With the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan presented last Decemeber 16, the Commission addresses one of the most pressing needs of European citizens: access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing. With an average increase of house prices by more than 60%, and of rents by more than 20% in the past ten years, millions of Europeans are […]
Critical medicines: new measures to strengthen security of supply
On Monday evening, Parliament’s public health committee adopted its proposals to enhance the availability of key medicines in the EU. The draft bill, adopted with 27 votes in favour, one against and eight abstentions, aims to ensure a high level of public health protection for EU citizens by reducing the EU’s dependency on third countries […]
EU introduces customs duties on low-value e-commerce packages
The Commission welcomed last December 12’s decision by EU Member States to introduce a €3 customs duty per item on e-commerce parcels valued below €150, starting in July 2026. The new duty will help protect the competitiveness of European businesses by levelling the playing field between e-commerce and traditional retail. Given the rapid increase in e-commerce goods being imported into the EU, the Commission and Member States have together acknowledged the need for an urgent […]
Commission sets out roadmap for future-proof quality jobs in a competitive EU
Last December 4, the European Commission presented the Quality Jobs Roadmap, a strong commitment to improving job quality and creating high-quality and future-proof jobs in Europe. The Commission also launched a first-stage consultation on the forthcoming Quality Jobs Act, a new legislative proposal to ensure workers’ rights while keeping up with technological, economic and societal changes. Adequate wages and […]
Commission proposes EU Agenda for Cities to shape Europe’s urban future
On Wednesday 3rd, the European Commission unveiled the EU Agenda for Cities, reinforcing urban development policy and fortifying the role of cities in Europe’s future growth and development. The EU Agenda for Cities offers a strategic vision to empower cities in tackling local challenges contributing to meeting broader EU goals. It provides a unified framework […]
European Union and Singapore discuss reinforcing digital cooperation
Last December 1, the EU and Singapore held their second Digital Partnership Council meeting in Brussels, reiterating their intention to cooperate across a range of digital areas from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to cybersecurity and beyond. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to enhance mutual competitiveness, foster innovation and shape digital rules and standards. Today’s Digital Partnership Council, co-chaired […]
Commission launches Skills Guarantee to support workers in transition
Last November 27, the European Commission has launched a new scheme – the Skills Guarantee – to support workers and businesses and tackle labour shortages in strategic and growing sectors. A flagship initiative under the Union of Skills, the Skills Guarantee will reinforce strategic sectors in line with the future European Competitiveness Fund. Ιt will enable workers […]
Commission presents new Bioeconomy Strategy
Last November 27, the Commission adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, charting a way forward to build a clean, competitive and resilient European economy. By using renewable biological resources from land and sea and providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the EU will move forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy […]
EU investigates Google for possible DMA breach in demoting media content
Last November 13, the European Commission has formally launched proceedings to assess whether Google applies fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory conditions of access to publishers’ websites on Google Search, which is an obligation under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Commission’s monitoring work has shown indications that Google, based on its ‘site reputation abuse policy’, is […]