EU–US trade legislation: legislative work on hold following US Supreme Court ruling 

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individualsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, issued the following statement. Following a meeting of the committee’s shadow rapporteurs (i.e. political group representatives), Bernd Lange (S&D, DE) said: “The ruling by the Supreme Court of the United […]

European Commission statement on the recent judgment of the Supreme Court of the United States

Statement by the European Commission on the U.S. decision to impose travel restrictions on certain EU individualsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission requests full clarity on the steps the United States intends to take following the recent Supreme Court ruling on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).  The current situation is not conducive to delivering “fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial” transatlantic trade and investment, […]

Applications for New European Bauhaus Prizes and Boost 2026 are open

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission is opening applications for several awards celebrating innovation and creativity inspired by the New European Bauhaus (NEB):  The sixth edition of the New European Bauhaus Prizes and the second edition of the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities invite trailblazers from across Europe and beyond […]

Commission supports the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

Commission supports the EU's eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and UkraineThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy to step up support for the EU eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Strengthening the prosperity and resilience of these regions is not only an expression of EU solidarity in the wake of Russia’s invasion […]

Commission closes antitrust investigation following the withdrawal by Edwards Lifesciences of its disputed company policy

Commission closes antitrust investigation following the withdrawal by Edwards Lifesciences of its disputed company policyThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by Edwards Lifesciences, a producer of medical devices for cardiovascular applications. The closure of the investigation follows the company’s withdrawal of its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy (‘UPIP’). Hence, the UPIP […]

Commission launches investigation into Shein under the Digital Services Act

Commission launches investigation into Shein under the Digital Services ActThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. Today, the European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein, under the Digital Services Act, for its addictive design, the lack of transparency of recommender systems, as well as the sale of illegal products, including child sexual abuse material.  More specifically, the investigation will focus on […]

EU announces over €81 million in humanitarian aid as conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo pushes Great Lakes crisis to new extremes

The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is driving mass displacement. The resources of food, water and shelter are stretched to breaking point and women and children increasingly left exposed to violence and exploitation. As Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib visits the region, the EU is mobilising €81.2 million in humanitarian aid across the Great Lakes. With this new humanitarian funding, the EU will provide life-saving services to the most vulnerable in the eastern DRC, but also to Congolese refugees forced to flee the country. The funding will also support aid projects in Burundi, where a fragile humanitarian situation continues to leave vulnerable communities at risk, as well as in Rwanda and in Tanzania. Commissioner Lahbib is currently visiting the DRC, Burundi and Rwanda to assess the most pressing humanitarian needs on the ground and to advocate for humanitarian access with all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC. This follows the Foreign Affairs Council discussion on 29 January, where the Commissioner received full support from Member States for her mission, with a view to developing tangible humanitarian diplomacy initiatives. During her visit, she will be meeting with government representatives in the three countries, humanitarian partners and visit EU-funded humanitarian aid projects. Of the €81.2 million, €68 million will fund humanitarian aid inside the DRC, where conflict and displacement are driving the most urgent needs. The funding will provide food assistance and emergency health and nutrition care, restore access to water, sanitation and basic shelter for displaced families, and support protection services, including care for survivors of violence and child protection. €13.2 million will support the regional refugee response and strengthen disaster preparedness across the Great Lakes region, helping partners respond quickly to new displacement and emergencies linked to the crisis. Background The DRC is facing one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, driven by persistent armed conflict, mass displacement, disease outbreaks and deep poverty. More than 21 million people require humanitarian assistance, while violence in the eastern provinces continues to force families to flee repeatedly, often into overcrowded shelters or temporary camps. The crisis is compounded by widespread human rights violations, conflict-related sexual violence, and alarming food insecurity affecting nearly 28 million people. Burundi's humanitarian situation remains fragile, with hundreds of thousands of Burundian refugees still displaced across neighbouring countries and many more internally displaced by natural hazards such as floods and landslides, while returnees face challenges rebuilding their lives and accessing basic services like food, healthcare, water, sanitation and protection. Recent escalations in neighbouring eastern DRC have triggered large cross-border movements, with tens of thousands of Congolese refugees arriving in Burundi since late 2025, putting additional pressure on already stretched resources, including camps, health services and water systems. The European Union remains a major humanitarian donor to the region, allocating €129.5 million in 2025, most of which to the response in the DRC, to deliver life-saving assistance in the DRC, as well as to refugees across neighbouring countries. For more information: EU humanitarian aid in Democratic Republic of the Congo EU humanitarian aid in BurundiThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is driving mass displacement. The resources of food, water and shelter are stretched to breaking point and women and children increasingly left exposed to violence and exploitation. As Commissioner for Crisis Management […]

Commission adopts proposals for the signing, provisional application and conclusion of EU-UK Agreement in respect of Gibraltar

