This follows the Commission’s proposal presented on 31 January, and discussions with Member States in committee meetings. The Regulation enters into force today, 14 February, and will apply retroactively from 1 January for one year, i.e. until 31 December 2024. The partial exemption accommodates several requests for more flexibility, as requested by Member States to better […]
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Spain, InvestEU: EIF and ICF join forces to mobilise €64 million to support social enterprises and cultural and creative businesses in Catalonia
With the support of the InvestEU programme, the European Investment Fund (EIF) will provide the Catalan Finance Institute (ICF) with a capped portfolio guarantee that will leverage €64 million in support of social enterprises and entities within the cultural and creative sector in Catalonia. This transaction is the first guarantee agreement between the two institutions […]
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European Parliament condemns Russia’s continued efforts to undermine European democracy
In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 433 votes in favour, 56 against and 18 abstentions, Parliament expresses its complete outrage and grave concern about the continuous efforts by Russia to undermine European democracy through various forms of interference and disinformation. With the Kremlin attempting to sow divisions between European citizens, the text highlights how […]
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41% of people employed as scientists and engineers in the European Union are women
In 2022, there were almost 7.3 million female scientists and engineers in the EU, 310 500 more than in 2021, accounting for 41% of total employment in science and engineering. Women working as scientists and engineers were primarily employed in the service sector, comprising 46% of scientists and engineers in this sector, whereas in manufacturing, only 22% of those […]
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The Commission announces initial humanitarian aid of €1.8 billion for 2024
With almost 300 million people estimated to need humanitarian assistance in 2024, the EU once again reinforces its commitment to support the most vulnerable globally. The Commission has therefore adopted its initial annual humanitarian budget of more than €1.8 billion for this year. The European Commission’s humanitarian aid in 2024 will be allocated as follows: […]
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La lucha contra el abuso sexual de menores recibe un nuevo impulso gracias a unas normas actualizadas de Derecho penal
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. The threat of abuse is real and has increased throughout the EU. For example, paedophile manuals continue to appear online, showing […]
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Council and European Parliament reach agreement on reform of EU tax rules
The Council and European Parliament negotiators reached a provisional political agreement on the proposed reform of the EU’s economic governance framework. The main objective of the reform is to ensure sound and sustainable public finances, while promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in all member states through reforms and investment. Main elements of the provisional agreement […]
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EEA says European population’s exposure to bisphenol A use exceeds safe health thresholds
According to the EEA report, based on data collected in an EU human biomonitoring study, up to 100% of the participating individuals in 11 EU countries were likely to be exposed to the chemical, at levels above safe health thresholds. This raises important health concerns for the EU population as a whole. Taking into account […]
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European Parliament adoptes 3 resolutions on human rights issues in Belarus, Iran and Nigeria
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on human rights issues in Belarus, Iran and Nigeria. New wave of mass arrests in Belarus of opposition activists and their family members MEPs strongly condemn the recent wave of mass arrests in Belarus and urge the illegitimate Lukashenka regime to cease its repression, reminding the regime […]
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