The European Commission plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the European Union by proposing legislation, enforcing EU laws, and managing day-to-day affairs. In recent months, the Commission has introduced or sought public consultations on several critical policy updates designed to address emerging challenges and opportunities in areas such as New European Bauhaus, competition, and sustainability. We invite you to explore those policy updates, highlighting the key initiatives that aim to enhance competitiveness and promote sustainability across the EU. 

Public consultationson draft Guidelines concerning exclusionary abuses of dominance under EU competition law 

Beginning of August public consultations on draft Guidelines concerning exclusionary abuses of dominance under EU competition law have been launched. These Guidelines aim to provide clearer rules on how dominant companies should behave to avoid exclusionary practices that harm competition. They cover various forms of exclusionary conduct, such as predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, and refusal to supply. The Commission seeks feedback from stakeholders, including businesses, legal practitioners, and academics, to refine these guidelines. The consultation period will run until 31 October, after which the Commission will review the feedback and finalize the guidelines. This initiative is part of the Commission’s broader effort to ensure fair competition and protect consumer interests in the EU market. More information is here.

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) 

The ESPR regulation, effective from July 2024, sets environmental and circularity requirements for products in the EU. It aims to boost durability, repairability, and energy efficiency while reducing harmful substances and waste. Key features include the Digital Product Passport, which tracks sustainability data, and a ban on destroying unsold products, starting with textiles. The ESPR will also influence green public procurement and gradually introduce specific product rules to meet the EU's climate and circularity goals. More details here. 

Directive on the Repair of Goods 

The EU's Directive on the Repair of Goods,which entered into force on 30 July 2024, promotessustainable consumption by encouraging repairs over premature disposal. Manufacturers must offer repair services for products like fridges and smartphones within a reasonable time and cost. The Directive introduces a European Repair Platform (established as an extension of “Your Europe” portal) for easier access to repair services, extends legal guarantees by one year after repairs, and mandates repair information transparency. National measures, including campaigns and repair vouchers, further support this shift towards a repair culture. Member States must transpose it into national rules and apply it from 31 July 2026. You can explore more here. 

New European Bauhaus Investment Guidelines 

On 29 July the EC has adopted the New European Bauhaus Investment Guidelines, a tool to illustrate how public and private investments can integrate the values of sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics promoted by the NEB to transform Europe’s built environment. The guidelines provide investors and developers with best practices and quality guarantees to put the NEB into practice and boost investments that transform buildings, open spaces, and neighborhoods. The guidelines support the NEB’s goals by helping shape projects that contribute to the positive transformation of societies. Additionally, the guidelines emphasize the importance of accessibility and affordability in sustainable, high-quality housing, construction, and renovation. More information is here.