Overhaul for EU procurement - EUbusiness Week newsletter 644
EUbusiness Week 644 top stories: 'Troika' takes flak from MEPs over crisis conditions; Europe tightens up financial market rules; Bulgarian and Romanian migrants are net contributors; EU cuts CO2 emissions for vans by 28 pct; Brussels to probe US film licensing to pay-TV firms; Euro-Parliament votes pollen is part of honey
Publisher's Note
Better quality and value for money when public authorities buy or lease
works, goods or services are promised by new EU rules on public
procurement and concession contracts, which received the green light in
the European Parliament this week.
Overhauling procurement rules has been a key priority for the
EU, with good reason. Public authorities spend nearly 19 per cent of
European GDP through procurement, which is therefore a major driver of
Europe's economy.
The changes include more emphasis on quality, innovation and the
environment, and a reduction in red tape to help smaller companies.
They also send a strong signal to the public, whose right it is that
their money is used effectively.
More ...
Regards,
Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness
1. 'Troika' takes flak from MEPs over crisis conditions
Euro-MPs put the Troika under the microscope this week, demanding to
know how and why the trio of international creditors imposed eurozone
debt bailouts at such high cost to the ordinary public.
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2. Europe tightens up financial market rules
The Union is to tighten regulation of financial markets under a deal to
prevent any repetition of the rampant speculation which helped bring
down banks and crash the global economy.
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3. Bulgarian and Romanian migrants are net contributors
Bulgarian and Romanian migrants contribute more than they cost to
Western European economies, especially to Britain and Ireland, a Swedish
economist said on Tuesday.
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4. EU cuts CO2 emissions for vans by 28 pct
The European Parliament has signed off on new carbon dioxide
restrictions for commercial vans that will slash emissions by 28 per
cent from 2020.
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5. Brussels to probe US film licensing to pay-TV firms
The EU has launched a probe into licensing arrangements by the major US
film studios which may prevent European pay-TV operators from showing
their movies in more than one country.
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6. Euro-Parliament votes pollen is part of honey
After years of wrangling and a ruling by the EU's top court, Euro-MPs
agreed Wednesday that pollen is a constituent of honey and not an added
ingredient.
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EUROPEAN LAW
Prison time: the European Court of Justice ruled Thursday that periods
in prison cannot be taken into account to obtain a permanent residence
permit in a member country.
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Ukraine opens 'kidnapping' charges against Tymoshenko lawyer
Romanian top court rejects MPs' 'super immunity' legislation
Latest Court of Justice judgements
EU Law Firms
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Inside the EU Institutions
Council Watch
Iran: the EU will begin lifting sanctions against Iran on Monday, say
sources - the minute it receives word that Tehran has begun implementing
a deal to curb its nuclear programme.
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Hague spurns demands for British EU veto
Israel PM slams EU 'hypocrisy' on settlements
N Korea's first ambassador to Spain presents credentials
Council ...
Commission Watch
Cuba: the EU is preparing to normalise ties with Cuba following a
decade-long dispute over human rights, EU diplomats said on Thursday.
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Citizenship 'not for sale' says Commission
Barnier throws name in race for Commission presidency
Commission ...
Parliament Watch
Migrant fears: Parliament on Thursday sharply criticised calls by some
EU states, notably Britain, for curbs on migrant numbers as a feared
influx from Bulgaria and Romania has failed to materialise.
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Parliament approves Germany's Lautenschlaeger for ECB seat
Also this week, MEPs in plenary called on the Commission not to allow
the genetically modified maize crop Pioneer 1507 on the EU market;
hailed the progress made by Serbia and Kosovo in 2013 on their path to
the EU, and awaited further decisions from Iceland on how to proceed
after its decision to put the accession talks process on hold.
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EU diary
20 Jan, Commission to push forward potential of ocean energy
20 Jan, Foreign Affairs Council
22 Jan, Commission presents Communication for a European Industrial Renaissance
24 Jan, Water innovation - EUR 50m to support innovative solutions in water-related challenges
28 Jan, Economic and Financial Affairs Council
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary
Other news on EUbusiness this week
Ukraine passes tough anti-protest laws 16-JanBundesbank sees 'limited' risk of eurozone deflation 16-Jan
Call for proposals for 'Prize Innovation SOFT' 16-Jan
EU car registrations down 1.7% in 2013 16-Jan
Lithuania PM vows to quit if 2015 euro target missed 15-Jan
European farmers to earn more as numbers fall: EU 15-Jan
Portugal, Greece, Latvia highlight deflation risk 13-Jan