First estimates of agricultural price indices for 2023 indicate a shift from the sharp price increases that characterised 2021 and 2022. In 2023, the average price of agricultural goods as a whole (output) in the EU increased by 2% compared to the previous year, while the average price of goods and services currently consumed in agriculture (inputs) […]
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New rules for digital labelling of EU fertilising products
The Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional deal on the regulation for digital labelling of fertilising products. This proposal, which amends the currently applicable legislation, aims to introduce the possibility to opt for digital label on EU fertilising products, to improve the readability of labels, leading to a more efficient use of fertilising […]
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Drinking water to become safer thanks to new EU-wide hygiene standards for materials and products in contact with water
The Commission adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. They will apply as of 31 December 2026 to materials and products used in new installations, or when older installations are renovated or repaired. These standards will prevent microbial growth and reduce the risk of harmful substances […]
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EU member states’ representatives confirm agreement on European media freedom act
Member states’ EU ambassadors endorsed the provisional agreement reached on 15 December 2023 between the Council and the European Parliament’s negotiators on a new law to establish a common framework for media services in the EU internal market and to safeguard media freedom, media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) […]
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Spanish group Ralphie Choo, winner of the “Music Moves Europe” Awards
Five promising European bands won the Music Moves Europe Awards 2024 at the Eurosonic festival in Groningen (The Netherlands). Selected from fifteen nominees by an expert jury, Ralphie Choo (Spain), Yunè Pinku (Ireland), Bulgarian Cartrader (Bulgaria), Giift (Denmark) and freekind (Slovenia) topped the 2024 edition, which also marked the 20th anniversary of the awards. Moreover, […]
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Israel-Hamas war: MEPs call for a permanent ceasefire under two conditions
MEPs demand that all hostages are immediately and unconditionally released and the terrorist organisation Hamas is dismantled. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, MEPs express their deepest sorrow over the innocent victims on both sides. They call for a permanent ceasefire and to restart efforts towards a political solution provided that all hostages are immediately […]
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Hungary: European Parliament warns of threat to EU values, institutions and funds
Parliament condemns the deliberate, continuous and systematic efforts of the Hungarian government to undermine the EU’s founding values. In a resolution adopted on Thursday with 345 votes for, 104 against and 29 abstentions, MEPs express strong concern about the further erosion of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights in Hungary, in particular through the recently […]
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Deal on new stricter anti money laundering rules
The Council and Parliament found a provisional agreement on parts of the anti-money laundering package that aims to protect EU citizens and the EU’s financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing. With the new package, all rules applying to the private sector will be transferred to a new regulation, while the directive will deal […]
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Agreement on lower CO2 emissions from trucks, buses and trailers
The Council and the European Parliament’s negotiators reached a provisional political agreement on CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs). The aim is to further reduce CO2 emissions in the road transport sector and to introduce new targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040. The new rules will contribute to fulfilling the EU’s 2030 climate ambitions and reaching climate neutrality by […]
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