First wolves, now bears: EPP eyes further changes to nature protection
EPP aims to use revision of the wolf’s status to include the bear, but it may not be legally feasible.
revision
Countries back Brusselsโ plan to ban outdoor vaping
But Hungary’s minister reminded countries that the move was nonbinding, as Germany and Greece abstained.
Resetting Europeโs Innovation Compass
Europeโs pharmaceutical sector has grown slowly for 25 years and its share of research is shrinking. Itโs time to turn things around
German centrist parties add support for early revision of CO2 car rules
Countries pushing for an early revision of EU CO2 car rules include Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia and France.
MEPs reject smoking ban plan
The vote is symbolic but lawmakers still couldn’t come to an agreement.
Seizing Europeโs industrial and decarbonized future
Implementing the Draghi report’s recommendations can secure Europeโs competitiveness, economic security and decarbonized future
Who were the biggest dunces? Final grades for von der Leyenโs first Commission
Whoโs at the top of the class and who flunked? Here are POLITICO’s grades for each 2019-2024 European commissioner.
The EU has a Commissioner for animal welfare: a new dawn for animals? [Promoted content]
With a new Commissioner explicitly in charge of animal welfare, this opinion piece lays out why this legislative term must bring forward concrete changes for animal welfare – namely through the revision of the animal welfare legislation and phasing out…
The eurozone economy is not dead (yet)
The Paris Olympics, sustained “revenge spending” on tourism and surprising strength in German domestic demand help offset a slump in manufacturing.
Industry calls for technology-open approach for CO2 standards revision [Promoted content]
As more organisations, companies and even governments join the call to accelerate the revision of the EUโs CO2 emission standards regulations, the Policy Director of the European Biodiesel Board (EBB), Domenico Mininni, sets out what such a revision sh…
Greek hospital drug funding crisis, pharma sector warns on patient access
The pharmaceutical industry has highlighted the need for an urgent revision of Greek public hospitals’ pharmaceutical budget. Clawbacks reached an all-time high for the first half of 2023, raising concerns about ongoing patientsโ access.
Ukraineโs top prosecutor falls on sword amid fake disabilities scam
Dozens of prosecutors reportedly obtained disability certificates from a corrupt medical commission, allowing them to potentially evade the draft and to qualify for larger state pensions.
Commission and Parliament agree on closer cooperation
The agreement sets out nine political principles that will guide the revision of the 2010 Interinstitutional Framework Agreement, which clarifies the roles and cooperation between the Parliament and the Commission and was last revised in 2018.
Press release – European Parliament and European Commission agree on strengthening cooperation
Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement Source : ยฉ European Union, 2024 – EP
Press release – European Parliament and European Commission agree on strengthening cooperation
Joint Statement by European Parliament President Metsola and European Commission President von der Leyen on the revision of the Interinstitutional Framework Agreement Source : ยฉ European Union, 2024 – EP
EPP piles pressure on Commission for revision of medical devices regulation
Peter Liese’s resolution will be voted on by MEPs on Wednesday.
ECB cuts interest rate again as inflation appears under control
Economists and investors expect the bank to deliver another cut in December.
Stop stalling REACH chemical rules, EU countries ask Commission
The focus of the future REACH reach revision has drifted towards competitiveness, observers say.
โOnce-in-a-generationโ revision of clean air laws passed by EU Council
The EU will soon have better toxic air limits, but health could be compromised if countries do not act swiftly.
Italy is all smoke and no roast on CO2 car emissions review
Rome claims to have the support of member countries for an earlier review of the policy, but EU diplomats tell a different story.
Brace for chaos at Brussels airports
Disruptions are expected at both Brussels and Charleroi airports due to a strike.
Germany posed to regulate automated credit scoringย
Germanyโs proposed revision of its Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) would allow automatic credit scoring, a common practice that is currently in legal muddy waters.
