Category Archives: Law

Law Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

Ombudsman criticises Commission’s refusal to disclose documents on UK opt-out from Charter of Fundamental Rights

Posted on 10, January 2013 by

P. Nikiforos Diamandouros – European Ombudsman 10-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has strongly criticised the European Commission’s refusal to give access to documents concerning its view of the UK opt-out from the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This follows … Read the full press release →

Posted in European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Society, United Kingdom

Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the execution of Sri Lankan migrant worker Rizana Nafeek in Saudi Arabia

Posted on 10, January 2013 by

Brussels, 10-1-2013 — /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 yesterday: “I am deeply dismayed by the information that Sri Lankan national Ms Rizana … Read the full press release →

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

European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) opens on 11 January

Posted on 10, January 2013 by

Brussels, 10-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — As from 11 January the new European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) will be up and running to help protect European citizens and businesses from cyber-crime. EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmström will participate in the official opening of the … Read the full press release →

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

Frequently asked questions: The European Cybercrime Center EC³

Posted on 9, January 2013 by

Brussels, 9-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — What are the objectives? The main task of the European Cybercrime Centre is to disrupt the operations of organised crime networks that commit a large share of the serious and organised cybercrimes. Offences include those generating large … Read the full press release →

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

Commission welcomes European Parliament rapporteurs’ support for strong EU data protection rules

Posted on 9, January 2013 by

Brussels, 9-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — European Parliament rapporteurs today presented two draft reports on the reform of the EU’s data protection rules proposed by the European Commission just a year ago (see IP/12/46 and MEMO/12/41). In their reports, Jan-Philipp Albrecht, rapporteur for the proposed Data Protection … Read the full press release →

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

Statement by Commissioner Michel Barnier on the impact of the latest Basel Committee liquidity developments for Capital Requirements (CRD 4) in the EU

Posted on 7, January 2013 by

(in the light of the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision (GHOS) meeting and the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision press release dated 6 January 2013) Brussels, 7-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — “I welcome the unanimous agreement reached by the Basel Committee … Read the full press release →

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

Aeroflot and the Federal Tax Service of Russia Signed a Pricing Agreement

Posted on 4, January 2013 by

4-1-2013 — /europawire.eu/ — On December 27, 2012 Aeroflot and the Federal Tax Service of Russia entered into a pricing agreement in accordance with the recently introduced financial rules. From now on, Aeroflot Group companies will send all the necessary information and documentation to the Federal Tax Service … Read the full press release →

Posted in Aviation & Aerospace, Business, Financial, Government, Law, Russia

Vestas commends President Obama and U.S. Congress on PTC extension

Posted on 2, January 2013 by

Vestas is pleased that the White House and Congress have agreed to extend the Production Tax Credit (PTC) for 2013. The PTC has always enjoyed strong bipartisan support, and Vestas commends the President and Congress for confirming their commitment to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Denmark, Electronics & Machinery, Environment, Government, Law, Technology

Statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton on the modification of the scope of the Colombian military justice system

Posted on 30, December 2012 by

Brussels, 30-12-2012 — /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 have taken note of the adoption of the constitutional reform regarding the … Read the full press release →

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

Only For Children Pharmaceuticals withdraws its marketing authorisation application for Loulla (mercaptopurine)

Posted on 28, December 2012 by

28-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Medicines Agency has been formally notified by Only For Children Pharmaceuticals of its decision to withdraw its application for a centralised marketing authorisation for the medicine Loulla (mercaptopurine), 10 mg/ml, tablets and solution for oral … Read the full press release →

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

Commission authorises Spain to extend existing temporary restrictions on Romanian workers

Posted on 28, December 2012 by

Brussels, 28-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has approved a request from the Spanish authorities made on 13 December 2012 to extend the temporary restriction on access for Romanian workers to the Spanish labour market until 31 December 2013 due to … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Romania, Spain

Antitrust: Commission sends Statement of Objections to Samsung on potential misuse of mobile phone standard-essential patents

Posted on 27, December 2012 by

Brussels, 27-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has informed Samsung of its preliminary view that Samsung’s seeking of injunctions against Apple in various Member States on the basis of its mobile phone standard-essential patents (“SEPs”) amounts to an abuse of a dominant … Read the full press release →

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

Samsung – Enforcement of ETSI standards essential patents (SEPs)

