The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached by the European Parliament and Council to review and strengthen the existing marketing standards applicable to a honey, fruit juices, jams and milk. The so-called Breakfast Directives lay down common rules on the composition, sales names, labelling and presentation of these products to ensure their free movement within […]
President von der Leyen launches Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, a new forum mandated to shape a shared vision for the future of the EU’s farming and food system. The Strategic Dialogue, announced by the President in her 2023 State of the Union address, will address challenges and […]
The keys to the EU’s new Artificial Intelligence law
Did you know that the EU will be the first to establish clear rules for the use of Artificial Intelligence? Here’s what they will consist of. Last December, the Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on what is the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation. This law stems from the European Commission’s 2021 […]
27 January: Holocaust Remembrance Day: “Hitler did not win!”
27 January marks the International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 79th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. On Thursday, Irene Shashar, a survivor of the Warsaw ghetto, addressed MEPs in a plenary session in Brussels to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. “We pay tribute today to the victims of the Holocaust […]
Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Air Europa by IAG
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of sole control of Air Europa Holding, S.L. (‘Air Europa’) by International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. (‘IAG’). The Commission has preliminary concerns that the transaction may reduce competition in the market for passenger air transport services on […]
Commission proposes to improve European Works Councils to strengthen transnational social dialogue
The Commission proposes to revise the European Works Councils (EWCs) Directive to further improve social dialogue in the EU. EWCs are information and consultation bodies that ensure that employees are involved in decisions related to transnational issues. They concern companies with more than 1,000 employees operating in at least two EU or European Economic Area […]
Commission launches AI innovation package to support Artificial Intelligence startups and SMEs
The Commission has launched a package of measures to support European startups and SMEs in the development of trustworthy Artificial Intelligence (AI) that respects EU values and rules. This follows the political agreement reached in December 2023 on the EU AI Act – the world’s first comprehensive law on Artificial Intelligence – which will support the […]
Statement by the European Commission and the High Representative on International Day of Education
Ahead of the International Day of Education on 24 January, the European Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell made the following statement: “Education and lifelong learning are essential to achieve a just and sustainable development, and tackle inequalities, through dialogue, solidarity, mutual understanding and cooperation, inclusive, democratic and participatory governance, and gender equality. At the same time, they are key to […]
Drinking water to become safer thanks to new EU-wide hygiene standards for materials and products in contact with water
The Commission adopted new minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. They will apply as of 31 December 2026 to materials and products used in new installations, or when older installations are renovated or repaired. These standards will prevent microbial growth and reduce the risk of harmful substances […]