To stimulate and support the competitiveness of sustainable road transport, the European Commission is proposing to exempt zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles from road tolls and user charges. As pledged in its Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector, the Commission is proposing to extend the current exemption period from 31 December 2025 to 30 June 2031, providing a significant […]
President von der Leyen in Seville for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development
President Ursula von der Leyen will participate in the 4th UN Conference on Financing for Development, which takes place today, 30 June, in Seville. The annual under-investment in the Sustainable Development Goals has been growing, and new approaches are needed to mobilise more financing. Together with its global partners, the European Union aims to lay […]
Participation – European Prize for Women Innovators – All countries
The European Prize for Women Innovators is jointly awarded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC). Through this collaboration, the EIT and EIC are showcasing a large pool of women innovators, offering more opportunities for trailblazers, and providing inspiring role models for women and girls everywhere. The European Prize for […]
World leaders join forces to promote immunisation, global health security and shared prosperity
The impact of immunisation goes beyond health – it is about prosperity, security, and economic development. Ensuring equitable access to vaccines is a global priority, and the European Union (EU) plays a leading role in this effort. In 2003, the EU first partnered up with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, to strengthen global health systems and has continued […]
Commission proposes EU Space Act to boost market access and safety
Last June 25, the European Commission has proposed the EU Space Act, a new set of ambitious measures to make Europe’s space sector cleaner, safer and more competitive in Europe and its export markets. Europe’s space rules are currently fragmented, with many different national approaches. This patchwork holds back innovation, reduces the European market share and creates extra costs. A clear and harmonised framework at European level will ensure safety, resilience, and environmental […]
New chapter in the cooperation between Europe and Canada
The European Union and Canada have concluded a Security and Defence Partnership and launched cooperation initiatives in industrial policy and digital trade during a bilateral summit held yesterday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in Brussels, days after he hosted the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. With the new […]
Commission restricts Chinese participation in medical devices procurement
The European Commission decided to exclude Chinese companies from EU government purchases of medical devices exceeding €5 million. This measure follows the conclusions of the first investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI), and allows no more than 50% of inputs from China for successful bids. This response is proportionate to China’s barriers, while ensuring that all the necessary medical devices […]
Europe’s bathing waters safe for summer swimming
From Europe’s coastal waters to its inland bathing sites, a large majority of Europe’s waters are safe to swim in, according to the latest European bathing water assessment for the 2024 bathing season, published today. It found that over 85% of monitored locations met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing water quality standards last […]
Commission refers Spain to CJEU for failure to comply with labor standards
The European Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose the Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive 2019/1152) into national law. EU rules require, for example, that workers receive timely and complete information on key aspects of their employment, such as […]