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08/05/2013 - EU Citizenship: 12 new actions to boost citizens’ rights
The Commission is working to make EU citizenship a reality in people's daily lives. The 2013 EU Citizenship Report published today sets out 12 new concrete ways to help Europeans make better use of their EU rights, from looking for a job in another EU country to ensuring stronger participation in the democratic life of the Union. Coming during the European Year of Citizens, it is the Commission's answer to calls from citizens about problems experienced when travelling, moving to or shopping in another EU country.
03/05/2013 - 9 May Europe Day: EU opens its doors and lends an ear to citizens
On Saturday, Vice-President Reding will hold a debate with over 300 citizens in Brussels. "I know that Belgians and Europeans in general are worried about the future, the impacts of the crisis and their employment situation. During the debate in Brussels I want to listen to these concerns. Europe is based on solidarity and the EU is supporting Belgium, as other members of the European family, during these difficult times." said Vice-President Reding. The debate starts 14:30 at La Tentation, Rue de Laeken 28 1000 Brussels.
24/04/2013 - No more costly and bureaucratic stamps for public documents
Today the Commission proposed to abolish bureaucratic and unnecessary requirements for accepting people’s public documents as authentic in another Member State. Currently, when people move to another EU country and they want to register a birth, get married, register a house, or apply for a residence card or when companies want to prove their legal status, national authorities will ask for certified copies, certified translations and rubber stamps. The Commission is acting to get rid of these requirements and simplify people's and companies' lives when they exercise their free movement rights in the EU.
22/04/2013 - Vice-President Reding at the General Affairs Council on EU-mechanisms to safeguard the rule of law
Today Vice-President Reding participated in the session of the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg. Foreign Ministers discussed a proposal for an initiative on safeguarding democracy, fundamental values and rule of law in the European Union "What we are lacking," said Vice-President Reding, "is a better developed set of instruments to fill the gap between the 'soft power' of political persuasion, the role of the Commission as the guardian of the Treaties and the 'nuclear option' of Article 7."
. Vice-President Reding explained what the current tools available at EU level to safeguard the rule of law are and how these could be developed in the future.
17/04/2013 - Hungary and the Rule of Law – Plenary debate in the European Parliament
Vice-President Viviane Reding on Wednesday spoke, on behalf of European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, in the European Parliament plenary session on the situation in Hungary. "The Commission's legal analysis is progressing at a steady pace, in an objective, non-partisan and fair manner, in full respect of EU law and principles. This is what we have done in all other situations such as in Romania last year."
12/04/2013 - Commission speaks with one voice on Hungary
Today President José Manuel Barroso sent a letter to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confirming that, based on a first legal analysis, the Commission has serious concerns over the compatibility of the Fourth Amendment to the Hungarian Fundamental Law with EU legislation and with the principle of the rule of law. This comes following an article published yesterday by Hungarian Justice Minister Navracsics claiming that Vice-President Reding had contradicted President Barroso's 'neutral' stance towards Hungary.
08/04/2013 - International Roma Day: Commission urges decisive action on Roma integration
On International Roma Day the European Commission urges EU countries to take the next steps towards integrating Roma. National strategies and a strong framework for action have already been established, and now "long term commitments, adequate resources and concerted action" at all levels is needed.
27/03/2013 - New EU Justice Scoreboard: efficiency, quality and independence of Member States' justice systems
The Commission unveiled the first 'EU Justice Scoreboard' on Wednesday which provides data on the functioning of the justice systems in the EU’s 27 Member States. Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Justice Commissioner, underlined the link between effective judicial systems and economic growth: "The attractiveness of a country as a place to invest and do business is boosted by having an independent and efficient judicial system."
21/03/2013 - Viviane Reding in Greece to debate with citizens
On Friday Vice-President Viviane Reding will be in Thessaloniki (Greece) to hold a debate with over 500 citizens about the impact of the crisis and their expectations for the future of the European Union. Vice-President Viviane Reding said: "There must be more discussions with the Greek people – and not just about them.
I am going to Greece as a friend. And friends must be frank: there is no alternative to the difficult reforms. They are needed in order to ensure that future generations won't pick up the bill for past generations' mistakes. The EU is helping in this difficult process."
12/03/2013 - 2014 European Parliament Elections: Commission recommends that political parties nominate candidates for Commission President
In a move to make the 2014 European Parliament elections more democratic, the European Commission recommended that political parties should nominate a candidate for European Commission President and that they should display their European political party affiliation. In addition, the Commission asks Member States to agree on a common voting date for the European elections. This will encourage a Europe-wide political debate and ultimately improve voter turnout. "We promised citizens dialogue, democracy and transparency. Today we are delivering on this promise," said Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner.
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