In 2023, the EU trade in goods deficit with China stood at €291 billion, which was €106 billion lower when compared with 2022 (-27%). Between 2013 and 2023, the EU’s trade in goods deficit with China varied between €104 billion in 2013 and €397 billion in 2022, the highest value in the decade. In 2023, […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission proposes changes to the EU budget for 2024
The European Commission adopted a proposal to amend the EU budget for 2024 to reflect the changes made following the agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027. This amended budget will enable the Union to continue delivering this year on the EU’s common priorities, for the […]
Read MoreEU long-term budget for 2021-2027: Council concludes the mid-term revision
The Council adopted three legislative acts related to the revision of the EU multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, giving the final go-ahead for the package, which is aimed at reinforcing the EU long-term budget in a targeted manner and addressing new challenges, such as the consequences of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The package […]
Read MoreCouncil adopts regulation on instant payments in euro
The Council adopted a regulation that will make instant payments fully available in euro to consumers and businesses in the EU and in EEA countries. The new rules will improve the strategic autonomy of the European economic and financial sector as they will help reduce any excessive reliance on third-country financial institutions and infrastructures. Improving the possibilities […]
Read MoreZalando commits to provide clearer information for consumer following EU action
Following a dialogue with the Commission and national consumer authorities, Zalando has committed to removing misleading sustainability flags and icons displayed next to products offered on its platform. Such claims can mislead consumers about the environmental characteristics of the products. As from 15 April 2024, the icons will not appear anymore. Instead, clear information about […]
Read MoreHalfway through its lifetime, the Recovery and Resilience Facility continues to deliver across the EU through ambitious reforms and investments
The Commission presented the mid-term evaluation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the EU’s recovery instrument at the heart of the €800 billion NextGenerationEU (NGEU) plan. Unprecedented in its scale and ambition, the RRF was established in February 2021 and has the two-fold objective of helping Member States to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, as well […]
Read MoreMinisters update EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions
The Council removed Bahamas, Belize, Seychelles and Turks and Caicos Islands from the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. With these updates, the EU list consists of the following 12 jurisdictions: American Samoa Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Fiji Guam Palau Panama Russia Samoa Trinidad and Tobago US Virgin Islands Vanuatu The Council regrets that […]
Read MoreEU wins WTO compliance action against US in ripe olives dispute
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has today confirmed that the EU was right to challenge the US for not complying with a ruling relating to ripe olives from Spain. Today’s WTO panel report presents again a clear and full win for the EU. It confirms that the US failed to implement the recommendations of the original panel, […]
Read MoreReport from experts on Cohesion Policy proposes ways to maximise the effectiveness and impact of Cohesion Policy in the future
The independent Group of High-Level Specialists on the Future of Cohesion Policy presented its report, which assessed the functioning of Cohesion Policy and included recommendations on how to ensure the Policy continues to promote prosperity and convergence across the EU. These recommendations will add to the ongoing reflections and body of opinions from many stakeholders and […]
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