What is the EU and how does it work for you?

Are you aware of your rights as an EU citizen?

Stop aux idées reçues sur l'Europe!

Vous cherchez une excuse pour ne pas manger vos légumes? Grâce aux décodeurs de l'Europe, il faudra continuer à chercher...

Drought in Europe: EU supports farmers

The European Commission has been closely following the situation and is ready to support our farmers.

Why you should know about the EU's General Food Law?

In response to a series of food incidents in the late 1990s, the European Commission developed an integrated approach to food safety 'from farm to table.'

Supporting small businesses and farmers in Lithuania

Thanks to the EU, they will gain easier access to finance that can help them start or expand their business.

The story of Ev

Find out how the EU helped Ev from the Netherlands to set up her plastic-fighting company.

When the dog saves the day!

It was going to be a perfect day for hiking in the snow. But where is Marianne's lunch?

Coming up: Horizon 2020 Space Information Day

The European GNSS Agency (GSA) and the Horizon 2020 Space NCP Network (COSMOS2020plus) are jointly organising the Horizon 2020 Space Information Day in Prague, Czech Republic, on 12-13 September.

Developing strategies to decarbonise buildings

Policymakers have new tools at their disposal to prepare long-term strategies for the decarbonisation of buildings through energy efficiency renovation.

Working to protect the climate?

Proposals for traditional projects under the LIFE sub-programme for Climate Action can be submitted until 12 September 2019. Share with us your solutions to tackle climate change and global warming!

EU to contribute €550 million to save 16 million lives globally

The EU has been a strong supporter of the Global Fund since its creation when the AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis epidemics seemed to be unbeatable.

StethoMe: faster diagnostics within arm's reach

With EU investment, a start-up from Poznań, Poland, has developed the wireless stethoscope StethoMe. The smart device uses artificial intelligence algorithms to monitor a patient’s breathing sounds.

Europe-Africa: When music brings two continents closer

The training unites youth from 10 countries for capacity building workshops as well as teacher training, for students and teachers from the Music Crossroads Academies in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Smurfing our blue planet!

The EU and the Smurfs join forces to clean up beaches across the world, and encourage people to take care of our ocean.

European solidarity

On 23 August 1989, two million people held hands to form a human chain over 600 kilometres long linking three capital cities – Tallinn in Estonia, Riga in Latvia and Vilnius in Lithuania. A peaceful demonstration that united the countries in their drive for freedom and signified European solidarity.

The story of Barbara

Find out how the EU helped Barbara to attend Gelato University in Italy, and launch her refreshing project!

It's edible, sugar-free and EU-funded!

Don't use the plastic straw that kills sea creatures. Instead, get one you can eat.

Slovenia: EU invests in rail infrastructure

The EU 's Cohesion Fund will help upgrade the rail section between the Slovenian cities of Maribor and Šentilj, near the border with Austria in the direction of Graz.

Energy renovation of multi-family buildings in the Paris Region

Île-de-France Energies, the energy transition operator in the Paris Region, developed a unique financing scheme for energy saving works in collective housing.

Children are our future. What about their rights?

The European Pillar of Social Rights protects the rights of children to affordable early childhood education, good quality care, and protection from poverty.

20 European cities to get EU funding for innovative projects

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) will finance 20 urban projects with €82 million.

Global Vaccination Summit

The European Commission organises, in cooperation with the World Health Organisation, a Global Vaccination Summit on 12 September 2019, in Brussels.

Immer wieder wird ja behauptet, „Brüssel“ würde über EU-Gesetze 🇪🇺 entscheiden. Da ja Brüssel bekanntlich die Hauptstadt Belgiens 🇧🇪 ist, möchten wir die Gelegenheit nutzen, kurz zu erklären, wer tatsächlich europäische Gesetze, die auch in Deutschland gelten, beschließt.

One year ago, Greece completed its stability support programme

There is still work to do, but the efforts that have been made are already delivering real benefits.

The most accurate map of the dark matter

New: EU-funded researchers developed data-analysis techniques that helped generate the most accurate map to date of dark matter.

Yemen, the world's biggest humanitarian crisis

Aid workers are delivering assistance in war-torn Yemen despite huge challenges.

From Naples to Bari

Love travelling by train.

Safety and security of humanitarian workers is essential

The year 2019 also marks the 70th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions.

