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Featured news (31)
RSSCosmetics top the list of products posing a health risk
In 2023, cosmetics was the most frequent type of product notified as posing a health risk, according to Safety Gate, the European rapid alert system for dangerous non-food products. Last year marked the highest amount of alerts recorded since the system was launched in 2003.
Consumer information rules on ‘breakfast’ foodstuffs to be revised
Information for consumers on honey, fruit jams, fruit juices and dehydrated milk is set to be updated thanks to newly agreed EU rules. The current rules on the composition, labelling, and naming of these ‘breakfast’ foodstuffs will be revised to help us make more informed and healthier choices.
New rules for effective treatment and monitoring of urban wastewater
The European Parliament and the Council have struck a deal on new rules for the effective treatment and monitoring of urban wastewater. The rules will see new standards applied to micropollutants that will protect human health and lead to cleaner rivers, lakes, groundwater and seas in Europe.
How our health systems are doing: a work in progress and better prepared for future health crises
Two new reports have been published showing that the EU is being successful in creating more forward-looking, resilient, robust and equitable health systems. At the same time, they also identify areas where further progress needs to be made, including on mental health.
€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.
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.
Commission adopts action plan to boost European wind power industry
The Commission has set out immediate actions to be taken to maintain a healthy and competitive wind energy supply chain. Speeding up the installation of wind power projects is just one action that is included in the plan that will help keep the EU on track for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
89% of Europeans view mental health promotion as important as physical health promotion
On the eve of World Mental Health Day, a new Eurobarometer on mental health has revealed that nine in ten respondents consider that mental health promotion is as important as physical health promotion. Almost half of respondents said they had experienced mental health problems in the last year.
Soil Deal for Europe: €90 million for 17 new projects to support healthy soils
The Commission will invest €90 million in 17 new research projects contributing to the EU Mission: ‘A Soil Deal for Europe'. These projects will work on restoring and protecting soil health for the sustainable production of healthy food, protecting biodiversity, and building climate resilience.
EU to release €140 million to support the Afghan people, in particular women and girls
The EU is releasing €140 million of basic needs and livelihoods assistance to support education, health, agriculture and women's economic empowerment in Afghanistan. The funds will go towards providing livelihood solutions to women, girls and other vulnerable groups, in particular.
Libya floods: EU mobilises emergency assistance via its Civil Protection Mechanism
The EU activates Civil Protection Mechanism for Libya's flood crisis, with member states providing aid, €500,000 in funding, and a focus on health and water support in response to extensive casualties and infrastructure damage caused by heavy storms and dam collapses in Derna.
Taking care of the caregivers: ensuring psychosocial wellbeing for health and social care workers
Over one in ten workers in the EU is employed in the health and social care sector. EU-OSHA published a Discussion Paper highlighting psychosocial risks and their prevalence. It discusses effective interventions to prevent, reduce and manage psychosocial risks in health and social care workplaces.
EU-led innovation projects are accelerating the transition to a greener and healthier continent
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.
Commission presents Global Gateway Investment Agenda with Latin America and Caribbean
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.
Glyphosate: EU impact risk assessment finds no critical areas of concern
The European Food Safety Authority peer review of the risk assessment of glyphosate has identified no critical areas of concern regarding its impact on the health of humans, animals and the environment. It has however found a few data gaps which will be addressed soon.
Air pollution: European Parliament pushes for tougher rules
Parliament’s Environment Committee wants to improve air quality in the EU to create a cleaner and healthier environment. Members of the European Parliament voted in favour of setting a stricter 2030 limit for several pollutants to ensure that air quality is not harmful to human health.
Health: EU steps up action to combat antimicrobial resistance
EU health ministers have adopted a recommendation to step up EU action to combat anti-microbial resistance in the fields of human health, animal health and the environment. The recommendation calls for the prudent use of antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, in EU countries.
Commission launches new comprehensive approach to mental health
The Commission has announced a new comprehensive approach to mental health to help tackle rising mental health problems in the EU post-pandemic. The approach will focus on effective prevention, access to quality and affordable healthcare and treatment, and reintegration into society after recovery.
Commission and World Health Organization launch digital health partnership
The European Commission and WHO have launched a digital health partnership, which will see WHO build on the EU’s digital COVID-19 certification system to establish a global system of digital health certification. This will help protect citizens worldwide from ongoing and future health threats.
Reforming the EU pharmaceutical strategy
The European Commission has proposed legislation that modernises the EU’s pharmaceutical sector, which will ensure better access to effective and affordable medicines for all. It is a crucial step on the way towards a healthier, more resilient, and more equal Europe.