On 11 March, the European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose two Directives on VAT measures into national law. Council Directive (EU) 2020/285 introduced substantial changes to the VAT rules applicable to small businesses (SMEs). Its aim is to create a modern and […]
EU mobilises emergency humanitarian aid for Lebanon
In response to the escalating situation in the Middle East and the evolving humanitarian situation in Lebanon, the EU has mobilised emergency humanitarian aid, consisting of food and medical kits, shelter materials, recreation kits and winter clothing kits, to address the growing and urgent humanitarian needs in Lebanon. Due to the ongoing hostilities, more than […]
The EU steps up its civil protection efforts and brings home 356 citizens amid events in the Middle East
Two repatriation flights chartered directly by the European Commission have landed safely in Romania. Both flights brought back to Romania 356 European citizens who were stranded in the Middle East, from Oman. For the first time, the Commission mobilised its own transport and logistics capabilitiesfrom rescEUat the request of the Romanian authorities. This operation marks […]
The Commission invests over €103 million in strategic European projects on the environment and climate
The European Commission is investing over€103 million in seven strategic projectsacross Europe with funding from the LIFE programme. These projects will help strengthen the EU’s prosperity, reinforce economic stability, food systems and environmental ecosystems, while improving public health and quality of life across the continent. The selected projects are located inFinland, France, Greece, the Netherlands, […]
The Commission launches the Women in Agriculture Platform
To mark International Women’s Day, the European Commission has launched theWomen in Farming platform,a new initiative designed to empower women in agriculture and strengthen equal opportunities in this sector and in rural communities. Announced in the Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food last year, its aim is to help increase the number of women participating […]
The Commission has presented a new Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030 for a more equal, cohesive and prosperous Europe.
The European Commission presented its new Gender Equality Strategy for the period 2026-2030. The Strategy integrates gender equality into all aspects of life, both online and offline, from education and health to work and public life, and addresses modern threats such as cyber violence and risks related to artificial intelligence, which particularly affect women. Although […]
Commission welcomes political agreement on strengthening farmers’ position
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the proposal for specific amendments to the legislation governing thecommon organisation of the markets in agricultural products (CMO)and other related provisions of the EU’s agricultural policy. These changes will strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply […]
EU and Canada launch negotiations for a Digital Trade Agreement
Last March 5th in Toronto, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, and Canada’s Minister for International Trade Maninder Sidhu launched negotiations for an EU-Canada Digital Trade Agreement (DTA). Building on nine years of successful implementation of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), this new deal will upgrade EU-Canada trade by making […]
The Commission coordinates repatriation flights from the Middle East under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism
In recent days, the European Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) has supported EU Member States in organising six repatriation flights, enabling the safe return of European citizens to Bulgaria, Italy, Austria and Slovakia. Additional repatriation flights are planned under the Mechanism in the coming days, as a growing number of EU Member States have […]