EUROPA - Newsroom - Latest press releases and statements

Midday Express of 2012-05-16

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:08:00 +0200

EXME 12 /16.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.) on 18-19 May 2012: "Acting together" This year's G8 summit under the ...

Food: Commission adopts landmark list of permitted health claims

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 – Health claims on food labelling and in advertising, for example on the role of calcium and bone health or vitamin C and the immune system, have become vital marketing tools to attract consumers' ...

The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.) on 18-19 May 2012: "Acting together"

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - This year's G8 summit under the motto "Acting Together" is chaired by U.S. President Obama in Camp David and takes place back-to-back to the NATO summit in Chicago from 20-21 May, one month before ...

Commission carries out the first Schengen 'health check'

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - Over 400 million Europeans currently enjoy passport-free travel across the Schengen area. With Europeans making more than 1.25 billion journeys every year, vigilance is required to defend citizens' ...

20 May: A European Maritime Day to celebrate our seas and oceans

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 – The European Union celebrates European Maritime Day 2012 across events in Member States, on May 20, 2012. The main event will be the European Maritime Day Conference which this year will be held ...

VP Kallas seeks stronger EU-Turkey cooperation on transport

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - The Commission Vice-President responsible for transport, Siim Kallas visited Ankara to enhance transport cooperation between the EU and Turkey....

MEDIA and 'Creative Europe' in the spotlight at 65th Cannes Film Festival

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - Eighteen films supported by the European Commission's MEDIA programme are in the Cannes Film Festival's 'Official Selection' this year, of which seven are in competition for the Palme d’Or, notably ...

Questions and Answers on the list of permitted Health Claims on food products

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/346 Brussels, 16 May 2012 Why has the EU tackled the issue of "health claims" on food products? Consumers are looking for added value when purchasing food. They attach great importance to health and are becoming increasingly aware of its relationship ...

Antonio Tajani: Enhancing business cooperation between SMEs in Colombia and the EU

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/349 Brussels, 16 May 2012 European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani together with European CEOs from all main industrial sectors will visit the Republic of Colombia on 16 and 17 May. Coming from similar visits to the United States and ...

Emissions Trading: Commission clears temporary free allowances for power plants in Cyprus, Estonia and Lithuania

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/350 Brussels, 16 May 2012 Brussels, 16 May 2012 – The European Commission today authorised requests from Cyprus, Estonia and Lithuania for a continued free allocation of EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) allowances to their power sectors beyond ...

EU-Turkey: Commissioner Štefan Füle to launch positive agenda

Wed, 16 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/358 Brussels, 16 May 2012 Brussels (16th May) - Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle will visit Ankara on Thursday to launch the positive agenda in EU-Turkey relations....

State aid: Commission temporarily approves aid for the resolution of Greek T Bank

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 – The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules, for a period of six months, around €680 million of state support granted by the Hellenic Deposit and Investment Guarantee Fund ("HDIGF") ...

Mergers: Commission approves Südzucker's acquisition of control over ED&F MAN subject to conditions

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Mergers: Commission approves Südzucker's acquisition of control over ED&F MAN subject to conditions Brussels, 16 May 2012 – Following an in-depth review, the European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation ...

Mergers: Commission clears Angolan liquefied natural gas joint venture by BP, Chevron, Eni, Sonangol and Total

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:20:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over the Angolan company Angola LNG (the joint venture) by BP of the UK, Chevron Global ...

March 2012 Euro area external trade surplus 8.6 bn euro 6.7 bn euro deficit for EU27

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/74 16 May 2012 The first estimate for the euro area1 (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in March 2012 gave a 8.6 bn euro surplus, compared with +1.0 bn in March 2011. The February 20122 balance was +2....

April 2012 Euro area annual inflation down to 2.6% EU down to 2.7%

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/75 16 May 2012 Euro area1 annual inflation was 2.6% in April 2012, down from 2.7% in March2. A year earlier the rate was 2.8%. Monthly inflation was 0.5% in April 2012. EU3 annual inflation was 2....

INVITATION - PRESS CONFERENCE Special report: EU Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS ECA/12/21 Luxembourg, 16 May 2012 The Court of Auditors (ECA) assessed whether the European Commission is managing EU financial support to the Turkish Cypriot community (TCc) in the northern part of Cyprus effectively....

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood EU-Turkey relations TUSKON dinner with Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan Brussels, 15 May 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/360 President Meral, Deputy Prime Minister, Commissioner Rehn, Members of Parliament. ambassadors and other distinguished guests, First I would like to thank Tuskon and its President Mr. Meral for inviting me to this dinner debate – which is ...

Press release - Libya: MEPs hopeful for upcoming elections but worried about arms smuggling - Committee on Foreign Affairs

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:12:00 +0200

Hopes for Libya's June elections, the first in almost 50 years, tempered by worries that arms may be smuggled through its porous borders to restless neighbouring countries, were voiced by Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs at a meeting with Libya's Deputy Prime Minister, Mustafa Abushagur, on Tuesday evening.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

National angle - "Europe on the Ground" wins 2012 European Charlemagne Youth Prize

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:29:00 +0200

Europe on the Ground, a Greek youth media project, was awarded first prize at the 2012 Charlemagne Youth Prize ceremony on 15 May in Aachen. Second prize went to Europe Meets School, an exchange programme for Erasmus students (Czech Republic) and the winner of the third prize was the Cycle Me Home project, a documentary road-movie (Hungary). The Charlemagne Youth Prize is awarded annually to projects that foster a shared sense of European identity and integration among young people.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

National angle - "Europe on the Ground" wins 2012 European Charlemagne Youth Prize

Wed, 16 May 2012 08:28:00 +0200

"Europe on the Ground", a Greek youth media project, was awarded first prize at the 2012 Charlemagne Youth Prize ceremony on 15 May in Aachen. Second prize went to "Europe Meets School", an exchange programme for Erasmus students (Czech Republic) and the winner of the third prize was the "Cycle Me Home" project, a documentary road-movie (Hungary). The Charlemagne Youth Prize is awarded annually to projects that foster a shared sense of European identity and integration among young people.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.) on 18-19 May 2012 "Acting together"

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by Commissioner Füle following the fifteenth EU-Ukraine Cooperation Council

Tue, 15 May 2012 20:51:00 +0200

MEMO/12/356 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The Minister has set out very clearly how we believe Ukraine can get back on the road to political association. This message was given clearly to the Ukrainian side today....

Statement by Commissioner Lewandowski after today's debate in the Council on the EU's draft budget for 2013: "A promising start of the negotiations on the 2013 EU budget"

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:54:00 +0200

MEMO/12/354 Brussels, 15 May 2012 "I am pleased that the vast majority of delegations stated that they understand that the 6.8% increase in payments we propose for next year's budget stems from previously agreed commitments of EU funding for projects ...

Remarks by Commissioner Štefan Füle at the presentation of the ENP Package 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:51:00 +0200

MEMO/12/355 Brussels, 15 May 2012 ''Thank you, Cathy As you already said, the EU has done a lot in the last year to implement the new European Neighbourhood Policy and to start delivering on our commitments....

Remarks by HRVP Catherine Ashton at the presentation of the ENP package 2012, Brussels, 15 May

Tue, 15 May 2012 18:43:00 +0200

MEMO/12/352 Brussels, 15 May 2012 It is very good to be here to be able to present progress from last year. You recall that last year we presented our review of the Neighbourhood Policy, during the ongoing historic changes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya....

Algirdas Šemeta EU Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud Statement on Savings Tax Agreements and VAT strategy Press conference ECOFIN Council Brussels, 15 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:22:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/359 "I am extremely frustrated that we could not reach agreement today on the mandates to negotiate new and stronger savings tax agreements with Switzerland and the 4 other third countries. Let me remind you what is at stake here....

Déclaration du Commissaire Barnier suite au Conseil ECOFIN: CRD 4 (Capital Requirements Directive 4)

Tue, 15 May 2012 17:16:00 +0200

MEMO/12/351 Bruxelles, le 15 mai 2012 Grâce aux efforts de toutes les délégations nationales et de la Présidence danoise, nous avons fait des progrès très importants aujourd'hui. Les Etats Membres ont donné un mandat à la Présidence pour commencer la ...

EIB supports upgrade of road infrastructure in Georgia with EUR 170 million

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:27:00 +0200

BEI/12/58 Tbilisi/Luxembourg, 11 May 2012 The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 170 million to the Republic of Georgia to upgrade and rehabilitate the East-West highway, which is a priority transport infrastructure linking Georgia’s capital ...

EIB and Banco Popular sign SME financing agreement

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:22:00 +0200

BEI/12/61 Luxembourg, 14 May 2012 The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR200 million loan to Banco Popular for financing the investment projects of small and medium-sized businesses, mainly in the industry and service sectors....

Background - Bank capital rules - 14 May Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee vote

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:50:00 +0200

The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee took a unanimous stand on the latest bank capital requirements legislation on Monday 14 May. The vote gives Parliament's negotiators, led by rapporteur Othmar Karas (EPP, AT), a strong hand in pushing its reform agenda with Member States.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Lebanon

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:12:00 +0200

MEMO/12/337 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

Press release - MEPs urge EU to act before Sudan and South Sudan go to war - Committee on Foreign Affairs

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:06:00 +0200

The Foreign Affairs Committee on Monday urged the EU to take action on the crises in West, Central and East Africa, particularly the tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. MEPs raised questions about China's role in Sudan – South Sudan relations and said China had been more proactive than the EU and could only gain from the EU's hesitation.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

EU bolsters its support to reformers in its Southern and Eastern neighbourhoods

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:06:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 15 May 2012 - In May 2011, in the midst of dramatic changes sweeping the Southern Neighbourhood, the EU completed a major review of its European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP)....

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Jordan

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:06:00 +0200

MEMO/12/336 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Israel

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:03:00 +0200

MEMO/12/335 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package – Libya

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:01:00 +0200

MEMO/12/338 Brussels, 15 May 2012 Libya is not a full participant to the ENP. It participates only in the multilateral track of the Eastern Partnership. No Country Progress Report is prepared for Libya because there is no ENP Action Plan in force....

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Algeria

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/329 Brussels, 15 May 2012 ENP Package – Algeria The EU and Algeria are linked by an Association Agreement (AA) signed in 2002 and which entered into force in 2005. In December 2011 Algeria officially indicated its willingness to start exploratory ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Armenia

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/330 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Azerbaijan

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/331 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package – Belarus

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/332 Brussels, 15 May 2012 Belarus is not a full participant to the ENP. It participates only in the multilateral track of the Eastern Partnership. No Country Progress Report is prepared for Belarus because there is no ENP Action Plan in force....

