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EU signals more sustainable trade strategy

The EU Commission set out its future trade strategy Thursday, focusing on an economic recovery that is green and digital, which strengthens multilateralism and reforms global trade rules.

Lift-off for Europe's biggest ever R&D programme

The EU's Portuguese presidency launched the ambitious research and innovation programme 'Horizon Europe' Tuesday with a budget of EUR 95 billion to spur Europe's economic recovery from 2021-2027.

EU disburses EUR 14 bn to help fight social impact of Covid

The EU Commission disbursed EUR 14 billion to nine Member States Tuesday in the fourth instalment of financial support to Member States to help alleviate the social impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wine and food boost for EU-Japan trade deal on 2nd anniversary

The EU hailed the success of the EU-Japan trade deal on its second anniversary Monday, as it agreed a number of improvements to the agreement in the area of protected foods, wine and vehicle trade.

MEPs call for end to "take-make-dispose" economy

MEPs in committee called for an end to Europe's current "take-make-dispose" economy Wednesday, with binding targets for recycled content and an EU policy on sustainable non-energy-related products.

EU vaccine exports threat following AstraZeneca reduction

The EU warned Tuesday of tighter exports of COVID-19 vaccines, following the announcement by AstraZeneca that it intends to supply considerably fewer doses in the coming weeks than it had agreed.

MEPs give green light to stronger EU powers in trade disputes

The European Parliament adopted Tuesday a set of new rules which will allow the EU to use countermeasures against those who violate trade rules while blocking dispute settlements.

EU steps up WTO complaint over Indonesia steel

The EU on Friday requested the establishment of a WTO panel to seek the elimination of unlawful export restrictions imposed by Indonesia on raw materials necessary for the production of stainless steel.

EU agrees EUR 1.8 trillion long-term recovery budget

The EU Council adopted a regulation Thursday laying down the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027, providing for a long-term budget of EUR 1,074.3 billion for the EU27 in 2018 prices.

MEPs approve 'rule of law conditionality' for access to EU funds

EU states failing to uphold the EU's common values risk losing access to EU funds, following MEPs' approval Wednesday of a regulation to protect EU funds from being misused by governments who bend the rule of law.

Europe adopts digital way forward

The EU institutions struck a provisional deal Monday on a new programme to promote large-scale deployment of state-of-the art technology such as artificial intelligence and the latest cybersecurity tools.

EU looks to rekindle transatlantic alliance under Biden

Following the Trump years of bilateral tensions and unilateral tendencies, the EU put forward a strategy Wednesday to strengthen ties with the United States after US President-elect Joe Biden's victory.

EU leaders to step up pandemic coordination

EU leaders agreed Thursday to strengthen coordination on combating the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on mutual recognition of tests, vaccine deployment and a common approach to lifting restrictive measures.

Eco-schemes feature in EU's greener common farm policy

Farmers will be afforded flexibility on the way to higher environmental standards in farming in the post-2020 common agricultural policy reform package agreed provisionally by EU ministers Wednesday.

Brussels points way to greener, more digital economy post-COVID

A more healthy and fairer Europe is promised in the EU Commission's 2021 work programme, published Monday with the aim of accelerating a long-term transformation to a greener economy, fit for the digital age.

EU steps up 'no-deal' preparations as UK refuses to budge

With time running out for successful conclusion of an EU-UK trade deal and insufficient progress on key issues, EU leaders called on the UK at a summit Friday to make moves to make an agreement possible.

EU states look to coordinate COVID travel measures

The EU adopted Tuesday a common framework on travel measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with recommendations to help states take decisions based on the epidemiological situation region by region.

EU candidate countries slow to reform: report

Turkey and Western Balkan countries looking to join the EU show slow progress on rule of law, corruption, and freedom of the judiciary and the media, the Commission's enlargement review said Tuesday.

EU Commission to target 55 pct emissions reductions

EU Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen in her first state of the union speech announced an increase to the 2030 climate target, to 'at least 55%' emissions reductions, up from the previous 40% target.

New talks with CureVac expand EU portfolio of future vaccines

The EU Commission concluded Thursday exploratory talks with CureVac to purchase a potential vaccine against COVID-19, offering the possibility for all EU Member States to purchase the vaccine.

EU reach provisional agreement on consumer class actions

New rules on collective redress, agreed Wednesday by EU states, will enable consumers to seek effective judicial protection collectively when traders’ infringements of EU laws deprive them of their rights.

EU and UK agree new push for Brexit deal in July

EU leaders and British prime minister Boris Johnson agreed in a videoconference Monday to intensify Brexit talks in July to create the best conditions for concluding and ratifying a deal by the end of 2020.

MEPs greenlight new EU resources to fight coronavirus

The European Parliament gave its green light Friday to rapid implementation of a number of proposals for redirection of EU policy funds to address the effects of the coronavirus public health crisis.

EU offers Italy "heartfelt apology" over coronavirus

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday expressed "a heartfelt apology" to Italy on behalf of Europe for not being at the country's side from the very beginning of the coronavirus crisis.

EU finds EUR 15.6 bn to support global effort against pandemic

The EU is to redirect from existing external resources financial support amounting to more than €15.6 billion to partner countries to help partner countries with their efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.