LISBON STRATEGY

Safer Internet Day

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

On Safer Internet Day, the European Commission will announce if major internet companies have acted on their commitment to improve the safety of under-18s who use social networking sites. An EU-wide campaign to encourage teenagers to "Think before you post" will also be launched.

Social networking sites count today 41.7 million users in Europe. It is mostly young people, children and teenagers who register with social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace or Dailymotion, and they use these new creative opportunities to express their identity. However, they do not always realise that the personal information they post such as pictures and videos remains online and can be accessed by anyone, exposing them to risks such as cyber bullying or online grooming. Children and teenagers must be empowered to manage and control their online identity in a responsible way.

The seventh Safer Internet Day will focus on the topic "Think before you post!" A campaign will be launched in more than 60 countries across the world aiming to make young people aware that they can control their online identity by using the privacy settings offered by social networking sites, selecting friends online that they can trust, and publishing photos after thinking carefully about the consequences.

At last year's Safer Internet Day, 18 leading web firms signed a European agreement brokered by the Commission to improve the safety of under-18s who use social networking sites. Two more signatories joined the agreement in 2009. On 9 February, the Commission will publish a report on how these "Safer Social Networking Principles of the EU" have been implemented by the companies.

Safer Internet Day aims at promoting a safer use of the internet, online technologies and mobile phones, and the fight against illegal or harmful content and conduct.

The INSAFE network that coordinates the participation of EU and third countries in Safer Internet Day 2010 has been established by the Commission's EU Safer Internet Programme to raise awareness of online uses and risks while addressing children, parents, schools, and media. In December 2008 the EU adopted a new Safer Internet Programme for 2009-2013 which dedicates € 55 million to make the internet a safer place for children,

Safer Internet Day will be celebrated on 9 February 2010 in all EU countries and almost 40 countries around the world.
The report on the implementation of the "Safer Social Networking Principles of the EU" will be presented by the Commission at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on that day. Individual evaluation reports per company will also be available, as well as an animated, downloadable video clip reminding you to "Think before you post".
Source: European Comission

Information technology and communications: European strategy for research and innovation to 2020

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Today the European Commission opened up a period of public consultation in order to define the best strategies in order to strengthen Europe’s position of leadership in research and innovation in the area of ITC (information technology and communications) in the next decade. Contributions made by the industry, ITC experts, politicians dealing with the field and the general public will be taken into consideration when devising a new strategy for research and innovation in the area of ITC, to be presented next year.

This Commission document is available for public consultation at:
O documento de consulta pública da Comissão está disponível em:
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ICTRDI
Source: European Commission

European Commission communiqué: the Lisbon Strategy is the basis for the European response to the global economic crisis

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The European Commission today announced a package of 200 billion Euros coming from both national and European resources (1.5% of European GDP) to be applied to policies linked to the context of the Lisbon Strategy.

This “budget push” is due to the European Commission’s position “to strengthen structural reforms in the context of the Lisbon Strategy,” highlighting the role of public investment in intelligent infrastructures and clean energy sources.
To consult the global communication, download the following PDF document:
Source: GCNELPT

Portugal was the EU country where the poverty rate fell the most

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

According to a report published by the European Community on 16 October, Portugal was the country where the poverty rate fell the most.
Data reported in 2006 showed European poverty rates varying between 10 percent for the Netherlands and the Czech Republic and 20 percent for Spain, Greece, Italy, Latvia and Lithuania, Portugal came in at 18 percent whereas eight years earlier the country was at 21 percent and in 1994, it showed 23 percent.
Compared with the year 2000, the situation worsened in several countries – Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Luxemburg, Poland, Sweden and Romania. Only in Portugal, Ireland, the Netherlands and Malta did there show positive figures for the poverty rate.
Source: GCNELPT

Lisbon Community Programme: European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) begins work

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The European Institute for Innovation and Technology, the most emblematic initiative of the EU in the promotion of innovation in Europe marks the beginning of its activities with the first session of its recently-named Governing Board.

