European Union News - Internal Market

The European Commission informed that in May 2012, the Business Climate Indicator (BCI) for the euro area decreased by 0.26 points to -0.77. In addition to this, it also informed that the Economic sentiment falls sharply in both the EU and the euro area.

The special report published by the European Court of Auditors (ECA) highlights that the modernisation of agricultural holdings has greater potential if funds were better targeted to EU priorities and Member States’ specific needs. In addition to this, it concludes that the procedures for establishing the viability and sustainability of a holding or investment project were not effective in all Member States.

The Competitiveness Council meeting reached an agreement to move forward the regulation on roaming on public mobile communications networks within the EU. The current regulation will expire on 30 June 2012. The new regulation revises the current regulation by introducing pro-competitive structural measures and extending its validity until 30 June 2022.

The opinion "Budget 2014-2020", adopted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) plenary session, highlights that the financial framework for 2014-2020 must make sure that the EU is able to cope with the upcoming challenges. These challenges can only be overcome with an ambitious and efficiently structured budget, according to EESC members.

Consumer Scoreboard confirms that while e-commerce continues to grow, it remains largely domestic despite the clear potential in terms of choice and savings across borders. In addition it also shows that unfair commercial practices persist and knowledge of consumer rights is still worryingly low.

With the aim at gathering vies on the improving of competitiveness and job creation, the European Commission launched a public consultation meant to provide input for the mid-term review of the industrial policy communication planned for September 2012. The contributions can be made until 7th August.

The European Economic and Social Committee approved a report which calls for tougher controls and greater coordination to fight against tax and financial havens. In particular, the EESC demands further action to eradicate opaque tax jurisdictions and to compel Member States to combat crimes that originate in many of these jurisdictions.

The 2012 winners of the European Business Awards for the Environment are Marks and Spencer (UK) for management; Aquamarine Power (UK) for product; Umicore (Belgium) for process; INENSUS GmbH (Germany) for international business cooperation; and Slovenské elektrárne, a.s. (Slovakia) for business and biodiversity. According to the European Commission, the five winners reflect contributions to sustainable development.

The European Commission published a report from the European Competition Network (ECN) which shows that active enforcement of competition law in the food sector across Europe, in particular at the processing and manufacturing levels, has benefited farmers, suppliers and consumers. From 2004 to 2011, European competition authorities have investigated more than 180 antitrust cases.

Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council confirmed on behalf of the euro area leaders that they want Greece to stay in the euro but they also expect that after the elections the new Greek Government make the choice of continuing the vital reforms to restore debt sustainability. In addition to this, members of the Council agreed that they need to mobilise EU policies to fully support growth.