According to ECDC surveillance data, with every new wave of COVID-19 infection, individuals in older age groups are more likely to be hospitalised. Data suggest persisting SARS-CoV-2 transmission in EU/EEA countries and therefore, a continuous risk of severe disease for vulnerable groups. Although no clear seasonal pattern of virus circulation has emerged so far, data […]
Read MoreThe European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission
The European Union made public four ambitious proposals for the next Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) session taking place from 8 to 12 May 2023. The objective is to improve the conservation of tuna and the management of fisheries. According to the IOTC Scientific Committee, the current situation of the stock and level of fishing […]
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The General Court of the European Union introduces important changes to its rules of procedure
The General Court has amended its Rules of Procedure to make the best use of the Court’s time, in particular by clarifying or simplifying certain provisions. Those amendments also respond to certain needs, such as the possibility of using videoconferencing for hearings. They also foster proactive case management and take account of developments in the […]
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EEA says number of deaths due to air pollution continues to fall in the EU
Air quality in Europe continues to improve and fewer people are dying prematurely or becoming ill from air pollution. However, air pollution remains the biggest environmental threat to health in Europe and more ambitious measures are needed to meet World Health Organisation (WHO) health guidelines, according to an analysis by the European Environment Agency (EEA). […]
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European Commission launches “Save the bees and farmers!” initiative
The Commission is responding to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) “Save bees and farmers! Towards a bee-friendly agriculture for a healthy environment”. The Commission welcomes the initiative and acknowledges the importance of the ECI, in particular as the interlinked crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss constitute growing challenges for Europe’s agriculture and food […]
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The European Commission will investigate the proposed creation of a company by Orange and MásMóvil
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation to assess the proposed creation of a joint venture between Orange and Más Móvil. The Commission has concerns that this venture could reduce competition in the retail marketing of mobile and fixed broadband services and in the offer of multiple service packages […]
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Mental health didn’t get worse during the pandemic, says large-scale study
During the COVID-19 pandemic, academia and media outlets reported that our mental health had declined. But could this be misleading? A major study on COVID-19 mental health has some surprising findings. Led by Canada’s McGill University, research published in the journal ‘BMJ’ shows that the global pandemic had limited impact on mental health. The power […]
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Statement by President von der Leyen after the trilateral meeting with the President of the People’s Republic of China
Thank you, President Xi, This is my second visit to Beijing, but in my family, China, and especially the province of Anhui, played a role. When I was young, my father, as Prime Minister of Lower Saxony, secured the first agreement with the province of Anhui and Lower-Saxony. And this partnership continues to flourish today. […]
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10th EU-US Energy Council
The 10th EU-US Energy Council met on 4th April in Brussels, chaired by EU High Representative/Vice President Josep Borrell Fontelles, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and US Deputy Secretary of Energy David M. Turk. Swedish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tobias Billström, represented the Presidency of the Council of the […]
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