EUROPA - Newsroom - Latest press releases and statements

Midday Express of 2013-06-19

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:04:00 +0200

EXME 13 / 19.06 DAILY NEWS 19 / 06 / 13 Commission calls for a new consensus on growth The European Commission has called for the next European Council to agree on practical measures to get Europe growing again, focused on youth employment and financing for SMEs.

European ports: Europe-wide social dialogue between port workers and employers

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 European The European Commission welcomes the new social dialogue committee in the port sector launched today with port authorities, terminal operators, dockers and other port workers across the EU.

Commission calls for a new consensus to get the economy growing again

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 Commission Youth Employment and Financing SMEs on the table for the next European Council At the end of the weekly meeting of the Commission which was largely focused on the end June European Council meeting, President Barroso said, "Europe is doing a lot...

Council of Employment, Social Policy and Health Ministers, 20-21 June 2013, Luxembourg

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 June 2013 The EU's Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Ministers will meet to discuss employment, social policy and health on 20-21 June in Luxembourg under the Irish Presidency chairmanship of Joan Burton, Minister for Social Protection, Richard Bruton, Minister for...

State aid: Commission approves French proposal for a parafiscal levy on online horse-race betting

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 The European Commission has approved a French proposal for a parafiscal levy on online horse-race betting to finance horse‑racing companies. The changes made to the proposal by the French authorities after the opening of the Commission investigation ensure fair competition between horse‑race...

State aid: Commission opens in-depth inquiry into State measure in favour of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to verify whether a public support measure granted in 2012 by Sweden and Denmark to Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is in line with EU state aid rules.

State aid: Terrestrial digital platform operators in Spain must pay back incompatible subsidies

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 The European Commission has concluded that a Spanish €260 million scheme to finance the digitisation and extension of the terrestrial television network in remote areas of Spain was incompatible with EU State aid rules.

State aid: Commission approves changes to restructuring plan of Croatian shipyard 3.Maj

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 The European Commission has authorised under EU state aid rules an amendment to the restructuring plan for 3.Maj, one of the Croatian shipyards in difficulty. The Commission concluded that any distortion of competition that may arise from the modest increase in the...

State aid: Commission finds privatisation of ANA – Aeroportos de Portugal does not involve state aid

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2012 The European Commission has concluded that the privatisation of ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal, S.A. was carried out on market terms and therefore did not involve any state aid in the meaning of EU rules.

Les politiques agricoles face aux défis de la sécurité alimentaire et du changement climatique

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:43:00 +0200

Commission européenne Dacian Cioloș Membre de la Commission Européenne, chargé de l'Agriculture et du Développement rural La 25ème session de l'Assemblée parlementaire paritaire Afrique Caraïbes Pacifique (ACP) - Union européenne/Bruxelles 18 juin 2013 Mesdames, Messieurs, Je me réjouis du dialogue intensif entre l'UE et les pays ACP.

Antitrust: Commission fines Lundbeck and other pharma companies for delaying market entry of generic medicines

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:30:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2013 The European Commission has imposed a fine of € 93,8 million on Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck and fines totalling € 52,2 million on several producers of generic medicines.

Audition à l'Assemblée nationale

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:21:00 +0200

European Commission Olli REHN Vice-President de la Commission Européenne et membre de la Commission responsable pour les Affaires Economiques et Monétaires et l'euro Assemblée Nationale - Paris 18 June 2013 Mesdames et Monsieur les Présidents des commissions parlementaires, Mesdames et Messieurs les Députés, Je vous remercie de votre invitation.

First estimates for 2012 GDP per capita in the Member States ranged from 47% to 271% of the EU27 average in 2012

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

19 June 2013 Based on first preliminary estimates for 20121, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita expressed in Purchasing Power Standards2 (PPS) varied from 47% to 271% of the EU27 average across the Member States. The highest level of GDP per capita in the EU27 was recorded in Luxembourg3 with...

April 2013 compared with March 2013 Euro area production in construction up by 2.0% Up by 0.9% in EU27

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

19 June 2013 In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production1 rose by 2.0% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 0.9% in the EU272 in April 2013, compared with the previous month, according to first estimates released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

Speech: Keynote speech by Olli Rehn at the Brussels Economic Forum

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:47:00 +0200

European Commission Olli REHN Vice-President of the European Commission and member of the Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Speech: Brussels Economic Forum 2013 19 June 2013 Distinguished speakers, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me welcome you to the 2013 edition of the Brussels Economic Forum.