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Egypt

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/333 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Georgia

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/344 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

PEV Rapport de suivi 2011 – Maroc

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/339 Brussels, 15 May 2012 La Commission européenne et la Haute Représentante de l’Union européenne pour les Affaires Etrangères et la Politique de Sécurité ont publié le 15 mai 2012 un ensemble de documents annuels «voisinage»....

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Republic of Moldova

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/340 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – occupied Palestinian territory (oPt)

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/341 Brussels, 15 May 2012 The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy published on 15 May 2012 the annual “neighbourhood package”, consisting of a joint communication (“Delivering on ...

ENP Package – Syria

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/342 Brussels, 15 May 2012 Syria is not a full participant to the ENP. It participates only in the multilateral track of the Eastern Partnership. No Country Progress Report is prepared for Syria because there is no ENP Action Plan in force....

PEV Rapport de suivi 2011 – Tunisie

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/343 Brussels, 15 May 2012 La Commission Européenne et la Haute Représentante de l’Union pour les Affaires Etrangères et la Politique de Sécurité ont publié le 15 mai 2012 un ensemble de documents annuels « voisinage », qui se compose d’une Communication ...

ENP Package, Country Progress Report – Ukraine

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

Cecilia Malmström European Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs A need for strong European leadership to combat discrimination ILGA-Europe Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people in Europe 2011 Brussels, 15 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 14:48:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/358 Introduction: A "lack of political leadership" I am very honoured to be here today to speak at this event where the first annual report on the human rights situation for LGBTI people in Europe is being launched....

Commissioner Štefan Füle: remarks following the 4th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council with Albania

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:45:00 +0200

MEMO/12/348 Brussels, 15 May 2012 This 4th meeting of the Stabilisation and Association Council was very constructive and forward looking. It was very important that there was – for the first time - also a representative of the opposition at the table, ...

Press release - Cutting animal transport times is just the start, says Agriculture Committee - Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:37:00 +0200

The welfare of animals in transport must be improved, but cutting transport time to eight hours must be supplemented by other measures, such as support for local slaughterhouses and meat processing plants, upgrading transport vehicles and full and uniform control of compliance with existing rules throughout the EU, said many Agriculture Committee MEPs in a debate on Monday.
Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Building the digital Single Market Dialogue with European Parliament IMCO committee Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:44:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/332 These days, no political discussion can ignore the economy. Amid austerity, we must focus on growth and jobs. Here's one sector that delivers both: ICT. They call it the virtual world – but the benefits are very real....

EU SAVINGS TAX RULES AND SAVINGS AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD COUNTRIES: frequently asked questions

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:27:00 +0200

MEMO/12/353 Brussels, 15 May 2012 Why is an EU approach to tackling evasion in the area of savings taxation important? A strong unified stance is essential in tackling tax evasion when part of a Single Market....

Midday Express of 2012-05-15

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:09:00 +0200

EXME 12 /15.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Emissions trading: annual compliance round-up shows declining emissions in 2011 Emissions of greenhouse gases from installations ...

Emissions trading: annual compliance round-up shows declining emissions in 2011

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 15 May 2012 - Emissions of greenhouse gases from installations participating in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) decreased by more than 2% last year, according to the information provided by Member ...

Digital Agenda: EU research breakthrough will cut 4G / LTE mobile network energy use in half

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/327 Brussels, 15 May 2012 In coming years, internet access will be dominated by wireless devices such as mobile phones and tablets. Today there are 1.2 billion mobile broadband users, and the figure is growing by hundreds of millions each year. ...

Máire GEOGHEGAN-QUINN European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science "Scientific support for growth, jobs and sustainability: the eco-industry example" JRC Conference Brussels, 15 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/357 Mr Swoboda, Mrs Guillou, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to open this conference on "Scientific support for growth, jobs and sustainability: the eco-industry example" hosted by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre....

Remarks of European Commission Vice-President Rehn at the Eurogroup press conference of 14 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:41:00 +0200

MEMO/12/347 Brussels, 14 May 2012 Regarding progress on the implementation of the programmes of Ireland and Portugal, I'm pleased to say that both programmes are on track, and the re-balancing towards an expanding export sector continues in both countries. ...

Flash estimate for the first quarter of 2012 Euro area and EU27 GDP stable 0.0% and +0.1% respectively compared with the first quarter of 2011

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/73 15 May 2012 Flash estimate for the first quarter of 2012 Euro area and EU27 GDP stable 0.0% and +0.1% respectively compared with the first quarter of 2011 GDP remained stable in both the euro area1 (EA17) and the EU271 during the first quarter ...

63/2012 : 15 May 2012 - Opinions of the Advocate General in joined cases C-581/10, C-629/10

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:50:00 +0200

Nelson and Others
Transport
Advocate General Bot proposes that the Court confirm that passengers whose flights are delayed may be entitled to compensation

64/2012 : 15 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-40/11

Tue, 15 May 2012 10:41:00 +0200

Iida
Citizenship of the Union
Advocate General Trstenjak takes the view that EU law can confer on a parent who is a third-country national and has custody rights a right of residence in his child’s State of origin if that child has moved with the other parent to another Member State

The EU opened its doors to the public

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:50:00 +0200

Press release - Albania: MEPs welcome political progress towards EU candidate status - Committee on Foreign Affairs

Tue, 15 May 2012 09:03:00 +0200

MEPs welcomed Albania's progress towards EU candidate status in a Foreign Affairs Committee exchange of views with Albanian government and opposition representatives on Monday. The electoral and legal systems should take priority in reform efforts, said MEPs, with a view to the presidential election to be held in July.
Committee on Foreign Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Fiscal Policy: Growth dimension and control of new Commission powers needed - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:38:00 +0200

The European Commission should have more control over fiscal policy in EU Member States, but not the free rein it asked for, says the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee in texts, voted on Monday, stating a position on the economic governance "two pack". This increased power must be democratically controlled and serve to spur economic growth, MEPs say.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

EUNAVFOR – Operation Atalanta: Disruption of pirates' logistics in Somalia

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the disruption of pirate logistical dumps in Somalia by EU Naval Force – Operation Atalanta

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

BACKGROUND BRIEFING ON G8 - Wednesday 16 May at 11:15

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on the future of VAT

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on the sustainability of public finances in the light of ageing populations

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on climate finance - fast start finance

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

FIFTEENTH MEETING EU-UKRAINE COOPERATION COUNCIL - EU Press release

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Bank capital rules: General approach agreed ahead of talks with Parliament

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Background briefing on EU-Asia relations by Mr David O'Sullivan, EEAS - Brussels, 16 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Press release - 3165th AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES Council meeting (provisional version) - Brussels, 14 and 15 May 2012

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EIB to continue support for Europe’s growth and innovation

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

At the European Investment Bank’s (EIB) annual meeting today President Werner Hoyer underlined the Bank’s important role in supporting sustainable growth, innovation and jobs in Europe and beyond. In 2011 the EIB provided its highest-ever financial contribution to the real economy with 60 billion Euro disbursed to its clients. At the end of last year, the Bank’s outstanding loans amounted to around 395 billion Euro, more than the loan portfolio of all other multilateral financial institutions...

Commissioner Piebalgs welcomes Development Ministers' endorsement of the Agenda for Change

Mon, 14 May 2012 21:31:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 14 May 2012 – EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs welcomes European Ministers for Development' conclusions on the proposals of the Commission for a new orientation of EU development policy through ...

Commissioner Štefan Füle met President Foreign Minister of Iceland Őssur Skarphéðinsson

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 +0200

MEMO/12/345 Brussels, 14 May 2012 Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with the Foreign Minister of Iceland Őssur Skarphéðinsson in Brussels today to discuss the state of the accession negotiations....

Press release - Bank capital rules: reform to boost risk resilience and lending to small firms - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 +0200

Bank capital requirements must be strengthened to make banks more risk-resilient and the risk weighting of loans to small firms must be reduced to facilitate lending to the real economy, said Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee MEPs in a vote on Monday. Bankers' bonuses must not exceed their fixed pay, they added.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Addressing soil contamination, land take and soil sealing: good for the environment, good for the economy Conference 'Soil remediation and soil sealing' Brussels, 10 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:49:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/356 Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning and welcome to Brussels! It is a pleasure for me to have the opportunity to exchange views with you on such an important topic. In his book 'Plan B 4.0', Lester Brown of the Earth Policy Institute quotes ...

Mergers: Commission approves joint venture between Freudenberg and Trelleborg in anti-vibration systems for automobiles sector

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:20:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 14 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed creation of Trelleborg Vibracoustic, a joint venture combining the automotive anti-vibration systems activities ...

62/2012 : 14 May 2012 - Information

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:52:00 +0200

Solemn undertaking before the Court of Justice of the European Union by the new Members of the European Court of Auditors

Allocution de M. Vítor Caldeira, Président de la Cour des comptes européenne Audience solennelle Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne, 14 mai 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:37:00 +0200

COUR DES COMPTES EUROPÉENNE ALLOCUTION ECA/12/20 Luxembourg, le 14 mai 2012 Allocution de M.Vítor Caldeira, Président de la Cour des comptes européenne Audience solennelle Cour de Justice de l’Union européenne, 14 mai 2012 Prestation de serment des nouveaux ...

Antonio Tajani: Fostering economic ties with Mexico

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:19:00 +0200

MEMO/12/326 Brussels, 14 May 2012 European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani together with European CEOs from all main industrial sectors will visit the United Mexican States from 14 to 15 May. Following a similar visit to the United States, this ...

EU's first Economic Partnership Agreement with an African region goes live

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:07:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 14 May 2012 – The trade and development agreement concluded by the EU and four Eastern and Southern African states Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles and Zimbabwe will take effect today....

Midday Express of 2012-05-14

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:06:00 +0200

EXME 12 /14.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Transport: Road charging plans must be fair to all drivers The European Commission has today issued guidelines warning that ...

Meeting between President Barroso and U Shwe Mann, Speaker of Lower House of the Parliament of Myanmar

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:04:00 +0200

MEMO/12/328 Brussels, 12 May 2012 The President met the Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament of Myanmar, U Shwe Mann. During the meeting the Speaker explained at length the peaceful transition underway in Myanmar and the commitment of the authorities ...

Environment: Commission to address water challenges via innovation partnership

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 14 May 2012. The European Commission today proposed to boost innovation to deal with water related challenges by creating a European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on Water....

Transport: Road charging plans must be fair to all drivers

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 14 May 2012 - The European Commission has today issued guidelines warning that under EU law road charging schemes must not discriminate against foreign drivers....

