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To raise awareness about eliminating plastic bag use worldwide and promote eco-friendly reusable alternatives, we observe International Plastic Bag Free Day every 3 July. On this occasion, take a look at how EU rules are helping to drastically reduce the consumption and use of plastics.
Over 50 energy-related projects in the EU will receive €2.5 billion from an EU fund financed by revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System. The projects focus on renewable electricity generation, the modernisation of energy networks and energy efficiency.
On 1 July 2026, Ireland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It will steer the work of the Council for the next six months. Learn more about its priorities and activities.
From 1 July 2026, the EU will introduce a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels (worth up to €150) imported from outside the EU, mainly through e-commerce. This new measure aims to protect consumers, support businesses and ensure fair competition.
The Commission is deploying rescue teams and other emergency assistance to Venezuela following the strong earthquakes on 24 June. Eight EU countries are sending assistance through the EU civil protection mechanism. The Copernicus satellite service has also been activated to support the response.
EU countries have adopted two laws eliminating tariffs on US industrial goods, providing preferential access for certain US seafood and agricultural products and extending the suspension of duties on lobster imports. These commitments were made in the EU-US Joint Statement.
The European Commission has proposed measures to strengthen the EU’s response to an evolving criminal landscape that is becoming more sophisticated, international and digital. The capacities of EU agencies Europol and Eurojust will be reinforced to better fight crime and better protect EU citizens.
The European Research Council has announced the winners of its 2025 Advanced Grants, awarding €838 million to 319 leading researchers across Europe. The grants empower senior scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward research with the potential to deliver groundbreaking discoveries.
According to the latest EU bathing water report, 85% of Europe’s bathing sites meet ‘excellent’ standards. Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Greece have the highest share for excellent quality bathing waters. EU laws on water have played a significant role in improving bathing water quality.
The EU institutions have committed to placing culture at the heart of the EU project by protecting and promoting artistic freedom, cultural diversity, inclusion and fair conditions for artists. They also pledge to support the creative sectors by encouraging funding and innovation.
New survey confirms that excessive screen time and social media significantly impact youth’s physical and mental health. Its publication coincides with the final meeting of the special panel on child safety online, set to deliver recommendations on how to strengthen the protection of minors online.
A new EU report sets out the potential impact of the predicted El Niño climate phenomenon later this year. It predicts unusually warm weather to spread across much of the world, including in Europe, while East Africa, parts of Asia, and large parts of South and North America will get more rainfall.
The EU Parliament has secured an air passenger rules deal that maintains compensation for three-hour delays, ensures faster reimbursement, fee-free child seating and flight price transparency. Passengers can also claim compensation if their flight is cancelled less than 14 days before it departs.
The EU and Ukraine have opened accession negotiations on the first so-called 'fundamentals' cluster, covering core values and principles on which the EU is built. It also includes the rule of law, EU fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration reform.
The EU and the Republic of Moldova have reached a significant milestone with the opening of negotiations on the first accession negotiating cluster. This includes the most critical components of EU rules on the rule of law and fundamental rights.
The European Commission has presented its first-ever, tailored strategies dedicated to support both EU islands and coastal communities. Both strategies work in tandem, reinforcing each other to address shared pressures while tackling the unique realities of islands and coastal communities alike.
The EU and the Republic of Korea advanced their strategic partnership even further at a summit in Brussels. They also launched their competitiveness partnership, signed a digital trade agreement, and discussed current geopolitical developments.
A new EU platform designed to support innovators and startups across Europe has launched this week. A central entry point, the EU Innovation Platform, will help innovators seeking support to bring their ideas closer to the market by connecting them with relevant available services or funding calls.
The EU law on victims’ rights has been updated to make it easier to report a crime online. Victims will also gain access to the EU-wide hotline 116 006 for information and support on their rights. Children who are victims of crime will be able to call on dedicated, child-friendly support services.
The European Prize for Women Innovators recognises women who are transforming innovation into real-world impact. This year’s winners included 2026 EIC Women Innovator Katerina Spranger (Ukraine/UK), whose company harnesses AI to enhance the safety and precision of brain aneurysm treatments.