European Union News - 06 May 2009

At their vote in Plenary Session on May 6th 2009, MEPs have amended a political agreement reached with the Council on the reform of the regulatory framework for electronic communications, including mobile and fixed telephones, broadcasting, wireless and fixed internet. This means that the whole "telecom package" is likely to be subject to conciliation in Parliament's next legislative term after the European elections.

The European Union and the Trade Department of the United States have reached on May 6th 2009, an understanding which allows a way forward in the long-running dispute over hormone-treated beef. According to the agreement the US would not impose new “Carousel” sanctions over a set of EU products, and would in return enjoy additional duty-free access to the EU market for the type of high quality beef traditionally exported by the U.S.

The European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), as part of the events on Europe Day, opens its doors to senior secondary and tertiary establishments of the greater Thessaloniki area, inviting pupils and students, along with their teachers and professors, to find out more about vocational education and training in the European Union.

Any advertisement that reflects the technical characteristics of refrigerators, washing machines or furnaces should indicate the energy consumption of the product, according to the Parliament decision. MEPs who have voted on the directive that governs the energy labeling, suggest that the label of a product is valid for three to five years and the energy rating standards are updated regularly.

The European Commission today launched the eYouGuide, a new online tool giving practical advice on the "digital rights" consumers have under EU law. This guide, which responds to a call from the European Parliament in 2007, addresses consumer issues like the rights towards your broadband provider, shopping on the web, downloading music and protecting your personal data online and on social networking sites.

The first European SME Week, which will take place all around Europe between May 6th to 14th 2009, is a campaign to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. Under the slogan, “Small business, big ideas” more than 1000 events will take place in 35 countries. EU SME Week will allow SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities.