NEWS FLASH
Eurocrats ordered to cut output to prevent translation crisis, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
Commission launches debate on alcohol taxes, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
UK outside euro losing out on inward investment, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
EU sets new deadline in coke row with China, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
Ryanair boss appeals against EU state-aid verdict, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
Path clear to approve Alstom rescue deal, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
EU battles to close yawning gap with voters, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
BSkyB is 'bad guy' over failure of football TV rights, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
EC welcomes decision by Mastercard, Visa on cross-border charges, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
EU plans new neighbourhood partnership after expansion to 25, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
Euro-area experts cut growth forecasts for 2004, 2005, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
EU to lift US sanctions once tax law repealed, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
WTO-DDA: EU ready to go the extra mile in three key areas of the talks, Brussels, 10th May 2004
EU, Pakistan sign new cooperation agreement, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
EU set to tackle harmonisation of road rules, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Petition calls for strict labelling of GM seeds, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
New Commissioners to make Brussels debut, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
EU business confidence firms but consumers remain sceptical, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Down to business after EU's biggest ever expansion, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Forum on trade and enlargement, EU Trade News, 30th April 2004
EU eases trade rules to help end Turkish Cypriot isolation, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
EU agrees to cushion Russia from loss of traditional markets, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Food safety standards remain problem in New Europe, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Kadhafi woos Europe in colourful comeback, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Brussels slaps Italy as budget row goes to court, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Economic summit points to cost of EU membership, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
EC proposes EU-wide market for reinsurance, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
World airlines launch action against EU passenger compensation, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
IMF warns of current account imbalances in accession countries, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
Blair promises British referendum on EU constitution, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
Russia and EU close on European expansion deal, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
EU clinches deal to reform 'Mediterranean' farm aid, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
English on top floor of EU Tower of Babel?, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
Greens demand EU ban on junk food adverts, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
EDF to contest EU demand to repay EUR 1.2bn of tax breaks, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
Brussels warns EU quartet including UK over rising deficits, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
Lifting China arms embargo the 'wrong message': Amnesty, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
EU, Russia vow to work for deal over enlargement, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
EU and Caribbean launch negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), EU Trade News, 15th April 2004
Pascal Lamy in Baltic countries, EU Trade News, 5th April 2004
Parliament votes for paint limits to cut ozone dangers, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
EP rejects post-9/11 passenger data deal with US, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Gibraltar to challenge EU tax ruling, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Brussels gives Germany two months to change VW law or else, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Eurozone only slowly getting out of the woods: Solbes, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Europe braces for historic big bang, a month away, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Turkey membership talks could start 2005: enlargement chief, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU court rejects 'benefit tourism' appeal, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU ready to discuss end to agri-export subsidies: Fischler, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU growth to rise 2.1 pct from 2005, strong euro a concern, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
US denounces EU decision on Microsoft, rivals applaud, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU revives stalled talks on historic constitution, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has tied up with Safescrypt Limited for issuance of Digital Certificate services for filing of:“Online applications” for licenses by the EXIM community, 28th March 2004
Microsoft faces sanctions after EU anti-trust talks fail, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Terrorism fears could harm Europe's economic recovery, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
EU seeks to kick-start flagging freight trains, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
MEPs reject US deal on airline passenger data, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Italy says it will press ahead with Messina project, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Public works, autos, seen as hot bets in accession countries, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Pascal Lamy in Hong Kong, EU Trade News, 15th March 2004
Pascal Lamy in Shanghai, EU Trade News, 15th March 2004
No more ID cards for EU citizens working across borders, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
EU moves to secure banana supply to Eastern Europe, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
Italy raises fears over British OK for GMO crops, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
EU launches disputed crackdown on counterfeiters, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
New EU law seeks to curb aid to US airlines, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
EU redoubles pressure on Switzerland in tax standoff, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
Common standards agreed for human cells and tissues, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
EU car-buying 'tourists' can still get bargains: study, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
EU slaps multi-million dollar trade sanctions on US, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
Eurozone growth "stabilising" after 2003 turnaround, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
EU seeks fast-track rail reform, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
An EU-wide number for stolen credit cards?, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
Eurocrats ordered to cut output to prevent translation crisis, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
The Commission
on Wednesday ordered its civil servants to cut down on wordy documents to
head off a looming translation crisis in the EU, which now has 20 official
languages.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040526121110.yzz2iml2
Commission launches debate on alcohol taxes, EU Business
Week, 28th May 2004
The Commission
has launched a broad debate on the EU-wide system of minimum rates of excise
duty on alcohol and alcoholic drinks. More convergence of the rates of excise
duty in the different Member States is needed to "reduce distortions
