European Union News

Following the outcome of a co-ordinated "Sweep" investigation in which national enforcement authorities checked 565 websites across the 27 Member States, Norway and Iceland, the European Commission now published that up to date figures show that over 75% of websites checked now give satisfactory information to clients, while in September 2011, 70% of these sites (393) were flagged for further investigation.

The report on the state of the Schengen area was published by the European Commission. Among the conclusions, the Commission highlights that the Visa Information System (VIS) has worked well but the European institution will continue to find ways to improve the data collection and analysis of irregular migratory movements.

The European Parliament approved the reform of the law that allows exceptions to cut off shark fins and dumping carcasses at sea. The ban, in place since 2003, prohibited removing shark fins on board vessels.

The loan granted to the Spain’s Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) by the European Investment Bank (EIB) will be allocated to finance small and medium-scale projects carried out by SMEs, mainly in convergence regions in Spain. ICO will match the EIB loan with the same amount, meaning that a total of €1 billion will be pumped into the small business sector.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution that suggests that European political parties should propose candidates for Commission President at the next European elections. The resolution also recommends that each European alliance of political parties should propose a candidate to run for European Commission President and lead their 2014 European election campaign.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) published a report that shows how the climate change is affecting all regions in Europe, causing a wide range of impacts on society and the environment. In addition, the European Parliament approved a resolution which called for the EU to aim for a 30% reduction in emissions by 2020.

The European Commission approved a new funding assistance for the Turkish Cypriot community. The €27.2 million programme will focus on promoting the economic integration of the island, with the overall objective to help prepare for its reunification.

The European Commission announced its intention to refer Greece to the Court of Justice because it has failed to ensure full compliance with EU rules on public procurement as regards the purchase of an information system for the Social Security Foundation.

Despite of the declaration, signed a year ago by all member states and Parliament to avoid any shortfall in payment appropriations for 2012, Parliament's President Martin Schulz highlighted that a minority of member states are still refusing to agree on an amending budget for 2012. According to Mr Schulz, these member states' refusal to agree on an amending budget for 2012 was the reason why budget negotiations broke down on November.

Two resolutions approved by MEPs in plenary session underline that the emergence of exploration for shale oil and shale gas in some EU countries should be backed up with "robust regulatory regimes". Moreover, an amendment urging member states not to authorise any new fracking operations in the EU, tabled by MEPs from various groups was rejected.

EU ministers agreed on a fourth partial general approach on the cohesion policy legislative package for the 2014-2020 period. The partial general approach covers the financial management, and the common strategic framework. The purpose of cohesion policy is to reduce disparities between the levels of development of the EU's various regions.

The European Commission gave its green light a new Spanish scheme for the early depreciation of assets acquired via finance leases. According to the Commission, and following a long investigation, this scheme does not constitute state aid under EU rules, inter alia because it is not selective.