An investigation into the migration agreement between Italy and Albania was awarded the 2026 Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism on Wednesday. The winning report, by journalists Giacomo Zandonini from Italy, and Maite Vermeulen from the Netherlands, published on the Dutch journalism platform De Correspondent, focuses on an agreement under which Italy built a detention […]
The Commission presents a new strategy to combat human trafficking
The European Commission has unveiled a new strategy to combat human trafficking. In 2023 and 2024, more than 20,000 victims were recorded across the EU, representing a 16.1 per cent increase, although many cases remain unreported. Trafficking takes many forms, including sexual exploitation, labour exploitation, forced criminal activity, begging and forced marriage. The new strategy […]
Conference on the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum: Legal and Social Challenges
The right to asylum and the management of migration flows remain at the heart of the political, legal and social debate within the European Union. At this crucial juncture, marked by the adoption of the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum, it is essential to analyse both the impact these reforms will have on […]
Substantial agreement reached on the EU–Philippines trade agreement
The EU and the Philippines have reached a substantial agreement in their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is intended to strengthen economic ties between the EU and another fast-growing strategic partner in South-East Asia. Maros Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and […]
The EU’s trade relations with developing countries continue to drive sustainable economic growth
On 16 July, the European Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published anew joint report on the implementation of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), the EU’s main trade policy instrument for supporting exports from developing countries to the bloc. The report confirms that the scheme continues to contribute to […]
Specialist prosecutors step up the fight against human trafficking
On 17 and 18 June, the Working Group of Prosecutors Specialising in Human Trafficking met at Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague. The meeting was co-chaired by the EU Anti-Trafficking Coordinator and focused on recent developments in the fight against human trafficking. This fifth meeting of the Working Group addressed the practical challenges of applying the […]
New measures to strengthen the EU’s humanitarian response
TheJoint Communication on Humanitarian Aid adopted today sets out how the EU will continue to be a reliable and principled donor within a global aid system under severe pressure. Photo: European Union/Samuel Ochai Humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels: 239 million people worldwide require assistance. However, current global humanitarian funding is barely enough to help […]
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union 2026
Where inequality and discrimination persist, democracy cannot thrive. Equality is not optional; it is the foundation of free and resilient societies. However, around the world, too many LGBTI people continue to face violence, discrimination, hate speech and stigmatisation, and are targeted by disinformation campaigns, simply for being who they are. When the full enjoyment of […]
Parliament sounds the alarm over the state of fundamental rights in the EU
In a vote held on Wednesday, MEPs took stock of the state of fundamental rights in the EU in 2024 and 2025. The values enshrined in Article 2 of the EU Treatyand in theCharter of Fundamental Rightsmust be respected in all EU policies and fully implemented by Member States, according to a report adopted by […]