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Category: Europe

Mediterranean ObserverJuly 18, 2025
EuropeTravel

Commission Proposes Revised ETIAS Travel Authorisation Fee Ahead of 2026 Launch

1min1549
The European Commission has proposed increasing the application fee for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) from €7 to €20. ETIAS, which will be mandatory for visa-exempt non-EU travellers entering the EU, is designed to enhance security and streamline entry procedures. The fee adjustment reflects inflation since the 2018 adoption of the ETIAS […]
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Mediterranean ObserverJuly 16, 2025
Europe

Italian Competition Authority initiates proceedings against Trustpilot

2min1440
On 14 July 2025, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) launched formal proceedings against Trustpilot, citing potential violations of the Italian Consumer Code. The investigation, announced in weekly bulletin no. 27/2025, was prompted by consumer complaints and focuses on whether the platform engages in misleading commercial practices. The AGCM raised several concerns: Company rankings are based […]
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Mediterranean ObserverMay 6, 2025
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EuropeHospitality

Guidelines Published: Preventing Third-Party Violence and Harassment at Work

3min7505
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 […]
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Mediterranean ObserverApril 15, 2025
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Europe

EUTourism Stakeholder Event

2min6894
The European Commission will be hosting an EUTourism Stakeholder Event on the 27 May. Get informed of the latest policy developments in Brussels, including updates on the future EU Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, single digital booking & ticketing, multimodal services for seamless travel, EU-funded projects and more! Be inspired by examples from smart tourism destinations and […]
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Mediterranean ObserverMarch 25, 2025
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EuropeRestaurants

Policy Update | Waste Framework Directive Revision

1min7175
The EU institutions adopted the revision of the Waste Framework Directive. Key elements of the revised text include: 30% per capita reduction in food waste by 2030 from retail, distribution, restaurants, and households, based on the 2021–2023 average; 10% reduction in food waste by 2030 from processing and manufacturing, also benchmarked against the 2021–2023 average; Reduction targets are legally […]
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Mediterranean ObserverMarch 11, 2025
vat-in-the-digital-age.webp
Europe

EU Council adopts VAT in the digital age package

1min7483
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 […]
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Mediterranean ObserverMarch 10, 2025
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Europe

A Union of Skills to equip people for a competitive Europe

1min7401
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 […]
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Mediterranean ObserverMarch 5, 2025
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EuropeNews

Applications Open: European Capital of Smart Tourism and European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism 2026

1min6990
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 […]
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About the Mediterranean Observer

The Mediterranean Observer is a news portal dedicated to travel tourism, and hospitality in the Mediterranean region. This portal is managed by the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation, based in the Mediterranean country of Malta.

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September 17, 2025

MHRA: Finally, Malta Secures Direct Air Link with New York

September 16, 2025

MHRA : Responsibility Needed to Safeguard KM Malta Airlines and Malta’s Tourism

September 3, 2025

EU Endorses Code of Conduct on Reliable Online Reviews for Tourism Accommodation

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