European Union

EU Commission wants first joint purchases of gas by summer

BRUSSELS, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The European Commission aims for EU countries to start jointly buying gas "well before summer", European Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic said on Monday, an attempt…

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EU official says no going back to Russian airspace charges

DUBLIN, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Russia must stop charging foreign airlines for the use of Siberian airspace as and when overflight restrictions introduced as a result of the Ukraine conflict…

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EU’s record recovery fund at risk as countries struggle to meet deadline

724 billion euro package agreed less than 2 years ago Extending disbursement beyond 2026 would need unanimity Countries already behind in commissioning projects Recipients blame rising costs of raw materials…

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India to seek easing of EU steel quotas, tarrifs in trade talks

Proposed CO2 import tarrifs also a concern Trade talks due to be completed by 2023 By Neha Arora and Mayank Bhardwaj NEW DELHI, (Reuters) - India will seek an easing…

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EU needs to keep increasing pressure on Russia – von der Leyen

KIRUNA, Sweden (Reuters) - The European Union needs to keep increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday. "We need to…

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EXPLAINER: Why Malaysia is considering a ban on palm oil exports to the European Union

By Mei Mei Chu KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Malaysia, the world's second-largest palm oil producer, on Thursday said it might stop palm exports to the European Union after…

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Support for leaving EU has fallen significantly across bloc

Support for leaving the EU has dropped significantly, and sometimes dramatically, in member states across the bloc in the wake of the UK’s Brexit referendum, according to data from a…

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Morocco complains of European Parliament ‘harassment’ after graft probe

RABAT (Reuters) - Morocco's ties with the European Union must be protected against harassment at the European parliament, foreign minister Nasser Bourita said this week, following a European probe into…

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EU recommends pre-flight testing of passengers from China, wastewater testing in airports

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union government officials recommended on Wednesday that passengers flying from China to the EU should have a negative COVID-19 test before they board, as Beijing plans…

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Most EU countries back COVID pre-departure testing for flights from China

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Most European Union countries favour introducing pre-departure COVID testing for travellers from China, the European Commission said, as Beijing plans to lift travel restrictions on its citizens…

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Moldova’s Sandu says hopes for EU entry this decade

President Maia Sandu, elected in 2020 on a pro-European and anti-corruption platform, expressed hopes that crisis-hit Moldova would join the European Union before 2030. "My wishes are very ambitious," Sandu…

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Sweden takes over the EU presidency

Sweden takes over the EU's rotating presidency from January 1 vowing to maintain unity on Ukraine and uphold free trade in the face of calls for a tougher response to…

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EU urges more checks for COVID variants given surge in China

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union should consider immediately scaling up genomic sequencing of COVID-19 infections and monitoring of waste water, including from airports, to detect any new variants given…

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EU’s 2021 greenhouse emissions fell 22% from 2008 peak

European Union's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) level in 2021 fell by 22% from a peak hit in 2008, the bloc's statistic Office said this week. Its latest annual analysis, which…

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EU says Europe plagued by ‘most devastating’ bird flu outbreak ever

Europe has been gripped by its "most devastating" ever outbreak of bird flu in the past year, European health authorities said as experts study the feasibility of vaccinations. Between October…

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EU-Ukraine summit set for Feb 3, location not decided

BRUSSELS, Dec 22 (Reuters) - The chairman of the European Union's 27 leaders Charles Michel and the head of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen will hold a summit…

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UPDATED: EU countries consider 180eur/MWh trigger for gas price cap – draft

BRUSSELS, Dec 19 (Reuters) - European Union countries' energy ministers were discussing a draft compromise on Monday to cap gas prices if Europe's benchmark gas price spikes to 180 euros…

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Russia says EU’s new sanctions will just cause more problems for the bloc

MOSCOW, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The latest round of Europen Union sanctions against Russia over Ukraine will just exacerbate problems within the bloc, a spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry said…

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Apple plans to let rival app stores on iPhones in EU

By Paresh Dave (Reuters) - Apple Inc is preparing to allow alternative app stores on its iPhones and iPads in the European Union as soon as late next year to…

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UPDATED: EU leaders head for tussle over rescue plans for industry