Digital Agenda Assembly to focus on digital skills, entrepreneurship and growth

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:33:00 +0200

With 600 participants from across Europe, the Digital Assembly is the largest, and final, Dublin event of the Irish Presidency of the EU.

Déclaration de Catherine Ashton, Haute Représentante de l'UE, sur la signature d'un accord de paix préliminaire au Mali

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

BACKGROUND BRIEFING (21.06, 10.30am) - FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting - Luxembourg, 24 June 2013

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

LAST-MINUTE ACCREDITATION : European Council - Brussels, 27-28 June 2013

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Montenegro: need to deal with accumulating domestic challenges

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:55:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 June 2013 Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle met with Prime Minister of Montenegro Milo Djukanović in Brussels today. The main focus of their discussions was the political situation in the country and progress in accession negotiations.

Press release - Supporting artistic and cultural creation in the EU - Committee on Culture and Education

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:31:00 +0200

Music and architecture, video games, crafts, design and fashion offer considerable growth potential which the EU should support and exploit, says a draft resolution voted by the Culture Committee on Tuesday. It calls for a stronger partnership with universities to equip young people with the requisite skills. It also advocates creating a social status to counter the precarity of many professionals in these fields.
Committee on Culture and Education

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

Press release - Election of the new EU Ombudsman: Members hear candidates - Committee on Petitions

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:09:00 +0200

Members asked the six candidates for the post of European Ombudsman what they could offer by way of independence, visibility and transparency, in a series of public hearings held by the Petitions Committee on Tuesday. The new Ombudsman will be elected by the full Parliament in July.
Committee on Petitions

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

International Labour Organization (ILO) and EU-Presidency welcome moves to ensure decent work for domestic workers

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:41:00 +0200

An informal meeting of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs took place alongside the 102nd International Labour Conference in Geneva today. At this meeting, jointly organized by the ILO and the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, participating Ministers agreed the importance of actions in support of Convention 189 on improving the working conditions of Domestic Workers.

Minister Creighton visits Kosovo to support its EU aspirations

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:30:00 +0200

The Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, is on an official visit to Kosovo today (Tuesday). Minister Creighton aims to progress the prospects for an agreement on opening negotiations on an EU Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with Kosovo at the June European Council and before the end of the Irish EU Presidency. This afternoon the Minister met the Foreign Minister, Enver Hoxhaj where they discussed the progress on implementation of the historic agreement with Serbia in April.

Joint statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy after the G8 Summit in Lough Erne (UK), 17-18 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:09:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Lough Erne, 18 June 2013 European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy represented the European Union at this year's G8 summit chaired by UK Prime Minister Cameron in Lough Erne.

Launch of report on improving the quality of teaching and learning in Europe's higher education institutions

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:47:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 June 2013 Remarks by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and Mary McAleese, chair, High-Level Group on the Modernisation of Higher Education at launch press conference (see IP/13/554) Commissioner Vassiliou: Today, the High-Level Group on Higher Education which I convened last...

Press release - Trade Committee chair Moreira welcomes launch of EU-US Trade talks

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:01:00 +0200

General : "The European Parliament clearly welcomes the launch of trade negotiations with the US and will monitor closely the entire process, which should be as transparent as possible", said the European Parliament's International Trade Committee chair Vital Moreira (S&D, PT) on Friday, following today's EU Trade Council decision to grant EU negotiators a mandate to proceed with the talks.

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

Press release - Financial Transaction Tax: MEPs push wide scope and attention to pension funds

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:41:00 +0200

General : The Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee stood by its guns on Tuesday in supporting the Commission's proposal for a wide-scope financial transaction tax, with stocks and bond trades taxed at 0.1% and derivatives trades taxed at 0.01% in 11 EU countries. The committee proposed lower rates until January 2017 for trades in sovereign bonds and the pension fund industry's trades. A new legal ownership principle was also inserted to make tax avoidance more costly.

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

Adapting to Climate Change and Rio+20/Post-2015 Development Agenda follow-up are the main focus of final Environment Council

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:20:00 +0200

Ministers also address ILUC; Post-2015 Development agenda; Environment Impact Assessment; F-Gases and Access and Benefit Sharing.