Guidelines for non-discriminatory vignette systems for cars – key questions and answers

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/322 Brussels, 14 May 2012 The European Commission adopted a Communication on road infrastructure charges levied on light passenger vehicles. The Communication provides general guidance for a vignette system to be non-discriminatory and proportionate. ...

Cecilia Malmström European Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs Proteger la memoria de las víctimas del terrorismo para un futuro más tolerante Congreso sobre Memoria y Convivencia Bilbao, 14 de mayo de 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/355 Señoras y Señores, Es para mí un gran placer dirigirme hoy a Vds. en la apertura del Congreso sobre Memoria y Convivencia para las víctimas del terrorismo. La Comisión Europea está firmemente comprometida con la lucha contra el terrorismo ...

March 2012 compared with February 2012 Industrial production down by 0.3% in euro area Down by 0.4% in EU27

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/71 14 May 2012 In March 2012 compared with February 2012, seasonally adjusted industrial production1 fell by 0.3% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 0.4% in the EU272. In February3 production rose by 0....

Air passenger transport in the EU27 in 2010 Highest growth in number of passengers in Copenhagen, Vienna, Milan and Rome airports

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/72 14 May 2012 In 2010, London/Heathrow remained the EU’s busiest passenger airport, with 66 million passengers handled, down by 0.2% compared with 2009. Paris/Charles de Gaulle (58 mn, +0.5%) and Frankfurt/Main (53 mn, +4....

Burma/Myanmar: EU sanctions suspended

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on Yemen

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by High Representative Catherine Ashton upon arrival to Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels, 14 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on the Middle East Peace Process

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on Somalia

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Public debates/Public deliberations - 3167th ECONOMIC and FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Council meeting - Brussels, 15 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on Syria

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Syria: Council strengthens EU sanctions once more

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

PRESS CENTRE - Informal dinner of Heads of State or Government, Brussels, 23 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by High Representative Catherine Ashton following the Foreign Affairs Council, 14 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on Annual Report 2012 to the European Council on EU Development Aid Targets

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council Conclusions 'The Future Approach to EU Budget Support to Third Countries'

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions 'Increasing the Impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change'

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Conclusions of the 37th meeting of the EEA Council - Brussels, 14 May 2012

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EUR 200 million made available to Banesto for financing SMEs

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR 200 million loan to Banesto for financing the investment projects of small and medium-sized businesses (with up to 3 000 employees), mainly in the industry and service sectors. A substantial part of the loan will go to projects located in convergence regions. EIB Vice-President Magdalena Álvarez and Banesto’s Chairman Antonio Basagoiti met in Madrid to formalise the loan agreement. This first EIB loan granted to Banesto under the Bank’s new...

EIB and Banco Popular sign SME financing agreement

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR 200 million loan to Banco Popular for financing the investment projects of small and medium-sized businesses, mainly in the industry and service sectors. The loan agreement was signed in Madrid by EIB Vice-President Magdalena Álvarez Arza and Banco Popular’s Business Director General, Ángel Rivera, in the presence of Banco Popular’s President, Ángel Ron. The EIB loan will carry favourable maturity and interest rate terms, which Banco Popula...

Statement by Olli Rehn, Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro

Sun, 13 May 2012 14:41:00 +0200

MEMO/12/325 Brussels, 13 May 2012 Iwelcome the measures announcedon Fridayby the Spanish authorities to further reform the banking sector. Aprompt and profoundreform of the bankingsector is a cornerstone of Spain's crisis response and its overall reform ...

Joint statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the elections in Algeria

Sat, 12 May 2012 16:36:00 +0200

MEMO/12/324 Brussels, 12 May 2012 Joint statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and CommissionerŠtefan Füle on the elections in Algeria Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy andVice-President ...

Meeting between President Barroso and U Shwe Mann, Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament of Myanmar

Sat, 12 May 2012 09:38:00 +0200

MEMO/12/323 Brussels, 12 May 2012 The President met the Speaker of the Lower House of the Parliament of Myanmar, U Shwe Mann. During the meeting the Speaker explained at length the peaceful transition underway in Myanmar and the commitment of the authorities ...

State aid: Commission approves ING's restructuring plan from 2009 anew and opens an in-depth investigation on later amendments to the plan

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 11 May 2012 - Today, the Commission has approved ING's restructuring aid as compatible with the internal market. The approval is based on a restructuring plan submitted in 2009....

Memo: State aid: Commission appeals General Court ruling and takes two new decisions on the ING restructuring plan – frequently asked questions

Fri, 11 May 2012 22:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/321 Brussels, 11 May 2012 What is the object of the new decisions taken today? In 2008 and 2009 ING received several State aid measures. This included a capital injection of EUR 10 billion, an impaired asset measure for an illiquid asset portfolio ...

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of electrical components and connectors manufacturer Thomas & Betts by ABB

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:55:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of electrical components and connectors manufacturer Thomas & Betts by ABB Brussels, 11 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed ...

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Swedish dairy company Skånemejerier AB by Lactalis

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:49:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 11 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Skånemejerier AB, a subsidiary of the Swedish cooperative Skånemejerier ek....

Parliamentarians from far and near gather in Horsens

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:09:00 +0200

Midday Express of 2012-05-11

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:06:00 +0200

EXME 12 /11.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Spring forecast 2012-13: towards a slow recovery Following the output contraction in late 2011, the EU economy is estimated ...

Importance of ports for economic recovery and jobs

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/317 Brussels, 11 May 2012 Sea ports play an important role facilitating the European Union's external trade (90% of the total, in terms of weight) and internal market exchanges (40% of the total)....

Preparation of Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 14 – 15 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/320 Brussels, 11 May 2012 The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of May 2012 will take place in Brussels on 14-15 May 2012, under the presidency of Danish Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Ms Mette Gjerskov....

Karel De Gucht European Commissioner for Trade The Future of Transatlantic Trade AmCham Germany Annual Membership Meeting Hamburg, 11 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/347 Ladies and Gentlemen, As the European Commissioner responsible for trade, I am delighted to be here in Hamburg for the birthday of its port. And I am very happy to be speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany, which assembles ...

Siim Kallas Vice-President and Commissioner for Transport Steering a course for the future: Europe's ports in the 21st century European Sea Ports Conference Sopot, 11 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/352 Minister, ladies and gentlemen It is a great pleasure to return to Sopot, such a beautiful resort town. It was only some six months ago that I was last here, at an informal meeting of EU transport ministers....

Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Unlocking the potential of European aquaculture Conference CFP: Which Future for Aquaculture? Salzburg, 11 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/353 Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Unlocking the potential of European aquaculture Conference CFP: Which Future for Aquaculture? Salzburg, 11 May 2012 Dear Ministers, honourable Members of the European ...

Ministers ride the bike to Danish Meetings

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:17:00 +0200

Spring forecast 2012-13: towards a slow recovery

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 11 May 2012 - Following the output contraction in late 2011, the EU economy is estimated to be currently in a mild recession. While uncertainty about economic and financial prospects remains high, strong policy ...

Europe in figures – Eurostat yearbook 2012 A gateway to European statistics

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/70 11 May 2012 What share of those aged 18 to 24 left school early and what proportion of young people in the EU have completed at least upper secondary education? How much do households in the EU spend on food and on housing and clothing? How ...

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt meets the President of the European Council

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:37:00 +0200

Agenda - The Week Ahead 14 - 20 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 07:23:00 +0200

Committee and political group meetings - Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following her meeting with U Shwe Man, Speaker of the Lower House of Burma/Myanmar

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on the employability of graduates from education and training

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EU and Iraq: signature of historic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

"Beyond the institutions: Why Europe today?" - speech by President Herman Van Rompuy - at the Europe Conference in Copenhagen

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Egypt ahead of the Presidential elections 23-24 May

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by High Representative Catherine Ashton following the signature of EU-Iraq Partnership & Cooperation Agreement

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Background note - 3165th AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES Council meeting - Brussels, 14 and 15 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Public debates/deliberations - 3165th AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES Council meeting - Brussels, 14 and 15 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on fostering the creative and innovative potential of young people

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by President Herman Van Rompuy following the meeting with Prime Minister of Denmark, Helle Thorning-Schmidt

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the Spokesperson of the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on arrests of opposition leaders in Moscow

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the EU High Representative on recent attacks in Syria

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Agenda - 3166th FOREIGN AFFAIRS/DEVELOPMENT Council meeting -Brussels, 14 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Background note - 3166th FOREIGN AFFAIRS/DEVELOPMENT Council meeting -Brussels, 14 May 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

3164th EDUCATION, YOUTH, CULTURE and SPORT Council Meeting, 10 and 11 May 2012 - Press Release (provisional version)

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEDIA ADVISORY - Events in the Council on 14 and 15 May

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EIB supports upgrade of road infrastructure in Georgia with EUR 170 million

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending EUR 170 million to the Republic of Georgia to upgrade and rehabilitate the East-West highway, which is a priority transport infrastructure linking Georgia’s capital city, Tbilisi, and its Black Sea ports with Turkey and Azerbaijan. This is the largest EIB loan ever granted to Georgia and the first supporting Georgia’s transport sector. The loan will finance the construction of 52 km of new motorway between Samtredia and Grigoleti at the most Weste...

The EIB is financing, with a total of EUR 230 million, climate action and private sector development in Turkey.

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU’s financing institution, is financing, with a total of EUR 230 million, climate action and private sector development in Turkey. The funds are provided as follows: EUR 75 million goes to Turkiye Ihracat Kredi Bankasi A.S. (Eximbank) for export oriented and foreign currency earning Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Eximbank is fully state-owned and acts as the official export credit agency of Turkey. Its mandate is to support foreign trade...

Top News from the European Commission 12 May – 9 June 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

AGENDA/12/18 Brussels, Friday 11 May 2012 Background notes from the Spokespersons' service for journalists. The European Commission reserves the right to make changes. Saturday 12 May: Open Door Day of the European Institutions - Growing Stronger together ...

CALENDRIER du 14 mai au 27 mai 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

CLDR/12/18 Bruxelles, le 11 mai 2012 (Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine) Activités des Institutions Déplacements et visites Lundi 14 mai Meeting of Foreign Affairs Council (FAC and FAC development) Meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Council ...

EU and Iraq: signature of historic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 11 May 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the European Commission today signed the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the ...