Ceramics firm reinvents itself

The story of Vista Alegre proves that preserving a vast historical legacy can go hand in hand with an aim to enhance research, technological development and innovation. It was in this vein that the ceramics producer embarked on its EU-funded ‘CerexCor and CristalLux’ project, installing 2 new production units: 1 for sandstone (CerexCor) and 1 for crystal (CristalLux).

Is it expensive to study in another EU country?

No, it isn't. As an EU citizen studying at university in another EU country: you cannot be required to pay higher course fees.

How can the EU communicate better about its regional and urban policy?

The European Union’s regional policy supports job creation, economic growth, sustainable development and improves your quality of life.

Moving within Europe - which country will pay my old-age pension?

What will happen to your rights to an old-age pension if you live and work in more than one country of the European Union?

What do you think of EU support to youth employment?

Answer the consultation in any EU language.

Do you know about the European Pillar of Social Rights?

Your Europe, your rights for a more inclusive and fairer EU!

Scientist, politician and champion of the underprivileged

Marga Klompé, a visionary leader, who worked for the creation of a peaceful, united and prosperous Europe.

A unique hotel in Limassol

A family business employing 15 people, this hotel has become an important part of the local economy. Its establishment was made possible with a loan from the Bank of Cyprus guaranteed by the European Investment Fund-backed Cyprus Entrepreneurship Fund.

EU helps people come together

Building connections across borders, making new friends from different cultures and countries - See how the EU helps people come together.

EU pushes for better protection of the world's most threatened species

It is imperative to address illegal poaching and trafficking affecting elephants, rhinoceroses, tigers & pangolins.

Opening a basic bank account within the EU

If you are legally resident in an EU country you are entitled to open a "basic payment account".

GDP and employment both up in the EU

Here are flash estimates for the second quarter of 2019.

Find the local heroes near you

Thereare local heroes everywhere. In every community, in every region, in everycountry in the EU and their work has a big impact.

There is a little bit of EU in your daily life!

Did you know that the oldest Erasmus exchange student was an 80-year-old Spanish grandfather?

In the EU, you have a right to equal opportunities!

Fair treatment is a basic right in the European Union.

On the way to a climate-neutral Europe by 2050

The European Commission calls for a climate-neutral Europe by 2050.

Voyager facilement à travers l’UE

Être citoyen européen signifie que je peux voyager, étudier ou travailler dans un autre pays de l’UE: c’est un droit fondamental. L’accord de Schengen a éliminé les contrôles aux frontières dans 26 pays d’Europe. Je peux donc voyager en toute facilité sans avoir à présenter un passeport ou une pièce d’identité quand je change de pays. Que ce soit en voiture, en avion ou en train – l’Europe possède le réseau ferroviaire le plus dense du monde –, je peux explorer les 270 provinces de l’UE à mon gré. De plus, la monnaie unique signifie que je peux payer en euros dans 19 pays. Tout cela me donne la liberté de voyager autant que je le souhaite, toujours sous la protection des droits européens qui me mettent à l’abri du stress et assurent ma sécurité.

10 EU rules that help you enjoy your holidays!

As an EU citizen, you have rights that protect you when you travel. How many of them are you aware of?

Youth at the heart of EU policies

Young people should have the same opportunities no matter where they come from.

Help for young farmers

Greek company Agrifarm cultivates rice and legumes, using sustainable methods that do not harm the environment. With EU funding, it expanded its collaboration with 55 young farmers from Central Greece and Thessaly, from whom it sources products, offering them support including employment and agricultural expertise.

Travel easily within the EU

Being an EU citizen means I can explore, study or work in another EU country – it’s a fundamental right. The Schengen Agreement abolished border checks for 26 European countries, so I can travel easily without showing either a passport or ID when moving from one to another. Whether it’s by car, plane or train – Europe has the densest railway network in the world – I can explore all 270 provinces within the EU at my leisure. What’s more, the common currency means that I can pay in euros in 19 countries. All this, and more, gives me the freedom to make endless travel choices, all protected by EU rights that keep me stress-free and safe.

European Heritage Days are here again!

Heritage is fundamental to our societies and for linking our past with our future.

3 good reasons why you should apply for a traineeship at the European Commission now!

The deadline for applications for the 5-month traineeship is at the end of August.

