EUROPA - Newsroom - Latest press releases and statements

Environment: EU announces winners of European Business Awards for the Environment 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:55:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 24 May 2012 – EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik has announced the winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment 2012 at an evening ceremony at Green Week....

Antitrust: Commission welcomes General Court judgment in MasterCard case

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:07:00 +0200

MEMO/12/377 Brussels, 24 May 2012 The European Commission welcomes today's judgment by the General Court (case T-111/08 ) dismissing an action brought by MasterCard against a Commission decision of 2007 prohibiting MasterCard's cross-border inter-bank ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Prime Minister of Czech Republic Petr Nečas Press point Brussels, 24 May 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:10:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/386 Good morning ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased to welcome Prime Minister Nečas to the European Commission. We just had a very good meeting after yesterday's informal European Council, where the June European Council was prepared....

Tax and financial havens: a threat to the EU's internal market

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:39:00 +0200

Tax and financial havens quite often cover up laundered money gained not only by legal means, but also from crime and economic offences, such as tax evasion and corruption. The increasing disruption caused to the functioning of the internal market triggered the EESC to endorse an own-initiative opinion on tax and financial havens at its May plenary session. Among other measures, it demands tougher controls and greater coordination to fight against this malpractice.

Press release - Parliament demands an end to selective justice in Ukraine

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:52:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : MEPs criticize the recent decision of the High Court of Ukraine to postpone its ruling on the appeal by former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko against her seven-year prison sentence, in a resolution adopted on Thursday. They warn against delaying the legal proceedings, condemn the use of force against her by prison guards and remind Ukraine of its obligation to examine any complaints of cruel treatment.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - No EU cash for undemocratic neighbours

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:45:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Emergency financial assistance from the EU for cash-strapped neighbours must depend on respect for human rights and democracy, said Parliament on Thursday. MEPs also oppose plans to cut Parliament out of future decisions on granting this aid.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Viviane Reding Vizepräsidentin der Europäischen Kommission, EU-Justizkommissarin Das optionale Gemeinsame Europäische Kaufrecht in der politischen Diskussion – Standpunkte, Perspektiven und Einschätzungen Anhörung der Konferenz der Justizministerinnen und Justizminister zum Vorschlag für eine Verordnung des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates über ein Gemeinsames Europäisches Kaufrecht Frankfurt, 24. Mai 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:09:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/385 Sehr geehrte Frau Bundesministerin, sehr geehrter Herr Minister Hahn, sehr geehrter Herr Lehne, meine sehr verehrten Damen und Herren Minister, Abgeordnete und Rechtsgelehrte, Über das Gemeinsame Europäische Kaufrecht wird derzeit insbesondere ...

Midday Express of 2012-05-24

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:06:00 +0200

EXME 12 /24.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Antitrust: European Competition Network report shows competition enforcement across the EU benefits all parts of the food sector ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda Electronics for Europe IMEC Technology Forum Brussels, 24 May 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/382 New information and communications technology is changing our world. In an age that sorely needs economic growth, innovation in electronics offers us an ongoing boost. In the nineteen forties, technology magazines breathlessly imagined a ...

Antitrust: European Competition Network report shows competition enforcement across the EU benefits all parts of the food sector

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 24 May 2012 - The European Competition Network (ECN) has published a report showing that active enforcement of competition law in the food sector across Europe, in particular at the processing and manufacturing ...

Antitrust: European Competition Network reports shows competition enforcement across the EU benefits all parts of the food sector - frequently asked questions

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 +0200

MEMO/12/373 Brussels, 24 May 2012 Why is this report published now? The ECN report on the food sector responds to requests by Members of the European Parliament for explanations about the actions taken by Competition Authorities in the food sector and ...

Press release - Maximise resources to kick start the economy

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:20:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : The EU must make better use of resources for the sake of its future economic growth and the environment, according to a resolution adopted by Parliament on Thursday. Valuable materials should be recovered instead of landfilled or incinerated and taxation should penalise resource waste to help boost the EU's competitiveness, say MEPs.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Gender pay gap: Parliament calls for stiffer sanctions

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:09:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament urged the European Commission to improve existing EU legislation to close the gender pay gap, including stricter sanctions on employers, in a vote on Thursday. The request for a legislative proposal points out that the gender pay gap still averages 16.4% in the EU, and in some member states has even widened.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - MEPs urge Switzerland to cancel "discriminatory" quotas on Eastern Europeans

