EU stands against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia

EU stands against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia

17 May 2024 03:00

On International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the EU reaffirms homophobia, biphobia and transphobia have no place in the EU or anywhere in the world. Equality, freedom and justice must apply to everyone regardless of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

€1 billion to boost EU defence capabilities

€1 billion to boost EU defence capabilities

16 May 2024 05:07

The Commission will support 54 joint European defence research and development projects with more than €1 billion from the European Defence Fund. The selected projects will support technological excellence in defence capabilities, like cyber defence, ground, air and naval combat and space.

Winners announced: EU Gender Equality Champions in research and innovation

Winners announced: EU Gender Equality Champions in research and innovation

16 May 2024 04:17

The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France, and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain, have both won EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champions awards. The Gender Equality Champions newcomer award went to Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

EU prepares for the 2024 wildfire season

EU prepares for the 2024 wildfire season

14 May 2024 04:57

To better protect our communities and the environment this summer, the EU has put together 556 firefighters from 12 countries that will stand ready to support local fire brigades in EU countries. It has also set up a fleet of 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters to tackle blazes in 10 Member States.

EU recommendation pushes for more opportunities to learn and study abroad

EU recommendation pushes for more opportunities to learn and study abroad

14 May 2024 04:48

A new EU recommendation encourages greater take-up of opportunities to learn, study or train abroad, both within the EU and in non-EU countries. At least 23% of graduates in higher education and 12% of vocational learners should have a learning experience abroad.

European Mental Health Week kicks off

European Mental Health Week kicks off

13 May 2024 05:20

This week marks European Mental Health Week, an opportunity for everyone to work on better mental health for all. A particularly crucial endeavour when latest statistics show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, after road accidents.

Stronger EU rules will reduce CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles

Stronger EU rules will reduce CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles

13 May 2024 04:07

The EU has approved stricter CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles such as small trucks, buses and trailers. Stronger rules will further reduce CO2 emissions, introduce new emission reduction targets and help increase the share of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles across the EU.

Survey shows young people are active and engaged in democratic life

Survey shows young people are active and engaged in democratic life

13 May 2024 03:46

Some 64% of young people say they intend to vote in the European elections in early June, according to a new survey. They were mainly active on topics of human rights, climate change and environment, health and wellbeing and equal rights.

EU approves new rules to strengthen the role of equality bodies

EU approves new rules to strengthen the role of equality bodies

07 May 2024 04:11

New EU rules will improve the effectiveness and guarantee the independence of equality bodies across the EU. These bodies promote equal treatment, combat discrimination and offer assistance to victims.

Protecting journalists and promoting media freedom: New rules enter into force

Protecting journalists and promoting media freedom: New rules enter into force

07 May 2024 03:56

Independent, fact-based journalism helps protect our democracies by exposing injustices, holding leaders to account and allowing citizens to make informed decisions.

EU calls for more action to support free and independent media

EU calls for more action to support free and independent media

07 May 2024 03:56

On this World Press Freedom Day, the EU honours the work and courage of journalists around the world in protecting our democracies. It also calls for more action to enhance editorial freedom, protect journalistic sources and improve the transparency of media ownership in the EU.

EU Organic awards 2024: Apply now to win

EU Organic awards 2024: Apply now to win

03 May 2024 02:57

Calling champions of organic food production in the EU, the EU Organic Awards 2024 would like to hear from you. The winner will be offered a platform to highlight excellence and innovation in the sector. The EU wants to increase organically farmed land to 25% by 2030.

 EU-New Zealand trade agreement enters into force

EU-New Zealand trade agreement enters into force

02 May 2024 05:00

EU businesses and farmers can take advantage of new export opportunities, now that the EU-New Zealand trade agreement has entered into force. The deal is expected to cut €140 million a year in duties for EU companies and includes unprecedented sustainability commitments.

EU institutions open their doors

EU institutions open their doors

02 May 2024 04:13

The EU institutions invite you to visit, take part in debates, live performances, games and other activities when they open their doors to the public on Saturday 4 May. The events are part of the EU’s Europe Day celebrations on 9 May, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950.

EU approves reform of fiscal rules for more sustainable public finances

EU approves reform of fiscal rules for more sustainable public finances

29 Apr 2024 03:01

The EU has approved a major reform of fiscal rules to achieve sound and sustainable public finances in all EU countries. The new rules encourage EU countries to engage in structural reforms and public investments that enhance sustainability and growth in several sectors, including energy security.

