Justice - Newsroom
News
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14-06-2013
PRISM scandal: The data protection rights of EU citizens are non-negotiable
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Press Conference, EU-U.S. Justice and Home Affairs Ministerial /Dublin 14 June 2013 Ladies and Gentlemen, As you know, earlier this week I sent a series of very detailed questions to Attorney General Holder about the media...
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13-06-2013
EU-U.S. Justice Ministerial meeting: 13 -14 June in Dublin
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 13 June 2013 The European Union and the United States will meet in Dublin on 13-14 June to discuss issues of common interest in the field of justice and home affairs. EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding will represent the European Commission, while the Irish Minister of...
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12-06-2013
Joint Statement on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 12 June 2013 On the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour (12 June), High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, Development Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, Commissioner for Employment,...
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11-06-2013
Commission recommends Member States to have collective redress mechanisms in place to ensure effective access to justice
European Press release Strasbourg, 11 June 2013 Commission The European Commission has today set out a series of common, non-binding principles for collective redress mechanisms in the Member States so that citizens and companies can enforce the rights granted to them under EU law where these have been infringed.
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11-06-2013
Frequently Asked Questions: European Commission recommends collective redress principles to Member States
European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 11 June 2013 What is collective redress? Collective redress is a procedural mechanism which allows for reasons of procedural economy and/or efficiency of enforcement, many single claims (relating to the same case) to be bundled into a single court action.
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11-06-2013 - Tackling discrimination
Restricted Call for proposals – PROGRESS – Antidiscrimination - Action grants 2013
Please note that the deadline for this call for proposals is 10/09/2013 12:00 (noon) CET.
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11-06-2013 - Civil Justice
Commission recommends Member States to have collective redress mechanisms in place to ensure access to justice
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06-06-2013
Vice-President Reding's intervention during Justice Council Press Conference, 6 June 2013
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice ViceVice Justice Council Press Conference/Luxembourg 6 June 2013 Data Protection Reform This is the last Justice Council under the Irish Presidency.
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06-06-2013
European Commission paves way for sign language project
Press release Brussels, 6 June 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today paved the way for a new pilot project to improve communication between the European institutions and the deaf and hard of hearing. Today’s financing decision means the pilot project, for which the European Parliament has allocated a...
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06-06-2013
Better protection for victims of domestic violence under new EU law adopted today
European Commission Press release Luxembourg, 6 June 2013 Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will soon be able to count on EU-wide protection, following today's adoption of a European Commission proposal by Justice Ministers from the EU Member States.
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05-06-2013
Justice and Home Affairs Council 6-7 June 2013 in Luxembourg
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 June 2013 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Luxembourg on 6 and 7 June 2013. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Justice and Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs.
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04-06-2013
Speech: Missing Children: Taking stock and future-proofing the hotlines
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Third annual conference on missing children and 116000 hotlines Brussels, 4 June 2013 MAIN MESSAGES In 2011, a quarter of a million cases of missing children were officially reported in the EU.
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03-06-2013 - Gender equality
Q&A: Report on childcare provision in the Member States and study on the gender pension gap
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 3 June 2013 1. Barcelona Targets What are the so-called 'Barcelona targets'? In March 2002 the European Council, meeting in Barcelona, agreed common targets to improve the provision of childcare in the Member States.
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03-06-2013
Childcare: Commission calls on Member States to do more
European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 June 2013 Member States will need to step up their efforts to improve childcare provisions if the EU is to reach its 75% employment rate target by 2020, said the European Commission in a report released today.
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03-06-2013 - Gender equality
Barcelona Objectives: childcare facilities for young children in Europe
A Commission report on the Barcelona objectives shows that most EU countries have missed the targets agreed by the European Council in 2002 for availability and accessibility of childcare services. The reports demonstrates that investment in high quality services must be continued.
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03-06-2013 - Gender equality
ENEGE Report on the gender gap in pension in the EU published
Women receive average pensions which are 39% lower compared to those of men. This report develops a new indicator for gender equality, the "Gender Pension Gap" which, together with the "Gender Pay Gap", helps to assess the magnitude of gender inequality in the course of people’s lives.
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30-05-2013
May infringements package: main decisions
The entity name must immediately follow the '&' in the entity reference. -
30-05-2013
European Commission welcomes progress on proposal to help recover cross-border debts
MEMO Brussels, 30 May 2013 European Commission The European Commission has welcomed progress on a proposal to make life easier for citizens and businesses in the European Union’s Single Market, following a vote today in the European Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI).
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28-05-2013
Commission welcomes breakthrough on its proposal to guarantee citizens’ rights to access a lawyer and on the right to communicate upon arrest
European MEMO Brussels, 28 May 2013 Commission A European Commission proposal to guarantee the rights of all citizens to be advised by a lawyer when facing criminal proceedings moved a step closer to agreement today, after a breakthrough in negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
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24-05-2013
Speech: From vision to action: putting citizens at the heart of Europe
European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding Vice-President for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship From vision to action: putting citizens at the heart of Europe The Bridge Forum Dialogue /Luxembourg 24 May 2013 Main Messages [J]ustice for citizens was the "Cinderella" of EU law.
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24-05-2013 - Gender equality
Study on the role of men in gender equality published
The study, entitled 'The role of men in gender equality – European strategies and insights' has been published. The study presents conclusions and recommendations, as well as some guiding principles on how to develop policies to improve the role of men in gender equality.
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24-05-2013
Statement by Vice-Presidents Viviane Reding and Neelie Kroes on International Missing Children's Day
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 May 2013 Ahead of International Missing Children’s Day (25 May), European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner said: "As every year, the European Commission is supporting International Missing Children Day to make sure we remember children who have gone missing, today and on...
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22-05-2013
EU-wide protection for victims of domestic violence to become law
European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 22 May 2013 Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will soon be able to count on EU-wide protection, after the European Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority (602 votes in favour, 23 against, 63 abstentions) to endorse the European Commission's proposal for an EU-wide protection...
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21-05-2013
Speech: The EU's Data Protection rules and Cyber Security Strategy: two sides of the same coin
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: NATO Parliamentary Assembly/Luxembourg 19 May 2013 The Internet is the infrastructure of the modern age. It accounted for more than 20% of GDP growth in the world’s major economies over the last five years.
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17-05-2013
Speech - The Commission's actions are making LGBT rights a reality
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - 1st International IDAHO Forum/Brussels 9 May 2013 Dear Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very happy to be with you here today to mark the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia.
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17-05-2013 - Tackling discrimination
International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia - 17 May 2013
The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) takes place every year to draw attention to the discrimination that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people can face.
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16-05-2013
Modern Insolvency Rules: lending a helping hand to businesses in distress
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15-05-2013
European Commission making headway on Roma integration
MEMO Brussels, 15 May 2013 European Commission European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding (Justice, Citizenship and Fundamental Rights) and Commissioner László Andor (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) will today meet with civil society organisations to discuss Roma integration in Europe.
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14-05-2013 - Gender equality
Women on Boards: Vice-President Viviane Reding and Markus Klimmer, Managing Director at Accenture discuss challenges and opportunities
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 May 2013 Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, met with Markus Klimmer, Managing Director at Accenture, today to discuss how best to improve gender balance on company boards.
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13-05-2013 - Gender equality
Report on progress between women and men published
The 2012 annual report on 'Progress on equality between women and men' has just been released. Based on recent evidence and new data, it takes stock of major policy developments during the last year. The report illustrates some of the many ways in which the EU and its Member States have promoted gender equality.
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08-05-2013 - EU citizenship
EU Citizenship Report: 12 new actions to make EU citizens’ rights a reality
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner EU EU Press Conference/Brussels 8 May 2013 2013 is the European Year of Citizens. But it takes more than just a year to tear down barriers for our citizens. It takes concrete actions.
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08-05-2013 - Gender equality
Q&A: Report on the Charter of Fundamental Rights and on Progress in Gender Equality
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 May 2013 What are fundamental rights? The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights sets out a series of individual rights and freedoms. It entrenches the rights developed in the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU, found in the European Convention on Human...
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08-05-2013 - Gender equality
EU Charter is making fundamental rights a reality for citizens
European Commission Press release Brussels, 8 May 2013 Three years after it became legally binding, the impact of the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights is increasingly clear. It is becoming a point of reference not only for the EU institutions when drawing up legislation but also for the European...
