The Commission has launched an EU startup and scaleup strategy to make Europe a great place for starting and growing global technology-driven companies. It’s part of the broader Choose Europe initiative, and it will help strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. Source link
Choose Europe for your startup and scaleup
The Commission has launched an EU startup and scaleup strategy to make Europe a great place for starting and growing global technology-driven companies. It’s part of the broader Choose Europe initiative, and it will help strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.
Europeans Show Record Trust in the EU, Demand Stronger Defense and Global Leadership
In a striking demonstration of renewed confidence in European unity, the latest Standard Eurobarometer 103 (Spring 2025) survey reveals that trust in the European Union has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. Amid an increasingly turbulent global landscape, citizens across the bloc are calling for a more assertive and coordinated EU presence on the world stage—particularly in defense, security, and economic resilience.
The survey, conducted between March 26 and April 22, 2025, interviewed over 26,000 EU citizens face-to-face across all 27 member states, as well as in candidate and potential candidate countries. Its findings underscore a pivotal shift in public sentiment—one marked by optimism, strategic awareness, and a desire for collective action.
Trust in the EU at Highest Level Since 2007
A full 52% of Europeans now trust the European Union , marking the highest level since 2007. This figure mirrors trust in the European Commission , which also stands at 52%—again, the highest since 2007. Young people aged 15–24 show even stronger support, with 59% trusting the EU and 57% trusting the Commission .
“This is not just a statistic—it reflects a real change in how people see the EU,” said one Brussels-based analyst. “After years of crises, from Brexit to the pandemic, people are seeing results from common policies and leadership.”
At the national level, trust remains lower, with only 36% trusting their national governments and 37% trusting their national parliaments —a gap that highlights growing reliance on supranational institutions amid domestic political fragmentation.
Meanwhile, 75% of respondents feel they are citizens of the EU , the highest level in more than two decades. And 62% express optimism about the future of the European project.
Strongest Ever Support for the Euro
The survey also records the highest-ever approval for the euro , with 74% of all EU citizens supporting the common currency and 83% in the eurozone backing it. Despite mixed views on the current state of the economy—with 44% finding it good and 48% bad—nearly half (43%) expect the situation to remain stable over the next year.
This enduring faith in the euro comes at a time when inflationary pressures have eased, and the European Central Bank has signaled cautious optimism in recent months.
Europeans Want a More Assertive EU
Against a backdrop of war in Ukraine, rising geopolitical tensions, and increasing trade protectionism, 69% of Europeans agree that the EU is a place of stability in a troubled world . The demand for a stronger EU voice and role in global affairs is clear.
- 88% support more rules-based international cooperation
- 86% believe increased tariffs harm the global economy
- However, 80% agree that the EU should respond with retaliatory tariffs if others impose them
This nuanced stance suggests a public that values free trade but recognizes the need for strategic autonomy and defensive tools in a multipolar world.
Defense Takes Center Stage
Perhaps most notably, 81% of Europeans support a common defense and security policy among Member States , the highest level since 2004. At the same time, 78% express concern about the EU’s defense and security over the next five years .
When asked where the EU should focus additional funding, 43% cited defense and security , making it the top priority ahead of employment and social affairs (42%), and education and culture (34%). Furthermore:
- 39% want the EU to take medium-term measures in security and defense
- 44% believe ensuring peace and stability will have the greatest short-term impact on their lives
“Peace remains the value that best represents the EU,” said a spokesperson for the European Commission. “But there’s also recognition that peace must be defended.”
Indeed, peace (41%) continues to be the value most associated with the EU, followed by democracy (33%) and respect for the rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights (28%) .
Public Stands Firm on Ukraine
With the war in Ukraine entering its fourth year, European solidarity remains strong. The survey found that:
- 80% support welcoming Ukrainian refugees into the EU
- 76% back financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine
- 72% approve of sanctions against Russia
- 60% support granting Ukraine EU candidate status
- 59% agree with financing military equipment purchases for Ukraine
These figures reflect sustained public commitment to both humanitarian principles and strategic deterrence. A large majority (77%) sees Russia’s invasion as a threat to EU security , and it remains the top concern at the EU level (27%), followed by the international situation (24%) and security and defense (20%).
Conclusion: A Europe Reawakened
The 2025 Eurobarometer paints a picture of a continent reasserting itself—not just economically or politically, but morally. With record trust in the EU, strong support for the euro, and a clear mandate for greater defense integration, European citizens are signaling a desire for a stronger, more unified, and more resilient Union.
