Category: Archive – 2011

Whether a baby-stroller or a new pair of shoes, we all like to be sure that the products we buy in the EU are safe.  The good news is that fewer dangerous products are reaching the EU market since such products are now identified and removed more readily.  Thanks to the increasing effectiveness of the EU's rapid alert system for non-food dangerous products ("RAPEX"), a record 2,244 unsafe products were banned, withdrawn from the market or recalled from consumers in 2010 (up 13% compared with 2009), according to the 2010 annual RAPEX report published today.

 

Member States have upped their game and European businesses are also taking their responsibilities in the consumer product safety area more seriously, with a marked increase (200%) in the use of the dedicated rapid alert system for business ('GPSD Business Application'). Safety at source has become a key focus – with attention now moving right back to the factory floor (design and manufacturing), and work with international partners is growing, in particular with China.

RAPEX system increasingly effective.

Since the introduction of RAPEX in 2004, notifications have increased from 468 (2004) to 2,244 (2010). The increased capacity and efficiency is attributed to:

more active product safety enforcement by national authorities, including through specific projects;

better allocation of resources;

greater awareness among businesses of their obligations;

enhanced cooperation with third countries, in particular China;

network-building and training coordinated by the European Commission.

All Member States involved.

Half of the participating countries further increased their activities in the system in 2010. The most active countries were Germany (204 notifications), Bulgaria (192 notifications), Hungary (191 notifications), Cyprus (178 notifications), and Greece (159 notifications). Notifications sent by these countries represent 47% of all notifications on products posing a serious risk sent via the system.

Clothing and textiles, toys, and motor vehicles top the list

Clothing and textiles (625 notifications) were the most frequently notified products (suffocation and irritation risks) followed by toys (488 notifications), (mainly choking risk), and motor vehicles (175 notifications), (risk of injury), which together accounted for 66% of all notifications on products posing a serious risk in 2010. Electrical appliances (158 notifications) became the fourth most frequently notified category of product (risk of electric shock).

For more information, please see:

http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/safety/news/index_en.htm

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen public-private partnership dedicates more than €200 million to support research and demonstration activities in these energy technologies The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking whose total budget amounts to nearly  €1bn to be invested by 2013, publishes its fourth annual call for proposals today, confirming the clear commitment to make these modular technologies deliver their environmental and economic benefits across various sectors: transport, power generation, industrial equipment and consumer devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the context of ambitious European objectives towards a low carbon economy, an increased energy security, reduced  oil dependance and the delivery of improved power management, the contribution of these green technologies is essential to address current challenges while sustaining EU competitiveness and job creation.

Offering high efficiency, efficient use of energy, notably renewables,  in addition to limited C02 emissions and noise, these energy technologies allow Europe to stay the course in the international competition from US, Japan, Korea and China. Over € 200 million's worth have been allocated for their support through research and demonstration projects with € 109 million by the European Commission matched by in-kind contributions from industrial partners.

Welcoming the launch of this fourth call, the newly elected Chairman of the Industry Grouping of the Joint Undertaking, Pierre-Etienne Franc, underlines:

"Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies are increasingly being seen as playing an important role in both a cleaner transport sector and a more efficient energy system at European level. The deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen cars is now entering a strategic phase, targeting European wide markets. Therefore appropriate funding for RTD and demonstrationprojects, as well as sufficient support for refuelling infrastructure build- up, together with favourable regulatory frameworks are a prerequisite to pave the way for market introduction and customer acceptance of these innovative technologies".

Bert De Colvenaer, Executive Director of the FCH Joint Undertaking, adds: "This is the biggest of all calls planned for the duration of the programme. We are determined, notably with shorter administrative timelines, to support the commercial deployment of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies, which now enters into a critical phase towards a wider market entry.  In parallel to the call for proposals 2011 and in support of the wide deployment of the fuel cell and hydrogen technology, we are currently drafting the specifications for a series of studies on further European fuel cells and hydrogen 'Roll Out' and commercialisation plans for vehicles, stationary applications, busses and material handling vehicles.  We intend to launch a public procurement for these studies later this year".  