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08-05-2013 - EU citizenship
Frequently Asked Questions: 2013 EU Citizenship Report
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 May 2013 What is EU citizenship? European Union citizenship is not just a concept, but a practical reality that brings tangible benefits to all of us. EU citizenship and the rights that go with it, such as the right to free movement, are key pillars...
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08-05-2013
EU Citizenship: Commission proposes 12 new actions to boost citizens' rights
European Commission Press release Brussels, 8 May 2013 The European Commission has today unveiled a new push to reinforce EU citizens’ rights with a series of actions to tackle obstacles that citizens still face in their everyday life.
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08-05-2013 - EU citizenship
Citizens' rights: two new reports reveal Commission proposals to reinforce citizenship and progress in making fundamental rights a reality
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03-05-2013 - EU citizenship
Future of Europe Debate: Vice-President Reding holds Citizens' Dialogue in Brussels
European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 May 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe and the consequences of the economic crisis is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns to listen to citizens, their concerns and hopes for the future.
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03-05-2013
Ahead of Europe Day: The European Commission opens its doors and unveils the improved visitors' centre
European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 May 2013 9 May is Europe Day. This should be more than just a day of celebration for citizens. Therefore, already on Saturday 4 May the Commission, along with the other EU institutions, will open its doors to citizens.
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01-05-2013
New Head of European Commission Representation in Bulgaria
European Commission Press release Brussels, 1 May 2013 Today, Mr Ognian Zlatev takes office as the new Head of the European Commission's Representation in Sofia. Mr Zlatev has been working since 2011 as Head of Communication at the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
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29-04-2013 - Fundamental rights
Citizens' rights: two new reports reveal Commission proposals to reinforce citizenship and progress in making fundamental rights a reality
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25-04-2013
April infringements package: main decisions
The entity name must immediately follow the '&' in the entity reference. -
24-04-2013
Speech: Cutting red tape for citizens and businesses
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: Press room statement/Brussels 24 April 2013 Today, within the European Union, people can move around freely. They study, live or work abroad in the EU. Companies also move and operate cross-border.
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24-04-2013
No more costly and bureaucratic stamps for public documents – European Commission acts to slash red tape in all Member States
European Commission Press release Brussels, 24 April 2013 Today the European Commission is proposing to slash red tape for citizens and businesses by doing away with bureaucratic rubber-stamping exercises currently required to get public documents like your birth certificate recognised as authentic in another EU Member State.
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24-04-2013
Frequently Asked Questions: European Commission acts to slash red tape in all Member States
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 April 2013 Why is the Commission proposing this Regulation? The proposal aims to slash costs and lengthy procedures caused by bureaucratic formalities that today require citizens and businesses to prove that their public documents (such as birth or legal status certificate) as issued by their...
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24-04-2013 - Civil Justice
No more costly and bureaucratic rubber-stamping for public documents
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23-04-2013
UK and Ireland ask to join EU Insolvency Rules
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 23 March 2013 Both the United Kingdom and Ireland have announced their decision to join the Commission’s proposal to modernise current EU rules on cross border insolvency, which date from 2000.
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22-04-2013
Speech: Safeguarding the rule of law and solving the "Copenhagen dilemma": Towards a new EU-mechanism
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech: General Affairs Council/Luxembourg 22 April 2013 Main Messages What we are lacking is a better developed set of instruments to fill the gaps between the "soft power" of political persuasion, the role of the Commission as the...
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17-04-2013
Hungary and the Rule of Law - Statement of the European Commission in the Plenary Debate of the European Parliament
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner EP Plenary/Strasbourg 17 April 2013 President, Minister, Honourable Members, I want to thank the President for holding this debate today on a subject which is attracting a great deal of attention.
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12-04-2013
Speech: Gearing the Single Market for Growth: How Justice Policies can help
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: EPP Group Session: 'Exploiting the potential of the single market', Dubrovnik, Croatia 12 April 2013 The Single Market is the crown jewel of the European Union.
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11-04-2013 - Criminal Justice
A new call for proposals under the Hercule II Programme, Sector Training.
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08-04-2013
International Roma Day: Commission calls for decisive action to further Roma integration
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 8 April 2013 To mark International Roma Day, the European Commission has underlined the need for further efforts by the Member States to improve the situation for Roma communities in Europe.
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05-04-2013 - EU citizenship
Others are deciding for you
There is a steady decline in the number of people voting in EU elections. This Euronews 'Right On' episode looks at the participation of EU citizens and the recommendations of the European Commission.
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04-04-2013
Meeting between European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 4 April 2013 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding and United States Attorney General Eric Holder met today in Washington. They had cordial discussions on a wide range of fields of collaboration between the Department of Justice and the European Commission.
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02-04-2013 - Consumer and marketing law
Don't rip me off!
Find out more about so-called 'unfair commercial practices' and how to avoid them in this Euronews edition of 'Right On'.
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27-03-2013
SPEECH - The 2013 EU Justice Scoreboard
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner SPEECH - Press Conference /Brussels 27 March 2013 Effective Justice Systems and Economic Growth I am here today to present a new tool that the Commission has just adopted.
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27-03-2013
Questions & Answers: EU Justice Scoreboard
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 March 2013 What is the European Semester? The European Commission has set up a yearly cycle of economic policy coordination called the European Semester. Each year the European Commission undertakes a detailed analysis of EU Member States' programmes of economic and structural reforms and provides...
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27-03-2013
EU Justice Scoreboard: European Commission broadens the scope of its analysis of Member States' justice systems
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27-03-2013 - Effective justice
EU Justice Scoreboard: European Commission broadens the scope of its analysis of Member States' justice systems
The European Commission has today unveiled a new comparative tool to promote effective justice in the European Union and thereby reinforce economic growth.
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26-03-2013
SPEECH - EU Data Protection rules: Better for business, better for citizens
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission SPEECH - European Voice event/Brussels 26 March 2013 Main Messages of the Speech 1/ On timing: We are moving forward at full speed. It is in the coming months that policy-makers will make a decision on the data protection law that...
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26-03-2013
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding and Ronan Dunne of Telefónica stress importance of EU data protection reform
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 March 2013 In the margins of an event on the EU data protection reform, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner will meet Ronan Dunne, CEO of Telefónica UK to discuss the importance of the Commission’s proposed reform of EU data protection rules (see IP/12/46...
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22-03-2013
Speech: Main messages of Vice-President Viviane Reding at the Citizens' Dialogue in Thessaloniki, Greece
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: Citizens' Dialogue/Thessaloniki, Greece 22 March 2013 I have come to Thessaloniki to listen to you and to talk with you. This is the European Year of Citizens.
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21-03-2013 - EU citizenship
Future of Europe Debate: Vice-President Reding Face to Face with Citizens' in Thessaloniki, Greece
European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 March 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe and the consequences of the economic crisis is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns to listen to citizens, their concerns and hopes for the future.
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20-03-2013
Speech: Strengthening the basis for EU criminal law and judicial cooperation
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice Speech: CRIM Special Committee, European Parliament/Brussels 19 March 2013 Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen; A new criminal landscape is emerging in Europe.
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19-03-2013
EU Data Protection: European Parliament's legal affairs committee backs uniform data protection rules
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 19 March 2013 The European Commission today welcomed the adoption of an opinion by the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) on the Commission’s proposal for a Data Protection Regulation reforming the EU’s data protection rules that date back to 1995 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).
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19-03-2013
Commission seeks input on improving redress for consumers in cross-border claims
European Press release Brussels, 19 March 2013 Commission The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on how to improve access to justice for consumers and small businesses in small-scale cross-border disputes.
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19-03-2013
Towards a more coherent enforcement of EU consumer rules
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Commissioner for Justice European Consumer Summit 2013/Brussels 19 March 2013 Main Messages Why consumer protection matters – especially in times of crisis: Europe's citizens are also Europe's consumers. They are entitled to have their rights respected.
