Category Archives: Law

Law Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

Digital Agenda: Commission asks Court of Justice to fine Portugal over exclusion of companies from providing universal service

Posted on 25, January 2013 by

Brussels, 25-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has asked the European Court of Justice to impose a fine on Portugal because it has not respected a 2010 Court judgment requiring it to follow EU telecoms rules when deciding who should provide universal service in … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Portugal, Telecom

Gender Equality: European Commission refers the Netherlands to the Court

Posted on 25, January 2013 by

Brussels, 25-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission decided today to refer the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not adequately protecting the rights of employees on maternity, adoption or parental leave related to their return to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Netherlands, Society

Antitrust: Commission takes Bulgaria to Court over assignment of digital terrestrial broadcasting authorisations

Posted on 25, January 2013 by

Brussels, 25-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has decided to refer Bulgaria to the EU’s Court of Justice over the assignment of digital broadcast spectrum. The Commission found that the procedure followed by Bulgaria was based on disproportionately restrictive award conditions, … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Bulgaria, Business, European Union, Government, Law, Media, Technology, Telecom

Public procurement: Internal Market MEPs back “concession” plans

Posted on 25, January 2013 by

Public procurement “concession” contracts, which enable public authorities to transfer the economic risk of projects such as building roads bridges or sports arenas to the private sector, will be subject to uniform EU-wide rules voted by the Internal Market Committee … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Construction, European Union, Government, Law

State aid: Commission approves compensation for La Banque Postale of France for ensuring banking accessibility

Posted on 25, January 2013 by

Brussels, 25-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has found that public financing granted by France to the French bank La Banque Postale from 2009 to 2014 in order to improve banking accessibility are in line with EU state aid rules. In … Read the full press release →

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

EDPS Strategy 2013-2014 for excellence in data protection by the EU institutions

Posted on 24, January 2013 by

Brussels, 24-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Yesterday evening, the EDPS presented a report outlining his Strategy for 2013-2014 to senior representatives of the EU institutions. The EDPS outlined the process, aims and results of an extensive analysis, including the main lines of the 2013-2014 … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Internet & Online, Law

Clearer rules on customs handling of pirated or counterfeit goods

Posted on 24, January 2013 by

A deal with the Council to give customs officials at EU borders better tools to confiscate, store and destroy goods that infringe intellectual property rights was endorsed by Internal Market Committee MEPs on Thursday. 24-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Imports that infringe Intellectual Property … Read the full press release →

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

Agriculture Committee adopts plans for modern and flexible EU farm policy

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

EU farm policy reform must distribute EU funding more fairly, make “greening” measures mandatory but flexible and better equip farmers to cope with market challenges. So says the Agriculture Committee’s opening position for negotiations with EU member states, as set … Read the full press release →

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

Eurogroup statement on Greece

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

23-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Eurogroup notes with satisfaction that the MoU milestones for January, agreed between Greece and the Troika, have been achieved. In particular, an income tax reform has been adopted and end user electricity prices for low-voltage customers … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Greece, Investment, Law, Politics

Financial transaction tax: Council agrees to enhanced cooperation

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

Brussels, 23-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Council today¹ adopted a decision authorising 11 member states to proceed with the introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT) through “enhanced cooperation” (16977/12). The 11 countries are Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, … Read the full press release →

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

Professional skills card will ease mobility in the EU, say internal market MEPs

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

23-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Professionals will find it easier to work in another EU country thanks to an electronic card detailing their qualifications and experience, said the Internal Market Committee on Wednesday, amending a new draft law on recognition of professional … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Law, Society

EU Ministers pledge to continue to push for strong action to tackle terrorism and organised crime

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

The Informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers began in Dublin Castle this morning. EU Ministers for Home Affairs and Migration discussed topics relating to Security, Immigration and Asylum through a prism focusing on linkages to the Growth agenda. … Read the full press release →

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

Data Protection reform and cross-border Insolvency law prioritised by EU Ministers

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

23-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — EU Ministers discussed priorities in the Justice area as the Informal Justice and Home Affairs meeting concluded in Dublin today. Data Protection Reform and the new cross-border Insolvency law were the main items considered during another productive … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Ireland, Law

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence publishes Agenda for Justice and Home Affairs Informal

Posted on 23, January 2013 by

23-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter TD, today published the Agenda for the Informal meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers which will take place on the 17 and 18 January. Discussions during … Read the full press release →

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

State aid: Commission temporarily approves rescue recapitalisation of Portuguese bank Banif

Posted on 21, January 2013 by

Brussels, 21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has temporarily approved, under EU state aid rules, a recapitalisation totalling €1.1 billion granted by Portugal to Banco Internacional do Funchal S.A. (Banif) for reasons of financial stability. Portugal committed to provide a far-reaching … Read the full press release →

