Consumer Protection Law

In 2008, Honduras enacted the Consumer Protection Law to safeguard, promote, and enforce consumer rights while ensuring compliance with fair trade practices. This legislation governs consumer transactions related to the purchase of goods and services, establishing procedures, rights, obligations, violations, and sanctions within this framework.

In October 2024, Decree No. 75-2024 introduced amendments to Article 68, incorporating five new provisions in response to consumer complaints about malpractice and deficiencies in telecommunications and internet services.

Among the most significant changes, the decree limits contract durations to a maximum of six months. Additionally, consumers dissatisfied with their service may terminate their contract by paying only for the services used. In cases of service disruption, consumers are entitled to receive credit for the days the service was non-operational.

A key aspect of the reform mandates that all fees and charges be expressed in local currency, protecting consumers from exchange rate fluctuations and preserving household financial stability. Furthermore, unexpected bill increases are strictly prohibited. The Consumer Protection Directorate (DGPC) is responsible for overseeing compliance and enforcing sanctions where necessary.

Additionally, under Article 2, the reform redefines the role of the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), which manages the Credit Information Center (CIC). With this amendment, telecommunications companies can no longer report delinquent customers to the CIC. Moreover, the CNBS is now required to rectify and immediately restore the credit ratings of individuals whose financial reputations were negatively impacted due to arrears in telecommunications payments.

This reform marks a significant step forward in strengthening consumer rights in the telecommunications sector, ensuring greater transparency, fairness, and accountability in the provision of essential services.

Regulation on Fee Exemptions for Senior Citizens in Financial Transactions

The National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS) has enacted the Regulation on Fee Exemptions for Senior Citizens in Financial Transactions, as per Circular CNBS No. 023/2024, in compliance with Legislative Decree No. 34-2024. This regulation aims to protect senior citizens' financial rights, ensuring that individuals in the third and fourth age groups are not subjected to additional fees for personal financial transactions.

The regulation applies to banks, insurance companies, financial institutions, and cooperatives, granting fee exemptions for the following transactions:

Withdrawals from deposit and savings accounts Electronic payments and transfers Issuance of cashier’s checks, certified checks, traveler’s checks, or similar financial instruments Replacement of savings passbooks, debit, and credit cards Issuance, recovery, or replacement of account numbers, PINs, passwords, and other credentials required for digital banking

The regulation also prohibits financial institutions from introducing alternative fees or increasing rates to offset lost revenue. Additionally, it bars them from denying financial services to senior citizens unless a proper risk assessment and due diligence process has been conducted.

Financial institutions have four months to adjust their systems from the regulation’s effective date. Any undue charges applied since October 5, 2024, must be immediately refunded to affected clients.

This initiative aligns with Legislative Decree No. 59-2023, which amended the Comprehensive Protection Law for Senior Citizens and Retirees of Honduras. The amendment introduced a range of discounts and financial benefits for senior citizens, whether retired, pensioned, or non-retired, to enhance their quality of life and financial well-being.

Banks and financial institutions are already working on the necessary adjustments to comply with this regulation, which represents a major milestone in securing financial rights for senior citizens and improving their economic security and access to essential services.

Executive Decree PCM 40-2024: Financial Relief for Honduran Families

On December 20, 2024, the Honduran government issued Executive Decree PCM 40-2024, published in La Gaceta, to provide financial relief for housing loans, liquidity injection, and capital requirement reductions. This initiative is backed by the Honduran Bank for Production and Housing (BANHPROVI), the National Banking and Insurance Commission (CNBS), and the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH).

Under this decree, BANHPROVI is authorized to grant financial relief to more than 15,000 families impacted by rising interest rates on housing loans, which fluctuated between 0.5% and 8.7% since January 2023. This relief will be applied retroactively from that date.

To streamline implementation, CNBS will provide BANHPROVI with a list of affected borrowers, ensuring an efficient allocation of financial assistance.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Honduras will develop monetary policies to support economic, productive, and housing-related activities, including:

Government securities auctions to stabilize financial markets Review of the minimum daily legal reserve requirements for private banks to ease lending conditions

Additionally, the CNBS will reduce capital reserve requirements for banking institutions, enabling them to extend relief to borrowers with overdue payments of 15 to 30 days. This measure will inject approximately 1.53 billion lempiras in liquidity, benefiting 124,000 borrowers across key sectors, including housing.

These strategic interventions aim to mitigate the economic strain on thousands of Honduran families affected by rising mortgage rates. By adjusting financial policies and providing targeted relief, the government seeks to foster economic stability, protect homeownership, and promote long-term financial resilience.

Brussels, February 25, 2025 – GA has successfully led a multidisciplinary consortium in a landmark project for the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition. The project, titled “Ex Post Evaluation of the Implementation and Effectiveness of EU Antitrust Remedies,” represents a significant achievement in the field of competition law.

Comprehensive Analysis and Legal Expertise

GA managed all legal aspects of the project, showcasing its unparalleled expertise in competition law. The consortium's work involved a thorough examination of the implementation and effectiveness of antitrust remedies imposed by the European Commission over the past 20 years. This included remedies related to agreements (excluding cartels) and abuse of dominant positions under Articles 101 and 102 TFEU.

Key Findings and Insights

The report provides a detailed analysis of over 100 remedy decisions and includes 12 in-depth case studies. These case studies offer valuable insights into the practical challenges and successes of antitrust remedies. The findings reveal that while the majority of remedies were fully implemented, less than half were fully effective in achieving their intended objectives. This highlights the need for continuous improvement in the design and monitoring of antitrust remedies.

Recommendations for Future Practices

Based on the comprehensive analysis, the report offers several recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of antitrust remedies. Key recommendations include:

Ensuring remedies not only stop anticompetitive behaviour but also prevent its recurrence and remove its adverse effects. Removing the statutory subordination of structural to behavioural remedies under Article 7. Enhancing the role of monitoring trustees and considering the appointment of independent advisors in complex cases. Encouraging the use of interim measures and market testing for both Article 7 and Article 9 remedies.

A Collaborative Effort

GA's leadership in this project underscores its commitment to advancing competition law and policy. The consortium's collaborative effort, which included economic analyses by Nera, aims to enhance the understanding and application of antitrust remedies, ensuring fair competition and market integrity within the EU.

Looking Ahead

GA's work on this project sets a new standard for the evaluation of antitrust remedies. The insights and recommendations provided in the report will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, legal practitioners, and competition authorities, guiding future enforcement practices and policies

GA-Leads-Multidisciplinary-Consortium-to-Assist-the-European-Commissions-Directorate-General-for-Competition-in-Evaluating-the-Effectiveness-of-EU-Antitrust-RemediesDownload

Nuova Visione UE per l'Agricoltura e l'Alimentazione: Implicazioni per il Settore agroalimentare

Il 19 febbraio 2025, il vicepresidente esecutivo della Commissione Europea, Raffaele Fitto, e il commissario per l'Agricoltura, Christophe Hansen, hanno presentato la nuova Visione per l'Agricoltura e l'Alimentazione dell’UE. Questo documento strategico definisce le priorità per il settore agroalimentare fino al 2040, ponendo l’accento sulla semplificazione normativa, redistribuzione dei fondi della Politica Agricola Comune (“PAC”) nonché sul protezionismo commerciale e sull’innovazione alimentare.

