European Commission

  The momentum for a stronger, more secure Europe is growing.      Following the two-day summit in Brussels, we've taken decisive steps to reinforce our security and boost our competitiveness:     👉 With the first EU accession cluster now open, Ukraine will receive its first payout from our €90 billion loan before the end of June.    👉 A new sanctions package against Russia is on its way.    👉 We are deepening cooperation with partners in the Middle East and beyond to protect global trade and economic stability.     👉 We are pushing forward with Single Market reforms and cutting red tape to support businesses.     👉 Affordable energy and industrial innovation remain our top priorities, and a new Emissions Trading System reform proposal coming by mid-July. Fully committed in building a safer, simpler, and stronger Europe is a team effort.     Here's more: https://lnkd.in/eGvdVsZH 

We are rewriting the rules of doing business in Europe.     The last time we did this? 2004. Before the iPhone. Before the green transition.     We are modernising the EU Merger Guidelines to reflect transformational changes in the economy, ranging from digitalisation and globalisation to decarbonisation.    This is a once-in-a-generation moment. And there is just one week left to shape it.     Why does it matter?   Because if you are a consumer, run a business, or invest in the future, these rules will define the price you pay, the technology you use, and the markets you operate in, for the next 20 years. This is about the future of our economy.       Help decide how your market works.      Have your say before 26 June 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGn6uZUg  

Protecting biodiversity starts with understanding what puts it at risk. 🌿    A recent survey shows that Europeans clearly identify the main pressures facing nature today.    The most widely recognised threat is air, soil and water pollution, followed by other human-driven impacts: industrial accidents, land-use, and infrastructure development.    These findings show strong public awareness of the challenges facing ecosystems across Europe. They highlighy the importance of continued efforts to restore and protect nature.    Safeguarding biodiversity is essential for our health, our economies, and our shared future. 🌍     More → https://lnkd.in/d3Rp3UYz  

Words matter.    Online and offline, hate speech can harm people, divide communities, and undermine the values that bring us together.     In today’s connected world, we all have a role to play in creating respectful and inclusive spaces.    Europe has taken important steps to combat hate speech through strong legal protections and digital safeguards, including:  🔹 The European Convention on Human Rights  🔹 The Digital Services Act, requiring platforms to quickly remove illegal hate speech  🔹 Criminal laws banning incitement to hatred    By choosing respect over division and facts over prejudice, we can help build a safer and more inclusive society for all.    Say #NoToHate, today, and every day! 

We are now on W, a new, independent social media network.   The Commission is present on 15+ platforms, and we are especially happy to join one that is based in Europe, with the ambition to foster open and safer online conversations. Connect with us (@ec.europa.eu) and join the conversation!   ℹ️ http://wsocial.eu/

Partnership and cooperation matter more than ever.    At the G7 Summit in Evian, President von der Leyen joined fellow Leaders to discuss a broad range of global challenges, from international security and migration to economic resilience and public health.    Over two days of discussions, Leaders adopted joint statements on:  🔷 Ukraine: reaffirming support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and committing to continued support.  🔷 Security and stability: addressing developments in the Middle East and reaffirming support for a free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law.  🔷 Tackling organised crime: stepping up efforts to tackle migrant smuggling, drug trafficking, and the criminal networks that profite .  🔷 Global health and development: strengthening cooperation on the Ebola response, on cancer research, and international partnerships for sustainable growth.    The Summit highlighted the value of working together on issues that affect people and communities around the world.    More info: https://lnkd.in/eGxdaK98 

Child safety online is non-negotiable.    A new Eurobarometer survey shows that too much screentime and social media can affect young people's health and wellbeing.    📱 Young people spend an average of 4.5 hours online on school days and 6.1 hours at weekends.  ⚠️ 14% of teenagers spend more than 10 hours a day on screens.  💬 Nearly 1 in 3 say social media makes them feel stressed, sad or left out.  🛑 1 in 4 have seen harmful content online, including hate speech, pressure about appearance, or violent content.  🩺 9 in 10 teenagers report at least one health issue linked to screen use, such as tired eyes, headaches or difficulty concentrating.    Social media can help people stay connected and informed. But these findings show that more needs to be done to protect young people online.    We are taking action through stronger online safety rules, greater protection and assistance for minors, a new EU Age Verification App, better measures against cyberbullying, and more financial support for mental health.    Because every child deserves to be safe online.    Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e8TJicZq 

Video games providers must treat consumers fairly.     Under EU consumer law consumers must be informed about the duration and conditions of a video game’s lifespan.     If the supply is stopped earlier than the contract states, players should be reimbursed.    We will work with consumer authorities and organisations to raise awareness about these rights and their active application.     🎮 https://lnkd.in/gp_teXnZ 

A defining moment for Europe. 🇪🇺🤝🇲🇩🇺🇦 All EU countries have now agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with Ukraine and Moldova. Today, we're launching talks on the backbone of the accession process: including justice, freedom, and fundamental rights. We've seen the hard work these countries have put in, and we are rewarding it with a clear path forward. Enlargement is our strategic choice. Our best investment in a shared future of peace, security and prosperity.

Starting today, your food labels are getting clearer:    🍯 No more vague ‘blend of EU and non-EU countries’ labels. Brands must now list every single country of origin in decreasing order of ingredient weight.    🧃 Operators will be allowed to use the label ‘fruit juices contain only naturally occurring sugars’ or carry a ‘reduced sugar’ claim if those natural sugars are cut by at least 30%.     🍓 The minimum fruit content in jams increases to 450g/kg for standard and 500g/kg for extra jams, compared to 350g/kg previously.     It’s a major win for transparency, because Europeans deserve to know what’s really on their table.     ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e45VC74M