Parliament has struck a deal with Council on updating protection rules for package holidaymakers, based on lessons learned from the pandemic and high-profile bankruptcies. The draft law informally agreed by Parliament and Council negotiators clarifies the definition of a travel package, conditions for cancelling a trip, and travellers’ rights to information, help and refund in […]
Exposure to hazardous substances at work: Council approves position on updating legislation
EU Employment Ministers today took a further step towards preventing work-related diseases and protecting workers from exposure to harmful substances that can cause serious illnesses such as cancer and developmental disorders. The Council agreed its position on the sixth revision of the Directive on carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic agents. The purpose of this Directive is […]
European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Council agrees its position on support for people at risk of unemployment
On December 1, the Council agreed its position on a regulation that seeks to broaden the scope of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), extending support to workers facing unemployment. The new rules would apply until the end of 2027, when the current EGF programme expires. The purpose of the EGF is […]
Safeguarding democracy in Europe: Council shines a light on culture’s vital role
At a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, culture and cultural heritage are essential to safeguarding democracy and upholding European values. This is the message put forward by EU culture ministers in conclusions approved in Brussels today. The ministers stress the need to protect and promote culture in all its forms and Europe’s cultural heritage as crucial factors in […]
Child sexual abuse: Council reaches position on regulation to protect children from online abuse
The EU is stepping up its efforts to combat child sexual abuse. Representatives of the EU Member States agreed today on the Council’s position on a Regulation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse. Once adopted, the new regulation will establish obligations for digital companies to prevent the dissemination of child sexual abuse material and […]
European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures in support of the armed forces of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad
On November 24th, the Council adopted a set of decisions establishing three assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad. Jordan The Council adopted the third bilateral assistance measure under the EPF worth €35 million to strengthen defence capacities and capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This measure […]
Council adopts new EU legal act to speed up handling of cross-border data protection complaints
The Council today adopted new rules to improve cooperation between national data protection authorities in enforcing the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), in order to speed up the process of handling cross-border data protection complaints. The measures adopted will streamline administrative procedures concerning, for example, the rights of complainants or the admissibility of cases, thereby […]
Consumer protection: Council approves updated Alternative Dispute Resolution directive
The Council gave its final approval to a directive updating, simplifying and improving the existing framework for alternative dispute resolution. Alternative dispute resolution refers to out-of-court methods of resolving disputes between consumers and traders, usually with the help of impartial third parties. The legal text adopted today aims to make alternative dispute resolution a more […]
Council approves new rules for greater transparency in the funding of European parties and foundations
The Council gave its final green light to changes to the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations. This revision of the regulation is aimed at reinforcing the transparency of European political parties and strengthening the framework for their funding, in particular to counter the risks of manipulation and interference by […]