European Commission

March 19, 2025 11:01 PM

Google charged with breaching landmark EU rules, Apple told to open up to rivals

Alphabet unit Google was hit with two charges of breaching landmark EU rules on Wednesday while Apple was ordered to help rivals connect with its iPhones and iPads, as antitrust regulators continued a crackdown against Big Tech. The move by the European Commission came amid tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump who has threatened to levy tariffs against countries which impose fines on U.S. companies. Both Google and Apple have been in the European Commission's crosshairs since March last y...

February 28, 2025 8:53 PM

India, EU push to conclude free trade agreement by year-end after ‘landmark’ visit

India and the European Union (EU) have set an ambitious deadline to finalize negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of this year. The decision followed high-level discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirming the development on Friday. Describing the visit as "unprecedented and landmark," MEA Secretary (West) Tanmay Lal highlighted the extensive scope of the enga...

February 28, 2025 3:52 PM

We value our partnership with India, says EU chief after meeting PM Modi

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Friday reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to strengthening its ties with India, following a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, von der Leyen emphasized that the EU highly values its partnership with India. "Dear Narendra Modi, thank you so much for hosting us in New Delhi. The EU Commission's visit symbolizes how much we value our partnership with India and how much I ...

February 27, 2025 9:34 PM

Jaishankar meets European commission president, discusses strengthening India-EU ties

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi on Thursday, commending her vision for revitalizing India's engagement with Europe. Von der Leyen is on a two-day bilateral visit to India, accompanied by members of the European College of Commissioners. Jaishankar, in a post on X, highlighted the significance of their discussions, stating, “Pleased to call on @EU_Commission President @vonderleyen today in Delhi. Appreciate her thought...

February 27, 2025 5:05 PM

European Commission President arrives in Delhi, calls India a trusted friend and strategic ally

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in the national capital on Thursday for a two-day official visit, reaffirming India’s role as a trusted friend and strategic ally for Europe. Accompanied by the European Union College of Commissioners, von der Leyen's visit will include the second ministerial meeting of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council, along with several bilateral ministerial meetings. She is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss ways to...

February 25, 2025 3:57 PM

Ukraine needs $524 billion to recover, rebuild after three years of war, World Bank says

The estimated cost to rebuild Ukraine's economy after Russia's invasion has risen to $524 billion, nearly three times its expected 2024 economic output, the World Bank, United Nations, European Commission and the Ukrainian government found. A new study by the institutions included data from Russia's invasion three years ago through December 31, including a 70% increase in damages to Ukraine's energy infrastructure from Russian attacks. It showed an increase of over 7% from the last estimate of...

December 4, 2024 1:39 PM

EU delays deforestation ban but discards changes

Negotiators for EU institutions agreed a compromise on Tuesday on a ban on the import of commodities linked to deforestation, which will be delayed by a year but without changes proposed by EU lawmakers. The European Commission in October proposed a 12-month delay until Dec. 30, 2025 after complaints from 20 EU countries, some companies and countries such as Brazil and Indonesia. EU governments backed the move. However, EU lawmakers voted last month not only to delay the EU Deforestation Regul...

September 17, 2024 5:33 PM

What is the European Commission?

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen announced on Tuesday the new lineup of the executive arm of the European Union that runs the affairs of the 27-nation bloc on a daily basis and makes sure EU countries abide by the bloc's laws. Here is what the Commission does: It is one of the three main institutions of the EU, alongside the European Parliament with its 720 deputies from all EU countries and the European Council, which groups representatives of all EU governments. It is arguably ...

July 19, 2024 2:48 PM

PM Modi congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on her win as European Commission President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his congratulations to Ursula von der Leyen on Friday following her re-election as President of the European Commission for a second term. PM Modi expressed his eagerness to continue strengthening the strategic partnership between India and the European Commission. In a post on X, PM Modi said, "Congratulations, @vonderleyen, on your re-election as the President of the European Commission. Look forward to working together to strengthen the India-Eurpoean Co...

September 16, 2024 6:14 PM

Apple charged with breaching EU tech rules, faces another probe

European Union antitrust regulators charged on Monday that Apple breached the bloc's tech rules, a charge that could result in a hefty fine for the iPhone maker which also faces another investigation into new fees imposed on app developers. The European Commission, which is also the EU's antitrust and technology regulator, said it had sent its preliminary findings to Apple following an investigation launched in March. The charge against Apple is the first by the Commission under its landmark D...