Commission adopts proposals for the signing, provisional application and conclusion of EU-UK Agreement in respect of GibraltarThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has adopted its proposals for the signature and provisional application, as well as for the conclusion of an agreement in respect of Gibraltar between the European Union and the United Kingdom.  The EU-UK deal in respect of Gibraltar will complete the […]

Commission closes antitrust investigation following the withdrawal by Edwards Lifesciences of its disputed company policy

Commission closes antitrust investigation following the withdrawal by Edwards Lifesciences of its disputed company policyThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has decided to close its antitrust investigation into allegedly anticompetitive behaviour by Edwards Lifesciences, a producer of medical devices for cardiovascular applications. The closure of the investigation follows the company’s withdrawal of its so-called Global Unilateral Pro-Innovation (Anti-Copycatting) Policy (‘UPIP’). Hence, […]

Commission approves UMG’s acquisition of Downtown, subject to conditions

Commission approves UMG's acquisition of Downtown, subject to conditionsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition by Universal Music Group N.V. (‘UMG’) of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (‘Downtown’). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by the companies, which entail the full divestment […]

Connecting Europe Facility – EESC calls for strong increase in funding for energy and transport

Connecting Europe Facility – EESC calls for strong increase in funding for energy and transportThis article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. According to an opinion adopted at the January plenary, the EU key funding instrument should be reinforced with EUR 20 billion to make the implementation of cross-border investments in energy and transport a reality. This is essential to urgently strengthen the […]

Violence in north-east Syria may amount to war crimes, warn MEPs 

Violence in north-east Syria may amount to war crimes, warn MEPs This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Parliament strongly condemns all violence against civilians in north-east Syria and calls on all parties to abide by the ceasefire. In a resolution on the situation in north-east Syria, MEPs stress that extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, forced displacement and attacks on civilian […]

Human rights violations in Iran, Türkiye and Uganda 

Human rights violations in Iran, Türkiye and Uganda This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situations in Iran, Türkiye and Uganda. Systematic oppression, inhumane conditions and arbitrary detentions by the regime in IranMEPs condemn the violence by the Iranian regime against its own population, particularly targeting civil society actors, […]

Parliament calls for continued EU action to fight cancer 

Parliament calls for continued EU action to fight cancer This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs want the EU to renew its political commitment, funding and coordination to support full implementation of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. With 427 votes in favour, 15 against and 93 abstentions, on Thursday Parliament adopted a resolution marking this year’s World Cancer Day (4 […]

Europeans perceive growing threat to their security and trust EU to do more in this field, according to latest Eurobarometer

Europeans perceive growing threat to their security and trust EU to do more in this field, according to latest EurobarometerThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. A new Eurobarometer survey released today, ahead of the Munich Security Conference, shows Europeans’ growing perception of threat for their countries in the current international situation. The majority of them would also entrust EU with strengthening defence. Investment in this field is also seen […]

Parliament’s proposals to eradicate poverty in the EU by 2035 

Parliament’s proposals to eradicate poverty in the EU by 2035 This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday, Parliament called for more funding and coordination to combat poverty and social exclusion in the EU. MEPs want the Commission to recognise poverty as a violation of human dignity in its upcoming anti-poverty strategy and want to see it work urgently to […]

New rules to protect farmers against unfair trading practices 

New rules to protect farmers against unfair trading practices This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Thursday, Parliament adopted new measures to protect European farmers from unfair trading practices by buyers of agricultural products. With 555 votes in favour, 0 against and 26 abstentions, MEPs gave their final green light to new rules that oblige national authorities to cooperate […]

MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of heightened tension

MEPs stress the importance of independent central banks in times of heightened tensionThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Tuesday, Parliament adopted its annual review of the European Central Bank’s policies and its recommendations for 2026. The vote followed a debate with ECB President Lagarde on Monday. The adopted text says the European Central Bank’s (ECB) independence is essential for it to […]

MEPs back €7.5 million in EU support for workers in Belgium

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Parliament gave its green light for EU funds to be disbursed for workers dismissed following the closure of an Audi factory in Brussels. On Wednesday, MEPs backed the release of €7.5 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to assist 3,414 workers […]

Parliament approves €90 billion Ukraine support loan package

EU, Ukraine and Canada to co-host high-level meeting on returning Ukrainian childrenThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. MEPs voted in favour of three pieces of legislation to make a €90 billion EU loan available for Ukraine as it faces Russia’s continued war of aggression. On Wednesday Parliament adopted a package of proposals aimed at supporting Ukraine with a €90 billion EU […]

“Expanded and enhanced” – opening a new chapter for EU Defence Partnerships

“Expanded and enhanced” – opening a new chapter for EU Defence PartnershipsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. In a report adopted on Wednesday, Parliament highlights the EU’s security and defence partnerships as key to responding effectively to emerging threats and to enhancing the EU’s global role. The text, prepared by the Security and Defence Committee, argues that the EU’s security and defence partnerships […]