Michel BARNIER Membre de la Commission européenne, chargé du Marché intérieur et des Services L'Europe au diapason des attentes des utilisateurs et des créateurs: pour un pacte numérique «LetsGoConnected », rassemblement des industries créatives Bruxelles, le 10 mai 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/354 Michel BARNIER Membre de la Commission européenne, chargé du Marché intérieur et des Services L'Europe au diapason des attentes des utilisateurs et des créateurs: pour un pacte numérique «LetsGoConnected», rassemblement des industries créatives ...

Speech by Vítor Caldeira, President of the European Court of Auditors

Thu, 10 May 2012 17:39:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS SPEECH ECA/19/12 Luxembourg, 10 May 2012 European Parliament Plenary Session, 10 May 2012 Discharge of 2010 EU budget Check against delivery. The spoken version shall take precedence....

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of controlling stake in German windpark Borkum Riffgrund I by Boston Holding

Thu, 10 May 2012 16:50:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of controlling stake in German wind farm Borkum Riffgrund I by Boston Holding Brussels, 10 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed ...

Vassiliou congratulates Donostia-San Sebastian and Wrocław on official designation as European Capitals of Culture for 2016

Thu, 10 May 2012 15:25:00 +0200

MEMO/12/319 Brussels, 10 May 2012 Comments by Androulla Vassiliou at Council of Culture Ministers Before this Council proceeds to the official designation of Donostia-San Sebastian and Wrocław as European Capitals of Culture for 2016, I would like to ...

Commission welcomes EP positive vote on discharge for the 2010 budget

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:48:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 10 May 2012 – The Commission welcomes today's decision by the European Parliament to grant discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the 2010 budget....

Midday Express of 2012-05-10

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:19:00 +0200

EXME 12 /10.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Commission proposes new VAT rules for vouchers Today, the European Commission proposed to update EU VAT rules to ensure the ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission The European way forward: Leadership and ownership Europe Day Florence, 9 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:11:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/351 Ladies and Gentlemen I would like to start by thanking the European University Institute for having invited me to be with you today on this very special day, with so many good friends and committed Europeans....

Press release - Fight maritime piracy with military and state-building, say MEPs

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:01:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : MEPs say the fight against piracy off the east-African coast cannot be won by military means alone. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, by 434 votes to 100, with five abstentions, they urge member states to strengthen the EU naval protection force and finance efforts to tackle the causes of piracy. They also call for special courts for pirates.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Commission proposes new VAT rules for vouchers

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 10 May 2012 – Today, the European Commission proposed to update EU VAT rules to ensure the uniform tax treatment of all types of vouchers across all Member States....

Antonio Tajani: Fostering industrial co-operation with the United States

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/315 Brussels, 10 May 2012 European Commission Vice President Antonio Tajani, together with European CEOs from all main industrial sectors, will visit the US from 10 to 12 May. As part of the new series of "Missions for Growth", the aim of the ...

Digital Agenda: New price caps for mobile data roaming expected to save families over €200 each year and business travellers over €1000.

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/316 Brussels, 10 May 2012 From 1 July 2012, the European Union's mobile roaming regulation will be extended to include price caps for data downloads which will mean significant savings for those using maps, email and social networks when travelling. ...

Karel De Gucht European Commissioner for Trade A Trade Defence System for Today's Global Economy High Level Conference: Modernisation of Trade Defence Instruments Brussels, 10 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/346 Ladies and Gentlemen, These are not easy days to be a trade commissioner arguing for open markets: In many parts of the world, also in some of our Member States, there is a protectionist wind in the air....

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration "A European civil service fit for the 21st century" European Policy Group breakfast briefing Brussels, 10 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/349 Let me start with a question: which civil servants work the shortest hours, have the most holidays, the highest pay and the biggest pensions, and yet still manage to be accused of over-regulating and -controlling? I can see from your faces, ...

Press release - Conventionally-bred plants or animals should be exempt from patents, say MEPs

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:43:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament wants to protect European breeders from excessive patent protection, which it believes could stifle innovation and progress. In a non-binding resolution adopted on Thursday, it says products such as anti-carcinogenic broccoli or high-yield dairy cows, produced by conventional breeding techniques, should not be patented.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - MEPs call for trade to build democracy in Arab Spring countries

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:24:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : The EU must do more to promote democracy and stability in its southern Mediterranean neighbourhood by boosting mutually-beneficial trade relations in the wake of the Arab Spring, says Parliament. Efforts should be focused on small businesses as the main drivers of job creation and wealth.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - EP approves accounts for lion's share of EU spending in 2010

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:17:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament approved the European Commission's 2010 budget spending on Thursday, under the EU's annual budget discharge procedure. It also endorsed the financial management of almost all the other institutions and agencies and the European Development Fund. However, it postponed the discharges for the Council and the Agencies for Food Safety, Medicines and the Environment.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Parliament votes not to defend MEP Tudor's parliamentary immunity

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:05:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament decided on Thursday not to defend the immunity of Corneliu Vadim Tudor (NA, RO), who had asked that it be upheld in connection with proceedings before Romania's High Court of Cassation.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Fighting fraud: MEPs want accurate information on customs duty and VAT evasion

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:01:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : The reporting of fraud and corruption in Member States' spending of EU funds and collection of customs duties and VAT - the traditional sources of the EU budget - must be improved, so as to protect the EU's financial interests and prevent misuse of its funds, says Parliament in a resolution voted on Thursday.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Parliament safeguards strict rules on EU toxic chemical exports

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:56:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : MEPs safeguarded strict conditions for the EU's toxic chemical exports in legislation amended on Thursday. The chemicals are those listed in the UN's Rotterdam Convention, which aims to protect the environment and public health in the importing countries.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

61/2012 : 10 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Joined Cases C-357/10, C-358/10, 359/10

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:51:00 +0200

Duomo Gpa
Freedom to provide services
Under EU law on freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services, economic operators cannot be required to have a share capital of €10 million in order to be entitled to collect local taxes

Press release - Cross-border defamation by the press

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:50:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Clearer rules are needed to protect not only the victims of cross-border defamation, but also journalists accused of it, says a resolution approved on Thursday.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

60/2012 : 10 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-368/10

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:43:00 +0200

Commission v Netherlands
Public procurement
EU law does not preclude, in principle, a public contract for which a contracting authority requires or desires that certain products to be supplied should be derived from organic agriculture or fair trade

59/2012 : 10 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-100/11 P

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:42:00 +0200

Rubinstein and L'Oréal v OHIM
Community Trade Mark
The Court confirms the annulment of the Community trade marks ‘BOTOLIST’ and ‘BOTOCYL’ because of the existence of the ‘BOTOX’ trade marks

Press release - New deal to cut mobile roaming prices, including data services

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:42:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : The cost of using mobile phones, smartphones and tablets when travelling abroad within the EU will fall sharply from 1 July this year, under an agreement with the Council endorsed by Parliament on Thursday. The new rules will also enable clients to buy roaming services from suppliers other than their home service suppliers and open up the market to new entrants, so as to boost competition and thus reduce prices.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - EU should nurture small airports as drivers of regional growth, MEPs say

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:31:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : EU aviation policy must pay special attention to the needs of regional airports, says a resolution adopted by Parliament today. Their potential to boost regional development and reduce congestion at major air hubs could be unlocked by integrating them in the Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T), MEPs believe.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

58/2012 : 10 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Joined Cases C-338/11 - C-347/11

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:21:00 +0200

FIM Santander Top 25 Euro Fi
Free movement of capital
EU law precludes French legislation establishing different tax rules for nationally sourced dividends received by resident and nonresident undertakings for collective investments in transferable securities (UCITS)

Androulla VASSILIOU Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Learning mobility can help to fight the crisis Conference on the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus programme Copenhagen, 9 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:59:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/345 Your Royal Highness, Minister Østergaard, Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, I am very happy to join her Royal Highness Princess Marie in welcoming you to this event. Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Erasmus programme, its ...

Council tightens controls on biocidal products

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Amendments to regulations on the coordination of social security systems

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Council conclusions on the digitisation and online accessibility of cultural material and digital preservation

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

San Sebastián and Wroclaw are the European Capitals of Culture for 2016!

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the spokesperson of the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on HR/VP consultations with Zimbabwe re-engagement team

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Agenda - 3165th AGRICULTURE and FISHERIES Council meeting - Brussels, 14 and 15 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Presidency briefing (11.05.2012, 17.00) - 3166th FOREIGN AFFAIRS / DEVELOPMENT Council meeting - Brussels, 14 May 2012 (17.00)

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Peter Praet: Managing financial crises:  the role of the ECB

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EIB finalises EUR 900m funding for Maasvlakte 2

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank has formally agreed to provide the final part of EUR 900m overall funding to support investment by the Port of Rotterdam Authority in port infrastructure, of which Maasvlakte 2 is by far the most important. The European Union’s long-term lending institution has funded land reclamation and construction of container and specialist facilities to expand port capacity at Europe’s largest port. Funding agreements for the flagship infrastructure initiative were signed by...

Vassiliou welcomes Council support for 'Creative Europe'; sets out vision for new loan guarantee facility

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/318 Brussels, 10 May 2012 I am very pleased to see that we largely agree on the main elements of 'Creative Europe'. I am particularly happy that the Council supports the Commission's proposal to bring together the current funding programmes in ...

Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy Europe’s banking sector after the crisis: Oversight, regulation and responsibility 23rd World Savings Banks Institute Congress Marrakech, 10 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/348 Ladies and Gentlemen, When I received the kind invitation to address the WSBI world congress, I accepted without hesitation because policy makers and the banking community need to carry out a serious debate on the banking models of the future, ...

Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries A new Fisheries Policy for Europe AGROBALT Exhibition "For a Healthier Life" Vilnius, 10 May 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/350 Dear Madame President, dear Prime Minister, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, It is a real honour to visit AGROBALT and to see at first hand how much your country has to offer in the farming sector....

Press release - Airport reform package: MEPs question added value for travellers - Committee on Transport and Tourism

Wed, 09 May 2012 19:02:00 +0200

The Commission's legislative proposals for more competitive ground-handling services, better usage of take-off and landing slots and a harmonised approach to reduce noise nuisance around airports came under severe fire during a hearing with independent experts, representatives of airlines, airports, national aviation authorities and citizens' NGOs in the Transport and Tourism Committee on Tuesday 8 May.
Committee on Transport and Tourism

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Roaming for the smartphone generation European Parliament Plenary debate on Roaming Brussels, 9 May 2012

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/344 I am delighted that the Parliament and Council have now agreed on a new Roaming Regulation, on the basis of the Commission's proposal. As you know, Coreper endorsed the deal on 28th March; I look forward to the Parliament formally doing ...

