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

When borders meet, communities can leadWhat if local communities on both sides of a border designed solutions together?The new IMPACT call invites applications for cross-border CLLD pilot projects — giving local actors the chance to work jointly on shared challenges and opportunities.This is about bottom-up cooperation, stronger local governance and practical solutions shaped by the people who know their territories best.Because borders shouldn’t divide ideas — they can connect them.Cross-border cooperation made local — with EU support.#CLLD #CrossBorder #CohesionPolicy #RegionalDevelopment

Powering Europe’s race towards green future with two game-changing battery projects!Europe is accelerating its transition to clean mobility with cutting-edge battery innovations. Discover two projects awarded a STEP Seal, demonstrating how the EU budget is accelerating Europe’s green transition:🔋46inEU (Poland) Next-Gen batteries for faster charging, higher safety, and top performance in electric vehicles. This EUR 90.8 million-funded project will: · Produce around 90 million battery cells annually (11.5 GWh) · Cut 20.6 million tonnes of CO₂ over a decade (compared with traditional vehicles) · Create 750 jobs and reduce Europe’s reliance on foreign suppliers♻️ AGATHE (France)Expanding gigafactory capacity to 16 GWh while setting new standards in sustainability and efficiency, such as:· Over to 95% of production waste potentially reused on-site · AI and automation for smarter manufacturing · More than 12 million tonnes of CO2 saved in 10 yearsThese projects are not just about batteries, they are about securing Europe’s clean energy future, boosting industrial competitiveness, and creating high-skilled jobs. From Poland to France, innovation is powering the green transition.👉 Want to explore more inspiring examples?👉 Curious to see how STEP supports Europe’s strategic technologies?

If you are passionate about sustainability and digital transformation in higher education, this upcoming free webinar is for you! Discover how the Twin Transition creates synergies between green and digital innovation to build resilient, future-ready education.

Understanding your electricity bill doesn’t have to be complicated⚡💶From market rules to household choices, here are 5 things you should know about electricity bills💡 Electricity bills are different in each country, and sometimes even each region💡 Households can influence their electricity bills💡 EU electricity market rules reflect real supply and demand💡 Reducing the EU’s dependence on fossil fuels can prevent future price crises💡 The EU is supporting investments in affordable and sustainable energyWe’re busting common myths in our latest ‘5 things you should know’

Demographic change isn’t tomorrow’s problem. It’s today’s reality.Across Europe, regions are dealing with ageing populations, talent shortages and brain drain.The question isn’t whether change is happening — it’s how to respond.That’s why the EU is launching a practical playbook under the Harnessing Talent Platform: sharing tools, experiences and strategies to help regions attract and retain talent, with support from EU funding.Because adapting to demographic change isn’t only about numbers — it’s about building stronger, future-ready regions.To learn more, register to the online webinar: 26 February 2026, 10:00 - 11:30 (CET)👇#CohesionPolicy #EUFunds #Demography #Skills

What does EU funding actually deliver on the ground? The data speaks.A new story on the Cohesion Data platform takes you inside the numbers behind EU Cohesion Policy — showing where funding goes and what it supports across regions.From infrastructure and innovation to climate action and social inclusion, EU funding is not abstract. It translates into:• Concrete investments• Measurable outputs• Tangible regional impactBeyond headlines, this is about transparency and accountability — making it easier to see how funds are allocated and what they achieve.If you work with EU programmes, regional development or public investment, this is worth exploring.

EU funding works best when administration works well.A new study looks at how regions can design and implement effective roadmaps for administrative capacity building — a key factor in delivering EU-funded programmes successfully.Behind every successful Cohesion Policy project, there is something less visible but critical:✔ Skilled teams✔ Clear procedures✔ Smart governance✔ Long-term planningThis study provides practical insights to help Managing Authorities and public administrations strengthen their systems — and ultimately maximise the impact of EU funding on the ground.Because absorption rates are not enough. Quality implementation matters.If your region wants to improve delivery, reduce bottlenecks and build stronger institutions, this is worth a look👇 #CohesionPolicy #EUfunding #CapacityBuilding

Got an EU-funded project that truly made a difference? This is your moment.The 2026 edition of the REGIOSTARS Awards is officially open.Every year, the awards spotlight the most impactful projects supported by EU Cohesion Policy — projects that transformed regions, strengthened communities and delivered real results on the ground.If your project stands out in innovation, sustainability, inclusion or regional impact, this is a unique opportunity to:• Showcase your results at EU level• Gain visibility across Europe• Inspire other regions• Strengthen your project’s credibilityEU funding doesn’t just finance projects. It changes territories. REGIOSTARS is where those stories are recognised.📅 Applications are now open👇#CohesionPolicy #REGIOSTARS #EUfunding

Design, sustainability and inclusion are not abstract ideas. They can shape your next EU-funded call.A new opportunity is open for Managing Authorities and Implementing Bodies ready to integrate the New European Bauhaus into their Cohesion Policy programmes — with EU support.Selected authorities will receive hands-on expert guidance to:• Design calls aligned with NEB values• Navigate complex rules (State aid, procurement, eligibility)• Develop projects in housing, urban regeneration and public spaces• Better engage beneficiaries and promote their callsThis is not just about aesthetics. It’s about embedding quality, sustainability and inclusion directly into EU funding instruments.📅 Deadline: 16 March 2026If your region wants to move from compliance to ambition — this is the moment.

