The £2m project launched in 2010 was due to end this financial year but Mrs Hart is now extending the project to ensure the Welsh Government can respond to individuals with immediate broadband issues.

It will operate in parallel to the Next Generation Broadband for Wales (NGBW) project which will bring high speed broadband to homes and businesses that the market will not reach unaided.

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/businessandeconomy/2012/120202bss/?lang=en

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/businessandeconomy/2012/120202wiip/?lang=en

http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=34251

http://wales.gov.uk/about/cabinet/cabinetstatements/2012/ktp/?lang=en

The strategic objectives I want to achieve are:

• taking quicker decisions;

• giving a better focus to our enforcement work; and

• supporting the efforts that are being made across Europe to boost growth."

" As a first step, in the next few weeks I will discuss the problems that I see with the current system and the scope of the reform with my colleagues in the Commission, and then with the other European institutions and the Member States.

Before the summer, I will set out in a Communication the challenges in detail and I will outline a package of specific measures.

The main elements of the package could be in place before the end of next year."

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=SPEECH/12/59&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/imported/almunia-plans-to-modernise-eu-state-aid-rules/73457.aspx

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/91&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/01/31/edwina-hart-awards-contracts-for-the-welsh-government-s-17m-business-start-up-service-91466-30235568/#ixzz1l8xyYAvK

The platform will consist of 3 pillars:

a policy component
a technological component
operational component
 

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/tourism/ict/index_en.htm

http://www.artswales.org/about-us/jobs/welsh-artist-of-the-year-2012

The aim is to incorporate it into EU law within five years of its entry into force.

http://www.european-council.europa.eu/home-page/highlights/the-fiscal-compact-ready-to-be-signed-(2)?lang=en

Plant protection product substances: Aclonifen, Bifenox, Cypermethrin, Dicofol, Heptachlor, Quinoxyfen

Substances used in biocidal products: Cybutryne, Dichlorvos, Terbutryn

Industrial chemicals: Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD)

Combustion by-products: Dioxin and Dioxin-Like PCBs

Pharmaceutical substances: 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2), 17 beta-estradiol (E2), Diclofenac

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/88&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=34238

“We want 2012 to be the year of enterprise, where entrepreneurs can unlock their business potential. Enterprise events don’t just take place on one day, or during one week, but they appear throughout the year and across the country.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2012/Jan/2012-enterprise-calender

http://www.euractiv.com/euro-finance/eu-summit-live-coverage-news-509446

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/82&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/53&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

This website provides information on all citizens' initiatives, it explains the rules, and enables you to launch your initiative.

http://ec.europa.eu/citizens-initiative/public/welcome?lg=en

Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, and ahead of the Data Protection Day, European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjørn Jagland said:

“Hyper-connectivity should go hand-in-hand with the protection of privacy online. The protection of personal data is a fundamental right. Information technology offers huge economic and social potential, which will be fully realised if citizens trust that their personal information online is protected."

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/50&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

The pilot scheme will involve designing prototype systems using integrated solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies. They will then be tested in a range of buildings, including housing, offices and factories.

Backed with £1.8m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government, the scheme will develop products that not only reduce the energy requirements and costs of buildings, but also generate thermal and electrical energy in existing buildings. If successful, the new systems could play a vital role in future building and construction programmes, creating further ‘green’ jobs.

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/environmentandcountryside/2012/120123sbed/?lang=en&utm_source=120127&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=welsh_government_news_en

Check the Campaign Website for downloadables, like the Campaign videos, postcards, safety tips, etc  

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/toys/tst-campaign/index_en.htm

Employers have, understandably, been taking advantage of the relaxation of the rules for procuring public works contracts which had allowed them to presume that benefitting the economy justified using this procedure where timeframes were tight. This procedure has not gone away – it is still permitted but we are back to the good old days of trying to shoehorn the reasons for using it into the limited grounds available.   
 

See: Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/10%2011%20Threshold%20Rates%20for%202012%20and%20AR%20Procedure%20Update.pdf

The Commission's request to the Member States concerned takes the form of a reasoned opinion. If the national authorities do not reply satisfactorily within two months, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/74&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

On 30 September 2010 the Commission already formally requested the United Kingdom (IP/10/1251) to ensure compliance with the EU rules, but the latter refused to change its law.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/64&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/57&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/40&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Winners will receive cash prizes and the offer of internships at leading global companies.

