New product liability rules have entered into force, reflecting the increasing digital features of products and the growing circular economy. The EU’s product liability regime was established in 1985 to compensate those who have suffered physical injury or property damage due to a defective product. Since then, technological developments, new circular economy business models and ever-more […]
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Zero Pollution: New EU rules enter into force for cleaner air by 2030
The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive entered into force on Tuesday (10 Dec), aligning 2030 EU air quality standards more closely with World Health Organization recommendations. It is an important step toward better protecting Europeans’ health and moving forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050. The revised Directive comes with a […]
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Creative sectors: ELA study reveals precarious working conditions and undeclared labour
A new study by the European Labour Authority (ELA) highlights the precarious conditions faced by the 7.7 million workers in the cultural and creative industries in the EU, accounting for 3.8% of the total workforce. Reliance on self-employment and temporary contracts leaves many without essential protection like health insurance and pensions. Widespread undeclared work, compounded by cash […]
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Biorefinery advances waste treatment in Zaragoza
In October 2024, the EU-funded CIRCULAR BIOCARBON project inaugurated its flagship biorefinery in Zaragoza. The biorefinery will be used to transform sewage sludge and the organic fraction of urban solid waste, such as food residues and garden waste, into high added value products such as biopolymers, biofertilisers and green graphene. Biodegradable waste is a key […]
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Geographical indications for craft and industrial products
00As of December 2025, craft and industrial products will fully benefit from an EU-wide Geographical indications (GIs) protection under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411. Geographical indications are an intellectual property protection that links specific products, which are European, local, and authentic, to their geographical origin, ensuring that these products possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are inherently […]
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EU and Africa strengthen cooperation on digital transformation
The European Commission and Smart Africa took a further step in supporting the digital transformation of the African continent together. The Commission Services and Smart Africa signed an Administrative Arrangement to enhance cooperation and support a human-centric digital transformation of Africa. The partnership was formalised during a high-level roundtable discussion with European and African government […]
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Commission and EIB announce new partnership to support investments in the European battery manufacturing value chain
Today, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are announcing a new partnership to support investments in the EU’s battery manufacturing sector. This partnership will see a €200 million top-up (loan guarantee) to the InvestEU programme from the EU Innovation Fund. It comes in addition to €1 billion in grants to support electric vehicle battery […]
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Commission approves Industry-Academia Network to improve our cybersecurity
The Commission yesterday launched a call for expressions of interest to join the new Industry-Academia Network in the framework of the European e-Skills Academy. This innovative network aims to strengthen links between industry and academia to improve cybersecurity skills and prepare the skilled cybersecurity workforce for the rapidly evolving demands of industry. Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President […]
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Cardiovascular health: Council calls for more robust efforts to help prevent cardiovascular diseases
The Council is calling for more robust efforts to help prevent cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in the European Union. In conclusions approved today, the Council puts forward a series of measures aimed at improving cardiovascular health in the EU, focusing specifically on prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation. “Cardiovascular diseases […]
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