EU approves new rules on combating violence against women

EU approves new rules on combating violence against women

24 Apr 2024 03:23

The EU has adopted the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. They call for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. They also ban female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

EU support available for projects tackling environmental and climate challenges

EU support available for projects tackling environmental and climate challenges

18 Apr 2024 05:27

The EU has launched a €571 million call for proposals under the LIFE Programme, its flagship initiative for funding environmental and climate actions. Funding is available for projects that are focused on nature conservation, environmental protection, climate change or the clean energy transition.

EU funding available for innovative ideas to tackle long-term unemployment

EU funding available for innovative ideas to tackle long-term unemployment

18 Apr 2024 04:09

The Commission has launched a €23 million call for proposals to help EU countries develop new ways
of tackling long-term unemployment. The funding will also help people find their way back into the labour market.

Latest survey shows large majority of Europeans will vote in 2024 European elections

Latest survey shows large majority of Europeans will vote in 2024 European elections

17 Apr 2024 03:59

71% of Europeans say they will vote in the European elections this June, according to a new survey. 81% believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation. The fight against poverty and social exclusion, and public health are main issues on the minds of voters.

European Heritage Label awarded to seven new sites

European Heritage Label awarded to seven new sites

17 Apr 2024 12:10

The Commission has announced the winning European Heritage Label sites for 2023. Seven new historical sites across the EU have been recognised for their significant role in the history and culture of Europe and the development of the European Union.

35,500 free travel passes available to travel around Europe

35,500 free travel passes available to travel around Europe

16 Apr 2024 05:04

This summer, thousands of young people can travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the DiscoverEU programme. If you are 18 and live in an Erasmus+ programme country, apply by Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CEST for your chance to win a free rail pass.

European citizens make recommendations on energy efficiency

European citizens make recommendations on energy efficiency

15 Apr 2024 04:54

150 citizens from all over the EU have put together 13 new recommendations on energy efficiency after panel discussions in Brussels. The Commission has welcomed their input which will feed a proposal for a new EU law on energy efficiency.

New EU law will cut emissions and energy use of buildings

New EU law will cut emissions and energy use of buildings

12 Apr 2024 04:49

A new EU law will reduce emissions and energy use in buildings across the EU, from homes and hospitals to workplaces and schools. This will help improve people’s health and quality of life.

‘Euro 7’ rules set emission limits for cars, vans and trucks

‘Euro 7’ rules set emission limits for cars, vans and trucks

12 Apr 2024 04:43

The EU has adopted the so-called ‘Euro 7’ regulation, which lays down rules on emission limits for road vehicles and battery durability. The rules cover cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles and aim to further lower air pollutant emissions from exhaust fumes and brakes.

Updated rules will reduce industrial emissions in the EU

Updated rules will reduce industrial emissions in the EU

12 Apr 2024 03:58

The new rules allow for better regulation and monitoring of harmful emissions from
industrial installations. This will protect human health and the environment, and promote energy efficiency, a circular economy and decarbonisation.

Parliament pushes for making right to abortion a fundamental right

Parliament pushes for making right to abortion a fundamental right

11 Apr 2024 04:02

The European Parliament has voted in favour of enshrining the right to abortion in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. It also calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights to be added to the Charter.

New rules on migration and asylum

New rules on migration and asylum

11 Apr 2024 03:10

The European Parliament has approved the Pact on Migration and Asylum, a package of major reforms to the EU’s migration and asylum rules. Under the new rules, Member States will share responsibility for asylum-seekers. Procedures for asylum and return will also be faster and more efficient.

Calling young journalists: applications for Youth4Regions 2024 programme now open

Calling young journalists: applications for Youth4Regions 2024 programme now open

08 Apr 2024 03:37

Aspiring journalists can now apply for the EU’s Youth4Regions programme. Successful applicants will follow training sessions, receive mentorships from experienced journalists and work with them in the EU press room for a week in October 2024.

World Health Day: Health is a right

World Health Day: Health is a right

05 Apr 2024 03:30

7 April is World Health Day. This year’s theme ‘My Health My Right’ emphasises that access to quality health care is a fundamental right. This core principle has also shaped the European Health Union, underway since 2020 and making our health systems stronger and better prepared for future crises.

Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area

Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area

31 Mar 2024 05:53

On 31 March 2024 Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members, with Schengen rules applying in both countries. At the beginning only controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted, while a further decision by the Council is needed for the lifting of checks at internal land borders.