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The European Commission announced that some €150 million of funding will be allocated to 20 new international brain research projects. This announcement is made at the same time as the 'European Month of the Brain' initiative is launched. This initiative has as main aim to highlight European research and innovation in the area of neuroscience, cognition and related areas through over 50 events across Europe this May.

The European Commission reported that the EU member states did not reach a qualified majority in the Appeal Committee on the Commission proposal to restrict the use of 3 neonicotinoid insecticides. In absence of an agreement between member states, it is now for the Commission to decide on the adoption of the proposed restriction.

The European Commission published the EU-wide test results for horsemeat DNA and phenylbutazone made in the wake of the horsemeat scandal. The results have revealed that less than 5% of the tested products had horse DNA and that about 0.5% of the equine carcasses tested were found to be contaminated with bute.

Member states' Permanent Representatives endorsed the compromise reached between the Council and the European Parliament negotiators, with the help of the Commission, on a new directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields.

The data reported by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that air pollutant emissions were above legal limits in eight member states in 2011, while 12 member states exceeded these limits in 2010. The report also confirms that the most serious air pollutants are particulate matter, ozone and nitrogen dioxide.

The Irish Presidency of the EU Council announced that the eHealth Week will take place from 13th – 15th May 2013. On this occasion, it will focus on the use of technology to revolutionise healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

From 11 March, it enters into force the last deadline to phase out animal testing for cosmetic products in Europe, which consist in that cosmetics tested on animals cannot be marketed any more in the EU.