Αναζήτηση

The implementation of single market legislation within the Member States continues to face hurdles.

The European Commission has published a roadmap outlining measures to encourage more efficient use of natural resources in the EU. Industry welcomed the roadmap while environmentalists called for more specific indicators and targets, and faster progress.

Demand is growing for European Union civilian missions to help stabilise conflict-torn areas worldwide. The EU has made progress in streamlining relevant institutions and developing capabilities. The EU's largest civilian mission, in Kosovo, showcases the complex challenges of managing a crisis.

The European Commission has proposed to strengthen social protection for workers temporarily posted abroad – a controversial issue at the intersection of economic freedoms and fundamental rights.

The Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) seeks to help European enterprises, especially small and medium-sized ones (SMEs), to become more competitive and innovative. It does so by improving access to finance and support services at regional level, and by encouraging better use of information and communications technologies (ICT). In addition, CIP fosters energy efficiency and renewable energy. With an overall budget of €3.6 billion from 2007 to 2013, the programme aims to act ...

Analysts concurred with the European Commission that the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is making progress but challenges remain. Reactions within the country centred on the name dispute with Greece which continues to block the start of accession talks.

Shaken market confidence has dramatically increased borrowing costs for several eurozone countries. As a remedy, the European Commission floated options for the 17 eurozone governments to jointly issue stability bonds, also called eurobonds. However, Germany is concerned that the plan would undermine incentives for fiscal discipline in debt-ridden Member States (MS).

The debate about net neutrality pits defenders of an open internet against those who prefer a hands-off approach to regulation. Differences among Member States may complicate the formulation of a coherent EU policy.

The European Commission presented on 6 June 2011 a set of measures to help Member States enforce laws and international obligations against corruption. The Commission is to publish a regular report, setting a precedent for EU-wide monitoring of anti-corruption practices.

Japan and the EU figure among each other’s top trading partners, with Japan as the leading exporter of cars to the EU. However, the two have not always managed to tap the potential for bilateral trade, or translate common concerns into an effective partnership. EU exporters and investors remain frustrated by Japan’s structurally closed markets.