New product liability rules have entered into force, reflecting the increasing digital features of products and the growing circular economy. The EU’s product liability regime was established in 1985 to compensate those who have suffered physical injury or property damage due to a defective product. Since then, technological developments, new circular economy business models and ever-more […]
Zero Pollution: New EU rules enter into force for cleaner air by 2030
The revised Ambient Air Quality Directive entered into force on Tuesday (10 Dec), aligning 2030 EU air quality standards more closely with World Health Organization recommendations. It is an important step toward better protecting Europeans’ health and moving forward on the path to zero pollution in our environment by 2050. The revised Directive comes with a […]
Geographical indications for craft and industrial products
00As of December 2025, craft and industrial products will fully benefit from an EU-wide Geographical indications (GIs) protection under Regulation (EU) 2023/2411. Geographical indications are an intellectual property protection that links specific products, which are European, local, and authentic, to their geographical origin, ensuring that these products possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are inherently […]
EU and Africa strengthen cooperation on digital transformation
The European Commission and Smart Africa took a further step in supporting the digital transformation of the African continent together. The Commission Services and Smart Africa signed an Administrative Arrangement to enhance cooperation and support a human-centric digital transformation of Africa. The partnership was formalised during a high-level roundtable discussion with European and African government […]
Commission and EIB announce new partnership to support investments in the European battery manufacturing value chain
Today, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are announcing a new partnership to support investments in the EU’s battery manufacturing sector. This partnership will see a €200 million top-up (loan guarantee) to the InvestEU programme from the EU Innovation Fund. It comes in addition to €1 billion in grants to support electric vehicle battery […]
Commission approves Industry-Academia Network to improve our cybersecurity
The Commission yesterday launched a call for expressions of interest to join the new Industry-Academia Network in the framework of the European e-Skills Academy. This innovative network aims to strengthen links between industry and academia to improve cybersecurity skills and prepare the skilled cybersecurity workforce for the rapidly evolving demands of industry. Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President […]
New wolf protection statute proposal approved
The Standing Committee of the Bern Convention today voted in favour of the EU proposal to adapt the protection status of the wolf from “strictly protected” to “protected”. The change will enter into force on 7 March 2025. After this date, the EU may adapt the relevant annexes of the Habitats Directive. The Commission will […]
Commission launches 2025 Rule of Law consultation
The European Commission has launched a targeted consultation to seek public input on rule of law developments, both at national and EU level, as part of the preparation of the Rule of Law Report 2025. The consultation is open to judicial associations, civil society, NGOs, international organisations, EU agencies and other interested parties. The information […]
Commission adopts technical standards for cross-border European Digital Identity Wallets
Last thursday, the Commission adopted rules for the core functionalities and certification of the European Digital Identity (eID) Wallets under the European Digital Identity Framework.This is a major step towards Member States building their own wallets and releasing them by the end of 2026. Four implementing regulations set out uniform standards, specifications, and procedures for the […]