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threats

Commission presents action plan to counter drone threatsThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission today presented its Action Plan to counter the increasing threats posed by drones to EU security. In recent years, the EU has faced growing and multi-faceted challenges relating to drones and meteorological balloons, including hostile overflights, airspace violations, disruptions to airports, as […]

Commission welcomes the adoption by the European Parliament of the safe third country concept and the first safe countries of origin list

EU must respond decisively to any form of coercion against EU member states This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission welcomes today’s adoption by the European Parliament of the new rules facilitating Member States’ application of the safe third country concept and the first EU list of safe countries of origin. The new rules will further strengthen the EU asylum system, […]

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026

European Commission issues €11 billion in its 2nd syndicated transaction of 2026This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has today raised €11 billion of EU-Bonds in its 2nd syndicated transaction for 2026. The dual-tranche transaction concerned a €6 billion tap of the EU-Bond maturing on 13 December 2032 and a €5 billion tap of the EU-Bond maturing on 12 October 2045. The […]

Apply AI Strategy: Building trustworthy AI can be Europe’s competitive advantage

Apply AI Strategy: Building trustworthy AI can be Europe's competitive advantageThis article is brought to you in association with the European Economic and Social Committee. EESC called for swift, concrete action to accelerate AI deployment across the EU, especially for SMEs and scale-ups. In a global AI race driven by speed and scale, Europe must position reliability and trustworthiness as its defining strengths. At its January […]

MEPs adopt proposals to tackle Europe’s housing crisis 

MEPs adopt proposals to tackle Europe’s housing crisis This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. On Monday, the Housing Committee adopted its final recommendations on the housing crisis in the EU, proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing. In its final report, adopted with 23 votes in favour, 6 votes against, and 4 abstentions, Parliament’s Special Committee on […]

Commission notifies Meta of possible interim measures to reverse exclusion of third-party AI assistants from WhatsApp

Commission notifies Meta of possible interim measures to reverse exclusion of third-party AI assistants from WhatsAppThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has sent a Statement of Objections to Meta, setting out its preliminary view that Meta breached EU antitrust rules by excluding third party Artificial Intelligence (‘AI’) assistants from accessing and interacting with users on WhatsApp. Meta’s conduct risks blocking competitors from […]

EU invests €700 million in newly opened NanoIC, Europe’s largest Chips Act pilot line

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Union has launched its largest Chips Act pilot line, NanoIC, at IMEC Leuven, a major milestone for European semiconductor development and manufacturing. With a total investment of €2.5 billion, the facility has received €700 million in EU funding, €700 million from national […]

EU-US trade legislation: MEPs to resume work on Turnberry proposals 

This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament.This article is brought to you in association with the European Parliament. Bernd Lange, chair of Parliament’s International Trade Committee and standing rapporteur for the US, has issued the following statement regarding the EU-US trade deal. Following a Wednesday afternoon meeting of the committee’s shadow rapporteurs (i.e. political group representatives responsible for work on the legislation […]

EU allocates over €123 million in humanitarian aid for Latin America and Caribbean in 2026

EU allocates over €123 million in humanitarian aid for Latin America and Caribbean in 2026This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. In a year of shrinking global aid, the EU is choosing solidarity, delivering life-saving aid and standing by international humanitarian law. This year, it will provide €123,3 million in humanitarian aid to deliver life-saving humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people in Latin America […]

Commission releases €3.7 million to support 836 dismissed workers in Austria and Belgium

Commission releases €3.7 million to support 836 dismissed workers in Austria and BelgiumThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has proposed to mobilise €1.9 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF) to help 836 workers in Belgium and Austria after their dismissal by home decoration company Casa and motorcycle manufacturer KTM, respectively. Since 2007, the EGF […]

Commission responds to cyber-attack on its central mobile infrastructure

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. On 30 January, the European Commission’s central infrastructure managing mobile devices identified traces of a cyber-attack, which may have resulted in access to staff names and mobile numbers of some of its staff members. The Commission’s swift response ensured the incident was contained and […]

Commission approves €3 billion German State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, contributing to Clean Industrial Deal objectives

Commission approves €3 billion German State aid scheme to support cleantech manufacturing capacity, contributing to Clean Industrial Deal objectivesThis article is brought to you in association with the European Commission. The European Commission has approved a €3 billion German State aid scheme to support strategic investments that add clean technology (cleantech) manufacturing capacity in line with the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. This measure will contribute to the transition towards a net-zero economy. The scheme […]
Go back up

The European Sting – Critical News & Insights on European Politics, Economy, Foreign Affairs, Business & Technology – europeansting.com