Source: European Commission (video statements)
The European Commission unveils a plan to make EU laws simpler, clearer, and faster to apply.
Less red tape, better rules, stronger competitiveness for Europe.
24 April 2026
Europe’s Energy Bill Soared by €25B: The Impact of the Middle East Conflict on the EU
Source: European Commission (video statements)
"Since the start of the Middle East conflict, our bill for fossil fuel imports increased by €25 billion." – President von der Leyen
On 24 April 2026, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen held a press conference together with António Costa, President of the European Council and Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus.
In her statement, President von der Leyen warned that the Middle East conflict has cost the EU €25 billion extra in fossil fuel imports, pushing for faster adoption of renewables, nuclear power, and electrification to secure energy independence. She announced the signing of the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap, to complete the Single Market by 2027, simplifying trade rules and boosting digital/AI growth, while stressing that the next EU budget must raise new revenues to fund defence, tech, and green transitions without cutting key programmes. Finally, she urged clearer EU defence cooperation, including a mutual defence mechanism and hybrid threat responses, to strengthen collective security.
For the full transcript of the statement, see here:
https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_26_882
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-288330
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Energy Independence is Security
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Higher energy bills. Global instability.
Europe is acting to protect households, support industry, and secure affordable, clean energy for the future.
A message to your future self
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Young people across Europe are filming video messages to their future selves to be revealed in 2 years. Their words will shape long-term EU policy and keep future generations at the heart of decision-making.
To participate, simply film a video addressed to your future self, then publish it on YouTube two years from now using the hashtag #DearFutureMe. Your video will promote future thinking and the Strategy for Intergenerational Fairness.
#Youth #FutureGenerations #Sustainability #EuropeanUnion #EUPolicy
Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
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No aviation fuel shortages in the EU
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The EU announces that there are no fuel shortages in sight in Europe. This concerns mostly aviation fuels, and flights from European airports will be able to continue to fly normally. Some flexibilities are at Europe’s disposition, in need of action.
For more information, click on the link below:
https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-287862
How EU Free Trade Helps Small Winegrowers Reach the World
Source: European Commission (video statements)
For small, independent winegrowers, exporting isn’t easy, until free trade agreements change the rules. Simpler procedures, faster processes, and real financial savings. That’s what the EU-Mercosur deal means for Europe’s most unique wine producers. Want the full picture? Watch our explainer on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7bAa8QIoQ
Free Trade Is Helping Europe Fight Climate Change
Source: European Commission (video statements)
Sustainability and climate change aren’t just buzzwords for this European company, they’re at the heart of their entire strategy. And the EU-Mercosur trade deal is helping them bring that mission to South America.
Want to understand the bigger picture? Watch our full explainer on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ7bAa8QIoQ
EU Launches Age Verification App for Kids’ Safety
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The EU is rolling out a new age verification app to protect children online.
Users can prove their age without sharing personal data, keeping privacy in their hands while ensuring safer access to online content.
A new step towards a safer digital space in Europe.
“No more excuses”: A new age verification app to keep kids safe online
Source: European Commission (video statements)
The safety of children – both online and offline – is a core priority for the European Commission. In their press statements from 15 April 2026, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen presented the new Digital Age Verification App. It allows users to anonymously prove their age without sharing personal data when accessing platforms. This way, it blocks harmful or illegal content for minors while respecting strict privacy standards.
"Our technical solution is ready," remarked President von der Leyen. Motivated by rising risks like cyberbullying, addictive social media, and online grooming, the EU-developed tool builds on the success of its COVID certificate app. It offers a user-friendly, open-source, and cross-device solution that Member States (e.g., France, Italy) are already adopting. Coupled with tougher enforcement
against non-compliant platforms, the app ensures children’s safety is prioritised over commercial interests. It thus provides parents and carers a vital shield in the digital world.
Read the full statements on our Press Corner: https://link.europa.eu/Wph8QM
Find more information about the age verification process here: https://link.europa.eu/9gKpwF
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