EU Publications

European bathing water quality in 2012 by EUbusiness — last modified 21 May 2013, 16:20 CET

This report provides a comprehensive synopsis of the quality of bathing waters in the Member States of the European Union in the 2012 bathing season. It thereby gives an indication of the areas where the quality of bathing is expected to be good if not excellent during 2013. The report also shows the evolution of bathing water quality from 1990 to 2012.

The International Role of the Euro by Ina Dimireva — last modified 21 May 2013, 11:44 CET

The international role of the euro refers to the use of the euro in global markets and by residents of countries outside the euro area. The ECB closely monitors the international use of the euro and, in particular, produces a regular review – "The International Role of the Euro" – which examines recent developments in the use of the euro by non-euro area residents in international trade and international financial transactions. It provides the public with a broad set of timely indicators and statistics, drawing partly on original data compiled by the ECB and the national central banks of the Eurosystem as well as on time series provided by other central banks participating in surveys carried out by the ECB. The annual review on the international role of the euro of the ECB does not only present recent developments and trends; it also provides an in-depth analysis of selected issues, studying the possible determinants and implications of the international use of currencies. In the recent years, the following topics have been studied in the review:

RAPEX annual report 2012 by EUbusiness — last modified 16 May 2013, 15:19 CET

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). This indicates a 26% rise in alerts when compared to 2011 figures, an increase that could be attributed to the improved enforcement work carried out by the authorities in EU countries.

Members of the European Parliament Online: The Use of Social Media in Political Marketing by EUbusiness — last modified 07 May 2013, 16:15 CET

The appearance of political marketing and campaigning on social media is a relatively new phenomenon, whose major advantages are seen in the rapid transportation of information through the Internet and the possibilities for large numbers of people to connect. This is especially significant for politics on the EU level, which embraces an electoral body of 375 million citizens. Despite the fact that not everyone uses the Internet in Europe, the percentage of those who do is considered to be high enough for its application in politics. In the context of the European Parliament and the constant fall in voter turnout, but also the growing use of Internet in the society, especially electoral campaigns, the goal of this paper is to examine the connection between European politics, Members of the European Parliament and the use of social media, and to give suggestions on how the use of social media in political marketing could be further advanced.

International Trade Disputes and EU Liability (Cambridge Studies in European Law and Policy) by Amazon UK — last modified 02 May 2013, 17:37 CET

The European Union has become the respondent of several international trade disputes. This book examines the right to compensation for damage resulting from retaliatory measures imposed under the system of the World Trade Organization in disputes triggered by the EU. Anne Thies evaluates the implications of the EU's membership in the WTO for its domestic system of rights and judicial protection. Emphasising the necessity to maintain EU standards of protection independently of the external dimension of EU action, the book offers suggestions on how the current gap of protection could be filled while upholding the scope of manoeuvre of the EU institutions on the international plane. Moreover, it places the issue in its broader context of the relationship between international and EU law on the one hand, and the discretion of the EU as a global actor and standards of individual rights protection under EU law on the other.

Taxation trends in the European Union 2013 by EUbusiness — last modified 29 April 2013, 16:29 CET

This report contains a detailed statistical and economic analysis of the tax systems of the Member States of the European Union, plus Iceland and Norway, which are Members of the European Economic Area. The data are presented within a unified statistical framework (the ESA95 harmonised system of national and regional accounts), which makes it possible to assess the heterogeneous national tax systems on a fully comparable basis. The standard classifications of tax revenues (by major type of tax or by level of government) presented in most international tax revenue statistics are hard to interpret in economic terms. This publication stands out for offering a breakdown of tax revenues by economic function (i.e. according to whether they are raised on consumption, labour or capital). This classification is based on disaggregated tax data and on a breakdown of the revenue from the personal income tax. Besides revenue data, the report also contains indicators of the average effective tax rate falling on consumption, labour and capital, as well as data on environmental and property taxation and on the top rates for the personal and corporate income tax. Country chapters give an overview of the tax system in each of the 29 countries covered, the revenue trends and the main recent policy changes. Detailed tables allow comparison between the individual countries and European averages. Data cover the 1995-2011 period and are presented both as a percentage of GDP and as a percentage of total taxation.

Open Journalism, IRIS plus 2013-2 by EUbusiness — last modified 23 April 2013, 12:57 CET

Due to the rapid development of digital communication across the globe, journalism today is drastically changing. The sector is shifting from its traditional approach towards a new kind of news making process, called “open journalism”. It encourages online engagement and collaboration by the “users/readers” and creates this way a new dimension of media and news. This IRIS plus article examines the new forms of interactive bi-directional journalism, which are only partly covered by the existing legal frameworks.

