📆Mark your calendars on 2 July 2026 for the return of the Annual EU Budget Conference!In an ever-evolving global landscape, where priorities are shifting and new challenges are emerging, the role of the EU budget is more important than ever in delivering on Europe’s ambitions.This year, we are taking a closer look and asking the big questions:🔹 How can the EU budget strengthen Europe’s role as a global leader for prosperity? 🔹 Which investments can drive Europe’s competitiveness and growth? 🔹 How can the EU budget build powerful, mutually beneficial partnerships worldwide?Hosted by Piotr Serafin, European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration, the event will gather leading voices from across policy, markets, and academia to reflect on how Europe can remain competitive and resilient. Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in an insightful debate in Brussels and online – registration details will be shared soon. Stay tuned and follow us on our channels to stay informed!

The CASSINI Challenges return in 2026, inviting innovators to develop impactful, space-based solutions to today’s most pressing commercial, social and environmental challenges.This year’s edition has a stronger focus on impact and excellence. Twelve winning teams will each receive €100,000, supporting the successful commercialisation of solutions powered by the EU Space Programme, from Galileo and EGNOS to Copernicus, GOVSATCOM and EU SST.Want to learn more? Join us on 29 January for the first CASSINI Challenges webinar to get insider tips on applying, hear best practices from previous winners, and take part in a live Q&A. More details coming soon.

We're proud to present the 𝐄𝐔 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 to increase the EU's energy independence and affordability ⚡The current geopolitical context again reminds us of the risks related to Europe’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. Citizens and industries are rightly concerned about high energy prices.What's included in the package?➡️ The 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 - to mobilise investment by improving the link between available private capital and Europe’s pipeline of energy projects. The European Investment Bank (EIB) intends to deliver more than €75 billion of financing over 3 years to support this strategy.➡️ 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 - concrete actions to reduce energy bills, empower citizens to produce and share their own clean energy and fight against energy poverty.➡️ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐬 - to accelerate the development and deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) in Europe - supporting the decarbonisation of the power sector.➡️𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 - equipping EU countries, market actors and stakeholders with a practical, structured approach to overcoming investment and renovation barriers—unlocking the full potential of energy efficiency.➡️ 𝐍𝐮𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞 (𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐂) - showing that nuclear energy will require significant investments, of around €241 billion until 2050.

⚓ From project ideas to investment readiness.A new EU initiative will help small and medium-sized ports:✔ Build stronger investment pipelines✔ Improve access to EU funding✔ Support greener transport✔ Strengthen regional economiesBecause strong regions need strong infrastructure.#EUFunds #EURegions #Transport #Ports

In Thessaloniki, urban mobility now runs alongside ancient historyAfter years of delays and complex works, the city’s first metro is finally running — helping reduce congestion, improve air quality and connect people more quickly across the city.Supported by the EU, this major investment shows how EU funding can help deliver modern, reliable public transport where it is needed most.But Thessaloniki’s metro is more than a transport project. During construction, more than 300,000 archaeological artefacts were uncovered, and some stations now also serve as underground exhibition spaces — linking the city’s future to its past.With 13 stations now open on the first line, the metro is already helping make the city more accessible, more sustainable and more attractive for residents, workers and visitors alike.#EUFunds #CohesionPolicy #UrbanMobility #SustainableCities #Thessaloniki #EIB #EUinMyRegion

The European Commission's new 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 equips EU countries, market actors and stakeholders with a practical, structured approach to overcoming investment and renovation barriers - unlocking the full potential of energy efficiency.The package includes ⬇️⚡ 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞 - with a detailed analysis covering building renovation specifically, highlighting the progress made and future potential.🏦 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 - setting out a mix of measures to boost demand for energy efficiency investments and enhance financing options, reduce investment risks and provide opportunities for re-financing.ℹ️ 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 - one-stop shops are aimed at providing hands-on technical, financial and administrative assistance for homeowners undertaking energy renovation projects

💶 €241 𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 will be needed by 2050 to deliver on EU countries’ nuclear ambitions.That's according to the Commission's final Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) published on 10 March, incorporating the Opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of December 2025.Such investments will cover both the lifetime extension of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale facilities.PINC also highlights the need for additional investment to realise the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs), microreactors and fusion technologies, in support of a sustainable and secure long-term energy future.The Commission will therefore create a €200 million guarantee to support private investment, as detailed in the recently published SMR strategy.

