Category: European Commission (video statements)

Source: European Commission (video statements)

"Every child held captive is one too many," asserted Commission President von der Leyen via video message on 11th May 2026. On that day, representatives of the European Union, Ukraine, Canada and international partners met in Brussels for the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

In her video message, President Ursula von der Leyen advocates for the return of deported children from Russia. Until today, about 20,000 abducted Ukrainian children remain in Russian institutions.

Disclaimer: Comments considered in breach of our social media moderation policy may be removed. You can take a look at it here: https://europa.eu/!q4KMP8

Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

Check our website: https://commission.europa.eu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JXc-QdpLdU

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU has announced new sanctions targeting individuals and organisations accused of deporting and indoctrinating Ukrainian children.
Nearly 20,500 children have reportedly been forcibly transferred since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans aimed at holding those responsible accountable and supporting efforts to return the children home.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ls39N5gVT6M

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The risk of hantavirus for the wider European public is currently assessed as LOW, according to the latest evaluation by the European Centre for Disease Prevention (ECDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

From the very first notifications, the European Commission has coordinated the response, including most recently the repatriation flights for EU citizens.

Four flights operated yesterday under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism — applying strict health protocols to protect passengers, crew, and operational staff.

Key points from this update:
🟢The risk for the general European public is low
🛡️ Health coordination and protocols applied throughout with ECDC on the ground to provide expert advice
✈️ 4 repatriation flights coordinated over the weekend under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, under strict infection prevention and control measures
🇪🇸 EU actively supported evacuations conducted by Spain
📢 The European Commission will continue to communicate verified updates as the situation evolves. The Commission is working closely with Member States and international partners to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of EU citizens.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Nqwb9dGfqc4

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Europe is democracy. Freedom. Unity. And yes, football too.
On Europe Day, President Ursula von der Leyen reflects on what makes us uniquely European: our shared values, our diversity, and the concrete ways Europe shapes our lives, from Erasmus to start-ups to the best quality of life in the world.
Because Europe isn’t just an institution. It’s each and every one of us.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iu7446EdoXQ

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Did too many headlines go by you this week and didn’t have time to check them out? Here is the Weekly Wrap of EU news for the week of 4-8 May.
EU-Armenia: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1JrUW5sKdA
Humanitarian aid to Gaza : https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PAF5UJiHPmo
Anti-poverty package: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1JrUW5sKdA

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tAuKEHxf7W8

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Airlines cannot add a fuel surcharge to your ticket after you’ve already paid. Here’s what your rights are if your flight gets cancelled.
✈️ Under EU rules on flight cancellations, airlines must show you the final price before you pay, no hidden fees added later.
If your flight is cancelled, you are entitled to:
✅ A full refund, rerouting, or return
✅ Assistance at the airport
✅ Flight delay compensation for last-minute cancellations

Airlines can only avoid paying flight delay compensation if they prove cancellation was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as a genuine fuel supply failure. High fuel prices alone do not qualify.

Currently, there is no evidence of jet fuel shortages. You can check your EU Air Passenger Rights here: https://link.europa.eu/btgHcn

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ckaQf_YoTlw

Source: European Commission (video statements)

This Europe Day 2026, we celebrate the peace, unity, freedom and shared values that connect people across the European Union.

From freedom of movement and cultural exchange to privacy, democracy, health, security, clean energy, climate ambition and solidarity with Ukraine, Europe is part of our everyday lives. Across borders, generations and languages, we stand together as one community.

On Europe Day 2026, we celebrate a Europe that protects what matters, creates opportunities for all, builds strong partnerships around the world and remains united in the face of shared challenges.

Marked every year on 9 May, Europe Day commemorates the Schuman Declaration of 9 May 1950, a historic moment that laid the foundations for European cooperation and what would later become the European Union.

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/media/video/I-289074

Disclaimer: Comments considered in breach of our social media moderation policy may be removed. You can take a look at it here: https://europa.eu/!q4KMP8

Follow us on:
-X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
-Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
-Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
-Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

Check our website: https://commission.europa.eu/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK_OlrGnmS4

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU has adopted its first-ever anti-poverty strategy, built on three pillars to tackle one of Europe’s biggest challenges.
1 in 5 Europeans are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. This strategy aims to change that with:
– Affordable housing, early warning systems and debt counselling.  
– Connecting people outside the labor market to quality jobs.
– A European Child Guarantee Card to ensure children get the support they’re entitled to.
Later this year, the Commission will also launch a new coalition against poverty — bringing businesses and philanthropic organisations together around concrete commitments. From President’s von der Leyen ‘s words: "We are building a Europe of dignity, opportunity and equality for the generations to come".

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1JrUW5sKdA

Source: European Commission (video statements)

The EU and Armenia have signed a new Connectivity Partnership at their first-ever summit in Yerevan. The agreement strengthens cooperation on transport, energy, digital infrastructure, security, and economic development, marking a major step in EU–Armenia relations.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-ckORsKWwTk

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Since October 2023, the EU has provided over €675 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians, including 84 humanitarian flights, 5,500+ tonnes of aid shipped, and medical evacuations for over 451 patients.

The European Commission is activating every tool available to deliver assistance to those who need it most.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PAF5UJiHPmo