Last december 13, the Council agreed its position on a proposal to update the EU’s criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children. The revised rules expand the definition of the offences, making sure that all forms of child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, including those enabled or facilitated by new […]
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Belarus: Fourth meeting of the Consultative Group with democratic forces and civil society held in Brussels
The 4th meeting of the Consultative Group between the European Union and Belarusian democratic forces and civil society took place on 11 December, in Brussels. The meeting presented the opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s support to the brave Belarusian democratic forces in their quest for a democratic, independent, and sovereign Belarus. In the margins of […]
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Migrant smuggling: member states reach agreement on criminal law
Today the Council agreed its position on an EU law on preventing and countering migrant smuggling. The objective of this proposal is to bring member states’ criminal law closer together on issues such as the definition and sanctioning of migrant smuggling. The position agreed today will serve as the basis for upcoming negotiations with the […]
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Schengen: Council decides to lift land border controls with Bulgaria and Romania
EU member states have decided to remove checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between Bulgaria and Romania from 1 January 2025. It is a historic moment to finally welcome Bulgaria and Romania as full Schengen members. Lifting checks on persons at the internal land borders with and between those member states […]
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The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, receives the Forum Europe 2024 award in Madrid today.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, will be in Madrid today, where she will receive the Forum Europe 2024 Prize awarded by the New Economy Forum. In the words of the organisation, the award is in recognition of “her political career, her contribution to the construction of Europe, her ties of friendship with […]
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Eurobarometer: Sense of belonging to the EU grows seven points among Spaniards
The European Commission Representation in Spain yesterday hosted the presentation of the Autumn Eurobarometer for Spain (EB 102). The feeling of belonging to the European Union has shown an upward trend among Spaniards in this edition of the Eurobarometer. Seven out of ten Spanish citizens (70%) say they feel attached to the European Union, above […]
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Strengthening security and external borders, the Commission’s support to Member States.
Today, the Commission is adopting a Communication to support Member States to counter hybrid threats from the weaponisation of migration by Russia and Belarus and to strengthen security at the EU’s external borders. The serious and persistent nature of the hybrid threats at the Eastern EU border by Russia and Belarus, pose new challenges for […]
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EU adapts product liability rules to digital age and circular economy
New product liability rules have entered into force, reflecting the increasing digital features of products and the growing circular economy. The EU’s product liability regime was established in 1985 to compensate those who have suffered physical injury or property damage due to a defective product. Since then, technological developments, new circular economy business models and ever-more […]
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Zero Pollution: New EU rules enter into force for cleaner air by 2030
The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive entered into force on Tuesday (10 Dec), aligning 2030 EU air quality standards more closely with World Health Organization recommendations. It is an important step toward better protecting Europeans’ health and moving forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050. The revised Directive comes with a […]
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