Return rates across the EU stand today at around 20 percent. Persons ordered to leave an EU country frequently escape the authorities. The European Commission has now proposed to help EU countries increase return rates while fully respecting fundamental rights by establishing a common EU return system. This will complement the EU Pact on Migration […]
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Propose new regulations to ensure a supply of essential medicines.
Patients in the EU should have access to the medicines they need, when they need them. Unfortunately, in recent years EU countries have been confronted with severe medicine shortages, made worse by global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Critical Medicines Act, proposed by the Commission today, aims to support manufacturing and improve the availability […]
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EU and Korea deepen ties with landmark digital trade deal
The EU and the Republic of Korea have concluded negotiations for a landmark Digital Trade Agreement (DTA), underscoring their commitment to a strong and reliable partnership that is fit to face the fast-paced digital developments of today. During the 12th Trade Committee under the EU-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Korean […]
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Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the non-alcoholic beverages sector
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the non-alcoholic drinks sector in several Member States. In parallel, the Commission has sent out a formal request for information to a company active in the personal care sector. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated […]
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New headquarters for civilian security and defense missions.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has unveiled the new Civilian Operations Headquarters for all EU civilian crisis management missions deployed under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defence Policy. Following a decision by the High Representative Kaja Kallas, the new Civilian Operations Headquarters (CivOpsHQ) aims to enhance the impact of the 13 EU […]
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Protecting EU consumers: More than half of second-hand online traders fail to meet EU consumer laws
Every year, millions of European consumers use online traders to buy second-hand goods, such as clothes, electronic equipment, toys, and more. When buying second-hand goods, European law states that consumers are entitled to the same guarantee and information on a product, on their rights and the trader they are buying from, as when buying any […]
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Boosting battery performance through advanced modelling tools
The EU-funded NEMO project is developing solutions for batteries that are safer, longer-lasting and more efficient. In a world where enhanced battery performance and safety are becoming more and more urgent, current battery management systems fall short of the mark. Enter the NEMO project, launched in 2023 to redefine the state of the art in […]
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Commission proposes to align the protection status of the wolf in EU legislation to the Bern Convention
Today, the Commission is proposing a targeted amendment of the annexes of the Habitats Directive. This will align the Habitats Directive to the changed protection status of the wolf from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’ under the Bern Convention, which entered into force today. The Commission’s proposal will give additional flexibility to Member States in managing their local wolf […]
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What steps is the EU taking on gender equality?
Returning home after sunset, a woman removes her headphones, lowers her hood, and keeps an eye on each man she passes. She cannot stop thinking about the man who followed her home and attacked her. She is 1 in 3 women to have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months and to […]
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