Last May 5, the European Commission adopted a European Ocean Pact, a comprehensive strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support the well-being of people living in coastal areas. The Pact brings together EU ocean policies under one single reference framework, addressing the significant threats facing our ocean, our coastal […]
2025 European Semester Spring Package sets out guidance to boost EU competitiveness
The 2025 European Semester Spring Package analyses the key economic and social challenges across the EU and offers policy guidance to Member States with the aim of strengthening competitiveness, prosperity and resilience. To that effect, it includes country-specific recommendations (CSRs), and promotes reforms and investments aligned with these EU priorities. The policy guidance presented comes at a time of […]
Commission proposes unified EU approach for Ukrainian refugees
Last May 4, the Commission is setting out a common European path for the future of Ukrainian refugees in the EU. This will ensure stability and continued protection, while also paving the way for a transition out of temporary protection once the necessary conditions are met. By doing so, the Commission is reinforcing its unwavering commitment […]
Commission restricts use of chemicals to protect workers’ health
The Commission has restricted the use of the chemicals N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP) to protect workers from exposure to these substances. DMAC and NEP are solvents used in many industrial processes, including the production of chemicals, coatings, cleaning agents and fibres. DMAC is commonly used to manufacture synthetic fibres and varnishes for electrical cables, […]
Commission invests in innovative products against respiratory viruses
The European Commission, with the support of the European Investment Bank, will provide €20 million for the development of nasal sprays designed to protect against respiratory viruses. To this end, the Commission, through its Health Emergency Response and Preparedness Authority (HERA), has signed an investment agreement with Dutch biotech company Leyden Labs. Nasal sprays deliver […]
MEPs approve updated EU-Ukraine road transport agreement
On Tuesday, the Transport and Tourism Committee voted to extend the EU road transport agreement with Ukraine until the end of 2025 to continue facilitating the transport of goods. The EU-Ukraine road transport agreement concluded in June 2022 has proven to be an effective EU response to the transport sector disruptions caused by the Russia’s […]
Europol leads operation against online terrorist content targeting minors
On 27 May, Europol coordinated a Referral Action Day (RAD) on minors’ exploitation and radicalisation online. More than 2 000 links pointing to jihadist and right-wing violent extremist and terrorist propaganda targeting minors were referred during the action day. The referral day took place only a few weeks after Europol launched a new Operational Taskforce to tackle […]
Commission clears creation of defence joint venture by BAES, JAIEC, and Leonardo
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed creation of a joint venture (‘JV‘) between BAE Systems (Holdings) Limited (‘BAES‘), Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (‘JAIEC‘), and Leonardo S.p.A. (‘Leonardo‘). This JV will be the prime contractor and lead systems integrator for the Global Combat Air Programme. The Commission’s investigation The […]
Commission fines Delivery Hero and Glovo 329 million for an online delivery cartel.
The Commission has fined Delivery Hero and Glovo, two large food delivery companies, a total amount of €329 million following their participation in a cartel in the online food delivery sector. In particular, the two companies (i) agreed not to take away each other’s employees; (ii) exchanged commercially sensitive information; and (iii) agreed to share […]