European Union

EU, ICUN to Provide €6.5 Million in Environmental Grant Aid to Maldives

The European Union (EU) and the Maldives initiated negotiations for a €6.5 million (MVR 1 billion) environmental grant aid to the Maldives. The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy met with the EU delegation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) to discuss a new five-year grant project targeting biodiversity, waste management, and protected areas. The fifth meeting of consultations between senior EU officials and the Maldivian administration was held in Malé on 2 June, covering judicial reforms, security, democratic reforms, and climate change.

Maldives Signs ‘Samoa Agreement’ to Strengthen Cooperation With OACPS, EU

The Maldives signed the Samoa Agreement with the European Union and the Organisation of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) in Brussels, Belgium. Ambassador Geela Ali signed on behalf of the Maldives, with declarations and reservations submitted. The agreement is a 20-year framework focusing on democracy, human rights, sustainable development, and climate change. It unites 79 OACPS and 27 EU states. The Maldives joined OACPS as a full member on 9 December 2022.

Maldives, EU Ink Biodiversity Agreement, Pledge Collaboration in Multiple Areas

The Maldives and the European Union signed a financing agreement on 'Improved Biodiversity Management to Support a Blue Economy in the Maldives', allocating MVR 97.2 million under the EU's Multi-Annual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027. The signing occurred during the Fifth Senior Officials Meeting co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya and Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni. Both sides reaffirmed cooperation on democratic reforms, green transition, climate change, governance, human rights, and security. The Maldives is completing procedures to sign the Samoa Agreement. The biodiversity deal precedes negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the EU. The Maldives sought EU support for waste management and renewable energy to meet 33% of electrical needs. The EU also supports a EUR 45 million EIB loan for the Sustainability Energy Development Programme, and an MVR 74.8 million EU-UNDP partnership (AIM Project) for accountability.

Apple to Allow Alternative App Stores in EU

Apple announced it will allow alternative app stores in the European Union starting March, in response to the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Developers can offer third-party app stores and opt out of Apple's in-app payment system, but must still submit apps for security review and pay a core technology fee for major developers. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, criticized the changes as 'hot garbage'. EU users will gain default browser and contactless payment choices.

EU to Curb Plastic Waste Exports From Mid-2026

The European Union reached an agreement to ban plastic waste exports to non-OECD countries from mid-2026. The ban will last five years, with stricter controls on exports to wealthy nations. The move aims to prevent plastic waste from ending up in landfills and waterways. Campaigners welcome the decision but call for a comprehensive ban. Researchers warn of potential increase in waste to OECD countries like Turkey.

EU Issues Warning to TikTok, X, and Meta Over Disinformation Amid Conflict