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:47:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament has called on the Swiss government to revoke a "discriminatory and unlawful" decision to reimpose quotas on long-term residence permits for Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian, Estonian, Slovene, Slovak, Czech and Hungarian citizens, in a resolution adopted by MEPs on Thursday.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - More EU efforts needed to tackle youth unemployment, say MEPs

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:43:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Devising a "European Investment Plan" to create new jobs, reallocating EU structural funds to projects to create them for young people, and introducing a "European Youth Guarantee" to ensure that they are not without jobs for more than four months, are among the proposals set out by MEPs in a resolution, adopted Thursday, on measures to tackle youth unemployment.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Parliament strongly condemns homophobic laws and violence in Europe

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:36:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : EU Member states should set an example in fighting homophobia, says Parliament in a resolution adopted by a clear majority on Thursday. MEPs condemn homophobic laws and violence in European countries, and call on EU member states to consider giving access to cohabitation, registered partnerships or marriage to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

69/2012 : 24 May 2012 - Judgment of the General Court in case T-111/08

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:05:00 +0200

MasterCard and Others v Commission
Competition
The General Court confirms the Commission’s decision prohibiting the multilateral interchange fees applied by MasterCard

68/2012 : 24 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-98/11 P

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

Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli v OHIM
Community Trade Mark
The shape of a chocolate rabbit with a red ribbon cannot be registered as a Community trade mark

67/2012 : 24 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-196/11 P

Thu, 24 May 2012 10:02:00 +0200

Formula One Licensing v OHIM
Community Trade Mark
The Court of Justice sets aside the judgment of the General Court which failed to acknowledge, in relation to trade marks, the distinctive character of the ‘F1’ sign

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso following the Informal European Council dinner, 23 May 2012 Press conference Brussels, 23 May 2012

Thu, 24 May 2012 02:59:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/384 The President of the European Council presented what I consider a perfect summary of our work tonight, so I will not repeat those points. Let me just highlight from the point of view of the Commission two or three points that I believe are ...

Statement by the Spokesperson of the HR Ashton on homophobic violence at “Pride” events on 19-21 May in Kyiv

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

BACKGROUND BRIEFING on EULEX Kosovo -Implementation of the strategic review, by Civilian Operations Commander Hansjörg Haber EU External Action Service, 25 May 2012, 10.30am

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

BACKGROUND BRIEFING on EULEX Kosovo -Implementation of the strategic review, by Civilian Operations Commander Hansjörg Haber EU External Action Service, 25 May 2012, 10.30am

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

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton following the E3+3 talks with Iran in Baghdad on 24 May

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

Speech Mario Draghi: A route for Europe

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

Speech Jörg Asmussen: An ECB perspective on key issues of the crisis

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

EIB and BCR support projects of SMEs, midcaps and municipalities in Romania

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

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banca Comercială Română S.A. (BCR) sign EUR 50 million loan agreement to finance projects to be carried out by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), midcap companies and public entities in Romania. The EIB loan will co-finance projects contributing towards regional development and the productivity of SMEs and midcap companies in Romania involved in industry and services. Energy efficiency investments carried out by SMEs will also receive grant suppo...

EIB continues to support smaller projects in Eastern Partnership countries

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

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a grant of up to EUR 4 million to ProCredit Holding’s subsidiaries in Georgia, Armenia and Moldova, consisting of interest subsidies for the final beneficiaries, as well as credit enhancement on the loans in question. This grant builds on the EIB’s successful cooperation with the ProCredit group, which operates in the Eastern Partnership countries. In October last year, the EIB signed credit lines totalling EUR 50 million with ProCredit’s subsid...

Background - Informal European Council on Investment, Growth and Jobs - EP press kit

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:16:00 +0200

This press kit is a compilation of recent press releases, prepared for the informal European Council on 23 May, setting out the European Parliament's work and positions regarding growth and jobs .

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy Overcoming the crisis: The role of finance Second European Financial Congress Sopot, 23 May 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 17:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/383 Ministers, Authorities, Ladies and gentlemen: It is an honour for me to address such a distinguished audience, and I am deeply grateful to Prime Minister Bielecki and Mr Pawłowicz for inviting me to this conference....

Commissioner Šemeta welcomes European Parliament's strong support for the Financial Transactions Tax

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:47:00 +0200

MEMO/12/375 Brussels, 23 May 2012 Speaking after the European Parliament's vote in favour of the Commission's proposal for a financial transactions tax today, Commissioner Šemeta said: "I warmly welcome today's endorsement by the European Parliament of ...