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19-03-2013 - Civil Justice
Commission aims to improve redress for consumers in cross-border claims
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18-03-2013
Making citizens' rights a tangible reality: 500 Information Centres inform citizens across Europe
European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 March 2013 Today, Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission and Othmar Karas, Vice-President of the European Parliament launched a new generation of "Europe Direct Information Centres".
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15-03-2013
EU Consumer Summit 2013: Europe joining forces to enforce consumers' rights
European Commission Press release Brussels, 15 March 2013 14 EU Ministers and State secretaries in charge of consumer affairs will join the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Affairs, Tonio Borg, as well as some 450 stakeholders representing consumer and business associations, enforcement and regulatory authorities and European Consumer Centres,...
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14-03-2013
Putting a stop to marketing scams: European Commission takes action to strengthen enforcement against unfair commercial practices
European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 March 2013 Brussels, 14 March 2013 – Today, the European Commission outlined a series of actions to tackle aggressive commercial practices across the EU such as fake ‘free’ offers, ‘bait and switch’ advertising for products which cannot be supplied, and exhortation of children.
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14-03-2013 - Consumer and marketing law
European Commission acts to stop marketing scams
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13-03-2013 - Drug control policy
A growing EU illicit drugs market shows the impact of the crisis
Study shows that the economic crisis is expected to have an impact on the drugs market.
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12-03-2013
Factsheet: Enhancing the democracy of European Parliament Elections
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 12 March 2013 Under a recommendation adopted by the European Commission today, political parties should nominate a candidate for European Commission President in the next European elections (2014) and they should display their European political party affiliation.
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12-03-2013
Speech: Press conference on the European Parliament elections Recommendation
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Press conference/Strasbourg 12 March 2013 I am happy to be here today with my colleague Maroš to present today's Commission recommendations to make the upcoming European elections more democratic.
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12-03-2013 - EU citizenship
Commission recommendations for 2014 European Parliament elections
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08-03-2013
Speech: Justice Council, 8 March 2013
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, Justice Commissioner Justice Council/Brussels 8 March 2013 On timing: A lot of ground has been covered in only 8 weeks. The first reading of the Regulation was completed in January – all its 91 articles.
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07-03-2013
Questions and Answers: What has the EU done for women? 50 years of EU action on Gender Equality for One Continent
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 On the eve of Internation Women's Day, Vice-President Viviane Reding said: "Five decades of European Union action have advanced gender equality on our continent. We have developed laws guaranteeing equal pay for equal work, equality in the workplace and minimum rights to maternity...
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07-03-2013
Justice Council 8 March 2013
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 Main agenda items: Reform of EU data protection rules Protecting the euro against counterfeiting through criminal law European Protection Order in civil matters Lunch debate on the European Justice Scoreboard 1.
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07-03-2013
Speech: The EU's Data Protection reform: Decision-Time is Now
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Speech: 2nd Annual Cloud Computing Conference/Brussels 7 March 2013 Main Messages of the Speech 1/ On timing: We are at the heart of the negotiations on the legislative proposals [on data protection]. The Irish Presidency is pushing the file forwards.
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07-03-2013
German Minister for the Interior Hans-Peter Friedrich and EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding emphasise the importance of the EU General Data Protection Regulation for the digital sing...
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 March 2013 Today, at a joint working breakfast ahead of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, and, Hans-Peter Friedrich, the German Interior Minister, reaffirmed their shared objective of a reform of European data protection rules.
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06-03-2013 - Gender equality
International Women's Day: Zero tolerance for female genital mutilation
Brussels, 06 March 2013 - European Commission calls for zero tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM).
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05-03-2013
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding and German Consumer Protection Minister Ilse Aigner see European data protection reform as ‘historic opportunity’
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 26 February 2013 The EU Justice Commissioner and Vice President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, and the German Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, described the planned EU General Data Protection Regulation as a ‘historic opportunity’ to modernise existing data protection rules and bring them into the...
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04-03-2013 - Tackling discrimination
La Ministre Marie-Arlette Carlotti et la Vice-présidente Viviane Reding veulent renforcer les droits des personnes handicapées en Europe
Commission européenne MEMO Bruxelles, 4 mars 2013 Marie-Arlette Carlotti, ministre française déléguée aux personnes handicapées et à la lutte contre l’exclusion et Viviane Reding, vice-présidente de la Commission européenne en charge de la justice, des droits fondamentaux et de la citoyenneté, se sont rencontrées à Bruxelles le lundi 4 mars 2013.
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01-03-2013 - Gender equality
Brochure March 2013: Tackling the gender pay gap in the EU
A new brochure explains what the gender pay gap is, its causes, and why closing it makes sense for both businesses and society in general. Key figures on equality between men and women in work are also provided, as well as information on the EU's work to tackle the pay gap and examples of national good practices.
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28-02-2013 - Gender equality
Equal Pay day:
women still earn 16.2% less than men. Equal pay is not only fair – it makes sound business sense too. Read how “Equality pays off
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28-02-2013 - Consumer and marketing law
Workshop on Misleading Marketing Practices (B2B)
The Commission will host a workshop on 1st March on misleading marketing practices affecting businesses and on the application and review of the Misleading and Comparative Advertising Directive 2006/114/EC.
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21-02-2013
February infringements package: main decisions
The entity name must immediately follow the '&' in the entity reference. -
21-02-2013 - Fundamental rights
Investing in children: breaking the cycle of disadvantage
The Commission has issued a comprehensive recommendation for tackling and preventing disadvantage to children at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
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20-02-2013
EU Data Protection: European Parliament's Industry committee backs uniform data protection rules
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2013 The European Commission today welcomed the adoption of an opinion by the European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee (ITRE) on the Commission’s proposals to reform the EU’s data protection rules which date back to 1995 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).
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20-02-2013 - Criminal Justice
First yearly report on Judicial Training (2011)
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20-02-2013
Commission welcomes European Parliament Committee support for an optional Common European Sales Law
European MEMO Brussels, 20 February 2013 Commission The European Commission welcomes the draft report from the European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) backing optional EU-wide rules for businesses and consumers who are concluding contracts in the Single Market.
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20-02-2013
Future of Europe Debate: Vice-President Reding Face to Face with Citizens' in Coimbra, Portugal
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 February 2013 As the debate about the future of Europe is gathering pace, the European Commission is reaching out to different European towns asking citizens directly for their views.
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19-02-2013 - Gender equality
Commission proposal to protect victims of domestic violence EU-wide will become law
European MEMO Brussels, 19 February 2013 Commission Victims of violence, in particular domestic violence, will be able to count on EU-wide protection. Today, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers reached a political agreement on a proposal by the European Commission for an EU-wide protection order.
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19-02-2013 - EU citizenship
Speech: EU Citizenship: A new impetus – towards the 2013 EU Citizenship report
European Commission Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Hearing at the European Parliament: "Making the most of EU citizenship"/Brussels 19 February 2013 Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here with you today.
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19-02-2013
European Citizenship: Awareness growing about EU-guaranteed rights but people want to know more
Commission Press release Brussels, 19 February 2013 European 20 years after the birth of EU citizenship Europeans are broadly aware of their rights, but do not always know what these entail, according to a new Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission today.
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19-02-2013 - Tackling discrimination
They only see my skin colour
New "Right on" episode on Racism and Xenophobia
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11-02-2013
EU Data Protection Reform: Major Telecoms Operators Support Push for Level-Playing Field
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 February 2013 Today, Vice-President Viviane Reding is meeting Luigi Gambardella, chairman of ETNO, who represents the leading telecommunications network operators in Europe to discuss the EU Data Protection rules proposed by the European Commission in January 2012 (see IP/12/46 and IP/13/57).
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06-02-2013 - Gender equality
Joint Statement on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 February 2013 On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (6 February 2013) High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission Catherine Ashton, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, Development Commissioner...
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06-02-2013 - Data protection
Myth-busting: consistency is at the heart of the new data protection rules
The proposed General Data Protection Regulation
establishes a system of consistency and simplicity. -
06-02-2013 - Data protection
The Proposed General Data Protection Regulation: The Consistency Mechanism Explained
The main innovations of the proposed General Data Protection Regulation
relate to the institutional system it creates rather than to the substance of data protection law. The consistency mechanism is at the heart of this system. -
05-02-2013
Proposal to protect the euro and other currencies against counterfeiting
European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 5 February 2013 Questions and Answers: Why do we need to protect the euro and other currencies? Counterfeiting of the euro and other currencies remains a concern throughout the European Union. The euro is particularly susceptible to counterfeiting on a transnational scale.
