Clearer definition of package travel New rules on the use of vouchers Cancellations without cost due to extraordinary circumstances at the destination or place of origin, or if these may significantly affect the trip On Thursday, the plenary session approved a revision of the rules on package holidays to improve protection for tourists following the […]
The EU must act to close the gender pay and pension gap
Women increasingly surpass men in education, but tend to earn less and be undervalued Women take on a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic and care work The EU must take measures to improve working conditions and pay in female-dominated sectors and ensure childcare services MEPs want an EU action plan to make it easier for […]
A stronger partnership between the EU and Canada amid global turmoil
In a report adopted on Wednesday, MEPs call for deeper cooperation between the EU and Canada to address security threats and boost trade amid growing geopolitical tensions. Given the current turmoil in the international order, the EU must take its strategic partnership with Canada to a new level, MEPs say, pointing to shared interests and […]
The European Parliament advocates protecting copyright and creators against AI
The use of copyright-protected works by artificial intelligence requires transparency and fair remuneration, according to Parliament. On Tuesday, the plenary approved a series of recommendations to protect creative work covered by copyright from use by artificial intelligence, with 460 votes in favour, 71 against and 88 abstentions. MEPs believe that EU copyright law should apply […]
Migration: Civil Liberties Committee adopts reform of EU return rules
Third-country nationals with a return decision will be required to cooperate with the return authorities in order to leave the EU territory. Returns to a third country may take place on the basis of an agreement between the Member States and the EU and a third country. Returnees could be detained for up to 24 […]
Commission welcomes political agreement on strengthening farmers’ position
The European Commission welcomes the political agreement reached yesterday between the European Parliament and the Council on the proposal for specific amendments to the legislation governing thecommon organisation of the markets in agricultural products (CMO)and other related provisions of the EU’s agricultural policy. These changes will strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply […]
Coal and Steel Research Fund: Council adopts position to make steel and coal industries cleaner and more competitive
The Council has reached an agreement (general approach) on a package of two proposals to reform the Coal and Steel Research Fund. The two Council Decisions aim to accelerate and simplify investments in research and innovation to promote competitiveness and a green and just transition for the steel sector and mining regions in the EU. […]
EC proposes €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund to support workers laid off from Liberty Steel in Belgium
The European Commission has proposed mobilising €2 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to support 507 workers made redundant following the bankruptcy of Liberty Steel Belgium. Liberty Steel’s production lines in Belgium were shut down in December 2021 due to a shortage of raw materials. Despite efforts to restructure the entity, production never […]
Simplified rules for small mid-cap companies
New laws seek to boost the competitiveness of so-called small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the EU as they grow beyond SME status with specific measures. On Wednesday 25 February, three European Parliament committees voted in favour of proposals introducing the concept of small mid-cap companies (SMEs) and extending various exemptions to them that have […]