Last July 16, the European Commission updated rules for its traineeship programme, establishing a single modernised framework that makes the scheme more inclusive and better aligned with Europe’s skills and employment objectives. For the first time, graduates from vocational education and training (VET) will be eligible to apply to the Commission’s traineeship programme – the ‘Blue […]
EU law on nitrates pollution remains effective, with scope for smarter implementation
The European Commission last July 15 published the first comprehensive evaluation of the Nitrates Directive since its adoption in 1991. Covering more than 30 years of implementation, the evaluation shows that EU rules remain effective to protect Europe’s waters from agricultural nitrate pollution. It also identifies opportunities to simplify its implementation, reduce administrative burden and improve outcomes for both farmers and the environment. This is accompanied […]
The EU is allocating 20 million euros in humanitarian aid following the earthquakes in Venezuela
The European Union is to allocate a further 10 million euros in humanitarian aid to support the communities in Venezuela hardest hit by the recent earthquakes. The remaining 10 million euros, subject to approval by the budgetary authority, will be used to support search and rescue operations, medical teams and other specialist equipment, in addition […]
The EU and India strengthen their strategic partnership with the third Trade and Technology Council
On 15 July, the European Union and India held the third meeting of their Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Brussels, thereby reaffirming the TTC as a key platform for cooperation on trade, technology and security. Highlighting the growing ambition oftheEU-India strategic partnership, both sides agreed to focus on strengthening strategic value chains and deepening […]
The European Commission approves amendments and an increase in the state aid budget relating to fuel prices
The European Commission has approved amendments — as well as a budget increase of €65 million — to two Spanish state aid schemes aimed at agricultural and fisheries businesses facing rising fuel prices due to the crisis in the Middle East. The amendments have been approved under the Temporary Framework for Aid in Response to […]
The Commission and the United Kingdom sign the EU–UK Agreement on Gibraltar
The European Commission and the United Kingdom have signed on July 14th the EU–UK Agreement on Gibraltar. This Agreement, which will enter into force provisionally on 15 July 2026, is the result of more than four years of negotiations and completes the legal framework for relations between the EU and the UK following the UK’s […]
The Commission is updating the scope of digital products and tools to support the implementation of the EU Regulation on deforestation
On 13 July, the Commission adopted two measures to support the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which will begin to apply by the end of December. A Delegated Act updates and simplifies the list of products covered by the Regulation, while an Implementing Act sets out the functioning of the Information System for submitting due diligence statements […]
The EU is stepping up its international support for the Palestinians through an initiative for the swift recovery of Gaza and greater international coordination
On 13 July, the European Commission held the second meeting of the Donors’ Group for Palestine, co-chaired by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, and the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammad Mustafa. Sixty-five delegations gathered in Brussels to launch a new early recovery initiative in Gaza and discuss the Palestinian Authority’s reform […]
Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, further strengthening the protection of EU funds
Today, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary’s participation in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), following Hungary’s application to join it in May 2026. With this decision, Hungary becomes the twenty-fifth Member State to join the EPPO, reflecting its renewed commitment to restoring the rule of law in the country. The EPPO will […]