EU web links

A collection of links to web sites of the European Union institutions and other European business web sites.

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Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion (2010) — 07 March 2010, 00:04 CET

Welfare systems and specific short-term policies have been vitally important in mitigating the social and economic impact of the crisis, says a new EU report. The 2010 'Joint Report on Social Protection and Social Inclusion' focuses on drawing lessons from Europe's response to the crisis. It presents key messages on how to orientate policies in the short to medium term to ensure a lasting recovery while also helping to address long-term structural challenges.

Europe 2020: a new economic strategy — 03 March 2010, 14:08 CET

The Commission’s proposal on a new strategy follows a public consultation that attracted some 1 500 comments. The strategy builds on what has been achieved and the lessons learned. The first priority must be to hasten the exit from the crisis, but the strategy must also provide the building blocks for growth that will be sustainable in the future. Europe is recognised the world over for its high quality of life, underpinned by a unique social model. The strategy should ensure that these benefits are sustained and even further enhanced, while employment, productivity and social cohesion are optimised.

Fraud Notification System - European Anti Fraud Office (OLAF) — 02 March 2010, 13:31 CET

Corruption and fraud in the European Union can now be reported via the Internet, even anonymously. The Fraud Notification System (FNS) - will make it easier and more secure for vigilant citizens and EU civil servants to report suspicious cases to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). OLAF is interested in fraud, corruption and other illegal activity affecting the financial interests of the European Community.

Database on geographical indications protected in the European Community for wines originating in Member States and third countries — 26 February 2010, 22:31 CET

"E-Bacchus" is a database which, lists non-EU countries' geographical indications and names of origin protected in accordance with bilateral agreements on trade in wine concluded between the EU and the non-EU countries concerned, consists of the Register of designations of origin and geographical indications protected in accordance with Council Regulation 1234/2007.

e-Skills Week — 26 February 2010, 12:02 CET

The first ever European e-Skills Week highlights the growing demand for skilled ICT users and professionals to drive a competitive and innovative Europe. The campaign aims to inform students, young professionals and SMEs about the vast range of opportunities that ICT-related jobs present. The European e-Skills Week 2010 is expected to involve 300,000 participants in more than 100 activities. The events will take place across Europe with more than 20 participating countries.

EU interim forecast: fragile recovery in progress - full document — 25 February 2010, 14:18 CET

The Commission published its latest interim economic forecasts on 25 February 2010. The underlying message of this update of GDP and inflation variables is that the EU economy is recovering, but still facing headwinds. The updated projections include France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom, accounting for 80% of EU GDP.

European Investment Bank external mandate 2007‐2013 Mid‐Term Review — 24 February 2010, 14:45 CET

The European Commission and the European Investment Bank have welcomed the final report into the EIB's external financing activity by a committee of “wise persons” chaired by former International Monetary Fund Managing Director Michel Camdessus. The report proposes an extra two billion euros of EIB loans for projects that further the fight against climate change and makes a number of recommendations for improving EIB activity outside the European Union. It also suggests further study longer-term options for consolidating the EU’s external financing instruments.

Health and safety of pregnant workers - FAQ — 24 February 2010, 13:20 CET

Minimum maternity leave in the EU should be extended from 14 to 20 weeks and be fully paid, believe MEPs in the Women's Rights Committee. An entitlement to paid paternity leave of at least two weeks was also approved by the committee. The draft legislation seeks to lay down minimum rules at EU level. These Frequently Asked Questions look more closely at some of the crucial points of the committee vote.

Starting a business in Israel — 12 February 2010, 16:41 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Israel.

Starting a business in Ukraine — 11 February 2010, 16:23 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Ukraine.

Starting a business in Belarus — 10 February 2010, 21:22 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Belarus.

Starting a business in Moldova — 09 February 2010, 11:28 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Moldova.

Starting a business in Kosovo — 08 February 2010, 21:36 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Kosovo.

Tributes to former Hertfordshire MEP — 07 February 2010, 23:28 CET

Tributes to former Hertfordshire MEP - Welwyn Hatfield Times

Starting a business in Montenegro — 05 February 2010, 15:31 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Montenegro.

Starting a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina — 04 February 2010, 13:08 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Starting a business in Albania — 02 February 2010, 22:09 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Albania.

OSEC Export Step-by-Step guide — 02 February 2010, 20:45 CET

Working on behalf of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, part of Osec’s remit is to act as the official body for promoting Swiss exports, helping SMEs from Switzerland and Liechtenstein get a foothold in international markets.

Starting a business in Switzerland — 01 February 2010, 21:03 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Switzerland.

Starting a business in Norway — 29 January 2010, 11:30 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Norway.

Starting a business in Serbia — 28 January 2010, 21:36 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in Serbia.

Starting a business in Iceland — 27 January 2010, 19:42 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in the FYR of Macedonia.

Starting a business in FYRM — 26 January 2010, 23:58 CET

This World Bank site provides information about the procedures and costs associated with starting a business in the FYR of Macedonia.

ECB euro area real-time statistical database — 21 January 2010, 23:46 CET

The European Central Bank (ECB) launched a euro area Real-Time DataBase (RTDB) on 19 January. This new database contains vintages of time series for several macroeconomic and financial variables for the euro area, at the time of publication (i.e. before any revisions carried out at a later stage). It is based on time series reported in the ECB’s Monthly Bulletin since January 2001. The database is available online in the ECB’s Statistical Data Warehouse (SDW) and will be updated on a quarterly basis. The database has been constructed in the context of the Real-Time DataBase (RTDB) project that is being coordinated by the Euro Area Business Cycle Network (EABCN). An in-depth presentation of this euro area RTDB can be found in ECB Working Paper No 1145, entitled “An area-wide real-time database for the euro area”, which was published on 19 January 2010.

Data Protection in the EU — 21 January 2010, 12:45 CET

A full guide on The European Directive on Data Protection.