The EU aims to put an end to greenwashing, when companies claim to be greener than they are, and provide more information to consumers on the durability of products they buy. In order to better protect consumers’ rights, promote environmentally-friendly decisions and create a circular economy that reuses and recycles materials, the European Parliament is […]
The European Union will extend geographical indications to artisanal and industrial products
The Council has adopted a regulation on geographical indication protection for craft and industrial products. This is the last step in the decision-making procedure. Once this regulation comes into force, the geographical indications (GI) of industrial products linked to the geographical area of production (such as Albacete cutlery, Bohemian glass, Limoges porcelain) will enjoy similar […]
European Commission proposes detergents regulation to better protect health and environment
The Commission proposed a revised Regulation on detergents that simplifies and future-proofs the current rules to better protect health and the environment, as well as ensure the better functioning of the Single Market for detergents. The revised rules cover new innovative products like detergents containing micro-organisms and sustainable new practices like the refill sale of […]
The European Commission proposes rules on the transfer of criminal proceedings between Member States in the face of increasing cross-border crime
Increasing cross-border crime has led to more and more cases where several Member States have jurisdiction to prosecute the same case. Parallel or multiple prosecutions can be inefficient and ineffective, but also possibly detrimental to the rights of the individuals concerned as a person may not be prosecuted or punished for the same offence twice. […]
European Council adopts regulation on CO2 emissions from new passenger cars and vans
‘Fit for 55’: The new rules aim to reduce emissions from road transport that has the highest share of emissions from transport – and provide the right push for the automotive industry to shift towards zero-emission mobility while ensuring continued innovation in the industry. The new rules set the following targets: 55% CO2 emission reductions for […]
Foreign subsidies regulation enters into force to ensure fairer EU markets
The Foreign Subsidies Regulation (‘FSR’) enters into force. This new set of rules for addressing distortions caused by foreign subsidies will allow the EU to remain open to trade and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for all companies operating in the Single Market. The Regulation was proposed by the Commission in May 2021 and agreed by […]
DMA: Council gives final approval to new rules for fair competition online
On 18 July, the Council gave its final approval on new rules for a fair and competitive digital sector through the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA ensures a digital level playing field that establishes clear rights and rules for large online platforms (‘gatekeepers’) and makes sure that none of them abuses their position. Regulating the […]
The EU aims for a secure digital marketplace for citizens and businesses
On 25 November 2021, the Council agreed on a general approach for the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), two key legislative files to help create a safe and open digital space for EU citizens and businesses. Over the last two decades, digital platforms have become an integral part of our lives – it’s hard […]
The European Commission proposes a reform of the Schengen Area
The Commission is proposing updated rules to reinforce the governance of the Schengen area. The targeted changes will bring greater EU coordination and better equip Member States to deal with emerging challenges when managing both the EU’s common external border and internal borders within the Schengen area. The update seeks to ensure that reintroducing internal […]