2022 was a difficult year, marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis. But there were also achievements at the European level that set the course for a 2023 that promises further progress along the history of the European Union. 1. Common Charger How many chargers do you have in your drawers? […]
Read More
Reducing Europe’s reliance on rare earths
A new approach to high-performance magnet manufacturing could make Europe less dependent on rare earth elements as it transitions towards a zero-carbon economy. Scientists supported by the EU-funded ExtendGlass project may have a found a new way to make the high-performance magnets we need for our low-carbon technologies. Described in a study published in the […]
Read More
Zero pollution: Improved quality and access to drinking water
On 12th January new requirements on the quality of and access to drinking water are becoming the norm across the European Union, with the revised Drinking Water Directive now transposed into national legislation. The new rules will ensure one of the highest standards in the world for drinking water, in line with the zero pollution ambition […]
Read More
On 2 January 2023, the law regulating the management system of the new CAP entered into force.
The Law is adapted to Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 which establishes rules for the implementation in the Member States of the management system of the new CAP. On 2 January 2023, Law 30/2022 of 23 December, which regulates the management system of the Common Agricultural Policy and other related matters, enters into force. It sets out […]
Read More
57% of the legislation approved in Spain during 2022 derives from European directives and decisions
During 2022, the third year of the 14th Spanish legislature, the Congress of Deputies and the Senate passed a total of 73 laws. Of these, 42 laws regulate aspects that respect the line set by the European Union institutions. In other words, 57% of the laws passed (including Organic Laws, Ordinary Laws and Royal Decrees […]
Read More
Sexual orientation cannot be a reason to refuse to conclude a contract with a self-employed worker
Judgment of the Court in Case C-356/21 The Directive on equal treatment in employment and occupation, which covers a wide range of occupational activities, establishes a general framework for combatting discrimination based, inter alia, on sexual orientation. Between 2010 and 2017, a self-employed worker prepared audiovisual material, trailers and features for the promotional programmes of […]
Read More
Call centres selling fake crypto taken down in Bulgaria, Serbia and Cyprus
Law enforcement and judicial authorities from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany and Serbia, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have teamed up against organised crime groups involved in online investment fraud. This criminal network, comprising a number of different criminal actors operating through call centres, lured victims into investing large amounts of money into fake cryptocurrency schemes. Europol […]
Read More
European Citizens’ Initiative: Commission decides to register a new initiative on safeguarding fundamental rights at the EU’s borders
Today, the Commission decided to register a European citizens’ initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Article 4: Stop torture and inhuman treatment at Europe’s borders’. The Initiative calls for a framework ensuring compliance with the prohibition of violence and inhuman and degrading treatments enshrined in Article 4 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights in relation to the EU […]
Read More
Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU condemns attacks on democracy in Brazil
The EU and its member states condemn firmly the shocking acts of political violence and express solidarity with Brazil’s President Lula. They support the measures adopted to restore order and respect for the rule of law, and welcome the ongoing efforts to investigate those responsible for the attacks. On Sunday 8 January, supporters of ex-president […]
Read More