EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

EU News: The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed creation of Penguin Random House, combining parts of the publishing businesses of the media company Bertelsmann of Germanyand the publishing company Pearson of the UK.  

The Commission found that the transaction would not raise competition concerns, in particular because the merged entity will continue to face several strong competitors.
Press release & links
 
EU News: The Irish Presidency has secured agreement with the European Parliament on an EU Regulation on the implementation & exploitation of European satellite navigation systems.  

The purpose of the Regulation is to establish a new financial & governance framework for the 2 European satellite navigation programmes, Galileo & EGNOS, for the next financial period 2014-2020 & beyond.

It replaces & repeals Regulation (EC) No 683/2008, the current basic act for European satellite navigation programmes.  The agreement reached last week with the European Parliament requires final approval of Members States through the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
Press release & links
 
EU News: The Irish Presidency has secured agreement with the European Parliament on a new Port State Control Directive following intensive negotiations.  

This Directive is part of a package which will ensure the EU fulfils its commitments under the Maritime Labour Convention which sets out the minimum requirements for seafarers to work on board a ship.

The agreement reached with the European Parliament requires final approval of Members States through the Committee of Permanent Representatives. 
Press release & links
 
EU News: Last week marked the launch of the much anticipated second generation Schengen Information System (SIS II). SIS II is a large scale EU database which facilitates the exchange of alerts & information and biometric data relating to wanted persons, general criminal activity and stolen property such as vehicles, firearms, banknotes and industrial machinery, between police, borders & customs authorities across Schengen Member States.
 
The new system, which has the capacity to contain up to 70m alerts, will help maintain public security while also facilitating the free movement of people within the Schengen area. 

It improves upon the current Schengen Information System, allowing for the exchange of alerts on additional objects including for example boats, containers, industrial equipment and securities (cheques, credit cards, bonds stocks and shares).
Press release & links
 
EU NewsOrganised crime is still a major challenge for the internal security of the EU. Cybercrime, along with trafficking in human beings and the increase in violent extremism are also major security threats that the EU continues to face, together with money laundering and corruption.
 
These threats are outlined in the Commission's annual report on the implementation of the EU's Internal Security Strategy, released last week. It highlights areas under each of the objectives of the strategy (2011-2014) where Member States and EU agencies should pay particular attention.
Press release & links
 
WWF: The Coalition for Access to Justice for the Environment (CAJE) has welcomed the judgment of the European Court in the meaning of ‘prohibitive expense’ in environmental legal proceedings

The Court was asked to rule on the concept by the UK Supreme Court in the case of Edwards and the judgment has significant implications for people attempting to use the law to protect the environment across the EU.
Press release & links
 
HMRCWhat's involved in selling or dispatching goods to EU member states, including VAT, figures for Intrastat, licensing & controls. This guide will give you an overview of the procedures involved when selling or dispatching goods to any of the 27 member states that make up the European Union (EU), one of the world’s largest trading markets.
Press release & links
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story