Category Archives: Law

Law Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

Irish Presidency secures agreement on EU-wide civil protection order

Posted on 21, February 2013 by

21-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Irish Presidency today secured agreement with the European Parliament, on behalf of EU member states, on improving the protection of victims of domestic violence across Europe. Under Ireland’s Presidency, final discussions were held between the European … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Government, Ireland, Law, Politics, Society

State aid: Commission opens in-depth inquiry into state measures in favour of Estonian Air

Posted on 20, February 2013 by

Brussels, 20-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into a number of public support measures granted by Estonia in favour of its flag carrier airline Estonian Air. At this stage, the Commission has doubts whether these measures … Read the full press release →

Posted in Aviation & Aerospace, Belgium, Business, Estonia, European Union, Financial, Government, Investment, Law, Society, Travel

Commission proposal to protect victims of domestic violence EU-wide will become law

Posted on 20, February 2013 by

Brussels, 20-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will be able to count on EU-wide protection. Today, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers reached a political agreement in principle on a proposal by the European Commission … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Security & Safety, Society

Electrabel conteste formellement le rapport de l’auditorat auprès du Conseil de la Concurrence et fera valoir en toute transparence ses arguments

Posted on 20, February 2013 by

Bruxelles, 20-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Electrabel prend acte du rapport remis au Conseil de la Concurrence par l’Auditorat mais conteste formellement les allégations d’abus de position dominante retenues par l’Auditeur dans son rapport. Le rapport déposé aujourd’hui fait suite à une étude de la … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, Energy, Gas & Oil, Financial, Government, Law

Signing of the Unified Patent Court agreement

Posted on 20, February 2013 by

Brussels, 20-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The international agreement for establishing a Unified Patent Court (UPC) was signed today in Brussels. It will ensure the uniform applicability of patent law throughout the territories of the signatory countries¹. Opening the signing ceremony, Mr Richard … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Science, Society

Horsemeat: MEPs demand tougher controls and stricter labelling

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — MEPs called for more meat tests along the food chain in the wake of the horsemeat scandal during a debate in the food safety committee on Monday. Many voiced concern over member states’ level of commitment to … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Food & Beverage, Government, Law, Politics, Retail, Society

Electrabel: Feed-in tariffs

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

Brussels, 19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Court of Appeal in Brussels has delivered an important ruling regarding the feed-in tariffs charged to electricity generators in Belgium, as part of Elia’s transmission tariffs for the 2012-2015 period. To recapitulate, in early 2012 Electrabel, … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, Energy, Gas & Oil, Government, Law

Antitrust: Commission decides not to prolong maritime transport antitrust guidelines

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

Brussels, 19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ —  The European Commission will not prolong or renew a set of specific guidelines on the application of EU antitrust rules (Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – TFEU) to maritime … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Transportation & Logistics

Explained – A Unitary Patent System for Europe

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Unified Patent Court (UPC) Agreement will be signed by participating member states on 19 February 2013. This is one of the final major steps towards the establishment of a unitary patent system for Europe. The Agreement … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Ireland, Law, Politics, Science, Technology

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court by Côte d’Ivoire

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

Brussels, 19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission issued the following statement today: “I warmly welcome the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Society

The ČEZ Group Initiated International Arbitration Procedures Against Albania

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today (7. 2. 2013), ČEZ has officially informed the Albanian Government about its intention to initiate international arbitration. The ground is the non-protected investment in the power distribution company of CEZ Shpërndarje. The ČEZ Group expects to receive … Read the full press release →

Posted in Albania, Business, Czech Republic, Energy, Gas & Oil, Law

SPEECH: Single European Patent: a major achievement but still some way to go

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

Michel BARNIER – European Commissioner for the Internal Market and Services Conference on the European Unitary Patent/Brussels Brussels, 19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for having taken part in today’s discussions. By holding this conference – in close … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Science, Technology

Kungl. Vetenskapsakademien: Akademiuttalande mot L’Aquila-domen

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Den 18 januari offentliggjordes bakgrunden till domen mot de italienska forskare som kallats in som experter för att bedöma riskerna för en större jordbävning i L’Aquila våren 2009. Forskarna dömdes till fyra års fängelse för att så … Read the full press release →

Posted in Education, Italy, Law, Science, Society, Sweden

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of software provider I.R.I.S. by Canon

Posted on 19, February 2013 by

Brussels, 19-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of I.R.I.S. of Belgium by Canon Inc. of Japan. The review of this transaction was referred to the Commission by the Belgian competition authority … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, Electronics & Machinery, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Technology

