On Thursday, the European Parliament adopted three resolutions on the respect for human rights in Ukraine, Uganda and Tanzania, and Nicaragua. Forced deportation of Ukrainian civilians to, and the forced adoption of Ukrainian children in, Russia Parliament strongly condemns the reported atrocities committed by the Russian Armed Forces, their proxies, and the various occupation authorities […]
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Fundamental rights in the EU: long-standing problems exacerbated by COVID-19
Parliament’s latest assessment of the state of fundamental rights in the EU identifies numerous concerns and demands member states act in defence of European values. On Thursday, MEPs assessed the state of fundamental values in the EU in 2020 – 2021, identifying areas of concern and proposing ways to protect freedom, equality and the rule […]
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SOTEU 2022: New EU cybersecurity rules ensure more secure hardware and software products
The Commission has presented a proposal for a new Cyber Resilience Act to protect consumers and businesses from products with inadequate security features. A first ever EU-wide legislation of its kind, it introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, throughout their whole lifecycle. The Act, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen in September 2021 […]
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International Democracy Day: Commission launches Youth Participation Cohort to promote democracy worldwide
Marking the International Day of Democracy and the European Year of Youth, the European Commission launched yesterday the Youth Political and Civic Engagement Cohort to support young people in promoting democracy locally and globally. The European Commission is one of the co-leaders of the Cohort along with the governments of Nepal and Ghana, the European […]
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SOTEU 2022: Commission moves to ban products made with forced labour on the EU market
The Commission has proposed to prohibit products made with forced labour on the EU market. The proposal covers all products, namely those made in the EU for domestic consumption and exports, and imported goods, without targeting specific companies or industries. This comprehensive approach is important because an estimated 27.6 million people are in forced labour, […]
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Parliament adopts new rules on adequate minimum wages for all workers in the EU
The minimum wage should ensure a decent standard of living EU rules to respect national wage-setting practices Collective bargaining to be strengthened in countries where it covers fewer than 80% of workers Right to redress for workers, their representatives and trade union members if rules are violated Minimum wages in all EU countries should allow […]
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General Court upholds million-dollar fine against Google for unfair competition with Android
The General Court largely upholds the Commission’s decision which found that Google had imposed unlawful restrictions on Android mobile device manufacturers and mobile network operators for the purpose of strengthening the dominant position of its search engine. In order to better assess the gravity and duration of the infringement, the General Court reduces Google’s fine […]
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SOTEU 2022: Commission proposes emergency market intervention to reduce bills for Europeans
The Commission is proposing an emergency intervention in Europe’s energy markets to tackle recent dramatic price rises. The EU is confronted with the effects of a severe mismatch between energy demand and supply, due largely to the continued weaponisation by Russia of its energy resources. To ease the increased pressure this puts on European households […]
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New rules for companies to help limit global deforestation
To fight global climate change and biodiversity loss, Parliament demands companies ensure that products sold in the EU do not come from deforested or degraded land. Plenary adopted its position on the Commission proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products with 453 votes to 57 and 123 abstentions. The new law would make it obligatory […]
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