Assistant lawyer Natālija Ķīse compiled the material.
ESG
ECtHR delivers three Grand Chamber rulings in cases concerning climate change
Issued: 9 April 2024
The European Court of Human Rights issued rulings in three climate change-related cases, emphasising the relationship between environmental issues and human rights. Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland, Carême v. France, and Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and 32 Others are three lawsuits that deal with complaints about nations’ inadequate efforts to mitigate the consequences of climate change on people.
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive adopted to bring down energy bills and reduce emissions
Final adoption: 12 April 2024
The enhanced Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’s final adoption is welcomed by the Commission as another significant step forward for the European Green Deal. The framework for Member States to lower energy consumption and emissions in buildings throughout the EU, from residences and offices to public facilities like schools and hospitals, is established by this Act. Individuals’ quality of life and health will both benefit from this. The updated Directive, which considers regional variations, establishes aggressive goals to lower the total energy use of buildings throughout the EU.
Internal market
Regulation (EU) 2024/982 on the automated search and exchange of data for police cooperation
Published: 5 April 2024
The competent authorities of Member States can now search and exchange information using the enhanced framework established by this Regulation. It establishes the guidelines and protocols for the automated search of DNA profiles, dactyloscopic data, certain vehicle registration data, facial photos, and police records. It also specifies the regulations for the sharing of core data if a biometric match is verified.
Public services
Interoperable Europe Act enters into force for better connected public services for people and businesses
Entry into force: 11 April 2024
With today’s adoption of the Interoperable Europe Act, cross-border data sharing will be made easier and the public sector’s digital transformation will go more quickly. Achieving the goals of the EU’s Digital Decade, including making all major public services completely online by 2030, depends on the Act. An essential component of a functional digital single market is interoperability, which also helps to better execute digital aspects of governmental policies in the areas of justice, health, and transportation.
Migration
Legal migration – Council gives green light to single work and stay permit for non-EU nationals
Revision adopted: 12 April 2024
The law, which amends the existing 2011 regulation, attempts to solve issues with legal immigration to the EU and draw in the talent and skills that the EU needs. The directive specifies a standard set of rights for workers from third countries and lays out the administrative process for a single permit for both the right to work and the right to remain in the EU. The modification intends to strengthen the rights of workers from third countries by allowing them to change employers and having a shorter term of unemployed. It also streamlines the application process.
Sanctions
Council gives final approval to introduce criminal offences and penalties for EU sanctions’ violation
Adopted: 12 April 2024
A law establishing minimal standards for the prosecution of violating or evading EU sanctions in member states was approved by the Council. All member states will now view certain conduct as crimes, such as assisting in the circumvention of a travel ban, engaging in the trafficking of sanctioned items, or carrying out illicit financial operations. Moreover, there are penalties for inciting, encouraging, and abetting these crimes.
