European Union

Britain starts physical checks on fresh food imports from the EU

Britain launched physical checks on fresh food products imported from the European Union on Tuesday some three years after it left the bloc's single market and eight years after it…

Read More Here

Von der Leyen says TikTok ban in EU is ‘not excluded’

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted that banning TikTok in the European Union is an option, during a debate this evening in Maastricht, featuring parties' lead candidates for the…

Read More Here

European Council President Charles Michel says Russia’s war in Ukraine boosts EU case for further expansion

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has given a fresh impetus to the European Union's drive to admit more countries, the bloc's chairman said on Monday, adding he hoped the 27-nation…

Read More Here

Not enough charging points for electric cars in EU: ACEA

Electric car charging stations have not kept pace with the increasing number of electric cars on the road, European automakers said on Monday. A report by the European Automobile Manufacturers'…

Read More Here

EU weighs sanctions on Russian liquefied natural gas

The European Commission is considering sanctions against Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), according to two EU diplomats, a move that would mark the first time Brussels has dared to go…

Read More Here

UPDATED: ‘Europe could die,’ Macron warns, as he calls for stronger defences

President Emmanuel Macron appealed on Thursday for stronger, more integrated European defences and said the continent must not become a vassal of the United States, as he outlined his vision…

Read More Here

EU Parliament backs clampdown on single-use plastic packaging

The European Parliament approved a proposed law on Wednesday that would ban certain single-use plastic packaging like mini shampoo bottles in hotels and thin plastic bags for groceries, in an…

Read More Here

EU lawmakers approve overhaul of budget rules

European Union lawmakers on Tuesday approved a reform of the bloc's budgetary rules aimed at reigning in spending. Brussels has spent two years negotiating the reform. The new rules still…

Read More Here

Rights concerns, costs undermine Turkey-EU migrant deal

Turkey's poor human rights record and economic factors are undermining the effectiveness of the European Union's migration deal with Ankara, EU auditors said on Wednesday. Under the 2016 deal, Ankara…

Read More Here

Russia warns Europe: if you take our assets, we have a response that will hurt

An ally of President Vladimir Putin warned Europe on Tuesday that Russia has already drafted legislation to retaliate if nearly $300 billion of Russian assets were seized by the West…

Read More Here

Health-harming heat stress rising in Europe

Europe is increasingly facing bouts of heat so intense that the human body cannot cope, as climate change continues to raise temperatures, the EU's Copernicus climate monitoring service and the…

Read More Here

EU foreign policy chief warns ‘we are on the edge’ of ‘a regional war in the Middle East’

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said the existing EU sanctions regime on Iran would be strengthened and expanded to…

Read More Here

EU leaders to hear shake-up needed to match global rivals

European Union leaders will hear on Thursday how the bloc could act to catch up to the United States, China and other rivals in a global race in new green…

Read More Here

World leaders call on nations to swiftly ratify U.N. ocean treaty

The European Union and the governments of 13 countries urged nations to prioritise the ratification of a U.N. treaty to protect the world's oceans from overfishing and other human activities.…

Read More Here

Poland won’t accept migrant relocation mechanism, PM says

Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Poland will not accept a European Union immigrant relocation mechanism despite the European Parliament's approval of legislation meant to curb migration into the continent. European…

Read More Here

EU Parliament approves law to slash trucks’ carbon footprint

The European Parliament voted on Wednesday to pass a law to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from trucks, which will require most new heavy-duty vehicles sold in the EU from 2040…

Read More Here

EU parliament approves migration system revamp ahead of bloc’s election

By Nette Noestlinger and Gabriela Baczynska European lawmakers on Wednesday approved a revamped migration system that the pro-EU political centre promises would reduce irregular arrivals as it seeks to stem…

Read More Here

‘Russia must not prevail,’ EU tells the world’

The EU will ramp up its rhetoric against Moscow when finance ministers travel to Washington for international meetings next week, according to draft statements seen by POLITICO. “Russia must not…

Read More Here

EU leaders to demand sweeping competitiveness drive at summit

European Union leaders will use a summit next week to call for decisive action to ensure the bloc's long-term competitiveness and leadership on the global stage, according to draft conclusions…

Read More Here

EU not planning to delay to deforestation law

The European Union is not planning to delay a new law to crack down on the import of commodities linked to deforestation, its environment commissioner said, despite some governments urging…

