A new temperature-modulating robotic system reveals previously unknown collective honeybee behaviour, opening the door to new possibilities for helping bees survive in a changing climate. The EU-funded HIVEOPOLIS project has developed a robotic system that can interact with a honeybee colony. Built into the frame of a standard hive, the unobtrusive system measures and influences […]
Agreement on fisheries subsidies to boost environmental sustainability
On 25 May 2023, the Council adopted a decision approving, on behalf of the EU, the conclusion of a World Trade Organization (WTO) protocol establishing a fisheries subsidies agreement. The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is the first WTO agreement that focuses on environmental sustainability, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 (UN SDG). It […]
Commission secures agreement with BioNTech-Pfizer on the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines
The European Commission, acting with and on behalf of EU Member States through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), and vaccine developers BioNTech-Pfizer, have reached an agreement to better address Member States’ assessment of evolving needs for COVID-19 vaccines. The amendment to the existing vaccines supply contract takes into account the improved epidemiological […]
European Union prepares stricter rules for waste shipments
The Council adopted its negotiating mandate to start talks with the European Parliament on a proposal to update EU legislation on cross-border waste shipments. The aim is to ensure that international shipments of waste don’t pose a threat to human health and the environment, and to promote the use of waste as a resource in […]
La Comisión Europea propone una nueva normativa para proteger a los inversores minoristas en la UE
The Commission has adopted a Retail Investment Package that places the consumers’ interests at the centre of retail investing. The aim is to empower retail investors (i.e. “consumer” investors) to make investment decisions that are aligned with their needs and preferences, ensuring that they are treated fairly and duly protected. This will enhance retail investors’ […]
Project “Al-Invest Verde Ecuador Chapter”: Implementation of sustainable and eco-innovative practices
With the aim of implementing sustainable and eco-innovative practices in Ecuador for SMEs and/or associations that support environmentally responsible production, consumption and integrated solid waste management based on the principles of the circular economy, the “Al-Invest Verde Chapter Ecuador” project was presented. With the objective of implementing sustainable and eco-innovative practices in Ecuador for SMEs […]
Spain amends tax law to improve European tax cooperation
The reform includes the transposition of the DAC Directive7 which obliges Member States to exchange information obtained through digital platforms. The Spanish Parliament has given final approval to the Bill amending the General Tax Law and other tax regulations that give effect to the transposition of the EU Directive 2021/514, known as DAC7. The final […]
Plural+ Youth Video Festival
PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival is a youth video festival that encourages and empowers global youth to explore the pressing social issues of migration, diversity, social inclusion, and the prevention of xenophobia and to share their creative vision with the world. Every year, PLURAL+ gives young people around the world the opportunity to express their vision and […]
Statements by Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
As we mark the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s theme for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT) – “Together Always: United in Diversity” – is a timely reminder that all human beings, regardless of who they are, whom they love, and how they see and define themselves, […]