Energy communities have the potential to reduce costs for consumers and promote energy justice ⚖️.The 'Smart Cities Marketplace' initiative has published a policy paper looking at #EnergyCommunities through a local authority lens.

Trick or Treat? 🎃 Pick a trick and surprise everyone by turning your leftover decorative pumpkin into a delicious pie! By doing this, you will prevent it from becoming part of the 59 million tonnes of food waste generated in the EU every year. To prevent food loss and waste across the EU, last year the Commission adopted a proposal to set legally binding food waste reduction targets.

The share of #renewables increased to 52% in the 2nd quarter 2024 - from 46% in Q2 2023.The share of fossil fuels fell significantly to 24% - from 30% in Q2 2023.🇪🇺EU #ElectricityMarkets report Q2 2024

The European flags in front of EU-headquarters in Brussels are at half-mast in solidarity with the victims of the floods in Spain, their families and the rescue teams.The floods in Spain are not only a national tragedy. It’s also a European one.Lloramos con vosotros.Juntos nos levantaremos.

LIFE is powering clean, off-grid energy 💡 With early support from the #LIFEProject CLEANAIRMM, Instagrid is pioneering clean, portable power solutions 🌱 They’re transforming off-grid energy by replacing polluting generators with sustainable alternatives🔋 Sarah Fichtner, Head of ESG Strategy and Sustainability at INSTAGRID, shares insights into their journey as a LIFE program beneficiary

This week, we celebrate 𝟑𝟏 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐔 𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩—31 years of unique rights and opportunities for EU nationals. EU citizenship means having the right to: move, vote, be heard and protected.Since the Treaty on the European Union came into effect on 1 November 1993, these freedoms have been an integral part of life for every EU citizen.

The EU offers financing programmes, facilities and initiatives providing⚖️ legal,🧑‍💻 technical, and💶 financial supportto develop large-scale #EnergyEfficiency projects with high investment yields for each euro of public investment.

More than 50 years have passed between these photos of the EU headquarters and now. And we have been able to preserve them thanks to the Commission's audiovisual service, which takes care of EU audiovisual heritage and makes it available to all of you. Want to dig into more #EUHistory? Dive into the EU’s past and present– photos, audio and video are free to download here

The EU 🇪🇺 has more #RenewableEnergy in its heat 🔥production (39%) than other major global regionsUS 🇺🇸 10%China 🇨🇳 0%Global 🌍 5% averageMore #EnergyFacts in the ‘EU Energy in Figures 2024’

To the teachers out there! Here are the necessary tools to help you in your classrooms in the fight against disinformation. This toolkit on "How to spot and fight disinformation” is available for teachers who want to equip their students with essential online navigation skills, including: ✏️ Understanding what disinformation is 📏 Recognising how it spreads 📘 Learning how to respond to it

New #electricity and #gas reports confirm that EU energy markets stabilised in the second quarter 2024, relative to Q2 2023.⚡️ 52% electricity was generated from #renewables ⚡️ gas import volumes remained on a downward trend

Last year, the EU and Japan have sealed a landmark deal at the G7 Trade Ministerial in Osaka.Here’s a snapshot of the key highlights: 🎌 Digital powerhouses unite🎌 Unlocking cross-border data🎌 Ending data localisation burdensThis landmark agreement takes the EU into the digital age, highlighting the need for free data flow and global data rules.

When climate disasters hit, Europe is stronger when we stand together.European Commission is proposing amendments to key EU regulations to quickly mobilise funds to support EU countries affected by unprecedented climate-related disasters.The amendments will cover:➡️ The European Regional Development Fund ➡️ The Cohesion Fund➡️ The European Union Solidarity Fund➡️ The European Agricultural Fund for Rural DevelopmentThese measures, combined with existing available resources, will ensure that EU countries can rebuild using the ‘build back better' approach.🟢 More sustainable, resilient, and inclusive societies are the way forward.

While modern energy solutions are driving Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels, they come with an increased demand on our #EnergyInfrastructure.⚡️ EU electricity consumption is projected to rise by 60% between 2023 and 2030Learn more in DG Energy's October 'in focus article'

If you are planning on going on #ErasmusPlus to study abroad, or maybe working with #highereducation institutions in a different country, the #EurydiceEU Network can help you getting organised! ✈️The Network has just launched a 🆕 online tool that gives you an overview on the academic calendars, including holidays length and timings across 37 countries. Plan your academic year with it!

