The independent Group of High-Level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy presented its report, which assessed the functioning of Cohesion Policy and included recommendations on how to ensure the Policy continues to promote prosperity and convergence across the EU. These recommendations will add to the ongoing reflections and body of opinions from many stakeholders and […]
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EEA: Cutting pollution would significantly reduce heart attacks and strokes in Europe
Scientific evidence shows that environmental risks are responsible for a large part of cardiovascular diseases, the most frequent cause of death in Europe. A European Environment Agency analysis, published, presents the link between the environment and cardiovascular disease and highlights that action against pollution, extreme temperatures and other environmental hazards is a cost-effective measure to […]
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Security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea: Council launches EUNAVFOR ASPIDES
The Council launched today EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. The objective of this defensive maritime security operation is to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf. Operation ASPIDES will ensure an EU naval presence in the area where numerous Houthi attacks have targeted international commercial vessels since October 2023. In close cooperation […]
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European Commission initiates formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act
The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok may have breached the Digital Services Act (DSA) in areas linked to the protection of minors, advertising transparency, data access for researchers, as well as the risk management of addictive design and harmful content. On the basis of the preliminary investigation conducted so far, including on the basis […]
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The Digital Services Act now applies to all online platforms in the European Union
On 17 February, the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU’s landmark rulebook that aims to make the online environment safer, fairer and more transparent, starts applying to all online intermediaries in the EU. Under the DSA, EU users are better protected against illegal goods and content and have their rights upheld on online platforms where […]
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Maritime safety: deal on stricter measures to stop shipping pollution
Parliament and Council negotiators reached an informal deal to extend an existing ban on discharge of oil spills by ships to include sewage and garbage. On Thursday, EU co-legislators preliminarily agreed to update EU rules on preventing pollution from ships in European seas and ensuring perpetrators face fines. Banning more types of spills from ships […]
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Council and European Parliament extend measures to combat child sexual abuse online
The Council presidency and European Parliament representatives reached a provisional agreement on a regulation prolonging an interim measure to combat online child sexual abuse. Based on the agreement, this interim measure will be extended until 3 April 2026. On the basis of a derogation from data protection rules in the electronic communications sectors that was […]
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Joint statement by President von der Leyen and High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on the death of Alexei Navalny
We are shocked and grieved by today’s reports about the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny. Our thoughts are with his wife Yulia Navalnaya, his family and with all those in Russia and beyond who believe in a democratic and peaceful future for Russia. We will honour his memory as a freedom fighter. Alexei […]
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Spain is ageing: among the EU countries with the highest increase in the median age of the population
On 1 January 2023, the median age of the EU’s population reached 44.5 years. This means that half of the EU’s population was older than 44.5 years, while the other half was younger. The median age of the EU’s population has increased by 2.3 years since 2013, when it was 42.2 years. This information comes from data on population […]
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