Rule of law report strengthens EU democracy and fundamental rights
17 Jul 2026 03:54The 2026 Rule of Law report shows how well the rule of law is holding up across the EU and 4 potential EU members: Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. It finds that, while some challenges persist, there is continued progress in many EU countries, with many reforms completed or underway.
A plan to make Europe the first electro-continent
17 Jul 2026 04:40The Commission has put forward the electrification action plan as part of the EU’s wider efforts to boost Europe’s competitiveness, decarbonisation and independence. The plan introduces measures to make electricity more competitive and to incentivise the use of electricity-based technologies.
Venezuela earthquakes: EU provides €20 million in humanitarian funding
15 Jul 2026 02:53The EU is providing €20 million in humanitarian funding to help the most affected communities in Venezuela, following the recent earthquakes. Half of the funding will support the search and rescue, medical and other expert teams' operations, along with in-kind assistance deployed in the country.
Europeans call for stronger action on children's online safety, survey finds
13 Jul 2026 03:43A new survey shows that Europeans are overwhelmingly concerned about all the risks children face on social media. Cyberbullying and harassment top the list of concerns, worrying 71% of respondents. Europeans also call for more democratic participation, defence capabilities and renewable energy.
New EU measures support European farmers facing high fertiliser costs
13 Jul 2026 03:47New EU measures will help farmers address the sharp increase in fertiliser and other input costs triggered by the recent crisis in the Middle East. They will allow EU countries to provide urgent and targeted financial support to farmers facing rising production costs and liquidity pressures.
Safer cars, safer roads: New rules take effect
08 Jul 2026 03:10Starting on 7 July 2026, all newly registered cars and vans in the EU will be subject to more advanced safety requirements. This is the latest phase in the rollout of EU vehicle safety rules under the General Safety Regulation, and will contribute to making Europe's roads safer.
New EU plan to address the risks and opportunities of advanced AI for cybersecurity
07 Jul 2026 05:51The European Commission has presented a plan to address the risks and harness the opportunities of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. It builds on existing EU rules and aims to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity framework.
New plan to boost resilience and prosperity of livestock farming
07 Jul 2026 04:50A new EU strategy for the livestock sector sets out actions to help farmers address current economic, environmental and market challenges. Based on five priority areas, including sustainability and competitiveness, the strategy aims to make the livestock sector more prosperous and resilient overall.
Clearer social benefits rules for EU mobile workers
08 Jul 2026 03:01Updated EU social benefits rules ensure fair and clear access to social security for EU workers who live or work in another EU country. They update criteria on receiving unemployment, family and long-term care benefits and encourage EU countries to share information to help root out benefits fraud.
Wildfires: EU sends emergency support to Portugal and France
06 Jul 2026 04:39Both Portugal and France requested civil protection assistance from the EU last weekend following devastating local wildfires. In response, the EU mobilised several firefighting aircraft, ground teams and vehicles from Sweden, Cyprus, Italy and Spain to help emergency crews on the ground.
Use of plastic packaging material on the rise in the EU
06 Jul 2026 04:44A new EU study has found that plastic is the only packaging material that is on the rise, growing by 11 percent between 2011 and 2025. The study looked at the use of all packaging materials including plastic, glass, paper and metals in 19 EU countries during this period.
International Plastic Bag Free Day – from single use to reuse
03 Jul 2026 04:14To raise awareness about eliminating plastic bag use worldwide and promote eco-friendly reusable alternatives, we observe International Plastic Bag Free Day every 3 July. On this occasion, take a look at how EU rules are helping to drastically reduce the consumption and use of plastics.
€2.5 billion of EU Emissions Trading System revenues invested in cleaner energy systems
02 Jul 2026 04:53Over 50 energy-related projects in the EU will receive €2.5 billion from an EU fund financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System. The projects focus on renewable electricity generation, the modernisation of energy networks and energy efficiency.
Ireland takes over Council presidency
01 Jul 2026 01:10On 1 July 2026, Ireland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It will steer the work of the Council for the next six months. Learn more about its priorities and activities.
Ensuring fairness and safety: €3 customs duty for low-value parcels
29 Jun 2026 10:45From 1 July 2026, the EU will introduce a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels (worth up to €150) imported from outside the EU, mainly through e-commerce. This new measure aims to protect consumers, support businesses and ensure fair competition.
