The Belgian Presidency presented its work programme for the first semester of the year in the field of economic and financial affairs. The Presidency will focus on finalising the Union’s economic governance review, on continued financial support to Ukraine, and on legislation governing the Banking Union and the Capital Markets Union. Moreover, the Presidency will work on […]
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The European Parliament on Tuesday approved new measures to minimise emissions of several greenhouse gases
With 457 votes in favour, 92 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs endorsed a deal reached with the Council to further cut emissions from fluorinated gases. The text foresees a total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050, including a trajectory to reduce the EU consumption quota between 2024-2049. It introduces strict requirements that prohibit placing on the […]
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EU tourism sector eclipses pre-pandemic figures by 2023
In 2023, EU tourism continued to show signs of rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic. The estimated number of nights spent at tourist accommodation establishments in 2023 reached 2.92 billion, exceeding the pre-pandemic level for 2019 (2.87 billion) by 1.6% and setting a record year for the EU accommodation sector. In 2023, 171 million more nights were spent compared with 2022 […]
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Music streaming sector: EU must ensure just pay for artists and fair algorithms
On Wednesday, the European Parliament called for EU rules to ensure the music streaming sector is fair and sustainable, and to promote cultural diversity. In a resolution adopted by 532 votes to 61 and 33 abstentions, MEPs ask for the imbalance in revenue allocation from the music streaming market to be addressed, as it currently […]
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Commission accepts commitments by Renfe opening up competition in online rail ticketing in Spain
The European Commission has made commitments by Renfe legally binding under EU antitrust rules. The commitments address the Commission’s preliminary competition concerns relating to Renfe’s refusal to supply all its content and real-time data related to its passenger rail transport services to rival ticketing platforms. The Commission’s preliminary concerns Renfe, the Spanish state-owned rail incumbent operator, competes […]
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Violence against women: the Court clarifies the conditions for qualifying for international protection
Women, as a whole, may be regarded as belonging to a social group, within the meaning of Directive 2011/95, and qualify for refugee status if the conditions laid down by that directive are satisfied. This will be the case where, in their country of origin, they are exposed, on account of their gender, to physical […]
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Three European companies to help clean up our oceans from microplastics with help from space
Each of the CASSINI Prize for digital space applications winning applications leverages data and services from the EU Space Programme to detect, monitor and remove plastics and other litter from our oceans, waterways, beaches and coastal areas. CASSINI is the European Commission’s initiative to support entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs developing innovative applications and services that […]
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Stopping greenwashing: how the EU regulates green claims
The EU aims to put an end to greenwashing, when companies claim to be greener than they are, and provide more information to consumers on the durability of products they buy. In order to better protect consumers’ rights, promote environmentally-friendly decisions and create a circular economy that reuses and recycles materials, the European Parliament is […]
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Commission opens participation to Critical Medicines Alliance
The European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) launched an open call for expression of interest to join the Critical Medicines Alliance. The set up of the Alliance is one of the key actions to prevent and address shortages of critical medicines announced by the Commission in October 2023. The Alliance will bring together all relevant stakeholders, […]
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