The Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully operational at all external border crossing points within the Schengen area since 10 April 2026. Designed to modernise border management and enhance the EU’s security, the system has recorded more than 145 million entries and exits since its launch. The EES applies to non-EU nationals travelling to the Schengen […]
Blue Book Traineeship Programme
Twice a year, the European Commission organises a five-month in-service training programme foruniversitygraduatesandthose with vocational qualifications. What are Blue Book work placements? It is a five-month paid work placement programme organised by the European Commission, which enables participants to gain professional experience within European Union institutions. The Blue Book internship programme aims to reflect the […]
The Commission is updating the scope of digital products and tools to support the implementation of the EU Regulation on deforestation
On 13 July, the Commission adopted two measures to support the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will begin to apply by the end of December. A Delegated Act updates and simplifies the list of products covered by the Regulation, while an Implementing Act sets out the functioning of the Information System for submitting due diligence statements […]
The EU and South Africa launch an intergovernmental dialogue on the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership
On 9 July, the EU and South Africa held their first intergovernmental dialogue at senior official level to take forward the implementation of their Clean Trade and Investment Partnership. Collaboration between the two regions will strengthen clean and resilient supply chains, support local strategic industries and accelerate investment in green hydrogen and critical raw materials. […]
8th edition of the Madrid Summit, an international conference on the challenges facing the LGBTIQ community
On 3 July 2026, Madrid hosted the 8th edition of the Madrid Summit, a conference focusing on the main challenges currently facing the LGBTQIA+ community in Europe and internationally. Launched in 2017 during WorldPride Madrid, the Summit has established itself as a leading forum for analysing the challenges affecting LGBTIQA people around the world. This […]
Energy Union: New Spain-Portugal power interconnector inaugurated
On 2 July, the European Commission celebrated the inauguration of the electricity interconnector between Spain and Portugal. The commissioning of this new infrastructure project linking northern Portugal and Galicia, in north-western Spain, marks a key milestone in the energy sector. The project increases cross-border electricity transmission capacity by 1,000 MW, bringing the total to 4,200 MW […]
Simplifying EU regulations to support competitiveness.
Simple and clear rules are vital for a strong European economy. They help businesses attract investment, grow and create quality jobs, while also saving citizens time and money. The European Commission has presented two new omnibus proposals as part of its wider efforts to cut red tape and boost Europe’s competitiveness: Energy products: this proposal […]
The Commission is strengthening Europol and Eurojust to step up the fight against cross-border crime and terrorism
On 24 June, the European Commission proposed new measures to strengthen the EU’s response to an evolving crime landscape. Crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, international and digital. To tackle serious crime effectively, the police, customs authorities, prosecutors and the courts must work closely together from the start of an investigation through to the final court […]
Europe’s bathing waters remain safe for swimming
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the vast majority of Europe’s bathing waters met the European Union’s strictest ‘excellent’ bathing water quality standards in 2025, according to the latest annual report on bathing waters published today. This represents 85% of Europe’s bathing areas, with 96% of all monitored EU bathing areas meeting the minimum quality […]