European Union News - Research & Innovation

The total value of extra EU-27 trade in telecommunication, sound and video equipment rose by 33% over the period 2000-2008, according to latest Eurostat publication.

The European Commission has published in the Official Journal of the European Union of January 5th, 2010, a decision on the renewal of the mandate of the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies. It will last until 2015.

There is growing concern that combined exposure to chemicals from different sources used for example in agriculture and industry may have adverse effects on human health, even if each individual substance is below its own risk limit. The Environment Council has adopted conclusions on these combination effects.

EU-funded researchers have released a set of tools designed to help policymakers ensure that their decisions are informed by the best research evidence available.

The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) based in Lisbon, the European Agency for the Management of Operational Co-operation at the External Borders of the Member States of the European Union (Frontex) based in Warsaw and the Community Fisheries Control Agency (CFCA), based in Vigo, Spain, have concluded an agreement to cooperate, in accordance with their respective mandates, in the field of maritime surveillance in a way that will be mutually beneficial for the three agencies

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank of the EU Member States, have launched a grant aid initiative to help local and regional authorities make investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. The global fight against climate change is a top priority for the European Union and it is acknowledged that local actors will play a significant role in meeting this challenge. The ELENA facility is designed to help cities and regions, through the provision of technical assistance, structure and implement projects in the most efficient way so they can attract outside finance.

The Official Journal of the European Union has published on December 22nd the Commission Decision of 18th December 2010 concerning the adoption of the 2010 work plan to implement the Second Programme of Community action in the field of health (2008-2013), and the criteria for selection, award and other factors that apply to financial contributions for activities of this programme. Together with this programme, four calls for proposals have also been issued.

New EU telecoms rules will officially become EU law tomorrow following their publication in today's Official Journal of the European Union. The new rules composed of the Better Regulation Directive and the Citizens’ Rights Directive will need to be transposed into national laws of the 27 EU Member States by June 2011. The new Regulation establishing the new European Telecoms Authority called "Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC)" is directly applicable and will enter into force in 20 days.

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) announced today its first three Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs). The launch of the KICs marks a crucial step in setting up the EIT, which is designed to become a role model for boosting innovation in Europe and thereby contributing to the goals of the future EU 2020 strategy.

The biggest forum on ICT research and innovation, a biennial event with the latest research trends, will take place among 27 and 29 September 2010, in Brussels, under the belgian presidency of the EU.

The competition European Innovation and Creativity Camp was won by students from six different countries with their concepts FaceSchool and YouSchool. A group of 95 students were given 24 hours to propose solutions to a problem. Now, they have presented their concept in a conference held in Stockholm.

The Regions for Economic Change annual conference, organized by the European Commission, will be held on 20-21 May 2010 in Brussels.