European Union News - 2008

The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), published in July 30th, the Decision 743/2008/CE of the European Parliament and the Council, of July 9th, establishing the Community’s participation in a research and development programme called Eurostars, undertaken by several Member States and aimed at supporting research and development performing small and medium-sized enterprises. The financial support will not exceed 100 M€.

This Report assesses the state of play of the practical preparations for the changeover in Slovakia which will enter the euro area on 1 January 2009, following the Council's decision concluding that it fulfils the necessary conditions for the adoption of the euro.

The Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) published on July 29th a Common Position adopted by the Council with a view to adopt a Regulation on the liability of carriers of passengers by sea in the event of accidents. This Regulation aims to enhance safety in maritime transport, within the framework of the common transport policy.

The first Summit to be organized between South Africa and the EU, was held in Bordeaux on July 25th. This Summit is  also the first Summit to be held during the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Council published in the Official Journal of the European Union, on July 29th, its common position on the draft Regulation on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organisations. This Regulation is part of the recast of the Council Directive 94/57/EC, which will include a new Directive and a new Regulation.

In July 28th it was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU), the Council Decision of July 15th on the guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States. The guidelines shall be taken into account in the employment policies of the Member States, which shall be reported upon i the National Reform Programmes.

After Mr. Francesc Vendrell informed the Secretary General/High Representative (SG/HR) that he will not be available to serve as the European Union Special Representative (EUSR) beyond August 31st 2008, SG/HR recommended Mr Ettore F. Sequi to be appointed as the new EUSR.

More than 63% of Europe's television broadcasters' programming time is devoted to European works and over 36% to works by independent European producers. Figures come from the European Commission's eighth report on effectiveness of EU rules on the promotion of European works, which covers the period 2005-2006.

The European Commission has presented a Report with the review of the transitional measures for the acquisition of agricultural real estate set out in the 2003 Accession Treaty (COM(2008) 461 final).

On July 24th, and as prologue for the celebration of the EU-South Africa Summit, in was held in Bordeaux (France) a scientific conference on research on water and sustainable development. The Conference counted upon the participation of European, South African and French scientific experts as well as heads of scientific programmes.

The European Commission has published the eighth update of the so-called blacklist of airlines that are banned from flying into the countries of the European Union due to safety concerns. The new list, which replaces the previous one, can already be consulted on the Commission’s website.

The rules that will give the disabled and the elderly access to air transport comparable to that enjoyed by all other passengers flying to or from, or passing in transit though, airports in the European Union, with no discrimination and at no additional cost.