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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Protecting EU consumers: More than half of second-hand online traders fail to meet EU consumer laws
Every year, millions of European consumers use online traders to buy second-hand goods, such as clothes, electronic equipment, toys, and more. When buying second-hand goods, European law states that consumers are entitled to the same guarantee and information on a product, on their rights and the trader they are buying from, as when buying any […]
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Steel and Metals Action Plan, new strategic dialogue
As announced by President von der Leyen on 7 February, the European Commission will set up a Strategic Dialogue on Steel aimed at charting a decisive course for the future of the European steel industry. The initiative underscores the Commission’s firm commitment to this strategic sector, recognizing its central role in innovation, growth, employment, and the EU’s broader […]
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EU adapts product liability rules to digital age and circular economy
New product liability rules have entered into force, reflecting the increasing digital features of products and the growing circular economy. The EU’s product liability regime was established in 1985 to compensate those who have suffered physical injury or property damage due to a defective product. Since then, technological developments, new circular economy business models and ever-more […]
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What are goods and services used for in the EU?
In 2022, the EU produced €31 674 billion worth of goods and services, while imports from outside the EU (excluding intra-EU trade) were valued at €3 106 billion Nearly half (48.7%) of these goods and services were used for intermediate consumption, meaning they were used to make other products. Another considerable share, 31.2%, was used for final consumption, typically by householdsor the government […]
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Council adopts law for clean and smart construction products
The Council has adopted the construction products regulation (CPR), which harmonises the EU rules for marketing of those products, facilitates their free movement in the single market, reduces administrative burdens and promotes the circular economy and technological development in that sector. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The CPR updates the existing […]
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