The European Commission presents the fifth annual report on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). As the EU’s flagship recovery instrument under NextGenerationEU, the RRM has already disbursed €450,000 million in grants and loans, representing almost 80 per cent of the total amount requested by Member States. Established in 2021 as an immediate response to […]
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The Commission adopts a proposal to speed up the development of standards and improve the EU’s competitiveness
The European Commission has proposed modernising the European standardisation system with the aim of making it faster and better geared to supporting the European Union’s strategic interests, and increasing the representation of small and medium-sized enterprises. Standards are essential to the functioning of the EU economy. They help to ensure safety and interoperability, provide legal […]
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Consumer protection authorities are stepping up measures to safeguard players’ rights
The Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC) has launched coordinated action at EU level targeting nine video game companies, with the aim of strengthening the protection of players’ rights. Through these actions, the CPC Network is following up on the Key Principles on Virtual Currencies in Games, a set of guidelines on EU consumer legislation that […]
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The EU’s customs reform heralds a new era for customs in Europe
The EU customs reform has come into force, marking the start of a better, smarter and simpler customs system across the EU. Following its formal adoption by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, the reform was published in the Official Journal on 19 September and will be phased in from 21 […]
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Substantial agreement reached on the EU–Philippines trade agreement
The EU and the Philippines have reached a substantial agreement in their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which is intended to strengthen economic ties between the EU and another fast-growing strategic partner in South-East Asia. Maros Šefčovič, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque, the Philippines’ Secretary of Trade and […]
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New EU rules on e-commerce and customs controls
Parliament has given the green light to a wide-ranging reform of the European Customs Code, which imposes stricter rules on e-commerce and establishes a new customs authority. The regulations include an administration fee for each product purchased from retailers outside the EU and sent directly to European consumers, which will serve to cover the costs […]
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The Commission submits the landmark trade agreement with India to the Council for signature
The European Commission has submitted its proposals to the Council for the signing and conclusion of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India, requesting the Council’s authorisation. If authorised by the Council, this will be the largest trade agreement ever signed between the EU and India. Once adopted and in force, […]
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The Commission proposes simpler and more strategic public procurement rules
The European Commission has adopted a proposal for a new Regulation to modernise and simplify the EU’s public procurement framework in order to support effective investment in public services and infrastructure in line with the Union’s policy objectives. Building on extensive consultations with public purchasers, businesses, trade unions and civil society, the Commission is proposing […]
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New EU rules to help local authorities tackle the housing crisis
On 9 September, the Commission proposed the Affordable Housing Act to help Member States and cities tackle the issues of housing affordability and availability in areas facing the greatest pressures. The lack of affordable housing has become one of the most pressing concerns for Europeans. According to the latest Eurobarometer, more than 50 per cent of […]
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