Assistant lawyer Liis Pormeister compiled the material.
Energy
Commission presents the Clean Industrial Deal for competitiveness and decarbonisation in the EU
Published: 26 February 2025
The Commission presented the Clean Industrial Deal, which is a business plan to support the competitiveness and resilience of Europe’s industry. The Deal will accelerate decarbonisation while securing the future of manufacturing in Europe. This framework can drive competitiveness as it gives certainty and predictability to companies and investors that Europe remains committed to becoming a decarbonised economy by 2050.
See also: press release.
Tax
The Council adopts new legislation on electronic VAT exemption certificate
Adopted: 18 February 2025
The Council has adopted a new legislative package introducing an electronic certificate for VAT exemptions. Paper certificates, used when goods are exempt from VAT, will be replaced by an electronic form. This will simplify the process for companies and administrations when these goods are imported for embassies, international organisations, or armed forces. The new measures will come into force on 1 July 2031.
See also: press release.
Technology
The Court of Justice clarifies the exclusive jurisdiction of national courts in patent-related cases
Decided: 25 February 2025
In a new decision, the Court of Justice determined that a court in the defendant’s home country could hear a patent infringement case even if the patent in question was issued in another EU Member State. However, the court cannot rule on the validity of the foreign patent, as this remains in the exclusive jurisdiction of the issuing Member State’s courts.
ESG
The Commission simplifies rules on sustainability and EU investments
Adopted: 26 February 2025
The European Commission has adopted a new package of proposals to simplify EU rules, boost competitiveness, and unlock additional investment capacity. These proposals will reduce the complexity of EU requirements for all businesses, notably SMEs and small mid-caps, focusing our regulatory framework on the largest companies which are likely to have a bigger impact on the climate and the environment, while enabling companies to access sustainable finance for their clean transition.
See also: press release.
Competition
ECJ rules that a dominant firm’s refusal to ensure interoperability may constitute abuse of dominance
Decided: 25 February 2025
The Court of Justice ruled on the interpretation of Article 102 of TFEU regarding the refusal of a dominant digital platform to provide interoperability with a third-party app. It found that a dominant company’s refusal to ensure interoperability between its digital platform and a third-party app may constitute an abuse of dominance, even if the platform is not essential for its operation but enhances its attractiveness to consumers.