Read More Here

March marks yet another record in global heat

By Kate Abnett The world just experienced its warmest March on record, capping a 10-month streak in which every month set a new temperature record, the European Union's climate change…

Read More Here

€500B remains unspent from EU’s Covid recovery fund

Governments have received less than a third of the EU's original €723 billion pot to help boost post-Covid economic recovery and are now heaping pressure on the European Commission to…

Read More Here

Study sheds light on EU’s perception on leaders, minorities and response to recent crises

A new survey of 5,200 citizens of France, Germany, Denmark, Lithuania and Slovenias howed that nearly three-quarters of respondents were able to correctly identify a photo of European Commission President…

Read More Here

Poland is biggest economic beneficiary of EU from post-2004 entrants: report

Poland was the biggest beneficiary of EU membership among all countries in the region that joined the Community in 2004 and beyond. Between 2004 and 2022, the country’s GDP doubled,…

Read More Here

EU criticizes Georgia’s foreign agent law

The European Union criticized Georgia’s ruling party’s decision to reintroduce a controversial Russia-inspired foreign agent law, warning that “ensuring media freedom” is critical to the EU accession process. “The announcement…

Read More Here

EU, US seek broader reach on critical minerals as own deal stalls

The European Union and the United States will fail to reach a critical minerals agreement at a meeting of top officials this week, but will launch a joint push to…

Read More Here

EU countries split over nature law in latest blow to green agenda

By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, March 25 (Reuters) - The European Union's flagship policy to restore damaged nature is hanging in the balance, with a vote to pass the law on…

Read More Here

Ahead of EU election, rights groups urge equality drive to counter populists

By Catarina Demony March 25 (Reuters) - Anticipating a populist surge when Europeans go to the polls in June, anti-discrimination organisations on Monday urged the bloc's institutions to put equality…

Read More Here

EU to provide $178 mln for Tunisian security forces to curb migration

(Reuters) - The European Union plans to provide up to 164.5 million euros ($177.74 million) over three years to Tunisian security forces, the Financial Times reported. Brussels pledged 105 million…

Read More Here

EU threatens action after Slovakia dissolves graft prosecution unit

By Gabriela Baczynska The European Union executive Commission said it regretted Slovakia dissolving its dedicated state graft prosecution unit and warned the bloc "will not hesitate" to act to safeguard…

Read More Here

EU leaders to back tighter euro zone fiscal stance in 2025

By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS, March 22 (Reuters) - European Union leaders will back on Friday a slightly tighter fiscal policy for the euro zone next year, to help bring down…

Read More Here

EU closer to using Russian asset profits for Ukraine arms

Leaders vow to move quickly with plan Scheme foresees 90% of proceeds going to arms fund Russia has condemned plan, Western banks concerned By Gabriela Baczynska and Andreas Rinke BRUSSELS,…

Read More Here

EU, US discussed how to address China’s role as conduit for goods to Russia

By Daphne Psaledakis WASHINGTON, (Reuters) - The European Union and its allies are considering steps to address the export from China of goods that could help Russia's military, including by…

Read More Here

Moldovan Parliament backs bid to join EU

By Alexander Tanas Moldova's Parliament on Thursday endorsed an appeal to press on with a drive to join the European Union, but the opposition walked out of the vote and…

Read More Here

EU leaders invite Bosnia to membership talks in historic step

By Nette Noestlinger, Daria Sito-Sucic and Andrew Gray BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO, (Reuters) - European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to invite Bosnia to open EU membership negotiations, while also stressing the Balkan…

Read More Here

Kremlin will retaliate if the EU uses profits from Russian assets to arm Ukraine

MOSCOW, March 21 (Reuters) - Russia will take retaliatory measures in accordance with its own interests and use every legal mechanism at its disposal if the European Union uses profits…

Read More Here

Europe’s pro-nuclear leaders seek atomic energy revival

By Julia Payne and Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, March 21 (Reuters) - Leaders from pro-nuclear European countries and energy experts are set to call for a nuclear energy revival on Thursday…

Read More Here

Estonian PM Kallas backs new EU defence industry commissioner post

By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS, March 21 (Reuters) - Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has backed the idea of a European Commissioner dedicated to the defence industry as the European Union…