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration Committees of Inquiry: VP ŠEFČOVIČ welcomes EP initiative EP Plenary Session, Martin report on Committees of Inquiry Strasbourg, 23 May 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:46:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/381 The Lisbon treaty included many innovations in favour of the European Parliament, one of which is Parliament's new right of initiative to set the ground rules for Committees of Inquiry. This clearly puts democracy in the driving seat and ...

Commissioner Potočnik welcomes provisional agreement on sulphur emissions from ships

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:57:00 +0200

MEMO/12/374 Brussels, 04 May 2012 "I am pleased that legislation to reduce sulphur and hence secondary particulate matter emissions from ships now have the political support of Member States. This is excellent news for our health and the environment, ...

Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The Commission's Communication on "National Roma Integration Strategies: a first step in the implementation of the EU Framework" Press Conference Strasbourg, 23 May 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:20:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/379 I am glad to be here today with my colleagues László Andor and Lívia Járóka – just one year after we adopted the EU Framework for National Roma Integration Strategies. We - the European Commission and the European Parliament - have succeeded ...

László Andor Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion "Roma - Member States must implement effective strategies" Press conference Strasbourg, 23 May 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:20:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/380 Strengths and weaknesses Let me begin by welcoming the progress which has been made so far and that we are now able to present national strategies. We have seen very positive examples of countries working together with Roma communities to ...

European Commission calls on Member States to implement national plans for Roma integration

Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 23 May 2012 –The European Commission has called on EU Member States, in a report adopted today, to implement their national strategies to improve the economic and social integration of Europe's 10 to 12 million ...

Statement by President Barroso following his meeting with Mr Panagiotis Pikrammenos, interim Prime Minister of Greece

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:29:00 +0200

MEMO/12/372 Brussels, 23 May 2012 I have just met with the interim Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Panagiotis Pikrammenos. His government has a clearly defined yet vital role to play in the coming weeks. I reiterated the Commission's strong desire that Greece ...

Mercedes Bresso calls Bosnia and Herzegovina to combine strong state institutions with local democracy on the way to the EU

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:18:00 +0200

Press Release The EU's Assembly of Regional and Local Representatives COR/12/32 Brussels, 22 May 2012 Mercedes Bresso calls on Bosnia and Herzegovina to combine functional state institutions with local democracy on the way to the EU During an official ...

Environment: Clean water at majority of EU holiday destinations

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

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 23 May - Good news if you’re planning a beach holiday in Europe this summer. 92.1% of bathing waters in the European Union now meet the minimum water quality standards set by the Bathing Water Directive ....

The pilot phase of Europe 2020 Project Bond Initiative (reissue)

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

MEMO/11/370 Brussels, 23 May 2012 Q1: What are the primary objectives of the Initiative? The EU Budget is a key element to support the growth agenda and to achieve the Europe 2020 policy targets. The stronger use of innovative financial instruments is ...

Š.Fule to visit Iceland

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

MEMO/12/371 Brussels, 23 May 2012 Brussels, 23 May 2012 – Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle will visit Iceland on Thursday and Friday to discuss efforts for the forthcoming period in the accession negotiations....

Midday Express of 2012-05-23

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

EXME 12 /23.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Environment: Clean water at majority of EU holiday destinations Good news if you’re planning a beach holiday in Europe this ...

Press release - Parliament approves stricter rules to save bluefin tuna

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:29:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : MEPs backed new international measures to further reduce illegal catches of bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, in a vote on Wednesday aimed at ensuring more sustainable development of stocks. They also called for more advice on the identification of spawning grounds and the creation of sanctuaries.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Emissions trading: Questions & Answers on temporary free allocation of emission allowances for power plants beyond 2012

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:20:00 +0200

MEMO/12/368 Brussels, 23 May 2012 Emissions trading: Questions & Answers on temporary free allocation of emission allowances for power plants beyond 2012 In which Member States is temporary free allocation for power plants allowed, and why? When the revised ...

