European Union News

The European Commission announced an overhaul of the EU rules to fight illicit drugs, particularly new psychoactive substances, which imitate the effects of dangerous drugs like ecstasy or cocaine and are a growing problem. The EU identified a record number of 41 such substances in 2010, up from 24 the previous year.

The placing online of content on an internet website is to be distinguished from the regional distribution of printed matter, according to a judgment from the Court of Justice of the EU. Victims of infringements of personality rights by means of the internet may bring actions before the courts of the Member State in which they reside in respect of all of the damage caused.

The European Parliament approved a resolution in which asks for more jobs to people with disabilities. In addition, it calls on EU Member States and the European Commission to recognise sign language as an official language in the Member States.

The European Commission has drawn the preliminary conclusion following its investigation that the agreement between Telefónica and Portugal Telecom hinders competition in breach of European antitrust rules.

The European Commission presented some measures which pretends boosting entrepreneurship and responsible business. Among the measures, the Social Business Initiative, that according to the Commission will help this emerging sector to fulfil its unexploited potential.

The European Commission is going to present reform proposals on public procurement rules in December. MEPs therefore suggests to the Commission to include changes to the current rules such as enabling authorities to award contracts not just to the lowest bidder, but to the most innovative in order to benefit the SMEs.

The EU's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed annual report reveals that this system for quick exchange of information on risks linked to food and feed has further grown in importance. According to the report, the system is an invaluable tool especially at times of crisis.

Commission's Vice-President Siim Kallas met transport ministers of the EU Member States and of the six Eastern Partnership countries on 24 and 25 October 2011 in Krakow in order to move forward with transport cooperation between the EU and those partner countries. Transport ministers summarised key challenges and opportunities for closer transport cooperation in a Joint Declaration.

In a debate with the Commissioner Dacian Cioloş on the CAP reform proposals, the Agriculture Committee agreed that the priority is to meet growing demand for secure supplies of high-quality food and at the same time step up competitiveness in the face of growing market pressures. MEPs also highlighted the need of a EU farm policy fairer and less bureaucratic.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) audit on the European Union’s School Milk Scheme (SMS) and School Fruit Scheme (SFS) shows that this scheme is largely ineffective and has very little impact. The audit also includes an evaluation of the School Fruit Scheme. ECA concludes that its design gives it a better chance to achieve its objectives than the Milk Scheme.

Europe took a major step in its history by launching the first two operational Galileo satellites on Friday 21 October into orbit from the European Space Agency's (ESA) spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, with a Soyuz launcher to reach their orbit at 23.000 kilometres. The Galileo programme sets up an enhanced global satellite navigation system, providing a highly accurate, guaranteed global positioning service.

According to the latest Consumer Markets Scoreboard, EU consumers rate poorly financial services, investments (including pensions and securities), mortgages and real estate services. In addition, the electricity supply and fuels have deteriorated most in comparison with 2010.