MEPs raise alarm over the addictive design features of certain digital services and call for fostering ethical design by default. On Wednesday, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee adopted a draft report (with 38 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention) warning of the addictive nature of certain digital services, such as online […]
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The European Parliament is ready to negotiate new European legislation on trafficking in human beings
Parliament adopted its mandate for negotiations with member states to revise rules on combating human trafficking, ahead of a first round of talks in November 2023. The mandate prepared by the Civil Liberties and Women’s Rights committees would expand the scope of the existing directive to include forced marriage, illegal adoption, surrogacy for the purposes of reproductive […]
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European Commission refers Spain to the Court of Justice of the EU for non-compliance with EU rail rules
The Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to correctly transpose and apply Directive 2012/34/EU establishing a single European railway area. The Commission takes the view that the rail regulatory framework in Spain is in breach of several provisions of the directive concerning: the management independence of […]
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New measures to simplify the resolution of disputes out of court and boost consumer rights
Last Tuesday 17th October, the Commission has proposed to modernise and simplify rules on out-of-court dispute resolution to adapt them to digital markets. This proposal will expand the range of issues that can be resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive out-of-court, including matters related to misleading advertising, access to services and unjustified geoblocking. To […]
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The European Commission has adopted its work programme for 2024
The Commission adopted its 2024 Work Programme, which puts a strong focus on simplifying rules for citizens and businesses across the European Union. This follows up on President von der Leyen’s commitment to reduce reporting requirements by 25%, in line with our strategy to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness and to provide relief for SMEs. The Work Programme […]
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Electric bicycles are not considered motor vehicles, declares the Court of Justice of the European Union
A cyclist riding an electric bicycle on a public road near Bruges (Belgium) was the victim of a serious accident: he was struck by a car and was seriously injured. He died several months later. In the course of the subsequent court proceedings concerning a potential right to compensation, a dispute arose with respect to […]
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Human Rights: breaches in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt
On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situations in Afghanistan, Chechnya and Egypt. Human rights situation in Afghanistan, in particular the persecution of former government officials Parliament strongly denounces the severe human rights violations in Afghanistan and warns that since the Taliban takeover of the country the frequency of human […]
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MEPs want to tackle inconsistent rules for airline carry-on luggage
In a resolution on uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage, MEPs argue that consistent EU rules on sizing and pricing are needed. The text, adopted with a show hands, highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage. EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to […]
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September infringement proceedings package concerning Spain: main decisions
Brussels, 28 September 2023. The main decisions adopted by the Commission concerning Spain are presented below, grouped by policy area. The Commission will also close 135 cases that have been settled by the Member States concerned without the Commission having to pursue the procedure further. Environment Letters of formal notice Commission calls on SPAIN to […]
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