Questa Visione emerge in un contesto di forti tensioni nel settore agricolo, acuite dalle massicce proteste degli agricoltori a Bruxelles nel 2024. Le manifestazioni hanno evidenziato la crescente insoddisfazione nei confronti delle politiche ambientali e commerciali dell’UE, ritenute eccessivamente vincolanti e penalizzanti per la redditività delle aziende agricole. La Commissione ha quindi dovuto rivedere la strategia “Farm to Fork”, privilegiando il reddito degli agricoltori rispetto a nuove restrizioni ambientali.

Le nuove linee strategiche definiscono l’orientamento che le politiche agroalimentari seguiranno nel secondo mandato di Ursula von der Leyen. Se effettivamente attuate, ridefiniranno profondamente il quadro normativo e finanziario per il settore agroalimentare, introducendo misure che avranno effetti diretti sull’ accesso al mercato, condizioni di finanziamento e regolamentazione.

Di seguito un’analisi dettagliata delle principali misure e delle loro possibili implicazioni per l’industria del settore.

Rottura con la strategia "Farm to Fork" e nuova PAC post-2027 Cambiamento di priorità: La nuova strategia agricola dell’UE segna una rottura con l’approccio “Farm to Fork”, riducendo il peso delle misure climatiche e ambientali obbligatorie e ponendo maggiore attenzione alla redditività agricola e alla semplificazione burocratica. Redistribuzione dei sussidi PAC: I pagamenti diretti saranno più mirati verso giovani agricoltori, aziende miste e aree svantaggiate, mentre le aziende più strutturate vedranno una riduzione progressiva dei finanziamenti. La Commissione prevede tetti massimi ai pagamenti e il superamento del criterio degli ettari, con il rischio che il nuovo sistema penalizzi le aziende zootecniche più grandi. Riorganizzazione dei finanziamenti: Bruxelles valuta di affidare ai governi nazionali la gestione di un unico strumento finanziario, anche per le politiche agrarie. Se approvata, questa misura potrebbe ridurre i fondi destinati direttamente all’agricoltura, aumentando la concorrenza con altri settori per l’accesso alle risorse. Focus sulla sovranità alimentare: La Commissione considera mangimi, fertilizzanti ed energia come vulnerabilità strategiche e punta a ridurre la dipendenza dalle importazioni con un piano d’azione per l’autosufficienza proteica. Se finanziato con fondi PAC, questo programma potrebbe aumentare i costi di alimentazione degli allevamenti, incidendo sulla redditività del settore. Impatto per il settore: La nuova PAC renderà i finanziamenti più selettivi e competitivi, con un possibile taglio dei sussidi per gli allevatori strutturati. Un attento monitoraggio è necessario per affrontare la revisione della PAC nel 2026, al fine di evitare distorsioni che penalizzino la competitività del settore e garantire l’accesso ai nuovi strumenti finanziari. Regole più rigide per riequilibrare la filiera agroalimentare Maggiore trasparenza nei prezzi: La Commissione riconosce il problema della scarsa remunerazione per gli agricoltori e allevatori nella catena del valore. Verranno rafforzati gli strumenti di regolazione, tra cui l’Osservatorio UE sulla filiera agroalimentare (“AFCO”) per monitorare le dinamiche di prezzo. Revisione della Direttiva sulle Pratiche Commerciali Sleali (“UTP”): L’UE intende prevenire situazioni in cui gli allevatori vendono i propri prodotti a prezzi inferiori ai costi di produzione, rafforzando la tutela nei confronti della grande distribuzione e dell’industria della trasformazione. Impatto per il settore: Queste misure potrebbero migliorare il potere negoziale degli allevatori, ma richiederanno un attento monitoraggio per garantire che l’intera filiera possa trarne vantaggio, senza squilibri normativi. Protezionismo sulle importazioni e nuove regole per il commercio internazionale Standard più severi per i prodotti importati: L’UE imporrà ai paesi extra-UE standard di produzione equivalenti a quelli europei, in particolare per quanto riguarda l’uso di pesticidi, il benessere animale e la sicurezza alimentare. Rischio di ritorsioni commerciali: Paesi esportatori come Brasile e Argentina (“Mercosur”) potrebbero reagire con barriere commerciali ai prodotti europei, mettendo a rischio le esportazioni di carne e altri prodotti agroalimentari. Impatto per il settore: Le nuove regole potrebbero ridurre la concorrenza sleale da parte di paesi con standard più bassi, ma allo stesso tempo aumentare i costi di produzione per le aziende europee a causa di una possibile riduzione delle importazioni di mangimi e materie prime. Innovazione alimentare e novel food Sostegno dell’UE alla carne coltivata e ai novel food: La Commissione vuole che l’Europa rimanga leader nell’innovazione alimentare, con un focus su carne coltivata, biotecnologie e biofabbricazione. È previsto un piano di finanziamenti per la ricerca e lo sviluppo di queste tecnologie Regole di etichettatura e trasparenza: Anche se non è ancora stata annunciata una proposta legislativa specifica, la Commissione valuterà una revisione delle norme di etichettatura per garantire maggiore trasparenza ai consumatori. Impatto per il settore: Il rischio è che le alternative innovative ottengano finanziamenti e incentivi, mentre la carne tradizionale venga progressivamente penalizzata da normative più stringenti. Sarà fondamentale garantire che la regolamentazione differenzi chiaramente la carne naturale dai prodotti sintetici, evitando ambiguità sul mercato.

Implicazioni per il settore?

La nuova Visione agricola dell'UE avrà un impatto significativo sul settore agroalimentare, con una riforma della PAC più selettiva, nuove regole commerciali e un forte sostegno ai novel food e alla carne coltivata. Il rischio è che i produttori tradizionali subiscano una riduzione dei sussidi e un aumento della pressione competitiva, mentre le esportazioni potrebbero essere influenzate dalle tensioni commerciali globali.

Per affrontare queste sfide, occorre monitorare da vicino, tra le altre, le seguenti iniziative EU:

Riforma PAC: Garantire che la revisione del 2026 non penalizzi gli allevatori strutturati con tagli eccessivi ai sussidi. Filiera agroalimentare: Seguire la revisione della Direttiva UTP per proteggere gli allevatori senza appesantire la burocrazia. Protezionismo commerciale: Monitorare l'accordo UE-Mercosur per evitare ritorsioni sui prodotti europei. Etichettatura e novel food: Assicurare che le nuove regole distinguano chiaramente la carne tradizionale dalle alternative sintetiche. Sovranità alimentare: Valutare l’impatto della strategia UE sulle proteine vegetali per evitare aumenti nei costi di alimentazione animale. Diversificazione dell’export: Espandere la presenza in mercati alternativi per ridurre la dipendenza attuale. Advocacy attiva a Bruxelles: Rafforzare il posizionamento del settore nei processi legislativi UE, evitando regolamentazioni penalizzanti.

ll settore agroalimentare dovrà dunque muoversi con un’azione di lobbying mirata per difendere la propria competitività in un contesto normativo in trasformazione

USE OF DIGITAL MEDIA FOR THE ISSUE OF INVOICES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS IN VENEZUELA

The National Tax Administration in Venezuela recently decided to regulate the use of digital media for the issuance of invoices and other tax documents, aiming at adapting taxation to new technologies. 