Press release - Mr Schulz condemns intimidation in Bahrain and Egypt, tribute to Miguel Portas

Wed, 09 May 2012 14:41:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : President Schulz condemned the growing intimidation of human rights activists in Bahrain and Egypt, and paid a posthumous tribute to journalist and MEP Miguel Portas, in his opening address at the Brussels mini-session on Wednesday.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

EFSA Management Board Chair resigns

Wed, 09 May 2012 09:30:00 +0200

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Simply innovation EU Government and Innovation Conference Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:57:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/343 Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to start by thanking Mr Jay Nibbe from Ernst & Young for the invitation to address such a distinguished audience this afternoon. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak to you about the Commission's ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Connecting the creative sector Opening of the "Letsgoconnected" event Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 19:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/334 It's a pleasure to welcome you here tonight. You, the creative sector, are among our most dynamic and valuable. Not just a big slice of GDP, but a stimulant and forge for our culture, learning, and heritage....

Joint Statement by EU Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and UNDP Administrator Helen Clarke

Tue, 08 May 2012 18:47:00 +0200

MEMO/12/314 Brussels, 8 May 2012 Joint Statement by EU Commissioner Andris Piebalgs and UNDP Administrator Helen Clark The EU and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have been working together for 15 years, and engaged in a strategic partnership ...

Press release - Towards better detection and EU-wide withdrawal of dangerous medicines - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:24:00 +0200

The adverse effects of medicinal products will be better monitored in future, to prevent the recurrence of cases like the French diabetes medicine "Médiator" (benfluorex), which led to many deaths. Changes to existing EU legislation, backed by the Public Health Committee on Tuesday, would trigger an automatic EU safety evaluation in the event of a safety alert about a medicinal product in any EU Member State.
Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner ŠtefanFüle on the Parliamentary elections in Armenia on 6 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/311 Brussels, 08 May 2012 Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, jointly with ŠtefanFüle, Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood ...

Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Rio +20: Oceans, land, water, fisheries Sessions on Rio +20 during the Informal Ministerial Roundtable on Climate Change Brussels, 7-8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:48:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/342 Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Rio +20: Oceans, land, water, fisheries Sessions on Rio +20 during the Informal Ministerial Roundtable on Climate Change Brussels, 7-8 May 2012 I am pleased to have you here in Brussels ...

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration "ECIs and petitions, giving citizens a voice" Meeting in the European Parliament Committee of the Petitions Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:41:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/341 Madam Chair, Honourable Members, Last time I came to see you, in September 2010, we were still in the preparatory stages of the ECI, and I remember that you were urging me on. Now I'm pleased to be back, with the instrument up and running. ...

Press release - Making it easier for the police to seek evidence in other EU countries - Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:10:00 +0200

The police would get better and faster support from their counterparts in other EU countries, for example when asking them to conduct house searches or interview witnesses, under a proposed European Investigation Order endorsed by the Civil Liberties Committee on Tuesday. The new rules would set deadlines for gathering the evidence requested and limit the grounds for refusing such requests.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Citizens' rights: European Commission kicks off the broadest public consultation ever and asks citizens to set future agenda

Tue, 08 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 – 9 May is Europe Day. This should be more than just a day of celebration for citizens. As of tomorrow, the European Commission will be calling on citizens all over the European Union to help set ...

Background - The European Parliament 2009-2011: key legislation approved by MEPs

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:46:00 +0200

The European Parliament's current President, Jerzy Buzek, is soon to hand over the reins to his successor, who will be chosen by the full body of MEPs at the Strasbourg plenary session in January 2012. This mid-way point between the European elections of 2009 and 2014 gives an opportunity to review some of the main legislation adopted by MEPs over the last two and a half years.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Festa dell’Europa: da domani 5 giorni di incontri e occasioni di riflessione

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:30:00 +0200

Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy State Aid Modernisation Press conference Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 14:21:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/339 The Commission has adopted today, on my initiative, a Communication on the Modernisation of our State aid policy. The aim of this Communication is to set out a broad, far-reaching and strategic reform package designed to help Europe’s governments ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Defending media freedom European Parliament Seminar on Media Freedom in the EU Member States Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:30:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/335 Ladies and Gentlemen, First, I want to wish "Happy Birthday" to the Association of European Journalists. In your 50 years, you have done well in promoting the importance of quality journalism in Europe....

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso: "Seizing the moment to boost growth: 9th May message from the European Commission" Joint press conference with Vice-President Rehn Brussels, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:05:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/337 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, Tomorrow is Europe Day and we celebrate the achievements of the European Union: 62 years of European integration. We should never forget how far we have come; where we were 60 years ago and where we are ...

Background - Roaming - Questions and Answers

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:45:00 +0200

The cost of using mobile phones, smartphones and tablets when travelling within the EU will fall sharply from 1 July this year, under a provisional agreement between MEPs and national governments to be voted by Parliament on Thursday 10 May.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Midday Express of 2012-05-08

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:24:00 +0200

EXME 12 /08.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Erasmus hits new record with 8.5% increase in student exchanges Twenty-five years after its launch, Erasmus has become the ...

Andris Piebalgs European Commissioner for Development Climate change and access to Energy: a priority for EU development policy Informal Ministerial Roundtable on Climate Change Brussels, 08 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:15:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/338 Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Introduction I am delighted to see that this discussion has brought together so many decision-makers from around the world. It bodes well for our potential to work together in order ...

From football boots to spaceships, from mediaeval comics to Caravaggio. EU Ministers pick their top treasures in Europeana.

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:07:00 +0200

MEMO/12/312 Brussels, 8 May 2012 Digitised versions of the very best of Europe's sporting, literary, artistic and cultural heritage will be in the spotlight in Brussels – and online - on Wednesday 9th May, Europe Day....

Europe Day sees launch of first European Citizens' Initiative

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 – The European Commission will mark Europe Day tomorrow (9) by registering the very first European Citizens' Initiative. Other proposed initiatives will also be added to the online register in the ...

Consumers: latest report on safety of products shows fewer dangerous items reaching the EU market

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 08 May 2012 - EU consumers want to be sure thatthe products – whether produced in the EU or imported from third-countries - are safe. The good news is that thanks to theincreasing effectiveness of the EU's ...

Erasmus hits new record with 8.5% increase in student exchanges

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 - Twenty-five years after its launch, Erasmus has become the best known EU programme and the most successful student exchange scheme in the world....

Environment: €34.8 million in new funding to bring environmental solutions to market

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 08 May 2012 – The European Commission is launching a €34.8 million call for eco-innovation projects. Businesses and entrepreneurs from across Europe can apply for funding to help bring novel environmental ...

CYPRUS: EUR 2 million project to preserve the island's cultural heritage

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 08 May 2012 - The European Commission has launched a two million euro project to preserve the cultural heritage in Cyprus. The project is part of the European Commission's aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot ...

Questions and answers - RAPEX in 2011

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/309 Brussels, 08 May 2012 1. What is RAPEX? RAPEX is a European rapid alert system for dangerous products. It ensures that information about dangerous products withdrawn from the market and/or recalled from consumers anywhere in Europe is quickly ...

The Erasmus programme in 2010-11: the figures explained

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/310 Brussels, 8 May 2012 The European Commission has today published new figures on the number of students, teachers and other staff in higher education who benefitted from the Erasmus programme in the 2010-11 academic year ( IP/12/454 )....

Cecilia Malmström EU Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs EU Initiatives to Tackle Extremism and De-radicalisation Conference on Tackling Extremism: De-radicalisation and disengagement Copenhagen, 8 May 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/336 Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen. I'd like to thank the organisers for their kind invitation and for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the EU's work in tackling violent extremism....

State aid: Commission approves Spanish €10.95 million support for publishing culturally valuable books

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 08 May 2012 - The European Commission has authorised, under EU state aid rules, a Spanish scheme allowing up to €10.95 million of public funding for the publication of culturally valuable books in Spain over ...

State aid: Commission approves regional investment aid for Mondi in Poland and Masdar in Germany

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 - The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules public support for two regional investment projects, one in Poland in favour of paper companies Mondi Świecie and Mondi Packaging ...

State aid: the Commission clears 23 million EUR R&D aid to Novartis Italy for faster access to innovative vaccines in developing countries

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release State aid: the Commission clears 23 million EUR R&D aid to Novartis Italy for faster access to innovative vaccines in developing countries Brussels, 8 May 2012 - The European Commission has concluded that €23 million ...

State aid: Commission asks Spain to recover €265 million from Ciudad de la Luz film studio complex

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 - The European Commission has concluded that €265 million public funding granted by the Valencia Regional Government to the Ciudad de la Luz film studio complex was not provided on market conditions ...

State aid: Commission launches major initiative to modernise state aid control

Tue, 08 May 2012 11:30:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 - The European Commission has adopted a Communication on State Aid Modernisation (SAM), setting out the objectives of an ambitious reform package....

Antitrust: Commission sends statement of objections to Slovak Telekom and Deutsche Telekom

Tue, 08 May 2012 09:30:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 08 May 2012 - The European Commission has informed Slovak Telekom a.s. (ST) and its parent company, Deutsche Telekom AG, of its objections against their behaviour on several wholesale broadband markets in ...

Newsletter - 9-10 May 2012 - Brussels plenary session

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:38:00 +0200

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release Eurosystem signs T2S Framework Agreement with first Central Securities Depositories

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Peter Praet: Address at the event marking the first signatures to the T2S Framework Agreement

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Mario Draghi: Address at the event marking the first signatures to the T2S Framework Agreement

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Benoît Cœuré: Unexpected events and the global safety net

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COMMISSION STATEMENT FOR SCHUMAN DAY, 9 MAY 2012 - Time to decide: action for growth, action for jobs

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/313 Brussels, 8 May 2012 1. Introduction The economic crisis has demonstrated that debt fuelled growth is unsustainable. To tackle the crisis, the EU has undertaken a radical overhaul of its economic governance structures (especially in the Euro ...

Framework Agreement between European Investment Bank (EIB) and Nepalese Government

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

PRESS RELEASE BEI/12/56 Kathmandu/Luxembourg, 7 May 2012 On Monday 7 May, the EIB, the European Union's long-term financing institution, and the Government of Nepal signed a Framework Agreement under which the Bank can start financing capital investments ...

Karel De Gucht European Commissioner for Trade Brazil and the European Union: Allies in a Changing World International Conference: Strategic challenges in the EU-Brazil Relationship Brussels, 7 May 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:06:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/333 Ladies and Gentlemen, One of the things we have learned over the course of this crisis is that no country or region is an island. The torrents of goods, services and capital that flow physically and electronically between our economies bind ...

