Europeans agree the green transition should leave no one behind

The Commission released a new Eurobarometer on the fairness perceptions of the green transition. This shows that, although 88% of EU citizens support the goal of having a green transition that leaves no one behind, only 46% of Europeans are currently confident that by 2050, sustainable energy, products and services will be affordable for everyone.

The European Commission publishes its work programme for 2023

Every year, the Commission adopts its annual work programme detailing the most important actions it will take in the year ahead. It therefore lists upcoming initiatives, withdrawals of pending proposals, or reviews of already existing EU legislation.

The European Commission celebrates 20 years of vocational education and training

On 10-11 October 2022, the Czech Presidency and the European Commission organised a high-level meeting on Vocational Education and Training (VET), which brought together VET Directors-General, cross-sectoral social partners and representatives from 30 countries in Prague to address VET policy priorities. 
 
The meeting also marked the 20-year anniversary of the Copenhagen process.

“Energy saved in summer is energy available for winter” – initiatives to tackle the energy crisis

Europe is currently affected by an important increase in energy prices, as well as supply chain disruptions as a consequence of the pandemic restrictions and the war in Ukraine. The EU and member states are therefore trying to work on solutions to address this issue. 
 
At the European level, the Commission has proposed a new legislative tool and a European Gas Demand Reduction plan, with the aim of reducing gas use in Europe by 15%.

Launch of the Healthier Together initiative on Non-Communicable Diseases

On 22 June 2022, the European Commission launched the Healthier Together initiative to tackle non-communicable diseases in the EU. The idea behind this initiative is to support Member States in their work to tackle NCDs by addressing the leading causes of avoidable premature deaths in Europe and improving citizens’ health and wellbeing.