European Union

The Council today took action to tackle the influx of goods entering the EU in small parcels - a problem which can lead to unfair competition for EU sellers and that raises environmental concerns.

Main agenda items, approximate timing and press opportunities.

Council authorises Commission to start negotiations with UK on a common sanitary and phytosanitary area (SPS) and to link emissions trading systems (ETS).

The Council adopted the OSOA package to streamline EU chemical assessments, improve data sharing and speed up action on chemical risks.

Europe is safest when neighbours cover the gaps left by their neighbours. On counterterrorism efforts, that is EU solidarity at its most essential

WHO FCTC urges a phase-out of filters, citing 4.5 trillion discarded into the environment each year

Yet, the European Commission won’t take back its proposal, that has been negotiated for years

Ministers have agreed to pull forward steps against a surge in cheap Chinese parcels but still need a legal text to formally agree on

The health sector is responsible for 5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, climate scientists warn

If no action is taken, an additional one million people will face cardiovascular issues in just a few years

Council debate comes after technical talks stalled over safeguard rules seen as key to unblocking the new trade preferences scheme

The new ‘Healthy Ireland Survey’ reports only modest progress on chronic health burdens as the ageing population grows

There are no reasonable grounds to believe that a criminal offence has been committed, the EPPO said

The Danish Presidency consulted countries over challenges posed by AI in the application of copyright law, according to a summary of responses obtained by Euractiv

Europe’s shift beyond animal testing depends on partnership, the EPAA’s collaborative model is emerging as the engine driving that change

Norwegian minister makes last-minute appeal as EU countries prepare to approve new safeguard measures

The E-7s were meant to replace the ageing Airborne Warning and Control System by 2035

The tech giant's offer follows the Commission fining Google €2.95 billion over conflicts of interest in its ad business

Ruling says only spirits meeting the legal definition can carry the gin label

Spielmann says Spain’s Amnesty Law can cover embezzlement charges linked to the independence push