of competition and fraud", its report concludes.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Food/EUNews.2004-05-26.3259
UK outside euro losing out on inward investment, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
The United
Kingdom's position outside the eurozone is deterring foreign investment,
according to a new report from the Economist group. Investment inflows into
the UK plunged to US$14.5bn in 2003, only 5 per cent of the EU total. The
UK's share of EU investment has fallen in every single year since 1999,
the year the euro was launched.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Finance/EUNews.2004-05-27.1655
EU sets new deadline in coke row with China, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
The Commission
said on Monday it hoped to resolve a dispute with China over coking coal
by the end of this week, but warned it will otherwise take the case to the
World Trade Organization.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040524105248.6cvvhaz3
Chinese coke industry warns end of export quotas would be 'disastrous'
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040521045158.mdgznrtr
Ryanair boss appeals against EU state-aid verdict, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
Irish no-frills
airline Ryanair took its rancorous fight against the "communist"
European Commission to court on Tuesday to overturn a ruling that the carrier
benefited from illegal state largesse in Belgium. CEO Michael O'Leary, expressing
total confidence for a successful appeal at the European Court of Justice,
said the Commission had ignored its own rules.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040525095012.hu0g0hun
Path clear to approve Alstom rescue deal, EU Business Week, 28th May 2004
After weeks
of tough bargaining, the European Union's competition chief Mario Monti
said on Wednesday the way was clear to EU approval of a French government
rescue deal for engineering giant Alstom.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040526154957.7j3ar8b3
French-German meeting on Alstom postponed to mid-June
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040527174703.sp9edzp8
Commissioner implicitly criticizes French rescue of Alstom
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040527133655.8gnqa0v6
Facilitating food and agriculture trade: EU biggest global food importer, EU Trade News, 18th May 2004
A meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Killarney on 11 May confirmed the EU's commitment to a strong relationship with developing countries, particularly as regards trade in food and agriculture products. To facilitate this type of trade, the European Commission has put in place clear food safety rules as well as guidelines on how to apply the rules. The Commission also finances technical assistance projects to help developing countries live up to the EU food safety standards. Furthermore, the EU reaffirmed its strong commitment to create better market opportunities for developing countries through the ongoing WTO Doha Development Agenda.
Commissioner for development and humanitarian Aid Nielson comments on EPA progress, EU Trade News, 17th May 2004
Development
the objective, good start, but now urgent to go to work on substance!
At the 6 May ACP-EC council of Ministers in Gaborone Commissioner Nielson
said: ".we have the same vision. EPAs are first and foremost about
development.. EPAs are part of the Cotonou Agreement, the objectives are
the same: poverty eradication, sustainable development and integration into
the world economy. Trade and development and regional integration are core
priorities of the EU's development policy. The Community is ready to support
this process through a variety of development co-operation instruments..."
"Negotiations have been opened with Central Africa, Western Africa,
Eastern and Southern Africa and Caribbean countries, and very soon with
SADC and Pacific. This is a good start, but it is only a start. We have
now really to work, to make our common project a success. . The progress
today is not so convincing. There has been a lot of concern about development
finance, and still too little work, I regret, on the regional policies which
are conducive to sustainable development, to higher growth, to competitiveness,
to lowering the cost of doing business.After the last opening of regional
negotiations with Pacific, there will be only about three years to negotiate
and conclude.. We have all to work hard, to be open and frank in discussions,
to allow all stakeholders, civil society and private sector to express their
concerns and even more importantly their hopes."
Launch of negotiations in the Caribbean; SADC and Pacific next in line; work ongoing in Eastern and Southern, West and Central Africa, EU Trade News, 17th May 2004
Negotiations
launched on 16 April in Kingston, Jamaïca, with the 15 countries of
the Caribbean Forum of ACP ( Cariforum). The joint "plan and schedule"
adopted envisages, among other things, an initial period aimed at "priority-setting"
for and more detailed scheduling of the next phase of the negotiations,
which will focus on Caribbean regional integration. From 26-30 April the
EU hosted a seminar for Caribbean regional organisations, governments and
non-state actors.
Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA)
First meeting of the Regional Negotiating Forum took place on 21-22 April
in Mombasa to discuss the organisational setup and the status of studies.
The appointment of a chief technical advisor or a chief negotiator to support
ambassadors was also considered. The first ESA-EC meeting on ambassadorial
level is expected in July.
Southern Africa
The launch of negotiations with SADC countries (Angola, Bostwana, Lesotho,
Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Tanzania) will take place on 8 July in
Windoeck. Technical work is ongoing to prepare a Joint Roadmap for adoption
by Ministers.
West Africa
At the EU-ECOWAS ministerial troika held in Dublin on 10th May, Ministers
issued a joint statement, in favour of a rapid decision on the road map
: "The draft road map places the development dimension at the core
of the negotiations, . Both sides are committed to arrive to an agreed road
map before the end of May 2004." It is expected that ECOWAS trade ministers
will meet in Kigali in the margins of the AU conference on 27-28 May to
decide.
Central Africa
Road map being finalised before adoption by CEMAC Council
Pacific
Negotiations are expected to be launched in September 2004-05-14
EU battles to close yawning gap with voters, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
Europe's
voters go to the polls next month only weeks after the EU's "big bang"
expansion into the former Soviet bloc -- but hopes for a historic display
of democracy face a huge yawn from the electorate.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040509012710.6tfjrbir
BSkyB is 'bad guy' over failure of football TV rights, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
The EU's
Competition DG expressed grave disappointment on Wednesday after satellite
broadcaster BSkyB said it would not now abandon its exclusive right to show
top English football games live.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040512115142.pudxwwww
BSkyB sees profits surge
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040512092713.9wf351c5
EC welcomes decision by Mastercard, Visa on cross-border charges, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
The Commission
has welcomed a decision by the main credit-card giants to publish their
cross-border fees, the subject of a long-running investigation by the EU's
competition watchdog. Mastercard and Visa have announced that they will
publish on their websites the fees they charge to retailers who accept payment
with credit cards issued in other countries.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040507133401.19pbcpmq
EU plans new neighbourhood partnership after expansion to 25, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
The Commission
unveiled on Wednesday a strategy to prevent new "dividing lines"
in Europe by embracing countries on the margins of the newly expanded EU.
