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Business news and information from the European Union

Go-ahead for revamped EU product safety rules — 30 March 2023, 23:06 CET

The EU Parliament endorsed revised rules on product safety of non-food consumer products Thursday, aligning existing rules with latest developments in digitalisation and the surge in online shopping.

European firms will have to act on gender pay gap — 30 March 2023, 22:51 CET

New legislation adopted Thursday by the EU Parliament will require EU companies to disclose information that makes it easier for employees to compare salaries and to expose existing gender pay gaps.

EU strikes deal to boost use of renewable energy — 30 March 2023, 22:02 CET

European Council and Parliament negotiators reached provisional political agreement Thursday to set a renewable energy target of 42.5% by 2030 with an additional 2.5% indicative top up for 45%.

Brussels to cut red tape for cross-border business — 29 March 2023, 23:10 CET

The EU continued its drive to cut red tape for cross-border business Wednesday with a proposal to make it easier for companies to expand the use of digital tools and processes in EU company law.

Landmark deal to boost Europe's alternative fuels infrastructure — 29 March 2023, 23:07 CET

The EU's Parliament and Council reached political agreement Tuesday to boost the number of publicly accessible electric recharging and hydrogen refuelling stations.

EU to cut CO2 emissions for new cars and vans — 28 March 2023, 23:05 CET

The EU Council gave its green light Tuesday to further reduction in emissions from road transport with stricter CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans.

Political breakthrough on EU anti-coercion trade tool — 28 March 2023, 16:28 CET

MEPs and Council negotiators agreed Tuesday to set up a new tool to safeguard the EU's interests and respond to countries seeking to coerce the Union or member states.

EU, UK formally adopt new N'thn Ireland Brexit deal — 27 March 2023, 18:14 CET

The EU and UK formally adopted a decision Friday laying down the arrangements relating to the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit legal agreement on new arrangements for the Protocol on Northern Ireland.

Energy prices, online safety major concerns for consumers — 27 March 2023, 18:09 CET

High energy prices caused by the fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and worries about safety and protection online topped the list of concerns listed in Monday's 2023 consumer scoreboard.

EU agrees draft deal to decarbonise maritime sector — 24 March 2023, 18:28 CET

More renewable and low-carbon fuels will reduce the carbon footprint of the maritime sector in the EU, following Thursday's provisional political agreement between the Council and the European Parliament.

Commission invites proposals to deploy IRIS² satellite constellation — 24 March 2023, 18:26 CET

The European Commission launched an invitation Friday for the industry to tender proposals to procure a concession contract to implement the EU's Secure Communication Constellation IRIS².

MEPs upgrade single work and residence permit for non-EU nationals — 23 March 2023, 18:41 CET

A European Parliament committee backed draft EU legislation Thursday to issue work and residence permits more quickly for nationals of third countries and to improve their rights.

EU to promote longer lasting, more repairable products — 23 March 2023, 18:40 CET

The EU Commission outlined plans Wednesday to promote the repair of goods, with the aim of setting an obligation for producers to repair products’ defects beyond the legal guarantee.

Brussels adopts new guidelines to support tree planting — 22 March 2023, 18:19 CET

The European Commission published guidelines Tuesday to support implementation of its 'New Forest Strategy' aimed at strengthening the protection, restoration and resilience of EU forests.

EU looks to crack down on misleading green claims — 22 March 2023, 17:49 CET

The European Commission set out rules Wednesday on how companies communicate to ensure misleading green claims and labels do not make it to the market in the first place.

EU antitrust regulators carry out raid on energy drinks company — 21 March 2023, 19:03 CET

The European Commission on Monday carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of a company active in the energy drinks sector in various Member States.

EU launches large-scale renewable energy skills partnership — 21 March 2023, 18:57 CET

Renewable energy trade associations and clean technologies installers with EU support have set up a large-scale skills partnership for the renewable energy industrial ecosystem.

EU demands stronger action on noise pollution — 20 March 2023, 23:31 CET

Actions on noise pollution must be increased if the number of people affected by transport noise is to be reduced by 30% by 2030, says Monday's report on implementation of the Environmental Noise Directive.

Artificial intelligence on EU auditors' radar screen — 20 March 2023, 18:40 CET

An assessment of EU action to support the development of artificial intelligence was under way Monday, as EU auditors examine whether EU plans are conducive to positioning Europe as a global leader in AI.

EU moves to strengthen own capacity in critical raw materials — 16 March 2023, 22:31 CET

The European Commission proposed Thursday a comprehensive set of actions to ensure the EU's access to a secure, diversified, affordable and sustainable supply of critical raw materials.

Euro-Parliament ready to negotiate for EU-wide digital wallet — 16 March 2023, 22:30 CET

The European Parliament confirmed Thursday its negotiating mandate on a new digital identity framework which would provide EU citizens with digital access to key public services across EU borders.

Brussels outlines new framework for net-zero technologies — 16 March 2023, 18:54 CET

The EU Commission proposed a 'Net-Zero Industry Act' Thursday to scale up manufacturing of clean technologies in the EU and make sure the Union is well-equipped for the clean-energy transition.

Free Europe travel pass applications open for 35,000 young people — 15 March 2023, 19:02 CET

The European Commission launched the DiscoverEU spring call Wednesday, thanks to which 35,000 young people will receive a free rail pass to explore Europe.

EU and Thailand relaunch trade negotiations — 15 March 2023, 19:02 CET

The EU and Thailand announced the relaunch of negotiations for an ambitious, modern and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) Wednesday, with sustainability at its core.

EU Parliament assesses Windsor Framework, citizens’ rights — 15 March 2023, 19:02 CET

MEPs assessing the state of EU-UK relations Wednesday welcomed the deal on the Protocol on Northern Ireland but raised concerns about citizens' rights, including 'pre-settled status' for EU citizens.