European Union News - 04 July 2011

The Committee of the Regions adopted an opinion in which calls for a multi-level, cross-border approach to the management of river basins in order to ensure the sustainable use of water. The Committee also proposed extending the Covenant of Mayors to include sustainable water use.

The European Commission adopted a series of proposed changes to staff rules which would lead to savings of more than €1 billion by 2020. Among the changes proposed, a 5% reduction of staff in all categories in all institutions over the period 2013-17.

The European Commission has launched the pan-European “Ex-smokers are unstoppable” campaign. The campaign is aimed at smokers aged between 25 and 34 representing almost 28 million people in the EU and will focus on the positive effects of stopping smoking. The campaign further provides smokers with practical help with quitting, through the innovative "iCoach".

From 1 July 2011 to 31 December 2011, Poland will host the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Poland is taking over the Presidency from Hungary which has presided over the EU for the past six months.

The 2010 Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP) funded 42 eco-innovation projects under the 2010 call for proposals. The CIP Eco-innovation funds are designed to support new products, services and processes that use fewer natural resources and produce less waste, emissions and pollutants.