European Union News - November 2011

The European Commission discussed with the Member States the draft list of permitted health claims to be authorised for use on food. With this discussion, the process for the adoption of this list is entering its final stage after long discussions with the Member States and interested stakeholders. The list tabled for discussion includes about 240 health claims covering some 500 entries from the consolidated list of claims submitted by Member States.

The Council reached an agreement in order to amend certain EU financial instruments for developing countries. The decisions modify the EU's financing instrument for cooperation with industrialised and other high-income countries. The funds can now be used for cooperation with developing countries in addition to the original 46 countries in Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, which included Brazil, China, India and Iraq. The decisions must still be formally adopted by the European Parliament before entering into force.
 

Member States has given green light to the regulation establishing an EU programme to further promote the development and the implementation of the EU's integrated maritime policy. The programme will support the sustainable use of the seas and oceans, and the expansion of scientific knowledge.

The European Commission published a regulation harmonising qualification and medical requirements for pilots. The new EU-wide licences seek to make flying safer. The rules will be applicable from 8 April 2012 and, according to the Commission, will contribute to a simpler, more cost-effective and efficient framework to obtain both commercial and non-commercial pilot licenses.

The report published by the Commission on the implementation of the Single European Sky legislation shows concerns relate to insufficient steps towards cross-border air navigation service provision and the lack of interoperability of air navigation systems, among others.

According to a Eurobarometer poll, out of ten EU citizens think that the EU needs better tools to fight organised crime, terrorism and extremism. The Commission has also published the first report on the Internal Security Strategy launched last year, outlining issues that need to be given further attention and taking stock of progress made.

According to the European Union, the United Nations climate change conference which will start on 28 November in Durban, must agree on a roadmap and deadline for finalising an ambitious, comprehensive and legally binding global framework for climate action by all major economies.

The European Commission seeks in a report wherever possible to exempt micro-enterprises from EU legislation or introduce special regimes so as to minimise the regulatory burden on them. The aim is to ensure that the EU responds better to the needs of small businesses.

Regional unemployment rates varied widely across the EU in 2010, with the lowest rates recorded in the regions of Zeeland in the Netherlands and Bolzano/Bozen in Italy as well as Tirol and Salzburg in Austria, while the highest rates were registered in the French Overseas Department of Réunion and the regions of Canarias and Andalucía in Spain.

The European Council adopted a single permit and a common set of rights for third-country nationals throughout the EU. The text aims to simplify the procedures for the admission of third-country nationals to reside and work in the EU and to facilitate the control of their status.

The European Commission published a first Communication on the European stress tests of nuclear power plants. According to the Communication, the European stress tests of nuclear power plants are well on track and will further enhance nuclear safety and security in the EU. The final results will be known in 2012 once the tests are finalised.

The Regional Development and Employment Committee debated the cohesion policy reform proposals tabled by the Commission. Among the conclusions drawn from the debate, MEPs welcomed the regulation on provisions common to the various EU structural funds as a big step forward which should enhance the efficiency with which regional policy is implemented by better integrating its components.