In 2023, 8% of enterprises in the EU with 10 or more employees used Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to conduct their business. This data comes from the newly updated Statistics Explained article on the use of artificial intelligence in enterprises. Artificial intelligence refers to systems that use technologies such as text mining, computer vision, speech […]
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CJEU Judgment: The order button or a similar function must clearly indicate that the consumer is subject to a payment obligation by clicking on it
This applies even where the obligation to pay is also dependent on the satisfaction of a subsequent condition. In Germany, the tenant of an apartment – the monthly rent of which was higher than the maximum ceiling permitted under national law – asked a debt recovery undertaking to request his landlords to repay rent overpayments. […]
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European Commission approves up to €1 billion for fourth major project of common European interest in the health sector
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the first Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment of healthcare products, as well as innovative production processes of pharmaceuticals. This IPCEI will notably contribute to the European Health Union‘s objectives by delivering innovations addressing diseases for […]
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Joint statement of the parties to the European Economic Area Agreement on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of its entry into force
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement. The EEA Agreement, which unites our States in the internal market, has been the bedrock of our close and special partnership. It has greatly contributed to the prosperity of our societies and economies. This exceptional milestone invites […]
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EU and Australia sign partnership on sustainable critical and strategic minerals
The EU and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a bilateral partnership to cooperate on sustainable critical and strategic minerals. The MoU was signed on behalf of the EU by Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, and Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton. The signatories for Australia were Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King, […]
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European Critical Raw Materials Act: law to ensure access to a diversified, affordable and sustainable supply enters into force
The European Critical Raw Materials Act entries into force, which aims at ensuring a diverse, secure, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the EU’s industry. Secured access to critical raw materials is essential for strategic sectors including clean technologies, digital, defence and aerospace industries. Europe now has a regulatory framework to strengthen domestic […]
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European Commission fines Mondelēz, maker of Milka and Oreo, €337.5m for restrictions on cross-border trade
The European Commission has fined Mondelēz International, Inc. (Mondelēz) €337.5 million for hindering the cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits and coffee products between Member States, in breach of EU competition rules. The Commission remains committed to bringing down unjustified barriers to ensure a better functioning of the Single Market. Territorial supply constraints by suppliers are a […]
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EIB and MicroBank to provide €200 million to finance microenterprises and self-employed in Spain
The EIB and MicroBank have signed a €100 million loan that MicroBank will top up with a further €100 million to provide microloans to small businesses and self-employed individuals wanting to launch or expand their businesses. The transaction will boost job creation, especially among young entrepreneurs in need of liquidity to turn their ideas into business […]
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Council position on increasing the safety level of toys
The Council has adopted its position (negotiating mandate) on the toy safety regulation that updates the rules to protect children from risks related to the use of toys. While the current legislation makes EU toy safety rules among the strictest in the world, the proposed legislation aims to increase protection from harmful chemicals (e.g. endocrine […]
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