Commission registers European Citizens Initiative on air passenger rights 

Today, the European Commission registered the European Citizens Initiative (ECI) titled ‘Save your right, save your flight!. 

The initiative aims to reverse changes undermining passenger rights and to maintain current compensation eligibility thresholds for air passengers. 

After a comprehensive legal analysis, the Commission deemed the initiative admissible under the European Citizens Initiative Regulation. The Commission has not yet reviewed the details of the initiative. Registration does not influence the Commissions final decision on its merits or any potential actions it may take. The Commission will decide after the ECI collects at least 1 million signatures from EU citizens, if it reaches that threshold. 

More information can be found in a press release online. 

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Commission adopts assessment report on readmission cooperation and proposes temporary visa measures for Guinea

Yesterday, the Commission adopted its sixth assessment report on the level of readmission cooperation of third countries under Article 25a of the Visa Code. Together with the report, the Commission proposed visa measures for Guinea to enhance readmission cooperation. This decision is based on an assessment of 29 third countries cooperation on readmission. The report shows that Guineas level of cooperation is insufficient. The Commission will send its report and proposal to the Council, where Member States will determine the next steps while continuing to engage with Guinea to enhance cooperation.

The EUs short-stay visa policy requires third countries to readmit their nationals who do not have the right to stay in the EU. The Commission assesses readmission cooperation of visa-bound countries annually and actively engages in dialogue to improve it.

(For more information: Markus Lammert - Tel.: + 32 2 29 67533, Cristina Dumitrescu - Tel.: + 32 2 296 60 91)

Commission proposes to sign and ratify the UN Convention against Cybercrime

Today, the European Commission proposed to sign and ratify the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime. This Convention addresses substantive criminal law and judicial cooperation, criminalizing acts related to child sexual abuse material and the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images. This will enhance the EUs capabilities to combat rising crimes such as online fraud and ransomware attacks, ensuring respect for human rights and data protection.

Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen stated: By signing the UN Cybercrime Convention, we take a significant step in protecting individuals online, especially vulnerable groups like children.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Elettra Di Massa – Tel.: +32 2 298 21 61)

Commission clears acquisition of Bergé Infraestructuras y Servicios Logísticos by ByC and APMC

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Bergé Infraestructuras y Servicios Logísticos by ByC and APMC of Denmark. The Commission concluded that the transaction does not raise competition concerns due to the limited combined market position.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier — Tel.  + 32 2 299 10 99; Sara Simonini - Tel.: +32 2 298 33 67)

Commissioner McGrath in Berlin to discuss rule of law and consumer protection

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, will meet with officials in Berlin to discuss the rule of law and consumer protection, including the forthcoming Consumer Agenda 2030 and the Digital Fairness Act.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Cristina Torres Castillo — Tel.: + 32 2 299 06 79; Yuliya Matsyk - Tel.: +32 2 226 27 16)