Press release - MEPs take aim at China's unfair trade practices

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:44:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament says the EU must act together to tackle unfair competition from China and restore balanced trade, in a resolution adopted on Wednesday. The first step, it believes, is to get a clear picture of China's penetration of EU economies and for this we need a body to monitor China's investment in EU firms and purchases of European sovereign debt.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Parliament adopts ambitious approach on financial transaction tax

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:38:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : The proposed financial transaction tax should be better designed to capture more traders and make evasion unprofitable, said the European Parliament in its opinion adopted on Wednesday. The opinion also says the tax should go ahead even if only some Member States opt for it.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - MEPs back more sustainable EU-Mozambique fisheries deal

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : A new deal with Mozambique, which licenses fishing opportunities to 75 EU vessels from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy and the UK, puts more emphasis on sustainable fishing and controls and obliges EU vessel owners to employ local seamen, was backed by Parliament in a vote on Wednesday.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Special report: EU Assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community

Wed, 23 May 2012 10:30:00 +0200

EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS PRESS RELEASE ECA/12/22 Luxembourg, 23 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. ...

Council and the European Parliament reach a provisional agreement on the sulphur content of marine fuels

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

Euro area press lines on Greece - Informal EC dinner, 23 May 2012

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

Statement by Vice-President Olli Rehn following the political agreement on the EU-EIB Project Bonds Initiative

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:37:00 +0200

MEMO/12/369 Brussels, 22 May 2012 I welcome the agreement today in the "trilogue" with the Parliament and Council on our proposal for the pilot phase of Project Bonds, which paves the way for the vote on 31 May....

Maroš ŠEFČOVIČ Vice-President of the European Commission Responsible for Interinstitutional Relations and Administration La fonction publique européenne : mythes, réalités et perspectives 7ème rendez-vous européens de Strasbourg Strasbourg, 22 May 2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 18:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/375 Monsieur le président, Mesdames, Messieurs, Je tiens tout d'abord à remercier l'ENA pour avoir organisé cette conférence sur le thème de la fonction publique européenne et pour m'avoir invité à en parler....

May 2012: Flash Consumer Confidence Indicator

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

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012 - In May 2012, the DG ECFIN flash estimate of the consumer confidence indicator improved in both the EU (to -19.4 from -20.2 in April 2012) and the euro area (to -19....

Speaking points of Vice-President Viviane Reding on 'A New European Consumer Agenda'

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:09:00 +0200

MEMO/12/366 Strasbourg, 22 May 2012 "The European Consumer Agenda, adopted by the Commission today, is a big step forward for consumers. The Single Market has for too long been seen as a Single Market for businesses....

Speaking points of Commissioner Dalli on the new European Consumer Agenda

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:08:00 +0200

MEMO/12/367 Strasbourg, 22 May 2012 I am particularly pleased to be here today, together with Vice President Reding, to present the Consumer Agenda, the Commission's strategic vision for consumer policy in the years to come....

A new European Consumer Agenda – Boosting confidence and growth by putting consumers at the heart of the Single Market

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

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012 – Consumer expenditure, amounting to 56% of EU GDP, reflects the enormous power of the consumer to drive forward the European economy. Only empowered and confident consumers can fully exploit the ...

Olli Rehn Vice-President of the European Commission and member of the Commission responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Europe's action plan for growth, employment and investment European Parliament Strasbourg, 22 May 2012

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

SPEECH/12/378 President Schulz, Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, We once again find ourselves at a turning point in the debt crisis. At the same time, the European Union is now witnessing a new level of debate about ...

Press release - Project bonds: MEPs secure deal with member states on pilot scheme - Committee on Budgets

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:07:00 +0200

The EU will set aside €230 million in guarantees to support the issuance of "project bonds" for EU infrastructure projects under a deal concluded by MEPs and EU governments in Strasbourg on Tuesday. The deal will pilot test this innovative plan to attract private investment in transport, energy and information technology network projects.
Committee on Budgets

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

State aid: Commission adopts rules on national support for industry electricity costs in context of the EU Emission Trading Scheme

Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012 - The European Commission has adopted a framework under which Member states may compensate some electro-intensive users, such as steel and aluminium producers, for part of the higher electricity ...

Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment "Turning the water challenge we face into opportunities’ Water Innovation Europe Conference Brussels, 16 May 2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:20:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/377 Ladies and Gentlemen, As we approach the end of this two-day conference allow me to thank the organisers, and all of you, for your important contributions. You could not have timed a Conference on Water Innovation in Europe better; less ...

Janez Potočnik European Commissioner for Environment Unlocking the potential of Europe's forests – The path towards green growth ThinkForest high-level seminar towards a green bio-economy Brussels, 15 May 2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:02:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/376 Chairman, honourable MEPs, Ladies and Gentlemen, The topic of this conference touches upon the core of the challenges we face in a resource stressed future. The enormity of climate change is contributing to hard debate and choices in the ...

