Companies listed on stock exchanges in the EU would have to bring in transparent recruitment procedures so that by 2020, at least 40% of their non-executive directors are women, under a draft EU directive voted by Parliament on Wednesday. MEPs propose that companies which fail to introduce such procedures should face penalties. In 2013, only […]
A Greener And More Pleasant Land? New CAP Policy Trots To Market
A deal with the Council on five legislative acts reforming EU farm policy was endorsed by Parliament on Wednesday. The post-2013 Common agricultural policy (CAP) will put more emphasis on environmental protection, ensure fairer distribution of EU funds and help farmers to cope better with market challenges. “The first ever reform of the EU farm […]
€325bn Boost For Europe’s Regions
Key rules and regulations for implementing EU cohesion policy in 2014-2020 were endorsed by Parliament on Wednesday. In a compromise deal struck with the Council after more than a year of tough negotiations, MEPs secured substantial funding for EU regions to invest in their development projects, on terms fairer to them. They also pruned back […]
“We Decide Where We Work” – Treaty Change Needed Say MEPs
The European Parliament should have the right to decide where and when it meets, says a resolution adopted on Wednesday. Parliament undertakes to initiate an EU treaty revision procedure to propose the changes needed to allow Parliament itself, rather than EU member states by a unanimous vote, to decide on the location of its seat […]
Costa Gets Creative. New Artist Mobility Loan Package Approved
The new “Creative Europe” programme will promote the mobility of European artists and works, and help audiovisual professionals to adapt to the digital age, for the next seven years. On Tuesday Parliament passed a draft law putting in place a loan guarantee mechanism to help micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in the cultural and creative […]
Europe’s Budget, All Wrapped Up. Now, Just The Card To Sign…
After months of complex negotiations, Parliament gave its blessing to the EU’s long-term budget for 2014-2020 on Tuesday. All the conditions set out in its July resolution – which followed a political agreement at the highest levels between Parliament, the Irish Presidency and the Commission were met. The overall budget for the next seven years […]
Parliament Approves €840K For Unemployed Valencia Construction Workers
Parliament approved €840,000 in European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGAF) aid on Tuesday to help 300 redundant building workers in Valencia (Spain) to back into the labour market. The aid was approved by 603 votes, with 71 against and 17 abstentions. Some 630 workers were made redundant by Valencian manufacturers of non-metallic mineral products (such as […]
The Nuclear Option – Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia Get Decommissioning Cash
EU financial aid to help Bulgaria, Lithuania and Slovakia to complete the decommissioning of the Kozloduy, Ignalina and Bohunice nuclear power plants in the next EU budget period (2014-2020) was approved by MEPs on Tuesday. These power plants are “too dated and could not be cost-effectively upgraded to meet the minimum required safety standards” said […]
Erasmus Lives! Da Vinci Reborn! EP Approves New Student Funds
The EU’s new Erasmus+ programme, which will fund grants for students, teachers, trainers and apprentices to study abroad in the EU, was approved by the European Parliament on Tuesday. Youth leaders, volunteers and young sportsmen and women will also be eligible. A new guarantee mechanism will also enable master’s degree students to get cheaper loans […]
“Banks Can No Longer Exclude Citizens From Society,” – Klute
Everyone legally residing in the EU must have the right to open a basic payment account, and this right should not be denied on grounds of nationality or place of residence, said the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee amending a draft law to this end, Monday, in Strasbourg. Fees and rules for these accounts should […]