European Union News - Internal Market

The European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) adopted a Policy on Consultations in the field of Supervision & Enforcement which provides guidance to EU institutions and bodies and Data Protection Officers (DPOs) on consulting the EDPS when drawing up measures or internal rules which involve the processing of personal information.

Following the outcome of a co-ordinated "Sweep" investigation in which national enforcement authorities checked 565 websites across the 27 Member States, Norway and Iceland, the European Commission now published that up to date figures show that over 75% of websites checked now give satisfactory information to clients, while in September 2011, 70% of these sites (393) were flagged for further investigation.

The European Parliament approved the reform of the law that allows exceptions to cut off shark fins and dumping carcasses at sea. The ban, in place since 2003, prohibited removing shark fins on board vessels.

The loan granted to the Spain’s Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) by the European Investment Bank (EIB) will be allocated to finance small and medium-scale projects carried out by SMEs, mainly in convergence regions in Spain. ICO will match the EIB loan with the same amount, meaning that a total of €1 billion will be pumped into the small business sector.

The European Commission announced its intention to refer Greece to the Court of Justice because it has failed to ensure full compliance with EU rules on public procurement as regards the purchase of an information system for the Social Security Foundation.

Despite of the declaration, signed a year ago by all member states and Parliament to avoid any shortfall in payment appropriations for 2012, Parliament's President Martin Schulz highlighted that a minority of member states are still refusing to agree on an amending budget for 2012. According to Mr Schulz, these member states' refusal to agree on an amending budget for 2012 was the reason why budget negotiations broke down on November.

Two resolutions approved by MEPs in plenary session underline that the emergence of exploration for shale oil and shale gas in some EU countries should be backed up with "robust regulatory regimes". Moreover, an amendment urging member states not to authorise any new fracking operations in the EU, tabled by MEPs from various groups was rejected.

The European Commission gave its green light a new Spanish scheme for the early depreciation of assets acquired via finance leases. According to the Commission, and following a long investigation, this scheme does not constitute state aid under EU rules, inter alia because it is not selective.

MEPs adopted in plenary session the new legislation that makes motorbikes safer and greener. This new legislation will apply to all powered two- and three-wheel vehicles, from mopeds to heavy motorcycles, and also quads, as of 2016.