The EU Environmental Liability Directive: A Commentary by Amazon UK — last modified 17 April 2013, 17:33 CET

the European Union's (EU) Environmental Liability Directive (ELD)imposes liability for, and requires remediation of, significant damage to natural habitats and species protected at Community and national levels, surface and ground waters covered by the Water Framework Directive, and land.The ELD was first published in 2004 and has since been transposed into the national laws of all EU Member States. However there is little guidance available to authorities and industry in interpreting and applying the ELD and meeting its prevention and restoration objectives. This volume is the first to describe the EU's ELD and to examine the emerging issues and practices in its application. While there are differences between the US and EU regimes, some of the underlying concepts, approaches and definitions embedded in NRD are also mirrored in the text of the ELD. The book includes a comparison of similarities and differences as well as synergies in practice; hence, this book will be of interest to both US and European readers. The ELD imposes liability for significant damage to natural habitats and species protected at Community and national levels, surface and ground waters covered by the Water Framework Directive, and land. Prior to the ELD's adoption many Member States had programs in place for the restoration of soil and groundwater contamination, but none had a regime for addressing harm to unowned natural resources. This volume presents a comprehensive legal commentary on the legal issues arising under the ELD, as well as an overview of administrative, technical, and legal issues and practices in applying the ELD regimes to cases of actual or threatened environmental damage. In doing so, it discusses both substantive issues and important procedural and process-related issues. Several case studies are presented to illustrate the issues and practical solutions. In addition, emerging best practices relating to practical ELD application are identified and presented. Identifying and discussing a wide range of emerging administrative, technical, and economic practice issues arising under member state legislation transposing and implementing the ELD, this book will be a valuable resource for all those whose work is affected by the ELD.

Abstract reasoning MCQ for European institution competitions 2013 by Amazon UK — last modified 17 April 2013, 17:17 CET

This new, revised edition is aimed at all candidates planning to sit European institution competitions and who wish to prepare as effectively as possible for the abstract reasoning test. Abstract reasoning questions are presented as series of diagrams containing geometric shapes which are repeated or modified according to a logical sequence. Candidates have to identify the underlying logic and find the diagram that completes the series. Abstract reasoning tests call for skills that candidates do not normally use in everyday life: the ability to visualise geometric transformations (rotations, symmetries, etc), an aptitude to spot similarities between complex shapes, etc. We are all capable of developing these skills. It is not a question of intelligence, but of learning. Entry competitions for European institutions are highly selective. Success in the abstract reasoning test is, above all, a matter of method and training. This book can significantly increase your chances of success. It includes: - a detailed methodology illustrated with numerous examples; - 18 tests of 10 questions each, arranged by level of difficulty; - a detailed explanation of the answer to each question. The questions in this book are similar to those set in the competitions run by EPSO since 2010. They are different from those in previous editions.

Study on educational support for newly arrived migrant children by EUbusiness — last modified 12 April 2013, 13:29 CET

Newly arrived migrant children are more likely to face segregation and end up in schools with fewer resources, according to a new study conducted for the European Commission. This leads to under-performance and a high probability that the children will drop out of school early. The study suggests that Member States should provide targeted educational support for migrant children such as specialist teachers and systematic involvement of parents and communities to improve their integration. The study examines national policies in support of newly arrived migrant children in 15 countries which have seen significant recent immigration flows: Austria, Belgium (Dutch-speaking community), the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK. It finds that Denmark and Sweden have the best model, based on offering targeted support and a reasonable level of autonomy for schools. The other countries tend to focus on only one of these aspects, which means they do not achieve better results in the inclusion of migrant children.

Industrial Relations in Europe 2012 by EUbusiness — last modified 11 April 2013, 16:29 CET

The European Commission report "Industrial Relations in Europe 2012" reviews trends and developments in the relationship between workers, employers, their respective representatives and public authorities at national and EU level during 2010-12. It looks at how the continuing crisis and reforms implemented in response may be having a more fundamental impact on industrial relations, as conflict is increasing. In certain countries, fiscal consolidation has resulted in unfavourable settings for social dialogue, especially in the public sector, where reforms have been accelerated. Despite this the report concludes that structured social dialogue is still the right approach for building consensus and ensuring the sustainability of economic and social reforms.

Monitoring Report on Croatia's accession preparations by EUbusiness — last modified 27 March 2013, 10:55 CET

The European Commission on 26 March adopted its last Monitoring Report on Croatia's preparations for joining the EU. The Commission assesses that Croatia has completed the ten priority actions identified in the previous report in October, and has shown the will and ability to fulfil all outstanding commitments in good time before accession. The Commission concludes that Croatia will be ready to join the European Union on 1 July 2013. The Monitoring Report focuses on Croatia's competition policy, the judiciary and fundamental rights as well as justice, freedom and security. It also assesses that the country has demonstrated its ability to fulfil other commitments related to EU membership, such as getting ready to receive structural funds, in good time before accession. The report states that the EU membership is an additional incentive to carry on with reforms and Croatia is expected to continue developing its track record in the field of the rule of law, notably in the fight against corruption.

