Today, the Commission is presenting the new Single Market Emergency Instrument (SMEI). This crisis governance framework aims to preserve the free movement of goods, services and persons and the availability of essential goods and services in the event of future emergencies, to the benefit of citizens and businesses across the EU. While the Single Market […]
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Team Europe’s commitment to peacebuilding and the protection of the Amazon forest in Guaviare
Following the signing of the Peace Agreement, the European Union, together with 21 of its Member States, the United Kingdom and Chile, created the European Fund for Peace in response to the Colombian government’s requests to accompany the implementation of the Agreement in the areas most affected by the armed conflict. Thus, in 2018, the project […]
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SOTEU 2022: European Law on Freedom of the Media
The European Commission adopted today a European Media Freedom Act, a novel set of rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. The proposed Regulation includes, among others, safeguards against political interference in editorial decisions and against surveillance. It puts a focus on the independence and stable funding of public service media as […]
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Hungary can no longer be considered a full democracy by the European Parliament
Parliament condemns the “deliberate and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government” to undermine European values and demands results in the Article 7 process. The lack of decisive EU action has contributed to the emergence of a “hybrid regime of electoral autocracy”, i.e. a constitutional system in which elections occur, but respect for democratic norms and […]
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One of Europe’s biggest money launderers arrested in Spain
Linked to the Kinahan clan, the suspect is believed to have laundered EUR 200 million in just over one year One of Europe’s biggest money launderers was arrested on 12 September in Malaga, Spain, as a result of an international law enforcement operation led by the Spanish Guardia Civil. Two of his associates were also […]
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Human rights breaches in Ukraine, Uganda, Tanzania, and Nicaragua
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the respect for human rights in Ukraine, Uganda and Tanzania, and Nicaragua. Forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to, and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children in, Russia Parliament strongly condemns the reported atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces, their proxies, and the various occupation authorities […]
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Fundamental rights in the EU: long-standing problems exacerbated by COVID-19
Parliament’s latest assessment of the state of fundamental rights in the EU identifies numerous concerns and demands member states act in defence of European values. On Thursday, MEPs assessed the state of fundamental values in the EU in 2020 – 2021, identifying areas of concern and proposing ways to protect freedom, equality and the rule […]
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SOTEU 2022: New EU cybersecurity rules ensure more secure hardware and software products
The Commission has presented a proposal for a new Cyber Resilience Act to protect consumers and businesses from products with inadequate security features. A first ever EU-wide legislation of its kind, it introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, throughout their whole lifecycle. The Act, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in September 2021 […]
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International Democracy Day: Commission launches Youth Participation Cohort to promote democracy worldwide
Marking the International Day of Democracy and the European Year of Youth, the European Commission launched yesterday the Youth Political and Civic Engagement Cohort to support young people in promoting democracy locally and globally. The European Commission is one of the co-leaders of the Cohort along with the governments of Nepal and Ghana, the European […]
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