2017 bolsters EU resolve – EUbusiness Week newsletter 809 – EUbusiness.com

EUbusiness Week 809 top stories: EU moves against Poland over independence of judiciary; Energy reforms disappoint critics; EU waste deal another step towards ‘circular economy’; Brussels opens probe into IKEA’s tax affairs; Commission proposals to strengthen product safety; EU reaches deal on energy performance of buildings

Publisher’s Note

2017 has been a year of unprecedented challenges for Europe, from Donald Trump’s rejection of the Paris climate agreement, migration, Brexit, the rise of nationalism and the far-right, to Russian aggression. The EU has responded with a strength and unity which has surprised many. Steadfast in its commitment to cooperation and the rules-based global order, its achievement has been to make Europe a more confident and active global actor, fit for 2018 when leadership and partnership will be sorely needed.
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The next newswire goes out in January. I wish you the Season’s Greetings and best wishes for a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.
Regards,

Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness

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1. EU moves against Poland over independence of judiciary

Despite repeated efforts to engage with Polish authorities over judicial independence, the European Commission concluded Wednesday that there is a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law in Poland.
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2. Energy reforms disappoint critics

Member States agreed four legislative proposals under the EU’s Clean Energy Package Monday, mapping Europe’s energy transition over the coming decade, but disappointing environmental groups.
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3. EU waste deal another step towards ‘circular economy’

The EU institutions reached a provisional agreement in the early hours of Monday morning on four legislative proposals of a ‘waste package’, representing another step in Europe’s transition to a ‘circular economy’.
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4. Brussels opens probe into IKEA’s tax affairs

The Commission opened an in-depth investigation Monday into the Netherlands’ tax treatment of Inter IKEA, one of the two groups operating the IKEA business, the world’s largest furniture retailer.
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5. Commission proposals to strengthen product safety

Legislative proposals tabled Tuesday by the EU Commission would make it easier for smaller companies to sell products across Europe, and strengthen national controls against the sale of unsafe products.
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6. EU reaches deal on energy performance of buildings

The EU presidency secured provisional agreement with the European Parliament on new rules on the energy performance of buildings Tuesday, with final approval expected at the start of next year.
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EUROPEAN LAW

Uber: Uber’s taxi service to connect customers with non-professional drivers is covered by services in the field of transport, and is liable to national regulation, the European Court of Justice ruled on Wednesday.
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Latest news from the European Court of Justice
EU law firms
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Inside the EU Institutions

Council Watch

Cybersecurity cooperation – Removing barriers to free flow of data – Money laundering and terrorist financing – cross-border parcel delivery services – EU fertilisers – Trade defence instruments – Vehicle type-approval and market surveillance – Energy efficient buildings – Creating a modern electricity market – Governance of the Energy Union – Promoting renewable energy use – Internal electricity market – eco-innovation – EU waste rules
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Commission Watch

Probe into acquisition of Cristal by Tronox – Rule of Law in Poland – Integration of refugees – Revised Framework for Investment Firms – Visa Liberalisation Report – Azerbaijan report – trade defence and first country report – Brexit negotiating directives for next phase – Eurostat figures: Internet usage, Production in construction, labour costs, job vacancies, inflation – Eurobarometer – trading safe products – Fight against illicit drugs
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Parliament Watch

Energy-efficient buildings: provisional agreement EP and Council – ACP-EU: “Promoting the resilience of populations to natural disasters” – European Parliament, Brexit and Agriculture – debate in Yorkshire
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EU diary

25 Dec: Christmas
1 Jan: start of Bulgarian presidency
1 Jan: New Year
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary