European Union News - 22 December 2009

Last December 20th was the last day granted by the Commission to Member states to transpose to their respective national laws Directive/2007/66/EC. The text, issued on December 11th 2007 and published in the OJEU on 20th that same month, aimed at improving the effectiveness of review procedures concerning the award of public contracts, by introducing the so-called “standstill period” while the review procedure can be initiated before the signature of the contract.

Transport Council issues a series of EU-wide minumum standards to cover rights for bus and coach passengers and their luggage.

The Official Journal of the European Union has published on December 22nd the Commission Decision of 18th December 2010 concerning the adoption of the 2010 work plan to implement the Second Programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013), and the criteria for selection, award and other factors that apply to financial contributions for activities of this programme. Together with this programme, four calls for proposals have also been issued.