In 2022, the value of trade (imports plus exports) of agricultural products between the EU and the rest of the world reached €424.7 billion, €77.5 billion more than in 2021 (€347.2 billion). The EU exported €229.1 billion worth of agricultural products and imported €195.6 billion, generating a surplus of €33.5 billion. Between 2002 and 2022, EU trade in agricultural products […]
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ECB raises interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point
The inflation outlook continues to be too high for too long. In light of the ongoing high inflation pressures, the Governing Council decided to raise the three key ECB interest rates by 25 basis points. Overall, the incoming information broadly supports the assessment of the medium-term inflation outlook that the Governing Council formed at its […]
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Council and European Parliament agree to protect geographical indications for artisanal and industrial products
The Council and the European Parliament reached today a provisional deal on the regulation for geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. Once this regulation is finally approved, geographical indications (GIs), which up to now were used mainly for foods and beverages, will be enlarged to industrial products whose qualities are essentially linked to the […]
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EIF and BBVA sign €200M guarantee agreement to support start-up companies
The European Investment Fund (EIF) and BBVA are set to make it easier for startups with innovative and sustainable value propositions to get access to financing. The two institutions have concluded an agreement under the InvestEU guarantee programme whereby the EIF will grant a €200 million guarantee to enable BBVA Spark (BBVA’s specialised startup initiative) […]
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Eurogroup: Ministers discuss progress on the banking union
Main results Banking union and banking sector developments Macroeconomic and financial developments The Eurogroup took stock of macroeconomic and financial stability developments. The Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) updated ministers on the macroeconomic and financial situation. The chair of the ECB Supervisory Board, Andrea Enria, and the chair of the Single Resolution Board, Dominique […]
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Commission and EIB announce €18M to boost investment in climate actions
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank have announced €18 billion in funding under Global Gateway, Europe’s investment strategy for partner countries. It will stimulate investment in Global Gateway priority areas (climate action, clean energy and connectivity) in European partner countries around the world. In particular, these projects will work to address the global […]
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European Parliament proposes stricter rules to stamp out fast fashion
MEPs on the Environment Committee today approved their recommendations for the EU to adopt measures to ensure circular, sustainable and socially just textile production. MEPs say textile products sold in the EU should be more durable, easier to reuse, repair and recycle, made to a great extent of recycled fibres, and free of hazardous substances. […]
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Commission proposes new economic governance rules fit for the future
The Commission has presented legislative proposals to implement the most comprehensive reform of the EU’s economic governance rules since the aftermath of the economic and financial crisis. The central objective of these proposals is to strengthen public debt sustainability and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in all Member States through reforms and investment. The proposals address shortcomings in the […]
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European Council adopts legislation making products safer for European consumers
The Council adopted the General Product Safety Regulation, which strengthens safety standards for products sold both online and face-to-face. The rules will strengthen market surveillance of unsafe products and the rights of consumers who have been sold an unsafe product. The adopted Regulation reinforces product safety and consumer protection, and facilitates the repair, return or […]
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