Press release - Country-specific recommendations: yes to breathing space, no to austerity theory - Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs - Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:43:00 +0200

The extra economic reform "breathing space" granted to enable EU countries to meet deficit-cutting requirements and boost growth was welcomed by MEPs in Monday's joint economic affairs and employment committee debate with Commissioners Olli Rehn and László Andor. MEPs also criticized the analysis and economic theories underlying austerity recommendations.
Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

Presidency seeking agreement with European Parliament on €960 billion EU budget

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:50:00 +0200

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, travels to Brussels this afternoon for final stage talks aimed at securing agreement with the European Parliament on the EU’s 7 year €960 billion budget.

EU drugs and maritime agencies open their doors to the public on inauguration of Praça Europa

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:34:00 +0200

Statement by EU Trade Spokesman on the upcoming EU-China Joint Committee

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:16:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 June 2013 "I can confirm that EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht will travel to Beijing this Friday for the annual EU-Joint Committee with Chinese Minister of Commerce Gao Hucheng. Furthermore, I can clarify that both sides have together agreed on the Joint Committee's agenda...

Stricter rules for credit rating agencies to enter into force

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 June 2013 As of 20 June, credit rating agencies (CRAs) will have to follow stricter rules which will make them more accountable for their actions. The new rules also aim to reduce over-reliance on credit ratings while at the same time improving the quality...

EU signs new agreement to boost agriculture and promotes access to energy in Zambia

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 June 2013 European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs, is about to sign a new agreement to support smallholder farmers and promote agricultural conservation in Zambia, during his first ever visit to the country (18-20 June).

The EU's free trade agreements – where are we?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 June 2013 Over the next two years, 90% of world demand will be generated outside the EU. That is why it is a key priority for the EU to open up more market opportunities for European business by negotiating new Free Trade Agreements with key...

New rules on credit rating agencies (CRAs) enter into force – frequently asked questions

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 18 June 2013 I. GENERAL CONTEXT AND APPLICABLE LAW 1. What is a credit rating? A credit rating is an opinion issued by a specialised firm on the creditworthiness of an entity (e.g. an issuer of bonds) or a debt instrument (e.g. bonds or asset-backed securities).

Midday Express of 2013-06-18

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

EXME 13 / 18.06 DAILY NEWS 18/ 06 / 13 Stricter rules for credit rating agencies to enter into force Just one and a half years after the Commission made its proposal, new rules on credit rating agencies will enter into force.

"Aktivity EK v oblasti vedy, výskumu a inovácií a odporúčania pre Slovensko"

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Zodpovedný za medziinštitucionálne vzťahy a administratívu (European Commission´s activities in the field of research and innovation and recommendations for Slovakia) Conference on innovation and industry "How to make a business from results of science. Bratislava, 18.

"Fondy EÚ: Investícia do budúcnosti"(EU Funds: Investment for the future)

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Zodpovedný za medziinštitucionálne vzťahy a administratívu EU 2020 Conference 'EU Funds: Investment for the future' in Bratislava. Bratislava, 18. jún 2013 Vážený pán predseda vlády, vážení páni ministri, dámy a páni, vážení hostia, som veľmi rád, že v spolupráci s Americkou obchodnou komorou sa nám dnes podarilo...

EU high level group: train the professors to teach

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:55:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 June 2013 The EU high-level group on modernisation of higher education publishes its first report today on improving the quality of teaching and learning in universities. The group, chaired by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese, makes 16 recommendations (see Annex 1) which include...

Press release - Smart tachographs: Transport and Tourism Committee approves user rules - Committee on Transport and Tourism

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:23:00 +0200

User rules for new "smart" digital tachographs for trucks and buses were approved by the Transport and Tourism Committee on Tuesday. These devices will use satellite tracking technology to make it easier to check and enforce driving and rest times, whilst reducing the number of roadside checks. The rules now need to be approved by Parliament as a whole and the Council of Ministers.
Committee on Transport and Tourism

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

Speech: Unleashing the potential of rail in the EU

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:15:00 +0200

European Commission Siim KALLAS Vice-President of the European Commission Speech: CER 25th anniversary, Brussels 17 June 2013 Ladies and gentlemen, Many thanks for inviting me to your 25th anniversary event this evening. It is a pleasure to be back with you again.

Asylum decisions in the EU27 EU Member States granted protection to more than 100 000 asylum seekers in 2012

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

18 June 2013 The EU27 Member States granted protection to 102 700 asylum seekers in 2012, compared with 84 300 in 2011. In 2012, the highest number of persons granted protection status was registered in Germany (22 200), followed by Sweden (15 300), the United Kingdom (14 600) and France...

