New EU-wide consumer protection rules are expected

Views: 145Consumer protection is within a shared competence among the EU institutions (mainly, the Commission) and the member states’ authorities. The member states, generally, are responsible for enforcing consumer rights, with the EU having some coordinating and supporting functions. Therefore among the rules in place are mostly directives, e.g. regulating “common” better enforcement and modernisation […]

EU-wide plans to achieve sustainability: updating national plans

Views: 50In December 2023, the Commission called on the member states’ governance to enhance national efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and set out clearer plans on adaptation to climate change. Besides, the Commission also invited the states to better prepare for an increased uptake of renewables and to enhance energy efficiency measures.   

Nature restoration in Europe: legal aspects

Views: 53In the beginning of November 2023, a provisional agreement was reached between the European Parliament and the Council on the Nature Restoration Law (the draft was adopted in June 2022); when enforced, it will be applied in all EU member states. The law will be a key contribution to reaching climate neutrality by 2050 […]

Workers’ rights in the EU: strengthening social dialogue and collective bargaining

Views: 53The Commission started the second-stage consultation with the social partners in the member states on a possible revision of the European Works Councils Directive – the first-stage took place in April; so far the Commission received replies from eleven social partners. The general idea of the new consultation is towards further EU-wide actions on […]

Essential services in the EU states’ governance

Views: 62Critical entities provide essential services in upholding key societal functions, supporting the economy, preserving the environment, ensuring public health and safety, etc. European Commission has adopted a list of essential services in the eleven sectors covered by the Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER), which entered into force on 16 January 2023.  

European circular economy: urgent measures needed to reduce waste

Views: 48Recent Commission’s assessment report on the EU-wide goals towards reducing landfill municipal waste by 2035 underlined that only nine EU states – or just one-third of the block – were able to reach the goals. The report also presented some initiatives that could contribute to a more circular economy’s patterns and would support the […]

The EU’s technical support for the member states reforms

Views: 60The EU institutions provide expertise and technical assistance to the member states’ governance bodies in the design and implementation of most vital socio-economic reforms. Recent Eurobarometer survey conducted during April 2023 confirms the importance of such assistance and recognizes the need for extensive support through the European Commission’s Technical Support Instrument.