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Special coverage
The economic crisis – The EU’s response
The European Union is responding to the global economic crisis through actions on different levels.
Fast facts, background information, progress and more in depth information on main EU issues
Stories - January 2012
Efforts in favour of youth employment and job-friendly growth
30/01/2012 - Institutional affairs
In his remarks after the informal meeting of the members of the European Council, the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said that Heads of State and Government recognise that financial stability in itself is not enough to get out of the economic crisis.
Proposals to boost trade-led growth in developing countries
27/01/2012 - External relations and foreign affairs
The measures would help developing countries increase international trade and would focus more on the poorest countries. They include stepped up negotiations on free trade agreements.
EU cohesion payments up 8% in 2011
27/01/2012 - Regions and local development
The EU gave nearly €33bn to member countries in 2011 in regional funding. It contributed to investments in key sectors – technology, research, education – for generating growth and jobs.
Help make EU law – from 1 April 2012
26/01/2012 - Institutional affairs
You will soon be able to call on the Commission to make legislative proposals on EU policy. A new website has all the information on how to launch a “citizens’ initiative”.
More safeguards for online privacy rights
25/01/2012 - Justice and citizens rights
Proposals would introduce a single set of rules giving individuals more control over how their personal data is managed and used.
Agreement on the European Stability Mechanism
25/01/2012 - Economy, finance, tax and competition
Intergovernmental ministerial meetings were held on the new European Stability Mechanism (ESM) - producing a deal on the treaty text - and on the draft fiscal compact treaty.
Train control system: improved standards
25/01/2012 - Transport and travel
The Commission strengthens the certification and authorisation process of the EU’s train signaling and speed control system. On-board products will need to be tested in accredited laboratories.
More protection for animals
19/01/2012 - Agriculture, fisheries and food
New plan aims to address gaps in EU’s animal welfare legislation, providing better protection for animals and empowering consumers to shop wisely.
Better management of e-waste
19/01/2012 - Environment, consumers and health
More of the EU’s broken fridges, phones and gadgets are set to be collected and recycled, following MEPs’ approval of new targets agreed with Council.
Stricter controls on pest control products
19/01/2012 - Environment, consumers and health
"Biocides" - ranging from rat poisons to disinfectants - will be subject to tougher safety checks, following a European Parliament vote.
Alarm bells for talks on closer economic union deal
18/01/2012 - Economy, finance, tax and competition
Parliament again sounded the alarm about possible pitfalls for the intergovernmental agreement currently being negotiated on closer economic union.
Learning from the economic crisis – consultation
17/01/2012 - Employment and social rights
It seeks to identify successful measures employers, workers and governments have taken to adapt to the crisis. The deadline is 30 March. Opinions will feed into upcoming EU proposals on employment.
Small companies create 85% of new jobs in the EU
16/01/2012 - Business
Between 2002 and 2010, small and medium sized companies made an important contribution to the net creation of jobs, says study. SMEs were hit hard by the crisis in 2009 and 2010 however, with the number of jobs decreasing 2.4% a year on average.
Towards a one stop shop for cross-border VAT compliance 
13/01/2012 - Economy, finance, tax and competition
Common rules are proposed for the one stop shop which will be in place as of 2015. It will first apply to telecommunications, broadcasting and electronic services and could be extended to other sectors in the future.
Better waste management contributes to growth and job creation
13/01/2012 - Environment, consumers and health
Improved implementation of EU waste legislation would save €72bn a year and create over 400 000 jobs by 2020, says study.
Growing the EU’s online economy
11/01/2012 - Economy, finance, tax and competition
Proposals to encourage more online commerce would make it easier to shop on the Internet across the EU – contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Consultation on integrating the EU market for electronic payments
11/01/2012 - Economy, finance, tax and competition
The consultation examines ways to further integrate the market for secure card, Internet and mobile payments by encouraging innovation and protecting consumers. The consultation ends 11 April.
Consumer credit: 70% of websites in breach of EU rules
10/01/2012 - Environment, consumers and health
Of the 562 consumer credit websites checked across the EU 393 were flagged for further investigation, mostly relating to bad consumer information or a misleading presentation of the costs.
Commission extends public consultations to 12 weeks
03/01/2012 - Institutional affairs
Citizens, businesses and non-governmental organisations will have at least 12 weeks to comment on plans for new policies and legislation, compared to 8 weeks previously.
EU reinstates trade preferences for the Western Balkans
03/01/2012 - External relations and foreign affairs
Current duty free access to the EU market has been extended to 31 December 2015. The original agreement ended on 31 December 2010. Exporters will be able to claim compensation for duties paid in 2011.