Shape the future of the European Student Card Initiative #ESCI.More connected. ✅ Integrated. ✅ Designed for you. ✅ It's still time to make yourself heard... Take the survey! The ESCI survey has been extended, giving higher education students and staff across Erasmus+ programme countries more time to share their experience and help define how the initiative should evolve in the next Erasmus+ programme.

Two years of STEP. €29 billion mobilised. Hundreds of critical technology projects supported across the EU. 🎯Since its launch in March 2024, the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) has delivered record results: 💶 €29 billion in EU funding mobilised 🌍 20 Member States mobilised cohesion policy funds towards STEP priorities 🏆 Nearly 800 projects awarded the STEP Seal excellence label, with projects in all EU countries across every STEP sector 💻 220+ funding calls published on the STEP Portal STEP supports innovative projects and drive EU competitiveness in critical technologies: whether you are a startup scaling a deep-tech solution, an SME developing clean energy processes, a university leading a biotech project, or an investor looking for high-quality projects, we built STEP for you! This experience is already shaping the future as it inspired the Commission’s proposal for the European Competitiveness Fund.

How EU funds are adapting to new challengesEurope changes — and EU funding adapts with it.The mid-term review of Cohesion Policy 2021-2027 shows how EU investments continue to support innovation, clean energy, digitalisation and regional competitiveness.With €392 billion, Cohesion Policy remains the EU’s main investment policy helping regions respond to new economic and societal challenges.Because EU funding is not static — it evolves to deliver impact where it is needed most.#EUFunds #CohesionPolicy #EUInvestments

The pace and scale of clean energy investments must increase to ensure that Europe’s economy is powered by secure, affordable, and clean energy. Delivering the clean energy transition will require💶 €660 billion annually until 2030💶 rising to €695 billion between 2031 and 2040The European Commission's 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 aims to help mobilise significant additional private investment for clean energy. Public funds must be deployed, not as a primary funding source, but as a strategic lever to mobilise private investment, ultimately lowering the overall cost of the transition.In this context, the @European Investment Bank (EIB) Group intends to deliver over €75 billion of financing over the next 3 years to support the objectives of the energy transition and this Clean Energy Investment Strategy.

AAA affirmed once again! A clear signal of trust in the EU’s credit strength 💶Fitch Ratings has affirmed the credit ratings of the EU and Euratom at ‘AAA’ with Stable Outlook.The EU is rated AAA by Fitch Ratings, Moody's, Scope Ratings, DBRS Morningstar and Kroll Bond Rating Agency, and AA+ by S&P Global Ratings.This strong credit profile enables the EU to raise funds at very favourable conditions, ensuring that the priorities of the EU are delivered efficiently and responsibly, for the benefit of all European citizens and beyond! The EU’s financial framework draws its strength from the full backing of the EU Budget and robust governance. Under the unified funding approach, the EU executes its issuances under a single EU-Bonds umbrella, irrespective of the programme being financed, while maintaining strong liquidity buffers.

The Commission #SMR strategy aims at bringing Europe’s first SMRs online by the early 2030s!These innovative nuclear technologies pave the way to climate neutrality, #EnergySecurity & industrial competitiveness by offering low-carbon solutions

📘 Ever wondered what it’s like to work for the EU? Become a Blue Book Trainee and find out. Applications are now OPEN! 🚀 💶 5-month paid traineeship 📅 Starting October 2026 🎓 Apply with any Bachelor’s degree 💼 Get first-hand experience of how the EU works for you 💛 Meet amazing people and build lifelong friendships ⏳ Deadline: 7 April 2026, 10:00 a.m. (Brussels time) #BlueBook

Ever wondered why electricity rates feel unpredictable, or why suppliers offer such different prices and contract lengths? 🤔It mostly comes down to when and how suppliers buy electricity on the wholesale market. Understanding this can help you make smarter choices!In our latest 'in focus' article, discover💶 why electricity rates vary between suppliers⚡ how hedging works for electricity suppliers📄 the different types of retail electricity rates and contracts availableLearn more about making the best choice for your electricity contract

Can you name 30 ways to change energy behaviour?We can! 💡 The Energy Behaviour Forum has updated its Digital Library with 30 case studies from across Europe. From Italy’s innovative 𝘎𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘵 TV programme - blending entertainment with science - to Ireland’s electric vehicle fleet trials for businesses, we're mapping some of the most effective energy behaviour interventions in the EU.𝘓𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯? Explore the Case Study Library to identify scalable solutions for your local authority and download ready-to-use visuals and campaign toolkits.𝘖𝘳, 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴?If your city or region is running a behavioural change project, we want to hear from you! Submit your project via the platform to be featured.