Better use of health data will transform the healthcare landscape, says expert report

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 7th May 2012 - A high-level group of experts today warned that Europeans will only be able to benefit from the affordable, less intrusive and more personalised healthcare which Information & Communication ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Empowerment, innovation and efficiency for the health sector eHealth Week Opening Plenary Copenhagen, 7 May 2012

Mon, 07 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/331 Ladies and gentlemen, Today I want to remind you how new eHealth solutions can transform our world. If we are prepared to look, not back towards the constraints of the past – but forwards to the opportunities of the future....

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Dutch online retailer Flevo by Ahold

Mon, 07 May 2012 14:46:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 7 May 2012 - The European Commission has cleared under the EUMerger Regulation the acquisition of FlevoDeelnemingenIIIB.V. by Koninklijke AholdN.V., both of the Netherlands....

EU pedalling on Europe Day

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:07:00 +0200

Press release - Open Days 2012: behind the scenes in Parliament

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:03:00 +0200

General : The European Parliament will mark this year's anniversary of the Schumann Declaration by opening its doors to citizens and offering them many activities that provide behind-the-scenes insights into Parliament's activities.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Midday Express of 2012-05-07

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:03:00 +0200

EXME 12 /07.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne First post-programme surveillance (PPS) mission to Latvia carried out jointly by the Commission services and the IMF starts ...

Joint statement by the Danish EU Presidency and Commissioner Potočnik welcoming new international agreement to tackle air pollution

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:02:00 +0200

MEMO/12/308 Brussels, 04 May 2012 Today the EU reached an international agreement to update the Gothenburg Protocol, setting more ambitious targets to reduce trans-boundary air pollution. The revised objectives of the Protocol will see a reduction in ...

Digital Agenda: Commission adopts first report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/306 Brussels, 7 May 2012 The European Commission today presented a report on the application of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD). The AVMSD enables the free circulation of audiovisual content and meets important public policy objectives ...

Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport (10-11 May)

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/307 Brussels, 7 May 2012 For the first time the Council for Education, Youth, Culture and Sport will discuss the detail of the European Commission's proposals for the new 'Erasmus for All' and 'Creative Europe' programmes, which will start in ...

Framework Agreement between EIB and Nepalese Government

Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The EIB, the European Union's long-term financing institution, and the Government of Nepal signed a Framework Agreement under which the Bank can start financing capital investments in Nepal. The agreement was signed by the EIB Vice-President with special responsibility for the Bank’s activities in Asia, Magdalena Álvarez Arza, and Krishna Hari Baskota, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Nepal. Following the signing, the EIB Vice-President called on Prime Minister Dr. Ba...

Déclaration du Président de la Commission européenne, Jose Manuel Barroso, à l'issue de l'élection présidentielle française

Sun, 06 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/305 Bruxelles, le 6 mai 2012 Le peuple français a élu François Hollande Président de la République, au terme d'une campagne électorale suivie bien au-delà des frontières françaises. En mon nom personnel et au nom de la Commission européenne, je ...

Olli Rehn Vice-President of the European Commission and Member responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Restoring growth in Europe: confidence, reforms and investment Institute of European Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels, 5 May 2012Brussels, 5 May 2012

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:30:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/330 Olli Rehn Vice-President of the European Commission and Member responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Restoring growth in Europe: confidence, reforms and investment Institute of European Studies, Vrije Universiteit Brussel ...

Customs: EU and USA agree to recognise each other's "trusted traders"

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 04 May 2012 – EU and U.S. certified trusted traders will enjoy lower costs, simplified procedures and greater predictability in their transatlantic activities, as a result of a mutual recognition decision ...

Algirdas Šemeta EU Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud "Boosting security in the global supply chain" Statement on EU-US agreement to secure the global supply chain Washington, 4 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 16:45:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/328 "Today an important step forward has been taken in EU-US trade relations– and in securing the global supply chain. After several years of negotiations, the EU and USA have agreed to mutually recognise each other's "trusted traders"....

Top News from the European Commission 5 May – 2 June 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

AGENDA/12/17 Brussels, Friday 4 May 2012 Background notes from the Spokespersons' service for journalists. The European Commission reserves the right to make changes. Monday 7 May to Tuesday 8 May: Informal Roundtable – Follow-up to the Durban climate ...

CALENDRIER du 7 mai au 13 mai 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

CLDR/12/17 Bruxelles, le 4 mai 2012 (Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine) Activités des Institutions Déplacements et visites Lundi 7 mai M. Michel BARNIER présente la plateforme "e-procurement" aux Députés européens (PE, Bruxelles) Mr José ...

Employment: Commission proposes €1.6 million from Globalisation Fund for Spanish footwear workers

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 4 May 2012 – The European Commission has proposed to provide Spain with €1.6m from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 350 redundant footwear industry workers in the Valencia region back ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Internet Freedom Re:publica conference "The European public on the Net" Berlin, 4 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/326 Ladies and Gentlemen, Today I'm going to talk to you about freedom online. Why it matters: why we must protect it: and how we are doing that. I know that many of you at re:publica already campaign for Internet freedom....

Midday Express of 2012-05-04

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:56:00 +0200

EXME 12 /04.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Employment: Commission proposes €1.6 million from Globalisation Fund for Spanish footwear workers The European Commission has ...

Antitrust: Commission consults on future of maritime transport antitrust guidelines

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 4 May 2012 – The European Commission is inviting stakeholders to submit their views on the future of the guidelines on the application of the EU antitrust rules to maritime transport services....

Michel BARNIER Membre de la Commission européenne, chargé du Marché intérieur et des Services La gestion d'actifs, clé d'une régulation financière intelligente Rencontre avec l'Association européenne des gestionnaires de fonds et d'actifs – EFAMA Bruxelles, le 4 mai 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/327 Good morning Ladies and Gentlemen, I would first of all like to thank EFAMA and your President, Claude KREMER, for this invitation. I am very happy to continue the dialogue that we started a year ago....

Luxembourg, 23 April 2012 Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:03:00 +0200

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION EN Luxembourg, 23 April 2012 8957/12 PRESSE 163 Council strengthens EU sanctions against Syrian regime In view of the gravity of the situation in Syria, the Council today reinforced once more EU restrictive measures against ...

March 2012 compared with February 2012 Volume of retail trade up by 0.3% in euro area Up by 0.7% in EU27

Fri, 04 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/69 4 May 2012 In March 2012 compared with February 2012, the volume of retail trade1 rose by 0.3% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 0.7% in the EU272. In February3 retail trade fell by 0.2% and 0....

EURO 2012: Statement by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner responsible for sport

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:59:00 +0200

MEMO/12/304 Brussels, 4 May 2012 Like millions of sport fans, I am looking forward to this summer's EURO 2012 football championships with great anticipation. The tournament will provide a stage for some of the world's best players and I'm sure we will ...

Special report: ECA recommends improvements to EU Common External Relations Information System (CRIS)Special report: ECA recommends improvements to EU

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS PRESS RELEASE ECA/12/18 Luxembourg, 04 May 2012 Special report: ECA recommends improvements to EU Common External Relations Information System (CRIS) The European Court of Auditors (ECA) assessed whether the Common External ...

EU candidate country: A strategic and existential choice

Fri, 04 May 2012 10:00:00 +0200

Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy Integrating payments in the EU: A new approach Conference on Card, Internet and Mobile Payments Brussels, 4 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 09:44:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/325 Ladies and Gentlemen: I am happy and honoured to open this day of debate on card and electronic payments. I welcome the industry representatives and the many experts who will share with us their views on the future of the payments market ...

Agenda - The Week ahead 7 - 11 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:28:00 +0200

Plenary Session and Committee Meetings – Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

£75m boost for University of Birmingham campus development

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank has formally agreed to provide £75 million to fund developments to teaching, research and campus facilities at the University of Birmingham. Support from the European Union’s long-term lending institution will support re-development of the main university library, provide new teaching, research and leisure facilities, and enhance campus energy efficiency. Agreements to fund the University’s investment programme were signed on the campus today by University of Birm...

£75m boost for University of Birmingham campus development

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Michel BARNIER Membre de la Commission européenne, chargé du Marché intérieur et des Services Pour un vrai marché unique des paiements par carte, internet et mobile Conférence sur les paiements par carte, internet et mobile Bruxelles, le 4 mai 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/329 Mesdames et Messieurs, Bonjour à chacune et à chacun d'entre vous et merci pour votre présence aujourd'hui à cette conférence qui vient conclure la consultation lancée en janvier par la Commission sur les paiements par carte, internet et ...

Brussels, 3 May 2012 Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EUROPEAN UNION EN Brussels, 3 May 2012 9487/1/12 REV 1 PRESSE 188 Declaration by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2012 “Freedom of expression as enshrined in the ...

3159th Council meeting Foreign Affairs Luxembourg, 23 April 2012

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION EN 8772/12 PRESSE 152 PR CO 21 PRESS RELEASE President Ms Catherine Ashton High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Main results of the Council The Council expressed its respect and appreciation ...

Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Common Fisheries Policy reform: the way forward to the Baltic Sea Estonian Parliament, Committee for Agriculture and Fisheries Riga, 3 May 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 16:01:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/324 Dear Mr Chairman, honourable Members, I am delighted to be in Tallinn today and discuss our proposals on how to reform the Common Fisheries Policy with you. I know this country is committed to sustainability, because I had a chance to read ...

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Address to the members of the Albanian Parliament Albanian Parliament Tirana, 3 May 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:35:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/322 Madame Speaker, [Mr President, Mr Prime Minister], honourable members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to be in Tirana today. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to address the Assemblyandthrough you ...

Midday Express of 2012-05-03

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:11:00 +0200

EXME 12 /03.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Commissioner Dalli launches the 4th EU Health Prize for Journalists Today, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, ...

Commissioner Dalli launches the 4th EU Health Prize for Journalists

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 3 May 2012 – Today, European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli, launches the fourth consecutive annual health prize for journalists. To have a chance to win the top prizes, journalists ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Using ICT to build Sustainable Cities Smart Energy & Sustainable ICT Conference Brussels, 3 May 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/320 Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Using ICT to build Sustainable Cities Smart Energy & Sustainable ICT Conference Brussels, 3 May 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, Today in Europe, we face ...

László Andor Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion "The key challenges of the crisis" National Union of General and Municipal Workers (GMB), Unite and Unison - Conference on "Sorting out the crises : what's the EU got to do with it?" Manchester, May 3rd 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/321 László Andor Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion "The key challenges of the crisis" National Union of General and Municipal Workers (GMB), Unite and Unison - Conference on "Sorting out the crises : what's the EU got ...

