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Europe is failing to test and treat HIV early, with over half (54%) of all diagnoses in 2024 being made too late for optimal treatment. A late diagnosis increases the risk of developing AIDS. Health authorities warn that this could jeopardise the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.

Fake toys are poisoning, deafening and injuring children across Europe, while causing major losses to the EU economy. Twenty-six countries, coordinated by Europol, have taken down the producers and importers of more than 16 million counterfeit toys on EU markets in the last two years.

A deal has been struck to enable a more open and competitive EU payment services sector. The new rules will see payment service users better protected from online fraud and misuse of their data; more transparent fees and charges for payment services and better access to cash in remote areas.

A deal has been struck on new EU measures to stop cruel and abusive practices and protect the health of cats and dogs. These include mandatory microchipping and registration of all dogs and cats in the EU and a ban on breeding cats and dogs with excessive physical traits that pose health risks.

One in three women in Europe have experienced gender-based violence. Today the EU joins the wider international community in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, renewing its commitment to women and girls and standing in solidarity with victims and survivors.

EU consumer policy is constantly adapting to new technologies and societal changes. Today the Commission announced the 2030 consumer agenda, the latest strategic framework to shape policy in this area in Europe. It aims to strengthen consumer protection, competitiveness and sustainable growth.

A deal has been struck to set up the EU Talent Pool, a digital platform to make it easier to recruit non-EU jobseekers for work in the EU. Vacancies in EU areas where there are recognised shortages will be matched with non-EU jobseekers. It will be free of charge for jobseekers and for employers.

A new digital platform, Help4U, co-developed by Europol, has been launched to support children and teenagers facing sexual abuse or online harm. Simple and private, Help4U supports young people with finding trusted advice, understanding their rights, and connecting with people who can help.

Seventy projects will receive over €600 million in EU grants to set up an alternative fuels infrastructure along the trans-European transport network. The projects will build electric recharging stations, hydrogen refuelling stations, and electricity supply across 24 EU countries.

The Council and European Parliament have struck a deal on the 2026 annual budget. Next year’s budget will focus on the EU’s priority areas and address the current geopolitical context. Total commitments amount to €192.8 billion and total payments to €190.1 billion.

Imagine working from today until the end of the year and not getting paid. With the EU gender pay gap currently at 12%, women symbolically stop earning on 17 November. The EU is committed to a Union of Equality and continues working to close the gender pay gap through new legislation.

Parcels worth under €150 are currently exempt from customs duties in the EU. This leads to unfair competition for EU sellers and environmental concerns. The Council has now agreed to scrap this €150 threshold on small parcels, meaning all parcels will be subject to customs duties as of 2028.

More than eight in ten dismissed workers have found a new job within 18 months of receiving European Globalisation Adjustment Fund support, according to a new report. This EU fund helps workers or the self-employed who lose their job due to restructuring get new skills and find a new job.

Today marks 10 years since the devastating terrorist attacks in Paris. As we remember the 132 victims and those who survived, we hold in our thoughts their families and loved ones. The EU stands firm against hate and violence and remains committed to fighting terrorism and keeping its citizens safe.

The European Commission’s new European Democracy Shield and civil society strategy will protect our democracies and civil society from the threat posed by foreign interference and disinformation. Find out more.

Council and Parliament have agreed to simplify the EU's common agricultural policy by cutting red tape, supporting farmers, encouraging innovation and boosting productivity. This could reduce administrative costs by up to €1.6 billion for farmers and over €200 million for national administrations.

The EU is investing more than €358 million in 132 environmental and climate action projects across Europe to ensure the EU’s transition to a clean economy. The projects will help restore nature and biodiversity, support the circular economy, accelerate clean energy and strengthen climate resilience.

21 airlines have agreed to modify their ‘misleading’ environmental claims, following talks with the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Network. They will no longer claim that a flight’s CO₂ emissions can be cut by passengers’ financial contributions to climate protection projects.

At the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil, from 10-21 November, the EU will reaffirm its strong commitment to climate action. The EU will continue to lead efforts to meet the Paris Agreement climate goals and push forward on a global transition that is clean, resilient and fair.