In 2021-2027, Spain will benefit from €37.3 billion in Cohesion Policy funding to accelerate the country’s green transition, finance innovation and digitisation, increase the employment rate and improve local social services. The strategy and details for these investments are set out in the Partnership Agreement between Spain and the Commission. The strategy will mainly focus […]
Parliament wants new sources of revenue for the EU
Parliament is set to back new sources of revenue for the EU amid the current crises in an attempt to make the budget fit for future challenges. Amid numerous challenges for the EU’s budget, including the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis, the Parliament is set to back proposals […]
Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR): use of antibiotics in the EU decreases but more needs to be done
On the eve of European Antibiotics Awareness Day (EAAD), a pan-European survey on antimicrobial resistance shows that half of Europeans still incorrectly believe that antibiotics kill viruses. At the same time, 23 % of respondents have taken antibiotics over the past year, the lowest figure since 2009 and clearly showing that the work of Member States […]
EU ports still recovering from pandemic disruptions
Following a significant 45% fall in the number of passengers embarking and disembarking in EU ports in 2020 (compared with 2019), 2021 was more positive, with data showing a partial recovery. Compared with 2020, the number of passengers increased by 16%, reaching 267.9 million passengers from 230 million in 2020. This is still considerably below the levels […]
Chemical weapons: EU imposes further restrictive measures on ten individuals and one entity
The Council decided to impose additional restrictive measures in view of the continued threat posed by the proliferation and use of chemical weapons. The new listings target ten individuals and one entity linked to the poisoning of Alexei Navalny with a Novichok-type nerve agent on 20 August 2020, and the productions of chemical weapons delivery systems in Syria. As concerns the Navalny […]
EU’s landmark rules for online platforms enter into force
Yesterday, the Digital Services Act (DSA), a new set of EU rules for a safer and more responsible online environment, came into force. The DSA applies to all digital services that connect consumers to goods, services, or content. It creates comprehensive new obligations for online platforms to reduce harms and counter risks online, introduces strong […]
COP27: EU launches Forest Partnerships with five partner countries
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, on behalf of the EU, signed five Memoranda of Understanding for a Forest Partnership with Guyana, Mongolia, the Republic of Congo, Uganda and Zambia in the presence of President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, President of Zambia Hakainde Hichilema and representatives of President […]
Call for grants for media actions in the area of communication ahead of the 2024 European Elections
The European Parliament’s Directorate-General for Communication has published a new call for the Media Grants Program, this time with the aim of increasing citizens’ awareness of the role and democratic values of the EU in the run-up to the 2024 European elections. These media actions must have a two-fold objective: 1. Providing regular, reliable, […]
EU – CELAC Ministerial meeting, 27 October 2022
Ministers of foreign affairs from the EU and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) met for the third time on 27 October 2022 in Buenos Aires, holding discussion around the theme “Renewing the bi-regional partnership to strengthen peace and sustainable development“. The meeting was chaired by Argentina’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Santiago Andres […]