Brussels (AFP)
From the ban on plastic straws to the end of "roaming", to copyright reform, spotlight on seven emblematic reforms among the hundreds of legislative acts adopted by the European Union during the last legislature.
- HARO ON PLASTICS -
The new regulation prohibiting single-use plastics was adopted at the end of March, in less than a year, a sign of a broad consensus. Straws, coffee taps, balloon stems and expanded polystyrene food packaging (well-known for take-away meals) will be banned in the EU by 2021.
As for plastic bottles, they will have to be better recycled, while the tobacco industry will be involved in the costs of collecting and recycling cigarette filters.
- Same job, same salary -
Dear to France, the reform of the detached work was adopted in 2018 to put an end to the excesses of the "detachment". A device that allows a European to work temporarily in another country of the EU, while continuing to depend on the social system of his country.
The reform, marked by a confrontation between West and East countries, aims at guaranteeing the principle of "equal pay for equal work", and sets in particular at 12 months the maximum duration of secondment, extendable from six months. A separate negotiation is still in progress for the specific case of truck drivers.
- COPYRIGHT -
The copyright reform was adopted in 2019, after a battle between large press groups and pro-text artists, and the other digital giants and advocates of freedom of speech. the internet, worried about its consequences.
One of the flagship provisions makes platforms legally accountable for content, forcing them to ensure that they respect copyright. Another creates a "neighboring right" for newspaper publishers, supposed to allow them to be better paid for the online reuse of their production by aggregators like Google News.
- PERSONAL DATA -
The EU has struck a blow by adopting an arsenal of rules protecting the personal data of Europeans against the excesses of the digital age. This is the famous "General Regulation on Data Protection" (RGPD), applicable since late May 2018 and cited as an example to the United States.
It strengthens certain rights, such as that for a surfer to know who is processing his data and for what purpose, and to be aware of any hacking. Companies that do not respect them are at risk, with penalties of up to 4% of their global turnover.
- FINISH THE "ROAMING" -
The end of roaming charges, "roaming", is one of the most concrete reforms of recent years for European consumers. Since June 2017, they can use their national mobile plans throughout the EU at no additional cost.
According to the Commission, the use of mobile data has increased 12 times, while the number of telephone calls by travelers has doubled, compared to the habits observed before the reform came into force.
- GARDE-FRONTIERES -
Marked by the chaos of massive migrant arrivals on Greek shores in 2015, the EU has significantly strengthened the powers and resources of Frontex, the agency responsible for coordinating the protection of its external borders.
To support any country facing a sudden influx, it will have by 2027 a permanent contingent of 10,000 border guards and coastguards, most of them seconded by the Member States, and it will now be able to acquire its own ships or planes .
The Commission wanted to go further and faster, but it was met with reluctance by Member States, linked to budgetary issues but also to fears for their sovereignty.
- ANTI-TERRORISM -
The European Air Passenger Register, known as the "PNR", is a new anti-terrorist tool adopted in 2016. It requires air carriers to systematically transmit data on their passengers to the authorities of European States concerned by a flight from or to a country third.
The aim is to detect individuals who have never been suspected of terrorism, but whose data analysis (dates, routes, contact details, etc.) suggests that they may be involved in such acts. European countries are then supposed to share the fruits of any investigations initiated on this basis.
? 2019 AFP