Acceleration to market entry of fuel cells and hydrogen technologies

The 36 topics of the call address key issues to foster market breakthroughs. As last year, they are divided in 5 application areas: transportation and refuelling infrastructure; hydrogen production and distribution; stationary power generation; and early markets, such as portable, micro applications or handling vehicles. The fifth application area focuses on cross-cutting issues aiming to address non-technical barriers, such as development of life cycle assessment, codes and standards, socio-economic research, public awareness, training etc…

However 70% of the funding will be dedicated to transport and refuelling infrastructure and to stationary applications. This reflects that the commercialisation of fuel cells electric vehicles is recognised as a market push for other applications, as well as the wide potential of stationary applications.

Next steps

The deadline for application is 18 August 2011. Evaluation of proposals will be carried out in September 2011 and projects selected for contract negotiations should be announced already by the end of December 2011.

Background

The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking was established on 14 October 2008 as the first illustrative example of a public-private partnership instrument under the European Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET-Plan), technology pillar of the EU's energy and climate policy. Autonomous since 15 November 2010, the FCH JU aims to speed up the development of fuel cell and hydrogen technologies in Europe to enable their commercialisation between 2010 and 2020. Current membership includes the European Commission and 54 companies, from multinationals to SMEs represented by the Industry Grouping (NEW-IG), as well as over 55 universities and research institutes, represented by the Research Grouping (N.ERGHY) engaging more than 2000 researchers in the field of fuel cells and hydrogen.

For more information

The FCH JU will hold a Public Information Session on 12 May 2011 from 14:30 to 17:30 in Tour Madou, 1 Place Madou, Brussels, which will cover the different topics of the call, the process, the rules for submission of proposals as well as other useful information. To get more information and for registration (compulsory for security access purposes) please contact .

A brokerage event will also be co-organized by the Industry and Research Groupings of the Joint Undertaking on 19 May 2011, in Berlin. This event aims to offer to participants the opportunity to discuss concrete project ideas, find and meet with potential partners within their respective application areas, build or join a consortium, as well as enlarge their network. To get more information and register for the event, please contact the Industry grouping () or the Research Grouping ().

Should you require any further information please contact Claire Castel, Policy & Communication Officer on: 22218135 or

Key points in text of new Proposal

European Standards pursuant to the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) shall meet the specific safety requirements for bicycles, bicycles for young children, and luggage carriers for bicycles which are set out in the Annex to the Draft Commission Decision. Standards dealing with the above mentioned products will be drafted with the aim of meeting the safety requirements set out in the draft Commission Decision.

 

Background

The harmonised standards dealing with City and Trekking Bicycles, Mountain-Bicycles, Racing Bicycles and Luggage carriers for bicycles will be revised and the new standards will meet the requirements set out in the draft Commission Decision.

European standard EN 14765:2005+A1:2008 specifies safety requirements and test methods for bicycles for young children, which are excluded from the scope of the Toys Safety Directive. A mandate will be produced following the publication of the Draft Commission Decision so as to be able to publish the reference to this standard in the Official Journal of the European Union. As soon as it is published, bicycles for young children which are excluded from the scope of the Toys Safety Directive and which are in compliance with this standard will be presumed to conform to the General Product Safety Directive and therefore to be safe.

Dates

Feedback to be received by the 24th May 2011

Contacts

Comments to be sent to the Regulatory Affairs Directorate, on-

The European Commission is seeking views on how to fully benefit from 'cloud computing'. Cloud computing enables anyone using networks such as the internet, to access their data and software on computers located somewhere else. It can help businesses – especially SMEs – to drastically reduce information technology costs, help governments supply services at a lower cost and save energy by making more efficient use of hardware.

 

Cloud computing is already used widely, for example for web-based e-mail services. This trend is growing and cloud services are expected to generate revenues of almost €35 billion in Europe by 2014. Promoting the right conditions for citizens and businesses to best benefit from this technical development is one of the actions foreseen by the Digital Agenda for Europe. The online public consultation will run until the August 31st. Responses will feed into the preparation of a European cloud computing strategy that the Commission will present in 2012.