The latest version of its "neighbourhood policy" proposes to extend
trade and economic benefits to countries as diverse as Russia and Israel.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040512152300.4xhw7kvg
Euro-area experts cut growth forecasts for 2004, 2005, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
A regular
survey of professional economic forecasters conducted by the European Central
Bank showed the experts have downgraded their growth forecasts for the eurozone
economy for both this year and next.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040513080739.s2hrlj5o
Trailing eurozone recovery warrants ECB rate cut: OECD
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040511094407.krdacusa
EU to lift US sanctions once tax law repealed, EU Business Week, 14th May 2004
The European
Union says it will lift hefty trade sanctions against the United States
once a contentious US tax law is fully repealed, after the US Senate approved
a tax reform scheme. The US Foreign Sales Corporation scheme, deemed illegal
by the World Trade Organisation, now needs to be approved by the House of
Representatives.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040512114849.b427p8gm
WTO-DDA: EU ready to go the extra mile in three key areas of the talks, Brussels, 10th May 2004
In order
to inject new momentum into the WTO talks under the Doha Development Agenda,
Commissioners Pascal Lamy and Franz Fischler have sent a letter to their
WTO counterparts. In the letter the EU outlines three areas where it is
ready to make further movement to contribute to the talks:
1) the EU is ready to put on the table all export subsidies, provided the
EU gets full parallelism and a balanced overall package on agriculture 2)
new flexibility on Singapore issues and 3) a package on concessions for
the poorest and weakest WTO members (essentially G-90). The EU calls on
other WTO members to match this level of ambition so that the Doha Round
can make real progress in July, by agreeing to modalities for the rest of
the negotiations. EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said: "The Doha
Round is at the heart of the EU trade policy. With today's move we show
we are ready to go the extra mile to ensure we conclude 50% of the round
by 2004. But if we are to succeed, we cannot do it alone. All WTO Members
developed and developing alike have to translate general expressions of
political commitment into concrete movement on the substance if we want
to get an agreement on modalities by July. "
"This bold initiative proves that our commitment to the Doha Round
is more than words. Agriculture is key to its success, so we are ready to
show flexibility. Provided we get a balanced deal on market access, domestic
support and non-trade concerns and strict parallelism on export competition,
we are ready to put all the export subsidies on the table. This means that
our American, Australian or Canadian partners have to make clear that they
will fully match the EU on the forms of export support they use, such as
export credits, abuse of food aid or state trading enterprises", Franz
Fischler, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries
said.
A bolder move to achieve a balanced agreement on agriculture: tackling all
forms of export support
There needs to be movement by all WTO partners on all three pillars, export
support, domestic support and market access if we are to achieve a balanced
outcome on agriculture. It is clear that the objective of eliminating all
forms of export subisidisation is one which is shared by the great majority
of participants. Before Cancun, the EU already offered to eliminate export
subsidies on a list of products of interest to developing countries, and
we subsequently made clear that there would be no a priori exclusions, so
all our export subsidies are effectively on the table. However, the list
approach has not worked. This is why the EU has taken the decision to be
ready to move on export subsidies, if an acceptable outcome emerges on market
access and domestic support and non-trade concerns, and if we get strict
parallelism for all forms of export subsidisation in return. The EU is also
ready to play its part on domestic support, as shown by the recent reforms
of the EU agricultural policy. The EU proposes a very substantial cut in
trade-distorting subsidies, the elimination of the de minimis loophole support
for developed countries, new rules which would prevent subsidising countries
from transferring subsidies between and within boxes and greater transparency.
The EU also needs a clear commitment that non-trade distorting green box
subsidies remain free of restrictions. It is now up to other big subsidisers
of agriculture, notably the US to show ambition and courage and follow the
EU's lead. On market access, the EU believes that tariff cuts on agricultural
products can be achieved by means of a formula with a blend of sharp tariff
cuts but at the same time providing for flexibility and balance to address
sensitivities of the EU and especially of developing countries. The EU also
proposes early action on cotton, a vital commodity for many developing countries.
