Last June 25, the European Commission has proposed the EU Space Act, a new set of ambitious measures to make Europe’s space sector cleaner, safer and more competitive in Europe and its export markets. Europe’s space rules are currently fragmented, with many different national approaches. This patchwork holds back innovation, reduces the European market share and creates extra costs. A clear and harmonised framework at European level will ensure safety, resilience, and environmental […]
New chapter in the cooperation between Europe and Canada
The European Union and Canada have concluded a Security and Defence Partnership and launched cooperation initiatives in industrial policy and digital trade during a bilateral summit held yesterday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney in Brussels, days after he hosted the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. With the new […]
Commission restricts Chinese participation in medical devices procurement
The European Commission decided to exclude Chinese companies from EU government purchases of medical devices exceeding €5 million. This measure follows the conclusions of the first investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI), and allows no more than 50% of inputs from China for successful bids. This response is proportionate to China’s barriers, while ensuring that all the necessary medical devices […]
Europe’s bathing waters safe for summer swimming
From Europe’s coastal waters to its inland bathing sites, a large majority of Europe’s waters are safe to swim in, according to the latest European bathing water assessment for the 2024 bathing season, published today. It found that over 85% of monitored locations met the European Union’s most stringent ‘excellent’ bathing water quality standards last […]
Commission refers Spain to CJEU for failure to comply with labor standards
The European Commission has decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fully transpose the Directive on transparent and predictable working conditions (Directive 2019/1152) into national law. EU rules require, for example, that workers receive timely and complete information on key aspects of their employment, such as […]
CETA evaluation shows strong economic and social benefits
A study published last June 16 has found the EU and Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) boosted trade exports and diversified supply chains across all EU Member States. The study – carried out by independent experts, as part of the Commission’s commitment to evidence-based policy making – provides solid proof that open, rules-based, […]
2025 Digital Decade Progress Package
The State of the Digital Decade 2025 report offers a comprehensive overview of the EU’s digital transformation. The Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030 sets the framework for the EU’s digital transformation. The Commission monitors its evolution each year with a report on the state of the Digital Decade. The report maps the progress […]
Commission assesses nuclear investment needs for 2050 goals
Delivering Member States’ plans regarding nuclear energy will require significant investments, of around €241 billion until 2050, both for lifetime extensions of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale reactors. Additional investments are needed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and microreactors and in fusion for the longer-term future, the Commission has assessed […]
Commission advances on the modernisation of EU-Switzerland relations
Last June 13, the European Commission takes a significant step to strengthen and expand the relationship between the EU and Switzerland. It is submitting proposals to the Council to authorise the signature and conclusion of a comprehensive package of agreements, marking an important milestone towards the ratification of a modernised framework for cooperation. Key Components […]