Latest News

A team of EU-funded researchers has successfully identified a gene that triggers a skin disorder in dogs - and the findings could have implications for humans who also suffer from the condition.

Business Minister Edwina Hart has announced she is extending the highly successful Broadband Support Scheme which is tackling and eradicating broadband notspots in Wales.
 

To set new criteria for the support of the enhanced KTP projects in Wales.

Speech of Joaquín Almunia Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy "Priming Europe for Growth"  European Competition Forum Brussels, 2 February 2012 .

Deadline for applications in February 22nd but the work does not need to be handed in until April 12 in Cardiff.

The European Commission is working together with the tourism stakeholders to create an ICT & Tourism Initiative.
 

Published in the Western Mail:

Welsh Government business minister Edwina Hart will make the announcement today (1/2/12) with the scheme due to help establish 2,000 new growth businesses across Wales.

The 2012 EU-China Year of Intercultural Dialogue will be officially launched today (1/2/12) by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and Cai Wu, Minister of Culture of the People’s Republic of China.

It was finalised by all EU member states with the exception of the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic. The Treaty aims to strengthen fiscal discipline through the introduction of more automatic sanctions and stricter surveillance, and in particular through the "balanced budget rule".
 

 Improvements in water quality in the EU could be at risk from new forms of chemical pollution. The EU Commission is proposing to add 15 chemicals to the list of 33 pollutants that are monitored and controlled in EU surface waters.

By innovatively combining two research fields - quantum physics and nanophysics - EU-funded Danish researchers have discovered a new method for laser cooling semiconductor membranes.

The StartUp 2012: Enterprise Calendar on the StartUp Britain website highlights over 600 enterprise events across the country.

They include competitions, conferences, workshops and networking events that could be the kick-start needed to help a new or growing business venture.

Live coverage in EurActiv

EU leaders are meeting in Brussels on Monday (30 January) to agree on the final wording of a new treaty launched in December to tighten fiscal discipline in the euro zone.

The EU Commission has adopted a draft amending budget to meet part of this year's financial needs for the ITER project (€ 650 million) without asking Member States for additional contributions.
 

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani welcomed the progress on access to credits and simplification initiatives in the Member States. At the second meeting of the Network of SME Envoys yesterday in Luxembourg, chaired by the EU SME Envoy, Mr Daniel Calleja Crespo, Member States informed about progress achieved in key areas.

The site will enable Europeans to register online initiatives from 1 April 2012. The Commission will be invited to submit legislative proposals on initiatives that attract the necessary number of signatories.

28 January is European Data Protection Day, a joint initiative by the European Commission and the Council of Europe to raise awareness of how people's personal information is dealt with and their rights to data protection.

A unique £3m project to test how building facades could be developed to generate clean electricity has been announced by Deputy Minister for European Programmes, Alun Davies.
 

On 30 June 2009 the new Toy Safety Directive (2009/48/EC) was published, giving consumers assurance that toys sold in the EU fulfil the highest safety requirements world-wide, especially those relating to the use of chemical substances.

Invitation communication, journalism and audio visual students to participate in the European e-Skills Week Project Passion Competition.

Project Passion is a fun and potentially career launching initiative designed to inspire young people to create exciting  communications on a theme that is top of mind amongst all young graduates in Europe – how to win a job.

The Cabinet office has confirmed that the relaxation on the use of the accelerated restricted procedure for major public projects will not be extended into 2012 writes Ron Plascow of Mills & Reeve LLP.

The European Commission has decided to refer the United Kingdom to the EU's Court of Justice for abolishing the "remedy for repayment of taxes paid in mistake of law" without proper transitional rules.

The European Commission has asked the United Kingdom to adopt national legislation to implement the new safety rules and standards for passenger ships to comply with European Union law. If this Member State fails to inform the Commission within two months of the measures it has taken to ensure full compliance with EU law, the Commission could refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.

The EU Commission requested the United Kingdom to implement those parts of the Directive it has so far failed to.

The EU Commission strengthens the certification and authorisation process of the EU’s train signaling and speed control system. On-board products will need to be tested in accredited laboratories.