Sport is an important economic sector in the EU in its own right, with a share in the national economies which is comparable to agriculture, forestry and fisheries combined. Moreover, its share is expected to rise in the future.

A new Eurobarometer survey on the ‘European Area of Skills and Qualifications’ (Special Eurobarometer 417) shows also that around a quarter (23%) of EU citizens feel that their education or training has not provided them with the skills to find a job in line with their qualifications.

The European Commission is giving new momentum to efforts to develop Europe-wide all-in-one journey planners that would allow planning and booking journeys involving several means of transport with a single online tool, even across borders.

Around 816 million cigarettes and 240 000 litres of alcohol were seized by EU customs over a 10 month period in 2013, a report published by the Commission reveals.

Good news for Europe’s more than 507 million consumers: as of today, new EU legislation will bolster their rights throughout the European Union.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton said the European Union and all its parts would continue to actively participate in the fight against sexual violence in war.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy Catherine Ashton congratulated Kosovo voters on the elections assessed by EU monitors as ones that “took place in an orderly manner,” saying the polls were “a step forward in consolidation of Kosovo’s democracy.”

High representative for foreign and security policy Catherine Ashton said the EU wanted “free, fair and inclusive” general elections in Kosovo on Sunday, adding that the 28-member bloc was looking forward working with new government.

Against the backdrop of the Ukrainian crisis and tension with Russia, the European Commission unveiled its new strategy on 28 May to secure energy supply in the EU and reduce EU dependence on imports.

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso hailed presidential elections held in Ukraine and said they looked forward to working “closely together with the next President in view of ensuring the political and economic stability of Ukraine.”