The licence to drill should be linked to possibility of paying costs of any potential environmental damage, says MEPs
Environment Committee in the European Parliament underlined that oil firms must be held liable for the costs of any potential environmental damage - and have the means to pay - or else be denied licences to drill in EU waters. The Committee voted on 19 of September on the new legislation that will set minimum European standards for offshore oil and gas safety, regulating licensing, emergency plans and decommissioning of platforms.
Read more …A report highlights that children in Europe start learning foreign languages at an increasingly early age
The European Commission published a report that shows how a majority of countries or regions have lowered the starting age for compulsory language learning in the past 15 years and some even offer it in pre-school. In addition to this, the report confirms that English is the most taught foreign language in nearly all European countries, with French, Spanish, German and Russian following far behind.
Read more …Agreement signed to increase cooperation between the EU's competition department and China's antitrust authorities
The European Commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding which creates a dedicated framework to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the Commission and two of China's Anti Monopoly Enforcement Authorities, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the State Administration of Industry and Commerce (SAIC).
Read more …EU citizens abroad must be given same consular protection than their own nationals
Civil Liberties Committee in the European Parliament called on the EU delegations to have a key role in strengthening protection for EU nationals in non-EU countries in its adopted position on proposed new rules aimed at strengthening consular protection abroad, which is one of the key rights conferred by EU citizenship. MEPs also called on EU member states to give any EU citizen seeking help abroad the same consular protection that they give their own nationals.
Read more …Commission will provide more support to civil society organisations in its partner countries
The European Commission recognises in a Communication that Civil Society organisations can be efficient independent development actors. The Commission therefore announced that it will engage further and will provide more support to civil society organisations (CSOs) in its partner countries. It also proposes to launch "EU Roadmaps" for stronger engagement with Civil Society Organisations.
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