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The Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France, and the Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain, have both won EU Sustainable Gender Equality Champions awards. The Gender Equality Champions newcomer award went to Ireland’s Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest.

The Commission will support 54 joint European defence research and development projects with more than €1 billion from the European Defence Fund. The selected projects will support technological excellence in defence capabilities, like cyber defence, ground, air and naval combat and space.

A new EU recommendation encourages greater take-up of opportunities to learn, study or train abroad, both within the EU and in non-EU countries. At least 23% of graduates in higher education and 12% of vocational learners should have a learning experience abroad.

To better protect our communities and the environment this summer, the EU has put together 556 firefighters from 12 countries that will stand ready to support local fire brigades in EU countries. It has also set up a fleet of 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters to tackle blazes in 10 Member States.

Some 64% of young people say they intend to vote in the European elections in early June, according to a new survey. They were mainly active on topics of human rights, climate change and environment, health and wellbeing and equal rights.

The EU has approved stricter CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles such as small trucks, buses and trailers. Stronger rules will further reduce CO2 emissions, introduce new emission reduction targets and help increase the share of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles across the EU.

This week marks European Mental Health Week, an opportunity for everyone to work on better mental health for all. A particularly crucial endeavour when latest statistics show that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people, after road accidents.

Independent, fact-based journalism helps protect our democracies by exposing injustices, holding leaders to account and allowing citizens to make informed decisions.

New EU rules will improve the effectiveness and guarantee the independence of equality bodies across the EU. These bodies promote equal treatment, combat discrimination and offer assistance to victims.

Calling champions of organic food production in the EU, the EU Organic Awards 2024 would like to hear from you. The winner will be offered a platform to highlight excellence and innovation in the sector. The EU wants to increase organically farmed land to 25% by 2030.

On this World Press Freedom Day, the EU honours the work and courage of journalists around the world in protecting our democracies. It also calls for more action to enhance editorial freedom, protect journalistic sources and improve the transparency of media ownership in the EU.

The EU institutions invite you to visit, take part in debates, live performances, games and other activities when they open their doors to the public on Saturday 4 May. The events are part of the EU’s Europe Day celebrations on 9 May, commemorating the signing of the Schuman Declaration in 1950.

EU businesses and farmers can take advantage of new export opportunities, now that the EU-New Zealand trade agreement has entered into force. The deal is expected to cut €140 million a year in duties for EU companies and includes unprecedented sustainability commitments.

The EU has approved a major reform of fiscal rules to achieve sound and sustainable public finances in all EU countries. The new rules encourage EU countries to engage in structural reforms and public investments that enhance sustainability and growth in several sectors, including energy security.

The EU has adopted the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. They call for stronger laws against cyberviolence, better assistance for victims, and steps to prevent rape. They also ban female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

The Commission has launched a €23 million call for proposals to help EU countries develop new ways
of tackling long-term unemployment. The funding will also help people find their way back into the labour market.

The EU has launched a €571 million call for proposals under the LIFE Programme, its flagship initiative for funding environmental and climate actions. Funding is available for projects that are focused on nature conservation, environmental protection, climate change or the clean energy transition.

The Commission has announced the winning European Heritage Label sites for 2023. Seven new historical sites across the EU have been recognised for their significant role in the history and culture of Europe and the development of the European Union.

71% of Europeans say they will vote in the European elections this June, according to a new survey. 81% believe voting is even more important given the current geopolitical situation. The fight against poverty and social exclusion, and public health are main issues on the minds of voters.