The application of the technology to invoicing must be implemented by certain entities, which must file a request for authorization with the National Superintendence of Internal Taxes of the National Tax Administration; that is, said entities must be duly authorized. To that end, their request must be accompanied by the requirements established in the new tax regulation and will be approved or denied by the Superintendence in a period of 30 business days.

The entities subject to the obligation to implement the digital invoicing, according to the new tax regulation, are the following: (i) entities that perform commercial operations solely through electronic means or web portals; and (ii) entities bound to use tax machines and which simultaneously perform commercial operations through electronic means or web portals. In addition, the entities that are not subject to use tax machines may choose to use this type of invoicing.

A three-month transition period was established for implementing this type of invoicing, for purposes of adaptation to the same and in order to meet the requirement of request for authorization from the National Tax Administration.

With the implementation of this new regulation, the National Tax Administration seeks to couple tax rules on invoicing with the technological development of the last years, aiming to adapt the national taxation to the new economic and technological realities and assure a greater efficiency in tax processes.

1. Introduction to Mercosur

The Southern Common Market, commonly known by the Spanish abbreviation Mercosur, is a regional trade bloc founded in 1991 that currently includes Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The goal of Mercosur is that of promoting free trade and economic integration among its members, as well as between its members and third countries. For this purpose, Mercosur enters into specific bilateral agreements, called Economic Complementation Agreements (ACE), such as those entered by other South American countries like Peru, Chile, Colombia and Mexico. Such agreements generally entail tariff reductions on goods traded between the signatory countries, rules of origin, and trade facilitation measures, including customs procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Interestingly, Mercosur:

has 268 million consumers (not considering ACE countries); accounts for approximately 70% of South America’s GDP; and its key sectors of production include (i) agriculture (meat, dairy products and fruits); (ii) industry (automotive and machinery) and (iii) services (financial, telecommunications and IT). 2. The relations between Mercosur and the European Union until now

Mercosur is a big market for EU exports and, until now, it was the only major trading partner in Latin America with which the EU lacked a preferential trade agreement. At the same time, the EU is Mercosur’s second-biggest good trading partner, after China and ahead of the United States.

The thriving nature of the trade relations between Mercosur and the EU is represented in the following table.

EUMercosurTrade in Goods (2023)Exports to Mercosur: €55.7 billionExports to EU: €53.7 billionTrade in Services (2022)Exports to Mercosur: €28.2 billionExports to EU: €12.3 billionTop Export CategoriesMachinery and appliances (26.7%)Chemicals and pharmaceuticals (25%)Transport equipment (11.9%)Mineral products(29.6%)Foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco (19.2%)Vegetable products (17.9%)

Despite the above, Mercosur’s economies are highly protected, and European firms face many trade barriers when exporting there, which makes it hard for them to compete under fair conditions. These barriers include, among other, high import duties, burdensome procedures, as well as technical regulations and standards, which differ from international ones.

3. The EU-Mercosur Agreement

The negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur were launched in June 1999. After a suspension, talks resumed in 2010. The protracted negotiations gained renewed momentum in 2016, and, in 2019, the European Union and Mercosur concluded the talks following new tariff-reduction offers.

Eventually, on December 6, 2024, both parties reached a political agreement to enhance the deal and address concerns related to sustainable development (the “EU-Mercosur Agreement” or more generally the “Agreement”).

The Agreement, which is composed of a political and cooperation pillar and a trade pillar, has not come into force yet. The conclusion of negotiations marks only the first step in the process toward finalizing the Agreement (see, Section 5 below).

In terms of content, the Agreement addresses several issues. Its key themes include:

Market Access – The Agreement foresees significant reductions in tariffs, especiallyin key sectors (like those of automobiles, chemicals, and raw materials), with a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Services – To open new opportunities for growth and enhance competition, broader access will be granted to service providers across industries such as telecommunications, financial services, and transport. Sustainability and Environment – In the context of their shared environmental goals, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to the Paris Agreement, with specific attention to deforestation and sustainable trade practices. The Agreement could also be suspended if these goals are not met. Agriculture and Food – One of the most pressing issues is the regulation of agricultural products, a pivotal area that influences not only the future of EU farmers but also the protection of sensitive sectors and the safeguarding of rigorous food safety standards. Rules of origin and Intellectual Property – To safeguard respective products and sensitive markets, the Agreement regulates the protection of Geographical Indications (e.g. Parmesan and Champagne) and the harmonization of technical standards. It also enhances intellectual property protections. Government Procurement – With the aim of creating new opportunities and a stronger collaboration, the two blocs are opening government procurement markets, enabling companies to bid for public contracts in each other’s regions. Social Rights – The parties assessed the economic, social, and human rights impacts of the Agreement’s trade provisions, ensuring that neither side can promote trade or investment by ignoring or failing to enforce labour laws and social impacts. Dispute Resolution – The commitments on Trade and Sustainable Development will be enforceable through a dispute settlement mechanism involving an independent panel of experts, civil society participation (including employers and trade unions), and the expertise of international bodies. Economic and Political Cooperation – Political dialogue and cooperation will be further strengthened in areas such as migration, green technologies, raw material sourcing, research, and the fight against money laundering and cybercrime. Review and Monitoring –Regular reviews of the Agreement’s impact are to be conducted, incorporating stakeholder input to ensure transparency and facilitate progress.

The most significant key issues under the Agreement are (i) tariff reductions and their implementation timelines (see Sub-Section 3.1 below); (ii) sustainability and environmental protection commitments (see Sub-Section 3.2 below); and (iii) changes in services and professional mobility (see Sub-Section 3.3 below).

3.1. What types of tariff reductions are provided for under the Agreement?

Mercosur’s starting tariff levels are considerable[1] and EU tariffs are also very high, especially on agri-food products[2]. Therefore, EU-Mercosur Agreement establishes a tariff elimination schedule, gradually liberalizing trade across various sectors with specific timelines and percentages for different products.

Generally, the Agreement eliminates tariffs on more than 90% of bilateral trade. Under the Agreement, the EU would indeed remove import duties on 92% of Mercosur goods exported to the EU, while  Mercosur would eliminate customs duties on 91% of EU goods exports to Mercosur.

Under the Agreement, depending on the product type, tariff reductions are implemented in the form of (i) immediate tariff eliminations (i.e. elimination within the first year); (ii)    gradual reductions (i.e. reduction over a period of 4 to 10 years); or (iii) quota reductions (i.e., phased-in reductions over periods ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the product).

For example:

Industrial Goods – The EU will eliminate duties on all industrial goods over a transitional period of up to 10 years. Tariffs on EU cars and automotive parts will be eliminated over a period of 18, 25, and 30 years, depending on the specific product, making it easier for European firms to export to Mercosur countries. Agricultural Products – The EU will liberalize 82% of Mercosur agricultural imports and Mercosur will remove tariffs on 93% of tariff lines for EU exports. For some products, the Agreement introduces tariff rate quotas (TRQs), allowing a specified volume of imports at reduced tariff rates. Once these quotas are filled, the standard tariffs will apply.

High tariffs on EU agri-food exports will be removed. This includes key products like olive oil, wine, malt. For some dairy products, zero duties will gradually apply within quotas. The EU will grant very limited access to its market to imports of agri-food products. For sensitive products like beef, poultry or sugar, access to the EU market will be limited through gradually implemented quotas (beef: a quota of 99,000 tonnes, subject to a 7.5% duty; poultry: quota of 180,000 tonnes, phased in over five years; sugar: duty-free quota of 180,000 tonnes).

