The European Commission has adopted the EU KIDS ACT to improve the online safety of children across the Union. The proposal prohibits social media platforms from allowing access to children under the age of 13 and sets an EU-wide minimum age of 15 for children to open their own accounts, thereby ensuring a phased approach. […]
New EU rules on e-commerce and customs controls
Parliament has given the green light to a wide-ranging reform of the European Customs Code, which imposes stricter rules on e-commerce and establishes a new customs authority. The regulations include an administration fee for each product purchased from retailers outside the EU and sent directly to European consumers, which will serve to cover the costs […]
Debate on the State of the EU: the economy, security, climate change, AI and social media
MEPs discussed the Commission’s work over the past year and the most pressing challenges with President von der Leyen during the annual State of the European Union debate. At the start of the debate, the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, said: ‘Our Union has always moved forward because there were people willing to […]
Parliament wants a stronger response from the EU to hybrid threats
MEPs have warned of an increase in hybrid attacks against the EU, with Russia and its allies being the main culprits. In a report adopted on Wednesday, Parliament states that the security environment facing the Union is neither a state of peace nor an open armed conflict, and describes hybrid operations as deliberate, combined, intelligence-driven […]
The Commission proposes ambitious measures to strengthen fair labour mobility
The European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package to guarantee clear social rights for everyone, everywhere in the EU, regardless of where they choose to live and work. The package will enable workers to prove and claim their social security and health insurance rights, and have their qualifications understood everywhere in the EU and formally recognised where the […]
The Commission approves €6.1 billion to support Ukraine’s air defence and missile defence
The European Commission has approveda further €6.1 billion to enable Ukraine to procure various defence equipment, including air defence and anti-missile systems, ammunition, drones and electronic war fare equipment. This vital funding will strengthen Ukraine’s ability to withstand the ongoing escalation of Russian attacks using ballistic missiles and drones. Ursula von der Leyen, President of […]
The Commission submits the landmark trade agreement with India to the Council for signature
The European Commission has submitted its proposals to the Council for the signing and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, requesting the Council’s authorisation. If authorised by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever signed between the EU and India. Once adopted and in force, […]
The Commission sets out the next chapter for the European Capitals of Culture following more than 40 years of success
The European Commission is renewing and strengthening the framework for the European Capitals of Culture beyond 2033, applying the lessons learnt from more than forty years of experience to the next generation of the programme. The aim is to simplify the selection process, strengthen the long-term legacy and sustainability planning, and facilitate joint applications from […]
A new strategic vision for the outermost regions, strengthening the EU’s global reach
The European Commission adopted a Communication setting out a new strategic vision for the EU’s outermost regions – French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint-Martin (France), the Azores, Madeira (Portugal), and the Canary Islands (Spain). From the Atlantic to the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean and South America, the outermost regions are a unique part of […]