European Union News - Internal Market

The European Commission made a proposal to modernise the existing rules on cross-border business insolvency so that they support restructuring of business in difficulties and create a business-friendly environment – the current rules date from 2000. According to the Commission, the changes will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border insolvency proceedings.

MEPs approved the proposal of eleven EU countries to introduce a financial transaction tax (FTT). MEPs have long advocated an FTT and they highlight that the 11 member states account for 90% of Eurozone GDP.

According to the latest estimates released by Eurostat, the EU agricultural income per worker that comprises the income generated by agricultural activities over a given accounting period, has increased by 1.0% in 2012, after an increase of 8.0% in 2011.

The European Parliament approved in plenary session two landmark pacts freeing up EU trade with Colombia, Peru and six countries in Central America. MEPs also voted on the Regulation implementing the bilateral Safeguard Clause of the agreements that will provide a safety net for the EU industries in case of injurious surge of imports from the countries concerned.

MEPs approved the so-called "EU patent package" (unitary patent, language regime and unified patent court). Moreover, Ministers endorsed the political agreement for the establishment of a unitary patent system valid across the EU. On the other hand, an Advocate General’s Opinion proposes that the Court of Justice of the European Union dismiss the actions brought by Spain and Italy against the Council’s decision authorising enhanced cooperation in the area of the unitary patent. The two regulations on the Unitary Patent and the translation arrangements should be formally adopted by the Council before the end of 2012.

According to a survey results, in January 2012, almost half of enterprises in the EU reported that they provided some type of portable device to at least some of their staff for business use. With regard to the type of mobile devices provided to staff, 40% of enterprises provided portable computers and 39% other mobile devices, such as smartphones or Personal Digital Assistants.

The Competitiveness Council meeting ended with the endorsement of the agreement reached by the Permanent Representatives Committee with regard to the unitary patent protection. The agreement on the unitary patent is one of the twelve priority measures included in the Single Market Act I package. Ministers also held debates on the rest of priorities included in the package such as the debate held on the modernisation of the public procurement policy.

With the final approval given by the Council, there will apply new rules for motorcycles and other light vehicles. Among the measures approved there are the fitting of advanced braking systems will now become obligatory for two-wheel motorcycles and automatic "switching-on" of headlamps will be mandatory for all light vehicles.