The Council approved conclusions on the ‘EU Global Health Strategy: Better health for all in a changing world’, in which it reaffirms the leading role of the EU and its member states in advancing global health. The Council acknowledges that physical and mental health is a human right and that health is a prerequisite for sustainable development. The Council welcomes the […]
Read MoreCouncil approves elimination of fluorinated gases from fridges and air conditioners by 2050
The Council has adopted two regulations to phase down fluorinated gases (F-gases) and other substances that cause global warming and deplete the ozone layer. While existing EU legislation has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly, the new rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global […]
Read MoreAccording to Eurostat, 15% of the EU population has problems with memory and concentration
In 2022, 14.9% of people in the EU reported moderate or severe difficulty with remembering or concentrating. Among the EU countries, the highest shares of people facing difficulties in remembering or concentrating were recorded in Finland (33.6%), Denmark (26.7%), the Netherlands (26.0%), Sweden (25.2%) and Estonia (24.9%). In contrast, the lowest percentages were reported in […]
Read MoreGreenhouse gas emissions decreased by 2% last year across the European Union
Now that the bulk of EU climate and energy legislation under the “Target 55” package is in place, the EU and its Member States are working to meet the targets, according to the report “Trends and projections in Europe 2023“, which details the progress made. As greenhouse gas emissions resumed a downward trajectory following the […]
Read MoreHorizon 2020 evaluation shows that investment in EU research and innovation greatly pays off
Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme running from 2014 to 2020 with a budget of nearly €80 billion, made a major contribution to building an EU society and economy rooted in knowledge and innovation and benefitted Europeans far beyond what could have been achieved at national or regional level. Enabling rapid response to […]
Read MoreCommission proposes new initiatives to strengthen economic security
The Commission adopted five initiatives to strengthen the EU’s economic security at a time of growing geopolitical tensions and profound technological shifts. The package aims to enhance the EU’s economic security while upholding the openness of trade, investment, and research for the EU’s economy, in line with the June 2023 European Economic Security Strategy. Today’s proposals […]
Read MorePresident von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU’s farming and food system. The Strategic Dialogue, announced by the President in her 2023 State of the Union address, will address challenges and […]
Read MoreThe keys to the EU’s new Artificial Intelligence law
Did you know that the EU will be the first to establish clear rules for the use of Artificial Intelligence? Here’s what they will consist of. Last December, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on what is the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation. This law stems from the European Commission’s 2021 […]
Read MorePractical arrangements for the participation of Commissioners in European and national elections
The European Commission has issued, based on guidelines adopted in 2019, a reinforced guidance on ethical standards for Members of the Commission who take part in electoral campaigns for the European Parliament. In addition, dedicated guidelines have also been developed regarding participation in election campaigns at Member State level. Both guidelines build on opinions of the Commission’s Independent Ethical Committee and […]
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