European Union News - European Union

The EU-Montenegro Association and Stabilisation Council met for the first time in Luxembourg in order to review the Balkan country's compliance with the economic and political criteria for membership.

How Europe's economy is governed and the recent Israeli boarding of the Gaza flotilla are just two things on the agenda when MEPs meet hold their sitting from 14-18 June. Members will also be taking a closer look at the role of credit rating agencies and the financial derivates market in the economic crisis. Progress on the Millennium Development Goals to slash poverty and financial for jobless construction workers in Ireland and Spain will also be looked at.

EU environment ministers agreed to work together in the fight against drought and water scarcity and to support the development of an observatory which would reinforce prevention.

Nearly 30 outstanding cultural heritage projects were honoured yesterday at the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Awards at the Aya Irini (Topkapi Palace) in Istanbul, Turkey. Six of the projects received a grand prize and € 10,000 each.

Recent corrections to previously announced government deficit figures notified by one member state have demonstrated the need to strengthen the monitoring of the quality of budgetary statistics data reported to Eurostat (the statistical office of the EU) in the context of the excessive deficit procedure. On 8 June, the Ecofin Council agreed on a general approach regarding a regulation that will facilitate this.

The contribution of European territories, regions and cities to the Europe 2020 Strategy is the focus of the Open Seminar “ESPON Evidence for Regional Policy-Making” on 9 - 10 June 2010 in Madrid.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Parliament President Jerzy Buzek will attend the celebrations in Luxembourg to mark the 25th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement.

The European Commission has today adopted a draft proposal amending the Staff Regulations in view of the establishment of the External Action Service. The changes, which were discussed intensively with the staff unions, are aimed at ensuring equal treatment between the Service’s three sources of staff – from the Council, the Commission and the national diplomatic services.

MEPs and MPs form EU Member States have concluded in Brussels that the EU should accelerate the application of common energy policy rules, and the policy itself must aim to improve competitiveness and security of supply and sustainability.