Latest European Commission News

UK leader Starmer pitches pragmatism as he seeks to mend EU ties battered by Brexit

Oct. 02, 2024 09:25 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday held out the prospect of “sensible leadership” on issues of common interest as he launched a mission to improve ties with the European Union, which disintegrated as his country left the world’s biggest trading bloc four years...

EU offers to delay curbs on forest products after an outcry from trade partners

Oct. 02, 2024 10:46 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union on Wednesday offered to delay by a year or more the introduction of new rules that would outlaw the sale of products that degrade forests following an outcry from several governments claiming that it will damage trade and hurt small farmers. The...

9 European Union nations pledge to turn the Mediterranean into a green energy hub

Sep. 23, 2024 08:34 AM EDT

LARNACA, Cyprus (AP) — Officials from nine southern European Union member countries said Monday they're focused on harnessing offshore wind and solar energy to try to turn the Mediterranean region into a renewable energy hub and stave off the risks of climate change. The energy...

EU pledges to loan Ukraine up to $39 billion to help rebuild its economy and power grid

Sep. 20, 2024 07:28 AM EDT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The European Union pledged on Friday to lend Ukraine up to 35 billion euros ($39 billion) as part of a loan package organized by the Group of Seven major industrial nations, as it seeks to help the country rebuild its economy and its war-shattered power grid. ...

Turkey wants to regulate Germany's beloved döner kebab street food

Sep. 20, 2024 02:26 AM EDT

BERLIN (AP) — Beef and chicken glisten as they rotate slowly on vertical spits before they are carved off in razor-thin strips. Two cooks slide from a sizzling griddle to a warm toaster in a practiced dance. Mounds of fresh tomatoes, cabbage and red onions shine in a colorful tableau. ...

European Union moves to compel Apple to open up operating system to rival tech

Sep. 19, 2024 09:26 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — The European Union said Thursday it will outline steps to compel Apple to open up its iPhone and iPad operating systems to competing technologies under the bloc's tough new digital rulebook, which threatens hefty fines for breaches. The EU's executive branch, the...

Google wins legal bid to overturn 1.5 billion euro antitrust fine in EU digital ad case

Sep. 18, 2024 10:49 AM EDT

LONDON (AP) — Google won a court challenge on Wednesday against a 1.49 billion euro ($1.66 billion) European Union antitrust fine imposed five years ago that targeted its online advertising business. The EU's General Court said it was throwing out the 2019 penalty imposed by the...

A French member of the European Commission resigns and criticizes President von der Leyen

Sep. 16, 2024 08:33 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — An influential French member of the European Union’s powerful executive branch resigned on Monday, criticizing the leadership of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen just as she tries to assemble a new team for the next five years. Thierry Breton, a...

EU vows retaliation if Hungary sends buses of migrants to Brussels

Sep. 10, 2024 09:38 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — Hungary’s threat to send a bus convoy of migrants to Brussels in protest against European Union policies is unacceptable and would prompt EU retaliatory action, the bloc’s powerful executive branch warned on Tuesday. Hungary’s anti-immigrant government...

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen aims for gender parity in commissioner posts. But it's raining men

Sep. 03, 2024 02:18 AM EDT

BRUSSELS (AP) — At first glance, the European Union may seem like a paragon of gender equality — what with Ursula von der Leyen heading the all-important executive branch. Still, all the talk this week is about an excess of men poised for top positions at the EU headquarters. ...