EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Working Time Directive : first stage consultation of social partners - briefing
The European Commission has today requested the views of workers' and employers' representatives on the options for reviewing EU rules on working time. The first stage consultation asks the European social partners at whether action is needed at EU level on the Working Time Directive (2003/88/EC) and what scope it should take. This represents the first step towards a comprehensive review of the Directive and comes after previous the attempts to revisit the existing legislation reached an impasse in April 2009.
Clearer EU rules for international couples - briefing
An Austrian woman marries a British man in the UK. The couple lives for two years in Austria with their son. The husband then leaves and the wife wants a divorce. However, she doesn't know which law will apply to her divorce. Can she get a divorce under Austrian law or does UK law apply? Thousands of Europeans find themselves in such difficult situations each year because each EU country has its own system for deciding which country’s law applies to divorces. The European Commission has proposed a concrete solution: a law that will allow couples to choose which country's laws apply to their divorce. The proposed EU Regulation will help couples of different nationalities, couples living apart in different countries or living together in a country other than their home country. The aim is to lessen the burden on children and to protect weaker partners during divorce disputes. There are around 300,000 international marriages per year in the EU. Today's proposal follows a request from 10 Member States (Austria, Bulgaria, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovenia and Spain) and would be the first time the "enhanced cooperation" mechanism would be used in EU history.
Lithuania withdraws proposed regulation on telecoms
On 16 March 2010 the Lithuanian Authority, Ryšių reguliavimo tarnyba (RRT), informed the European Commission that it was withdrawing its proposed measure on network infrastructure access markets. The Commission had earlier this month raised serious doubts about the compatibility of the proposed regulation with the principles of EU competition law.
MEPs adopt a common position on delegated legislation
On Tuesday, the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee unanimously agreed its position on how the delegation of powers to the European Commission, introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, should be carried out.
EC looks to boost European Company
The European Commission has launched a public consultation to determine whether changes are needed to make the European Company Statute (SE) work better. With the review of the SE Statute, the Commission is aiming to increase the use of the SE across the EU.
Football clubs eligible for compensation, EU Court rules
The European Court of Justice has ruled that football clubs who have trained and prepared young players may seek compensation if that player wishes to sign their first contract with a different club within the European Union.
Paying with euros: new Commission recommendation
The European Commission has adopted a recommendation on the legal tender of the euro banknotes and coins. The recommendation gives useful guiding on many practical questions related to payments with euro banknotes and coins.
EP boost for organ transplants
Last week, the European Parliament Environment and Public Health Committee approved common European rules on organ transplants, which should make transplants easier, faster and safer. Parliament is scheduled to vote on the proposals on 18 May.
Commission approves acquisition of Edscha by Gestamp Automoción
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the hinge and control systems unit of Edscha AG of Germany by Gestamp Automoción S.L. of Spain.
Euro-MPs vote to tighten security of gas supplies
The European Parliament's Industry Committee has proposed a strenthening of gas crisis prevention measures, laying down new requirements for plans to offset any serious disruptions to gas supplies from third countries.
EC facilitates use of mobile phones on ships
The European Commission has adopted new rules to make it easier for passengers and crews on ships to use their mobile phones whilst in European waters.
Commission requests exit tax changes
The European Commission has formally requested Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands to change tax rules which impose an immediate exit tax when companies transfer their seat or assets to another EU Member State.
EC acts against 12 Member States on implementation of EU rules
The European Commission has taken action against a total of 12 Member States on implementing EU Internal Market rules in the areas of acquisitions in the financial sector, pension funds, shareholders’ rights, and anti-money laundering.
Euro-MPs opt for clearer food labelling rules
The European Parliament's Environment Committee on Tuesday approved draft legislation on clearer and more informative new food labelling rules which require new information on energy content and nutritional value.
EU green light for Slovenian short-term export-credit insurance scheme
The European Commission has authorised, under EU state aid rules, a measure adopted by Slovenia to limit the adverse impact of the current financial crisis on export firms.
EU to cooperate on fighting tax evasion
At a meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council today, finance ministers adopted a draft EU directive on strenghtening mutual assistance between Member States in the recovery of taxes.
Polish phone company loses Court challenge
The European Court of Justice has ruled against Poland's largest phone company, Telekomunikacja Polska SA, in a challenge to Polish national legislation that blocks service providers from binding customers to combined sales contracts.
MEPs back fresh EU money for low-carbon technologies
Euro-MPs have approved fresh EU funding for the development of innovative low-carbon technologies to help cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.
EU energy rules still not being implemented: report
EU Member States are lagging behind in the implementation of the internal energy market rules, reveals the Commission’s 2009 Benchmarking Report published today.
In-depth examination of insurance against natural catastrophes, announces Barnier
The Commission is to carry out an in-depth examination of insurance schemes covering national catastrophes, in particular flooding, announced Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, yesterday, 9 March, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.