On the 23rd, the European Central Bank (ECB) unveiled the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a survey to gather the views of citizens across Europe. These proposals are inspired by two themes, ‘European culture’ and ‘Rivers and birds’, as well as the motifs chosen to illustrate them. “Euro […]
Commission concludes eligibility checks for two European Citizens’ Initiatives
Last July 22, the European Commission concluded the eligibility checks for the registration requests of two European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘ and ‘Save Europe Act‘. The Commission registered the initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘. The organisers ‘call […]
European Commission renews its commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Last July 22, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights. It confirms that the Pillar remains the EU’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of fast transformation, for a Europe that protects and empowers citizens. The Communication assesses progress made in strengthening social rights across the EU and […]
Blue Book Traineeship Programme
Twice a year, the European Commission organises a five-month in-service training programme foruniversitygraduatesandthose with vocational qualifications. What are Blue Book work placements? It is a five-month paid work placement programme organised by the European Commission, which enables participants to gain professional experience within European Union institutions. The Blue Book internship programme aims to reflect the […]
The Commission fines AliExpress €550 million for breaching the Digital Services Act
On 20 July, the European Commission fined AliExpress €550 million for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to diligently assess and mitigate risks associated with the sale of illegal, unsafe or counterfeit products on its e-commerce platform. The Commission has ordered the platform to take action in this regard. Failure […]
Commission provides clarity on how to effectively implement EU rules to reduce methane emissions
The conflict in the Middle East has forced the EU to compete for supplies on global oil and gas markets, which have seen a significant reduction in supply and increased prices. Against the backdrop of such global uncertainty and energy markets tightness, the European Commission is working with Member States and industry to ensure that […]
The Commission publishes guidelines on transparency obligations for providers and operators of certain AI systems
On 20 July, the European Commission published guidelines to help providers and those implementing artificial intelligence (AI) systems to comply with the transparency obligations under the AI Act, which will come into force on 2 August 2026. The transparency obligations will help people recognise when they are interacting with AI or when content has been […]
Commission registers two European Citizens’ Initiatives on education and housing
Last July 17, the European Commission registered two European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘All On Board – For your right to citizenship without borders’ and ‘Right to Housing! Now and Forever’. The initiative ‘All On Board – For your right to citizenship without borders‘ calls for ‘an all-of-society approach for a democratic Europe, resting on education and […]
Commission boosts Europe’s competitiveness, decarbonisation and independence with Electrification Action Plan and ETS review
The Commission presented last July 17 an Electrification Action Plan to make Europe the first electro-powered continent, and a stronger carbon market to support EU’s industry in the clean transition and electrification. Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels has repeatedly exposed it to geopolitical shocks. These have driven up energy prices for both households and companies, and dragged down our competitiveness. […]