On 22 June, the European Parliament and the Council reached a political agreement on the Directive updating criminal law provisions on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. This marks a significant milestone in child protection, particularly in light of worrying trends such as the proliferation of child sexual abuse material generated by artificial intelligence, […]
The Commission proposes to extend the temporary protection for people fleeing Ukraine for a further year
On 26 June, the European Commission proposed extending temporary protection for one further year for people fleeing Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, taking into account Ukraine’s overall capacity to defend itself. With this measure, the Commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary. Russia has continued its unprovoked war […]
Parliament condemns Russian drone incursions into the EU
The EU will not be intimidated by Russia’s destabilisation campaign and is determined to defend its security, MEPs state in a resolution adopted on Thursday. According to MEPs, drone incursions and airspace violations over EU territory are not isolated incidents, but an integral part of Russia’s broader strategy to intimidate the EU and its allies. […]
The EU has pledged more than 338 million euros for the global protection of the oceans at the ‘Our Ocean’ conference held in Kenya
The European Union has pledged 338.35 million euros to support ocean conservation, sustainable fisheries and maritime safety at the Our Ocean 2026 Conference. Costas Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, announced the news at the event, which is taking place today and tomorrow in Mombasa, Kenya. The EU funding will help to ensure safe, clean, healthy […]
The EU and Brazil are strengthening their ties through the Digital Partnership
The European Union and Brazil today signed a Digital Partnership in Brasília, taking their digital cooperation to a new strategic level. Building on more than two decades of close collaboration, the partnership will strengthen cooperation between the EU and Brazil on shared digital priorities, such as data governance, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and connectivity, online […]
Amazonian Indigenous women win 2026 #ForOurPlanet prize
The European Commission is proud to announce the Amazonia Indigenous Women’s Fellowship (AIWF) programme as the official winner of the 2026 #ForOurPlanet Prize. Following a rigorous evaluation process, the AIWF programme, led by Conservation International, secured the top honour for its inspiring work, which stood out for its recognition that Indigenous women are not just passive victims of climate change, […]
The Commission has received 20 recommendations from the public on strengthening emergency preparedness in the EU
This weekend, the Commission concluded the European Citizens’ Panel on Preparednessin Brussels. After nearly three months of deliberation, the 150 randomly selected citizens, drawn from the 27 Member States and representing the diversity of the EU, put forward 20 recommendations on how to strengthen the EU’s capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies. On Sunday, […]
Slovakia: MEPs call for measures to protect EU values and the EU budget
Parliament wants the Commission to assess whether there is a clear risk that the Slovak government will seriously breach the EU’s founding values. In a resolution adopted on Wednesday by 347 votes to 165, with 25 abstentions, MEPs express their deep concern at the deterioration in respect for democracy, the rule of law and fundamental […]
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union 2026
Where inequality and discrimination persist, democracy cannot thrive. Equality is not optional; it is the foundation of free and resilient societies. However, around the world, too many LGBTI people continue to face violence, discrimination, hate speech and stigmatisation, and are targeted by disinformation campaigns, simply for being who they are. When the full enjoyment of […]