EU Legislation, Initiatives, etc.

EU News: There is no clear evidence that the Commission Proposals to create a smart border system for the external borders of the EU will fulfil the aims that it has set out, said the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) recently.
 
Following the publication of his opinion which focuses specifically on the Entry/Exit System, the EDPS said that one of the stated aims of the proposals was to replace the existing 'slow & unreliable' system but the Commission's own assessments do not indicate that the alternative will be sufficiently efficient to justify the expense & intrusions into privacy.
Press release & links
 
EU News: Last week, in a public demonstration, a successful position fix on the basis of the EU’s current 4 Galileo satellites was announced.  This position fix of longitude, latitude & altitude is proof of the ability of Galileo - the European Commission’s programme to develop a global satellite navigation system under European civilian control - to provide highly accurate positioning data of cars or other objects.
 
Tajani also announced that further satellite launches will bring first services by the end of 2014.  They will result in an improved GPS signal and - with more precision, coverage & availability of satellite navigation signals - a whole new array of business opportunities will arise.
Press release & links
 
EU NewsFraud affecting the EU budget increased slightly in 2012 compared to 2011, according to the Commission's annual report on the ‘Protection of the EU's Financial Interests’.
Press release & links
 
EU News: In order to adapt EU payments market to the opportunities of the single market and to support the growth of the EU economy, the European Commission recently adopted a new package including:
* A new payment Services Directive (‘PSD2’)
* A proposal for regulation on interchange fees for card-based payment transactions
Press release & links
 
EU News: The European Commission is consulting the public on draft guidelines on how Member States can support the provision of risk finance to SMEs – See ‘Consultations’ section for more information
Spotlight on women at Serco – Anita’s story