EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
EU Justice Scoreboard highlights challenges to judicial independence
The Commission published its annual EU Justice Scoreboard Thursday, providing comparative data on the efficiency, quality, and independence of justice systems among the EU Member States.
2023 EU Justice Scoreboard - guide
The European Commission published on 8 June the 2023 EU Justice Scoreboard, which gives a comparative overview of the efficiency, quality and independence of justice systems in EU Member States. This is the eleventh edition, providing a long-term overview of how the situation in Member States has evolved in all three areas of effective justice.
New Unitary Patent system launches in EU
The Unitary Patent system launched in the EU on 1 June, with the aim of making it simpler and easier for companies to protect their innovations in Europe and capitalise on their intellectual property.
Unitary Patent system - guide
The Unitary Patent system launched on 1 June 2023, with the aim of making it simpler and easier for companies to protect their innovations in Europe and capitalise on their intellectual property.
June Infringements package: key decisions
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
EU moves to better protect vulnerable adults in cross-border situations
The European Commission proposed Wednesday new rules better protect adults in cross-border cases, and that their right to individual autonomy is respected when they move within the EU.
Commission proposals to better guarantee the rights of adults in need of protection or support in cross-border situations
The European Commission proposed on 31 May new rules aimed at ensuring that the protection of adults is maintained in cross-border cases, and that their right to individual autonomy, including the freedom to make their own choices as regards their person and future arrangements is respected when they move within the EU.
MEPs vote to speed up recovery of criminal assets
MEPs in committee approved new legislation on seizing criminal assets Tuesday to ensure fast and efficient freezing operations everywhere in the EU, and quicker compensation for victims.
Corruption
Corruption, commonly referred to as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, is a multi-sector phenomenon, present both in the public and private sector, and in the political arena. While corruption can take the form of petty crime or complex high-level corruption, it can also hide behind favouritism and nepotism, conflicts of interest and revolving doors – where business meets politics.
Stronger rules to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide - guide
The European Commission unveiled on 3 May 2023 a set of measures to fight corruption in the EU and worldwide, including new and strengthened rules criminalising corruption offences and harmonising penalties across the EU, as well as a proposal from the EU's foreign policy chief to establish a dedicated Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) sanctions regime to target serious acts of corruption worldwide.
EU targets corruption crime in Europe and worldwide
The Commission set out Wednesday a raft of new rules criminalising corruption offences and harmonising penalties across the EU, as well as a sanctions regime to target serious acts of corruption worldwide.
April Infringements package: key decisions
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
EU proposes new rules on transfer of criminal proceedings
The European Commission adopted a proposal Thursday for a Regulation which aims to harmonise the rules on transfer of criminal proceedings between EU Member States.
New proposals on transfer of criminal proceedings between EU Member States
The European Commission adopted on 5 April a proposal for a Regulation on the transfer of criminal proceedings between Member States.
Schengen info systems upgrade now in force
A strengthened Schengen Information System (SIS) entered into operation Tuesday, with more complete and reliable information to enhance security and border management in Europe.
WhatsApp promises EU to change practices
Following dialogue with consumer protection authorities and the EU Commission, the US WhatsApp messenger service committed Monday to being more transparent on changes to its terms of service.
Germany go-ahead for EU's unitary patent system
Germany's deposition of instrument on the ratification of the Unified Patent Court Agreement Monday triggered the final step required for the Unitary Patent system to start operating on 1 June 2023.
Unitary patent system
The European Commission actively promotes the implementation of the European patent with unitary effect (the 'unitary patent') and the establishment of a new patent court. The unitary patent is a legal title that will provide uniform protection across all participating countries on a one-stop-shop basis, providing huge cost advantages and reducing administrative burdens. The Unified Patent Court offers a single, specialised patent jurisdiction.
February 2023 infringements package: key decisions
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
January 2023 infringements package: key decisions
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.