“Europeans want the EU to act,” said one EU official. “They want it to protect, to lead, and to defend shared values. They’re ready for a new chapter—and they expect their leaders to deliver.”
As the EU prepares for key summits later this year—including the EU-CELAC summit in Colombia and the upcoming EU-Brazil Summit—the message from citizens is unmistakable: the European project is alive, trusted, and ready to step up .
The latest Eurobarometer survey shows the highest level of trust in the EU in 18 years and highest-ever support for the euro. It also reveals that Europeans would like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through common defence. Also, peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
EU survey: record high trust in the EU and strong support for common defence
The latest Eurobarometer survey shows the highest level of trust in the EU in 18 years and highest-ever support for the euro. It also reveals that Europeans would like to see a stronger and more assertive EU through common defence. Also, peace remains the value that best represents the EU.
Syria: EU adopts legal acts to lift economic sanctions on Syria, enacting recent political agreement
Following its political announcement on 20 May, the Council lifted the EU’s economic sanctions on Syria imposed ontothe Assad regime. It also removed 24 entities from the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources. In parallel, it extended the listings of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime until 1 June 2026.In support of the transitional authorities’ efforts to safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Syrian people, the Council also imposed new restrictive measures on two individuals and three entities for human rights abuses and stands ready to consider further listings on those fuelling instability.
EU Lifts Economic Sanctions on Syria in Historic Move to Support Recovery and Transition
In a landmark decision that marks a dramatic shift in its policy toward Syria, the European Union has formally lifted nearly all economic sanctions against the country following the fall of the Assad regime earlier this year. The Council of the EU announced the move on Tuesday, adopting legal acts that implement a political agreement reached just days earlier on May 20, aimed at supporting Syria’s transition toward a peaceful, inclusive future.
The decision removes all economic restrictive measures imposed on Syria over the past decade—except those related to ongoing security concerns—and takes effect as part of a broader effort to stabilize the war-torn country and support its reconstruction. It also includes the removal of 24 entities from the EU’s sanctions list, among them key institutions such as the Central Bank of Syria and companies operating in critical sectors like oil, cotton, and telecommunications.
A New Chapter After 14 Years of Conflict
For over 14 years, the EU maintained some of the strongest international sanctions against Syria, targeting the regime of Bashar al-Assad for its brutal crackdown on dissent and widespread human rights abuses. These included bans on oil imports, restrictions on financial services, and asset freezes on hundreds of individuals and entities tied to the former government.
However, with the collapse of the Assad regime in early 2025—sparked by mass protests, internal military defections, and regional shifts—the EU began recalibrating its approach. In February, it took the first step by easing certain sanctions to allow for limited engagement with transitional authorities and humanitarian actors. The latest decision formalizes that pivot, signalling the EU’s readiness to become a major partner in Syria’s recovery.
“This is simply the right thing to do, at this historic time,” said Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who presided over the announcement. “The EU has stood with the Syrian people throughout the last 14 years, and it will continue to do so. Today we reaffirm our commitment as a partner for the transition, one that helps the Syrian people reunite and rebuild a new, inclusive, peaceful Syria.”
Accountability Remains a Priority
Despite the lifting of economic sanctions, the EU has not abandoned its stance on accountability. The Council extended until June 2026 the listings of individuals and entities linked to the former Assad regime, ensuring that those responsible for atrocities during the conflict remain under scrutiny.
Additionally, in response to a wave of violence that erupted in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025—widely believed to have been orchestrated by remnants of pro-regime militias—the EU introduced new human rights sanctions under its Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. Two individuals and three entities were added to the list for their involvement in serious human rights violations.
“The EU continues to call for justice and accountability for the crimes committed over the past decade,” Kallas emphasized. “We are ready to engage with Syria’s new authorities, but only if they commit to democratic values, human rights, and regional stability.”
Rebuilding Amid Ruins
The decision comes at a pivotal moment for Syria, which faces one of the most complex post-conflict environments in modern history. Over half a million lives have been lost, and more than half the population displaced since the war began in 2011. Infrastructure lies in ruins, the economy is shattered, and public trust in governance remains fragile.
The EU has already pledged significant aid to support stabilization efforts, including funding for basic services, refugee returns, and civil society initiatives. With sanctions lifted, European companies may now re-engage in Syria’s economy under strict monitoring, potentially unlocking investment in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure projects.
