Breaking news

Business news and information from the European Union

Brussels seeks mandate to negotiate with Russia on Nord Stream 2 — 12 June 2017, 00:32 CET

The European Commission asked EU Member States Friday for a mandate to negotiate with the Russia the key principles for the operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.

Brussels boost for Europe's aviation sector — 08 June 2017, 22:44 CET

The European Commission pressed ahead with implementation of its 'Aviation Strategy for Europe' Thursday with a series of measures in support of open and connected aviation markets in the EU.

Brexit spurs reboot of EU's capital markets union — 08 June 2017, 21:00 CET

As Europe faces up to the departure of its biggest financial centre, the European Commission moved Thursday to strengthen its Capital Markets Union project to unlock funding for growth in Europe.

Top EU Court upholds ban on sugar health claims — 08 June 2017, 15:39 CET

The EU's top Court upheld a Commission ban on health claims relating to glucose Thursday, saying these encouraged sugar consumption against generally accepted principles of nutrition and health.

Worker entitled to paid holiday: EU Court opinion — 08 June 2017, 15:18 CET

It is incompatible with EU law to require a worker to take leave first before establishing whether he is entitled to be paid for it, EU Court of Justice Advocate General Tanchev made clear in an opinion Thursday.

EU leaders sign blueprint for future European development policy — 07 June 2017, 23:41 CET

The EU signed a 'New European Consensus on Development' Wednesday, a strategic vision for European development policy with the aim of eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Europe moves to strengthen defence capability — 07 June 2017, 22:48 CET

The EU Commission set out a reflection paper Wednesday outlining options to address the growing security and defence threats facing Europe and to enhance Europe's own abilities in defence by 2025.

Synthetic opioids a growing health threat: EU report — 07 June 2017, 18:38 CET

Highly potent synthetic opioids pose a growing health threat, according to an EU report Tuesday which highlights rising overdose deaths and continued availability of new psychoactive substances.

Smarter products needed for Europe's shift to 'circular economy' — 07 June 2017, 18:38 CET

Mobile phones and other consumer goods need to last longer and be easier to repair and reuse in the shift towards a more resource-efficient circular economy, according to a report published Tuesday.

EU and China stand firm in support of Paris climate deal — 07 June 2017, 00:41 CET

The European Union and China reaffirmed their cooperation to tackle climate change and their support for the Paris Agreement at a bilateral summit in Brussels on Friday.

Social media giants making progress on hate speech, EU reports — 01 June 2017, 23:16 CET

A code of conduct on countering illegal hate speech online, signed by the EU and four major social media platforms a year ago, has delivered some important progress, the EU reported on Thursday.

EU maps out road to deeper Monetary Union — 01 June 2017, 01:01 CET

Following on from its White Paper on the Future of Europe earlier this year, the EU Commission set out Wednesday potential options for deepening Europe's Economic and Monetary Union.

EU 'mobility package' targets road transport — 01 June 2017, 00:59 CET

The Commission laid out plans Wednesday to modernise European mobility and transport, aiming for a transition to clean energy and digitalisation that is 'social fair' as well as remaining competitive.

Welsh cider, perry gain EU protected food status — 01 June 2017, 00:01 CET

Traditional Welsh Perry and Welsh Cider celebrated with French Charolais beef Wednesday as the three quality products won protected food status from the European Commission.

Upgrade for EU's higher education strategy — 31 May 2017, 14:05 CET

The Commission adopted new initiatives on school and higher education Tuesday, including a 'graduate tracking' proposal to help states gather information on what graduates do after their studies.

EU venture capital boost to help smaller firms — 31 May 2017, 01:04 CET

Better access to finance for small and growing companies and social enterprises will be the result of EU rules agreed Tuesday by the European Parliament, the Council and the EU Commission.

Brussels proposes EUR 161 bn EU Budget for 2018 — 31 May 2017, 00:29 CET

The EU Commission proposed Tuesday a draft EU budget for 2018 of EUR 161 billion with a focus on job creation, especially for young people, and a boost to growth and strategic investments.

EU agrees scheme for free wifi in public places — 30 May 2017, 00:13 CET

EU Parliament and Council negotiators came to an agreement Monday evening on WiFi4EU, a scheme for more than 5,000 wireless internet connections in public areas across the European Union.

New EU rules clamp down on multinationals' tax avoidance — 30 May 2017, 00:11 CET

Member States formally adopted new EU rules to prevent tax avoidance via non-EU countries Monday, closing down so-called 'hybrid mismatches' with the tax systems of third countries.

Dieselgate: EU states agree stricter rules on car emissions — 29 May 2017, 23:36 CET

Nearly two years after the VW car emissions scandal, EU Member States came to an agreement Monday to reform the system of type-approval and market surveillance for motor vehicles.

EU agrees system to resolve double taxation disputes — 25 May 2017, 23:49 CET

EU finance ministers agreed Tuesday on a new system intended to help resolve disputes which arise between Member States from the interpretation of agreements on the elimination of double taxation.

Improved water quality at Europe's beaches — 25 May 2017, 23:49 CET

More than 85 per cent of bathing water sites monitored across Europe in 2016 met the most stringent ‘excellent' quality standards, according to the EU environment agency's latest bathing water quality report.

Values first, Europe tells President Trump — 25 May 2017, 23:48 CET

"The greatest task today is to consolidate the free world around Western values, not just interests," EU Council President Tusk told US President Donald Trump when he met European leaders Thursday.

EU Council authorises start of Brexit talks — 22 May 2017, 23:27 CET

The EU Council of 27 Member States formally authorised the beginning of talks with the UK Monday, following the notification of its intention to leave the EU. The Commission was nominated as the EU negotiator.

New European crime investigation tool comes into force — 22 May 2017, 22:48 CET

A new tool to help European authorities fight crime and terrorism came into force Monday, simplifying the work of judicial authorities when they request evidence located in another EU country.