advertentieCommission simplifies instructions for use of medical devices to further digitalise healthcare systems
Healthcare professionals can now receive electronic instructions for medical devices, moving away from paper. This regulation from the European Commission covers all medical devices used by professionals in the EU, although paper versions can still be requested. This shift is part of a broader initiative to modernise healthcare, support environmental sustainability, and ease financial and administrative burdens on manufacturers. The measure received wide support during recent consultations with professionals and industry representatives.
This announcement is part of the Commissions ongoing effort to improve EU rules for medical devices. In the coming days, an expert panel will be established to provide scientific and clinical advice on devices for small patient populations, such as children or those with rare diseases.
The Commission is also reviewing the regulatory framework for Medical Devices and In Vitro Diagnostics to reduce unnecessary burdens and make requirements more cost-effective. This ensures a safe supply of devices for EU patients while fostering innovation and enhancing the competitiveness of the EUs medical devices sector. The findings of this evaluation will be presented in December during a conference on medical devices in Brussels hosted by Commissioner Várhelyi.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commission advances on expanding EU-Switzerland relations
Yesterday, Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šefčovič and Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, signed a Joint Declaration outlining the partnership level between the EU and Switzerland.
This covers the period from the end of 2024 until the package of agreements negotiated between March and December 2024 comes into effect.
The Joint Declaration confirms both parties commitment to cooperate in key areas such as research, health, and the implementation of existing agreements.
As part of this Declaration, the Commission has introduced transitional arrangements allowing Swiss entities to apply for EU research grants under Horizon Europe and Euratom Research and Training from the 2025 budget, even before the agreement on Switzerlands participation is signed.
Once signed later in 2025, Swiss entities can immediately benefit from Horizon Europe and Euratom Research and Training funding.
The signature of the Joint Declaration follows the Commissions proposals to the Council to authorize the signature and conclusion of a comprehensive package of agreements negotiated last year. The modalities for cooperation will remain in place while the ratification process is ongoing.
Full texts of the Joint Declaration and Commission proposals are available online. More details on all instruments in the package can be found in the corresponding explanatory fiches.
(For more information: Stefan De Keersmaecker – Tel.: +32 2 298 46 80; Saul Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
EU agri-food trade remains strong in the first quarter of 2025
The latest agri-food trade report published by the European Commission shows that the EU agri-food trade remained robust in Q1 2025. The trade balance was largely positive, reaching €11.6 billion, despite higher import prices compared to 2024.
EU exports totaled €59.7 billion, a 3% increase (+€1.9 billion) from the same period in 2024. The UK was the top export destination with €13.5 billion (23% of EU agri-food exports). In contrast, exports to China fell due to lower cereal exports. Exports of coffee, tea, cocoa, and spices grew significantly, increasing by €1.1 billion (+51%), driven by rising cocoa prices.
Imports reached €48.1 billion, up €7.9 billion (+20%) compared to 2024. Brazil, the US, and the UK were the main import origins, with significant increases from Côte dIvoire (+84%, +€1.2 billion) and China (+35%, +€732 million). Imports of cocoa, coffee, fruit, nuts, and non-edible products saw strong growth, while sugar and isoglucose imports decreased due to lower prices and volumes.
For more insights, detailed tables are available in the latest edition of the monthly EU agri-food trade report.
For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marcal Santos - Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Commission approves new geographical indication from Türkiye
The Commission has added ‘Antep Fıstık Ezmesi / ‘Antepfıstığı Ezmesi / ‘Gaziantep Fıstık Ezmesi to the Protected Geographical Indications (PGI) register.
‘Antep Fıstık Ezmesi is a traditional sweet made from early-harvested pistachios, combined with beet sugar and water. After cooking, the mixture is kneaded and shaped into a sheet before being cut into portions. It has a soft, dense texture with a greenish hue from the pistachios and a rich nutty flavor. It is produced in Gaziantep, Türkiye, and its reputation is tied to the quality of local pistachios and traditional recipes.
This designation adds to the over 3,666 protected names in the eAmbrosia database. For more information, visit the Quality Policy pages.
