EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.
EU News: As part of its work creating a safer & sounder financial system, preventing a future crisis and restoring consumer confidence, the European Commission has proposed changes to existing European rules to further improve protection for bank account holders and retail investors.
Furthermore, the Commission has launched a public consultation (closes on 30 November 2010)on options to improve protection for insurance policy holders, including the possibility of setting up Insurance Guarantee Schemes in all Member States.
The proposals, fully in line with the EU's commitments under the G20, are now passed to the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers for consideration.
Press release ~ Deposit Guarantee Schemes ~ Investor Compensation Schemes ~ Insurance Guarantee Schemes ~ Consultation on the White Paper on Insurance Guarantee Schemes
EU News: The use of animals in scientific experiments could soon be reduced by new legislation, approved by the Agriculture Committee last week, which strives to strike the right balance between improving animal welfare and assisting research against diseases.
If endorsed by the full Parliament and Council, the new legislation would require competent national authorities to assess the animal welfare implications of each experiment done, with a view to promoting alternative testing methods and reducing the levels of pain inflicted on animals.
The new legislation would also tighten up rules on the use of primates in scientific experiments, inter alia by classifying tests according to severity and specifying the inspections necessary to ensure compliance.
The new legislation would also tighten up rules on the use of primates in scientific experiments, inter alia by classifying tests according to severity and specifying the inspections necessary to ensure compliance.
The text as approved by the Agriculture Committee reflects a deal reached with the Council for approval at the second reading. The full Parliament will have to vote in September 2010, followed by Council. The directive will enter into force 3 years after its final approval.
EU News: Last week the European Commission proposed to confer to Member States the freedom to allow, restrict or ban the cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on part or all of their territory. The proposed regulation amends Directive 2001/18/EC to allow Member States to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs in their territory.
A new recommendation on co-existence clarifies that Member States can establish ‘GMO-free’ areas and this new recommendation provides better guidance to Member States to develop co-existence approaches. The European Co-existence Bureau will continue to develop together with Member States best practices for co-existence as well as technical guidelines on related issues.
Press release ~ Questions and Answers on the EU's new approach to the cultivation of GMOs ~ Food and Feed Safety ~ European Co-existence Bureau
EU News: An agreement with Pakistan on the readmission of individuals resident in the EU without authorisation was backed by the EP Civil Liberties Committee on Tuesday 13 July. This controversial agreement, on which Parliament has a right of veto, seeks to combat clandestine immigration by making it easier to return illegal immigrants to their country of origin. It will be debated then put to a plenary vote in Strasbourg in the week of 6 to 9 September 2010.
According to the European Commission - on the basis of 2008 figures - around 13,000 Pakistani citizens have been apprehended in an irregular residence situation in the EU. The Commission has been negotiating with Pakistan for eight years on an agreement which is part of a broader move towards closer cooperation on immigration.
EU News: The EU supports cooperation to bring criminals to justice, but what happens to the millions of crime victims? Their devastating experience can be made worse by a difficult investigation or trial, an invasion of their privacy, or disrespectful treatment of their case. Wherever they are in the EU – whether at home or abroad – victims have the right to be treated respectfully, to receive support, protection, compensation and have access to justice.
The European Commission has launched a public consultation (closes on 30 September 2010) on how victims are protected, what kind of support they receive and whether any improvements are needed. The Commission will use the results when it prepares a comprehensive package of rules & practical measures to be proposed in the first half of 2011.
