EU Law
Latest business news about EU law, legal issues and the European Court of Justice
Parliament wants to reduce red tape for small firms
Very small companies could be exempted from having to draw up annual accounts, following approval by the European Parliament of changes to EU accounting rules. Voting in the 10 March plenary, MEPs said it would be up to each Member State to grant such exemptions, depending on the impact the directive would have in that country. Companies would in any case still have to keep records of their business transactions and financial situation.
"Internal market test" needed for new EU legislation, say MEPs
The EU's internal market was put under scrutiny today, 9 March, when Members of the European Parliament debated a series of reports in their plenary session in Strasbourg. They concluded that there is no conflict between consumer rights and an economically efficient single market: they reinforce each other. This is the key message of three resolutions approved by Parliament that look at EU law on consumer protection, the internal market and the SOLVIT system for settling consumer disputes.
Environmental liability - Directive
The first EC legislation whose main objectives include the application of the "polluter pays" principle, this Directive establishes a common framework for liability with a view to preventing and remedying damage to animals, plants, natural habitats and water resources, and damage affecting the land. The liability scheme applies to certain specified occupational activities and to other activities in cases where the operator is at fault or negligent. The public authorities are also responsible for ensuring that the operators responsible take or finance the necessary preventive or remedial measures themselves.
Price floor on tobacco infringes EU law
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled that the national legislation in certain EU Member States that allows the fixing of a price floor for tobacco products is contrary to the Directives of free competition.
Austria's monopolistic approach to gaming is incompatible to EU law
An EU Member State which reserves the operation of casinos exclusively to companies which have their seat in its territory is acting in a way which is incompatible with European Union Law, according to an Opinion of the European Court of Justice.
EU Court upholds Commission decision on State aid for banks
The EU General Court has upheld the Commission's decision which stated that the two investment funds that Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen received in1998 from the state were made available to underpin its competitive business, and hence could not be classified as State aid.
Arcelor's action rejected by EU General Court
The EU's General Court on March 1 2010 dismissed an action filed by the world's largest steel maker Arcelor Mittal as inadmissible and unfounded.
EU Court clarifies standard for Iraqi refugee status
Iraqi refugees who sought refuge from Sadam Hussein's Baath regime no longer qualify as refugees because of the significant change in circumstances in Iraq, according to a ruling of the European Court of Justice.
Member States have the power to remove citizenship acquired 'by deception'
The European Court of Justice has upheld Member States' power to remove its citizenship from a citizen of the Union, when that person has obtained it by deception.
Fraud Notification System - European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF)
Corruption and fraud in the European Union can now be reported via the Internet, even anonymously. The Fraud Notification System (FNS) - will make it easier and more secure for vigilant citizens and EU civil servants to report suspicious cases to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). OLAF is interested in fraud, corruption and other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the European Community.
CASELEX:EU:2010:13 - Public Procurement Law - Procedures for review of the award of public contracts
This reference for a preliminary ruling has been made by the High Court of Justice (England and Wales) in the context of a dispute between the applicant, Uniplex (UK) Ltd (‘Uniplex’), and the defendant, NHS Business Services Authority (‘NHS’), concerning the conclusion of a framework agreement.
CASELEX:EU:2010:14 - Employment Law - Protection of employees’ representatives
This reference for a preliminary ruling has been made by the Vestre Landsret (Western Regional Court) (Denmark) in the context of a dispute between the applicant, the Danish Association of Engineers (Ingeniørforeningen i Danmark) (‘IDA’), acting on behalf of Mr Bertram Holst, a former employee of the company Babcock & Wilcox Vølund ApS (‘BWV’), and the defendant, the Confederation of Danish Employers (Dansk Arbejdsgiverforening) (‘DA’), acting on behalf of BWV, concerning the dismissal of Mr Holst by BWV.
EU Court clarifies residency terms for the carers of the children of migrant workers
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has ruled, in accordance with Community regulation on the freedom of movement, that the child of a migrant worker is allowed to have an independent right of residence in connection with the right of access to education in the host Member State.
Products originating in the West Bank do not qualify for preferential customs treatment, rules EU Court
The European Court of Justice has ruled that products originating in the occupied territories of the West Bank cannot qualify for preferential customs granted for Israeli goods detailed in the Israel-EC agreement.
Key EU terms: X, Y, Z
A list of key EU legal terminology: X, Y, Z
Key EU terms: W
A list of key EU legal terminology: W
Key EU terms: V
A list of key EU legal terminology: V
Key EU terms: U
A list of key EU legal terminology: U
Key EU terms: T
A list of key EU legal terminology: T
Key EU terms: S
A list of key EU legal terminology: S