EU Top News
EU outlines measures to achieve new climate goal
The EU Commission set out details Thursday of its plan, announced by EC chief Ursula von der Leyen, to reduce EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
MEPs approve EUR 6.2 bn to tackle crisis, speed up vaccine deployment
The EU Parliament gave the go-ahead to an increase in the EU budget of EUR 6.2 billion Thursday, to improve the chances of an effective and safe vaccine, and to step up COVID-19-related cohesion funding.
EU launches EUR 1 billion call for green and digital transition
The European Commission launched Thursday a EUR 1 billion call for research and innovation projects that respond to the climate crisis and help protect Europe's unique ecosystems and biodiversity.
Europe needs to be a player, not a playing field, EU tells China
The EU needs a balanced relationship with China, EU president Charles Michel told Chinese president Xi Monday in a summit which underlined differences over human rights, climate and trade issues.
EU agrees interoperability for mobile tracing apps
EU Member States agreed Monday on a set of technical specifications to ensure a safe exchange of information between national contact tracing apps based on a decentralised architecture.
EU Commission to target 55 pct emissions reductions
EU Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen in her first state of the union speech announced an increase to the 2030 climate target, to 'at least 55%' emissions reductions, up from the previous 40% target.
Free emissions allowances must be better targeted: EU auditors
Free allowances under the EU's 'cap and trade' emissions trading system, distributed to industry, aviation and sometimes electricity sectors, were not well targeted, says an EU auditors' report.
EU signs geographical indications deal with China
The EU and China signed a bilateral agreement Monday to protect 100 European Geographical Indications in China and 100 Chinese GIs in the European Union against usurpation and imitation.
Brussels mulls regulatory action against fake news
Online platforms need to show more accountability, responsibility and transparency, the EU Commission said Thursday, as it presented its assessment of the effectiveness of the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation.
EU forecasts big increase in VAT gap due to coronavirus
Forecasts for 2020 VAT revenues to EU Member States show a potential loss in the region of EUR 164 billion due to effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy, as well as fraud and tax evasion.
EU aims for resilience with new foresight strategy
Resilience is the keyword of a new strategic policy direction outlined by the EU Commission Wednesday, pointing to more evidence-based strategic choices that are aimed at strong and lasting recovery.
Brussels prepares to implement EU-U.S.tariff cuts
The EU Commission published a proposal Tuesday for a regulation to scrap duties on certain imports from the United States to the EU, with the U.S. in return to reduce duties on certain EU exports to its market.
Poor environment causes one in eight deaths in Europe
Heatwaves, air and noise pollution contribute to 13 per cent of all deaths in Europe, according to a major assessment on health and environment released Tuesday the EU Environment Agency (EEA).
New raw materials strategy to lead Europe's green transition
A new raw materials strategy, proposed Thursday by the EU Commission, would reduce Europe's dependency on third countries, diversify supply and promote responsible sourcing worldwide.
New car type-approval rules in force across Europe
New EU type-approval rules for cars, which came into force across Europe on 1 August, significantly overhaul and tighten the previous type approval and market surveillance system.
Brussels signs first contract with AstraZeneca
The first pharmaceutical contract negotiated by the EU Commission on behalf of EU Member States entered into force Thursday following the formal signature between AstraZeneca and the Commission.
EU, United States agree trade tariff reductions
United States and EU trade representatives announced Friday agreement on a package of tariff reductions that will increase market access for hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. and EU exports.
Europe readies EUR 81.4 bn to mitigate effects of pandemic
The European Commission presented proposals Monday for financial support of some of EUR 81 billion to 15 EU Member States to help protect jobs and workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Brussels concludes talks with fifth vaccine manufacturer
The EU concluded exploratory talks with U.S. based company Moderna Monday to purchase a potential vaccine against COVID-19 - the fifth company with which the Commission has concluded talks.
European culture capitals offered extensions
Croatian city Rijeka and Galway in Ireland could extend their year as 2020 European Capitals of Culture until 30 April 2021, because of the effects of the coronavirus crisis, the Commission announced Tuesday.