EU funding gives Matera a boost

Matera, the European Capital of Culture for 2019, has derived big benefits from EU funding. Its cathedral – which had been closed for 10 years – was restored, returning a valued religious monument to the local community and leading to a boost to tourism in the region. A total of €3 million was provided for the restoration, while a further €6 million has gone on infrastructure projects in the area, such as railway upgrades.

Fighting euro counterfeiting across Europe

The EU helps local authorities across Europe to fight the forgery and circulation of fake money across borders.

Rooftop greenhouses to cut CO2

GROOF is using an innovative approach to reduce emissions from buildings and transport by combining energy sharing and local food production. Partially funded by the EU with a grant of €2.9 million, it will build 4 rooftop greenhouses in 4 countries – Luxembourg, Belgium, France and Germany – which together will save around 54 tons of CO 2 emissions a year.

EU launches two projects to support innovation in Romania

The Commission is launching two projects to provide expertise to Romanian regions and cities, in cooperation with the Romanian government and the World Bank.

EU quantum communication infrastructure: Hungary, Portugal & Poland sign up

The aim of the QCI is to boost European capabilities in quantum technologies, cybersecurity and industrial competitiveness.

Sus au faux monnayage

L'année dernière, selon la Banque centrale européenne, environ 301 000 billets en euros contrefaits ont été retirés de la circulation. Grâce au soutien de l'UE, les autorités italienne et roumaine ont réussi à retirer de la circulation des milliers de faux billets en euros et à intercepter un groupe de faussaires qui opérait au-delà des frontières européennes.

What does the EU mean to you?

We have freedoms and opportunities our parents and grandparents could only dream of.

Créer des serres sur les toits pour réduire les émissions de CO2

GROOF participe à la réduction des émissions liées aux secteurs du bâtiment et du transport grâce à un projet innovant qui vise à promouvoir le partage d’énergie et les produits alimentaires locaux. Partiellement financé par l’UE avec une subvention de 2,9 millions d’euros, GROOF va aménager 4 serres sur toits dans 4 pays différents : le Luxembourg, la Belgique, la France et l’Allemagne. Au total, ce projet permettra de réduire le taux d’émissions de CO 2 à hauteur de 54 tonnes par an.

Strong consumer rights across the EU

Whether you shop online or across borders, in the EU, your consumer rights are protected.

The EU's largest humanitarian program

The EU is upholding its commitments to Turkey and the most vulnerable refugees.

Eurojust helps Italy and Austria dismantle an international arms trafficking ring

Italian and Austrian authorities have, with the effective support of Eurojust, dismantled an international ring trafficking firearms to supply to Camorra organised crime in Naples.

Security of 5G networks: EU countries complete national risk assessments

Following the Commission Recommendation for a common European approach to the security of 5G networks, 24 EU countries have completed the first step and submitted national risk assessments.

Record-high levels of trust in the EU

Europeans are upbeat about the state of the EU and are optimistic about its future.

Ryanair has to return €8.5 million of illegal State aid to France

Payments by the French local authorities in favour of Ryanair to promote Montpellier airport gave Ryanair an unfair advantage over its competitors.

New rules for a better work-life balance

From today: new EU rules enter into force that make it easier for working parents and carers to have a good work-life balance.

EU citizens love free movement and the opportunities it brings

You can live, work, travel, study and do business anywhere.

Grazie al sostegno dell'UE, le autorità italiane e rumene sono riuscite a ritirare dalla circolazione migliaia di banconote in euro false e a catturare una banda di falsari che operava in diversi paesi europei.

Do you know which EU countries produce more beer?

Last year, over 39 billion litres of beer were produced in the EU. Two-thirds of the production came from six Member States:🇩🇪 Germany🇬🇧 UK🇵🇱 Poland🇪🇸 Spain🇳🇱 The Netherlands 🇧🇪 BelgiumCheers 🍻!

When the EU's Life Programme helped save a species

In 2004, the Iberian Lynx was at the verge of extinction with only 150 Lynx left.

Stai programmando le tue vacanze estive in Italia? Visita Matera, la Capitale europea della cultura!La cattedrale di Matera, rimasta chiusa 10 anni,  è tornata al suo antico splendore grazie ai fondi dell'UE, aumentando il turismo nella regione.

The Euro is getting a lot of love

2019 marks 20 years of the Euro, and it is getting more and more support from Europeans.

Going climate neutral by 2050

The EU's strategic long term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy.

