Press releases

EU energy ministers meet on Monday to agree to a common line on Commission proposals to reform the electricity market, manage a transition of Europe’s energy supply to renewables and roll out new technologies like smart meters. Despite much of the positive rhetoric surrounding this file, ministers are emptying the Commission proposals of many of its advantages.

The European Parliament just failed – by three votes – to block a proposal from the EU Commission to authorise the use of phosphates in döner kebabs and gyros1. Although phosphate additives are not allowed in these meat preparations, some producers have been unlawfully adding them in kebab meat sold across the EU. There are concerns over their health effects and their water-binding properties, which manufacturers could abuse to bulk out meat with water.

Tomorrow, the European Parliament will have the opportunity to let European consumers benefit more from the continent’s cultural diversity. This could happen if they make films, TV series and documentaries accessible to all European consumers online.

Today, the European Parliament, Member States and Commission reached an agreement to reform the system for approving cars before they go on sale and checking them when on the market. While the agreement does not fully solve the issues with CO2 emissions of cars, it represents progress compared to the current, flawed system.