CoR President Valcarcel promotes enhanced synergies with Israeli cities

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:20:00 +0200

Press Release The EU's Assembly of Regional and Local Representatives Brussels, 18 June 2013 Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, President of the EU Committee of the Regions (CoR) and co-President of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), met yesterday in Tel Aviv with Israeli's Mayors from the Union of Local...

Press release - Louis Michel: Mali presidential elections key to "restoring legitimacy"

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:01:00 +0200

General : "Holding presidential elections in Mali on 28 July is the only way to restore legitimacy there' said ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Co-President in Brussels on Monday, at the opening of its 25th session. When the UN mission is deployed in Mali in July, replacing most French troops there, "it should take care to avoid a security vacuum at all costs", he added.

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

73/2013 : 18 June 2013 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-681/11

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:51:00 +0200

Schenker and Others
Competition
Legal advice given by a law firm or a decision of a national competition authority does not exempt an undertaking from anti-competitive conduct or from imposition of a fine

EU Support for Governance in Egypt – “well-intentioned but ineffective”, say EU Auditors

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:25:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS PRESS RELEASE Luxembourg, 18 June 2013 A report published by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) is highly critical of EU aid spending to promote key areas of governance in Egypt in the periods before and after the Uprising of January 2011.

Joint press statement by the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy after their meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe in the margins of the G8 Summit

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:14:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Lough Erne, 17 June 2013 We are pleased to have had the opportunity to meet Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the margins of the G8 Summit at Lough Erne. It was our first meeting. We discussed the relations between the European Union and Japan.

2013 Lough Erne G8 Leaders' Communique

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

EU-Colombia Human Rights Dialogue - 8th session, Brussels, 17 June 2013 - Joint Statement

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Indicative programme - 3246th Council meeting - ENVIRONMENT - Luxembourg, 18 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following her visit to Iraq

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the deadly attack on a UNISFA peacekeeper in Southern Kordofan

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Conclusions on an EU strategy on adaptation to climate change

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

INDICATIVE MEDIA PROGRAMME: EUROPEAN COUNCIL - Brussels, 27-28 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

PRESS RELEASE (provisional version) - 3246th Council meeting - ENVIRONMENT - Luxembourg, 18 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Joint statement by European Council President Van Rompuy and European Commission President Barroso after the G8 Summit in Lough Erne (UK) on 17-18 June 2013

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Mario Draghi: Opening remarks at the session “Rethinking the Limitations of Monetary Policy”

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by President Barroso on the EU-US trade agreement with U.S. President Barack Obama, the President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and UK Prime Minister David Cameron

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:44:00 +0200

European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission G8 Summit press conference/Lough Erne 17 June 2013 Today is a special day for the relationship between the European Union and the United States.

Irish Presidency hosts major European conference on the rights of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:30:00 +0200

The LGBT Youth and Social Inclusion Conference was developed following the findings from a Europe-wide consultation with young people under the Irish EU Presidency which identified LGBT youth as one of the most socially excluded groups in Europe.

Minister Howlin to Address Major Conference on EU Cohesion Policy

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:30:00 +0200

Mr Brendan Howlin T.D., Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform will give the keynote address at the Border, Midland and Western and Southern and Eastern Regional Assemblies Joint Annual Conference to be held at the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan, Dublin on Wednesday 19th June 2013.

EU and Mediterranean local representatives debate sustainable urban mobility and water management in Bethlehem

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:27:00 +0200

Press Release The EU's Assembly of Regional and Local Representatives Brussels, 17 June 2013 EU and EU and Members of the Commission for Sustainable Development (SUDEV) of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) met for the first time in Bethlehem on 15 June to debate sustainable urban mobility and...

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Stefan Füle on the parliamentary elections in Albania on 23 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:59:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 June 2013 "The parliamentary elections in Albania on 23 June represent a crucial test for the country's democratic institutions and its progress towards the European Union. We continue to monitor closely the preparations of the elections stressing the need to hold them in line with...

Minister for European Affairs meets Serbian Prime Minister to discuss EU accession

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:38:00 +0200

The Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, met the Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dacic today (Monday). The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the implementation of the April agreement on the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.

Speech: Making Europe’s roads safer: the way ahead

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:36:00 +0200

European Commission Siim KALLAS Vice-President of the European Commission Speech: ETSC Road Safety PIN Conference / Brussels 17 June 2013 Minister, ladies and gentlemen I am delighted to be with you again to present this year’s Road Safety PIN Award.

