EU Publications

European Employment Observatory Review by EU Bookshop — last modified 31 August 2011, 23:35 CET

Young people have been hit hard by the economic downturn with the EU youth unemployment rate reaching 20%. This review summarises messages from 33 national articles on this theme, linking them to policy developments, studies and data. It details the European and national contexts before examining measures to promote youth employment. These cover education, training, labour market and benefit policies, as well as measures to address problematic aspects and labour market actors’ roles. Following this, final conclusions are drawn.

ISO 26000: NORMAPME User Guide for European SMEs by EUbusiness — last modified 01 September 2011, 15:52 CET

NORMAPME has produced an SME User Guide on ISO 26000 Guidance on Social responsibility. This user guide will serve to breakdown and interpret the parts of ISO 26000 that are relevant for European SMEs. ISO 26000 is a first international attempt to harmonise the socially responsible behaviour of enterprises.

Reports on progress in Bulgaria and Romania by EUbusiness — last modified 18 July 2012, 17:11 CET

The Commission reports under the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism every 6 months on progress with judicial reform, the fight against corruption and, concerning Bulgaria, the fight against organised crime.

Green Paper on promoting the tastes of Europe by EUbusiness — last modified 14 July 2011, 23:19 CET

The European Commission has today launched a debate on the future of promotion and information schemes for EU agricultural products. With the publication of a Green Paper on these issues, the Commission is looking at how to shape a more targeted and more ambitious strategy for the future, which will make clearer to consumers – both in the EU and beyond - the quality, traditions and added-value of European agricultural and food products - on promotion measures and information provision for agricultural products: a reinforced value-added European strategy for promoting the tastes of Europe.

E-Communications Household Survey - Eurobarometer 362 by EUbusiness — last modified 14 July 2011, 11:25 CET

Four out of ten Europeans households are buying "bundled" internet, phone and TV services from a single provider, a new Eurobarometer survey shows. The survey also found that 65% of people limit their mobile phone calls because of cost and that calls over the Internet are becoming increasingly popular. The E-Communications Household Survey was carried out between 9 February and 8 March 2011 using a sample of 27,000 households that are representative of the EU population. One in four respondents considered that their internet download/upload speeds do not match the conditions of the contract they signed and one in three said they have experienced connection breakdowns.

Special Eurobarometer: Right to move and reside freely in the EU and right to good administration are the most important citizens' rights by EUbusiness — last modified 07 July 2011, 22:46 CET

For 48% of European citizens, the right to move and reside freely in the European Union is the most important citizens' right. The second most important right is the right to good administration by the EU institutions (33%), followed by the right to lodge complaints with the European Ombudsman (32%). These are among the results of a Special Eurobarometer on citizens' rights and the performance of the EU administration, commissioned by the European Parliament and the Ombudsman and conducted by TNS Opinion & Social.

Tracing seeds, in particular fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds, in relation to the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O104:H4 2011 Outbreaks in Germany and France by EUbusiness — last modified 05 July 2011, 23:24 CET

The EFSA Task Force established to coordinate investigations to track down the possible source of the French and German outbreaks of E. coli O104:H4 has concluded that one lot of fenugreek seeds imported from Egypt and used to produce sprouts is the most likely common link between the two outbreaks. However, it cannot be excluded that other lots of fenugreek imported from Egypt during the period 2009-2011 may be implicated. Based on these findings, EFSA recommends to the European Commission that all efforts be made to prevent any further consumer exposure to the suspect seeds and that forward tracing be carried out in all countries which may have received seeds from the concerned lots. In this context, EFSA continues to advise consumers not to grow sprouts for their own consumption and not to eat sprouts or sprouted seeds unless they have been cooked thoroughly.

How the EU Institutions Work and... How to work with the EU Institutions by European Bookshop — last modified 30 June 2011, 16:35 CET

This book provides a practical step-by-step guide for anyone wanting to understand, study, or work with the EU institutions and decision-making. How are EU laws made – and how can their making be influenced at a practical level? And what has been the impact of changes brought about by the Treaty of Lisbon? The book is designed to provide a comprehensive FOUNDATION TEXT for students, libraries and practitioners alike and is UP-TO-DATE with the range of KEY CHANGES introduced under the Treaty of Lisbon. Written by a team of EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS, including public affairs professionals, led by Alan Hardacre of the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) in Maastricht, the book is packed with EASY-TO-FOLLOW figures and diagrams.

