EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2021-2027
07/02: Long-term EU budget: The Union’s ambitions must be matched with sufficient reliable funding – European Parliament
EP negotiators for the post-2020 EU budget discussed their priorities with European Council President Charles Michel, ahead of a crucial plenary debate on the budget next week.
08/02: Plenković with Michel: Croatia wants the MFF negotiations concluded during our Presidency – EU2020HR
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said he would do everything so that in the European Union's next seven-year budget Croatia was given appropriate cohesion funds, which he added were the driver of development and investment.
Geo-blocking
28/01: O&O report highlights important risks of a ban on geo-blocking for sport content – Sports Rights Owners Coalition (SROC)
Oliver & Ohlbaum Associates Ltd (“O&O”) have published a report on ‘The impact of potential changes to geo-blocking regulation on sport’, highlighting the risks of extending a ban on geo-blocking for sports content.
Antitrust
30/01: Antitrust: Commission fines NBCUniversal €14.3 million for restricting sales of film merchandise products – European Commission
The European Commission has fined several companies belonging to Comcast Corporation, including NBCUniversal LLC, (“NBCUniversal”) €14 327 000 for restricting traders from selling licensed merchandise within the European Economic Area (EEA) to territories and customers beyond those allocated to them. These restrictions concerned merchandise products featuring the Minions, Jurassic World and other images and characters from NBCUniversal's films.
European Commission
29/01: European Commission 2020 Work Programme: An ambitious roadmap for a Union that strives for more – European Commission
The European Commission adopted its 2020 Work Programme. It sets out the actions the Commission will take in 2020 to turn the Political Guidelines of President von der Leyen into tangible benefits for European citizens, businesses and society.
European Parliament
31/01: "A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by EU Presidents – European Parliament
"A new dawn for Europe" - Op-ed article by Presidents David Sassoli, Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen
31/01: Redistribution of seats in the European Parliament after Brexit – European Parliament
As of 1 February, the number and distribution of seats in the Parliament changes following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
05/02: Our Inclusive Digital Europe : Leaving Nobody Behind, Offering Opportunity For Everyone – S&D Group
Position paper
/02: Renew Europe paper on Artificial Intelligence – Renew Europe Group
Position paper
Events
17-18 February: European Parliament ITRE Committee meeting, Brussels
17-18 February: European Parliament JURI Committee meeting, Brussels
17-18 February: European Parliament IMCO Committee meeting, Brussels
18 February: UNIC conference at the European Parliament, Brussels
19 February: Extraordinary ITRE & IMCO Committee meeting with Commissioner Breton on new initiatives in the digital sector, Brussels
19 February: European Commission communication on the Digital Single Market
19-20 February: European Parliament CULT Committee meeting, Brussels
20 February: European Council meeting on the long-term EU Budget 2021-2027, Brussels
24 March: Digital Services Act conference: A new rulebook for the digital economy?, Brussels
Studies
O&O - The impact of potential changes to European geo-blocking regulation on sport - January 2020
Göteborg Film Festival - Nostradamus Report 2020 - January 2020
