European Union News

The Competitiveness Council meeting reached an agreement to move forward the regulation on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the EU. The current regulation will expire on 30 June 2012. The new regulation revises the current regulation by introducing pro-competitive structural measures and extending its validity until 30 June 2022.

The opinion "Budget 2014-2020", adopted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plenary session, highlights that the financial framework for 2014-2020 must make sure that the EU is able to cope with the upcoming challenges. These challenges can only be overcome with an ambitious and efficiently structured budget, according to EESC members.

Consumer Scoreboard confirms that while e-commerce continues to grow, it remains largely domestic despite the clear potential in terms of choice and savings across borders. In addition it also shows that unfair commercial practices persist and knowledge of consumer rights is still worryingly low.

With the aim at gathering vies on the improving of competitiveness and job creation, the European Commission launched a public consultation meant to provide input for the mid-term review of the industrial policy communication planned for September 2012. The contributions can be made until 7th August.

“How do you best handle crises?”, a workshop organised by EUROCONTROL, brought together 120 participants to discuss among other things how to establish an effective crisis management process in Europe. EUROCONTROL is responsible for coordinating the management of responses to crises affecting the aviation network.

In 2011, more than 18.000 citizens used the online interactive guide from the European Ombudsman to obtain advice on where to turn with their problems. In addition, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, the European Ombudsman, received 2.510 complaints last year, and he opened a record number of 396 investigations into alleged maladministration by the EU administration.

The European Economic and Social Committee approved three opinions which focus on how to give new impetus to the social sector and corporate responsibility. According to the EESC, social Europe can be translated into business opportunities and the much-needed creation of jobs.

Researchers and responsibles of the EU-funded project NAPANIL, celebrated an information day during which people at the event explored the potentials, limitations and expected impact of nanoimprint lithography (NIL) on the market.

According to a report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), increase in cancers and fertility problems may be caused by household chemicals and pharmaceuticals. The EEA Executive Director highlights that it would be prudent to take a precautionary approach to many of these chemicals until their effects are more fully understood.

The European Economic and Social Committee approved a report which calls for tougher controls and greater coordination to fight against tax and financial havens. In particular, the EESC demands further action to eradicate opaque tax jurisdictions and to compel Member States to combat crimes that originate in many of these jurisdictions.

The European Parliament approved a report which stresses that emergency financial assistance from the EU for cash-strapped neighbours must depend on respect for human rights and democracy. In addition to this, MEPs also slam the Commission's plans to cut Parliament out of the decision-making process.

Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner believes that European newspapers are helping to shape democratic and tolerant societies. In her speech at the general assembly of the European Newspapers Publishers' Association (ENPA), she focused on three themes which – directly or indirectly – form part of her responsibilities at EU level: media literacy, the VAT regime for online cultural goods and copyright. Among other things, Ms Vassiliou underlined that digitisation has increased the need for stronger copyright protection.