Lastly, a bilateral safeguard clause can be applied in case increased imports cause or even only threaten to cause serious injury to the relevant sectors.

Raw materials – The deal will lower EU tariffs on critical raw materials and their processed products, making exports to the EU easier and imports cheaper. It will also eliminate tariff escalation, incentivizing Mercosur to develop local production of value-added products. Brazil will retain some taxes on exports of certain materials, but the EU would benefit from a ceiling on them. For Argentina, all export taxes on minerals are waived. 3.2. What are the sustainability and environmental protection commitments included in the Agreement?

Under the Agreement, with regards to sustainability and environmental protection, the EU and Mercosur:

Commit to implementing the United Nations Framework Convention and the Paris Agreement on climate change, with possible suspension of benefits if a party does not do so. Undertake to support existing climate and environmental standards and not lower or dilute them. The Agreement prohibits either side from encouraging trade and investment by derogations from or not enforcing environmental laws. Commit to promote sustainable fisheries and sustainable forest management, among others. The deal will also open opportunities for supply chains of products that are produced in a way that helps conserve the environment.

The commitments on trade and sustainable development will be enforceable through a dispute settlement mechanism that includes (i) external review by an independent panel of experts, (ii) role for civil society at all stages, and (iii) calling on the expertise of international bodies.

3.3. What will the Agreement mean for services and investments?

The Agreement will make it easier for EU companies to offer their services in Mercosur and vice versa, whether by setting up locally or providing services across borders. Additionally, it will reduce discrimination and create new opportunities for service providers and investors from both regions.

Many sectors, such as business services, financial services, telecommunications, maritime transport, and postal and courier services, are expected to benefit from these measures.

The EU and Mercosur will still regulate their service markets fairly and without discrimination and the Agreement will not liberalize public services like healthcare or state-funded education. Furthermore, it will ensure that regulators, both foreign and domestic, can continue to establish and enforce non-discriminatory rules to protect health, safety, the environment, and consumers while ensuring high-quality services and workers’ rights.

4.The Economic Impact Expected to Originate from the Agreement

The EU-Mercosur Agreement is expected to significantly increase bilateral trade by up to 37% in the long term, while the negative effect on trade with other regions will be limited[3]. Several studies have assessed the Agreement’s impact on GDP, with one predicting a €10.9 billion increase for the EU (0.1% of GDP) and a €7.4 billion one for MERCOSUR (0.3% of GDP) by 2032[4].

4.1. What are the benefits for European companies investing under the Agreement?

European companies stand to gain several advantages from the Agreement, namely:

Significant cost savings – The removal of high Mercosur tariffs will result in over €4 billion in annual savings on customs duties for EU exporters. Streamlined exports – The immediate tariff elimination for approximately 70% of goods will facilitate smoother market entry. Moreover, simplified and more efficient customs procedures will reduce administrative burdens and improve the speed of trade. Access to a large market – The Agreement will open access to a combined market of more than 700 million consumers (Mercosur and EU together), enhancing opportunities for expansion. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – The Agreement includes a section focused on helping SMEs with the specific challenges they face in trade and investment. This is important, as over 30,000 European SMEs currently export to Mercosur, and this number is likely to increase due to easier market access. Equal access to public contracts – EU companies will be able to bid for public contracts on the same terms as Mercosur businesses. Sector-specific opportunities – The Agreement will open substantial opportunities for EU companies in key sectors such as the automotive industry. Employment and economic growth – Increased foreign investments are expected to drive job creation and economic development. Encouragement of strategic investments – The Agreement will promote investments in South America’s infrastructure and sustainable technologies, creating new opportunities for European companies. Political and strategic advantages – The Agreement will fortify political and economic relations with Latin America, offering a strategic response to rising global protectionism. It will ensure long-term stability by preventing discriminatory trade practices and creating a more predictable and secure environment for both EU and Mercosur businesses. 4.2. What are the benefits for medium-sized European companies partnering with Mercosur firms?

In addition to the benefits already mentioned, medium-sized European companies partnering with Mercosur firms will also gain a range of additional advantages:

Full access to resources – The Agreement provides preferential access to critical raw materials and green goods, strengthening supply chains and competitiveness. Stronger competitiveness – Improved standards in areas such as intellectual property and environmental protection ensure compliance and predictability, while investment incentives promote local operations, boosting competitiveness. Opportunities for collaboration and innovation – The Agreement encourages joint ventures with local companies, leading to innovative products tailored for local markets. Support for sustainable practices – By aligning with sustainability goals, the Agreement helps enhance brand reputation and strengthens the corporate social responsibility profile. 5. The ratification process and the entry into force of the Agreement

The ratification process for the EU-Mercosur Agreement involves several complex stages. Specifically:

, after initial approval, the Agreement must be ratified by the parliaments of all four Mercosur countries (i.e., Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) as each country has its own legislative process. , the process is more complex.

The text of the Agreement was published on the European Commission’s website, and it will now be checked by lawyer linguists and translatedinto all official EU languages.

Then, the Commission will transmit a proposal to the Council (where EU countries are represented by their Trade Ministers) and the Parliament for the signature and conclusion of the Agreement. This stage requires a qualified majority: 55% of Member States (15) representing at least 65% of the EU population must be in favour. It means that a minimum of four States representing at least 35% of the EU population could block the Agreement.

Lastly, the Agreement must be ratified by the national parliaments of all 27 EU member states.

The legal structure of any final EU-Mercosur deal, and therefore the ratification procedure, will be decided only after the negotiations between the EU Institutions are completed. Two main models are likely to be used:

In the most optimistic scenario, the full ratification process is expected to take between 12 to 18 months as of the signing date, which is not known yet. However, delays are a frequent challenge in trade agreements. To put it into perspective, it took about nine years for the agreement between the European Union and Canada to be fully ratified from its signing in 2014 until final approvals were completed in 2023. For the purpose of clarity, signing an international treaty does not give it any legal force, only its ratification does.

6. The Challenges and Opposition Faced by the Agreement

The EU-Mercosur Agreement was reached in December 2024, but there are still significant challenges and obstacles before it can take effect. Along the complex signing and ratification process, political tensions in EU play a critical role. Indeed, some EU countries are concerned about the impact on local industries (especially agriculture) and the environment, and this is leading to political divisions. These divisions could make the ratification process more difficult and may result in further delays.

6.1. What are the political tensions originated by the Agreement inside the EU?

The Agreement has caused major political tensions within the European Union. Specifically:

Supporters – The European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, Germany and Spain strongly support the Agreement, which would diversify trade and strengthen their economies, seeing it as an important achievement and a geopolitical win.

The Agreement is expected to bolster the German automotive sector (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz) and chemicals industry (companies like Bayer), by reducing tariffs and opening markets in South America.

Spain is predicted to gain from the deal, with its manufacturing, chemicals, and pharmaceutical sectors benefitting. Exports are expected to grow by 37%, boosting GDP by 0.23% and creating jobs.

Critics – Numerous aspects of the deal have given rise to objections, but two issues stand out: farming and the environment. France is strongly against it since it worries that cheap imports, like poultry and beef, could harm its farmers. Paris has gathered support from other countries, including Poland, Austria, and Ireland (the latter is the fifth-largest beef exporter in the world), to block the deal unless certain conditions are met. The Netherlands and Belgium have only expressed reservations about the deal.

