About
A Europe that protects must also stand up for justice and for the EU’s core values.
Threats to the rule of law challenge the legal, political and economic basis of our Union. President von der Leyen’s vision for a Union of equality, tolerance and social fairness is built upon the rule of law.
The Commission will launch a comprehensive European Rule of Law Mechanism under which it is to report every year, objectively, on the condition of the rule of law across the Union.
Strong borders, modernisation of the EU’s asylum system and cooperation with partner countries are important to achieve a fresh start on migration.
22 May 2024 – The Commission has adopted a Communication on the European Health Union, highlighting the progress made in EU health policy over the last four years. Built on the experience of the COVID-19 crisis, the European Health Union emerged in November 2020 to to better prevent, prepare and respond to shared health challenges whilst building more resilient health systems for every EU citizen. It is backed by substantial funding from the EU4Health programme, which quickly turned its goals into tangible results.
Key figures
Protecting the health of Europeans and collectively responding to cross-border health crises
Managing migration for the long term, while providing clarity and decent conditions for people arriving in the EU
Making the EU's free travel space stronger and more resilient
Turning the tide against cancer through cancer prevention, early detection and access to treatment
Making health data work for citizens and for science
Combatting cross-border crime and terrorism is a common European responsibility where EU cooperation is essential
Protecting our citizens and addressing security challenges facing our society and our democracy
Preventing antisemitism, protecting and fostering Jewish life, and promoting research, education and Holocaust remembrance
Ensuring affordable and accessible care services and improving the situation of both care receivers and carers
Timeline
- 24 April 2024
The Commission launches the Critical Medicines Alliance to help prevent and address shortages of critical medicines
- 23 April 2024
The Commission issues recommendations to better protect children from violence
- 10 April 2024
The European Parliament approves the Pact on Migration and Asylum, a package of major reforms to the EU’s asylum and migration rules
- 30 March 2024
Bulgaria and Romania join the Schengen area
- 27 March 2024
Presentation of three initiatives to advance transnational cooperation between higher education institutions, to create a European degree
- 15 March 2024
Political agreement on European Health Data Space
- 14 March 2024
Political agreement on new and stronger rules for the import, export and transit of firearms
- 12 March 2024
The Commission adopts a Communication taking stock of the achievements in the area of migration and asylum over the last four years
- 7 March 2024
New migration partnership with Mauritania
- 1 March 2024
Political agreement on Advance Passenger Information to facilitate border management and strengthen security
- 6 February 2024
Political agreement on new rules for the Schengen Borders Code
- 6 February 2024
The Commission adopts a proposal to update the criminal law rules on child sexual abuse and sexual exploitation
- 24 January 2024
The Commission launches the European Ports Alliance Public Private Partnership to fight organised crime and drug trafficking
- 23 January 2024
Political agreement on stronger rules to fight trafficking in human beings
- 20 December 2023
Political agreement reached on the Pact on migration and asylum
- 20 December 2023
Political agreement on revised rules for a combined work and residence permit in the EU
- 29 November 2023
- 28 November 2023
The Commission launches a Global Alliance to Counter Migrant Smuggling
- 20 November 2023
Political agreement on automated data exchange for police cooperation
- 15 November 2023
The Commission proposes new measures on skills and talent to help address critical labour shortages
- 15 November 2023
The Commission presents the Skills and Talent Mobility package which includes a series of new initiatives to attract talent from outside the EU
- 18 October 2023
The Commission presents EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean route
- 18 October 2023
Adoption of an EU Roadmap with concrete and targeted actions to step up the fight against drug trafficking and criminal networks, building on the legislative and operational initiatives put forward so far
- 18 October 2023
The Commission proposes to strengthen the EU's visa policy with a more robust Visa Suspension Mechanism
- 13 June 2023
Adoption by the Council of the Recommendation to strengthen EU action against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which was presented as part of the revision of pharmaceutical legislation
- 7 June 2023
Presentation of a New comprehensive approach on mental health, to put mental health on par with physical health and to ensure a cross-sectoral approach to mental health issues
- 26 April 2023
Commission proposes pharmaceuticals reform for more accessible, affordable and innovative medicines
- 18 April 2023
The Commission presents a Cybersecurity Skills Academy to ensure a more coordinated approach towards closing the cybersecurity talent gap
- 14 March 2023
The Commission adopts new initiatives to strengthen European integrated border management and expedite returns
- 7 March 2023
Security Union: The renewed Schengen Information Systems enters into operation
- 13 December 2022
Commission proposes new rules on Advance Passenger Information
- 20 September 2022
- 19 September 2022
- 7 September 2022
- 3 May 2022
- 27 April 2022
- 1 January 2022
- 9 December 2021
- 20 July 2021
- 2 June 2021
- 14 April 2021
Presentation of the EU strategy to tackle organised crime and of a new strategy on combatting trafficking in human beings
- 17 February 2021
- 3 February 2021
- 25 November 2020
- 24 November 2020
- 11 November 2020
- 7 October 2020
- 30 September 2020
- 23 September 2020
- 18 September 2020
- 24 June 2020
- 17 June 2020
Policy areas
Supporting education in Europe through various initiatives and offering a forum for cooperation in areas such as school policy, vocational training, higher education and adult learning
Developing a comprehensive approach to mental health and addressing challenges, through the Healthier Together Initiative and implementation of high-impact actions, from proactive prevention to social inclusion
Fighting discrimination and promoting gender equality, particularly by safeguarding the rule of law and fundamental rights
Tackling crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling and corruption; creating a European area of justice by linking the different national legal systems
Rule of law guarantees fundamental rights and values, allows the application of EU law, and supports an investment-friendly business environment
The fight against child sexual abuse is a priority for the EU, with a corresponding EU strategy for the period 2020-2025 in place which sets out a comprehensive response to the growing offline and online threats, by improving prevention, investigation, and assistance to victims