Headline

EU approves unprecedented cuts to single-use plastics

EU ministers gave final approval Tuesday to new laws to tackle marine litter coming from single-use plastic products found on European beaches, as well as abandoned fishing gear and oxo-degradable plastics.

MEPs back plans to reform EU agriculture

MEPs in committee voted Monday and Tuesday on farm policy reform plans including rules for direct payments and rural development and the common market organisation in agricultural products after 2020.

EU seals deal to ban single-use plastics

The EU Parliament gave its green light Wednesday to measures to tackle marine litter, targeting 10 single-use plastic products most often found on Europe's beaches, as well as abandoned fishing gear.

As May loses control of Brexit, EU completes 'no-deal' preparations

With the UK set to leave the EU without a deal on 12 April, despite unprecedented moves Monday by the British Parliament to take control of Brexit proceedings, the Commission completed 'no-deal' preparations.

EU agrees Brexit 'cliff-edge' delay, with conditions

After lengthy debate at a summit in Brussels Thursday, EU leaders agreed a short Article 50 extension till 12 April, or 22 May if the UK Parliament approves Theresa May's Withdrawal Agreement next week.

EU adds Bermuda, UAE to revised tax haven blacklist

EU finance ministers added Bermuda, the United Arabic Emirates and eight other jurisdictions to a list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes Tuesday, bringing to 15 the number of countries on the list.

MEPs call for tougher cyber-security to counter Chinese 5G threat

The EU Parliament called Tuesday for action at EU level on the security threats linked to China’s growing technological presence in the EU, as it adopted a new Cybersecurity certification scheme for products, processes and services.

Europe brings about step change on migration, but challenges remain

The EU took stock Wednesday of progress made over the past 4 years on its migration agenda, claiming significant progress in difficult circumstances, and setting out measures still required to address the migration challenges.

MEPs vote to end biannual clock change in Europe

The last Sunday in March 2021 could mark the end of seasonal changes of time in the EU, following a vote Monday by the European Parliament's Transport and Tourism Committee to end biannual clock changes.

States confirm update of EU's common visa policy

EU states confirmed a plan to modernise the EU's common visa policy Wednesday, adapting the rules to growing security concerns, the challenges of migration and new opportunities offered by technological developments.

EU reaches deal on digital copyright reform

Creatives and news publishers will be empowered to negotiate with internet giants thanks to a deal reached late Wednesday on copyright rules which also contains safeguards on freedom of expression.

EU moves to allay public concern over food safety studies

The EU Parliament and the Council reached provisional agreement Monday night on draft rules to ensure the EU risk assessment procedure for food safety is more transparent and independent.

EU cuts forecasts for economic growth amid global uncertainties

Trade tensions and the possibility of a disruptive Brexit are likely to contribute to a slowdown in Europe's economy in 2019, the European Commission said in its Winter Economic Forecast, outlined Thursday.

EU president Tusk bemoans lack of anti-Brexit leadership

50 days before Britain is due to leave the EU Council president Donald Tusk said many British and Irish people who wished for a reversal of Brexit lacked effective leadership and the political force to remain.

EU company law set to go digital

EU co-legislators agreed Monday on new rules to make it easier to establish a business electronically and promote online operations throughout a company's lifecycle through the use of digital tools.

EU agrees better work-life balance for parents and carers

The EU institutions reached a provisional agreement Friday on a proposal to improve access for working parents to work-life balance arrangements such as leaves and flexible working arrangements.

States who violate rule of law could lose EU funds, say MEPs

Governments who interfere with courts or fail to tackle fraud and corruption will risk suspension of EU funds, according to a draft law endorsed by the European Parliament on Thursday.

Brussels urges end to Member State veto on tax decisions

The European Commission kick-started a debate Tuesday on ending the requirement for unanimity among EU states on EU taxation policy, to avoid delays and 'sub-optimal' policies on key tax initiatives.

May's Brexit agreement suffers record Commons defeat

Prime minister Theresa May faces a no confidence vote Wednesday as she suffered the biggest ever defeat by a sitting government with MPs rejecting her EU withdrawal agreement by a record 432 votes to 202.

Brexit heads major challenges for EU's new Romanian presidency

Major challenges of Brexit, the EU's future Budget and the upcoming European elections faced Romania on 1 January 2019 as it took over its first presidency of the European Union.

EU states agree 30 pct cut in CO2 emissions from trucks by 2030

EU environment ministers adopted a 'common position' on future CO2 standards for trucks and buses Thursday afternoon, the first time the EU is setting CO2 emission reduction targets for heavy-duty vehicles.

EU summit clarifies UK 'backstop', but no renegotiation

As PM Theresa May sought to save her Brexit deal at a Brussels summit Thursday, EU leaders clarified their position on the 'backstop' but stated there would be no renegotiation of the UK withdrawal deal.

Russian interference prompts EU action against disinformation

Europe needs to join forces to protect its democracies against Russia's interference in elections and referenda, the EU Commission said Wednesday as it unveiled an action plan to counter disinformation.

''No deal' or no Brexit, EU prepared for every scenario

If the UK Parliament were to reject the 'only possible deal' in its upcoming Brexit vote, the EU was prepared for the alternative 'no deal' or no Brexit at all, EU president Donald Tusk told the G20 summit.

New safety features for cars will save lives: EU

The EU Council agreed a common position Thursday on introducing legislation which will require various safety features to be included on a range of vehicles with the aim of saving lives on Europe's roads.