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 […]
Modernising EU driving rules to improve road safety
MEPs back a review of EU rules on driving licences with new rules on novice drivers, digital licensing and driving disqualifications. On Tuesday, the European Parliament confirmed an update of the rules governing driving licences in the EU. The aim: to contribute to road safety and reduce the number of accidents that claim almost 20,000 […]
Parliament approves measures to reduce industrial and farm pollution
The new rules will reduce harmful emissions from industrial installations and large pig and poultry farms to protect human health and the environment. Parliament adopted the deal with member states on the revision of the industrial emission directive (IED) with 393 votes in favour, 173 against and 49 abstentions, and the new regulation on the Industrial Emissions Portal with […]
New rules for a responsible and transparent short-term rental sector
The rules aim to reveal the actual impact of short-term rental services and enable local authorities in response to develop appropriate policies. On Thursday, Parliament adopted harmonised requirements on how data related to short-term rental services (STRs) should be collected and shared, with 493 votes in favor, 14 against and 33 abstentions. This regulation aims […]
Council approves elimination of fluorinated gases from fridges and air conditioners by 2050
The Council has adopted two regulations to phase down fluorinated gases (F-gases) and other substances that cause global warming and deplete the ozone layer. While existing EU legislation has already limited the use of these gases and substances significantly, the new rules will further reduce their emissions into the atmosphere and contribute to limiting global […]
New rules to fight cross-border payment fraud in the EU enter into force
New transparency rules come into force this 1 January that will help EU Member States to crack down on Value-Added Tax (VAT) fraud. The new rules will provide tax administration of the EU Member States with payment information allowing them to detect VAT fraud more easily, with a particular focus on e-commerce which is particularly […]
New rules to boost cybersecurity of the EU institutions enter into force
The new Cybersecurity Regulation laying down measures for a high common level of cybersecurity at the institutions, bodies, offices and agencies of the Union entered into force the 7 January 2024. The Regulation lays down measures for the establishment of an internal cybersecurity risk management, governance and control framework for each Union entity, and sets up […]
EU Council reaches agreement on new rules on packaging and packaging waste
The Council has reached an agreement (‘general approach’) on a proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste. The aim is to tackle the increase in packaging waste generated in the EU, while harmonising the internal market for packaging and boosting the circular economy. The proposal considers the full life cycle of packaging. It […]
New rules to boost energy efficiency in buildings across the EU
The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council to reduce the emissions and energy use of buildings across the EU. The strengthened Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) will support the EU’s efforts to decarbonise buildings across the whole Union. This is an area in which the concrete impact of […]