🔬 Celebrating visionary research!With nearly €1 million from Horizon EU's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, David Baker’s protein research earned him the 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.His work paves the way for progress in medicine, nanomaterials, and precision sensors

In which European education systems do primary and secondary students have the longest holidays? And when do they start?Find the answers to these questions and more in the latest #EurydiceEU update on school calendars across Europe. This new interactive web tool offers detailed information on the start of the school year, along with the timing and length of school holidays.Discover it now!

A Game-Changer for Biomedicine: Embracing Sustainability for Health Innovation!The EU🇪🇺's new project in France🇫🇷 aims to transform biomedicine production, and the potential outcomes are remarkable:✅Better Health Solutions: More effective and sustainable production methods can lead to improved medical treatments for patients.✅Economic Growth: As the project expands, it is expected to create jobs and boost local economies within the biomedicine sector.✅Environmental Sustainability: By implementing eco-friendly practices, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of biomedicine production.✅Increased Innovation: This initiative could ignite further advancements in research and development, driving technological progress that benefits both health and our planet.#CohesionPolicy #biomedicine #Healthcare

Empowering Communities: The EU's Initiative for Climate Recovery The European Commission is making important strides to support member states in recovering from climate disasters, focusing on sustainable solutions that bring real value to people and the planet.By investing in resilient infrastructure and green initiatives, we’re not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term benefits for communities and the environment. These efforts can lead to job creation, improved public health, and a stronger connection to nature.As we navigate the challenges of climate change, let's champion these initiatives that prioritize the well-being of our communities and the health of our planet.🔗 Discover more about the EU's initiatives

The 🇪🇺 is ready to make #PeaceWithNature 🌱#COP16Colombia starts today and the decisions that the international community will make, will shape our 🌍 planet's future.The EU will work with international partners to stop and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030

The EC 🇪🇺 has published its assessment of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan of Austria 🇦🇹. It includes recommendations on where Austria should raise its ambitions in line with the agreed EU objectives for 2030. #EUGreenDeal

Are you a supplier of products with an EU 🇪🇺 #EnergyLabel?As of 22/10 you must be electronically verified in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling.Feeling lost in the process? 🤔 Consult the step-by-step guide in the #EPREL user manual

#EUHaveYourSay to evaluate the performance of the EU's #EnergySecurity ⚡️ architecture.The public consultation and call for evidence are open for input until 26 November.

The global share 🌐 of #RenewableEnergy sources in the electricity sector is forecast to expand from 30% in 2023 to reach 46% in 2030. 'Fact of the month' - from @IEA report - in DG Energy's October newsletter

The EU🇪🇺 has a comprehensive #EnergySecurity architecture in place, but during the energy crisis, gaps were identified. 📣#EUHaveYourSay and provide your input by 26/11 to the public consultation or the call for evidence #REPowerEU

🔍 Simplifying EU laws, less reporting, and cutting costs boost competitiveness and make people’s lives easier, with fewer burdens and more transparency. To achieve this, the Fit for Future Platform experts worked hard during their four-year mandate, delivering 41 opinions and around 260 suggestions across key areas like: 💶 Procurement, state aid & EU funds 🛃 Taxation & customs 🌍 Climate, migration & sustainability 🌾 Agriculture & capital markets union 🛡️ Product safety & health 💻 Digital transformation & statistics

The 2024 EU Energy in Figures pocketbook provides statistical data on the EU #EnergySector.EU's share of #RenewableEnergy in the total energy supply rose from 19% in 2021 to 25% in 2022.

According to Eurobarometer, 71% of Europeans say they often come across disinformation. This is why media literacy is important – to navigate the digital environment and identify disinformation. Disinformation can cause confusion, mistrust, and even harm. Before you share something online: Pause. Think. Check. It’s a small step that can protect you and those you share information with.

The European Research Area aims to create a single, borderless market for research, innovation and technology across the EU. The new Commission's Communication reviews the progress on four key objectives: 🔹 Prioritising investment and reforms 🔹 Improving access to excellence 🔹 Translating results into economic impact🔹 Deepening the research area While the EU has made significant progress, more work is needed to fully unlock its R&I potential to compete on the global stage.

