Charlemagne Youth Prize: Deadline extended to 23 February
Are you a 16-30 year old running a project with a European dimension? If so, you have until 23 February to register for the 2015 edition of the Charlemagne Youth Prize. The aim of the Prize is to encourage the development of European consciousness among young people, as well as their participation in European integration […]
Ombudsman: How to make the Commission’s expert groups more balanced and transparent
The European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly (pictured), has made proposals to the European Commission on how to make its expert groups more balanced and transparent. The Commission oversees hundreds of such advisory groups which play a crucial role in the development of EU legislation and policy. The Ombudsman calls on the Commission to establish a legally […]
Discard ban: MEPs delay enforcement of sanctions on fishermen who fail to comply
Fishermen will have two years to “adapt” before sanctions for failing to comply with the new Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) discard ban take effect, under a tentative deal struck by the European Parliament and the European Council on Thursday (29 January), with European Commission help. The agreement amends the omnibus regulation setting out detailed arrangements for enforcing […]
Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Abbott Laboratories’ Non-US Developed Markets Specialty and Branded Generics Business by Mylan, subject to conditions
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Abbott Laboratories’ Non-U.S. Developed Markets Specialty and Branded Generics Business (“Abbott EPD-DM”), by Mylan, Inc (“Mylan”). Abbott EPD-DM is a Swiss-based manufacturer focused on distributing branded ex-originator products with expired patents and with internal production capabilities in Europe, Canada and Japan. […]
EU steps up humanitarian assistance to Syria crisis
With the humanitarian situation worsening every day, growing numbers of people inside Syria and refugees in neighbouring countries are in need of assistance. The European Union is increasing its assistance to the Syria crisis by €136 million in humanitarian funding, half of which will go to needs inside Syria via cross-border assistance from neighbouring countries, […]
State aid: Commission approves UK flood reinsurance scheme
The European Commission has approved under EU state aid rules a UK reinsurance scheme aimed at ensuring the availability of domestic insurance at affordable prices for flood-related damage. The scheme (“Flood Re”) will set up a pool to provide reinsurance for the flood risk element from those households deemed at high risk of flooding. It […]
United by energy concerns
The EU is at constant risk of energy supply disruption. Too much energy is wasted and 10% of households in the Union cannot afford proper heating, the European Commission vice-president for energy union told the European Parliament’s energy and environment committees this week. Maroš Šefčovič (pictured right) was presenting his vision for an energy union […]
