news

EU holds landmark summit with ex-Soviet states , May 8, 2009

Despite the absence of several key European leaders, the EU launched an Eastern Partnership on Thursday, in a bid to stabilise six ex-Soviet nations, but it insisted the project was no threat to Russia.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241726522.27

US, EU agree to settle simmering beef dispute , May 8, 2009

The United States and the EU have agreed to bury the hatchet in their dispute over US hormone-treated beef, one of the longest and most bitter transatlantic trade rows.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241616722.24

EU steps up offensive on mobile telephone fees, May 8, 2009

The Commission stepped up its offensive on mobile phone fees on Thursday, calling for a clampdown on rates operators charge to connect to each other's networks.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241702222.71

Plan to extend EU maternity leave blocked in Parliament, May 8, 2009

Conservative members of the European Parliament have blocked moves to extend maternity leave to a minimum of 20 weeks across the EU. The whole process will have to start again from scratch once a new Parliament is formed after next month's elections.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241623023.06

EU allows cut-rate sales tax in restaurants, May 8, 2009

EU finance ministers gave the green light on Tuesday to plans to allow cut-rate sales tax on certain labour intensive services, such as eating out in restaurants.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241525821.3

EU farm subsidies sweet for Italian sugar firms: study, May 8, 2009

Farm power France may be the top overall beneficiary of the EU's generous farm subsidies but the biggest single payments go to companies in Italy, a study shows.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241700421.19

Swine flu pandemic 'very likely': Commission ,May 1, 2009

Swine flu is set to reach pandemic levels in Europe but unlikely to cause widespread deaths, EU health chiefs said on Thursday as they struggled to overcome differences on how to contain the virus.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241115421.49
EU rejects proposed French ban on Mexico flights
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241107321.33

EU yields to calls for clampdown on hedge funds, May 1, 2009

The Commission this week yielded to months of political pressure for a clampdown on hedge funds and private equity firms with proposals for tougher regulation of the industry.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241009223.63

European economic confidence turns positive, May 1, 2009

Business and consumer confidence in the European economy rose in April for the first time in nearly two years, an EU survey shows, adding to signs the slump is stabilising.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240996621.59

Court backs return of northern Cyprus property, May 1, 2009

The European Court of Justice has backed the right of Greek Cypriots to reclaim property they abandoned in the north of the island when it was divided, and which was then sold to foreigners.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240908422.64

Albania officially submits EU candidacy papers, May 1, 2009

Albania has formally applied for EU membership, less than a month after joining NATO. "This act has historic significance, marking the return of my nation to the family of European nations", said Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240921021.43

Pro-piracy party soars in Swedish EU poll, May 1, 2009

A Swedish pro-piracy party may win a seat in the June 7 European elections, a poll showed on Thursday, as its support soars after a Stockholm court jailed the founders of file-sharing site The Pirate Bay.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1241092932.17

Data raise hopes that European recession is easing , April 24, 2009

The worst recession in Europe since World War II is
beginning to show signs of bottoming out, data showed on
Thursday, although economists harbour doubts that a
full-blown recovery will soon take hold.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240486322.42

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US again delays trade action in EU beef row , April 24, 2009

The United States says it is postponing new import tariffs
on European Union products due to progress in resolving a
trade dispute over US hormone-treated beef.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240422422.06

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China 'must do more' as unsafe products hit record high , April 24, 2009

The Commission is not satisfied with China's record on
dealing with consumer product safety, Commissioner Kuneva
said on Monday, unveiling record levels of dangerous goods.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240237030.83

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Parliament seeks to extend music rights to 70 years, April 24, 2009

The European Parliament has voted in favour of extending
musicians' royalties to 70 years, a sizeable increase on
the current 50 years but less than the Commission proposed.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240495322.86

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EU launches anti-trust probe of airlines, April 24, 2009

The Commission has launched a probe into pacts between some
airlines in two major alliances on suspicion the deals might
constitute restrictive practices on transatlantic routes.

