EU Single Market

News and information about the European Union's single market.

Brussels send Amazon concerns over iRobot acquisition — 29 November 2023, 00:17 CET

The EU Commission informed US tech giant Amazon Tuesday of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of iRobot may restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners ('RVCs').

MEPs vote to extend life of consumer products — 22 November 2023, 23:55 CET

The European Parliament adopted rules Tuesday to encourage more sustainable consumption, reduce the environmental impact of mass consumption and strengthen consumers' right to repair.

Protection of European craft and industrial products enters into force — 16 November 2023, 21:51 CET

The Craft and Industrial Geographical Indication (CIGI) Regulation entered into force Thursday, marking a key milestone in the protection of the names of European craft and industrial products.

EU strikes provisional deal to boost supply of critical raw materials — 13 November 2023, 21:58 CET

The EU Parliament and Council reached a provisional deal Monday for a framework to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials, known as the Critical Raw Materials Act.

EU sets course to become global chips powerhouse — 23 September 2023, 00:19 CET

The European Chips Act came into force Thursday, with a comprehensive set of measures to ensure the EU's security of supply and technological leadership in semiconductor technologies.

European Chips Act enters into force - guide — 21 September 2023, 17:50 CET

The European Chips Act entered into force on 21 September. It puts in place a comprehensive set of measures to ensure the EU's security of supply, resilience and technological leadership in semiconductor technologies and applications.

MEPs look to secure EU supply of critical raw materials — 15 September 2023, 18:04 CET

The European Parliament adopted its position Thursday on boosting the supply of strategic raw materials, seen as crucial to secure the EU’s transition to a sustainable, digital and sovereign future.

Brussels boost for activities of cross-border associations in the EU — 06 September 2023, 18:57 CET

The European Commission adopted a proposal Tuesday to remove legal and administrative barriers for non-profit associations that operate or wish to operate in more than one EU Member State.

EU package to cut red tape for merging businesses enters into force — 05 September 2023, 23:11 CET

A package to simplify procedures for reviewing concentrations under the EU Merger Regulation entered into force Friday, benefiting businesses and advisers on preparatory work and related costs.

Pierre Cardin, Ahlers may have breached EU antitrust laws — 01 August 2023, 01:01 CET

Pierre Cardin and licensee Ahlers may have breached EU antitrust rules by restricting cross-border sales of Pierre Cardin-licensed clothing, the EU said Monday in a statement of objections.

EU to step up protection of children from unsafe toys — 29 July 2023, 00:20 CET

The EU Commission proposed a Toy Safety Regulation Friday which revises current rules to protect children from potential risks in toys, with improved protection from harmful hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Protection of children from unsafe toys - guide — 29 July 2023, 00:13 CET

The European Commission proposed on 28 July a Toy Safety Regulation revising the current rules to protect children from potential risks in toys. While toys put on the EU market are among the safest ones in the world, the proposed rules will further improve this protection, in particular from harmful chemicals.

Brussels backs phasing out animal use in experiments — 27 July 2023, 17:46 CET

The EU Commission kick-started a plan Tuesday to phase out animal testing for chemicals across Europe, though campaigners are concerned it will not protect the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

EU Commission response to Citizens' Initiative "Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics - Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing" - guide — 25 July 2023, 23:38 CET

The European Commission responded on 25 July to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) 'Save Cruelty-free Cosmetics - Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing'. The response provides a comprehensive overview of the EU's legislative and policy framework relevant to the use of animals for testing purposes. It also proposes additional actions to further reduce animal testing.

EU looks to improve end-of-life management of cars — 13 July 2023, 17:07 CET

The European Commission proposed measures Thursday to enhance the circularity of the automotive sector, covering the design, production and end-of-life treatment of vehicles.

EU 'repairability index' to make phones last longer — 19 June 2023, 17:31 CET

The European Commission set out proposals Friday for new rules to help consumers make informed and sustainable choices when purchasing mobile and cordless phones, and tablets.

MEPs vote to make sustainable products the norm — 17 June 2023, 00:13 CET

A European Parliament committee put forward proposals Thursday with the aim of making products in the EU more environmentally friendly, circular and energy efficient throughout their lifecycle.

EU labelling boost for organic pet food — 06 June 2023, 23:56 CET

The EU Parliament and Council reached provisional agreement Tuesday on the labelling of organic pet food, to make it easier for consumers in the EU to buy organic food for their pets.

Major EU customs reform to target online fraud — 24 May 2023, 00:13 CET

A major reform of the EU's Customs Union, announced Wednesday by the European Commission, will introduce more modern and efficient customs procedures and target e-commerce and illicit trade online.

EU reaches deal to protect local craft products — 03 May 2023, 23:46 CET

EU Parliament and Council negotiators agreed Wednesday on a new scheme to protect the 'geographical indication' of traditional crafts such as textiles, jewellery and glass at EU and international level.

Supplementary Protection Certificates - guide — 27 April 2023, 18:55 CET

The European Commission on 27 April proposed new rules to help companies, especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), make the most of their inventions, leverage new technologies and contribute to the EU's competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

Standard Essential Patents - guide — 27 April 2023, 21:31 CET

The European Commission on 27 April proposed new rules to help companies, especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), make the most of their inventions, leverage new technologies and contribute to the EU's competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

Compulsory Licensing - guide — 27 April 2023, 19:02 CET

The European Commission on 27 April proposed new rules to help companies, especially small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), make the most of their inventions, leverage new technologies and contribute to the EU's competitiveness and technological sovereignty.

New European patents framework boost for innovation — 27 April 2023, 21:41 CET

New unified rules on patents, proposed Thursday by the European Commission, will benefit patents holders and users, and will help smaller companies in particular make the most of their inventions.

EU strikes deal to boost semiconductor industry — 19 April 2023, 23:32 CET

The EU Council and Parliament reached provisional political agreement Tuesday on a regulation to strengthen Europe's semiconductor ecosystem, better known as the 'Chips Act'.