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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.

The Commission has presented steps to manage climate risks in Europe that set out how the EU and its countries can implement policies that save lives, cut costs, and protect prosperity. This follows the most recent scientific advice and responds to many Europeans' concerns.

The Commission has recommended to start talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the EU. It has also reported on progress made by Ukraine and Moldova on their path to EU membership.

At a time of increased geopolitical tensions, the EU has continued to successfully tackle the issues that concern Europeans most in 2023, whilst remaining on track to deliver on the political priorities. That is according to the new edition of the EU General Report, which was published today.

The EU has adopted new rules to make political advertising more transparent, aiming to counter disinformation and foreign interference in elections. Citizens should more easily recognise political ads, know who's behind them, and if they're being targeted.

The Digital Markets Act has entered into force which covers services such as search engines, online marketplaces, app stores, online advertising and messaging. The new rules will give new rights, more control and access to European consumers and businesses.

EU countries and the European Parliament have agreed on a new law on packaging and its waste. Packaging will need to be safe, sustainable and recyclable. Packaging waste generated in the EU should be reduced and certain types of single-use packaging restricted.

An EU deal has been struck to ban products made with forced labour. Companies suspected of using forced labour will be investigated and if found guilty, will see their goods confiscated at EU borders. Products can be allowed back on the market if forced labour is eliminated from supply chains.

From tackling a global pandemic to dealing with climate change’s extreme weather events, from responding to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine to managing the worst energy crisis in decades, the Commission has acted on the concerns of citizens.

The Council has adopted a new law on instant payments. Thanks to the new rules, people in the EU and in EEA countries will be able to transfer money within ten seconds at any time of the day.

On 24 February, the EU is marking the two-year anniversary of Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine. The EU has been standing by Ukraine every step of the way.

The Commission is investing over €233 million in 12 new projects across Europe to support the implementation of the EU's environmental and climate ambitions. The funding will go to Bulgaria, Czechia, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Lithuania, Austria, Poland and Finland.

European citizens are discussing the benefits and challenges of increasing energy efficiency in a newly formed group. This panel, made up of 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 EU countries, will come up with recommendations that will shape future EU Green Deal policies.

The Council launched today the defensive maritime security operation to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea emphasizing international cooperation and adherence to maritime law.

The fight against child sexual abuse is a priority for the EU. While progress has been made to better protect children online, existing criminal law rules are no longer fit for purpose. The Commission has now proposed to update these laws to protect the victims.

The Council and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), a regulation aimed at strengthening Europe's manufacturing of net-zero technologies to meet climate goals. The NZIA seeks to boost industrial deployment of green technologies.

About 40% of cancer cases in the EU are preventable. Safe and effective vaccines exist and could save a lot of lives.
The Commission has therefore put forward new recommendations to support Member States in their efforts to prevent cancer through vaccination, as part of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan.

EU leaders have greenlighted an additional €64 billion for the EU budget, including €50 billion to support Ukraine until 2027.

On 31 January, the European Commission will pay tribute to Jacques Delors in a ceremony at the Commission headquarters in Brussels. President von der Leyen and other high-level guests will commemorate this great European who shaped and greatly contributed to the European project.