The European Commission has prohibited, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Flugo Group Holdings AB (‘eTraveli’) by Booking Holdings (‘Booking’). The acquisition would have allowed Booking to strengthen its dominant position on the market for hotel online travel agencies (‘OTAs’) in the European Economic Area (‘EEA’). Booking did not offer remedies that were sufficient […]
Commission re-imposes €376.36 million fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips
The European Commission has re-imposed a fine of around €376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units (‘CPUs’). Intel engaged in a series of anticompetitive practices aimed at excluding competitors from the relevant market in breach of EU antitrust rules. […]
According to the European Environment Agency, more action needed to reduce effects of chemical pesticides in the EU
The widespread use of pesticides is a major source of water, soil and air pollution, leading to loss of biodiversity and promoting pest resistance. Human exposure to chemical pesticides is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart, respiratory and neurological diseases. The EEA’s new information note How pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in […]
European Chips Act enters into force
the European Chips Act enters into force. It puts in place a comprehensive set of measures to ensure the EU’s security of supply, resilience and technological leadership in semiconductor technologies and applications. Semiconductors are the essential building blocks of digital and digitised products. From smartphones and cars, through critical applications and infrastructures for healthcare, energy, defence, communications […]
NextGenerationEU: Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism is definitely underway
The Commission has adopted its second annual report on the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM), the €800 billion reform and investment instrument that is the core element of NextGenerationEU. The report shows the progress made in the implementation of the RRM: the Commission has disbursed EUR 153.4 billion for the implementation of […]
Commission and China hold second High-level Digital Dialogue
The Commission held its second High-level Digital Dialogue with China. Co-chaired by Vera Jourova, Vice-President for Values and Transparency, and Vice-Premier of China, Zhang Guoqing, this dialogue hosted in Beijing covered key issues such as platforms and data regulation, Artificial Intelligence, research and innovation, cross-border flow of industrial data, or the safety of products sold […]
10-Point Plan for Lampedusa
In view of the unfolding situation in Lampedusa, and while recognising the increasing pressure along different migratory routes, European Commission President von der Leyen laid out the following set of immediate actions to be exercised in full respect of fundamental rights and international obligations: Reinforce the support to Italy by the European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) and the […]
European Commission adopts measures to restrict the use of microplastics
The Commission takes another major step to protect the environment by adopting measures that restrict microplastics intentionally added to products under the EU chemical legislation REACH. The new rules will prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics. They will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added […]
The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, will take part in the Ibero-American Forum in Spain.
Weekly Forecast – The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, will be in Madrid on 13 and 14 September. In the framework of this visit, the Commissioner will participate in the Ibero-American Forum of Government Consumer Protection Agencies, organised by the Spanish Presidency of the Council, where he will have the opportunity to give a […]