European Commission

June 2026 was the second-warmest June ever recorded globally.     In Western Europe, it was the hottest June on record. Intense heatwaves broke temperature records, with peaks up to 9°C above average in France and Germany, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) data. Only Cyprus and Malta had normal temperatures. Climate change is here and we are feeling its effects.

A stronger, more integrated single market for banking. We are clearing the path to build it. Banks remain the primary source of financing for households and businesses across the EU. Yet, fragmentation along national borders limits their ability to scale up and compete globally.  Our new report shows the way ahead for a more integrated banking sector that can unlock the necessary financing for Europe's strategic priorities: 📌 Enhancing greater market integration to help banks grow, consolidate, and operate seamlessly across borders.   📌 Implementing international standards while taking into account EU specificities and proportionality. 📌 Simplifying the rules and increasing efficiency while preserving financial stability.  Here's the full story 👉 link.europa.eu/hQ7tQy 

¡Enhorabuena, España! 🏆🇪🇸    You played an outstanding FIFA World Cup 2026, from start to finish.  A victory that shows that with teamwork, dedication, and passion, everything is possible. Thank you for inspiring Europe and for bringing the trophy – made in Europe – back to our continent.  

Every year in Europe, an estimated 4-9% of unsold textiles are destroyed before ever being worn, generating around 5.6 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.    We’re putting an end to this wasteful practice.     From today, large companies can no longer destroy unsold clothes, accessories, and footwear. They will need to instead prioritise keeping products in use: by selling, donating, or preparing for reuse.    Find out more: https://lnkd.in/ebFT7E8G 

We aim to make Europe the world’s first electro-powered continent.    We are unveiling our plan to reduce electricity costs and accelerate Europe’s electrification, aiming at reducing gas demand by two-thirds, halving oil consumption, and saving €260 billion in fossil fuel imports by 2040.    Among our proposals:    1️⃣ By 2040, electricity should account for 46% of Europe's final energy consumption  2️⃣ Reducing the price gap between electricity and fossil energy  3️⃣ Lowering network charges and taxes  4️⃣ Deploying smart meters faster    The best way to reduce Europe's fossil energy dependency is to power our economy with electricity from clean, homegrown sources.    Our message is clear: choose electricity over fossil fuels.     More: link.europa.eu/9Ngd6b 

We don’t look the same, think the same, or speak the same language, and yet, here we are, standing together in one team.    That's the magic of being European: our differences make us unique, and our values make us one.    On this #WorldEmojiDay, share the emoji that best defines you, and help us complete our team. 👇 

After 12 years observing our planet from space, Sentinel-1A is officially retiring. It helped us track sea ice, glaciers, floods and wildfires and supported emergency flood responses, maritime safety, and more.     But as one chapter closes, a much bigger one begins. The upgrade is real.      Since 2014, our Earth observation game has leveled up completely. Meet the new generation:  🛰️ Sentinel-1C and Sentinel-1D are now in charge, working together to bring sharper data and better coverage.  🌍 Sentinel-4 and Sentinel-5A recently will soon join the team to keep a closer eye on our atmosphere, climate, and environment.      Rest assured, we are just getting started 👉 link.europa.eu/PbJBcK 

For the first time, you won't need a university degree to join our Blue Book traineeship programme.  
 
We will open our doors to young people who chose skill-based education, offering them up to 100 placements. This doesn't replace the current graduate pathway—it's an extra opportunity. What else is new? ✔️ Help with meal and public transport costs ✔️ Grants adjusted to the cost of living in different locations ️✔️ Applications from EU member states and EU candidate countries will be welcomed 📅 Applications for the next Blue Book traineeship round open on 22 July at 10:00 (Brussels time). Save this post if you're planning to apply!

97%   That's how many people in the EU can turn on a tap right now, mid-heatwave. For over 30 years, we've been making sure the water that comes out is safe to drink by setting and enforcing strict standards to tackle modern pollutants like PFAS and microplastics. Access to safe water is a fundamental need. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eDg4SS5b

When should children have access to social media? And when should social media have access to children?     Yesterday, we received the recommendations from a panel of experts, from high-level academics and practitioners to youth and parent representatives from across Europe, on how we can better protect young people online.    Young Europeans spend an average of 4.5 hours online on school days and 6.1 hours on weekends.    Social media offers many opportunities to learn, connect, participate, and create. But it also presents risks. Nearly 60% of young children have also experienced emotional or psychosocial harm online. Parents see the consequences every day.    Childhood is a period of extraordinary brain development. During this stage, children need time in the real world. Time to shape their own identities, their own personalities, before an algorithm shapes them instead.     This is why we need to consider phased and gradual access for different age ranges.     We will carefully review the report and the recommendations and present a proposal after the summer.     Find out more: https://lnkd.in/e6HpNVRu