EU protects your rights

The European Charter of Fundamental Rights ensures that citizens of the EU – people of different age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, opinion – can live side by side in peace and harmony. These principles are made possible by the EU rule of law.

EU steps up aid for Yemen as it faces the world's worst hunger crisis

The European Commission has allocated an additional €90 million in humanitarian aid for civilians in Yemen, as the conflict-torn country plunges into the world's worst hunger crisis.

Discover the faces of the people whose lives have change

How do you show the impact the European Union is having on millions of people worldwide as the world's leading development aid donor?

Blue Invest in the Mediterranean

A match-making event that brings together innovators and the financial community to sustainably develop the Blue Economy of the Mediterranean Sea basin, while protecting its marine resources.

Saffron from Kozani, Greece

Greek saffron is famed for its particularly high quality colour and strong flavour. Discover the history and know how behind Krokos Kozanis PDO (Greek saffron)!

Why the history of Ypres, ravaged by the WWI, matters so much for Europe today

Hilde Hardeman, Head of the European Commission's Service for Foreign Policy Instruments toldus the history of her own hometown and why it matters so much for Europe today.Her interview is part of the EUpeople series which shows the personal stories and values that motivate EU officials to help move Europe forward. It puts the spotlight on the real stories of passionate Europeans, dedicated professionals but also family members, normal citizens and interesting characters.

Habt ihr neue Ideen, wie die europäische Industrie zu einer besseren Gesellschaft und Umwelt beitragen kann? Dann nehmt an der Young Leaders of Industry Forum teil!

EU embraces clean energy transition

New rules on renewables, energy efficiency and the governance of the Energy Union have been signed off by the European Parliament today.

EU 2018 Autumn Economic Forecast

Growth in the euro area is forecast to ease from a 10-year high of 2.4% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2018 before moderating further to 1.9% in 2019 and 1.7% in 2020. The same pattern is expected for the EU27, with growth forecast at 2.2% in 2018, 2.0% in 2019 and 1.9% in 2020.

What is the outlook for European SMEs in the coming year?

The latest SME growth outlook by the Enterprise Europe Network confirms another positive year for European SMEs. Based on survey data from businesses using the Network's services, the report provides insight into how SMEs across Europe view growth in terms of turnover, workforce, market share, prospects for international expansion, and innovation.

What is the economic forecast like for the coming year?

Growth in the euro area is forecast to ease from a 10-year high of 2.4% in 2017 to 2.1% in 2018 before moderating further to 1.9% in 2019 and 1.7% in 2020. The same pattern is expected for the EU27, with growth forecast at 2.1% in 2018, 2.0% in 2019 and 1.9% in 2020.

A new and united Europe

Tireless in his advocacy for a new and united Europe, Jean Monnet’s conviction rested in a need for more than cooperation between States: above all, we must build union among people.

How does EU Civil Protection save lives?

The EU Civil Protection recently offered support to Italians during the flooding. But how does it work? Hear from the people on the ground!

Athens is winning city in the European Capital of Innovation Awards 2018

"Athens stands out as an example that a city facing many challenges can achieve great things. Through innovation, Athens has found new purpose to turn around the economic and social crisis," EU Commissioner Carlos Moedas said while awarding Athens the title of the European Capital of Innovation 2018. See which are the runner-up cities.

European Vocational Skills

Everyone can get involved! Find out what's happening where you are.

En el marco de EUIndustry Days, se celebrará la primera edición del fórum para jóvenesemprendedores, innovadores y estudiantes procedentes de toda la UE en el que sedebatirá sobre el futuro de la industria, entre otros temas de actualidad.

EU Research and Innovation delivers results

Thanks to thousands of talented people who have turned EU research and innovation funding into excellent research, new technologies and products that make Europe a brighter and better place.

Improving the competitiveness of SMEs in the tourism sector

Discover how the EU supports the tourism sector in this interactive data hub.

Remembering Marie Curie

Marie Curie is an inspiration to people globally. The European Commission offers research funding in her name. Scientists of any nationality and in any stage of their career can apply.

Endocrine disruptors: A strategy for the future that protects EU citizens and the environment

The Commission confirms its commitment to protecting citizens and the environment from hazardous chemicals. The Communication also outlines how the Commission intends to ensure that the EU approach remains the most modern and fit-for-purpose in the world. The Communication delivers on the commitment taken by the Commission last year, when working with Member States on the criteria to identify endocrine disruptors in the areas of pesticides and biocides.

