Monthly Archives: December 2013

Volkswagen Autohäuser in Deutschland werden deutlich umweltfreundlicher

„Think Blue.“-Strategie senkt CO2-Ausstoß im deutschen Handel um 25 Prozent Beratende Begleitung durch Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V. (NABU) Einzigartiges Zertifikat „Future Climate® inspired by Think Blue.“ für besonders nachhaltige Partnerbetriebe Wolfsburg, Deutschland, 17-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Die Marke Volkswagen Pkw verankert ihre „Think … Read the full press release

Volkswagen Group announced its worldwide deliveries grew 4.7 percent in January – November 2013 YoY

 4.7 percent* increase from January to November 828,600 vehicles delivered in November / +4.3 percent* Group Board Member for Sales Christian Klingler: “Deliveries in November  developed well. Challenges remain.” Wolfsburg, Germany, 17-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Worldwide deliveries by the Volkswagen Group grew … Read the full press release

UEFA Executive Committee presented 11-point integrity of football resolution to 54 UEFA member associations for their feedback

Nyon, Switzerland, 17-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — In order to strengthen European football’s commitment to fight match-fixing, the UEFA Executive Committee has supported an 11-point resolution for the integrity of football at its meeting in Bilbao, Spain. The document, currently in draft format, … Read the full press release

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson confirmed unprecedented level of Transport for London (TfL) funding for roads and cycling

London, UK, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Borough funding is protected through Transport for London’s savings and efficiencies programme. Unprecedented levels of investment as part of wider Transport for London (TfL) funding for roads and cycling. The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, … Read the full press release

EESC calls for cheaper and easier basic electronic payments over internet for EU citizens

Brussels, Belgium, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — On 11 December, the EESC plenary session backed the Commission’s proposals on card-based payments, but wants EU citizens to be able to make basic electronic payments cheaply and easily over the internet, both nationally and across borders. Debit … Read the full press release

The European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly warned EU citizenship key objective is not succeeding

Vilnius, Lithuania, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Ombudsman, Emily O’Reilly, has warned that the key objective of EU citizenship, namely for people to feel a stronger attachment to the EU, is not succeeding. At the closing conference of the “European … Read the full press release

EU residents can discover the new €10 banknote’s security features in competition launched by ECB

Prior to the unveiling of the new €10 in January 2014, European Union residents can discover the note’s security features in a competition to be launched today. 20 high-scoring players will win €5 VIP banknotes from the Europa series personally … Read the full press release

EU and ECB to help National Bank of Serbia (NBS) prepare to join the European System of Central Banks (ESCB)

Frankfurt, Germany, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — National Bank of Serbia, the European Union (EU) Delegation to Serbia and the European Central Bank (ECB) today celebrated the completion of an extensive cooperation agreement with the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) to help the … Read the full press release

EU General Court judgment in Hungary v Commission case: The Commission infringed the procedural rules of the systems for authorising GMOs in the EU

The Commission infringed the procedural rules of the systems for authorising GMOs in the European Union Luxembourg, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — In the territory of the European Union, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) may be released into the environment or placed on the market only … Read the full press release

EBRD Cultural Programme and BBC announced the Ukrainian Book of the Year awards winners

BBC Book of the Year 2013 awards presented in partnership with the Cultural Programme of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Kiev, Ukraine, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — “The Remote Space” by Yaroslav Melnyk, and “Who Will Make the Snow” by … Read the full press release

EBRD’s Tarek Osman authored and presented four-part radio series on the modern history of the Arab world for BBC Radio 4

Osman’s series, produced for BBC Radio 4, is the BBC’s biggest production on the Arab world’s modern history London, UK, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Tarek Osman, the EBRD’s Principal Political Counsellor for the southern and eastern Mediterranean region, authored and presented a four-part … Read the full press release

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) provided support and key information for major seizure of contraband cigarettes smuggled into Spain by sea

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) participated in a major cigarette seizure in the Mediterranean Sea last week. Operation “Eagle Hunt”, where OLAF provided operational support and key information to the Spanish Customs Administration, led to the successful seizure of some … Read the full press release

The European Parliament passed resolutions on organ harvesting in China, situation in Sri Lanka and condemning violence in Central African Republic

Strasbourg, France / Brussels, Belgium, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Parliament passed three separate resolutions on Thursday, asking for an immediate end to the practice of organ harvesting from prisoners of conscience in China; calling on the Sri Lankan government to implement the … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank provides GBP 500 million to Transport for London (TfL) for Crossrail’s development

London, UK, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank, Europe’s long-term lending institution, has agreed to provide up to GBP 500 million to Transport for London (TfL) under a new corporate facility to support the latest step in Crossrail’s development. The … Read the full press release

