Parliament wants the Commission to propose legislation establishing a common definition of the crime of rape based on the absence of free, informed and revocable consent. In a report adopted on Tuesday by 447 votes to 160, with 43 abstentions, MEPs call on Member States that still define rape solely in terms of the use […]
The EU announces €235 million in humanitarian aid for West and Central Africa
The European Commission has announced €235 million in humanitarian aid to support the most vulnerable people in West and Central Africa. These funds will be allocated to people affected by current conflicts and food crises, those who have been forcibly displaced, host communities and hard-to-reach populations. In the central Sahel, €75 million in EU humanitarian […]
The EU, Ukraine and Canada will co-host a high-level meeting on the return of Ukrainian children
The EU, together with Ukraine and Canada, will co-host a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on 11 May in Brussels. On this occasion, the President of the European Commission, Ursulavon der Leyen,stated:“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has cost more than territory and lives: it has stolen childhoods. […]
Better protection for workers against exposure to chemicals
On Wednesday, the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs adopted its position on the new provisions designed to strengthen EU rules to protect workers from exposure to hazardous substances. With 45 votes in favour, none against and 10 abstentions, MEPs on the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs approved the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, […]
The EU’s crisis reserve is assisting Cyprus in its response to foot-and-mouth disease
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 […]