The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Commission signed agreements totaling EUR 4 billion on February 28, including a guarantee agreement that will mobilize up to EUR 3.5 billion in loans and EUR 500 million in Trust Fund contributions to African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries by 2027. The agreement marks an important step […]
Read MoreRoad safety: Updated requirements for driving licences
The Commission has presented proposals to modernise driving licence rules, including the introduction of a digital driving licence valid throughout the EU, and new provisions to facilitate the enforcement of traffic rules across borders. More than 20,000 lives were lost on EU roads last year and the majority of victims were pedestrians, cyclists and users […]
Read MoreMariya Gabriel meets with Spanish soccer clubs to discuss how to harness innovation through sports
EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, in charge of sports policy, met on February 27 in Madrid for the first time with the presidents and CEOs of 20 clubs at LaLiga’s headquarters. “La Liga and Spanish soccer teams have been pioneers in adopting high-tech innovations, from anti-piracy technology to viewing […]
Read MoreEcuador and the European Union strengthen cooperation on security and the fight against organized crime
Ecuador and the European Union strengthen security cooperation, focusing on the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking and law enforcement. During her visit to Ecuador, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Belgian Minister of Interior, Institutional Reforms and Democratic Renewal Annelies Verlinden held an important meeting with President Guillermo Lasso, Foreign Minister Juan […]
Read MoreThe European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom reach a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework
The European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom reach a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework. The European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom has reached a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework. This constitutes a comprehensive set of joint solutions aimed at addressing, in a definitive […]
Read MoreWhat are the European Capitals of Culture in 2023 and why should you visit them?
Each year, several EU cities are named Capitals of Culture (COE) in recognition of their rich heritage and cultural value. For this edition, Veszprém (Hungary), Eleusis (Greece) and Timisoara (Romania) were chosen. Here are some reasons to visit them. So far, four Spanish cities have become European Capitals of Culture: Madrid (1992), Santiago de Compostela […]
Read MoreHumanitarian airlifts organised by the EU for Syrian earthquake survivors
Many people have lost their houses and means of support as a result of one of the strongest earthquakes to ever hit the area, and they urgently need assistance. Syria Two planes carrying emergency aid landed in Damascus as part of an EU humanitarian air bridge for Syria, providing additional assistance to Syrians affected by […]
Read MoreCleaning up our oceans with smart robots
EU-backed researchers are deploying a fleet of autonomous robots to tackle litter on the ocean surface and floor. The EU-funded SeaClear project’s successful development of an autonomous robotic system that can find and remove litter from the ocean floor has led to further European funding under a second project, SeaClear2.0. Launched in January 2023, SeaClear2.0 […]
Read More10th Russian sanctions package agreed by the EU
On 25 February 2023, the Council adopted the tenth package of restrictive measures in response to Russia’s continuing war of aggression against Ukraine. The agreed package includes bans on: exports of critical technology and industrial goods imports of asphalt and synthetic rubber provision of gas storage capacity to Russians transit through Russia of EU exported dual-use goods and technology […]
Read More