Breaking news

Business news and information from the European Union

EU Parliament gives go-ahead to Covid certificate

EU states are set to accept the Digital COVID Certificate - proving vaccination, negative test result or recovery from a COVID infection - from 1 July, following Wednesday's green light from MEPs.

EUR 167.8 bn 'green' budget to boost EU's economic recovery

The Commission proposed Tuesday an EU budget of EUR 167.8 billion for 2022, prioritising green and digital spending in a bid to boost Europe's economic recovery, safeguard sustainability and create jobs.

EU sets out vision for a climate-resilient society

EU states approved Thursday a new strategy outlining a long-term vision for the EU to become a climate-resilient society that is fully adapted to the unavoidable impacts of climate change by 2050.

EU rules on removing online terrorist content in force

Online platforms have one hour to remove terrorist content referred by EU states' authorities, under landmark EU rules on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content which entered into force Monday.

Green light for EU's EUR 17.5 bn climate transition fund

EU states gave final approval Monday to a regulation establishing a EUR 17.5 billion fund which is designed to mitigate the consequences for those most affected by Europe's transition away from fossil fuels.

EU keeps up pressure on vaccine disinformation

The EU confirmed Thursday extension of its monitoring programme on measures taken by online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, Microsoft and Google to reduce the 'dangerous lies' of disinformation.

EU lawmakers strike deal on multinationals' tax reporting

EU legislators reached a provisional political agreement which will oblige multinationals to declare what taxes they pay in each EU country, overcoming years of foot-dragging by some governments.

EU limits presence of suspected carcinogen in toys

The EU Commission adopted Thursday an amendment to the Toy Safety Directive to limit the presence of aniline, a substance suspected of carcinogenic properties in certain coloured toy materials.

EU must step up efforts to tame disinformation threat: auditors

The EU's action plan to combat disinformation, issued in 2018, is being outpaced by emerging threats and is incomplete, according to a special report published Thursday by the European Court of Auditors.

EU, UK agree fish quotas for rest of 2021

The European Union and the United Kingdom concluded Wednesday their negotiations on an agreement in principle setting out catch limits for jointly managed fish stocks until the end of 2021.

Stringent standards met at most of Europe's bathing sites

Anybody managing to get to Europe's beaches this summer will welcome the news Tuesday that almost 83 per cent of Europe's bathing water sites met the EU's 'excellent' water quality standards.

EU forecast paves way for 'strong and sustainable recovery'

The EU Commission presented its European Semester Spring Package Wednesday, providing fiscal guidance to Member States as they continue the process of gradually reopening their economies.

Brussels prepares for new rules on single-use plastics

The European Commission provided guidance Monday for the new EU rules on single-use plastics set for 3 July which aim to reduce marine litter from single-use plastic products and from abandoned fishing gear.

EU supports Belarus democracy with EUR 3 bn finance package

The EU Commission outlined Friday a plan of economic support to a future democratic Belarus, reflecting EU commitment to support the Belarusian people's wishes for a peaceful democratic transition.

EU forges first-ever 'green alliance' with Japan

The EU forged a first-ever 'green alliance' with Japan Thursday, vowing at a summit to speed up action on climate change, promote green growth and jobs, and achieve sustainable and secure energy supplies.

Online platforms profiting from fake news, says EU

The EU's code of practice on disinformation needs to be strengthened to become more effective in countering disinformation, the EU Commission said in new guidance published Wednesday.

New EU rules on medical devices into force

New EU rules on medical devices entered into application on Wednesday, with the aim of establishing a modern and more robust regulatory framework to protect public health and patient safety.

EU agrees sanctions over Belarus 'international scandal'

EU leaders at a two-day summit Tuesday strongly condemned the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and the detention by Belarus authorities of journalist Raman Pratasevich and Sofia Sapega.

Brussels disburses EUR 14.1 bn for Covid employment support

The European Commission disbursed some EUR 14,137 billion to 12 EU Member States on Tuesday, in the seventh instalment of financial support under the EU's SURE instrument.

EU agrees provisional deal on digital Covid certificate

EU institutions reached a provisional deal Friday for a European digital Covid certificate to facilitate free movement as EU member states start to lift Covid restrictions to free movement across Europe.

EU aims for 5 pct tobacco use by 2040

The EU Commission published a first report on the Tobacco Products Directive Thursday, underlining its goal of a tobacco-free generation in Europe, with less than 5% of people using tobacco by 2040.

EUR 371m fine for investment banks cartel

Seven investment banks were found Thursday to have breached EU antitrust rules through participation of traders in a cartel in the primary and secondary market for European Government Bonds.

EU eases criteria for restrictions on non-essential travel

Responding to ongoing vaccination campaigns, the EU announced Thursday the introduction of certain waivers for vaccinated travellers and an easing of criteria for restrictions for third countries.

EU agrees new draft rules for highly skilled migrant workers

The European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional deal Tuesday on new rules for the entry and residence of highly skilled workers from outside the EU under the revised Blue Card Directive.

Sustainable blue economy to support EU's green recovery

A new approach for a sustainable blue economy, proposed Monday by the EU Commission for industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts, aims to assure them a green recovery from the pandemic.