European farmers (particularly from France, Ireland, Belgium and Poland) fear unfair competition, especially from beef, poultry, and sugar imports, which could be produced at lower costs in Mercosur countries, where food safety, animal welfare, and environmental regulations are less stringent. The stricter EU standards make farmers in the EU face higher costs. They also point out that cattle in Mercosur countries may be treated with hormones or chemicals that are banned in the EU. There are also concerns about the possible environmental effects of the deal, especially related to deforestation in the Amazon rainforest because of the higher demand for products like beef and soy.

Middle Ground – Italy stands in the middle, acknowledging potential benefits for industries like automotive, engineering, fashion, and regional foods (e.g. Parmesan cheese). However, there are also concerns regarding the broader economic implications, especially for sectors that could face competition from the Agreement. Remarkably, Italy, as a large EU Member State, could have enough voting power to stop the Agreement or allow it to prosper at the European level. 6.2.  What strategies are being considered to facilitate ratification?

The Commission is examining the opportunity of splitting the EU-Mercosur Agreement into two separate agreements: one covering only the areas of exclusive EU competence and the other covering areas of mixed competence with Member States[5].

In Mercosur’s case, the EU might consider separating the political and cooperation agreement, including issues like labour standards, the environment, and transport, from the main trade agreement that would require only a simple majority for approval. The idea is to approve the parts within the exclusive EU competence, allowing some trade benefits to be enjoyed sooner.

However, splitting the Agreement could weaken the deal’s overall impact and ambition. Also, Mercosur might not agree to splitting the deal and may prefer a single, comprehensive agreement.

7. Conclusions

Mercosur is a dynamic economic bloc, and the EU-Mercosur Agreement represents a significant opportunity for EU and Mercosur companies to expand their business operations in Latin America, respectively Europe.

As a short summary of things, if and when fully ratified, the Agreement will remove over 90% of tariffs between the two regions, offering annual savings of €4 billion, particularly benefiting sectors like automotive, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. It also encourages investments in infrastructure and sustainable technologies, thereby enhancing competitiveness across various sectors. Finally, the Agreement is also a pioneering deal for sustainability, with commitments to combat climate change, deforestation, and uphold workers’ rights.

In summary, the combination of market access, cost savings, and potential for growth makes investing in Mercosur an attractive option for European companies looking to diversify their operations and capitalize on emerging opportunities in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Useful links

Text of the Agreement: link

European Commission website on EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Questions and answers on the EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Factsheets and guides on the EU-Mercosur Agreement: link

Sincere gratitude is extended to José María Allonca, Leticia Mariz Schweizer,

Stefano Bianchi, and Chiara Pieraccini for their significant contribution to this informative document

[1] The tariffs are up to 35% on automobiles, 18% on components, 20% on machinery, 18% on chemicals, 14% on pharmaceuticals and 35% on clothing and footwear; in agriculture, up to 28% on dairy products, 25% on beverages and soft drinks, 27% on wines and 20% on confectionery.

[2] For instance, the EU tariffs are, up to 35% on wines, 20% on alcoholic beverages, and compound tariffs equivalent to an ad valorem rate of up to 62% on out-of-quota meat.

[3] Real Instituto Elcano. (2020). Why does Latin America matter? Elcano Royal Institute. Available at: link.

[4] LSE Consulting. (2020). Sustainability Impact Assessment in support of the Association Agreement negotiations between the EU and Mercosur: Final report. London School of Economics and Political Science. Available at: link.

[5] Martin, D., & Ford, G. (2025, January 15). Commission plans for Mercosur deal split may not pass Parliament test. Borderlex. Available at: link.

Mexico’s Digital Transformation: Paving the Way for Investment and Growth

In the digital era, optimizing government processes through information and communication technologies enhances government-citizen interaction, reduces corruption, improves administrative procedures, and drives national and foreign investment.

In this context, Mexico's federal government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, announced the creation of the Digital Transformation and Telecommunications Agency (Agency) in late 2024. Its mission is to modernize and unify the government's technological infrastructure, prioritizing digital transformation and administrative simplification.

As part of this strategy, the National Law for Simplification and Digitalization was introduced in January 2025, aiming to reduce government-procedure wait times by 50% through the digitalization of 80% of citizen services. This initiative not only seeks to enhance government-citizen interactions, but also removes barriers for domestic and foreign investors, aligning with international commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Trade Agreement between United States, México and Canada (USMCA).

José Antonio Peña Merino, head of the Agency stated that this strategy will extend beyond the federal level. Through the National Center for Public Technology, it will be expanded to state and municipal governments, fostering coordination to unify and expand the catalog of digital services nationwide.

National Digital Investment Window: Streamlining Business Establishment in Mexico

As part of this digitalization strategy, the federal government announced the launch of four Strategic National Projects aimed at modernizing and streamlining key procedures across various sectors:

National Civil Registry Platform National Cadastral Platform National Platform of the Public Registry of Property; and; Digital Investment Window

Among these projects, the National Digital Investment Window stands out as a key initiative, aiming to integrate and centralize all necessary procedures for establishing and operating a business in Mexico. This fully digital and interconnected platform, spanning federal, state, and municipal levels, is designed to streamline business incorporation by reducing requirements, shortening processing times, and facilitating the creation of new corporations nationwide.

One of the key features of this platform will be the implementation of single digital files, enabling individuals and companies to manage multiple procedures without repeatedly uploading documents for each process. The Digital Investment Window will support strategic sectors such as tourism, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy, textiles and apparel, mining, chemical and petrochemical industry, information technologies and the pharmaceutical.

DataMéxico; Access to information as a key to invest in Mexico.

The digitalization of information and investor access in Mexico is not a recent development. Since mid-2020, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) and the Ministry of Economy have operated DataMéxico, a public platform designed to enhance digital access to key investment data by integrating a wide range of databases on trade, production, employment, education and demography, among others with high spatial resolution at the regional and municipal levels.

Beyond its role in data integration, DataMéxico incorporates a research component aimed at generating specialized analyses and public policy proposals to foster a more productive, diverse, and sophisticated economic structure. This initiative was designed to be developed in collaboration with national and international academic and research institutions, offering in-depth and transparent information to both domestic and foreign investors seeking business opportunities in Mexico.

Similar to other platforms in international markets, DataMéxico is freely accessible and has become an open source for investors assessing opportunities across various industrial sectors in the country. Its continuous updates, along with the implementation of the National Digital Investment Window, underscore the federal government’s commitment to advancing modernization and attracting foreign investment in 2025.

Finally, these initiatives not only enhance strategic decision-making for investors but also reinforce transparency and data integration, solidifying Mexico's position as a more competitive and appealing destination for global investment.

Plan México: President Sheinbaum’s Plan to Reaffirm Mexico's Economic and Industrial Prowess

In January 2025, Mexico´s newly elected President, Claudia Sheinbaum, unveiled the federal government's plan to invigorate investment within the country, as well as promote regional development from 5 key economic spheres: consumer goods, technology, tourism, automotive and energy.

This strategy, dubbed “Plan México”, was received with mixed reviews, being heralded by some as “the most daring industrial policy in the last four to five decades”, while others were less impressed at its seeming omission of labor and union sectors alike. Although even its most staunch critics could recognize its scale and ambition, as well as its significance to the country if actualized to its full potential.