The event was held today in Budapest, the city where the Institute is located, with an inaugural ceremony in which the Hungarian Prime Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsány, the President of the European Commission, Durão Barroso, and the Commissioner of Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel were present.
“It is with great pleasure that we are present on the day that the EIT formally begins its work,” Durão Barroso said in a statement. “By attracting and integrating the most talented students, researchers and participants from Europe and the world, the EIT will become an important asset in the field of research and innovation in the EU. It will serve as a source for new ideas and will contribute to the having these innovative ideas come to fruition. This represents a new stage in bringing about the fifth freedom – that of the free circulation of knowledge. The participation of business is crucial since the lack of investment by business in Research and Development explains, for example, the almost 85% gap that exists between the EU and the United States in this field. In the long-term, the EIT will aid in the promotion of research and development in Europe, will reduce the gap in investment on the part of companies and will play a role in attaining the goal set by the Member-States of 3% of GDP earmarked for R&D.”
In the opinion of the Hungarian Prime Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, “talent and knowledge” are ‘natural resources’ or ‘raw materials’ that exist in all European countries. With the help of the EIT, we will be able to use them more efficiently so that all citizens will be able to enjoy their benefits.”
The European Institute of Innovation and Technology is an important EU initiative which seeks to promote excellence in European innovation and to come up with new solutions for its main challenges, such as climate change, renewable energies and the new generation of information technology and communication (MEMO/08/153).
To reach these ambitions goals, the EIT has a totally independent Board of Directors of the highest level whose function it is to define the strategic path of the Institute and a select, follow up with and evaluate if operational base which is made up of “knowledge and innovation communities.” The 18-member Board of Directors of the EIT hail from the world of business, academics and research, and all have proven experience and the highest qualifications in the field of innovation. (IP/08/1220).
In its first session in Budapest, the Board of Directors will take a series of decisions on how the EIT will function, namely the election of its Chairperson and the four members of the Executive Committee. It will further analyze the measures necessary for the creation of the first two or three knowledge and innovation communities to be formed by 2010.
In addition to the Hungarian Prime Minister, Ferenc Gyurcsány, the President of the European Commission, Durão Barroso, and the Commissioner of Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel, the session also featured the President of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Jósef Pálinkás, the Minister for Research and Development, Károly Molnár, the Vice-President of the European Parliament, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou the Minister of Higher Education and Research and representative of the French Presidency, Valérie Pécresse and the European Minister for Financial Affairs and the Customs Union, László Kovács.
Source: European Commission

Information technology and communications: European strategy for research and innovation to 2020

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Today the European Commission opened up a period of public consultation in order to define the best strategies in order to strengthen Europe’s position of leadership in research and innovation in the area of ITC (information technology and communications) in the next decade. Contributions made by the industry, ITC experts, politicians dealing with the field and the general public will be taken into consideration when devising a new strategy for research and innovation in the area of ITC, to be presented next year.
This Commission document is available for public consultation at:
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=ICTRDI
Source: European Commission

European Innovation and Technology Institute (EIT): Commission appoints members of Governing Board

