Europe Education News

The EU and the Republic of Korea advanced their strategic partnership even further at a summit in Brussels. They also launched their competitiveness partnership, signed a digital trade agreement, and discussed current geopolitical developments.

The European Commission has presented its first-ever, tailored strategies dedicated to support both EU islands and coastal communities. Both strategies work in tandem, reinforcing each other to address shared pressures while tackling the unique realities of islands and coastal communities alike.

A new EU platform designed to support innovators and startups across Europe has launched this week. A central entry point, the EU Innovation Platform, will help innovators seeking support to bring their ideas closer to the market by connecting them with relevant available services or funding calls.

The EU law on victims’ rights has been updated to make it easier to report a crime online. Victims will also gain access to the EU-wide hotline 116 006 for information and support on their rights. Children who are victims of crime will be able to call on dedicated, child-friendly support services.

The European Prize for Women Innovators recognises women who are transforming innovation into real-world impact. This year’s winners included 2026 EIC Women Innovator Katerina Spranger (Ukraine/UK), whose company harnesses AI to enhance the safety and precision of brain aneurysm treatments.

The European Commission put forward the European technological sovereignty package, to strengthen the EU’s capacity in semiconductors, AI, cloud and open source. It will help Europe become a leader in AI, strengthen digital autonomy, and help build a more sustainable digital future.

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity due to climate change. In 2025 alone, over 1 million hectares burned in the EU. This summer, the EU is deploying a record number of firefighters, aircraft and emergency experts to help protect lives, homes and nature.

The European Commission will start implementing a new plan to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessments. It lays out steps towards moving to innovative non-animal approaches and preserves safety evaluations. The plan strengthens the existing EU chemicals legislation, REACH.

The jury of the European Union Prize for Literature announced the 2026 winners. Dora Kaprálová, from Czechia won the Grand Prix with "Mariborská hypnóza" (Maribor Hypnosis), while special mentions went to Hélène Frédérick from France and Vladimir Vujović from Montenegro.

New rules to improve the energy performance of buildings across the EU are coming into effect. They aim to support EU countries in modernising their building stock to save energy, reduce bills, and achieve a zero-emission and fully decarbonised building stock by 2050.