Statement by President Barroso at the G8 Pre-Summit press conference

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:32:00 +0200

European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Press conference/Lough Erne 17 June 2013 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, The European Union is coming to this summit to promote a fairer world. Fairness at home in the G8 countries. And fairness for people right around the globe.

Final Environment meeting to tackle ILUC, climate change and post-2015 development goals

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:00:00 +0200

President of the Environment Council and Ireland’s Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan T.D., will chair the meeting of the EU Council (Environment) in Luxembourg tomorrow, during which EU Ministers for the Environment will discuss a range of important issues.

Minister Bruton briefs EU Parliament on Friday’s historic agreement on EU/US Trade

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:00:00 +0200

EU Trade Council on Friday reached agreement on mandate to start talks on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

Speech - On the need to support concrete projects for the success of Union for Mediterranean

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:32:00 +0200

European Commission Štefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Speech - Union for the Mediterranean Secretariat/ Barcelona, Spain 17 June 2013 Dear Ministers, dear Secretary General, Dear Vice President of the European Investment Bank, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to be here again in Barcelona speaking...

Irish Presidency reaches breakthrough on new proposals for safer and more open financial markets

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:15:00 +0200

The Irish Presidency has today reached a breakthrough among member states on new rules to make financial markets more efficient, resilient and transparent, and to strengthen the protection of investors.

Speech: Commission improves efficiency and effectiveness of public employment services

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:50:00 +0200

EuropeanSpeech:László ANDOR European Commissioner responsible for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Commission Press Conference/Brussels, 17 June 2013 The Member States' public employment services have a crucial role to play in helping the 26 million unemployed in Europe to get a job.

Midday Express of 2013-06-17

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:10:00 +0200

EXME 13 / 17.06 DAILY NEWS 17 / 06 / 13 European Union at the G8 summit in Lough Erne, UK Promoting global fairness and boosting sustainable growth, jobs and development will be at the heart for the EU at the G8 summit, which starts today.

Credible cyber security strategy in the EU needs to be built on privacy and trust

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

PRESS RELEASE Brussels, 17 June 2013 Cyber security is not an excuse for the unlimited monitoring and analysis of the personal information of individuals, said the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) today following the publication of his opinion on the EU's strategy on cyber security.

Commission report calls for forward-looking policies on migration

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Press release Brussels, 17 June 2013 Commission How are the EU and its Member States addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration? Analysing the 2012 and early 2013 developments in the areas of immigration and asylum, a Commission report published today calls for a more coherent EU response.

Speak Up!2 conference on media freedom in the Western Balkans and Turkey

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 June 2013 To assess the challenges faced by the media in the countries of the Western Balkans and Turkey, the European Commission is organising a second SpeakUp! conference on 20 June in Brussels.

More help for victims of Sahel crisis: European Commission increases humanitarian aid

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 June 2013 The European Commission is responding to growing humanitarian needs in the Sahel region of Africa by increasing its support with an additional €69 million. The new funds will provide food assistance, clean water and access to basic health services to women and...

Employment: Commission proposes to help jobless by improving efficiency of public employment services

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 June 2013 Member States' public employment services have a crucial role to play in helping the 26 million unemployed in Europe to get a job. This is why the European Commission has proposed a Decision to help public employment services to maximise their effectiveness...

A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Canada

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 June 2013 The EU and Canada are currently negotiating the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in order to take their trade and investment relationship to a new level. This EU-Canada FTA will cover the key issues relevant to a modern trade and investment environment,...

A Free Trade Agreement between the EU and Japan

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 June 2013 The EU and Japan are pushing ahead with their negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The aim is for a comprehensive agreement in goods, services and investment eliminating tariffs, non-tariff barriers and covering other trade-related issues, such as public procurement, regulatory issues,...

Preparation Environment Council, 18 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 17 June 2013 The final Environment Council under the Irish Presidency will be held in Luxembourg on 18 June. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik and Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard will represent the European Commission.

UfM: new support for facilitating trade with the South Mediterranean

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:44:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 June 2013 On the occasion of his third visit to the Secretariat of the Union for the Mediterranean, Commissioner Füle has announced new support for a programme for the South Mediterranean region. Called “Logismed Training Activities”, the programme has been launched today in Barcelona.

First quarter of 2013 Annual growth in hourly labour costs rose to 1.6% in euro area and to 1.9% in EU27

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

17 June 2013 Hourly labour costs1 in the euro area2 (EA17) rose by 1.6% in the year up to the first quarter of 2013, compared with 1.3% for the fourth quarter of 20123. In the EU272, the annual rise was 1.9% up to the first quarter of 2013, compared with...