Have you heard the Bulgarian expression, "You put your hood on after the rain"? ☔ It's like saying, "It's too late...". But guess what? It's never too late to learn Bulgarian! 📚 Why not start with #OnlineLanguageSupport during the Global Media and Information Literacy Week, from 24-31 October? 👉 https://bit.ly/BulgarianOnlineLanguageSupport #languages #languagelearning

🌍 From space, our planet is breathtaking. What if space can help us keep it that way? The Copernicus Programme provides real-time data and forecast information vital for biodiversity protection. With its satellites and ground instruments, Copernicus' contribution helps manage vulnerable and endangered ecosystems and combat threats like climate change. During COP16 in Colombia, the EU is highlighting the its commitment to tackling biodiversity loss through integrated solutions and swift nature-based approaches. EU action on the ground and from space plays a pivotal role in safeguarding our planet’s future.

🌉The bridge in your hometown🏞️The natural park in your region🏰The cultural heritage castle in your cityYou can explore over 1.9 million EU-supported projects on our portal!Easily navigate and see the impact of EU funding across Europe! ↓#EUfunded

This week, the Council of the European Union adopted proposals to enhance rights for millions of people with disabilities across the EU. Here’s how they will make a difference: 🆔The European Disability Card: a recognized proof of disability throughout the EU, ensuring cardholders access to essential services in all 27 EU countries, from transport to cultural events. 🅿️ The Enhanced European Parking Card: this will guarantee uniform parking rights across EU countries, providing greater independence for individuals with disabilities.

This World Food Day, we celebrate the colours and flavours of the season!🗺️ Take a culinary journey through Europe, discovering its finest foods and flavours, that are protected by geographical indications.From the 🇵🇹 pears discovered on a farm in Sintra over 150 years ago to the oak wood honey from the ancient forests of Strandzha 🇧🇬 – these foods are a part of our unique history, tradition, and heritage.The EU protects these unique products with quality schemes, including the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI).

The EU Ecolabel makes green choices easy 🍃 To receive the EU Ecolabel, products must demonstrate outstanding environmental performance across their entire life cycle, including: ✔️ raw material extraction, ✔️ production, distribution, ✔️ usage, and disposal.

Energy Communities are citizen-led initiatives driving the clean #EnergyTransition. They empower local communities to produce, manage and consume their own ⚡energy.Learn more about #EUEnergyCommunities and check out the interactive map

A number can save your life: 112.If you are facing an emergency, dial it anywhere in the EU to receive immediate support. How does it work?1️⃣️ You can call from fixed and mobile phones to contact any emergency service: an ambulance, the fire brigade, or the police.1️⃣ The operator will either deal with the request directly or transfer the call to the most appropriate emergency service.2️⃣ In many countries, the service is available in the national languages and English or French.112 is also available in countries outside our Union, such as Switzerland and worldwide on GSM mobile networks.

Ready to transform your island’s 🏝️ energy future? Join the #CE4EUislands Follower Islands programme and learn from the best!Gain expert guidance on how to fast-track your island’s #EnergyTransition.

Today is #WorldHabitatDay 🏞️Europe has a stunning diversity of wild animals, plants and habitats, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.However, over 1/4 of Europe’s animal species are at risk of extinction and 81% of the EU habitats are in poor status ⚠️To protect biodiversity, the 🇪🇺 #NatureRestoration Law aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.

When Bosnia and Herzegovina called for aid, Europe responded swiftly. Following devastating floods, the EU has promptly deployed search and rescue teams and sent emergency supplies to support first responders in 🇧🇦. Twelve countries have offered help via the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism, and our Copernicus satellite is providing images to help assess the damage. Thank you 🇭🇷🇸🇮🇷🇸🇲🇪🇦🇱🇭🇺🇷🇴🇹🇷🇵🇱🇸🇰🇲🇰🇩🇪! This is #EUsolidarity in action.

The EU is investing in #offshore renewables 🌬️ 🌊 to deliver on climate goals, reduce energy prices, and ensure #EnergySecurity.To reach these goals, the EU aims to produce 111 GW of offshore ⚡️ energy by 2030, and 317 GW by 2050.

