The European Commission welcomes the Council’s adoption of the 18th Russia sanctions package, aimed at further ramping up pressure on the country and supporting EU’s goal of achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. The new measures focus on five building blocks: cutting Russia’s energy revenues, hitting Russia’s banking sector, further weakening its military-industrial […]
Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on air passenger rights
Last July 16, the European Commission registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Save your right, save your flight!’. The aim of the initiative is to call for the reversal of changes that undermine passenger’s rights and the preservation of the ‘current compensation eligibility thresholds’ for air passengers. Following a thorough legal analysis, the Commission […]
An ambitious budget for a stronger Europe: 2028-2034
Last July 16, the European Commission presented its proposal for an ambitious and dynamic Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), amounting to almost EUR 2 trillion (or 1.26% of the EU’s gross national income on average between 2028 and 2034). This framework will equip Europe with a long-term investment budget matching its ambitions to be an independent, […]
Deal on more funding to boost skills development and address new challenges
Parliament and Council negotiators have reached a provisional agreement on changes to the European Social Fund+ to boost skills in the defence and decarbonisation industries. The co-legislators agreed to support EU-countries using ESF+ funding for skills development in the defence sector and decarbonising industries. Regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine will also receive additional support, […]
Europe performs well in innovation
The EU’s innovation performance has made steady long–term progress, increasing by 12.6 percentage points since 2018. This latest edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard (EIS) reveals significant shifts in national innovation performance. Thirteen Member States improved their score since last year, with Malta (+7.6 points) and Luxembourg (+5 points) seeing the largest gains. Since 2018, all EU countries have boosted their […]
EU announces €2.3 billion support package at Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, unveiled last July 10 a new €2.3 billion package of agreements with international and bilateral public financial institutions to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts. It shows the EU’s steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and its future in the EU. The new €2.3 billion package of […]
EP calls for addressing China’s restrictions on rare earth exports
Parliament is concerned about China’s export restrictions on key raw materials and the impact on the EU economy. On 4 April 2025, China imposed export restrictions on seven rare earth elements and magnets used in the defence, energy and automotive sectors in response to increased US tariffs on Chinese products. Under the new rules, exporters […]
Commission strengthens Europe’s chemical industry
Last July 8, the European Commission presented an Action Plan for the Chemicals Industry to strengthen the competitiveness and modernisation of the EU chemical sector. The Action Plan addresses key challenges, namely high energy costs, unfair global competition, and weak demand, while promoting investment in innovation and sustainability. The Action Plan is accompanied by a […]
2025 Rule of Law Report: Europe’s democracy, security and economy
Last July 8, the Commission published its sixth annual Rule of Law Report, examining rule of law developments in all Member States. This is the first report under the Commission’s new mandate. It consolidates the successful engagement with Member States based on a preventive and dialogue-based approach to strengthen the rule of law, and it is an […]