www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240221732.9

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Racist violence in Europe largely unreported, April 24, 2009

Discrimination and racially motivated violence are far more
widespread than official statistics suggest in Europe, with
the Roma and Africans bearing the brunt, says an EU study.

www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1240406221.69

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EU tallies EUR 3 trillion committed to bank rescues , April 09, 2009

European governments have committed three trillion euros to rescuing banks, according to an EU tally that eclipses money they spend propping up their recession-hit economies.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239202922.61

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Euro-investment bank approves loans for 'clean' cars , April 09, 2009

The European Investment Bank has approved loans worth EUR 866m to auto-makers based in Europe to help them build environmentally-friendly cars.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239177721.44

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EU regulator steps up anti-trust probe of Visa, April 09, 2009

The Commission has stepped up an anti-trust probe into payments card giant Visa, alleging that some of its fees are hampering competition.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239031922.85

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ACP nations oppose EU banana tariff cut plans, April 09, 2009

African, Caribbean and Pacific countries have lashed out at EU plans to cut banana import tariffs, saying their development is being sacrificed on the altar of free trade.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239028330.13

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EU tightens bluefin tuna fishing rules, April 09, 2009

Member States adopted new rules Monday to help restore endangered bluefin tuna stocks in the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, bringing the bloc into line with international standards.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239039126.62

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EU slaps anti-dumping duties on China-made candles, April 09, 2009

EU Member States have agreed to extend anti-dumping duties on Chinese-made candles following calls from European producers, but importers and distributors slammed the move
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1239112922.12

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'Exempt independent truckers' from EU work-hour rules , April 03, 2009

Most EU transport ministers on Monday opposed plans to
impose working-hour limits on self-employed truckers,
despite union calls to ban their punishing schedules
for safety reasons
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238437021.62

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EU drops action after Mastercard cuts charges, April 03, 2009
The Commission is dropping its antitrust case against
MasterCard Europe after the group lowered fees on
cross-border payments.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238584622.89

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Brussels seeks to protect Internet users from profilers, April 03, 2009
The Commission is warning search engines and social network
sites like Google and Facebook to better protect their
customers' personal information or face stricter
legislation.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238518021.33

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Mobile phone calls on planes: slow take off in Europe, April 03, 2009
A year after they were authorised, the use of mobile phones
aboard planes remains very limited in Europe, with only 27
planes equipped to allow them.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238680022.83

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Most European countries back seal products embargo, April 03, 2009
Most European countries favour a total ban on importing
seal-related products, diplomatic sources say ahead of a
key Euro-Parliament vote on the issue next month.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238285821.67

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Greeks head EU smoking survey, April 03, 2009
Three out of ten Europeans aged 16 or more admit to being
smokers, according to a study published by the Commission,
with Greece heading the list.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238427122.3

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EU agrees 'Solvency II' insurance shake-up , March 27, 2009

The European Union reached a deal on Thursday to shake up
regulation of the insurance sector, the Czech presidency
said after two years of tough negotiations bore fruit.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238092321.69

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Agri-Commissioner refuses to budge on milk reforms , March 27, 2009

Europe's farm chief has rejected calls from France, Germany
and eastern Europe to revise milk quota reforms agreed last
year that opponents say will hit struggling dairy producers.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237833122.94

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EU says US online gambling laws against WTO rules ,March 27, 2009

The Commission said on Thursday that US laws restricting
online gambling went against WTO rules but that Brussels
would seek a negotiated solution to the dispute.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238077021.62

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Cheaper, shorter European flights under new law , March 27, 2009

Euro-MPs have agreed on a bill calling for shorter, cheaper
flights in Europe using up to 11 per cent less fuel and
setting binding targets for the continent's aviation system.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1238009522.24

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EU travellers to get cheaper mobile messages, calls ,March 27, 2009

European travellers will pay less to send text messages and
access the internet via mobile phone networks, under a
compromise deal thrashed out by EU negotiators on Tuesday.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237901521.19

