European Union News - European Union

On the basis of a revised negotiating box prepared by the Cyprus presidency, the Council discussed the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for the 2014-2020 period. With regard to the overall expenditure ceiling, some member states welcomed the presidency intention to reduce the figures proposed by the Commission and insisted on the need of better spending. Others defended the Commission proposal, arguing that the MFF was the major investment tool for promoting growth and creating jobs. They also expressed their willingness to reach agreement at a special European Council scheduled for 22-23 November.

The European Court of Auditors (ECA) published a report which highlights that the European Commission, Eurostat and Member States have not yet achieved the full implementation of the European Statistics Code of Practice. Moreover, the EU Auditors stressed that the European statistical programme 2008 to 2012, the audit found that Eurostat had not designed it as an effective planning, monitoring and accountability tool.

A draft report authored by MEP Marianne Thyssen and presented to the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee underlines that the EU already has some tools in place to tackle the crisis, although a strong economic and monetary union in the future will require treaty changes. As European Parliament is now directly involved in the work of this task force, the Thyssen draft report will ultimately form a part of the mandate for MEP negotiators.

The European Commission adopted a decision which clarifies and reinforces the role and responsibilities of Eurostat, the EU statistical office. Through the Decision, the Commission pledges to uphold the independence of Eurostat and it's Director-General in their tasks, and ensure high-quality standards are respected for European statistics.

The European Commission presented a new strategy for developing international cooperation in research and innovation. The strategy proposes to further focus cooperation on EU strategic priorities while maintaining the tradition of openness to third country participation in EU research. It will be mainly implemented through Horizon 2020, the EU's funding programme for research and innovation from 2014.

A report published by the European Commission shows the North-South divide in educational attainment in the EU, with the highest rates of low-qualified people, with lower secondary education or less, chiefly found in southern European regions and especially in Portugal and Spain. The report also calls on EU countries to work harder to reduce these inequalities.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement with the Hellenic Republic that will facilitate up to €750 million of new EIB funding in Greece over the next few months. According to EIB President Werner Hoyer the agreement opens the way to new funding for key investments, which support economic development in Greece.

MEPs called on the European Commission to better address social issues. They also welcomed Commission President Barroso's vision on the need for a stronger EU but commenting that his federation proposals needed more ambition. Furthermore, the main groups called for a strong EU budget to deliver investments and growth.

The European Commission has adopted a proposal aiming at strengthening the capacity of political parties to represent European citizens. This proposal will address the limitations due to the current legal status of European political parties increasing their capacity to truly represent EU citizens and strengthening democracy.

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement to work together on satellite-based services that can bridge the digital divide and bring economic growth to the Mediterranean region.