Last November 27, the European Commission has launched a new scheme – the Skills Guarantee – to support workers and businesses and tackle labour shortages in strategic and growing sectors. A flagship initiative under the Union of Skills, the Skills Guarantee will reinforce strategic sectors in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund. Ιt will enable workers […]
EU and the Republic of Korea reinforce tech and digital cooperation at the third Digital Partnership Council
On November 28th, the European Union and the Republic of Korea (ROK) reaffirmed the central role of their partnership in advancing cooperation on emerging digital technologies to unlock mutual benefits for their economies. During the third Digital Partnership Council held in Seoul, the EU also underlined its commitment to strengthening cooperation with digital partners across […]
Commission presents new Bioeconomy Strategy
Last November 27, the Commission adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, charting a way forward to build a clean, competitive and resilient European economy. By using renewable biological resources from land and sea and providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the EU will move forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy […]
Commission outlines priorities to boost EU competitiveness in its 2026 European Semester Autumn Package
The European Commission adopted on November 26th the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, setting out economic and employment policy priorities to boost competitiveness. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, the Commission calls for coordinated action to strengthen productivity, innovation and investment, in line with the Competitiveness Compass. The Autumn Package launches the 2026 European Semester cycle, which will improve […]
Parliament proposes limiting access to social networking sites to under-16s
MEPs call on the EU to take ambitious measures to protect minors on the internet, including a minimum age of 16 and a ban on the most harmful addictive practices. On Wednesday, MEPs adopted a report by 483 votes in favour, 92 against and 86 abstentions, expressing deep concern about the physical and mental health […]
Commission welcomes provisional agreement on new rules to improve welfare of dogs and cats
The European Commission welcomes the agreement by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU on the first ever EU legislation on the welfare of dogs and cats, which will significantly improve the way these animals are treated, when bred, sold or adopted in the EU. The new measures will also help to clamp […]
Child sexual abuse: Council reaches position on regulation to protect children from online abuse
The EU is stepping up its efforts to combat child sexual abuse. Representatives of the EU Member States agreed today on the Council’s position on a Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. Once adopted, the new regulation will establish obligations for digital companies to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material and […]
European court forces member states to recognise equal marriages celebrated in the EU
In 2018, two Polish citizens legally married in Germany applied to the Polish authorities for a transcript of their marriage to be recognised in their country. The competent authorities refused the application on the ground that Polish law does not authorise same-sex marriages. The couple appealed against the decision and the Supreme Administrative Court referred […]
Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on passports design
Last November 25, the European Commission has registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘EU Stars On My Passport (STAR-PASS)’. The initiative invites the Commission ‘to facilitate the introduction by the EU Member States of an additional option for the cover design of passports, offered to citizens applying for a new passport’. The organisers of […]