The European Commission and KfW, the German development bank, announced the signing of a guarantee agreement worth up to €135 million to expand access to finance through alternative channels for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the Western Balkans, the Eastern Neighbourhood, North Africa and the Middle East, and Turkey. Supported by the European […]
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New measures to protect EU steel market from global overcapacity
On Tuesday, the International Trade Committee adopted a series of measures to counteract the negative impact of global overproduction on the EU steel market. By 36 votes in favour and 2 against, with 5 abstentions, MEPs on the International Trade Committee have adopted their position on the proposed regulation to counteract the negative trade-related effects of the […]
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EU and India conclude landmark Free Trade Agreement
The EU and India concluded negotiations for a historic, ambitious and commercially significant free trade agreement (FTA), the largest such deal ever concluded by either side. It will strengthen economic and political ties between the world’s second and fourth largest economies, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions and global economic challenges, highlighting their joint commitment […]
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Commission fines fashion brands Gucci, Chloé and Loewe over €157 million for anti-competitive pricing practices
The European Commission has fined fashion companies Gucci, Chloé and Loewe for fixing resale prices in breach of EU competition rules. The Commission’s investigation revealed that the three companies restricted the ability of the independent third party retailers they worked with to set their own online and offline retail prices for products designed and sold […]
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Commission proposes plan to protect EU steel industry from unfair effects of global overcapacity
The Commission has tabled a proposal to protect the EU steel sector from the unfair effects of global overcapacity, a vital step to ensure the long-term viability of a strategically crucial industry. Fulfilling the commitments set out in the EU Action Plan for Steel and Metal, the proposal maintains the principle of open trade and […]
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Commission launches new initiatives with industry to boost Europe’s Automotive leadership
Last September 12, President Ursula von der Leyen chaired the third Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry, bringing together the European automotive industry, social partners, and other stakeholders in Brussels. The meeting reaffirmed the need to act fast to implement the Automotive Action Plan. As technology transforms mobility and geopolitics reshapes global competition, there […]
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Commission proposes EU Space Act to boost market access and safety
Last June 25, the European Commission has proposed the EU Space Act, a new set of ambitious measures to make Europe’s space sector cleaner, safer and more competitive in Europe and its export markets. Europe’s space rules are currently fragmented, with many different national approaches. This patchwork holds back innovation, reduces the European market share and creates extra costs. A clear and harmonised framework at European level will ensure safety, resilience, and environmental […]
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New plan to boost the EU’s circular economy
On 16 April, the European Commission adopted the 2025-2030 working plan for the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labelling Regulation. The plan provides a list of products that should be prioritised to introduce ecodesign requirements and energy labelling over the next five years. This will foster sustainable, repairable, circular and energy efficient products across Europe, in line […]
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Commission carries out unannounced inspections in the non-alcoholic beverages sector
The European Commission is carrying out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the non-alcoholic drinks sector in several Member States. In parallel, the Commission has sent out a formal request for information to a company active in the personal care sector. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated […]
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