Italy says enough EU countries ready to back call for early emissions review
Italy has secured the support of nine EU countries for Business and Made in Italy Minister Adolfo Ursoโs proposal to bring forward the revision of EU car emissions legislation from 2026 to 2025, with the minister saying there are now enough EU member s…
Kremlin says changes to nuclear doctrine are a ‘warning’ to the West
The revision of Moscow’s nuclear doctrine, announced on Wednesday, seemed to significantly lower the threshold for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear arsenal.
Building a future-proof regulatory system
Simpler, faster, better โ let’s not miss the opportunity to revamp the EU pharmaceutical regulatory framework to transform lives.
Establishing criteria for unmet medical needs: letโs not leave people living with chronic diseases behind
The narrow definition of unmet medical need used in the General Pharmaceutical Legislation may hinder rather than help efforts to find new treatments.
Walking a fraying nuclear tightrope
At this perilous moment, a recommitment to nuclear arms control is nothing short of a moral imperative. Weโve done this work before; we can do it again.
Portugalโs public debt for 2023 lower than estimated
Portugalโs public debt as a percentage of GDP is estimated to have fallen to 97.9%, a revision from the 99.1% calculated in April, according to data released by the National Statistics Institute (INE) on Monday.
Pharma package improvements are needed, says Belgian medicines agency [Advocacy Lab Content]
The Belgian medicines agency, an important stakeholder in the revision of the European pharmaceutical legislation, is proposing improvements to the EU Pharma Package.
Solid science in Europe: a farewell song?
Maintaining the highest standards is the only avenue to strengthen the EU health sector.
Germany joins Italy to call for earlier revision of CO2 targets for cars
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) joined calls on Monday (23 September) for a quicker revision of the EUโs CO2 standards for cars after the Italian government and industry had previously pushed for such a move.
Incoming environment commissioner likely to face tough MEP questions on chemical rules revision
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has askedย Environment Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall to overhaul the EU’s landmark REACH regulation, a move likely to expose her to a major grilling from the European Parliamentโs Environment …
Time to talk sleep: Reducing the burden of chronic insomniaย
Sleep deficiency is a serious health risk that profoundly affects individuals and economies yet conditions like chronic insomnia are worryingly low on the global health agenda
EU-UK energy relations: Deeper cooperation possible, depending on the politics
The new British government and the new Commission will have to sit down at the negotiating table for the revision of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), scheduled for 2026. An overview of the energy issues at stake between London and Brussels.
Changes to Portuguese wiretapping law could halt investigations
The possible revision of the law on wiretaps could lead to the collapse of some judicial investigations, Portugal’s attorney general warned on Wednesday, stressing that the number of phone-tapping operations has decreased in recent years.
The plan to save European farming
Five things you need to know about a report on the future of farming presented to Commission chief von der Leyen.
Putin, cash and guns prompt โexplosiveโ rethink of Swiss neutrality
After 500 years of non-alliance, a bombshell report recommends closer cooperation with the EU and NATO.
New mandate, new opportunity: A competitiveness strategy for European life sciences
We have an important chance to regain Europeโs edge in one of its most important sectors โ and, in turn, help people live longer and feel better.
Green activists seek to force revision of EUโs โinadequateโ climate targets
Backers of EU court challenge are emboldened by a recent legal finding that suggests failing to effectively tackle climate change violates human rights
Democracy in dark times: Hopeful lessons from Greeceโs 50-year odyssey
The country’s half-century milestone cements that only democracy and international cooperation can provide solutions to 21st-century challenges.
European Parliamentโsย gender equalityย drive thwarted by the right-wing
There’s been a marked decline in women MEPs in the European Conservatives and Reformists group of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
EU drugs regulator revises rules after court links experts to industry
A court found flaws in the European Medicines Agency’s policy for handling links to competitor drugs.
The MEPs who actually matter
Here are 11 EU lawmakers to keep your eye on in the new term.
Slovakia backtracks on controversial criminal code reform
Following pressure from Brussels, crimes involving EU funding will now be punished more severely than the theft of Slovak public money.
