This year’s fire season, which sparked the largest wildfire ever recorded in the EU, has been devastating for humans and the environment. As we are taking stock of this year’s deadly wildfires, some worrying trends emerge. Protected areas appear to have a higher probability of burning than non-protected areas. 41% of areas burnt in the […]
10-Point Plan for Lampedusa
In view of the unfolding situation in Lampedusa, and while recognising the increasing pressure along different migratory routes, European Commission President von der Leyen laid out the following set of immediate actions to be exercised in full respect of fundamental rights and international obligations: Reinforce the support to Italy by the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) and the […]
Iran: Council lists four more individuals and six entities over serious human rights violations
The Council has imposed a tenth package of restrictive measures on four individuals and six entities responsible for serious human rights violations in Iran. That package follows the High Represenative’s declaration on behalf of the European Union to mark the anniversary of the killing of Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022, while in custody of the Iranian […]
EU produced 14.7 million bicycles in 2022
In 2022, a total of 14.7 million bicycles were produced in the EU. This figure presents a 10% increase in bicycle production compared to the previous year (2021), and a 29% increase over the course of a decade from 2012 to 2022. El nuevo programa de uso compartido de eBikes de Barcelona utilizará información de posicionamiento […]
Parliament wants to reduce demand for prostitution and protect those who work in it
Parliament called on Thursday for EU measures to tackle prostitution and policies that eliminate poverty. The report on prostitution in the EU, its cross-border implications and impact on gender equality and women’s rights was adopted by MEPs with 234 votes in favour, 175 against and 122 abstentions. It underlines that the asymmetry between national rules […]
Commission authorises second adapted vaccine for Member States’ autumn vaccination campaigns
The Commission has authorised the Spikevax XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna. This is another important step in the fight against the disease. It is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new COVID-19 variants. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) carried out a stringent evaluation of the vaccine under the accelerated assessment mechanism. Following this […]
European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
EU mobilises emergency aid to support Libya after severe floods
Following yesterday’s request for international assistance by the Permanent Mission of the State of Libya to the United Nations office in Geneva, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to support Libya in the aftermath of the major flood that has left thousands of casualties. Immediately, EU Member States – so far Germany, […]
European Parliament condemns attempt to reverse elections in Guatemala
MEPs call on all Guatemalan political parties, branches of government and institutions to respect the integrity of the electoral process and the electoral outcome clearly expressed by Guatemalan citizens in 2023 elections. Congratulating Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera from Movimiento Semilla on their election as President and Vice President, MEPs call on all state institutions […]