The European Commission has approved a Spanish scheme worth €408 million to support the decarbonisation of the manufacturing industry, in line with the objectives of the Clean Industry Pact. This measure, which will contribute to the transition towards a zero net emission economy, is financed under the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. The scheme has been […]
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EU introduces customs duties on low-value e-commerce packages
The Commission welcomed last December 12’s decision by EU Member States to introduce a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below €150, starting in July 2026. The new duty will help protect the competitiveness of European businesses by levelling the playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail. Given the rapid increase in e-commerce goods being imported into the EU, the Commission and Member States have together acknowledged the need for an urgent […]
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Commission invests €14 billion through Horizon Europe to boost global research and innovation leadership
On December 11, the European Commission adopted the main Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, a €14 billion investment designed to drive research and innovation (R&I) across the EU’s strategic goals. These goals include achieving climate neutrality, boosting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in research and innovation, and ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing […]
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Eurobarometer: Digital skills need equal priority in schools alongside reading, maths, and science
Nine in ten Europeans would include digital skills into education at all levels, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published last December 11. The ‘Future Needs in Digital Education’ survey reveals citizens’ views on the importance of digital skills in education, including the role of teachers, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), and the benefits and […]
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EU becomes major Green Bond issuer
The EU has become one of the largest issuers of green bonds in the world, according to the 2025 edition of the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) Green Bonds Annual Allocation and Impact Report, published last December 9. It shows that, a total of €78.5 billion worth of NextGenerationEU Green Bonds have been issued to date, which will […]
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Commission announces reinforcement of controls on products imported into the EU
Last December 9, the European Commission announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animal and plant products entering the EU. At the conclusion of an Implementation Dialogue on import controls with stakeholders, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, set out various measures to strengthen controls at EU borders and in third countries. These measures will ensure […]
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Asylum policy: Council pushes forward EU legislation on safe countries of origin and safe third countries
The Council agreed on 8 December its position on two pieces of EU legislation that will strengthen the practical application of the fundamental safe country concept in EU asylum rules. These new EU migration laws aim to establish faster and more efficient asylum procedures for those who should not be granted protection within the EU. […]
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Zaragoza wins 2026 Access City Award for leading the way in accessibility for persons with disabilities
Zaragoza (Spain) won the 2026 Access City Award, for its outstanding efforts to making the city accessible for persons with disabilities. The city takes a rights-based approach, grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Its accessibility infrastructure is composed of comprehensive municipal accessibility rules, a clear strategic plan with targets, timelines, and […]
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Commission launches major package to fully integrate EU financial markets
Last December 4, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of measures designed to remove barriers and unlock the full potential of the EU single market for financial services. This package is a central component of the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) strategy, aiming to create a more integrated, efficient, and competitive financial system providing EU […]
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