Pesquisar

This briefing provides a summary of the recent economic developments in the EU Member States and gives an overview of relevant economic projections forecasted by major international and EU institutions. Annex 1 includes latest GDP data and forecasts for all EU Member States and Annex 2 the latest inflation data and developments.

Space technologies are playing an increasingly critical role in communications, defence and research. As more satellites are launched, there is a growing risk of collision, and of satellites becoming military targets. Satellite-debris collisions have the potential to destroy not just one or two but many satellites, preventing the use of those orbits for years. Although de-orbiting satellites at a faster pace may be a solution, orbital debris falling back to Earth can cause environmental harm. Europe ...

These proceedings cover the Policy Hub on Better Law-Making in the European Union held on December 4, 2024. During the hub European academics indicated that European legislation is no longer fit for purpose and urgently needs modernisation. The experts recommended simplification of the structure and the drafting style of European legislation, citizen-centred approach to EU legislation, along with improving evidence base and digitisation. These proceedings are prepared by Policy Department for Justice ...

In September 2024, a Court of Justice (ECJ) judgment, rendered in appeal, concluded a 10-year State aid procedure on Ireland's past tax rulings relating to Apple. The ECJ judgment did not go as anticipated. In addition, the over €13 billion in aid to be recovered from Apple eclipsed the grounds for the decision, which derive from the specific historical structure of the business and national provisions.

Under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), Czechia's national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) had an initial value of €7 036 million in grants only. In June 2022, its initial RRF grant allocation was revised upwards to €7 673.7 million (+ 9.1 %). In June 2023, Czechia submitted a request to modify its NRRP. The amended plan totals €9 231.3 million and now includes a REPowerEU chapter with an additional grant allocation of €680.5 million. Czechia also requested to transfer its remaining ...

According to Directive 2008/115/EC (the Return Directive, RD), third-country nationals (TCNs) staying illegally on the territory of a Member State should, as a general rule, be issued a return decision obliging them to leave the EU. However, available data suggest that among those who receive such a decision, only about a quarter actually leave the EU (see Figure 1). Data on irregular migration, as well as returns statistics, should be used carefully, as they are often incomplete, inconsistent and ...

Japan is a constitutional monarchy, with a parliamentary system of government based on the separation of powers. The Emperor is the symbol of the state and does not hold political functions, only performing ceremonial duties. Nevertheless, he can play an important diplomatic role. With Emperor Naruhito's enthronement in 2019, following his father's abdication, Japan has entered the Reiwa (beautiful harmony) era. The 2001 administrative reform strengthened the Prime Minister's leadership in the cabinet ...

Russia's invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 forced millions of people to flee Ukraine. To date, approximately 6.8°million people have had to seek refuge, mostly in the EU and its neighbourhood. The EU responded rapidly in March 2022, activating the Temporary Protection Directive (TPD) for the first time ever. The TPD's emergency mechanism offers swift protection and rights to those in need who arrive in large numbers, preventing Member States' asylum systems from becoming overwhelmed. Rights ...

The European Union (EU) is seeking to strengthen its strategic partnership with India, in place since 2004. The European Commission has given a strong signal in this direction. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in Davos that the first visit of the whole College of Commissioners to a third country would be to India, on 27 and 28 February 2025. The EU-India Trade and Technology Council will also meet. A joint communication on a new strategic EU-India agenda is expected in the second ...

As products have become more complex in the digital age, the need for a new directive on liability of defective products has arisen. The new directive will revise the existing Product Liability Directive, adopted nearly 40 years ago in 1985. The directive brings the European Union's product liability regime up to speed with the digital age, circular economy business models and global value chains by ensuring that consumers receive compensation for defective products, including those manufactured ...