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European Commission advocates use of quality criteria in public procurement — 22 February 2018, 14:39 CET

In a letter to the European Association of Service providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), the European Commission has clarified how the European Union (EU) Public Procurement Directive is applicable to the procurement of social services.

Disappointing vote puts some consumer rights up for the chop — 22 February 2018, 12:45 CET

Consumer protection in the EU for the purchase of goods could be weakened following a poor vote in the European Parliament Internal Market (IMCO) Committee today. Members of the committee decided to remove the free choice of remedies which currently exists in several countries when a consumer discovers a fault with a product he bought.

Sales of goods: a missed opportunity — 22 February 2018, 12:41 CET

Today, after two years of debate, IMCO (European Parliament Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee) voted its report on the proposal concerning contracts for the sales of goods. UEAPME acknowledges the Committee's efforts to find a reasonable compromise for all parties and appreciates that provisions such as the lifespan guarantee have not been introduced. However, SMEs regret that the proposal, as it stands now, does not live up to the expected potential initially foreseen, notably establishing full harmonisation of guarantees and remedies at European level.

MEPs take a step towards fixing electricity market rules — 21 February 2018, 13:46 CET

Today the European Parliament's industry and energy committee (ITRE) adopted its position on the laws to redesign the EU’s electricity market.

European Parliament committee restricts controversial subsidies to coal, gas and nuclear plants — 21 February 2018, 12:44 CET

The European Parliament's energy committee has proposed restrictions for controversial subsidies for energy utilities in its vote on the energy market reform. So-called capacity mechanisms - national subsidies to keep power plants on standby - would only be allowed as a "last resort" and would be heavily regulated.

European Court of Justice: European Commission correct to issue guidelines for protecting consumers using online gambling services — 20 February 2018, 23:57 CET

The EU Court of Justice (CJEU) has ruled that the European Commission acted within its rights by issuing guidelines to member states on how to protect consumers from online gambling services.

Logging of Bialowieza Forest illegal, confirms Advocate General of EU Court — 20 February 2018, 21:11 CET

The Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union has today issued an opinion in which he confirms that it was unlawful to increase logging in the Bialowieza Forest. The final judgment of this case is expected in March.

Public Procurement in the EU: President of the Federal Chamber of German Architects presents position of the profession in the European Parliament — 20 February 2018, 19:40 CET

In October 2017, the European Commission issued a Public Procurement Package with the aim of making public procurement more efficient and thereby creating jobs and growth. The package contains recommendations for a better implementation of the EU public procurement directives revised in 2014.

Insufficient changes to terms and conditions of social media giants show need for real EU sanctions — 15 February 2018, 17:12 CET

Facebook, Twitter and Google+ have made changes to their terms of service in an effort to comply with EU consumer protection rules, following a joint action of national consumer authorities. However, Facebook and Twitter have not complied with all the changes required.

EuroCommerce reminds retailers and wholesalers to be ready for the EU Data Protection Regulation — 12 February 2018, 23:50 CET

With 100 days left before the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May, EuroCommerce is reminding all retailers and wholesalers to take the necessary action to be ready and compliant by that date, echoing the recent European Commission warning on the urgent need to step up preparations at Member State level.

EuroISPA Marks Safer Internet Day — 08 February 2018, 17:14 CET

To mark Safer Internet Day 2018, the European Internet Service Providers Association (EuroISPA) has reiterated the crucial role played by Internet Hotlines and their efforts in fighting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and other illegal content online.

Legislators should not lose sight of correcting discriminatory wholesale roaming charges despite progress on EECC — 08 February 2018, 17:05 CET

Legislators make welcome progress on pro-competitive radio spectrum aspects of the draft European Electronic Communications Code, but high wholesale roaming charges are still hurting MVNOs and damaging competition for mobile services.

