As the European Commission prepares to table its first ever EU sports programme in November, lawmakers are calling for initiatives to clearly prioritise funding for grassroots activities.

Fast-growing small firms will gain access to fresh sources of money by 2012 via a network of specialist stock exchanges under new European Commission proposals due next month.

Almost 50 nations made progress on Friday (3 September) towards a 'Green Fund' to help poor countries fight global warming but hosts Mexico and Switzerland said a full UN climate treaty was out of reach for 2010.

Belgium was again plunged into political crisis over the weekend as French-speaking Socialist leader Elio Di Rupo resigned from his mediator role as prime minister-in-waiting. Leading politicians are now openly talking about the prospect of breaking up the country.

European Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht apologised on 3 September for comments he made about Jews in a recent interview. The European Commission distanced itself from the offensive statements, but that did not stop commentators and Jewish organisations from talking of a "new wave" of anti-Semitism and racism across Europe.

Time to register for the 2010 edition of EU’s young translator contest.

Water-borne disease is spreading quickly among Pakistan flood survivors, posing a threat of epidemics, the EU aid commissioner warns on her return from the country.

European civil servants go back to school to talk to young people about what the EU does.

EU coordinates emergency relief and assistance for countries in need.

EU shows off cutting-edge technologies for sustainable cities.

Summer is the season for cultural festivals. With a bumper harvest of cultural events out there, what better time of year to head off and sample the exceptional places and world-class artists that Europe has to offer?

The European Research Council has now funded over 1000 innovative ideas. A further €661m is still available for early-career researchers.

Commission introduces legislation requiring EU countries to inform suspects of their rights in writing on arrest. The proposal follows recent legislation entitling suspects to translation and interpretation services.

The EU renews its target to cut annual death rate by half.

Baltic country wins final approval from finance ministers after getting the go-ahead from parliament, the central bank and other EU institutions.

EU countries would decide for themselves whether to allow authorised genetically modified crops to be grown at home.

Survey shows one in two Europeans willing to pull up stakes if they can’t find work at home

Proposals to improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors, and set up similar schemes for insurance policies.

EU holidaymakers travelling by plane or train are protected by a whole range of consumer rights. Bus and boat passengers are set to be given the same levels of protection soon.

Pension systems are under pressure from population ageing and the economic crisis. New EU report presents policy options and invites feedback.

New strategy for stimulating tourism in Europe – to realise the full potential of an industry that already plays an important role in the economy.

Belgium has presented an ambitious programme for its 6-month EU presidency in the second half of 2010. Belgium takes over the rotating presidency from Spain on 1 July.

New EU rule will help phone-users avoid astronomical bills for web-surfing and downloads abroad.

Eurostat report just published shows that the crisis has brought some lower taxes.

G20 leaders, finance ministers and central bank governors meet in Toronto on 26 and 27 June for discussions on recovery from the global financial crisis.