Return rates across the EU stand today at around 20 percent. Persons ordered to leave an EU country frequently escape the authorities. The European Commission has now proposed to help EU countries increase return rates while fully respecting fundamental rights by establishing a common EU return system. This will complement the EU Pact on Migration […]
Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the non-alcoholic beverages sector
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the non-alcoholic drinks sector in several Member States. In parallel, the Commission has sent out a formal request for information to a company active in the personal care sector. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated […]
New headquarters for civilian security and defense missions.
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has unveiled the new Civilian Operations Headquarters for all EU civilian crisis management missions deployed under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defence Policy. Following a decision by the High Representative Kaja Kallas, the new Civilian Operations Headquarters (CivOpsHQ) aims to enhance the impact of the 13 EU […]
Protecting EU consumers: More than half of second-hand online traders fail to meet EU consumer laws
Every year, millions of European consumers use online traders to buy second-hand goods, such as clothes, electronic equipment, toys, and more. When buying second-hand goods, European law states that consumers are entitled to the same guarantee and information on a product, on their rights and the trader they are buying from, as when buying any […]
Commission proposes to align the protection status of the wolf in EU legislation to the Bern Convention
Today, the Commission is proposing a targeted amendment of the annexes of the Habitats Directive. This will align the Habitats Directive to the changed protection status of the wolf from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’ under the Bern Convention, which entered into force today. The Commission’s proposal will give additional flexibility to Member States in managing their local wolf […]
Council establishes position for the progressive launch of a new digital border management system
The Council today set out a general approach on a Regulation that would allow Member States to gradually introduce, over a period of six months, the digital Entry/Exit System (EES) for border management. The Regulation allows Member States to start taking advantage of the system and gives border authorities and the transport sector more time […]
Commission simplifies rules on sustainability and EU investments, delivering over €6 billion in administrative relief
The European Commission has adopted a new package of proposals to simplify EU rules, boost competitiveness, and unlock additional investment capacity. This is a major step forward in creating a more favourable business environment to help EU companies grow, innovate, and create quality jobs. By bringing our competitiveness and climate goals together, we are creating […]
Volunteering – Humanitarian Aid – Several Countries
The European Solidarity Corps is open to the world, bringing together volunteers and organisations from different countries and offering cross-border volunteering activities in support of humanitarian aid operations in third countries. Who can participate? The European Solidarity Corps volunteering activities are open to persons aged between 18 and 35 years who are legally resident in […]
Parliament to display EU and Ukrainian flags in support of Ukraine
EU and Ukrainian flags will be flown at the European Parliament’s three sites from Sunday 23 February to Tuesday 25 February, marking three years since Russia’s invasion. Russia launched its unprovoked, unjustified and illegal attack against Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Special set-ups of both EU and Ukraine flags will be flown in front of […]