On 9 May, the European Union will celebrate Europe Day 2023, a moment to commemorate the Schuman Declaration on 9 May 1950. To mark the special occasion, the EU institutions, including EU delegations and representations worldwide, will organise a wide range of online and on-site activities, providing citizens with the opportunity to discover and experience […]
European Commission proposes new rules to help companies get the most out of their patents
The Commission has proposed new rules to help companies, especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), make the most of their inventions, leverage new technologies and contribute to the EU’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty. The proposed Regulations on standard essential patents, compulsory licensing of patents in crisis situations, and the revision of the legislation on supplementary […]
European Parliament proposes stricter rules to stamp out fast fashion
MEPs on the Environment Committee today approved their recommendations for the EU to adopt measures to ensure circular, sustainable and socially just textile production. MEPs say textile products sold in the EU should be more durable, easier to reuse, repair and recycle, made to a great extent of recycled fibres, and free of hazardous substances. […]
Commission proposes new economic governance rules fit for the future
The Commission has presented legislative proposals to implement the most comprehensive reform of the EU’s economic governance rules since the aftermath of the economic and financial crisis. The central objective of these proposals is to strengthen public debt sustainability and promote sustainable and inclusive growth in all Member States through reforms and investment. The proposals address shortcomings in the […]
European Commission proposes overhaul of EU pharmaceuticals legislation
The Commission proposes to revise the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation – the largest reform in over 20 years – to make it more agile, flexible, and adapted to the needs of citizens and businesses across the EU. The revision will make medicines more available, accessible and affordable. It will support innovation and boost the competitiveness and attractiveness of the EU pharmaceutical […]
The European Commission extends the Spanish and Portuguese measure to reduce electricity prices until the end of the year
The European Commission has approved, under State aid rules, the prolongation and amendments of a Spanish and Portuguese measure aimed at reducing the wholesale electricity prices in the Iberian market (‘MIBEL’) by lowering the input costs of fossil fuel-fired power stations. The amended measure, which will be in place until 31 December 2023, was approved […]
European Commission designates first 19 digital platforms that will have to comply with the Digital Services Act
The Commission adopted the first designation decisions under the Digital Services Act (DSA), designating 17 Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) and 2 Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs) that reach at least 45 million monthly active users. These are: Very Large Online Platforms: Alibaba AliExpress Amazon Store Apple AppStore Booking.com Facebook Google Play Google Maps […]
European Commission launches AggregateEU mechanism for joint gas purchases by European companies
The Commission launched an innovative process for European companies to register their gas procurement needs through the AggregateEU mechanism, in preparation for aggregated gas procurement at EU level. This is an important milestone for the EU, allowing it to prepare for the coming winter by coordinating a timely replenishment of gas stocks and using its […]
Josep Borrell arrives in Colombia to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean
As part of the EU’s priority to strengthen relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, and ahead of the EU-CELAC Summit to be held in Brussels in July this year, EU High Representative and European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell will visit Colombia from April 25-30. On April 25, HRVP Borrell will represent the European […]