On 1 January 2026, Bulgaria have adopted the euro as its currency, marking an important milestone for the country, for the history of the euro, and for the EU as a whole. This follows a period of intensive preparation and effort by Bulgaria to meet all the necessary requirements. The euro will deliver practical benefits […]
Spain and Portugal celebrate 40 years in the European Union
1 January 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the accession of Spain and Portugal to the European Union. Both countries have enriched the EU culturally, politically and economically. Their accession has offered European citizens more trade and travel opportunities, reinforced solidarity between peoples and strengthened our Union internationally, boosting our links with partner countries in […]
Commission renews decisions to allow for the free and safe flow of personal data with the UK
Last December 19, the Commission renewed the two 2021 adequacy decisions for the free flow of personal data with the United Kingdom. The decisions ensure that personal data can continue flowing freely and safely between the European Economic Area (EEA) and the United Kingdom, as the UK legal framework contains data protection safeguards that are […]
Commission strengthens the Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism
The Commission proposed measures to close loopholes to prevent circumvention and strengthen the effectiveness of the EU’s Carbon Financial Mechanism (CBM), in response to comments received from industry. From 1 January 2028, the scope of the CBFF will be extended to include certain steel- and aluminium-intensive downstream products. The Commission also proposes measures to close […]
EU boosts funding to protect aid workers with €4.35 million
The European Union is significantly reinforcing its efforts to protect humanitarian personnel operating in high-danger zones by allocating an additional €4.35 million to the ‘Protect Aid Workers’ initiative. The decision comes at a time when the work of humanitarian personnel is becoming more and more dangerous. This new funding will support humanitarian staff who experience […]
EU legislative priorities for 2026 was signed by the European Parliament, Council and Commission
Given the speed and complexity of challenges faced by the European Union, unity, urgency and ambition are key. That is also the spirit behind which President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, representing the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von […]
EP and Council reach a deal to update safe third country rules
Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a political agreement on updates to the 2024 Asylum Law regarding the conditions for applying the rules on safe third countries. On Thursday the negotiating team of the Civil Liberties Committee informally agreed with the Council new rules under which member states may decide that a non-EU country is […]
MEPs support initiative on accessible abortion
On Wednesday, the plenary backed a European citizens’ initiative to improve access to abortion in Europe through a voluntary solidarity mechanism. Parliament recalls that many women in Europe still lack full access to safe and legal abortion and warns of the legal and practical barriers that persist in several Member States. MEPs call on these […]
EU funding boosts agri-food promotion as Commission launches new food campaign
The Commission will allocate €205 million in 2026 to co-fund promotion activities for sustainable and high-quality EU agri-food products within the European Union and globally. That’s according the 2026 promotion policy work programme adopted this week, marking the highest allocation ever dedicated to enhancing consumer awareness of European agricultural products and quality schemes. Up to €160 million will […]