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland nominated Anna Wechsberg as Alternate Member of the Board of Directors of the EIB

Luxembourg, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Byletter dated 12 November 2013, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland nominated, Ms Anna Wechsberg (Head of Europe Department, DFID) for appointment as an Alternate Member of the Board of Directors of the EIB … Read the full press release

The third President of the European Investment Bank Yves Le Portz passed away in Paris at the age of 93

Paris, France, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Yves Le Portz, third President of the European Investment Bank (from 1970 until 1984), passed away in Paris at the age of 93. Born in 1920, a high civil servant after World War II, Yves le … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank (EIB) granted €100 million loan to Banco Popular Portugal to finance SMEs and midcaps in Portugal

Luxembourg, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Building upon a long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the two institutions, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR 100 million loan to Banco Popular Portugal to finance small and medium-sized projects undertaken by SMEs and … Read the full press release

.eu top-level domain registry EURid released its Q3 2013 report

Brussels, Belgium, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The .eu top-level domain (TLD) and its registry EURid saw a variety of developments during the third quarter of 2013, the most significant being the certification for the ISO 27001 security standard following an audit by the British … Read the full press release

LondonTown.com: Cath Kidston opens her largest store to date

The brand marks its 20th anniversary by opening a three storey flagship, reports LondonTown.com London, UK, 16-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ —  Last week saw the opening of Cath Kidston’s brand new flagship store, launching in London’s Piccadilly just in time for … Read the full press release

The European Investment Bank to lend EUR 200 million for Magyar Telekom’s mobile and fixed broadband telecommunications infrastructure upgrade

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending HUF 60 billion (some EUR 200 million) to finance theimprovement of availability and increase in quality of Magyar Telekom’s mobile and fixed broadband telecommunications infrastructure. Luxembourg / Budapest, Hungary, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — EIB Vice-President László Baranyay, who is responsible … Read the full press release

Fortum agreed to sell its electricity distribution business in Finland to Suomi Power Networks Oy for EUR 2.55 billion

Helsinki, Finland, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Fortum has agreed to sell its electricity distribution business in Finland to Suomi Power Networks Oy, which is owned by a consortium of Finnish pension funds Keva (12.5%) and LocalTapiola Pension (7.5%) together with international … Read the full press release

Fortum announced it decided to divest its electricity distribution business

Helsinki, Finland, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Fortum has completed the assessment of the future alternatives of its electricity distribution business that was launched in January 2013. After thorough consideration, the company has concluded that divesting the electricity distribution business is the best solution … Read the full press release

Vattenfall announced all 80 foundations at DanTysk offshore wind farm are now installed

After nine months of construction, the last of the 80 foundations for the DanTysk offshore wind farm has been installed.  Stockholm, Sweden, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — After nine months of construction, the last of the 80 foundations for the DanTysk offshore wind … Read the full press release

SIGNA präsentiert große Umfrage zum Projekt “Kaufhaus Bozen”

SIGNA führte im Zeitraum von 21. bis 29. November 2013 eine breit angelegte Umfrage zum Projekt „Kaufhaus Bozen“ sowie zum Einkaufsverhalten durch, um über die Bedürfnisse der Bevölkerung besser Bescheid zu wissen. Wien, Österreich, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Im Zeitraum von 21. … Read the full press release

Kesko Food opened its fourth K-ruoka food store in St. Petersburg, Russia

Kesko Food today opened its fourth food store in the St. Petersburg area. In addition to the four stores already in operation, Kesko Food’s objective is to open three new large food stores in the St. Petersburg area by the … Read the full press release

ANDRITZ announced it achieved 40% less power consumption for its new series of decanter centrifuges for the environment industry

International technology Group ANDRITZ has launched a new series of decanter centrifuges for the environment industry, achieving up to 40% less power consumption, while maintaining throughput and efficiency. Graz, Austria, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — This innovative new series was developed in the … Read the full press release

ANDRITZ announced Europe’s largest new paper machine installed at Zellstoff Pöls, Austria

International technology Group ANDRITZ successfully started up Europe’s largest new paper machine for specialty papers, supplied to Zellstoff Pöls, Austria. Graz, Austria, 13-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The PrimeLine paper machine produces very high-strength paper grades used primarily for carrier bags, high-grade medical … Read the full press release

BAWAG P.S.K. to sell and leaseback its corporate headquarters “Postsparkasse” to real estate group SIGNA Prime Selection AG

Property and building remain the headquarters of the Bank under a long term lease agreement with SIGNA Prime Selection AG Transaction success will result in increased capital for supporting core Austrian banking businesses SIGNA expands its portfolio of high-quality and extraordinary properties … Read the full press release

