EU Summit – Recovery plan & Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-27
15/07: "A deal is essential. Now is the time" - Invitation letter by President Charles Michel to the members of the European Council ahead of their meeting on 17-18 July 2020 – Council of the EU
20/07: Special European Council: “There is much goodwill.” – EU2020DE
The Special European Council has once again been extended, with EU heads of state and government continuing their talks in Brussels on Monday. The focus remains on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the recovery fund to combat the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 - Creative & cultural sectors
17/07: Open letter: A call to invest in all our creative futures - UNIC website
On 14 July, an open letter from by 45 European celebrated cultural figures was published ahead of the crucial EU leaders' meeting on the EU budget and recovery plan taking place from 18-18 July.
EU Summer 2020 Economic Forecast
07/07: Summer 2020 Economic Forecast: An even deeper recession with wider divergences – European Commission
The EU economy will experience a deep recession this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, despite the swift and comprehensive policy response at both EU and national levels. Because the lifting of lockdown measures is proceeding at a more gradual pace than assumed in our Spring Forecast, the impact on economic activity in 2020 will be more significant than anticipated.
Taxation
15/07: Fair and Simple Taxation: Commission proposes new package of measures to contribute to Europe's recovery and growth – European Commission
The European Commission has adopted an ambitious new Tax Package to ensure that EU tax policy supports Europe's economic recovery and long-term growth. The Package is built on the twin pillars of fairness and simplicity. Fair taxation remains a top priority for the European Commission, as a means of protecting public revenues, which will play an important role for the EU's economic recovery in the short-run and prosperity in the long-run.
15/07: The General Court of the European Union annuls the decision taken by the Commission regarding the Irish tax rulings in favour of Apple - CJEU
EU Platform to Business Regulation
10/07: New EU rules and guidance for a fairer online economy – European Commission
The Commission publishes a set of resources to help traders, online platforms and search engines get the most out of the new Platform to Business rules, which apply from this Sunday, 12 July. In addition, three progress reports prepared by the expert group for the Observatory on the Online Platform Economy are published for feedback. The reports will inform the broader work of the Commission on online platforms and in particular on the upcoming Digital Services Act package.
EU State Aid decisionsEU State Aid decisions
08/07: State aid: Commission approves German fund to enable up to €500 billion of liquidity and capital support to enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
08/07: State aid: Commission approves €6.2 billion Italian grants scheme to support small businesses and self-employed affected by coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
06/07: State aid: Commission approves Latvian fund to enable €100 million of liquidity and capital support to large enterprises affected by the coronavirus outbreak – European Commission
Events
17-20 July: EU Council Summit (EXTENDED)8 September: Digital Services Act consultation deadline