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The European Commission today officially appointed the members of the European Innovation and Technology Institute’s (EIT) first Governing Board. The inaugural Board meeting will take place on 15 September 2008 in Budapest when decisions will be made on the ground work leading to the launch of the two or three first Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) in 2009. Today’s appointments include the Portuguese figure, João Caraça, director of the Science Department at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and professor of Science and Technology Policy at Instituto Superior de Economia e Gestão.  
The President of the European Commission, Durão Barroso welcomed the appointment of the EITI Governing Board, stating: "The European Innovation and Technology Institute is soon to become a reality and I am convinced that the excellence and commitment of the Board’s members will make it a success. More than ever, Europe needs a strong commitment to innovation and technology".  
The EIT’s first Governing Board comprises 18 professionals who provide a collective balance of expertise and experience from the worlds of business, research and higher education in Europe. All are widely recognised in their various fields of research and the majority has both academic and business backgrounds (short bibliographies on each are included in the appendix).  
The Governing Board members were chosen by an independent Identification Committee following a two-stage public consultation among the main representative organisations in Europe (see IP/08/188). The Council and the European Parliament took cognisance of the outcome of the selection process.  
Following entry into force of the EIT Regulation in April 2008, and the choice of Budapest as its headquarters in June, the first Governing Board meeting on 15 September will mark the official launch of EIT’s activities.  
The EIT Board will be responsible for the overall definition of strategy and for the selection, coordination and evaluation of the Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) which will be EIT’s operational centres. These communities will be extremely close partnerships pooling a critical mass of the very best European resources in business, higher education and research as well as other innovation agents. Their mission will be to generate and promote innovation in key sectors of economic and social interest. The first two to three KICs should be launched by the end of 2009.  
Once the first KICs have been set up, the Governing Board will include four additional members elected from among the administrative staff, students and doctoral candidates of the EIT and KICs.  
Website of the European Science and Technology Institute: http://eit.europa.eu 
Source: European Commission

European Commission launches Portal for Researchers

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Brussels the European Science and Research Commissioner, Janez Potocnik, launched the Euraxess Portal – Researchers in Motions.

The aim of the new portal is to promote the mobility and career development of researchers, thus consolidating Europe’s position as leader in the excellence of scientific research.   
This tool allows the European Commission to provide a single access point to information and support services which assists researchers, and their families, in pursuing their careers through moving to another Member State.   
The European Commissioner underlined the importance of EURAXESS: “The path to knowledge in Europe is often obscured by too dispersed information on available career opportunities and by language and cultural barriers. The EURAXESS web portal and services are overcoming many of these challenges." Janez Potocnik went on to say: "Human resources in science are one of the cornerstones of the European knowledge systems. Researchers are at the heart of knowledge creation, transfer and exploitation. To maximise the full potential of EURAXESS, collaboration with the Member States is crucial".  
This initiative complements the newly adopted Partnership for Researchers between the European Commission and the Member States which aims to improve the career development and mobility of researchers.  
For more information consult: http://ec.europa.eu/euraxess
Source: European Commission

Protection of EU’s financial interests: collaboration of Member States is vital

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The European Commission today published the 2007 Annual Report on the protection of the Communities’ financial interest and the fight against fraud, a field for which the Commission and the Member States have shared responsibility. The report gives a statistical overview of all irregularities notified to the Commission by the Member States and indicates cases where fraud is suspected. It also describes the existing fraud control systems and presents the most significant steps taken by the Member States and the Commission in 2007 to improve prevention and the fight against fraud.  

«To my mind, transparency and responsibility are the two key principles in the management of the Community rules. Irregularities and suspected fraud must be notified quickly and accurately and must be prosecuted quickly vigorously and effectively» said Siim Kallas, European Commission Vice-President for Administrative Affairs Audit and Anti-Fraud. «The growing number of notified irregularities may be a good sign that fraud control is improving. It is vital that Member States fulfil their responsibilities and notify the Commission promptly of all their suspicions. »  
It is important to distinguish between fraud and irregularity: fraud is defined as an irregularity committed internationally, which constitutes a criminal act that only a judge may define as such. The real financial impact of fraud can only be measured at the end of legal proceedings. All notified irregularities are currently being studied and followed up individually.   
Irregularities and suspected fraud notified in 2007 
- By their nature, the numbers given are approximate and preliminary. As a precaution, the amount given often relates to the scheme as a whole where the precise amount affected by the irregularity has not yet been determined. Although the Member States are obliged to notify irregularities, they do so with varying degrees of conformity. Furthermore, the Member States must identify irregularities where fraud is suspected. The Commission depends on the information communicated by the Member States to classify a given case as fraud. 
- The estimated amount affected by irregularities has risen across the sectors but remains relatively stable as a percentage of the Budget. In the fields of own resources and agriculture, the rise is partly due to irregularities that occurred or were discovered in previous years but were not reported by the Member States until 2007. Other causes explaining the situation are the accession of the new Member States, the closure of the programming period of the pre-accession funds for the 10 new Member States and the recent increase in payments made in these countries.  
- The estimated impact of suspected fraud cases remains stable in the case of expenditure and has decreased slightly as a percentage of own resource. It should be noted that these are suspected fraud cases that are reported and not cases confirmed by the court and that the real financial impact can only be determined once the legal and administrative proceedings have run their course and after recovery and financial corrections. 
- Although most irregularities are notified to the Commission within the established time limits, there is still room for improvement: on average, irregularities in the field of agriculture are notified after 1.2 years; in the field of structural support it is 0.9 years. The delay in certain Member States is very often considerable. Prompt notification is essential for effective follow-up. 
- The number of Member States reporting electronically is on the rise, notably through electronic forms proposed by the Commission for agriculture and structural funds. These forms simplify data processing and improve data quality and comparability, thereby allowing a better follow up and facilitating strategic data analysis.  
The report and the respective annexes are available at the following address: http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud/reports/index_en.html
Source: European Commission