Environment: Green Week opens in Brussels

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012 – Europe's largest environment conference kicked off today under the banner “The Water Challenge – Every Drop Counts”. This year's edition of Green Week is dedicated to water, and will see some ...

Environment: Wise up your water use with Water Maniac Walter

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012 – The European Commission launched a new viral clip today as part of the "Generation Awake!" campaign, which alerts consumers to the dangers of unsustainable patterns of consumption....

Midday Express of 2012-05-22

Tue, 22 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

EXME 12 /22.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Environment: Green Week opens in Brussels Europe's largest environment conference kicked off today under the banner “The Water ...

Press release - Internal market: MEPs call for fast-track infringement procedures

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:32:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Despite the pressing need for renewed growth in Europe, the latest Commission figures show that Member States are increasingly failing to deliver on pledges to turn EU laws into national ones and enforce them. MEPs worry that this hinders economic recovery and call, in a resolution adopted on Tuesday, for fast-track infringement procedures and an independent internal market prosecutor with the power to institute infringement proceedings.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Tax havens and social economy at the EESC plenary session

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:15:00 +0200

At the 481st plenary session of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), to be held on 23 and 24 May, the Committee will vote on important opinions regarding financial and tax havens, social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility. Furthermore, the plenary session will host two debates on Wednesday; the first one will focus on EU finances, in the presence of Louis Galea, Member of the European Court of Auditors. The second one will address EU consumer policy and consumers' rights, where the plenary will welcome John Dalli, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy. Venue: European Parliament, József Antall building Room JAN 2Q2, Brussels Start: 2.30 p.m., Wednesday, 23 May You can follow the plenary session live on: http://www.eesc.europa.eu/?i=portal.en.events-and-activities-481-plenary-session

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Presentation of the European Neighbourhood Policy package European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Strasbourg, 21 May 2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:13:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/374 Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, It is a great pleasure for me to be here with you again to talk about the new European Neighbourhood Policy package. And I am very happy that my good friend the Council of Europe Secretary General, Mr Jagland, ...

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Statement on the Situation in Ukraine, Case of Yulia Tymoshenko European Parliament Plenary Session Strasbourg, 22 May 2012

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:04:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/373 Mr. President, honourable members of the European Parliament The European Union has expressed its indignation at the use of selective justice in Ukraine on a number of occasions over the last year....

Press release - Combine austerity with measures to boost growth, say Eurobarometer respondents

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:42:00 +0200

General : Almost half of the Europeans surveyed think that combining public spending cuts with measures to boost economic growth is the best way to end the current economic crisis, says the latest European Parliament Eurobarometer poll. Over half (55%), say these measures should be coordinated among Member States. Most Europeans also say that financial help for Member States in difficulty must be conditional on compliance with common rules (80%).

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Press release - Strengthen internal security while protecting fundamental rights, say MEPs

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:27:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Fundamental rights should be respected in all instances when applying the EU's Internal Security Strategy, says a resolution adopted by Parliament on Tuesday. MEPs also want proper funding for this strategy in the 2014-2020 financial framework.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Minister for European Affairs discusses growth in the European Parliament

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:10:00 +0200

66/2012 : 22 May 2012 - Judgment of the Court of Justice in Case C-348/09

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:01:00 +0200

I
Citizenship of the Union
Criminal offences covered by the concept of "particularly serious crime" referred to in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union may justify deporting an EU citizen, even if that person has lived for more than ten years in the host Member State

Ombudsman calls on Commission to rectify deficiencies in Vienna airport investigation

Tue, 22 May 2012 10:00:00 +0200

EO/12/8 22 May 2012 The European Ombudsman, P.Nikiforos Diamandouros, has called on the European Commission to correct deficiencies in its investigation of complaints against Austria concerning Vienna airport....

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Inoxum by Outokumpu in stainless steel sector

Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 May 2012- The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of Inoxum, the stainless steel division of ThyssenKrupp of Germany by ...

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the presidential elections in the Dominican Republic

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

Main messages of European Commission President José Manuel Barroso at the NATO summit in Chicago (Meeting on Afghanistan at the level of Heads of State and/or Government on 21 May 2012)

Mon, 21 May 2012 21:40:00 +0200

MEMO/12/365 Brussels, 21 May 2012 The transition which is about to be concluded must now give rise to a tranformation. Transformation of Afghanistan into a stable, prosperous, self sufficient State. The EU and its Member States provide more than EUR 1billion ...

