Ministers are holding a series of meetings in parliamentary committees to present the priorities of the Spanish Presidency of the Council. Committee on Culture and Education On 7 September, acting Minister for Education and Vocational Training Pilar Alegría said the presidency will focus on educational responses to support Ukraine, ambitious implementation of the European Education […]
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New EU rules for financial services contracts
The Council has adopted a directive concerning financial services contracts concluded at a distance. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. The text adopted simplifies existing legislation, increases consumer protection, and creates a level playing field for financial services concluded online, via telephone or through other forms of remote marketing. Today we adapt EU rules […]
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European Central Bank moves to the next stage of the digital euro project
The Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to move to the next phase of the digital euro project: the preparation phase. This decision follows the completion of the investigation phase launched by the Eurosystem in October 2021 to explore possible design and distribution models for a digital euro. Based on the findings […]
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The European Union will extend geographical indications to artisanal and industrial products
The Council has adopted a regulation on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. Once this regulation comes into force, the geographical indications (GI) of industrial products linked to the geographical area of production (such as Albacete cutlery, Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain) will enjoy similar […]
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Competitive EU agri-food sector achieves high level of diversification in trade
The EU’s high level of trade diversification, showcased in a European Commission report published today, supports a competitive and resilient EU agri-food sector. Trading key commodities, such as food, with a wide array of partners minimises supply chain risks and vulnerabilities. In the case of agrifood products, it strengthens resilience by not creating unnecessary dependencies […]
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Commission launches investigation on subsidised electric cars from China
The European Commission has formally launched today an anti-subsidy investigation into the imports of battery electric vehicles (BEV) from China. The investigation will first determine whether BEV value chains in China benefit from illegal subsidisation and whether this subsidisation causes or threatens to cause economic injury to EU BEV producers. Should both prove true, the […]
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MEPs want to tackle inconsistent rules for airline carry-on luggage
In a resolution on uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage, MEPs argue that consistent EU rules on sizing and pricing are needed. The text, adopted with a show hands, highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage. EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to […]
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The European Commission recommends carrying out a risk assessment of 4 critical technology areas: advanced semiconductors, AI, quantum and biotechnologies
The Commission adopted a Recommendation on critical technology areas for the EU’s economic security, for further risk assessment with Member States. This Recommendation stems from the Joint Communication on a European Economic Security Strategy that put in place a comprehensive strategic approach to economic security in the EU. This Recommendation relates to the assessment of one of […]
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Commission endorses Spain’s €163 billion modified recovery and resilience plan
The Commission has given a positive assessment of Spain’s modified recovery and resilience plan, which includes a REPowerEU chapter. The plan is now worth €163 billion (€83 billion in loans and €80 billion in grants) and covers 111 reforms and 142 investments. Spain’s REPowerEU chapter consists of a new reform, a scaled-up investment drawing on three existing measures, and seven new investments to deliver […]
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