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Business news and information from the European Union

EU launches debate on ageing population — 27 January 2021, 17:42 CET

The European Commission presented Wednesday a green paper to launch a broad policy debate on the challenges and opportunities of Europe's ageing society, inviting the public to express its views.

MEPs call for end to "take-make-dispose" economy — 27 January 2021, 17:16 CET

MEPs in committee called for an end to Europe's current "take-make-dispose" economy Wednesday, with binding targets for recycled content and an EU policy on sustainable non-energy-related products.

EU fines Steam gaming platform for 'geo-blocking' — 26 January 2021, 21:46 CET

The EU Commission has fined Valve, owner of online PC gaming platform 'Steam', with publishers Bandai Namco, Capcom, Focus Home, Koch Media and ZeniMax EUR 7.8m for breaching antitrust rules.

MEPs vote for 'right to disconnect' from work — 26 January 2021, 21:44 CET

The European Parliament called Thursday for an EU law to define minimum requirements for remote working including a right to digitally disconnect from work without facing negative repercussions.

EU vaccine exports threat following AstraZeneca reduction — 26 January 2021, 21:44 CET

The EU warned Tuesday of tighter exports of COVID-19 vaccines, following the announcement by AstraZeneca that it intends to supply considerably fewer doses in the coming weeks than it had agreed.

EU welcomes Biden's United States back to 'rules-based international order' — 22 January 2021, 01:18 CET

The European Union welcomed the inauguration of Joe Biden Wednesday as an opportunity for Europe to strengthen EU-US ties and tackle common challenges and threats to the democratic system.

UK to remain part of Euro-Parliament communication programmes — 19 January 2021, 23:49 CET

The European Parliament reaffirmed Tuesday its will to continue to engage with young generations of British citizens as well as EU 27 citizens resident in the UK.

EU mulls digital levy for fair recovery — 19 January 2021, 23:46 CET

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a new digital levy, saying it wants to to ensure fair taxation in the digital economy, while at the same time contributing to Europe's recovery.

MEPs give green light to stronger EU powers in trade disputes — 19 January 2021, 23:45 CET

The European Parliament adopted Tuesday a set of new rules which will allow the EU to use countermeasures against those who violate trade rules while blocking dispute settlements.

EIB announces EUR 300m investment in space — 17 January 2021, 21:43 CET

The European Investment Fund and the EU Commission announced investment of some EUR 300 million into the European space sector Wednesday, supporting ground-breaking innovation in the industry.

EU talks with Valvena could secure 60m vaccines — 17 January 2021, 21:43 CET

The European Commission concluded exploratory talks with the French biotech company Valneva Tuesday, with a view to purchasing its potential vaccine against COVID-19, manufactured in Scotland.

EU steps up WTO complaint over Indonesia steel — 17 January 2021, 21:42 CET

The EU on Friday requested the establishment of a WTO panel to seek the elimination of unlawful export restrictions imposed by Indonesia on raw materials necessary for the production of stainless steel.

Brussels consults on EU targets to restore Europe's biodiversity — 13 January 2021, 21:37 CET

The EU Commission made a bid Monday to restore Europe's damaged ecosystems and help tackle climate change, as it launched a public consultation on legally binding nature restoration targets for the EU.

EU clears 'safe and effective' Moderna vaccine against COVID-19 — 12 January 2021, 00:10 CET

The EU Commission granted conditional marketing authorisation for the COVID-19 vaccine developed by US firm Moderna Wednesday, making it the second COVID-19 vaccine authorised in the Union.

EU-China reach agreement on investment — 11 January 2021, 23:23 CET

Following intensive negotiations carried out by the European Commission, the EU and China concluded in principle at the end of 2020 negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Investment.

EUR 20m to help European SMEs maximise IP assets — 11 January 2021, 23:22 CET

As of Monday, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) were able to apply for financing under a EUR 20 million grant scheme to help EU companies to make better use of intellectual property rights.

Portuguese EU presidency aims for green recovery — 06 January 2021, 22:13 CET

Portugal took over the European Union's presidency on 1 January, promising to lead the EU out of the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic under the motto of a "fair, green and digital recovery".

EU-UK agree historic trade deal — 04 January 2021, 23:50 CET

Four and a half years after the 2016 Brexit referendum, the British Government and the EU Commission agreed Thursday a historic trade and security deal as part of the UK's future cooperation with the EU.

Brussels sets out recommendations for sustainable farming — 04 January 2021, 17:41 CET

The EU Commission published recommendations Friday for each EU Member State to assist in the drafting of their Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plans, accompanied by a Communication.

EU fish quotas agreed for Atlantic, North Sea, Med and Black Sea — 18 December 2020, 18:33 CET

EU ministers reached agreement Thursday on catch limits for over 200 commercial fish stocks in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and the Black Sea for 2021 and, for deep-sea species, for 2021-22.

EU agrees EUR 1.8 trillion long-term recovery budget — 17 December 2020, 18:02 CET

The EU Council adopted a regulation Thursday laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, providing for a long-term budget of EUR 1,074.3 billion for the EU27 in 2018 prices.

EU to make online platforms more accountable — 16 December 2020, 18:26 CET

The European Commission proposed new rules for social media and online market places Tuesday, to better protect consumers and their rights online, and to create fairer and more open digital markets.

Green light for purer European water — 16 December 2020, 18:25 CET

A new drinking water directive, approved Tuesday by the European Parliament, will give better access to higher quality tap water, and could lower consumption of bottled water.

MEPs approve 'rule of law conditionality' for access to EU funds — 16 December 2020, 18:25 CET

EU states failing to uphold the EU's common values risk losing access to EU funds, following MEPs' approval Wednesday of a regulation to protect EU funds from being misused by governments who bend the rule of law.

EU chemicals agency proposes safer tattooing — 14 December 2020, 23:10 CET

The EU's Chemicals Agency proposed Monday to restrict hazardous substances used in tattooing inks and permanent make up, with a view to making tattooing safer rather than banning tattoos or tattooing colours.