"I believe in the benefits of trade, for Italy and for Europe. Economic benefits like prosperity, and jobs. But also social benefits – more connections, more opportunities, wider horizons. Trade brings people together, and it is a formidable force for good." Earlier this week, EU trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström met Italian politicians, businessmen, and civil society in Milan to talk about the importance of European trade policy: where it is, and where we need to take it. Malmström further said that...

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The first estimate for euro area (EA19) exports of goods to the rest of the world in September 2016 was €176.7 billion, an increase of 2% compared with September 2015 (€173.2 bn). Imports from the rest of the world stood at €150.2 bn, a fall of 2% compared with September 2015 (€154.0 bn). As a result, the euro area recorded a €26.5 bn surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in September 2016, compared with...

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The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have started a two-day high-level dialogue on the future of work bringing together more than 300 representatives of the social partners and civil society in Europe. They are expected to map out the main drivers of change which are transforming jobs and the economy in Europe. Participants will discuss possible solutions to future of work challenges and examples of good practice that will feed into the ILO’s...

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Interactive figures and statistics, an easily loadable map with all the companies funded by the SME Instrument, a list of projects in your business area or region – you name it! Our new interactive data hub goes live today and will be able to cater for all your needs.  Here's how it works. By navigating on the top left of the data hub bar you can choose to generate either the map, the list of projects or statistics. All of...

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High-level EU representatives gather on 14 November in Vienna at the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) to find ways of furthering a more effective security union that integrates a fundamental rights approach from the outset. “Ensuring the safety of everyone in the EU is of critical importance. Security measures can only work if they are respectful of human rights and work with and not against all the communities that go to make up European society,” said FRA Director Michael...

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The expected duration of working life in the European Union (EU) stood at 35.4 years on average in 2015, up by 1.9 years compared with 2005. In detail over this 10-year period, duration of working life has increased more rapidly for women (32.8 years in 2015 compared with 30.2 years in 2005, or +2.6 years) than for men (37.9 years in 2015 vs. 36.7 years in 2005, or +1.2 year). Full text available on EUROSTAT website Compliments of Eurostat

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The Commission will consider the report's recommendations and an appropriate policy response in line with its continuous support to the agricultural sector. The Agricultural Markets Task Force (AMTF), chaired by former Dutch Minister for Agriculture and University Professor, Cees Veerman, today presented its report to EU Commissioner for Agriculture & Rural Development, Phil Hogan. The establishment of the Task Force, made up of twelve independent experts, reflected increased concern regarding global developments in the food supply chain and, in particular, the...

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According to pilots conducted in Finland, Sweden and Denmark, eHealth through the use of broadband networks creates a better quality of life for patients, efficient work processes for care professionals, a valuable experience for the industry, and cost savings for municipalities. But how can you deploy this? A European project group formulated six recommendations. The recommendations are aimed at supporting policy makers as well as other stakeholders who plan to establish or expand their Fibre to the Home (FTTH) networks...

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The global ocean economy is estimated at €1.3 trillion. Climate change, poverty and food security are some of the global challenges that can be effectively addressed, if oceans are better protected and sustainably managed. The Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted a Joint Communication today, proposing actions for safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed oceans. As a strong global actor, the European Union sets out an agenda for better ocean governance based on a...

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First of all: The results of the US election are in, and the next President of the United States will be Donald Trump. As Presidents Juncker and Tusk wrote in a letter to the President-Elect this morning - "we should spare no effort to ensure that the ties that bind us remain strong and durable." Meanwhile, our work in other areas continues. Today, the Commission is presenting a proposal for a new method for calculating dumping. The economies of the...

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