Language and heritage

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Strategy approved for the promotion of Portuguese around the world

On 16 July 2008, the Council of Ministers approved a set of provisions to promote the Portuguese language and the Portuguese cultural heritage across the world: The strategy for the recognition and promotion of the Portuguese language, aimed at cooperation, economic internationalisation, cultural dissemination and the link to the Portuguese Communities.   
The creation of the Portuguese Language Fund was also approved with an initial allocation of 30 million euros to support systems for the teaching of the Portuguese language, training of translators and interpreters for international organisations and the increase of Portuguese as a language for work and international negotiation and the creation of an Inter-Ministerial Commission to valorise Portugal’s cultural heritage in the world. 
More information available at www.portugal.gov.pt   
Source: Government Portal

The Business Forum for Multilingualism

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Report presented today explains what needs to be done to help companies gain access to new markets and new business opportunities

The Business Forum for Multilingualism, set up in 2007 to study how language skills can impact trade and jobs in the European Union, delivered its report to Commissioner Orban today. The report gives a clear picture of the measures that need to be taken to help companies gain access to new markets and business opportunities in a globalised world. It is based on research reports, case studies, interviews and the personal experiences of members of the Forum, chaired by Viscount Etienne Davignon, Belgian Minister of State and former Vice President of the European Commission.  
Multilingualism Commissioner, Leonard Orban, stated: «This Business Forum report underlines the importance of multilingualism to European companies, proving how linguistic diversity and investing in language and intercultural skills can be turned into real opportunities for prosperity that benefit everyone. Its conclusions and recommendations are an excellent contribution to the new strategic communication on multilingualism which I intend to present in September. They are also clearly in tune with the objectives defined in the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs.» 
Vice-President Günther Verheugen, Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, endorsed the report, saying: «Investing in language skills and managing diversity will be crucial for the European society to fully benefit from the globalised world. Knowledge of different languages allows for communications, understanding and the finding of new solutions. It is high time that education and vocational training systems took these needs into account and offered everybody a broad range of skills. More than ever, our society needs the active promotion of intercultural exchange and cross border cooperation.» 
The following main points emerge from the Business Forum report: 
1) Europe is running the risk of losing competitiveness in relation to the emerging economies particularly in Asia and Latin America where they are rapidly acquiring solid language skills together with other competences necessary for successful competition. 
2) Formal and informal learning of various languages should be actively promoted in the EU Member States as companies need an increasingly diversified workforce. Language skills are vital if tomorrow’s workforce is to consider all of Europe as its work base.  
3) Language strategies need to be approved at the highest management level in companies across Europe. This could for example take the form of investing in language training, employing native speakers and ensuring good multilingual communication via the Internet. 
4) Companies need support for their efforts to use language strategically, notably through the existing networks and structures. The role of national organisations for the promotion of exports, e.g. trade councils, is considered crucial in this respect.  
5) A European platform is required for a structured exchange of information and best practices in the field of multilingualism in companies.  
Prominent business representatives at the Forum include: 
• Winfried Albrink, Head of Training, Henkel Group; 
• Henning Dyremose, Chairman of the Danish Trade Councul and former Managing Director of TDC (Danish Telecom); 
• Sabina Klimek, manager in Deloitte Business Consulting; 
• Peter Mathews, Chairman and Managing Director of Black Country Metals Limited and  
• Caroline Jenner, CEO of Junior Achievement Young Enterprise Europe, a support network for young entrepreneurs. 
  The full text of the report and respective summary are available at: http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/index_en.htm 
For more information on languages in the EU consult:  http://europea.eu/languages
Source: European Commission 

