European Union

  • European network set to boost women in power
    Female decision-makers from around Europe will meet on June, 2nd, for the launch of a new EU-level network of women in power. The group aims to promote women in decision-making positions in politics and the economy across Europe. The inaugural meeting will be opened by Equal Opportunities Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and by Zita Gurmai, Vice-Chairwoman of the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Commission Vice-President Margot Wallström and Budget Commissioner Dalia Grybauskaité will join the network for a discussion over lunch.
  • Erasmus programme awarded "Prize for Excellence in integrating young people into the workforce"
    The EU’s Erasmus programme for student and staff exchanges in higher education has received the "Prize for Excellence in integrating young people into the workforce" awarded by the NoviaSalcedo Foundation of Bilbao, Spain. The Erasmus programme was the winner of the "public bodies" category for its exemplary action in promoting excellence in the professional integration of young people.
  • Italy - Operational Programme 2007-13: Research and Competitiveness
    On 21 December 2007, the European Commission approved the multi-regional “Research and Competitiveness” Operational Programme for the Italian regions of Calabria, Campania, Puglia and Sicily for the period 2007-13. The Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Convergence Objective and has a total budget of around €6.2 billion. Community investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €3.1 billion, which represents approximately 10.8% of the total EU investment earmarked for Italy under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
  • Italy - Operational Programme 2007-2013: Lazio
    On 2 October 2007, the European Commission approved an Operational Programme for the Lazio region in Italy for the period 2007-2013. This Operational Programme comes under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment objective and has a total budget of some 744 million euros. The financing provided by the Community by way of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) is around 372 million euros, representing some 1.3% of total EU investment in Italy in the context of the cohesion policy 2007-2013.
  • Culture: Brussels debates to shape future EU strategy for intercultural dialogue
    In the framework of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, the European Commission, in partnership with civil society stakeholders, will be hosting a series of seven thematic “Brussels Debates” throughout 2008. The first such debate takes place on 5 March at the Residence Palace, and is organised together with the European Policy Centre (EPC). It will focus on “The Impact of Migration on Intercultural Dialogue”, and features a high-level discussion that will provide important input for the EU's future strategy on intercultural dialogue beyond 2008.
  • Debate Europe
    From January 29th , 2008 is online the new European Commission web site Debate Europe.It hopes to relaunch debate and help the EU engage in constructive dialogue, giving the public a chance to help shape the way Europe faces its current and future challenges.
  • MEPs call for Lisbon Treaty to be ratified by the end of 2008
    The Lisbon Treaty would enhance the European Union's democratic accountability, better protect citizens' rights and improve the functioning of EU institutions. Member States should ratify it by the end of this year, to pave the way for the June 2009 European elections, says the Constitutional Committee in an own-initiative report which will be debated on Wednesday morning. MEPs in the committee nonetheless voice some concerns, notably about exceptions made for some countries.
  • Slovenia takes over EU presidency: prime minister addresses European Parliament Institutions
    Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia and President of the EU Council, set out, on 16 January 2008, the policy priorities of his country's presidency in an address on Wednesday to MEPs. As Parliament's President Hans-Gert Pöttering pointed out, this was the first time that one of the central European countries who had joined the EU in 2004 was holding the presidency.
  • Lisbon Treaty signed
    The Treaty signed by the Heads of State or Government of the 27 Member States in Lisbon on 13 December 2007 will provide the EU with modern institutions and optimised working methods to tackle both efficiently and effectively today's challenges in today's world. In a rapidly changing world, Europeans look to the EU to address issues such as globalisation, climatic and demographic changes, security and energy. The Treaty of Lisbon will reinforce democracy in the EU and its capacity to promote the interests of its citizens on a day-to-day basis.
  • The cultural economy and cultural activities in the EU27
    For the first time, Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Communities, has gathered the main available culture statistics comparable at a European level in a single publication - Cultural statistics. The publication includes chapters on cultural employment, enterprises and external trade as well as cultural expenditure and participation.