Who hasn’t played a round or two with the ‘No Internet Connection’ T-Rex?🦖We've all experienced that moment when our connection drops, and we're left tapping the screen in hopes of reconnecting!But now, with the new #WiFi4EU app, you'll be able to enjoy free and high-speed WiFi in public spaces across Europe.

5 tips to help biodiversity from our houses 🏡👇🍂 Don't pick up the leaves from your garden – they are habitat for many, from birds to butterflies🌱 Plant before it’s too cold! Plants are a top treat for biodiversity🦔 Get a little hedge for the little hedgehog. Hedges can act as wildlife corridors🧪 Say no to chemicals! They can be dangerous for insects🐦 Build a home for the birds. Tip: put it close to your window and enjoy birdwatchingLet's follow these simple steps #ForNature!

Safer roads by 2030: How far have we come? 👇 In 2023, the EU saw a 1% decrease in road fatalities, with 20,400 lives lost. That’s a 10% decrease since 2019, but not enough to achieve our targets. We need more progress to halve road deaths by 2030 and achieve #VisionZero: zero road deaths by 2050. Last year, European Commission proposed new measures to tackle road safety and are currently developing guidance to help authorities make our road infrastructure safer. Together – road users, infrastructure managers, and authorities at all levels – European Commission needs to do more to make our roads safer for everyone.

Digital education can be fantastic for language learners. It can provide opportunities for live communication with native speakers who live in other countries at a very low cost, or no cost at all. The use of various language learning apps can further reduce the barriers to learning. At the same time, face-to-face communication is difficult to replace and small nuances that are important when learning languages can be hard to convey through a screen. On the European Day of Languages, September 26, the Hub invites you for a webinar with Sofia Guzzon, language learning expert and member of the Squad on Immersive Learning and Marine Lanteri, who holds a PhD in English didactics and is a Community facilitator for collaborative knowledge building in the Hub. They will discuss the pros and cons of digital language learning with you.There will be two sessions, one in the morning 10:00 – 11:00 and one in the afternoon, 14:00 – 15:00. Register here!#EDLangs #EuropeanDayofLanguages

Portugal has been facing devastating forest fires.But they were not alone in this fight.The EU has activated its Civil Protection Mechanism to provide emergency support. Eight planes from four EU countries 🇪🇸 🇫🇷 🇮🇹 🇬🇷 were mobilised to support firefighters in the north of the country.The EU will help rebuild – the EU Solidarity Fund may cover parts of the damage and it is possible to mobilise up to €500 million under Portugal’s Cohesion Policy programmes.

World Space Week has kicked-off! Let’s travel to a galaxy far, far away – with the powerful European space telescope, Euclid. ༘⋆₊ ⊹★🔭๋࣭ ⭑⋆｡˚ It aims to bring astronomers closer than ever to answering a longstanding question: will the universe, which is expanding, do so forever? The space telescope will create the most extensive 3D-map of the universe, by observing the light from galaxies out to 10 billion light-years.

When soil temperatures in Portugal reach 60°C, the grazing of sheep 🐑 helps with:🌳 Plant recovery💧 Water penetration🌱 Soil healthHere is how Portuguese farmers fight drought in region brimming with tourists 👇#WaterWiseEU

What does regional industrial diversification in the #JustTransition from coal entail?#CoalRegionsEU can learn more from the new technical assistance report in Stara Zagora 🇧🇬.This and more recent publications on coal regions in transition

The next round of #DiscoverEU is open! Apply by 16 October to win a 30-day train pass to explore Europe if you are: 🔹 born between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 🔹 a citizen or a resident of the 🇪🇺 or 🇮🇸, 🇱🇮, 🇲🇰, 🇳🇴, 🇷🇸 or 🇹🇷 This is your opportunity to discover new cultures, meet new people, and create unforgettable memories!

Have you ever wondered how much CO2 your next flight will produce?Over 80% of passengers want to know, too.Currently, there is no harmonised methodology for estimating flight emissions. This is why the Commission is launching a public consultation to gather feedback on the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL).This initiative will help passengers make more informed choices about their carbon footprint when booking flights in the EU.Your voice matters—get involved and help shape a greener future!

