The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help 3,414 workers dismissed after the closure of carmaker Audi’s plant in Brussels. In February 2025, Audi stopped producing the Q8 e-tron car model in Brussels and closed its plant. As a consequence, several suppliers of Audi […]
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EP and Council reach a deal to update safe third country rules
Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a political agreement on updates to the 2024 Asylum Law regarding the conditions for applying the rules on safe third countries. On Thursday the negotiating team of the Civil Liberties Committee informally agreed with the Council new rules under which member states may decide that a non-EU country is […]
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MEPs support initiative on accessible abortion
On Wednesday, the plenary backed a European citizens’ initiative to improve access to abortion in Europe through a voluntary solidarity mechanism. Parliament recalls that many women in Europe still lack full access to safe and legal abortion and warns of the legal and practical barriers that persist in several Member States. MEPs call on these […]
Read MoreAsylum policy: Council pushes forward EU legislation on safe countries of origin and safe third countries
The Council agreed on 8 December its position on two pieces of EU legislation that will strengthen the practical application of the fundamental safe country concept in EU asylum rules. These new EU migration laws aim to establish faster and more efficient asylum procedures for those who should not be granted protection within the EU. […]
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Exposure to hazardous substances at work: Council approves position on updating legislation
EU Employment Ministers today took a further step towards preventing work-related diseases and protecting workers from exposure to harmful substances that can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and developmental disorders. The Council agreed its position on the sixth revision of the Directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic agents. The purpose of this Directive is […]
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Disability strategy: EP calls for greater efforts in employment, housing and healthcare
The EP wants ambitious measures to ensure access for people with disabilities to the labour market, social protection, education, healthcare, housing and digital services. In a resolution adopted on Thursday by 490 votes to 9, with 109 abstentions, MEPs call for an effective strategy for 2025-2030 that includes concrete measures and legal instruments to address […]
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Commission launches Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition
Last November 27, the European Commission has launched a new scheme – the Skills Guarantee – to support workers and businesses and tackle labour shortages in strategic and growing sectors. A flagship initiative under the Union of Skills, the Skills Guarantee will reinforce strategic sectors in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund. Ιt will enable workers […]
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Commission welcomes provisional agreement on new rules to improve welfare of dogs and cats
The European Commission welcomes the agreement by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the first ever EU legislation on the welfare of dogs and cats, which will significantly improve the way these animals are treated, when bred, sold or adopted in the EU. The new measures will also help to clamp […]
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‘My Voice, My Choice’: MEPs support citizens’ initiative on accessible abortion
The Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee has adopted a report supporting the Citizens’ Initiative “My Voice, My Choice: for safe and accessible abortion”. The Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee (FEMM) adopted a draft resolution and an oral question for the Commission on Wednesday, by 26 votes in favour, 12 against and with no […]
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