Attitudes on Data Protection and Electronic Identity in the European Union - Special Eurobarometer survey 359 by EUbusiness — last modified 16 June 2011, 16:58 CET

Three out of four Europeans accept that revealing personal data is part of everyday life, but they are also worried about how companies – including search engines and social networks – use their information. These are the main conclusions of a new Eurobarometer survey on attitudes towards data protection and electronic identity, released by the European Commission today. The report reveals that 62% of people in the European Union give the minimum required information so as to protect their identity, while 75% want to be able to delete personal information online whenever they want to – the so-called right to be forgotten. There is also strong support for EU action: 90% want to have the same data protection rights across Europe.

Life in the Eurozone With or Without Sovereign Default? by EUI — last modified 14 June 2011, 18:54 CET

Life in the Eurozone With or Without Sovereign Default? It summarizes the views presented at a conference that the European University Institute and the Wharton Financial Institutions Center organized in Florence, Italy in April 2011. The event brought together leading economists, lawyers, historians and policy makers to discuss the current economic situation in the Eurozone with particular emphasis on the issue of sovereign default.

Science for Environment Policy - Resource Efficiency by EUbusiness — last modified 09 June 2011, 13:06 CET

Humanity is demanding ever greater economic productivity at a time when natural resources, the input that feeds this productivity, are dwindling. To reduce pressure on key assets, such as water, minerals, fuel and land, we must use less of them, and we need to increase the efficiency and productivity of resources that we do use, to achieve more output per input. Put simply, we must do more with less. This thematic issue reports on research which helps guide the way to a more resource efficient society. Science for Environment Policy is a free news service published by the European Commission’s DG Environment and edited by the Science Communication Unit at the University of the West of England (UWE).

Combating corruption in the private sector by EUbusiness — last modified 07 June 2011, 17:42 CET

This report shows several countries still have not implemented EU rules which make active and passive bribery by private companies a crime. The Commission is calling on them to do so. It also encourages EU countries that have not done so to ratify and implement anti-corruption agreements by the Council of Europe, the UN and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development.

EU Energy Law & Policy Yearbook 2011 by EUbusiness — last modified 02 June 2011, 23:47 CET

What is the European energy strategy for 2011-2020 and beyond? Which role will the new European regulatory agency ACER play? What is the road ahead to achieve the 20/20/20 targets? How is the issue of security of supply and infrastructure addressed? This 2nd edition of the EU Energy Law & Policy Yearbook is the outcome of the 6th Claeys & Casteels annual conference (Brussels 19th/20th January 2011). It introduces the reader to the most recent opinions, assessments and tendencies in EU energy law and policy making. The views presented include those of the EC, major industry players and prominent academics. The topics investigated include: the energy policy of new EC in the light of the recent European Council; the priorities of the EC for the internal energy market and the future of ACER; EU competition and state aid policy in the energy markets; steps for achieving the 20/20/20 targets and beyond; EU policy on energy security and infrastructure. Providing ample insights on highly topical issues, this book will foster the debate among academics and policymakers, industry and public authorities, conference participants and non-participants, and all those involved or interested in the field of EU energy policy.

Communication on the Protection of the Financial Interests of the EU by EUbusiness — last modified 26 May 2011, 17:09 CET

In its policy paper, the European Commission sets out a series of measures enabling prosecutors and judges across the EU to fight fraud against the European Union’s financial interests more effectively. The Commission plans to strengthen substantive criminal law by clarifying definitions of crime such as embezzlement or abuse of power and reinforce the capacities of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and Eurojust (the EU's judicial cooperation body). The EU will also consider how a specialised European Public Prosecutor's Office could apply common rules on fraud and other offenses involving EU funds.

Dialogue for migration, mobility and security with the Southern Mediterranean countries - Communication by EUbusiness — last modified 26 May 2011, 12:17 CET

The Commission proposes to establish Dialogues on Migration, Mobility and Security with the North African countries. The Dialogue should encompass all migration-related aspects of the EU's future relationship with the region. Mobility Partnerships will be agreed to better manage legal mobility opportunities between the EU and the North African countries. These partnerships will be tailor-made together with each partner country and in cooperation with EU Member States. They should help countries to make better use of their labour potential for instance by providing assistance in developing recruitment programs, skills recognition or by assisting the returned migrants who want to help building their country of origin. Such structured cooperation should also help Member States to match their labour market shortages. Of course sufficient safeguards must be in place for the facilitation of movement. Within the Dialogue our partners will have to ensure that they will take all effective measures to prevent irregular migration and will allow for the return of their citizens who do not have the right to stay in Europe. The Commission has already made first contacts with Tunisia and Egypt in recent weeks to start these Dialogues, and hopes to engage with other interested partners in the near future.

