“Seville, 30 June 2025 Mr. President of the Conference, Secretary-General Guterres, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me start with a key fact: last year, development aid worldwide stood at just over $200 billion. The annual investment gap on the Sustainable Development Goals, as Pedro Sánchez has pointed out, is in the […]
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A more accessible and inclusive European Union for all people
The European Accessibility Act came into force in the EU on the 28th. From that day on, key products and services – such as telephones, computers, e-books, banking services and electronic communications – must be accessible to people with disabilities. The European Accessibility Act is a step forward in reducing the barriers that people with […]
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Green hydrogen: sustainable production without relying on limited resources
The EU-funded HYScale project team is redefining green hydrogen production. It has successfully developed high-performance materials that reduce dependence on critical feedstocks and synthetic chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Green hydrogen is a sustainable and versatile energy source that can play a crucial role in the decarbonisation of Europe’s energy-intensive sectors. However, several […]
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Commission suggests waiving tolls to encourage uptake of zero-emission trucks and buses
To stimulate and support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, the European Commission is proposing to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls and user charges. As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the Commission is proposing to extend the current exemption period from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031, providing a significant […]
Read MorePresident von der Leyen in Seville for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development, which takes place today, 30 June, in Seville. The annual under-investment in the Sustainable Development Goals has been growing, and new approaches are needed to mobilise more financing. Together with its global partners, the European Union aims to lay […]
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EU Council and Parliament agree on updated rules to strengthen consumer dispute resolution
The Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement to update, simplify and facilitate the existing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) framework, with the aim of making these procedures more accessible, appealing and better suited to the digital age. ADR refers to out-of-court procedures that help resolve disputes between consumers and traders, typically with […]
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World leaders join forces to promote immunisation, global health security and shared prosperity
The impact of immunisation goes beyond health – it is about prosperity, security, and economic development. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines is a global priority, and the European Union (EU) plays a leading role in this effort. In 2003, the EU first partnered up with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen global health systems and has continued […]
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Commission proposes EU Space Act to boost market access and safety
Last June 25, the European Commission has proposed the EU Space Act, a new set of ambitious measures to make Europe’s space sector cleaner, safer and more competitive in Europe and its export markets. Europe’s space rules are currently fragmented, with many different national approaches. This patchwork holds back innovation, reduces the European market share and creates extra costs. A clear and harmonised framework at European level will ensure safety, resilience, and environmental […]
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Transport MEPs seek to reinforce passenger rights
MEPs push for a common reimbursement form, no charge for selecting a child seat, free on-board personal item and small hand luggage and better protection for multimodal journeys. On Tuesday, Transport and Tourism Committee proposed changes to EU passenger rights rules by 38 votes to two and two abstentions to close enforcement gaps and make sure […]
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