Sunday, February 6th, 2011
First, take the issue of resource efficiency: We all agree that the EU must tackle the challenge of increasing pressure on natural resources head-on. Resource efficiency is a stated aim of Europe2020 and only a week ago President Barroso formally launched the resource efficiency flagship initiative. I don’t have time to go into detail now, but
Tuesday, January 25th, 2011
It is regions and cities that translate European targets into concrete action on the ground. How EU lawmakers can harness this hands-on experience will dominate the Committee of the Regions plenary session on 27 and 28 January. Meeting in Brussels, regional and local politicians will present solutions for more effective agricultural and maritime policies as
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011
Europe’s flora and fauna are now better protected than at any time in the history of the European Union. Natura 2000, Europe’s network of protected natural areas, has been expanded by nearly 27 000 square kilometres. This includes a major addition of marine areas covering more than 17 500 square kilometres which will increase protection
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010
To ensure that the spatial data infrastructures of the Member States are compatible and usable in a Community and transboundary context, the Directive requires that common Implementing Rules (IR) are adopted in a number of specific areas (Metadata, Data Specifications, Network Services, Data and Service Sharing and Monitoring and Reporting). These IRs are adopted as
Tuesday, November 23rd, 2010
Energy security in the Baltic States will improve greatly thanks to a 650 MW power cable linking Estonia and Finland to be built with European Investment Bank (EIB) support. An EUR 75m loan signed today with Estonian grid operator Elering will provide part of the financing for the project. Estlink 2 will connect Estonia and Finland
Monday, November 22nd, 2010
EU – Commission outlines infrastructure development targets for next two decades to ensure a secure supply. Four corridors are identified for electricity, three for gas. Projects will be proposed in 2012. Read More
Wednesday, November 10th, 2010
EU- The European Commission launches today the first call for proposals for the world’s largest programme of investment in low carbon and renewable energy demonstration projects. The initiative, known as NER300, will provide substantial financial support for at least eight projects involving carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and at least 34 projects involving innovative renewable
Tuesday, November 9th, 2010
Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Industry and Entrepreneurship, has launched the Centre for European Union Small and Medium Enterprises (EU SME Centre) in Beijing on 5 November. Funded by the European Commission, this new venture will provide information, advice, training and matchmaking opportunities for European SMEs wishing to export to or
Thursday, November 4th, 2010
The European Union has published excellent, very practical guidelines to support government agencies purchase software. While it is specifically targeted at purchasing Open Source Software, by its own admission, most of the discussion is valid for purchasing Proprietary Software too. The key message that it describes in business terms, is the importance of using Open
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
EU – The European Investment Bank announced today in Istanbul that it is providing under two agreements a total of EUR 600 million to support the knowledge economy and the environment in Turkey. Read More