Industrial Carbon Management is key 🔑 in removing #CO2 from the atmosphere and creating new opportunities for #EUIndustry.To learn more, join the #ICMForum in Pau 🇫🇷 on 10-11 October, or follow the 📹 live streaming.Info & draft agenda

40 years of success stories. 40 years of supporting research. This year we are celebrating 40 years of 🇪🇺 science and innovation programmes. 🔭 Over the years, the EU has invested about €283 billion in research. 🏆More than 30 Nobel Prizes have been won by EU-funded researchers. 👩‍🔬 More than 120,000 grants have been provided to about 75,000 beneficiaries. Now, what’s next? The EU's ambitious Horizon Europe programme will continue to support research and innovation with a budget of €93.5 billion until 2027. It will focus on tackling climate change, achieving sustainable development goals and boosting the EU’s competitiveness. For a greener, fairer and more competitive 🇪🇺 Europe. #EU40YearsRI #EUfunded #EUMissions

The EU bridges inequalities with sound solidarity. Cohesion Policy helps our Union move forward together, ensuring no one is left behind. It supports projects that reduce social and economic disparities across the EU. One way to achieve this is by investing in infrastructure and transport. For example, it helped:🚆 connect 🇮🇹 🇸🇮 🇭🇷 with a new Cross-Border Train Line; 🇬🇷 build the new metro network in Thessaloniki counting 13 stations; 🇷🇴 modernise the tram lines in Timișoara. A more cohesive Union is a stronger Union. #EUinmyregion

On 27 September the EC 🇪🇺 launched a 4-week call for feedback on the draft delegated act, which clarifies the methodology for evaluating the #EmissionSavings of low-carbon #hydrogen and fuels.

What does EU ⚡ energy policy mean to #EUcitizens?💶 affordability🔬 innovation🌱 climate neutrality

The EC recently published 9 country fiches for each of the Contracting Parties of the @Ener_Community. They present key 🗝️ information on the national energy sectors, #EnergySecurity, improvements in #EnergyEfficiency ⚡️ #decarbonisation and more.

Nearly 1,000 attendees, including AI providers, industry leaders, civil society members, academics, and experts gathered to begin drafting the first Code of Practice for general-purpose AI models.Many topics are being discussed: transparency, copyright, and mitigation measures, among others.The final Code will be unveiled in April 2025.

Data from @EU_Eurostat shows that among people at risk of poverty or social exclusion, Estonia, the Netherlands & Lithuania reported the highest rates of #EnergyEfficiency improvements of dwellings they live in, while Cyprus, Malta & Italy had the lowest.

Social engineering – heard of it? Attackers are becoming more creative, engineering scams that exploit your trust and trick individuals, businesses, and organisations into sharing sensitive information.On the occasion of the European #CyberSecMonth, remember to stay vigilant online and boost your skills to spot these manipulative tactics.

Are you an expert in open data and related domains such as data visualisation or in areas where #AI and data come together? 📊 Take the floor at #EUOpenDataDays2025, 19-20 March 2025! Share your work, ideas and vision. Be part of it.

The Energy Poverty Advisory Hub organises a conference in Barcelona 🇪🇸 on 15-16/10, focusing on #EnergyPoverty alleviation.To book your seat at #EPAHConf24, register by 4 October at the latest 👇#EPAH agenda & reg

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 “𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭” 𝐄𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬! ⚠️We’ve all seen those emails claiming you're in line for a fortune 👑But beware – it could be a phishing scam, a type of social engineering designed to steal your personal information!Phishing emails often contain telltale signs like:🚩 Suspicious email addresses🚩 Requests for personal info🚩 Spelling mistakes🚩 Urgent type of languageStay vigilant and protect your data! Follow these cybersecurity tips:🔒 Create strong, unique passwords🔍 Always double-check suspicious links📧 Avoid opening unexpected attachments🔑 Enable two-factor authentication📱 Keep your devices updated⚠️ Avoid using unknown USB drives

The Commission has requested information from YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok about the design of their recommender systems under the Digital Services Act. YouTube and Snapchat need to detail their algorithms’ parameters and their role in amplifying risks, including users' mental well-being and protection of minors. TikTok must explain measures against manipulation and risks to elections, media pluralism, and civic discourse.