Affordable energy must be a reality for all Europeans.The 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐚𝐠𝐞 is an important step to ensure the clean energy transition delivers real benefits for citizens ⚡🤝 It will help energy markets work better for consumers by making it easier to🔹access clear and reliable energy information🔹compare offers and switch to cheaper suppliers🔹produce and share renewable energy🔹benefit from more flexible electricity contracts🔹get support when they are in energy poverty or vulnerableBy empowering consumers and strengthening their rights, the initiative aims to ensure the energy transition translates into lower bills, stronger protection and greater participation in the energy market for citizens across Europe.The Commission will work closely with EU countries, regional and local authorities, civil society and industry to turn these measures into concrete results for households.

Got a project linked to Smart Specialisation?This is your chance to showcase it.The European Commission is inviting regions, organisations, clusters and innovation actors to present their work during Strategies Days 2026.Selected participants will host stands and share their projects with policymakers, researchers and regional innovation stakeholders from across Europe.A great opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and highlight regional innovation initiatives.📅 Apply by 31 March 2026.

🚨 A key moment for Europe’s technological future is happening on 24 MarchOn this date, Commissioner Piotr Serafin will host an Implementation Dialogue on STEP, bringing together companies, industry associations, and public authorities for a high-level conversationThis important dialogue will focus on:🔧 Implementation challenges faced by STEP beneficiaries 🚀 Simplifying access to EU funding 📊 Lessons learned to strengthen EU competitiveness, now and in the futureSTEP is the EU’s flagship tool to scale up innovation across four strategic sectors: 💻 Digital & deep tech 🌱 Clean & resource-efficient technologies 🧬 Biotech 🛡️ Defence tech (newly added!)📝 Key conclusions from this discussion will be published on the STEP website, helping shape future action.

𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 offer technical, administrative, legal, and financial assistance to citizens and enterprises - in one place. They already exist in many regions and cities across Europe, however, in 2025, only 1 in 10 property owners were aware of one-stop shops in their region or country.These one-stop shops aim to ↗️ accelerate the uptake of energy efficiency and simplify the renovation journey💁 offer a central hub for comprehensive information and support🚧 address barriers which might discourage building owners from renovationsThanks to revised EU rules, all EU countries are making these kind of one-stop shops available. Your energy bill or contract with your supplier should include the contact details for locating the relevant one-stop shops in your country.

Shape the future of the European Student Card Initiative #ESCI! Digital tools make it easier than ever to go on #ErasmusPlus mobility abroad. And you can help us define how these tools should evolve in the next Erasmus+ programme! We invite students and staff in higher education institutions across the 33 Erasmus+ programme countries to participate in this consultation exercise.

A quick reminder of a few things that are normal for consumers in the EU:🛒 Bought something online and changed your mind?You have 14 days to return it.🛠️ Your new gadget breaks after a year?You have a 2-year legal guarantee.🔒 A company is collecting your data?You have real rights thanks to GDPR.Turns out protecting consumers is not just good policy. It’s building trust, empowering consumers, and creating a fair marketplace where businesses compete on quality and not loopholes.

🚀 Europe, it’s time to scale. Introducing EU Inc.: 🔸 Start a company in less than 48 hours 🔸 Fully online and borderless 🔸 No minimum capital requirement Innovators and entrepreneurs won’t have to navigate 27 different rulebooks anymore. No more delays that slow down innovation. Just one set of rules designed for startups, scaleups, and global investors. EU Inc. will cut red tape, reduce costs, and unlock the full power of the European Single Market, 450 million consumers at your fingertips. To compete globally, Europe needs speed, scale, and strength. This is how we get there.