European Union News

In the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), the European Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas called for full engagement on the implementation of the Single European Sky, and for a positive cooperation between ECAC and the EU.

Heads of State and Government within the EU adopted on 14 December the European Council conclusions on completing the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU). They agreed that the priority is to complete and implement the framework for stronger economic governance, including the "six-pack", the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (TSCG) and the "two-pack", in order to break the vicious circle between banks and sovereigns.

The European Commission presented a major package of measures to strengthen and improve the European regulatory framework and ensure the EU's "regulatory fitness". This package is aimed at making it easier and cheaper for enterprises to do business and for citizens to enjoy the benefits of the Single Market.

The European Commission is boosting its humanitarian assistance by €30 million in Sudan and South Sudan. The funding will support immediate life-saving activities such as distributing essential food and non-food items, as well as providing shelter, health, protection, water, hygiene and sanitation.

The Economic and Financial Affairs Council reached an agreement on the regulation conferring supervisory tasks on the European Central Bank, and the one which establishes the European Banking Authority. The President of the European Commission welcomed the agreement which considers as a crucial and very substantive step towards completion of the banking union.

The European Parliament approved new rules governing decisions on how best to protect local residents against aircraft noise and allocate take-off and landing fairly and flexibly. However the proposal to further increase competition among groundhandling service suppliers at key airports was referred back to the Transport and Tourism Committee for further discussion.

The European Commission made a proposal to modernise the existing rules on cross-border business insolvency so that they support restructuring of business in difficulties and create a business-friendly environment – the current rules date from 2000. According to the Commission, the changes will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border insolvency proceedings.

MEPs approved the proposal of eleven EU countries to introduce a financial transaction tax (FTT). MEPs have long advocated an FTT and they highlight that the 11 member states account for 90% of Eurozone GDP.

According to the latest estimates released by Eurostat, the EU agricultural income per worker that comprises the income generated by agricultural activities over a given accounting period, has increased by 1.0% in 2012, after an increase of 8.0% in 2011.

The European Commission announced the allocation of €3 million in rapid aid following the five-day passage of Typhoon Bopha across the Philippines. The funding will provide emergency assistance to those worst affected, targeting vulnerable groups such as children, households run by single women, and the elderly.

The European Commission launched a public consultation on the best way to improve air quality in Europe. The results of the consultation will feed into a comprehensive review of Europe's air policies due in 2013. The consultation is open until 4 March 2013.

The European Parliament approved in plenary session two landmark pacts freeing up EU trade with Colombia, Peru and six countries in Central America. MEPs also voted on the Regulation implementing the bilateral Safeguard Clause of the agreements that will provide a safety net for the EU industries in case of injurious surge of imports from the countries concerned.