EUbusiness Week 657 top stories: EU to expand Ukraine sanctions list; European Parliament approves ‘banking union’ reforms; Euro-MPs improve cross-border pension rights; MEPs back plans to slash use of plastic shopping bags; EU, Switzerland edge towards free movement accord; German scheme to recruit young European job-seekers on ice
Publisher’s Note
An early and reduced update this week, as the EU winds down for the Easter holidays. Here are the latest developments from Brussels. I also remind you that you can keep up-to-date with any breaking news by subscribing to our RSS feed at
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I wish you all the best over the Easter break.
Regards,
Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness
1. EU to expand Ukraine sanctions list
EU foreign ministers agreed Monday to expand the list of those hit with sanctions for their role in the Ukraine crisis but stopped short of harsher measures ahead of a Geneva meeting of top EU, US, Russian and Ukrainian officials this week.
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Moldova Gagauz region faces tough choice between Russia, EU
2. European Parliament approves greenlight
The European Parliament approved on Tuesday the last elements of a new set of rules to prevent failing banks from ever again driving EU Member States into bankruptcy.
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Parliament adopts financial markets rules
3. Euro-MPs improve cross-border pension rights
The European Parliament has adopted new rules that make it easier for EU citizens who have worked in another Member State to maintain their pension rights across borders.
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4. MEPs back plans to slash use of plastic shopping bags
The European Parliament on Wednesday backed plans to slash the use of plastic shopping bags which, carelessly thrown away, end up as unsightly litter and pollute the environment.
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5. EU, Switzerland edge towards free movement accord
The Union and Switzerland are close to resolving a spat over Swiss immigration curbs although Britain has asked for more time to consider the proposals, say EU sources.
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6. German scheme to recruit young European job-seekers on ice
Germany said Monday it was no longer accepting applications for a programme to attract young Europeans to its job market due to overwhelming demand from crisis-ravaged countries.
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EUROPEAN LAW
Nuclear tax: a court in Hamburg has ruled that a nuclear fuel rod tax imposed on Germany’s power suppliers must be reimbursed until its compatibility with European and domestic law is established.
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Croatia court backs ex-top spy’s extradition to Germany
Latest Court of Justice judgements
EU Law Firms
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Inside the EU Institutions
Council Watch
France: France will stick to the country’s EU-set budget deficit reduction target, the new finance minister insisted on Tuesday, dismissing earlier indications that Paris was angling for a delay.
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Transdniestr leader calls on EU to recognise breakaway region
EU launches second security mission in Mali
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Commission Watch
Juncker: Jean-Claude Juncker, a front-runner in the race to become Commission president, says he is ready to fight to have politicians rather than bureaucrats on his team.
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Climate: EU throws down gauntlet to big emitters
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Parliament Watch
Poland: the Ukraine crisis has shifted Poland’s campaign for next month’s European elections, boosting the governing centre-right party’s chances as its prime minister reassures voters nervous about Russia’s next move.
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Britain’s anti-EU leader denies expenses allegations
New party seeks to shake up Greek politics, says founder
‘Danny the Red’ brings down curtain on 20 years as Euro-MP
Also this week, MEPs backed EU-wide plans to stem the spread of invasive alien species; confirmed a call for tougher measures against unfair imports; and referred new rules on re-registering cars back to committee.
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EU diary
Easter
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary
Other news on EUbusiness this week
Russian sanctions would destroy Cyprus economy 16-Apr
EU okays 1-bn euro aid to Ukraine 15-Apr
Eurozone industrial output edges up in February 15-Apr
Top French diplomat visits Cuba, 1st time in 30 years 13-Apr
Putin pledges to fulfil Europe gas obligations 11-Apr
ECB, BoE want more lenient rules on securitized loans 11-Apr