Yet experts caution that the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Syria remains deeply fragmented, with multiple armed groups still active and external powers—including Iran, Turkey, and Russia—maintaining strong influence. Moreover, the transitional government has yet to fully consolidate authority or establish broad-based legitimacy.
“Lifting sanctions is a necessary step, but not sufficient,” said Dr. Rana Foroohar, a Middle East analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations. “The EU must ensure that aid and investment reach ordinary Syrians—not just elites or foreign interests. And it must maintain pressure on human rights issues without undermining the delicate political process.”
Regional and International Reactions
The move has drawn mixed reactions across the region. While some Arab states have welcomed the EU’s return to diplomatic and economic engagement, others remain wary of premature normalization with Damascus before full political reforms are implemented.
Russia, which backed the Assad regime until its collapse, called the EU’s decision “pragmatic” and urged further international cooperation in rebuilding Syria. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have expressed concern that easing sanctions too quickly could embolden authoritarian remnants and undermine justice mechanisms.
The United Nations has reiterated its call for a “Syrian-led, UN-facilitated” political process to lead the country toward elections and constitutional reform. The EU says it will support these efforts through both diplomatic and financial means.
With the legal texts set to be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the coming days, the focus now turns to implementation. The EU will closely monitor developments on the ground, ready to reintroduce sanctions should instability or human rights violations escalate.
As Syria begins to emerge from the shadows of war, the EU’s decision represents both a gamble and an opportunity—a chance to help steer the country toward peace, while navigating the complex realities of power, justice, and foreign influence.
For the millions of Syrians who have endured over a decade of conflict, the hope is that this new chapter brings not just aid and investment, but lasting freedom and dignity.
Following its political announcement on 20 May, the Council lifted the EU’s economic sanctions on Syria imposed ontothe Assad regime. It also removed 24 entities from the EU list of those subject to the freezing of funds and economic resources. In parallel, it extended the listings of individuals and entities linked to the Assad regime until 1 June 2026.In support of the transitional authorities’ efforts to safeguard the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Syrian people, the Council also imposed new restrictive measures on two individuals and three entities for human rights abuses and stands ready to consider further listings on those fuelling instability.
Real cost of disasters is 10 times higher than previously thought, says UN
That’s according to a report released Tuesday by the UN’s disaster risk reduction agency, UNDRR.
While current estimates suggest the global economic impact of natural emergencies – such as earthquakes, landslides and floods – amounts to around $200 billion annually, this figure represents “only a fraction of the real costs,” said Jenty Kirsch-Wood, head of global risk analysis for UNDRR.
The true cost is closer to $2.3 trillion, she added, warning that the world has been “chronically underestimating and undermeasuring the impact of disasters” on sustainable development progress.
Catastrophic floods
A person born in 1990 has a 63 per cent chance of experiencing a once-in-a-century catastrophic flood in their lifetime. For a child born in 2025, that probability rises to 86 per cent.
“Those events are affecting us all,” said Ms. Kirsch-Wood.
The cost of extreme weather is not measured solely in destroyed infrastructure, but also in lost years of health, education and opportunity.
Unsustainable humanitarian response
Healthcare, education, and employment are increasingly disrupted by emergencies, leading to higher national debt and slower recovery – particularly in already vulnerable countries.
This has contributed to “an unsustainable and unsupportable humanitarian response,” Ms Kirsch-Wood added, as nations grapple with increasingly frequent and severe climate shocks.
UNDRR using data from EM-DAR, CRED/UCLouvain, 2025, Brussels, Belgium.
Losses have doubled
According to UNDRR, financial losses from disasters have doubled in the past two decades.
The agency’s new report outlines how the international community can collaborate to make sustainable investments that build resilience to future disasters and ease pressure on public finances.
Most of the damage caused by climate-related events is preventable, Ms. Kirsch-Wood stressed.
The challenge ahead, she said, is to “better align our financing systems” and “use public and private investment to make sure that we’re optimally reducing the burden on governments.”
Nearly 240 million people were internally displaced by disasters between 2014 and 2023.
China and the Philippines each reported over 40 million displaced persons, while India, Bangladesh and Pakistan saw numbers ranging from 10 to 30 million.
The steep costs associated with climate events – and the debt they generate – disproportionately affect developing countries and vulnerable populations.
UNDRR using CRED and UCLouvain, 2025.
