Business & Economy
May 6, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Guidelines Published: Preventing Third-Party Violence and Harassment at Work
Today, the European Multi-sectoral Social Partners released comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing and addressing third-party violence and harassment (TPVH) in the workplace. This initiative marks a critical advancement in fostering safe, respectful, and supportive work environments, which are particularly vital in customer-facing sectors like hospitality. Why It MattersEnsuring worker safety not only protects employees but […]
March 11, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
EU Council adopts VAT in the digital age package
The Council has approved the VAT in the Digital Age package, modernising EU VAT rules to align with the digital economy. The reform, aimed at boosting competitiveness, reducing VAT fraud, and easing administrative burdens, includes a directive, a regulation, and an implementing regulation. Key measures include: fully digital VAT reporting for cross-border B2B transactions by […]
1min
1356
March 10, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
A Union of Skills to equip people for a competitive Europe
The EU recently launched the Union of Skills initiative to enhance basic skills, promote lifelong learning, and support workforce mobility across the EU. By 2030, it aims to reduce underachievement in literacy, mathematics, science, and digital skills to below 15%. The initiative also includes a Skills Guarantee pilot to help workers in restructuring sectors transition to new careers […]
1min
1312
March 5, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Applications Open: European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026
The European Commission is launching the 2026 editions of the European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competitions, inviting cities across the EU and Single Market Programme (SMP) countries to showcase innovative smart and sustainable tourism practices. Applicants must submit their proposals online by 30 May 2025 (17:00 CET). Shortlisted […]
1min
436
February 20, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
The EU agrees to reduce food waste and set new rules on waste textile
The European Union has taken a significant step towards sustainability with a provisional agreement between the Council and the European Parliament to reduce food waste and introduce new rules on textile waste management. The agreement sets the first-ever EU-level targets for food waste reduction by 2030, including a 10% reduction in processing and manufacturing and […]
2min
1945
January 16, 2025
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Eurostat: Nights booked via online platforms up 18% in Q3 2024
According to a recent report by Eurostat, in Q3 2024, the EU’s short-term rental market experienced notable growth, with 366.2 million guest nights booked via platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, and Tripadvisor. This marked an 18% increase compared to Q3 2023 (310 million nights) – highlighting the ongoing rise in demand for platform-based accommodations. Growth […]
1min
1345
November 21, 2024
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Online Webinar: 10 Digital Trends to Watch in the World of Restaurants
HOTREC and TOPOSOPHY are hosting a webinar on the top 10 digital trends transforming the food service industry, from innovative menu engineering and AI-driven solutions to the rise of automation. Date: November 29 – 10:00 AM Tailored for SMEs, this session will explore practical solutions to boost productivity and efficiency through technology. Click here […]
1min
1739
November 20, 2024
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Tourism Task Force formed
The European Parliament’s Tourism Task Force, within the TRAN Committee, has been established. This taskforce is responsible for integrating tourism considerations into EU transport and economic policies, engaging with industry stakeholders, monitoring the implementation of tourism-related initiatives, and advocating for measures and funding to support the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness. It aims to strengthen tourism’s […]
1min
2577
November 14, 2024
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Booking.com now subject to the Digital Markets Act
The European Commission has designated Booking.com as a “gatekeeper” under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), recognising its online intermediation services as a significant gateway between businesses and consumers. As a designated gatekeeper, Booking.com must comply with strict obligations to ensure fair competition, offering businesses equal access and consumers greater choice. If Booking.com is found non-compliant […]
2min
2147
October 22, 2024
Mediterranean Observer
Mediterranean Observer
Eurostat: Europeans made 6% more tourism trips in 2023
In 2023, EU residents took 1.14 billion tourism trips with at least one overnight stay, marking a 5.7% increase (+61.6 million) compared to 2022. Of these, the majority (1.03 billion trips or 90% of the total) were for personal reasons, while 110 million were for professional purposes. Both categories saw growth from the previous year: […]
1min
1029