April 2013 Euro area international trade in goods surplus 14.9 bn euro 9.2 bn euro surplus for EU27

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

17 June 2013 The first estimate for the euro area1 (EA17) trade in goods balance with the rest of the world in April 2013 gave a 14.9 billion euro surplus, compared with +3.3 bn in April 2012. The March 20132 balance was +22.5 bn, compared with +6.9 bn in March...

Speech: Building a connected, communicating single market

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:41:00 +0200

European Commission Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Speech: Public hearing: A Single Telecom Market for Growth and Jobs in Europe/ Brussels 17 June 2013 To add your comment to this speech, see the social version of the speech here Today we stand on...

Speech: Digital Agenda Priorities

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:05:00 +0200

European Commission Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Digital Agenda Priorities Giving a boost to the EU-US relations in the field of ICT – American Chamber of Commerce EU conference/ Brussels 17 June 2013 To add your comment to this speech, see the social...

Unlocking the Potential of Online Digital Cultural Content

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 06:30:00 +0200

Would you like to relive the Cattle Raid of Cooley as an interactive simulation game? Watch Caravaggio painting The Taking of Christ on your mobile, while standing in front of the painting in the National Gallery?

Agenda - Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council meeting - Luxembourg, 20 and 21 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Technical briefing (19.6.2013, 11.00) ahead of the Eurogroup meeting in Luxembourg, 20 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Background briefing (19.6.2013, 13.30) on Economic and Financial Affairs Council meeting - Luxembourg, 21 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Background briefing (19.6.2013, 13.30) on General Affairs Council meeting - Luxembourg, 25 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Background note - EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL POLICY, HEALTH and CONSUMER AFFAIRS Council meeting - Luxembourg, 20-21 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Markets in financial instruments: Council sets out its position

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the next meeting in the framework of the EU-facilitated dialogue

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy ahead of the G8 summit in Lough Erne

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the parliamentary elections in Albania on 23 June 2013

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Remarks by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy on the occasion of the launch of the EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

High Representative Catherine Ashton visits Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt, Israel and Palestine

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Joint press statement by President Herman Van Rompuy and President José Manuel Barroso after their meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the margins of the G8 Summit

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Yves Mersch: The European Central Bank’s role in overcoming the Crisis

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Speech Jörg Asmussen: Ausblick auf eine europäische Bankenunion

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

European Medicines Agency’s Management Board endorses revised EMA Code of Conduct

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

At its meeting held on 13 June 2013, the European Medicines Agency?s (EMA) Management Board adopted the revised EMA Code of Conduct, which aims to ensure that the Agency maintains the highest professional standards of integrity, transparency and independence.

Speech - European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:00:00 +0200

European Commission Androulla VASSILIOU Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth European Speech - European European Heritage Awards Ceremony/Athens, Odeion of Herodes Atticus 16 June 2013 Your excellence Mr President of the Republic, Your Royal Highness, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen It is a great...

EU Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards: 2013 public choice and Grand Prix winners announced

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:59:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels / Athens, 16 June 2013 The winners of the 2013 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards will be honoured this evening at a ceremony in Athens in the presence of Karolos Papoulias, the President of Greece, Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for...

Frequently Asked Questions: European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/ Europa Nostra Awards

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:59:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 June 2013 When was the Prize launched and why? The European Commission has supported the EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards since 2002 through the Culture Programme.

Radicalisation is an issue that all of us must face together - Minister Shatter

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 12:11:00 +0200

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, writes about combating radicalisation.

Statement by José Manuel BARROSO, President of the European Commission, on the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:09:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 15 June 2013 Following the agreement by EU Member States on a mandate for EU-US trade and investment negotiations, José Manuel BARROSO, President of the European Commission, made the following statement by video: "I am delighted we have a mandate to negotiate an agreement on trade...

Speaking Points of President Barroso at the press conference with the Prime Minister of Italy, Mr Enrico Letta

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 21:02:00 +0200

European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Rome 15 June 2013 Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank Prime Minister Letta for his friendly and warm welcome. In fact, it's our second meeting in the past two months; we are going to see...

EU receives FAO's award for work in food security

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:46:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 15 June 2013 The European Union received today the first ever Jacques Diouf award from the UN’s Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO), in recognition of its pioneering work on the EU Food Facility, which has so far improved the lives of more than 59 million...

