Hungary will hold the presidency of the Council of the EU from 1 July to 31 December 2024. The Hungarian presidency’s programme is structured around seven priorities, including enhancing the EU’s competitiveness and reinforcing the EU’s defence policy. This is the second time Hungary has held the Council presidency. The Council of the EU is […]
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New funding for additional European Universities alliances will boost cooperation in higher education
The Commission announced the results of the 2024 Erasmus+ call for the European Universities initiative, which provides support to alliances of higher education institutions. With today’s results, 14 new European Universities alliances are joining the 50 previously selected alliances and will receive up to €14.4 million each over a period of four years. These 64 […]
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EU leaders agree on top jobs for next institutional cycle
EU leaders have agreed on appointments and nominations for the EU’s top jobs and adopted the strategic agenda for 2024-2029, a policy plan that steers the EU’s future direction and goals. They also adopted conclusions on Ukraine, the Middle East, security and defence, competitiveness, migration, the Black Sea, Moldova, Georgia, hybrid threats, the fight against antisemitism, racism and […]
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EU agri-food exports keep growing steadily in the first quarter
In March 2024, the EU agri-food trade surplus reached €6.7 billion, an 8% increase from the previous month and 3% higher than March 2023. Exports increased by 4% to €20.1 billion, mainly due to increased prices for olives and olive oil. Imports remained stable, reaching €13.5 billion, but 10% lower than March 2023. These are the main findings of […]
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Eurobarometer shows most EU citizens benefit from international trade
According to the third Eurobarometer on international trade published today, over six in ten Europeans believe they benefit from international trade – an increase compared to the last such survey in 2019. The survey reveals that Europeans value the benefits brought by international trade, such as wider consumer choice and more affordable products. Furthermore, there is strong support […]
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Statement by the European Commission on the agreement reached on the renewal of the Spanish Council for the Judiciary and the reform of the Organic Law on the Judiciary
The European Commission welcomes today’s agreement on the renewal of the Spanish Council for the Judiciary and the reform of the Organic Law on the Judiciary. This is a major step that addresses a long-standing concern and improves the situation of the judiciary in Spain. In January 2024, the Commission accepted to facilitate a structured […]
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The Spanish Congress approves the transposition of a directive that improves the conditions for breastfeeding and paternity leave
The Royal Decree-Law completes the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 regulating the work-life balance of parents and carers in the European Union. The Congress of Deputies last week gave its approval to Royal Decree-Law 2/2024 of 21 May which, among other measures, strengthens parental leave and improves the conditions for exercising the right to breastfeeding. […]
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Commission sends preliminary findings to Apple and opens additional non-compliance investigation against Apple under the Digital Markets Act
The European Commission has informed Apple of its preliminary view that its App Store rules are in breach of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), as they prevent app developers from freely steering consumers to alternative channels for offers and content. In addition, the Commission opened a new non-compliance procedure against Apple over concerns that its new contractual requirements for […]
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EU adopts 14th package of sanctions against Russia
The Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of a 14th package of sanctions against Russia. The new package responds to the needs and findings on the ground, and tackles enforcement issues. As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia’s sources of revenue and capacity to wage […]
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