The Council formally adopted new rules on protecting workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. This directive updates the existing rules in line with the latest scientific and technological developments. The updated rules significantly lower the current asbestos limits and provide for more accurate ways to measure exposure levels to asbestos […]
Read MoreNew measures to simplify the resolution of disputes out of court and boost consumer rights
Last Tuesday 17th October, the Commission has proposed to modernise and simplify rules on out-of-court dispute resolution to adapt them to digital markets. This proposal will expand the range of issues that can be resolved through the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Directive out-of-court, including matters related to misleading advertising, access to services and unjustified geoblocking. To […]
Read MoreThe European Commission has adopted its work programme for 2024
The Commission adopted its 2024 Work Programme, which puts a strong focus on simplifying rules for citizens and businesses across the European Union. This follows up on President von der Leyen’s commitment to reduce reporting requirements by 25%, in line with our strategy to boost the EU’s long-term competitiveness and to provide relief for SMEs. The Work Programme […]
Read MoreEuropean Commission sets out instruments to manage demographic change in the European Union
The Commission has adopted a Communication presenting a set of policy tools available to Member States for managing demographic change and its impacts on the EU’s society and economy, including its global competitiveness. The Communication outlines the wide range of tools (including regulatory instruments, policy frameworks and funding) available to Member States to do so. […]
Read MoreThe European Commission announces an urgent review of its financial assistance for Palestine
The Commission unequivocally condemns the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against Israel over the weekend. Following these events, the Commission has announced that it is launching an urgent review of the EU’s assistance for Palestine. In addition to the existing safeguards, the objective of this review is to ensure that no EU funding indirectly […]
Read MoreWhich regions have the most highly-skilled employed people?
Highly-skilled workers are essential to modern economies, driving innovation, productivity and growth. Employed people with high-skills are defined as people aged 25–64 who are employed in the following occupations: managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals. In 2022, there were approximately 80 million highly-skilled people employed across the EU, accounting for 44.2% of the total number […]
Read MoreMEPs want to tackle inconsistent rules for airline carry-on luggage
In a resolution on uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage, MEPs argue that consistent EU rules on sizing and pricing are needed. The text, adopted with a show hands, highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage. EU legislation on air passenger rights should be revised to […]
Read MoreAt what age are we happiest? CORDIS answers
Happiness evolves as we age and experience different things. For some, happiness levels fluctuate considerably, but they generally follow some kind of patterns over the course of a lifetime. We derive greater satisfaction and meaning from relationships and careers as we make our way to old age. With all these ups and downs, and highs […]
Read MoreSharing the load: who invests more time and energy in childcare?
Between women and men in the EU, there’s a greater balance of childcare. But there isn’t when it comes to the type of task according to EIGE’s latest evidence. The distribution of unpaid childcare between women and men is moving in the right direction. EIGE’s evidence from a 2022 survey on gender gaps in unpaid care, individual […]
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