Over the first successful year of application of the Unitary Patent system, the European Patent Office (EPO) has already registered more than 27,000 unitary patents. This means that on average, almost one in four (23%) granted European patents apply across all participating Member States. This rate is also steadily increasing. The uptake rate reaches almost […]
European Commission designates Temu as Very Large Online Platform under the Digital Services Act
The Commission has formally designated Temu as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Temu is an online marketplace with an average of more than 45 million monthly users in the European Union. This user number, which Temu has communicated to the Commission, is above the DSA threshold for designation as a […]
Commission clarifies support for farmers in case of exceptional weather events
The Commission adopted a Communication clarifying the use of force majeure and exceptional circumstances for the EU agricultural sector in case of unforeseeable and extreme weather events. By clarifying the legal interpretation of this concept, the Commission aims to provide certainty for affected farmers regarding their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments, while also ensuring a uniform application across the Union by […]
European Commission approves up to €1.4 billion for fourth major project of common European interest in the hydrogen value chain
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a fourth Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment in the hydrogen value chain. The project contributes to the EU’s target of 90% reduction of emissions from the mobility and transport sectors, in order for the […]
European Commission approves up to €1 billion for fourth major project of common European interest in the health sector
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the first Important Project of Common European Interest (‘IPCEI’) to support research, innovation and the first industrial deployment of healthcare products, as well as innovative production processes of pharmaceuticals. This IPCEI will notably contribute to the European Health Union‘s objectives by delivering innovations addressing diseases for […]
Commission establishes AI Office to strengthen EU leadership in safe and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence
The Commission has unveiled the AI Office, established within the Commission. The AI Office aims at enabling the future development, deployment and use of AI in a way that fosters societal and economic benefits and innovation, while mitigating risks. The Office will play a key role in the implementation of the AI Act, especially in relation […]
Spain’s bathing waters remain safe
The vast majority of bathing sites in Spain met the highest quality level of EU standards (‘excellent’ quality) in 2023, according to the latest annual bathing water report. This represents 87.6% of the most frequented bathing waters in Spain (EU average: 85.4%). Up to 97% of all officially identified bathing waters in Spain met the […]
EU and Australia sign partnership on sustainable critical and strategic minerals
The EU and Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a bilateral partnership to cooperate on sustainable critical and strategic minerals. The MoU was signed on behalf of the EU by Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis, and Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton. The signatories for Australia were Resources and Northern Australia Minister Madeleine King, […]
European Critical Raw Materials Act: law to ensure access to a diversified, affordable and sustainable supply enters into force
The European Critical Raw Materials Act entries into force, which aims at ensuring a diverse, secure, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the EU’s industry. Secured access to critical raw materials is essential for strategic sectors including clean technologies, digital, defence and aerospace industries. Europe now has a regulatory framework to strengthen domestic […]