With the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan presented last Decemeber 16, the Commission addresses one of the most pressing needs of European citizens: access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing. With an average increase of house prices by more than 60%, and of rents by more than 20% in the past ten years, millions of Europeans are […]
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EU introduces customs duties on low-value e-commerce packages
The Commission welcomed last December 12’s decision by EU Member States to introduce a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below €150, starting in July 2026. The new duty will help protect the competitiveness of European businesses by levelling the playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail. Given the rapid increase in e-commerce goods being imported into the EU, the Commission and Member States have together acknowledged the need for an urgent […]
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Commission announces reinforcement of controls on products imported into the EU
Last December 9, the European Commission announced a reinforcement of controls on food, animal and plant products entering the EU. At the conclusion of an Implementation Dialogue on import controls with stakeholders, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi, set out various measures to strengthen controls at EU borders and in third countries. These measures will ensure […]
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Commission launches major package to fully integrate EU financial markets
Last December 4, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive package of measures designed to remove barriers and unlock the full potential of the EU single market for financial services. This package is a central component of the Savings and Investments Union (SIU) strategy, aiming to create a more integrated, efficient, and competitive financial system providing EU […]
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Commission announces strategic approach to strengthen Europe’s economic security
Last December 3, the European Commission and the High Representative presented a Joint Communication on strengthening Economic Security. It outlines concrete steps to reinforce the EU’s strength and resilience in the face of growing external economic threats, while retaining our openness and commitment to international trade and investment. The Joint Communication builds on the Economic Security […]
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Package travels: new rules on traveller protection
Parliament has struck a deal with Council on updating protection rules for package holidaymakers, based on lessons learned from the pandemic and high-profile bankruptcies. The draft law informally agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators clarifies the definition of a travel package, conditions for cancelling a trip, and travellers’ rights to information, help and refund in […]
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Commission outlines priorities to boost EU competitiveness in its 2026 European Semester Autumn Package
The European Commission adopted on November 26th the 2026 European Semester Autumn Package, setting out economic and employment policy priorities to boost competitiveness. In an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment, the Commission calls for coordinated action to strengthen productivity, innovation and investment, in line with the Competitiveness Compass. The Autumn Package launches the 2026 European Semester cycle, which will improve […]
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Commission proposes to promote supplementary pensions to secure retirement income
The European Commission adopted on 20 November a package of measures to help citizens obtain an adequate income in retirement through better access to better and more efficient supplementary pensions. The aim is to complement, not replace, public pensions, which form the basis of pension systems in all Member States. The adopted package is part […]
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Commission presents 2030 Consumer Agenda to strengthen consumer protection, competitiveness, and sustainable growth
The European Commission has adopted the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan for EU consumer policy for the next five years. With 450 million consumers in the single market, who contribute to over 51% of the EU’s GDP through household spending, consumers play an essential role in the engine room of our economy. Enhancing consumer trust, […]
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