On 23 July, the Council approved the 21st package of restrictive measures against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine. This package includes tough economic sanctions targeting the sectors that have the greatest impact on the Russian economy and on its ability to finance its war of aggression against Ukraine, and the […]
The Commission approves advance payments for Malta, Portugal and Spain under the EUSF to help them recover from the storms
The European Commission has approved advance payments totalling 103.6 million euros for Malta, Portugal and Spain under the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF), with the aim of alleviating the financial burden of reconstruction efforts following the damage caused by the devastating storms that struck these countries in January and February 2026. The advance payments have […]
Commission fines Google €890 million for breaches of the Digital Markets Act
Last July 23, the European Commission took two decisions finding non-compliance by Google with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) for self-preferencing its own services on Google Search, and for putting in place restrictions on businesses to direct consumers to alternative, often cheaper, purchase channels on Google Play (steering). In this regard, the Commission issued Google a […]
The ECB unveils the shortlisted designs for the new banknotes and launches a survey
On the 23rd, the European Central Bank (ECB) unveiled the shortlisted design proposals for the next series of euro banknotes and launched a survey to gather the views of citizens across Europe. These proposals are inspired by two themes, ‘European culture’ and ‘Rivers and birds’, as well as the motifs chosen to illustrate them. “Euro […]
EU countries have approved the UK’s involvement to help meet Ukraine’s urgent defence needs
On 22 July, EU countries approved the UK’s participation in the loan to support Ukraine, a €90 billion package to help meet Ukraine’s most pressing needs in 2026 and 2027 as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression. “The EU’s solidarity with Ukraine is a key priority of the Irish Presidency. Today’s approval reflects […]
Commission concludes eligibility checks for two European Citizens’ Initiatives
Last July 22, the European Commission concluded the eligibility checks for the registration requests of two European Citizens’ Initiatives (ECIs) entitled: ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘ and ‘Save Europe Act‘. The Commission registered the initiative ‘Stop Killing The Internet: No Digital ID & No Age Verification‘. The organisers ‘call […]
European Commission renews its commitment to the European Pillar of Social Rights
Last July 22, the European Commission adopted a Communication on the European Pillar of Social Rights. It confirms that the Pillar remains the EU’s social shield and compass for fairness in an age of fast transformation, for a Europe that protects and empowers citizens. The Communication assesses progress made in strengthening social rights across the EU and […]
The digital product passport register comes into operation
On 20 July, the European Commission launched the digital product passport register. The digital product passport will contain information on various products, such as their origin, reuse options, instructions for use and regulatory compliance. It will normally be available via a QR code or a similar digital format. It will increase transparency in supply chains […]
The Commission fines AliExpress €550 million for breaching the Digital Services Act
On 20 July, the European Commission fined AliExpress €550 million for failing to fulfil its obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to diligently assess and mitigate risks associated with the sale of illegal, unsafe or counterfeit products on its e-commerce platform. The Commission has ordered the platform to take action in this regard. Failure […]