Earthquakes in Venezuela: EU deploys emergency assistance
26 Jun 2026 02:42The Commission is deploying rescue teams and other emergency assistance to Venezuela following the strong earthquakes on 24 June. Eight EU countries are sending assistance through the EU civil protection mechanism. The Copernicus satellite service has also been activated to support the response.
EU-US trade: Council approves Joint Statement tariff commitments
25 Jun 2026 03:50EU countries have adopted two laws eliminating tariffs on US industrial goods, providing preferential access for certain US seafood and agricultural products and extending the suspension of duties on lobster imports. These commitments were made in the EU-US Joint Statement.
New proposals to improve fight against cross-border crime and terrorism
24 Jun 2026 04:12The European Commission has proposed measures to strengthen the EU’s response to an evolving criminal landscape that is becoming more sophisticated, international and digital. The capacities of EU agencies Europol and Eurojust will be reinforced to better fight crime and better protect EU citizens.
Choose Europe: 319 researchers awarded over €800 million for groundbreaking research
23 Jun 2026 04:35The European Research Council has announced the winners of its 2025 Advanced Grants, awarding €838 million to 319 leading researchers across Europe. The grants empower senior scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward research with the potential to deliver groundbreaking discoveries.
Time for a swim: EU bathing waters remain clean
19 Jun 2026 03:29According to the latest EU bathing water report, 85% of Europe’s bathing sites meet ‘excellent’ standards. Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece have the highest share for excellent quality bathing waters. EU laws on water have played a significant role in improving bathing water quality.
EU institutions commit to ‘Europe for Culture, Culture for Europe’
19 Jun 2026 03:39The EU institutions have committed to placing culture at the heart of the EU project by protecting and promoting artistic freedom, cultural diversity, inclusion and fair conditions for artists. They also pledge to support the creative sectors by encouraging funding and innovation.
Child safety online: EU survey confirms link between screen time and wellbeing
17 Jun 2026 03:26New survey confirms that excessive screen time and social media significantly impact youth’s physical and mental health. Its publication coincides with the final meeting of the special panel on child safety online, set to deliver recommendations on how to strengthen the protection of minors online.
New report highlights humanitarian toll of potential El Niño occurrence
17 Jun 2026 04:17A new EU report sets out the potential impact of the predicted El Niño climate phenomenon later this year. It predicts unusually warm weather to spread across much of the world, including in Europe, while East Africa, parts of Asia, and large parts of South and North America will get more rainfall.
Deal on air passenger rights to protect against travel disruption
16 Jun 2026 05:18The EU Parliament has secured an air passenger rules deal that maintains compensation for three-hour delays, ensures faster reimbursement, fee-free child seating and flight price transparency. Passengers can also claim compensation if their flight is cancelled less than 14 days before it departs.
EU and Ukraine reach historic milestone in accession negotiations
16 Jun 2026 05:24The EU and Ukraine have opened accession negotiations on the first so-called 'fundamentals' cluster, covering core values and principles on which the EU is built. It also includes the rule of law, EU fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration reform.
EU and Moldova open first accession negotiations cluster
16 Jun 2026 05:28The EU and the Republic of Moldova have reached a significant milestone with the opening of negotiations on the first accession negotiating cluster. This includes the most critical components of EU rules on the rule of law and fundamental rights.
First-ever plans to unlock potential of EU islands and coastal communities
10 Jun 2026 03:23The European Commission has presented its first-ever, tailored strategies dedicated to support both EU islands and coastal communities. Both strategies work in tandem, reinforcing each other to address shared pressures while tackling the unique realities of islands and coastal communities alike.
EU and Republic of Korea increase strategic cooperation at summit
11 Jun 2026 04:25The EU and the Republic of Korea advanced their strategic partnership even further at a summit in Brussels. They also launched their competitiveness partnership, signed a digital trade agreement, and discussed current geopolitical developments.
EU platform launches to help innovators and startups seeking funding
09 Jun 2026 05:04A new EU platform designed to support innovators and startups across Europe has launched this week. A central entry point, the EU Innovation Platform, will help innovators seeking support to bring their ideas closer to the market by connecting them with relevant available services or funding calls.
Updated EU law strengthens crime victims’ rights
08 Jun 2026 05:00The EU law on victims’ rights has been updated to make it easier to report a crime online. Victims will also gain access to the EU-wide hotline 116 006 for information and support on their rights. Children who are victims of crime will be able to call on dedicated, child-friendly support services.