The European Commission has published its report tracking progress towards the EU’s goal of halving the number of fatalities and serious injuries on the roads by 2030. While progress has been made in reducing the number of road traffic fatalities, the report reveals that the current pace is insufficient. In 2024, 19,940 people died on […]
SAFE instrument: Council clears the way for financial assistance to eight Member States and the conclusion of the agreement with Canada
The Council adopted a series of implementing decisions making financial assistance available to eight EU Member States under the SAFE instrument: Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Portugal and Romania. A second batch of Council Implementing Decisions on financial assistance for Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia and Finland has been authorised by the […]
Public consultation on the European Research Area Act concludes with strong stakeholder participation
The European Commission closed the public consultation on the European Research Area (ERA) Act on 23 January 2026. The consultation attracted considerable interest across Europe and the rest of the world. A total of 735 contributionsand117 position papers were submitted, with responses from the 27 EU Member States, 8 countries associated with Horizon Europe and […]
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 […]
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 […]
Improving Europe’s responsiveness: preparing the European Critical Communication System
From terrorist attacks, border incidents and large-scale accidents to floods and fires: responding to cross-border emergencies requires agile and fluid teamwork and reliable communication. The European Union Critical Communications System (EUCCS) is a key initiative for achieving a safer and better-connected Europe in emergency situations. It will integrate the communication systems used by emergency services […]
37 Europe Direct centres bring the European Union closer to citizens in Spain from 1 January 2026
A new generation of Europe Direct centres is available to all citizens. On 29 and 30 January, Europe Direct centres and European Documentation Centres met to address the challenges of communicating European issues to citizens in our country. Madrid, 2 February 2026.- The new generation of EUROPE DIRECT centres is now up and running. A […]
EU Green Week 2026: Investing in a nature-positive economy
Make a note in your diary for Europe’s most important environmental event, which will take place in Brussels on3 and 4 June. This year’s Green Week will focus on the commercial benefits of nature, demonstrating that a nature-positive economy is essential for Europe’s prosperity, resilience and competitiveness. Organised by DG Environment, the conference will explore […]
The Commission adopts the Visa Strategy and a new recommendation to attract talent for innovation
The Commission adopted its first EU Visa Strategy, which sets out a framework for a visa policy that promotes the EU’s long-term interests. This strategy makes visa policy more strategic and better equipped to respond to increasing mobility, regional instability and geopolitical competition. The Strategy has the following objectives: strengthenthe security of the Schengen […]