The European Commission has adopted simpler rules for the EU’s agri-food promotion policy, reducing the administrative and financial requirements for beneficiaries and Member States. These changes will make it easier to implement the programmes and will benefit organisations applying for EU funding. Drawing on 10 years’ experience in managing these programmes, the amendment streamlines administrative […]
The new tariff for small parcels in e-commerce will improve fairness for EU businesses
The EU is scrapping an outdated customs duty exemption for e-commerce parcels worth less than €150. This measure will help ensure a level playing field for EU businesses and safe options for consumers, in response to the exponential rise in billions of low-value e-commerce goods entering the EU. Goods from third countries, purchased online and […]
The Commission presents a financial package for Montenegro’s accession to the EU
The European Commission has approved a financial package setting out the budgetary arrangements that will apply to Montenegro following its accession to the European Union. Montenegro is making progress in the accession process, and this proposal represents a significant step on its path towards integration into the Union, following the recent agreement reached by the […]
The EU’s first tripartite agreement to boost energy storage is signed
The European Commission has brought together several EU energy ministers, storage system developers and manufacturers, renewable energy developers, energy-consuming industries and financial institutions to sign the EU’s first tripartite agreementon energy storage. The signing took place today in Luxembourg, as part of the meeting of the Energy Council. The aim of this first tripartite agreement […]
Commissioner Kos visits Armenia to strengthen the EU’s partnership with Armenia
On Thursday and Friday, the Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, will be in Armenia to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Armenia and to boost regional connectivity. On Thursday, in Yerevan, Commissioner Kos will meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan. Discussions will focus on preparations for the upcoming EU-Armenia Summit, as […]
The Commission is launching a call for contributions to a specific review of European water legislation
The aim is to promote the circular economy and access to critical raw materials in the EU, whilst protecting the environment and human health. The European Commission has launched a four-week public consultation to gather information to inform a review and targeted amendment of the Water Framework Directive(WFD), the EU’s main piece of legislation for […]
New EU rules to stop the destruction of unsold clothes and shoes
The European Commission adopted last February 9 new measures under the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to prevent the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing, accessories and footwear. The rules will help cut waste, reduce environmental damage and create a level playing field for companies embracing sustainable business models, allowing them to reap the benefits […]
EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement enters into force
On 1 February, the EU-Singapore Digital Trade Agreement entered into force. This is the EU’s first independent bilateral agreement on digital trade, marking an important step in the growing network of EU digital trade agreements and digital trade chapters in its free trade agreements. The Digital Trade Agreement strengthens trade between the EU and Singapore […]
Faster and safer instant euro payments become a reality
From today, sending money across the euro area will be faster and safer than ever. Thanks to new EU rules on instant payments, people and businesses can now transfer money in euro within seconds, anytime – day or night, weekdays or weekends – whether within their own country or across the euro area. Since January 2025, payment service […]