The latest Standard Eurobarometer released last week shows that Europeans want to see the EU stronger and more independent, especially in the face of the current global challenges, while they are growing optimistic about the future. Expectations for a stronger, more independent and resilient EU More than three quarters of Europeans (77%) are in favour […]
European Commission fines Mondelēz, maker of Milka and Oreo, €337.5m for restrictions on cross-border trade
The European Commission has fined Mondelēz International, Inc. (Mondelēz) €337.5 million for hindering the cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits and coffee products between Member States, in breach of EU competition rules. The Commission remains committed to bringing down unjustified barriers to ensure a better functioning of the Single Market. Territorial supply constraints by suppliers are a […]
The Commission decides to refer SPAIN to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to implement taxation rules set out by the Merger Directive
The European Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failure to ensure correct implementation of the Merger Directive on the common system of taxation applicable to Member States (Directive 2009/133/EC). The objective of the Merger Directive is to remove fiscal obstacles to cross-border reorganisations involving companies situated in two […]
Lead candidates present their bids for the European Commission presidency
On Thursday afternoon, the Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the presidency of the European Commission took place in the European Parliament. Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der Leyen (Germany, European People’s Party), Terry Reintke (Germany, European Greens) and Nicolas Schmit (Luxembourg, Party of European Socialists) […]
European Health Union: Progress made in EU health policy over the last four years
The Commission adopted a Communication on the European Health Union, which highlights the strides made in EU health policy over the last four years, for the benefit of citizens in the EU and worldwide. The start of this mandate was marked by the biggest pandemic in a century, which caused human suffering on a worldwide scale and […]
New Eurobarometer shows Europeans’ positive attitude towards language learning
A vast majority of Europeans (86%) believe that everyone should speak at least one foreign language, and almost three out of five (59%) can have a conversation in one. These are some of the results of the new Eurobarometer on “Europeans and their languages” that the Commission published. Coinciding with the world day for cultural diversity, […]
Eurovision debate: lead candidates for Commission Presidency to debate on 23 May
The Eurovision debate between the lead candidates for the Commission presidency will take place on Thursday 23 May from 15.00-16.45 in Parliament’s plenary chamber in Brussels. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is organising the debate, has confirmed the participation of Walter Baier (Austria, European Left), Sandro Gozi (Italy, Renew Europe Now), Ursula von der […]
EU mobilises assistance for Gaza via Cyprus Maritime Corridor
A new aid shipment from Cyprus to Gaza via the Maritime Corridor and the newly constructed US pier is taking place, carrying EU supplies. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Romania is sending more than 88,000 cans of food to Palestinians in need. The Commission covers the transport costs of this delivery. An EU logistics […]
Council position on increasing the safety level of toys
The Council has adopted its position (negotiating mandate) on the toy safety regulation that updates the rules to protect children from risks related to the use of toys. While the current legislation makes EU toy safety rules among the strictest in the world, the proposed legislation aims to increase protection from harmful chemicals (e.g. endocrine […]