Posted on 27, December 2012 by

Brussels, 27-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — Samsung – Enforcement of ETSI standards essential patents (SEPs) Questions and Answers What is an injunction? An injunction is a court order aiming at preventing the continuation of a patent infringement. Generally, it includes the prohibition to … Read the full press release →

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

Antitrust: Commission market tests commitments from Star alliance members Lufthansa, United and Air Canada concerning transatlantic cooperation

Posted on 27, December 2012 by

Brussels, 27-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has invited interested parties to comment on commitments proposed by Lufthansa, United and Air Canada to address competition concerns about their transatlantic cooperation. The Commission has concerns that this cooperation may harm premium passengers … Read the full press release →

Posted in Aviation & Aerospace, Belgium, Business, European Union, Germany, Government, Law, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

European Medicines Agency starts review of Tredaptive, Pelzont and Trevaclyn

Posted on 27, December 2012 by

Agency issues interim advice 27-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Medicines Agency has started a review of the safety and efficacy of Tredaptive, Pelzont and Trevaclyn, identical medicines that are used to treat adults with dyslipidaemia (abnormally high levels of fat … Read the full press release →

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

State aid: Commission approves German scheme supporting noise reduction in rail freight transport

Posted on 26, December 2012 by

Brussels, 26-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has found a €152 million German scheme to support the reduction of noise generated by rail freight traffic to be in line with EU state aid rules. The measure will reimburse up to 50% … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Environment, European Union, Germany, Government, Law, Transportation & Logistics

State aid: Commission finds Italian ICI real estate tax exemptions for non-commercial entities incompatible and clears amended exemptions under new IMU law

Posted on 26, December 2012 by

Brussels, 26-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has found that the former Italian system of municipal real estate tax exemptions granted to non-commercial entities for specific purposes (ICI) between 2006 and 2011 was incompatible with EU state aid rules. After the … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Italy, Law, Real Estate

State aid: Commission adopts new Broadband Guidelines

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has adopted revised guidelines for the application of EU state aid rules to the broadband sector. These guidelines will help Member States achieve the objectives of the EU Digital Agenda. Taking into account the extensive … Read the full press release →

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

Tobacco products: towards bigger health warnings and ban of strong flavourings

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — Today, after years in the making, the European Commission has adopted its proposal to revise the Tobacco Products Directive. The proposed legislation consists of new and strengthened rules on how tobacco products can be manufactured, presented, and … Read the full press release →

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

EU approves New Zealand’s data protection standards in step to boost trade

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has today formally recognised the adequacy of personal data protection in New Zealand, opening the way for increased trade with the European Union. The decision by the Commission recognises that New Zealand’s data protection … Read the full press release →

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

State aid: Commission approves restructuring plans of Spanish banks Liberbank, Caja3, Banco Mare Nostrum and Banco CEISS

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has concluded that the restructuring plans of four Spanish banks, Liberbank, Caja3, Banco Mare Nostrum (BMN) and Banco CEISS, are in line with EU state aid rules. The in-depth restructuring undergone by the four banks will … Read the full press release →

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

Antitrust: Commission renders legally binding commitments from Thomson Reuters

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has adopted a decision that renders legally binding the commitments offered by Thomson Reuters to create a new licence (“ERL”) allowing customers, for a monthly fee, to use Reuters Instrument Codes (RICs) for data … Read the full press release →

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

State aid: Commission’s contribution to Spanish financial assistance programme focusing on banking sector

Posted on 24, December 2012 by

Brussels, 24-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — As a consequence of the deterioration of the financial conditions for the Spanish banking sector during the first half of 2012, the Eurogroup agreed to a financial assistance programme. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Financial Sector Policy … Read the full press release →

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

EU rules on gender-neutral pricing in insurance industry enter into force

Posted on 22, December 2012 by

Brussels, 22-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — Under new rules which enter force tomorrow, insurers in Europe will have to charge the same prices to women and men for the same insurance products without distinction on the grounds of sex. This means that insurance … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, European Union, Financial, Government, Insurance, Law, Society

Antitrust: Commission renders legally binding commitments from Rio Tinto Alcan

Posted on 22, December 2012 by

Brussels, 22-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has adopted a decision that renders legally binding the commitments offered by Rio Tinto Alcan to address concerns raised by the Commission about competition on markets for aluminium smelting equipment. The Commission was concerned … Read the full press release →

Posted in Belgium, Business, Electronics & Machinery, European Union, Government, Law, Metals and Minerals, Technology

Road safety: Member States water down proposals for tougher vehicle testing rules to save lives