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EU court rules Anheuser-Busch cannot register Budweiser , March 27, 2009

A top EU court has ruled that US brewer Anheuser-Busch
cannot register an EU-wide trademark for its Budweiser
brand because of a Czech brewer's previous claims to the
word in Austria and Germany.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237974425.89

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Summit agrees EUR 5bn energy investment package , March 20, 2009

EU leaders agreed Thursday on a package of investments in energy and internet infrastructure projects worth up to five billion euros.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237498321.34

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EU welcomes US hold-off on beef hormone sanctions, March 20, 2009

The Union has welcomed a US decision to postpone by one month the introduction of new tariffs on EU products in a row over the use of beef hormones.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236937785.3

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EU wants to re-educate eurocrats back on the farm, March 20, 2009

The Commission wants its agriculture officials to swap their pinstripes and laptops for overalls and shovels in obligatory "farm stays" to help take policy-making back to the land.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237287723.74

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Brussels seeks to ease air slot rules to help airlines, March 20, 2009

The Commission wants its agriculture officials to swap their pinstripes and laptops for overalls and shovels in obligatory "farm stays" to help take policy-making back to the land.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237311121.6

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Greek Cypriots oppose full EU membership for Turkey, March 20, 2009

A large majority of Greek Cypriots believe Turkey should not be granted full EU membership but given special partnership status instead, according to a survey.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237391222.85

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EU seeks to make rose wine rules more palatable, March 20, 2009

The Commission says it is open to the idea of a distinctive labelling for French rose wine, to dilute a row with Paris over wine made by simply mixing red and white.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1237393021.75

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European Investment Bank to lend car makers EUR 3bn , March 13, 2009

The European Investment Bank said on Thursday that its board had approved plans to lend an additional three billion euros to car makers and that more is on the way.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236865621.97

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EU reaches restaurant sales tax deal , March 13, 2009

EU finance ministers have clinched a long-sought deal allowing cut-rate sales taxes on certain services, with Germany yielding to French pressure to allow less tax to be charged in restaurants.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236697321.42

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Euro-Parliament tightens shipping regulations , March 13, 2009

Members of the European Parliament tightened regulation on the shipping sector on Wednesday in the hope of avoiding life-threatening and environmentally dangerous shipwrecks.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236784621.41

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Brussels seeks to ease air slot rules to help airlines , March 13, 2009

The Commission is proposing to ease the rules for airport slots in order to allow ailing airlines to cut back on their services without losing their landing and take-off rights.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236703622.22

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Employers association sees 4.5m jobs lost in 2009 , March 13, 2009

Some 4.5 million Europeans risk losing their jobs this year due to the increasingly severe recession, says the president of the BusinessEurope employers association.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236851222.03

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French rose producers pink-faced over EU wine plans , March 13, 2009

Winegrowers in France's picturesque Provence region are pink-faced with fury over EU plans to let producers make rose wine by mixing red and white, saying this risks destroying a local tradition.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236774726.96

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EU leaders open door to fast-track euro membership , March 6, 2009

Several EU leaders on Sunday opened the door for the first time to the possibility of fast-track membership of the eurozone, while ruling out a relaxation of the tough rules for adopting the currency.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235934121.78
Euro membership would boost Baltics: Standard & Poor's
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236252726.07

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EU calls for crisis talks over GM's ailing Opel , March 6, 2009

The Commission called on Thursday for crisis talks among EU countries hosting General Motors plants in order to coordinate aid to the bankruptcy-threatened US carmaker.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236253624.36
Euro car output to fall 25 per cent in 2009
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236196922.86

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Member States refuse to force members to farm GM maize , March 6, 2009

EU Member States have refused to force Austria and Hungary to allow the cultivation of Monsanto genetically modified maize, defying a call from the Commission.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235999822.9

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Forced retirement due to age can be justified: Court , March 6, 2009

The European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday that forced retirement due to age can be justified as part of broader social policy aims.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236251822.26

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EU zeroing in on VAT tax deal , March 6, 2009

