Impact assessments have been used by the EU Commission for many years, but until now the European Parliament has been hesitant to introduce them. But this has changed now the EU has enthroned ‘competitiveness’ — ie deregulation and corporate profits — above all other considerations, plus a rightwing majority in the parliament, warns Corporate Europe Observatory.

Coffee and cocoa producers are among those scrambling to comply with the EU’s anti-deforestation regulation, which is due to take effect from January — despite confusion over whether the EU Commission will delay or amend the terms of the regulation. 

From reporting and defence to chemicals and AI, Europe’s simplification packages are reshaping the regulatory landscape.

Legal scholars have dubbed it a "sleeping beauty" — a potent yet practically unused EU Parliament instrument akin to the EU's own Article 7, designed to safeguard the rule of law and the integrity of its institutions.

Today, we kick off an anniversary campaign to convince new supporting members to join EUobserver's mission of providing the information citizens need to safeguard EU democracy.

Russian spies are still active in the EU capital and have a "higher risk appetite" than before the Ukraine war — despite Belgium's efforts to push back against their plots.