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The Trump tariffs on steel and aluminium: the end of the WTO? by EUbusiness — last modified 13 March 2018, 15:37 CET

There is no doubt that the recent announcement by the U.S. Administration of tariff hikes on steel and aluminium, justified on national security grounds, presents the real threat of an extremely damaging tit-for-tat trade war. If the tariffs are challenged at the WTO, there is the unwelcome prospect of the WTO having to rule on whether the U.S.'s "essential security interests", taken in time of an "emergency in international relations", constitute a justification of the measures under Article XXI of the GATT ("Security Exceptions").

A multi-dimensional approach to disinformation - Report of the independent High level Group on fake news and online disinformation by EUbusiness — last modified 12 March 2018, 23:45 CET

In its report, the EU's High-Level Expert Group on Fake News and Disinformation spread online suggests a definition of the phenomenon and makes a series of recommendations. The independent experts advocate for a Code of Principles that online platforms and social networks should commit to.

European spirits sector commits to provision of nutrition and ingredient information by EUbusiness — last modified 12 March 2018, 19:00 CET

Nutrition information and ingredients listing will be made available to consumers for all EU spirits, either on or off-label. spiritsEUROPE will support its members in their efforts to provide this information and will regularly assess, and report on, the use of both options over the next four years.

Dangerous consumer goods found in high numbers in EU by European Consumers’ Organisation — last modified 12 March 2018, 15:52 CET

In 2017, more than 2,000 non-food products failing safety requirements were notified to the EU’s rapid alert system (RAPEX). This figure might however only show the tip of the iceberg because of insufficient market checks.

3 Tips for Catering to an International Clientele by EUbusiness — last modified 11 March 2018, 17:27 CET

The world as a whole is incredibly connected, which means that businesses are more likely than ever to sell their products to international clients. Many entrepreneurs create their new businesses solely online, allowing customers from all over the world to view and purchase their products. And while having a worldwide clientele is incredibly beneficial, it also comes with its own set of unique challenges.

2018 Report on equality between women and men in the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 08 March 2018, 23:56 CET

The Commission is marking International Women's Day with the publication of a new report on equality between men and women, which shows the major achievements and progress made last year in EU legislation, actions and funding possibilities.

Latest data reveal drug-taking habits in close to 60 European cities by EUbusiness — last modified 09 March 2018, 00:49 CET

The latest findings from the largest European project in the emerging science of wastewater analysis are presented today by the Europe-wide SCORE group, in association with the EU drugs agency (EMCDDA).

Council of Europe takes world-leading step towards protecting online rights by EUbusiness — last modified 09 March 2018, 00:42 CET

On 7 March 2018, the Council of Europe (CoE), Europe's leading human rights organisation, adopted a Recommendation on the roles and responsibilities of internet intermediaries that will have a global impact.

Sustainable finance plan needs to be practical and flexible, says Invest Europe by EUbusiness — last modified 09 March 2018, 00:27 CET

Private equity is well-placed to support the European Commission’s sustainable finance plan announced today, but any further measures need to take into account the diversity of the industry, says Invest Europe.

EU Fintech Action Plan: first step towards a serious approach by ebffbe — last modified 08 March 2018, 18:31 CET

The European Banking Federation notes the release today of the European Commission's Fintech Action Plan 'For a more competitive and innovative European financial sector', which recognises the transformative impact of financial innovations for users of financial services and for the banks that offer these.

EU breaks new ground on sustainable finance - but more needed by WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature — last modified 08 March 2018, 14:12 CET

The EU has made clear its intent to become the world's leader in sustainable finance with its bold Action Plan published today. While the proposals would help more money go into sustainable sectors rather than fossil fuels, they are still not enough to align with the Paris Agreement on climate change.

SMEs say no to Commission approach for definitive VAT system by European craft and SME employers’ organisation — last modified 06 March 2018, 15:21 CET

In a position paper, UEAPME presents quite a negative assessment of the European Commission's proposal for the first steps towards a Single EU VAT system.

EU can lead the world in sustainable finance by WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature — last modified 06 March 2018, 13:59 CET

The EU has a chance to become a world-leader in sustainable finance with the European Commission’s upcoming Action Plan, expected on 7 March. This would mean more money going into ‘green’ sectors and less into fossil fuels and areas which damage the planet and people’s wellbeing.

EU-US automobile trade and production in context by European Automobile Manufacturers Association — last modified 06 March 2018, 13:56 CET

In the margins of the Geneva motor show, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) reacts to recent discussions on possible tariffs on EU car imports to the United States by putting the trade relations between the two regions in context.

Greenpeace report calls for halving of meat and dairy production to protect climate, nature and health by Greenpeace European Unit — last modified 05 March 2018, 18:19 CET

Global meat and dairy production and consumption must be cut in half by 2050 to avoid dangerous climate change and keep the Paris climate agreement on track, says a new Greenpeace report.

Bremain in Spain comments on May's Road to Brexit: a Road to Nowhere by EUbusiness — last modified 05 March 2018, 19:16 CET

Bremain in Spain, a group campaigning for the rights of British citizens in Spain and the EU, points out that public reactions to Theresa May's speech on Friday have been as mixed as the PM's own messages.

European countries not yet delivering a healthy Baltic Sea by WWF - World Wide Fund For Nature — last modified 05 March 2018, 18:11 CET

Ten years after the Baltic Sea Action Plan was adopted, the recovery of the Baltic Sea remains slow – and is even declining in some measures. Today, WWF released "The Baltic Sea Scorecard 2018", a report revealing that the Baltic Sea coastal countries are failing to deliver on their commitments for a healthy Baltic Sea by 2021 and show little indication that this will improve.

EuroCommerce: don’t disrupt trade across the Atlantic - or the Channel by EUbusiness — last modified 05 March 2018, 13:46 CET

EuroCommerce Director-General Christian Verschueren has warned of the severe consequences of any trade war arising from US President Donald Trump’s announcement that he was minded to impose significant tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

EU Frameworks: An Overview of 3 Policies in Different Phases of Consolidation by EUbusiness — last modified 04 March 2018, 21:52 CET

One of the most ambitious trade and subsequently political projects of its kind, the EU has brought together disparate, diverse economies, and progressively introduced measures over the years to bring markets closer together.

Genome editing: Legal expert criticises opinion of Attorney General of the EuCJ by Testbiotech — last modified 02 March 2018, 00:08 CET

On 18 January, the Attorney General of the EU Court of Justice (EuCJ) published his position on whether or not so-called genome editing must be regulated under current EU GMO legislation. On behalf of Testbiotech, the well-known EU legal expert Professor Ludwig Kraemer has now analysed the position of the Attorney General (C-528/16).