Zaragoza (Spain) won the 2026 Access City Award, for its outstanding efforts to making the city accessible for persons with disabilities. The city takes a rights-based approach, grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Its accessibility infrastructure is composed of comprehensive municipal accessibility rules, a clear strategic plan with targets, timelines, and […]
25 years of the Charter of Fundamental Rights – safeguarding our freedoms and values
The Charter of Fundamental Rights stands at the heart of the European Union, setting out the fundamental rights enjoyed by everyone in our Union. Ahead of its 25th anniversary, the European Commission has published the 2025 Annual Report on the Application of the Charter in the EU, looking back at all that has been done so far to reinforce […]
Commission launches major package to fully integrate EU financial markets
Last December 4, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of measures designed to remove barriers and unlock the full potential of the EU single market for financial services. This package is a central component of the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) strategy, aiming to create a more integrated, efficient, and competitive financial system providing EU […]
Commission presents new EU Drugs Strategy and Action Plan against drug trafficking
Last December 4, the Commission is presenting a new EU Drugs Strategy and an Action Plan against drug trafficking, as well as updated rules for monitoring and controlling drug precursors. Announced by President von der Leyen in the political guidelines and a key deliverable under the European Internal Security Strategy, ProtectEU, they set out a comprehensive EU response to the security, health, social […]
Commission sets out roadmap for future-proof quality jobs in a competitive EU
Last December 4, the European Commission presented the Quality Jobs Roadmap, a strong commitment to improving job quality and creating high-quality and future-proof jobs in Europe. The Commission also launched a first-stage consultation on the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, a new legislative proposal to ensure workers’ rights while keeping up with technological, economic and societal changes. Adequate wages and […]
Commission announces strategic approach to strengthen Europe’s economic security
Last December 3, the European Commission and the High Representative presented a Joint Communication on strengthening Economic Security. It outlines concrete steps to reinforce the EU’s strength and resilience in the face of growing external economic threats, while retaining our openness and commitment to international trade and investment. The Joint Communication builds on the Economic Security […]
Commission proposes EU Agenda for Cities to shape Europe’s urban future
On Wednesday 3rd, the European Commission unveiled the EU Agenda for Cities, reinforcing urban development policy and fortifying the role of cities in Europe’s future growth and development. The EU Agenda for Cities offers a strategic vision to empower cities in tackling local challenges contributing to meeting broader EU goals. It provides a unified framework […]
EU agrees to permanently stop Russian gas imports and phase out Russian oil
The European Union will effectively and permanently stop the import of Russian gas and move towards the phaseout of Russian oil under the provisional political agreement reached by the European Parliament and the Council last December 3. This historic decision will end the EU’s dependence on an unreliable supplier, which has repeatedly destabilised European energy […]
Commission boosts energy interconnectivity across Europe
Last December 1, the Commission has granted 235 cross-border energy projects the status of Projects of Common Interest (PCIs) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) – the second such list since its launch in 2023. The selected projects will be eligible to apply for EU financing from the Connecting Europe Facility and will benefit from expedited permitting and regulatory […]