41 million fake goods seized at EU borders, China main source — 20 July 2017, 18:41 CET

Customs authorities detained more than 41 million fake and counterfeit products valued at over EUR 670 million at the EU's external borders in 2016, according to figures released Thursday.
 

EU-Japan trade agreement: texts of the agreement in principle — 06 July 2017, 18:37 CET

The agreement in principle – shared with the EU’s Member States and the European Parliament, this website sets out what is in the agreement: summary of the agreement, explanatory factsheets, infographics and the published chapters
 

EU and Japan reach agreement on historic free trade deal — 09 July 2017, 23:52 CET

On the eve of the G20 summit, EU and Japanese leaders announced Thursday a political agreement on the EU-Japan free trade deal and closer political cooperation based on shared values.
 

MEPs greenlight tougher anti-dumping rules — 06 July 2017, 12:35 CET

The European Parliament gave its green light Wednesday to start talks soon with national governments on new EU anti-dumping rules designed to give better protection to EU industry and jobs.
 

Brussels registers 'Stop TTIP' citizen initiative — 05 July 2017, 21:00 CET

A European Citizens' Initiative to stop the EU negotiating mandate for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the CETA trade deal with Canada was accepted Wednesday by the EU Commission.
 

Trade barriers on the increase, says EU — 27 June 2017, 13:29 CET

The "scourge of protectionism" is on the rise, the European Commission warned on Monday as it released a report detailing a 10 per cent increase in obstacles currently hindering European exports.
 

Brussels issues guidance on raw ivory export ban — 17 May 2017, 00:59 CET

The EU Commission moved Tuesday to end the export of old raw ivory as of 1 July, with the adoption of new guidance on the European Union's rules governing ivory trade.
 

New measures to fight poaching and end trade in raw ivory — 17 May 2017, 00:47 CET

The European Commission has moved to end the export of old raw ivory as of 1 July, with the adoption of new guidance on the EU rules governing ivory trade.
 

Free trade deals cannot be agreed by EU alone: EU Court — 16 May 2017, 15:33 CET

The EU Commission cannot conclude trade deals without the approval of national parliaments,when they contain investment dispute systems that supersede national courts, the EU's top court ruled on Tuesday.
 

Brussels looks to address public concerns over globalisation — 11 May 2017, 14:24 CET

The European Commission published Wednesday a reflection paper on how the EU should deal with globalisation in the future, launching a debate on its benefits and downsides for the lives of Europeans.

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Eastern & Central Europe

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Latest news about eastern and central Europe and EU enlargement. Since it was founded in 1958, the EU has regularly accepted new member countries. Each applicant country must meet certain requirements before membership is permitted. Regular enlargements have seen the EU grow from its original 6 founding members to 28 in 2013. Any country that satisfies the conditions for enlargement can apply to be a candidate. The European Commission, at the request of the European Council, assesses the applicant’s ability to meet the conditions of membership. If the opinion is positive and the Council agrees a negotiating mandate, discussions are formally opened between the applicant and the EU. At the start of 2013, five countries had been accepted as EU candidate countries: Iceland, Montenegro, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo (under UN Security Resolution 1244) have the status of potential candidates.

EU launches legal action against Poland over new law — 01 August 2017, 12:08 CET

The European Union launched legal action against Poland Saturday following the publication in the Polish Official Journal of a new law it has warned threatens the independence of the judiciary..
 

EU tightens pressure on Poland over rule of law — 26 July 2017, 18:42 CET

The European Commission substantiated its grave concerns on a planned reform of the judiciary in Poland Wednesday in a Rule of Law Recommendation addressed to the Polish authorities. 
 

EU warns Poland over independence of judiciary — 20 July 2017, 23:44 CET

The European Commission expressed grave concern Wednesday about the clear risks for the independence of the judiciary in Poland and urges the Polish Government to put its new laws on hold
 

Tusk cements EU-Ukraine partnership, urges unity — 13 July 2017, 21:56 CET

The EU cemented its partnership with Ukraine at a summit Thursday, as Council president Donald Tusk urged the country to keep 'your unity at any cost, and avoid like the plague internal conflicts.'
 

Western Balkans: Regional Economic Area — 13 July 2017, 14:09 CET

The 2017 Western Balkans Summit in Trieste, Italy on 12 July 2017 discussed concrete avenues to strengthen regional cooperation and thus further advance the EU integration process of the Western Balkans. The Western Balkan partners agreed on an action plan to develop a Regional Economic Area aimed at boosting the attractiveness of the region to encourage investment and generate jobs, especially through smart growth, start-ups and scale-ups.
 

Tiny Estonia takes over EU presidency — 03 July 2017, 23:59 CET

Estonia's first EU presidency began on 1 July with a focus on an innovative European economy, safety and security, digital Europe and free movement of data, and an inclusive and sustainable Europe.
 

Priorities of the Estonian presidency of the European Council — 03 July 2017, 17:01 CET

The motto of the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European Union is 'Unity through balance'. "We believe that Europe has plenty of common ground to come together to successfully tackle all the challenges and make the most of all the possibilities that face us today. We must facilitate openness in both our economy and society, while also ensuring safety and security. Our role is to find a balance between the different views, traditions and interests in Europe today to achieve the best possible outcome for European citizens." The four priorities of the Estonian Presidency are:
 

EU extends sanctions on Russia for another six months — 28 June 2017, 22:53 CET

The EU Council agreed a formal extension of economic sanctions on Russia Wednesday, targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy Wednesday, until 31 January 2018.
 

Brussels seeks mandate to negotiate with Russia on Nord Stream 2 — 12 June 2017, 00:32 CET

The European Commission asked EU Member States Friday for a mandate to negotiate with the Russia the key principles for the operation of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.
 

UAV Technology Central & Eastern Europe (Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 September 2017, 09:00 CET to 28 September 2017, 18:00 CET) —

UAV Technology Central & Eastern Europe will take place at the Hotel International, Prague, Czech Republic on 27th-28th September 2017.
 

Report on the Implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy Review — 18 May 2017, 14:16 CET

The European Neighbourhood Policy was reviewed in 2015 to respond to the new challenges of an evolving neighbourhood. The May 2017 report shows results following a new approach based on differentiation, joint ownership and flexibility.
 

MEPs demand EU sanctions against Hungary — 17 May 2017, 23:40 CET

The human rights situation in Hungary justifies the triggering of an 'Article 7' procedure which may result in sanctions for Hungary, the European Parliament said in a resolution adopted on Wednesday.