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As part of the work on the EU's 2021-2027 budget, the European Commission proposed a set of regulations with the aim of reshaping and modernising the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP). Put forward on 1 June 2018, the 'CAP reform package' was finally adopted in December 2021. One of these regulations, the Amending Regulation, introduces changes to rules governing the common market organisation (CMO) in agricultural products (including the rules on wine), the EU quality schemes (geographical indications ...

With a focus on research and development in the area of innovative medicines, this study discusses a new European approach to pharmaceutical policy. After examining the European pharmaceutical sector's features, and the strengths and weaknesses of the current research and business model, the study explores the need for and the concept of a European infrastructure with a long-term transboundary mission. Any such European medicines infrastructure should focus on threats and areas of research and development ...

In December 2020, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a digital markets act (DMA) designed to ensure a level playing-field in online markets and regulate the behaviour of digital platforms that act as gatekeepers. The Parliament is now preparing to debate and vote on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) report on the proposed act, during the December 2021 plenary session. The approved text will then become Parliament's mandate for negotiations with European Union ...

On 23 September 2021, the European Commission adopted a legislative proposal to amend the 2014 Radio Equipment Directive, as a first step towards mandating a common charger for mobile phones and other small portable devices. Under the proposal, these devices would have to be equipped with a USB Type-C receptacle that can be charged with cables compatible with USB Type C, and to incorporate the USB Power Delivery communication protocol. The proposal would go hand in hand with an initiative on the ...

The European Commission unveiled a new proposal for an EU regulatory framework on artificial intelligence (AI) in April 2021. The draft AI act is the first ever attempt to enact a horizontal regulation of AI. The proposed legal framework focuses on the specific utilisation of AI systems and associated risks. The Commission proposes to establish a technology-neutral definition of AI systems in EU law and to lay down a classification for AI systems with different requirements and obligations tailored ...

The European Commission is currently in the process of simplifying and harmonising the rules of origin for EU trade agreements, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the latter. Indeed, there is a general perception that the complexity of the rules and their lack of harmonisation across EU trade agreements, together with burdensome certification procedures, may be deterring some business managers from making use of the preferential trade tariffs allowed by the agreements. Rules of origin ...

Following the adoption of the 2015 strategy for a digital single market in Europe and the 2020 communication on a European strategy for data, both of which sought to establish the right conditions for developing the EU data economy, several additional policy and legislative initiatives were undertaken. Their common goal was to provide the necessary legal, technological and economic conditions so data access, data-sharing and data re-use could foster innovation, business competitiveness and public ...

The regular European Council meeting of 21-22 October 2021 will discuss the coronavirus pandemic, digital policy, migration, energy prices and external relations. Regarding the coronavirus pandemic, EU Heads of State or Government will focus on EU coordination, resilience and readiness in terms of health crises and the EU's future preparedness for the short and medium terms. The discussions at the meeting on both digital policy and on migration are expected to be stock-taking exercises, assessing ...

The Machinery Directive establishes a regulatory framework for mechanical engineering industry products. It regulates the harmonisation of essential health and safety requirements for machinery in order to ensure the free movement of machinery products within the internal market on the one hand, and a high level of protection for machinery users on the other. The European Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) evaluation of 2018 concluded that the directive has generally ...

Structured analysis of the current scientific evidence on the effects of sustainability reporting including non-financial performance indicators, stand-alone sustainability reporting as well as integrated reporting. It discusses the benefits and challenges particularly related to internal decision-making, external transparency as well as financial and non-financial/environmental, social and governance effects. Further, it offers policy recommendations in view of the European Commission’s proposal ...