Now more than ever, the EU needs to address concerns about the significant decline in productivity growth and the increasing perception of unfairness. Completing the single market would unlock the EU's growth potential. At the same time, the EU should empower member states to fight inequality by helping them better distribute the gains arising from economic integration. The slow-down in productivity and income over the past decade has weakened the European Union’s output legitimacy, which is grounded in delivering prosperity...

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The Commission today adopted the Environmental Implementation Review; a new way to help Member States apply EU rules benefits citizens, administrations and economy Today's adoption of the Environmental Implementation Review marks the beginning of a new process in improving how environmental laws are applied for the benefit of citizens, administrations and economy. The Commission will address with Member States the causes of implementation gaps and find solutions before problems become urgent in areas such as waste management, nature and biodiversity, air...

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To create a better Europe, the EU is focusing this year on legislative proposals that can make a difference to everyone. The main issues to tackle include security, the migration crisis, climate change and the digital single market. Find out more about the EU's six priorities for 2017 and what Parliament is doing to make them possible. In December former Parliament President Martin Schulz, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Robert Fico, representing the rotating Council presidency, signed the first...

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The College discussed the current international political developments, the preparation of the Malta Summit and the Second report on the State of the Energy Union. The Commission also held an orientation debate on Comitology. Malta Summit and current international political developments The College discussed the preparation of the Malta Summit which will take place on 3 February and which will be the time for collective action in the area of external migration but also a moment to show unity. In Valletta, EU...

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For the last half-century, NYCEDC has been working to make our city stronger. We were proud to have celebrated our fiftieth anniversary in 2016, a year marked by ambitious projects and initiatives that are creating jobs and economic growth across all five boroughs. Explore our most memorable highlights and significant milestones from 2016, and join us over the next year as we continue to work toward a more prosperous, equitable, and beautiful city. Click here to explore the NYCEDC time...

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Americans with a career-related interest in the European Union are invited to apply for the 2018 European Union Visitors Program (EUVP). U.S. government officials (local, state and federal), journalists, academics, and representatives of non-profit and non-governmental organizations are eligible to participate. Participants should be between 30 to 40 years old and have career-related interests in the European Union. The EUVP contributes to deepening ties between the European Union and the rest of the world. The program provides promising young professionals...

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The Second Report on the State of the Energy Union shows that the modernisation of the European Union economy and the transition to a low-carbon era are happening. In terms of greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency and renewable energy, Europe is on track to reach its 2020 targets. To further drive this process, the Commission today is announcing a new Energy Union tour. In line with its commitment to report annually on the state of the Energy Union, the European Commission...

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The European Commission's international cooperation and development policy will continue to play a leading role in ensuring women's access to health and family planning services. Gender equality is a global priority. The European Commission supports this actively, in particular through the Gender Action Plan and EU external action. World-wide, around 225 million women are in need of modern contraception. More than 300,000 women die each year from pregnancy or childbirth-related causes, 99% of them in developing countries. Ensuring women's access to...

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European Commission plans for changes to the Financial Regulation, which governs the operation of the EU Budget, should be simplified further, according to a new opinion published by the European Court of Auditors (ECA). The Commission is proposing what it calls an “ambitious revision” of the Regulation as part of its Mid-term Financial Review. In general, the auditors welcome the Commission’s intention to simplify the Regulation. They also note moves towards rewarding performance, a point which they have raised several...

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