EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Euro-MPs want to reduce animal testing
The use of animals in scientific experiments could soon be reduced by new legislation, approved by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee on Monday, which aims for a balance between improving animal welfare and assisting research against diseases.
EU set to cap emission allowances from 2013
The European Commission today adopted a decision which determines for the first time a ceiling or 'cap' on the number of emission allowances that will be available under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in 2013, the first year of the 2013-2020 trading period.
EU approves acquisition of Privileg Rights by Whirlpool
The European Commission cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Privileg trademark and other rights by Whirlpool of the US.
EU approves acquisition of Millipore by Merck
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of Millipore, a US-based life science group of companies by the German pharmaceutical and chemical company Merck.
Euro-MPs call for fair and transparent trade in fish
The EU's fishing and aquaculture industries must not be exposed to unfair competition from imports, says a resolution adopted by the European Parliament on Thursday, which calls for fishery products to be classified as "sensitive" in global trade talks.
Euro-MPs call for ban on food from cloned animals
Euro-MPs renewed their appeal for a ban on food from cloned animals when they voted on novel foods legislation on Wednesday. They also demanded a moratorium on foods using nanotechnology until potential health risks can be ruled out.
Euro-MPs approve stricter rules on industrial emissions
Clearer rules and cleaner air are among the aims of the Industrial Emissions Directive approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday. Stricter limits will apply for air pollution, for example, although EU Member States will have some flexibility to extend deadlines for power plants or waive the rules for other installations in special cases.
EU approves UK pension scheme NEST
The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules the establishment of an occupational pension scheme in the UK, branded NEST, in the UK to ensure that all employees have access to an affordable pension vehicle.
EU approves acquisition of Círculo by Spanish media group Planeta
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition by the Spanish media group Planeta of joint control of the Spanish book club Círculo, currently a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bertelsmann.
MEPs call for EU directive on biowaste
Compulsory separate collection and recycling of biowaste should be a central plank of a new EU biowaste directive, said MEPs in a resolution adopted on Tuesday.
Euro-MPs call for equal rights for part-time and contract workers
Any reform of labour law should seek to protect workers in "non-standard" employment, such as part-time or temporary work, and make it easier to move between various types of work and unemployment, says a resolution adopted by European Parliament on Tuesday.
Euro-MPs set to cut red tape in maritime transport
Ships entering and departing from EU ports will no longer be subject to complex, repetitive administrative formalities thanks to a new directive approved by European Parliament on Tuesday.
Euro-MPs propose 4-month limit on unemployment for young people
A "European Youth Guarantee" to ensure that young people who are unemployed do not remain jobless for more than four months is among proposals made by MEPs in a resolution on improving access to the labour market for young people.
EU to increase investor protection in EU investment fund market
The European Commission has today completed a programme of improvements to the EU framework for investment funds. The new rules better empower investors by requiring a new standardised fund document, while also setting out in detail the high standards of conduct of business that investment fund managers must comply with.
EU moves a step closer to a Single Patent
The European Commission presented today a proposal on translation arrangements for a future EU Patent, the final element needed for a single EU Patent to become a reality.
EU approves Total's partial acquisition of Polimeri of Belgium
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed sale of Polimeri's polystyrene business at Feluy, Belgium, to Total Petrochemicals Feluy S.A.
EU consults on implementation of Services Directive
The European Commission is inviting interested parties to share their views on those aspects of national legislation which are being discussed by EU Member States in the "mutual evaluation process", forseen by the Services Directive, transposed in December 2009.
EU approves restructuring of Austrian bank BAWAG
The European Commission has authorised under EU State aid rules a €550 million capital injection provided by Austria in favour of the BAWAG bank and approved a new restructuring plan of the bank.
EU clears extension of bank support measures in 4 Member States
The European Commission has extended its authorisation under EU state aid rules until 31 December 2010 of the Dutch and Slovenian bank guarantee schemes and the Greek and Polish bank support measures.
New EU organic logo comes into force on 1 July
New EU rules on organic food labelling including the requirement to display the new EU organic logo, enter into force on 1 July, 2010. The so-called “Euro-Leaf” will now be obligatory on pre-packaged organic food products that have been produced in any of EU Member States and meet the necessary standards.