New EU initiative to fight organised crime and human trafficking at EU borders

Posted on 18, February 2013 by

Brussels, 18-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — A new €1.5 million project that will boost the fight against organised crime and human trafficking in Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Moldova and Turkey has been launched by the European Union. This innovative pilot project will help countries to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Moldova, Politics, Society, Turkey

State aid: Commission publishes updated Guide on services of general economic interest (SGEI)

Posted on 18, February 2013 by

Brussels, 18-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission services have published an updated guide to explain how EU rules in the fields of state aid, public procurement and the internal market apply to services of general economic interest (SGEI). The guide provides … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Investment, Law, Media

Speech: Why Global Markets Require Global Rules – and US-EU Cooperation

Posted on 18, February 2013 by

Michel BARNIER – Member of the European Commission responsible for Internal Market and Service Transatlantic Finance Initiative, New York New York, 18-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Ladies and gentlemen, When the financial crisis hit a few years ago, we had no choice. We needed … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Economy, European Union, Government, International Trade, Law, Politics

Minister Coveney Welcomes Latest Steps to Address Mislabelling of Meat

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

The Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD, welcomed the outcome of today’s meeting of the EU Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCOFCAH), which further discussed the ongoing issue of the mislabelling … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Food & Beverage, Government, Ireland, Law, Politics, Retail, Society

Horsemeat in food products: Commissioner Malmström welcomes Europol’s lead role in investigations

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

Brussels, 15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The extent of the horsemeat case makes it clear that this needs to be addressed at European level. Today’s meeting between UK Environment Secretary, Owen Paterson, and Europol representatives is an important step in this direction and … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Food & Beverage, Government, Law, Society

MEPs to debate EU budget with Presidents Van Rompuy and Barroso

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — EP President Schulz and other lead MEPs are set to debate the EU’s long-term budget with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso. Parliament has the right to veto a political deal … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Economy, European Union, Financial, Government, Investment, Law, Politics

Financial Transaction Tax under Enhanced Cooperation: Commission sets out the details

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

Brussels, 15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The details of the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT) to be implemented under enhanced cooperation have been set out in a proposal adopted by the Commission today. As requested by the 11 Member States1 that will proceed with this … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics

Financial Transaction Tax through Enhanced Cooperation: Questions and Answers

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

Brussels, 15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Financial Transaction Tax through Enhanced Cooperation: Questions and Answers (see also IP/13/115) Why has the Commission proposed a Financial Transaction Tax for implementation through enhanced cooperation? The Commission initially proposed a Financial Transaction Tax to be implemented by … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics

EU civil society body calls for common energy tax system

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

If the EU is to meet its energy and climate policy goals, it will need to adopt a common energy tax regime, said the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in its opinion on the internal energy market adopted yesterday. … Read the full press release →

Posted in Energy, Gas & Oil, Environment, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics, Society

EU farm policy reform plans as voted by the Agriculture Committee

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Agriculture Committee MEPs set out their position on EU farm policy reform in texts voted on Wednesday and Thursday, after more than a year’s debates with farmers, cooperatives, EU agriculture ministers, MPs, experts and academics. This position … Read the full press release →

Posted in Agriculture, European Union, Government, Law, Politics

Signing ceremony of the International Agreement on the establishment of the Unified Patent Court

Posted on 15, February 2013 by

Brussels, 15-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Signing ceremony of the International Agreement on the establishment of the Unified Patent Court Tuesday, 19 February at +/- 14.15 Justus Lipsius building – Brussels Photo/TV opportunity: Meeting point: press centre info point at 14.00. Access … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics, Science

Global Standards Experts Gather in Dublin for EU Presidency Event

Posted on 14, February 2013 by

In the future, common household devices such as the kitchen fridge will be able to act independently, take over day-to-day tasks such as ordering grocery shopping online, and even acquire their own personality… 14-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — This is one of … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Electronics & Machinery, European Union, Industrial, Ireland, Law, Science, Technology

Safer products and a level playing field in the internal market

Posted on 14, February 2013 by

Brussels, 14-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission proposed today new rules to improve the safety of consumer products circulating in the Single Market and to step-up market surveillance concerning all non-food products, including those imported from 3rd countries. This will contribute both … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, International Trade, Law, Politics, Retail, Security & Safety, Society

Disclosure pursuant to art. 114, paragraph 5, of Legislative Decree no. 58/1998 – Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. 2011/2017 “6-year StepByStep BancoPosta” bonds

Posted on 14, February 2013 by

14-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena S.p.A. (hereinafter “BMps”) as Issuer pursuant to and by effect of Consob communication no. DEM/DME/9053316 of 8 June 2009, in compliance with art. 114, paragraph 5, of Legislative Decree no. 58/1998, … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Financial, Investment, Italy, Law