  • Public Consultation to prepare for the European e-Inclusion Strategy
    The Commission will launch a European Initiative on e-Inclusion in 2008. In order to prepare for the initiative the Commission will propose a comprehensive approach to e-Inclusion by the end of 2007 to support the achievement of the objectives of the Riga Ministerial Declaration (June 2006). This consultation will help prepare the approach and will be on-line until 15th August 2007. Feedback is expected from Europe’s citizens, civil society organisations, business entities, public authorities on key areas of e-Inclusion : e-Accessibility, digital literacy and competences, inclusive e-Government, Information and Communication technologies for cultural diversity, information and communication technologies for active ageing at work and the role of stakeholders in reaching e-Inclusion goals. Position papers, based on the issues raised in the questionnaire, can also be sent to einclusion@ec.europa.eu.
  • Low business R&D a major threat to the European knowledge-based economy
    The European Commission has presented on June 11th, 2007a new publication on Europe’s position in research and innovation. The “Key figures 2007 on Science, Technology and Innovation” shows that R&D intensity (R&D expenditure as % of GDP) in Europe has stagnated since the mid-nineties, while major competitors such as Japan, China or South Korea have been able to increase substantially their R&D effort, shaping a world where knowledge is more evenly distributed than ever before. Moreover, the R&D investment deficit against the US has remained constant over recent years. In particular, the low level of business R&D in the EU remains worrying. Key Figures 2007 shows that differences in the industrial structure of the EU compared to countries such as the US are the main cause for this low level of business R&D, with the EU having a smaller high-tech industrial sector, which usually has much higher levels of R&D spending. The new actions taken in Europe since 2005 in the context of the revised Lisbon Strategy need to be implemented if Europe is to successfully face this challenge.
  • First-ever European strategy for culture: contributing to economic growth and intercultural understanding
    The European Commission on May 10th, 2007 adopted a policy statement on the role of culture in a globalising world. It proposes the first-ever European strategy for culture. The Communication affirms the central role of culture in the process of European integration and proposes a cultural agenda for Europe, and for its relations with third countries. Its adoption follows an extensive consultation process involving decision-makers and interested parties from all over Europe.
  • Launch of the European Research Council (ERC)
    The launch of the European Research Council (ERC) marks a historic moment in European research policy. In addition to making frontier research a political priority, it opens up new opportunities for the most talented and creative researchers from all over the world.
  • European Union. Commission conference on the future of Tempus
    On 5-6 March 2007, delegates from 53 EU and partner countries gathered in Brussels for a conference hosted by the European Commission to discuss the future design of the Tempus programme. The representatives from the EU's Ministries of Education and the 26 Tempus partner countries from the Western Balkans, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, North Africa and the Middle East have drawn upon their long experience with the programme in their countries to agree how the programme should continue. The European Commission will develop the programme's detailed features, and plans to launch the first call for proposals under Tempus IV in the second half of 2007.
  • Commission ready to welcome three new official languages on 1 January 2007
    Starting from January 1st, 2007 the European Union will have 23 official languages when Bulgaria and Romania join the EU and Irish becomes an official language. To prepare for this new challenge, the European Commission has adopted a strategy to guide its translation of written texts for 2007 and beyond. This strategy aims to better identify translation needs and providers, and enshrines multilingualism as a core element in the Commission’s policy-making and forward planning. Preparations in Bulgaria and Romania for providing translators and interpreters for the EU institutions are well-advanced.
  • 2007 - European Year of Equal opportunities for all
    The European Commission has named 2007 the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. This European Year in 2007 will seek to make people in the EU more aware of their rights to enjoy equal treatment and a life free of discrimination.
  • A Roadmap for equality between women and men
    This Roadmap outlines six priority areas for EU action on gender equality for the period 2006-2010: equal economic independence for women and men reconciliation of private and professional life equal representation in decision-making eradication of all forms of genderbased violence elimination of gender stereotypes promotion of gender equality in external and development policies. For each area, it identifies priority objectives and actions.
  • MEDIA website relaunched
    The MEDIA programme has relaunched its website. The new MEDIA 2007 programme, with a budget €755 million over seven years, was adopted by the Parliament and the Council on 15 November 2006. MEDIA 2007 will be launched officially with an information day in February 2007 during the Berlin International Film Festival.
