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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New platform for investment in affordable and sustainable housing
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group are partnering with Europe’s national promotional banks (NPBs) and international financial institutions (IFIs) to develop new financing opportunities for affordable and sustainable housing across Europe. At the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg today, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and EIB Group President Nadia Calviño underlined […]
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Commission proposes to cut red tape and simplify business environment
The European Commission has adopted new proposals that will cut red tape and simplify EU rules for citizens and business. In the recent Competitiveness Compass, the Commission set out its vision to make the EU’s economy more prosperous and competitive, building on the recommendations of the Draghi report. To regain competitiveness and unleash growth, the EU needs to foster […]
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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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Towards an EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy
The Commission is developing a Startup and Scaleup Strategy in 2025. Why it’s needed, how to contribute, news and events. What the Commission is doing In 2025, the European Commission will adopt an EU Startup and Scaleup Strategy. The Commission has put startups, research and innovation among the key priorities of its mandate, with the goals […]
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Statement on the US reciprocal tariff policy
“The European Commission views President Trump’s proposed “reciprocal” trade policy as a step in the wrong direction. The EU remains committed to an open and predictable global trading system that benefits all partners. The EU maintains some of the lowest tariffs in the world and sees no justification for increased US tariffs on its exports. […]
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Parliament green lights update of VAT rules to make them fit for digital times
The update will notably require that VAT be paid for services provided through online platforms, putting an end to an unfair distortion of competition. It will also fight VAT fraud. On Wednesday, Parliament’s plenary approved the changes to the rules that member states indicated in November they wished to make to the VAT Directive. MEPs […]
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Commission authorizes the acquisition of BISA by Repsol and Bunge
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of BISA (from Spain) by Repsol (from Spain) and Bunge (from Switzerland). The transaction mainly relates to the processing of oilseeds and the production of biodiesel. The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its […]
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