Winners and runners’ up will have an all-expenses paid trip to Copenhagen in Denmark for an awards ceremony on 30 March 2012 that will involve senior members of global technology companies, European Commission Officials and of course the media.

Deadline for entries: 4 March 2012 - midnight.

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=5725&lang=en&tpa_id=0

The revised thresholds show a small increase, which is due to fluctuations in exchange rates over the previous two years.

For a summary of the threshold levels:

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/10%2011%20Threshold%20Rates%20for%202012%20and%20AR%20Procedure%20Update.pdf

See also DG Internal Market:

http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/publicprocurement/rules/current/index_en.htm

In addition, the 27 EU Member States have implemented the 1995 rules differently, resulting in divergences in enforcement. A single law will do away with the current fragmentation and costly administrative burdens, leading to savings for businesses of around €2.3 billion a year. The initiative will help reinforce consumer confidence in online services, providing a much needed boost to growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.
 

For more information:

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/46&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

With a EUR 2.7 million boost as part of the 'Regions of knowledge' Theme of the EU's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), the project partners will support scientists, engineers and development agencies from the different regions to work together and develop more effective methods of easing road congestion and improving the urban environment.

http://cordis.europa.eu/fetch?CALLER=EN_NEWS&ACTION=D&SESSION=&RCN=34228

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/content/20120120STO35891/html/Croatia-yes-vote-encouragement-to-whole-South-East-Europe-Schulz

Mr Davies said that any future European programmes for Wales would build on such successes.

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/businessandeconomy/2012/120119eufunds/;jsessionid=lJNnPdZByTvXvVpG7qpR69rdGQMjLNwYvJKy9yjfLKwNTLW0vDVr!-278907202?lang=en

The service, which is funded jointly by the Welsh Government and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), begins this month and will run until 31 December 2014.

For more information on this service contact the High Potential Starts team at HPS@wales.gsi.gov.uk

http://business.wales.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=5001943192&site=230&type=ONEOFFPAGE

The programme is led by enterprise agency Menter Mon, and backed with £3m from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. Further funding will come from the four local authorities where the project will operate.

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/businessandeconomy/2012/120119cyfenter/?lang=en

All Member States must increase their collection of e-waste, regardless of whether they already meet the current flat-rate target of 4kg per person per year.

By 2016, most will have to collect 45 tonnes of e-waste for every 100 tonnes of e-goods put on sale three years previously. By 2019, this must rise to a rate of 65%, or alternatively they can collect a comparable figure of 85% of e-waste generated. Ten countries needing to improve their facilities will have an interim target of 40% and may take until 2021 to reach the final target.

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/content/20120106FCS34949/8/html/Better-management-of-e-waste

Safer sofas

The updated legislation closes a loophole so that treated products - such as furniture sprayed with fungicide or anti-bacterial kitchen worktops - will be included under the rules and labelled. Agricultural pesticides will continue to be covered by other EU legislation.

Restricting harmful substances 

The most problematic substances - such as those that are carcinogenic, affect genes or hormones or are toxic to reproduction - should in principle be banned. Exceptions should only be made in Member States where strictly necessary, for example if a biocide is needed to safeguard against a specific danger to health. Approvals and renewals will be time-limited, while safer alternatives are developed.

Concerned about possible risks of nanotechnology, MEPs secured separate safety checks and labelling for products containing nano-sized materials.

Opening up the market

The new legislation further harmonises the EU market for biocidal products and sets deadlines for applications to be assessed. The recognition of approvals among Member States will be improved and the possibility to apply for authorisation at EU level will be phased in from 2013, becoming possible for most biocidal products by 2020.

