EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

Defra: Newmarket Sausages have become the 50th British food product to earn European recognition for their quality, history, and links to the local area.
 
After a lengthy consultation period, the Suffolk-based banger will now carry a badge declaring its Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status.  Newmarket Sausages now joins the ranks of Cornish Pasties, Parma Ham and Champagne, which have all earned the same quality mark.
Press release ~ Musks Newmarket Sausages ~ Powters NS
 
EU News: Europe took a major step forward in vehicle safety on 1 November 2012 as a basket of new safety requirements for new types of motor vehicles came into force.  Measures which become mandatory include safety belt reminders, safety requirements for electric vehicles, easier child seat anchorages (ISOFIX), better protection of passengers against the displacement of luggage in case of the accident & tyre pressure monitoring system.
 
In addition, cars will be also equipped with gear shift indicators to help drivers save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.  These new features are required under the General Safety Regulation, adopted in 2009.  This one regulation replaced more than 50 directives without weakening any safety standard.
Press release & links
 
PC&PE: According to the Justice Select Committee, the European Union Data Protection proposals ‘need to go back to the drawing board’. EU proposals to update data protection laws are too prescriptive, according to a new Report by the Committee.
 
Sir Alan Beith MP, Chairman of the JC, said: "The current data protection laws for general and commercial purposes need to be updated, as they do not account for the digital world. However, we agree with the Information Commissioner’s assessment that the system set out in the draft Regulation 'cannot work' and is 'a regime which no-one will pay for'.”
Press release & links
 
PC&PEEU regulations on the safety of medical implants - such as metal-on-metal hip replacements - must be urgently tightened in response to evidence that manufacturers are seeking approval for devices in Member States with the least stringent regulatory regimes, MPs have warned in a report out last week.
Press release & links
 
EU News: The European Commission is launching a public consultation to identify promising & potentially game-changing directions for future technological research – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information.
 
EU News: Parliament's key negotiators on the EU long-term budget for 2014-2020 expressed dismay at the Cypriot Presidency proposal for a proposed budget cut by €50bn - See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
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