Message of congratulations from President Barroso to Mr János Áder, President of Hungary

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:50:00 +0200

MEMO/12/302 Brussels, 2 May 2012 "On behalf of the European Commission, I would like to offer you my congratulations on your election as President of Hungary. Your election has come at a crucial time, as Hungary, together with other Member States, embarks ...

March 2012 compared with February 2012 Industrial producer prices up by 0.5% in euro area Up by 0.6% in EU27

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/68 3 May 2012 In March 2012, compared with February 2012, the industrial producer price index1 rose by 0.5% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 0.6% in the EU272. In February3 prices increased by 0....

Déclaration du Commissaire Barnier suite au Conseil ECOFIN consacré à CRD 4 (Capital Requirements Directive 4)

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:41:00 +0200

MEMO/12/301 Bruxelles, le 3 mai 2012 Je remercie sincèrement la Présidence Danoise pour la diligence et la compétence avec laquelle elle gère ce dossier qui est à la fois difficile et complexe. Ce texte, présenté le 20 juillet 2011, qui vise à renforcer ...

57/2012 : 3 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-337/10

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:24:00 +0200

Neidel
Social policy
On retirement, a public servant is entitled to an allowance in lieu if he has not, on account of sickness, been able to take all or part of the minimum paid annual leave of four weeks to which he is entitled

56/2012 : 3 May 2012 - Judgments of the Court of Justice in Cases C-289/11 P, C-290/11 P

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:22:00 +0200

Legris Industries v Commission
Competition
The Court upholds the fine of €46.8 million imposed on Legris Industries for its participation in a cartel on the copper fittings market

55/2012 : 3 May 2012 - Opinion of the Advocate General in the case C-376/11

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:21:00 +0200

Pie Optiek
RTR
According to Advocate General Trstenjak an undertaking can register its trade marks as .eu domain names only if it is established in the EU

Danish cinema across Europe

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:14:00 +0200

Press conference Mario Draghi: Introductory statement to the press conference (with Q&A)

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Press release Monetary policy decisions

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

President Barroso's remarks after his meeting with Vice-Premier Li

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/303 Brussels, 3 May 2012 It was a pleasure to meet again Vice-Premier Li. Our discussions were wide-ranging, substantive and constructive – as was the EU-China Summit held in Beijing last February....

Máire GEOGHEGAN-QUINN European Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science Research and Innovation in Europe – the role of Public-Private Partnerships in Horizon 2020 Horizon 2020 Conference Conference of the Italian Association of Technology Districts (ADITE) Rome, 3 May 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/318 Ladies and Gentlemen, Europe is faced with many problems. But I am very optimistic that with research and innovation we can solve a lot of them – and I emphasise "we", because that is the key....

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Speech by President Barroso: "Deepening EU China co-operation on energy: Working together to meet global challenges" EU-China High Level Meeting on Energy Brussels, 3 May 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/323 Vice Premier, Excellencies, Distinguished Ministers on the Chinese and the European side, Dear Günther Öettinger Excellencies, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is with particular pleasure that I welcome Vice Premier Li to Brussels ...

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration 'Working together for growth: the role of local and regional authorities in EU policy-making and implementation' Committee of the Regions Bureau meeting Brussels, 2 May 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/317 President Bresso Ladies and Gentlemen Thank you once again for your kind invitation to attend the Bureau meeting of the Committee of the Regions. It is always a pleasure to meet with you and your members and hear the views of the representatives ...

Green snapshots of EU in your daily life

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:25:00 +0200

László Andor Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Towards a jobs-centred approach to economic policy Employment Committee Brussels, 2 May 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 15:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/314 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, Since around last summer, we have experienced a deceleration of economic growth across Europe. This has worsened the recession which had already been ongoing in a number of Member States, and has brought ...

Š.Füle visits Albania to discuss reforms and European agenda

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:23:00 +0200

MEMO/12/298 Brussels, 2 May 2012 Brussels - Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle will visit Albania on Thursday 3rd May 2012 to discuss reform efforts and progress in the EU agenda with his Albanian counterparts....

Digital Agenda: New strategy for safer internet and better internet content for children and teenagers

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:22:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 2 May 2012 –The Commission has set out a plan to give children the digital skills and tools they need to benefit fully and safely from the digital world. The internet was not designed with children in mind, ...

Midday Express of 2012-05-02

Wed, 02 May 2012 12:19:00 +0200

EXME 12 /02.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne SM Albert II en visite à la Commission européenne pour sa 2000ème réunion La Commission européenne s ‘est réunie pour la 2000ème ...

Remarks by High Representative / Vice President Catherine Ashton at the end of her South East Asia visit, Bangkok, Thailand

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:44:00 +0200

MEMO/12/297 Bangkok, 01 May 2012 First of all I've had a very good and useful meeting with Prime MinisterYingluck Shinawatraand Foreign Minister SurapongTovichakchaikul ofThailand. It was extremely good to have the opportunity to discuss the strengthening ...

Book publishing progresses towards modernisation and digitalisation

Wed, 02 May 2012 10:22:00 +0200

At its April plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee adopted a decisive own-initiative opinion on the future of book publishing. As the largest cultural industry in Europe, book publishing is a crucial player in the economic and social development of Europe. It produces a market value of over EUR 40 billion, employs hundreds of thousands of people and enriches Europe’s cultural diversity with half a million new titles per year. As it enters the digital switch, the publishing industry is undergoing a process of modernisation, especially due to digitalisation that carries important consequences.

Sustainable development and green economy: taking the initiative at local level

Wed, 02 May 2012 07:05:00 +0200

By 2050 there will be 9 billion people in the world, who will produce at least 9 billion tonnes of CO2. Already today, we are using 1.3 to 1.4 times the resources of the Earth. In a few weeks time, all eyes will turn to the UN Rio+20 conference for solutions, but what are our citizens and our civil society doing in order to promote resource efficiency and long-term sustainable development? This and other questions were tackled at the Conference "Think Green! The Opportunities of Sustainable Development and of the Green Economy", organised today in Brussels by the Various Interests' Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC). Speakers included EESC President Staffan Nilsson and Luca Jahier, President of the EESC's Various Interests' Group.

Galileo September launch will spur innovation

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 2 May 2012 – Galileo's second launch of 2 satellites is confirmed for 28th September 2012. The resulting 4-satellite mini-constellation will enable testing of the functioning of the vast Galileo infrastructure. ...

Kenya: New EU support to strengthen food security among vulnerable mothers and children

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 02 May 2012 - During his visit to Kenya, EU Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, announced new support to address food security in Kenya, which is often affected by recurrent drought....

Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs in Kenya: press conference speaking points

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/299 Nairobi, 2 May 2012 Introduction Kenya is a very important partner of the European Union. We value our cooperation with the country and the government. This visit comes at a very important time for the Kenyans but also for the region of the ...

President Barroso to meet Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/300 Brussels, 2 May 2012 European Commission President José Manuel Barroso will meet Chinese Vice-Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday, 3 May 2012. The EU-China bilateral relations are growing in breadth and depth through the inclusion of many new key ...

Cecilia Malmström European Commissioner responsible for Home Affairs The European Response to the rising Cyber Threat Transatlantic Cyber Conference organised by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the European Security Roundtable and SRA International Washington, 2 May 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/315 I'd like to thank the organisers, Center for Strategic and International Studies, the European Security Roundtable and SRA International for bringing us all together today. This conference is an excellent way to encourage even closer transatlantic ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Karim Massimov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Press point Brussels, 2 May 2012

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/319 It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Karim Massimov of Kazakhstan to the European Commission. We just had a very productive and open meeting, where we took stock of our bilateral relations....

March 2012 Euro area unemployment rate at 10.9% EU27 at 10.2%

Wed, 02 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/67 2 May 2012 The euro area1 (EA17) seasonally-adjusted2 unemployment rate3 was 10.9% in March 2012, compared with 10.8% in February4. It was 9.9% in March 2011. The EU271 unemployment rate was 10....

Midday Express of 2012-04-30

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:29:00 +0200

EXME 12 /30.04 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Commissioner Piebalgs in Kenya to boost EU response to food insecurity in the region Tomorrow, European Commissioner for Development, ...

Commissioner Piebalgs in Kenya to boost EU response to food insecurity in the region

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 30 April 2012 - Tomorrow, European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, will begin a two-day visit to Kenya during which he will address the issues related to food insecurity in Kenya and in the ...

More humanitarian funding for victims of Pakistan's floods and conflicts

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 30 April 2012 - The European Commission is giving an additional €20 million to assist victims of last year's monsoon floods in Pakistan and people displaced by recent military interventions....

EU development cooperation with Kenya

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/294 Brussels, 30 April 2012 focuses on two main sectors: transport infrastructure and agriculture & rural development. Other areas in which EU funds are used are macroeconomic support, trade and private sector development as well as good governance ...

Remarks by Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Commission Vice President, at the end of her visit to Burma/Myanmar

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/295 Brussels, 30 April 2012 I am extremely satisfied with my visit to Burma/Myanmar. I came here to recognize that all our sanctions with the exception of the arms embargo have been suspended, to open our Office in Yangon and to meet with the ...

Preparation for the Extraordinary Economic and Financial Council of Ministers, 2 May 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/296 Brussels, 30 April 2012 The extraordinary Economic and Financial Council of Ministers will start on Wednesday 2 May at 10.00 hrs. Proposal for a Directive on Capital requirements (CRD IV) On 21 July 2011, the Commission tabled a proposal aimed ...

Cecilia Malmström European Commissioner for Home Affairs Responding to the Arab Spring and rising populism: The challenges of building a European migration and asylum policy Lecture at Harvard University's Minda de Gunzburg Center for European Studies Boston, 30 April 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/312 1. Introduction I am delighted to be here with you and meet such a sophisticated audience to talk about a number of key challenges facing the European Union. I am really impressed by the great attention paid to Europe at Harvard and am especially ...

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Regional Cooperation in the Balkans: time for a new boost EPC Policy Dialogue on Regional Cooperation in the Balkans Brussels, 30 April 2012

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/313 Dear friends, Today's European Policy Centre debate on regional cooperation in the Balkans comes at a crucial juncture for the region and for the structures of regional cooperation. The momentum is positive....

Flash estimate - April 2012 Euro area inflation estimated at 2.6%

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/64 30 April 2012 Euro area1 annual inflation2 is expected to be 2.6% in April 2012 according to a flash estimate issued by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. It was 2.7% in March3....

