EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
EU launches legal action over Poland's Supreme Court changes
The EU Commission launched an infringement procedure against Poland Monday over changes to Polish law on the Supreme Court, which it says undermines the principle of judicial independence.
France.com cannot be registered as a trademark
The French government succeeded Tuesday in its attempt to have the European Court of Justice outlaw an attempt by a French businessman to register the sign 'france.com' as an EU trademark.
Malta breaking EU law on wild birds: EU Court
Malta has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law in its adoption of a derogation regime to allow the trapping of seven species of wild birds, the European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday.
Le Pen must repay EUR 300,000: EU Court
Former French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen MEP must repay almost EUR 300,000 to the European Parliament, the EU's top Court confirmed Tuesday, for the employment of a parliamentary assistant.
Louboutin wins right to red sole in EU Court
Luxury shoe designer Christian Louboutin won a case at the European Court of Justice Tuesday over the right to trademark its exclusive red sole trademark used in high-heeled shoes for women.
June 2018 infringements package: key decisions
In its June 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.
Parliament, Council reach deal on EU-wide penalties for money laundering
The European Parliament and the EU Member States reached provisional agreement Thursday on strengthened criminal law measures to counter money laundering.
Gay spouses have equal rights to EU residence: European Court
While EU Member States have the freedom to decide whether to legalise same-sex marriages, they have no right to deny residence rights to spouses of the same sex, the EU's top court has ruled.
EU launches WTO case against China
The European Union launched legal proceedings in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Friday against Chinese legislation that it claims undermines the intellectual property rights of European companies.
EU Justice, Rights and Values Fund
The Commission is proposing a new Justice, Rights and Values Fund, simplifying the existing programmes in this field.
Ritual slaughter can only take place in approved abattoirs: EU Court
The European Court of Justice confirmed Tuesday that ritual slaughter without stunning may take place only in an approved slaughterhouse, in a case referred by Belgium's Flemish region.
Supplementary protection certificate for medicinal products
The EU Commission proposed on 28 May a targeted adjustment to intellectual property rules to help Europe's pharmaceutical companies tap into fast-growing global markets and foster jobs, growth and investments in the EU.
EU Justice Scoreboard 2018
The European Commission published on 28 May the 2018 EU Justice Scoreboard, which gives a comparative overview of the independence, quality and efficiency of justice systems in EU Member States.
EU pharma waiver to boost generic drugs exports
The EU Commission proposed Monday to adjust intellectual property rules to help Europe's pharmaceutical companies tap into fast-growing global markets and foster jobs, growth and investments in the EU.
Brussels takes legal action against 7 states over air quality
The EU Commission took legal action to improve air quality in Europe Thursday, stepping up its enforcement against 7 EU Member States for breaching EU rules on air pollution limits and type approval for cars.
May 2018 infringements package: key decisions
In its May 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.
Messi can register 'MESSI' trademark says EU Court
Lionel Messi, the world's best-paid footballer, can register the trademark 'MESSI' for sports equipment and clothing, the EU's top Court ruled Thursday despite a Spanish company's 'MASSI' trademark.
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.