Draghi illustrated to the Permanent Representatives of the EU countries the conclusions of his report on competitiveness. According to the former Prime Minister, it is necessary to act 360 degrees and involving all the actors of the continent
In 2023, the real disposable income of Italian families fell by more than six points compared to 2008, according to Eurostat. The gap with the EU is almost 17 percentage points. Positive signals, however, regarding employment, education and poverty…
The European Commission has updated tariffs on Chinese electric cars, bringing the total to a minimum of 19% and a maximum of 46,3%, but offers discounts to companies working with European partners. Here are the details
Do you want to fix your broken smartphone or broken washing machine? EU Directive 2024/1799 introduces the right to repair, obliging manufacturers to repair defective products and facilitating access to repair services at reasonable prices. Here's why
The European Commission is ready to impose a record fine on Meta for unfair commercial practices. The company allegedly tied its online ads service to Facebook's main platform and gained an unfair advantage. If confirmed, the fine will be…
The trade dispute between the EU and China continues. This time the dispute is Chinese biodiesel which is having "devastating effects on European production" explains the European Biodiesel Board. Here are the companies affected
The European Commission accuses X of violating the Digital Services Act (DSA). At stake are sanctions of up to 6% of turnover and the modification of the social network's policies. What is being contested on Elon Musk's social network
The European Commission approves Apple's commitments to allow competitors access to "tap and go" technology dedicated to contactless payments on iPhone. Binding agreements for ten years. A trustee will monitor the situation
No agreement with Beijing. Starting July 5, 2024, the European Union will apply tariffs that vary by manufacturer to protect the internal market. They will be provisional, the final decision will be in October. Europe divided on the choice but in the meantime the…
Socialists, popular and liberals have found an agreement on top jobs which will be made official at the EU Council scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Von der Leyen will meet Meloni directly to talk about "portfolios"
New troubles for the Cupertino company. The European Commission disputes the App Store rules, accusing them of violating the Digital Markets Act. Fine of up to 10% of global annual turnover in case of confirmation. To avoid future troubles Apple postpones the introduction…
Talks on the tariff crisis between China and the EU are heating up in Asia. On Wall Street the focus is on Nvidia after last week's strong correction. In Europe, the imminence of the elections in France is central. At Piazza Affari…
In the final statement of the 2024 mission on the Eurozone countries, the IMF defined the ratification of the ESM as "a priority". For President Georgieva, the ESM "is like insurance in risky times". Giorgetti instead criticizes the "prejudicial attitude of the EU towards Italy"
The volume, which is part of the "Market Law" series directed by Professor Domenico Siclari, stands out both for its great relevance and for the systematic treatment of a complex and continually evolving subject
Public accounts, the European Union has officially launched an infringement procedure against Italy due to its excessive deficit, equal to 7,4%. For the PBO the correction is estimated at 0,5-0,6 points of GDP per year. Focus on Pnrr and Stability Pact.…
The leaders of the 27 were unable to find a general agreement on the EU summits, all of which were postponed until the end of June. Michel: "Our duty to finish by the end of the month"
EU leaders meet for an informal dinner. Von der Leyen is the favorite to be reconfirmed, but the match on the "top jobs" could hold surprises. In the meantime, Prime Minister Meloni must resolve the issue of the ESM: the...
Draghi received the European Charles V Prize and during his speech spoke about the future of the European Union, emphasizing sustainable growth, the green transition and the defense of Europe. On duties "useful against unfair competition" while on energy he reiterates...
