In 2022, the number of battery-only electric passenger cars in the EU countries almost reached 3.0 million, which is a +55% increase compared with 2021 (1.9 million). The highest annual rate of increase in battery-only electric passenger cars in the period 2013-2022 was noted between 2019 and 2020 (+85%), followed by the increase in 2021 […]
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EU agriculture and fisheries ministers discuss trade, forests and the future of agriculture
Belgian presidency work programme The Belgian presidency presented its work programme for the first half of the year in the field of agriculture and fisheries. During this period, the Belgian presidency will focus on ensuring food security and autonomy, as well as on further enhancing the sustainability of food production and consumption. In this context, […]
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Increase in online education in the EU in 2023
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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