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Business news and information from the European Union

EU states agree informal deal to improve rail passenger rights

EU ambassadors endorsed a reform of rail passenger rights Wednesday with a view to strengthening the rights of all rail passengers, in particular those with disabilities or reduced mobility.

EU gets WTO green light for tariffs on US exports over Boeing

The WTO's dispute settlement body gave formal authorisation Monday for the EU to increase duties on U.S. exports worth up to $4 billion, in retaliation for illegal subsidies granted to U.S. aircraft maker Boeing.

Strong take-up of EUR 17 bn inaugural EU 'social bonds'

There was strong investor interest in the EUR 17 billion inaugural 'social bonds' issued Wednesday under the EU's 'SURE' instrument, set up to help protect jobs and keep people in work over the pandemic.

Euro-Parliament awards 2020 Sakharov Prize to Belarus opposition

The European Parliament awarded its Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Thursday to the democratic opposition in Belarus - in a political crisis since the disputed 9 August presidential elections.

Eco-schemes feature in EU's greener common farm policy

Farmers will be afforded flexibility on the way to higher environmental standards in farming in the post-2020 common agricultural policy reform package agreed provisionally by EU ministers Wednesday.

Cyber attacks threat grows under Covid-19

Cyber criminals have advanced their capabilities during the pandemic, adapting quickly and targeting victim groups more effectively, according to a report Tuesday from the EU cybersecurity agency.

EU Baltic 2021 fish quotas to help stocks recover

The EU agreed on 2021 fishing catch limits for the Baltic Sea Tuesday, with an acceptance of the need to continue decreasing the fishing opportunities for several fish stocks to help them recover.

Europe's nature under pressure

Intensive farming, urbanisation and unsustainable forestry are contributing to the decline of protected habitats and species in Europe, a review of vulnerable species and habitats showed Monday.

'Farm to fork' strategy commits EU to sustainable agri-food sector

The EU Council adopted Monday a set of conclusions on a 'farm to fork' strategy, endorsing the goal of developing a European sustainable food system, from production to consumption.

Brussels points way to greener, more digital economy post-COVID

A more healthy and fairer Europe is promised in the EU Commission's 2021 work programme, published Monday with the aim of accelerating a long-term transformation to a greener economy, fit for the digital age.

EU steps up 'no-deal' preparations as UK refuses to budge

With time running out for successful conclusion of an EU-UK trade deal and insufficient progress on key issues, EU leaders called on the UK at a summit Friday to make moves to make an agreement possible.

EU imposes sanctions on Russian officials for Navalny poisoning

The EU imposed sanctions Thursday against six Russian officials involved in the assassination attempt on Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, poisoned in Russia with a Novichok toxic nerve agent.

New EU chemicals strategy targets harmful consumer products

A new strategy on chemicals, unveiled Wednesday by the EU Commission, would prohibit the use of the most harmful chemicals in consumer products such as toys, cosmetics and detergents.

Auditors look into effectiveness of EU funding for SMEs

The European Court of Auditors launched a new audit Wednesday to examine whether EU funding for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) is helping to make them more competitive and future-proof.

EU puts in place rail safety measures for Channel Tunnel

The EU Council adopted legislation Wednesday to ensure safe and efficient operation of the Channel Tunnel rail link between continental Europe and the United Kingdom after the end of the Brexit transition period.

MEPs want to increase 2030 emissions reduction target to 60 pct

All EU Member States must become climate neutral by 2050, the European Parliament said Thursday in a vote on EU climate law, with MEPs calling for ambitious 2030 and 2040 emissions reduction targets.

Helping small businesses trade internationally

The European Commission launched the Access2Markets online portal Tuesday, to help small and medium-sized firms trade beyond the EU’s borders and successfully navigate the world of international trade.

EU states look to coordinate COVID travel measures

The EU adopted Tuesday a common framework on travel measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with recommendations to help states take decisions based on the epidemiological situation region by region.

Brussels settles antitrust chips dispute with Broadcom

The EU Commission accepted commitments by Broadcom Wednesday to suspend exclusivity agreements and/or leveraging provisions for Systems-on-a-Chip used in TV set-top boxes and Internet modems.

EU to issue EUR 100bn social bonds to protect jobs

The EU Commission announced Wednesday that it will issue its forthcoming SURE bonds of up to EUR 100 billion - designed to help protect jobs and keep people in work through the pandemic - as social bonds.

EU likely to miss targets for recycling plastic packaging

There is a significant risk that the EU will not meet its plastic packaging recycling targets for 2025 and 2030, according to a review published Tuesday by the European Court of Auditors.

Green light for EU-wide rules on crowdfunding

The European Parliament gave the go-ahead Monday to a single set of rules for crowdfunding services in the EU up to EUR 5,000,000, including strict rules to protect investors from financial losses.

EU summit agrees sanctions against Belarus regime

EU leaders at a summit Friday agreed to impose sanctions on the Belarus regime, calling for an end to violence and repression and for new free and fair elections without external interference.

EU candidate countries slow to reform: report

Turkey and Western Balkan countries looking to join the EU show slow progress on rule of law, corruption, and freedom of the judiciary and the media, the Commission's enlargement review said Tuesday.

EU begins legal action against UK for breaching legal obligations

Following Britain's refusal to remove parts of its draft Internal Market Bill by end September, the Commission began legal action Thursday for the UK's breach of obligations under the Withdrawal Agreement.