Logroño declaration calls to consider the needs of rural areas in all EU policies and to earmark EU funds for projects in rural areas. Europe’s local and regional leaders have warned that the EU’s long-term sustainable development cannot be achieved without strong and sustainable rural areas and the complete integration of rural communities into the […]
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EU regions where more women are employed in the high-tech industry
High-technology sectors are considered key drivers of economic growth and productivity and often provide well-paid employment opportunities. In 2022, there were 9.8 million people employed in high-technology sectors across the EU, corresponding to 4.9% of the EU’s total employment. The gender representation in this sector sees men accounting for just over two-thirds (67.2%) of the total. […]
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EU gender equality reaches new milestone: is progress accelerating?
Ten years ago, EIGE introduced the Gender Equality Index as a marker for the status quo of gender equality in the EU. Each edition came with more or less the same conclusion: progress is at a snail’s pace. However, in this year’s edition we see the biggest annual jump in the overall score in the […]
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Spanish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities
Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Committee on Culture and Education On 7 September, acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training Pilar Alegría said the presidency will focus on educational responses to support Ukraine, ambitious implementation of the European Education […]
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ComPAct: The European Commission’s first package of measures to support the modernisation of national administrations
The Commission has adopted a new Communication on Enhancing the European Administrative Space[1] (ComPAct), which proposes concrete actions to help public administrations meet the needs of people and businesses across Europe. ComPAct is the Commission’s first ever comprehensive set of actions to support the modernisation of national administrations and to strengthen their cross-country collaboration so that they can address […]
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Council and European Parliament reach agreement on strengthening geographical indications
Council and Parliament negotiators reached a provisional deal aimed at strengthening geographical indications (GIs) and other quality schemes for wine, spirit drinks and agricultural products and improving their uptake across the EU. The deal will bring tangible benefits to the rural economy and it will safeguard the EU’s gastronomic heritage across the world. Geographical indications showcase the very best of our […]
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Eurostat records changes in employment rates in the EU
The EU employment rate in 2022 reached its historical high at 74.6 %, however, when examining regional data, significant differences emerge beneath the EU average. The EU employment rate in 2022 reached its historical high at 74.6 %, however, when examining regional data, significant differences emerge beneath the EU average. The highest regional employment rate among NUTS 2 regions in 2022 was recorded […]
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European Council votes in favour of lower limits for occupational exposure to asbestos
The Council formally adopted new rules on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. This directive updates the existing rules in line with the latest scientific and technological developments. The updated rules significantly lower the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels to asbestos […]
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New measures to simplify the resolution of disputes out of court and boost consumer rights
Last Tuesday 17th October, the Commission has proposed to modernise and simplify rules on out-of-court dispute resolution to adapt them to digital markets. This proposal will expand the range of issues that can be resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive out-of-court, including matters related to misleading advertising, access to services and unjustified geoblocking. To […]
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