The Latest Breaking News from European Commission

Five toys on sale in Britain found to contain asbestos in tests for Guardian

Discovery adds to fears about UK safety regime and exposes regulatory gaps as similar items were banned in Netherlands

The Guardian - UK · May 23

Energy crisis heightens risk of poverty and social exclusion: EU Commissioner Minzatu

Our guest has an important role in promoting social policies in the European Union, at a time when much of the political oxygen is being sucked out by the competitiveness and simplification agenda, as well as by defence and security issues. Roxana Minzatu is Executive Vice-President of the European Commission…

France 24 · May 22

Hungary's Magyar pushes back on pension and tax reforms as EU funding talks intensify

Péter Magyar is pushing back against EU demands for pension and tax reforms, complicating attempts to release €17 billion in frozen funding before the August deadline. However, a breakthrough on the issue of the Erasmus+ educational programme is within reach.

Euronews · May 22

EU forced to exempt banned Chinese chipmaker after auto industry warns of supply crisis — European car factories warn of imminent supply chain collapse

The European Commission is preparing to propose a temporary exemption for a Chinese semiconductor manufacturer from the EU's 20th Russia sanctions package.

Tom’s Hardware · May 21

Euro zone growth forecast cut because of war impact

BRUSSELS - The euro zone economy will expand less than expected this year, the European Commission said on Thursday, as the Middle East war and subsequent energy shock take their toll.

Bangkok Post · May 21

EU cuts 2026 growth forecast as Strait of Hormuz crisis pushes inflation up

The EU has downgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast after the Strait of Hormuz crisis sent energy prices sharply higher earlier this year. With no end to the conflict in sight, rising energy costs are fuelling tensions among member states calling for additional fiscal support measures.

Euronews · May 21

Newsletter: NATO alliance and Balts hold the defensive line

As NATO foreign ministers meet in Sweden on Thursday to discuss the role of Washington in the military alliance, as well as dwindling ammunition stocks, the Baltics are coming to grips with repeated drone incursions threatening chaos in capitals – and Europe's eastern flank.

Euronews · May 21

EU pays Egypt billions to manage migration — Cairo says it is not enough

Egypt’s growing refugee and migrant population, seeking safety from wars in Sudan, Syria and the wider region, has put further pressure on aid agencies and public services as Cairo urges Europe to share more of the cost.

Euronews · May 21

Germany's Merz proposes Ukraine as EU ‘associate member’ without voting rights

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine “associate member” status in the European Union without voting rights while it pursues full membership, according to a letter seen by AFP on Thursday. The plan would allow Kyiv representation at EU summits, the European Commission and parliament, but without voting powers.

France 24 · May 21

Is Meta opening WhatsApp to rival AI chatbots just to avoid tougher EU action? Here's what happened

Meta has offered rival AI chatbots limited free access to WhatsApp in Europe, with charges to be implemented after a usage threshold is met. This move aims to appease EU regulators concerned about Big Tech's market dominance. Smaller rivals, however, deem the proposal insufficient and discriminatory.

The Economic Times · May 21