Today, the Commission is launching the DiscoverEU autumn call, thanks to which 36,000 young people will receive a free travel pass to explore Europe. The application round starts today at 12:00 CEST and will end on Wednesday 18 October at 12:00 CEST. To win a travel pass, young people are invited to apply on the […]
Commission endorses Spain’s €163 billion modified recovery and resilience plan
The Commission has given a positive assessment of Spain’s modified recovery and resilience plan, which includes a REPowerEU chapter. The plan is now worth €163 billion (€83 billion in loans and €80 billion in grants) and covers 111 reforms and 142 investments. Spain’s REPowerEU chapter consists of a new reform, a scaled-up investment drawing on three existing measures, and seven new investments to deliver […]
September infringement proceedings package concerning Spain: main decisions
Brussels, 28 September 2023. The main decisions adopted by the Commission concerning Spain are presented below, grouped by policy area. The Commission will also close 135 cases that have been settled by the Member States concerned without the Commission having to pursue the procedure further. Environment Letters of formal notice Commission calls on SPAIN to […]
Commission and China hold second High-level Digital Dialogue
The Commission held its second High-level Digital Dialogue with China. Co-chaired by Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Vice-Premier of China, Zhang Guoqing, this dialogue hosted in Beijing covered key issues such as platforms and data regulation, Artificial Intelligence, research and innovation, cross-border flow of industrial data, or the safety of products sold […]
European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
European Commission proposes new measures to boost SME competitiveness and resilience
On 12th September, the Commission is presenting a series of initiatives to address the needs of Europe’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the current economic environment. Representing 99% of Europe’s businesses, SMEs are essential drivers of Europe’s green and digital transitions, but continue to face unpredictability and volatility as a result of a number of […]
SOTEU 2023: Charting the course for the year ahead
“This is Europe’s spirit. A Union that stands strong together. A Union that prevails together.” Ursula von der Leyen, during her 2022 State of the Union speech In her 2023 State of the Union address, European Commission President von der Leyen will outline the main priorities and flagship initiatives for the year to come, building […]
Commission proposes a Blueprint to improve response to disruptive cross-border incidents
The Commission is proposing a Council Recommendation for a Critical Infrastructure Blueprint that will enhance the EU’s coordination in response to attempts to disrupt our critical infrastructure. The geopolitical context in which critical infrastructure operates is highly volatile and this not only in view of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, increased hybrid attacks […]
Commission authorises adapted COVID-19 vaccine for Member States’ autumn vaccination campaigns
The Commission has authorised the Comirnaty XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by BioNTech-Pfizer. This vaccine marks another important milestone in the fight against the disease. It is the third adaptation of this vaccine to respond to new COVID-19 variants. The vaccine is authorised for adults, children and infants above 6 months. In line with previous recommendations by EMA […]