EPPโs Liese calls for urgent revision of EUโs Medical Devices Regulation
Ahead of next week’s European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg, German Conservative MEP Peter Liese (CDU, EPP) outlined his centre-right group’s priorities for the new term, including the urgent revision of the EU’s Medical Devices Regulation.
What the China-Russia alliance means for the West
Putinโs recent visit to Beijing is one more sign of an evolving new Cold War.
Commission wants to curb harmful chemicals in cosmetics but no progress on regulation
The Commission is preparing a new ban on Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic for Reproduction (CMR) substances from use in Cosmetics, while the announced revision of the Cosmetics Regulation is not envisaged this year.
How to navigate Hungaryโs EU presidency policy agenda like a pro
The countryโs Council stint will be marked by political change in Brussels following the EU election.
A punch-up in parliament reveals Italyโs deepest scars
The Meloni coalitionโs plan to give more power to โvirtuousโ regions has inflamed the country’s North-South divide.
French far right pulls manifesto that included controversial Russia, NATO plans
The now-deleted documents proposed a closer “alliance” with Russia and exiting NATO.
ECB to deliver historic rate cut on Thursday
Lagarde can count the first rate cut in the absence of a financial earthquake in two decades as a major win.
Focus on national competence and drug prices in EU pharma package, says Bulgaria [Advocacy Lab Content]
Bulgariaโs updated position paper on the revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation underlines the importance of national competence and focuses on access to new medicines for citizens of poorer countries.
Ficoโs โJudasโ government should have backed Ukraine, shooting suspect says
Shooter told authorities he disagreed with leader’s pro-Russia politics, according to a new legal document.
LIVE NOW! Building a sustainable future โ The revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
The European Commission identifies buildings in the EU as the primary energy consumer, accounting for 40% of our energy consumption and 36% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Bank of England leaves key interest rate at 5.25 percent
Governor Andrew Bailey opens the door to a first rate cut in June, but warns it’s โnot a fait accompliโ.
EUโs Green Deal target of disinfo ahead of June vote
Paris, May 6, 2024 (AFP) – The EU’s Green Deal has been the target of virulent online disinformation ahead of European parliament elections in June, such as fabricated claims that Brussels plans to introduce a “carbon passport” or ban repairs of cars o…
Long road ahead for EU Pharma Package says Polish pharmaceutical sector [Advocacy Lab Content]
Poland’s pharmaceutical industry says there’s still a long journey ahead for the revision of the EU’s pharma legislation. Despite the Pharma Package now heading to Council, the Polish Ministry of Health chooses to remain silent.
Energy taxation directive: No progress expected before EU elections
After the working parties on Thursday (April 25) between representatives of the Member States, no serious progress is expected on revision of the energy taxation directive during the Belgium presidency of the EU council.ย
Macron warns Europe โcan dieโ in alarmist speech on protectionism, geopolitical threats
Macron reiterated calls for a third way between the U.S. and China, saying Europe must show that “itโs never going to be a vassal for the United States.”
Press release – Parliament approves a revision of the EUโs common agricultural policy
MEPs gave a green light to the common agriculture policy (CAP) review to ease the administrative burden for EU farmers.Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Source : ยฉ European Union, 2024 – EP
EU countries dilute fuel tax hike as green anger mounts
The rollback came after capitals expressed “concerns” about the climate-friendly reforms, a document seen by POLITICO reveals.
Strong intellectual property is critical to competitive edge
European intellectual property policies are weakening Europeโs competitive edge at the very moment that EU leaders have recognized the importance of restoring the regionโs status as a global economic superpower.
Access to documents: an important victory for transparency in ClientEarth v Council
Dimitrios Kyriazis (DPhil, Oxon),
Assistant Professor in EU Law at the Law School of the Aristotle University of
Thessaloniki.