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

Prof. Kamelia Kassabova, Ph.D., Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission for Payment Disputes, presented to the Governing Council of the Bulgarian National Bank the annual report on the Commission’s activities in 2012

Posted on 21, January 2013 by

21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today (17 January 2013), the Chairperson of the Conciliation Commission for Payment Disputes, Prof. Kamelia Kassabova, Ph.D., presented to the Governing Council of the Bulgarian National Bank the annual report on the Commission’s activities in 2012. In … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Bulgaria, Economy, Financial, Government, Law

The Single Market Act II should urgently respond to single market failures, says the EESC

Posted on 21, January 2013 by

21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — On 16 January, the EESC plenary session adopted an opinion on “The Single Market Act II – Together for new growth”. The text calls for a more realistic approach to Single Market policies. The European Commission should focus more … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Economy, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Society

Speech: Justice for Growth makes headway at today’s Justice Council

Posted on 21, January 2013 by

Viviane Reding – Vice-President of the Commission, European Justice Commissioner Press Conference, Informal Justice Council / Dublin Dublin, 21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today, we have had a very important discussion on how justice policies can help to reinforce stability, jobs and growth … Read the full press release →

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

EDPS Inventory 2013: data protection is essential across all EU policy areas

Posted on 21, January 2013 by

Brussels, 21-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Today, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) published his 2013 work programme in the area of legislative consultation, including his strategic planning document, the Inventory. With this document, the EDPS identifies issues of strategic importance that will form the cornerstone of … Read the full press release →

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

Tätigkeitsvorausschau 2013 des EDSB: Datenschutz ist über alle Politikbereiche der EU hinweg wichtig

Posted on 19, January 2013 by

Brüssel, 19-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Heute hat der Europäische Datenschutzbeauftragte (EDSB) sein Arbeitsprogramm 2013 im Bereich der Beratung zu Rechtsetzungsvorschlägen veröffentlicht, eingeschlossen sein strategisches Planungsdokument, die Tätigkeitsvorausschau. Der EDSB identifiziert in diesem Dokument Themen von strategischer Bedeutung, die die Eckpfeiler seiner Beratungsarbeit … Read the full press release →

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

Jetrea(TM) receives positive CHMP opinion, would become the first drug to treat sight-threatening vitreomacular traction and macular hole

Posted on 19, January 2013 by

Pivotal data showed Jetrea significantly resolved vitreomacular traction (VMT) and macular hole compared to placebo at day 28 (p<0.001)[1] Current standard of care for VMT is surgery or “watchful waiting” associated with further visual impairment that can lead to central … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Government, Healthcare, Law, Pharma & Biotech, Switzerland

Road Transport: New European Driving Licence

Posted on 19, January 2013 by

Brussels, 19-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — From January 19th 2013, all new driving licences issued across the EU will be in the form of a plastic “credit card,” with a standard European format and tougher security protection. The new European licence will progressively … Read the full press release →

Posted in Automotive, Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Transportation & Logistics

LA CORTE D’APPELLO DI PARIGI CONFERMA IL LODO DEL TRIBUNALE ARBITRALE INTERNAZIONALE FAVOREVOLE A ENEL GREEN POWER SUL CASO LAGEO

Posted on 18, January 2013 by

Confermata la decisione concernente la joint venture con Inversiones Energeticas (INE) per lo sviluppo della geotermia in El Salvador Roma e San Salvador, 18-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — La Corte d’Appello di Parigi ha confermato ieri il lodo emesso dal Tribunale Arbitrale … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Energy, Gas & Oil, Environment, Italy, Law

The decisions of the European Parliament to waive and not to defend Mr. Gollnisch’s immunity are valid

Posted on 17, January 2013 by

Luxembourg, 17-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ —  Members of the European Parliament are protected under the Protocol on the privileges and immunities of the EU. In particular, by virtue of the immunity accorded to them, MEPs shall not be subject to any form … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, France, Government, Law, Luxembourg, Politics, Society

According to Advocate General Kokott, the General Court was right to reject the action which the Inuit had brought against the ban on trade in seal products in the EU as being inadmissible

Posted on 17, January 2013 by

The General Court was right in finding that the easing in the Lisbon Treaty of the conditions for individuals to bring actions before the European courts against EU acts of general application does not apply to legislative acts Luxembourg, 17-1-2013 — … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Government, International Trade, Law, Luxembourg, Society

By applying reduced rates of VAT beyond what is authorised under the VAT Directive, Spain has failed to fulfil its obligations under EU law

Posted on 17, January 2013 by

Spain applies a reduced rate to a broader range of goods than provided for under the VAT Directive in the field of pharmaceutical products and medical equipment Luxembourg, 17-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The VAT Directive¹ (Annex III) lists the categories of supplies … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Luxembourg, Spain

