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A new law to ensure that batteries are collected, reused and recycled in Europe has entered into force. The new Batteries Regulation will ensure that, in the future, batteries have a low carbon footprint, and use less harmful substances and less raw materials from non-EU countries.

The Commission has registered a European Citizens’ Initiative aimed at preserving Ukrainian culture and heritage, and supporting the integration of Ukrainian refugees into the EU. If it receives 1 million signatures within one year from at least 7 EU countries, the Commission can take action.

After severe floods and wildfires, Slovenia and Cyprus issued a call for help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. In response, France and Germany sent excavators and prefabricated bridges to Slovenia. To Cyprus, the EU is providing firefighting airplanes and Greece liquid retardant.

The EU and the Philippines will shortly kick off talks to find a mutual understanding on a future free trade agreement. If this concludes successfully, and after consultations with the Member States, the two regions could then resume trade negotiations.

The European Commission has proposed updates to its existing rules on protecting children from potential risks in toys. The new safety requirements will increase protection from harmful chemicals and aim to reduce the amount of unsafe toys sold in the EU.

As the Mediterranean region grapples with rapidly spreading wildfires, the EU steps in to reinforce firefighting efforts and provide much-needed support to the affected communities. Over 490 firefighters and 9 firefighting planes have been deployed to Greece and Tunisia since 18 July.

The Council has approved new measures to improve energy efficiency. These will reduce energy consumption in the EU by 11.7% in 2030 and increase efforts to save energy. EU Member States can apply a flexible approach in reaching the targets of this new law, which enters into force in the next weeks.

The Commission proposed today further action to reduce animal testing in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative on cruelty-free cosmetics and against animal testing. It also provided an overview of the EU's legislative and policy framework regarding the use of animals for testing purposes.

The Council has today approved the regulation to strengthen Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, better known as the European Chips Act. Through this, up to €43 billion in public and private investment should be mobilised, with the aim of doubling the EU's global market share in semiconductors by 2030.

The Council has given the Commission the green light to start negotiating a new agreement with the US. It will focus on strengthening critical minerals supply chains and mitigating some of the US Inflation Reduction Act's effects on EU industry.

The Commission has presented a plan to boost data-sharing and innovation, making the EU's tourism sector smarter, more sustainable and more resilient. Tourism businesses and public authorities will be able to share a broad range of data thanks to this.

The latest Eurobarometer survey shows that 93% of Europeans believe climate change is a serious problem facing the world. Some 58% think that the transition to a green economy should be stepped up in the face of energy price spikes and concerns over gas supplies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

EU countries’ representatives have reached a common position on a proposed law that addresses all relevant aspects of cybersecurity of connected devices. The new law will help ensure that products with digital components, such as smart fridges, TVs, and toys, are safe before entering the market.

The European Parliament's energy committee voted to support reforms to the electricity market, paving the way for negotiations with the Council to begin. These reforms will protect vulnerable consumers from volatile prices, strengthen their rights on contracts, and reduce price spikes.

A set of dedicated research and innovation projects in Horizon Europe are on track to achieve their 2030 goals. The so-called EU Missions focus on key areas such as climate change, soil health, climate-neutral cities, the life of cancer patients, and marine ecosystems.

The EU and Chile have agreed to work more closely on sustainable raw materials value chains at the EU-CELAC Summit in Brussels. The new partnership will contribute to the clean energy and digital transition of both partners, in line with the EU's Global Gateway strategy.

The EU and Uruguay have decided to step up their cooperation on renewable energy, energy efficiency and renewable hydrogen at the EU-CELAC summit in Brussels. This paves the way for future activities and cooperation in these areas supported by the Global Gateway investment strategy.

The European Economic and Social Committee has emphasised that the EU's fishing industry needs to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, in line with the Commission's strategy. The Committee issued an urgent call to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable and affordable energy alternatives.

The Global Gateway Investment Agenda focuses on a fair green transition, an inclusive digital transformation, human development and health resilience and vaccines. Team Europe has committed over €45 billion to support the reinforced partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean until 2027.