The security environment in and around Europe has worsened and become more complex. Threats have multiplied. Terrorism, hybrid threats, cyber-attacks or armed conflicts in Europe and our neighbourhood can have a direct impact on the security of European citizens. When it comes to security the core interests of all EU Member States are inseparably linked. Today’s threats do not know borders and no EU Member State can tackle them alone. A European Union that protects is what citizens expect the EU and all Member States to deliver.

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini met on 17 October with Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to discuss the shared engagement and joint work of the EU and the Foundation in support of human development in Africa in particular, including by accelerating digital development. The EU and Mr. Gates also signed an agreement to create a joint fund to invest €100 million in European companies working to stop climate change.