Brussels raises duties on imports of Chinese electric cars to counter alleged unfair practices. Beijing promises reprisals. Tension between the EU and China, Germany and Hungary are against the duties, while the other EU countries are in favor
Interview with Antonio Varsori, professor of History of International Relations at the University of Padua: "The EU is experiencing a phase of great difficulty, going from economic problems to the threat of real wars on its borders" - "Traditional political parties define the state …
On Saturday 8th starting from 15pm and Sunday 9th we will vote throughout the day to elect the representatives of the European Parliament. Here is all the information to prepare for the continental elections
The new farmers' protests in France and Spain lead us to an examination of the European Commission's agricultural policies. There is also a vote to modernize the second sector of the EU
The recent Rafah massacre and the ongoing attacks isolate Israel, which is increasingly contested on the international stage. In Ukraine, Western involvement grows: France will send French soldiers, Belgium will provide 30 F-16 fighters by 2028
The philosopher and politician Biagio De Giovanni speaks with FIRSTonline in view of the European elections of 8 and 9 June: "We need a political process that concerns the entire EU governance because having a European military instrument and not being able to use it to…
Italy risks losing 28 billion euros of the Pnrr if it fails to complete the projects by June 2026. Analysis by the Italian Public Accounts Observatory on the delays and progress of investments
The 2024 European elections are approaching, but the debate on European policies is lacking. Among the EU's successes are the Next Generation EU and immigration policy, but challenges emerge such as the single market, still behind in services, the transition…
Georgia is rocked by protests against an "anti-foreign influence" law that limits the activities of foreign-funded NGOs and media. A law seen by many as similar to the Russian one used to limit democracy. At risk there is…
Interview with Piervirgilio Dastoli, President of the European Movement and former secretary of Altiero Spinelli. New reform treaties for the enlargement of the EU to the Balkans and Ukraine, strategic defense autonomy and greater investments are indispensable. The anomaly of Tajani's "owl" candidacies,…
The European Parliament approves the reform of the Stability Pact with a large majority. Only 4 Italian votes in favour. The abstentions of the Pd and Lega are embarrassing considering the role played by Gentiloni and Giorgetti, to whom their...
Now exporting companies have the obligation to ensure non-re-export of high-value goods and technologies to Russia. We want to target elusive practices, even unconscious ones
Sant'Anna di Stazzema, a symbolic place of Nazi horror, has been awarded the European Heritage Label for its historical and educational role in the promotion of European history and peace. It is the fifth in Italy
The "Tutti Europa ventitrenta" Association presented a decalogue for the Italian candidates, with the aim of evaluating their commitment to a more integrated EU, based on the values of human dignity, freedom, democracy and the rule of law
The investigations concern various Italian regions and also European countries, with the involvement of the Slovak, Romanian and Austrian police forces. At the base there would be a phenomenon of organized crime even if not of a mafia nature
The regulation on critical raw materials must be published in the Official Journal of the EU: imports from China must be limited and exploration in Europe must be resumed
The new rules will help combat the impunity of motorists who commit offenses in a country other than their country of residence. Currently 40% of violations go unpunished
The legislative process ended with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions. The law will come into force in two years. This is how AI will be regulated
The European Parliament approves the directive to make the EU building stock zero-emission by 2050. Italy is divided: the center-right votes against. What does the directive provide and what will the effects be in Italy?
Mexico has overtaken China as the United States' largest trading partner, while the EU has finalized the agreement with Chile on trade and investment liberalization
The Digital Markets Act, the European regulation that aims to promote and rebalance online competition, comes into force today. The six gatekeepers, Google, Apple, Amazon, Meta and Microsoft and TikTok have already taken several measures to comply with…
Energy Ministers adopt recommendation to reduce imports from Russia by 2027. Preparing storage for winter
Transnistria is a sort of "open-air museum" of the Soviet era, with a history full of ethnic tensions, armed conflicts and international isolation. But its future remains uncertain amid pressure from Moldova and the shadow of Russia
The investigation starts from a Spotify complaint from 2019. The accusation is abuse of dominant position and anti-competitive business practices. The fine would be one of the highest ever imposed by Europe on Big Tech
Interview with Teresa Bellanova, former Minister of Agriculture and director of Italia Viva: "We must take into account the farmers' protest but the Government has made mistakes after mistakes because it has a backward idea of the sector and does not know how to innovate", Here's what it would do...