Guide to European Funding for the Non Profit Sector 2011-2012 by EUbusiness — last modified 19 May 2011, 23:37 CET

This fully revised and updated guide constitutes more than ever an essential 210 page handbook giving information on: - EU FUNDING - How is the EU’s budget decided upon? What does it take to be a successful EU fundraiser? - FOUNDATIONS - How can your organization receive co-funding from independent foundations and corporations? (Note that projects are rarely 100% funded by the European Commission). - STRUCTURAL FUNDS, COHESION FUND AND PRE-ACCESSION AID - How do Structural funds work and how can they be accessed? How can you increase your chances of accessing Structural Funds? (Includes a special note on the pre-accession financial instruments and the New Neighbourhood Instrument). - INTERNAL BUDGET LINES - Which lines are open to NGOs? Who to contact? Areas covered include Environment, Energy, Education and Culture, health, Employment & social affairs, Media, Civil Society, Enterprise, etc. -EXTERNAL BUDGET LINES - Which lines are open to NGOs? Is your organization eligible? Who to contact and what to do to apply? (Includes a note on co-operation with specific geographical areas such as with the ACP, Latin America and Asia, Mediterranean countries, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South East Europe, and Central and Eastern Europe). In addition to providing a comprehensive look into European Fundraising, this Guide offers an important list of tips and contacts, which will allow you, and your organization, to easily find your way through the EU funding labyrinth. Unlike similar publications, which frequently represent a considerable financial investment, ECAS Guide’s is sold at a price that is comfortable and affordable. We offer you to buy the guide and become a “friend of ECAS” for only 50€. For this you will receive a monthly review of EU development relevant to the non-profit sector, alerts to opportunities of making your voice heard in the EU and a monthly or bi-monthly summary of all open calls for tenders or calls for proposals.

European Economic Forecast - Spring 2011 by EUbusiness — last modified 13 May 2011, 12:54 CET

The EU economy is set to further consolidate its gradual recovery, with prospects for 2011 looking slightly better than projected in the autumn. GDP is projected to grow by around 1¾% this year and by close to 2% in 2012. This outlook is supported by better prospects for the global economy and overall upbeat EU business sentiment. Inflation, however, is rising faster, reflecting the increase in commodity prices.. Headline inflation is projected to average almost 3% in the EU and 2½% in the euro area this year, before easing to about 2% and 1¾% respectively in 2012. Meanwhile, labour-market conditions are expected to slowly improve over the forecast horizon. The unemployment rate is projected to fall by ½ percentage point to a little over 9% and to 9 ¾ % in the EU and the euro area by 2012. Fiscal consolidation is progressing, with the public deficit set to decline to about 3¾% of GDP by 2012. The prospects continue to vary considerably for individual Member States, however.

EMCDDA–Europol 2010 Annual Report on the implementation of Council Decision 2005/387/JHA by EUbusiness — last modified 11 May 2011, 23:02 CET

This report presents the results and outlines the key achievements for 2010 on the information exchange, risk-assessment and control of new psychoactive substances.

User language preferences online - Flash Eurobarometer 313 by EUbusiness — last modified 11 May 2011, 16:14 CET

While 90% of Internet surfers in the EU prefer to access websites in their own language, 55% at least occasionally use a language other than their own when online according to this pan-EU Eurobarometer survey. However, 44% of European Internet users feel they are missing interesting information because web pages are not in a language that they understand and only 18% buy products online in a foreign language. The results underline the need for investment in online translation tools so that EU Internet users are not excluded from finding information or products online because they lack the language skills. Currently the European Commission manages 30 different research projects working at the interface of language and digital content, supported by €67 million of EU funding and the new projects submitted this year will get an additional €50 million. One of the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe is to ensure more accessibility to web content for everyone.

EC Communication on migration by EUbusiness — last modified 05 May 2011, 13:43 CET

The European Commission has presented in a Communication initiatives for a more structured, comprehensive, rapid-response approach from the EU to the challenges and opportunities of migration, not least in view of the current developments in the Mediterranean.