EU’s pretending to be an honest trade cop – POLITICO

Given these power dynamics, the protests resulted in two key concessions: First, the EU put its trade talks with Mercosur nations Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay on hold. Second, it carved out a rule that would have forced farmers to leave part of their land untouched, resting the soil and hopefully allowing biodiversity to flourish. … Read more

Don’t trash European recycling – POLITICO

European farmers are far from alone in feeling bitterly angry about the threat from low-cost, unfair competition and pricing which risks destroying their livelihoods. Europe’s packaging recycling industry faces a similar existential challenge. We are not burning tires or dumping piles of steaming manure at the seat of our legislatures but we share the farming … Read more

Macron blames far right for chaotic farmers’ fair in Paris – POLITICO

These efforts, however, proved unsuccessful. Protesters stormed through the fair’s doors before its opening as the president was having breakfast with the head of the farmers’ unions. Police pushed back and sprayed tear gas to avoid a direct confrontation between Macron and the protesters, as crowd movements resulted in several falls and knocked over animal … Read more

Proposed SEP Regulation is a boost for EU innovation – POLITICO

The European Parliament will soon take a position on the proposed EU Regulation on Standard-Essential Patents (SEPs), which aims to address imbalances, inefficiencies and uncertainties in the existing SEP licensing ecosystem. The implementation of such an impactful regulation for EU innovation begs on vital question — does the EU regulation on SEPs support the fundamental … Read more

Hundreds of Czech farmers protest against EU regulations – POLITICO

“Today’s demonstration does not have much in common with the fight for better conditions for farmers,” Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on X. “The demonstration is organized by people who, for example, do not hide their support for the Kremlin and pursue goals other than the interests of farmers.” “We deal with those who really … Read more

EU competitiveness and licensing of essential technologies – POLITICO

The authors regularly advise the automotive and IT/tech industry. The views expressed in this article are personal. As things stand now, European manufacturers are at a disadvantage, as patent owners from around the world can exclude devices that implement standards from the market unless manufacturers give in to their royalty demands. The proposed EU SEP … Read more

It’s time to security proof Europe’s tech policies – POLITICO

We can no longer afford to diddle around like this! And rarely has anything hammered home just how much we remain stuck in the harsh reality of centuries past as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It is, however, far from the only recent wake-up call as to just how far opponents of our liberal democratic order … Read more

Top human rights court backs Belgian religious slaughter bans – POLITICO

The bans, imposed in the two regions several years ago, were the result of a long push by animal welfare activists. But they also raised fears among Muslim and Jewish community groups that they were a cover for nationalist politicians to channel anti-immigrant sentiment. Belgium holds a general election in June, at the same time … Read more

EU proposes sanctions on Chinese firms for helping Russia – POLITICO

The bloc wants to finalize a 13th package of sanctions against Russia before Feb. 24, which would mark two years since Putin ordered the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission has also urged national governments to take “concerted action” to toughen sanctions enforcement. EU Council President Charles Michel served notice to Xi Jinping at … Read more

Give innovators the boost they need: fairness and transparency

How often have we heard about the importance of innovation for companies in Europe to stay competitive? Well, now we have a chance to make a real difference to help European industry develop new, innovative smart and sustainable products and services. What is at stake is the little-known but hugely important issue of licensing of … Read more