Quarterly Sector Accounts: fourth quarter of 2011 Household saving rate up to 13.7% in the euro area and to 11.8% in the EU27 Household real disposable income fell by 0.4% in the euro area

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/65 30 April 2012 In the fourth quarter of 2011 compared with the third quarter of 2011, the household saving rate increased while the household investment rate remained almost unchanged in both the euro area (EA17) and the EU27....

Quarterly Sector Accounts: fourth quarter of 2011 Business investment rate down to 20.7% in the euro area and to 20.2% in the EU27 Business profit share at 38.1% and 37.7% respectively

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Stat/12/66 30 April 2012 In the fourth quarter of 2011, compared with the third quarter of 2011, the business investment rate decreased in both the euro area (EA17) and the EU27. In the euro area, the business profit share declined, as wage costs increased ...

HR/VP Catherine Ashton opens the EU office in Burma/Myanmar

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Yangon, Burma/Myanmar, 28 April 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, has today inaugurated the Office of the European Union to Myanmar, ...

Remarks by High Representative / Vice President Catherine Ashton following her meeting with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/292 Yangon, Burma/Myanmar, 28 April 2012 Check against delivery "It is a great privilege and honour to be here. I come because the European Union, the 27 countries I represent, wanted me to be here to send two or three key messages....

Mergers: Commission closes investigation after Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione abandons notified transaction

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:35:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels,27 April 2012 – The Commission has closed an in-depth investigation opened in January 2012 (see IP/12/29 ) into the proposed acquisition of a branch of the Italian state-owned ferry group Tirrenia by Compagnia ...

Sustainable production and consumption – new economic model sought

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:12:00 +0200

Voluntary measures should be supplemented by more binding regulatory measures if Europe is to shift to a green economy based on sustainable production and consumption. Greener fiscal policies and market-based incentives need to be in place to support this transition. These are the key messages of the opinion requested by the Danish presidency, which was adopted by the European Economic and Social Committee at its plenary session today.

EESC opens debate on cohesion policy 2014-2020

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:55:00 +0200

At the 480th plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on 25 April, civil society representatives had the opportunity to examine the Commission's proposal on cohesion policy for 2014-2020. This policy area represents no less than one third of the EU's budget, or EUR 350 billion over seven years.

Dacian Cioloș Member of the European Commission Responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development The participatory LEADER approach is essential to local development LEADER Seminar: Local development strategies and Co-operation: Key Approaches to Local Development Brussels, 27 April 2012.

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:30:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/307 Ladies and gentlemen, Hello and welcome to Brussels for this European Network for Rural Development seminar. The local development approach LEADER is very important to me and plays an important role in the CAP....

Commissioner Štefan Füle met President Nicolae Timofti

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:17:00 +0200

MEMO/12/289 Brussels, 27 April 2012 I had the pleasure to meet today Nicolae Timofti and congratulate him on his recent election as President of the Republic of Moldova. It was a timely, useful and encouraging meeting....

Midday Express of 2012-04-27

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:31:00 +0200

EXME 12 /27.04 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Digital Agenda: Commission opens public consultation on how to reduce the cost of rolling out high speed internet High-speed ...

Fair trial rights: European Commission proposal giving citizens the right to information in criminal proceedings to become law

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Luxembourg, 27 April 2012 - "You have the right to… - a Letter of Rights". Soon this will be the reality for anyone who is arrested or detained anywhere in the European Union....

Digital Agenda: Commission opens public consultation on how to reduce the cost of rolling out high speed internet

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 27 April 2012 – High-speed Internet underpins all sectors of the economy and will be the backbone of the Digital Single Market. For every 10% increase in the broadband penetration the economy grows by 1 to ...

Catherine Ashton visits Burma/Myanmar to open a new chapter in the relationship

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Burma/Myanmar, 27 April 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission,will travel to Burma/Myanmarfrom 28 to 30 April....

Michel Barnier European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Towards better regulation of the shadow banking system Conference on the shadow banking system Brussels , 27 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/310 Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning to each and every one of you, and thank you for joining us at this important conference on the shadow banking system. I should like to extend special thanks to all the members of the panel for their participation ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Speech by President Barroso: "Skills for growth" European Business Summit Brussels, 26 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:58:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/308 President Thumann, Distinguished guests, Minister President of Flanders, Ambassadors, Members of the business community, Ladies and gentlemen, Dear friends, As others have mentioned this is the 10th edition of the European Business summit, ...

Joint statement following the working breakfast between European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:46:00 +0200

MEMO/12/288 Brussels, 27 April 2012 "Our discussion this morning focused on the current economic situation in Europe and in the euro area in particular. We face significant challenges in terms of growth and high unemployment....

Commissioner Georgieva condemns killing of first-aid volunteer in Syria

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:43:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 27 April 2012 - The Syrian government must guarantee the safety of humanitarian aid workers and grant unfettered access to conflict zones within the country, Commissioner Georgieva said today....

Minister for European Affairs had UV rays on the menu

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:05:00 +0200

Information from the Spokeswoman of the European Commission following the phone call between President Barroso and the Prime Minister of China Wen Jiabao

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:56:00 +0200

MEMO/12/286 Brussels, 26 April 2012 "Prime-Minister Wen Jiabao called President Barroso for an exchange on issues of mutual interest. Prime-Minister Wen informed President Barroso of the results achieved in his most recent European tour that took him ...

Background - ACTA before the European Parliament

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:37:00 +0200

The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is being debated in the European Parliament's International Trade Committee, which will make a formal recommendation to Parliament as a whole on whether or not to approve it. Parliament cannot amend the agreement, but only approve or reject it. If it does not give its consent, then the agreement falls as far as the EU is concerned.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Agenda - The Week Ahead 30 April - 6 May

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:02:00 +0200

External Parliamentary Activities Week

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Speech Vítor Constâncio: Shadow banking – The ECB perspective

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Press release Report on the results of the survey on the access to finance of SMEs in the euro area – October 2011 to March 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EIB submits SEC Form 18-K

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has submitted its Form 18-K SEC. To view the document, please go to www.sec.gov . The 18-K has also been posted on the EIB website at the following location: http://www.eib.org/investor_relations/publications/2011-eib-annual-18-k-report.htm Hard copies of the 18-K may be ordered via this website location.

Top News from the European Commission 28 April – 26 May 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

AGENDA/12/16 Brussels, Friday 27 April 2012 Background notes from the Spokespersons' service for journalists. The European Commission reserves the right to make changes. Monday 7 May to Tuesday 8 May: Informal Roundtable – Follow-up to the Durban climate ...

CALENDRIER du 30 avril au 6 mai 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

CLDR/12/16 Bruxelles, le 27 avril 2012 (Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine) Activités des Institutions Déplacements et visites Lundi 30 avril Ms Catherine ASHTON travels to Burma/Myanmar: meets with Mr U THEIN SEIN, President of Burma, followed ...

Statement by Vice-President Rehn on the budgetary agreement reached in the Netherlands

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/290 Brussels, 27 April 2012 "We welcome the budgetary agreement reached with broad consensus in The Netherlands. It sends a strong signal of commitment to keep Dutch public finances on a strong and sustainable footing with a view to securing the ...

Algirdas Šemeta EU Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud Tax challenges and opportunities in an ever-closer Union CEPS Conference on Taxation 2012 Brussels, 27 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/309 Ladies and Gentlemen, First of all, let me thank you for the invitation and the chance to open today’s conference in front of such a distinguished audience. I had the opportunity last year to present to you our main initiatives....

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Nicolae Timofti, President of Moldova Press point Brussels, 27 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/311 Good morning ladies and gentlemen, It is a pleasure to welcome President Nicolae Timofti of Moldova to the European Commission today. I congratulated President Timofti for his recent election and commended his strong commitment to Moldova's ...

Brussels, 26 April 2012 Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the abolition of the death penalty in the US State of Connecticut

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

EUROPEAN UNION EN Brussels, 26 April 2012 9277/1/12 REV 1 PRESSE 179 Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the abolition of the death penalty intheUSState of Connecticut The European Union warmly welcomes the signing ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Speech by President Barroso: "A EU-US partnership for growth and jobs" AECA Brussels, 26 April 2012

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/305 Ambassadors, Ladies and gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here and to share with such a distinguished audience some views on the EU-US relationship, in particular in the context of the growth and jobs initiative that was launched in November ...

EU € 2.7 billion 10-year bond for Portugal strongly oversubscribed

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:57:00 +0200

MEMO/12/284 Brussels, 26 April 2012 The European Union (EU) today issued a € 2.7 billion benchmark bond with 10 years maturity, seeing strong and widespread investor demand with books almost three times oversubscribed....

EU-Lebanon: Increased support for reforms

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:43:00 +0200

MEMO/12/285 Brussels, 26 April 2012 Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with the Prime Minister of Lebanon Najib Mikati in Brussels today. "We have discussed Lebanon´s reform efforts and the EU´s assistance based ...

EU nuclear Stress tests: Technical report and additional plant visits agreed

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:28:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 26 April 2012 - EU Commissioner Günther Oettinger and Andrej Stritar, Chairperson of ENSREG, the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group, welcomed today's adoption of the ENSREG stress test report and the ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Najib Mikati, Prime Minister of Lebanon Press point Brussels, 26 April 2012

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:06:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/306 Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon to the European Commission today. We had a very good conversation, very open and frank, very constructive and very sincere....

HRVP Catherine Ashton meets the Foreign Minister of Indonesia

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:51:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brunei, 26 April 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, met with the Foreign Minister of Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa, today in the margins ...

HRVP Catherine Ashton met with the Foreign Minister of Vietnam

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:47:00 +0200

Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:38:00 +0200

MEMO/12/283 Brussels, 26 April 2012 Staff teams from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Dublin during April 17-26 for the regular quarterly review of the government’s economic programme. ...

EESC determined to defend the European agricultural model

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:16:00 +0200

At its April plenary session, the EESC endorsed an opinion on the "CAP towards 2020". The EESC, which counts farmers among its members, calls for sufficient financial resources, a bridging of the gap between Member States, more flexibility between pillars and a strengthening of the position of producer organisations and cooperatives.

Press release - Financial markets should be organised, transparent and fair for investors - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:28:00 +0200

Investor protection, better organisation of markets, new trading platforms and algorithmic trading emerged as the key issues for MEPs in draft financial market legislation discussed in the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee on Wednesday.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Midday Express of 2012-04-26

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:14:00 +0200

EXME 12 /26.04 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne April 2012: Economic sentiment flat in the EU and down in the euro area The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) remained stable ...

The EU and Brunei to launch negotiations on PCA

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:03:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release The EU and Brunei to launch negotiations on PCA Brussels, 26 April 2012 - Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission, had an audience with His Majesty ...

EESC determined to defend the European agricultural model