Santa can keep the toys… What we really want for Christmas: people before algorithms.

Which song couldn’t you stop singing in 2025? 🎶 Check out our new playlist on EU Spotify and discover how 2025 sounded across Europe. Tune in to see which hits marked each European country this year! 🔊🇪🇺 Listen to our “Best of Europe in 2025” playlist now:

Spotify

Best of Europe in 2025

Playlist · EU Spotify · 28 items · 231 saves

This week, our rules on reducing plastic pellets, a major source of microplastics in the environment, came into force: 🧹 companies must have spill clean-up and risk management plans for packaging, handling, and equipment 🚛 non-EU carriers must have an EU representative 📃 operators handling >1500 tonnes of pellets annually need to obtain a certificate of compliance ⛴️ requirements for maritime transport For us, our oceans and wildlife. 🔗

Environment

New law reducing microplastic pollution enters into force

The new rules will help ensure fair competition across the Single Market and support Europe’s transition to a sustainable economy.

🐾🎄Travelling with your pets for Christmas and New Year's? Totally paws-ible! Just ask your festive furry friend. They spotted the holiday suitcase and knew it was time to jingle all the way, grabbing the essentials: ✅EU Pet Passport ✅Microchip ✅Rabies vaccine (depending on the destination) ✅Holiday treats (ho ho ho!) ✅Maximum festive cuteness The best holiday cheer sometimes comes on four legs with a jingly collar and a waggily tail! 🐶🐱 More →

European Commission

Travelling with your pets in Europe

Travelling with your pets in the EU? Find out which documents you need to take, including EU pet passports and animal health certificates.

The United Kingdom is coming back to Erasmus+! Negotiations for the United Kingdom’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027 have been concluded. It will offer significant opportunities across education, training, sports, and youth, giving people the chance to connect across borders once again. This follows the EU-UK Strategic Partnership agreed at the first ever Summit in May. A step forward for youth, education, and cooperation, together again. 🤝 More:

European Commission - European Commission

Joint Statement by Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency Maroš Šef\u010Dovi\u010D and HM Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP

In May, the United Kingdom and the European Union held their first ever Summit and agreed to strengthen cooperation through a new strategic partner...

We presented the Automotive Package to support the sector’s efforts in transitioning to clean mobility: 🚗 A review of CO₂ standards for cars and vans ⚡️ ‘Super credits’ for small, affordable EU-made electric cars 🔋 €1.8 billion to build a fully European battery value chain ⚙️ Simplified rules to cut costs Together, these measures show our commitment to restoring Europe’s industrial leadership while driving the global transition on climate.

European Commission - European Commission

Commission takes action for clean and competitive automotive sector

The Commission today presented the Automotive Package to support the sector\

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of premature death in the EU. ️Yet, many can be prevented. 🫀 Our Safe Hearts Plan will enable people to better care for their heart’s health by improving prevention, detection, and treatment, backed by EU funding. Learn what’s in it 👉🏽

European Commission - European Commission

New measures to make EU health sector more innovative, competitive and resilient

The European Commission has today proposed an ambitious package of measures to improve the health of EU citizens, while ensuring the long-term resi...

Home should mean safety, not anxiety. ❤️‍🩹 Today we present the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan to ensure better access to affordable, sustainable and quality housing: 🏠 Boosting the supply of new construction and renovations 🏠 Mobilising both public and private investment 🏠 Enabling immediate support to affected areas while driving reforms 🏠Protecting the most vulnerable such as student, low-income and homeless populations

Europe is betting big on open science and collaboration. In 2026–2027, Horizon Europe will put €14 billion into research that matters: 🌱 Clean tech for real climate action 🧠 Ethical AI and better healthcare 💡 Support for startups and innovators Participation is simpler, talent is welcome everywhere. Science for people. Progress we share. Here's how:

European Commission - European Commission

Commission invests €14 billion through Horizon Europe to boost global research and innovation leadership*

Today, the European Commission adopted the main Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, a €14 billion investment designed to drive resear...

Let’s get to the point. In the EU, you have more control over what you see online. Learn more: 👉

European Commission

How the EU protects you online

Discover how the EU empowers and protects you online, from social media to online shopping.