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Reducing the emissions and energy use of buildings across the EU
The Council and Parliament have reached a new agreement on strengthening the energy performance of buildings. Phasing out fossil fuel boilers, renovating the worst-performing buildings and making new ones solar-ready will lower energy bills, cut emissions and boost Europe's energy independence.

New rules to improve animal welfare
The European Commission has today proposed new rules to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in the EU, and the conditions for animals during transport. It has also responded to a citizens' initiative 'Fur Free Europe' to ban fur farming in the EU.

No place for hate: new ways of tackling hatred in Europe
In the wake of alarming increases in hate speech and hate crime, as a result of the crisis in the Middle East, the Commission has put forward a proposal to step up efforts to tackle hatred in all its forms in the EU. It will do this through various policies, including culture, digital and sport.

Survey shows Europeans value EU membership and interested in European elections
According to a European Parliament survey, citizens continue to support the EU and have a high interest in the June 2024 European elections. Some 72% citizens believe their country has benefited from being an EU member and 57% are already interested in the 2024 elections.

Celebrating 30 years of EU citizenship with reinforced rights
To mark the 30th anniversary of EU citizenship, the Commission has presented a set of measures to strengthen the rights of EU citizens. They reinforce the right to freedom of movement, effective participation in democratic processes, and consular protection when travelling outside the EU.

EU leads global initiative at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030
At COP28 in Dubai, the EU has launched the Global Pledge to triple the world’s renewable energy capacity and double the rate of global energy efficiency improvements by 2030. The pledge was taken together with the COP28 Presidency and 118 countries.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna wins 2024 Access City Award
The Spanish city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna has received the 2024 Access City Award, for advancing accessibility for persons with disabilities. More specifically, the award recognised its work in prioritising accessibility across urban spaces, transportation systems, and social activities.

Deal on stronger press freedom and free speech protection
The EU has struck a deal on a law that would better protect journalists and human rights defenders against strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs. These are increasingly being used to silence people who speak out on public interest issues.

€145 million to boost to European volunteering activities in 2024
The European Solidarity Corps will get new funding worth €145 million in 2024. Thanks to this money, young people across the EU and beyond will be able to volunteer in projects on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, democratic participation and health.

Improved rights for EU travellers
Passenger rights will be reinforced, thanks to new Commission proposals. The updates to existing travel legislation would reaffirm the right of passengers to get refunded within 14 days; give them more clarity on who will reimburse their airline tickets and access to better information.

Ransomware group dismantled in Ukraine in major international operation supported by Eurojust and Europol
Judicial and law enforcement authorities from seven countries joined forces with Europol and Eurojust to dismantle a criminal network responsible for significant ransomware attacks against large corporations in 71 countries. They arrested the ringleader and detained 4 suspects in Ukraine.

New ways to fight migrant smuggling
Every year, thousands of lives are lost because of migrant smuggling. To fight this deadly criminal activity, the Commission has launched the Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling and proposed updating EU rules to prevent and fight migrant smuggling.

86 million fake items worth more than €2 billion seized in the EU in 2022
In 2022, the European Union detained around 86 million counterfeit items. The estimated value of these items exceeded €2 billion, reflecting a 3% increase from the previous year. The top five detained products included games, packaging material, toys, cigarettes, and recorded CDs/DVDs.

EU calls for end of violence against women
On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the EU renews its commitment to eradicate violence against women and girls in the EU and beyond. More than 3,000 women are killed each year in Europe by partners or family members, and countless more are harmed and harassed.

New ecodesign and energy labelling rules for household tumble dryers
New EU ecodesign rules will reduce the energy consumption of household tumble dryers and make it easier to repair them. A new energy label will apply to household tumble dryers placed on the market from 1 July 2025.

2022 was the second-worst year for wildfires, a warning from a changing climate
According to a new report, 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfires in the EU with over 900 000 ha of land being burnt. These wildfires cause large environmental and economic damage and tragic loss of life. While most are caused by humans, they are aggravated by climate change.

EU will enforce stricter rules for waste shipments
A new agreement on waste shipments will ensure that the EU takes greater responsibility for its waste. Export of plastic waste to third countries will be prohibited while shipping waste for recycling within the EU will be easier.

New EU rules help fight environmental crime
A newly agreed EU law will help investigate and prosecute environmental crime in the EU. It defines environmental crime more precisely, adds new offences and harmonises penalties across the EU.

New EU law to curb methane emissions in the EU and globally
Less methane will be emitted by the energy sector in Europe and globally, thanks a new EU law. It will oblige the fossil gas, oil and coal industry to properly measure, monitor and report their methane emissions, and take action to reduce them. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas.

Agreement reached to better protect workers from exposure to dangerous chemicals
The EU has revised the limit values for workers’ exposure to lead, and for the first time ever introduced limit values for the dangerous chemical, diisocyanates. The update will help prevent health issues like asthma.