Europes bathing waters safe for summer swimming
The 2024 bathing water assessment by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission revealed that the majority of Europes waters are safe for swimming.
Last year, over 85% of monitored locations met the EUs excellent bathing water quality standards, while 96% met the minimum quality standards.
More than 22,000 bathing water sites across all 27 EU Member States, along with Albania and Switzerland, were assessed. In Cyprus, Bulgaria, Greece, Austria, and Croatia, over 95% of bathing waters were of excellent quality. Only 1.5% were rated poor.
Thanks to EU legislation, bathing water quality has significantly improved in recent decades, allowing safe swimming in urban areas. While bacteriological quality is mostly excellent, chemical pollution remains a concern and may worsen due to climate change, making water resilience crucial.
For further details, see our press release.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 229 664 83; Emma Marechal – Tel. +32 468 234 792)
The EU and UK formalise agreements on fisheries and energy cooperation*
The EU and the UK have taken essential steps to formalise fisheries and energy cooperation under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, solidifying key political agreements from the May 2025 EU-UK Summit.
These agreements provide much-needed certainty for stakeholders on both sides of the Channel and are vital for implementing the Common Understanding on renewed EU-UK cooperation.
Todays agreements include political commitments on fisheries, granting full reciprocal access to waters until 2038, and extending the energy title of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement until 2027.
The European Commission will continue to address other areas identified in the Common Understanding as per the EU Treaties.
More details on the fisheries agreement can be found here.
For more on the EU-UK Summit package, see the Commissions Questions and Answers.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Ana Apse-Paese – Tel.: +32 2 298 73 48)
2025 EUmies Awards celebrates young architectural talent at the Venice Biennale
The 2025 EUmies Awards Young Talent winners were announced at the Venice Biennale, highlighting exceptional young talent in architecture. This years laureates are Brave New Axis from the National Technical University of Athens, Forest & Phoenix from the Technical University of Berlin, and Hotel Interim from the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, addressing urban fragmentation, climate resilience, and community-driven design.
Commissioner Glenn Micallef praised the winners, stating, “These awards celebrate the next generation of architects shaping Europes built environment, creating sustainable, inclusive spaces for future generations.”
The awards provide visibility and support for young architects. Established in 2016, the EUmies Awards Young Talent recognize outstanding diploma projects from students across Europe and selected countries, awarded biennially by the Foundation Mies van der Rohe with support from Creative Europe, EAAE, and ACE-CAE.
More information on the winners can be found online.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)
Commission approves €192 million Polish State aid measure for the construction of a gaming and technology hub
The European Commission has approved a €192 million Polish measure for the Gaming and Technology Hub in Katowice, under EU State aid rules.
The Hubs construction is expected to be completed within 32 months, funded as a direct grant. This project combines the rehabilitation of a former coal mine with a multifunctional technological facility for the gaming industry.
The Commission found that the Polish aid is necessary and appropriate for developing the hub, which will bring significant socio-economic benefits to the gaming and creative industries and the Katowice region. The aid is proportionate and limited to what is necessary, with minimal competition impact.
The non-confidential decision will be available under case number SA.114301 in the State aid register once confidentiality issues are resolved.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
Commission finds recapitalisation of Romanias Exim Banca Română does not constitute State aid
The Commission concluded that Romanias €250 million recapitalisation of Exim Banca Română does not qualify as State aid under EU rules.
Romania notified the Commission of its recapitalisation plans in September 2024, aiming to increase lending, develop synergies, and optimize processes. The Commission evaluated the submitted business plan and determined that the intervention aligns with market conditions.
The non-confidential version of todays decision will be available under case number SA.115897 in the State aid register once confidentiality issues are resolved.
(For more information: Lea Zuber – Tel.: +32 2 295 62 98; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 229 94774)
STATEMENTS
Joint statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on World Refugee Day
On World Refugee Day, we honor the resilience of refugees, forced to flee due to conflict and persecution. This year, over 122 million people are displaced globally.
The EU supports millions of refugees, including over 4.3 million Ukrainians under Temporary Protection, reinforcing its role as a safe haven.
As the worlds leading donor, the EU responds to crises in Sudan and the Middle East, focusing on safeguarding refugee rights and providing durable solutions.
Global cooperation is essential for refugee protection. The EU will continue to uphold refugees rights in line with EU and international law.
(For more information: Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 460 76 14 21; Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 2 296 91 40)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
President von der Leyen takes forward EUs partnership with Africa for a common future
President von der Leyen co-chairs a high-level event on the Mattei Plan for Africa, alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, discussing transport, sustainable agriculture, and digital connectivity.
The EUs Global Gateway aims to mobilize €150 billion in investments in Africa by 2027, promoting sustainable development and job creation.
(For more information: Arianna Podestá – Tel.: +32 460 76 03 78; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 460 75 53 11)
20th EU-Canada Summit: a new ambition for our strategic partnership
President Ursula von der Leyen, President António Costa, and EU High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas will welcome Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Brussels for the 20th EU-Canada Summit on June 23, focusing on global security, trade, and climate resilience.
Leaders will sign a Security and Defence Partnership and reaffirm commitments to open trade and cooperation on critical raw materials.
More information about the EU-Canada relations or CETA.
(For more information: Paula Pinho – Tel.: +32 498 98 25 31; Anitta Hipper – Tel.: +32 460 76 14 21)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
*Updated on 20 June 2025 at 12:25 CEST.