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The EU and Mercosur (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay) have signed a trade agreement that creates a free-trade zone for around 700 million consumers. It will deliver mutual commercial opportunities, with EU yearly exports to Mercosur countries estimated to rise by 39%.

Lia Kali from Spain scooped the Grand Jury Prize and Public Choice Award at the Music Moves Europe Awards 2026 in the Netherlands. Other winners at this EU prize for popular music were Camille Yembe (Belgium), Carpetman (Ukraine), Della (Cyprus), Sarah Julia (Netherlands) and Sofie Royer (Austria).

In 2025, the European Union Intellectual Property Office received a record 327 735 new applications for EU trade marks and EU designs. The largest share of trademark applications came from EU countries, followed by China, US and UK. Applications for designs came mostly from countries outside the EU.

The Council has given its green light to the signing of the EU-Mercosur partnership agreement. Negotiated over 25 years, the agreement will see the creation of the world’s largest free trade zone between the EU and Mercosur partners – Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

In 2026, the cities of Oulu in Finland and Trenčín in Slovakia are European Capitals of Culture. Oulu will run a rich cultural programme, focusing on ‘cultural climate change’. Trenčín’s equally packed agenda will encourage ‘curiosity’ and bridge-building through art, literature and music.

The EU has offered support to Switzerland after the tragic fire in the bar during the New Year's celebrations at the ski resort Crans-Montana. European countries have evacuated patients to hospitals across Europe and specialised EU teams are providing burn care expertise in nearby Swiss hospitals.

On 1 January Bulgaria adopted the euro as its official currency, becoming the 21st EU country to have joined the euro area. This marks a significant step in Bulgaria's EU integration, giving the country greater economic stability and integration with the rest of Europe.

On 1 January 2026, Cyprus took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It will steer the work of the Council for the next six months. Learn more about its priorities and activities.

The new EU law on toy safety will extend the list of banned harmful chemicals in toys and strengthen the bans already in place. The new rules will also ensure efficient enforcement thanks to a digital product passport for every toy on the market.

Several EU-funded projects are supporting the bioeconomy sector, turning everyday waste into resources. Using grass cut from roadsides, pulp and paper by-products, or fungi's natural ability to fight pollution, these projects offer sustainable alternatives to valuable materials, energy and services.

Get into the holiday spirit with EU Ecolabel products. The label ensures certified products are sustainably made, from sourced materials to disposal. Furniture, textiles, or even baby clothes - decorate your home with sustainable products to celebrate the season with your loved ones.

EU leaders decided to provide a loan of €90 billion to Ukraine, based on EU borrowing, to address the country's urgent financing needs for the next two years. They also discussed the next long-term EU budget, EU enlargement and geoeconomics.

The Presidents of the European Parliament, Council and Commission signed a Joint Declaration on EU legislative priorities for 2026. This will help the institutions collaborate more efficiently on key legislative proposals.

The European Commission has put forward a raft of new measures that will improve health and the healthcare sector in the EU. Measures include a new biotech act to increase Europe’s biotechnology potential, a Safe Hearts plan to tackle cardiovascular diseases and simplified rules for medical devices.

New EU rules to prevent microplastic pollution from plastic pellets take effect today. Plastic pellet operators must now avoid, contain and clean up any spills or losses, as well as implement risk management plans tailored to the type and size of their installations.

The European Commission’s new European affordable housing plan will help millions of Europeans who are struggling to find a home they can afford. The plan focuses on increasing housing supply, triggering investment and reforms, and addressing short-term rentals in areas with housing shortages.

The Commission has presented an automotive package to support the sector's efforts in the transition to clean mobility. It sets out ambitious and pragmatic rules for the industry and EU countries to navigate this transition and ensure the competitiveness of the industry.

The EU has agreed to apply a fixed customs duty of €3 on small parcels valued at less than €150 entering the EU from 1 July 2026. This temporary measure addresses the fact that small parcels currently enter the EU duty free, leading to unfair competition for EU sellers and health and safety risks.

The European Parliament and Council have agreed on new EU circularity rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to end-of-life treatment. The new measures would mean that all new cars will be designed to allow the easy removal of as many parts and components as possible.