European Union News

Scientists at Cemagref, the French research institute of science and technology for the environment designed the Government Resource Planning (GRP) software for SCHAPI, France's National Hydrometeorological and Flood Forecasting Centres, in order to forecast river flooding and warn authorities and the public about potential floods, giving vulnerable zones the crucial time they need to protect themselves.

According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, in July 2011 compared with June 2011, prices in total industry excluding the energy sector increased by 0.1% in both the euro area and the EU. On the other hand, prices in the energy sector gained 11.9% and 13.8% respectively compared to July 2010.

The European Commission has rolled out the competition to give names to the Galileo satellites constellation. Children aged 9–11 can participate and the child with the best drawing related to space or aeronautics in each Member State will have his or her name given to a satellite of the Galileo programme.

The International Trade committee at the European Parliament unanimously recommended that the European Parliament should consent to a pending agreement between the EU and the Palestinian Authority of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In addition, the EU signed a Joint Declaration on EU support to UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees and two Contribution Agreements for a total of €45 millions.

A new edition of the school translator contest has been opened by the European Commission. The contest is addressed to secondary schools that can enrol pupils for the annual EU Young Translator Contest known as ‘Juvenes Translatores’ (Latin for 'young translators’) from now on until 20 October.

The European Commission has given 10 weeks to reply to the fact-finding letters addressed to eight Member States with regard to the implementation of Audiovisual Media Services Directive in these countries.

The European Commission is funding with €300 million to replenish the African Peace Facility (APF), to support African peace and security. With this additional contribution, the European Union reaffirms its support to peace and security in this continent. The African Union and African Regional Organisations will have the funding for the period 2011-2013 in order to support initiatives in the area of conflict prevention, management and resolution, and peace building.

The Commission's legislative proposals on residential mortgage credit have been discussed at the Economic and monetary affairs Committee by MEPs. The draft report presented to the Commission proposal aims to achieve certain standards across the EU, without imposing a one-size-fits-all approach that could undermine cultural and economic differences that exist between Member States.

Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union published the latest data with regard unemployment in the EU. The EU27 unemployment rate was 9.5% in July 2011, unchanged compared with June. It was 9.7% in July 2010. The euro area seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10.0% in July 2011, unchanged compared with June and the same month in 2010 it was 10.2%.

The final assessment of the 6th Community Environment Action Programme (EAP) adopted by the Commission shows the accomplishments in the field of environment during the past ten years with examples as the extension of the Natura 2000 network or the introduction of a comprehensive chemicals policy. However this assessment also shows the need of progressing in implementing agreed EU objectives and rules.

The European Commission adopted a proposal providing the legal framework for the introduction of an electronic identification system (EID) for bovine animals on a voluntary basis. In addition, the the proposal introduces changes in relation to labelling, by repealing the current provisions on voluntary beef labelling. The main objective is to reduce unnecessary administrative burden.

The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) declined by 5.0 points to 97.3 in the EU and by 4.7 points to 98.3 in the euro area. This was produced due to losses in confidence which is particularly marked in services, retail trade and among consumers.