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 […]
The EU and Brazil sign agreements to create the world’s largest zone of free and secure data flows
The European Commission and Brazil have today adopted mutual adequacy decisions confirming that their data protection levels are comparable. Recognising the high standards of data protection that protect consumers and citizens on both sides, these agreements now allow businesses, public authorities and researchers to freely exchange data between the EU and Brazil. By ensuring that […]
EU boosts funding to protect aid workers with €4.35 million
The European Union is significantly reinforcing its efforts to protect humanitarian personnel operating in high-danger zones by allocating an additional €4.35 million to the ‘Protect Aid Workers’ initiative. The decision comes at a time when the work of humanitarian personnel is becoming more and more dangerous. This new funding will support humanitarian staff who experience […]
MEPs support initiative on accessible abortion
On Wednesday, the plenary backed a European citizens’ initiative to improve access to abortion in Europe through a voluntary solidarity mechanism. Parliament recalls that many women in Europe still lack full access to safe and legal abortion and warns of the legal and practical barriers that persist in several Member States. MEPs call on these […]
Parliament proposes limiting access to social networking sites to under-16s
MEPs call on the EU to take ambitious measures to protect minors on the internet, including a minimum age of 16 and a ban on the most harmful addictive practices. On Wednesday, MEPs adopted a report by 483 votes in favour, 92 against and 86 abstentions, expressing deep concern about the physical and mental health […]
Child sexual abuse: Council reaches position on regulation to protect children from online abuse
The EU is stepping up its efforts to combat child sexual abuse. Representatives of the EU Member States agreed today on the Council’s position on a Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. Once adopted, the new regulation will establish obligations for digital companies to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material and […]
Toy safety: new standards to protect children’s health
The new rules aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from the associated risks. Despite having one of the strictest toy safety regulations in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into the hands of children in the EU. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed an agreement with […]