European Union News - European Union

Only one in 10 board members of Europe's biggest listed companies is a woman and all central bank governors in the EU are male. The economy would benefit by having full representation of both men and women in top positions, says a new report presented by the European Commission.

The European Commission has requested the views of workers' and employers' representatives on the options for reviewing EU rules on working time. The first stage consultation asks the European social partners at whether action is needed at EU level on the Working Time Directive and what scope it should take.

The European Commission has proposed a law that will allow couples to choose which country's laws apply to their divorce. The proposed EU Regulation will help couples of different nationalities, couples living apart in different countries or living together in a country other than their home country.

The Heads of State or Government of the EU-27 will make their first formal decisions in the process to develop the "Europe 2020" strategy that aims to achieve sustainable economic growth, job creation as well as recognition for the European social model.

Androulla Vassiliou, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, will present awards to the best young translators in Europe at this ceremony. Twenty-seven students, one from each Member State, will receive a trophy and a diploma for producing the best translation in a translation contest for schools organised by the European Commission.

Regional development projects in EU Member States will get faster and easier access to EU structural funding, thanks to new rules backed by the Regional Development Committee on Thursday. As part of the EU's "anti-crisis" measures, advance payments will be increased for projects that help create jobs in countries worst hit by the downturn.

On 23-24 March, the European Commission will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the European Capitals of Culture with a conference and exhibition in Brussels attended by more than 400 representatives of past, present and future Capitals and many other cultural operators. The conference is aimed at sharing experiences and good practices as well as assessing the impact of the European Capitals of Culture since its launch in 1985.

A recent EU survey found most consumers are unhappy with the bus and train services in their cities, with many also complaining about banking services and their power and gas companies. That is why services have been the focus of an EU conference on consumer policy this week

European governments must make a 'generous effort' so that local and regional bodies actively participate in defining policies against the economic crisis. Spain, Belgium and Hungary are working on a 'roadmap' to bring about real European participation by local and regional bodies.

The Commission has proposed negotiation directives for the Union's accession to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Lisbon Treaty provides for the legal basis for the EU to accede to the ECHR, which is the most important instrument to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe. The EU's accession to the Convention will further strengthen the EU's system of protection of fundamental rights.

Organised annually since 2003, the 8th European Week of Regions and Cities - OPEN DAYS will involve 247 regions and cities from 34 countries in October 2010 – more event partners than ever before. In line with the EU's new 'Europe 2020' strategy and discussions on the future of cohesion policy after 2013, this year's focus will lie on competitiveness, competition and cohesion.

The European Commission’s Budget Directorate-General is asking pupils aged between 15 and 19 from Germany and Austria to have a close look at the EU budget and submit their findings in the form of a report or short video. Pupils will, for example, be able to report on EU projects being conducted in their area.