Ahead of the International Day of Education on 24 January, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell made the following statement: “Education and lifelong learning are essential to achieve a just and sustainable development, and tackle inequalities, through dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation, inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, and gender equality. At the same time, they are key to […]
European Commission and EIF join forces to boost investment in defence innovation
The European Commission and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have joined forces to step up their support to EU’s defence and security through the launch of the Defence Equity Facility. The initiative, consisting of €100 million from the European Defence Fund and an additional €75 million from the European Investment Fund, will significantly expand EIF’s investment capacity to support, […]
European Commission designates second set of very large online platforms under Digital Services Act
The Commission adopted a second set of designation decisions under the Digital Services Act, designating 3 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). These are: Pornhub Stripchat XVideos The designation is the result of Commission investigations concluding that the three services fulfil the threshold of 45 million average monthly users in the EU. Today’s designations follow a first set of designation decisions of 19 […]
Reports confirm the European Health Union is better prepared to combat health threats
Health ranks among the top priorities of European citizens according to recent Eurobarometer surveys. Two new reports published show how the EU has responded to the need and demand for more resilient, robust and equitable health systems, which are better prepared for potential crises. Both documents also spotlight areas in which more work is needed. […]
Commission adopts guidelines on how to formulate sustainability agreements in agriculture
The European Commission adopted Guidelines on how to design sustainability agreements in the field of agriculture (‘Guidelines’) using a novel exclusion from EU competition rules introduced by the recently reformed Common Agricultural Policy (‘CAP’). The new Guidelines Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’) generally prohibits agreements between companies that […]
Commission approves €1.1 billion Spanish State aid scheme to support investments in equipment necessary to foster the transition to a net-zero economy
The European Commission has approved a €1.1 billion Spanish scheme to support investments for the production of equipment necessary to foster the transition towards a net-zero economy, in line with the Green Deal Industrial Plan. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023, to support […]
Member States fail to reach qualified majority to renew or refuse glyphosate approval
Following an earlier vote in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed on 13 October, in which member states also failed to reach the majority needed to renew or reject the proposal, the European Commission has now decided to propose that the proposal should be rejected. Member States did not reach the required […]
New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024
The Commission is opening applications for the 2024 New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes. After over 4,500 applications received in total for the past editions, the NEB Prizes 2024 will this year award 20 exemplary innovative projects and concepts that represent sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusiveness. For the first time this year, we will welcome applications of projects […]
COVID-19: European Commission authorises third vaccine for Member States’ autumn vaccination campaigns
The Commission has authorised the Nuvaxovid XBB.1.5-adapted COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Novavax. This is another important step in the fight against the disease. It is the first protein-based adapted vaccine authorised for this autumn and winter season. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) carried out an in-depth evaluation of the vaccine. Following this evaluation, the Commission […]