Specifically, the EU proposes the elimination of all forms of export support,
free and unfettered market access and to significantly reduce and if possible
eliminate the most trade distorting domestic subsidies. The EU's recent
reform is a clear indication of our commitment to such an approach. A simpler
approach to Singapore issues The EU has already indicated its readiness
to treat each of the four Singapore issues on its own merits, ie to keep
within the Doha Agenda only those for which there is consensus to launch
negotiations within the WTO. Today there seems to be a clear readiness to
launch negotiations on trade facilitation. There is clearly no consensus
to launch negotiations on investment and competition. The picture is less
clear on transparency in public procurement, but the EU is ready to join
the consensus view on this either way. Further moves in favour of poorest
and weakest developing countries (G-90): a round for free The EU also proposes
a special deal for the poorest (least developed) and weakest WTO countries
- essentially the so-called G-90 group (an alliance of Least Developed countries
and African, Caribbean and Pacific states). These countries would not be
called upon to further open their markets while they would benefit from
improved access to developed and rich developing markets for their agricultural
and industrial products. Under the proposed plan vulnerable economies would
benefit from improved access to all other markets, including the richer
developing countries, which would compensate them for the erosion of the
preferences that G-90 countries enjoy in certain developed countries, notably
the EU. In addition to providing movement on these three issues, the letter
also:- reiterates a call for a substantial cut in tariffs on trade in industrial
products, according to a general and simple formula with a limited set of
exceptions. - urges other WTO members to help the EU to move forward the
negotiations to open trade in services, which are currently stalled. More
and better offers are needed. The EU hopes that this opportunity to move
ahead will not be missed. It also looks forward to the response of other
WTO Members in terms of new ideas and additional flexibilities so that framework
modalities (which is what WTO members wanted to achieve in Cancun in September
2003) can be adopted by July this year.
For more
information on the on-going WTO talks
http://europa.eu.int/comm/trade/issues/newround/index_en.htm
http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/external/wto/index_en.htm
EU, Pakistan sign new cooperation agreement, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
The EU said
on Thursday it had concluded a new, wider cooperation agreement with Pakistan.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429231012.94rp1zc0
EU set to tackle harmonisation of road rules, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Road safety
is a pressing challenge for the expanded EU, officials said on Wednesday,
with harmonisation of speed limits and legal blood alcohol levels in the
25 member states atop the agenda.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040505152226.grt4i5zr
Petition calls for strict labelling of GM seeds, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Environment
Commissioner Margot Wallstroem was on Monday handed a 200,000 signature
petition calling for the strictest possible labelling of genetically modified
(GM) seeds. The initiative comes as the Commission is preparing to adopt
a controversial directive authorising the "accidental or technically
inevitable" presence of GMOs in batches of seed.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040503172436.2i3zlinh
New Commissioners to make Brussels debut, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Commissioners
from the EU's 10 newcomer member states were due to take their seats around
the EU executive's enlarged table for the first time on Friday, a week after
the bloc's expansion.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040506121048.jx2ggw3d
EU Parliament chief Cox stands down, Brussels job eyed
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040505114023.3ntd8cin
EU business confidence firms but consumers remain sceptical, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
Eurozone
business leaders are feeling better about the near future these days, thanks
largely to a weaker euro, but overall growth in the region is likely to
be modest given consumer unease over job prospects. EC surveys show that
corporate confidence improved sharply in April while consumer sentiment
revealed no significant gains.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040430164147.f1reqhld
Down to business after EU's biggest ever expansion, EU Business Week, 7th May 2004
After toasting
its expansion to 25 with the entry of 10 mainly ex-communist nations, the
EU faces an array of stiff challenges, not least closing the wealth gap
between old and new.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040502100825.sojuqrj3
EU faces constitution headache
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040504162415.zqzfstm2
EU newcomers urge end to worker restrictions
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040504161955.bu573r44
Forum on trade and enlargement, EU Trade News, 30th April 2004
Enlargement
- What's in it for trade?
On 1st May 2004 the European Union welcomes 10 new countries. This historic
integration marks the reunification of Western and Eastern Europe and an
extension of the EU towards Southern Europe. But, beyond these symbolic
achievements, what benefits will enlargement bring as far as trade is concerned?
What does this imply for all citizens from the 15 'old' Member States, citizens
from the 10 'new" Member States, but also for people from third countries?
Are firms going to delocalise in the new Member States? Will the current
EU trade with third countries be diverted in favour of the new members?
What will be the new EU policy towards its 'new' neighbouring countries?
Will the EU change its positions in the international trade negotiations?
Give your opinion, ask questions to Commissioners Pascal Lamy and Danuta
Hübner and confront other people's point of view on our online
forum, open till 28 May 2004.
