European Union News - Internal Market

The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) remained unchanged in the EU, and declined by 0.7 points in the euro area in October 2012. Consumer confidence remained broadly unchanged. For the same period, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area also decreased. The decline was driven by markedly worsened assessments of order books and past production.

The European Commission informed that following the recent entry into force of the new Financial Regulation, has adopted its new detailed Rules of application. As of 1 January 2013 thanks to simplified procedures, the delivery of EU funds to businesses, NGOs, researchers, students, municipalities and other recipients will be improved.

The European Commission and the European Central Bank published the results of the first review mission of the financial-assistance programme for Spain. The results highlighted that while the overall financial market conditions in this country have improved since the start of the programme and funding strains have been reduced, the challenges to parts of the banking sector remain very acute and warrant decisive policy action.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution which points out that citizens and companies still do not benefit fully from the single market. According to MEPs, member states are reluctant to implement EU rules swiftly, coordinate with each other and inform citizens of their rights.

According to a report published the Joint Research Centre, digital spending - the acquisition of media products in digital format - tripled from 2006 to 2010 worldwide. However, worldwide, industries only saw their revenues rise slightly up until 2010. The digital success of the music sector contrasts other media and content industries, which are moving at a slower pace towards digital with distribution.

The European Commission sent a statement of objections which does not prejudge the final outcome of the investigation, informing Microsoft of its preliminary view that Microsoft has failed to comply with its commitments to offer users a choice screen enabling them to easily choose their preferred web browser.

A resolution adopted by MEPs asks to member states to implement the Single European Sky compromise. National air traffic control spaces in Europe urgently need to be merged so as to clear congestion, boost safety, reduce flight times, delays and fares, create jobs and cut CO2 emissions, according to them.

The European Commission presented an action plan that includes a series of initiatives over the next two years aimed at clarifying the regulation of online gambling and encouraging cooperation between Member States.