The European Commission has launched a call for applications to set up the EU Agri-Food Chain Observatory (“AFCO”). The creation of this Observatory, which will examine production costs, margins and commercial practices, was announced in mid-March as one of the measures to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain and to reinforce […]
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Rwanda: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the 30th commemoration of the Genocide Against the Tutsi
Last 7 April 2024 marked the 30th commemoration of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. On this solemn, tragic occasion, the European Union joins the Rwandan nation and its people in the remembrance of the over 1 million men, women and children who were murdered in a campaign of deliberate atrocities. The EU expresses […]
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European Citizens’ Panel to discuss Tackling Hatred in Society
Last week saw the start of the European Citizens’ Panel on Combating Hate in Society. 150 randomly selected citizens from the 27 Member States will come together to examine the root causes of hatred and how to tackle them. The aim of the citizens’ panel is to make recommendations on how to build bridges between […]
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Can we learn to be happy? CORDIS answers
Happiness is learned and maintained through practice, says first-ever study. Happiness means different things to different people. It could be playing an instrument or doing a sport. Almost all would agree it’s the feeling of truly enjoying our lives, and wanting to make the very best of them. Happiness is key to helping us be […]
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The European Commission acts to address the shortage of labor and qualified personnel
The Commission has presented an action plan to tackle labour and skills shortages and proposes to work together with Member States and social partners to address these issues over the coming months and years. The action plan is part of the EU’s strategy to boost its competitiveness and enhance its economic and social resilience. […]
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European Commission takes action to improve the quality of traineeships in the EU
Quality traineeships can help young people gain practical work experience, learn new skills and eventually find a good quality job. For employers, they are an opportunity to attract, train and retain talent. A quality traineeship requires fair and transparent working conditions and an adequate learning content. The EU’s 2014 Quality Framework for Traineeships set out […]
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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorates the victims of the Sharpeville massacre of 21 March 1960, in which peaceful demonstrators against apartheid were senselessly killed. While this tragic event marked a turning point and ultimately ushered in the transition to democracy and equality in South Africa, the fight against racism continues […]
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Council gives final approval to new EU rules on short-term accommodation rentals
The Council has adopted a regulation on data collection and sharing for short-term accommodation rental services. This legislative act will enhance transparency in the field of short-term accommodation rentals and will help public authorities regulate this increasingly important part of the tourism sector. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. Transparency and data […]
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The Community of Madrid is the EU region with the highest life expectancy at birth
In 2022, the life expectancy at birth in the EU was 80.6 years, up by 0.5 years from 2021. Over two decades, since 2002, the highest value was recorded in 2019 when life expectancy at birth reached 81.3 years (up 3.7 years compared with 2002). However, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, this indicator declined to 80.4 in […]
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