Reducing animal testing

To avoid duplicating tests on animals, companies will be required to share data in exchange for fair compensation

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/headlines/content/20120106FCS34949/9/html/Stricter-controls-on-pest-control-products

The second element proposes a reinforcement and the optimisation of current Commission actions: enhancing tools to strengthen Member State compliance with the legal requirements; boosting the already existing international co-operation on animal welfare issues; providing consumers with better information, and performing studies where animal welfare appears to encounter the most problems.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/28&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

•Raising awareness and access to business support
•Streamline and reduce the number of public sector deliverers of business support
•Develop a one-stop-shop for micro-businesses across Wales
•Proactively promote access and awareness of business support services
Access to finance

•Facilitate accessible finance of between £1000 and £20,000 that are simple and reflect the level of investment required
•Support micro businesses to access appropriate finance options
Mentoring and coaching

•Develop a pan Wales mentoring and coaching scheme.
Public sector procurement

•Simplify public sector procurement processes and regulations
•Introduce a Wales bill on public sector procurement
•Establish a procurement commission/commissioner for Wales
•Specify local sourcing as part of public sector procurement
Regulatory burden

•Lobby for change in non-devolved matters
•Simplify regulations within Welsh Government power
•Provide support for micro businesses with regulations that impact on their business such as health and safety, staff recruitment

http://wales.gov.uk/newsroom/businessandeconomy/2012/120118micro/?lang=en

http://wales.gov.uk/docs/det/publications/120118microbusinessen.pdf

The CPNP is accessible as from 11 January 2012 to Competent Authorities, European Poison Centres and cosmetic products responsible persons and will become accessible to cosmetic products distributors as from 11 July 2013.

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/files/pdf/cpnp_user_manual_en.pdf

This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
It shall apply from 1 January 2015.
However, Member States shall allow non-established taxable persons to submit the information required under Article 360 or Article 369c of Directive 2006/112/EC, as amended by Directive 2008/8/EC, for registration under the special schemes for non-established taxable persons supplying telecommunications services, broadcasting services or electronic services
to non-taxable persons as from 1 October 2014.

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/resources/documents/taxation/vat/key_documents/legislation_proposed/com_2012_2_en.pdf

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/20&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
 

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/european-standards/documents/harmonised-standards-legislation/list-references/recreational-craft/index_en.htm
 

The new proposals would:

make it easier to buy products and services online (including music and films)
ensure more efficient, affordable delivery of products across Europe
require online sellers to provide more information about their products and prices
help develop high-speed Internet services and better communications infrastructure, so more people enjoy access, especially in rural and remote areas
provide consumers with better information and protection against abuses on the Internet.
Businesses would also benefit from the measures, encouraging them to invest in online sales and services. For example, the proposals aim to prevent illegal downloading of copyrighted content (such as films and music) and establish a clear legal framework for doing business online.

http://ec.europa.eu/news/economy/120111_en.htm

Electronic payments are essential for every consumer, either when buying something at the points-of-sale or while shopping on the internet. Throughout the EU, more than 700 million payment cards are in use, e-commerce is offering tremendous opportunities and the number of smart phones is increasing at a dramatic rate. The Green Paper analyses the obstacles which hinder European market integration in these promising payment technologies.

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/12/11&format=HTML&aged=0&language=en&guiLanguage=en

Buoyant consumer spending - at least by past German standards - reflects steady falls in German un­employ­ment to the low­est lev­el since reuni­fication, which has led to diffi­cul­ties find­ing enough en­g­i­neers, med­ical workers and oth­er specialists. High­light­ing the alarm, a third of German compa­nies cite skills short­ages as one of the biggest risks to their busi­ness prospects, accord­ing to a DIHK  German chambers of commerce sur­vey re­leased in December. It is not just skilled workers: vis­itors to Frankfurt soon note the numbers of shops and restaurants with no­tices in their windows advertis­ing for workers.
Unlike oth­er eu­rozone countries, Germany does not face years of aus­terity. The data showed the country’s public sector deficit fell to 1 per cent of GDP in 2011, well be­low the 4.3 per cent in 2010, and with­in the 3 per cent set for eu­rozone members.
German compa­nies are also enjoying favourable con­ditions.  
http://www.ft.com/home/uk

The enforcement phase will now start: in the coming weeks and months business operators will be contacted by the national authorities and asked to provide clarifications or correct their websites. Failure to do so, depending on the national legislation which is applicable, can result in legal action leading to fines or even closure of the websites. The national enforcement authorities are asked to report back to the European Commission by autumn 2012.
 

