The Council adopted this week a decision on the conclusion of the Strategic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and its member states and Japan. The decision facilitates, on the EU side, the entry into force of the agreement as soon as the parties have completed their internal procedures and have notified their counterparts. […]
Read MoreEurostat: Online purchases: printed books preferred to ebooks
The share of the EU residents purchasing printed books, magazines or newspapers online remained significantly larger than that for e-books, online magazines or online newspapers in 2023. In 2023, at the EU level, 13.4% of the residents had purchased printed books online in the previous 3 months. This was a slight increase from 2022 (12.7%) but still […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission initiates second formal procedure against TikTok under the Digital Services Act
Today, the Commission has opened a second formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Today’s opening is to assess whether the company may have breached the DSA when launching TikTok Lite in France and Spain. Under the DSA, designated Very Large Online Platforms are obliged to submit a risk assessment report, including measures to […]
Read MoreEIB and Andalusia Region sign €215 million loan for financing education, energy transition, health, sustainable transport and digitalisation projects
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €215 million loan agreement with the regional government of Andalusia to co-finance social, green and digital investment in the Spanish region. The EIB loan and co-financing from the regional government of Andalusia will go towards projects that contribute to the dual green and digital transitions and to social […]
Read MoreAdditional obligations for Very Large Online Platforms kick in for Pornhub, Stripchat and XVideos under the DSA
As of next week, adult entertainment platforms Pornhub, Stripchat and Xvideos will have to comply with the most stringent obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These specific obligations include submitting risk assessment reports to the Commission, putting in place mitigation measures to address systemic risks linked to the provision of their services, complying with […]
Read MoreEuropa Nostra publishes list of Europe’s 7 most endangered monuments and heritage sites
Europa Nostra announced the list of the 7 most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2024. On 17 April Europa Nostra announced the list of the 7 most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2024. The 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe for 2024: Working-class Housing (courées) in Roubaix-Tourcoing, France […]
Read MoreLobbying lawmakers: EU audit reveals transparency blind spots
Lobbying EU lawmakers can still slip under the radar, according to a report by the European Court of Auditors. The EU transparency register, which provides information on who lobbies the Commission, Parliament, and Council, has positive features and informs citizens about the potential influence of lobbyists. However, it suffers from weaknesses and information gaps that make […]
Read MoreEU sanctions extremist settlers for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians
The Council decided to list four persons and two entities under the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime. The listed individuals and entities are responsible for serious human rights abuses against Palestinians, including torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and for the violation of right to property and to private and family life of Palestinians […]
Read MoreEU announces €3.5 billion commitments to protect oceans and promote sustainability
At the last Our Ocean Conference in Greece, the European Union confirmed its strong commitment to international ocean governance by announcing 40 commitments for action by 2024. These actions will be financed with €3.5 billion from various EU funds. They represent the largest amount ever announced by the EU since the inception of the “Our […]
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