EU governments are getting closer to an agreement, possibly next week, on allowing a greater number of services that can apply especially low value added tax rates.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236187922.21

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EP committee votes for ban on seal products , March 6, 2009

The Union has taken a step closer towards banning products made from seals with a vote against the practice by the Parliament's internal market and consumer affairs committee.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1236020522.07

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EU wants banks to come clean on toxic assets, February 27, 2009

The Commission has unveiled plans for a common EU approach to handling "toxic assets," with banks having to come clean about the size of the problem in order to give them "a clean sheet".
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235566921.44
EU advisers urge new financial risk bodies
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235573230.98

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EU warns Microsoft over Windows web browsers, February 27, 2009

The Commission may order US software giant Microsoft to give Windows users a clear and easy choice of web browsers, even allowing customers to disable the company's Internet Explorer system, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235493121.78
Google backs EU antitrust complaint
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235512922.34

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EU makes fresh proposal to end banana trade dispute, February 27, 2009

The Union has made a fresh proposal to Latin American banana producers in a bid to end a decade-old dispute over the bloc's banana import policies.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235395025.36

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Ministers fail to agree on key energy projects, February 27, 2009

Member States have failed to agree on how to fund a key economic stimulus measure which would put EUR 3.75 billion of Community money into energy projects.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235402222.86

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European economic confidence hits new low, February 27, 2009

European consumer and business confidence slumped to a record low in February, a fresh sign of the deepening recession.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235643422.21

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EU reassures German bakers over salt level rules, February 27, 2009

The Commission is seeking to reassure anxious German bakers that their favourite salt-rich bread is not under threat, while insisting that consumers need new nutrition information.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235491322.8

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EU sweetens energy plan for France, Italy , February 20, 2009

The Commission on Thursday proposed extra funding for France and Italy in a controversial multi-billion-euro energy project package, which Germany slammed as "a jumble of national wish lists.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235073722.71

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EIB may boost loans to ailing auto sector , February 20, 2009

The European Investment Bank is to consider lending seven billion euros in the first half of the year to help the ailing auto sector to produce greener cars.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234972922.2

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EU ultimatum to Spain on pensioner healthcare, February 20, 2009

The Commission issued a final warning to Spain on Thursday over its failure to offer full healthcare options to pensioners visiting from elsewhere in Europe.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235055721.81

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Expanding EU desperately seeking interpreters, February 20, 2009

The 27-nation Union, with its 23 official languages, is facing an imminent shortage of interpreters, with English-language linguists at a premium.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1235054822.06

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EU satisfied by US use of SWIFT data transfers, February 20, 2009

The United States is respecting its obligations on the correct use of personal data from the interbank transfer service SWIFT in anti-terror probes, the Commission says.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234806422.16

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Poles lagging in EU's analogue TV switch-off, February 20, 2009

All Member States except Poland are on course to switch from analogue to digital television by the 2012 target date, says the Commission.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234793822.47

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Romania, Bulgaria fall short of EU justice standards , February 13, 2009

Bulgaria and Romania still fall short of European standards on justice reform and fighting corruption, and will remain under EU surveillance for the foreseeable future, a report said on Thursday.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234456321.58

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Euro forecasters expect lower growth, inflation , February 13, 2009

Forecasters expect the eurozone economy to shrink by 1.7 per cent this year but grow by 0.6 per cent in 2010, a poll by the European Central Bank shows.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234436523.22

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France to maintain ban on Monsanto GMO maize , February 13, 2009

France will keep a ban on genetically modified maize from US biotech giant Monsanto until the environmental risks are clarified, says French Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234451821.98

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Internet firms move to protect European children online , February 13, 2009

Seventeen Internet firms, including Facebook and Myspace, have agreed to take steps to protect children in Europe from abuse on social networking sites, the Commission says.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234270026.53

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European airlines seek flight cuts without losing slots , February 13, 2009

European airlines are to seek EU support to help them weather the economic crisis and hang on to precious landing slots even if they are forced to reduce flights.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234447323.09

