European Union News - April 2012

MEPs adopted a resolution which asks for new rules to monitor internet censorship by autocratic regimes. In addition, they wants these new rules to strengthen the accountability of EU-based companies that export tools that can be used to block websites and monitor mobile communications. On the annual human rights report for 2010 adopted within the resolution, it is also asked to the EU and its Member States to cooperate more consistently with regard to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

MEPs approved the regulation that has as main aim to reinforce the social protection for cross-border workers, which will reinforce at the same time the functioning of the single market. Among others, airline staff and cross-border self-employed workers will benefit of these new rules.

19 winners in 10 EU countries are 2012's winners of the energy efficiency awards for buildings and lighting (GreenBuilding and GreenLight). These awards, managed by the Joint Research Centre, promote the reduction of energy consumption by public and private organisations on a voluntary basis.

A joint declaration was signed by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and Liu Yandong, Chinese State Councillor, in which the EU and China commit to strengthening contacts and exchanges between their peoples in order to deepen understanding and trust. The launched dialogue covers co-operation in education, culture, youth, research and multilingualism.

The final reflection paper on ethical and good clinical practice (GCP) published by the European Medicines Agency has as main aim to strengthen existing processes to provide assurance to regulators and stakeholders that clinical trials meet the required ethical and GCP standards.

The EU High Representative Catherine Ashton announced the EU decision to postpone the EU-Argentina joint Cooperation Committee meeting scheduled on 20 of April following the Argentina's decision to expropriate the majority stake held by Repsol in YPF.

The European Commission presented a proposal to improve the independence and reliability of EU statistics. The proposal particularly focuses on the independence of National Statistical Institutes and in particular the heads of these authorities; and that Member States will be required to sign "Commitments of Confidence".

After the assessment of the Commissions’ legislative proposals for the reform of the Common agricultural policy as of 2014, the European Court of Auditors considers that the complexity of this policy continues to make it difficult for paying agencies and beneficiaries to administer, in spite of the proposed reorganisation.

'We Mean Business' is the name of the European Commission's campaign launched to boost that companies offer more trainee placements with the aim at improving young people's skills and employability. In addition, it has announced that in 2012-2013, the Commission will provide funding support for a total of 280,000 placements through its Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus schemes.

The European Commission published the annual report on the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights which highlights that fundamental rights concerns are increasingly embedded in EU policy-making. The report is part of the Commission's efforts to raise people's awareness of the Charter, when it applies, and the role of EU institutions in the field of fundamental rights.

The European Ombudsman has opened an investigation into whether the European Commission has taken appropriate measures to combat increased bee mortality in the EU. According to a complaint from the Austrian Ombudsman Board, the Commission has failed to take into account scientific evidence which recommends restricting the use of certain insecticides.

High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton and Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs, with Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women Michelle Bachelet, signed a new partnership between the EU and UN Women aimed at enhancing gender equality worldwide.