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Starting on 7 July 2026, all newly registered cars and vans in the EU will be subject to more advanced safety requirements. This is the latest phase in the rollout of EU vehicle safety rules under the General Safety Regulation, and will contribute to making Europe's roads safer.

A new EU strategy for the livestock sector sets out actions to help farmers address current economic, environmental and market challenges. Based on five priority areas, including sustainability and competitiveness, the strategy aims to make the livestock sector more prosperous and resilient overall.

The European Commission has presented a plan to address the risks and harness the opportunities of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity. It builds on existing EU rules and aims to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity framework.

Updated EU social benefits rules ensure fair and clear access to social security for EU workers who live or work in another EU country. They update criteria on receiving unemployment, family and long-term care benefits and encourage EU countries to share information to help root out benefits fraud.

Both Portugal and France requested civil protection assistance from the EU last weekend following devastating local wildfires. In response, the EU mobilised several firefighting aircraft, ground teams and vehicles from Sweden, Cyprus, Italy and Spain to help emergency crews on the ground.

A new EU study has found that plastic is the only packaging material that is on the rise, growing by 11 percent between 2011 and 2025. The study looked at the use of all packaging materials including plastic, glass, paper and metals in 19 EU countries during this period.

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.