European Commission 21/12/2011 As children unwrap the longed-for teddy bear, tricycle or lightsaber this Christmas, their parents can rest assured that toys bought in the EU are the safest in the world. Every toy sold in the EU has undergone a number of checks to ensure that it is safe for children to play with. Before placing a new toy on the market, manufacturers must identify potential dangers via a safety assessment. They must also ensure that each toy can be traced...

European Parliament 14/12/2011 Agreement by most EU governments on further economic integration should be complemented by moves to restore growth and create jobs, says Barroso. Speaking to the European Parliament about decisions made on 8-9 December by EU leaders, Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso stated that the decision by 26 out of 27 governments on a new intergovernmental treaty setting tighter budget rules showed their readiness to move ahead with further European integration. The treaty would require governments to keep their general...

Brussels, 20 December 2011 - The European Commission has today adopted a Quality Framework for Services of General Interest (SGI) in the EU. They provide an essential safety net for citizens in areas such as health care, care for the elderly, child care, assistance to disabled persons and social housing. They also have a key role to play in the knowledge economy in the area of schools, training centres and university. At a time when public authorities are confronted...

Paris, 12 December 2011 ICC has launched a German version of the training toolkit Resisting Extortion and Solicitation in International Transactions (RESIST), which provides practical guidance for company employees on how to prevent or respond to inappropriate demands. The German version of the toolkit was launched on 9 December by ICC Germany, the German Global Compact Network and Transparency International Germany on the occasion of World Anti-Corruption day.RESIST is aimed at companies operating internationally and exposed to solicitation risks. The training tool...

The reinforced Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) enters into force with a new set of rules for economic and fiscal surveillance. The measures represent a major step towards achieving economic stability, restoring confidence and preventing future crises in the euro area and the EU.

European Commission EU to ease access to finance for SMEs (Small & Midsize Enterprises) The Commission proposes harmonising the requirements to access venture capital funds across the EU. The funds can then become bigger and more diversified in their investments to support promising start-up companies.

Resolving cross-border inheritance tax problems in the EUThe Commission recommends solutions to multiple tax claims and discrimination against non-residents, including a broader and more flexible use of existing national double taxation relief measures.

Following a two-day summit in Brussels focused on tackling the sovereign debtcrisis, European leaders agreed to draft a new treaty that will strengthen fiscal integration and enforce stricter financial discipline among European Union member states. "The 17 Member States of the Eurozone and already many others are committed to a new fiscal compact," said President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy. President Van Rompuy stressed that the major decisions taken at the summit will help "safeguard the Eurozone,...