Eurobarometer: National Report on Portugal

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Study analyses Portuguese public opinion on the economy, the labour market and the development of the EU

The Representation of the European Commission in Portugal publishes the National Report on Portugal today, 11 July; it was prepared using Euro barometer 69 data which is a public opinion study conducted by the European Commission between 25 March and 4 May 2008.
The report is available on the European Commission Representation in Portugal web page, at the following address:
http://ec.europa.eu/portugal/comissao/index_pt.htm
The National Report on Portugal was written by national experts and analyses the current climate of Portuguese public opinion about the national and European situation, the economy and the labour market and the perspectives for the future development of the European Union.
Eurobarometer 69 was conducted in all Member States of the European Union, the three candidate countries (Croatia, Turkey and the former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia) and in the Turkish community of Cyprus. Face to face interviews were conducted with 30,170 people by the TNS Opinion & Social for the study, the first results of which were published on 24 June.
The standard Eurobarometers analyse the state of European public opinion on general and European policy issues. They have been conducted since 1973 and make a comparative analysis of public opinions in EU Member States and candidate countries so as to assess how this evolves over the years. In addition to the standard Euro barometers, published twice a year, the European Commission also conducts special Eurobarometers on subjects of current importance.
Source: European Commission

European Commission evaluates extending Erasmus to young people in general

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Students in vocational training and secondary school, young entrepreneurs and artists can benefit from the programme

How can the success of the EU’s main programme in the field of higher education, the Erasmus programme, go beyond the confines of the university sector? This is the question a group of high level experts on mobility, formed by the Commission, were asked and the answers to which were published in their report (see attached document) on 10th July.
They recommend extending the range of mobility possibilities considerably during the learning phase so as to include not only university students but young people generally - those doing vocational training, at secondary school or young entrepreneurs, artists and volunteer.
The report sets out measures aimed at overcoming the existing obstacles to mobility and proposes the creation of a new kind pf partnership – between the EU, the Member States, regions, educational establishments, companies and civil society – in order to boost mobility.
Source: European Commission

VAT: services at reduced rate

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

EC intends to change the directive that prohibits the permanent application of reduced VAT rates by Member States
The Commission today presented a proposal aimed at changing the VAT directive (Directive 2006/112/CE), enabling the Member States to levy reduced VAT rates on certain specific services on a permanent basis. The Commission’s proposal is only related to areas where there is sufficient proof that the reduced rates would not hinder the good operation of the internal market. It mainly concerns highly labour intensive sectors and those rendering services locally, including restaurants. The proposal is part of the initiative supporting SMEs («Small Business Act» – see IP/08/165), as the sectors affected consist mainly of SME. The proposal maintains the principle of an optional application of the reduced rates by Member States.

Automatic state aid for Growth and Employment

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Member States no longer have to give the European Commission prior notification of aid for SME, research, innovation, regional development, training, employment and risk capital