Nel quadro della politica di coesione, la Commissione ha adottato cinque importanti progetti finalizzati al miglioramento dei trasporti e delle infrastrutture idriche e alla conservazione del patrimonio culturale della città di Napoli.

Commission invests in infrastructure and cultural heritage in Napoli, Italy

The European Commission is investing 868 million euros for better transport and water infrastructure and to preserve cultural heritage in the Italian city of Napoli.

Wellcome Trust and Gates Foundation join bold European open-access plan

The Wellcome Trust has also announced how it will implement the plan, which could provide a blueprint for others.

Entrepreneurs, here is your chance!

The European Commission is working hard to give Europe’s many innovative entrepreneurs every opportunity to become world-leading companies. Do you have a good business idea and plan? See how you can get funding from the EU for your business.

EU supports Italy following deadly floods

The European Commission's 24/7 Emergency Response Coordination Centre has been in constant contact with the Italian authorities to offer EU support as heavy floods have affected many parts of the country.

Euronews – helping forest-based industries in the centre of Sweden

The Smart Regions video series in partnership with Euronews is back. The first episode brought us in the north of Europe, and in particular in the centre of Sweden where we discovered how forest-based industries can develop innovative and sustainable solutions, involving academia, businesses and civil society.

Cleaner air in our cities

A new type of filter that could cut city air pollution and is scheduled to be debuted at the 2024 Paris Olympics has been awarded the €3 million Horizon Prize on materials for clean air.

EU protects your rights at work

If you are sick, on maternity leave or need to take a break, the EU ensures you are always protected. And that’s not all: the European Commission has tabled a proposal to further improve the work/life balance so that Europe continues to be a happy, healthy place to work.

What about the EU budget?

EU countries can achieve much more together than on their own. Big projects such as Galileo (the EU satnav system) could not be financed by one country alone. This is why we have an EU budget. In some areas, a euro spent by the EU is worth more for the common European good than a euro spent nationally.

Preserving our environment

Sea turtle conservation is about preserving this endangered species and its critical role in the healthy marine ecosystems we all depend on.

After seven years of war...

Over seven years of war in Syria has resulted in six million internally displaced people and 5.6 million refugees. Since 2017, a clinic financed by the EU Humanitarian Aid department aims to improve access to specialised health services for Syrian refugees. The centre was opened five years ago by doctors from the Syrian diaspora and it's still run by Syrians.

EU trade agreements deliver on growth, jobs, and support sustainable development

EU trade agreements cover nearly 70 partners all over the world. They help European companies get better access to foreign markets and EU companies, workers and consumers. They promote high standards of labour and environment protection. The new report shows that trade is growing, but more could still be achieved.

More transparency and information on bank fees for consumers

More transparency, better deals for you! Your banks are now required to better inform you about the fees associated with opening and maintaining your bank accounts.

Innovation that improves air quality in cities

We breathe more than 25,000 times a day. Yet, our lungs are still exposed to high air pollution levels in many cities. EU Clean Air prize rewards a technology that tackles this issue.

Pumpkins in EU

Pumpkins: in 2017 about 24 000 hectares across the European Union (EU) were devoted to cultivating them and other types of gourd. The EU Member State which produced the most pumpkins and gourds in 2017 was Spain (115 000 tonnes).

Innovators and students, here's your chance to make a difference!

Young people, including entrepreneurs, innovators and students from across the EU can be part of and contribute to the discussions during the EU Industry Days 2019.

Somalia: “Water is everything to me”

In 2017, the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) department and the international community provided assistance to avoid a new famine in Somalia, but the hardship is far from over. In recent years, drought and internal conflict in Somalia have displaced more than 2.6 million Somalis. Most of the displaced population are women. Women already have special protection concerns, but often the need to walk several kilometres to collect water in an insecure environment where gender-based violence is rife, places women at even more risk. Through the construction of water points and rehabilitating wells, the EU’s humanitarian partner, Polish Humanitarian Action (Polska Akcja Humanitarna), provided much-needed clean water to thirsty communities and their livestock. See how they made a difference to the lives of displaced women in this video.