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05-02-2013
European Commission strengthens the protection of the euro by means of criminal law
Press release Strasbourg, 5 February 2013 European Commission The European Commission has today proposed to crack down on criminals who counterfeit euro notes and coins. Counterfeiting of the euro is estimated to have cost at least €500 million since the currency was introduced in 2002.
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31-01-2013
Commission to examine legal obstacles to cross-border trade in insurance
European Press release Brussels, 31 January 2013 Commission The European Commission is set to examine barriers to cross-border trade in insurance products caused by different contract laws in the EU’s Member States, after today launching a call for experts to look into the problem.
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31-01-2013 - Drug control policy
Commission calls for EU-wide ban on amphetamine-like drug '4-MA'
European Press release Brussels, 31 January 2013 Commission The European Commission today proposed an EU-wide ban on ‘4-MA’, a synthetic substance with similar physical effects to amphetamines. The Commission asked EU Member States to prevent the drug spreading freely across Europe by submitting it to control measures.
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31-01-2013 - Contract law
Call for applications regarding the setting up of the Commission expert group on a European insurance contract law
By Decision 2013/C 16/03 of 17 January 2013 (the Decision), the Commission set up an Expert Group on a European Insurance Contract Law (Expert Group). The Commission is calling for applications with a view to selecting members of this Expert Group.
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28-01-2013
Speech: Never forget: Remembering the victims, learning from the past, continuing the legacy
European Commission Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Speech: Holocaust Remembrance Day Brussels ,28 January 2013 Monsieur le Président du Conseil Constitutionnel, Dear Mrs Pollak-Kinsky, Ladies and Gentlemen, We are here today to remember. We are here today to learn.
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28-01-2013
FAQ: The Radicalisation Awareness Network
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 28 January 2013 What is the RAN? The Radicalisation Awareness Network, launched in September 2011, is an umbrella network connecting people involved in preventing radicalisation and violent extremism throughout Europe.
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28-01-2013
European Data Protection Day 2013: Full speed ahead towards reliable and modern EU data protection laws
Commission Press release Brussels, 28 January 2013 European One year ago, ahead of the European Data Protection Day 2012, the European Commission proposed a root and branch reform of the EU’s data protection rules to make them fit for the 21st century (IP/12/46).
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28-01-2013
Package travel rights: Commission examines options
European Commission Memo Brussels, 28 January 2013 The European Commission will this week meet with consumer groups and business leaders in the travel industry to discuss the review of the current EU legislation on package holidays. The 1990 Package Travel Directive protects European consumers booking pre-arranged package holidays.
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28-01-2013
The Data Protection reform - One Year On
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 28 January 2013 One year ago, the European Commission presented a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy (IP/12/46).
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27-01-2013 - Tackling discrimination
Eurobarometer 2012 on perceptions of discrimination in the EU
The European Commission releases a new Eurobarometer on discrimination in the European Union.
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25-01-2013 - Tackling discrimination
Digital Agenda: Commission proposes rules to make government websites accessible for all
Over 100 million EU citizens would find it easier to use online public services to look for a job, register a car, submit a tax declaration and apply for a passport or driving license thanks to new rules proposed today by the European Commission on the International Day of People with Disability.
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25-01-2013
Share of women on company boards up to 15.8% in Europe
The Commission has released mid-term figures on the share of women on boards in publicly listed companies. An increase has been recorded in all but three EU countries.
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25-01-2013 - Gender equality
Regulatory pressure gets the ball rolling: Share of women on company boards up to 15.8% in Europe
European Commission Press release Davos, 25 January 2013 Today the Commission released mid-term figures on the share of women on boards in publicly listed companies. The new figures show an increase in the number of women on boards to 15.8%, up from 13.7% in January 2012.
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24-01-2013
Gender Equality: European Commission refers the Netherlands to the Court
European Commission Press release Brussels, 24 January 2013 The European Commission decided today to refer the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not adequately protecting the rights of employees on maternity, adoption or parental leave related to their return to work.
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24-01-2013
January infringements package: main decisions
The entity name must immediately follow the '&' in the entity reference. -
22-01-2013 - EU citizenship
There's distance betweeen us - Euronews Right On Episode
Euronews episode of 'Right on' looks at the gap between the European Union and its citizens and how the European Commission is trying to close it.
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18-01-2013
Speech: Justice for Growth makes headway at today's Justice Council
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the Commission, European Justice Commissioner Press Conference, Informal Justice Council /Dublin 18 January 2013 Today, we have had a very important discussion on how justice policies can help to reinforce stability, jobs and growth in Europe – the Justice for Growth agenda.
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16-01-2013
Informal Justice Council: 18 January 2013
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 16 January 2013 European Union Justice ministers will meet in Dublin on 18 January 2013. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner.
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08-01-2013
Commission welcomes European Parliament rapporteurs' support for strong EU data protection rules
European MEMO Brussels, 10 January 2013 Commission European Parliament rapporteurs today presented two draft reports on the reform of the EU's data protection rules proposed by the European Commission just a year ago (see IP/12/46 and MEMO/12/41).
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08-01-2013 - Data protection
Euronews episode: Careful what you click on!
How to save the concept of internet privacy, without putting the brakes on new technology and services.
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01-01-2013 - EU citizenship
European Commission kick-starts the 2013 European Year of Citizens
Press release Brussels, 1 January 2013 European Commission As we enter into 2013, the European Commission kicks off the European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to you and to your rights. This European Year comes at a critical juncture in European integration - 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of...
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01-01-2013 - EU citizenship
European Commission kick-starts the 2013 European Year of Citizens
As we enter into 2013, the European Commission kicks off the European Year of Citizens, a year dedicated to you and to your rights. This European Year comes at a critical juncture in European integration.
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21-12-2012
European Commission appoints new Head of the Regional Office in Barcelona
Press release Brussels, 21 December 2012 European Commission Ferran Tarradellas Espuny will take up office as Head of the European Commission Regional Office in Barcelona on 1 January 2013. Mr. Tarradellas joined the European Commission in 2000 initially working as a media contact in the Directorate General for Energy and...
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20-12-2012
Citizens will be able to stand as candidates in another EU country more easily under new EU rules
European Commission Memo Brussels, 20 December 2012 Today, the EU Council of Ministers has adopted a European Commission proposal to make it easier for EU citizens living in another Member State to stand as candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections.
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20-12-2012
Autumn 2012 Standard Eurobarometer: Light at the end of the tunnel?
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2012 According to the latest survey results, a large majority of Europeans (85%) think that EU Member States will have to work more closely together to tackle the crisis.
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20-12-2012 - Gender equality
EU rules on gender-neutral pricing in insurance industry enter into force
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 December 2012 Brussels, 20 December 2012 – Under new rules which enter force tomorrow, insurers in Europe will have to charge the same prices to women and men for the same insurance products without distinction on the grounds of sex.
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20-12-2012
Factsheet: EU rules on gender-neutral pricing in insurance
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 20 December 2012 What will change on 21 December? From 21 December 2012, insurance companies in the European Union will have to charge the same price to men and women for the same insurance products, without distinction on the grounds of sex.
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20-12-2012 - Gender equality
EU rules on gender-neutral pricing in insurance industry enter into force
Under new rules which are entering into force, insurers in Europe will have to charge the same prices to women and men for the same insurance products without distinction on the grounds of sex.
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19-12-2012 - Relations with third countries
EU approves New Zealand’s data protection standards in step to boost trade
European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 December 2012 Brussels, 19 December 2012 – The European Commission has today formally recognised the adequacy of personal data protection in New Zealand, opening the way for increased trade with the European Union.
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19-12-2012
European Commission appoints new Head of Representation in London
Press release Brussels, 19 December 2012 European Commission Jacqueline Minor has been appointed as Head of Representation in the United Kingdom. She will take office on 16 February 2013. Having worked as Director for Consumer Affairs in DG Health and Consumers for the last five years, Mrs Minor is an...
