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 […]
Commission approves €3 billion German State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity
The European Commission has approved a €3 billion German State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme was approved under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) adopted by […]
Commission increases submarine cable security with €347 million investment
Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are essential for modern life and the European economy. As the EU faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure, the European Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance its security and resilience. Today, it introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list […]
Council agrees its position on the legal framework to provide €90 billion in financial assistance to Ukraine
The Council today agreed its position on the legal framework for implementing the European Council’s agreement to grant Ukraine a loan of €90 billion for the years 2026-2027. The Council now aims to reach an agreement with the European Parliament quickly so that the first payment can be disbursed at the beginning of the second […]
EU forest management continues to focus on the most profitable services
Despite public opinion and EU policies promoting forest management for multiple ecosystem services, income from sources other than timber production remains limited. This imbalance could persist without specific interventions. Forests provide a variety of ecosystem services, generally divided into three categories: Provisioning: providing natural resources such as wood (e.g. for timber or fuel), food (e.g. […]
EU social partners make progress on safer working conditions for hairdressing sector
The European Commission and social partners are making significant strides to improve the working conditions of hairdressers throughout the EU. 30 October 2025 marked a new milestone, with the Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) committing to assess the social partners’ recommendations on safety of products used by hairdressers in their daily work. The recommendations, formulated by employers and […]