…”

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