EU eases trade rules to help end Turkish Cypriot isolation, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
The EU agreed
on Thursday to ease restrictions on trade across Cyprus's Green Line after
the bloc's enlargement, to help end the Turkish-occupied north's economic
isolation outside the Union.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429093953.1vwtl4wr
Cyprus parliament passes raft of new VAT charges
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429182332.rizkesh5
US may offer de facto recognition to Turkish Cypriots
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040428222417.6iyebstq
EU agrees to cushion Russia from loss of traditional markets, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
The EU has
agreed to temporary measures to cushion Russia from the loss of traditional
markets when eight former Soviet satellite states and two other countries
join the EU this weekend.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040427142820.wntoncvc
Estonian, Dutch leaders welcome pact
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040427180927.et1vep08
Food safety standards remain problem in New Europe, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Food safety
remains a major problem in the 10 new nations about to join the EU amid
deficient sanitary conditions and insufficient measures to tackle mad cow
disease, EU experts have warned.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429122346.tqhr2kb2
New EU consumers fear food, drug price rises
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Consumer/EUNews.2004-04-29.0402
Kadhafi woos Europe in colourful comeback, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Libyan
leader Moamer Kadhafi wrapped up a visit to Brussels on Wednesday after
a colourful comeback to the world stage for the former pariah, who appears
keen to woo Europe as a counterweight to the US.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040428141748.0q2ulabf
EU eyes Libya partnership entry as soon as possible
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040427132431.33xrj9fh
Brussels slaps Italy as budget row goes to court, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
The European
Commission has called for Italy to be given a formal warning over its public
finances, in the latest brewing stand-off over the eurozone's beleaguered
budget rules.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040428093508.0zm9nknp
Greek public deficit over three per cent of GDP: minister
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429183659.fumg5xip
EU stability pact in peril: Commission
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040428143510.ib6kvuxt
Economic summit points to cost of EU membership, EU Business Week, 30th April 2004
Participants
at an economic summit in Warsaw pointed on Thursday to the sacrifices ex-communist
countries had made to join the European Union, as some 2,000 anti-globalisation
protestors demonstrated in the Polish capital.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429121628.syx6gw59
Schroeder slams "fiscal dumping" by new EU states
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040429184231.whcyxrib
New EU members to struggle to attract foreign investment: survey
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/East_Europe/EUNews.2004-04-29.3737
EU and
Russia confirm the extension of their agreement
to the enlarged EU, EU Trade News, 28th April 2004
Today the EU and Russia
have signed a protocol to their Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
This protocol extends the agreement to the ten new Member States of the
enlarged EU on 1 May 2004. They also adopted a joint statement addressing
a number of concerns raised by Russia and linked to EU enlargement.
EC proposes EU-wide market for reinsurance, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
Under
a new proposed EU directive on reinsurance, 'home' country supervision of
reinsurers would allow companies to operate under a "single passport"
throughout the EU.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Finance/EUNews.2004-04-22.5909
World airlines launch action against EU passenger compensation, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
World
airlines on Wednesday launched a legal challenge against new EU rules that
would allow boosted compensation for passengers who face delays or cancelled
flights.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040421123430.8wk0z30p
EU hails new cargo security deal with US
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040422133645.5wqfx6ez
IMF warns of current account imbalances in accession countries, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
The IMF
warned on Wednesday that widening current account deficits in many of the
10 countries set to join the EU on May 1 were not sustainable and could
unsettle their financial markets.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040421150811.0btd1h8k
EU picks Spain's Rodrigo Rato for top IMF post
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040421091148.5dw7gaqz
IMF calls for easier monetary policy from European Central Bank
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040421150658.6ooojmpj
Blair promises British referendum on EU constitution, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
British
Prime Minister Tony Blair, in his biggest and riskiest policy U-turn, has
announced that Britain will hold a referendum on the proposed EU constitution.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040420232040.h9ir13t0
Adopting the EU's constitution: a wide range of approaches
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040420144603.yxt2vxzx
Highlights of proposed constitution
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040420151114.5b9s9zxm
Russia and EU close on European expansion deal, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
Russia
and the European Union were tantalisingly close on Thursday to an elusive
partnership agreement ahead of EU expansion into Eastern Europe that Moscow
has viewed with mistrust.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040422122101.ew62o6ng
EU clinches deal to reform 'Mediterranean' farm aid, EU Business Week, 23rd April 2004
EU farm
ministers clinched a deal on Thursday on the bitterly divisive issue of
reforming subsidies for tobacco, cotton and olive oil production, in the
teeth of fierce Spanish opposition.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040422034706.cwf2f02c
Spain mulls appeal
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040422135208.mh6r1fqz
English on top floor of EU Tower of Babel?, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
The EU's
imminent enlargement will turn the bloc into a veritable Tower of Babel,
expanding even further the army of translators needed to keep Europe working
smoothly in no fewer than 20 different languages.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407022208.1w9sqpml
English spreads through central Europe
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407022528.9hgt2umu
Berlin hoping bigger EU will get tongues wagging, in German
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407023035.2xtgj03c
Greens demand EU ban on junk food adverts, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
Green members
of the European Parliament demanded on Tuesday that television advertisements
for junk food aimed at young children should be banned across the EU.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040413154242.cr1gqo35
Green MEPs to tackle the causes of food scares
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Food/EUNews.2004-04-14.0123
EDF to contest EU demand to repay EUR 1.2bn of tax breaks, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
French
state electricity giant EDF will file a lawsuit with the European Court
of Justice to contest a demand by the Commission that it repay EUR 1.2bn
in tax breaks and accrued interest, its chief executive has announced.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040414060052.uxf670jx
EU suspends Oracle probe, no date for resumption
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040415121513.z72t6ad1
EU stops clock on Sony-Bertelsmann music merger
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040413112454.m9wefr2v
Brussels warns EU quartet including UK over rising deficits, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
The Commission
has put Britain and the Netherlands under formal surveillance for letting
their budget deficits breach an EU target, while issuing a warning to Italy
and upbraiding Greece.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407100425.gkak1brq
Solbes tells EU economies to buck up
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407123322.3734hly4
France, Germany recovering
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040407101826.gnmgwlc1
Lifting China arms embargo the 'wrong message': Amnesty, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
Amnesty
International on Wednesday warned the EU to consider the message it was
sending to imprisoned human rights activists in China if it lifted its 15-year-old
arms embargo against Beijing.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040414133148.tdmpqsc2
More progress needed on human rights: Prodi
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040414080938.omcr0oxu
EUbusiness China arms poll
http://www.eubusiness.com/eupolls/china-arms
EU, Russia vow to work for deal over enlargement, EU Business Week, 16th April 2004
The European
Union and Russia agreed at ministerial talks in Dublin on Wednesday to step
up efforts to resolve their differences over EU enlargement. The EU presidency
had hoped to announce a deal to modify Russia's trade-based partnership
agreement so that it encompasses the 10 new EU members.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040414161334.seu4jyug
EU to inherit big Russian minority
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040415033808.g4ewade5
Kaliningrad faces uncertain future
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040415032947.7iyazuqt
EU and Caribbean launch negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), EU Trade News, 15th April 2004
On 16 April
the European Union will open negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement
(EPA) between the EU and 16 Caribbean countries.
Meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, the EU Commissioners for Trade and for Development
and their Caribbean colleagues will officially launch these negotiations
aimed at promoting trade and development by concluding a region-to-region
agreement. By opening up trade between both regions and setting up clear
rules for trade, the EPA will also contribute to the economic integration
of the Caribbean.
Pascal Lamy in Baltic countries, EU Trade News, 5th April 2004
EU Trade
Commissioner Pascal Lamy successively travelled to Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn
between 31 March and 1 April to discuss with the governments, business and
civil societies, the trade implications of the upcoming accession of the
three countries to the EU.
He ended the trip with a visit to Finland on 2 April.
Parliament votes for paint limits to cut ozone dangers, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
The European
Parliament has given the final go-ahead to new EU legislation to limit the
use of organic solvents in paints, varnishes and vehicle refinishing products.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Environ/EUNews.2004-03-31.4355
EP rejects post-9/11 passenger data deal with US, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
The European
Parliament on Wednesday threatened legal action over a controversial accord
giving US security agencies access to the personal data of European airline
passengers.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040331153316.wr6i8n4a
Gibraltar to challenge EU tax ruling, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Gibraltar
says it will challenge a Commission decision judging the British territory's
planned tax reforms as contravening EU rules on state aid. On Tuesday the
Commission said the plans involved provision of illegal state aid to a part
of the United Kingdom.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040331164814.eirgn1gg
Brussels gives Germany two months to change VW law or else, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
The Commission
put Germany on notice on Tuesday to change a 44-year-old law that protects
national car champion Volkswagen from hostile takeover or face legal action.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040330154944.zkx61x3b
Eurozone only slowly getting out of the woods: Solbes, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Recovery
in the eurozone is "slowly gaining momentum" but the euro's rally
and depressed consumer confidence are brakes on growth, Economic Affairs
Commissioner Pedro Solbes said on Monday. In his last spring economic report
as a member of the Commission, Solbes said the eurozone economy had turned
around in the middle of last year after a three-year stagnation.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040329102727.4qmz09p8
Eurozone jobless rate stable at 8.8 per cent
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040401093530.0j38w53m
Eurozone industrial orders decline in January
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040329091154.rmcrkezd
Europe braces for historic big bang, a month away, EU Business Week, 2nd April 2004
Nearly
15 years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Europe will next month finally
seal its post-Cold War re-unification, in a "big bang" expansion
fuelling emotions from excitement and pride to fear and envy. "Making
enlargement work is of the greatest possible importance to us," said
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, who as EU presidency holder will host
an enormous "Day of Welcomes" on May 1 to welcome in the eastern
newcomers.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040401032444.e9mnctrh
Turkey membership talks could start 2005: enlargement chief, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU Enlargement
Commissioner Guenter Verheugen has given Turkey a possible start date of
spring 2005 for talks on joining the EU, provided it has made enough progress
in democratic reforms by the end of the year.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040319185247.xj9oxwie
Only 10 pct of Czechs expect better life in EU: poll
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040319185332.6d2skg3u
Young and powerful: New Europe's new class of movers and shakers
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040321021105.b8vr5817
EU court rejects 'benefit tourism' appeal, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
The European
Court of Justice has rejected an appeal by an Irishman who was refused job
seekers' benefit in Britain because he had not lived there long enough,
setting a potential precedent for so-called benefit tourism.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040323124034.d1icyhau
ECB defends system of social security in Europe
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040323143144.v5u08g38
EU ready to discuss end to agri-export subsidies: Fischler, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
The EU
is prepared to discuss the elimination of agricultural export subsidies
on all products, Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler said on Monday.
