The Commission proposes to revise the European Works Councils (EWCs) Directive to further improve social dialogue in the EU. EWCs are information and consultation bodies that ensure that employees are involved in decisions related to transnational issues. They concern companies with more than 1,000 employees operating in at least two EU or European Economic Area […]
Commission launches AI innovation package to support Artificial Intelligence startups and SMEs
The Commission has launched a package of measures to support European startups and SMEs in the development of trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) that respects EU values and rules. This follows the political agreement reached in December 2023 on the EU AI Act – the world’s first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence – which will support the […]
Pact Zollverein Residency Programme 2024
From August to December 2024 PACT Zollverein is offering a residency programme for the development and realisation of projects and productions. The programme is open to professional artists working in the fields of dance, performance, media arts or music. Participants will get: Studio space; Local accommodation; Weekly grant allowance for all of the residency project […]
Battery-only electric cars continued to increase in 2022
In 2022, the number of battery-only electric passenger cars in the EU countries almost reached 3.0 million, which is a +55% increase compared with 2021 (1.9 million). The highest annual rate of increase in battery-only electric passenger cars in the period 2013-2022 was noted between 2019 and 2020 (+85%), followed by the increase in 2021 […]
EU agriculture and fisheries ministers discuss trade, forests and the future of agriculture
Belgian presidency work programme The Belgian presidency presented its work programme for the first half of the year in the field of agriculture and fisheries. During this period, the Belgian presidency will focus on ensuring food security and autonomy, as well as on further enhancing the sustainability of food production and consumption. In this context, […]
Increase in online education in the EU in 2023
In 2023, 30% of EU internet users aged 16 to 74 reported that they had done an online course or used online learning material in the three months prior to the survey. This is a 2 percentage point (pp) increase compared with 2022 (28%). Among all EU members, the Netherlands had the highest share (54%) […]
Fight against trafficking in human beings: Council and European Parliament reach agreement to strengthen rules
The Belgian presidency of the Council and representatives of the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to add forced marriage, illegal adoption and surrogacy as types of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. The update of the directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings will also require EU countries to make sure […]
Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on International Day of Education
Ahead of the International Day of Education on 24 January, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell made the following statement: “Education and lifelong learning are essential to achieve a just and sustainable development, and tackle inequalities, through dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation, inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, and gender equality. At the same time, they are key to […]
World Heritage Volunteers
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre is currently seeking participation from youth organisations, NGOs, institutions, and public authorities interested in engaging young individuals in the conservation of World Heritage sites. This involvement is to be facilitated through the organisation of action camps scheduled for 2024. These camps are designed to promote the preservation of World Heritage […]