Two years into a new EU policy towards its neighbouring countries, the results are encouraging – but progress towards reforms and democracy remains uneven.

Commission launches consultation to get input on how to prevent forced circumcision of girls and women.

As the world’s biggest aid donor, the EU is leading efforts to set new UN targets to lift people out of poverty and achieve sustainable development.

Strategy sets out common EU approach to securing digital networks, preventing online crime and protecting consumers.

Report on 2012 EU enlargement strategy released, with assessments of progress toward EU membership by Croatia, Iceland, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo.

EU programme would train volunteers for humanitarian aid projects worldwide and set standards.

G8 leaders back twin-track approach of stability and growth to foster global economic recovery and create jobs at G8 meeting at Camp David – 18 and 19 May.

Last 2 decades have seen more effective coordination between member countries, getting aid quickly to victims of disasters and conflicts around the world.

International women’s day 2012 recognises how crucially important women are to ending hunger and poverty in rural communities. The EU can help empower women to play a stronger role in developing their communities.

The 14th EU-China summit in Beijing enabled the two to deepen their partnership.

EU and India advance negotiations on economic cooperation and future free-trade pact, and agree on further energy and research collaboration.

New approach to migration would establish agreements with EU neighbours and other countries to benefit the people and the countries concerned.

While the euro area debt crisis was the focus of the G20 summit, world leaders agreed on determined and coordinated action for global economic recovery and job creation and moved further on financial reform.

The world’s major economies pledge to coordinate efforts to restore growth, increase employment and regulate financial markets.

The EU will call on the world’s major economies to adopt a plan for restoring global growth, reforming financial markets and boosting international trade.

The Middle East and North Africa, nuclear safety and economic recovery topped the agenda of G8 leaders meeting in Deauville, France on 26 and 27 May.

Every year 10 000 people lose their lives due to landmines. Many more suffer irreversible injuries or are affected by the loss of a loved one. A large proportion of those killed or injured are civilians, and include women and children.

EU responds quickly to Japan's call for help as the country struggles with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March, including the crisis at some of its nuclear plants.

EU leaders decide on a common approach to tackle the current situation in Libya and North Africa during a high-level summit.

As fighting goes on in Libya, the European Union has imposed sanctions against the Libyan leadership and will extend them this week.

Energy, trade and a new framework for further cooperation dominate discussion at meeting between Commission and Russian government.

European Development Days, an annual forum for deciding an EU approach to tackling poverty worldwide.

Discussions at the Africa-EU Summit in Libya aim at taking the partnership between the two continents to a new, more ambitious level of cooperation.

Five targets for closer cooperation to deal with security threats posed by organised crime, terrorism, cybercrime, crises and disasters.

Enlargement strategy 2010 and assessments of the progress toward EU membership by Croatia, Iceland, Turkey, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and Kosovo.

As the number and gravity of disasters striking the world continues to rise, good intentions must be transformed into fast, effective action that saves lives and speeds recovery.

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.

EU shows off cutting-edge technologies for sustainable cities.

The EU's strategy of offering neighbouring nations financial aid and other incentives to embrace reform is paying off.

The EU pavilion at the world expo in Shanghai marks the first time the EU has presented itself to a large Chinese audience.

Recommendations on how EU countries can meet their pledges for fighting hunger, poverty and disease.

EU pledges over €1.2bn for Haiti’s reconstruction and long-term development.

The inauguration of Chile's new president was a moving moment for the EU's new commissioner for humanitarian aid - in more ways than one.

Empowering women in the developing world is crucial for greater equality between the sexes.

Iceland deemed ready for EU membership talks

Commission calls for €90m more in aid for the quake-stricken country, to be drawn from EU emergency funds.

At least 300 military police from the European Union are headed for Haiti to help maintain order in the quake-stricken country. France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands will contribute to the force.

Over €130 million is being channelled into relief and rehabilitation efforts. More will follow.

An initial €3 million is being channelled into relief efforts and more may follow.

Some 4 000 participants from 1 500 organisations are expected to attend a Stockholm event showcasing EU efforts to boost development.

Croatia could wrap up entry talks with the EU next year.

One of the ways the EU promotes and supports democracy outside Europe is by observing elections abroad.

Iceland’s bid to join the EU gets off to a fast start.

The G8 countries have committed to limiting global warming to 2°C and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050.

Energy, security and trade top the agenda.

Climate change, the financial crisis and economic relations dominated the EU-China summit in Prague on 20 May.

The EU launches programme to forge closer ties with six countries in Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus.

1 May marked the fifth anniversary of the EU's biggest ever expansion. Ten countries joined on that historic day in 2004 – Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia.

El 1 de mayo marca el quinto aniversario de la mayor ampliación de la UE con la adhesión de 10 países: Chipre, Eslovenia, Eslovaquia, Estonia, Letonia, Lituania, Hungría, Malta, Polonia y la República Checa.

The financial crisis is having a serious impact on low-income countries.

North Korea missile launch draws tough talk at EU-US summit.

Environmental projects up for bid at ‘auction floor’ conference in Brussels.

Every year, the EU's rapid aid response helps over 18m people deal with the fall-out of conflicts, natural disasters and freak weather.

Croatia looks set to become 28th member of the European Union.

Présente aux quatre coins du monde pour porter assistance aux populations en détresse, l’action de l’Union européenne reste pourtant méconnue des médias et du grand public.

Donor conference sends strong signal of support for Georgia.

The EU has provided €6 million in aid for people caught up in the conflict affecting South Ossetia and other parts of Georgia. More help is on the way.

The two countries are told to put more effort into judicial reform and tackling corruption, in latest progress reports

EU leaders met with US president Bush to discuss the state of trade, the climate, energy and foreign policy issues in Brdo, Slovenia, on 10 June.

Developing countries could achieve high levels of sustainable, inclusive growth if their leaders make them part of the global economy.

European award supports journalists who defend human rights, democracy and development.

Η ΕΕ ζητά από τα μέλη της να αυξήσουν τον όγκο και την αποτελεσματικότητα της αναπτυξιακής βοήθειας.

EU urges members to step up the volume and effectiveness of their development aid.

Easier trade, joint research and innovation, freedom of movement, more secure energy supply – practical benefits of the European neighbourhood policy

Support to help Western Balkans prepare for EU membership.

Some 18.7 million of the world’s most vulnerable people are expected to benefit from EU’s latest food aid decision.

EU will continue to lead in humanitarian aid, earmarking €370m for victims of disasters worldwide.