EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

EU – News: EU Ministers last week voted in favour of new EU rules to allow Member States to charge heavy lorries, not only for the costs of the infrastructure which is currently the case, but also to levy an additional charge to cover the cost of air & noise pollution.

The proposal to revise the current 'Eurovignette Directive' will enable Member States to better manage problems of congestion, with a new flexibility to differentiate the charges applied to heavy lorries at different periods of the day. The text agreed by Transport Ministers will be submitted to the European Parliament and must be voted on by MEPs before becoming law.
Press release ~ The Greening transport package ~ Eurovignette Q&As - MEMO/10/489
 
EU – News: The European Commission has adopted a strategy to ensure that the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights (legally binding since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty) is effectively implemented.

The Commission will verify that all EU laws are in compliance with the Charter at each stage of the legislative process – from the early preparatory work in the Commission to the adoption of draft laws by the European Parliament & the Council - and then in their application by EU Member States.

Citizens should know where they can turn for assistance in cases of violations of fundamental rights.  They will have access to information about legal remedies in all Member States through the Commission’s new e-Justice portal in 2011.
Press release ~ EU Charter of Fundamental Rights ~ Further details of announcement
 
EU – News: The European Commission is investing in a research project to develop new systemic risk indicators for ‘early warning systems’ that could alert governments & bankers to impending financial  crises in the earliest stages and take early action to stop them from spreading.  Research work started in September 2010 and will end in 2013 with a total cost of €2.48m.
Press release ~ Forecasting Financial Crises project ~ Future and emerging information technologies ~ IP/10/581 ~ MEMO/10/199 ~ MEMO/10/200) ~ (IP/10/225)
 
EU – News: A 3-year study project examining the benefits the world gets for free from nature has published its final report.  TEEBThe Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity – has gathered the best available economic evidence showing that the costs brought by the degradation of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity are nothing short of unaffordable for our societies.

It has synthesised thousands of studies, examined valuation methods, policy instruments and examples of action from around the world.  Referring to numerous case studies, the report concludes with ten recommendations to help citizens & policymakers factor biodiversity into everyday decisions.
Press release ~ The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity ~ TEEB
 
EU News: The European Commission has launched a consultation on e-procurement (closes on 31 January 2011).  Taking the form of a Green Paper, the consultation will seek the views of interested parties on how the EU can help Member States to speed up & facilitate the procurement process – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information.
 
EU News: The standard deadline for paying bills will be 30 days under a deal with the Council endorsed by Parliament in plenary session last Wednesday.  The new rules should ensure that small firms no longer face financial problems due to the late payment of bills by public authorities or companies and bolster solvency, innovation and jobs process – See ‘In the News’ section for more information.
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story