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/enforcement/sweep/consumer_credits/index_en.htm

Proposals are invited under the following actions in this Call:

Safer Internet Centres
• Action 1.1 Integrated Network: Safer Internet Centres
Fighting against illegal content and harmful contact and conduct online
• Action 2.1 Targeted Project: Enhancing Law Enforcement Agencies' Identification and Analysis of Child Pornography
Promoting a safer online environment
• Action 3.1 Thematic Network: Promoting Positive Online Experiences for Young Children
Establishing a knowledge base
• Action 4.1 Knowledge Enhancement Project: Investigating the Impact on Young People of Convergence of Technology
• Action 4.2 Knowledge Enhancement Project: Identifying Child Friendly Search/Browser Tools

Please note that this is a draft call based on the draft Work Programme. A final version of these documents is expected at a later stage. The Call has an indicative budget of €13.42 million.

The deadline for receipt of all proposals is 29 March 2012.

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/funding/projects/index_en.htm

A number of hair-dye substances will be added to the list of substances that cosmetic products can contain but only under certain restrictions.

One substance will - at the same time - be deleted from the list of substances that are provisionally allowed without restriction.

These changes are set out in detail in the Annex to Commission Directive 2011/59/EU, which amends the two lists in Annex III of Council Directive 76/768/EEC.

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2011:125:0017:01:EN:HTML

In its End of Year Statement, Enterprise Ireland estimates that client companies’ export sales grew in 2011 and that the final export figures will exceed the pre-recession record levels of 2008. New export sales in excess of EUR1bn are expected to be recorded for 2011. In addition, employment in client companies stabilised after a period of decline, in spite of severe global conditions. Indeed, Enterprise Ireland said the firms have emerged leaner, stronger and with a greater appetite for international growth than ever before.

Total employment in Enterprise Ireland client companies stood at 162,692 in 2011. Of these, 141,228 are full-time jobs, a similar number to last year, while 21,464 are part-time jobs, representing a slight increase on 2010. With the world economy predicted to grow moderately in 2012, it is believed Irish companies will experience further opportunities to increase exports, thus sustaining and creating employment in Ireland.

Joe Costello, the Minister for Trade and Development, welcomed the statement, saying it confirms that notwithstanding the very challenging global circumstances they faced this year, Irish companies managed to achieve record levels of exports. He said, “These figures confirm that the government’s strategy to support an export led recovery is the right one. I am determined in my new capacity as Minister for Trade, to continue to maximise every opportunity to support Irish companies doing business overseas.” Costello added that he looked forward to participating in the government’s Export Trade Council and to leading a number of trade missions to some of Ireland's key export markets.

The report also details features of Enterprise Ireland's projects in 2011. Over the course of the year, Enterprise Ireland introduced a number of new initiatives in direct response to the demands of entrepreneurs and client companies including the creation of Competitive Start Funds for very early stage entrepreneurs, worth EUR50,000 per start-up, to 55 firms. A EUR10m International Fund was set up for attracting entrepreneurs from overseas, and a Graduates 4 International Growth programme saw 120 graduates placed with Irish companies all over the world. Leadership training for Chief Financial Officers was offered, while staff resources in key markets were re-aligned to maximise impact in key ‘first time export’ and High Growth Markets, with Enterprise Ireland opening its first office in South Africa.

In 2011, a record number of Irish companies were acquired by overseas Multinationals, with firms such as Research in Motion (Blackberry), BAE Systems, AMDOCS and IBM giving the acquired companies significantly greater global reach. Large scale R&D expansions were supported in 110 companies, and the Technology Centre programme, which Enterprise Ireland runs jointly with the IDA, is already delivering next generation technologies to key industry sectors such as manufacturing, bio-energy, nanotechnology, microelectronics, IT, composite materials, energy and food. The programme expanded in 2011 with the announcement of centres in Financial Services, Cloud Computing and Learning Technologies.

In addition, Enterprise Ireland continued to introduce Irish companies to ‘big ideas’ from 3rd level research in 2011. More than 90 technologies were licensed to companies during the year and a further 30 spin-out companies were created through Enterprise Ireland’s support of the technology transfer offices in Higher Education Institutions. A further 51 companies were supported through the Innovation Partnership programme which enables companies to source technical solutions to their business challenges from Higher Education Institutions.

