Fuente: © European Union
http://europa.eu.int

EU: Midday Express of 2008-06-17

/noticias.info/ * Commission starts public dialogue on nanotechnologies – tapping economic and environmental potential through safe products

Nanotechnologies have enormous potential benefits for manufacturers, consumers, employees, patients and the environment. They will bring more energy and resource efficient processes, improve computer memories and processors and could usher in a new age of customized pharmaceuticals and medical procedures. While current EU legislation covers in principle the challenges for health, safety and environment with regards to nanomaterials, there is further need for research and international cooperation. As more and more products involving nanomaterials are reaching the market, the European Commission will start a consultation with stakeholders and Member States in order to increase knowledge and awareness about the potential of nanotechnologies and to continue to ensure an adequate protection of nature, environment and health.

* 40 years of Customs Union: Commissioner Kovács joins with the European Parliament to celebrate custom's role in protecting citizens and facilitating trade

On 1 July 2008, the European Customs Union will celebrate its fortieth anniversary. In light of this milestone, EU Taxation and Customs Commissioner László Kovács was in Strasbourg today to participate in the European Parliament's session on 40 years of Customs Union. Over the past 4 decades, customs have played a crucial role in the development of the European Community: without efficient customs control at the EU's external borders, the Single Market would never have been possible. Customs not only facilitate trade and ensure the protection of European industry but they prevent a flood of unsafe or counterfeit goods, which can endanger citizens' health and safety, from entering the EU. Customs also keep close control of the movement of chemicals which can be misused and transformed into harmful drugs and prevent illegal imports of animals which are internationally protected animals and or could introduce disease.

* Euro area external trade surplus € 2.3 billion

The first estimate for the euro area (EA15) trade balance with the rest of the world in April 2008 gave a € 2.3 billion surplus, compared with € +2.0 billion in April 2007. The March 2008 balance was € -1.5 billion, compared with € +7.5 billion in March 2007. In April 2008 compared with March 2008, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 6.2% and imports by 3.6%. The first estimate for the April 2008 extra-EU27 trade balance was a deficit of € 15.4 billion euro, compared with € -12.9 billion in April 2007. In March 2008, the balance was € -20.8 billion, compared with € -10.5 billion in March 2007. In April 2008 compared with March 2008, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 5.1% and imports by 1.4%. These data are released by Eurostat.

* Commission clears acquisition of CPS by Nordic Capital

The European Commission has granted clearance under the EU Merger Regulation to the acquisition of sole control of CPS Color Group Oy (CPS) of Finland by Nordic Capital Fund VI (Nordic Capital) of the UK. Nordic Capital is a private equity company. CPS produces integrated tinting systems. The operation was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

* European Commission launches the Semantic Interoperability Centre Europe (SEMIC.EU), an e-government support service

Semantic interoperability — or the ability to exchange data across national, sectoral and linguistic boundaries while preserving the meaning of the data — is a major challenge for public administrations everywhere. As a first step towards meeting this challenge, the European Commission has launched SEMIC.EU, a single point of reference for semantic interoperability in Europe. It provides a valuable range of services and a collaboration platform for pan-European e-government projects. For more information: www.semic.eu

Rediffusion

* Commissioner Michel welcomes first-ever joint ACP-EU resolutions

For the first time in its 33-year history, the ACP-EU Council of Ministers has come out with a joint political resolution on top-of-agenda issues such as food prices, Economic Partnership Agreements and regional integration, and the effectiveness of development aid.

* Autre matériel diffusé

• Memo on Questions and Answers on Nanotechnologies (see also IP/08/947)

• Speech by Vice-President Barrot before the European Parliament, Strasbourg

• Speech by Commissioner Reding 'Seizing the opportunities of the Global Internet Economy', Seoul

• Présentation au Parlement européen du Vice-Président Tajani, Strasbourg

• Speech by Commissioner Hübner 'The role of the Cohesion Policy in the integration of vulnerable communities and groups – debate on report Harangazó', Strasbourg

A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315):

Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration :

Friesland/Campina

Shell/BP/AFS/GlobeFuel

Strabag/Kirchhoff notas_de_prensa_archivo