The Commission has today launched a request for consultation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), challenging China’s initiation of an anti-subsidy investigation against imports of certain EU dairy products. This is the first time that the EU has decided to challenge an investigation at its initial stage. The EU’s action has been prompted by an […]
Vice-President Schinas visits the Canary Islands to express EU support for migration management
Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President responsible for the Promotion of our European way of life, will visit the Canary Islands in view of the migratory challenges facing the archipelago. He will meet the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo Battle. The Vice-President will travel tomorrow to Tenerife, where he will visit, together with President Clavijo Batlle, […]
Employment rate up, labour market down in Q2 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, the employment rate of people aged 20-64 in the EU stood at 75.8%, an increase of 0.2 percentage points (pp) compared with the first quarter of 2024. Labour market slack – encompassing those with unmet employment needs, a large part of which includes unemployed persons – amounted to 11.0% of the extended labour force aged 20-64 in […]
More than 3.7 million first residence permits in 2023
More than 3.7 million first residence permits were issued in the EU to non-EU citizens in 2023, a 4.7% increase compared with 2022, and the highest number recorded to date. Employment remained the main reason for issuing residence permits in 2023, accounting for 33.8% (1.3 million) of all first residence permits issued, indicating a modest decrease compared with 2022 […]
Putting culture at the heart of European cities
Europe’s identity is defined by its rich and diverse cultural heritage. Nowhere is this more evident than in the many different towns and cities dotted across our continent. This is something to be celebrated. That is why, every year, the EU rewards and recognises two or three cities as a European Capital of Culture, in […]
New EU rules to encourage the repair of defective products
A new EU directive to promote the repair of goods entered into force yesterday. The new rules promote more sustainable consumption by making it easier to repair faulty products and encouraging consumers to repair defective products instead of replacing them. The Directive will benefit consumers by avoiding the costs of buying new products and reducing […]
Commission enforcement of EU law in 2023 brings benefits to people and businesses
The European Commission adopted its Annual Report on Monitoring the Application of EU Law. The report outlines the enforcement actions taken by the Commission in 2023 to guarantee the protection of the rights and freedoms of individuals and businesses across the EU. It highlights also the areas where Member States successfully achieved compliance with EU […]
Commission approves €1.2 billion Spanish State aid scheme to support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen to foster the transition to a net-zero economy
The European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion Spanish scheme to support investments in the production of renewable hydrogen to foster the transition to a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (‘TCTF’), adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 and amended on 20 November 2023 and on 2 May 2024. The Spanish […]
EU annual budget for 2025: Council agrees its position on the draft budget
The Council’s reached an agreement on its position on the 2025 EU draft budget. In total, the Council’s position for next year’s budget amounts to €191.53 billion in commitments and €146.21 billion in payments, not including appropriations foreseen for special instruments outside the MFF. Overall, the Council takes a prudent approach. The Council stresses the […]