  • Sibiu European Capital of Culture 2007
    The European Capital of Culture 2007 is a selection of more than 1000 proposals, involving every manner of art discipline, for a year full of surprises, discoveries and special events.
  • Network Europe Direct - Call for proposals
    The European Commission is launching a call for proposals to select structures eligible for an annual operating grant and technical assistant in return for hosting one more public information relays over the period 2007-2008. Deadline 29 December 2006.
  • European Parliament adopts MEDIA 2007
    In its plenary session of 24 October, the European Parliament adopted in second reading the MEDIA 2007 programme. This programme in support of the European audiovisual sector will start in 2007 and run until 2013.
  • The European library opens at the Goethe-Institut in Rome.
    On October 24th, 2006 the European Library opened: a meeting, promotion, and exchange place between the different European cultures. It is a laboratory project of the Libraries of Rome, in cooperation with the Hungary Academy, the French, Netherlands, and Switzerland embassies, the British Council, the Culture Austrian Forum, the Goethe Institut, the Insituto Cervantes, the Polish Institut, the Institute of Slovakia, the Swisse Institute, the Italian Office of the European Parliament and the Italian representation of the European Commission.
  • eParticipation
    eParticipation is a Preparatory Action to promote the development and use of Information and Communication Technologies in the legislative decision-making processes, in parliamentary and government environments. This Preparatory Action is launched for first time in 2006 based on the Budget Amendment (n° 4729) approved by the European Parliament on 15 December 2005. It aims at harnessing the benefits of the use of ICTs for better legislative process / better legislation at all levels of governmental decision making and for an enhanced public participation in such processes. In 2006 this Action will support the launching of a limited number of trial projects and studies, while preparing for the 2007 Workprogramme.
  • Bulgaria and Romania ready to join the EU on 1 January 2007
    Bulgaria and Romania are ready to become members of the European Union on 1 January 2007, as foreseen in the Treaty of Accession signed in 2005. The Monitoring Report the Commission released on 26 September shows that both countries have made further progress during the past months stepping up efforts to complete their preparations for membership.
  • The European Qualifications Framework: a new way to understand qualifications across Europe
    The Commission adopted on 5 September a proposal for a Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the establishment of the European Qualifications Framework for lifelong learning (EQF). The EQF will provide a common language to describe qualifications which will help Member States, employers and individuals compare qualifications across the EU's diverse education and training systems. The adoption of the proposal follows almost 2 years of consultation across Europe.
  • INTI - Integrating third-country nationals, new call for proposals 2006
    The INTI call for proposals 2006 has been published last 21st August, the deadline for presentations is 20th October 2006.
    INTI is a European Union programme set up in 2003 with a view to financing preparatory measures designed to promote the integration of third-country nationals. The programme sets out to foster above all cooperation between Member States by exchanging experience and good practice. It has provided support for the setting up of partnerships and transnational networks.
  • MEPs debate the priorities of the Finnish Presidency
    A main goal of the Finnish Presidency will be "to turn the Union's gaze outwards and forwards", MEPs were told by Finnish Prime Minister Matti VANHANEN as he presented his country's work programme to the European Parliament on last July 5, 2006. "Europe must start thinking longer-term about its position in a globalised world. The world around us will not wait".
  • MEPs approve €308bn Structural Funds 2007-13 package
    Parliament gave the green-light to the Structural Funds package for 2007 to 2013 with the adoption of five separate reports. They define the objectives, the financial resources available and the criteria for their allocation in an enlarged EU. Around €308 billion - or 35.7 per cent of the total EU budget - will now be available to spend, as scheduled, from 1 January 2007. The structural funds aim to increase solidarity and reduce disparities between regions of the EU.
  • Readiness for eGovernment will bring big savings to EU, says Commission
    Published on 25 April 2006, the action plan, entitled ‘i2010 eGovernment Action Plan: Accelerating eGovernment in Europe for the Benefit of All’, draws on the Ministerial Declaration adopted at the Manchester eGovernment Ministerial Conference in November 2005, which set clear expectations for widespread, measurable benefits from eGovernment in 2010.