The European Commission has adopted a regulation that automatically authorises a series of aid measures, thus allowing Member States to grant this aid without first notifying the Commission; it is expected to enter into force in the coming weeks. The regulation authorises aid in favour of SME, research, innovation, regional development, training, employment and risk capital. It also authorises environmental protection aid, aid measures aimed at fostering entrepreneurship such as aid for young innovative companies, aid for recently created small companies in assisted regions and measures tackling problems faced by female entrepreneurs e.g. difficulty in getting access to credit. In addition to encouraging Member States to concentrate their resources on aid that really benefits job creation and European competitiveness, the regulation also reduces the administrative burden for public authorities, beneficiaries and the Commission. This new General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) consolidates and harmonises into one text the previously established rules set in five distinct Regulations and enlarges the categories of state aid covered by the exemption. The Regulation will come into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal thus enabling the Member States to immediately grant better targeted aid. 
Commissioner Neelie Kroes, responsible for competition, stated: "These new rules set out a clear framework to allow the Member States to grant aid targeted at job creation, boosting competitiveness and improving the environment without the Commission having to get involved. In this way the Commission is delivering on its commitments, in line with the State Aid Action Plan and the Small Businesses Act by enabling Member States to make it quicker and easier to concede appropriate state aid."  
The State Aid Action Plan adopted in 2005 (see IP/05/680 and MEMO/05/195) aims to create a simple, user-friendly and coherent set of rules that can be applied to state aid geared to promoting economic development without unduly distorting competition (thus complying with compatibility conditions set out in paragraph 3 of article 87 of the EC Treaty). The best way to achieve this simplification is by adopting “block exemptions" exempting Member States from the obligation of prior notification of the aid to the Commission.
This Regulation also makes a significant and immediately effective contribution to the Small Businesses Act adopted by the Commission in June 2008 (see IP/08/1003). It will allow the Member States to grant aid to small and medium enterprises (SME) at different stages of their development. The 26 categories of aid covered by the Regulation can be conceded to the SME. When this aid is also at the disposal of large enterprises, the SME will benefit from a special top-up.  
In line with the Commission’s "Legislating Better" initiative, the GBER also harmonises, as far as possible, all horizontal aspects related to the different fields of the state aid concerned. Thus, the GBER incorporates the content of a series of existing state aid instruments adopted by the Commission since 2001: aid to SMEs, research and development aid in favour of SMEs, aid for employment, aid for vocational training and aid with regional objectives. In addition, the regulation integrates five categories that had not benefited from a block exemption: environmental aid, innovation aid, research and development for large companies, aid in the form of risk capital and aid for businesses recently started by female entrepreneurs. The exemption conditions for this kind of aid measures conform with the recently adopted community Framework for state aid for environmental protection (see IP/08/80 and MEMO/08/31), the risk capital Guidelines (see IP/06/1015) and the community Framework for state aid to research and development and innovation (see IP/06/1600 and MEMO/06/441). 
The regulation builds further on the Framework for environmental protection aid by exempting a set of varied subsidies promoting environmental protection from notification. The simplified treatment foreseen in the regulation provides the Member States with an additional tool to implement the EU’s Climate Action Plan (see IP/07/29 and IP/08/80).
  The aid measures not included in the GBER are not necessarily illegal. They will simply remain subject to the traditional means of mandatory notification which the Commission will examine on the basis of the existing guidelines and frameworks. 
The aid categories authorised by the GBER are as follows: 
- SME Investment and employment  
- Small enterprises recently started by female entrepreneurs
 - Consultancy in favour of SMEs 
- SME participation in fairs 
- Risk capital  
- Research and development 
- Technical feasibility studies  
- Costs incurred by SMEs for industrial property rights 
- Research and development in the agriculture and fishing sectors 
- Young innovative enterprises 
- Innovation consultancy services and innovation support services  
- The loan of highly qualified personnel 
- Training
 - Recruitment of disadvantaged workers by means of wage subsidies 
- Recruitment of disabled workers by means of wage subsidies  
- Compensating the additional costs of employing disabled workers  
- Regional investment and employment  
- Small businesses recently set up in assisted regions  
- Investments to go beyond community standards for environmental protection  
- Acquisition of transport vehicles that go beyond community standards for environmental protection  
- Early adaptation to future community standards for SMEs  
- Investment promoting energy saving measures
 - Investment promoting high efficiency cogeneration
 - Investment promoting energy produced by renewable sources
 - Environmental studies
  - Tax reductions in the environmental field
The GBER is available at the following website: http://ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/state_aid/reform/reform.cfm  
See also MEMO/08/482

Mobility and Volunteering

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

European Commission promotes the opportunities for youth volunteering in Europe

The European Commission today proposed the launch of an initiative aimed at creating more opportunities for youth volunteering in Europe. At present, there are few opportunities for young people who want to take part in voluntary work in another Member State. With this proposal, the Commission strives for a solution that respects the diversity of the voluntary systems and facilitates their greater interoperability, opening them up to voluntary workers from other EU countries.   

