EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

Newswire – EU: The European Civil Protection Mechanism was established in 2001 to support the mobilisation of emergency assistance in the event of major disasters.  EU & neighbouring countries are periodically affected by natural & man-made disasters.  The primary responsibility for dealing with the immediate effects of a disaster lies with the country where it has occurred.

Nevertheless, when the scale of the emergency overwhelms national response capabilities, a disaster-stricken country can benefit from civil protection means or teams in other EU countries.  This also applies to countries outside the EU – any country in the world can call on the European Civil Protection Mechanism for assistance.
Press release ~ European Civil Protection Mechanism ~ European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) ~ EC: Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection
 
Newswire – EU: The European Commission has issued its 2010 Convergence Report, which assesses progress with convergence in countries with derogation from euro area membership.  The assessment takes place against the background of the global financial crisis, which has affected the prospects for nominal convergence.

The 9 Member States with a so-called 'derogation' have made uneven progress on the road to the single currency, and 8 of them do not yet meet all the conditions for euro adoption.  However, Estonia stands out from the group, fulfilling the criteria clearly, as a result of determined and efficient efforts by the Estonian government & Estonian people.
 
Therefore, the Commission concluded that Estonia meets the criteria for adopting the euro and made a proposal to the Council to this effect.  The Council of EU finance ministers (ECOFIN) will take the final decision on the adoption of the euro in Estonia in July 2010, after the Parliament has given its opinion and the EU Heads of State and Government have discussed the subject at their summit meeting in June 2010.
Press release ~ 2010 Convergence Report
 
Newswire – EO: The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, has called on the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) to reconsider its refusal to give access to documents related to a drug used to treat severe forms of acne.

The complainant, an Irish citizen, specifically asked for reports on suspected adverse reactions to the drug, such as reactions giving rise to suicidal tendencies.  EMEA refused access, arguing that EU transparency rules do not apply to adverse reaction reports.  The Ombudsman did not agree.  In his view, the EU transparency rules apply to all documents held by EMEA. EMEA is invited to submit a detailed opinion by 31 July 2010.
Press release ~ Ombudsman's full recommendation ~ European Medicines Agency (EMEA)
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