Vulnerable hardest-hit
In 2023, North America recorded $69.57 billion in direct disaster-related losses – more than any other region – but this amounted to just 0.23 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
By contrast, Micronesia incurred only $4.3 billion in losses, but this represented a staggering 46.1 per cent of its GDP.
The UNDRR report “shows the eye-watering losses inflicted by disasters today, which hit vulnerable people the hardest… and it demonstrates that, on our current trajectory, costs will continue to mount as the climate crisis worsens,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
“But it also illustrates that, by boosting and sustaining investment in disaster risk reduction and prevention, we can slow that trend and reap economic benefits – saving lives and livelihoods while driving growth and prosperity to help reach our Sustainable Development Goals.”
Private sector role
Proven tools – such as flood protection infrastructure and early warning systems – can help the worst-affected nations curb the rising costs of climate-related disasters.
Increased investment in risk reduction and resilience can reverse current trends, said the head of UNDRR, Special Representative Kamal Kishore, citing the example of protection from overflowing rivers.
“When riverbank communities have access to scientific tools for land use planning, resources for building flood protection systems, and early warning systems, they not only reduce damages and losses from floods, but also create conditions for prosperity and sustainable growth in their communities,” he said.
The private sector, UNDRR emphasised, must also step up to “fill the protection gap that leaves many countries in a worsening spiral of repeated disasters.”
Sanctions relief for Syria offers ‘powerful message of hope,’ says UN migration agency
After more than a decade of conflict and severe economic stagnation, lifting the punitive measures will encourage long-term recovery and peacebuilding in Syria, Amy Pope, IOM Director-General, said in a statement.
“The lifting of sanctions sends a powerful message of hope to millions of displaced Syrians, both within the country and across the region,” she said.
$800 billion lost
UN estimates suggest that the Syrian economy lost over $800 billion during the 14-year civil war.
According to a UN Development Programme (UNDP) report, if the current annual growth rate continues, Syria’s economy will not return to its pre-conflict gross domestic product (GDP) levels until 2080.
The sanctions relief from the US, UK and EU – covering around $15 billion in restricted assets and trade measures – could unlock important investment opportunities for rebuilding key infrastructure, IOM said.
Most of these sanctions were originally imposed during the Assad era and have long been blamed for Syria’s hindering economic recovery.
Alongside the sanctions relief, Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledged to pay $15.5 million of Syria’s arrears to the World Bank. Together with Türkiye, they also offered to fund public salaries and support energy infrastructure.
These changes reflect “momentum from re-engagement and reconstruction,” IOM added.
A country torn apart
The Syrian conflict, which began March 2011 after pro-democracy protests against Bashar Al-Assad, lasted almost 14 years. During this time, tens of thousands of Syrians were killed and countless more disappeared. The fighting and insecurity also displaced more than 10 million civilians – within the country or as refugees outside its borders.
Poverty rates tripled, affecting 90 per cent of the population, with 66 per cent living in extreme poverty.
Since the end of the war in December 2024 with the overthrow of the Assad regime, half a million Syrian refugees have returned. A further 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IPDs) have also returned to their places of origin.
They returned home amidst great hope for the future of Syria, but also severe economic projections.
“Hope must be matched with concrete support,” Director General Pope said. “Syrians need not just the ability to return but the means to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.”
Moving from relief to resilience
The UN estimates that over 16.5 million Syrians – roughly 70 per cent of the population – continue to require humanitarian assistance.
But funding shortfalls have complicated aid efforts. Already in the last week of May, only 10 per cent of the estimated $2 billion needed between January and June to assist eight million Syrians has been received.
Ms. Pope noted that it is important for the Syrian people and economy to begin moving towards longer-term solutions outside of humanitarian aid.
“While humanitarian assistance remains critical, IOM urges donors and development partners to expand their focus to medium- and long-term recovery. A transition from relief to resilience is not only necessary – it is urgent,” she said.
EU opens investigations to protect minors from pornographic content
The Commission has opened investigations against 4 large pornographic platforms for suspected breaches of its digital services rules. EU countries are also taking action against smaller pornographic platforms. This will reinforce the EU’s effort to protect minors from harmful content online. Source link
EU opens investigations to protect minors from pornographic content
The Commission has opened investigations against 4 large pornographic platforms for suspected breaches of its digital services rules. EU countries are also taking action against smaller pornographic platforms. This will reinforce the EU’s effort to protect minors from harmful content online.