The European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda, said: "I am excited about the potential benefits of cloud computing to cut costs, improve services and open up new business opportunities. We need a well-defined cloud computing strategy to ensure that we make the best use of this potential."

Cloud computing has the potential to develop into a major new service industry, presenting great opportunities for European telecoms and technology companies. Client companies and public administrations can benefit from lower costs and state-of-the-art services by using cloud computing rather than installing and maintaining software and computing equipment of their own.

Inter alia, the survey seeks feedback on the following issues:

data protection and liability questions, in particular in cross-border situations;

other legal and technical barriers that can slow down the development of cloud computing in Europe;

standardisation and interoperability solutions;

uptake of cloud services, in particular by SMEs;

ways to promote research and innovation in cloud computing.

The results of the consultation will feed into a European cloud computing strategy that the Commission will present in 2012. This strategy will aim to clarify the legal conditions for the take-up of cloud computing in Europe, stimulate the development of a competitive European cloud industry and market, and facilitate the roll-out of innovative cloud computing services for citizens and businesses.

To access the public consultation:

ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=cloudcomputing&lang=en

Digital Agenda website:

ec.europa.eu/information_society/digital-agenda/index_en.htm

LIFE+ is the European Union's direct funding programme for the Environment providing funding opportunities for the conservation of protected habitats and species, the halt of loss in biodiversity and the implementation of environmental policy as a key dimension of sustainable development. Environment protection is of crucial importance to the European Union. LIFE+ is there to provide complementary support to other funding instruments aimed at protecting our environment.

 

LIFE+ is subdivided into three distinct strands, thus a vast array of projects can be implemented. These strands are:

LIFE+ Nature & Biodiversity, which may include the conservation of threatened habitats and species as well as actions to halt the loss in  biodiversity;

LIFE+ Environmental Policy & Governance which aims specifically at contributing to the implementation, updating and development of Community environmental policy and legislation, including nature and biodiversity, climate change, water, air, soil, urban environment, noise, chemicals, environmental health, waste and natural resources as well as the integration of environment into other policies, thereby contributing to sustainable development; and

LIFE+ Information & Communication which deals with information campaigns related to all the environmental aspects mentioned above. Such proposed projects must seek to raise awareness on environmental issues so as to achieve a positive change in people's attitude towards the environment.

LIFE+ is open to all bodies that are registered in the EU; therefore applications could be submitted from the public as well as the private sector as well as universities, research institutes and environmental NGOs within the 27 EU Member States. Applications can be submitted by a single beneficiary or a partnership including a co-ordinating beneficiary and one/several associated beneficiaries.

This year's application package including applications and all the related documentation and guidelines, can be found online on the official website being http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/lifeplus.htm  .

In addition, one can also find a database listing all the projects that have been funded under LIFE/LIFE+ together with a brief description of the projects as well as links to their websites on http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life/project/Projects/index.cfm

The Plant Health Directorate would like to inform you that the Directorate General for Health and Consumers of the European Commission has launched an online survey with regards to the current review of the EU legislation on the marketing of seeds and other plant propagation material. If you are interested in taking part in this survey, you are kindly requested to go to the following link. – http://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/propagation/evaluation/index_en.htm

Vince Farrugia the Maltese Employers` Representative on the Employers Bureau of the European Economic and Social Committee was today one of the speakers on Public Finance during the second day of the III European Economic Congress which began yesterday in Katowice in Poland. This event, without precedence in the central and Easter European economic region, gathered together four Prime Ministers of Central European Countries, including Donald Tusk – the Polish Prime Minister, Jadranka Kosor – the Croatian Prime Minister, Petr Necas – Prime Minister of Czech Republic and Victor Orban – Hungarian Prime Minister.

 

The European Economic Congress is one of the most important business events in Central Europe. The leading topic of the next Congress is the competitive European economy. The congress reflected on what actions have to be undertaken, which processes need to be launched, which priorities we should focus on so that the European economy can compete successfully with the most expansive economies of Asia and both Americas. The crucial aspect of fighting for competitiveness is the question of institutional reform of the EU which needs to function more efficiently and effectively.

