European public affairs

Weekly EU news: Monday 13 May - Friday 17 May 2013


Monday 13 May

Conclusions of the Agriculture & Fisheries Council. The Council formally adopted the  a directive and a regulation amending the EU's rules on credit rating agencies (details) and the so-called "two-pack" of regulations aimed at further improving economic governance in the euro area (details).

The Eurogroup released a statement on Cyprus and on Greece. For Greece, the Eurogroup concludes that the necessary elements are in place for Member States to finalise the relevant national procedures required for the approval of the next EFSF instalment, which amounts to EUR 7.5 bn. For Cyprus, the first disbursement under the first tranche for an amount of EUR 2 bn took place today.

 

 Tuesday 14 May

Conclusions of the ECOFIN Council. Main points:

  • Council conclusions on tax evasion and tax fraud.
  • The Council gave a mandate to the Commission to negotiate amendments to the EU's agreements with Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra and San Marino on the taxation of savings income. Details.
  • Conclusions on the in-depth reviews for 13 Member States identified in the 2013 Alert Mechanism Report.
  • Council conclusions on SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area)

The European Commission published a Communication on the Marco Polo programme (2003–13) , helping companies shift freight off the road and on to more environmentally friendly modes, like short-sea shipping, rail and inland waterways. From 2003 to 2012, 172 grants were awarded to over 650 companies.

The European Parliament published a Q&A on EU draft rules setting out minimum EU requirements for the award by public authorities of "concession" contracts to procure works or services from private suppliers.

 

Wednesday 15 May

In a statement, Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht said that the European Commission has taken a decision in principle to open an ex officio anti-dumping and an anti-subsidy investigation concerning imports of mobile telecommunications networks and their essential elements from China.

The European Commission adopted two regulations to promote the roll-out of 'intelligent information services', such as real-time warnings about dangerous road conditions ahead and information on safe and secure parking places for truck drivers. They can be provided through different means such as variable road signs, the radio and mobile phone applications. Press release and memo.

  

Thursday 16 May

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso gave a speech at the European Business Summit entitled: An EU strategy for industrial competitiveness.

Emissions of greenhouse gases from installations participating in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) decreased by 2% last year, according to the information recorded in the Union Registry.  Details.

In 2012, a total of 2,278 measures against dangerous non-food products, were taken by Member States and reported in the EU Rapid Information system (RAPEX). Press release and memo.

Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding gave a speech in Brussels on Modern Insolvency Rules: lending a helping hand to businesses in distress.

The European Commission launched a consultation on the Structural Reform of the Banking Sector. Commission proposals are envisaged for early autumn 2013.

  

Friday 17 May

Statistics

  • In March 2013 compared with February 2013, seasonally adjusted industrial production grew by 1.0% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.9% in the EU27. Details
  • GDP fell by 0.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 0.1% in the EU27 during the first quarter of 2013, compared with the previous quarter. Details
  • The first estimate for the March 2013 extra-EU27 trade balance was a 15.8 bn euro surplus, compared with -8.2 bn in March 2012. Details
  • European Union annual inflation was 1.4% in April 2013, down from 1.9% in March. Details
  • In the construction sector, seasonally adjusted production fell by 1.7% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU27 in March 2013, compared with the previous month. Details

Agenda of the European Commission for the coming weeks.

Member of the Executive Board of the European Central Bank, Benoît Coeuré gave a speech: Monetary policy in the crisis – Confronting short-run challenges while anchoring long-run expectations.