Breaking news

Business news and information from the European Union

Commission acts to bolster citizens' protection and security — 22 April 2010, 17:11 CET

The European Commission today presented concrete actions – with set timetables – to boost citizens' ability to work, travel and study outside their home countries, thereby enhancing citizens' security.

Commission authorises Bulgaria to grant limited aid to farmers — 22 April 2010, 01:22 CET

The European Commission authorised a Bulgarian scheme with a budget of BGN 20 million (approximately € 10,26 million) which aims at supporting agricultural holdings.

Commission authorises Austrian scheme for farmers aid — 22 April 2010, 01:22 CET

The European Commission authorised an Austrian scheme with a budget of approximately €1.2 million which aims at supporting farmers in Austria who encounter difficulties as a result of the current economic crisis.

Commission revises EU competition rules — 20 April 2010, 22:50 CET

The European Commission has adopted a new Regulation that 'block exempts' distribution and supply agreements at different levels of the production and distribution chain.

EU greenlights Polish CO2 emissions allocation plan — 19 April 2010, 23:58 CET

The European Commission has no objections to Poland's new national allocation plan for distributing CO2 emission allowances for the 2008-2012 trading period of the EU Emissions Trading System.

Customs security procedures in a few clicks: new European portal — 19 April 2010, 23:57 CET

The European Commission has launched the first phase of a new web portal to help businesses to understand and follow the customs procedures for importing goods into and exporting goods from the EU.

Euro-MPs propose amendments to the European Banking Authority establishment — 16 April 2010, 23:48 CET

MEPs published yesterday draft amendments to the proposal on establishing a European Banking Authority (EBA). The EBA is a part of the proposed EU institutional framework for financial supervision.

Ministers agree improvements to energy performance of buildings — 15 April 2010, 23:59 CET

The Council of Ministers agreed today on improvements to the energy performance of buildings directive which aim to clarify, strengthen and extend the scope of the current Directive and to reduce the large differences between Member states' practices in this sector.

Ministers agree on labelling of energy-related products — 15 April 2010, 23:59 CET

The Council of Ministers agreed today to extend the Directive on the indication by labelling, restricted to household appliances, to all energy-related products.

Commission approves second prolongation of Slovenian liquidity scheme for the financial sector — 15 April 2010, 23:58 CET

The European Commission has authorised, under EU state aid rules, the second prolongation until 30 June 2010 of a Slovenian liquidity scheme for the financial sector.

Commission approves €19 million German support to Salzgitter AG — 15 April 2010, 00:18 CET

The European Commission has authorised Germany to grant €19.1 million for an energy-saving steel production project run by Salzgitter Flachstahl GmbH, a subsidiary of the Salzgitter AG group.

Commission authorises French funding for Daher-Socata and Sogerma — 15 April 2010, 00:18 CET

The European Commission has authorised France under EU State aid rules to grant repayable advances of €35.14 million to Daher-Socata (€12.34 million) and Sogerma (€22.8 million).

Commission increases electricity trading capacity on the Swedish borders — 15 April 2010, 00:18 CET

The European Commission has adopted a decision rendering legally binding commitments offered by Svenska Kraftnät (SvK) that will increase trade in electricity within Sweden and between Sweden and neighbouring countries.

Europe strikes against the smuggling of counterfeit goods — 14 April 2010, 00:23 CET

Millions of counterfeit goods have been seized in a European Joint Customs Operation code-named Matthew II, the results of which were published today. The operation was aimed at detecting the smuggling of cigarettes in commercial consignments entering the EU by road.

CAP reform must benefit society as a whole, say MEPs — 14 April 2010, 00:00 CET

EU plans to reform the much-maligned Common Agricultural Policy must be shaped with the help and backing of EU citizens, say MEPs, to ensure that the post-2013 CAP benefits society as a whole.

Publishers demand new cultural model and copyright protection — 13 April 2010, 23:57 CET

Publishers and experts participating in the first day of the European seminar "The digitisation of cultural materials" called for new legal and technological measures to protect authors' rights and to slow down the harmful effects of intellectual piracy.

Commission calls for eco-innovation projects from SMEs — 13 April 2010, 23:51 CET

The European Commission today launched a €35 million call for projects that turn environmental challenges into business opportunities.

MEPs propose further amendements to the regulation on biocidal products — 13 April 2010, 00:28 CET

MEPs last week proposed further amendments to a regulation concerning the placing on the market and use of biocidal products.

Commission will revise competition rules in distribution sector — 09 April 2010, 23:56 CET

The Commission next week is due to update the rules providing a 'safe harbour' for agreements between manufacturers and distributors.

MEPs to vote on amendments to the rules of invoicing — 09 April 2010, 23:56 CET

MEPs are set to vote on 22 April on a proposal on the common system of value added tax as regards the rules on invoicing.

Fisheries: MEPs debate imports, wages and quality — 09 April 2010, 23:56 CET

At a public hearing on the common organisation of the fishery market on Thursday, MEPs debated how to ensure fair income for fishermen and how European producers can compete with third countries.

Stronger language rights for EU citizens in criminal trials — 08 April 2010, 23:31 CET

MEPs backed today new measures to guarantee EU citizens access to translation and interpretation in their own language when facing a criminal trial in another Member State.

Bluefin tuna: stricter catch tracking to deter illegal fishing — 08 April 2010, 23:30 CET

MEPs back a new tracking system of bluefin tuna from catch to sale, which will allow closer control over the alarmingly depleting stocks in EU waters.

MEPs back new regulation to limit animal testing — 08 April 2010, 23:29 CET

Legislation to regulate the use of animals for scientific experiments has moved a step closer after Parliament and Council representatives reached on Wednesday an agreement on the final details of draft legislation in the pipeline.

MEPs draft a report on cross-border crisis management — 08 April 2010, 23:28 CET

MEPs drafted yesterday a report with recommendations to the Commission on cross-border crisis management in the banking sector.