EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

EU News: On 24 March 2011, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) published a background paper on public access to documents containing personal data, to serve as guidance for EU institutions. The paper explains the updated EDPS position on the matter following the ruling of the European Court of Justice in the Bavarian Lager case on the reconciliation of the fundamental rights to privacy & data protection with the fundamental right to public access to documents and transparency.
 
The EDPS paper provides further guidance to the EU institutions as to how to ensure that both rights are equally respected in their daily practice.  As a matter of good practice, the EDPS recommends the EU institutions to follow a proactive approach by making clear in advance to the persons concerned which personal data may be subject to public disclosure.
Press release ~ Public access to documents containing personal data after the Bavarian Lager ruling
 
EU News: The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy (Transport 2050) for a ‘competitive transport system that will increase mobility, remove major barriers in key areas and fuel growth and employment.  
 
By 2050, key goals will include:
- No more conventionally-fuelled cars in cities
- A 50% shift of medium distance intercity passenger & freight journeys from road to rail & waterborne transport.
- A 60% cut in transport emissions by the middle of the century.
Press release
 
EU News: Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, responsible for transport, presented at this year’s Aeronautical Days last week in Madrid a new long-term vision prepared by a high-level group on aviation & aeronautics research.  The report is a first follow-up to some of the measures regarding aviation that had been put forward in the White Paper on Transport, adopted on 28 March 2011.
Press release
 
EU News: According to a report in The Sunday Times issued on 20 March 2011, 3 Members of the European Parliament (MEP) agreed to put forward amendments to draft legislation in the European Parliament in return for a fee.  OLAF evaluated this report as well as information from other sources and decided to open a formal investigation immediately.
Press release
 
EU News: The European Commission will support a cross-European electromobility initiative, Green eMotion, worth €41.8m, in partnership with 42 partners from the industries, utilities, electric car manufacturers, municipalities, universities and technology and research institutions.

The aim of the initiative is to exchange & develop know-how & experience in selected regions within Europe as well as facilitate the market roll-out of electric vehicles in Europe. The Commission will make €24.2m available to finance part of the initiative's activities.
Press release ~ Green eMotion
 
EU News: The European Commission has launched a public consultation in view of modernising rules on the transparency of Member States’ decisions regarding the pricing & reimbursement of medicines. The deadline for submitting contributions is 25 May 2011 – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information.
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story