Tue. Oct 20th, 2026

NEWS & BACKGROUND

strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

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homeless, poverty, homeless man, road, city, would, human, homeless, homeless, homeless, homeless, homeless

EU Council adopts first recommendation to tackle homelessness and housing exclusion

The EU Council has adopted its first recommendation on housing exclusion and homelessness, affecting more than one million people across the EU. The measures focus on early intervention, eviction prevention, simplified access to social services and increased affordable housing supply. Member States are encouraged to develop housing-led strategies and report on progress every five years.

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illustration of renewable energs, photovoltaic, wind

EU Commission calls for greater public participation in renewable energy projects

Renewables accounted for 26.2% of EU energy consumption in 2025, but public opposition and administrative barriers continue to slow deployment. The EU Commission highlights how community participation, local investment, shared revenues and lower electricity costs can strengthen public acceptance. A new EU toolbox offers practical approaches to involving citizens in renewable energy projects.

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NEWS TICKER

BUSINESS & FINANCE

EU Commission signs strategic raw materials partnership with New Caledonia

The EU Commission and New Caledonia have signed a strategic partnership to strengthen sustainable raw materials supply chains, particularly for nickel. The agreement covers investment, infrastructure, skills and research, supporting the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and RESourceEU strategy. A joint roadmap will define concrete projects and financing opportunities.

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EU Commission approves acquisition of Fnac Darty by EPG

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of Fnac Darty S.A. of France by EP Group, a.s. (‘EPG’) of Czechia. The transaction relates primarily to the retail distribution of consumer goods, including electronics and books.

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strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

Read More »
homeless, poverty, homeless man, road, city, would, human, homeless, homeless, homeless, homeless, homeless

EU Council adopts first recommendation to tackle homelessness and housing exclusion

The EU Council has adopted its first recommendation on housing exclusion and homelessness, affecting more than one million people across the EU. The measures focus on early intervention, eviction prevention, simplified access to social services and increased affordable housing supply. Member States are encouraged to develop housing-led strategies and report on progress every five years.

Read More »

EU Council adopts housing and workplace safety measures, debates Quality Jobs Act

The EU Council adopted its first recommendation on housing exclusion and homelessness, approved stricter workplace protection against hazardous substances and endorsed conclusions linking equality to competitiveness. Ministers also debated the upcoming Quality Jobs Act, covering workplace AI, the right to disconnect and workers’ rights, and reviewed employment, social protection and anti-poverty policies.

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EU Commission allocates €390 million to 135 LIFE environment and climate projects

The EU Commission has selected 135 projects for more than €390 million in LIFE funding, supporting a total investment of €579 million. Covering biodiversity, circular economy, climate resilience and clean energy, the projects range from restoring endangered species and protecting wetlands to reducing industrial pollution, tackling PFAS contamination and financing energy-efficient buildings. Selected from a record 1,095 applications, the projects aim to advance EU climate and environmental objectives.

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DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

phishing, fraud, hacking

EU Court: Banks must immediately refund unauthorised payments despite customer negligence

The EU Court of Justice has ruled that banks must immediately refund unauthorised transactions, even in cases of suspected gross negligence by customers. In a Polish phishing case, the judges clarified that payment service providers may subsequently seek reimbursement if they prove that the losses resulted from the customer’s intentional or grossly negligent failure to fulfil their obligations.

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EU Commission honours six regional projects with 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards

The EU Commission has awarded six REGIOSTARS prizes to cohesion policy projects in Slovakia, Germany, Greece, Czechia and Portugal. Winners include AI-powered 3D communication, battery recycling, an LNG terminal, violence prevention, a community library and a cancer research centre, highlighting the diversity of EU regional investment.

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EU and Ukraine strengthen cyber defence cooperation with new CERT agreement

The EU and Ukraine agreed to deepen cybersecurity cooperation at their fifth Cyber Dialogue. A new arrangement between their Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT-EU and CERT-UA) will strengthen cyber incident response. The discussions also covered the EU Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2), cyber defence, sanctions and Russian cyber threats.

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SECURITY AND DEFENCE

strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

Read More »

EU and US diverge on Russian oil sanctions as Trump waives latest penalties

The EU Council is expanding sanctions against companies circumventing restrictions on Russian oil, while US President Donald Trump has waived sweeping penalties enacted by U.S. Congress just four weeks earlier. The decision suspends new tariffs of up to 500% on Russian goods and 100% on imports from major Russian energy buyers. Existing US sanctions remain in force, but the waiver raises questions about transatlantic coordination and the economic consequences for global energy markets.

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EU leaders press for energy relief, stronger trade tools and Ukraine support

The European Council has called for urgent measures to curb soaring energy prices, accelerate Single Market reforms and strengthen trade defences against global imbalances. EU leaders reaffirmed financial and military support for Ukraine, pressed for agreement on the 2028–2034 EU budget and demanded stronger European defence capabilities. Amid escalating conflicts in the Middle East, they also addressed maritime security, migration, enlargement and digital safety, while Commission President von der Leyen outlined new energy and trade initiatives.

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SUSTAINABILITY

EU Commission sets out Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture reform

The EU Commission has presented its Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, combining fleet modernisation, decarbonisation, regulatory reform and stronger global partnerships. The strategy includes a new aquaculture initiative, digital seafood traceability by 2029 and at least €2 billion in proposed EU funding for 2028–2034. It also addresses shortcomings in the Common Fisheries Policy, import dependence and the need to attract younger workers.

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strategic Arctic Map

EU Arctic Strategy puts security, infrastructure and geopolitical competition at centre

The EU Commission and High Representative Kaja Kallas have presented a new Arctic Strategy responding to growing geopolitical competition, Russian military activity and accelerating climate change. Priorities include maritime surveillance, protection of subsea cables, expanded icebreaker capacity, military mobility and critical raw materials. New infrastructure projects, Arctic research and closer cooperation with NATO and regional partners aim to strengthen European security and economic resilience.

Read More »
illustration of renewable energs, photovoltaic, wind

EU Commission calls for greater public participation in renewable energy projects

Renewables accounted for 26.2% of EU energy consumption in 2025, but public opposition and administrative barriers continue to slow deployment. The EU Commission highlights how community participation, local investment, shared revenues and lower electricity costs can strengthen public acceptance. A new EU toolbox offers practical approaches to involving citizens in renewable energy projects.

Read More »

EU Council adopts stricter workplace exposure limits for hazardous substances

The EU Council has adopted revised workplace safety rules under the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive. The measures introduce exposure limits for cobalt, certain hydrocarbons and industrial chemicals, while adding welding fumes to the directive. The revision is expected to prevent 1,700 lung cancer cases and 19,000 other illnesses over 40 years.

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EU Commission allocates €390 million to 135 LIFE environment and climate projects

The EU Commission has selected 135 projects for more than €390 million in LIFE funding, supporting a total investment of €579 million. Covering biodiversity, circular economy, climate resilience and clean energy, the projects range from restoring endangered species and protecting wetlands to reducing industrial pollution, tackling PFAS contamination and financing energy-efficient buildings. Selected from a record 1,095 applications, the projects aim to advance EU climate and environmental objectives.

Read More »

EU AGENDA