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xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close-filled"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Menu</span></span></button><section class="ecl-menu__inner" data-ecl-menu-inner aria-label="Menu"><header class="ecl-menu__inner-header"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__close" type="submit" data-ecl-menu-close ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Close</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close-filled"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__title">Menu</div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__back" type="submit" data-ecl-menu-back ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-270 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Back</span></span></button></header><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__items-previous ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-items-previous tabindex="-1" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--rotate-270 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Previous items</span></span></button><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__items-next ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-items-next tabindex="-1" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-icon--rotate-90 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Next items</span></span></button><ul class="ecl-menu__list" data-ecl-menu-list><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--current" data-ecl-menu-item id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-0"><a href="/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link ecl-menu__link--current" data-untranslated-label="Home" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-0-link" >Home</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-1"><a href="/principles-countries-history_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Principles, countries, history" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-1-link" >Principles, countries, history</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-1-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/principles-and-values_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Principles and values" >Principles and values</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/facts-and-figures-european-union_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Facts and figures on the European Union " >Facts and figures on the European Union </a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/eu-countries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="EU countries" >EU countries</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/eu-enlargement_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="EU enlargement" >EU enlargement</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/history-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="History of the EU" >History of the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/symbols_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Symbols" >Symbols</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/languages_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Languages" >Languages</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/principles-countries-history/eu-made-easy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="EU made easy" >EU made easy</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/principles-countries-history_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-2"><a href="/institutions-law-budget_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Institutions, law, budget" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-2-link" >Institutions, law, budget</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-2-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Institutions and bodies" >Institutions and bodies</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/institutions-law-budget/leadership_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Leadership " >Leadership </a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/institutions-law-budget/law_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Law" >Law</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/institutions-law-budget/budget_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Budget" >Budget</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/institutions-law-budget/euro_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="The Euro" >The Euro</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/institutions-law-budget_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-3"><a href="/priorities-and-actions_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Priorities and actions" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-3-link" >Priorities and actions</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-3-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/priorities-and-actions/eu-priorities_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="EU priorities" >EU priorities</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/priorities-and-actions/actions-topic_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Actions by topic" >Actions by topic</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/priorities-and-actions/european-years_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="European years" >European years</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/priorities-and-actions/eu-support-ukraine_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="EU support for Ukraine" >EU support for Ukraine</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/priorities-and-actions_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-4"><a href="/live-work-study_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Live, work, study" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-4-link" >Live, work, study</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-4-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/living-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Living in the EU" >Living in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/travelling-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Travelling in the EU" >Travelling in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/participate-interact-vote_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Participate, interact, vote" >Participate, interact, vote</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/immigration-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Immigration to the EU" >Immigration to the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/working-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Working in the EU" >Working in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/doing-business-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Doing business in the EU" >Doing business in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/import-and-export_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Import and export" >Import and export</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/funding-grants-subsidies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Funding, grants, subsidies" >Funding, grants, subsidies</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/public-contracts_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Public contracts" >Public contracts</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/studying-and-training-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Studying and training in the EU" >Studying and training in the EU</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/live-work-study/jobs-and-traineeships-eu-institutions_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Jobs and traineeships in EU institutions" >Jobs and traineeships in EU institutions</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/live-work-study_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-5"><a href="/news-and-events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="News and events" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-5-link" >News and events</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-5-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/news-and-events/events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Events" >Events</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/news-and-events/news-and-stories_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Featured news" >Featured news</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/news-and-events/press-releases_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Latest news from EU institutions and bodies" >Latest news from EU institutions