The Council adopted a law to protect persons who speak out on matters of public interest against abusive lawsuits meant to silence them. Persons targeted by so called strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), typically journalists and human rights defenders, will benefit from a number of procedural safeguards and measures. These safeguards and measures will […]
Council and Parliament reach political agreement to criminalise violation of EU sanctions
The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament concluded their negotiations for an EU law which introduces criminal offences and penalties for the violation of EU sanctions. This directive ensures that those who violate or circumvent EU sanctions will be prosecuted. This gains particular importance in the context of the Russian war of […]
Council and EU Parliament reach provisional agreement on EU law protecting journalists and human rights defenders
The EU has taken an important step towards the protection of journalists and human rights defenders against unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings. The Spanish presidency of the Council and the European Parliament reached a political deal on a directive which would protect these individuals from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs). The use of […]
CJEU declares the December 2019 reform of the Polish judicial system illegal.
Following the adoption, by Poland, on 20 December 2019, of a law amending the national rules relating to the organisation of the ordinary courts, the administrative courts and the Supreme Court (‘the amending law’), the European Commission brought an action for failure to fulfil obligations, asking the Court of Justice to declare that the regime […]
The enforcement of EU law is a top priority for the European Commission
EU law has a real impact on the everyday life of Europeans. This is why enforcement of EU law is a top priority for the Commission. The European Commission adopted a Communication on the enforcement of EU law, setting out its work to ensure that EU law is complied with and citizens and businesses can […]
Cutting EU greenhouse gas emissions: targets 2030
The Effort Sharing Regulation sets national targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions to help the EU reach net zero emissions by 2050. To help fight climate change, the EU has set ambitious targets to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The EU wants to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and this target, along with an interim target of […]
Commission urges Member States to transpose EU copyright rules into national law
Last Thursday, the Commission has decided to send reasoned opinions to Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia and Finland over their failure to notify the Commission of transposition measures on copyright and related rights applicable to certain online transmissions (EU Directive 2019/789). The Commission has also today sent reasoned opinions to Belgium, […]