Article | December 17, 2011 - 10:45am
The Lisbon Treaty included the setting up of a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI), and after several battles in the European Parliament, the initiative is set to start on 1 April 2012. Under the proposal, citizens who acquire a million signatories to a petition could have their chosen issue debated at Commissioner level, if they...
Article | December 14, 2011 - 11:52am
The European Parliament appointed eight members of the European Court of Auditors (ECA) during the plenary session on 13 December.
Article | December 13, 2011 - 4:30pm
On 13 December, the European Commission adopted a package of proposed staff reforms that would deliver €1 billion in savings by 2020, and more than €1bn every year in the longer term, allowing the EU to freeze operational expenditure for administration until 2020.
Article | December 11, 2011 - 2:14pm
On 9 December, Moody's Investors Service downgraded the debt of BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and Credit Agricole. The ratings agency cited deteriorating liquidity and funding conditions for its decision.
Article | December 7, 2011 - 4:36pm
The European Commission has settled a cartel that has been illegally limiting the competition for the sale of household and commercial refrigeration compressors. These compressors are used in fridges, freezers, vending machines and ice-cream coolers, and were predominantly produced by the companies ACC, Danfoss, Embraco, and Panasonic.
Article | December 6, 2011 - 12:59pm
On 6 December, the European Council agreed on unitary protection for patents for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The new framework will make the acquisition of patents much easier for SMEs, allowing them to be ensured comprehensive coverage, as the legislation covers 25 of the 27 member states.
Article | December 6, 2011 - 12:46pm
Belgium, after the longest period in modern history without an elected government, has finally appointed Elio Di Rupo as prime minister.
Article | December 1, 2011 - 2:25pm
On 1 December, the European Parliament decided to waive the immunity of Greek GUE/NGL MEP Georgios Toussas, at the request of the Piraeus Court of First Instance, which has charged Toussas with fraud.
Article | December 1, 2011 - 2:07pm
The European Parliament adopted a new code of conduct for MEPs on 1 December, setting out rules and principles which members will need to follow in their contacts with outside interests to avoid conflict of interests and prevent situations like this spring's 'cash-for-laws' scandal.
Article | December 1, 2011 - 11:12am
The European Ombudsman issued an opinion calling on the European Commission to publish its public consultation documents in all 23 languages or to provide a translation upon request.
Article | November 26, 2011 - 8:22pm
On 24 November, the European Commission asked the bloc's court to impose a multimillion-euro fine on Germany for its failure to amend an illegal law that grants regional authorities special shareholders' rights over the Volkswagen (VW) car group.
Article | November 25, 2011 - 1:59pm
The development of cleaner, safer and more efficient manufacturing, construction and mining equipment will be enhanced thanks to research, development and innovation at Atlas Copco, supported with financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB).
