Competition
EU to slam Google with record fine ahead of Juncker US visit
Google is set to face a record-busting EU antitrust fine this week over its Android mobile operating system but rivals hoping that an order to halt unfair business practices will help them may be disappointed.
Commission says Airbnb breaches EU consumer rules, must fall into line
The European Union told Airbnb yesterday (16 July) to bring its terms and conditions into line with the bloc's consumer rules or face action by national consumer agencies, after a review of the short-term rental platform found some violations.
EU should enforce market surveillance to protect single market
The EU needs to take market surveillance more seriously. This is not only about spending more money, but also about creating more coherent and less complex single market legislation, writes Naemi Denz.
Micro-regulating trading practices between food multinationals and retail will end up in consumers paying
As the European elections and the change of Commission loom next year, the Commission is in a hurry to get its last proposals out and parliamentarians are keen to complete their scrutiny before the campaign trail beckons, writes Christian Verschueren.
French energy giant Engie hit with €120 million ‘illegal’ state aid ruling
Luxembourg will have to recover about €120 million in unpaid tax from French energy giant Engie, after the European Commission found the Grand Duchy guilty of breaching strict state aid rules.
The EU has to broaden its alliances to shape the new world order
Enough tears have been shed, egos and emotions shaken and obituaries written about the transatlantic relationship. It is time to move on. So wipe the tears, stop the whining and turn over a new page. The US has embarked on a new journey, and the EU should do the same, writes Shada Islam.
European Parliament votes in favour of the revision on posted workers
After 27 months of negotiations, MEPs approved a revision of the posted workers directive, an issue which symbolises divisions between East and West in the EU. EURACTIV.fr reports.
As expected, Vestager lets Gazprom off the hook
The EU's antitrust regulators have ended their investigation into Gazprom without imposing any fines, the Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager announced on Thursday (24 May). The Russian gas giant welcomed the EU's decision and promised to reform.
Commission to announce peace deal with Gazprom by next week
EU regulators will settle their antitrust case with Gazprom by next week, people close to the matter said on Monday (14 May), after the Russian energy giant pledged to change its pricing structure and allow rivals a foothold in eastern Europe.
German perks lure Czech workers across the border
Czech firms in the southwest are facing labour shortages as residents living close to the border are increasingly commuting to Germany for work. The main incentives are salaries, three times higher than the Czech average, and child benefits, the so-called kindergeld....
Why we need to stabilise the Western Balkans
As Europe is confronted by different visions about its future, the question remains how these different visions will affect the developments in the Western Balkans. The Balkans remain fragile, and the external pressures and internal divisions could deliver fresh instability in the region.
Schools of tomorrow – building and transforming skills for a digital world
Europe’s bid to lead the digital and advanced technology trend will be lost if the EU and national governments don’t take steps to make skills development in digitisation their priority. Digital skills need to be conveyed at all levels and in all forms of education to ensure Europe’s global position, writes Martina Dlabajová.
EU antitrust chief says investigation of Google’s Android, AdSense is advancing
Investigations into how Google may be using its Android smartphone operating system and its AdSense advertising service to thwart rivals are advancing, Europe's antitrust chief said on Wednesday (18 April), amid concern about the lengthy proceedings.
European Commission raids offices in sports broadcasting investigation
The European Commission yesterday (10 April) raided the offices of a number of companies involved in sports broadcasting rights, including a unit of Rupert Murdoch's Fox, as part of an investigation into a possible cartel.
Italy buys into TIM Italia to shield strategic interests against France’s Vivendi
Italian state lender CDP said yesterday (5 April) it would buy a stake of up to 5% of Telecom Italia (TIM) to safeguard Rome's interest in a company seen as strategic, and amidst a struggle between investors over its leadership.
Europe, pay your trainees!
Offering internships and traineeships to young people without real prospect of employment and adequate remuneration violates the original nature of these instruments, writes Brando Benifei.
EU circular economy’s REACH for the stars
As the EU doubles down on its waste management efforts and sets its sights on tackling plastic waste, the idea of a circular economy and internal market for recycling is gathering momentum. But it will not be an easy task for lawmakers or industry to realise.
Let’s talk about the losers of protectionism
European politicians have a big role to play in communicating why globalisation matters. We need politicians that are brave enough to talk about the losers of protectionism, not just the losers of globalisation, writes Carola Lemne.
Visa to defend tourists’ card fees at EU antitrust hearing
Visa will today (27 March) try to fend off European Union antitrust charges that it subjects foreign tourists to excessive fees when they use their cards in the EU, people familiar with the matter said.
UPS seeks €1.7 billion damages from EU for aborted TNT buyout
US package delivery giant United Parcel Service is seeking €1.7 billion ($2.1 billion) in damages from the European Commission after it stopped the firm's 2013 bid to take over TNT Express.
Italy fumes against company relocations in bitter election campaign
European Union rules are helping less wealthy nations swipe jobs from their bigger partners, Italy's industry ministry said yesterday (20 February), as plans by a multinational to shift production to Slovakia took centre stage in the national election campaign.
DowDuPont boss: Merger will speed up innovation to face farming challenges ‘quickly’
A merger between Dow Chemical and DuPont (DowDuPont) aims to accelerate innovation in agriculture to help all farm sizes, as well as rapidly facing up to future challenges, DowDuPont’s Pierre Flye Sainte Marie told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
Apple’s Shazam acquisition under EU scrutiny
Apple’s Shazam acquisition could affect competition. The company spent $400 million (€340 million) for the application.