EURES helps young Italian find work – and herself – in Portugal

Your first EURES job is a European Union job mobility scheme to help young EU citizens to find a job, traineeship or apprenticeship opportunity in another EU country, Norway or Iceland and to help employers find qualified workforce.

Your ideas can help make a difference

The EU is listening closely to the views of citizens and stakeholders. Share your views on the European Commission initiatives!

What is the single-use plastics campaign?

We don’t always think about our small, daily choices, like having a take-away coffee with a plastic lid or accepting a straw with our drink. It ends up as marine litter polluting our oceans.

Bringing science closer to citizens

They are all from Spain, share a passion for science and have one common challenge: taking basic science out of the lab and bringing it closer to citizens, via schools, libraries, museums, and prisons.

EU commits €300 million for clean, healthy and safe oceans

We need the oceans and the oceans need us. We have to urgently reduce marine litter and other sources of pollution.

From Arctic to the world

It might seem remote but Arctic warming is affecting the entire planet.

Survival, Resilience, and Determination in Syria

For seven years, the people of Syria have suffered a devastating civil war that has left a staggering 13 million people — about 60 percent of the country’s pre-war population — in need of humanitarian assistance.

Young Filmmakers Competition

Starting from January 2019 and over 5 weeks, the winners will be selected by a public online vote, with the result being announced here on the competition’s webpage and on the European Commission’s social media accounts. Every week will be dedicated to a category: we will announce the two category nominees and ask users to vote for their favourite film idea.

Women still earn less than men in the EU

Women in the European Union still earn on average 16.2% less than men. This year, the EU Equal Pay Day falls on 3 November. It marks the moment when women symbolically stop getting paid compared to their male colleagues, with 16% of the working year remaining.

EU funds research that helps make our lives better

One Euro invested in European research and innovation leads to multiple results.

Better law-making: a shared responsibility

How the European Commission plans to work with all governmental levels (European, national, regional & local) for more inclusive law-making.

Are you an EU mover?

Have you moved to another EU country to work, study or retire? Are you dreaming of living abroad? Post a photo or video and share your story for a chance to win a free trip in the EU!

Europe comes together to protect us

Watch the stories about the Europeans heroes behind this collaboration.

EU leads the way in reducing plastic pollution

The European Commission proposal on reducing plastic pollution is set to become a reality. Where alternatives are available, affordable, single-use plastic products will be banned from the market. The EU  is ready to change to beat plastic pollution!

EU to invest in environment, nature and climate action

The European Commission has approved an investment package of €243 million from the EU budget for projects under the LIFE programme supporting nature, the environment and quality of life in Europe's transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon future.

Let's celebrate pasta!

5.4m tonnes of pasta was produced in the EU in 2017 with Italy leading the way. Love pasta?

Online shopping to be made easier

As of 3 December, Europeans will be able to shop online without unjustified geoblocking wherever they are in the EU. As of next year, you will be able to compare parcel delivery costs more easily and benefit from more affordable prices for cross-border parcel delivery. The EU is working towards making the Digital Single Market a reality for all and creating new digital rights.

You can contribute to the safety of offshore operations

Are you an expert in offshore oil and gas operations? It is your chance to tell the EU what could be done to improve safety of workers and protect the environment.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence and its impact.

Who's making Europe a safer place?

Did you know that every day the EU supports and connects people, helping them to cooperate across borders in order to protect us?

United Nations

International rules, organisations and jurisdictions are a guarantee for all. That's why we will always continue to invest in a strong UN system.

Funds available for Erasmus Plus are expected to increase by €300 million

The European Commission is working towards a Europe where learning, studying and carrying out research are not blocked by borders. From 2019, funds available for Erasmus+ are expected to increase by €300 million. From this amount, €30 million will be set aside for dedicated universities to boost excellence and make European higher education institutions more competitive.

Vaccines work

Vaccination prevents an estimated 2.5 million deaths worldwide each year and reduces disease-specific treatment costs, including antimicrobial treatments (prescribed for viral infections).

Creating a safe haven for Rohingya women in Bangladesh

“We really feel peace here. The calm and the people here make us feel better.”After having faced the trauma of losing their loved ones and their homes, Rohingya women find some solace at the women and girl-friendly spaces. These are run by UNICEF and have been funded by the EU.