In its "Notes and Studies", Assonime takes stock of the provisional agreement reached in the EU on the reform of the Pact. Here are the most important changes
Agreement reached overnight between Parliament and European Council on new budget rules. By 20 September 2024, European Union member states will have to present their first national plans describing spending, reforms and investments
The EU Parliament has given the green light to the new regulation on instant bank transfers. Member states will have 12 months to apply the new rules. Here's all the news
National ownership of fiscal policy, case-by-case evaluation, longer horizons for fiscal consolidation and realism about public debt levels well above 60%: these are the reasons that make the new Stability Pact better for…
According to the governor, the euro is "a collective defense clause" - "The euro area is vulnerable to shocks", he said and one of the problems is the lack of "a European banking union"
The changes, effective from March with iOS 17.4, include NFC sharing, freedom of choice for browsers and default apps, and changes in payment processes
The United States is ahead in every major indicator, from patents to investment. Europe defends itself and overtakes China but our country is bringing up the rear
Brussels aims to tighten loopholes that allowed Putin to mitigate losses in oil exports – Here's what's happening and how it could impact the global diamond industry
It was January 1, 1999 when the single European currency was introduced. Initially only virtual, the banknotes and coins arrived three years later. Today the Euro is present in 20 member states and in the lives of 350 million…
Agreement reached to address the issue of mass immigration. Reception measures are tighter. But now you will be able to pay for not accepting migrants: 30.000 annual relocations per country or 20 thousand euros per rejected migrant. Hungarian opposition. NGOs disappointed.…
During the Ecofin meeting, the agreement was reached, promoted mainly by France and Germany and also welcomed by Italy
Elon Musk's platform would have violated the Digital Services Act. The accusations concern various aspects, including failure to combat the spread of illegal content, few measures against the manipulation of information and the transparency of the platform
Macron obtains resources for two large offshore wind farms. A gesture to not tie France only to nuclear power? A new energy law in 2024
The law on the stop to cultured meat has not yet reached President Mattarella's table. We must first wait for the approval of the European Commission which is unlikely to be positive. Here's what's happening
The Assoambiente report launches ten points to implement to grow the circular economy. In packaging, Italy is first in the EU. Politics gives support, says Testa
Gas leaks into the atmosphere will finally be controlled with the obligation to repair them. The risk of accidents and further pollution is reduced
After the Ecofin, optimism emerges from the leaders - France and Germany call a summit to decide - Italy makes a wall: ok to rules on debt, but no parameters that are too penalizing on the deficit
Speaking at a Financial Times event, Mario Draghi analyzed the current state of the EU which must become "a union capable of expressing a unique foreign and defense policy". On Ukraine: "War preceded by retreats on fundamental values, no to compromises"
Excellent results for the Erasmus+ program. 4 out of 10 students have worked abroad and more than half want to continue their studies thanks to the experience gained. Fadda: “It's the Erasmus millennium generation. A generation that has internalized the value of traveling in…
The resources are used to create plants suitable for the use of clean sources and are not considered state aid. You have until December 2025
Having concluded the ECB's investigation phase, the process of preparing for the European digital currency now begins. The account will be free and open to all citizens, deposit limit of three thousand euros. Here's when it will be available
The entry into force of the new EU F-Gas regulation puts the professional equipment supply chain at risk - Industry associations speak of the "Perfect Crime"
In the elections in Poland the populist party of Kaczynski and Prime Minister Morawiecki wins but does not obtain the majority prize. And so the opposition of the former president of the European Council Donald Tusk has the numbers to govern, who would bring back Warsaw...
The European Union has issued an ultimatum to Italy for the ratification of the ESM. Only fifteen days left. Giorgetti, with his back against the wall, must find a solution. An agreement on ratification is possible but with a clause stating that Italy will not…
The new law bans the use of synthetic polymers smaller than five millimeters that do not degrade. The goal is to reduce the dispersion of at least half a million tons of microplastics into the environment. In Germany there is a rush to purchase postcards, tickets and gadgets…
The debate on energy is always current in France. Will the turning point on renewables really come? France and Germany are playing the big game in the electricity market
There would be over 100 Israelis hostage, two Italian-Israelis missing, 200 Italians returning to Italy with two military planes - The leaders: "Firm support for Israel and condemnation of Hamas"
After days of controversy, the deadlock is broken ahead of the informal meeting of heads of state or government scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Granada, Spain
Interview with Alessandro Marino, Secretary General of the Italian-German Chamber of Commerce on the causes of Germany's slowdown: what repercussions it can have on Italian industry and the economy and why
Frans Timmermans, EU vice president, raises the alarm a few days after the vote on natural habitats. And he accuses the EPP of becoming hostage to the sovereignists - after the victory of the radical right in Italy and Finland - endangering the Green...
