European Commission

The European Commission is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, managing the EU's budget, and representing the EU internationally. It's newsworthy due to several recent developments. The Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has finalized a significant free trade agreement with India after nearly two decades of negotiations, aiming to diversify trade ties amidst global trade tensions. This deal is seen as a counter to US protectionism and a way to reduce reliance on China. The Commission is also playing a key role in Ukraine's potential accession to the EU, with Zelenskyy aiming for technical readiness by 2027. Furthermore, the EU is investigating Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok over concerns about sexual deepfakes. The Commission is also under scrutiny regarding misleading claims about recycled plastic packaging, highlighting concerns about sustainability and greenwashing. These activities underscore the Commission's relevance in shaping trade policy, technological regulation, and environmental standards within the EU and globally.