European Union News

An EU-funded team has created a software platform that enables the use of multi-core technology on mobile embedded computing devices by way of virtualisation techniques. The dual multi-core and virtualisation solution developed by the EMUCO ('Embedded multi-core processing for mobile communication systems') team allows for both higher processing capacity and low power consumption, with the added value of security and flexibility.

The European Commission has adopted a decision recognising the adequacy of the auditor oversight authorities of Australia and the United States of America. This adequacy refers to the ability of a third country authority to fulfil the requirements set out in the EU's Statutory Audit Directive (2006/43/EC) and, in particular, its capacity to enter into reciprocal working arrangements with the EU Member States on the exchange of audit working papers or other relevant documents between competent authorities.

According to new data released by the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), GDP increased by 1.0% in both the Euro area and the EU27 during the second quarter of 2010 remains unchanged. In the first quarter of 2010, growth rates were +0.3% in both zones.

The competition ‘Juvenes Translatores’ (Latin for 'young translators’) launched by the European Commission is open to anyone born in 1993 and of any nationality, provided that they are enrolled at a school located in an EU Member State. Selected schools will be invited to enter up to five pupils, who will be free to translate from and into any of the EU’s 23 official languages.

The European Commission has adopted a Decision outlining the criteria necessary to achieve good environmental status for Europe's seas. This will help Member States to develop coordinated marine strategies within each regional sea, ensuring consistency and allowing progress to be compared between regions.

The Commission published on 30 August 2010 its Opinion (COM(2010) 457 final) on the amendments introduced by the European Parliament on the proposal for a Regulation concerning a European rail network for competitive freight. 

Scientists from China and the UK have discovered that a leaf-cutting ant, Acromyrmex octospinosus, uses a cocktail of antibiotics to keep its fungus gardens neat. Among these antibiotics, which are produced by bacteria living on the ants, is a novel compound that could be used to treat fungal infections. The study, published in the journal Biomed Central (BMC) Biology, is the first to demonstrate that a single ant colony uses multiple antibiotics.

European scientists have realised that warm water can trigger deformities in farmed fish. These findings are the result of the FINE FISH research project, funded under EU Sixth Framework Programme.

The European Commission approved an application from the Netherlands for assistance from the EU Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF). The application will now be put before the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union for decision. If approved, the 1.809.434 € million requested will help 512 workers made redundant by NXP Semiconductors Netherlands BV back into employment.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published a proposal to the European Commission for a harmonised regulation on Flight Crew Licensing in the form of an ‘Opinion’. This new regulation will ensure that the same pilot licensing requirements and related high safety levels apply in all Member States.

On 1st September 2010 a new agreement governing the wine trade between Australia and the European Union enters into force. This agreement replaces the one signed in 1994.

Water-borne disease is spreading quickly among Pakistan flood survivors, posing a threat of epidemics, the EU aid commissioner warns on her return from the country. In that way, EU foreign ministers are set to discuss a response strategy in they next meet.