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Business news and information from the European Union

EU bolsters support for refugees in Turkey

The EU Commission has announced an additional EUR 127 million of funding for the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) programme via the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey.

EU starts probe into dumped hot rolled steel from China, Taiwan and Indonesia

The European Commission initiated Monday an anti-dumping investigation into imports of hot rolled stainless steel sheets and coils from China, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Ryanair has to return EUR 8.5m illegal state aid: EU

France must recover EUR 8.5 million of illegal state aid made to Ryanair, the EU Commission said Friday, as regional marketing agreements at the airport of Montpellier are illegal under EU state aid rules.

EU, United States sign agreement on imports of hormone-free beef

The European Union and the United States signed in Washington D.C. Friday an agreement reviewing the functioning of an existing quota to import hormone-free beef into the EU.

EU work-life balance directive comes into force

An EU Directive on work-life balance, which came into force Thursday, aims to increase the participation of women in the labour market and the take-up of parental leave and flexible working arrangements.

Websites using Facebook 'Like' button are data liable

A website displaying Facebook's 'Like' button, which processes users' personal data, becomes jointly liable for collection and transmission of the data to Facebook, the EU's top Court ruled Monday.

EU and Japan select first Joint Master Programmes

The European Commission announced Wednesday the results of a call for proposals for Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Partnerships with Japan launched in October 2018.

EU sets out plan to combat deforestation

The EU Commission issued a Communication on deforestation and forest degradation Tuesday, setting out a much-needed plan of action to address the EU’s significant contribution to global deforestation.

GDPR working, but not well enough: EU report

While most EU Member States have set up the legal framework for the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), more is needed if the new data protection regime is to be fully effective, says a new report.

EU announces emergency measures to save east Baltic cod

The EU Commission announced emergency measures to save the eastern Baltic cod stock from impending collapse Tuesday, banning commercial fishing for cod in most of the Baltic Sea till end 2019.

EU opens probe into Amazon use of sensitive data

The Commission opened a formal investigation Wednesday into whether Amazon's use of sensitive data from independent retailers selling on its 'marketplace' breaches EU competition rules.

Chipmaker Qualcomm fined EUR 242m for 'predatory pricing'

The EU Commission fined US tech giant Qualcomm EUR 242 million Thursday, for abusing its market dominance in 3G baseband chipsets, sold below cost with the aim of forcing its competitor Icera out of the market.

EU takes next step over judicial reforms in Poland

The EU Commission took the next step in an ongoing infringement procedure against Poland Wednesday, sending a 'reasoned opinion' regarding a new disciplinary regime for Polish judges.

E-commerce still vulnerable to VAT and customs duty evasion: EU auditors

Many challenges in collecting correct amounts of VAT and customs duties on e-commerce remain to be resolved, according to a report from the European Court of Auditors published on Tuesday.

MEPs confirm Ursula Von der Leyen as first female Commission President

Members of the European Parliament confirmed in a secret ballot Tuesday Ursula von der Leyen as President of the next European Commission, voted in with a narrow majority by 383 MEPs.

EU, US agree pharmaceuticals mutual recognition

The EU and the United States have completed a Mutual Recognition Agreement, with both sides agreeing to reduce barriers and increase trade in pharmaceuticals as part of ongoing EU-U.S. trade talks.

Airbnb decides to conform to EU consumer rules

Following its negotiations with Airbnb, the EU Commission announced Thursday that the accommodation platform had improved and 'fully clarified' the way it presents offers to consumers.

Global tensions and uncertainty test EU economy

While Europe's economy is set for continued growth in 2019, the near-term outlook is clouded by global trade tensions and significant policy uncertainty, according to the EU's Summer 2019 Economic Forecast.

EU bank stress test too feeble: auditors

The latest bank stress test by the European Banking Authority should have been more demanding in testing banks' resilience to systemic risks across the EU, the EU Court of Auditors said on Wednesday.

EUR 35m EU funding for AI solutions to fight cancer

The EU Commission launched a call for proposals Tuesday for EUR 35 million available aimed at supporting the development of analysis of health images for cancer diagnostics based on Artificial Intelligence

EU unwavering in its support for Ukraine

At the 21st EU-Ukraine Summit in Kiev Monday, the European Union affirmed its strong partnership with Ukraine as well as its support for the country's continued progress on reform and fighting corruption.

Finland's EU presidency kicks off in Helsinki

Finland's presidency of the EU, which began 1 July, promises to focus on strengthening the Union's common values and the rule of law, as well as its position as a global leader in climate action.

Ursula von der Leyen nominated as next EU Commission chief

The EU at a special summit Tuesday proposed Ursula von der Leyen, Germany's German defence minister and a member of the centre-right CDU, as candidate for the next president of the European Commission.

Italy escapes EU excessive deficit censure over public debt

Following Italy's announcement of further measures to address public debt, the EU Commission decided Wednesday not to propose opening an Excessive Deficit Procedure for lack of compliance with EU debt criterion.

State support for Peugeot plant in Spain comes under EU scrutiny

The EU Commission opened a probe Monday into whether Spain's granting EUR 20.7m of public support to PSA for investing in its existing car plant in Vigo, Spain is in line with EU rules on regional state aid.