British Citizens in Spain Praise Amsterdam Court Ruling — 08 February 2018, 17:01 CET

Bremain in Spain, a group campaigning for the UK to remain in the European Union and to protect the rights of British migrants living in Spain, comments on yesterday's Amsterdam court decision to refer questions to the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

EU misses the mark with Geoblocking decision — 07 February 2018, 23:58 CET

On 6 of February the European Parliament Plenary approved the agreement on the geo-blocking regulation, reached in trilogue by the European Institutions 2017. ESBA welcomes any initiatives that intends to simplify operating within the Single Market for businesses and citizens. Unfortunately, the decision made yesterday has done the exact opposite for small businesses.

Geo-blocking will discourage SMEs' online trade — 06 February 2018, 21:10 CET

Today, the European Parliament's plenary ratified the agreement reached in trilogue by adopting the regulation to end unjustified geo-blocking. While SMEs support the fight against unjustified discrimination based on nationality and residency, they remain highly concerned with the Geo-blocking Regulation that leaves many open questions and does not guarantee legal certainty to traders. This will not facilitate increase of cross-border e-commerce.

European Union makes shopping without borders a reality — 06 February 2018, 14:20 CET

MEPs will vote today to make it easier for consumers to buy from, or access, a website based in another EU country. Through so-called geo-blocking practices traders often prevent consumers of other EU countries purchasing products from their online shops. The new measure will enter into force later this year, forbidding discrimination of consumers based on their nationality or place of residence.

Sustainable Finance: Banks urge clarity in EU Action Plan — 02 February 2018, 11:23 CET

Noting the final recommendations of the EU High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance published today, the European Banking Federation called on the European Commission to move swiftly and prepare a clear EU Action Plan that will enable the banking sector to actively promote sustainable development and contribute to the fight against climate change without harming financial stability.

Bremain in Spain comments as part of British in Europe on the Brexit Negotiations — 01 February 2018, 16:12 CET

Bremain in Spain, a group campaigning for the UK to remain in the European Union and to protect the rights of British migrants living in Spain, comments as part of the British in Europe coalition of citizens' groups re the latest EU negotiations.

Co-production: Working together to create inclusive employment opportunities! — 01 February 2018, 16:08 CET

On Tuesday 30 January EASPD and its partners in the Taskforce "Support Services of Tomorrow" (EDF, COFACE Families-Europe, ENIL, Inclusion Europe and MHE-SME) cohosted the event 'Co-producing employment initiatives for young persons with disabilities and mental health problems' alongside MEP Brando Benifei.

Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Agreement reached is the right way to renovate Europe's building stock — 01 February 2018, 16:03 CET

Yesterday the Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER) confirmed the agreement reached between the Estonian presidency and the European Parliament in December 2017 on the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).

New report finds ski resort construction causing irreversible damage to Pirin World Heritage and Natura 2000 site — 31 January 2018, 23:17 CET

Pirin National Park in Bulgaria, one of Europe's most important biodiversity hotspots and part of the EU's Natura 2000 network, has suffered irreparable damage from the construction and expansion of Bansko ski resort, reveals a WWF report published on 29 January.

Safeguarding auto industry competitiveness, amidst Brexit and CO2 policy concerns — 31 January 2018, 17:10 CET

While the EU passenger car market grew by 3.4% in 2017, with over 15 million cars sold, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) now forecasts that growth will slow to around 1% in 2018.

GDPR: SMEs call on Member States to support implementation — 30 January 2018, 15:43 CET

Today, UEAPME met Commissioners Ansip and Jourova with other stakeholders to discuss the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) entering into force on 25th May.

ACE endorses the Davos Declaration calling for a high-quality Baukultur for Europe — 26 January 2018, 12:13 CET

On 21-22 January 2018, the European Ministers of Culture and stakeholders from the heritage and cultural sectors, including the Architects Council of Europe (ACE), attended a conference dedicated to Baulkultur at the invitation of the President of the Swiss Confederation. On this occasion, they adopted a Declaration, which highlights the benefits of a high-quality Baukultur to society and pathways for promoting and achieving it in Europe.

Misleading food claims: 9 years and counting for EU to act — 26 January 2018, 11:09 CET

It’s already 9 years that BEUC and its member organisations began calling for nutrient profiles to be adopted. These tools would help slash the number of health and nutrition claims which give a healthy halo to unhealthy foods.