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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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Workers will be better represented in EU-based multinational companies thanks to new rules for so-called European Works Councils, which represent nearly 11.3 million EU employees on transnational issues. The new rules would give employees equal rights to request the creation of a new council.

The Council and the Parliament have reached an agreement to add forced marriage, illegal adoption and surrogacy as types of exploitation covered by the EU’s anti-trafficking law and criminalise them. The new rules will strengthen victims' support and assistance, and prevention.

Amidst growing geopolitical tensions and profound technological shifts, the Commission has put forward proposals to strengthen the EU's economic security in the areas of trade and research. It will do so while ensuring the EU remains an open and attractive destination for business and investment.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS). Since 2004, the EDPS safeguards the privacy of EU citizens and guides EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies so that they are exemplary in upholding data protection principles.

The cities of Bad Ischl in Austria, Bodø in Norway and Tartu in Estonia are 2024’s European Capitals of Culture. They are showcasing their cities through their own cultural programmes filled with events, exhibitions and projects with a European angle.

To build a better future, Europe must listen to its youth. Building on the achievements of the 2022 European Year of Youth, the Commission has announced several actions that give young people a greater say in the decisions that affect them.

The Belgian presidency will work towards better protecting European citizens, strengthening our cooperation, and preparing our shared future. It will focus on six thematic areas, and will provide particular attention to maintaining our unwavering support to Ukraine.

On 1 January 1999, the euro emerged as the official currency for a coalition of nations, fostering greater economic integration and stability across Europe. Over the years, the euro has facilitated seamless cross-border transactions, bolstered trade, and solidified the EU's economic unity.