Europe News EU plans to shield farmers from free trade deal with South America The European Commission has proposed financial support for farmers negatively impacted by the EU-Mercosur trade agreement – but the safety net would only be triggered in the ‘worst-case scenario’ and the EU executive says it won’t be needed. 23/01/2025
Healthcare AI to shape EU health policymaking without new rules No specific initiatives on AI in healthcare are in sight but the inevitable impact of this technology will guide EU policymaking in the next five years, according to Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi. 15/01/2025
Health news EU finds evidence of discrimination against medtech firms in China Findings of a Commission’s investigation revealed China has systematically discriminated against imported medical devices in public procurement, the EU is now weighing countermeasures. 14/01/2025
Europe News Von der Leyen hands reins to Ribera as health improves European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is recovering from a severe case of pneumonia but will not attend the weekly meeting of Commissioners. 13/01/2025
Europe News Poland picks apple as its EU presidency symbol Attendees at events during Poland’s EU presidency are in for a fruity treat — local apples will take centre stage as the official symbol of this six-month term. 09/01/2025
Healthcare Europe launches medicine shortage monitoring in 2025 Among the health policy novelties of 2025, a new tool developed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is set to harmonise monitoring of medicine shortages across Europe. 08/01/2025
Radio Schuman Will 2024 fears become reality in 2025? Fears and uncertainties of 2024 might come to reality in 2025, with re-election of Donald Trump as US president as a major game changer for Brussels. 06/01/2025
Lifestyle Chess superstar reconciles with federation after dress-code dispute World chess number one Magnus Carlsen announced his return to play in this year’s final World Blitz Championship after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) conceded “elegant minor deviations” during tournaments. 30/12/2024
Belgium Europe pays tribute to former US President Jimmy Carter Carter's passing has been met with sorrow across Europe, where leaders have paid tribute to his legacy as an ally and advocate for peace, democracy, and human rights. 30/12/2024
Health news Race against time for EU’s Critical Medicines Act Wanted in the first 100 days of the new legislative mandate, doubts linger over whether the European Commission will unveil the Critical Medicines Act on time. 19/12/2024
Nutrition EU wine help group counsels low- and no-alcohol options A reflection group has encouraged the EU executive to explore new rules for the growing market of no and low-alcohol (NoLo) wine products. 19/12/2024
Europe News New European Parliament intergroups: What’s in and What’s Out Although informal, parliamentary intergroups are a mirror of Europe’s ever-changing priorities—part tradition, part reinvention, and occasionally, a little bit of whimsy. 17/12/2024
Europe News EU ministers reach compromise on fishing quotas for overfished Mediterranean A delicate compromise has been struck to balance fishing activities and resource conservation in the Mediterranean, following intense negotiations that placed the sector under significant scrutiny. 11/12/2024
Europe News Commission proposes measures to boost farmers leverage in food chain Mandatory written contracts and a new mediation mechanism are among the measures proposed by the Commission to address long-standing imbalances between farmers and buyers of primary products. 10/12/2024
Europe News EU ministers offer soothing talk for farmers in CAP reset launch New agriculture Commissioner envisions no overhaul for the EU's agricultural subsidies system, as ministers began talks on reforms, seeking to maintain a farmer-centric Common Agricultural Policy. 10/12/2024
Europe News Commission asks for help shaping agri-food vision The EU executive has set up an advisory body aiming to maintain open dialogue among agri-food stakeholders, avoiding the polarisation seen in the last mandate. 05/12/2024
Europe News Health Commissioner touts swifter reform of EU medical devices rules EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi has signalled that revisiting the EU’s medical device regulations is inevitable, marking a shift from the previously cautious stance of the European Commission. 03/12/2024
Europe News Revealed: The new Commission's first strategic, policy initiatives A leaked copy of Ursula von der Leyen's second EU executive's work programme reveals that clean industry and defence are on the agenda for the first 100 days, but also sets the path for other policy announcements in the months to come. 02/12/2024
Health news Why does the EU now have two health Commissioners? How health topics will be divided between two Commissioner for the first time is a poser for the new executive. 29/11/2024
Nutrition European consumers baffled by food labelling spaghetti Lack of EU actions has led to an overwhelming array of labels and claims, leaving consumers struggling to make informed choices, according to EU auditors. 25/11/2024