The article covers various international news, including an EU court ruling that pets can be considered baggage, limiting airline liability for lost animals, and reports on increased violence by the Libyan coast guard, alongside political and diplomatic updates from the Middle East and other regions.
The EU Court of Justice ruled that dogs transported in airplane cargo are considered baggage, limiting airline liability for lost pets, as exemplified by a case involving Mona, a missing dog from Spain. The ruling emphasizes that pets are treated as baggage unless a special declaration is made, which is rarely done, and leaves the final decision on compensation to national courts.
The EU Court of Justice ruled that lightning strikes can be considered extraordinary circumstances limiting airline liability, and that pets transported in aircraft hold are classified as baggage, not passengers, affecting compensation claims for lost pets.
Originally Published 4 months ago — by Hacker News
The EU court has classified nuclear energy as clean energy, prompting discussions on reducing costs through regulatory streamlining and government projects, while debates continue over nuclear safety, costs, and competition with renewables like solar and wind.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized the EU's top court for raising the standards for rejecting asylum-seekers, calling it a power grab and expressing concern over its impact on Italy's migration policies, especially regarding the Albania model and the designation of safe countries for repatriation.
The EU's top court adviser has recommended upholding a €4.12 billion fine against Google for abusing its Android dominance to suppress rivals, marking a significant setback for Google's appeal and reinforcing EU efforts to regulate big tech companies. The case, originating in 2018, focuses on Google's alleged illegal restrictions to maintain its market position, with the court's decision expected in the coming months.
An EU court has ruled that Ukraine cannot trademark the phrase "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," as it is considered a political slogan rather than a commercial trademark. The phrase, which originated from a defiant response by Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island during Russia's invasion, has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance. The court determined that the phrase's political significance outweighs its potential commercial use, as consumers would perceive it as a political message.
McDonald's has lost the exclusive right to use the "Big Mac" trademark for chicken burgers in the EU after a ruling by the European Court of Justice. The decision follows a legal challenge from Irish rival Supermac's, allowing other companies to use the name "Mac" for poultry products. The court found McDonald's had not made genuine use of the trademark for a continuous five-year period. The ruling does not affect McDonald's right to use the "Big Mac" name for its beef burgers.
The EU's General Court has ruled that McDonald's cannot use the term "Big Mac" for poultry products, siding partially with Irish rival Supermac's in a trademark dispute. The court found that McDonald's had not used the term for poultry products for five consecutive years, leading to the partial annulment of the European Union Intellectual Property Office's decision. McDonald's can appeal the ruling to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The European Union court has ruled that public authorities in member states can prohibit employees from wearing signs of religious belief, such as an Islamic head scarf, in the workplace. The case arose after an employee in Belgium was told she could not wear a head scarf at work, leading to a legal challenge on the grounds of religious freedom. The court stated that a policy of strict neutrality in the workplace can be justified by a legitimate aim, but measures must be limited to what is strictly necessary. The decision reflects the ongoing debate and division over the wearing of religious symbols in Europe.
The EU court has upheld a fine against Valve for geo-blocking practices on its Steam platform. Valve and five game publishers were found to have participated in anti-competitive agreements that restricted cross-border sales of certain PC video games compatible with Steam between 2010 and 2015. Valve's appeal against the fine has been dismissed, and they will likely have to pay the €1.6 million penalty.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has upheld the decision to strip former Catalonia leader Carles Puigdemont and two other Catalan separatist MEPs of their legal immunity. The ruling means that Puigdemont, who lives in exile in Belgium, could be extradited to Spain where he still faces charges of disobedience and embezzlement. The court dismissed the MEPs' arguments and stated that the charges are within the remit of Spanish authorities. Puigdemont plans to appeal the ruling.