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A year marked by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the energy crisis, the general report on the activities of the EU outlines the progress made in 2022, including EU support to Ukraine and developments in the green and digital transitions ensuring a stronger, fairer, and greener Europe.

The Commission has adopted a Communication that presents the strategic framework for European integrated border management for 5 years and a Recommendation to Member States on the mutual recognition of return decisions and expedite returns.

The Commission has proposed to reform the EU's electricity market design to accelerate a surge in renewables and the phase-out of gas, making consumer bills less dependent on volatile fossil fuel prices, and better protecting consumers from future price spikes and potential market manipulation.

The EU calls on other international partners and global donors to show solidarity with the people in Türkiye and Syria following the devastating earthquake that struck both countries.

The Lorenzo Natali Media Prize, the EU's flagship journalism award, recognises and honours the work of reporters from around the world which shed a light on the most pressing global challenges. Journalists can submit written or multimedia work.

A week after Ukraine was invaded, the Temporary Protection Directive was activated for those forced to flee their homes. More than 4 million have benefited from a full set of rights in the EU over the last year as a result.

Commission President welcomes agreement to set up International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. This centre will coordinate the collection of evidence of Russia’s crimes, to be used for future trials.

The humanitarian situation in the east of the DRC is deteriorating due to an escalation of the conflict in North Kivu. The EU is releasing over €47 million through humanitarian partners to cover immediate needs such as nutrition, healthcare, water and sanitation, shelter and protection.

The Commission has presented proposals to modernise driving licence rules, including the introduction of a digital driving licence valid throughout the EU, and new provisions to facilitate the enforcement of traffic rules across borders. These new rules will improve safety for all road users.

On 9-10 June, thousands of young people from across the EU will take over the European Parliament in Strasbourg for the European Youth Event to discuss and share ideas on how to shape the future of Europe. Take part in the contest to win a trip to Strasbourg and join the Parliament’s event EYE2023.

The European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom reached a political agreement in principle on the Windsor Framework. This achievement allows putting forward definitive solutions that work for people and businesses in Northern Ireland and that protect the EU Single Market.

The EU has imposed further restrictive measures in response to the continued Russian military aggression against Ukraine. The package targets individuals and entities contributing to the war, plus trade and financial sanctions, depriving the Russian economy of critical tech and industrial goods.

On the one-year mark of Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine, G7 leaders issued a statement reaffirming their unwavering support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. The statement also expresses their solidarity and support to the people of Türkiye and Syria affected by the horrifying earthquakes.

One year ago, Putin’s Russia started its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. The Ukrainian people have shown incredible strength in defending their homeland, showing resolve in defending democracy and freedom, and resilience in the face of hardship when confronted with Russia’s crimes.

The EU consumption of natural gas has dropped by 19.3% in the period August 2022-January 2023, in line with EU efforts to save energy and reduce its dependency on Russian gas.

The European Commission has proposed ambitious new CO2 emissions targets for new heavy-duty vehicles from 2030 onwards. These will help reduce CO2 emissions in the road transport sector and ensure the shift to zero-emissions mobility and the EU's climate and zero pollution objectives.

The European Parliament has approved the new CO2 emissions reduction targets for new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, part of the “Fit for 55” package. This legislation sets advanced performance standards for new cars and vans in line with the EU’s increased climate ambition.

The EU economy is doing better than expected. The Winter interim Forecast lifts the growth outlook for this year to 0.8% in the EU and 0.9% in the euro area, avoiding the technical recession that was anticipated for the turn of the year. Inflation is also expected to be lower for both 2023 and 2024.

In a special meeting, the European Council held an exchange of views with the President of Ukraine on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the EU’s support to Ukraine, adopting conclusions on Ukraine, economy, migration, Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, and the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.