In a world fighting a pandemic and looking for solutions to long-term challenges such as climate change, the EU is committed to an open, democratic debate with people about what it should focus on. Inclusive, democratic process A recent Eurobarometer survey showed that 92% of Europeans want people’s voices “taken more into account in decisions relating […]
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Why are morning people happier?
Scientists claim one sleep habit can lead to more happiness. Feeling the blues? It’s time to reset your alarm clock. According to a study published in the journal ‘JAMA Psychiatry’, adjusting your sleep schedule could be good for your mental health. The research concluded that waking up just an hour earlier than usual could lower […]
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LGBTIQ rights in Hungary: debate with Council and Commission
Briefing – Newsletter 5-8 July 2021 – Strasbourg plenary session MEPs will assess the risk of discrimination faced by LGBTIQ persons in Hungary, and the rule of law and fundamental rights situation in both Poland and Hungary. On 15 June 2021, the Hungarian Parliament voted almost unanimously (157 votes to 1) in favour of rules […]
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Slovenia takes up presidency of the Council
1 July 2021 marks the start of Slovenia’s presidency of the Council of the EU, which will last for the next six months. The presidency will strive to facilitate the EU’s recovery and reinforce its resilience, reflect on the future of Europe, strengthen the rule of law and European values, and increase security and stability […]
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Digital COVID Certificate enters into application
As of today, the EU Digital COVID Certificate Regulation enters into application. This means that EU citizens and residents will now be able to have their Digital COVID Certificates issued and verified across the EU. 21 Member States as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein had already started to issue certificates ahead of today’s deadline, […]
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Use of antibiotics in animals is decreasing
Use of antibiotics has decreased and is now lower in food-producing animals than in humans, says the latest report published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Taking a One Health approach, the report from the three EU agencies presents data on […]
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EU must tackle inequality
David Sassoli called on EU leaders to deliver on promises on the travel certificate and tackle inequality in the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The President of the European Parliament made the plea at the start of the European Council on 24 June. He told the heads of state and government there was the prospect […]
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New VAT rules for e-commerce in the EU
New value added tax (VAT) rules for online shopping came into force this week. This development comes in the context of efforts to ensure a more level playing field for all businesses, simplify cross-border e-commerce and introduce greater transparency for EU shoppers in terms of prices and choice. The EU VAT system was last updated […]
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Unique exoplanet photobombs Cheops study of nearby star system
While exploring two exoplanets in a bright nearby star system, ESA’s exoplanet-hunting Cheops satellite has unexpectedly spotted the system’s third known planet crossing the face of the star. This transit reveals exciting details about a rare planet “with no known equivalent”, say the researchers. The discovery is one of the first results from ESA’s Cheops (CHaracterising […]
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