European Union News

The Commission has proposed negotiation directives for the Union's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Lisbon Treaty provides for the legal basis for the EU to accede to the ECHR, which is the most important instrument to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. The EU's accession to the Convention will further strengthen the EU's system of protection of fundamental rights.

Organised annually since 2003, the 8th European Week of Regions and Cities - OPEN DAYS will involve 247 regions and cities from 34 countries in October 2010 – more event partners than ever before. In line with the EU's new 'Europe 2020' strategy and discussions on the future of cohesion policy after 2013, this year's focus will lie on competitiveness, competition and cohesion.

The European Commission’s Budget Directorate-General is asking pupils aged between 15 and 19 from Germany and Austria to have a close look at the EU budget and submit their findings in the form of a report or short video. Pupils will, for example, be able to report on EU projects being conducted in their area.

Habitat loss and climate change are having a serious impact on Europe’s butterflies, beetles and dragonflies. The release of the latest European Red List, commissioned by the European Commission, shows that nine percent of butterflies, 11 percent of beetles that depend on decaying wood and 14 percent of dragonflies are threatened with extinction within Europe.

The OJEU has published three calls for proposals to support research within and outside the European Union through the Marie Curie Fellowships. The grants, with a total budget of € 151 million, are targeted to researchers from third countries wishing to carry out their work temporarily in the EU, Europeans who want to go to a high-level research organisation in a third country and who want to investigate in any Member State.

A total of € 346.5 million of EU farm money unduly spent by Member States is claimed back as a result of a conformity clearance procedure decision adopted by the European Commission. The money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure.

European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht has opened a conference focused on the European Union's trade policy towards developing countries. The objective of this conference is to discuss publicly how to maintain the effectiveness of the EU's General System of Preferences (GSP) in promoting development, how to make the most of regional trade agreements with developing countries, and how to encourage sustainable development.

Since 16 March, the online version of the "Supplement to the Official Journal of the European Union", dedicated to European public procurement provides a new interface and new features to its users.

The European Union has adopted conclusions on biodiversity for the period beyond 2010 during the meeting of the Environment Council, held in Brussels, according to Spain's Minister of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs, Elena Espinosa.

Plans should be developed for a global tax to discourage excessive risk-taking by financial institutions and ensure that the financial industry pays for the damage caused by the financial crisis, says Parliament in a resolution. If a worldwide tax proves unachievable, the EU could consider the option of going it alone, add MEPs.

The awards aim to reward the best initiatives contributing to a entrepreneurial and business-friendly Europe, for example by boosting small and medium sized companies and creating new jobs. The winners will be announced on 31 May 2010 in a special ceremony during the Small Business Act conference in Madrid.

European 4th "eHealth Week 2010" and the 8th eHealth Ministerial Conference will be major annual events in the field of ICT for healthcare worldwide. This year well above 2000 participants will attend this event in Barcelona around the theme “eHealth for sustainable healthcare: global changes through local actions”.