The European Commission has adopted a number of measures to further simplify its merger review procedures under the EU Merger Regulation. The package of measures includes: (i) a revised version of the Merger Implementing Regulation (“Implementing Regulation”), (ii) a Notice on simplified procedure (“Procedural Notice”), and (iii) a Notice on the transmission of documents (“Notice […]
A new method to help policymakers defend democracy against hybrid threats
Hybrid threats pose a specific danger to the EU and other democracies, because they target core democratic processes and weaken citizens’ trust in their institutions and governments. In recent years, authoritarian regimes and non-state actors use hybrid threats to achieve their hostile, strategic objectives. By combining different types of tools and organised actions, such as […]
Ukraine joins EU Civil Protection Mechanism
On 20th April, Ukraine becomes a Participating State of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – the European solidarity framework that helps countries overwhelmed by a disaster. Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is in Kyiv to officially sign an agreement on behalf of the European Union granting Ukraine full membership of the Mechanism. During his visit, he will […]
Commission takes action to promote work-life balance in Spain and other EU countries
To safeguard the right to work-life balance across Member States, the European Commission decided to continue infringement procedures against Belgium Czechia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Austria, and Slovenia by sending them a reasoned opinion for failing to notify national measures fully transposing EU rules establishing rights on work-life balance for parents and […]
European Commission launches unannounced inspections at premises of fashion companies
On 18 April 2023, the European Commission has started unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the fashion industry in several Member States. In parallel, the Commission has sent out formal requests for information to companies active in the same sector. The Commission has concerns that the companies concerned may have violated EU […]
European Commission publishes April infringement proceedings package for Spain
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission takes legal action against Member States that have failed to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, which cover various sectors and policy areas of the European Union, are designed to ensure that EU law is correctly applied for the benefit of citizens […]
The European Commission adopted a proposal to adjust and further strengthen the current crisis management framework for banks
On 18 April, the European Commission adopted a proposal to adapt and further strengthen the existing EU system of bank crisis management and deposit insurance, with a special focus on small and medium-sized banks. The EU banking sector, which has a strong crisis management system, has become more resilient in recent years. EU financial institutions […]
European Commission adopts two proposals to promote digital education and digital skills provision
The Commission adopted two proposals for a Council Recommendation in the context of the European Year of Skills, with the aim to support Member States and the education and training sector in providing high-quality, inclusive and accessible digital education and training to develop the digital skills of European citizens. The proposals address the two main […]
The European Commission adopts a proposal for a law to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities in the EU
On 18 April, the Commission adopted a proposal for an EU law on a Cybersolidarity Act to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity capabilities. This involves supporting the detection and understanding of cyber security threats and incidents, boosting the preparedness of key units and strengthening the common and coordinated crisis management and response capabilities of […]