European Union News - 16 March 2010

A total of € 346.5 million of EU farm money unduly spent by Member States is claimed back as a result of a conformity clearance procedure decision adopted by the European Commission. The money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure.

European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht has opened a conference focused on the European Union's trade policy towards developing countries. The objective of this conference is to discuss publicly how to maintain the effectiveness of the EU's General System of Preferences (GSP) in promoting development, how to make the most of regional trade agreements with developing countries, and how to encourage sustainable development.

Since 16 March, the online version of the "Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union", dedicated to European public procurement provides a new interface and new features to its users.

The European Union has adopted conclusions on biodiversity for the period beyond 2010 during the meeting of the Environment Council, held in Brussels, according to Spain's Minister of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Elena Espinosa.