There are even fewer women in management positions in the energy sector than in other sectors. A new EU directive requires companies to demonstrate that they are enforcing gender policies and reducing the gender pay gap.

The government has approved the extension of the EU's involvement in the IRINI naval mission, which mainly prevents smugglers off the coast of Libya. Eleven military police officers are to be added to the five soldiers from March.

The Commission continues to set the rules for the massive use of drones over the next fifteen years. There is minimal mention of their military application, despite the fact that security experts have stressed the need for a debate on the rules for dual-use technologies.

The head of European diplomacy plans to propose the creation of an EU Expeditionary Force soon. Up to 50,000 troops would be tasked with operations outside Europe. The situation in Afghanistan could be repeated in Iraq and West Africa in the future, where Europe will have to rely mainly on itself, says Josep Borrell.