Consumer rights, data and security, copyright protection, plastic bans

The European Parliament has approved legislation to boost consumer rights by making it easier for group legal action. Parliament debated a proposal for a one-stop online portal linking EU border and security databases like the Schengen Information System and Passenger Name Record system. MEPs gave the green light for an updated EU copyright law, adapting it to the digital world and better protecting writers, artists, musicians and journalists. And Parliament also approved a law banning certain kinds of single-use plastics like knives, forks and plates, while reducing the use of cups and plastic containers and requiring more bottle recycling.