The Council has adopted two new directives that will make it easier for persons with disabilities to travel within the EU. The directive establishing the European disability card and the European parking card for persons with disabilities will ensure equal access to special conditions or preferential treatment for persons with disabilities during short stays throughout the EU. Examples include reduced or zero entry […]
Read MoreEuropean Labour Authority publishes report on labour mobility challenges in the HORECA sector and launches new initiatives
The Hotel, restaurant and catering, Horeca sector is an important sector of the EU economy. In 2023, the tourism industries, including Horeca, employed over 10.4 million workers in the EU, accounting for about 5.1% of all workers aged 15-64 years. The overwhelming majority of these workers are engaged in the Horeca sector. Horeca is particularly […]
Read MoreEuropeans need more information to prepare for emergencies, says Eurobarometer survey
The European Commission has published the results of an opinion poll showing that the majority of EU citizens feel that they need more information to prepare for disasters and emergencies. In addition, the survey showed that citizens feel most exposed to risks related to the impact of climate change, but also to social and security […]
Read MoreEuropean citizens are most concerned about the cost of living
The European Parliament yesterday published the EU 2024 Post-Election Survey, which analyses the motivations for voting in the June elections and citizens’ priorities. Rising prices and the cost of living (42%) and the economic situation (41%) were the main reasons that motivated European citizens to vote in the June elections. In addition, a third of […]
Read MoreCommission report shows social investments and reforms support competitiveness, economic growth and social inclusion
Social investments and reforms in key areas can boost employment, social inclusion, competitiveness and economic growth. This is the main finding of the Commission’s 2024 Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report. Reforms and financial support for early childhood education and care, skills development, lifelong learning, vocational training and certain job support schemes are particularly […]
Read MoreVice-President Schinas visits the Canary Islands to express EU support for migration management
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President responsible for the Promotion of our European way of life, will visit the Canary Islands in view of the migratory challenges facing the archipelago. He will meet the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo Battle. The Vice-President will travel tomorrow to Tenerife, where he will visit, together with President Clavijo Batlle, […]
Read MoreHigh Representative on behalf of the European Union urges Iran to protect women’s rights
On the anniversary of the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, we honour her memory and the ‘Women, Life, freedom’ movement driven by the courage and determination of countless Iranians, especially women. Two years ago, Iranians have taken to the streets to demand respect for fundamental freedoms. With the dire human rights situation in Iran, especially […]
Read MoreEmployment rate up, labour market down in Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, the employment rate of people aged 20-64 in the EU stood at 75.8%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points (pp) compared with the first quarter of 2024. Labour market slack – encompassing those with unmet employment needs, a large part of which includes unemployed persons – amounted to 11.0% of the extended labour force aged 20-64 in […]
Read MoreMore than 3.7 million first residence permits in 2023
More than 3.7 million first residence permits were issued in the EU to non-EU citizens in 2023, a 4.7% increase compared with 2022, and the highest number recorded to date. Employment remained the main reason for issuing residence permits in 2023, accounting for 33.8% (1.3 million) of all first residence permits issued, indicating a modest decrease compared with 2022 […]
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