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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
Erasmus+ Award to promote sport and active living in Europe
The #BeActive EU Sport Awards recognise outstanding initiatives that promote sport and physical activity. The awards will reward achievements in five categories: “physical activity”, “inclusion”, “volunteering”, “between generations” and “peace”. The award, for which a call for nominations has been launched today, will be funded by the Erasmus+ programme. Glenn Micallef, Commissioner for Intergenerational Equity, […]
European Commission revises high-risk countries list to boost global efforts against financial crime
The European Commission has updated its list of high-risk jurisdictions presenting strategic deficiencies in their national anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regimes. EU entities covered by the AML framework are required to apply enhanced vigilance in transactions involving these countries. This is important to protect the EU financial system. A number […]
New import surveillance tool to help EU prevent harmful trade diversion
The European Commission has set up a new surveillance tool to help protect the EU against sudden and potentially disruptive surges in imports. This system aims to prevent harmful trade diversion, which occurs when a significant amount of goods that cannot enter other markets due to high tariffs and other restrictions are redirected into the […]
EU Commission Launches Ocean Pact to Safeguard Marine Life and Boost the Blue Economy
The ocean shapes our economies, our food systems, even the air we breathe. To better protect our ocean, the Commission has adopted a European Ocean Pact, which will help to promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. This Ocean Pact brings together EU ocean policies under one single […]
Commission considers revising State aid rules to improve access to affordable housing
The European Commission is seeking feedback on a revision of the service of general economic interest (‘SGEI’) State aid rules to address the issue of housing affordability. Significant investments are needed to bridge the investment gap for affordable housing. State aid measures can contribute to incentivising the necessary investments. Any interested citizen, business, public authority […]