In 2023, 30% of EU internet users aged 16 to 74 reported that they had done an online course or used online learning material in the three months prior to the survey. This is a 2 percentage point (pp) increase compared with 2022 (28%). Among all EU members, the Netherlands had the highest share (54%) […]
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Fight against trafficking in human beings: Council and European Parliament reach agreement to strengthen rules
The Belgian presidency of the Council and representatives of the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement to add forced marriage, illegal adoption and surrogacy as types of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law. The update of the directive on preventing and combating trafficking in human beings will also require EU countries to make sure […]
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Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on International Day of Education
Ahead of the International Day of Education on 24 January, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell made the following statement: “Education and lifelong learning are essential to achieve a just and sustainable development, and tackle inequalities, through dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation, inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, and gender equality. At the same time, they are key to […]
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Eurostat: Halting sharp rises in agricultural prices in the EU by 2023
First estimates of agricultural price indices for 2023 indicate a shift from the sharp price increases that characterised 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the average price of agricultural goods as a whole (output) in the EU increased by 2% compared to the previous year, while the average price of goods and services currently consumed in agriculture (inputs) […]
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New rules for digital labelling of EU fertilising products
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the regulation for digital labelling of fertilising products. This proposal, which amends the currently applicable legislation, aims to introduce the possibility to opt for digital label on EU fertilising products, to improve the readability of labels, leading to a more efficient use of fertilising […]
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Drinking water to become safer thanks to new EU-wide hygiene standards for materials and products in contact with water
The Commission adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. They will apply as of 31 December 2026 to materials and products used in new installations, or when older installations are renovated or repaired. These standards will prevent microbial growth and reduce the risk of harmful substances […]
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EU member states’ representatives confirm agreement on European media freedom act
Member states’ EU ambassadors endorsed the provisional agreement reached on 15 December 2023 between the Council and the European Parliament’s negotiators on a new law to establish a common framework for media services in the EU internal market and to safeguard media freedom, media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) […]
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Spanish group Ralphie Choo, winner of the “Music Moves Europe” Awards
Five promising European bands won the Music Moves Europe Awards 2024 at the Eurosonic festival in Groningen (The Netherlands). Selected from fifteen nominees by an expert jury, Ralphie Choo (Spain), Yunè Pinku (Ireland), Bulgarian Cartrader (Bulgaria), Giift (Denmark) and freekind (Slovenia) topped the 2024 edition, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the awards. Moreover, […]
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Israel-Hamas war: MEPs call for a permanent ceasefire under two conditions
MEPs demand that all hostages are immediately and unconditionally released and the terrorist organisation Hamas is dismantled. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs express their deepest sorrow over the innocent victims on both sides. They call for a permanent ceasefire and to restart efforts towards a political solution provided that all hostages are immediately […]
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