As Europe is fighting wildfires in several Member States, the Commission is swiftly mobilising assistance via the EU civil protection mechanism (UCPM). Over the weekend, Portugal and France have activated the UCPM due to devastating wildfires, with several of them active simultaneously and burning thousands of hectares. France activated the UCPM on 5 July. The European Commission […]
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 […]
MEPs back the EU’s new defence innovation programme
The bill aims to respond to the new security environment brought about by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, in which rapid, low-cost cycles of defence innovation are essential. On Thursday,the Committee on Industry, Research and Energyand theCommittee on Security and Defenceadopted their position on the establishment of the Agile and Rapid Defence Innovation Programme […]
The spring 2026 economic forecasts point to a slowdown in growth as the energy crisis drives up inflation
The spring 2026 economic forecasts point to a slowdown in economic activity, as the conflict in the Middle East is causing a new energy crisis that is fuelling inflation and undermining economic confidence. Before the end of February 2026, the EU economy was expected to continue growing at a moderate pace alongside a further decline […]
The EU is extending support to workers at risk of losing their jobs
This change aims to reduce the number of cases in whichemployees lose their jobs because their role is no longer required, and to helpworkers transition into new roles. Thenew ruleswill remain in force until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires. Currently, the European Growth Fund (EGF) supports workers and the self-employed […]
The Commission is proposing new measures to tackle poverty and improve the lives of people with disabilities
The European Commission has presented an ambitious social plan aimed at helping to eradicate poverty and promote the rights of people with disabilities across the EU. The package includes thefirst European strategy against poverty—the Commission’s plan to help eradicate poverty in the EU by 2050—; a proposal for a Council Recommendation oncombating housing exclusion; and […]
Implementing the EU’s foreign policy to promote peace, security and social cohesion in the Great Lakes region
The visit, led by Peter M. Wagner, Head of the European Commission’s Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) Service, aimed to discuss the EU’s multifaceted engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on conflict resolution, the strengthening of security institutions and social cohesion in one of Africa’s most complex crisis environments. “This visit is proof […]
The EU and its Member States pledge over €811 million in response to the crisis in Sudan
Whilst the people of Sudan continue to suffer from the world’s most severe humanitarian crisis, the European Union, together with Germany, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and the African Union, co-hosted the Third International Conference on Sudan in Berlin. As the war in Sudan enters its fourth year, the conference aims to mobilise […]
The EU is stepping up its support for Lebanon as the crisis worsens.
The EU is stepping up its support for Lebanon amid escalating violence and large-scale displacement, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s stability. This is in addition to the€100 million in humanitarian aid allocated last week. The EU is also actively mobilising measures under its €1 billion financial support package for the period 2024–2027, to enable […]