Posted on 21, December 2012 by

Brussels, 21-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — Key measures to strengthen road safety and save lives have been put at risk by an agreement by transport ministers meeting today in Brussels. Vehicle checks are fundamental to road safety. More than 5 people die on … Read the full press release →

Posted in Automotive, Belgium, European Union, Government, Law, Security & Safety, Society, Technology, Transportation & Logistics

Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Mach by Syniverse

Posted on 21, December 2012 by

Brussels, 21-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of Mach of Luxembourg by Syniverse of the US. Roaming is the sending and receiving of calls, SMS and data … Read the full press release →

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

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of US titanium producer Timet by US component manufacturer PCC

Posted on 21, December 2012 by

Brussels, 21-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the US titanium producer Timet by the US component manufacturer Precision Castparts Corporation (PCC). Timet produces titanium parts that PCC uses for manufacturing … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, European Union, Government, Industrial, Law, Metals and Minerals

Copyright: Commission urges industry to deliver innovative solutions for greater access to online content

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has today adopted a Communication which sets out parallel tracks of action to be undertaken during this Commission’s term of office to ensure that the EU’s copyright framework stays fit for purpose in the … Read the full press release →

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

Austria and Belgium given more time to justify quotas

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has decided today to extend its suspension of legal action against Austria and Belgium over their quota restrictions on the number of non-nationals permitted to enrol on degree courses for doctors, dentists, physiotherapists and … Read the full press release →

Posted in Austria, Belgium, Education, European Union, Government, Healthcare, Law

Passenger rights: Europeans better protected when travelling by water

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — By the end of the year new EU rules to better care for passengers when travelling by sea and inland waterway will be protected by a set of minimum rights anywhere within the European Union. As from … Read the full press release →

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

Deloitte comments on release of FATCA guidance notes

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — HMRC has issued draft guidance notes on the UK FATCA Intergovernmental Agreement together with its response to the FATCA Consultation Document. Chris Tragheim, tax partner at Deloitte, said: “Financial services companies have been awaiting this draft guidance so that they can … Read the full press release →

Posted in Banks, Business, Financial, Government, Law

Fast-track approval for Trans-European energy network projects

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Corridors for Trans-European energy network projects and the criteria that they must meet to qualify for fast-track approval are set out in a draft regulation endorsed by the Energy Committee on Tuesday. The corridors and criteria deal was struck informally … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Energy, Gas & Oil, European Union, Government, Law, Politics, Transportation & Logistics

Proposal for new enforcement framework for international trade rules

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — On 18 December 2012, the European Commission proposed a new framework to streamline the EU’s ability to enforce its rights in the international trading system. Why is enforcement important? The EU is committed to defend and enforce … Read the full press release →

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

Deloitte Update on Comet (in Administration)

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — In the absence of an acceptable offer for the whole of the business, the Joint Administrators of Comet can confirm that the remaining 35 stores will close today.  A small team will be retained to support the … Read the full press release →

Posted in Business, Financial, Law, Society, United Kingdom

Alternative and Online Dispute Resolution soon to become a reality for European consumers

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg, today welcomed the vote on Alternative Dispute Resolution and Online Dispute Resolution (ADR-ODR) in the Internal Market and Consumers Committee. This vote confirms the agreement reached between the European … Read the full press release →

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

State aid: Commission opens in-depth investigation into payment of dividends by Caixa Geral de Depósitos

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation to examine whether a payment of dividends in September 2012 by Caixa Geral Finance Limited, an affiliate of Caixa Geral de Depósitos (CGD), is in line with EU State … Read the full press release →

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

Community is involved in correctional process: CEP visits ICPA in Mexico

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — In October of this year, CEP attended the 14th International Corrections and Prison Association (ICPA) Annual Conference, hosted by the Ministry of Justice of the United States of Mexico. The delegation of CEP consisted of President Marc Cerón … Read the full press release →

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

MEPs favour police access to asylum seekers’ fingerprints, subject to safeguards

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — EU law enforcement authorities, such as the police or Europol, should be given access to asylum seekers’ fingerprints in the Eurodac data base, but only if their personal data are properly protected said the Civil Liberties Committee … Read the full press release →

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

Digital “to-do” list: new digital priorities for 2013-2014

Posted on 20, December 2012 by

Brussels, 20-12-2012 — /europawire.eu/ — The European Commission has today adopted seven new priorities for the digital economy and society. The digital economy is growing at seven times the rate of the rest of the economy, but this potential is currently held … Read the full press release →

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