The 1989 cult movie “Back to the Future II” predicted that the year 2015 would bring with it a world of hover-boards, flying cars and self-lacing trainers, writes Carsten Bruhn, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Ricoh Europe. While few of the flashy gadgets foreseen by the film’s creators have come into existence, 1989 proved a landmark year […]
“Bulgaria Must Investigate Hate Crimes,” Says Amnesty
Bulgaria’s failure to adequately investigate and prosecute hate crimes is fuelling fear, discrimination and ultimately violence, says Amnesty International in a new report published today. Missing the point: Lack of adequate investigation of hate crimes in Bulgaria documents the severe impact of hate crimes on victims and highlights how the authorities’ failure to tackle entrenched prejudice […]
Tsipras “Optimistic” On Sustainable Greek Solution
New Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visited the European Parliament today where he was welcomed by EP President Martin Schulz. After the meeting Schulz said: “Mr Tsipras is battling for European cooperation, not only seeking a solution for Greece. He has my full support.” He also stressed the need for a framework for “constructive dialogue […]
Fish Discard Ban, Sanctions Delayed By MEPs
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 Parliament and Council on Thursday, with European Commission help. The agreement amends the “omnibus” regulation setting out detailed arrangements for enforcing the ban. “I am […]
Hills Says Pension Funds Could Get Two Year Clearing Exemption
The European Commission has published a report recommending granting pension funds a two-year exemption from central clearing requirements for their over-the-counter (OTC) derivative transactions. The report, which is based on an extensive study requested by the European Commission, concludes that central counterparties (CCPs) need this time to find solutions for pension funds. At the same time, […]
Thyssen Proposes €8.7m Aid For Greek Media Workers
The European Commission has proposed to mobilise the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 1,633 workers made redundant in the media sectors (publishing, programming and broadcasting) in Attica (Greece). The funds requested by the Greek authorities, amounting to €8.7 million, will help the workers in their transition to new jobs. The proposals now go […]
Vestager Opens Belgian State Aid Investigation
European Commission Competition chief, Margrethe Vestager, has opened another State aid investigation into the deals that EU tax authorities offer to certain companies – most notably to multinational corporations – that may go against EU state aid rules. This investigation will look into a system of tax exemptions offered by the Belgian tax administration through so-called […]
‘Invest for Growth’ vs ‘More Structural Reform’ – New Tune?
As parliamentarians across the EU discussed economic governance in the EP this week, French socialist Ms Pervenche Berès, responsible for an EP report evaluating the EU’s economic governance framework, and EP vice president, Finnish liberal Olli Rehn, said they believe in a mixture of structural reforms and investment to help boost the economy. “The euro area […]
Paris Roadmap Gets Its Bearings With Cañete
The roadmap to the 21st UN climate conference, in Paris (France) in December, was debated by MEPs, the Latvian Presidency and Commissioner Arias Cañete on Wednesday. The conference of parties (COP21) to the UN Convention on Climate Change aims to deliver a worldwide climate agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. During the debate, MEPs emphasized […]
“EU At Constant Risk Of Energy Supply Disruption”
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 Commission vice-president for energy union told Parliament’s energy and environment committees this week. Maroš Šefčovič was presenting his vision for an energy union to tackle these and other […]