The coalition led by Mark Rutte in the Netherlands splits over immigration. Towards the elections in October. A new blow to the centrist axis in Europe
Tomorrow, the European Commission is ready to present a new proposal to strengthen the GDPR and facilitate cooperation between the 27 member states in cross-border investigations. Eyes are always focused on the giants of the Web, already tested by the introduction…
The linguist Daniele Vitali explains how the linguistic regime has changed in the European Union after the enlargement to 27 States and what the hierarchy of languages is today
The linguist and goWare author Daniele Vitali speaks on the question of Italian in the language regime of the European Union
The European Parliament approved the first text regulating artificial intelligence with 499 votes in favor. Now the negotiation with the member countries and the EU Commission. President Metsola exults "We are writing history". Here's what's in the Ai…
EU communications ministers against the tax on large tech groups which, according to the telcos' proposal, should finance 5G and EU broadband - The US administration: "it would distort competition"
Italy will have to keep spending growth within the 2024% threshold in 1,3, accelerate with the PNRR, reform the land registry, cut taxes on labor and promote the green transition: here are the indications from Brussels
Italy, France, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary say no to the new Euro 7 directive. "An unrealistic and harmful proposal for the sector already engaged in the electric transition". Requested at least an extension to take effect on July 1, 2025.…
The European Antitrust has sanctioned the company of Mark Zuckerberg. The accusation is of having transferred data from the EU to America without guarantees of privacy. 5 months to stop sending data. Meta doesn't fit and appeals
INTERVIEW WITH ANGELO BOLAFFI, Germanist - Russia's war against Ukraine prompted post-Merkel Germany to rearm and turn its back on Moscow and today "it is better off than other European countries" - But Berlin has…
Budapest has obtained from Russia to import gas on favorable terms and to restructure the Paks nuclear power plant. Pressing EU
The EU has presented the guidelines on the budgets of the member states, also considering the reform of the Stability Pact which should receive the green light from Ecofin next Tuesday
Signed a new agreement between the EU and the UK on Northern Ireland which provides for a green lane for some goods directed from the United Kingdom to Northern Ireland - Sunak: "Decisive turning point" - von der Leyen: "It protects the single market"
Privacy and data security at risk. For the European Commission, the danger is Chinese espionage.
The Munich Security Conference began today with speeches by Ukrainian President Zelensky (via video link), Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Macron
From February 5, the embargo on Russian refined products will come into force. Risk of diesel sting in Europe. Here because
From 1 January it is possible to send a request for filing a European unitary patent which will enter into force from April - Simpler procedures, lower costs and more protection: here are all the advantages
Inflation is growing in the Eurozone (+10,6%). In Italy exports are good but in the first nine months of the year the trade deficit exceeds 31 billion
The contract that concerns one of the major railway lines in Romania is part of the European project aimed at increasing the railway connections of goods and people to the detriment of those by road
The European Union wants to tighten more on deaths and exposure to the substance in the workplace. A package of ERDF measures and resources.
The government of Boris Johnson threatens the EU: if Brussels does not agree to revise the protocol on Northern Ireland, London will break the agreement. EU: "unacceptable"
INTERVIEW WITH ALESSANDRO POLITI, Director of the NATO Defense College Foundation - "If the conflict is not suffocated soon, the dynamics of war will prevail over those of diplomacy"
Even Muscovites are wondering about Putin's plans but, according to STEFANO SILVESTRI of the IAI, the most probable scenario is the invasion of Donbass with subsequent annexation to Russia
INTERVIEW WITH JACQUES ZILLER, president of Societas Iuris Publici Europaei – On February 7, 1992, a few years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, an agreement was born in the Dutch town that "laid the foundations of today's European economic union" but…
The Pact is obsolete and has been suspended by the EU to allow governments to deal with the pandemic but some countries would like to restore it in 2023 as if nothing had happened and with the risk of creating serious damage - A…
INTERVIEW WITH ANGELO BOLAFFI, political philosopher and Germanist - "After the one at the Quirinale with France, Italy must also enter into a Pact with Germany because Paris, Berlin and Rome are the cornerstones of Europe" - The new Government…
Intesa Sanpaolo's Local Finance Monitor analyzes the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 - Between EU funds and national co-financing, Italy will have 82 billion available, but pay attention to spending capacity - Public investments down…