Fischler recalled that the EU last year asked developing countries to provide
a list of specific products on which they wanted to see the subsidies scrapped.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040322131732.sacs78f8
EU extends ban on US poultry over bird flu
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040322175645.csbcv225
EU growth to rise 2.1 pct from 2005, strong euro a concern, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
As Europe's
economy emerges from its downturn, a new report forecasts that output will
rise by about 2.1 per cent a year from 2005 onwards. However concerns remain
about the impact of the strong euro, and a reduction in eurozone interest
rates is forecast for later this year.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Finance/EUNews.2004-03-25.5239
Mr Euro's departure leaves stability pact orphaned
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325165117.tm6wx3uj
US denounces EU decision on Microsoft, rivals applaud, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
US antitrust
regulators sharply rebuked their EU counterparts on Wednesday for imposing
a record fine and other sanctions on Microsoft, but rivals of the software
giant hailed the action as a victory for free competition.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325010108.0pqq8nox
EU ready to defend Microsoft ruling in court
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325144952.fuurgo31
EU verdict
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040324112031.lg0weuzz
Ruling unlikely to hurt Microsoft
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040324220741.0x1wrps3
EU revives stalled talks on historic constitution, EU Business Week, 26th March 2004
EU leaders
on Thursday revived their drive to agree a landmark constitution, a major
plank for the bloc's biggest expansion ever, in the hope of wrapping up
the talks by mid-June.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325200410.2c5a16kd
Power division still at heart of constitution row
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325104334.xyxt3u1h
Constitution breakthrough could come back to haunt Blair
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040325153227.m16dpnro
Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has tied up with Safescrypt Limited for issuance of Digital Certificate services for filing of:“Online applications” for licenses by the EXIM community, 28th March 2004
Safescrypt Limited will provide the “SafeExim” product package for digitally signing & filing the online application forms.
DGFT has issued a notification for charging only 50% of application fee for the applications signed digitally, which is a substantial saving.
The current facility of electronic filing of application based on password will be discontinued shortly (1/4/04) in favor of digitally signed applications. Exporters are requested to take advantage of the facility.
Kindly immediately forward this mail / communication to all your members.
Please contact immediately the Sales & Service Partner:
M/s. Micropoint Computers Limited,
9/10, Bharat-Kunj, Shradhanand Road,
Vile-Parle (East),Mumbai – 400 057.
Phone: 26185533/44, 26106217-18
Contact : Samit : 9821224791.
Rekha : 26106226-26130276-99.
Inder : 9820745285.
Email: mpoint@vsnl.com
samit@micropointcomputers.com
rekha@micropointcomputers.com
inder@micropointcomputers.com
Visit www.dgftmumbai.nic.in for further information.
Presentation of the "External relations" part to the European Parliament's Committee on Budget - EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy, 16 March 2004, EU Trade News, 26th March 2004
“The
Commission's proposals on that area of the external policies, which I have
been fortunate enough to supervise, were drawn up in three stages: the first
involved defining what we consider to be the objectives of an EU presence
outside our borders, the second the instruments which that presence demands
and the third the necessary human and financial resources.
Our aim here, as elsewhere in the financial perspectives exercise, has been
to prioritise the policy debate. This programming exercise is first and
foremost a discipline which obliges us to define priorities.
Three priorities
have been identified:
(1) neighbourhood policy;
(2) the economic, social and environmental governance of global development;
(3) civilian and strategic security.”
Microsoft faces sanctions after EU anti-trust talks fail, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
US software
giant Microsoft next week faces the prospect of big fines and enforced product
changes in Europe after the failure Thursday of last-ditch talks with EU
competition regulators.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318120245.dpt818fm
Microsoft to appeal
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318145342.metmu9ze
Rivals applaud
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318161207.cj21tpzc
EU case against Microsoft
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318144339.alt1pdl6
Terrorism fears could harm Europe's economic recovery, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Fears of
terrorism sparked by the bomb attacks in Madrid could hit the fragile economic
recovery in Europe and eventually persuade the European Central Bank to
cut its key interest rates in order to boost confidence in the region, analysts
say.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040315114625.i21vid0p
Europe pays silent tribute to Madrid blast victims
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040315110111.te1idtof
Europe grapples for response to Madrid blasts
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318140210.qfjy7ayd
EU seeks to kick-start flagging freight trains, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
The EU
has hailed an accord to throw open competition for freight train services
from 2006, saying this was vital to revive the flagging rail goods sector
in Europe. The EU's Irish presidency and EU lawmakers struck a compromise
deal late on Tuesday, freeing cross-border freight train traffic in the
EU from January 1, 2006, and domestic freight trains a year later.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040317095937.bjtj9gcf
MEPs reject US deal on airline passenger data, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
An influential
Euro-Parliament committee on Thursday rejected a controversial agreement
giving US security agencies access to the personal data of European airline
passengers. The compilation of passenger name records was one of a raft
of unilateral measures imposed by US authorities after the September 11,
2001 attacks.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040318164745.c2w4e215
Italy says it will press ahead with Messina project, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Italy's
Transport Minister said his country would press ahead with plans build the
world's longest suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina to Sicily,
despite last week's European Parliament decision to drop it from a list
of projects earmarked for EU funding.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040312130350.xy90bk4y
Public works, autos, seen as hot bets in accession countries, EU Business Week, 19th March 2004
Public
works, automobiles and consumer goods are likely to be among the most profitable
foreign investment outlets in the 10 nations set to join to the EU on May
1 despite the traditional volatility of such sectors.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040314032443.2ykfmbkq
Bulgaria adapts its agriculture for EU integration
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040314032559.f2gk5t2t
Central Europe's women face new problems after the fall of communism
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040315030315.cf9im7z2
Pascal Lamy in Hong Kong, EU Trade News, 15th March 2004
Commissioner Lamy was at the EU Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on Friday 15 March: EU - Hong Kong Trade Crossroads
"For trading partners, including Hong Kong, enlargement will bring substantial benefits: the new Member States are young, dynamic and fast growing economies which will see their tariffs coming down from an average 9% to 4%. And let me also assure you that there will be a smooth transition to enlargement: no big bang due to the fact that trade between the new member states and the EU is already largely liberalised. Enlargement, in short, is good news for Hong Kong and others. "
To read this speech in Hong Kong
Pascal Lamy in Shanghai, EU Trade News, 15th March 2004
The EU Trade Commissioner made a speech at the EU Chamber of Commerce today on The EU, China and Trade: challenges and opportunities ahead:
"We wish China was rather more active in pursuing the Round, in her own interests, and in the interests of the overall dynamic, but we will continue to work closely with the Chinese government on this point.
