European Union News

The Official Journal of the European Union published on 20 October the Regulation Nº 913/2010  of 22 September 2010 concerning a European rail network for competitive freight. This new legislation aims to boost rail freight in Europe fostering the development of a high-quality rail infrastructure management at international level.

Currently, there are many different authorities and public agencies holding a huge amount of varied data related to maritime surveillance and traffic control. In order to cope with this situation and move towards a more efficient and cost-effective maritime sector, the European Commission has put forward a series of initiatives to bring together all relevant authorities of every affected areas in all member states.

Spanish city of Vitoria-Gasteiz and the French city of Nantes have been awarded as the next European Green Capitals prize for the years 2012 and 2013. These two cities have been selected among a group of six finalists for their commitment with the environment and for a sustainable urban planning.

Goods imported from outside the EU should clearly state their country of origin, to help consumers make informed choices, say MEPs. Parliament is proposing to allow the country of origin to be indicated in English on labels of goods sold anywhere in the EU. It would also like to see harmonised penalties for breaching the rules

The European Parliament plenary session, meeting in Strasbourg, fixed its position towards the budget of the European Union for year 2011. Although, MEPs position takes into account the austerity policies and measures put in place by many member states, the Chamber called for more EU investment in research, innovation, education and energy, as well as pledged to provide sufficient funding for the new tasks and priorities stemming from the Lisbon Treaty.

The European Commission called for a dangerous ecstasy-like drug that is still legal in 12 EU countries to be banned. It asked the EU Member States to stop the free spread of the drug "mephedrone" across Europe by submitting it to control measures. Mephedrone is already illegal in 15 EU countries. It has been linked to at least 37 deaths in the UK and Ireland alone.

The Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs, meeting in Luxembourg on 21 October, held a policy debate and adopted the policy guidelines governing the European Employment Strategy. The three integrated guidelines concerning employment are part of the broad strategy and are completed with two additional targets belonging to the broad guidelines for economic policies of member states.

The Aviation Platform, whose first meeting took place on 20 October, was set up to give strategic advice to the Vice President in order to establish the basis for a sustainable future for air transport and a competitive future for the European aviation industry.

The European Parliament voted on 21 October on the proposal to fix the standard deadline for paying bills to 30 days. The new rules should ensure that small firms no longer face financial problems due to the late payment of bills by public authorities or companies and bolster solvency, innovation and jobs.

Cuban dissident Guillermo Fariñas has been declared the winner of the 2010 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. The announcement was made on 21 October by European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek following a decision by the EP's political group leaders. Mr Fariñas will be invited to attend the award ceremony on 15 December in Strasbourg.

Presidents of the European Parliament and the Commission, Jerzy Buzek and José Manuel Barroso, signed on 20 October the revised Framework Agreement governing working relations between the two institutions. This Agreements which adapts the existing one from 2005 to the Lisbon Treaty framework offers practical solutions in line with the increased competences of Parliament under the new Treaty.

On 20 October, MEPs voted in favour of the drafted resolution which proposes to extend minimum maternity leave in the European Union from 14 to 20 weeks with full pay. In this resolution, the Parliament extends Commission's proposal of a 18 weeks extension by 2 additional weeks, and introduces a paternity leave of at least 2 weeks.