Breaking news

Business news and information from the European Union

EU summit clarifies UK 'backstop', but no renegotiation

As PM Theresa May sought to save her Brexit deal at a Brussels summit Thursday, EU leaders clarified their position on the 'backstop' but stated there would be no renegotiation of the UK withdrawal deal.

EU institutions reach deal on cross-border access to online content

Parliament, Commission and Council negotiators reached a political agreement Thursday on proposed EU copyright legislation to make online TV and radio programmes more easily available in Europe.

Commission not entitled to relax car emission limits: EU Court

The EU's General Court upheld actions brought by the cities of Paris, Brussels and Madrid Thursday, and annulled in part a Commission attempt to relax oxides of nitrogen emission limits for car tests.

EU-Japan trade deal set to enter into force February 2019

February 1, 2019 is the date set for entry into force of the EU’s trade agreement with Japan, as the European Parliament gave its consent Wednesday to the largest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated by the EU.

Plastics alliance to bolster Europe's recycling market

A new Circular Plastics Alliance of of key industry stakeholders, launched Tuesday by the EU Commission, with the aim of improving the economics and the quality of plastics recycling in Europe.

States agree new EU legal framework for spirit drinks

EU countries have confirmed agreement on a regulation on the definition, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, including use in other foodstuffs and protection of geographical indications.

Ministers agree update to EU rules on protecting children in cross-border family disputes

EU Justice Ministers have reached a political agreement on a proposal to update the rules that protect children in cross-border family proceedings, including international child abduction.

European Solidarity Corps: EU launches new call for proposals

The EU Commission published a call for proposals Monday under the European Solidarity Corps initiative which enables young people to volunteer or work on projects that benefit people and communities around Europe.

9 out of 10 European Jews see rise in antisemitism

9 out of 10 European Jews feel antisemitism has increased over the past five years, particularly on the internet and on social media, says a poll by the EU Fundamental Rights Agency, published Monday.

UK can cancel Brexit decision unilaterally, rules EU Court

The United Kingdom does have the right to revoke Brexit unilaterally, to remain in the EU under terms that are unchanged as regards its status as a Member State, the EU's top Court confirmed Monday.

EUR 20 bn boost for artificial intelligence in Europe

The EU Commission presented a coordinated plan Friday, prepared with the EU Member States, to foster the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe with EUR 20 billion investment.

EU businesses need transparent and fair online platforms: MEPs

An EU Parliament committee approved Thursday a draft law which requires online platforms such as Google and Amazon to end unfair practices to businesses and set up effective redress mechanisms.

Company law rules updated for digital era

EU states agreed Wednesday to modernise company law rules with a view to facilitating the use of digital tools and online processes in a company's contacts with public authorities throughout its lifecycle.

EU looks to broaden use of .eu top-level domains

The European Parliament, Council and Commission reached a political agreement Wednesday on the revision of the Regulation concerning the .eu Internet top-level domain.

Brussels seeks stronger global role for euro

The EU Commission put forward a number of initiatives Wednesday to boost the global role of the single currency, seeking to challenge the dollar's global dominance, particularly in the energy sector.

UK can unilaterally abandon Brexit: EU Court

Article 50 of the EU Treaty does allow the unilateral revocation by Britain of its notification of intention to withdraw from the EU, the advocate-general of the EU's top Court said in an Opinion Tuesday.

Russian interference prompts EU action against disinformation

Europe needs to join forces to protect its democracies against Russia's interference in elections and referenda, the EU Commission said Wednesday as it unveiled an action plan to counter disinformation.

''No deal' or no Brexit, EU prepared for every scenario

If the UK Parliament were to reject the 'only possible deal' in its upcoming Brexit vote, the EU was prepared for the alternative 'no deal' or no Brexit at all, EU president Donald Tusk told the G20 summit.

Brussels issues 12,000 more euro-travel passes for 18-yr-olds

The European Commission launched a second DiscoverEU competition Thursday, giving 12,000 young people aged 18 the chance to apply for a travel pass to discover Europe next summer.

New safety features for cars will save lives: EU

The EU Council agreed a common position Thursday on introducing legislation which will require various safety features to be included on a range of vehicles with the aim of saving lives on Europe's roads.

EU aims for net-zero emissions Europe by 2050

The EU Commission set out a strategic long-term plan Wednesday for a 'climate neutral' economy by 2050, to meet Paris objectives and in response to recent stark warnings from scientists over climate change.

EU agrees new rules for spirit drinks

EU institutions reached a political agreement Tuesday on new rules for the production and labelling of spirit drinks and for the registration and protection of spirit drinks registered as geographical indications.

Concern over interference in elections rises ahead of Euro-poll

Ahead of next year's European elections, a majority of EU citizens are worried that disinformation campaigns, data breaches and cyber attacks will interfere with electoral processes, according to a survey.

British expats' case against Brexit dismissed by EU Court

An attempt by a group of thirteen Britons living in other EU countries to annul the European Council's decision to open negotiations on Brexit was dismissed Monday by the European Court of Justice.

Brussels opens probe into airline ticket distribution services

The EU has opened a formal investigation into whether agreements between booking system providers Amadeus and Sabre and airlines and travel agents restrict competition in breach of EU antitrust rules.