EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Trafficking in firearms
Firearms are the lifeblood of organised crime in Europe, as elsewhere in the world. They facilitate the trade in illegal drugs and trafficking in human beings. The supply of stolen, smuggled and converted replica guns fuels urban gang conflict. Firearms are typically used by all organised crime groups to intimidate and coerce their victims. The life cycle of a weapon begins with its manufacture. It is then traded and used, most of the time responsibly and for legitimate purposes such as hunting and sports shooting. At the end of its life it may be deactivated or completely destroyed. Criminals acquire firearms by exploiting vulnerabilities in this life cycle. They forge documents to enable false transactions, or they convert deactivated or gas and alarm weapons into operational. The EU is uniquely placed to help disrupt criminal markets through its laws enabling common EU standards, through funding streams, through police and customs cooperation and engagement with third countries and international organisations.
Updated rules to increase security and facilitate legal trade - guide
The European Commission proposed on 27 October to update EU rules on the import, export and transit of firearms for civilian use.
EU, US prosecutors step up cooperation in fight against environmental crime
Specialised public prosecutors from the United States and EU Member States agreed Monday to step up cooperation on tackling major cross-border and intercontinental environmental crime.
EU moves to reduce waste from single-use plastics
The EU took legal steps against 11 Member States Thursday, calling on them to step up implementation of the Single-Use Plastics Directive to reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.
September 2022 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.
New EU product liability rules to cover AI
The EU Commission proposed Wednesday to modernise product liability rules to cover artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time, making it easier for victims of AI-related damage to get compensation.
AI Liability Directive - guide
The AI Liability Directive complements and modernises the EU civil liability framework, introducing for the first time rules specific to damages caused by AI systems. The new rules will ensure that victims of harm caused by AI technology can access reparation, in the same manner as if they were harmed under any other circumstances. The Directive introduces two main measures: the so called 'presumption of causality', which will relieve victims from having to explain in detail how the damage was caused by a certain fault or omission; and the access to evidence from companies or suppliers, when dealing with high-risk AI.
Revision of the EU Product Liability Directive - guide
The European Commission adopted on 28 September two proposals to adapt liability rules to the digital age, circular economy and the impact of global value chains.
Google loses appeal against EU antitrust ruling
Google lost its appeal in the EU's General Court Wednesday, which upheld a 2018 EU decision that Google imposed illegal restrictions on companies that make Android phones and those providing mobile service.
EU states slow to implement environment legislation: report
Implementation by EU Member States of environmental legislation has been sluggish in a number of key areas such as pollution, biodiversity and water quality, a European Commission report said Thursday.
2022 Environmental Implementation Review - guide
The European Commission published on 8 September the third Environmental Implementation Review (EIR), a key reporting tool that supports environmental enforcement and raises awareness about the importance of implementing environmental rules.
EU first to accede to Hague Judgements Convention
The European Union became the first country to accede to the Hague Judgements Convention Monday, seen as an important tool to facilitate rules-based multilateral trade and investment.
New rules to better protect children caught in cross-border parental disputes - guide
New EU rules on cooperation between judicial authorities on cross-border disputes, such as custody, parental rights and child abduction ('Brussels IIb Regulation') came into force on 1 August 2022. The Regulation updates the existing rules on jurisdiction, recognition and enforcement of decisions in matrimonial and parental responsibility matters to better protect the needs of the child.
EU takes action against UK for not complying with Brexit Protocol
The Commission launched four new infringement procedures against the United Kingdom Friday for not complying with significant parts of its Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.
EU Commission infringement procedures against UK - guide
The European Commission launched four new infringement procedures against the United Kingdom Friday for not complying with significant parts of the Protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland.
July 2022 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.
Poland, Hungary in spotlight over judicial independence
Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EU's annual Rule of Law Report, published Wednesday, highlights lack of action on the issues of judicial independence and corruption.
Rule of Law Report 2022 - guide
The European Commission published on 13 July the third annual Rule of Law Report. The report comes in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which further showcased the importance of upholding democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.
EU moves to stop illicit flows of crypto assets
The EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional deal Thursday to ensure transfers of crypto-assets can be traced and identified to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and other crimes.
EU starts new legal action against UK for breaking international law
The European Commission began legal action against the United Kingdom Wednesday for not complying with significant parts of its Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland.