Featured news

The Commission proposed the most ambitious and comprehensive reform of the EU Customs Union since its establishment. The proposals massively simplify customs processes for business, and empower authorities with the resources needed to properly assess and stop imports that pose a risk to the EU.

One year ago the EU presented REPowerEU, in response to the energy crisis caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It's helped to prevent energy shortages in the EU, to diversify away from Russia to reliable partners, and accelerate the transition to clean energy.

EU Finance Ministers have agreed on their approach to new tax transparency rules for all service providers facilitating transactions in crypto-assets for customers resident in the EU. The rules also concern the reporting of information on advance tax rulings for the wealthiest individuals.

In a better-than-expected start to the year, the growth outlook for the EU economy has risen to 1.0% in 2023 and 1.7% in 2024. Lower energy prices, abating supply constraints and a strong labour market contributed to this moderate growth that dispel fears of a recession.

The European Parliament moved a step closer to approving the world’s first rules on Artificial Intelligence by endorsing new transparency and risk-management rules for AI systems. Once approved in June, the rules could see bans on biometric surveillance, emotion recognition and predictive policing.

The European Parliament has approved the EU's accession to the Istanbul Convention, the first legally binding international instrument on combating violence against women and girls. The accession was proposed in 2016 but ratification stalled due to some EU countries’ reticence.

The European Year of Skills, launched on 9 May 2023, aims to address existing skills gaps by helping people get the right skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow. The year kicks off with a festival, one of many events scheduled throughout the year.

The EU Council has adopted an assistance measure for Ukraine worth €1 billion, under the European Peace Facility. The funds will go towards strengthening Ukraine's capabilities to defend its sovereignty and protect civilians against the ongoing Russian military aggression.

The European Commission has adopted a Recommendation to combat online piracy of sports and other live events. The Recommendation will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the sport and creative industries and help Member States in the fight against illegal streaming.

The ECB has decided to raise interest rates by 25 basis points to tackle inflationary pressures across the eurozone. Inflation outlook continues to be too high and still far from the ECB's inflation target of 2% over the medium term. This raise will take effect from 10 May.

The European Council has adopted two assistance measures under the European Peace Facility in support of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova and the Georgian Defence Forces. The new measures will enhance the national security and resilience in the defence sector of both countries.

The European Commission has proposed to allocate €500 million and implement new measures to deliver ammunition to Ukraine and help Member States refill their stocks. The Act in Support of Ammunition Production will strengthen the defence industry and ensure the supply of ammunition in Europe.

The European Commission has presented a set of proposals to fight against corruption in the EU and worldwide. They include new and strengthened rules criminalising corruption offences and harmonising penalties across the EU, as well as a dedicated Common Foreign and Security Policy sanctions regime.

The European Parliament has launched the call for submissions for entries to the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism, to mark World Press Freedom Day. Every year, the prize rewards outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union.

Environment Committee MEPs have adopted recommendations to tackle fast fashion, and ensure that textiles are produced in a sustainable and socially fair way. MEPs say textiles sold in the EU should be more durable, easier to reuse, mainly made of recycled materials, and free of hazardous substances.

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.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) has elected Austria's Oliver Röpke as the 34th president in its 65-year history. Mr Röpke vows to make the EESC a true civil society gateway and open its doors to the EU accession countries.

Dietary exposure to BPA is a health concern for consumers with potentially harmful health effects on the immune system, EFSA’s scientific experts have concluded in a new re-evaluation. This result will inform discussions among EU lawmakers on appropriate regulatory measures to protect consumers.

The European Commission has registered its 100th European Citizens’ Initiative, calling for a high-speed train network to connect European capitals. This registration marks an important milestone in empowering European citizens to actively participate in shaping the policies and priorities of the EU