European Union News - 01 April 2009

The EU’s first nature law, the Birds Directive, celebrates its 30th anniversary on 2 April. The legislation is one of the greatest achievements of European environmental policy and is central to the EU's strategy for halting biodiversity loss. The Birds Directive has played a key role in reversing the decline of some of Europe’s most threatened birds, particularly through its network of Special Protection Areas (SPAs).

The European Commission has granted temporary clearance to the illiquid asset back-up facility provided by the Dutch State to the financial group ING, with final approval dependent on the result of an in-depth investigation. The Commission found that the measure in favour of ING constitutes state aid. Some of its provisions can be considered in line with the Commission's guidance on the treatment of asset relief measures, and so the measure has been given temporary clearance for six months. Other provisions (including such complex issues such as valuation of the portfolio) require a further in-depth analysis before approval can be given.

The European Commission has decided to lower further the fees payable to the Community agency responsible for granting EU-wide trade mark rights, and to simplify the registration procedure. This measure, which follows an initial reduction in 2005, will make trade mark protection much cheaper and easier to obtain for businesses operating in the EU single market, saving them some €60 million a year. It will come into force on 1 May 2009.

The European Commission adopted on March 31st the 2009 Work Programme of the Intelligent Energy-Europe (IEE) Programme aiming at co-financing non-technology projects to promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and clean transport. This Work Programme will be jointly operated with the European Investment Bank. The objective of the IEE Programme is to support sustainable development and to contribute to the achievement of the general goals of environmental protection, security of supply and competitiveness.