Dear Colleagues,  Europe's role in the World and our responsibility at the international level in these turbulent times are growing. More than ever the EU has become a global point of reference for all those who value the principles of liberal democracy and human rights, free and fair trade or concrete actions in facing global challenges, such as climate change, poverty, terrorism and illegal migration. A strong and determined Union is the best way to promote our values and interests,...

Preamble We, the Leaders of the G20, met in Hamburg, Germany on 7-8 July 2017 to address major global economic challenges and to contribute to prosperity and well-being. Mastering the challenges of our age and shaping an interconnected world is the common goal of the G20 as our premier forum for international economic cooperation. The G20 revealed its strength during the global economic and financial crisis some ten years ago when it played a crucial role in stabilising economies and...

President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker and President of the European Council Donald Tusk represented the European Union at this year's G20 summit on 7-8 July. The Summit was hosted by Germany, which holds the rotating G20 presidency for 2017. Countering terrorism remains a major priority for the G20. In a clear sign of solidarity, G20 leaders signed a statement on countering terrorism - a tangible sign of their will to stand united in implementing international commitments, fighting terrorism...

The G20's meeting in Hamburg Germany has set forth a path for mutual responsibility and cooperation in a globalised and inter-connected world. The leaders have released a plan, along with concrete steps forward: Preamble: We, the Leaders of the G20, met in Hamburg, Germany on 7-8 July 2017 to address major global economic challenges and to contribute to prosperity and well-being. Mastering the challenges of our age and shaping an interconnected world is the common goal of the G20 as...

• €3.3 billion of EU funds to reel in €44 billion in private investment • Reduce poverty by investing in jobs, SMEs, climate change measures • Strict rules on labour and human rights and on tax transparency The EU scheme aiming to mobilise €44 billion in private sector investment in Africa and the EU neighbourhood was backed by MEPs on Thursday. As part of the European External Investment Plan, the new European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD) wants to encourage €44 billion in private investments in fragile states...

• Euro remains unchallenged as the second most used currency, but the international role of the euro slightly declined in 2016-2017, albeit not uniformly • Use of the euro as a funding currency decline • Share in foreign exchange reserves rebounded somewhat The use of the euro as a funding currency in international debt markets declined in 2016 and early 2017 compared to the same period last year, while the share of the euro in foreign exchange reserves rebounded slightly. These are...

To achieve sustainable growth and create jobs in the EU, boosting investment in research, innovation, infrastructure, education and SMEs is key, say MEPs. Parliament on Wednesday adopted a resolution proposed by 2018 budget rapporteur Siegfried Mureșan  (EPP, RO) with principles to follow during the budget negotiations with Council. The resolution was adopted by 445 votes against 144, with 80 abstentions. In the resolution text, MEPs welcome the proposed increase in the budget of Horizon 2020 (research), the Connecting Europe Facility (infrastructure) and Erasmus+ (education); regret however...