Despite being in work, millions of Europeans struggle to make ends meet. To better understand this complex issue, the comprehensive EU-funded study WorkYP examined seven European countries, each representing a different region and social model. Their findings hold important policy recommendations for addressing in-work poverty.
Many policies that aim to build up Europe’s resilience fail to consider the needs and challenges of families. The rEUsilience project saw this as a blind spot, as most people live within a family setting. That’s why the project is designing policies that ensure families have the resources and support they need to actively contribute to the European economy and society.
Gender-based violence is widespread, affecting approximately 30 % of women in Europe, according to the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. It is particularly prevalent in research institutions, where hierarchical structures can foster abuses of power. The EU-funded UniSAFE project was launched to tackle this violence in academia, which affects individuals of all genders – women, men and non-binary people.
The sociopolitical role that everyday photography plays is significant but under-investigated. The PHOTODEMOS project conducted ethnographic research across nine countries to investigate similarities and differences in how ordinary people use cameras. Its findings identify how images both inspire and empower citizens to reimagine their circumstances and explore alternative futures.
Eight years ago, conflicts in the Middle East drove migration across Europe to a level not seen since World War II. Decision makers at local, national and European level had to adapt quickly, and created a vast range of new tools and approaches to integrate refugees. The SPRING project enables decision makers to identify best practices from that era that can help them face the migration challenges of today.
Public bodies, businesses and citizens in the EU face an increasing risk of cyberattacks, from snooping to ransomware. The CRYSPEN project successfully demonstrated how technology developed by EU-funded cryptographic research could deliver new security standards for web browsing through a commercial spinout.
The EU-funded TRACTION project has turned to co-creation and technology to make opera more inclusive, engaging a variety of communities from low-income neighbourhoods to prisons. The results are dynamic new operas that represent a more inclusive Europe.
Art in the age of digital reproduction is under threat from inadequate contracts, piracy, generative AI and limits on access. In the EU-funded reCreating Europe project, researchers, libraries, copyright experts and other stakeholders sought ways to secure culturally diverse production of art, as well as inclusive access for consumers. The results can help Europe maintain its position as a cultural and economic powerhouse in the creative industries.
The answer to treating neurological disorders could be tucked away in our head. That’s why the EU-funded TwinBrain project developed novel technology to monitor a patient’s brain activity while they move around their environment. Not only does this advance our understanding of brain function, it could open the door to treating neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s.
International coordination is essential to addressing challenges including trade and development, security, climate change, migration and global finance. The EU-funded GLOBE project has identified major trends the EU should take into account for its future strategies in this arena. The work will help keep EU citizens and their interests at the heart of global governance for decades to come.
