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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.
The European Parliament and Council have agreed on a complete revamp of EU pharmaceutical rules. The new measures will encourage innovation, increase access to medicines across the EU and help manage medicine shortages. The EU will also step up the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
An SME in Spain and a company in Germany have won gold in the EU Product Safety Awards. Deep Detection SL won for their PhotonAi Cameras in the SME category and allnex Germany GmbH won the large company award for its coating additives and resins that eliminate PFAS from their additives.
The Commission has proposed new initiatives to ensure affordable and clean energy across the EU. The so-called energy highways will address the most urgent infrastructure needs and improve connectivity in the Iberian Peninsula, Cyprus, the Baltic states, the Balkans, and South-East Europe.
In 2024, Listeria caused the highest proportion of hospitalisations among all foodborne infections reported in the EU. A new EU report warns this upward trend in infections can be attributed to Europe’s ageing population, increased consumption of ready-to-eat foods and improper food handling.
The European Commission will reinforce checks on food, animal and plant products entering the EU. Through increased checks at EU borders and in third countries, Europeans will continue to benefit from the highest levels of food safety.