The Congress was opened by Jerzy Buzek President of the European Parliament. Other speakers included EU Vice President Tajani and Janusz Lewandowski, EU Commissioner for Budget and finance Programming.  As the only other EESC representative besides the EESC President Stephan Nielsen, Vince Farrugia  presented to the European Economic Congress his views on EU Economic Governance and on the Prevention and Correction of Macro-economic Imbalances and on the Effective Enforcement of Budgetary Surveillance in the Euro Area. Vince Farrugia's Opinion as Rapporteur on this theme became official EESC Opinion during the last May Plenary of EESC.

This year's  European Economic Congress has a record number of guess of the highest rank. 100 sessions will be organised within the remit of the congress and a total of 6,000 participants will take part in this three day event.

At EU level implementation still far from being complete, but situation is worse at national level – GRTU has this week written to the Ministry for Finance in reply to the consultation on the Review of the Small Business Act. GRTU replied as below:

 

The GRTU is still eagerly waiting for the national government to put the SBA principles and actions at the centre of all SME-relevant policies, to fully involve representative business organisations and to put in place the recently made suggestions to improve governance. Steps forward should be taken at EU level, for instance by fully embracing the ‘Think Small First' principle from the very early stages of policy making and securing the availability of financial resources for all the initiatives foreseen by the Small Business Act.

The principles and actions of the Small Business Act are far from being well established, both at EU level and at national level.

Currently Governments seem to be paying mostly lip service to the SBA and only too few concrete measures have really been put it at the centre of their policies. This was clearly highlighted by the examples of Good Practice in the SBA review recently published by the European Commission. GRTU warmly welcomes the two best practices listed as Maltese (MicroInvest and Business Advisory Services), however these are still few. Such a slow-paced and uneven implementation cannot be tolerated any longer. It is a slap in the face to businesses.

The proposals made by the Commission in its review could help to speed up the process and bring about concrete results in the near future. This is true especially as far as governance is concerned. The SBA review has stressed the importance of involving representative business organisations. We expect progress to be made in this respect. They should closely monitor and coordinate the SBA implementation and follow-up, guarantee that the interests of SMEs are taken into account in all policy areas and last but not least ensure the full application of the ‘Think Small First' principle. The same aims should be further pursued at EU level. For instance, the reality of small companies should be fully taken into account from the very early stages of policy making, starting from impact assessment.

The impact of the Small Business Act will depend on one hand on the concrete implementation at national, regional and local level. On the other hand, it is also clearly linked to the availability of adequate funds. Financial resources must be secured for the many important actions contained in the SBA, for instance on standardisation, risk capital, guarantees, the comparison of existing best practices, statistics and research on the SBA implementation and many others.

With the debate on Europe's financial perspectives now well underway, policymakers have a chance that cannot be missed to invest in SMEs. We hope that they will put their money where their mouth is.

First of all I inform you that we are still awaiting reply to our request of 20^th April on Credit Terms of Fuel Distributors. As you are aware fuel distributors are your sales arm in a market which is becoming increasingly competitive. We honestly fail to understand why Enemalta insists on making life difficult for these enterprises to flourish. Their success is your success, so why do you punish them? Please let's find a solution to this problem without any need of reference to redress elsewhere.

 

A second issue affecting these distributors is the price at which you sell to them. Enemalta has been forced to settle the issue of a common wholesale price to all petrol station owners but has failed to reconcile the wholesale price at which you sell to fuel distributors. Enemalta has also accepted after reference to MRA the new wholesale price on fuels including the difference of 0.8 euro cents price differential in their favour.

On behalf of fuel distributors, GRTU requests you to adopt also the 0.8 euro cents change in favour also of fuel distributors. We believe that this follows obviously from the arrangement with petrol station owners and it is in line with fair competition rules. Kindly take action to implement this change with affect from April 1^st 2011.