The Commission has presented the mid-term evaluation of InvestEU, the EU’s flagship investment programme to facilitate better access to finance for businesses across Europe, in support of common priorities. Halfway through its duration, InvestEU has already unlocked ¤218 billion in additional investment, and 90% of the EU guarantee has been allocated. The programme consists of […]
Joint statement by the EU and other countries on the situation in Lebanon
The European Union, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States have signed a joint statement in the following terms: “The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023 is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation. This […]
More than 3.7 million first residence permits in 2023
More than 3.7 million first residence permits were issued in the EU to non-EU citizens in 2023, a 4.7% increase compared with 2022, and the highest number recorded to date. Employment remained the main reason for issuing residence permits in 2023, accounting for 33.8% (1.3 million) of all first residence permits issued, indicating a modest decrease compared with 2022 […]
Traineeships at the European Commission
The Commission organises twice a year in-service training periods lasting five months for university graduates. This does not exclude those who, in the framework of lifelong learning – have recently obtained a university diploma and are at the beginning of a new professional career. The training periods start on 1 March and 1 October each […]
EU agri-food exports keep growing steadily in the first quarter
In March 2024, the EU agri-food trade surplus reached €6.7 billion, an 8% increase from the previous month and 3% higher than March 2023. Exports increased by 4% to €20.1 billion, mainly due to increased prices for olives and olive oil. Imports remained stable, reaching €13.5 billion, but 10% lower than March 2023. These are the main findings of […]
EU steps up the fight against vaccine-preventable cancers
The Commission welcomes the adoption of a set of recommendations on vaccine-preventable cancers by Member States, a key deliverable under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Proposed by the Commission in January, the Council Recommendation aims to increase the uptake of vaccination against viruses that can lead to cancers Human papillomaviruses (HPV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV). By boosting […]
Applications for the Lorenzo Natali Media Prize now open
As of today, journalists can apply for the 2024 Lorenzo Natali Prize, the EU’s flagship journalism award, by submitting eligible stories. Journalists reporting on issues related to climate, environment and energy, digital and infrastructure, gender equality, human development, migration and forced displacement, peace and governance, sustainable growth and jobs, and youth can apply online until midnight CEST […]
Eurobarometer: Expectations of EU citizens ahead of the elections
The latest Standard Eurobarometer released last week shows that Europeans want to see the EU stronger and more independent, especially in the face of the current global challenges, while they are growing optimistic about the future. Expectations for a stronger, more independent and resilient EU More than three quarters of Europeans (77%) are in favour […]
Combating AI bias in the labour market
Two EU-backed projects team up to gain better insight into how AI technologies are impacting workers. The EU-funded projects AEQUITAS and BIAS are joining forces to combat AI system biases in the labour market. By working together, they aim to deepen their understanding of AI technologies’ impact on workers and inform policies accordingly. This partnership […]