Headline

MEPs call for legally binding targets on biodiversity

The European Parliament called Thursday on the upcoming 2020 UN biodiversity conference COP 15 to agree on legally binding targets, as was the case for the Paris agreement on climate change.

New rules to boost crowdfunding across EU borders

The EU Parliament and Council reached provisional agreement Wednesday evening on EU-wide rules to help crowdfunding services function smoothly and foster cross-border business funding.

Unprecedented urgency of Europe's environmental challenge

A change of direction is urgently needed if Europe is to face climate challenges of 'unprecedented scale and urgency', the EU environment agency said in its 'State of the Environment' report, published Wednesday.

EU Parliament declares global climate emergency

The EU must commit to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 at an upcoming UN Conference, the European Parliament said Thursday as it approved a resolution declaring a climate emergency in Europe and globally.

Go-ahead for 13 new EU defence projects

EU defence ministers gave the go-ahead Tuesday to an updated list of 13 new projects to be undertaken under the EU's new 'Permanent Structured Cooperation' defence structure (PESCO).

First Ebola vaccine receives European approval

The European Commission adopted a decision Tuesday granting the first-ever market authorisation to the company Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. for a vaccine against the deadly Ebola virus.

EU leaders endorse Boris Johnson's Brexit deal

"We've got a great new deal that takes back control," said British prime minister Johnson after EU leaders at a summit Thursday endorsed a revised UK withdrawal agreement and political declaration.

EU reaffirms ambition for climate neutrality by 2050

The European Commission reaffirmed the EU's commitment to accelerated climate ambition Wednesday, as it makes preparations for a long-term strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

EU reaches agreement with Mercosur on huge trade deal

The EU and the Mercosur trading bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil Paraguay and Uruguay reached a political agreement on Friday on a comprehensive trade deal - the largest the EU has ever concluded.

EU will not reopen talks on UK withdrawal agreement

Ending their two-day summit Friday, EU heads of state and government looked forward to a new UK prime minister, but said they would not reopen negotiations on Britain's withdrawal agreement.

Euro-elections shake up Europe's political establishment

Europe's voters delivered a shake-up message in the European Parliament elections Monday, with strong results for the far-right in France and the Greens in Germany, as well as the Brexit party in the UK.

Europe goes to the polls

Three days of Europe-wide elections for the European Parliament got under way Thursday with voters in the Netherlands and also, finally, the United Kingdom going to the polls.The count starts Sunday.

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.