European Union News - European Union

The European Commission has adopted a a proposal extending the rules governing public access to documents issued by EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. This proposal aims to extend the scope of current rules about access to information in order to put them into line with the Lisbon Treaty and create a single legal framework for the right of access to documents of all the institutions.

In order to pave the way for next Presidency trio to focus on the content of the budget instead of the procedure, the Hungarian Presidency is aiming to reach an agreement with the European Parliament concerning its role in this process. Hungarian Minister of State for EU Affairs, Enikő Győri, stated so at a European Economic and Social Committee’s public hearing held in Brussels on 21 March.

In view of the recent events which were taking place in Libya, following UN Security Council Resolution 1973 from 18 March, and give that Colonel Gaddafi's disregard of international community's claims, world leaders met in Paris on 19 March in a Summit in order to study the decide of further steps to take. Participants expressed that, while contributing in differentiated way to the implementation of UNSCR 1973, they are determined to act collectively and resolutely to give full effect to these decisions. Within this context, the European Union is ready to implement Resolution 1973 within its mandate and competences.

On 17 March 2011, United Nations Security Council effectively authorized the use of force in Libya to protect civilians from attack, specifically in the eastern city of Benghazi. This decision has been particularly welcomed by all international community. The European Union, in a joint statement by President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy and EU High Representative Catherine Ashton, has expresses fully endorsement of UN demands for a complete end to the violence.

Constitutional Affairs Committee MEPs meeting on 15 March, called for European-level political parties and foundations to have a legal personality based directly on EU law. Greater flexibility in funding, a higher ceiling for donations and a right for European parties to take part in referendum campaigns are among other suggestions made by Committee.

In order to attract the very best talent to work at the EU Institutions, the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) will accept for the first time in this annual recruitment drive applications from candidates who are still in their final year of undergraduate study, allowing the EU to compete with top recruiters from across the public and private sectors. This process launched on 16 March, sees the opening of the second annual EU Careers 'Administrator' recruitment drive, for candidates in fields such as law, economics and policy development.

The Council of the European Union decided on 10 March to extend restrictive measures to five key financial entities, and to add one additional name to the list of individuals already subject to restrictive measures, in response to the gravity of the situation in Libya. This Council Decision  2011/156/CFSP entered into force  and was published in the Official Journal on 11 March.

The European Parliament has debated during its Plenary session held in Strasbourg on 9 March about the situation of the accession negotiations with Turkey. MEPs regret that this process is progressing so slowly mainly due to the limited improvements made by Turkey in the defence of human rights and the implementation of reforms.

The Council of the European Union adopted on 28 February 2011 a decision implementing the UN Security Council Resolution on Libya of 26 February (UNSCR 1970/2011) and imposing additional restrictive measures against those responsible for the violent crackdown on the civilian population. These measures include ban of supply of arms and equipment which could be used for repression, as well as a visa ban and freeze of assets for Muammar Qadhafi and some members of his family.

According to the results of the latest EU-wide opinion poll of the European Parliament, Europeans’ views of the activity of the institution remain stable. Although the figures of this survey which looks at how much EU citizens know about the institution and their opinions about its works and priorities, are broadly stable compared with previous surveys, the poll also shows substantial variation between the different Member States.

The High Representative of the European Union and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, stated on 27 February European Union's full endorsement of the Resolution taken by the United Nations Security Council in order to implement sanctions on Libyan authorities in bid to stem violent repression. Meanwhile, the EU continues to work together to coordinate the evacuation of EU citizens and support humanitarian efforts.

EU Foreign Affairs ministers meeting in Brussels on 21 February in a Council meeting chaired by High Representative Catherine Ashton, took an in-depth discussion on the situation in the EU's Southern neighbourhood and expressed its support for the legitimate hopes and aspirations for democratic change, social justice and economic development of peoples of the South Mediterranean. In particular, the Council condemned the ongoing repression against demonstrators in Libya and deplored the violence and the death of civilians.