Press release - Opening - school bombing and earthquake in Italy

Mon, 21 May 2012 16:31:00 +0200

Plenary sessions : Parliament's contempt for the perpetrators of the brutal bombing of a school in Brindisi, and its sympathy for the victims and their families, was voiced by President Martin Schulz in his opening of the May session on Monday. Mr Schulz also conveyed Parliament's sympathy to victims of the Emilia-Romagna earthquake.

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Declaration Staffan Nilsson, President of the European Economic and Social Committee

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:00 +0200

Now is the time for more, not less, Europe On the eve of the European Summit on 23 May, the President of the European Economic and Social Committee once again calls for leadership, clarity and resolve in order to ensure the future development of the European Union. The EESC's proposal for a European Growth Pact, co-financed by Eurobonds in order to boost investments, bringing together all its different players, would be the powerhouse for practical responses to the current crisis. Such a European plan for growth would restore employment, cut debt, and regenerate trust and hope in the future of the EU. We must have the courage to look at the current crisis from multiple perspectives. There is no single solution. In our opinions issued over recent years we have called on leaders to match fiscal discipline with sustainable growth. National governments must assume their responsibilities and adopt balanced measures to make Europe competitive again. Europe still needs responsible budget management, policies dedicated to attract private investment and structural reforms, when required.

Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy Statement of VP Almunia on the Google antitrust investigation Press room Brussels, 21 May 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:47:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/372 In November 2010, the Commission launched an antitrust investigation into allegations that Google had abused a dominant market position. This followed a number of complaints. We have looked at those complaints and at others we received since ...

Stefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Opening Remarks: Slovak Naïve Art in Serbia – The BABKA-KOVAČICA ART GALLERY COLLECTION Opening of the exhibition in the Berlaymont building Brussels, 15 May 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:37:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/371 Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, First of all, I would like to thank Pavel Babka for bringing the BABKA-KOVAČICA ART GALLERY exhibition to Brussels and introducing Naïve art and its tradition in Kovačica and Padina ...

Neelie Kroes Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda New powers to shape the Telecoms Single Market: one year on European Competitive Telecommunication Association (ECTA) Brussels, 21 May 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:30:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/363 You all know I'm committed to broadband for all: with EU-wide fast broadband coverage for everyone by 2020, and half of households having ultra-fast connections. We need that to get every European digital....

Environment: Celebrating 20 years of EU nature protection

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 21 May 2012 – Today is the 20th anniversary of two key instruments for the conservation and sustainable use of nature in the EU: the Habitats Directive and LIFE, the EU financing programme for the environment. ...

Employment: Commission launches 'Your First EURES job' pilot project to help young people find jobs

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 21 May 2012 –A pilot project to help young people find a job in another EU country has been launched by the European Commission. In its initial phase 'Your first EURES job' will aim to improve cross-border ...

Working conditions in fisheries: key agreement signed by social partners

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 21 May 2012 – Today, representatives of the European Union's employers and trade unions in the sea fisheries sector signed an agreement to ensure that fishermen have decent working conditions on board fishing ...

Yemen: the European Commission gives millions more to fight growing hunger crisis

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 21 May 2012 - The European Commission is boosting its humanitarian aid to Yemen by €5 million in response to a rapidly developing food crisis. Malnutrition rates in some parts of Yemen are among the highest ...

Employment: 'Your First EURES job'and latest data on job vacancies - frequently asked questions

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/363 Brussels, 21 May 2012 Why has the Commission launched 'Your first EURES job'? The pilot project "Your first Eures job" will serve as a testing ground for transforming EURES - the network of Member States' employment services – into a pan-European ...

Midday Express of 2012-05-21

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:00:00 +0200

EXME 12 /21.05 News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne Employment: Commission launches 'Your First EURES job' pilot project to help young people find jobs A pilot project to help ...

Maria Damanaki European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Our Future is Blue Göteborg, 21 May 2012 Opening ceremony of the European Maritime Day

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:46:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/370 Dear Ministers, Presidents, Mayor, Secretary-General, Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the European Commission, I warmly welcome you to European Maritime Day 2012. Before saying a few words on the objectives of the day, I must express ...

Joint Statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy on the election of Tomislav Nikolić as President of the Republic of Serbia

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

MEMO/12/361 Brussels, 21 May 2012 "We would like to congratulate Mr. Nikolić on his election as President of Serbia. We also wish to congratulate the people of Serbia on their elections on 6 and 20 May which were competitive and peaceful....