As the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel, stressed when the Commission’s proposal was adopted «This is really the Commission’s first recommendation in the area of youth policy. With this proposal, the Commission now invites the Member States to change the European scenario of youth volunteering so as to give young people more opportunities to do voluntary work in countries other than their own.»  

Youth volunteering
 The initiative is addressed to young people in the European Union under 30 years of age who wish to volunteer in a country other than their own. This work is distinct from formal employment situations because it is generally unpaid (with the exception of some pocket money and the payment of certain expenses) and covers a limited period of time (typically several months). The volunteers can work in a wide range of areas such as civil protection, social inclusion, cultural preservation, regional development and the environment.
  Participating in voluntary work in another country is a very special experience for young people and is potentially very beneficial to their personal development. This kind of non-formal education — learning outside of the classroom — can improve youths’ employment and career perspectives as well as reinforce certain values such as solidarity and active participation in the society to which they belong.   

Current situation 
Youth volunteering in Europe is characterised by a great diversity and number of systems. In some countries, it is based on civic services organised by public entities while in others it is managed by non governmental organisations.    In Europe, the EU has a «Youth in Action» programme that offers a range of volunteering opportunities, notably the European Voluntary Service, (EVS). This service enables youths to do temporary voluntary work for up to one year in another country participating in the programme. However, the demand for cross border opportunities far exceeds what the ESV can provide.   

The proposal
The Commission encourages Member States to improve the inter-operability of the national youth volunteering systems so as to facilitate volunteers from one country participating in voluntary work in another country.

The proposals to Member States include: 
• learning about the systems operating in their country; 
• publicising information about the opportunities available; 
• increasing the opportunities of cross-border volunteering, in the different national systems; 
• guaranteeing adequate quality assurance of voluntary work; 
• ensuring appropriate recognition of what has been learnt while volunteering and 
• supplying specific support to socio-educational professionals specialised in the youth field (usually known as «youth professionals») and in work with youths with fewer opportunities.

These actions will be supported in the ambit of the «Europass» and «Youthpass» services and by promoting trans-European youth volunteering with employers, public entities and institutions. The commission will support the use of these instruments and continue to develop the European Portal of Youth Volunteering within the already existing European Youth Portal.

The proposal is intended to encourage the development of the existing mechanisms in the Member States rather than to make radical changes to them. The aim is to facilitate the mobility of young volunteers in Europe based on the current resolutions on youth volunteering and the recommendations about mobility.

This proposal is part of the EU initiative «Renewed Social Agenda: Opportunities, Access and Solidarity in 21st century Europe». It contributes to meeting the goals of this agenda by opening up the access to new opportunities of mobility, non-formal education and solidarity across borders.  

For more information:  
European Commission: Youth: Voluntary Services:  http://ec.europa.eu/youth/youth-policies/doc30_en.htm  
European Youth portal: Voluntary services: http://europa.eu/youth/volunteering_-_exchanges/index_eu_en.html

SOURCE: EUROPEAN COMMISSION (IP/08/1098 3 JULY 2008)

Implementation of Lisbon Strategy in Portugal

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Annual meeting of the EC Monitoring Commission takes place on 4 July