The President placed great emphasis upon assuring Mexican citizens that the country, amidst widespread uncertainty, effectively has a cohesive strategy moving forward, one that aims to position Mexico at the forefront of economic and industrial development on a domestic and international scale.

The Plan itself is spearheaded by a list of 13 goals to be achieved over the course of the following years, namely:

Become the 10th largest economy in the world. Raise the ratio of investment to GDP to over 25%. Generate 1.5 million new jobs, Manufacture 50% of domestic supply and consumption In Mexico in the textile, footwear, furniture and toy sectors. Increase national content by 15%. Ensure that 50% of public procurement comes from national production. Develop vaccines made in Mexico. Reduce investment-related procedures in Mexico from 2.6 years to 1 year. Increase the number of additional professionals and technicians trained annually by 150,000. Promote corporate environmental sustainability. Provide 30% of SMEs with access to financing. Become one of the five most visited countries in the world. Reduce poverty and inequality.

So, what does this mean in terms of investment? The President seems keen on cultivating an impressive investment portfolio for the country. Plan México accounts for investments of up to $227,000,000.00 USD in order to achieve its goal of strengthening the economy and give significant boosts to the industrial sectors.

In recent years, Mexico has proved itself to be an industrial powerhouse, reaching a historic level of manufacturing exports, which during 2023 exceeded the manufacturing exports from China to the United States. “Mexico's victorious rise on the world trading stage and its impact on worldwide trade patterns looks to be a model for policy in this century” according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (2023). Likewise, Mexico has become the most attractive market in the region in terms of advanced facilities, production, and skilled professionals. Industrial parks in Mexico grant investors in the manufacturing, automobile, logistics, and transport industries great advantages as opposed to other countries, having entered into 14 Free Trade Agreements, 30 Reciprocal Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements and 9 Trade Agreements and other international treaties that grant access to 1,350 million potential consumers.

While both the Mexican and American Presidents are currently on amicable terms, having staved off the imposition of tariffs for another month, it is yet to be seen what the next 6 years hold in store for these continental neighbors. Regardless, it seems as though Mexico is prepared to move forward and prioritize its own economic and industrial growth as The Supplier for the North American market.

USMCA’s Impact on Foreign Investment in Mexico: Key Challenges and Strategies

Since coming into effect in 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) has reshaped trade and investment dynamics across North America. Replacing NAFTA, the agreement introduced stricter rules of origin and reinforced labor standards, particularly impacting the manufacturing and automotive sectors. By early 2025, these provisions have significantly influenced supply chains, production costs, and labor conditions in Mexico. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions, nearshoring trends, and the upcoming 2026 review of USMCA are shaping the strategic decisions of foreign investors. To remain competitive, businesses must adapt to these new regulatory requirements while navigating evolving market conditions.

Rules of Origin: Supply Chain Adjustments and Compliance Challenges

One of the most significant changes under USMCA is the tightening of rules of origin, particularly in the automotive sector. Vehicles must now meet a 75% regional value content (RVC) requirement, an increase from 62.5% under NAFTA, to qualify for tariff-free trade. Additionally, at least 70% of the steel and aluminum used in production must originate from North America. These rules are designed to strengthen regional manufacturing but have also raised compliance costs and forced supply chain restructuring. For foreign investors, meeting these requirements has meant shifting sourcing strategies, renegotiating supplier contracts, and absorbing higher production costs.

The automotive industry has responded by increasing North American sourcing, investing in regional suppliers, and relocating some production to Mexico, the U.S., or Canada. Meanwhile, other manufacturing sectors, including electronics, aerospace, and machinery, have also reassessed their supply chains to comply with the stricter origin criteria, ensuring uninterrupted trade access under USMCA.

USMCA also introduced groundbreaking labor provisions aimed at improving worker rights and wages, particularly in Mexico. The agreement mandates that 40-45% of a vehicle’s content must be made by workers earning at least $16 per hour, a policy designed to discourage the outsourcing of low-wage jobs. In addition, Mexico committed to labor reforms ensuring independent unions and collective bargaining rights, eliminating employer-dominated unions that had historically controlled negotiations. One of the most significant enforcement tools is the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM), which allows the U.S. and Canada to investigate and impose trade penalties on factories that fail to comply with labor rights.

Since USMCA’s implementation, several labor disputes have triggered RRM investigations, prompting foreign companies operating in Mexico to enhance compliance measures. These new labor requirements have increased wage costs, unionization efforts, and regulatory scrutiny, making it critical for investors to integrate strong labor compliance programs into their operations.

Bottom of Form

Despite these challenges, several multinational corporations have successfully adapted to USMCA’s new requirements. General Motors and Ford have taken significant steps to restructure their supply chains, shifting battery and semiconductor sourcing to North America to meet the RVC threshold. In addition, GM increased wages at its Silao plant in Mexico to comply with labor standards, ensuring smooth operations while avoiding RRM-related disputes. Similarly, in the manufacturing sector, Siemens Mexico has expanded partnerships with North American suppliers, reducing reliance on imports from non-compliant regions. The company has also revised labor policies to align with Mexico’s labor law reforms, strengthening worker protections and reducing legal risks. These proactive measures have enabled these companies to remain compliant while maintaining cost efficiency and market access under USMCA.

Key Takeaways for Foreign Investors

To successfully navigate USMCA’s regulatory landscape, foreign investors must adopt proactive compliance strategies. Conducting thorough supply chain audits is essential to ensure that suppliers meet the updated rules of origin and labor requirements. Additionally, engaging in proactive labor relations—such as ensuring compliance with Mexico’s labor reforms and implementing fair wage policies—will help businesses avoid trade sanctions and operational disruptions.

Given the potential for further modifications to the agreement, legal advisors and trade experts can help investors anticipate regulatory changes and adjust their strategies accordingly. By focusing on regional supply chain integration, strong labor compliance, and regulatory awareness, businesses can mitigate risks and strengthen their competitive position in North America.

USMCA has brought stricter rules of origin and enhanced labor standards, significantly impacting foreign investment in Mexico. While these changes pose compliance challenges, they also present opportunities for companies to enhance regional supply chains, improve labor conditions, and secure long-term trade benefits. As the 2026 USMCA review approaches, continuous adaptation and proactive compliance efforts will be essential for foreign investors seeking sustained success in Mexico’s evolving trade landscape.

L’UE critica la politica tariffaria reciproca degli Stati Uniti – La Commissione Europea ha espresso forte preoccupazione per la proposta del Presidente Trump sulle tariffe "reciproche", ritenendola un ostacolo al commercio globale. L'UE sottolinea di applicare alcune delle tariffe più basse al mondo e considera ingiustificati nuovi dazi statunitensi, che aumenterebbero i costi per consumatori e imprese, rallentando la crescita. Bruxelles ribadisce il proprio impegno per un commercio equo e aperto e avverte che reagirà con fermezza contro eventuali barriere commerciali ingiustificate.

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Verso il prossimo bilancio a lungo termine dell’UE – La Commissione Europea ha presentato le sfide chiave per il futuro Quadro Finanziario Pluriennale (MFF), essenziale per sostenere cittadini, imprese e settori strategici. Tra le proposte: piani di riforma per ogni paese, un Fondo Europeo per la Competitività e maggiori garanzie sullo Stato di diritto. La Commissione ha avviato una consultazione pubblica aperta per 12 settimane, con il coinvolgimento diretto dei cittadini. La proposta finale è attesa per luglio 2025, con entrata in vigore nel 2028.