Read More Here

EU leaders to discuss using profits from Russian assets to arm Ukraine

Bloc's 27 national leaders aim to boost support for Kyiv Profits from frozen Russian assets could yield 3 bln euros/year No final decision expected at summit Leaders also to discuss…

Read More Here

Kyiv receives first 4.5 bln euro tranche of EU bridging finance

March 20 (Reuters) - Ukraine received on Wednesday a first 4.5 billion euro ($4.88 billion) tranche from a European Union bridging finance programme, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. As the…

Read More Here

UPDATED:Russia says EU frozen assets plan is theft, will lead to decades of lawsuits arms fund

MOSCOW, March 20 (Reuters) - Russia on Wednesday said a proposal by European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to take 90% of revenues from Russian assets frozen in Europe…

Read More Here

EU reaches interim deal to extend tariff-free Ukrainian agricultural imports

March 20 (Reuters) - The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on granting Ukrainian food producers tariff-free access to its markets until June 2025, the European Parliament said in…

Read More Here

UPDATED: EU to bolster Egypt ties with billions in funding

Deal follows injection of funds from UAE, IMF EU concerned by migration flows via Libya Agreement ignores abuses, says HRW CAIRO, March 17 (Reuters) - The European Union announced a…

Read More Here

Can EU’s gig worker rules tame management by algorithm?

Platforms use algorithms to allocate tasks, evaluate staff Workers say AI-driven management tools are opaque, unfair Unions hail directive as key step on algorithmic systems By Joanna Gill BRUSSELS, (Thomson…

Read More Here

France proposes EU ban on exports of used clothes

LONDON, (Reuters) - France is proposing a European Union ban on exports of used clothes, the environment ministry told Reuters, as governments look for new ways to tackle the worsening…

Read More Here

Publication of EU proposals for farmers delayed, says commissioner

WARSAW, March 15 (Reuters) - The European Union has delayed publication of proposals for farmers, Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski said on Friday, as the bloc seeks to put an end…

Read More Here

EU Commission gives 500 mln euros to firms to boost ammunition production capacity

BRUSSELS, March 15 (Reuters) - The European Commission on Friday announced 500 million euros ($544.30 million) in funding awards to European companies to ramp up ammunition production capacity under a…

Read More Here

EU agrees tighter gun control rules

The European Union is upping its gun-tracing rules as part of efforts to better track the estimated 35 million illegal firearms in civilian hands across the bloc and put a…

Read More Here

EU agrees 5 bln euro boost for Ukraine military aid fund

By Andrew Gray BRUSSELS, March 13 (Reuters) - European Union countries agreed to provide 5 billion euros ($5.48 billion) for military aid to Ukraine as part of a revamp of…

Read More Here

EU Parliament approves compromise on vehicle pollution limits

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) - The European Parliament approved on Wednesday tougher emissions standards for some vehicles in a deal that watered down the initial European Union proposal, following objections from some…

Read More Here

EU must prepare for ‘catastrophic’ climate change risks

By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, March 11 (Reuters) - Countries across Europe should prepare for "catastrophic" risks, ranging from floods to deadly heatwaves, as worsening climate change hits every part of…

Read More Here

Armenia is considering seeking EU membership

March 9 (Reuters) - Armenia is considering applying for European Union membership, foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on Friday, as it seeks to forge closer ties with the West in…

Read More Here

EU sees maritime aid corridor to Gaza opening this weekend amid famine fears

By Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Michele Kambas EU says maritime aid corridor could open at weekend Biden says US military to build 'temporary' port in Gaza Ceasefire talks remain stalled, may…

Read More Here

Ukraine to receive 6 bln euro from EU in next two months

Ukraine will receive 6 billion euros ($6.6 billion) from the European Union via its four-year Ukraine facility in the next two months, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. The government expects…

Read More Here

New European law aims to protect media outlets against disinformation

Disinformation, AI-generated content and fake news pose a serious threat to our democratic processes. With half of the world’s population taking part in more than 80 national elections in 2024…

Read More Here

EU countries to exit energy treaty over climate concerns, officials say

By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, March 7 (Reuters) - European Union countries agreed on Thursday to jointly quit an international energy treaty over concerns that it undermines efforts to fight climate…

Read More Here

EU strikes deal to unjam European air traffic reform

PARIS, March 6 (Reuters) - The European Union on Wednesday agreed on a deal to unjam air traffic reform in a bid to bring order to the mosaic of airspace…

Read More Here