European Union News - April 2008

Scientists from an EU-supported consortium have discovered that a mutation in a human gene confers nicotine dependence. They have shown that a particular variant of a nicotine-receptor gene impacts smoking behaviour and hence confers a 30% increase in risk of lung cancer and a 20% increase in risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common and debilitating constriction of the arteries to the legs. Roughly half of the people of European descent carry at least one copy of this genetic variant, which does not influence smoking initiation, but makes it more difficult to quit.

The European Commission sent Spain a reasoned opinion on 3rd April, which is the last step before possible referral to the Court of Justice, for providing in its national legislation for discriminatory harbour dues.

The EU-Jordan Association Agreement entered into force in 2002 and aims to create a free trade area between the EU and Jordan over 12 years and to help increase economic growth and business. In 2007, €62 million in Community assistance was allocated to Jordan (€15 million devoted to private sector development; €42.5 million to public finance reform; and €4.5 million for a de-mining programme). The overall allocation for 2007-2010 is €265 million, under the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument.

The European Commission has presented last 2nd april 2008 a Communication related to the damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules in a White paper.

The Commission has recognised in a Communication dated on 1st april 2008 the need to reduce the emissions of harmful air pollutants if significant progress is to be delivered towards the objectives established in the 6th Environmental Action Programme. The Commission's communication on a Thematic Strategy on air pollution sets out a significant number of possible Community measures. 

The European Commisison has launched last 1st april 2008 a new comunication related to the Strategy for the evolution of the Customs Union (COM2008 169 Final). The objective is to maintain the pivotal position of Customs as a modern, responsive partner to trade, protecting the fiscal, safety and security interests of the Community and cooperating with other government.

The  concerning the conclusion on behalf of the European Community and the European Atomic Energy Community of the Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the European Community and the Swiss Confederation has been approved by the Decision of the Council and of the Commission of 25 February 2008 and published in the OJ of 28th march.

Eurstat (the Statistical Office of the European Communities) has published official findings concerned with unemployment in Europe.

The EU supports research and innovation activities through a range of programmes, including the Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7), the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) and Structural Funds. Now the European Commission is developing a guide to help researchers select the right programme for their activities and even combine funds from different sources. A draft version of the guide is now ready and the Commission is keen to receive feedback on the document from the research community.

The European Commission have issued, on 31st March 2008, their official report to the European Parliment and council on the implementation of Regulation (EC) No 1177/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16th June 2003.

Europe's flora and fauna are now better protected than at any time since the European Community was set up. Three recent expansions have added 18,784 square kilometres to Natura 2000, Europe's network of protected natural areas, which now covers almost 20% of the continent's landmass and 100,000 km2 of its seas. The additional areas are in Austria, Cyprus, Finland, France, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. Natura 2000 plays a major role in Europe's battle to halt biodiversity loss by 2010.