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La Commissione UE presenta il Programma di Lavoro 2025 – Il 12 febbraio, la Commissione Europea ha annunciato il suo programma di lavoro per il 2025, focalizzato su competitività, sicurezza e resilienza economica. Le priorità chiave includono crescita sostenibile, difesa, protezione della democrazia e rafforzamento del modello sociale europeo. Inoltre, la Commissione ha presentato un piano per ridurre gli oneri amministrativi e semplificare le normative UE, con l’obiettivo di migliorare l’attuazione delle regole e favorire imprese e cittadini.

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Colmare il divario dell’innovazione con le infrastrutture Tecnologiche europee – Il 14 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea ha pubblicato un rapporto con raccomandazioni per rafforzare le Infrastrutture Tecnologiche (TI), essenziali per l’innovazione di industrie, PMI e startup. Il documento contribuirà alla futura Strategia europea per la ricerca e le infrastrutture tecnologiche, volta a creare un ecosistema competitivo e supportare le transizioni verde e digitale.

Le raccomandazioni chiave includono: una definizione chiara di TI, migliore accesso per le imprese, un meccanismo di investimento per tecnologie strategiche, governance rafforzata e finanziamenti dedicati. Questa iniziativa rientra nell’Agenda ERA 2022-2024 e nelle Conclusioni del Consiglio sulla Valorizzazione della Conoscenza (maggio 2024) per migliorare l’innovazione europea.

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L’UE lancia InvestAI: 200 miliardi per l’intelligenza artificiale – Il 13 febbraio, al vertice sull’AI di Parigi, la Presidente della Commissione Ursula von der Leyen ha annunciato InvestAI, un'iniziativa da 200 miliardi di euro per finanziare lo sviluppo dell’AI in Europa. Tra le misure principali, un nuovo fondo europeo da 20 miliardi per costruire quattro gigafabbriche di AI, strutture avanzate per l’addestramento di modelli complessi in settori chiave come medicina e scienza. Il progetto, una partnership pubblico-privata senza precedenti, mira a garantire l’accesso diffuso alla potenza di calcolo per aziende e ricercatori. InvestAI sarà sostenuto da fondi UE già esistenti, con il coinvolgimento di Stati membri e investitori privati.

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Rafforzare la sicurezza dei medicinali critici in Europa – Il Critical Medicines Alliance Forum, tenutosi il 12 febbraio 2025, ha riunito oltre 300 partecipanti per discutere la resilienza della catena di approvvigionamento dei medicinali critici e le collaborazioni internazionali. L’evento ha presentato la bozza del Rapporto Strategico dell'Alleanza, pubblicata il 30 gennaio 2025, con raccomandazioni per rafforzare la produzione in UE e ampliare le partnership globali. Due panel hanno affrontato temi chiave: il potenziamento della capacità produttiva europea e la cooperazione internazionale. Il rapporto sarà adottato il 25 febbraio 2025 e contribuirà alla preparazione del Critical Medicines Act, rafforzando la sicurezza dell’approvvigionamento in UE.

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Conferenza UE-Lega Araba sulla Cooperazione Giudiziaria contro il Terrorismo – Dal 9 all'11 febbraio 2025, oltre 50 delegati provenienti da 19 Paesi della Lega Araba, dall’UE e dall’UNODC si sono riuniti al Cairo per la prima conferenza ad alto livello sulla cooperazione giudiziaria internazionale nella lotta al terrorismo. L'evento, organizzato nell’ambito del progetto CT JUST, ha rafforzato il dialogo tra le istituzioni e promosso strategie per una collaborazione più efficace. Le discussioni si sono concentrate sul potenziamento della comunicazione diretta tra le autorità giudiziarie, sul miglioramento dei meccanismi di coordinamento e sull’uso di strumenti esistenti come EUROJUST e le Squadre Investigative Comuni. Proseguendo su questa linea, una delegazione della Lega Araba incontrerà EUROJUST all’Aia il 17-18 febbraio 2025 per avviare legami operativi e rafforzare la cooperazione giudiziaria nella lotta al terrorismo.

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Le nuove raccomandazioni dell'EIC Forum chiede all’Europa di accelerare sull’innovazione – L'EIC Forum, in un incontro tenutosi il 6 febbraio 2025, ha presentato le sue raccomandazioni per promuovere l'innovazione e migliorare la competitività europea. Tra i punti salienti: (i) rafforzare l'ecosistema delle startup, (ii) facilitare l'accesso ai capitali di rischio e (iii) semplificare la regolamentazione fiscale. Queste proposte mirano a sostenere la Strategia Startup e Scaleup, e il futuro atto europeo sull'innovazione. Un altro passo fondamentale è la rimozione degli ostacoli legali che frenano le piccole e medie imprese e le startup nell'ambito degli appalti pubblici. Inoltre, il Forum ha sottolineato l'importanza di un sistema uniforme di stock options per i dipendenti. Le raccomandazioni saranno decisive per il futuro delle politiche europee, che si concentreranno sempre più su ricerca, innovazione e competitività.

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Le Donne, la Scienza e l’UE – In occasione della Giornata Internazionale delle Donne e delle Ragazze nella Scienza, l'Unione Europea vuole celebrare i successi delle ricercatrici e sostenere le giovani donne nel campo della ricerca. Nonostante le donne rappresentino il 48% dei dottorati nell'UE, solo un terzo dei ricercatori europei è donna. L'UE sta promuovendo attivamente l'uguaglianza di genere attraverso iniziative come i Piani di Uguaglianza di Genere nelle università e nelle organizzazioni di ricerca, e premiando le istituzioni che si distinguono per i loro risultati. In particolare, il progetto Horizon Europe sta investendo per abbattere le barriere che impediscono alle donne di emergere nelle STEM, promuovendo iniziative innovative e creando una rete di mentori per le ragazze. La scienza ha bisogno della visione delle donne, e l'UE si impegna a far sì che il loro contributo non venga ignorato. 

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Un E-Commerce Sicuro e Sostenibile per l’UE - La Commissione Europea ha lanciato una serie di azioni mirate a contrastare i rischi legati alle importazioni di prodotti a basso valore (sotto i 150€) venduti da rivenditori non UE tramite piattaforme online. Con il numero di pacchi in crescita esponenziale (circa 12 milioni al giorno), la Commissione ha proposto nuove misure per proteggere i consumatori e le imprese europee, come il rafforzamento dei controlli doganali e l’introduzione di sanzioni per i prodotti non conformi. Tra le azioni chiave: (i) l’adozione della riforma dell'Unione Doganale, (ii) misure per la sicurezza dei prodotti e (iii) l’uso di strumenti digitali per monitorare la conformità. Si tratta di un passo fondamentale per garantire un mercato equo, sicuro e sostenibile per tutti.

