European Union News

According to the proposals adopted by the European Commission, the pharmaceutical industry would have to be more clear and concise with the information it provides to the public with regard to prescription-only medicines. These proposals include a series of requirements related to the kind of information that would be allowed, the communication channels, as well as quality criteria and pharmacovigilance issues.

According to the last data released by the Statistical Office of the European Union there is a tendency in the European Union for larger holdings, as the average size of EU holdings which in 2003 was of 12 ha. per holding was by the end of 2010 of 14 ha. These figures are part of the preliminary results of the Agricultural census 2010.

Among the main results of the Environment Council held in Luxembourg on 10 October, EU Ministers the conclusions on Commission's assessment of the EU's 6th Environment Action Programme (EAP) 2002-2012. EU Ministers in charge for the Environment discussed how to improve EU action in this field as well as to ensure synergies between the 7th EAP and the Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe.

The European Commission adopted a decision in order to push for an effective deployment of pan-European mobile satellite services. This decision aims to make it easier for Member States, following a coordinated approach, to decide on potential breaches identified by a competent national authority, as well as ensuring consistent remedies and sanctions if required.

A research partially funded by the EU has uncovered new information linking healthy ageing and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease.

On the World Day against the Death Penalty, the European Union and the Council of Europe reaffirm its united opposition to the death penalty, and their commitment to its worldwide abolition in a joint declaration signed by Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Jerzy Buzek, the President of the European Parliament also expressed Parliament's opposition.

The Council adopted new rules to strengthen Frontex, the European Agency for the management of operational cooperation at the external borders of the EU. Among the new changes, Frontex will now have the possibility to buy or lease its own equipment (cars, vessels, helicopters, etc.) or to buy such equipment in co-ownership with a Member State. In addition, a mechanism for member states to second national border guards and make available equipment to the agency.

The Council adopted a new framework for monitoring of energy markets. The monitoring wholesale energy markets will be done in order to effectively detect and deter market abuse and manipulation, thereby ensuring the integrity and transparency of those markets.

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted an opinion on the European Commission Communication on the open internet and net neutrality in Europe, in which he stressed the importance to hold a serious policy debate on net neutrality in order to make sure that users' confidentiality of communications is effectively protected.

The European Commission approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of sole control of the Internet voice and video communication provider Skype by Microsoft Corporation.

The Agriculture Committee at the European Parliament called for EU-wide action to save bees. This demand is done having regard that an estimated 84% of plant species and 76% of food production in Europe depend on pollination by bees. MEPs ask to step up investment in research and increasing funding for apiculture programmes after 2013.

The European Central Bank (ECB) has decided to launch a new purchase programme which consists in purchases for an intended amount of €40 billion and in purchases that will have the capacity to be conducted in the primary and secondary markets and will be carried out by means of direct purchases. On the other hand, the Governing Council of the ECB decided that the interest rate on the main refinancing operations and the interest rates on the marginal lending facility and the deposit facility will remain unchanged.