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.

The Professional Internships project in Portugal is funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) to help young, unemployed or disadvantaged people secure long-term employment. The initiative aims to help young people in their first steps towards building a career and breaking the cycle of unemployment.

This project is part of a wider ESF effort to tackle youth unemployment and promote social inclusion across Europe. By funding targeted programmes like this one, the ESF hopes to equip young people with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the world of work.

The European Year of Skills will be celebrated with the European Skills Festival on 9 May, Europe Day. This celebration aims to promote investment in training and up-skilling, enabling individuals to stay in their current jobs or find new ones that match their ambitions and skills. The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the largest investment in improving the skills of individuals across Europe.

Cohesion policy funding for the period 2021-2027 is expected to have a positive impact on the European Union's economy. It is expected to create around 1.3 million jobs and increase EU GDP by an average of 0.5% by the end of the decade, with some Member States experiencing an increase of up to 4%. Moreover, the policy will facilitate the delivery of a range of public goods that will bring tangible benefits to European citizens, regions and cities. Cohesion policy aims to mobilise a total investment of €545 billion over this period, of which €378 billion will be financed by the EU.

The Commission has put forward new rules to help businesses, especially SMEs, to maximise their innovation, exploit new technologies and strengthen the EU's competitiveness and technological autonomy. The suggested regulations regarding standard essential patents, compulsory patent licensing during crisis scenarios, and the review of laws concerning supplementary protection certificates will establish an intellectual property rights framework that is more transparent, efficient and sustainable.