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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25 years of the Charter of Fundamental Rights – safeguarding our freedoms and values
The Charter of Fundamental Rights stands at the heart of the European Union, setting out the fundamental rights enjoyed by everyone in our Union. Ahead of its 25th anniversary, the European Commission has published the 2025 Annual Report on the Application of the Charter in the EU, looking back at all that has been done so far to reinforce […]
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Commission sets out roadmap for future-proof quality jobs in a competitive EU
Last December 4, the European Commission presented the Quality Jobs Roadmap, a strong commitment to improving job quality and creating high-quality and future-proof jobs in Europe. The Commission also launched a first-stage consultation on the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, a new legislative proposal to ensure workers’ rights while keeping up with technological, economic and societal changes. Adequate wages and […]
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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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European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Council agrees its position on support for people at risk of unemployment
On December 1, the Council agreed its position on a regulation that seeks to broaden the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), extending support to workers facing unemployment. The new rules would apply until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires. The purpose of the EGF 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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European court forces member states to recognise equal marriages celebrated in the EU
In 2018, two Polish citizens legally married in Germany applied to the Polish authorities for a transcript of their marriage to be recognised in their country. The competent authorities refused the application on the ground that Polish law does not authorise same-sex marriages. The couple appealed against the decision and the Supreme Administrative Court referred […]
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