The European Commission decided to exclude Chinese companies from EU government purchases of medical devices exceeding €5 million. This measure follows the conclusions of the first investigation under the International Procurement Instrument (IPI), and allows no more than 50% of inputs from China for successful bids. This response is proportionate to China’s barriers, while ensuring that all the necessary medical devices […]
8 arrests for migrant smuggling and drug trafficking across the Mediterranean
Europol has supported Spanish authorities (Policía Nacional) in a transnational operation against a highly-organised network involved in both migrant smuggling and drug trafficking between Spain and Morocco. Authorities believe the group smuggled over 200 people and obtained over EUR 2.5 million in profits. The action day led to the following results: 8 arrests, including the […]
Agreement reached to suspend visa-free travel over security and rights concerns
EP and Council teams have reached an agreement on grounds for suspending visa-free travel for short stays into the EU. A reform of the mechanism to suspend short-stay visa-free travel into the EU, agreed today between Parliament and Council negotiating teams, will allow the EU to respond more flexibly when countries backslide on important principles […]
CETA evaluation shows strong economic and social benefits
A study published last June 16 has found the EU and Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) boosted trade exports and diversified supply chains across all EU Member States. The study – carried out by independent experts, as part of the Commission’s commitment to evidence-based policy making – provides solid proof that open, rules-based, […]
Commission assesses nuclear investment needs for 2050 goals
Delivering Member States’ plans regarding nuclear energy will require significant investments, of around €241 billion until 2050, both for lifetime extensions of existing reactors and the construction of new large-scale reactors. Additional investments are needed for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs) and microreactors and in fusion for the longer-term future, the Commission has assessed […]
EU local leaders launch coalition of coastal regions at the UN Ocean Conference
Regions and cities come together in Nice to strengthen coastal adaptation and shape inclusive global ocean governance. The UN Ocean Conference 2025 is taking place in Nice (France) from 7-13 June, jointly organised by France and Costa Rica. The delegation of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) is joining forces with other EU institutions, […]
New import surveillance tool to help EU prevent harmful trade diversion
The European Commission has set up a new surveillance tool to help protect the EU against sudden and potentially disruptive surges in imports. This system aims to prevent harmful trade diversion, which occurs when a significant amount of goods that cannot enter other markets due to high tariffs and other restrictions are redirected into the […]
EYE2025 (European Youth Event): thousands to celebrate the power of democracy
On 13 and 14 June in Strasbourg, around 8,500 16 to 30-year-olds from all over the world will take part in a series of activities centred on the future of Europe. EYE2025 (European Youth Event) will be opened by Parliament Vice-president Sabine Verheyen (EPP, DE) on Friday 13 June at 10:00 in the EYE village. Vice-president Nicolae Ştefănuță (Greens/EFA, […]
Commission considers revising State aid rules to improve access to affordable housing
The European Commission is seeking feedback on a revision of the service of general economic interest (‘SGEI’) State aid rules to address the issue of housing affordability. Significant investments are needed to bridge the investment gap for affordable housing. State aid measures can contribute to incentivising the necessary investments. Any interested citizen, business, public authority […]