The Commission paid on 31 March an advance of EUR 100 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Spain to help finance its recovery efforts following the October 2024 DANA storm in Valencia. This is the maximum amount allowed under the EUSF as an advance payment. The Commission is currently assessing the formal application […]
Commission supports 135 new projects to help Member States implement their reform agenda
On March 31th, the Commission has approved a new round of 135 projects under the Technical Support Instrument (‘TSI’), to support Member States to prepare, design and implement a total of 390 reforms in 2025. The selected projects will help the Member States address reforms in key priority areas to strengthen the Union’s resilience and competitiveness and […]
What is the EU doing to manage waste better?
Every year on 30 March, International Day of Zero Waste raises awareness about the importance of managing waste responsibly and encouraging sustainable consumption and production. In the EU, the average person produces 511kg of waste each year and only 38% of waste is recycled. This is a serious challenge and the EU is taking action […]
EU regions and cities collaborate with UNEP to accelerate multilevel action on climate and environment
The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have signed a joint action plan to strengthen the capacities and boost the international cooperation of local and regional authorities within the CoR framework with sub-national governments around the world to tackle the triple global crisis. On 28 March, CoR President […]
Commission to invest €1.3 billion in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital skills
The Commission will allocate €1.3 billion for the deployment of critical technologies that are strategically important for the future of Europe and the continent’s tech sovereignty through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) work programme for 2025 to 2027 adopted on March 28th. The work programme focuses on the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its uptake […]
EU provides €2.5 million in initial emergency aid for people affected by the earthquake in Myanmar
In an immediate response after the deadly 7.7 magnitude earthquake that has struck Myanmar and the broader region, the EU is releasing €2.5 million in initial emergency assistance. This new humanitarian aid will help save lives and address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in Myanmar, with a focus on displaced and conflict-affected communities. […]
Citizens invited to have their say on new EU budget
A panel discussion that looks into the new EU budget, between the Commission and 150 randomly selected citizens, started on March 28th. It has been the first of three sessions and has helped the EU decide how to spend its money in future. The in-person session has taken place from 28-30 March and will be […]
Eurostat has released an enhanced version of its “My region”
Eurostat released last March 27th an enhanced version of its ‘My region’ data visualisation tool, making it easier and quicker to learn more about your region and how it compares to others in the EU and in EFTA countries. This tool is the perfect entry point for everyone interested in data about regions: it can be used to get […]
Latest study on Europe’s ecstasy market reveals new trends in production and trafficking
Criminal groups in Europe are adapting and expanding MDMA production, refining trafficking methods and extending their reach to new countries and regions. These are among the issues explored in a new analysis — EU Drug Market: MDMA — released last March 27th by Europol and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA). The joint analysis from […]