The European Commission Delegation accompanying the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy in Portugal will make its annual visit here on 4th July to meet those responsible for the agenda’s implementation nationally and with the social partners so as to evaluate the evolution of the structural reforms underway in the scope of the NAPGE (PNACE) 2005-2008 and the strengths of its updating for 2010 (New Cycle of the Lisbon Strategy).
The meeting will be held at the Cabinet for the Coordination of the Lisbon Strategy and Technological Plan and will be chaired by the National Coordinator of the Lisbon Strategy, Carlos Zorrinho, and the Head of the EC Mission, Gert-Jan Koopman (DG Economic and Financial Affairs).
The responses of the Portuguese Government to the specific recommendations defined by the Spring European Council 2008 will be explained at the meeting. It is noted that the implementation process of the Lisbon Strategy in Portugal was classified as making “Good Progress” at this Council – the second highest of 7 possible categories.
The implementation of concrete measures in the four priority areas indicated by the Spring European Council 2008 will also be discussed with special emphasis on the areas of climate change, innovation networks and mobility.
In addition to making a joint evaluation of the process, the meeting also aims to further strengthen the good partnership that already exists between Portugal and the European Commission in the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy.
Lisbon, 2nd July 2008
Cabinet of the National Coordinator of the Lisbon Strategy and Technological Plan

Living Labs em Portugal

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

3rd wave will be announced tomorrow at the Lisbon Congress Centre

The meeting ‘From innovation to the imagination society – The Living Labs Centres in Portugal’ will take place at 3 p.m. on 27 June at the Lisbon Congress Centre, in Junqueira. It is jointly organised by IAPMEI and the Cabinet of the National Coordinator of the Lisbon Strategy and Technological Plan. Its aims are to debate the concept of ‘open innovation’ and analyse the state of the art of the Portuguese “Living Labs” belonging to the European Network.
Besides discussing the activities of the 6 Portuguese “Living Labs” set up in 2007 at the meeting, the possibility of funding in the NSRF and the 7th Framework programme will also be analysed. In addition, the call for 3rd wave applications to the European Network of Living Labs will be announced.
The matters in question are: the recent changes in the innovation process and the development of new methodologies for co-creative research and innovation; new alternatives to participated innovation; and new ways of promoting a user focused innovation system.
The work of the “Living Labs” is based on a new approach to innovation, research and development. The whole process is inverted, going from the market and specific needs of consumers to the management of permanent interactions between all those interested in the innovation process – be they companies, researchers, consumers or public agencies.
The number of Living Labs in Portugal could be increased considerably with the call for 3rd wave application which starts at the end of June.
Participation in the meeting is free of charge.

Business environment – Portugal 7th best in European Union and 13th in the world

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

According to the Global Enabling Trade Report 2008 published today by the World Economic Forum, Portugal is ranked 13th (7th in EU27) for the “Business Environment” indicator from the list of 118 world economies. In this vital indicator, Portugal’s performance is better than countries such as Sweden (14th), Holland (17th), Belgium (20th), France (31st), Spain (33rd) and Italy (54th).

The report includes the Enabling Trade Index that measures the factors, policies and services facilitating the free flow of goods between countries. In addition to “Business environment”, the index also incorporates three other pillars: market access; border administration and transport and communication infrastructures.  
In the overall index, Portugal is ranked 26th among 118 economies; this corresponds to 14th place in the EU27 context. Hong Kong and Singapore lead the table, followed by Sweden, Norway and Canada.  
Cabinet of the National Coordinator of the Lisbon Strategy and Technological Plan
 18 June 2008

National Environmental Innovation Award (NEIA) 2008

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The NEIA is an Industry and Environment Initiative and corresponds to the first phase of the European Environmental Press Award (EEP Award); winners of the Portuguese phase will qualify for the European competition.

It aims to give recognition to Portuguese and European companies/entities whose innovations contribute to good environmental performance.  
This year’s edition has a new feature: the Environmental Innovation Day. This is a day devoted to environmental innovation when the nominees for the award will have the opportunity to present their innovations to the jury and make them know to the audience – a business to business encounter.  
The event closes with the Award Winning Ceremony attended by senior representatives of the Ministry of the Environment, Land Use Planning and Regional Development.
  For more information consulte www.pnia2008.eu  
 Source: IAPMEI