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18-12-2012
Speech - The Common European Sales Law – a useful tool for business
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the Commission, European Justice Commissioner Speech - CCBE debate on the proposed Common European Sales Law / Brussels 17 December 2012 Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you very much for inviting me to speak to you today.
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18-12-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Conclusions of the Equality Summit 2012: Promoting Equality for Growth
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12-12-2012
Speech - Modern insolvency rules to give businesses a second chance
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Press Conference: Modern insolvency rules to give businesses a second chance / Strasbourg 12 December 2012 I am here today to tell you about a proposal which the Commission has just adopted which will bring relief...
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12-12-2012 - Gender equality
Shattering myths and glass ceilings: launch of database of 'Global Board Ready Women'
European Commission Press release Strasbourg, 12 December 2012 Today the European Business Schools Women on Boards Initiative is migrating their 'Global Board Ready Women' list of 8 000 women into an online database. The women on this list all fulfil stringent criteria for Corporate Governance as defined by publicly listed...
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12-12-2012 - Civil Justice
Insolvency: new proposals give businesses a second chance
Businesses hit by the economic crisis will be thrown a lifeline under a new proposal from the European Commission to modernise Europe’s rules on cross-border business insolvency, helping to give otherwise viable businesses a ‘second chance’.
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10-12-2012 - Civil Justice
Give me what you owe me! - Euronews Right On Episode
Debt recovery and Small Claims procedure in Europe
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10-12-2012 - Civil Justice
Who gets what when I die - Euronews Right On Episode
Succession laws in Europe
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10-12-2012 - Civil Justice
Help! My business is collapsing - Euronews Right On Episode
European insolvency laws are under review
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07-12-2012
Market abuse: Justice Ministers agree Commission proposals on criminal sanctions
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 7 December 2012 In the recent LIBOR scandal, serious concerns have been raised about the manipulation of benchmarks, which can result in significant losses to consumers and investors, or distort the real economy.
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07-12-2012 - Data protection
Myth-busting: what Commission proposals on data protection do and don't mean
On 25 January 2012, the Commission presented its data protection reform proposal. It sparked an intense, vibrant, fascinating debate. Here's what the reform does and does not do. It's important not to get side-tracked.
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06-12-2012
Speech - A European Union grounded in justice and fundamental rights
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Fundamental Rights Conference 2012 / Brussels 6 December 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be with you for this year's Fundamental Rights Conference, hosted by the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights.
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06-12-2012
Ministers adopt Commission’s reform to cut red tape in cross-border court cases
European Commission Press Release Brussels, 6 December 2012 Businesses and consumers will be able to resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily, thanks to a reform adopted by European justice ministers today. Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, welcomed the adoption by the Council of the reformed rules to...
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05-12-2012
Justice Council: 7 December 2012
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 5 December 2012 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 6 and 7 December 2012. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner.
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04-12-2012
Why we need a United States of Europe now
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Centrum für Europarecht an der University Passau / Passau 8 November 2012 “If you really want sound budgetary policies over the long term, you need a European finance minister answerable to the European Parliament and with clear rights to intervene vis-à-vis...
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04-12-2012
The overhaul of EU rules on data protection: making the single market work for business
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner 3rd Annual European Data Protection and Privacy Conference /Brussels 4 December 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, 1995 was a long time ago. In terms of digital technologies, a different age. Since then, the internet has blossomed.
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04-12-2012 - Gender equality
Speech - The route to more women on supervisory boards: For an intelligent quota instead of inflexible requirements
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission European Commissioner for Justice Speech - Federation of German Industries event at the Representation of the Land Baden-Württemberg to the European Union / Brussels 27 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be able to speak to you...
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03-12-2012
2013 Access City award for disabled-friendly cities goes to Berlin!
European Commission Press release Brussels, 3 December 2012 Brussels, 3 December 2012 – Today European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding has handed the Access City Award 2013 to the city of Berlin. The prize has been awarded in recognition of Berlin's comprehensive and strategic approach to creating an accessible city for...
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03-12-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Berlin wins 2013 Access City Award
The prize has been awarded in recognition of Berlin's comprehensive and strategic approach to creating an accessible city for all.
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30-11-2012 - Tackling discrimination
European Day for People with Disabilities on 3 December: Europeans strongly back better accessibility for disabled
Commission Press release Brussels, 30 November 2012 European Brussels, 30 November 2012 – Europeans strongly believe that disabled people should be able to participate fully in society, according to a new survey by the European Commission released ahead of the European Day for People with Disabilities on 3 December.
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29-11-2012 - EU citizenship
Building the Future with Europeans in the European Year of Citizens
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Forum of the Committee of the Regions / Brussels 28 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here with you today to discuss the European Year of Citizens 2013.
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29-11-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Making Europe accessible
Euronews right on episode on efforts to make European cities more accessible.
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27-11-2012
Speech - Protecting businesses against misleading marketing practices and ensuring effective enforcement, Commissioner Reding
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Speech - Press Conference / Brussels 27 November 2012 Every day in Europe hundreds of small businesses fall victim to marketing scams.
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27-11-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
European Commission takes action to protect businesses against marketing scams
The European Commission outlined a series of actions to tackle marketing scams, such as those of misleading directory companies.
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27-11-2012
Questions and Answers: Protecting businesses against misleading marketing practices and ensuring effective enforcement
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 27 November 2012 What is a marketing practice? A marketing practice is any representation or communication made by a trader in order to promote goods and services. It can be a TV commercial or press article, information on the website, an e-mail, or even direct marketing...
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26-11-2012 - Gender equality
And yet it’s coming: a gender quota in business leadership
European Commission Ms Viviane Reding Vice-President, Member of the Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Women's Finance Forum / Hamburg 15 November 2012 Key statements: We did it: yesterday, the European Commission made gender equality history.
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24-11-2012 - Gender equality
Statement by Vice-President Reding ahead of the International Day for Eliminating Violence against Women
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 November 2012 Ahead of the International Day for Eliminating Violence against Women (25 November 2012), Vice-President Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner made the following statement: “Across Europe, around 1 in 5 women have suffered physical violence at least once in their lives and 1 in...
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23-11-2012 - EU citizenship
"It's about Europe. It's about you. Join the debate" – 2013 is the 'European Year of Citizens'
European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 November 2012 2013 has been officially named "The European Year of Citizens". 20 years after the introduction of EU Citizenship, the year will focus both on what has already been achieved for citizens and on meeting citizens' expectations for the future.
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22-11-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Eurobarometer 2012 on perceptions of discrimination in the EU
The European Commission releases today a new Eurobarometer on discrimination in the European Union.
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20-11-2012
European Parliament backs rules to do away with 27 national rules for recognising judgements in cross-border court cases
Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 20 November 2012 European The European Commission's proposals to help businesses and consumers resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily received the support of the European Parliament today.
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20-11-2012 - EU citizenship
European elections: citizens will be able to stand as candidates in another EU country more easily
Commission Press release Brussels, 20 November 2012 European It will now be easier for EU citizens living in another Member State to stand as candidates in the 2014 European Parliament elections, following a vote on a European Commission proposal in the European Parliament today.
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20-11-2012
Lithuania is the 15th EU Member State to sign up to enhanced cooperation rules to help international couples
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 November 2012 Tomorrow, the European Commission will confirm Lithuania's decision to join the enhanced cooperation procedure allowing international couples to select which country's law would apply to their divorce and legal separation.
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20-11-2012
Learning from Escher's legacy to face the challenges of tomorrow
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission Speech to the Swiss Bankers' Association / Zurich 16 November 2012 Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great honour to have been invited to speak at this symposium marking one hundred years of the Swiss Bankers' Association.
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19-11-2012
Commission to renegotiate Council of Europe Data Protection Convention on behalf of EU
European MEMO Brussels, 19 November 2012 Commission Today the Commission adopted a recommendation that will allow it to negotiate the modernisation of Convention 108, the Council of Europe's convention on data protection, on behalf of the European Union.
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15-11-2012 - Tackling discrimination
'Access Cities Award competition advances towards the December final'
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14-11-2012 - Gender equality
A historic day for gender equality
European Commission Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Press Conference /Brussels 14 November 2012 Today is a historic day for gender equality! After decades of empty promises and failed attempts at self-regulation, we still have an effective 85% male quota on the supervisory boards of Europe's...