  • Growth stressed in revised EU programme package
    The European Commission adopted a revised package of EU programmes for the next financial framework 2007-2013 on 24 May 2006, detailing funding for each programme and 31 proposals necessary for their implementation. Priority will be given to programmes seen to contribute to the EU's economic growth.
  • Commission appoints Deputy Director-General of the Communication Directorate-General
    Mr Panayotis CARVOUNIS was today appointed Deputy Director-General of the Communication Directorate-General. His task will be to ensure implementation of the “Action plan to improve communicating Europe by the Commission” by the Commission’s Representations in the Member States and to oversee their operation. He will also be in charge of coordinating the work of the “Representations and networks” and “Resources” Directorates to create synergies and develop an ‘integrated approach’ with regard to the Representations. Lastly, he will be responsible for coordinating interinstitutional relations in the communication field.
  • The website 'Debate Europe'
    This debate on the internet is part of our "Plan D" – where D stands for Dialogue, Debate and Democracy. Plan D is the Commission's contribution to the "period of reflection" on the future of the EU, which was called for by Heads of State and Government of the EU in June 2005 following the rejection of the proposed Constitutional Treaty by voters in France and The Netherlands.
  • European Commission steps up efforts to put Europe’s memory on the Web via a “European Digital Library”
    The European Commissions’ plan to promote digital access to Europe’s heritage is rapidly taking shape. At least six million books, documents and other cultural works will be made available to anyone with a Web connection through the European Digital Library over the next five years. In order to boost European digitisation efforts, the Commission will co-fund the creation of a Europe-wide network of digitisation centres. The Commission will also address, in a series of policy documents, the issue of the appropriate framework for intellectual property rights protection in the context of digital libraries.
  • Commission’s White Paper on European Communication Policy. Debating Europe - involving citizens
    The European Commission today adopted a White Paper on a European Communication Policy. Vice-President of the Commission, Margot Wallstrom, said: “Communication is first and foremost a matter of democracy. People have a right to know what the EU does and what it stands for. And they have a right to fully participate in the European project. Communicating Europe is not just a Brussels affair. EU institutions and Member States must now work on it together. The European Union has grown up as a political project but has not found a place in people’s hearts and minds. The White Paper is the Commission’s proposal to respond to this challenge and to lay the foundation of a European Union Communication Policy”.
  • Approved the MICHAEL plus Project
    The MICHAEL plus Project, which extends the activities of the MICHAEL Project (Multilingual Inventory of Cultural Heritage in EuropeApproved by the European Commission to 30 public and private organizations with partners belonging to the 10 UE member states which will be added to Italy, France and United Kingdom, already project's partners, has been approved by the European Commission the MICHAEL plus Project. The activities will start on January 2006.
  • Opened the new call 2006 for employment, sociall affairs and equal opportunities.
    Opened in 2006 the call VP/2005/020, within the Programme with the priority theme of the promotion of gender equality, particularly in local development.
    This theme will allow two different but complementary issues to be dealt with: on the one hand, how to encourage balanced participation of men and women in the various aspects of local development, both economic and social, and, on the other hand, how policies implemented at local level can encourage, on a daily basis, the promotion of gender equality.
    The closing date for this call is midnight, Brussels time, 28th April 2006, at the latest.
  • MODINIS programme prolonged until 2006
    The Programme, prolonged with some changes in the aims, actions and budget, will come into force with the Council and Parliament agreement. The extra budget will be of 7,72 million euros for the 2006.
  • Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures, call for proposals
    The Anna Lindh Euro-Mediterranean Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures is seeking proposals for activities and initiatives that support intercultural dialogue in the 35 Euro-Mediterranean countries. The Programme is co-funded by the European Union and the 35 members of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
    The three deadlines for submission of proposals are March 1 st, June 1 st and November 1 st, 2006 at 16:00 hrs Egyptian time.
    The full Guidelines for Applicants are available on the following Internet site www.euromedalex.org.
    The following thematic priorities for 2006, all of which are equally ranked, are:
    • EuroMed music and other cultural/artistic creation;
    • EuroMed schools programme;
    • EuroMed teams of young researchers;
    • Summer schools/exchange programmes (artists in residence);
    • Libraries, promotion of books and reading, translation;
    • Intercultural exchanges for women in civil society organizations.