Speech by President Barroso at the acceptance of the FAO "Jacques Diouf Award" for food security

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:41:00 +0200

European Commission José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission FAO "Jacques Diouf Award" for food security/Rome 15 June 2013 It is an honour for me to accept the first Jacques Diouf Award on behalf of the European Commission.

Audience privée du Président de la Commission européenne avec le Pape François

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:31:00 +0200

Commission européenne MEMO Bruxelles, 15 juin 2013 Le Président a été très honoré de cette audience privée avec le Saint Père qui lui a offert l'occasion d'évoquer les grands problèmes de société et notamment la crise actuelle et le sort des jeunes tout en exposant au Pape François l'évolution de...

Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership: Commissioner Karel De Gucht welcomes Member States’ green light to start negotiations

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:35:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht stated: “I am delighted that the Council has today decided to give the European Commission 'the green light' to start trade and investment negotiations with the United States.

Member States endorse EU-US trade and investment negotiations

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:29:00 +0200

European Commission Memo Brussels, 14 June 2013 Today's Council decision on negotiating directives (“mandate”) gives the green light to the European Commission to enter into formal bilateral trade negotiations with the United States of America.

Council approves launch of trade and investment negotiations with the United States

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Press release - 3245th FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Trade) Council meeting (provisional version) - Luxembourg, 14 June 2013

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the Iranian election

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0200

Minister Bruton secures historic mandate to start EU-US trade talks

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 22:20:00 +0200

Potential for 400,000 new jobs and boost to EU GDP of 0.5%

Environment: Bristol European Green Capital 2015

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 21:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 The UK city of Bristol has won the European Green Capital Award for 2015. The award was presented by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at a ceremony in Nantes, France, which currently holds the title, on Friday evening.

Commission welcomes EIOPA report on Long-Term Guarantee Assessment for insurance sector

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 +0200

European Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 Commission The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) today published a report assessing a possible package of measures to facilitate the provision of insurance products with long-term guarantees under the new Solvency II insurance regulatory regime.

Statement following the meeting between President Barroso and the Prime Minster of Moldova, Iurie Leanca

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:22:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 The President met today the new Prime-Minister of Moldova Iurie Leanca, in his first visit abroad after having assumed his current functions. They have discussed the situation in the country and the importance of political consensus among the major parties to pursue the...

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Central European Media Enterprises by Time Warner

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:20:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Central European Media Enterprises ("CME"), based in Bermuda, by Time Warner of the United States.

European commissioner Dacian Cioloş met in Brussels with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Iurie Leancă

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:17:00 +0200

Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 European The European commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian Cioloş, has had a meeting today with Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova, Iurie Leancă, at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels.

Statement by EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard on the conclusion of the climate change talks in Bonn

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:01:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Bonn, 14 June 2013 “I'm pleased that the EU's suggestions for encouraging Parties to make ambitious commitments under the 2015 agreement have gained traction in the discussions, and the great strides the EU has made in reducing our own emissions already have certainly helped with this.

Speech: EU and U.S. will set a Transatlantic group of experts to discuss the U.S. programmes more in details

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:58:00 +0200

European Commission Cecilia Malmström EU Commissioner for Home Affairs EU Speech: EU Press Conference, EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial /Dublin 14 June 2013 Let me first thank the Irish Presidency for the organisation of this event. The EU-U.S.

PRISM scandal: The data protection rights of EU citizens are non-negotiable

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:58:00 +0200

European Commission Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Conference, EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial /Dublin 14 June 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, As you know, earlier this week I sent a series of very detailed questions to Attorney General Holder about the media...

Regional policy Commissioner Hahn opens top research project ELI - to give Europe the edge on laser technology and reverse the brain drain

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:58:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 Work began today on what will be the most important pan European research project in the newer EU member states. Commissioner Johannes Hahn is in Magurele, Romania to attend the inauguration of the project which has been co-financed with EU regional funds of...

Press points by Commissioner Štefan Füle following his meeting with Iurie Leancă Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldova

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:22:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 ''This was my first meeting with Iurie Leanca in his new capacity as Moldovan Prime Minister I have wished him good luck. He has a challenging task. I appreciate that Prime Minister´s first trip abroad led to Brussels.

High Representative Catherine Ashton appoints 12 new Heads of EU Delegations

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:09:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, announced today the appointment of twelve new Heads of EU Delegations. Gordon Kricke has been appointed Head of the EU Delegation to Angola.