Vive l'égalité entre hommes et femmes, et l'équilibre entre travail et vie personelle!

Des nouveaux droits européennes pour les parents et les aidants qui travaillent entrent en vigueur.

What do you think of EU support to youth employment?

Answer the consultation in any EU language.

The EU is answerable to you!

Each day, every day the EU Spokespersons take questions from the press.

EU registers a new traditional food speciality: a cheese from Hungary

The registration means it can only be marketed if produced in line with the registered traditional methods.

To bee or not to bee?

A stinging question for a world with no Planet B...

Safer, greener food packaging

Food packaging can be very harmful and often contaminates the food it contains.

🤨 A început cu doar 3.244 de studenți......acum sunt peste 9 milioane! 🎆🇮🇹 Sofia Corradi, sau "Mamma Erasmus", a fost cea care a pus bazele programului.🇪🇺 Mai multe, aici 👇#ErasmusPlus

Coming up: 21 new wind farms in Spain

The EU is helping us move towards clean energy.

Vers une Europe plus juste et plus sociale

Conditions de travail transparentes et prévisibles.

Erasmus Mundus goes to Japan

The European Commission and Japanese cooperation will help nurture students' talents and boost science, technology and innovation.

Supporting the development of ultrafast internet in Greece

The European Commission has approved €300 million of public support for Greece's Ultrafast Broadband Infrastructure Scheme.

57 years of the Common Agriculture Policy

A common policy for all the countries of the EU, it is managed and funded at European level from the resources of the EU’s budget.

Supporting circular economy business in the Netherlands

Boels Rental supports a circular business model in which these machines are no longer bought, but leased or rented.

International Friendship

Building connections across borders, making new friends from different cultures and countries - See how the EU helps people come together.

Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes

9 traffickers sentenced to 33 years in prison.

Obesity: one of our major public health challenges

Within the EU itself, Eurostat estimated in 2014, 51.6 % of the EU’s population was overweight. One in three children in the EU is overweight.

We've already used up all the natural resources that the Planet can renew in 2019

Here you have some tips to take care of the environment in your daily life.

Interested in high performance computing?

The European High-Performance Computing Joint Undertaking has launched calls for proposals to fund research and innovation activities in the field of supercomputing.

The Joint Research Centre opens world-class laboratories to EU researchers

The Joint Research Centre aims to boost scientific research and to increase cooperation between European researchers.

Drought in Europe: EU offers further support to European farmers

The European Commission is offering support to farmers faced with the waves of drought afflicting Europe.

Protecting our nature, our biodiversity

The EU aims to halt biodiversity loss in the EU and help stop global biodiversity loss by 2020.

Do you know all the EU flags by heart?

Do you have a good visual memory? Your chance to find out now.

Looking for a paid traineeship at the European Commission?

Each year the European Commission offers 2 five month, paid traineeships, for 1,800 trainees.​ Do you know somebody who would like to do a traineeship in the Commission? Let them know that registration for the March 2020 #traineeship session is now open.Deadline is 30 August. Apply now.

La Commission vient à l’aide des agriculteurs européens touchés par la sécheresse

Pour résister à la sécheresse: des avances de paiement plus élevées pour les agriculteurs, et une plus grande souplesse quant à l’utilisation de terres pour nourrir leurs animaux.

EU to support six offshore wind farms in France

The European Commission says these wind farms will help France boost its share of electricity produced from renewable energy sources.

Fighting heatwaves with local, natural solutions

In Europe, heatwaves cause over 3,000 deaths per year. With EU assistance, local authorities are working on solutions to fight high temperatures.

De-risking energy efficiency investments

Thanks to Horizon 2020 projects, investing in energy efficiency becomes more secure.

Ever wanted to start your own business?

A young man is struck with a creative idea to make his father’s dream come true.

Key decisions on infringements of the EU law

The European Commission has referred Spain, Hungary, Greece and Germany to the Court of Justice for not fulfilling their obligations under EU laws.

Ebola: EU provides support to Congo to tackle the outbreak

The EU is providing humanitarian funding to the Democratic Republic of Congo to fight the epidemic.

Stage à la Commission européenne: appel aux candidatures!

Les inscriptions pour la session de stage de mars 2020 sont ouvertes. Postulez avant le 30 août (midi). 2x par an, la Commission recrute 900 stagiaires rémunérés pour 5 mois. Les inscriptions pour la session de mars 2020 à juillet 2020 inclus sont ouvertes!

