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In the face of growing concerns about the risks children and teenagers face when using online platforms, the EU has proposed a new KIDS Act. This will introduce a gradual uptake of social media for children in the EU, notably delaying access to social media until the age of 13.
The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €489 million to help Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta recover from severe storms and flooding in January and February 2026. The funding will support recovery operations to rebuild transport infrastructure and reestablish essential services.
In her 2026 State of the Union speech, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared the key priorities and flagship projects for the EU in the year to come. These include competitiveness and jobs, security and defence, climate resilience, social inclusion and democracy and rule of law.
The European Parliament has approved a major reform of the EU Customs Code that introduces stricter rules for e-commerce and establishes a new customs authority in Lille. By November 2026 a new handling fee for goods ordered directly from non-EU countries will come into effect.
The Commission has adopted proposals that will guarantee social rights for workers, regardless of where they choose to live in the EU. Workers will be able to have their professional skills understood everywhere in the EU and prove and claim their social security and health insurance rights.
Members of the European Parliament have warned that foreign interference threats are an attack on the “very essence of the European project”, with citizens as primary victims. They adopted a report proposing practical recommendations on how the EU can do more to defend its democratic institutions.
A new Commission strategy will ensure that the EU’s outermost regions can fully realise their potential, with stronger support, greater resilience and fairer opportunities for their people. From Martinique to Madeira, the EU’s outermost regions play a key geostrategic role in today’s changing world.
New EU rules have been proposed to support EU countries and cities address the affordable housing crisis, particularly housing used for purposes other than primary residence. The rules give public authorities the legal certainty when they choose to act, based on local specificities, within EU law.
Throughout September and October, the European Heritage Days 2026 invites people across Europe, under the theme “heritage at risk: revive, resist, reimagine” to discover how communities are protecting, restoring and reimagining their heritage for the future. Find out more.
The Commission has proposed a new European innovation act to help Europe's most innovative ideas be developed, financed and scaled up in Europe. The proposal will help innovative companies access financing and establish a common approach for research and development procurement.
Although greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high in 2025, six of the 16 major emitters, contributing over 1% of global emissions, achieved reductions, including Australia, Brazil and Japan. The EU cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 0.2% relative to 2024, while US emissions rose by +2.2%.
Europol supported a Spanish-led investigation that dismantled one of the largest criminal networks smuggling cannabis, synthetic drugs, migrants, weapons, and fugitives across the Western Mediterranean. The operation led to the arrest of 78 suspects and the seizure of 18 high-speed vessels.
On her visit to Nuuk, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that €200 million will be invested in and with Greenland this year and the next. The EU, Greenland and Denmark have also reinforced their partnership with a new Joint Declaration.
As families across Nepal face the human toll of its recent deadly floods, the EU is adding to the relief effort by delivering 82 tonnes of essential supplies, including nutrition and shelter. This comes in addition to the EU’s ongoing response. A further €500,000 will facilitate EU aid delivery.
Are you curious about science? Give these 10 podcasts by EU-funded researchers a listen to expand your knowledge about research into AI, climate change, food fraud and citizen science, among others. This autumn, why not learn something new, whether at home, in the office or on your commute.
In response to the massive flash flood that has caused over 300 deaths in Nepal, the EU has allocated €2 million in humanitarian aid to support affected communities. This emergency funding will help address immediate needs including food, healthcare, clean water and sanitation.
As wildfires continue and strong winds are forecast in affected areas, EU firefighting support to Serbia has been extended until 5 September. Four helicopters from the rescEU strategic reserve from Czechia, Romania and Slovakia and a ground firefighting team from Romania will remain deployed.
On 24 August, we celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day. This occasion embodies the bravery, resistance and resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia’s vicious war of aggression. To mark the occasion, the EU Commission unfurled the Ukraine flag in front of the Berlaymont building.
August 19 marks World Humanitarian Day, an opportunity to celebrate the indispensable and tireless life-saving efforts of aid workers worldwide. Find out how the EU helps to protect local aid workers around the globe and makes sure humanitarian aid is delivered fast and effectively to those in need.
As wildfires spread around Europe, the EU has mobilised support to Belgium and Spain. Planes and helicopters have been dispatched to support local firefighters battling the blaze in the Hautes Fagnes, Belgium, and more than 100 ground firefighters are assisting firefighters in Spain’s Aragon region.