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14-11-2012 - Gender equality
Women on Boards: Commission proposes 40% objective
European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 November 2012 Today the European Commission has taken action to break the glass ceiling that continues to bar female talent from top positions in Europe’s biggest companies. The Commission has proposed legislation with the aim of attaining a 40% objective of the under-represented sex...
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14-11-2012 - Gender equality
Questions and Answers: Proposal on increasing Gender Equality in the Boardrooms of Listed Companies
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 14 November 2012 Why do we need legislation to improve the gender balance on the boards of listed companies? At present, 91.1% of executive board members, 85% of non-executive board members and 96.8% of the boardroom chairs are men, while women make up 8.9%, 15% and...
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14-11-2012 - Gender equality
Women on Boards: Commission proposes 40% objective
Today the European Commission has taken action to break the glass ceiling that continues to bar female talent from top positions in Europe’s biggest companies. The Commission has proposed legislation with the aim of attaining a 40% objective of the under-represented sex in non-executive board-member positions in publicly listed companies, with the exception of small and medium enterprises. Currently, boards are dominated by one gender: 85% of non-executive board members and 91.1% of executive board members are men, while women make up 15% and 8.9% respectively.
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13-11-2012
Putting victims first: New rules on victims' rights to become law
European Commission Press release Brussels, 13 November 2012 A new European law to improve rights for an estimated 75 million crime victims across the European Union each year will be published in the Official Journal – the EU's statute book – tomorrow.
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06-11-2012
Court of Justice rules Hungarian forced early retirement of judges incompatible with EU law
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 6 November 2012 On the request of the European Commission, the Court of Justice of the European Union today ruled that the abrupt and radical lowering of the retirement age for judges, prosecutors and notaries in Hungary violates EU equal treatment rules (Directive 2000/78/EC).
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29-10-2012 - Civil Justice
Regional Court of Antwerp wins the Crystal Scales of Justice Prize
Regional Court of Antwerp won the the 2012 European Crystal Scales of Justice prize for innovative court practices. The prize was awarded in Vilnius, marking the European Day of Civil Justice, in presence of the Minister of Justice of Lithuania. The jury examined 38 applications from some 18 European States.
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26-10-2012
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Justice Council: Making good progress on our Justice for Growth agenda Justice Council Press Conference /...
European Commission Today we had a very constructive Justice Council meeting. I would like to thank the Cypriot Presidency for all their hard work over the past four months in helping to move our 'Justice for Growth' proposals forward.
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25-10-2012 - Criminal Justice
Summary of replies to the Green Paper on detention
Strengthening mutual trust in the European judicial area - A Green Paper on the application of EU criminal justice legislation in the field of detention.
The summary of replies
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24-10-2012
Justice and Home Affairs Council: 25-26 October 2012
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 24 October 2012 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 25 and 26 October 2012. The Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, Cecilia Malmström, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Kristalina Georgieva, EU Commissioner for...
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24-10-2012
October infringements package: main decisions
The entity name must immediately follow the '&' in the entity reference. -
11-10-2012 - Civil Justice
European Parliament committee backs simplifying cross-border court cases for business and consumers
The EP's Legal Affairs Committee voted to back the reform of rules to determine which national court has jurisdiction in cross-border cases and how court judgements issued in one EU country are recognised and enforced in another.
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11-10-2012 - Civil Justice
European Parliament Committee backs rules to cut red tape for business and consumers in cross-border court cases
Commission MEMO Brussels, 11 October 2012 European European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee (JURI) to support her proposals to help businesses and consumers resolve cross-border legal disputes more easily.
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09-10-2012 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Mapping EU action on Gender Equality: from the Treaty of Rome to Quotas Harvard Club Belgium/Brussels 8 O...
European Commission Ladies and gentlemen, To talk about women on boards is very much en vogue these days. Discussions around that theme often turn out to become passionate or ideological. That is why it might be interesting to look back and trace the origins of today’s debates.
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04-10-2012 - Criminal Justice
Putting victims first: New European law improving rights for victims of crime has been adopted
European Commission Press release Luxembourg, 4 October 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed the final adoption of a new European law which will improve rights for an estimated 75 million crime victims across the EU each year.
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02-10-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Roma integration: national representatives discuss progress and pool ideas
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 2 October 2012 Four months after the European Commission's first report on the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies (see IP/12/499), a network of coordinators responsible for the national Roma integration strategies from the EU's 27 Member States is today meeting in Brussels to discuss...
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01-10-2012 - Fundamental rights
Has anyone seen my child? - Euronews Right On Episode
An estimated one million children go missing every year in the European Union. Some cases receive a lot of media attention; others become a lonely struggle for families desperate for help.
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27-09-2012 - Civil Justice
Free movement: Commission takes Belgium to Court
European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 September 2012 The European Commission decided today to refer Belgium to the Court of Justice of the European Union for hindering the right to free movement of children born in Belgium who have one Belgian parent and one parent of another EU Member State...
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27-09-2012 - Civil Justice
Cross-border legal disputes: Commission takes Cyprus and the Netherlands to Court for failing to transpose EU rules
European Commission Press release Brussels, 27 September 2012 The European Commission is referring Cyprus and the Netherlands to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to notify national measures to implement EU rules easing access to justice in cross-border legal disputes.
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25-09-2012 - Contract law
Euronews: EU to simplify cross-border trade rules
Euronews episode of Right on takes a look at online shopping: Less than one in ten Europeans buy online from other EU countries. For both consumers and sellers, the process is simply too complicated... To boost cross-border trade, cut costs and give customers greater choice, the EU has drafted a Common European Sales Law.
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24-09-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
EU Consumers: settling small cross-border disputes without any hassle
European Commission Press release Brussels, 21 September 2012 Hunting for cross-border bargains is a way for consumers to get the 'best deal' across the EU's internal market. Shopping online makes these bargains ever more accessible.
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20-09-2012 - Fundamental rights
A shared past and a common future: Remembering the victims of totalitarian regimes
"Today we Europeans should unite, to remember all those who have fallen victim to totalitarian regimes and those who fought against such regimes." This was EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding's message on the European Day of Remembrance of the victims of all totalitarian and authoritarian regimes. The day marks the anniversary of the 23 August 1939, when a pact was signed between Nazi Germany, under Hitler and the Soviet Union, under Stalin, that changed the face of history.
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12-09-2012 - Criminal Justice
Putting victims first: New European law improving rights for victims of crime has been adopted
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12-09-2012 - Criminal Justice
Putting Victims first: Commission welcomes European Parliament vote to improve rights for 75 million crime victims
European Commission MEMO Strasbourg, 12 September 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament to back a new law improving rights for crime victims across the EU.
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12-09-2012 - Criminal Justice
Euronews: Crime victims - the lonely struggle
The Euronews episode of Right On focuses on victims' rights in the EU: Efforts are underway in Europe to make sure that victims do not also become victims of the system.
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31-08-2012 - EU citizenship
Future of Europe Consultation: 10 more Days to go!
European Commission Press release Brussels, 31 August 2012 Over 8404 EU-citizens have already had their say on the future of Europe by participating in the broad web-based consultation on citizens' rights and the future of Europe launched by the European Commission – the latest figures released today show.
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17-08-2012 - EU citizenship
Future of Europe debate: Commission gives citizens a say in online consultation
European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 August 2012 So far, over 5,500 EU-citizens have participated in one of the broadest web based consultations in the EU's history on citizens' rights and the future of Europe – the latest Commission figures released today show.
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30-07-2012 - Gender equality
Women on Boards: Vice-President Viviane Reding meets with leaders of Europe's business schools and industry
European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2012 Today, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding met with European Industry Associations, European Business Schools and Senior Executive Women to discuss progress being made on improving the gender balance in company boardrooms.
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25-07-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Amended Proposal for a Directive on Criminal Sanctions for Insider Dealing and Market Manipulation Joint ...
European Commission Background LIBOR scandal: why are we acting? These days we are again dealing with the effects of potentially criminal misconduct in the financial markets. This time it is about interest rate-rigging by banks.
