European Commission

The European Commission has described the IFA’s report on the importation of Brazilian beef as information that “is not new and is misleading”.

It also said that the farms visited by the IFA were in two States which are banned from exporting beef to the EU, and in a third which is only partly authorised. In addition, the IFA did not visit any slaughterhouses, laboratories or veterinary offices. Overall, the allegations in the report were based on an incorrect interpretation of EU requirements for beef imports.

In its report, the Commission states that it cannot impose the full range of its internal legislative measures on third countries. However, the EU can and does require measures that ensure the protection of animal and public health in the EU, in accordance with the principles and rules of the World Trade Organisation Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS agreement).

To read the full Commission report click here

 

12 October:  "Eurotoons" - An exhibition of cartoons on the EU by the renowned cartoonist Martyn Turner

To mark the launch of "European Public Spaces", a joint initiative of the European Commission and the European Parliament, the European Commission Representation in Ireland is hosting an exhibition of cartoons on the EU by the renowned cartoonist Martyn Turner called "Eurotoons".

The exhibition will run for four weeks from Friday 12 October in the European Public Information Centre, European Union House, 18 Dawson Street, Dublin 2.  Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance is free.

12 October: Seán Ó Neachtain MEP launches 2007 issue of Irish Archives journal in the European Parliament Office in Ireland, 43 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2

This year's issue of Irish Archives, the journal of the Irish Society for Archives, will commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the Flight of the Earls and the establishment of the Irish College in Louvain, Belgium.

17 October: Ambassador John Bruton to address the Forum on Europe on EU-US relations in Dublin Castle

17 October: Adoption of two legislative proposals on fisheries

On Wednesday, the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will launch the following proposals:

(i) Proposal for a Regulation on stepping up the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

(ii) Proposal for a Regulation to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from destructive fishing practices.

23 October: Framework Directive on labour immigration and Directive on the conditions of entry and residence of highly skilled workers

The European Commission has drawn up a policy plan on legal migration in order to respond to fluctuating demands for migrant labour in the labour market. The overall aim of the different measures proposed is to develop a number of legal instruments that will manage future economic migration flows towards the EU. A more specific objective is to promote better integration of economic immigrants in the labour market and to establish fair and clear rules and rights for them.

The EU Job Days, which took place simultaneously in 230 towns and cities around Europe from 24 September for 10 days attracted more than 200,000 participants. Jobseekers and employers came into direct contact at 500 diverse events, ranging from recruitment fairs to seminars and lectures on job mobility.

The Brussels event, which took place at the European Commission's headquarters, attracted 10,000 jobseekers. Meanwhile, EURES – the EU's Job Mobility Portal – now hosts 1.4 million vacancies, an increase of 40% over last year.

"The Job Days are a perfect example of how the EU can bring real benefits to people's lives on the issues that matter," said Employment Commissioner Vladimír Špidla. "Although it's too early to say how many people have been recruited across the 500 events, feedback so far has been very positive. At the flagship Brussels Job Day, 90% of employers were entirely satisfied with the quality of candidates they saw and most will be calling back an average of 40% of candidates for second interviews."

Liza Ghaliounghi, a Human Capital Manager at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, was one of 50 employers present at the Brussels event: “Our offices in Switzerland and Luxembourg are looking for qualified French speakers. This Job Days event in Brussels has proven to be a great opportunity to meet and hire new staff on the spot.”

Łukasz, 28, found a new job when the EURES Denmark Infobus stopped in Gdańsk, Poland: “I am a bus driver by profession, but couldn’t find employment in my home country. A EURES Adviser told me that a Scandinavian company was hiring drivers so I came to the info bus and got lucky. I’ll start in Denmark in a few weeks time.”

Meanwhile, Julia, 26, a visitor to Vienna's Mobility Fair, was able to find out more about social security when working in another European country: “I came here to find out if and how I could take my social security entitlements abroad. With the information provided I am now ready to move and join my boyfriend in Germany.”

As part of the Job Days events, Commissioner Špidla also announced a new EU initiative to give 50 Europeans a first taste of living and working in another country. Successful candidates in the initiative – called 'Your First Job Abroad' – will be offered a job contract of at least four months with employers taking part in the EURES job mobility network.

Job Days events are continuing in some cities for a further two weeks. For a full list, see: http://eures.europa.eu

For further information, see: IP/07/1383

MEMO/07/375