Events

Short news briefs and updates on trade policy developments affecting transatlantic commerce.

Regulatory Measure
Content type: Regulatory Measure

Customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the USA

The European Parliament adopted its position at first reading on a regulation amending EU rules on additional customs duties applied to certain products originating in the United States, with Parliament and Council having reached agreement and the position corresponding to the final legislative act.
Agreement / Partnership

European Parliament

Content type: Agreement / Partnership

5th EU‑UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Meets in Brussels

The fifth EU‑UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly convened in Brussels on 17–18 March 2025 to discuss foreign and security cooperation, youth opportunities, and trade-related measures within the Partnership Council framework.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement Category: Investment

ReArm Europe Plan: SAFE loans and National Escape Clause

The ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 sets out legal and financial tools to mobilise up to €800 billion for defence, including a new SAFE loan instrument offering up to €150 billion backed by the EU budget and a four year National Escape Clause to allow temporary fiscal flexibility for defence spending.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement Category: Market Access

White Paper for European Defence — Readiness 2030 (Q&A)

The Commission's White Paper presents a new approach to European defence, identifying investment and industrial measures to close capability gaps, support Ukraine, and strengthen the EU defence industrial base and cooperation.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

EU and Norway amend tariff‑rate quotas after UK withdrawal

The European Parliament gave its consent to conclude an Agreement with Norway that amends concessions on all tariff‑rate quotas in the EU Schedule CLXXV as a consequence of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the Union.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

Parliament minutes: 12 March 2025 Strasbourg sitting

The European Parliament met in Strasbourg on 12 March 2025, recorded its minutes and held formal votes and debates on a range of agenda items including the European Semester, international agreements and sectoral policy topics.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

EU Parliament Consents to Canada PNR Agreement

The European Parliament gave its formal consent to the conclusion of an agreement with Canada on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

Parliament adopts package on trade quotas, PNR data, European Semester, defence and support for Ukraine and Syria

The European Parliament adopted a package of texts in Strasbourg on 12 March 2025 covering tariff‑rate quota adjustments after the UK withdrawal, an EU‑Canada PNR agreement, the 2025 European Semester and employment priorities, support for Ukraine and Syria, and a white paper on European defence.
Market Update

European Parliament

Content type: Market Update

EP Delegation Discusses EU‑UK Trade, Customs and SPS Arrangements

The European Parliament delegation met in Brussels on 6 March 2025 to exchange views on EU‑UK trade, customs and sanitary and phytosanitary arrangements ahead of the next parliamentary assembly.
Market Update

European Parliament

Content type: Market Update

EP Delegation Discusses EU‑UK Transport and Logistics

On 23 January 2025 the European Parliament delegation to the EU‑UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly met in Strasbourg to exchange views on transport and logistics with industry experts.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement Category: Sustainability

Questions and answers on the Clean Industrial Deal

The Commission's Q&A explains the Clean Industrial Deal as a package to make industrial decarbonisation profitable by combining climate, circularity and competitiveness while mobilising funding and regulatory changes.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement Category: Investment

EU Action Plan for Affordable Energy aims to cut bills and boost renewables

The European Commission sets out an Action Plan combining short-term relief measures and structural reforms to lower energy bills, speed renewable deployment and strengthen market resilience for consumers and industry.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement Category: Sustainability

Von der Leyen to chair Strategic Dialogue on Steel; Action Plan announced

President von der Leyen will chair a Strategic Dialogue on Steel on 4 March as the Commission launches a Steel and Metals Action Plan process to support the sector’s competitiveness and clean transition.
Market Update

European Parliament

Content type: Market Update

Bureau calls for concrete steps ahead of early‑2025 EU‑UK Summit

The European Parliament’s D‑UK bureau welcomed the UK PPA delegation, Rachel Reeves’ Eurogroup participation and an agreed EU‑UK summit in early 2025 while urging concrete recommendations and commitments.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

Parliament consents to EU–Norway amendment on WTO tariff‑rate quotas after Brexit

The European Parliament gave its consent to an Agreement with Norway amending WTO tariff‑rate quota allocations that result from the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the Union.
Agreement / Partnership
Content type: Agreement / Partnership

Parliament consents to EU–Canada PNR data agreement

The European Parliament gave its consent to conclude an agreement with Canada on the transfer and processing of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement

EP resolution condemns Ortega‑Murillo repression in Nicaragua

The European Parliament adopted a resolution condemning systematic human rights abuses by the Ortega‑Murillo regime in Nicaragua and called for immediate release of detainees, reversal of repressive measures, ICC investigations and expanded EU sanctions.
Regulatory Measure
Content type: Regulatory Measure

VAT: rules for the digital age

The European Parliament approved the Council draft amending Directive 2006/112/EC to update VAT rules for the digital age and requested notification and re-consultation if the Council departs from or substantially amends the text.
Policy Statement
Content type: Policy Statement

Genetically modified maize MON 95275: European Parliament resolution

The European Parliament objects to the Commission’s draft decision authorising MON 95275, calls for its withdrawal and urges stronger safety and trade safeguards.
Regulatory Measure
Content type: Regulatory Measure

Parliament objects to authorisation of GM maize DP910521

The European Parliament adopted a motion for a resolution objecting to the Commission draft implementing decision to authorise the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP910521.
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