Local associations, companies, research centres, non-governmental organisations and local authorities are all showcasing what they are doing to promote sustainable energy from 24 to 28 June – EU sustainable energy week 2013. Around 20 events will take place across the UK as part of sustainable energy week. Advisors in Pitscurry will be explaining how to reduce energy costs and use renewable energy for homes and offices on 26 June, while a lunch-time seminar on 28 June in Fyvie will offer...

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Following the 29 June 2012 statement by the Heads of State or Government of the euro area reaffirming the need to break the vicious loop between banks and sovereigns, the Eurogroup has worked intensively on the operational framework of the future ESM direct recapitalisation instrument. The main features of the instrument are now agreed in view of having the instrument operational once an effective Single Supervisory Mechanism is established. Moreover, in December 2012, the European Council agreed to a more integrated...

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Brussels Economic Forum 2013 - June 19th, 2013 “Distinguished speakers, Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me welcome you to the 2013 edition of the Brussels Economic Forum. I am delighted about the large participation in this forum that focuses on the future of our Economic and Monetary Union. But before I turn to the future of EMU, let me say a few words on its current condition. When we met here last year, there were serious concerns that the euro could disintegrate. A...

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EU Commission concludes that Latvia is ready to adopt euro in 2014 The European Commission publishes its 2013 Convergence Report on Latvia, together with a citizen’s summary that briefly explains the report and the rationale behind it. The Commission concludes that Latvia has achieved a high degree of sustainable economic convergence with the euro area and proposes that the Council decide on Latvia’s adoption of the euro as from 1 January 2014. Olli Rehn, Commission Vice-President responsible for Economic and Monetary...

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Croatia applied for EU membership in February 2003 and was formally accepted as a candidate country in June 2004. Any European state that respects liberty, democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law is eligible to apply for EU membership.  Because joining the EU often requires major political and economic reforms within the candidate country, the process moves forward at a pace consistent with the applicant’s ability to take on the obligations of membership, which require: Stable institutions...

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On Monday at the G8 Summit in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, leaders of the European Union and the United States launched negotiations for a sweeping EU-U.S. trade and investment pact. The first round of talks will take place in Washington, D.C., in July. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will increase trade and investment between the EU and United States, unleashing the untapped potential of a truly transatlantic market place. The agreement is expected to create jobs and growth...

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On 14 June 2013, EU trade ministers mandated the Commission to negotiate a sweeping EU–US trade and investment pact. The talks are expected to be formally launched at the G8 on 17 June. This "transatlantic trade and investment partnership" (TTIP) is a major priority for the Irish Presidency of the Council. "The main achievement today has been the EU–US mandate," said Richard Bruton, Irish Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, who chaired the Council meeting. "This agreement will...

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EU Trade Council on Friday reached agreement on mandate to start talks on Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Ireland's Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD, is today (Monday) in Brussels to brief the EU Parliament's Committee on International Trade (INTA) on Friday’s historic agreement at the EU Trade Council on a mandate to start talks with the US on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Last Friday the Council of EU Trade Ministers, chaired by Minister Bruton,...

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17/06/2013  -  External relations and foreign affairs This year's G8 summit takes place in Lough Erne in Northern Ireland and is chaired by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The European Union is a full member of the G8 and is represented by European Council President Van Rompuy and European Commission President Barroso.  |PHOTOS|VIDEO| In this context also see: The European Union at the G8 summit in Lough Erne (UK) on 17-18 June 2013  FACTSHEET: The G8 Summit in Lough Erne (UK) on 17-18...

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