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 […]
Toy safety: new standards to protect children’s health
The new rules aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from the associated risks. Despite having one of the strictest toy safety regulations in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into the hands of children in the EU. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed an agreement with […]
Parliament gives green light to first European Defence Industry Programme
The rule approved on Tuesday 25 seeks to strengthen the EU’s defence industry, encourage joint procurement of European products, boost local manufacturing and increase support for Ukraine. The Regulation, already informally agreed with the Council, will establish the first ever European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP). It aims to strengthen Europe’s defence technological and industrial base […]
EU calls for stronger action to end sexual and gender-based violence
Ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, on 25 November, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu and Commissioner Lahbib, on behalf of the European Commission, and High Representative/Vice-President, Kaja Kallas, issued the following statement: “Gender-based violence is unacceptable. On this International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the European Union renews its determination to end […]