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25-07-2012 - Criminal Justice
Libor scandal: Commission proposes EU-wide action to fight rate-fixing
European Commission Press release Brussels, 25 July 2012 In the recent LIBOR scandal, serious concerns have been raised about false submissions of banks' estimated interbank lending rates. Any actual or attempted manipulation of such key benchmarks can have a serious impact on market integrity, and could result in significant losses...
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23-07-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Addendum to the restricted call for proposals - action grants 2012
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16-07-2012 - EU citizenship
Holiday season: useful tips for a worry-free summer
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 July 2012 With the holiday season already starting and millions of Europeans intending on travelling within and outside the European Union, there are certain travel considerations that every European should be aware of.
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12-07-2012 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The Tug-of-War over the Women Quota DLDwomen 2012/Munich 12 July 2012
European Commission How has society changed as the world is becoming more digital? – This is the central question of this year's DLD Women conference. Data is racing ever faster, we grow ever closer together. Totally connected, we live in a global village where technical standards are becoming more similar...
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12-07-2012 - Criminal Justice
Protecting taxpayers' money: Commission proposes to strengthen use of criminal law against fraudsters
European Commission Press release Brussels, 11 July 2012 Misuse of EU funds for criminal purposes puts the EU's objectives of generating jobs and growth and improving living conditions at stake. With public finances under pressure throughout the EU, every euro counts.
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11-07-2012 - Criminal Justice
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Protecting the EU's financial interests through criminal law Reding – Šemeta press conference/Brussels...
European Commission Today I am here with my colleague Algirdas, the EU’s anti-fraud Commissioner, to present the new EU rules that the Commission has just adopted to better equip us to fight against fraud damaging the EU budget.
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11-07-2012 - Criminal Justice
EU criminal law will protect taxpayers’ money against fraudsters
Criminal misuse of EU funds puts the EU's objectives of growth and jobs at stake. Throughout the EU, every euro counts. Proposed new rules will fight fraud against the EU budget by means of criminal law to better safeguard taxpayers' money.
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10-07-2012 - Criminal Justice
Victims' rights: EU Justice Commissioner Reding welcomes double vote of support from European Parliamentarians
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 10 July 2012 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, today welcomed a vote by two European Parliament committees which supports the Commission's proposals to improve rights for crime victims throughout Europe.
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10-07-2012 - Drug control policy
Imitations of illicit drugs - Euronews Right On Episode
What are the policies and approaches accross the EU to the so called legal highs?
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06-07-2012 - Gender equality
London 2012: Reding and Vassiliou urge Olympic and Paralympic chiefs to press for better representation of women in sport
European Commission MEMO Brussels, 3 July 2012 More needs to be done to strengthen the representation of women in sport and in sport governing bodies, as well as the fight against discrimination and sexual harassment. This is the message in a letter from two leading European Commissioners to the Presidents...
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01-07-2012 - Fundamental rights
Our fundamental rights exposed - Euronews Right On Episode
Is it a virtual strip search that reveals too much or a vital new tool in aviation security? Full body security scanners at European airports have been the focus of much debate, and held up as a prime example of why our fundamental rights need to be closely watched.
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27-06-2012 - EU citizenship
When things go wrong abroad - Euronews Right On Episode
What are your rights when things go wrong while travelling outside the EU? Euronews reports on consular protection of EU citizens abroad.
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22-06-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
Door-to-Door selling: Commission stands up for consumer rights
The European Commission has given Germany two months to comply with European Union rules protecting consumers negotiating contracts "at the doorstep"
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19-06-2012 - Criminal Justice
Developing a coherent EU Criminal Policy in line with Fundamental Rights: Commission gathers high-level experts
European Commission Press release Brussels, 19 June 2012 Today, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, opened the inaugural meeting of the expert group on EU criminal policy. Twenty high-level legal experts, academics and practitioners, are meeting to discuss and advise the European Commission on key questions of EU criminal...
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08-06-2012 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Today's Justice Council: A good day for citizens and a good day for growth! Justice Council press confere...
European Commission MAIN MESSAGES OF THE SPEECH On Brussels I Today we achieved a breakthrough on the reform of the Brussels I regulation which abolishes the time-consuming and costly 'exequatur' procedure in civil and commercial cases.
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07-06-2012 - Criminal Justice
EU-wide right to information at arrest is now law
European Commission Press release Brussels, 7 June 2012 "You have the right to… - a Letter of Rights". A new law to ensure defendants' right to information during criminal proceedings throughout the European Union has been published in the Official Journal – the EU's statute book.
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31-05-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumers: Determined Commission action ensures timeshare protection in all EU countries
All Member States have now transposed the Timeshare Directive into their national law.
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31-05-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Winners of the EU Journalist Award 'Together against discrimination'
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23-05-2012
National Roma integration strategies
European Commission presents its first assessment of the national Roma integration strategies submitted by the Member States as response to the EU Framework for Roma integration presented in April last year
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23-05-2012 - Consumer and marketing law
A new European Consumer Agenda – Boosting confidence and growth by putting consumers at the heart of the Single Market
Only empowered and confident consumers can fully exploit the potential of the Single Market and enhance innovation and growth. This is why the European Commission's strategic vision for EU consumer policy for the years to come – adopted today - aims to maximise consumer participation and trust in the market.
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23-05-2012 - Tackling discrimination
European Commission calls on Member States to implement national plans for Roma integration
Brussels, 23 May 2012 – The European Commission has called on EU Member States, in a report adopted today, to implement their national strategies to improve the economic and social integration of Europe's 10 to 12 million Roma. Member States developed these plans in response to the Commission's EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies adopted on 5 April 2011 which was endorsed by EU leaders soon afterwards.
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16-05-2012 - Fundamental rights
Homophobia: European leaders tell young people It Gets Better
In Europe, growing up lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender can be challenging: difference often leads to bullying, self-harm, and sometimes suicide attempts. Studies consistently point to higher physical and mental health risks for LGBT young people.
For the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia 2012, over 50 European politicians and leaders from all EU institutions join forces telling LGBT teenagers they are working to make things better, and put an end to homophobia and transphobia.
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08-05-2012 - EU citizenship
Citizens' rights: European Commission kicks off the broadest public consultation ever and asks citizens to set future agenda
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 8 May 2012 – 9 May is Europe Day. This should be more than just a day of celebration for citizens. As of tomorrow, the European Commission will be calling on citizens all over the European Union to help set the policy agenda for...
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03-05-2012 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Strong and independent data protection authorities: the bedrock of the EU's data protection reform Spring...
Ladies and gentlemen, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue our discussion on the reform proposal on data protection. Since I last met many of you, in December at the last Working Party 29 meeting, the Commission adopted its proposals for a reform of the EU's data protection rules.
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26-04-2012 - Fundamental rights
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission: "The binding EU Charter of Fundamental Rights: Key trends two years later" Centre for European Studies Brussels, 16 April 2012
SPEECH/12/266 Ladies and Gentleman, I am very pleased to be here in the Centre for European Policy Studies to present the 2011 Annual Report on the application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. I am convinced that we need the fresh ideas of people ...
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16-04-2012 - EU citizenship
European Commission makes fundamental rights a reality for citizens
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 16 April 2012 – The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – now in force and legally binding for more than two years – has guided EU law-making from the very first draft all the way through to the statute book.
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16-04-2012 - Gender equality
Progress in gender equality leads to economic growth
Brussels, 16 April 2012 – Improving equality between women and men is essential to the EU's response to the current economic crisis, according to the European Commission's latest annual report on gender equality. The report looks at progress over the past year in tackling the remaining gaps between women and men in employment, the economy and society in general. While some progress has been made in increasing the number of women in top jobs in business and in narrowing the gender pay gap, major challenges remain.
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16-04-2012 - Fundamental rights
European Commission makes fundamental rights a reality for citizens
Brussels, 16 April 2012 – The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights – now in force and legally binding for more than two years – has guided EU law-making from the very first draft all the way through to the statute book. The Charter sets out fundamental rights – such as freedom of expression and the protection of personal data – that reflect Europe’s common values and its constitutional heritage. The European Commission's second annual report on the Charter
finds that fundamental rights concerns are increasingly embedded in EU policy-making.Download the brochure: 2011 Report on the Application of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights
(2 MB)
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04-04-2012 - Civil Justice
Information on a call for applications for selection of candidates for Group of Experts on cross-border insolvency
The Commission hereby invites applications from individuals with a view to establishing a group of experts the Commission with the revision of Council Regulation (EC) 1346/2000 on insolvency proceedings (the "Insolvency Regulation").
