European Union News

In adopting a report on combating terrorism, the EP voted to beef up the data protection provisions of a proposed framework decision on police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters. In a second report on protection of personal data relating to a proposal to include three new offences in European law: public incitement to commit terrorist offences, recruitment for terrorism, and terrorist training, MEPs say the fight against terrorism must not constrain freedom of expression.

The European Parliament adopted a legislative report at first-reading aimed at providing wider access to telecoms services, more information for consumers and stronger data protection. All the major political groups in Parliament agreed a compromise before the plenary vote which does not alter the main goal of the draft legislation, but they greatly clarify its aims, notably as regards protection of privacy and fundamental rights.

MEPs are making a formal request to the Commission to propose new legislation to improve regulation of financial markets, in particular regarding hedge funds and private equity investors. This calls comes after the debate held September 22nd, when they also called for more transparency in the financial system.

The Implementing Rules for Pilot Licensing consultation deadline has been extended until 15 December.

Urban areas are spreading, minimising the time and distances between and in-and-out of cities. The International Planning Congress in Dalian, China (19-23 September 2008), addressed this ‘urban sprawl’ and sought ways to achieve sustainable urbanisation. The European Environment Agency contributed to this debate by urging policy makers to tackle underpinning consumption patterns.

The European Commission has proposed to reduce the price of roaming text messages by 60% as of 1 July 2009. EU citizens travelling in other EU countries should pay no more than €0.11 per SMS compared to the current EU average of €0.29. The Commission also wants to improve transparency for surfing the web and downloading data on a mobile phone while abroad. The proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament and Council, who must agree before they become law.

The European Commission presents on the 23rd September 2008 the results of its “health check” on 321 European cities developed during 2006-2007 in 362 cities.

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a set of guidelines to assist Member States' courts in applying the EU state aid rules. The guidelines are aimed at supporting national courts and potential claimants in relation to domestic state aid challenges. Interested parties are invited to comment on the draft by October 23rd 2008.

The Commission has make a Communication to the European Parliament and the Council on an EU Drugs Action Plan for 2009-2012 (COM(2008) 567 final) on September 18, 2008. Drugs are a major concern for the citizens of Europe and a major threat to the security and health of European society.

During the celebration of the Eurofi conference held in Nice (France), Commissioner Hübner announced the launch of JASMINE, a new facility developed in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, seeking to provide financial and other assistance to support the development of micro-finance institutions in the Member States as credible financial intermediaries capable of supporting those wishing to establish or develop a micro-business or to enter self-employment.

EUROPEAN JOB DAYS 2008 organise more than 500 events around Europe during September and October. Events range from job fairs to seminars to information sessions –even taking place on trains! Whatever your recruitment or job-hunting needs, this is the season not to miss.

Strategic choices for young Europeans is the official name for the EU- public consultation on the future of youth policy launched on the 22nd of september.