In 2018, two Polish citizens legally married in Germany applied to the Polish authorities for a transcript of their marriage to be recognised in their country. The competent authorities refused the application on the ground that Polish law does not authorise same-sex marriages. The couple appealed against the decision and the Supreme Administrative Court referred […]
Commission registers European Citizens’ Initiative on passports design
Last November 25, the European Commission has registered the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled ‘EU Stars On My Passport (STAR-PASS)’. The initiative invites the Commission ‘to facilitate the introduction by the EU Member States of an additional option for the cover design of passports, offered to citizens applying for a new passport’. The organisers of […]
Toy safety: new standards to protect children’s health
The new rules aim to reduce the number of unsafe toys sold in the EU and protect children from the associated risks. Despite having one of the strictest toy safety regulations in the world, dangerous toys still find their way into the hands of children in the EU. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed an agreement with […]
Commission launches whistleblowing tool under the AI Regulation
The European Commission launched on 24 November aWhistleblower Toolunder the Artificial Intelligence Regulation. The tool will provide a secure and confidential channel for individuals to report suspected breaches of the Artificial Intelligence Regulation directly to the EU’s AI Office, the Commission’s centre of expertise on AI. Whistleblowers can provide relevant information in any of the […]
European Peace Facility: Council adopts assistance measures in support of the armed forces of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad
On November 24th, the Council adopted a set of decisions establishing three assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) in support of Jordan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Chad. Jordan The Council adopted the third bilateral assistance measure under the EPF worth €35 million to strengthen defence capacities and capabilities of the Jordanian Armed Forces. This measure […]
Spain, Croatia, Japan, Italy, Italy and Fusion for Energy team up to build IFMIF-DONES
Representatives of the European Commission, Fusion for Energy (F4E), Spain, Croatia, Japan and Italy signed the Multilateral International DONES Agreement (MIDA) on 21 November. The pact consolidates international collaboration to develop fusion energy at the particle accelerator in Escúzar (Granada). Fusion can provide a clean, safe, sustainable and virtually limitless source of energy, replicating the […]
Commission proposes to promote supplementary pensions to secure retirement income
The European Commission adopted on 20 November a package of measures to help citizens obtain an adequate income in retirement through better access to better and more efficient supplementary pensions. The aim is to complement, not replace, public pensions, which form the basis of pension systems in all Member States. The adopted package is part […]
EU and South Africa advance cooperation on clean trade and investment
The EU and South Africa have just signed a landmark Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, along with a new cooperation agreement on minerals and metals value chains and new projects under Global Gateway, Europe’s investment strategy for the world. Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen and President António Costa together with President Cyril Ramaphosa at a Leaders’ meeting […]
Commission presents 2030 Consumer Agenda to strengthen consumer protection, competitiveness, and sustainable growth
The European Commission has adopted the 2030 Consumer Agenda, a strategic plan for EU consumer policy for the next five years. With 450 million consumers in the single market, who contribute to over 51% of the EU’s GDP through household spending, consumers play an essential role in the engine room of our economy. Enhancing consumer trust, […]