In a set of annual reports adopted today, the European Commission has assessed the progress made over the past year by the countries wishing to join the EU in the Western Balkans and by Turkey, and the challenges ahead. Presenting the annual Enlargement Package, Commissioner Štefan Füle said: "Five years ago, we set out to strengthen the credibility and the transformative power of enlargement policy. We put a particular emphasis on three pillars: rule of law in 2012, economic governance...

Rotterdam, 7 October 2014 | Karel De Gucht, European Commissioner for Trade Ladies and gentlemen, I don't think I can think of anywhere in Europe, and perhaps even in the world, that would be a better place to talk about trade than Rotterdam. Well… maybe if we were in the Port of Antwerp… but there I'm showing my Belgian colours! These cities live and breathe trade. They also have a special role among statisticians. When experts look at Trade statistics, they need to...

The EU Delegation is hiring! Put your international relations skills to use and contribute to the long-standing transatlantic relationship by joining our team.     Consider a career at the EU Delegation to the United States, one of the European Union’s largest and most active diplomatic missions. Located in downtown Washington, DC, we offer an excellent staff benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance; a retirement savings plan; and competitive vacation time. We are currently in search of one executive assistant...

In 2013, economic conditions remained challenging for SMEs in most Member States. Economic results suggest there is a recovery, but it is uneven and not yet following a robust trajectory. These are the conclusions of the annual SMEs Performance Review and country-specific SBA factsheets published today by the European Commission. In 2013, the numbers of SMEs and their value added stood above pre-crisis levels of 2008, but SMEs’ employment was still some way below that mark since it was down...

Jean-Claude Juncker and the candidate commissioners The 27 candidates hoping to be part of the European Commission led by Jean-Claude Juncker start appearing at hearings at the European Parliament today. During the three-hour hearings EP committees will test the candidate commissioners' expertise and competences ahead of the EP voting on whether to approve the new Commission on 22 October. The hearings will be shown live on our website and can also be followed on various other platforms. Read on...