Raising the Game: Better Legislation

Since Russia launched its full-scale illegal invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has been standing firmly with Ukraine and its people. The EU has condemned Russia’s aggression, imposed sanctions, and provided significant financial, humanitarian and military support. As the war continues, the EU remains resolute in its support for Ukraine. The fight is not only about territorial integrity, but also about defending European values: democracy, sovereignty and peace.

Period poverty is the lack of access to safe, affordable menstrual products, hygiene facilities and information on menstruation. It is a serious but often overlooked issue that affects an estimated 10% of people who menstruate across the EU. The European Parliament has taken a strong stance, recognising menstrual poverty as a significant barrier to gender equality and full social and economic participation. In this episode, we explore what the European Parliament is doing to combat this problem.

Across Europe, EU funding shapes everyday life in cities. From greener transport and renewed public spaces to training programmes and social services, cohesion policy helps cities respond to local needs. This episode explores how EU funds support infrastructure, people and communities, turning solidarity into visible projects that improve daily life across regions.

The European Union Solidarity Fund was set up in 2002. Since then, it has provided financial assistance to 24 member states, becoming one of the EU’s main tools for post-disaster recovery and an expression of EU solidarity.

Health is our greatest asset, and it’s high on the European Union’s agenda. Find out what the EU is doing to contribute to sustainable health systems and promote a healthy, happy and energetic European society.

The fight against air and noise pollution is part of the broader framework of the European Union’s environmental policy, which is rooted in the EU Treaties and designed to protect human health, preserve natural resources, and promote sustainable development. The European Parliament plays a key role in setting more ambitious targets.

Across the EU, there are currently 29 recognised national sign languages. They are used not only by d/Deaf and hard of hearing people, but also by hearing people to communicate with family or friends. To raise awareness of this linguistic and cultural diversity, the United Nations declared 23 September as the International Day of Sign Languages. In this episode, we take a look at sign languages in the EU and what the European Parliament is doing to preserve and promote them.

The European Union has come a long way in ensuring more equality between men and women, but challenges remain. With its gender equality strategy, the EU aims to call time on unfair conditions for women and achieve a more stable society that improves everyone’s lives.

The European Union has updated driving licence rules to enhance road safety and modernise mobility. Key changes include a digital driving licence valid across all EU countries, stricter conditions for novice drivers and harmonised medical fitness checks. Cross-border enforcement of driving bans will ensure serious offences are punished throughout the EU. These reforms support the Vision Zero goal: eliminating road deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

According to the European Environment Agency, in 2022, water scarcity affected 34% of the EU population and 40% of its land area.

Southern European countries like Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain are particularly hard hit by water scarcity, but the crisis is spreading northward, impacting areas previously considered water secure. In Europe, water stress is already a serious issue, and climate change is expected to make it worse in the future. That’s why the EU is trying to find a common solution to this challenge.