748 companies received Innovation Vouchers worth EUR5,000 which allowed them to work with researchers in local third level institutes and colleges and access knowledge and specialist equipment. Enterprise Ireland also helped Irish companies secure EUR31.8m from the Seventh EU Framework Programme (FP7) and the European Space Agency, both important sources of non-exchequer funding.

Frank Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Ireland said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud of the companies we work with. They have proved to be resilient and relentless in their pursuit of new market opportunities and they are to be commended on their success. Enterprise Ireland is determined to continue to support their job creation initiatives and identify and help secure overseas business in established and high growth markets. This will not only assist growth in exporting businesses, but local economies in every county in Ireland. It is also apparent that Companies that invest in continuous research and development have been our most successful in overseas markets."

“There should be no misunderstanding however, and it’s been widely reported, that 2012 will be a year of continuing challenges. In preparation for this, Enterprise Ireland will move rapidly to implement the Government’s planned Jobs Strategy. We will continue to focus on lean programmes to increase clients competitiveness; we will continue to increase numbers of High Potential Start Ups from within Ireland and from overseas; we will continue to help companies win business overseas in both established and high growth markets; and we will continue to introduce new offers and initiatives to ensure that the full focus of Enterprise Ireland is aimed at meeting the needs of our clients so they can sustain and grow employment,” Ryan concluded.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton, added: "Creating an indigenous engine of economic growth is central to my plan for revitalising the economy. Enterprise Ireland, and the various supports it provides to domestic businesses, particularly in the exporting sector, will be key to this. In these very difficult times, to have kept employment steady in the companies it supports, with increases in certain categories, is a creditable performance. I commend Frank, his team, and above all the businesses on this record. Although 2012 will be another difficult year, this government is determined to continually improve our supports to domestic job-creating businesses through improvements in access to finance and reductions in costs. With the right supports I hope that these businesses can build on this year’s performance and get more people back to work”.

The objective of the IEE Programme is to contribute to secure, sustainable and competitively priced energy for Europe. This Call covers actions in the following fields:

SAVE - Energy efficiency and rational use of energy resources - 2012 indicative budget €15 million

SAVE will cover the three following Key Actions in 2012:
• Industrial excellence in energy: for actions to increase the competitiveness of European small and medium size enterprises (SME's) by empowering them to save energy.
• Consumer behaviour: for actions to help transform the market towards more energy-efficient products and systems, and change the behaviour of consumers.
• Energy Services: for actions to increase market transparency and confidence for all market actors, to develop the energy services market for small consumers and to empower households to ensure the effectiveness of smart meters.

ALTENER - New and renewable energy resources - 2012 indicative budget €11.5 million

ALTENER projects may include one or more of the following Key Actions:
• Electricity from renewable energy sources (RES-e): for actions to increase the share of renewable electricity in Europe’s final energy consumption.
• Bioenergy: for actions promoting increased production and use of biomass, bio-liquids and biogas in energy markets.

STEER - Energy in transport (STEER) - 2012 indicative budget €12.5 million

In 2012 STEER will cover the two following Key Actions:
• Energy-efficient transport: for actions to reduce the demand for travel by car and transport by road freight, and to shift travel and transport to more efficient transport modes.
• Clean and energy-efficient vehicles: for actions to help transform the market towards more energy-efficient vehicles, supporting and complementing the recent legislation in this area.

Integrated Initiatives - 2012 indicative budget of €27 million

For the work programme 2012 the following five integrated initiatives are proposed:
• Energy-efficient public spending initiative: new initiative, responding to the emphasis set by the Energy Efficiency Plan on the spending of public bodies (integrated initiative relevant to both SAVE and STEER).
• Local energy leadership: targeted capacity building of multipliers in relation to sustainable energy action plans, continuation from previous years (SAVE, ALTENER, STEER).
• Mobilising local energy investment: technical assistance for public bodies to prepare bankable sustainable energy projects (SAVE, ALTENER, STEER).
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings: energy performance certificates, nearly zero energy renovations and compliances are the keywords of this year's priorities (SAVE and ALTENER).
• Build Up Skills: last opportunity for setting up national qualification platforms and roadmaps (Pillar I) and first opportunities to submit proposals for concrete qualification schemes (Pillar II).

The deadline for the main programme is 8 May 2012.

