EU Insight, 12 April 2024

Brussels, 12 April 2024

PARLIAMENT ADOPTS ENERGY MARKETS REFORM AND NEW SUSTAINABILITY RULES

The European Parliament formally adopted a series of legislations aiming to support energy markets and foster environmental protection. The initiatives in question include (i) a reform of the EU electricity market with the aim to make it more sustainable and consumer-friendly, (ii) a reform towards a more sustainable and resilient EU gas market while fostering the development of a Hydrogen market, (iii) an EU certification framework for carbon removals, (iv) new measures to strengthen CO2 emission reduction targets for trucks and buses and, (v) a new law to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector. Overall, the EP’s adoptions pave the way for the Council to give its final seal of approval on these key Green Deal initiatives.

PARLIAMENT APPROVE MIGRATION AND ASYLUM PACT

The European Parliament formally adopted a reform to European migration and asylum policy. Overall, the new Migration and Asylum Pact aims to enhance solidarity and responsibility among Member States and relieve the pressure for those Member States with the highest influx of migrants and asylum seekers. Notably, Member States will now have the choice between taking direct responsibility for asylum applicants, or instead make related financial contributions and providing operational support for their processing. Additionally, the new rules aim to streamline the examination of asylum claims, and thus fast-track the process. While the negotiations on the pact were highly contested and controversial throughout, the EP’s adoption paves the way for the Council to finalise the legislative process.

EU AND US STRENGTHEN THEIR COOPERATION IN TECHNOLOGY COMPETITION

In response to the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies, the European Union and the United States convened for their fourth Joint Technology Competition Policy Dialogue. Concretely the meeting serves as a pivotal platform for both sides to bolster cooperation concerning competition policy and enforcement within the technology sector. Notably, the meeting focused on the rapid evolution of technologies, such as AI, while also addressing the need to adapt merger enforcement to the modern digital economy. Furthermore, participants discussed methods to effectively navigate shifting market dynamics to foster fair competition and encourage innovation.

PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT REACHED ON TRADE SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

The Council and Parliament reached an agreement to renew trade liberalisation measures with Ukraine until 5 June 2025. This extension aims introduces new protections for EU farmers, while continuing to support Ukraine’s economy. Overall, the agreement maintains the suspension of import duties and quotas for Ukrainian agricultural products, which have been in place since May 2022. Additionally, the new rules seek to protect the EU market by strengthening existing safeguard mechanisms under specific conditions. For example, the Commission will have the power to reintroduce tariff-rate quotas on goods considered as sensitive namely poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, maize, groats and honey, should Ukrainian imports exceed a given threshold.

PARLIAMENT CALL FOR INCLUSION OF ABORTION IN EU RIGHTS CHARTER

The European Parliament adopted a resolution calling to enshrine sexual and reproductive healthcare rights, including the access to safe abortions, in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. Notably, considering recent developments across the pond and in some EU Member States, Parliament seek to ensure an EU-wide decriminalisation of abortion. Furthermore, the resolution aims to safeguard access to safe abortion and condemns any obstacles set to it. Lastly, the Parliament seek to promote education on sexual and reproductive healthcare rights and call for the cessation of EU funding to anti-choice groups. In parallel the European Commission has officially registered a European Citizens’ Initiative on safe and accessible abortion. Should the 1 million signature threshold be met, the Commission would have to consider presenting a legislative proposal on the matter.

COMING UP NEXT WEEK

• 15 – 16 April: Informal meeting of energy ministers. On the Agenda: Grid planning, financing and de-risking infrastructure investments, and energy infrastructure.
• 17 April: College of Commissioners.
• 17 – 18 April: Special European Council (EUCO). On the Agenda: The Future of the Single Market
• 18 – 19 April: Informal meeting on consumer protection ministers. On the Agenda: The impact of AI; the effectiveness of European Consumer Protection Enforcement.

Karl Isaksson, Managing Partner Brussels, Kreab

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Kreab • Tel: +32 2 737 6900 • karl.isaksson@kreab.com • www.kreab.com/brussels • X: @KreabEU  •  LinkedIn: Kreab Worldwide