The Council has given its final approval to a new piece of EU legislation that harmonises the definition of corruption across all Member States and establishes a common level of penalties for such offences. With measures to prevent corruption and rules to strengthen its investigation and prosecution, the legislation will bolster the fight against corruption […]
The Council adopts rules to improve forest reproductive material and support the EU seed sector
The Council has adopted new rules to improve the quality, availability and traceability of forest reproductive material (FRM), whilst supporting innovation and competitiveness in the EU seed sector. “Today’s decision marks a crucial step towards more resilient and sustainable forests in Europe. It improves the quality of forest reproductive material, supports innovation and provides Member […]
The EU, Ukraine and Canada will co-host a high-level meeting on the return of Ukrainian children
The EU, together with Ukraine and Canada, will co-host a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 11 May in Brussels. On this occasion, the President of the European Commission, Ursulavon der Leyen,stated:“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has cost more than territory and lives: it has stolen childhoods. […]
The Commission announces the winners of the 2026 European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award
To mark the start of Diversity Month in the EU, the European Commission has announced the winners of the fifth edition of the European Capitals of Inclusion and Diversity Award.As a key initiative of theUnion for Equality, this award recognises EU cities, towns and regions that set an example in promoting inclusive policies and fostering […]
The Commission updates EU competition rules on technology licensing agreements
The European Commission has adopted the revised Block Exemption Regulation applicable to technology transfer agreements (‘RECATT’) and the Guidelines on the application of Article 101 of the Treaty to technology transfer agreements (‘Guidelines’), following a comprehensive review of the provisions in force since 2014. Technology transfer agreements are agreements whereby an undertaking holding technology rights […]
European age verification app to ensure children’s online safety
The European Commission has announced that a new age verification app, designed to protect minors online, is ready to be launched. In a recent statement, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the technology is ready and will soon be available for citizens to use. The app will allow usersto verify their agewhen accessing […]
Commission proposes full resumption of EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement
The European Commission has proposed the full resumption of the EU-Syria Cooperation Agreement, marking a new step in relations between both sides. This follows the announcement by President von der Leyen in January 2026 of the EU’s new framework of cooperation with Syria. As part of this framework, the EU is stepping up support for a peaceful and inclusive […]
The Commission awards a €180 million contract for the sovereign cloud to four European suppliers
The European Commission is strengthening the European Union’s digital sovereignty by awarding a contract that enables EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies (EU entities) to procure sovereign cloud services worth up to €180 million over a six-year period. The four successful bidders are European companies: Post Telecom with its partners CleverCloud and OVHcloud, STACKIT,Scaleway and, […]
The EU and Iceland boost cooperation on ocean affairs at a high-level dialogue in Reykjavík
The European Union and Iceland held a High-Level Dialogue on ocean cooperation in Reykjavík today, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable fisheries, Arctic governance and the blue economy. The Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, met with Iceland’s Minister for Industry, Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, to review progress made under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) […]