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Torna il Fondo SME 2025 per le PMI – Il 3 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea e l'Ufficio dell'Unione Europea per la Proprietà Intellettuale hanno lanciato il Fondo SME 2025, destinato a supportare le piccole e medie imprese nella protezione dei loro diritti di proprietà intellettuale. Grazie a questo fondo, le PMI possono ricevere fino a €1.500 per la registrazione di brevetti, marchi e design, e fino a €750 per i costi legali. Nel 2024, oltre 23.500 aziende hanno beneficiato di questo aiuto, molte delle quali per la prima volta

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AI per i Servizi Pubblici e la promozione dell’occupazione – Un nuovo rapporto della Rete Europea dei Servizi Pubblici per l'Occupazione (PES Network) esplora come l'Intelligenza Artificiale (AI) può trasformare i servizi per l'impiego, migliorando l'efficienza operativa e l’esperienza degli utenti. Analizzando 34 applicazioni AI in 11 paesi, il rapporto evidenzia come questa possa personalizzare i servizi, migliorare l’incontro tra domanda e offerta di lavoro e rendere più efficienti i processi decisionali, liberando il personale per compiti più complessi. Le raccomandazioni per i professionisti del settore includono l'integrazione dell'AI nei flussi di lavoro e la condivisione delle pratiche migliori per garantire una transizione efficace e sostenibile.

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L'UE aumenta l'uso di carburanti sostenibili per l'aviazione con nuove regole e incentivi – Il 6 febbraio 2025, la Commissione Europea ha adottato un Regolamento per aumentare l'uso di carburanti sostenibili nell'aviazione, finanziato dal sistema di scambio delle emissioni (EU ETS). A partire dal 2024, 20 milioni di quote ETS, pari a circa 1,6 miliardi di euro, saranno riservati per colmare il divario di costo tra i carburanti fossili e quelli alternativi a basse emissioni, incentivando l'adozione di tecnologie più pulite. Le compagnie aeree dovranno riportare l'uso di questi carburanti entro il 31 marzo 2025, con l'assegnazione delle quote prevista per agosto 2025. Questo Regolamento si unisce alle altre iniziative per raggiungere l’obiettivo di ridurre le emissioni del 55% entro il 2030.

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La Commissione Europea chiede pareri su risparmi e investimenti - La Commissione Europea ha avviato una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere opinioni, dati e prove sul progresso dell'Unione dei Risparmi e degli Investimenti (SIU). Questo progetto mira a migliorare i ritorni sui risparmi dei cittadini europei e ad ampliare le opportunità di finanziamento per le imprese, sostenendo la competitività dell'UE. La SIU, che si fonda sul rafforzamento dei mercati finanziari, punta a unire risparmiatori, investitori istituzionali e imprese per promuovere la transizione ecologica e digitale. La Commissione invita tutti gli stakeholder, dalle imprese alla società civile, a contribuire entro il 3 marzo 2023. Le risposte guideranno la strategia finale prevista per il 2025.

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La Commissione Europea lancia una consultazione sul Piano di Resilienza dell'Acqua – La Commissione Europea ha aperto una consultazione per raccogliere opinioni sulla futura Strategia di Resilienza dell'Acqua, un piano cruciale per affrontare le sfide legate all’acqua in Europa. Con l'aumento di alluvioni, siccità e scarsità d'acqua, è necessario un approccio innovativo e cooperativo per proteggere le risorse idriche, migliorare la qualità dell'acqua e promuovere un'economia circolare "acqua-sostenibile". Per dare il proprio contributo ad un'Europa più resiliente all'acqua, è possibile partecipare alla consultazione entro il 4 marzo 2025.

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La Commissione Chiede commenti sulle nuove regole sull'accesso alla giustizia ambientale – La Commissione Europea ha lanciato una consultazione pubblica per raccogliere commenti sulle modifiche alle regole sugli aiuti di Stato, in linea con le raccomandazioni della Convenzione di Aarhus. Le nuove proposte consentiranno ai cittadini di chiedere una revisione delle decisioni sugli aiuti di Stato che potrebbero violare la legge ambientale dell'UE. Il processo di revisione interna sarà più accessibile, con regole chiare su chi può fare la richiesta e le scadenze. Le parti interessate hanno tempo fino al 21 marzo 2025 per partecipare.  

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Piano nazionale di ripresa e resilienza – Fondo per il sostegno alla transizione industriale

Nuove domande a partire dal 5 febbraio 2025

Il Fondo per il sostegno alla transizione industriale ha l’obiettivo di favorire l’adeguamento del sistema produttivo italiano alle politiche dell’Unione europea sulla lotta ai cambiamenti climatici.

L’operatività del Fondo è disciplinata dal decreto ministeriale 21 ottobre 2022 del Ministro dello sviluppo economico, di concerto con il ministro dell’economia e delle finanze e con il Ministro della transizione ecologica.

Il decreto direttoriale del 23 dicembre 2024 definisce termini e modalità di presentazione delle domande attraverso l’apertura di uno sportello finalizzato al sostegno di programmi di investimento per la tutela ambientale con una dotazione iniziale di 400 milioni di euro operante attraverso una procedura valutativa a graduatoria atta a determinare l’ordine di ammissione alle valutazioni istruttorie delle domande presentate. Rispetto alla dotazione finanziaria, il 40% delle risorse è destinato al finanziamento di progetti da realizzare nelle Regioni Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Campania, Molise, Puglia, Sardegna e Sicilia, il 50% delle risorse è riservata alle imprese energivore.

Le istanze per l’accesso alle risorse potranno essere presentate a partire dalle ore 12.00 del giorno 5 febbraio 2025 e fino alle ore 12.00 del giorno 8 aprile 2025.

Le domande saranno avviate alla fase di valutazione istruttoria secondo l’ordine conseguito in graduatoria e, in caso di esito positivo, saranno ammesse alle agevolazioni fino a concorrenza delle risorse disponibili.

Le agevolazioni sono concesse nella forma del contributo a fondo perduto che può variare dal 30 al 50 per cento nel rispetto dei limiti delle intensità massime di aiuto previste dal Regolamento GBER e dalla sezione 2.6 – Aiuti a favore della decarbonizzazione del “Quadro temporaneo” (decisione della Commissione europea C (2024) 5008 FINAL concernente il Quadro temporaneo di crisi e transizione per misure di aiuto di Stato a sostegno dell’economia a seguito dell’aggressione della Russia contro l’Ucraina).

I programmi di investimento devono riguardare una sola unità produttiva dell’impresa proponente, e devono perseguire almeno una delle seguenti finalità:

una maggiore efficienza energetica nell’esecuzione dell’attività d’impresa; un uso efficiente delle risorse, attraverso una riduzione dell’utilizzo delle stesse anche tramite il riuso, il riciclo o il recupero di materie prime e/o l’uso di materie prime riciclate.

I programmi di investimento devono essere volti al perseguimento, in via esclusiva, di un miglioramento in termini di tutela ambientale dei processi aziendali. Non sono ammessi interventi che determinano un aumento della capacità produttiva, fatti salvi gli aumenti derivanti da esigenze tecniche, qualora non superiori al 20 per cento rispetto alla situazione precedente all’intervento. Per gli aiuti concessi a valere sul Quadro temporaneo, gli aumenti devono essere di dimensione non superiore al 2% (due percento) rispetto alla situazione precedente.

I suddetti programmi devono essere avviati successivamente alla presentazione della domanda di accesso al Fondo, prevedere spese complessive ammissibili di importo compreso tra 3 milioni di euro e 20 milioni di euro ed essere realizzati entro 36 mesi dalla data di concessione del contributo (con una eventuale proroga del termine di ultimazione del programma non superiore a 12 mesi). Entro tale termine dovrà intervenire anche l’entrata in funzione e la piena operatività degli investimenti oggetto dei programmi di sviluppo agevolato.