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The EU has adopted the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. They call for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. They also ban female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

The Commission has launched a €23 million call for proposals to help EU countries develop new ways
of tackling long-term unemployment. The funding will also help people find their way back into the labour market.

The EU has launched a €571 million call for proposals under the LIFE Programme, its flagship initiative for funding environmental and climate actions. Funding is available for projects that are focused on nature conservation, environmental protection, climate change or the clean energy transition.

The Commission has announced the winning European Heritage Label sites for 2023. Seven new historical sites across the EU have been recognised for their significant role in the history and culture of Europe and the development of the European Union.

71% of Europeans say they will vote in the European elections this June, according to a new survey. 81% believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation. The fight against poverty and social exclusion, and public health are main issues on the minds of voters.

This summer, thousands of young people can travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the DiscoverEU programme. If you are 18 and live in an Erasmus+ programme country, apply by Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CEST for your chance to win a free rail pass.

150 citizens from all over the EU have put together 13 new recommendations on energy efficiency after panel discussions in Brussels. The Commission has welcomed their input which will feed a proposal for a new EU law on energy efficiency.

The new rules allow for better regulation and monitoring of harmful emissions from
industrial installations. This will protect human health and the environment, and promote energy efficiency, a circular economy and decarbonisation.

The EU has adopted the so-called ‘Euro 7’ regulation, which lays down rules on emission limits for road vehicles and battery durability. The rules cover cars, vans and heavy-duty vehicles and aim to further lower air pollutant emissions from exhaust fumes and brakes.

A new EU law will reduce emissions and energy use in buildings across the EU, from homes and hospitals to workplaces and schools. This will help improve people’s health and quality of life.

The European Parliament has approved the Pact on Migration and Asylum, a package of major reforms to the EU’s migration and asylum rules. Under the new rules, Member States will share responsibility for asylum-seekers. Procedures for asylum and return will also be faster and more efficient.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of enshrining the right to abortion in the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. It also calls for universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights to be added to the Charter.

Aspiring journalists can now apply for the EU’s Youth4Regions programme. Successful applicants will follow training sessions, receive mentorships from experienced journalists and work with them in the EU press room for a week in October 2024.

7 April is World Health Day. This year’s theme ‘My Health My Right’ emphasises that access to quality health care is a fundamental right. This core principle has also shaped the European Health Union, underway since 2020 and making our health systems stronger and better prepared for future crises.

On 31 March 2024 Bulgaria and Romania become Schengen members, with Schengen rules applying in both countries. At the beginning only controls at the internal air and sea borders will be lifted, while a further decision by the Council is needed for the lifting of checks at internal land borders.

We are one step closer to creating a European degree, a new type of joint programme between universities from different EU countries that will be recognised across the EU. This comes after the Commission presented a package to advance cross-border cooperation between higher education institutions.

On this International Day, the EU emphasizes that the eradication of racism benefits everyone and calls for a collective renewal of commitment to stand against racial discrimination in all its forms.

The European Commission has proposed new actions to improve and enforce working conditions for trainees, and ensure everyone can do a traineeship regardless of their socio-economic background or disability.

This year’s winners of the European Prize for Women Innovators are Rana Sanyal (Türkiye), María González Manso (Spain), and Yuliia Bialetska (Ukraine). The Prize celebrates women who are exceptionally leading the way in innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe.