EU News

Commission continues fighting against fakes

Commission has published Annual Report on EU Customs actions to enforce intellectual property rights. In 2009, EU Customs took action in 43,500 cases involving several million products suspected of being counterfeited or pirated at the external borders of the EU, according to this report.

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EU funded software applications helps to save lives

€1.85 million of EU funding helped the researchers to explore how dozens of databases from different organisations can be linked via peer-to-peer technology to improve response time and avoid duplication of efforts in cases of emergency.

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Directive amending VAT invoicing published

The Official Journal of the European Union published on 22 July 2010, Council Directive 2010/45/EU of 13 July 2010 amending Directive 2006/112/EC on the common system of value added tax as regards the rules on invoicing. These new rules will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication and Member states will have to adopt the due provisions to comply with it by 31 December 2012.

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EC calls for tenders for testing the reference framework for sustainable cities

In order to support the testing phase for the reference framework for sustainable cities, the Commission intends to contract technical assistance to organize the services and procedures in this phase, which will involve between 50 and 70 selected cities. Interested parties may submit their proposals to the Commission until September 15.

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Commission releases new Recommendations on GMOs coexistence

The European Commission has published in the Official Journal its Recommendation of 13 July 2010 on guidelines for the development of national co-existence measures to avoid the unintended presence of GMOs in conventional and organic crops. The objective of co-existence measures is to prevent the potential economic loss and impact of the admixture of GM and non-GM crops (including organic crops).

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Boosting EU economy through research, development and innovation

During the informal meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council, held in Brussels between 15 and 16 July 2010, representatives from European research sector had the opportunity to transmit to ministers the opportunities that EU R&D can provide to European economy. This meeting was also an important step to support the Research and Innovation Plan to which will officially be presented  in September.

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The EU appeals against the report of the aid to Airbus

The EU appeals against the panel report in large civil aircraft dispute. The report issued on 30 June 2010 and need to be corrected or clarified. The report issued on 30 June 2010 and sides with the EU in rejecting a significant number of US claims.

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Commission proposes a to cut out aids for non competitive coal mines

The European Commission has approved a proposal for a Council Regulation on State aid to facilitate the closure of loss-making hard coal mines in the EU by 1st October 2014. The Commission's objective is to establish the appropriate mechanisms to facilitate the closure of non competitive mines, ensuring the lowest possible social impact. This measure would affect a sector currently employing 100.000 people in Europe.

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CAP should address territorial impact aspects

Speaking at the European Commission's two-day conference on the future of the CAP post-2013, President of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes Bresso, highlighted the need for territorial impact assessment for all parts of future CAP. These assessments should not only address rural development issues, but also those related to agricultural production.

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EU citizens opinion on road safety

The Eurobarometer has published the results of its survey concerning road safety. This survey showed that driving under the influence of alcohol is considered by EU citizens as their main concern in relation to road safety, followed by exceeding speed limits. Around  half of surveyed citizens considered that rod infrastructure should be improved.

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Commission proposes a plan on additional funding for ITER

The European Commission has adopted a proposal to deploy 100 M€ in 2012 and 360 M€ in 2013 from the 7th Framework Programme for Research, in order to secure the financing of ITER project as it goes forward. Besides, the Commission also proposed an initial transfer of unused funds of 400 M€ from other EU budgets to the budget financing ITER.

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EIB supporting microfinance investment vehicles

In order to address the limited availability of financial services to the poor and economically marginalised, the Bank supports an increasing number of microfinance investment vehicles that invest in and provide technical assistance to local microfinance institutions. This instruments are deemed to support micro-businesses and create positive social and economic impacts.

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