European Union Law by EUbusiness — last modified 14 March 2013, 23:11 CET

Fully revised and updated, the third edition of EU Law provides an exhaustive, yet easily readable, account of the complex and ever changing subject of EU law. The author gives thorough, authoritative, and up-to-the-minute treatment to the institutional, constitutional and substantive elements of EU Law. The book is unique in that it successfully combines depth of coverage with an excellent selection of supporting case law, making this challenging subject accessible and easy to follow. Case summaries and judgments are highlighted in colour-tinted boxes for ease of reference, and are accompanied by key facts and analysis, often in the light of subsequent developments.

Trade and Investment Barriers Report 2013 by EUbusiness — last modified 14 March 2013, 13:36 CET

EU efforts to fight protectionism over the last year are bearing fruit and could create better trade and investment conditions for EU companies, the European Commission says in its third annual Trade and Investment Barriers Report. The report focuses on a selection of key trading partners (China, India, Japan, Russia, the US and Mercosur) that account together for more than 40% of the EU exports of goods, commercial services and outward flows of the EU foreign direct investment.

The impact of the economic crisis on the situation of women and men and on gender equality policies by EUbusiness — last modified 28 February 2013, 15:34 CET

Have men and women been impacted differently by the crisis in Europe? On 19 December 2012 the European Commission published a report on the consequences of the crisis on women and men from a social and economic point of view. This report proposes a thorough analysis as regards employment, poverty and social inclusion (including material deprivation, education, housing, health and long-term care), covering 33 European countries between 2005 and 2012.

Winter forecast 2013 by EUbusiness — last modified 22 February 2013, 12:28 CET

On 22 February, the Commission published its first winter economic forecast for the euro area and the European Union as a whole. The forecast covers a wide range of indicators including gross domestic product (GDP), inflation, employment and public finances for 2012‑14.

Internal Market Scoreboard: a record-breaking 15th anniversary edition - Edition 26 by EUbusiness — last modified 19 February 2013, 14:09 CET

Despite the challenging times, EU Member States have performed better than ever in transposing EU rules into national law on time according to the European Commission's Internal Market Scoreboard published today. The Single Market has a key role to play in bringing Europe out of economic stagnation. But it does not deliver benefits automatically: timely transposition of legislation is a necessary condition for achieving the policy objectives set out in the directives. The Internal Market Scoreboard was first published fifteen years ago, and today's edition shows great improvements by Member States. The EU average transposition deficit – the percentage of Internal Market Directives that have not been transposed into national law in time – has decreased from 6.3% in 1997 to a record new level of 0.6%, i.e. below the 1% target agreed by the European Heads of State and Government in 2007 and close to the 0.5% deficit proposed in the Single Market Act in April 2011.

A Banking Union for the Euro Area by IMF — last modified 13 February 2013, 22:52 CET

A banking union for the euro area would provide an integrated approach to oversee the safety and stability of the financial system as a whole. According to a new paper from International Monetary Fund staff, a successful banking union should eventually include three key elements: a single supervisory mechanism to oversee the rules and contain the buildup of risks; a single resolution authority to deal with weak or failing banks; and common safety nets to sustain depositor confidence in the event of shocks.

Commission report on progress by Kosovo in fulfilling the requirements of the visa liberalisation roadmap by EUbusiness — last modified 12 February 2013, 15:18 CET

The European Commission presented on 12 February the first report on the progress achieved by Kosovo in fulfilling the requirements of the visa liberalisation roadmap. It evaluated Kosovo’s progress in each block of the visa roadmap and made a set of recommendations for the Kosovo authorities in areas where more decisive action is needed to obtain visa-free travel for its citizens.

EU drug markets report: a strategic analysis by EUbusiness — last modified 31 January 2013, 18:04 CET

The EU drug markets report is the first comprehensive overview of illicit drug markets in the European Union. It covers issues such as production, consumer markets, trafficking, organised crime and policy responses, along with a review of the markets for heroin, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine, methamphetamine, ecstasy and new psychoactive substances. It concludes with concrete action points for the areas where the current EU response to the drug market and its consequent harms may be improved. An essential reference tool for law enforcement professionals, policymakers, the academic community and the general public, the report combines Europol’s strategic and operational understanding of trends and developments in organised crime with the EMCDDA’s ongoing monitoring and analysis of the drug phenomenon in Europe and beyond.