Lagardère is taking legal action against Vivendi and Groupe Canal+ for the restitution of €1.6 billion in cash to Canal+ France

Posted on 14, February 2013 by

14-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — In its capacity as a Canal+ France shareholder1, Lagardère has summoned Vivendi and Groupe Canal+ (hereinafter “the Vivendi group”) to appear in the Paris commercial court on March 21, 2013, for the purposes of obtaining a restitution … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Entertainment, Financial, France, Law, Media

CEP: Get involved with the World Congress on Probation: Call for papers and video

Posted on 13, February 2013 by

13-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Now is the time to get involved with the World Congress on Probation: The registrations have been coming in, the hotel locator is live on the website and the call for papers and short video’s has been … Read the full press release →

Posted in Law, Marketing, Non Profit, Society

State aid: Commission temporarily approves rescue aid for Banque PSA Finance

Posted on 12, February 2013 by

Brussels, 12-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has granted temporary approval to France, under the EU state aid rules, to provide Banque PSA Finance with a EUR 1.2 billion guarantee covering its market issues. The Commission’s approval is conditional on the submission during … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, France, Government, Investment, Law

ECTAA’s President meets with European Commission’s Vice President Viviane REDING to discuss revision of the package travel directive

Posted on 12, February 2013 by

12-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Thursday 31st January, ECTAA’s President and Uniline CEO Boris ZGOMBA and a group of Tourism Industry leaders, met with European Commission Vice President Mrs Viviane REDING to discuss the revision of the package Travel Directive. The meeting … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Travel

First Commission report on progress by Kosovo* towards visa liberalisation

Posted on 12, February 2013 by

Brussels, 12-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Commission presented today the first report on the progress achieved by Kosovo in fulfilling the requirements of the visa liberalisation roadmap. The Commission evaluated Kosovo’s progress in each block of the visa roadmap and made a … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Travel

EC proposal for a Directive on Network and Information Security: An important step towards a truly level playing field between all players

Posted on 11, February 2013 by

ETNO welcomes the proposal for an EU Directive on Network and Information Security adopted today as a major contribution to enhanced consumer trust and confidence in the digital era. The proposed Directive is part of a comprehensive EU Cybersecurity Strategy … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Internet & Online, Law, Security & Safety, Technology, Telecom

ETNO and GSMA Reiterate Commitment to High Standards of Protection of Personal Data

Posted on 11, February 2013 by

Brussels, 11-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — ETNO and the GSMA call on the European Parliament and Council to work towards the timely adoption of the EU Data Protection Regulation and to ensure that the final text reaches the proper balance between protecting consumers … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Internet & Online, Law, Technology, Telecom

EU Data Protection Reform: Major Telecoms Operators Support Push for Level-Playing Field

Posted on 11, February 2013 by

Brussels, 11-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today, Vice-President Viviane Reding is meeting Luigi Gambardella, chairman of ETNO, who represents the leading telecommunications network operators in Europe to discuss the EU Data Protection rules proposed by the European Commission in January 2012 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57). Vice-President … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Internet & Online, Law, Politics, Technology, Telecom

Euro coin counterfeiting in 2012

Posted on 11, February 2013 by

Brussels, 11-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The number of counterfeit euro coins removed from circulation increased by 17% from 157 000 in 2011 to 184 000 in 2012. With 16.5 billion genuine euro coins currently in circulation, the counterfeit ratio is 1 for every 100 000 genuine … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics, Society

Aides d’État: la Commission autorise temporairement une aide au sauvetage en faveur de la Banque PSA Finance

Posted on 11, February 2013 by

Bruxelles, 11-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — La Commission européenne a autorisé temporairement la France à accorder à la Banque PSA Finance une garantie couvrant ses émissions de marché à hauteur de 1,2 milliards d’euros, conformément aux règles de l’UE en matière d’aides d’Etat. … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Belgium, European Union, Financial, France, Government, Investment, Law, Politics

ECB welcomes the European Commission’s intention to regulate systemically important reference rates

Posted on 8, February 2013 by

8-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Governing Council of the European Central Bank welcomes the European Commission’s intention to introduce further legislation regulating systemically important reference rates. In its response to the Commission’s consultation on the regulation of indices, the Eurosystem has … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Business, Economy, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Politics

Digital Agenda – European Commission questions Italian telecoms proposal to regulate rates for fixed termination services

Posted on 8, February 2013 by

Brussels, 8-2-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has called a halt to the plans of the Italian telecoms regulator (AGCOM) regarding termination rates which would negatively affect consumers in Italy as well as operators in other Member States. AGCOM has proposed … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Italy, Law, Technology, Telecom