Last July 8, the Commission published its sixth annual Rule of Law Report, examining rule of law developments in all Member States. This is the first report under the Commission’s new mandate. It consolidates the successful engagement with Member States based on a preventive and dialogue-based approach to strengthen the rule of law, and it is an […]
Commission issues guidance on sustainability deal to cut CO₂ emissions in EU ports
The European Commission has issued informal guidance on the compatibility with EU competition rules of a sustainability agreement for the joint purchasing and the setting of technical specifications for electric container-handling equipment used in ports. This would accelerate the shift from diesel to electric equipment in EU ports, contributing to reducing CO2 emissions. This informal guidance […]
EU sets new methodology to clarify rules for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels
Last July 8, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of a hydrogen market by introducing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission methodology for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels, as set out in the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive. This methodology complements the existing ones on renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), completing […]
EU strengthens crisis readiness and health security
The European Commission launched last July 9 two initiatives under its Preparedness Union agenda: an EU Stockpiling Strategy and a Medical Countermeasures Strategy. Both are designed to improve access to essential goods for European citizens and societies, businesses and economies – ensuring continuity of essential goods and lifesaving medical supplies at all times, in particular during crises such as […]
Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on the right to food
Last July 8, the European Commission registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘Food is a Human Right for All! Guaranteeing healthy, just and sustainable food systems’. This initiative calls ‘on the EU to make the right to food a reality’ and integrate it into the EU legal framework. The organisers consider that the ‘EU […]
Commission proposes €23 billion payment to Spain under NextGenerationEU
Last July 7, the Commission positively assessed Spain’s fifth payment request for 23 billion under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centrepiece of NextGenerationEU. This assessment is a significant step towards the disbursement of EU funds to support Spain’s economic growth and resilience efforts. The Commission found that Spain delivered reforms and investments that will benefit citizens and businesses, focusing […]
Nature Credits Roadmap to reward nature-positive action and boost private finance
Last July 7, the European Commission launched a ‘Roadmap towards Nature Credits’, to incentivise private investments into actions that protect and preserve nature, and reward those who undertake these actions and invest in them. Nature credits represent an investment into nature-positive actions by a company, a financial institution, a public entity or a citizen, which in […]
EU and Moldova forge deeper ties at historic first Summit in Chișinău
At the first ever EU-Moldova Summit in Chișinău, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa and President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu agreed to deepen cooperation in the interest of EU and Moldovan citizens. The leaders discussed EU accession and related reforms, economic growth as well as security and defence […]
Commission to cut EU Taxonomy red tape for companies
The European Commission has adopted a set of measures to simplify the application of EU Taxonomy. This will reduce the administrative burden for EU companies, thus enhancing EU competitiveness while preserving core climate and environmental goals. The Taxonomy Regulation entered into force in 2020, and its reporting requirements apply since 2022. By providing a common sustainability reference point for […]