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Swiss say big yes to EU labour , February 13, 2009

The Swiss shook off right-wing fears over job losses on Sunday, voting resoundingly to prolong an EU free labour agreement and extending the policy to workers from bloc newcomers Bulgaria and Romania.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1234117921.42

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Europe struggles for unity in face of recession , February 6, 2009

Despite promises to tackle recession together, EU governments are scrambling each in their own corner to come up with new measures to revive their economies, threatening the Union's unity.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233458221.67

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EU sees 'reasonable' US moves on 'Buy American' feud , February 6, 2009

The EU's envoy to Washington says he is optimistic that US lawmakers will water down "Buy American" restrictions in their economic stimulus bill.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233766923.07

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EU proposes new crackdown on bank secrecy , February 6, 2009

The Commission has opened a new front in the struggle against tax fraud with proposals taking aim at bank secrecy laws in Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233585121.52

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Brussels proposes new rules to protect shark stocks , February 6, 2009

The Commission on Thursday proposed tighter rules to protect sharks, including obliging fishermen to throw back sharks caught accidentally, but Green groups are expressing doubts about the moves.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233845223.79

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EU cooks up tighter olive oil labelling rules , February 6, 2009

The origin of olive oil sold in Europe will have to be clearly labelled in the future under new rules adopted in order to prevent consumers from being misled.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233756122.83

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Cell phone health effects still uncertain: EU study , February 6, 2009

Mobile telephone use is unlikely to cause cancer, although the effects of long term use and on children are still unknown, according to an EU study released on Tuesday.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233680524.87

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EU unveils international climate change blueprint , January 30, 2009

The Commission on Wednesday called for 30 per cent cuts in greenhouse gases for developed countries along with other steps it hopes will provide a blueprint for global talks in Copenhagen.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233152222.84
Brussels proposes billions for energy projects
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233145922.98
Europe pins hopes on Nabucco gas pipeline project
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233064024.34

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EU bans allergy-causing chemical DMF , January 30, 2009

EU Member States voted on Thursday to ban dimethylfumarate (DMF), an allergy-provoking chemical used to protect leather furniture or footwear from mould.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233255721.54

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European economic confidence hits new low , January 30, 2009

European consumer and business confidence slumped to a record low in January in the face of recession, but the drop was not as sharp as expected, according to the EC's economic sentiment indicator.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233226022.21

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EU extends rules for supporting film industry ,January 30, 2009

The Commission has extended until the end of 2012 rules allowing Member States to support film-makers with public money.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233155821.47

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UK should change 'discriminatory' inheritance tax law , January 30, 2009

The Commission is threatening Britain with court action if it does not change "discriminatory" inheritance tax rules, which grant tax relief on agricultural and forestry property on British territory, but not elsewhere in the EU.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233232322.61

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'Buy American' stimulus bill stirs protectionism debate ,January 30, 2009

The mega US economic stimulus bill passed by the House of Representatives on Wednesday contains a "Buy American" provision that is raising hackles in Europe.
http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1233240422.13

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Europe to suffer deep recession, surging unemployment , January 23, 2009

The EU economy will shrink nearly 2.0 per cent this year, as one of the worst recessions on record drives unemployment and government deficits to levels not seen for years, the Commission forecast on Monday.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232367426.04
EU sees Baltics, Hungary in recession in 2009
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232371022.48

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European countries vow no repeat of gas crisis , January 23, 2009

European countries have vowed to avoid a repeat of the crisis that saw crucial gas supplies cut off for 15 days due to a row between Russia and Ukraine, as they count the cost of the dispute.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232553723.3

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Debt-plagued EU companies face refinancing test , January 23, 2009

Although the global credit crunch has shown signs of easing recently, many European companies face a make-or-break year as they struggle with debt levels higher than their US competitors.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232247724.49

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EU cancer deaths could rise without proper screening , January 23, 2009

