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.

EU funding is an open bookWant to see where EU money goes? Now you can.The Cohesion Open Data Platform gives open access to detailed information on projects funded under Cohesion Policy — from regional investments to thematic priorities.Interactive dashboards and downloadable datasets make it easier to understand how funds are allocated, what they support and where they make a difference.Transparency isn’t optional. It builds trust.Data you can explore — with EU support.

Strong industry. Strong jobs. Made in Europe. European Commission's Industrial Accelerator Act will boost demand for low-carbon and made in Europe technologies and products. Our goal: increase manufacturing to 20% of EU GDP by 2035 and strengthen Europe’s economic resilience. To deliver on this, the Act will: 🔷Support lead markets for Made in EU and low-carbon products 🔷Ensure that foreign direct investments bring value to the EU, and guarantee a 50% minimum level of European employment 🔷Simplify permitting procedures for industrial projects 🔷Boost sustainable manufacturing This is how we turn climate ambition into concrete industrial growth in Europe.

Cities are where Europe’s challenges — and solutions — meetUrban areas face complex challenges: climate adaptation, social inclusion, mobility, housing, digital transformation.The new European Urban Initiative call for Innovative Actions invites cities to test bold, practical solutions tailored to their local realities — and share what works with others across Europe.Because innovation doesn’t only happen in labs. It happens in neighbourhoods, streets and communities.If your city has an idea that could reshape how we tackle urban challenges, now is the time.Innovation in action — with EU support under the ERDF.

Dreaming of discovering Portuguese speaking countries? Planning a holiday in Portugal, a visit to Brazil, adventures in Mozambique ...Start by learning the basics of Portuguese with OLS — anytime, anywhere.

1 year after the publication of the EU’s Action Plan for Affordable Energy, the issues linked to high and volatile energy prices have not disappeared, influenced by external factors including global supply patterns, weather anomalies affecting wind and hydro generation, and cold winter spells.Yet progress has been made.The Action Plan tackles short-, medium-, and long-term aspects of energy costs, including⚡reliance on fossil fuels⚡market inefficiencies⚡gaps in electricity system integrationIt combines rapid-impact measures, such as reducing electricity taxes and protecting vulnerable households, with structural reforms to modernise Europe’s energy system, including grids, interconnectors, renewables, and improved governance.

Innovation works best when it works everywhereInnovation isn’t just about breakthrough technologies in major capitals.It’s about helping every region build on its strengths.Through Cohesion Policy, EU funding supports research and innovation tailored to local ecosystems — from digital solutions and clean tech to advanced industry and SME growth.The goal is simple: turn ideas into jobs, competitiveness and long-term resilience across Europe.Because innovation should benefit people — and places.Built with EU support.#Innovation #EUProjects #CohesionPolicy #SmartSpecialisation #EURegions

Smarter farming — even when the sky is greyCloudy weather used to mean limited satellite data for farmers.Now, radar satellites are changing that.In Poland, farmers are using radar-based monitoring to optimise fertiliser use — applying the right amount, at the right time, regardless of cloud cover. The result? Lower costs, better crop management and reduced environmental impact.Innovation from space, impact on the ground — with EU support.

Supporting mothers when it matters mostThe weeks and months after childbirth can be overwhelming.In Czechia, an EU-funded project is helping strengthen mental health support for new mothers — improving early detection, professional care and cooperation between healthcare providers.Because maternal mental health is not a side issue. It affects families, children and entire communities.Stronger support systems start with recognising real needs — with EU support.#MaternalHealth #MentalHealth #EUProjects #CohesionPolicy #SmartRegions

On 5 March, the Education for Climate Community is hosting a game night! 🕹️ The first half of the cafe will be to test & play the GreenComp Game: Sustainability Conversations—a playful way to spark big ideas about climate, education and fairness.In the second half, the board will be flipped to evaluate the game together: What worked? What could be improved? How can this tool empower classrooms, communities and youth voices to set priorities for a sustainable future?

The EU Global Gateway is Europe’s plan to build sustainable connections across the world. With up to €300 billion in investments, it supports projects in clean energy, digital networks, transport, health, and education, helping countries grow through fair and lasting partnerships.From the Lobito Corridor in Africa and hydropower in Central Asia to digital links between Africa, Europe, and India, Global Gateway turns shared goals into real progress. It promotes renewable energy, local vaccine production, modern transport, and education for green and digital jobs.More than investment, it’s about trust, transparency, and sustainability — working with partners, not for them. Discover how the EU Global Gateway is connecting people, planet, and prosperity for a sustainable future.

Public investment works better when citizens are part of the process.Evidence from pilot regions is clear: structured participation improves impact, accountability and long-term trust in Cohesion Policy.Now applications are open for:“With Citizens for Effective Cohesion Policy”Led by Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.Two tracks:🔹 Managing Authorities (10 selected)Capacity building, toolkit, tailored guidance.🔹 Pioneer Cities (4 selected)Hands-on technical support to design innovative participation processes — with OECD case study visibility.🗓 Deadline: 30 April 2026📅 Running until September 2027If your institution wants to go beyond formal consultation and embed meaningful participation in the next Cohesion Policy cycle, this is a concrete opportunity.From compliance to co-creation.From consultation to trust.#CohesionPolicy #CitizenParticipation #EUFunds #Governance

Why do young professionals leave smaller cities?Better jobs. Better mobility. Better lifestyle.In Celje, leaders decided not to accept talent drain as inevitable. Instead, they launched MAGNET — a project designed to make the city more attractive to live, work and innovate.Supported by the European Urban Initiative, MAGNET focuses on what really influences life decisions:🏡 Affordable housing🚲 Sustainable mobility💼 Industry 4.0 jobs🎨 Culture and quality of life⚡ Clean energy communitiesBut here’s the difference: citizens are not observers. They co-design solutions in “RealLife Learning Labs” and collaborate in co-creative hubs.This isn’t just urban policy. It’s a city asking its people:What would make you stay?And then building it.

Do you work on energy poverty at the local level in Europe?⚡ On 16 February, the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) officially launches its new 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 and you may be eligible to receive tailored, hands-on technical support from leading experts.Whether you’re shaping a new energy poverty initiative, or improving an existing one, EPAH’s technical assistance can help turn your ambition into real-world impact. When applied in practice, this support may include🔹mapping and measuring vulnerable households 🔹facilitating access to renovation support and integrated services🔹understanding how to navigate financial tools and governance models 🔹developing effective local strategies and action plans🔹establishing trusted One-Stop-Shops for communities🔹designing compelling awareness campaigns🔹implementing community-driven and behavioural change initiatives

🔥 With February underway, how are you doing with your language goals ? From new lessons to cultural highlights, OLS keeps your learning journey moving forward. ✨ Whenever you want, wherever you are, your language goals are just a click away.

At the end of last year, we proposed an upgrade of the EU's energy infrastructure to lower bills and boost independence.📋 The European Grids Package marks a new approach to energy infrastructure by bringing a truly European perspective on infrastructure planning, while accelerating permitting procedures and ensuring a fairer division of costs regarding cross-border projects. ⚡ The Energy Highways Initiative, set out as part of the package, will address 8 key bottlenecks across Europe which represent the most urgent energy infrastructure needs. The Commission will fast-track the Energy Highways with targeted support. ✅ Germany and Denmark reached an agreement last month on the joint development of the Bornholm Energy Island project to transform the Baltic Sea into an offshore interconnector hub - a first key delivery of the Energy Highways Initiative!Learn more about EU actions to boost European grids