EU Top News
Brussels outlines plan for inclusion of migrants
A new plan on Integration and Inclusion for 2021-2027, unveiled by the EU Commission Tuesday, addresses barriers that hinder participation and inclusion of people with a migrant background in European society.
EU Parliament green light for consumers to defend their rights collectively
Groups of consumers will be able to join forces and launch collective action in the EU, following the final green light from MEPs Tuesday to EU-wide rules for the protection of collective interest of consumers.
New EU pharma strategy to make medicines affordable
A new pharmaceutical strategy, adopted Wednesday by the EU Commission, offers patients access to affordable medicines and supports competitiveness and innovation in Europe's pharma industry.
Air pollution better in Europe, but deaths still too high
Almost all Europeans still suffer from air pollution, leading to about 400,000 premature deaths across the continent, according to a report on air quality published Monday by the European Environment Agency.
G20 leaders agree to make Covid vaccines available and affordable for all
At the weekend summit of the G20 countries, leaders expressed a commitment to coordinated global action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, and support for the most vulnerable and fragile countries.
EU plans ambitious increase in offshore wind capacity
EU plans for a fivefold increase in Europe's offshore wind capacity by 2030, were outlined Thursday by the Commission in a new strategy for renewables, including ocean energy and emerging technologies.
EU leaders to step up pandemic coordination
EU leaders agreed Thursday to strengthen coordination on combating the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on mutual recognition of tests, vaccine deployment and a common approach to lifting restrictive measures.
EU Court rules against French ban on marketing CBD
The European Court of Justice ruled Thursday against France's ban on the marketing of wholly hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD), when it has been lawfully produced in another EU Member State.
EU states receive EUR 14 bn pandemic help
As the second COVID wave hits Europe hard, the EU Commission Tuesday disbursed some EUR 14 billion to nine EU countries in the second instalment of loans to help finance short-time work schemes.
Brussels urges speedy action to boost post-COVID recovery
The EU Commission issued its autumn economic package Wednesday, aiming to steer EU economies into calmer waters after the COVID pandemic with policy guidance for Europe's collective recovery.
EUR 280m EU funding for environment and climate action projects
The EU Commission approved Monday EU funding of EUR 280 million for over 120 new environment, nature, and climate action projects, expected to trigger total investments of nearly EUR 590 million.
EU launches new complaints system to fight trade barriers
The Commission has launched a new complaints system for reporting market access barriers and breaches of Trade and Sustainable Development commitments in the EU's trade agreements.
Commission outlines consumer strategy for next 5 years
The 'Consumer Agenda', published by the EU Commission Friday, sets out its consumer policy objectives for the next five years, and will serve as guidance to include consumer interests in all policy areas.
Brussels outlines EU's first-ever LGBTIQ strategy
The Commission presented Thursday an EU Strategy for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) equality, aimed at combating homophobia and transphobia within the Union.
EU agrees deal on long-term budget for post-COVID recovery
The EU Parliament and Member States agreed Tuesday on Europe's long-term budget and extra funding to rebuild a post-COVID-19 Europe centred on jobs, competitiveness, and better climate protection.
EU approves BioNTech -Pfizer contract for access to vaccine
The Commission approved a fourth contract with pharmaceutical companies BioNTech and Pfizer Wednesday, providing for an initial purchase of 200 million doses on behalf of all EU Member States.
Amazon charged with breaching EU antitrust rules
The European Commission informed Amazon Tuesday of its preliminary view that the American e-commerce giant has breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in online retail markets.
EU sets human rights controls on 'dual use' exports
The EU institutions agreed Monday new criteria for exporting 'dual use' products and technologies, including cyber-surveillance tools, that can be repurposed in ways which violate human rights.
Auditors pass 2019 EU accounts, but 'too many spending errors'
EU auditors signed off the EU's 2019 accounts as 'true and fair' Tuesday, but their annual report concluded that payments had too many errors, and they also issued an adverse opinion on expenditure.
Access to EU funds to be conditional on rule of law
EU countries that disrespect the rule of law will risk losing access to EU funds, under a provisional deal on 'budget conditionality' struck by the EU Parliament and Council negotiators on Thursday.