European Union

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Europe Day, May 9 - Peace & Unity In Europe

Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which paved the way for a new era of peace, integration, and cooperation across the continent. This year, we celebrate 40 years since Portugal and Spain joined the EU, the 40th anniversary of the first official Europe Day celebrations, and the EU flag. Commemorations take place in major cities and focus on solidarity, peace, and shared values.

Europe Day, May 9 - Peace & Unity In Europe
Chart outlining the ReArm Europe plan to boost defense spending in the EU.

EU Loans for Rearmament - European Militarisation

The European Union is undergoing significant reforms of its defence policy, accompanied by an unprecedented increase in military spending and the introduction of new borrowing instruments. In March 2025, the European Commission presented the "Readiness 2030" initiative, with the goal of mobilising €800 billion for defence spending by 2030. This massive increase in overall debt and relaxed national spending threaten the already strained economic situation. In 2024, the EU's net new debt was around €700 billion – and rising. How can Europe justify issuing massive joint debt for military purposes while debt rules still restrict investments in climate, education, and social justice?

EU Loans for Rearmament - European Militarisation
Banners for the 2024 European elections campaign on the Agora Simone Veil of the European Parliament in Brussels.

European Union Elections 2024

Elections for a new EU Parliament took place in June 2024. About 320 million Europeans helped to shape European policy. Previously, low voter turnout was due to language barriers, EU apathy, and lack of national focus. With right-wing parties rising, the climate crisis escalating, and social inequality growing, every vote matters. Stay informed and support democracy in Europe.

European Union Elections 2024
A green silhouette map of Europe lies on top of a mountain landscape

EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities

As part of the European Green Deal, an EU taxonomy has been implemented to help the region reach its climate and energy targets. The initiative will make it easier for investors to make greener choices, and shift the focus onto sustainable growth concerning the economy, business, and society including health care. It will determine which activities and projects are classified as environmentally sustainable. In theory this should prevent greenwashing, and create security for investors, as well as scaling up sustainable investment. It is hoped that this scheme will inspire other countries to start their own taxonomies. However, there is much controversy around around the fact that nuclear energy and natural gas were included as greenwashing.

EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities
Two hands shaking, with a translucent globe graphic in blue and white overlaying the handshake, symbolizing collaboration and partnership.

EU policy on energy and environment

As the previous world leading importer of oil and gas in 2007, find out how much progress the EU has made in implementing policies to reach its Paris Agreement targets. Does the fossil fuel industry have a hand in which projects are approved? Where is EU funding going? Find out more here.

EU policy on energy and environment
A row of white tents surrounded by a chain-link fence under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

European refugee crisis

The ongoing conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis happening in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, have mad these places (other others) unsafe for citizens. Since 1995 we have witnessed huge numbers of people arriving from the Mediterranean Sea or overland from SE Europe. Discover the causes, positive stories, and how you can help here.

European refugee crisis
Black and white image of an army truck driving down a road lined with waving children

VE-Day 2020

On the 8th May 2020, we celebrate the Victory in Europe Day and 75 years since the end of the Second World War and the Liberation from National Socialism. Around 60 Million People died in this War and many others were traumatized or displaced. Lets use this day to commemorate the many victims and recognize the significant danger of fascist ideology. So this will never happen again.

VE-Day 2020
A dense arrangement of gold coins scattered closely together, creating a textured surface.

Eurozone debt crisis

Starting back in 2009, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Cyprus began a trend of falling into debt, and looking to the ECB, IMF, and other EU countries for help. Unemployment rates rocketed, and economic growth was stifled. This led to the implementation of austerity measures all over Europe. Find more information, country by country here.

Eurozone debt crisis