The Leibniz Institute DSMZ-German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures is establishing an integrated suite of scientific databases of fundamental importance for the life sciences. The databases include BRENDA, SILVA, BacDive, LPSN and TYGS, which are being developed in a highly coordinated manner. The resulting data platform, DSMZ Digital Diversity, will provide an integrated resource and […]
The Commission welcomes the agreement on sustainable fisheries reached at Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The EU welcomes the important decisions reached during the 28th annual meeting of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), which will make fisheries in the Indian Ocean more sustainable. 11 new conservation and management measures were adopted. After three years of complex negotiations, and based on a proposal from the EU, the Members of the IOTC adopted a […]
Council position on increasing the safety level of toys
The Council has adopted its position (negotiating mandate) on the toy safety regulation that updates the rules to protect children from risks related to the use of toys. While the current legislation makes EU toy safety rules among the strictest in the world, the proposed legislation aims to increase protection from harmful chemicals (e.g. endocrine […]
EU bans Russian-controlled media outlets
The Council decided to suspend the broadcasting activities in the European Union of four additional media outlets, which spread and support the Russian propaganda and war of aggression against Ukraine: Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, Izvestia and Rossiyskaya Gazeta. These media outlets are under the permanent direct or indirect control of the leadership of the Russian […]
European Commission initiates formal proceedings against Meta under the Digital Services Act in relation to the protection of minors on Facebook and Instagram
The Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether Meta, the provider of Facebook and Instagram, may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to the protection of minors. The Commission is concerned that the systems of both Facebook and Instagram, including their algorithms, may stimulate behavioural addictions in children, as well as […]
Commission reports on overall progress on the Security Union
The Commission adopted the Seventh Progress Report on the implementation of the EU Security Union Strategy for 2020-2025. The report provides an overview of the implementation of the Security Union Strategy since its adoption in 2020. It takes stock of progress and achievements in 5 key areas: protecting the EU’s physical and digital infrastructure; fighting terrorism […]
Commission invests over €1 billion in 54 ambitious defence industrial projects through the European Defence Fund
the Commission announced the results of the 2023 calls for proposals under the European Defence Fund (EDF) amounting to €1,031 million of EU funding to support 54 outstanding joint European defence research and development projects. The selected projects will support technological excellence across a wide range of defence capabilities in critical areas, including cyber defence, ground, air […]
International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU
Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia have no place in the European Union or anywhere in the world. Ensuring that no one is left behind requires us to focus on fighting inequalities and multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination. Equality, freedom and justice must apply to everyone regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender […]
REGIOSTARS Awards
The RegioStars Awards, initiated by the European Commission, seeks to recognize exemplary regional development practices and showcase innovative projects that can inspire other regions. Categories REGIOSTARS are awarded to projects on these thematic categories: A COMPETITIVE AND SMART EUROPE A GREEN EUROPE A CONNECTED EUROPE A SOCIAL AND INCLUSIVE EUROPE A EUROPE CLOSER TO THE […]