And I find the overall temperature of EU-China relations still very good. The pot is cooking well, but there are no signs of boiling over.
What we need to do, using the number of high level visits coming up, is to see what adjustments are needed during the honeymoon, to ensure a long and happy marriage. We may well face difficult issues in the coming weeks and months, and we have to tackle them in a mature way, in a way that reflects our ability to do business together."
To read today's speech in Shanghai
No more ID cards for EU citizens working across borders, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
Millions
of EU citizens who live in another EU country will no longer have to go
through the headache of getting new identity papers when they move, under
a new law passed on Wednesday.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040310173352.iwy818cs
Europeans want more checks on immigrants: poll
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040308161405.c0rr39p2
EU moves to secure banana supply to Eastern Europe, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
Consumers
in the new EU member states will not run short of bananas after accession
on 1 May, assures the Commission as it takes steps to adapt the EU's controversial
banana import regime to EU enlargement.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Food/EUNews.2004-03-05.4411
Italy raises fears over British OK for GMO crops, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
Italian
Agriculture Minister Gianni Alemanno has voiced concern that Britain's green
light this week for limited commercial cultivation of genetically modified
maize could affect Italy, where such crops are banned.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040310110317.o8wc7g0c
EU launches disputed crackdown on counterfeiters, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
EU lawmakers
have agreed a new law cracking down on piracy from counterfeit soccer shirts
to music downloads, but critics warned the rules are heavy handed and could
"intimidate" consumers.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040309181301.lfiv3etv
EU vows action against "spam" explosion
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040309130029.sq80t8zx
New EU law seeks to curb aid to US airlines, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
The European
Parliament passed a law on Thursday to seek redress for subsidies enjoyed
by foreign airlines, such as billions of dollars granted to US carriers
after the September 11 attacks.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040311151154.4htf1jof
Italy's Messina project a bridge too far for Euro parliament
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040311155427.nr1xvh8q
EU redoubles pressure on Switzerland in tax standoff, EU Business Week, 12th March 2004
The European
Union turned up the heat on Switzerland on Tuesday to sign an accord clamping
down on offshore tax fraud, with diplomats warning the bloc would not give
in to Swiss "blackmail".
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040309115019.v0tujzp2
EU at odds over ECB job with IMF leadership in balance
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040309112400.c5m5h7x7
Finance ministers warn Germany over deficit
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040309123723.sidh9t4ja
Common standards agreed for human cells and tissues, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
After 18
months debate, the Council of Ministers has adopted a directive on common
standards for the medical use of human cells and tissues, leaving ethical
matters up to national governments.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Rd/EUNews.2004-03-04.5928
EU car-buying 'tourists' can still get bargains: study, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
European
motorists willing to travel to other EU states to buy a car cheaper than
at home can still get "spectacular" bargains, although price differences
are narrowing, the Commission reports.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040302123021.hl724nx7
Struggling European car makers battle with strong euro
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040302140937.l34wxg4w
EU slaps multi-million dollar trade sanctions on US, EU Business Week, 5thMarch 2004
The EU
slapped multi-million dollar trade sanctions on the United States on Monday
over illegal tax breaks given to US exporters, urging US lawmakers rapidly
to repeal the measures.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040301110859.xc9tfvvh
Bush urges Congress to scrap illegal export tax break
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040301205414.t2hj5tsb
Eurozone growth "stabilising" after 2003 turnaround, EU Business Week, 5thMarch 2004
Economic
growth in the eurozone should pick up to 0.4-0.7 per cent in the first half
of this year, "stabilising" after a sluggish 0.4 per cent in 2003,
according to data released on Thursday.
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040304102837.zae79v55
Economic climate unchanged, business confidence dips
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040227123512.8nd9bxgh
Eurozone inflation down to lowest since 1999: Eurostat
http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/040227113108.uyfqqk5b
An EU-wide number for stolen credit cards?, EU Business Week, 5th March 2004
The Commission
is looking into establishing an EU-wide system for cancelling lost and stolen
credit cards. A public online consultation on its "Card Stop Europe"
idea of a single easy-to-remember phone number invites comments by 30 April.
http://www.eubusiness.com/topics/Finance/EUNews.2004-03-01.2144