Photo credit: Bela Geletneky, via Wikimedia
Commons
In ClientEarth
v Council (Joined Cases T-682…
โTrustedโ rules on trusted flaggers? Open issues under the Digital Services Act regime
Alessandra Fratini and Giorgia
Lo Tauro, FratiniVergano European Lawyers
Photo credit: Lobo Studio Hamburg, via Wikimedia Commons
1 Introduction
The EUโs Digital Services Act (DSA)
institutionalises
the tasks and responsibilities of โt…
Press release – Breakfast foods: Parliament adopts new rules to improve consumer information
The revision of the โbreakfast directivesโ aims to help consumers make informed and healthier decisions on products such as honey, fruit juice, jam and marmalades.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European Union, 20…
Commission says new rules on animal welfare postponed in name of strategic dialogue
After tabling just a small part of the promised overhaul of legislation on animal welfare, the Commission told the European Parliament plenary on Thursday (14 March) that a revision must rely on a strategic dialogue with stakeholders.
EU to set a plant health emergency team against pest threats
The EU Council and the European Parliament agreed on Tuesday (5 March) evening on a revision of the blocโs plant health law, simplifying rules and setting up an EU task force to combat pests.
Scientific progress: A look ahead
What two decades of progress in medicine development tells us about the next 20 years.
Eliminating cervical cancer to save womenโs lives
Leading international cervical health experts call on governments and health care authorities to address low and declining cervical cancer screening participation rates.
France moves to make abortion a constitutional right amid rollbacks in US and Europe
The constitutional revision, backed by an overwhelming majority of the population, put conservatives and the far right in a tough spot.
EU Parliament adopts stand on revisions to driving licence directive
The European Parliament adopted its stand on the revision of the driving licence directive on Tuesday (27 February), endorsing the idea of allowing drivers to perform self-assessments for licence renewals and allowing 17-year-olds to drive with supervi…
Biomethane trade โ Urgent need to make the Union Database right [Promoted content]
Following the adoption of the latest revision of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), the European Commission is ramping up its work on a critical tool for the renewable fuels industries: The Union Database (UDB).
Industrial site near Brussels shows microplastic pollution in action
As the European Parliament works on a revision of the regulation on microplastics, EU lawmakers and NGOs travelled outside Brussels to see for themselves the scale and impact of plastic pellet pollution on site.
Clock ticking as EU tries to unblock energy taxation directive
The French electricity sector fears that the revision of the EU’s energy taxation directive will fail before the June European elections, despite a last push by the Belgian EU presidency, which is seeking to break the deadlock in the Council of the EU.
EU lawmakers back Ireland, Spain in call for EU-Israel agreement review over Gaza
Backing a call from Ireland and Spain, 78 members of the European Parliament representing a majority of political groups stated they would support a revision of the EU-Israel Association Agreement over Tel Aviv’s breach of human rights obligation in Ga…
Portugal forecast to see solid job growth, high economic activity
Portugal is projected to see โsolid employment growthโ and a โhigh levelโ of economic activity, the European Commission said on Thursday, downplaying a slight downward revision to its forecast for the countryโs GDP in 2024, which it stressed was in lin…
French MPs in favour of REACH revision before EU elections
The French parliament’s European affairs committee adopted on Wednesday (14 February) a European resolution tabled by Nicolas Thierry (Europe รcologie Les Verts, NUPES) calling for a revised REACH regulation on hazardous chemicals in everyday products.
Top human rights court backs Belgian religious slaughter bans
Decision follows challenge brought on behalf of Muslim and Jewish individuals and groups.
MEPs approve plant protection proposal, creation of task force to combat pests
As part of the revision of plant health legislation voted through the European Parliament on Tuesday (13 February), MEPs are proposing the creation of an EU plant health emergency team to help Member States or third countries prevent the emergence of o…
Hurry up and tax Google, Apple, EU urges the world
Bloc to tell the G20 that the time has come to push through tax overhaul.
Pharma innovation incentives, medicines shortages, challenge Belgiumโs option paper progress
Revision of the EU’s pharmaceutical legislation is the health priority for the Belgian presidency of the Council of the EU, but Belgium’s efforts to complete the text remain challenged by the complexity of innovation incentives and medicines shortages.