BRUSSELS, Dec 15 (Reuters) - European Union leaders will argue on Thursday over how to prop up their countries' industries, which have been whacked by soaring energy prices since the…

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EU Commission says Italian 2023 draft budget is in line with EU rules

BRUSSELS, Dec 14 (Reuters) - Italy's draft 2023 budget draft is overall in line with policies agreed by EU governments in July, the European Commission said on Wednesday, but noted…

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EU reiterates commitment to supporting Libya’s stability efforts

The European Union (EU) underlined in a statement on Friday that it's fully committed to supporting Libya in achieving stability and consolidating peace. The EU said the transition from conflict…

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EU states to top up fund used for Ukraine arms purchases by 2 bln euros

BRUSSELS, Dec 8 (Reuters) - European Union countries will replenish a fund that has been used to pay for military support for Ukraine with another 2 billion euros ($2.10 billion),…

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EU to allow calls on flights

Airline passengers in the European Union (EU) will soon be able to use their phones to full effect in the sky. The European Commission ruled airlines can provide 5G technology…

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EU plans to fine companies for breaking sanctions against Russia

BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (Reuters) - The European Commission issued a proposal on Friday to fine companies at least 5% of their worldwide turnover if they break EU sanctions against Russia.…

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EU countries to consider lower gas price cap – documents

By Kate Abnett BRUSSELS, Dec 2 (Reuters) - European Union countries will consider on Friday a proposal for a gas price cap slightly lower than a Brussels proposal that some…

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Hungary still opposed to “job killing” global minimum tax, Orban says

BUDAPEST, Dec 2 (Reuters) - Hungary remains opposed to a global minimum corporate tax rate, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told public radio on Friday, citing concern over jobs in the…

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EU tentatively agrees $60 price cap on Russian seaborne oil

By Jan Strupczewski and Kate Abnett BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union governments tentatively agreed on Thursday on a $60 a barrel price cap on Russian seaborne oil - an idea…

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EU approves Hungary’s recovery plan, but holds cash, moves to freeze other funds

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission approved on Wednesday Hungary's post-pandemic recovery plan to keep open the possibility of EU disbursements later, but will hold back any payouts from the…

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EU to propose boosting recycled content and reuse of packaging

BRUSSELS, Nov 28 (Reuters) - The European Commission is set to announce this week proposals to reduce packaging waste with new targets for recycled content in plastic drinks bottles and…

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EU sets out plans to shift derivatives clearing from London to Frankfurt

EU wants to end reliance on London post Brexit Could be a further knock to City amid competition Banks have warned EU not to be too heavy-handed By Huw Jones…

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European Parliament celebrates 70th anniversary

In a ceremony in Strasbourg’s hemicycle, MEPs marked the creation of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, the EP’s forerunner. EP President Roberta Metsola…

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EU police patrol Kosovo’s north after Serb officers quit

MITROVICA, Kosovo, Nov 19 (Reuters) - European Union police officers are undertaking patrols in northern Kosovo after some 600 police officers from the Serb minority quit over a car licence…

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EU readies next steps to boost its capital market

By Huw Jones LONDON, Nov 17 (Reuters) - The European Union will propose rules next month to make it easier for companies to list, give creditors more predictability on company…

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U.S. may skirt recession in 2023, Europe not so lucky-Morgan Stanley

By Kevin Buckland TOKYO, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Britain and the euro zone economies are likely to tip into recession next year, Morgan Stanley said, but the United States might…

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French, German central bank chiefs urge faster pace on EU capital markets union

PARIS, Nov 14 (Reuters) - The war in Ukraine, inflation and the energy crisis have made it more important than ever to press ahead with a capital markets union to…

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UPDATED: EU sanctions to target Iran Guards ‘inner circle’, Germany says

By Sabine Siebold BRUSSELS, Nov 14 (Reuters) - Fresh European Union sanctions will target the "inner circle of power" of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Germany said on Monday as the bloc…

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Climate change has cost the EU almost €500 billion in the last 40 years

At COP27, world leaders will be discussing how to take concrete action against the collective threat of climate change. Its impacts have become increasingly more evident with extreme weather such…

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EU countries, lawmakers likely to clinch deal next week on satellite internet system, sources say