  • 2006 - European Year of Workers' mobility
    The European Commission has named 2006 the European Year of workers' mobility. The year aims to raise awareness and increase understanding of the benefits of both geographic and occupational mobility. It is the first European year which combines the issues of mobility and workers.
  • Patras 2006. European Capital of Culture
    The city of Patras was designated to be the “European Capital of Culture” for the year of 2006. The main concept of the “European Capital of Culture – Patras 2006” is to bring the citizens of Europe closer, in order to enhance cultural exchange and celebrate cultural diversity. Within the boundaries of “Patras 2006”, Europeans will be offered the opportunity to meet, communicate and swap personal experiences so as to get more acquainted with each other.
  • A New Framework Strategy for Multilingualism
    A Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions has been published on November 22nd, 2005.
  • The European Commission proposes that 2008 be “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue”
    The Commission on October, 5th 2005 adopted a proposal for a Decision of the European Parliament and of the Council to declare 2008 “European Year of Intercultural Dialogue”. This idea had initially been put forward by the European Commissioner with responsibility for culture, Ján Figel’, during his hearing before the European Parliament in September 2004. With an overall budget of € 10 million, the European Year will draw on the wealth and diversity of a series of specific projects to be implemented during 2008 through programmes and other Community actions. Culture, education, youth, sport and citizenship will be the main areas concerned.
  • New CORDIS Regional Research and Innovation Service
    An information work space on regional research and innovation activities across Europe. The key objective of the new service is to provide a dynamic information work space for regional research and innovation activities, focussing predominantly on local and region-based actors (SMEs, Universities, sub-national government agents, etc.).
  • 2007 to be "European Year of Equal Opportunities for All"
    The European Commission has designated 2007 as 'European Year of Equal Opportunities for All' as part of a concerted effort to promote equality and non-discrimination in the EU. The European Year is the centrepiece of a framework strategy designed to ensure that discrimination is effectively tackled, diversity is celebrated and equal opportunities for all are promoted. The strategy is set out in a Communication adopted by the European Commission today.
  • Mutual Learning Platform for the Regions: Investing in Research and Innovation in European Regions
    The Mutual Learning Platform (MLP) is a European Commission initiative which aims to enable all regions to fully enter the knowledge-based society and benefit from increased investment in research and innovation. The MLP provides regional policy-makers and practitioners with the opportunity to learn with and from each other. It is expected to result in concrete tools for regional policy-makers involved in research and innovation activities.
  • Commission launches five-year strategy to boost the digital economy
    The Commission on 1 June 2005 adopted the initiative “i2010: European Information Society 2010” to foster growth and jobs in the information society and media industries. i2010 is a comprehensive strategy for modernising and deploying all EU policy instruments to encourage the development of the digital economy: regulatory instruments, research and partnerships with industry. The Commission will in particular promote high-speed and secure broadband networks offering rich and diverse content in Europe.
  • Council welcomes Integrated Guidelines for Lisbon Strategy
    Ministers in the Competitiveness Council welcomed recommendations from the European Commission on the micro-economic components of the proposed 'Integrated Guidelines' for the Lisbon Strategy when they met in Brussels on 10 May 2005.
  • The return of CORDIS focus - a monthly magazine on European research and innovation.
    After a temporary interruption in production, CORDIS, the Community Research and Development Information Service, is pleased to announce that 'CORDIS focus' will again be published regularly from February 2005. For the time being, the magazine will be issued in English on a monthly basis, presenting an overview of the research and technological development (RTD) news published on the CORDIS News service throughout the previous month.
  • UNESCO's campaign "Women Make the News"
    UNESCO's online campaign aiming at women's empowerment and gender equality in the media "Women Make the News" has gained wide support throughout the world. To mark International Women's Day that was celebrated last week, UNESCO appealed all media to give women editorial responsibility to cast the news on that day.
  • EU Bookshop: European publication online
    Ján Figel, Member of the European Commission responsible for Education, Training, Culture and Multilingualism, presented on March 10th, 2005 EU Bookshop - a single access point to EU publications.