It is never too late to repair things in life

One of the winners of the #EUandME Young Filmmaker Competition shares the values of repairing things, and also relationships for a better world. When things break, how do you go about fixing them? There is some value in repairing and restoring things. Perhaps that might help us make the world a better place and build a more sustainable Europe. See how this young #EUandME filmmaker reflects this idea in his 5-min short film: #Sustainability #Environment

Coming up: Large-scale research initiative on future battery technologies

At the dawn of a new, connected and green era, reliable and safe batteries with ultra-high performance are becoming essential.

E-commerce still vulnerable to VAT and customs duty evasion

In the EU, the European Commission is responsible for setting customs and taxation policies, strategies and legislation.

EU acts to prevent Baltic cod stock collapse

EU takes emergency measure to ban commercial cod-fishing in most of Baltic sea until end 2019.

When things go wrong, who do you call?

If you get into any difficulty outside the EU, and your own country doesn't have an embassy there, you can get help from another EU country's embassy.

Today is the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

Thanks to a coordinated European effort, 34 human trafficking gang members were arrested and 13 young women were freed.

Protecting our forests, our future

The world's forest cover continues to decrease at an alarming rate. Protecting and restoring forests is a priority for the European Commission.

Who won the #EUandME Young Film Makers competition?

Meet this young Polish filmmaker who wants to kill stereotypes & populism with humour & comedy.

Upgrading the railway line in Portugal

The EU is investing €68 million to upgrade the Minho single-track railway in Portugal.

This will:

✔️ Boost Portugal's connectivity with the rest of Europe, along the Atlantic coast.

✔️ Promote a environmentally-friendly transport.

Creating net-zero energy homes: Yes, it's possible

A super energy-efficient house that is much more desirable to look at and to live in?

Sustainable Development Goals: Hear from the experts

Let's zoom in SDGs which "entail a commitment to eradicate poverty and achieve sustainable development by 2030 ."

EU-US cooperation on tackling terrorist financing continues to produce results

Cooperation with the US has helped bring forward investigations into terror attacks, including those in Stockholm and Barcelona.

Supporting EU workers in a changing economy

Since 2007, the EU has been helping European workers who have lost jobs as a result of globalisation.

Does your pet have a European passport?

As an EU national, you can freely travel with your cat, dog or ferret if it has a European pet passport.

On the way to a swift and secure rollout of 5G networks

Most EU Member States have now submitted 5G networks risk assessments.

Watch 'New World Symphony' by Eugen Dediu

An #EUandME short film about the unifying power of music across borders, with a little help from EU-funded broadband connections...

L'UE aiuta le autorità nazionali di tutta Europa a consegnare i criminali alla giustizia e sconfiggere la tratta degli esseri umani.Ecco come gli eroi della porta accanto dalla Spagna e dalla Bulgaria hanno lavorato insieme per liberare 13 donne da una banda di criminali pericolosi.#EUprotects

La UE financiará la construcción de 21 nuevos parques eólicos

Las nuevas instalaciones generarán la energía equivalente al consumo de 360.000 hogares españoles.

Find a partner abroad for your business

The Enterprise Europe Network manages Europe's largest online database of business opportunities. Search for a business or research partner to manufacture, distribute, co-develop and supply your products, ideas and services.

3,400 municipalities received #WiFi4EU voucher in the 2nd call

The European Commission proposes an investment of €120 million to promote access to wireless connectivity in public places.

Translating the Sustainable Development Goals into concrete actions

At the UN High-Level Political Forum for Sustainable Development, the EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to deliver on the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

From the plane's cabin to the recycling plant

Air passengers create an average of 1.4kg of waste per flight. The Spanish project Zero Cabin Waste has created two-compartment bins for waste separation.

Bringing the European Union closer to citizens

The European Commission launched the 2019 edition of an EU-wide contest for the "Altiero Spinelli Prize for Outreach".

L’UE protegge la salute dei cittadini, sostenendo urbanisti, architetti e scienziati che lavorano a soluzioni locali e naturali per far fronte al caldo estremo.#EUprotects

Discover Finland with the EU Interpreters!

Finnish Interpreters working at the Commission tell us about their country to inaugurate the Finnish Presidency.