EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
European Commission authorises acquisition of Vedici by the 3i investment group
The European Commission has cleared, under the EU Mergers Regulation, the proposed acquisition of the French Vedici group of healthcare facilities by the British investment group 3i.
EC approves joint venture between TOTAL and ERG
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed merger of Total Italia and Erg Petroli (EGP), both of Italy, into a new joint venture, active in the refined oil sector.
EU Attorneys General want to unify criteria to combat cross-border crime
EU attorneys general are considering the creation of a consultative forum which would enable them to unify criteria and advance towards a common European justice system to combat cross-border crime.
EU moves to strengthen maritime policy
EU Council of Ministers in June will create a financial instrument to develop a comprehensive maritime policy and will promote the inclusion of a maritime aspect in EU security and defence policies, said on Thursday the Spanish Secretary of State for the EU, Diego Lopez Garrido.
European Commission approves restructuring of Belgian insurance company Ethias
The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules a €1.5 billion recapitalisation provided by Belgium in the context of the restructuring of Ethias, a Belgian insurer that ran into severe difficulties in 2008, in the wake of the financial crisis.
Euro-MPs call for closer ties between universities and industry
Links between business and the academic world need to be strengthened but higher education institutions must retain their autonomy and public support, says a resolution adopted on Thursday by the European Parliament.
Energy Labelling Directive - Briefing
The European Parliament today adopted the Energy Labelling Directive, a recast of the existing Labelling Directive which introduced the energy label for household appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, ovens, air-conditioners, dishwashers, washing machines, washer-driers, tumble driers and lamps. The recast of the Directive extends its scope to also cover products in the commercial and industrial sectors in the future.
Antitrust briefing: Commission adopts first cartel settlement decision
The European Commission today adopted its first settlement decision in a cartel case involving 10 producers of memory chips or DRAMS used in computers and servers. The fine totalling € 331 273 800 million includes a reduction of 10% for the companies' acknowledgement of the facts. Cartel settlements allow the Commission to speed up investigations, free up resources to deal with other cases and generally improve the efficiency of its antitrust enforcement.
New energy labels for EU household appliances
Labels on household appliances such as fridges, washing machines and ovens will have to include more information on energy consumption, following a vote by MEPs on Wednesday.
EU sets higher energy-saving standards for buildings built after 2020
On Tuesday, MEPs approved the EU's new energy efficiency legislation for buildings, which will help consumers cut their energy bills and the EU as a whole to hit its climate change target of using 20% less energy in ten years' time.
Parliament proposes standard maternity leave rights for self-employed women
EU Member States should grant standard social protection, including at least 14 weeks' maternity leave allowance, for self-employed women and for wives or life partners of self-employed workers, says the European Parliament in a binding proposal to update an EU directive.
EU charts path to sustainable fishing in 2011
The European Commission wants to haul EU fishing limits back to sustainable levels in 2011, in line with recommendations made by science experts.
Commission approves acquisition of NWR Energy by Dalkia Česká republika
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of NWR Energy by Dalkia Česká republika, two Czech companies active in the energy sector.
Spain tests new border control system for EU
Spain set up a pilot project on Thursday that will help travellers move faster through border crossing points within the European Union, through the use of an automated identification and document verification system, overseen by police officers.
Parliament seeks equal treatment for self-employed
Euro-MPs want to promote female entrepreneurship and are proposing new rules to bridge the gender gap for self-employed workers and their partners and to ensure everyone has social protection.
Levy on private copies may be imposed, says Advocate General
In an opinion given on 11 May 2010, Advocate General Trstenjak ruled that a levy on private copies may be imposed on digital equipment, devices and media only where it may be presumed that they are to be used for private copying.
Commission approves tax exemptions for Finnish Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules the introduction of "Real Estate Investment Trusts" (REITs) in Finland that will be exempted from corporate income tax in order to encourage investment in affordable rental housing.
EU clears Swedish restructuring aid for Carnegie Investment Bank
The European Commission has granted final clearance under the EU state aid rules to the Swedish aid for the restructuring of Carnegie Investment Bank.
State aid: Commission to investigate EUR 20 million capital injections into Elan of Slovenia
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under EU State aid rules into capital injections destined to two subsidiaries of state owned company Elan Skupina in Slovenia.
EU restricts imports of plants from China
The European Union has decided to impose stricter measures for the import from China of plants hosting the harmful citrus long horn beetle, an insect that is not native to Europe and can attack a wide range of plants.