On Tuesday, the plenary session approved safeguard measures to prevent harm to European farmers when implementing the trade agreement with Mercosur. Under the new regulation, approved by 483 votes in favour, 102 against and 67 abstentions and informally agreed with the Council, the tariff preferences provided for in the EU-Mercosur trade agreement for imports of […]
New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes
The European Commission adopted last February 9 new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear. The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them to reap the benefits […]
The EU invests €700 million in the newly inaugurated NanoIC, Europe’s largest chip pilot line.
The European Union has launched its largest pilot lineunder the Chips Act, NanoIC, at IMEC Leuven, a key milestone for semiconductor development and manufacturing in Europe. With a total investment of €2.5 billion, the facility has received €700 million in funding from the EU, €700 million from national and regional governments, and the remainder from […]
MEPs adopt proposals to tackle Europe’s housing crisis
On Monday, the Housing Committee adopted its final recommendations on the housing crisis in the EU, proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing. In its final report, adopted with 23 votes in favour, 6 votes against, and 4 abstentions, Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis emphasises that millions of Europeans face precarious living […]
EU allocates over €123 million in humanitarian aid for Latin America and Caribbean in 2026
In a year of shrinking global aid, the EU is choosing solidarity, delivering life-saving aid and standing by international humanitarian law. This year, it will provide €123,3 million in humanitarian aid to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Latin America and the Caribbean. Part of this aid will also bolster disaster preparedness and […]
The EU is studying the investment needed to improve trade routes between Europe and Central Asia via the Caucasus.
The Trans-Caspian Corridor, a rail and port route connecting Europe, Turkey, the rest of the Black Sea region, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Central Asia, is becoming an alternative trade route linking the two continents. Since 2022, trade on this route has quadrupled and, with the right investments, could triple by 2030. To help turn this momentum […]
Dialogue on security and defence between Jordan and the EU
On 4 February 2026, the first EU-Jordan Security and Defence Dialogue was held in Amman. The establishment of this Dialogue was agreed upon in the EU-Jordan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of January 2025. Following the first EU-Jordan Summit on 8 January 2026, the Dialogue is a further step in continuing to strengthen this key partnership, reinforcing […]
Commission responds to cyber-attack on its central mobile infrastructure
On 30 January, the European Commission’s central infrastructure managing mobile devices identified traces of a cyber-attack, which may have resulted in access to staff names and mobile numbers of some of its staff members. The Commission’s swift response ensured the incident was contained and the system cleaned within 9 hours. No compromise of mobile devices […]
A new layer: the EU Ecolabel moves up a level for paints and varnishes
BRUSSELS – In response to rapid developments in the coatings market, the European Commission has presented an updated set ofEU Ecolabel criteria for paints and varnishes.These criteria bring one of the programme’s key product groups up to date with the latest technological advances and market trends, including revised requirements for the most environmentally friendly paints […]