41.7 million people teleworked across the EU in 2021, double the number of 2019, as COVID-19 restrictions and changes in work culture significantly impacted work organisation. While there was a small decline in 2022, this upward trend in teleworking is set to resume as technological developments are increasing the number of teleworkable jobs, and […]
European Single Market is turning 30
This year, the EU celebrates the 30th anniversary of its Single Market – one of the major achievements of European integration, and one of its key drivers. Established on 1 January 1993, the European Single Market allows goods, services, people and capital to move around the EU freely, making life easier for people and opening up new opportunities […]
Game on! Extra-EU toy imports totalled €7.1 billion
When embarking on the hunt for the perfect presents to delight children, toys are surely at the top of the list. The EU is a net importer of toys from the rest of the world, with €7.1 billion worth of toys imported from extra-EU countries in 2021. Extra-EU exports totalled around a third of this (€2.4 billion). China main toy importer to the EU China […]
Democratic Republic of the Congo: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the publication of the recent UN Group of Experts report
The EU commends the resolute African-led initiatives to address the root causes of the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The EU reaffirms its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes and calls on all parties to rapidly implement the decisions taken within their frame. The EU welcomes the political […]
EU Cohesion policy: €869 million for a just climate transition in Spain
Spain will receive almost €869 million from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) following the adoption of the Just Transition Programme and its Territorial Just Transition Plan (TJTP). The funding will help the country firmly advance in the transition towards a climate-neutral economy in a fair way. Spain is on track to phase out coal for energy production ahead […]
EU wins in WTO appeal about Colombian anti-dumping duties on frozen fries
Arbitrators have in substance ruled in favour of the EU in the first WTO appeal dealt with under the ‘Multi-party interim appeal arbitration arrangement’, known as the ‘MPIA’. The final and binding award confirms that the anti-dumping duties imposed by Colombia on frozen fries from Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands breach World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and […]
EU and UK agree on fishing opportunities for 2023
The EU has concluded an agreement with the United Kingdom on the fishing opportunities for 2023 for fish stocks shared bilaterally with the UK in the Northeast Atlantic. The agreement will contribute to the sustainable management of jointly managed fish stocks present in both parties’ waters, as well as provide stability and predictability for fleets […]
Council and Parliament reach provisional deal on EU emissions trading system and the Social Climate Fund
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on important legislative proposals of the ‘Fit for 55’ package that will further reduce emissions and address their social impacts. The deal is provisional pending formal adoption in both institutions. EU emissions trading system The EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is a carbon […]
EU leaders addressed how to help Ukraine through the winter
EU leaders met in Brussels for a one-day summit. They adopted conclusions on Ukraine/Russia, energy and economy, security and defence, the Southern Neighbourhood, transatlantic relations and other items, covering Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine The European Council reiterated its resolute condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and […]