European Union News - 2009

The opinion adopted by the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) on the Commission's proposal for a Directive on standards of quality and safety of human organs intended for transplantation  welcomes the attention given in the proposal to the data protection needs arising both for the donors and the recipient of organs, especially as concerns the requirement for keeping their identities confidential, but it also points out the need to reinforce security procedures to protect personal data.

A new report on "Barriers to E-commerce", presented by EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva shows that online shopping is increasingly popular in the EU, but warns that barriers to cross border trade are holding back its development. The report published on March 5th 2009, presents a detailed analysis of current trends in e-commerce across the EU; including per country, most purchased items and obstacles for consumers and business online.

The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) took its first practical and very visible steps towards modernised and streamlined selection methods that are to become fully operational next year. EPSO is also launching a new, more intuitive layout of its website and a new brand and logo, under the slogan "EU career - smart choice". This emphasises the wide range of attractive opportunities on offer from the EU institutions.

The Commission has published the General Report on the activities of the European Union in 2008. Last year was marked in particular by the global financial crisis, climate change and international conflict, all of which brought rapid and effective European reaction that pushed the Union to the forefront of the world political stage. The key institutional event of the year was the process of ratifying the Lisbon Treaty, which faltered in spring with the 'no' vote in the Irish referendum, but was revived at the European Council in December.

The European Commission has launched a new online tool for easy access to the results and details of EU-funded projects in the fields of education, culture, youth and citizenship. EVE (Espace Virtuel d'Échange) was officially presented by European Commissioner Ján Figel' on March 2nd at a conference and exhibition on creative and innovative projects funded by the EU.

To mark the European Rare Disease Day 2009, Commissioner for Health, Androulla Vassiliou hosted, on March 3rd 2009, the launch of an important and remarkable book, “The Voice of 12,000 Patients”. This book provides a unique insight into patients' perspectives in rare disease diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Connecting the 30% of the EU's rural population that has no high speed internet access is a priority for achieving 'broadband for all' by 2010. Improved internet connectivity is a powerful tool to stimulate swift economic recovery.

In today's global financial crisis, jobs in information and communication technologies (ICT) sectors like telecoms and the internet are reliable sources of growth and crucial for the recovery of the economy. However, the EU's competitiveness depends on attracting and keeping skilled workers, especially in the high-tech sector, including women. But while a shortage of around 300,000 qualified engineers is expected in the EU by 2010, less than 1 in 5 computer scientists are women. The European Commission responded in 2007 by encouraging telecoms and internet companies to attract more "cyberellas" – women with ICT skills. As a result, five major ICT companies has signed a Code of Best Practices for Women and ICT. They are committing to do more to make tech jobs attractive for women and to make better use of and promote female potential in the ICT sector.

The ban should apply to the placing on the market and the import to, transit through, or export from, the European Community of seal products, says the report approved by the committee on March 3rd 2009. According to EP's Internal Market Committee, the ban should also cover meat, oil, blubber, organs, and raw fur skins and fur skins. In practice, seal products such as bags, hats, boots and gloves used by motorcyclists, skiers and boxers would be outlawed, as would parapharmaceutical products sold as Omega 3 fatty acid supplements.

The Official Journal of the European Union published on March 3rd 2009, the Council's conclusions of February 26th 2009 supporting the Council of Europe's legislative work in the area of criminal justice. In its conclusions, the Council stresses that many of the Conventions of the Council of Europe form part and parcel of the bedrock of co-operation in criminal matters between the Member States of the European Union.

At the request of the European Council, the European Commission reports annually on progress towards equality between women and men, and presents the challenges and priorities for the future. In the notice filed this year, the Commission emphasizes the legislative advances this year, but at the same time emphasizes the need to continue working towards full equality.

The Official Journal of the European Union, OJEU, has published on February 28th 2009, Commission's authorisation for the announced concentration between Johnson & Johnson Consumer France, Vania and Laboratoires Polivé.