The Build Up Skills Initiative has separate deadlines of Pillar 1: 9 February 2012, and Pillar II: 30 April 2013.

http://ec.europa.eu/energy/intelligent/getting-funds/call-for-proposals/index_en.htm

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/11/794&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
 

The first concerns additives in foodstuff and it will come into application in June 2013 (this grace period for the application was deemed necessary to allow the Union's food industry to adapt to the new rules). This list, which is also available in a database online (https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/sanco_foods/?sector=FAD), will allow consumers, food business operators and control authorities to easily identify which additives are authorised in a particular foodstuff.

The second list regards additives in food ingredients, such as other additives, enzymes, flavourings and nutrients and it will apply 20 days after its publication in the EU's Official Journal.

The establishment of the two lists is an important step in the implementation of framework Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives adopted in December 2008.

What else changes by the new legislative provisions

Apart from the establishment of the two lists, the new legislation also provides for:

    well determined conditions under which additives may be added to food

    a food categorisation with the additives listed in a clear way according to the categories of food to which they may be added

    a programme for the full re-evaluation of the safety of all authorised additives

    clear guidelines and instructions for the applicants requesting new uses of food additives

http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1341&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

Grants of up to £25,000 are available for small companies (based anywhere in the UK) that are developing their own games or other forms of interactive digital content.

The grants can be used to develop prototypes of original intellectual property (IP), allowing companies to go on to seek further funding or investment to launch their product. As part of the programme's offering, studio space, equipment, and software will be available for companies to use while prototypes are being developed at Abertay University.

Games projects and other forms of interactive digital content, such as e-learning, visualisation, interactive exhibits, online film/broadcast media, or middleware can be supported.

Grants can be used for a range of expenditure identified within the project budget, primarily:

    * costs for a selected number of the applicant's development team;
    * part-time employment costs of a proportion of students or graduates selected as part of the student placement element; and
    * additional costs, such as a contractor to fill a gap in the team.

The closing date for receipt of applications to this round is 14 December 2011.

http://prototypefund.abertay.ac.uk/funding/

JOINT SPONSOR REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP WITH:

* Merthyr Tydfil - Lead Body
* Blaenau Gwent
* Bridgend
* Caerphilly
* Rhondda Cynon Taff
* Torfaen

PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop 3rd sector organisations with ambition to create sustainable income streams and reduce grant dependency;

Support the growth of Social Enterprise and Community Economic Development across the South East Region;

To bring economic and social benefit to local communities.

www.merthyr.gov.uk/Home/Business/South+East+Wales+Community+Economic+Develoment+Programme.htm

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, and Commissioner for Environment Janez Potočnik, said: “Our chemical industry needs to be sustainable and provide the necessary information to ensure safe use of chemicals. Therefore, we appeal to all companies concerned to notify the classification and labelling of the substance they place on the market in time to the European Chemicals Agency."
In line with the new Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulation manufacturers and importers are required to notify the classification and labelling of chemical substances placed on the EU market to ECHA by 3 January 2011. On 16 December, more than 1.9 million notifications had been submitted to ECHA, and the number is increasing.

It is important to note that these notifications must also be sent for small quantities of chemicals for which no registration is required under REACH or which have to be registered only in 2013 or 2018. This means many companies are concerned, including many small businesses. No notification is required for substances already registered under REACH by the 30 November 2010 deadline, unless the classification information needs to be updated due to the changes in rules that occurred on 1 December 2010.

Geert Dancet, ECHA Executive Director added: "ECHA and national helpdesks are available to help and support industry, especially SMEs, to comply with their obligations". ECHA will publish the information received in the Classification & Labelling Inventory, which will allow companies to harmonise the classification of substances.

Background:

The new CLP Regulation incorporates the classification criteria and labelling rules agreed at UN level, the so called Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). It introduces new classification criteria, hazard symbols (pictograms) and labelling phrases, while taking account of elements which are part of earlier EU legislation.

The Regulation requires companies to classify, label and package appropriately their hazardous chemicals before placing them on the market. It aims to protect workers, consumers and the environment by means of labelling which reflects possible hazardous effects of dangerous substances.

For more information:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/chemicals/classification/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/ghs/index_en.htm

http://echa.europa.eu/home_en.asp