EU law precludes the regime in force in Poland which permits the Minister for Justice to second judges to higher criminal courts; secondments which that minister – who is also the Public Prosecutor General – may terminate at any time without stating reasons The requirement that judges be independent means that the rules relating to […]
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A strong EU Asylum Agency to support asylum systems in the member states
The new EU Asylum Agency will have enhanced operational and technical powers to facilitate cooperation among member states and contribute to converging asylum standards. The legislation endorsed on Thursday by the European Parliament upgrades the existing mandate of the EU Asylum Support Office (EASO), which has been operational since 2011 and is based in Valletta, Malta. […]
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Agreement on EU Annual Budget 2022
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union, on a proposal from the European Commission, have reached an informal political agreement on the EU budget for 2022, the second under the 2021-2027 EU multiannual financial framework. The agreement is for commitments of €169.5 billion, and payments of €170.6 billion. Once adopted, the budget […]
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Spain and its Digital Economy and Society Index 2021
On November 12, the Commission published the results of the 2021 edition of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), which tracks the progress made by EU Member States in digital competitiveness in the areas of human capital, broadband connectivity, the integration of digital technologies by businesses and digital public services. Spain ranks ninth among […]
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October infringements package: decision for Spain
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses. The decision adopted by […]
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EUROPEAN AGENDA : ECONOMY Nº4
European institutions and agencies are acting decisively to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus crisis in the European Union. Below we highlight what the European institutions have been working on so far: Forthcoming meetings Institutions Meetings Date European Council 06.12.2021 Eurogroup European Council 18.11.21 General Affarirs Council [toc] Significant events in this agenda are […]
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CJEU prevents AC Milan from registering its crest as an international trademark
The General Court confirms that the sign representing the crest of the football club AC Milan cannot be registered internationally as a trade mark designating the Union for stationery and office supplies The high degree of aural similarity and average visual similarity of that sign with the earlier German word mark MILAN gives rise […]
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Not Yet on Track: Climate Threat Demands More Ambitious Global Action
New IMF analysis shows gaps in ambition and policy needed to achieve emissions curbs that contain global warming. In 1785, Robert Burns reflected on how humanity has come to dominate our planet: “I’m truly sorry man’s dominion, has broken nature’s social union,” he wrote. The Scottish poet’s words still ring true two centuries later. Man-made climate […]
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¿What is the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin)?
The Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) is responsible for EU policy in three main areas: economic policy, taxation issues and the regulation of financial services. How does Ecofin work? The Ecofin Council is made up of the economic and finance ministers from all member states. Relevant European Commissioners also participate in meetings. There are […]
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