The Commission is adopting a proposal to update the criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation. Child sexual abuse is a heinous crime which has evolved significantly over the past years. These revised rules expand the definitions of offences and introduce higher penalties and more specific requirements for prevention and assistance to […]
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Easier access to EU funding for rural areas thanks to EU Rural Toolkit
The Commission launched a new interactive guide mapping all funding opportunities available at EU level for rural areas. EU funds and programmes that can foster sustainable growth and well-being in rural areas abound. However, identifying the most appropriate option is not always straightforward for potential beneficiaries. The Rural toolkit gathers funding opportunities from 26 different […]
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The University of the Balearic Islands inaugurates the Health Sciences building funded by REACT-EU
The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) will inaugurate its new Health Sciences building, constructed thanks to funding from the European Union. The University of the Balearic Islands (UIB) will inaugurate its new interdisciplinary building “Margalida Comas i Camps” for Health Sciences at 10:00 on February 5, 2024. This state-of-the-art facility, financed under the European […]
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EU budget: The first review of the EU’s long-term budget will help address Europe’s main challenges
The European Commission welcomes the historic agreement of the European Council to for the first ever revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework’s ceilings. The Council’s agreement confirms all priorities of the Commission’s proposal and covers 80% of the requested financing. This reinforcement will allow the EU to continue delivering on our common priorities, benefiting the […]
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New plant breeding techniques to boost resilience of food system
The EU wants to increase the sustainability of its food supply and reduce the need for pesticides with new rules on plant breeding techniques. Plant breeding is an ancient practice used to create new plant varieties from existing varieties to obtain qualities such as higher yields, enhanced nutrition or better resistance to disease. Nowadays, thanks […]
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European Commission welcomes preservation of competition on Amsterdam-US routes
The European Commission welcomes the positive developments at Amsterdam airport enabling new entrant JetBlue Airways Corporation (‘JetBlue’) to continue operating at the airport over the IATA Summer 2024 Season. The Commission has actively and closely monitored the evolution of the market conditions at Amsterdam airport. Specifically, this concerned the degree of congestion of the airport and the […]
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EU and Canada boost strategic digital partnership to meet new challenges
Commissioner for Internal Market Thierry Breton and Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne met on 1 February to begin work on implementing the EU-Canada Digital Partnership, which was concluded at the 23-24 November summit held in Canada. They issued the following joint press release following their virtual meeting: The new Digital Partnership will help the EU and Canada […]
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First evaluation of the Frontex Regulation delivers overall positive assessment despite challenges
On 2 February, the Commission adopted the evaluation of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation (Frontex Regulation) together with an Action Plan to support its implementation. With this first evaluation of the Frontex regulation, which is a legal obligation, the Commission has assessed the impact, effectiveness and efficiency of Frontex. Ensuring a robust and […]
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Commission calls for eradication of Female Genital Mutilation worldwide
Ahead of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation on 6 February 2024, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President reaffirm the EU’s strong commitment to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation worldwide: “Female Genital Mutilation is a violation of human rights and a form of violence against girls and women. Let us be […]
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