No renegotiation for Mrs May’s Brexit deal – EUbusiness Week newsletter 838 – EUbusiness.com

EUbusiness Week 837 top stories: EU summit clarifies UK ‘backstop’, but no renegotiation; Japan-EU trade deal set to enter into force February 2019; Company law rules updated for digital era; EUR 20 bn boost for artificial intelligence in Europe; Plastics alliance to bolster Europe’s recycling market; States agree new EU legal framework for spirit drinks

Publisher’s Note

With the EU set to approve next week a proposal to reduce the impact of certain plastics products on the environment, Mike Turner, President of Pack2Go Europe, points out that the draft law, which aims to address concern about marine pollution, also covers paper and cardboard items, such as recyclable purpose-designed cups and food containers. This, he says, would impact on European jobs and public health. With the business of serving food and drinks in the EU worth about EUR 450 billion – about 5% of EU GDP – it is not too late, he says, to adjust the Directive to save jobs and protect public health.
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Regards,

Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness

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1. EU summit clarifies UK ‘backstop’, but no renegotiation

As PM Theresa May sought to save her Brexit deal at a Brussels summit Thursday, EU leaders clarified their position on the ‘backstop’ but stated there would be no renegotiation of the UK withdrawal deal.
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2. Japan-EU trade deal set to enter into force February 2019

February 1, 2019 is the date set for entry into force of the EU’s trade agreement with Japan, as the European Parliament gave its consent Wednesday to the largest bilateral trade deal ever negotiated by the EU.
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3. Company law rules updated for digital era

EU states have agreed to modernise company law rules with a view to facilitating the use of digital tools and online processes in a company’s contacts with public authorities throughout its lifecycle.
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4. EUR 20 bn boost for artificial intelligence in Europe

The Commission has presented a coordinated plan, prepared with the Member States, to foster the development and use of artificial intelligence in Europe with EUR 20 billion investment.
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5. Plastics alliance to bolster Europe’s recycling market

A Circular Plastics Alliance of key industry stakeholders, launched Tuesday by the Commission, aims to improve the economics and the quality of plastics recycling in Europe.
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6. States agree new EU legal framework for spirit drinks

EU countries have confirmed agreement on a regulation on the definition, presentation and labelling of spirit drinks, including use in other foodstuffs and protection of geographical indications.
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EUROPEAN LAW

Cancelling Brexit: the UK does have the right to revoke Brexit unilaterally, remaining in the EU under unchanged terms as regards its status as a Member State, the EU’s top Court confirmed Monday.
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Commission not entitled to relax car emission limits: Court
Latest news from the European Court of Justice
EU law firms
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Inside the EU Institutions

Council Watch

European Council (Art. 50) conclusions – multi-annual financial framework – cross-border access to online content – European Citizens’ Initiative – Air transport fair competition rules – scientific studies on food safety – more environment-friendly fertilisers – Explosive precursors controls – Multiannual management plan for Western Waters – Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators new framework – non cash payment fraud – Exchanging criminal records – EU budget for 2019 – Import of fishery products
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Commission Watch

Ukraine humanitarian funding – access to online TV and radio content – State aid: italian rescue aid to Condotte d’Acqua, Athens Airport, shift of freight transport from road to rail in Germany – rescEU to strengthen EU civil protection – EU-Japan trade agreement – Emergency Trust Fund for Africa – organic and waste-based fertilisers – Mergers: Vodafone-Liberty Global, MKM-KME, Gemalto-Thales, Houghton-Quaker, Spectrum Brands – cyber-criminals – security proposals – VAT: New details on rules for e-commerce – Circular Plastics Alliance – women’s participation in the digital economy – Antisemitism – EU-Egypt relations – Rohingya crisis
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Parliament Watch

MEPs agree on new rules to tax digital companies’ revenues – MEPs want to fund crucial areas to stimulate European growth – Human rights breaches in Iran, Egypt and Tanzania – Czech Republic: MEPs call for immediate steps to protect EU money – Member states jeopardising rule of law will risk losing EU funds – “InvestEU” programme – EU citizens’ initiative to be overhauled – MEPs commend Ukraine’s reform efforts and denounce Russian aggression – EU joint response to disasters – MEPs take stock of the EU foreign, security and defence policy priorities – Combating terrorism proposals for new EU strategy – EU budget 2019 approved: focus on the young, innovation and migration
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EU diary

17 Dec: Euromed Summit of economic and social councils
17-18 Dec: High-level Forum Africa-Europe
17-18 Dec: Agriculture and Fisheries Council
18 Dec: Sustainable building conference
18 Dec: EU-Ukraine renewable energy investment forum
18 Dec: Information session: European universities
20 Dec: Environment Council
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary