As required by the Treaties, the members of the European Commission for the 2024-2029 term, led by President von der Leyen, gave yesterday a solemn undertaking before the European Court of Justice, committing to respect and guard the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The College was welcomed by the Court, […]
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Your opinion counts! Participate in the consultation on the zero net emissions industry law
The Commission has opened a series of calls for public information on four draft pieces of secondary legislation to implement the Zero Net Emissions Industry Act, which aims to boost the competitiveness of the clean technology sector across Europe. The three delegated acts and one implementing act will help companies and public authorities to […]
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Council extends economic restrictive measures against Russia for another six months
The Council today extended EU restrictive measures for a further six months, until 31 July 2025, in the light of continued actions by the Russian Federation destabilising the situation in Ukraine. These economic measures, which were first adopted in 2014, have been significantly extended since February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified and […]
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Georgia: Council suspends visa-free travel for diplomats and officials
Today, the Council decided to suspend parts of the EU-Georgia visa facilitation agreement. This may lead to Georgian diplomats and officials having to apply for visa when travelling to the EU. “Fundamental rights and democratic values are core principles of EU integration. Officials that represent a country which trample down these values should not […]
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Petitions Committee: activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism in response to the floods in Valencia among other issues
During Monday’s session, the Petitions Committee discussed four Spanish petitions on alleged non-compliance with the EU regulation concerning restrictive measures in view of the situation in Venezuela. Under the regulation, individuals linked to human rights violations face travel bans within the EU. All the petitions concern the presence of Delcy Rodríguez Gómez, who is […]
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30 arrested in crackdown on Chinese human trafficking ring in Spain and Croatia
On 17 December, law enforcement conducted raids at 14 properties across Barcelona (4), Madrid (9), and Toledo (1) in Spain, and one property in Zagreb in Croatia. These operations resulted in 30 arrests, among which were the leaders of the criminal network. In addition, EUR 180 000 in cash was also seized, alongside weapons, 70 […]
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Polish fugitive arrested in the Netherlands thanks to a tip received via EU Most Wanted website
One of Europe’s most wanted fugitives has been arrested in the Netherlands following a direct tip submitted via the EU Most Wanted website. The 30-year-old man was apprehended on 22 January in Etten-Leur, the Netherlands, by the Dutch FAST (Fugitive Active Search Team), working closely with FAST Poland. The fugitive was wanted in connection […]
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Tomorrow Parliament commemorates 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz
Tomorrow, 29 January, the European Parliament will commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Holocaust with a speech by Corrie Hermann. EP President Roberta Metsola will open the formal sitting for the International Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January) on Wednesday at 12 noon. Her speech will be followed by a […]
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Commission approves International Paper’s acquisition of DS Smith subject to conditions*
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of DS Smith Plc (‘DS Smith’)by International Paper Company (‘InternationalPaper’). The approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by the parties. The Commission’s investigation International Paper and DS Smith are two vertically integrated paper and packaging companies. The Commission’s […]
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