For more information: Balazs Ujvari - Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marcal Santos - Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)
Executive Vice-President Fitto to attend the EU Eastern Border Regions High-Level Conference in Poland
Today and tomorrow, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto will attend the EU Eastern Border Regions High-Level Conference in Białowieża, Poland, near the Belarus border. This conference, hosted by the Polish Presidency of the Council, will gather representatives from EU countries and regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The goal is to discuss how Cohesion policy can enhance resilience and strategic transformation in the EUs Eastern Border Regions. This participation emphasizes the Commissions commitment to strengthening EU solidarity and investing in all regions resilience, particularly in the East.
Before the conference, Executive Vice-President Fitto will meet with Polands Minister for Development Funds and Regional Policy, Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz, to discuss the modernisation of Cohesion policy, which proposes increased EU co-financing for border regions.
Tomorrow, he will visit the EU border with Belarus to showcase the East Shield project, aimed at enhancing regional security.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha +32 229-52117)
Commissioner Hoekstra participates in the London Climate Action Week ahead of COP30 negotiations
For the next two days, Commissioner for Climate, Net-Zero and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, will be in London discussing climate action and taxation with government officials and participating in the London Climate Action Week.
Tomorrow, he will hold meetings with UK officials, including a bilateral meeting with James Murray, UK Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury. He will also meet with COP30 President-Designate, Ambassador André Corrêa do Lago, to discuss COP30 preparations.
On Friday, Commissioner Hoekstra will deliver a speech at the London Climate Resilience Finance Summit 2025, focusing on unlocking finance for climate resilience ahead of COP30 in November.
More details can be found on the Commissioners calendar.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen - Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Ana Crespo Parrondo – Tel.: +32 2 298 13 25)
EU Arctic Forum convenes in Finland to address regional challenges
The EU is hosting the annual EU Arctic Forum in Kittilä, Finland, starting tomorrow. This forum aims to promote sustainable development, combat climate change, and protect the Arctic environment.
The two-day event will gather representatives from EU and Arctic countries, indigenous communities, and stakeholders to address climate change and geopolitical challenges facing the Arctic region.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, will open the event, emphasizing the EUs commitment to the regions well-being. He stated, The EU is committed to support the economic and social well-being of the Arctic communities. Their unique cultural heritage must be preserved. Our presence in Kittilä reflects our commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic.
The forum will discuss critical issues like climate change and sustainable economic activities, strengthening cooperation with Arctic Member States. The insights will inform the EUs future actions in the region.
Find more information online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel: +32 229-66483; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
Commissioner Roswall in Germany for cross-sectoral exchanges on water resilience
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall will be in Berlin for engagements focused on water resilience and the circular economy.
This evening, she will deliver a keynote speech at the German Water Partnership Annual Conference 2025, gathering water industry professionals to discuss water resilience.
Tomorrow, she will address the German Parliament, discussing her priorities with the Committee on European Affairs.
Her visit will conclude with a meeting with the German Minister of Environment to discuss shared priorities in maintaining ambitious European environmental policies.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 229 664 83; Emma Marechal – Tel. +32 468 234 792)
Commissioner McGrath in Ireland to discuss consumer rights, democracy, media freedom and rule of law
On June 26-27 and 30, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, will engage with business leaders in Ireland on key priorities.
Tomorrow, he will participate in an event organized by the Institute of Directors to discuss the Consumer Agenda 2025-2030 and the forthcoming Digital Fairness Act.
On June 27, he will visit Cork to engage with local businesses in the pharmaceutical industry.
On June 30, he will return to Dublin for meetings with key figures to discuss the upcoming European Democracy Shield and transparency in interest representation.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)
Commissioner Micallef and Ukrainian Culture Minister meet to advance EU support for cultural heritage protection
Commissioner Glenn Micallef will meet with Ukrainian Minister of Culture, Mykola Tochytskyi, in Brussels to prepare for joint efforts on cultural heritage protection ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
Following their meeting, they will hold a joint press point. The Commissioner will deliver a new EU study on cultural heritage funds aimed at safeguarding Ukrainian heritage from attacks.
The visit will conclude at the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage in Brussels.
(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès - Tel.: +32 2 291 32 83)
Liste des points prévus à lordre du jour des prochaines réunions de la Commission
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Prochains événements de la Commission européenne
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