WTO reform and preparations for the 12th WTO ministerial conference Ministers discussed preparations for the 12th World Trade Organization ministerial conference (CM12), which will take place in Geneva from 12 to 15 June 2022 against the backdrop of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers expressed broad support for the Commission’s suggested line of action for the 12th ministerial conference, in particular […]
The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and its reform in brief
The EU’s emissions trading system (ETS) aims to reduce the industry’s carbon emissions. Discover how it works and why a reform is needed. What is the EU’s emissions trading system all about? Although the EU is the world’s third largest CO2 emitter, it also pursues the most ambitious climate target: to cut emissions substantially by […]
Metsola on Ukraine: We need to disentangle ourselves from Russian energy
Roberta Metsola called on EU leaders to commit to long-term engagement when it comes to Ukraine, including securing energy independence for the EU. The Parliament President was speaking at the beginning of a European summit on 30 May dedicated to discussing the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Although public opinion is currently in favour […]
Stronger rules for placing medical tests on the market
As of tomorrow, new rules on in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDR) such as HIV tests, pregnancy tests or COVID-19 tests, will be applicable. The rules will better protect public health and patient safety in respect to these devices, bringing EU law in line with technological advances and progress in medical science. By aligning market […]
Commission establishes the EU Energy Platform Task Force to secure alternative supplies
On 25th May, the Commission had set up a new Task Force within its Directorate-General for Energy, to provide support to the EU Energy Platform and implement the REPowerEU goal of supply diversification. Following a mandate from the European Council in March 2022, the Commission and Member States have established the EU Energy Platform to […]
European Defence Fund: €1 billion to boost the EU’s defence capabilities
The Commission has announced the adoption of the second annual work programme of the European Defence Fund (EDF). The EDF 2022 work programme will allocate up to a total of €924 million in funding. One week after the Joint Communication on Defence investment gaps, the Commission unlocks new funding to invest together and better in strategic defence capabilities. Additionally, the […]
MEPs to visit tech companies in Silicon Valley, US
A delegation from the Internal Market Committee will travel to Silicon Valley to meet with leading tech companies including Google, Meta, Apple, Airbnb, eBay, Paypal and Uber. From 23 to 27 May, an Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee delegation will go to the Silicon Valley, where MEPs will meet with tech companies, local authorities […]
Council agrees to strengthen EU cyberspace
The last Monday, the Council approved Lconclusions on developing the Union’s cyber posture. The posture aims to demonstrate the EU’s determination to provide immediate and long-term responses to threat actors seeking to deny the EU a secure and open access to cyberspace and affect its strategic interests, including the security of its partners. Cybersecurity initiatives […]
EU guidelines on tax policy
In its 2022 European Semester spring package, the European Commission has provided Member States with support and guidance on tax policy. Fiscal policy guidance The activation of the general escape clause of the Stability and Growth Pact in March 2020 allowed Member States to react swiftly and adopt emergency measures to mitigate the economic and […]