EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Company Law and Corporate Governance
The purpose of EU rules in this area is to enable businesses to be set up anywhere in the EU; provide protection for shareholders and other parties with a particular interest in companies; make business more efficient and competitive; encourage businesses based in different EU countries to cooperate with each other. Company reporting and auditing complement this legal framework. EU rules in this area - What the EU is doing - Preparatory work - Informal Company Law Expert Group - Action Plan - Studies - Documents
New Company Law Rules
The European Commission proposed on 25 April new company law rules with a view to making it easier for companies to merge, divide or move within the EU Single Market.
New EU rules to help companies grow and merge in single market
EU companies should find it easier to merge, divide or move within the single market and to digitalise setting-up and running a business, under new company law rules outlined Wednesday by Brussels.
Whistleblower protection
The European Commission proposed on 23 April a new law to strengthen whistleblower protection across the EU.
Whistleblowers to be protected by EU law
In the wake of the Dieselgate, Luxleaks, Panama Papers and recently the Cambridge Analytica revelations, the EU Commission proposed Monday a new law strengthen whistleblower protection across the EU.
Kitkat protected status in doubt in EU Court's opinion
The future of the three-dimensional shape of Nestle's ‘Kit Kat 4 fingers’ chocolate as an EU trade mark is in doubt following Thursday's opinion of the Advocate-General of the European Court of Justice.
Brussels wants fingerprints added to ID cards
The EU Commission put forward a package of security measures Tuesday, including more secure ID cards, stricter rules on explosives and firearms, and better data sharing to help fight crime and terrorism.
6 hours for tech firms to hand over key evidence under EU security proposal
Police and judicial authorities would gain easier and faster access to e-evidence such as e-mails or documents under new EU proposals to help them investigate, prosecute and convict criminals and terrorists.
Logging in Bialowieza Forest broke law: EU Court
Increasing logging operations in Poland's Białowieza Forest nature reserve infringed EU law, the European Court of Justice ruled Tuesday in a final judgement.
Uber France hit by new EU Court blow
EU Member States can prohibit illegal exercise of transport activities in the context of the UberPop service without alerting the Commission in advance of draft criminal legislation, the EU Court ruled Tuesday.
EU financial interests can limit double jeopardy principle
The 'double jeopardy' principle may be limited to protect the financial interests of the EU and financial markets, but only in so far as necessary to meet their objectives, the EU court ruled Wednesday.
Crocs shoes design loses EU patent: Court
The General Court of the European Court of Justice confirmed Wednesday the cancellation of registration of Crocs' design, because it was made available to the public before its registration.
March 2018 infringements package: key decisions
In its March 2018 monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law.
Airlines can be sued for compensation at destination: EU Court
An airline operating only the first leg of a connecting flight in one EU Member State can be sued in the courts of the state of final destination for compensation for delays, the EU's top court ruled on Wednesday.
Firefighter's standby time is working time: EU Court
Stand-by time of a firefighter on call at home, who is obliged to respond to calls from an employer within a short period, must be regarded as ‘working time’, the EU's top Court ruled on Thursday.
Poland's Bialowieza Forest logging 'infringes EU law'
It is unlawful to increase logging in Poland's Bialowieza Forest, the Advocate General of the European Court of Justice confirmed in an opinion issued Tuesday. The Court's final judgement is due in March.
Louboutin loses 'red sole' case in EU's top Court
A trade mark combining colour and shape may be refused or declared invalid on the grounds set out under EU trade mark law, the advocate-general of the EU's top Court declared Wednesday.
EU Court upholds air freight forwarding cartel fines
The European Court of Justice upheld Thursday fines imposed by the Commission on a number of companies for their participation in cartels in the international air freight forwarding services sector.
EU plans first 'Counterfeit and Piracy' watch list
As part of EU plans for an intellectual property enforcement system, the European Commission launched Wednesday a public consultation to establish a first worldwide 'Counterfeit and Piracy' watch list.
January 2018 infringements package: key decisions
In its January 2018 monthly package of infringement decisions, the European Commission is pursuing legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law.