EUbusiness Week 541 top stories: Three EU states vote reforms as German court OKs bailouts; EU adopts Syria oil embargo; Member States must tell Brussels of GM bans; China setting up new market obstacles: EU group; Iceland eyes end to Icesave tiff, failed bank covers debt; New EU cars set to auto dial for emergency help
This Week’s Top Stories
1. Three EU states vote reforms as German court OKs bailouts
2. EU adopts Syria oil embargo
3. Member States must tell Brussels of GM bans
4. China setting up new market obstacles: EU group
5. Iceland eyes end to Icesave tiff, failed bank covers debt
6. New EU cars set to auto dial for emergency help
Publisher’s Note
Following past winter crises over gas supplies from Russia, the Commission moved early after the summer break to try and prevent big EU members negotiating their own energy deals –for Libyan oil or Russian gas, for example — by adopting a Communication on security of energy supply.
The EU, which imports 80 per cent of its oil and 60 per cent of its gas requirements, has got used to political infighting across the former Soviet bloc where transit pipelines through Ukraine are critical to the supply. The EC move, which would improve transparency among Member States on their energy agreements with third countries, is controversial. But Energy Commissioner Oettinger is clear that the EU and its Member States need now to “act together and speak with one voice”.
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Regards,
Nick Prag
Publisher, EUbusiness
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1. Three EU states vote reforms as German court OKs bailouts
Germany’s top court averted potential disaster for the eurozone on Tuesday by clearing rescue packages for struggling economies, as lawmakers in three of Europe’s major capitals approved key finance reforms.
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Spectre rises of Greece being kicked out of euro
Battle under way for soul of ‘United States of Europe’
2. EU adopts Syria oil embargo
The European Union has adopted a ban on crude oil imports from Syria, although European companies will be able to fulfil existing supply contracts until November 15.
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EU lifts sanctions against 28 Libyan firms
3. Member States must tell Brussels of GM bans
EU states must notify the Commission before banning genetically-modified crops with proof of risk for humans, animals or the environment, says Europe’s highest court.
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4. China setting up new market obstacles: EU group
China is setting up new obstacles for foreign companies wanting to invest in the world’s second largest economy, a grouping of European businesses said on Thursday.
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5. Iceland eyes end to Icesave tiff, failed bank covers debt
Iceland expects a stand-off with Britain and the Netherlands over the failed Icesave bank could be resolved as assets at the lender’s parent company would cover all depositor claims.
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6. New EU cars set to auto dial for emergency help
The Union is moving ahead with plans to ensure an automatic emergency call system is installed in all new cars from 2015 to save hundreds of lives on Europe’s roads each year.
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EUROPEAN CASE LAW
Aircraft noise: Europe’s top court on Thursday ruled that EU nations have the right to set limitations on noise pollution from aircraft roaring over built-up areas.
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EU backs Scotland over fees for English students
Sticky future for honey imports to EU after GM ruling
Latest Court of Justice judgements
Official Journal latest issues
EU Law …
Inside the EU Institutions
Council Watch
Syria: Member States are considering fresh sanctions against Syria, from a ban on oil-related investment to possible measures against a TV network close to President al-Assad.
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European ministers urge Turkey-Israel dialogue
EU in damage control over Palestinian UN bid
Council …
Commission Watch
Greece: Greece cannot be forced out of the eurozone, the Commission said on Thursday after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said such a possibility should be considered.
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‘No plans’ for Brussels backed ratings firm
New optimism on Macedonia name row: Commissioner
Brussels wants say in internal border patrols
Commission …
Euro-Parliament Watch
Economic governance: a deal to tighten economic governance in the eurozone by imposing penalties on countries that fail to meet debt and deficit targets has moved closer, the European Parliament said on Wednesday.
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In committee this week, the Transport Committee examined a report on the Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area; the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee promised improved standards for mortgage markets; and the Budgets Committee approved EU aid to redundant Dutch print workers.
Parliament …
EU diary
9 Sep, Education, Youth, Culture & Sport Council informal
11-13 Sep, Informal Agriculture and Fisheries Council
12 Sep, General Affairs Council
12-15 Sep, European Parliament Plenary Session
The Week Ahead
Long-term diary
RESOURCES
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Summaries of EU Legislation
EU Decision-Making
Treaties of the European Union
Key EU Legal Terms
Other news on EUbusiness this week
Bulgaria optimistic on two-stage Schengen entry 8-Sep
Nabucco pipeline ‘a matter of EU ambition’ 8-Sep
Council of Europe slams lack of aid for migrants 7-Sep
Eurozone posts shrinking growth 6-Sep
