Last October 13th, the Council adopted a decision authorising the European Commission and member states to sign a United Nations Convention against cybercrime. The Convention is an international treaty which puts in place common rules at global level to enhance cooperation on cybercrime and the exchange of evidence in electronic form for the purpose of […]
23rd EU Week of Regions and Cities showcases cohesion policy’s impact
Last October 13, the Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, and the President of the Committee of the Regions, Kata Tüttő, launched the 23rd European Week of Regions and Cities. Under the motto ‘Shaping tomorrow, together,’ this three-day event brings together 6,500 participants from all over the EU, including policymakers, practitioners, project promoters, civil […]
Five central suspects arrested in whole-sale cocaine trafficking case
Between 1 and 2 October, the Colombian Police (Policia Nacional de Colombia) and the Spanish Guardia Civil, supported by Europol, targeted four key suspects, linked to the so-called Clan del Golfo, allegedly responsible for whole-sale cocaine trafficking operations from South America to Europe. In particular, the criminal network oversaw first-hand the production, transportation and distribution […]
MEPs call for dignified treatment and respect for rights of Spanish prisoners in Equatorial Guinea
The plenary on Thursday denounced the unacceptable conditions of detention and ill-treatment of prisoners in Equatorial Guinea and demanded that their welfare and rights be guaranteed. The House adopted a resolution on the situation of Javier Marañón Montero and David Rodríguez Ballesta, Spanish nationals arrested in Equatorial Guinea last January in connection with a failed […]
Afghanistan: aid for earthquake victims and an end to gender apartheid
MEPs call for aid for all victims of the earthquake in Afghanistan, hampered by the Taliban regime’s restrictive gender policies. MEPs adopted a resolution on Thursday, with 504 votes in favour, 74 against and 3 abstentions, calling for a stronger emergency response in the aftermath of the earthquake in Kunar, Afghanistan. More help needed MEPs […]
Commission proposes safeguards to strengthen protections for EU farmers in EU-Mercosur deal
The Commission last September 8 proposed a Regulation to strengthen protections for EU farmers in the context of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA). The proposed safeguards deliver on the guarantees provided to EU farmers under the EMPA legal proposal, sent to EU Member States by the Commission on 3 September. In practice, they provide an additional […]
Commission launches two strategies to speed up AI uptake in European industry and science
Around the world, countries are racing to harness the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Today, the European Commission set out two strategies to ensure Europe stays ahead, driving adoption in key industries and putting Europe at the forefront of AI-driven science. The Apply AI Strategy sets out how to speed up the use of AI in Europe’s […]
Faster and safer instant euro payments become a reality
From today, sending money across the euro area will be faster and safer than ever. Thanks to new EU rules on instant payments, people and businesses can now transfer money in euro within seconds, anytime – day or night, weekdays or weekends – whether within their own country or across the euro area. Since January 2025, payment service […]
Next Generation EU drives sustainable growth across the EU
As the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) approaches its 2026 deadline, it continues to drive positive reforms and investments across the EU. As a cornerstone of NextGenerationEU, the RRF has already disbursed €367 billion across Member States, contributing to key objectives such as economic and social resilience, and the green and digital transitions. Today, the Commission presents its fourth […]