Transport plays a critical role in the way we live. Our food, clothes and household waste all need to be transported, contributing to our economy and quality of life. But the increasing use of planes, cars and other fossil-fuel dependent modes of transport is causing more pollution, putting at risk our environment and health. The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) Signals 2016 explores how Europe’s carbon-dependent transport sector can be turned into a clean and smart mobility system. EEA Signals 2016...

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The European Council meeting focused on the political consequences of the UK referendum. The leaders also addressed other pressing issues: tackling the migratory crisis, deepening of the single market to boost growth and jobs, and enhancing the security of the EU by working more closely with NATO. On Wednesday, the 27 heads of state or government will meet informallyto discuss the political and practical implications of 'Brexit'. They will also start a debate on the future of the European Union...

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Foreword by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Vice-President of the European Commission: The purpose, even existence, of our Union is being questioned. Yet, our citizens and the world need a strong European Union like never before. Our wider region has become more unstable and more insecure. The crises within and beyond our borders are affecting directly our citizens’ lives. In challenging times, a strong Union is one that thinks strategically, shares a...

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The UK must respect the wish of a majority of its citizens, entirely, fully and as soon as possible, by officially withdrawing from the EU before any new relationship arrangements can be made, says the European Parliament in a resolution voted after an extraordinary plenary debate on Tuesday. MEPs also stress the urgent need for reforms to ensure that the EU lives up to its citizens’ expectations. After a debate between Parliament’s political group leaders, EU Commission President Jean-Claude...

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First-Hand Commentary on U.K. Vote to Leave the European Union: Ambassador David O’Sullivan talked at length to C-Span about the political, economic, and diplomatic fallout from the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union.

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Addressing the European Parliament on the follow-up to the British referendum, Mr Juncker called on the UK government to clarify the situation as rapidly as possible and stressed that we Europeans 'are not going to halt our journey into the future'. President Juncker addressed an extraordinary plenary session of the European Parliament devoted to the outcome of the British referendum, which was also attended by the entire College of Commissioners, including Lord Hill. He said again that he regretted the choice...

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In this unprecedented situation, let me stress that we are clear and united in our response with regard to EU trade policy, the policy area that I am responsible for. Trade makes a vital and positive contribution to the EU's economic and external policy and we will make sure that it continues to deliver real benefits to EU citizens. Our negotiations with key partners will continue. The European Union has an ambitious trade agenda and remains engaged in pursuing and concluding...

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Introductory speech by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, at the ECB Forum on Central Banking, Sintra, 28 June 2016 In recent years central banks across advanced economies have been engaged in the same task, namely raising inflation and inflation expectations back to levels consistent with price stability. Each has faced conditions particular to its own jurisdiction. Each has deployed measures appropriate to its own context. And each has acted to fulfil the mandate laid down in its own constitution. And...

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On 27 June 2016, the Council adopted a directive aimed at increasing legal certainty for transactions involving vouchers by harmonising national VAT rules in this area.  The directive sets out to reduce the risk of mismatches in national tax rules leading to double taxation, non-taxation or other undesired consequences. This can happen where a voucher is issued in one member state and used in another, and particularly where vouchers are traded. Vouchers are used increasingly and come in many forms. They include...

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