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Business news and information from the European Union

Brussels consults on fair minimum wages

The EU Commission launched Wednesday a second-stage consultation of European trade unions and employers' organisations on how to ensure fair minimum wages for all workers in the EU.

EUR 2 billion to reinforce EU's crisis response capability

The EU Commission proposed Tuesday to give the EU the capability to react more swiftly when a serious cross-border emergency such as the coronavirus strikes and affects EU countries at the same time.

Ban for Armenian airlines in EU Air Safety List update

The EU Commission added airlines certified in Armenia to Tuesday's update of the list of airlines subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the EU because they do not meet international safety standards.

Brussels proposes EUR 750 bn Covid recovery package

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen presented Wednesday a EUR 750 bn plan for economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis involving pooling of debt and unprecedented financial transfers.

EU, Japan strenthen ties to face COVID-19 crisis

EU and Japan leaders at a video conference Tuesday signalled close coordination in responding to the coronavirus pandemic, stressing the importance of global solidarity, cooperation and multilateralism.

EU unveils green makeover for food and farming

The European Commission took steps towards sustainable biodiversity, food and farming policies Wednesday, as it published its long-awaited 'farm to fork' policy roadmaps for the next 10 years.

Brussels plots route to sustainable recovery

The EU Commission recast its economic policy guidance Wednesday towards recovery which achieves sustainable and inclusive growth while mitigating the socio-economic consequences of COVID-19.

EUR 1 billion to support Europe's battery industry

The European Investment Bank confirmed at a meeting of the European Battery Alliance Tuesday that it expects to increase backing of battery-related projects in 2020 to more than EUR 1 bn financing.

Coronavirus: EU issues new call for EUR 122m research funding

The European Commission put out a call for expressions of interest for new funding of EUR 122 million Tuesday for urgently needed research into the coronavirus. The deadline for submission is 11 June.

Brussels prepares reboot of 'vital' tourism industry

The European Commission presented a package of guidelines and recommendations Wednesday to help EU countries gradually lift travel restrictions and allow tourism businesses to reopen after months of lockdown.

MEPs demand data protection guarantees for fingerprint exchange with UK

The EU Council should not allow fingerprint data exchange between the UK and EU countries without guarantees on reciprocity and data protection in place, the European Parliament said on Thursday.

Euro-MPs give green light to increased water reuse

With a view to preventing water shortages in the EU, Euro-MPs approved Wednesday the Water Reuse Regulation, which defines for the first time minimum requirements at European level for reclaimed water.

EU adds EUR 72m to fund 8 major coronavirus research projects

The EU is to increase to EUR 72m its funding for 8 large-scale European research projects aimed at developing treatments and diagnostics for the coronavirus, the Commission announced Tuesday.

Brussels expands temporary framework to recapitalisation

The Commission has adopted a second amendment to extend the scope of the State aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March to enable EU states to support the economy in the context of COVID-19.

European economy enters deepest ever recession

Despite EU and national efforts, Europe's economy will experience a recession of historic proportions this year, according to the EU's spring economic forecast, presented Wednesday by the Commission.

EU to put off new tax rules due to coronavirus crisis

The EU Commission decided Friday to postpone entry into force of two EU taxation measures to take account of difficulties businesses and Member States are currently facing with the coronavirus crisis.

Brussels to clamp down further on dirty money

The EU Commission put forward Thursday a set of measures it wants to take over the next 12 months to better enforce and coordinate EU rules on combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Greenhouse gas emissions in EU reduced by 8.7% under ETS in 2019

Emissions of greenhouse gases from all operators covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2019 fell by 8.7% compared to 2018 levels, the Commission reported on Tuesday.

EU and global partners pledge EUR 7.4 bn to fund coronavirus vaccine

The EU joined with global partners Monday to pledge EUR 7.4 billion in funding for the development of fast and equitable access to safe, effective and affordable diagnostics and vaccines against coronavirus.

More support for Europe's agricultural and food sectors

The European Commission published Monday its latest package of exceptional measures to support the agricultural and food sectors which are being most affected by the coronavirus crisis.

Brussels takes legal action against Poland over judges' independence

The EU Commission launched legal action again Poland Wednesday over a new law which it says undermines the judicial independence of Polish judges and is incompatible with the primacy of EU law.

Coronavirus: measures to provide relief to Europe's transport sector

The Commission adopted Wednesday a package of measures to help companies in the aviation, rail, maritime and road sectors deal with the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus: banking package to facilitate bank lending

A new banking package, adopted Tuesday by the EU Commission, aims to ensure that banks can continue to lend money to support the economy and help mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus.

EU and Mexico conclude talks on free trade deal

The EU and Mexico agreed Tuesday the exact scope of the reciprocal opening of each other's public procurement markets, concluding the last outstanding element of negotiations on their new trade agreement.

EU gives go-ahead to EUR 540 bn recovery package

EU leaders endorsed in a video call Thursday an agreement on safety nets for workers, businesses and sovereigns amounting to a package worth EUR 540 bn, calling for the package to be operational by 1 June.