The winners of the 31st edition of the Salvador de Madariaga European Journalism Prize are announced today. This year’s winners are: Encarna Samitier, from 20 minutos, in the written press category; Marta García Aller, contributor to Onda Cero, in the radio category; and Lluís Tovar, from Telecinco, in the television category. Jury deliberations In the […]
EIF supports micro-enterprises and social entrepreneurs
The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed guarantee agreements with Soria Futuro, Treball Solidari and Fundación Seira to facilitate access to finance for microenterprises and entrepreneurs in the Spanish social sector. The EIF guarantee will enable these organisations to mobilise up to EUR 12 million in favour of the Spanish social sector and reduce the […]
Syria: EU suspends restrictive measures on key economic sectors
The Council decided today to suspend a number of restrictive measures in view of the situation in Syria. This decision is part of the EU’s efforts to support an inclusive political transition in Syria, and its swift economic recovery, reconstruction, and stabilisation. The EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people, and businesses, in key areas of energy and transport, […]
Designing together the future of the EU: the Commission presents the path to the next long-term EU budget
The European Commission published a Communication titled “The Path to the Next Multiannual Financial Framework,” outlining the main political and budgetary challenges that will shape the design of the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). It sets the foundation for reflecting on how to adapt the EU’s long-term budget to evolving needs and priorities. In parallel […]
Parliament denounces the upcoming sham presidential election in Belarus
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 […]