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU countries and European Parliament lawmakers are likely to reach a deal on a 6-billion-euro ($6 billion) satellite internet system next week, people familiar with the matter…

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EU agrees law to expand its woodlands and other carbon sinks

BRUSSELS, Nov 11 (Reuters) - The European Union has agreed to a law to expand its forests, marshes and other "sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), a measure that could…

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EU proposes tighter vehicle pollution emission standards

BRUSSELS, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The European Commission proposed on Thursday broadly tighter limits for vehicle emissions of harmful nitrogen oxides and particulates, including new standards for pollution from brakes…

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EU proposes cyber, armed forces plans amid security concerns

BRUSSELS, Nov 10 (Reuters) - The European Commission on Thursday proposed two action plans to address the deteriorating security situation following Russia's invasion of Ukraine to bolster cyber defence and…

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EU Commission’s fiscal rules plan a good basis for negotiations, Spanish minister says

MADRID, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Spanish Economy Minister Nadia Calvino said on Thursday the proposal for new fiscal rules made by the European Commission was a good basis to start…

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EU asylum applications reach ‘new high’ since 2015

The EU's asylum agency said a rise in monthly figures of people seeking refuge in Europe has "accelerated," putting further pressure on host countries. A European Union agency said that…

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EU gas emissions end post-COVID rise on cleaner supply, energy-saving-study

(Reuters) - Gas emissions from the European Union's energy sector have ended more than a year of post-pandemic rises thanks to cleaner power supplies and energy-saving efforts, the Centre for…

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UPDATED: Italy’s Meloni reassures EU on her first foreign trip as premier

BRUSSELS/ROME, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Italy's new Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made her first foreign trip in office on Thursday to the heart of the European Union, showcasing her commitment…

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EVs and hybrids account for 43% of third-quarter EU new car sales

LONDON, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Electric and hybrid vehicles accounted for 43% of sales of new cars in the European Union in the third quarter, data from the European Automobile…

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EU wants 40-man antitrust team to enforce new tech rules, official says

BRUSSELS, Oct 27 (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are looking to establish a 40-man team and hire a technology expert to enforce tough new rules aimed at reining in the…

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‘Seismic shift’ in bank payments to help business and consumers, says EU

LONDON, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Forcing banks across the European Union to offer instant payments in euros is a "seismic" shift to make the economy more efficient and reap savings…

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EU targets deadly air pollution, pushes for cleaner water

BRUSSELS, Oct 26 (Reuters) - The European Commission proposed on Wednesday tougher legal limits on health-damaging dirty air and rules to make pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies pay to clean up…

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EU urges members to coordinate arms purchases

BRUSSELS, Oct 26 (Reuters) - The European Union urged the bloc's defence ministers on Wednesday to coordinate purchases of weapons, to obtain better terms from suppliers as they seek to…

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EU needs to work on a tribunal to hold Russia accountable – Latvia PM

BRUSSELS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - The European Union must remain united in its support for Ukraine and should start working on holding Russia legally accountable for its activities in the…

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UPDATED: EU heads to focus on China, Iran after agreeing to disagree on gas cap

BRUSSELS, Oct 21 (Reuters) - European Union leaders will discuss reducing their economic dependency on China, aiding Kyiv and punishing Iran for its involvement in the war that Russia is…

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Hungary gets exemption from planned EU gas price cap, PM Orban says

BUDAPEST, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Hungary's prime minister said on Friday that an agreement had been reached at the EU summit in Brussels that any future EU gas price cap…

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Putin’s vodka gift to Berlusconi flouts Russia sanctions – EU Commission

ROME (Reuters) - The 20 bottles of vodka sent to Italy's Silvio Berlusconi as a birthday gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin breach European sanctions imposed after the invasion of…

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EU gas price cap still elusive as leaders meet again over energy crunch

BRUSSELS, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Leaders of the 27 European Union countries meet on Thursday for the second time in a fortnight to try to bring down energy prices, though…

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Carol Valade and Clément Di Roma win Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for uncovering Russian infiltration in Africa

Africa offers Russia a convenient and alluring theatre where it can promote its objectives with little financial or political risk. Weak Governments, significant natural resources, a mistrust of European colonisers…

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