EUbusiness Week 659 top stories: EU, Japan stress common ground on global security; EU sees steady, modest eurozone growth; EU to get financial transaction tax despite opposition; Germany now EU’s worst polluter as CO2 emissions rise; Europe’s cybersecurity policy settings under attack; India threatens WTO action over EU mango ban
Publisher’s Note
The Commission this week published a country map of ‘regulated professions’ – where access is conditional on having specific qualifications, or where a specific title is protected, such as pharmacists or architects. The map shows the number of regulated professions in each country, sector breakdowns, the trend in the number of recognition decisions since 2005, and national contact points where one can find out what is needed to get professional recognition.
The map clearly shows up countries that most protect their professions – Poland has 640 – and it also highlights the obstacles to the free movement of qualified professionals. The EC is likely now to target modernisation efforts in sectors and professions where they can have the greatest effect.
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Regards,
Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness
1. EU, Japan stress common ground on global security
The European Union and Japan stressed at their summit on Wednesday their common ground on global security issues, highlighted by the Ukraine crisis, promising to step up cooperation and seal a massive free trade deal.
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2. EU sees steady, modest eurozone growth
The Commission tweaked its 2014 and 2015 economic forecasts on Monday but left intact the overall outlook for gradual recovery from a record recession.
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3. EU to get financial transaction tax despite opposition
EU finance ministers backing the controversial financial transaction tax have agreed to introduce it from 2016 despite strong opposition led by Britain which promised to challenge the levy if it harms its interests.
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4. Germany now EU’s worst polluter as CO2 emissions rise
Germany is the Union’s worst polluter, with its production of CO2 gasses from fossil fuel rising by two per cent in 2013 to 760 million tonnes, official data shows.
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5. Europe’s cybersecurity policy settings under attack
Even as Europe powered up its most ambitious cybersecurity exercise this month, doubts were being raised over whether the continent’s patchwork of online police is right for the job.
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6. India threatens WTO action over EU mango ban
India has threatened to drag the European Union to the World Trade Organization over its ban on mango imports.
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EUROPEAN LAW
Single traffic fine: the Court of Justice took the unusual step Tuesday of scrapping a law enabling Europe’s police to swap information on traffic offences.
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Latest Court of Justice judgements
EU Law Firms
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Inside the EU Institutions
Council Watch
Greece: Eurozone Member States may honour a 2012 pledge to help Greece manage its crushing debt mountain if it sticks to efforts to balance its books, finance ministers agreed Monday.
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Eurogroup warns Portugal on bailout exit
France ‘determined’ to hit EU deficit target: minister
Ukraine crisis should ‘nudge’ Poland towards euro: minister
Council …
Commission Watch
Serbia: Serbia should focus on economic reforms, the implementation of rule of law and further negotiations with breakaway Kosovo as it works toward becoming a member of the EU, Commissioner Stefan Fuele said on Monday.
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Commissioner vows to protect food safety in US trade talks
EU unlocks extra cash for Moldova, Georgia
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Parliament Watch
UKIP: the recent surge of support for UK Independence Party will last beyond this month’s European elections and carry over into next year’s general election, research suggests.
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Two-thirds of Spaniards plan to vote in EU elections: poll
Daily snippets from the Euro-elections campaign trail
This weekend the Parliament building in Strasbourg will host the European Youth Event 2014 (EYE 2014), a unique opportunity for the next generation to generate ideas, discuss opinions and set the agenda for tomorrow’s Europe.
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EU diary
9 May, Europe Day
9 May, European Youth Event EYE2014
10 May, Luxembourg EU Open Doors day
12 May, Foreign Affairs Council
13 May, New EU communication on the private sector: Achieving Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Developing Countries
17 May, Brussels EU Open Doors day
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary
RESOURCES
EU Law Firms
Summaries of EU Legislation
EU Decision-Making
Treaties of the European Union
Key EU Legal Terms
Other news on EUbusiness this week
EU says east Ukraine vote will ‘only worsen’ crisis 8-May
EU agrees talks with Switzerland 6-May
EASA urges black box life extension after MH370 crash 6-May
EU or Russia? An economic dilemma for Transdniestr 4-May
Russia says may cut gas to Ukraine if no payment in May 2-May
