The European Commission has today opened a public consultation on the review of state aid rules to assist Member States in the field of affordable housing. This review of the rules on services of general economic interest (SGEI) will address challenges related to housing affordability beyond social housing. The aim is to enable EU countries […]
The Commission proposes a free and secure data circulation zone between the EU and Brazil
Last September 5, the Commission has launched the process of adopting an adequacy decision on data protection with Brazil. The Commission has determined that Brazil ensures an adequate level of data protection, comparable to that of the EU. Once adopted, the Decision would allow for the free flow of data for businesses, public authorities […]
Commission welcomes deal to simplify and strengthen carbon border adjustment mechanism
The European Commission welcomed the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council last June 18 on the Commission proposal to simplify and strengthen the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). On 26 February 2025, the Commission proposed simplifications to the CBAM regulation to reduce administrative burdens for businesses, while maintaining the functionality […]
EU local leaders launch coalition of coastal regions at the UN Ocean Conference
Regions and cities come together in Nice to strengthen coastal adaptation and shape inclusive global ocean governance. The UN Ocean Conference 2025 is taking place in Nice (France) from 7-13 June, jointly organised by France and Costa Rica. The delegation of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is joining forces with other EU institutions, […]
How do we protect personal data?
Safeguarding personal data in today’s hyper-connected world is increasingly vital. But how should we protect personal data collected through a variety of sources, such as social media platforms and self-tracking devices? The answer lies in finding the right balance between access and use of the data, and the benefits for all involved. A research team […]
The Europe Pavilion at the Book Fair celebrates Spain’s 40 years in the EU
Today the Madrid Book Fair opens its doors and with it, the Europe Pavilion, located in block 27 C of the Paseo de Coches in the Retiro Park. The European Commission Representation in Spain is participating in this initiative for the fourth year. Activities today, 30 May. 18:00: inauguration of the Pavilion with the round […]
Could we live without pain?
“There are people who live without pain,” says Treede, a neurophysiologist at the University of Heidelberg. “They have been known to exist for centuries. Insensitivity to pain, known as analgesia, is thought to be caused by a group of rare genetic diseases. However, being immune to pain does not mean being immune to injury. For […]
EU reinforces its support for Ukraine and reviews ties with Israel
The Foreign Affairs Council – under the chairmanship of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas – convened the EU defence ministers in the morning and the EU foreign ministers on 20 May. Russia’s war against Ukraine and EU support for Ukraine EU defence ministers discussed EU military support to […]
Proposal for the implementation of the “safe third country” concept
The Commission proposes to facilitate the implementation of the safe third country concept. The Commission has proposed some rules that will facilitate the implementation by Member States of the safe third country concept. This will speed up asylum processes and reduce pressure on asylum systems, while preserving legal safeguards for applicants and ensuring respect for […]