We must do everything possible to de-escalate and stop the conflict from spreading

Source: European Commission (video statements)

On 2 March 2026, Commission President von der Leyen made a statement on the situation in the Middle-East:

"The situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
But three things are clear:

First, there is renewed hope for the long-suffering people of Iran.
We strongly support their right to determine their own future.

Second, we must do everything possible to de-escalate and stop the conflict spreading.
Iran must cease its reckless and indiscriminate attacks on its neighbours and sovereign countries.

Third, the stability of the region is of the utmost importance.
The only lasting resolution is a diplomatic one.
This means a credible transition for Iran which includes the halt to both the nuclear and ballistic programmes, as well as an end to destabilising action in the region.
This afternoon, we will discuss the overall situation in the meeting of the Security College.

Because from energy to nuclear, migration to security, Europe must be prepared for the fall-out from recent events"

Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwh0M9eS0uU

International Women’s Day – EuroSteps Walking Challenge

Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

Ready to transform your daily steps into a journey of financial discovery? Alongside national central banks, we invite you to join the EuroSteps Walking Challenge, an exciting initiative to promote financial literacy across all euro area countries.

"Closing the gender gap in financial literacy".

Building on last year’s success, the ECB event to mark International Women’s Day 2026 will stress the importance of closing the gender gap in financial literacy.

The event will bring together policymakers and educators to showcase progress on the five commitments agreed last year, to highlight achievements and to call for further coordinated action across the Eurosystem.

In conversation, President Lagarde and high-level guests will discuss the importance of financial literacy from the perspective of central banks, banking supervision authorities and European institutions, and will focus on closing the gender gap through harmonised efforts across Europe.

Find the full programme here:

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20260302_intl_womens_day.sv.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc2y-Wm3Pgc

Central Bank Governors on financial literacy

Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

Learn why financial literacy matters to you and central banks.

Our Governors speak on the importance of central banks being a voice for financial literacy and gender equality.

"Closing the gender gap in financial literacy".

Building on last year’s success, the ECB event to mark International Women’s Day 2026 will stress the importance of closing the gender gap in financial literacy.

The event will bring together policymakers and educators to showcase progress on the five commitments agreed last year, to highlight achievements and to call for further coordinated action across the Eurosystem.

In conversation, President Lagarde and high-level guests will discuss the importance of financial literacy from the perspective of central banks, banking supervision authorities and European institutions, and will focus on closing the gender gap through harmonised efforts across Europe.

Find the full programme here:
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20260302_intl_womens_day.sv.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dosTOV1C2QA

International Women’s Day Event 2026

Source: European Central Bank (video statements)

"Closing the gender gap in financial literacy".

Building on last year’s success, the ECB event to mark International Women’s Day 2026 will stress the importance of closing the gender gap in financial literacy.

The event will bring together policymakers and educators to showcase progress on the five commitments agreed last year, to highlight achievements and to call for further coordinated action across the Eurosystem.

In conversation, President Lagarde and high-level guests will discuss the importance of financial literacy from the perspective of central banks, banking supervision authorities and European institutions, and will focus on closing the gender gap through harmonised efforts across Europe.

Find the full programme here:

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/conferences/html/20260302_intl_womens_day.sv.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4N_3imD_i4

European Employment and Social Rights Forum 2026: President von der Leyen

Source: European Commission (video statements)

On 3 March 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen participates in the 2026 European Employment and Social Rights Forum.

This Forum will address the EU’s response to the challenges many people face today, including the rising cost of living, job insecurity, and changes in the labour market. Opinion leaders, policymakers, businesses, academics and civil society will come together to explore bold ideas to support Europe’s greatest strength: its people.

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

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

Women’s leadership, impact & a few quick questions | South Africa | Goals Lounge | United Nations

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Nelson Muffuh, United Nations Resident Coordinator in South Africa, joined us in the Goals Lounge for Women Rise for All: Country Perspectives and for a few quick-fire questions we’ve always wanted to ask.

🎬 Watch the full conversation on UN Web TV: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c/k1cstz74k6

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/svPoNYaCWG0

UK Digital ID: Mike Tapp MP and Darren Jones MP questioned by the Home Affairs Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

The Home Affairs Committee hears evidence from MPs as part of its inquiry into harnessing the potential of new digital forms of identification.

Witnesses:

Mike Tapp MP – Minister for Migration and Citizenship at Home Office
Rt Hon Darren Jones MP – Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster at Cabinet Office
Dan Hobbs – Director General, Migration and Borders Group at Home Office

https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26377/formal-meeting-oral-evidence-session/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKm6MNjmmAU

UK Reading for pleasure – Education Committee

Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

The Education Committee hears evidence from witnesses on the decline in the number of children reading for pleasure.

Witnesses:

Jonathan Douglas – Chief Executive at The National Literacy Trust
Annie Crombie – Co-Chief Executive at Booktrust
Mrs Debbie Hicks – Creative Director at The Reading Agency

Luke Taylor – Senior Researcher at Centre for Social Justice (CSJ)
Ellen Broomé – Chief Executive at British Dyslexia Association
Ms Anjali Patel – Lead Advisory Teacher at The Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE)
Onyinye Iwu – children’s author, illustrator and art teacher at (None)

https://committees.parliament.uk/event/26681

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA3DXlBeUK0