Whilst Cyprus continues to grapple with the aftermath of February’s foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic reserve of emergency supplies,rescEU, to support the ongoing response. The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via theEU Civil Protection Mechanism. It includes disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable coveralls, face masks, […]
The EU and Australia are strengthening their ties through a trade and security and defence partnership agreement
The EU and Australia have announced the launch of an innovative Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations on an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations on Australia’s participation in Horizon Europe, the world’s largest research and innovation funding programme. Through these measures, the EU and […]
EU announces €36 million in humanitarian aid to Mozambique and neighbouring countries in Southern Africa
The European Commission announced last March 16 €36 million in EU humanitarian aid that will reach 6 countries across Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean region. Millions of people face acute food insecurity, and conflict in northern Mozambique continues to drive one of the world’s most severe displacement crises. Commissioner Lahbib met last March 16 with […]
The EU announces €458 million in humanitarian aid for the war-torn Middle East
The European Commission has confirmed €458 million in humanitarian aid for Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt in 2026. As major donors withdraw from the region and international humanitarian law comes under unprecedented pressure, the EU is continuing to provide vital assistance to millions of people. InSyria, €210 million in EU humanitarian funding will enable […]
The EU steps up its civil protection efforts and brings home 356 citizens amid events in the Middle East
Two repatriation flights chartered directly by the European Commission have landed safely in Romania. Both flights brought back to Romania 356 European citizens who were stranded in the Middle East, from Oman. For the first time, the Commission mobilised its own transport and logistics capabilitiesfrom rescEUat the request of the Romanian authorities. This operation marks […]
Commission holds first meeting of Special Panel on child safety online
Last March 5th, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosted the first meeting of the Special Panel on child safety online. The panel, announced in the 2025 State of the Union address, will provide expert recommendations to better protect and empower children online and will explore the need for potential harmonised age restrictions to access social […]
EU funding strengthens bomb disposal capabilities in Estonia
Bomb disposal teams are crucial in maintaining public safety, preventing accidents, and protecting people. Their swift action ensures the well-being of both the public and those on the ‘front line’. But bomb disposal experts also need protection, with the best training, equipment, and support to minimise their own risks. With EU funding support, the Estonian […]
Council gives final green light to measures to improve the efficiency and robustness of the EU asylum system
The Council formally adopted the first EU-wide list of safe countries of origin, as well as a revision of the concept of safe third country. These two legislative acts aim to better harmonise the EU’s migration and asylum framework and increase its efficiency. The EU-wide list of safe countries of origin will help Member States […]
EP approves safeguards to protect European agriculture in Mercosur agreement
On Tuesday, the plenary session approved safeguard measures to prevent harm to European farmers when implementing the trade agreement with Mercosur. Under the new regulation, approved by 483 votes in favour, 102 against and 67 abstentions and informally agreed with the Council, the tariff preferences provided for in the EU-Mercosur trade agreement for imports of […]