March 2012 compared with February 2012 Construction output up by 12.4% in euro area Up by 11.8% in the EU27

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/76 21 May 2012 In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production1 rose by 12.4% in the euro area2 (EA17) and by 11.8% in the EU272 in March 2012, compared with the previous month. In February3, production fell by 10....

Taxation trends in the European Union Further increase in VAT rates in 2012 Corporate and top personal income tax rates inch up after long decline

Mon, 21 May 2012 11:00:00 +0200

STAT/12/77 21 May 2012 The average standard VAT rate1 in the EU27 has risen strongly since 2008. In 2012, the standard VAT rate varies from 15.0% in Luxembourg and 17.0% in Cyprus to 27.0% in Hungary and 25....

Statement by President Barroso following the earthquakes in northern Italy

Mon, 21 May 2012 10:18:00 +0200

MEMO/12/364 Brussels, 20 May 2012 I wish to express my profound sadness at the news of the earthquakes that have affected parts of Italy today. These have caused multiple fatalities as well as significant material damage, particularly in the region of ...

Joint Statement by European Council President Van Rompuy and European Commission President Barroso on the election of Tomislav Nikolić as President of the Republic of Serbia

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

Invitation letter of President Van Rompuy to the Informal dinner of the members of the European Council

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

Statement by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the elections in Serbia

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

Credit rating agencies: General approach agreed ahead of talks with EP

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

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on today's suicide attack in Yemen

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

Statement by the Spokesperson of High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Lebanon

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

Speech Jörg Asmussen: A European agenda 20…

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

Innovation: EUR 200 million loan for Amadeus

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

The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union’s long-term financing institution, has granted a loan of EUR 200 million for Amadeus IT Group, S.A., subsidiary of Amadeus IT Holding S.A. (Amadeus: “AMS.MC”), a leading travel technology partner and transaction processor for the global travel and tourism industry, with the latter acting as the guarantor of the transaction. The loan, which has a nine year maturity, will be available from 24 May and will be used by Amadeus to finance the r...

EIB to fund key Zambian electricity link

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

The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide USD 30 million to fund the upgrade of the Kafue – Livingstone transmission line in Zambia. This project will improve regional energy distribution and double electricity transmission capacity between the Victoria Falls hydro-power station and Lusaka, and is a priority initiative for the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation. Funding agreements were signed in Lusaka by the Zambian Minister of Finance Alexander Chikwanda MP, and senior officials...

Siim Kallas Vice-President and Commissioner for Transport Better connections: using aviation to link and develop Europe's regions Routes Europe 2012 Tallinn, 20 May 2012

Sun, 20 May 2012 13:00:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/366 Ladies and gentlemen I am delighted to welcome you to Tallinn for this seventh Routes Europe event. As you know, this is about route expansion and development. These elements are essential for the fast and frequent transport connections ...

Statement by President Herman Van Rompuy in view of the NATO summit in Chicago

Sun, 20 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Joint statement by European Commission President Barroso and European Council President Van Rompuy after the G8 working session on the global economy

Sat, 19 May 2012 21:04:00 +0200

MEMO/12/362 Camp David, 19 May 2012 We had an important debate with the other G8 leaders on the global economy in Camp David this morning. We were comforted to hear that all leaders agree on the need to take action to boost confidence and nurture recovery ...

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso ahead of the G8 Summit Joint EU press conference with European Council President Van Rompuy Council Camp David, 18 May 2012

Sat, 19 May 2012 13:59:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/369 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here at Camp David for the G8 summit representing the European Union together with President Van Rompuy. The choice of the venue by President Obama will allow us to have candid ...

Remarks by President Herman Van Rompuy ahead the G8 summit in Camp David

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Joint statement by European Council President Van Rompuy and European Commission President Barroso after the G8 working session on the global economy

Sat, 19 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

László Andor European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Quality employment for young people: how to deliver? Meeting of G20 Labour and Employment Ministers Guadalajara, Mexico 18 May 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/364 László Andor European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion Quality employment for young people: how to deliver? Meeting of G20 Labour and Employment Ministers Guadalajara, Mexico 18 May 2012 Ministers, I want to thank ...

Food security: EU supports G8 initiative for a "New Alliance" with partner countries, donors and the private sector

Fri, 18 May 2012 17:14:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 18 May 2012 - The European Commission welcomes the "New Alliance to improve Food and nutrition security" launched today, on the eve of the G8 Summit. The EU has been an active partner in the preparation of ...

Štefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Speech at the Chapter 23 Kick-Off Meeting with Turkey Launch of the Positive Agenda with Turkey Ankara, 17 May 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 16:01:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/368 Having launched the implementation of the positive agenda, we are here now to kick- start the work under what is perhaps the most important chapters, chapter 23. The issues it covers, related to judiciary and fundamental rights, are the ...

Speech José Manuel González-Páramo: Completing the euro project: The day after tomorrow

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Other decisions Decisions taken by the Governing Council of the ECB (in addition to decisions setting interest rates)

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200

Vice-President of the European Commission and Member responsible for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro Overcoming Europe's sovereign debt crisis – the road to stability and growth Speech at St. Antony's College Oxford, 17 May 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 18:17:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/367 Olli Rehn Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very honoured to return to my alma mater. I spent many memorable moments here, at a time when the Cold War was coming to an end. As one chapter of history closed – another one opened with the optimistic ...

Remarks by Commissioner Füle after the first working group on chapter 23 with Turkey

Thu, 17 May 2012 17:02:00 +0200

MEMO/12/360 Brussels, 17 May 2012 ''It was a pleasure to open the concrete work on the positive agenda and it is not a coincidence that we start with the chapter 23 on judiciary and fundamental rights....

José Manuel Durão Barros President of the European Commission State of the World Economy and Finance and its impact on development in 2012 General assembly of the United Nations New York, 17 May 2012

Thu, 17 May 2012 16:16:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/365 Mr President, Mr Secretary General, Heads of State and Government, Distinguished Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to speak here today in the United Nations, amongst such distinguished speakers and before ...

Positive EU-Turkey agenda launched in Ankara

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:09:00 +0200

MEMO/12/359 Brussels, 17 May 2012 The new positive agenda intended to bring fresh dynamics into the EU-Turkey relations was launched by Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Štefan Füle and the Turkish Minister for European Affairs ...

The European Union at the G8 summit in Camp David (U.S.): Questions and Answers

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:02:00 +0200

MEMO/12/357 Brussels, 17 May 2012 What are the topics on the agenda? Leaders at this year's G8 summit will address the following main topics: regional and political developments and security issues; economic and global issues; energy and climate issues; ...

Statement by the Spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the situation in Mali

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

President Van Rompuy's video conference prior to the G-8

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

Agenda - The Week Ahead 21-27 May 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 18:19:00 +0200

Plenary Session - Strasbourg

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

High Representative Catherine Ashton appoints 17 new Heads and Deputy Heads of Delegation

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:13:00 +0200

European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 May 2012 - Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, announced today her intention to appoint 15 new Heads of the European Union ...

Newsletter - 21-24 May 2012 - Strasbourg plenary session

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:03:00 +0200

Source : © European Union, 2012 - EP

Michel BARNIER Member of the European Commission responsible for Internal Market and Services Competitiveness — the key to growth in a strong Europe Ceremony to award the Charlemagne Prize to Wolfgang Schäuble Aachen, 16 May 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:16:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/361 Ladies and Gentlemen, May I start by thanking the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize and its Chairman, Michael Jansen, and the Mayor of Aachen, Marcel Philipp, for this invitation....

José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Statement by President Barroso on the economy and on Greece at the end of a debate on the economic situation in Europe during the weekly meeting of the European Commission Press conference Brussels, 16th May 2012

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:13:00 +0200

SPEECH/12/362 Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. The College this morning held an extensive debate on the urgent economic challenges facing Europe. We in the Commission consider we have the responsibility to help find ambitious, yet feasible solutions ...

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

High Representative Catherine Ashton appoints 17 new Heads and Deputy Heads of Delegation

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

MAIN TOPICS FOR THE COMING FORTNIGHT - 21 May - 3 June 2012

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

Press release ECB operations during demonstrations planned in Frankfurt

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

Speech Mario Draghi: Monetary Policy in unconventional times

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

EIB supports upgrade of Warsaw regional railways

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

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending PLN 155 million (some EUR 39 million) to finance the purchase of new rolling stock and implementation of infrastructure improvements for the light regional railway line connecting the south-western parts of Warsaw with neighbouring communes and smaller municipalities. This railway modernisation will have positive impacts on transport safety and passenger comfort. It will help to increase the mobility of the people employed in the Polish capital an...

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

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

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

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...

Strong EIB support for Turkish investments for climate action and private sector

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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. ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Speech Benoît Cœuré: Unexpected events and the global safety net

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

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

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

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....

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 ...

£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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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