European Union News - 07 December 2012

The European Commission published the results of the Commission’s 2012 Consumer Markets Scoreboard which warn that EU consumers have once again expressed their dissatisfaction with the performance of some key services markets, such as banking, telecom and energy services.

The European Commission presents an Action Plan to address barriers to the full use of digital solutions in Europe's healthcare systems, and to increase the pace of change and improvement in healthcare. In addition, the Commission will publish in 2014 a mHealth (Mobile Health) Green Paper addressing quality and transparency issues.

Two new programmes for the South Mediterranean region were approved by the European Union for a total of €29 million. The programmes are aimed at contributing to an inclusive growth and reinforcing the sectors of media and culture as vectors of development.

The European Commission presented an Action Plan for a more effective EU response to tax evasion and avoidance. As a first and immediate measure, the Commission also adopted two Recommendations to encourage member states to take immediate and coordinated action on specific pressing problems.

The deal on 2013 EU budget reached by the Cyprus presidency, representatives of the European Parliament and of the European Commission was approved by the Council. President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, confirmed that a majority is emerging which is ready to vote favourably during the vote next week under certain conditions.