In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, MEPs call on the EU to reject the upcoming presidential election in Belarus on 26 January as a sham. Denouncing the ongoing and long-standing grave violations of human rights and democratic principles in Belarus, which have further intensified in the run-up to the so-called presidential election on 26 January, […]
EU calls for efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 °C
Climate change is an existential threat to humanity, ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as to peace and security. At the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), the EU will support an effective, achievable and ambitious global goal on climate finance and will call for ambitious climate plans in order to keep the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C […]
InvestEU is playing a key role in making the EU more sustainable and competitive
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 […]