2014 was the first year of positive employment growth in European SMEs since the financial crisis. The annual report on European SMEs for 2014 shows that the financial situation for small and medium enterprises is on the mend, and that they have started hiring again. The turnaround comes after years of downsizing, lasting up until 2013, when European SMEs were still shedding 0.5% of their workforce. In 2014, SMEs have accounted for the lion’s share of new jobs created in...

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The fall in funding to countries in eastern Europe may be bottoming out The fall in foreign banks’ funding to countries in eastern Europe may be bottoming out. A new report from the Vienna Initiative committee released today shows that foreign bank funding to central, eastern and south-eastern Europe (CESEE) countries, excluding Russia and Turkey, rose in the second quarter of 2015 for the first time since 2011.Overall, funding for the group of 21 countries shrunk by 0.3 per cent...

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To help citizens and businesses benefit fully from the internal market, the European Commission continuously engages with and, if necessary, initiates infringement procedures against Member States who do not respect European law. This month, as part of its monthly package of infringement decisions, the Commission took a number of decisions (of which 21 letters of formal notice, 20 reasoned opinions, 11 referrals to the Court of Justice of the EU, and 54 closures). Amongst others, the Commission decided to refer...

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Organic food is gaining in popularity, but what are the health benefits? MEPs discussed the impact of organic food with experts during a meeting organised by the Parliament's science and technology unit (STOA) on 18 November. They heard further research may be needed to establish organic food's nutritional benefits. In our Twitter poll on the topic, two thirds of respondents said they preferred organic food. About organic food Organic food is based on sustainable agriculture and processes that do not harm...

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The European Commission welcomes the agreement reached late yesterday by members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) - including the EU - to substantially limit the export-related support for coal-fired power plants and to encourage the use of the most advanced technology in energy production. The outcome of two years of intense discussions represents a first important step forwards in aligning export credits policies with the global push for cleaner energy generation. EU Commissioner for Trade, Cecilia Malmström said: “The...

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The European Commission adopts a list of 195 key energy infrastructure projects - known as projects of common interest – which will help deliver Europe’s energy and climate objectives and form key building blocks of the EU’s Energy Union. The European Commission has today adopted a list of 195 key energy infrastructure projects which will help deliver Europe’s energy and climate objectives and form key building blocks of the EU’s Energy Union. The projects – known as Projects of Common Interest...

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The first State of the Energy Union Report shows that much progress has already been made since the adoption of the Energy Union Framework Strategy 9 months ago. Still much remains to be done, and 2016 will be an important year of delivery. The Energy Union Framework Strategy (IP/15/4497) created a new momentum to bring about the transition to a low-carbon, secure and competitive economy. The Commission has also committed to report annually on the state of the Energy Union in...

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In or out? Britain will decide on its future in Europe with a referendum once negotiations with the EU have been concluded. A delegation from the Parliament's constitutional affairs committee went to London on 16 and 17 November to discuss the upcoming EU membership referendum with ministers, parliamentary committees and think-tanks. We spoke to committee chair Danuta Hübner, a Polish member of the EPP group, about her findings and the upcoming negotiations. What impressions did you get from the visit to...

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I have been informed that in the talks between Greek authorities and the institutions substantive agreement has been reached on all outstanding issues regarding the measures included in the first set of milestones and on the financial sector measures that are essential for a successful recapitalisation process. This is good news. The Eurogroup Working Group discussed the state of play today and welcomed the substantive progress made. Legislation will be adopted in the Greek parliament on Thursday. Upon the completion of the agreed...

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Today the European Commission together with companies launch the European Pact for Youth, a mutual engagement of business leaders and the EU to create a culture of business-education partnerships to improve the chances for young people of getting a job, at the Enterprise 2020 Summit. Today the European Commission together with companies launch the European Pact for Youth, a mutual engagement of business leaders and the EU to create a culture of business-education partnerships to improve the chances for young...

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