As humanitarian needs continue to rise globally, the EU maintains its commitment to support those in need by adopting its initial annual humanitarian budget of €1.7 billion for 2023. Human-induced humanitarian crises, resulting from wars with often widespread violations of international humanitarian law, conflicts or outbreaks of violence are the main source of humanitarian needs […]
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Digital Markets Act: rules for digital gatekeepers to ensure open markets enter into force
The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force on 1 November. The new Regulation will put an end to unfair practices by companies that act as gatekeepers in the online platform economy. It was proposed by the Commission in December 2020 and agreed by the European Parliament and the Council in record-time, in March […]
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Eurogroup welcomed Croatia to the euro family – 16 January 2023
Euro area enlargement: update on euro cash changeover in Croatia The Eurogroup marked the particular occasion of Croatia’s euro accession. The Croatian minister, the Commission and the ECB updated ministers on the state of play on the changeover to the euro. Digital euro: stocktake on the advancement of the project The Eurogroup took stock of […]
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Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, visits Madrid
The visit to Madrid by the Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, which began the previous day with a meeting with the Minister of Science and Innovation, Diana Morant, concluded on January 10, when the Commissioner and the Minister discussed about the European space policy and other strategic issues. Afterwards, in a working lunch […]
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Foreign subsidies regulation enters into force to ensure fairer EU markets
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (‘FSR’) enters into force. This new set of rules for addressing distortions caused by foreign subsidies will allow the EU to remain open to trade and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for all companies operating in the Single Market. The Regulation was proposed by the Commission in May 2021 and agreed by […]
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Game on! Extra-EU toy imports totalled €7.1 billion
When embarking on the hunt for the perfect presents to delight children, toys are surely at the top of the list. The EU is a net importer of toys from the rest of the world, with €7.1 billion worth of toys imported from extra-EU countries in 2021. Extra-EU exports totalled around a third of this (€2.4 billion). China main toy importer to the EU China […]
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Croatia joins the Euro and Schengen areas
On 1 January 2023 Croatia adopted the euro as its currency and fully joined the Schengen area. This marks an important milestone in the history of Croatia, of the euro and Schengen areas and of the EU as a whole. It follows a period of intensive preparation and substantial efforts by Croatia to meet all […]
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EIB lends €120 million to Cosentino Group to support its sustainability and circular economy strategy
The EIB will provide a €120 million loan to Cosentino Group, a global leader in the design and manufacture of innovative and sustainable surfaces. With the support of the EU bank, the multinational company will finance its innovation and sustainability strategy, focusing on key areas such as the circular economy, decarbonisation, energy efficiency and the use […]
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REACT-EU: €1.8 billion to boost employment, healthcare and social inclusion in Spain
Spain will receive an additional €1.8 billion under REACT-EU to boost employment, healthcare and social inclusion. The funds will help maintain employment through short-time work measures, and support workers and jobseekers in acquiring the skills needed for a more digital and green economy. The funds will also reinforce the healthcare sector and support Spain’s economic recovery from […]
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