Air passenger rights: common EU standards needed for hand luggage

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

MEPs will argue that the “one bag” rule imposed by some airlines infringes passengers’ rights, in a debate with the Commission on Thursday at 08.30. They will also discuss whether airlines should be allowed to specify “essential” or “non-essential” items … Read the full press release →

Posted in Aviation & Aerospace, European Union, Government, Law, Travel

Tougher credit rating rules confirmed by Parliament’s vote

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — New rules on when and how credit rating agencies may rate state debts and private firms’ financial health were approved by Parliament on Wednesday. They will allow agencies to issue unsolicited sovereign debt ratings only on set … Read the full press release →

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

Bi-Annual Information on euro banknote counterfeiting in Malta

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — In the second half of 2012, the number of counterfeit euro banknotes reported to the Central Bank of Malta amounted to 713, or 25% lower than the 951 counterfeits found in the first half of the same … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Business, Financial, Government, Law, Society

Fewer restrictions on cod fishing in the Baltic

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Certain restrictions on how and where fishermen may fish in EU waters were removed by a vote on Wednesday. Small-scale fishermen will be able to catch Baltic cod in coastal areas during closed-season summer months thanks to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Environment, European Union, Government, Law, Society

Statement by Commissioner Michel Barnier following the vote in the European Parliament on new European rules to regulate credit rating agencies

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

Brussels, 16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Statement by Commissioner Michel Barnier following the vote in the European Parliament on new European rules to regulate credit rating agencies I congratulate the European Parliament on today’s agreement on additional rules for credit rating agencies (CRAs) … Read the full press release →

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

New rules on credit rating agencies (CRAs) – frequently asked questions

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — New rules on credit rating agencies (CRAs) – frequently asked questions I. GENERAL CONTEXT AND APPLICABLE LAW 1. What is a credit rating? A credit rating is an opinion issued by a specialised firm on the creditworthiness … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Financial, Investment, Law

Informal Justice Council: 18 January 2013

Posted on 16, January 2013 by

Brussels, 16-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — European Union Justice ministers will meet in Dublin on 18 January 2013. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner. Main agenda items: Reform of EU data protection rules Cross-border insolvency … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Ireland, Law

EU must act to combat biopiracy, say MEPs

Posted on 15, January 2013 by

15-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The EU must combat the “biopiracy” of multinationals that exploit plants with medicinal properties and traditional remedies originating from developing countries but fail to share the profits with indigenous peoples, say MEPs in a resolution adopted by … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Healthcare, Law, Pharma & Biotech, Society

Fortum will appeal Swedish STA decision on additional tax for 2010

Posted on 15, January 2013 by

15-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Fortum has received an income tax assessments of SEK 444 million (EUR 52 million) from the Swedish tax authority, STA, in addition to the SEK 1.7 billion (EUR 178 million) already paid for 2010. The assessments are mainly related to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Energy, Gas & Oil, Financial, Finland, Government, Law, Sweden

FGK Representative Service GmbH withdraws its marketing authorisation application for Memantine FGK (memantine)

Posted on 15, January 2013 by

15-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Medicines Agency has been formally notified by FGK Representative Service GmbH of its decision to withdraw its application for centralised marketing authorisation for the medicine Memantine FGK (memantine), 7 mg, 14 mg, 21 mg and … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Germany, Government, Healthcare, Law, Pharma & Biotech

EFSA promotes public access to data in transparency initiative

Posted on 14, January 2013 by

14-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — EFSA is today announcing the launch of a major initiative designed to facilitate access to data, enhancing transparency in risk assessment. The programme, to be developed in cooperation with the Authority’s partners and stakeholders, will consider how … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Food & Beverage, Government, Law

Priorities for EU tax policy

Posted on 11, January 2013 by

Algirdas Šemeta – Commissioner responsible for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-fraud Irish Parliament Committee on Finance / Dublin Dublin, 11-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — Mister President, Honourable Members of Parliament, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to be here today. … Read the full press release →

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

Biannual information on euro banknote counterfeiting

Posted on 11, January 2013 by

11-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — In the second half of 2012 a total of 280,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were withdrawn from circulation. This means that the overall quantity of counterfeits withdrawn from circulation in 2012 was 12.4% lower compared with the figures … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, European Union, Financial, Government, Law, Luxembourg

CBI responds to Government probation proposals

Posted on 10, January 2013 by

10-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The CBI responded to an announcement from the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Chris Grayling MP, on opening up probation services to competition from the private and voluntary sectors. Jim Bligh, CBI Head of Public Services, … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Government, Law, Politics, Society, United Kingdom