After years of hard work and collaboration, we are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Atlantic Social Lab Project! Together, we've driven social innovation, empowered communities, and positively impacted some regions in the Atlantic Area.

The Atlantic Social Lab, a pioneering initiative to promote social innovation in the Atlantic region, is coming to an end. The project has made significant progress in raising the profile of social innovation in addressing contemporary issues. Through a series of pilot actions, the publication of technical reports, observatory updates, communication activities and capitalisation efforts, the partnership hopes that the project has left a lasting impact on the participating communities.

In a significant development for the field of social innovation and digitalization, the Atlantic Social Lab project has published a series of comprehensive reports that shed light on transformative social systems innovation, the impact of pilot initiatives on public services, and digitalization trends in the Atlantic Area. These reports aim to provide valuable insights and inform policymakers, researchers, and practitioners working in the region.

Centre for Social Studies (CES) will present the Atlantic Social Lab and the main findings of the evaluation of the pilot actions carried out by the partners at the University of Ljubljana at the Regional Studies Association Annual Conference taking place on 14-17 June.

This four-day event will provide a unique opportunity for academics, policy makers and industry professionals to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas related to regional studies and science, economic development, policy and planning.

The European Union and the United States convened the fourth ministerial meeting of the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in Luleå, Sweden. At the Ministerial, the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) agreed on a comprehensive list of key outcomes to advance transatlantic cooperation on emerging technologies, sustainable trade, economic security and prosperity, secure connectivity, and human rights in the digital environment. Both sides also reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to support Ukraine.

The European Commission has put forth a proposal for fresh regulations that aim to safeguard the protection of adults in cross-border scenarios. The proposed rules also seek to uphold the right of individual autonomy for adults, which includes their freedom to make decisions about their person and future arrangements, as they move within the European Union. The proposal is designed to address the challenges faced by adults who move between EU countries and require support or protection, especially those who are vulnerable due to incapacity or disability.

The European Commission has released guidance to Member States on how to build a strong and sustainable economy that can withstand the challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate. The 2023 European Semester Spring Package calls for an integrated approach across all policy areas, including the promotion of environmental sustainability, productivity, fairness, and macroeconomic stability. The goal is to ensure long-term prosperity and competitiveness for all citizens.

The final conference of the extension phase of the Atlantic Social Lab (ASL) project took place in Glasgow on 18-19 May and was organised by Glasgow Caledonian University. The conference was integrated into the Second Changemakers and Pioneers: Social Innovation Fair and started with the intervention of the Glasgow Caledonian University partner.

The European Commission has officially launched the third edition of the European Innovation Procurement Awards (EUIPA). This initiative, supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) under Horizon Europe, aims to recognise and reward public and private purchasers, individuals and legal entities that promote innovation procurement and innovative procurement solutions. 
A total of six prizes will be awarded in the competition for the two categories: Innovation Procurement Initiative and Tackling Societal Challenges - Green Energy Transition.

A new Skills Partnership for Energy Intensive Industries (EIIs) was launched on 11 May by industry partners, research organisations, social partners and education and training organisations,with the support of the Commission.This large-scale partnership aims to address the skills gap in the EII sector and ensure that workers have the necessary skills to meet the evolving needs of the industry.