Spain and Portugal: 40 years in the EU! On 1 January 1986, Spain and Portugal joined the European Union. A leap into a new modern era – from limitations to new freedoms and new opportunities. Massive EU investments, access to the Single Market, boosting jobs, innovation, modern infrastructures and a stronger democracy. Four decades later, Spain and Portugal are a crucial part of Europe’s story and it’s future. 40 years of progress. Together!

We look towards 2026 with great ambition to make EU citizen proud to be part of our Union. Here’s to many more: 🌍 Trade partnerships 🌱 Sustainable initiatives 🔬 Research driving innovation Happy New Year! ✨

Removing trade barriers with stronger ties and broader markets. This year, we deepened ties with 🇲🇽 🇮🇩 🇺🇿 🇨🇱, and advanced talks with 🇮🇳 🇲🇾 🇵🇭 🇹🇭, expanding horizons with the Gulf Cooperation Council 🇦🇪 🇸🇦 🇴🇲 🇧🇭 🇶🇦 🇰🇼. Even in unpredictable times, trade keeps Europe moving. More 👉

European Commission

Trade

Learn how the EU trade policy protects us from unfair trade and keeps Europe competitive amid global economic and geopolitical challenges.

👋 Γεια σου, Κύπρος! Cyprus is the next country to take over the Presidency of the Council of the EU on 1 January. Did you know Cyprus is.... 🧀The birthplace of Halloumi 🐈 Home to more cats than people 🪙 The country that gave copper its name, thanks to its ancient rich deposits 🇪🇺🤝🇨🇾 Join us in welcoming the Cypriot Presidency!

No surprise visits from the ‘No Internet’ T-Rex this Christmas 🎄🦖 While you enjoy the festive fun, we’re keeping you connected 🎁 With EU roaming rules, you can use your mobile data across our border-free Union just as you do at home, at no extra cost! And, with the WiFi4EU app, you can also enjoy free, high-speed WiFi in public spaces across Europe. Stay close to what matters as you enjoy a well-deserved year-end break ✨

Complacency is over. Security is our shared responsibility. Here’s what we achieved in 2025: ✅ Cut red tape to rebuild European defence capabilities ✅ Readiness Roadmap 2030 to close gaps and boost EU industry ✅ €150 billion to support national defence investment ✅ Identified flagship projects for drones, air defence, and space security ✅ Cut regulatory barriers for rapid troop movement ✅ Innovation boost in AI, Quantum, drones, and space Readiness 2030 starts now 👉

European Commission

Defence

Find out how the EU is prioritising building a true European defence union by strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the European defe...

One port, one cable, one Europe. This holiday, unwrap the power of one: USB-C for all. Yes, not just phones, tablets, and laptops. In three years, every charger will be under the same tree. Because less waste, smarter choices, mean more for everyone, all year long.

Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

The EU common charger

The common charging solution promotes the use of common chargers for mobile phones and other portable electronic devices.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, in all our EU languages 🎄 Joyeux Noël! Frohe Weihnachten! ¡Feliz Navidad! Buon Natale! Feliz Natal! Весела Коледа! Veselé Vánoce! Glædelig jul! Häid jõule! Καλά Χριστούγεννα! Nollaig shona! Sretan Božić! Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! Džiaugsmingų šv. Kalėdų! Kellemes karácsonyi ünnepeket! Il-Milied it-Tajjeb! Vrolijk kerstfeest! Wesołych Świąt! Crăciun fericit! Veselé Vianoce! Vesel božič! God Jul! Hyvää joulua!

From the non-negotiables to the ‘just one more’ sides, we asked our social media team for their Christmas dinner favourites, and let’s just say, it makes for quite the feast! 🎄🍽️ 🥂 What would you add from your country?