EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Common rules for imports into the EU
This Regulation aims to establish common rules for imports into the European Community based on the principle of the freedom of import and to define the procedures enabling the Community to implement, where necessary, the surveillance and safeguard measures required to protect its interests.
Italian dividend tax incompatible with EU rules: Court
A new reformed tax regime for Italian-sourced dividends is incompatible with EC legislation on free movement of capital and freedom of establishment, according to a ruling by the European Court of Justice on 1 December 2009.
Greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme
The European Union (EU) is establishing a greenhouse gas emission trading scheme for the cost-effective reduction of such emissions in the Community. This scheme should enable the Community and the Member States to meet the commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions made in the context of the Kyoto Protocol. Installations operating in the energy sector, iron and steel production and processing, the mineral industry and the paper and board industry will automatically be subject to the emission trading scheme.
Ecodesign for energy-using appliances
Ecodesign is a new concept aimed at reducing energy consumption by products such as household electrical appliances. Information concerning the product's environmental performance and energy efficiency must be visible if possible on the product itself, thus allowing consumers to compare before purchasing.
Renewed commitment for non-discrimination and equal opportunities
This EU Communication provides a comprehensive approach through which the European Commission is renewing its commitment to further non-discrimination and equal opportunities in the European Union. It presents the latest developments and aims to strengthen the legal framework against discrimination as well as the policy tools for promoting equal opportunities.
Cross border credit transfers within the EU
This Directive establishes minimum information and performance requirements for cross-border credit transfers so as to ensure that funds can be transferred throughout the European Union (EU) rapidly, reliably and inexpensively.
EC Action Programme Customs 2013 (2008-2013)
The European Community action programme Customs 2013 (2008-2013) aims to support the development of a pan-European electronic customs environment which ensures that customs activities match the needs of the EU internal market, guarantees the protection of the financial interests of the EC and increases safety and security.
General Principles of Food Law
The EU's legislation governing the general principles of food law and harmonised controls also underpins the European Food Safety Authority, a European agency which provides the scientific reference point for food-related control and evaluation.
Applications of Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty
The new arrangements for applying the anti-trust procedures, which were introduced by Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003, are designed to ensure more effective enforcement of the European Community competition rules in the interest of consumers and businesses, while easing the administrative burden of firms doing business in Europe. Via decentralised application of the competition rules and by strengthening a posteriori control, the Regulation will lighten the European Commission's workload and increase the part played by national authorities and courts in implementing competition law while guaranteeing its uniform application.
Towards a Single Market in Creative Content Online
Online content knows no bounds and is on the increase. Reaching almost 500 million consumers, content services could significantly enhance the competitiveness of the European music, film and games industry by 2010. This is why the European Commission is encouraging the development of a stronger and more consumer-friendly internal market for online creative content within the European Union.
Common Organisation of Agricultural Markets
The common organisation of agricultural markets in the European Union provides a single legal framework governing the domestic market, trade with third countries and rules regarding competition.
New circumstances bypass 10 year substitution period for incorrect proceedings
During proceedings instituted incorrectly against the supplier of a defective product, the producer can be substituted for him only within a period of 10 years from the putting into circulation of the product, according to a Council directive. However, it has been ruled by the European Court that a substitution is possible after the expiry of this period if the supplier is wholly-owned by the producer.
EU court orders France Télécom to pay overdue taxes of 1140 million EUR
The European Court of Appeals has confirmed a Commission decision to order the recovery of aid granted to France Télécom in the form of tax breaks. Over a 12-year period, France Télécom benefited from state aid amounting to a potential sum of EUR 1,140 million.
Breakthrough for EU patent system
EU Member States have agreed on the main elements of the EU patent and a single European Patent Court. The agreement is seen as representing a significant step towards a final solution for the EU patent.
EU Fundamental rights and citizenship (2007-2013)
This decision establishes the "Fundamental rights and citizenship" programme covering the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. The programme forms part of the general programme "Fundamental rights and justice" and is intended to promote the development of a European society based on respect for fundamental rights, to strengthen civil society and encourage an open and transparent dialogue, as well as to fight racism and xenophobia and improve mutual understanding between the judicial and the administrative authorities and the legal professions.
EU Fundamental rights and citizenship (2007-2013)
This decision establishes the "Fundamental rights and citizenship" programme covering the period from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. The programme forms part of the general programme "Fundamental rights and justice" and is intended to promote the development of a European society based on respect for fundamental rights, to strengthen civil society and encourage an open and transparent dialogue, as well as to fight racism and xenophobia and improve mutual understanding between the judicial and the administrative authorities and the legal professions.
Cross border credit transfers within the EU
This Directive establishes minimum information and performance requirements for cross-border credit transfers so as to ensure that funds can be transferred throughout the European Union (EU) rapidly, reliably and inexpensively.
Community action plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean
This communication from the European Commission establishes an action plan for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean.
Common EU Regulations in the field of civil aviation security
This Regulation sets common rules in the field of civil aviation security and mechanisms for monitoring compliance, with the aim of guaranteeing security in air transport and protecting persons and goods within the European Union.
Common EU Regulations in the field of civil aviation security
This Regulation sets common rules in the field of civil aviation security and mechanisms for monitoring compliance, with the aim of guaranteeing security in air transport and protecting persons and goods within the European Union.