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  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • News article

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

€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.

  • News article

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.

  • News article

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.

  • Press release

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.