2023 EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week

For its second edition, the EU Anti-Racism and Diversity Week took place on 20-22 March 2023. It was centred around the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination that takes place every March 21.

European Year of Skills to be kicked-off in May

On March 7th, the Swedish Council presidency and European Parliament negotiators finalised an agreement on a European Year of Skills for the period 9 May 2023 until 8 May 2024. 
 
Welcoming the initiative, the Swedish minister for education, Mats Persson, stated: ‘This European Year comes at the right moment. There is need for action to fill labour shortages and help people find quality jobs.

The European Parliament launches new Public Health subcommittee

On 14 February 2023, MEPs reached an agreement to establish a new permanent subcommittee dedicated to public health matters, which is set–up under the Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety’s (ENVI) umbrella.  
 
Three core political groups, the European Parliament’s socialists (S&D), liberals (Renew Europe), and Christian democrats (EPP) together reached an agreement to set up the brand

The European Parliament steps up to support children and young people impacted by the pandemic

The European Parliament approved on Tuesday, 13 September, with a solid cross-party majority - 522 votes in favour, 12 against and 79 abstentions - a report on the impact of COVID-19 closures of educational, cultural, youth and sports activities on children and young people in the EU.  
 
This report aims to address the negative consequences of the pandemic on the mental health and general well-being of chi

MEPs approve the report on Beating Cancer strategies

On 16th February 2022, the European Parliament adopted the report of the Special Committee on Beating Cancer (BECA) with 652 votes in favour, 15 against and 27 abstentions. This report puts forward several recommendations for a comprehensive and coordinated EU strategy to fight cancer. In particular, it highlights the necessity of focusing not only on care, but on prevention.
 
Indeed, more than 40% of all cancers are preventable through actions targeting behaviour-related risk factors.