The EU in 2023: Succeeding amidst challenging times

At a time of increased geopolitical tensions, the EU has continued to successfully tackle the issues that concern Europeans most in 2023, whilst remaining on track to deliver on the political priorities. That is according to the new edition of the EU General Report, which was published today.

The report looks at how we have responded to emerging and existing global challenges, with our ongoing, steadfast support for Ukraine being the highlight. We have provided over €88 billion in financial, humanitarian and military assistance, offered protection to over 4 million people fleeing from Ukraine to the EU and are ready to open accession negotiations.

It also looks to the Middle East and how we have responded to the drastic deterioration in the humanitarian situation of Palestinians, quadrupling humanitarian aid to over €100 million in the last year.

At home, the report emphasises the work done in staying the course on key EU priorities

• continuing our economic recovery from the pandemic
• boosting competitiveness and manufacturing capacity for the technologies and products required to meet our ambitious climate targets
• putting in place the legal framework to cut emissions by 55 % by 2030 (a key milestone on the path to climate neutrality)
• making progress in ending the EU’s reliance on Russian fossil fuels, thanks to the REPowerEU Plan, and in reforming the design of the EU’s electricity market, to protect consumers against price shocks
• working on a first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence as part of Europe’s digital transition
• strengthening social dialogue and progressing on new rules to improve working conditions of people working through digital market platforms
• reaching an important milestone in overhauling our migration system.

The report is available in all official languages of the EU as a fully illustrated book and an online version which is available below.

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The EU in 2023: General Report on the Activities of the European Union

The story of the von der Leyen Commission