Europe is one of the most forest-rich regions in the world: around 40% of its land area is covered by this ecosystem. Forests are essential for our health and wellbeing, and the health of the planet. They are rich in biodiversity and are hugely important in the fight against climate change. The EU is aware of the role forests can play in our future. That is why - in 2021 - the new Forest Strategy for 2030 was adopted.

International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 to recognise women’s achievements and shine a spotlight on women’s rights. It is an occasion to raise awareness of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and abuse towards women. Equality between women and men has always been one of the European Union’s core values and objectives, but this goal has still not been fully achieved.

The European Disability Card and the European Parking Card are initiatives aimed at tackling the obstacles encountered by people with disabilities while travelling in EU countries other than their own. Designed to provide holders with recognised proof of their disability status, these cards streamline access to services, promote free movement and support equal rights within the EU.

Ever since Russia launched an illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU has supported Kyiv by condemning Russia’s aggression, sanctioning those responsible and providing financial and material support.

Female genital mutilation includes all procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. It is carried out for cultural, religious and sometimes social reasons, but has no health benefits and can have serious immediate and long-term effects on health and wellbeing. What is being done to put a stop to this practice?

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in EU countries after cardiovascular diseases. Every year, nearly 3 million people are diagnosed with the disease, and 1.2 million lose their lives to it. Even though responsibility for health policies lies primarily with EU countries, fighting cancer is one of the priorities of the European Union.

The European Union is a political and economic union of 27 member states, but a number of countries have applied to join the Union. Currently there are nine candidate countries. However, the process to finally become a member state is long and not straightforward.

The EU is committed to the continuous improvement of learning opportunities, and addressing educational challenges. In this context, the European Education Area (EEA) initiative aims to create a more interconnected education system. The EEA’s primary goals include enhancing cooperation and mobility in education and building inclusive education systems. One of the main focuses is on removing barriers to learning mobility for students and educators.

Against the backdrop of the race for global technological dominance, the EU launched a strategy in 2020 to strengthen its industry. This led to the proposal for the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), aimed at addressing substantial investment needs. STEP would leverage existing EU funds and aims to make the EU more innovative, sustainable and self-sufficient. It’s a precursor of a European Sovereignty Fund, set to further strengthen industrial capabilities.

Since the 2014 hostilities broke out, and especially since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, the conflict has not only caused thousands of casualties, a refugee crisis and an economic shock, but it has also done severe harm to the environment.