Why Rishi Sunakโs Tories canโt stop beefing with bishops
The British prime minister is on a collision course with England’s clergy, who are no longer ‘the Conservative Party at prayer.’
Council, Parliament strike provisional deal on EU fiscal-rules framework
The revision to the rules aims to reduce debt ratios and deficits while safeguarding investment in strategic areas.
Press release – Deal on mid-term revision of EUโs long-term budget
Following talks with EU member states, MEPs reached an agreement on the revision of EUโs long-term budget, addressing unforeseen challenges like Russiaโs invasion of Ukraine.Committee on Budgets Source : ยฉ European Union, 2024 – EP
Public health organisations lambast delay of smoke-free environment revision
A group of public health organisations directed harsh criticism at the European Commission for continuing to drag its feet on the revision of the EU Council recommendation on smoke-free environments.
Press release – Honey labelling: deal with Council on measures to combat fraud
The revision of the โbreakfast directivesโ aims to help consumers make informed and healthier decisions on agri-food products such as honey, fruit juice, jam and marmalades.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European…
BP pushes to extend definition of โadvancedโ biofuels as green aviation targets loom
Oil giant BP Europe is pushing for a revision of the EUโs rules for biofuels, fossil fuel alternatives made from crops, animal fats, and waste, to allow more crops into the EUโs definition of โadvancedโ biofuels that can be used for aviation.
EU proposes new powers for European Works Councils
The EU Commission has proposed a new revision of the directive on European Works Councils, the bodies that represent workers at company level, after 15 years without revision, in order to address a number of shortcomings.
Drug resistance, HIV hampering fight against tuberculosis in Moldova
Welcome to the first Euractiv’s health newsletter in 2024. Some key files are in store in the coming months for health, with the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and revision of the pharmaceutical strategy ongoing.
What Charles Michelโs decision to run for EU election means for him and Europe
European Council chief says he will contest June’s election, which could pave the way for Viktor Orbรกn to host EU leaders’ meetings!
Europeโs war against tobacco has a new target: Nicotine
As the market for nicotine pouches grows, Brussels is eyeing regulation.
Current policy routes put security supply at high riskย
The Russian war on Ukraine has exposed Europeโs vulnerability and we need a new energy security paradigm to maintain reliability and affordability while reducing emissions.
EU agrees on new rules for substances of human originย
The Council and the European Parliament agreed on Thursday (14 December) on the revision of safe and quality standards for substances of human origin (SoHO), setting new safety rules to ensure the quality of transplants and the EUโs autonomy.
Germany stands with Ukraine in its existential struggle
No country wants peace more than Ukraine. But a simple cease-fire today would be tantamount to legitimizing Russiaโs land grab and pave the way for yet another frozen conflict.
ECB leaves rates unchanged, winds down crisis program early
The bank’s new forecasts suggest price stability can be regained without any further rate hikes.
European Commission lets low-carbon cements down with proposed ETS benchmark reforms [Promoted content]
The EUโs Emission Trading System (ETS) is a cornerstone of EU climate policy, working to cut greenhouse gas emissions by making the biggest polluters pay. While the recent revision of the ETS directive tries to make the tool more effective, progress ri…
Speed is everything for patients: together we can bring medicines faster
Innovation only matters if it reaches patients.
Press release – ‘Breakfast directives’: MEPs want clearer labelling of honey, fruit juice, jam
The revision aims to help consumers make informed and healthier decisions on agri-food products such as honey, fruit juice, jam, jellies and marmalades.Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Source : ยฉ European Union, 2023 – EP
Hungaryโs rule of law disputes with Brussels explained
Canโt keep track of Budapestโs rule-of-law beef with the EU? Fear not, POLITICO’s got you covered.
[Agenda] Final EU summit of 2023 plus rule of law in Spain This WEEK
EU leaders will gather in Brussels for theirย final summit of 2023, with a tough agenda that includes Ukraine, the Middle East, enlargement, and the revision of the EU budget, including โฌ50bn financial aid for Kyiv.