EU Member States screen less than half the recommended number of people for common cancers and the number of deaths is set to rise unless action is taken, the Commission has warned.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232628423.12

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Germany sees deal on reduced VAT for restaurants , January 23, 2009

Germany raised the possibility on Tuesday of lifting its long-standing opposition to a low value added tax on some sectors in Europe, opening the door for a compromise on French restaurants.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232463722.28

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Food poisoning cases rise in Europe , January 23, 2009

The number of food poisoning cases in the EU is on the rise with deaths among the elderly a growing cause for concern, health experts warn in a report.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232462833.7

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EU announces breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine gas dispute , January 21, 2009

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin agreed Thursday on the terms for the deployment of gas monitors in Ukraine, paving the way for an end to the Europe-wide energy crisis, the EU presidency said.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231457522.96
Russia gas crisis highlights EU dependency
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231242421.09
Who is to blame for European gas cuts?
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231338728.15

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European economic confidence hits record low , January 21, 2009

European consumer and business confidence retreated more quickly than expected in December, plunging to the lowest level in at least 23 years in the face of recession.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231409831.27
EU data confirms eurozone's first recession
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231409822.27

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Slovakia becomes 16th eurozone member , January 21, 2009

Slovakia adopted the euro as of 1 January to become the 16th member of the eurozone, exactly ten years after the single European currency was introduced.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1230771721.29

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SKorea reports progress in free trade talks with EU , January 21, 2009
South Korea on Wednesday reported progress in efforts to forge a free trade agreement with the EU and expressed hopes of clinching a deal early.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231312623.48

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Icelanders want talks on EU membership: poll , January 21, 2009
A large majority of Icelanders want their crisis-hit country to launch talks on joining the European Union, a poll shows.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231004822.8

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Vilnius, a 2009 European capital of culture , January 21, 2009
Lithuania's capital Vilnius rang in 2009 as a European Capital of Culture, sharing the title this year with the Austrian city of Linz, with plans for 12 months of concerts, art and multi-media events.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1231048021.81

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ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS , January 16, 2009

EU and Cameroon sign trade agreement in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde
The EU and Cameroon have signed a 'stepping stone' Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), the first of its kind between the EU and a Central African trade partner.The agreement combines the benefits of a trade agreement with development assistance targeted at accelerating growth and development in Cameroon.
Press release

WTO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT , January 16, 2009

Adopted reports confirm that China breaches its WTO obligations (EPA)
By adopting the Appellate Body Report on car parts the Dispute Settlement Body of WTO confirms that China's taxes on imported car parts are a breach of China´s WTO obligations. China had created a system of registration and taxation of imported car parts that promoted the use of domestic components over imported car parts.
Press release

Europe keeps US poultry off Xmas menu over chlorine use, January 11, 2009

EU farm ministers on Thursday rejected attempts to lift a ban on US poultry which is washed in chlorine, ensuring that American turkeys will not grace Europe's Christmas dinner tables.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229609822.52

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Euro-MPs reject plan to allow longer working week, January 11, 2009

The European Parliament has rejected plans by Member States to allow employees to work more than 48 hours a week under certain conditions.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229514422.46

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EU eases state aid rules because of credit crunch, January 11, 2009

The Commission said on Wednesday it was relaxing EU state aid rules until the end of 2010 to help companies secure crucial financing in the face of a credit crunch.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229513534.12

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Court backs Ryanair over Brussels in Belgian airport row, January 11, 2009

The European Court of First Instance has ruled in favour of Ryanair in a state aid row with the Commission over special concessions granted to the Irish budget airline by Brussels Charleroi airport.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229507221.64

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Parliament toughens toy safety rules ahead of Xmas, January 11, 2009

The European parliament on Thursday toughened rules on toy safety, banning the use of toxic substances and requiring more visible warning signs.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229617921.91

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Emergency phone number 112 in use throughout EU, January 11, 2009

The Europe-wide emergency services phone number, 112, is now up and running in all 27 EU Member States, officials in Brussels have announced.
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1229356923.47