and bodies</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/news-and-events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li><li class="ecl-menu__item ecl-menu__item--has-children" data-ecl-menu-item data-ecl-has-children aria-haspopup aria-expanded="false" id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-6"><a href="/contact-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__link" data-untranslated-label="Contact the EU" data-ecl-menu-link id="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-6-link" >Contact the EU</a><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-menu__button-caret ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-menu-caret aria-label="Access item's children" aria-describedby="ecl-menu-item-ecl-menu-461169157-6-link" aria-expanded="false" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-menu__mega" data-ecl-menu-mega ><ul class="ecl-menu__sublist"><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/write-us_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Write to us" >Write to us</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/call-us_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Call us" >Call us</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/meet-us_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Meet us" >Meet us</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies/institutions-and-bodies-profiles_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Contact details: institutions, bodies and agencies" >Contact details: institutions, bodies and agencies</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/visit-european-union-institution_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Visit a European Union institution" >Visit a European Union institution</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/europe-and-worldwide-offices_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Europe and worldwide offices" >Europe and worldwide offices</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/make-complaint_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Make a complaint" >Make a complaint</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/press-contacts_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Press contacts" >Press contacts</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem" data-ecl-menu-subitem ><a href="/contact-eu/social-media-channels_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-menu__sublink" data-untranslated-label="Social media channels" >Social media channels</a></li><li class="ecl-menu__subitem ecl-menu__see-all"><a href="/contact-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon ecl-menu__sublink" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></li></ul></div></li></ul></section></div></nav> </div> </header> <div class="featured-page-header" id="block-ewcms-theme-page-header"> <div class="ecl-page-header" ><div class="ecl-container"><div class="ecl-page-header__info--no-margin"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title ecl-u-sr-only"><span>Your gateway to the European Union</span></h1></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_8"></a> <div> <section class="ecl-banner ecl-banner--m ecl-banner--font-m ecl-banner--box-bg-light ecl-banner--color-dark ecl-banner--h-left ecl-banner--v-center ecl-banner--full-width" data-ecl-banner data-ecl-auto-init="Banner" ><figure class="ecl-banner__picture-container"><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-banner__picture" data-ecl-banner-image ><source srcset="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_small_4_1_banner/public/2023-10/peace-dove2.png.webp?itok=forvwW__" media="(max-width: 480px)" ><source srcset="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_medium_4_1_banner/public/2023-10/peace-dove2.png.webp?itok=RmynEArW" media="(max-width: 768px)" ><source srcset="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_large_4_1_banner/public/2023-10/peace-dove2.png.webp?itok=NuPbG2nP" media="(max-width: 996px)" ><source 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class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Explore the EU</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-08/History-of-the-EU_2.jpg?h=ef1d7280&itok=0kwyyRHW" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/principles-countries-history/history-eu_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >History of the EU</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-08/EU-countries_2_0.jpg?h=ef1d7280&itok=9GsAkAha" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/principles-countries-history/eu-countries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU countries</a></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-08/institutions-and-bodies_2.jpg?h=ef1d7280&itok=Br_lYEAH" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="/institutions-law-budget/institutions-and-bodies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Institutions and bodies</a></div></div></div></article></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ewcms-page-section ecl-u-mb-2xl ecl-u-bg-primary-5"> <div class="ecl-container ecl-u-pv-m"> <a id="paragraph_1673"></a> <div> <div class="ecl"><h2>Featured news</h2><p><em>All featured news are available in the 24 EU official languages via machine translation.</em></p></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-container ecl-u-pv-m"> <a id="paragraph_1719"></a> <div> <div id="block-latestnewsandstorieshomepage" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-044579/00-09.jpg?itok=-wgYnEGt" alt="Hydrogen strategy - The hydrogen fueling station of the Don Quichote project" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Press release</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2025-01-30T12:00:00Z">30 January 2025</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_377" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU invests €1.2 billion in cross-border energy infrastructure </a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><p>To help achieve the EU’s goals of integrating energy markets and decarbonising the energy system, the EU is allocating more than €1 billion in grants to 41 cross-border energy infrastructure projects. The projects will help develop hydrogen and offshore electricity grids in the EU.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-037492/00-50.jpg?itok=8YChiGMB" alt="Defense - Eurosatory (France) " ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Press release</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2025-01-30T12:00:00Z">30 January 2025</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_376" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >EU next generation defence technologies get €1 billion in funding </a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><p>More than €1 billion has been allocated by the European Defence Fund for the development of critical defence technologies and capabilities. Around €100 million each is set aside for critical fields such as ground combat, space, air and naval combat, energy resilience and environmental transition.</p></div></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://european-union.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2025-01/Operation%20Shield.jpg?h=ef1d7280&itok=5l4raUcg" alt="Table displaying seized fake medicines by Operation Shield 2024" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Press release</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2025-01-30T12:00:00Z">30 January 2025</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title" data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://www.europol.europa.eu/media-press/newsroom/news/europol-warns-consumers-to-be-mindful-about-fake-medicines-offered-online" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Thousands of fake medicines seized by EU-supported criminal investigation</a></div><div class="ecl-content-block__description"><p>Europol investigated some 52 organised crime groups as part of a global effort to crack down on the trafficking of fake medicines and illicit doping substances. More than €11 million’s worth of fake medicines were taken off the markets, as a result of the investigation.</p></div></div></div></article></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__button ecl-col-12"><div class="ecl-u-clearfix ecl-u-pv-m"><a href="/news-and-events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See more news and events</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/eu/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_1625"></a> <div> <div id="block-homepagediscovermore" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Learn more</h2> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-6 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