Ahead of the European elections taking place from 6 to 9 June, the Commission has published today a Eurobarometer on Youth and Democracy, revealing early indications of 64% of young people saying they intend to vote. However, while 38% indicated that they think voting is the most effective action to make their voice heard, some 19% […]
Short-term outlook of agricultural markets: uncertainty remains a constant feature of EU farming
Agriculture remains impacted by several events outside of farmers’ control, such as climate and geopolitical crises, which continue to exert pressure on farmers. These have implications on productivity, trade, consumer demand, prices and ultimately on farmers’ income. Since the last short-term outlook (autumn 2023) and despite some favourable but limited developments in input costs, their […]
Europe Day: celebrating solidarity, democracy and diversity
Europe Day, celebrated every year on 9 May, marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration which was presented in 1950. This founding document of the European Union laid the groundwork for cooperation, solidarity, and lasting peace on our continent. Europe Day continues to symbolise the EU’s commitment to democracy, diversity and unity. After World War II, a group of European politicians envisioned a united Europe to prevent future […]
Europol: Law enforcement dismantle cocaine lab in Spain with 100 kg monthly capacity
On 30 April, the Spanish Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) arrested 20 suspects after dismantling a cocaine laboratory capable of producing 100 kilograms of the drug each month. A number of those arrested were considered by law enforcement as High Value Targets for their involvement in multiple drug trafficking cases. Officers from the Guardia Civil, working […]
Council adopts first-ever EU law on violence against women
The Council has given the green light to an EU directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Taking decisive action against these acts of violence is essential to ensure the values and fundamental rights of equality between women and men and of non-discrimination. The law requires all EU countries to criminalise female genital […]
The European Parliament strengthens its cooperation with the Belarusian Democratic Forces
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya sign a Letter of Intent, in Valletta. During a ceremony at the European Parliament Office in Valletta, the President of the European Parliament and the Head of the United Transitional Cabinet of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, signed a Letter […]
EU allocates €4.5 million for 324 Ukrainian scientists’ projects to pursue their research
To provide continuous support to Ukrainian research, the Commission has tripled the initial budget of the EURIZON Fellowship Programme to €4.5 million under Horizon Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has brought daily challenges to researchers. The constant threat of attacks on critical infrastructure, as well as the impossibility of travelling and the reduction of state […]
Exports and imports of agri-food products increased in January 2024
In January 2024, exports reached €18.4 billion that month, partly due to increased prices of olives, olive oil, and cereal preparations. Imports were worth €13.4 billion. As a result, the EU agri-food trade surplus reached €5 billion, a 27% increase from January 2023. These are the main findings of the latest monthly agri-food trade report […]
Commission launches first-stage consultation of social partners on fair telework and the right to disconnect
The Commission launched the first-stage consultation of European social partners to gather their views on the possible direction of EU action on ensuring fair telework and the right to disconnect. Telework has become widespread, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. The EU Labor Force Survey shows that the overall proportion of people working from home in the EU has almost doubled […]