EU and US strengthen dialogue on victims’ rights at high level bilateral meeting

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:03:00 +0200

European concerns on data protection also discussed

Top News from the European Commission 15 June – 12 July 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Brussels, Friday 14 June 2013 Top News Background notes from the Spokesperson’s service for journalists The European Commission reserves the right to make changes Monday 17 June: Commission to propose network of Public Employment Services to boost job creation 2 Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 June: G8 summit...

CALENDRIER du 17 au 23 juin 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

Commission européenne Bruxelles, le 14 juin 2013 (Susceptible de modifications en cours de semaine) Activités des Institutions Déplacements et visites Lundi 17 juin Mr José Manuel Durão BARROSO attends the G8 summit in Northern Ireland (17-18/6) Ms Catherine ASHTON travels to the Middle East (16-20/6) Mr Siim KALLAS delivers a...

Commissioner Hahn hails opening of ‘New Europe Bridge’ as a potent symbol of European Cooperation

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 The EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn will today mark an historic moment between Bulgaria and Romania, and the neighbouring regions of Vidin and Calafat, when he attends the inaugural opening of a bridge linking the two countries.

Commission launches the 2013 EU Health Prize for Journalists

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 Commission Today, the virtual doors swing open to journalists from across the EU wishing to participate in the annual EU Health Prize for Journalists. Winners can pick up EU-wide recognition and cash prizes for excellence in health journalism, by submitting their articles on...

The European Union at the G8 summit in Lough Erne (UK) on 17-18 June 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 This year's G8 summit will take place in Lough Erne in Northern Ireland and will be chaired by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The European Union is a full member of the G8 and is represented by European Commission President Barroso and...

Enhancing business ties with Russia through regulatory, business and tourism cooperation

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 On Sunday Vice President Antonio Tajani travels to Russia accompanied by a 120 strong business delegation composed of representatives of companies and industry associations from 23 Member States.

The G8 summit in Lough Erne (UK) on 17-18 June 2013: the European Union's role and actions

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 June 2013 What are the main topics on this year's agenda? The United Kingdom, who is holding this year's annual G8 presidency, has set out three main topics for their G8 presidency: trade, taxation and transparency ("the three Ts").

Midday Express of 2013-06-14

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0200

EXME 13 / 14.06 DAILY NEWS 14 / 06 / 13 EU-US Trade and Investment Partnership: Ministers to discuss negotiating mandate The EU’s trade ministers gather at the Foreign Affairs Council (Trade) in Luxemburg today to discuss the negotiating mandate for the EU-US trade and investment partnership (TTIP) that had...

Speech: The importance of green cities

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:48:00 +0200

European Commission Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Speech: European Green Capital Award 2015 – workshop Nantes, 14 June 2013 Monsieur le President, Mayors, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me start my intervention by a big "thank you" – "MERCI" –to all those involved in implementing the impressive programme of activities for...

Mergers: Commission clears Honeywell's acquisition of Intermec

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 June 2013 The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Intermec by Honeywell, both of the United States. Intermec is a manufacturer and supplier of barcode scanners, scanning engines and ruggedised mobile computers (i.e.

Statement by the spokespersons of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle on the adoption by the Human Rights Council of a resolution on human rights in Belarus

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:24:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2013 The spokespersons of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Commissioner Štefan Füle made today the following statement: "We welcome yesterday's adoption by the Human Rights Council of a resolution on Belarus by a solid majority of...

Agenda - The Week Ahead 17-23 June 2013

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:15:00 +0200

Committees, Brussels

Source : © European Union, 2013 - EP

First quarter of 2013 compared with fourth quarter 2012 Employment down by 0.5% in euro area and by 0.2% in EU27 -1.0% and -0.4% respectively compared with the first quarter of 2012

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

14 June 2013 The number of persons employed1 decreased by 0.5% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 0.2% in the EU272 in the first quarter of 2013 compared with the previous quarter, according to national accounts estimates published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

May 2013 Euro area annual inflation up to 1.4% EU up to 1.6%

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 11:00:00 +0200

14 June 2013 Euro area1 annual inflation was 1.4% in May 20132, up from 1.2% in April. A year earlier the rate was 2.4%. Monthly inflation was 0.1% in May 2013. European Union3 annual inflation was 1.6% in May 2013, up from 1.4% in April.

Digital Agenda: Trustev wins Tech All Stars Awards 2013, the EU's top startup competition

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 09:17:00 +0200

European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 June 2012 European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has named Trustev the winner of "Tech All Stars", an EU-wide search to find Europe's best young startup company at a ceremony at Founders Forum in London.

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