🔍 ⚡ Looking for an easy way to 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 across different product models?EPREL - the 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 - supports consumers, procurers, and businesses in making informed purchasing decisions by providing transparent, reliable and easy-to-compare product information.Did you know that 🔸EPREL is one of the EU’s largest product databases, with over 2 million products registered — and counting🔸scanning the QR code on the energy label will take you directly to the EPREL page of that product🔸users can explore product groups by performance class, making comparisons simple and straightforward🔸soon, EPREL will make it even easier to identify energy-smart appliances and compare their featuresExplore, search and compare on EPREL

Good news for clean, independent and secure energy in the North Seas region! 🌬️⚡ Leaders and energy ministers at the North Sea Summit in Hamburg confirmed their commitment to speed up offshore energy and hydrogen development and make the sector more competitive globally 🌍✍ To this end, they signed declarations with specific actions to⚡de-risk investments to connect electricity grids across borders⚡strengthen the energy system against physical, cyber or hybrid attacksIn doing so, the region becomes less dependent on expensive fossil fuel imports.Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen said:"𝘐𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴, 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦 𝘮𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 — 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘰𝘯 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯, 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦, 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦-𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺. 𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘦𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘷𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭. 𝘐𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘵. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘌𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦’𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦."Further details are available in the news announcement

Online platforms have always held all the cards.The Digital Services Act is changing that. One clear set of rules to protect people across the EU:🔸 It’s about choice. In Europe, you decide what you see. The DSA requires the biggest platforms to offer a feed that isn't based on your personal data if you don't want it to be.🔸 It’s about safety. What’s illegal offline should be illegal online, protecting us from scams and hate speech without silencing legitimate debate.🔸 It’s about freedom. The DSA protects free speech. In Europe, you have the right to challenge content moderation decisions taken by platforms.An internet that works for people

🏗️ With the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, '𝐳𝐞𝐫𝐨-𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧' will become the standard for new buildings in the EU➡️ from 2028 for new buildings owned by public bodies➡️ from 2030 for all other new buildings Thanks to its very good insulation, efficient equipment, renewable energy use, and capability to adapt to the grid, a zero-emission building consumes on average about 10 times less energy than a building in energy class G.A zero-emission building should therefore have low energy bills and be considerably less affected by the fluctuations of the prices of fossil fuels that are largely imported and influenced by global markets and geopolitical changes.

🚨Registration is OPEN! Meet us in Athens on 17-18 March for the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub Annual Conference! The Commission is bringing together policymakers, technical experts & cities to tackle #EnergyPoverty & shape a just #EnergyTransition.

The next Education for Climate GreenComp Café takes place on 11 February. Join an interactive session exploring the GreenComp sustainability competence framework, developed by the European Commission to guide learning for environmental sustainability 🌱 Connect with educators and stakeholders to share ideas, co-create solutions, and discover practical ways to embed sustainability in teaching and learning 🤝 GreenComp sets out twelve competences varying from valuing sustainability to systems thinking, futures literacy and action, helping learners build the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for the green transition

🌍 Today, citizens’ contributions meet policy follow-up In 2025, participants in the European Citizens’ Panel “A new European budget fit for our ambitions” have invested time, energy, and thoughtful reflection into discussing the future of the EU budget. Their engagement produced 23 guiding recommendations, which DG BUDG took into account when drafting the next long-term EU budget proposal. Today’s feedback event is a moment for the European Commission to show concretely to the citizens how we listened and took their recommendations into account. The event brings participants together one final time, creating space for explanation and exchange, as DG BUDG experts present how citizens’ ideas are reflected in the proposal. A sincere thank you to all citizens for their dedication and for contributing meaningfully to the future of the EU budget🙏

The EU is hiring graduates - from all study field!The main entry-level competition (AD5) is opening again for the first time since 2019.All you need is a university degree, fluency in two official EU languages, and EU citizenship.👉 Apply via EPSO

📆 This Friday, on 6 February, the European Citizens’ Panel on a new European budget fit for our ambitions closes its series of panels with an online feedback event! What a journey it has been – citizens from across Europe were at the heart of the conversation, sharing their priorities and shaping the debate on what the next long-term EU budget should prioritise. 💶 From education and skills to competitiveness, sustainability, and social cohesion, citizens’ recommendations fed into the proposal for the 2028–2034 EU budget. This upcoming feedback session will show how these ideas are being translated into policies, directly from the voices of EU experts. 💬 This event gives participants also a space to engage directly with EU experts and exchange reflections. 🌍 By listening to EU citizens from every corner of the Union, the EU Commission presented a budget that truly reflects their needs and aspirations, addressing both long-term priorities and emerging challenges.