News

The Commission's report from the latest round of trade negotiations between the European Union and Mercosur is now online. The Commission has also made available online its negotiating proposal on the enforcement of the trade and sustainable development chapter. Both publications come as part of the Commission's commitment to a more transparent trade policy. Other EU negotiating proposals for an agreement with Mercosur are available here.

Yesterday (19 October) members of the European Parliament’s environment, public health and food safety committee adopted a resolution calling for a total ban on the weed killer from 2020. It will be put to a vote in the Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg next week. EU member states will vote on the renewal of the glyphosate licence on 25 October.

On 20 October, the European Council (Article 50), in an EU 27 format, reviewed the state of Brexit negotiations and adopted conclusions. EU27 leaders called for more progress regarding citizens' rights, the Irish border, and financial obligations and agreed to start internal preparations for the second phase of the Brexit talks.

The Commission adopted on 16 October 2017 guidelines to facilitate food donation in the EU. The aim is to clarify relevant EU legislation and help lift barriers to food donation. The EU guidelines will help donors and recipients of surplus food to make sure that they respect relevant requirements such as food hygiene and food information to consumers. The guidelines also promote common interpretation of EU rules applicable to food donation, including those related to VAT.

Today and tomorrow (19-20 October), EU Heads of State or Government are meeting in Brussels for the European Council. Leaders will discuss a number of priorities, including migration, where leaders will take stock of progress made under the EU's comprehensive strategy on migration; the Digital Single Market, following on from discussions held during the informal Summit in Tallinn last month. On Friday, the 27 EU leaders will discuss the state of play concerning Article 50 negotiations with the UK.