  • Study on projects presented within "Culture Programmes".
    The Culture and Education Unit started a study on the results of the projects presented under Socrates, Leonardo, Gioventù and Cultura Programmes.The study's aim is to enhance future actions connected to the mentioned programmes.
    The results will be available on the Commission web site as soon as the survey will be concluded.
  • Now Online a new version of ENA
    European NAvigator (ENA), the Internet knowledge base whose educational approach provides students, teachers, researchers and anyone else interested in European issues with information on the history of European integration.
    ENA is a multilingual tool available in French and English. It provides a wide range of multimedia documents (speeches, historical documents, photos, facsimiles, cartoons, sound clips, film recordings, interviews, interactive maps and diagrams, etc.) available both in their original version and in translation.
  • New European Innovation Portal
    This Innovation Portal is designed for all CORDIS users with an interest in innovation, both policy and practice. From this central point, you can access the latest policy documents on innovation, keep up-to-date on the latest news and events, and contact intermediaries that could facilitate the innovation process of your organisation.
  • Public on-line consultation on a proposed COMMISSION COMMUNICATION on eAccessibility
    This anonymous consultation will provide the European Commission with inputs for the drafting of a Commission Communication on eAccessibility; it is particularly targeted at: users (of eAccessibility-enhanced products or services) and their associations, relevant industrial/business actors and associations, Government and Regional agencies, Public Authorities, and eAccessibility experts and professionals.
  • EU to launch new ICT policy instrument in 2006
    The European Commission has started work on a new policy instrument to promote the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a key element and multiplier of the Lisbon Strategy. The new instrument is due to replace the current eEurope 2005 Action Plan in 2006.
  • UE: new Portal "Europe's Information Society"
    A new thematic web portal has just been launched on Europa: it provides a user-friendly and easily accessible presentation of the Information Society, grouped under 7 broad themes. The policies and activities currently being pursued by the European Commission are also clearly presented and re-grouped under their own menus, to ease the navigation of more frequent visitors, familiar with the site. For its launch, the Information Society Portal has been published only in English, but in the coming months, the more general "higher levels" of content addressed to the interested public, will be presented in all 20 Community languages. Europe's Information Society Portal is the pilot for " Europa 2nd Generation" and is part of the Commission's reforms. The new Europa modernises the presence of all EU Institutions on the Internet, and enhances their levels interactivity with a wider audience. All subjects addressed by the European Commission are to be presented thematically, and totally independently of the structure of Directorates General undertaking the work.
  • Commission sets priorities for catching up with Lisbon agenda
    The Commission has called on the spring European Council to take advantage of the economic recovery and the dynamic of enlargement to give the Lisbon strategy fresh impetus. Three priorities have been identified: improving investment in networks and knowledge, strengthening competitiveness in industry and services, and promoting active ageing.
  • Study in Europe new portal
    The "Study in Europe" web portal has been created by the Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), an independent European organisation dedicated to the management, analysis and improvement of education and training co-operation within Europe and between Europe and other parts of the world. ACA member organisations are major European national organisations responsible for the promotion of international cooperation in education.
    This web portal gives access to the national websites of European countries, which provide information on higher education.
  • European Documentation section online
    Is now online the section of the DFP (public source documentation) of the Centro di documentazione europea dell'Università Ca' Foscari by Antonella Sattin.
  • European Convention
    The purpose of the Convention is to propose a new framework and structures for the European Union which are geared to changes in the world situation, the needs of the citizens of Europe and the future development of the European Union.
  • e-Democracy for the EU
    E-Vote is an exciting new experiment of the Greek EU Presidency to use the Internet and new technology to get more people involved in the discussions and decision-making process of the EU. It is a way to give people a vote and a voice - to find out what you think is important and to include your ideas and suggestions about what you want the EU to be. This is a unique and historic time for the EU and the people of Europe. Over the next few months of the Greek Presidency, you will have the chance to be a part of these big changes - to vote on important issues, ask questions, and offer your ideas and suggestions. It's a new opportunity to participate in the future of Europe - its e-democracy.

Last update: Monday, July 07, 2008 Monday, July 07, 2008