Source: European Commission (video statements)
On 1 January 2026, Cyprus takes over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Over the next 6 months, we’ll work closely on the priorities of Cyprus’ EU Presidency:
• Autonomy through Security, Defence Readiness and Preparedness
• Autonomy through Competitiveness
• Open to the World, Autonomous
• An Autonomous Union of Values that Leaves No One Behind
• A long-term budget for an Autonomous Union
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Spain and Portugal joined the European Union in 1986.
For 40 years, they’ve enriched Europe through culture, creativity and innovation.
A shared history. A stronger Europe together.
#EU40 #EUEnlargement #Spain #Portugal #EuropeanUnion #Culture #Creativity #Innovation
Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)
NEW YEAR MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT CYRIL RAMAPHOSA
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
As we approach the New Year, the Journal Office is taking a look back at 2025 in the House of Lords.
The Journal is the formal and authoritative summary record of the proceedings of the House of Lords. Each Journal contains the attendance, minutes (including voting lists) and papers, along with some committee reports, for every day the House sat during a parliamentary session.
➡ Find out more about the Lords at https://parliament.uk/business/lords/
#HouseOfLords #UKParliament #NewYear
Source: European Central Bank (video statements)
Illumination of the ECB headquarter in Frankfurt with President Christine Lagarde’s message welcoming Bulgaria to the euro area.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)
A look back at the year and the people who make Parliament happen.
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Bulgaria adopts the euro as its official currency, becoming the 21st member of the Euro Area.
Building on its place in the European Union and full participation in Schengen, this step further integrates Bulgaria into Europe’s shared economic and mobility space.
Travel, work, and business across the EU will continue to become more seamless and connected, reflecting a common European future and history shaped together. Welcome to the Euro Area, Bulgaria!
Source: United Nations (video statements)
Sexual violence against children is endemic, systemic, and worsening across the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a new UNICEF report. While conflict remains a major driver, the report shows cases documented in communities across every province and rising sharply since 2022.
Source: United Nations (video statements)
This video is based on the United Nations Victims’ Rights Statement, which affirms the Secretary-General’s priority of upholding the rights and dignity of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
It presents a child-friendly version of the statement to help children understand their rights in a clear, safe, and age-appropriate way.
The United Nations is committed to ensuring that the rights of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse are accessible and understood by all, including children.
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)
Do you know why a mace is carried into the House of Lords chamber before business begins? Parliament is made up of three parts: the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the monarch. On loan from the Royal Collection, the mace represents the authority of the monarch, and without it the Lords cannot meet or pass laws.
Find out more about the heritage collections in use at Parliament https://heritagecollections.parliament.uk/heritage-in-use/
📺 Watch the full film on the House of Lords YouTube channel
➡ Find out more about the Lords at https://parliament.uk/business/lords/
