EUbusiness Week 620 top stories: EU demands tough economic reforms; EU warns on China influence; Council and Parliament thrash out EU fisheries reform; EU says likely to ask Google to boost anti-trust offer; EU hits Argentina, Indonesia with bio-diesel tariffs; EU to check US wheat for GM contamination
This Week’s Top Stories
1. EU demands tough economic reforms
2. EU warns on China influence
3. Council and Parliament thrash out EU fisheries reform
4. EU says likely to ask Google to boost anti-trust offer
5. EU hits Argentina, Indonesia with bio-diesel tariffs
6. EU to check US wheat for GM contamination
Publisher’s Note
The EC this week moved to strengthen the system for recovery of national treasures which have been unlawfully removed from Member States’ territories, with a proposal that would improve possibilities for restitution, with improved sharing of information on illegal trafficking in cultural goods. Anybody trying to exact compensation for returning an object would need to prove it was not knowingly acquired illegally.
Good to see that the EU, often accused of trying to forge a single European identity, is helping to preserve the diversity of Member States’ cultural heritage.
More …
Regards,
Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness
EUBUSINESS WEEK AHEAD – FREE TRIAL Our sister newswire alerts you to the key developments in the European Union during the week ahead – from the EU institutions, as well as EU-related conferences and events. Sign up for a free trial at |
1. EU demands tough economic reforms
The Commission laid down its economic targets Wednesday for EU nations desperately seeking growth and jobs in the fallout from the debt crisis but gave France and Spain extra time in return for deeper reforms.
More …
European Central Bank turns 15 years old
2. EU warns on China influence
The Commission has warned against undue Chinese influence as Germany led growing opposition among Member States to a planned punitive levy on imports of solar panels from China.
More …
Swiss-China trade deal a symbol amid spats with EU
3. Council and Parliament thrash out EU fisheries reform
Parliament and Council negotiators have agreed a fisheries reform package, winning a guarded welcome from green groups with a commitment to protect stocks and control the dumping of unwanted fish.
More …
4. EU says likely to ask Google to boost anti-trust offer
The Commission is likely ask Google to improve the way it intends to satisfy EU concerns over its dominant position in the online search and advertising market.
More …
5. EU hits Argentina, Indonesia with bio-diesel tariffs
The Commission moved on Tuesday to impose provisional anti-dumping duties on bio-diesel from Argentina and Indonesia which account for some 20 % of the EUR 12 bn EU market.
More …
6. EU to check US wheat for GM contamination
The Commission has asked Member States to check imports of wheat from the United States which may be tainted with a genetically modified strain made by Monsanto.
More …
EUROPEAN LAW
Benefits: the Commission is taking Britain to the Court of Justice to face charges that it has failed to pay social security benefits to citizens from other EU states.
More …
Kosovo war veterans rally against EU war crimes probe
Latest Court of Justice judgements
EU Law Firms
More …
Inside the EU Institutions
Council Watch
Syria: the EU has agreed to lift its embargo against arming Syrian rebels, but no Member State intends to send any arms in the coming months for fear of endangering a US-Russia peace initiative.
More …
Economic woes threaten to spoil Croatia’s EU party
France, Germany agree on ‘full-time’ euro chief
Council …
Commission Watch
Roaming: Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes on Thursday proposed a radical shake-up of the mobile phone services market, including an end to roaming charges long denounced by consumer groups.
More …
Albanian parties pass key laws for progress towards EU
Commission …
Parliament Watch
In committee this week, MEPs backed a deal forcing oil and mineral firms to disclose payments to governments; rejected plans to introduce minimum standards for roadworthiness tests on motorcycles and trailers under 2,000 kg; and endorsed a proposal to make it easier for small firms and citizens to recover debts across borders.
More …
EU diary
5 Jun, Commission presents Convergence Report for Latvia
5 Jun, EC package to fight cigarette smuggling
6-7 Jun, Justice and Home Affairs Council
6-7 Jun, Transport, Telecommunications & Energy Council
10-13 Jun, European Parliament plenary session
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary
Other news on EUbusiness this week
Eurozone confidence bounces back in May: survey 30-May
EU business optimism in China at all-time low: survey 30-May
Acne pill benefits outweigh blood clot risk: EU body 30-May
Eurozone bank deposits drop in possible Cyprus effect 29-May
EU urges reform of Bulgaria troubled energy sector 28-May
Privatisation of Romanian post fails to deliver 28-May