Die Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) unterzeichnet europaweit erste RSI-Rückgarantievereinbarung für innovative Unternehmen

Die Austria Wirtschaftsservice GmbH (aws) ist die erste Förderbank Europas, die mit dem European Investment Fund (EIF) eine Rückgarantievereinbarung im Rahmen des „Risk Sharing Instrument“ (RSI) unterzeichnet. Damit erleichtert die aws innovativen österreichischen KMU und mittelständischen Unternehmen den Zugang zu … Read the full press release

Stadtwerke Mainz, Linde, Siemens and RheinMain University of Applied Sciences to set up electrolysis plant in Mainz

Mainz, Germany, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — The Energiepark Mainz, planned for the Hechtsheim district of the city of Mainz, can go ahead, with construction set to start in the spring of 2014. This has today been confirmed by Siemens, the Linde Group, … Read the full press release

Novartis vaccination program with MenB vaccine Bexsero® began at Princeton University following campus outbreak

Novartis supplies MenB vaccine for a vaccination program at Princeton, following approvals by health authorities and University officials Bexsero, already licensed in Europe, Australia and Canada, is the only broad coverage vaccine to help protect against MenB disease MenB is … Read the full press release

Novartis announced patients with myelofibrosis initially randomized to treatment with Jakavi® (ruxolitinib) lived longer

In two Phase III studies, Jakavi ® reduced the risk of death and maintained spleen reductions at three years compared to conventional therapy and placebo Similar survival benefit seen in patients with and without high-risk mutations Separate analysis shows Jakavi may increase … Read the full press release

The UK Government awarded FEED contract to Alstom, Drax and BOC consortium Capture Power Limited for its carbon capture and storage (CCS) demonstration project

Guildford, UK /  Munich, Germany, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Capture Power Limited, the consortium of Alstom, Drax and BOC, today welcomed the UK Government’s announcement that it has been awarded a Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) contract for its planned, state-of-the-art … Read the full press release

Large, randomized Phase III studies demonstrate superiority of Novartis Tasigna® (nilotinib) compared to Glivec® (imatinib) in newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients

ENESTnd data indicate trend for longer overall survival and event-free survival in newly diagnosed Ph+ CML patients on Tasigna versus Glivec[1] Data demonstrated higher rates of early and deeper molecular response in newly diagnosed patients, including MR4.5, and a reduced … Read the full press release

Forrester Research Inc named SAP AG leader in its report “The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Data Warehouse, Q4 2013”

Walldorf, Germany, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced that it has been ranked by Forrester Research Inc. as a leader in its report “The Forrester Wave™: Enterprise Data Warehouse, Q4 2013.”* In the evaluation, SAP earned among the highest scores among … Read the full press release

SAP AG announced key open source contributions at SAP® TechEd in Bangalore, India December 11–13

New OpenUI5, a New Unified Developer License, Node.js Connector and a New Development Environment for SAP HANA Create More Opportunities Bangalore, India, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced an extended and deeper commitment to the developer community with … Read the full press release

Alpha Bank announced the results of the exercise process of the Titles Representing Share Ownership Rights (Warrants)

Athens, Greece, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Alpha Bank (hereinafter the “Bank”) announces that, based on the Warrant exercise orders submitted until 10.12.2013, 28.8 million Warrants on shares issued by the Bank and owned by the Hellenic Financial Stability Fund (“Warrants”) have been blocked … Read the full press release

SAP AG announced new capabilities for the SAP Business ByDesign® solution

Walldorf, Germany, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — Reaffirming its commitment to provide independent companies and subsidiaries worldwide a flexible, cost-effective mid-market cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) suite, SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced new capabilities for the SAP Business ByDesign® solution. The updates leverage SAP … Read the full press release

Bulgarian National Bank released copper commemorative coin ‘90 Years since the Birth of Apostol Karamitev’ from the series ’Bulgarian Artists’

Sofia, Bulgaria, 12-12-2013 — /EuropaWire/ — From 13 December 2013, the Bulgarian National Bank releases in circulation a copper commemorative coin ‘90 Years since the Birth of Apostol Karamitev’ from the series ’Bulgarian Artists’. It will be sold at the BNB teller … Read the full press release

Boehringer Ingelheim announced new data analyses show positive treatment effect of Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate) in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism

For media outside of the US, the UK & Canada only The efficacy and safety profile of Pradaxa® (dabigatran etexilate) was maintained regardless of patient characteristics1,2,3,4 Pooled safety data favour Pradaxa® treatment over warfarin and provide further reassurance1-4 The analysed … Read the full press release