European Union News - 15 April 2011

According to a report presented by the European Commission, there are current limitations in assessing the socio-economic implications of “cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops” in the European Union. The report, based on information principally provided by Member States, reveals that the existing information is often statistically limited and that it is frequently based on already preconceived ideas about GMO cultivation. The Commission also presents an analysis of the socio-economic dimensions of GMO cultivation as reported in the international scientific literature and in the conclusions of research projects funded under the European Framework Programme for Research.

Under the so-called “clearance of accounts procedure”, the European Commission claims for a total of € 530 million of EU agricultural policy funds unduly spent by Member States.

The Culture Committee of the European Parliament issued a report with a range of measures to promote mobility among young Europeans and improve educational and training opportunities. According to MEPs, among the measures needed are to increase funding for EU youth mobility programmes and EU-wide recognition of qualifications. Support for education-business cooperation, paid traineeships and measures to tackle discrimination in education are also taken into account in the report.