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30-03-2012 - EU citizenship
European Commission seeks public input on a modern system of European insolvency law
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 30 March 2012 – Today, the European Commission launched a public consultation on modernising EU rules governing insolvencies. The existing rules (the Insolvency Regulation) date from 2000 and set out how bankruptcies – of companies or individuals – should be coordinated between several EU...
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20-03-2012 - EU citizenship
Invisible barriers across Europe - Euronews Right On Episode
Being able to move and work freely across all the EU states is a fundamental right for EU citizens from all 27 countries. Euronews report.
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12-03-2012 - Data protection
Hungary: Commission continues accelerated infringement procedure on independence of the data protection supervisor and measures affecting the judiciary and asks additional information on ...
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 7 March 2012 – The European Commission has today decided on further steps following Hungary’s reply to three letters of formal notice of 17 January (see IP/12/24) and their legal analysis.
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12-03-2012 - Data protection
Hungary – infringements: Commission takes further legal steps on measures affecting the judiciary and the independence of the data protection authority, notes some progress on central b...
Brussels, 7 March 2012 On 1 January, a new Constitution and a number of cardinal laws entered into force in Hungary. The European Commission immediately conducted a full legal analysis of the final versions of the new provisions and their compatibility with European Union Treaties and decided to launch three...
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09-03-2012 - Gender equality
Europe this week 9 March 2012
09 March 2012 Women in Decision-Making Persistent lack of women on company boards – EU action needed to break the glass ceiling A European Commission report shows that the number of women in company boards remains at low levels.
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07-03-2012 - Gender equality
Equal Pay events taking place across the EU
The second European Equal Pay Day (EEPD) took place on 2 March 2012. This EU-wide day aims to raise awareness of the pay gap that exists between women and men in the different EU Member States and encourage action to close it.
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05-03-2012 - Gender equality
Commission weighs options to break the glass ceiling for women boards
Brussels, 5 March 2012 – A European Commission report published today shows that limited progress towards increasing the number of women on company boards has been achieved one year after EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding called for credible self-regulatory measures. Just one in seven board members at Europe's top firms is a woman (13.7%). This is a slight improvement from 11.8% in 2010. However, it would still take more than 40 years to reach a significant gender balance (at least 40% of both sexes) at this rate.
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04-03-2012 - Data protection
Euronews episode: e-business: your privacy on the line
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02-03-2012 - Gender equality
New materials on the gender pay gap now available
A new web clip that highlights the absurdity of pay inequalities between women and men is among the new materials now available on this website. We invite you to forward it to your contacts to help ensure it reaches a large audience.
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01-03-2012 - Data protection
Protecting your data, protecting you.
70% of EU citizens are worried about the misuse of their personal data. That's why the EU is developing rules to strengthen your right to access, change or delete your data. And it's adding a 'Right to be Forgotten' online, letting you remove all your data from a website as soon as you want it gone. Because your personal data, it's you.
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17-02-2012 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Increasing gender balance on company boards: Good for businesses and the economy Press conference after t...
Today was the first time that ministers debated at EU level how to improve the participation of women on company boards. Everyone agreed that there is a problem with women’s participation at the top level of companies. There was unanimity that we need to do something.
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14-02-2012
DG Justice calls for projects
Grants funding to the value of €93 million for projects in the field of justice and fundamental rights: interested organisations and Member States should apply now!
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08-02-2012 - Data protection
Euronews episode: Our private lives on the web
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30-01-2012 - Tackling discrimination
National strategies for Roma inclusion
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27-01-2012 - Data protection
Data Protection Day: safeguarding privacy rights
Davos, 27 January 2012 28 January is European Data Protection Day, a joint initiative by the European Commission and the Council of Europe to raise awareness of how people's personal information is dealt with and their rights to data protection.
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27-01-2012 - Data protection
Europe this week 27 January 2012
27 January 2012 Table of content: Data Protection Safeguarding fundamental rights – Adapting EU data protection to the digital age to clear citizens' doubts about the cloud EU Decision-Making Countdown on the European Citizens' Initiative - Proactive policy proposals soon on the table Data Protection Safeguarding fundamental rights – Adapting...
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25-01-2012 - Data protection
The reform at a glance: what's in it for me?
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25-01-2012 - Data protection
Like us on Facebook
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25-01-2012 - Data protection
Follow us on Twitter
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25-01-2012 - Data protection
Commission proposes a comprehensive reform of the data protection rules
Brussels, 25 January 2012 – The European Commission has today proposed a comprehensive reform of the EU's 1995 data protection rules to strengthen online privacy rights and boost Europe's digital economy. Technological progress and globalisation have profoundly changed the way our data is collected, accessed and used. In addition, the 27 EU Member States have implemented the 1995 rules differently, resulting in divergences in enforcement. A single law will do away with the current fragmentation and costly administrative burdens, leading to savings for businesses of around €2.3 billion a year. The initiative will help reinforce consumer confidence in online services, providing a much needed boost to growth, jobs and innovation in Europe.
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24-01-2012 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The EU Data Protection Reform 2012: Making Europe the Standard Setter for Modern Data Protection Rules in...
Ladies and gentlemen, I am glad to be back at the DLD (Digital, Life, Design). Since its foundation in 2005, this one-of-a kind conference allows people from business, technology, media and politics to exchange dreams and experiences about the transformation of markets, culture and society through digital technologies and the...
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24-01-2012 - Tackling discrimination
Promoting equal treatment for all. Play video
1 in 6 Europeans have some sort of disability. This should not be an obstacle to their equal access to jobs, public services or new technology. The Roma are the largest ethnic minority in Europe. As equal EU citizens, they enjoy the same rights as everyone else in Europe, and should be allowed to enjoy them without facing discrimination or exclusion.
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17-01-2012 - Fundamental rights
European Commission launches accelerated infringement proceedings against Hungary
The European Commission has started legal action against Hungary over new legislation that came into force at the beginning of the year under Hungary's new constitution.
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13-01-2012 - Fundamental rights
Statement of the European Commission on the situation in Hungary on 11 January 2012
Following developments in 2011 related to the new Hungarian Constitution and the commitments taken by the Commission at that time to closely monitor the situation, the Commission has been working with the Hungarian authorities over recent months during the preparation of the draft cardinal laws implementing the new Constitution. The Commission has raised concerns on the compatibility of these laws with European Union law.
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04-01-2012 - Fundamental rights
The Kids' Corner
The European Union easily explained: Commission launches website dedicated to children that includes information about children's rights.
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22-12-2011 - Gender equality
European Commission gives guidance to Europe's insurance industry to ensure non-discrimination between women and men in insurance premiums
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 22 December 2011 – The European Commission has today adopted guidelines to help the insurance industry implement unisex pricing, after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that different premiums ...
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17-12-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Improving your choice for buying and selling. Play video
Only 8% of consumers shop online from other European countries. New EU rules give the online shopper the option of choosing a European sales contract. This will make it easier and cheaper for you to buy and return online your favourite products, and will give you the trust that your rights are being protected across Europe. This optional European contract will also help businesses grow, by letting them trade anywhere in Europe under the same rules and without additional costs.
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16-12-2011 - Tackling discrimination
High-Level Meeting on Disability: Presidents of Commission, Parliament and European Council join forces with the European Disability Forum
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 06 December 2011 - Leaders of the European Union institutions today came together for the first time with the European Disability Forum to discuss issues facing the estimated 80 million Europeans with disabilities.
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14-12-2011 - EU citizenship
European Commission puts town twinning, remembrance of Europe’s history and civil society debate about Europe at the heart of new ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 14 December 2011 –Today, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new ‘Europe for Citizens’ programme that aims to increase citizens' awareness and understanding of the European Union.
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13-12-2011 - Tackling discrimination
European Commission seeks public input on measures to break down barriers to disabled people
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 13 December 2011 – Today, the European Commission launched a public consultation on its future plans for breaking down barriers to Europeans with disabilities. The consultation will help the Commission to prepare its proposals for a European Accessibility Act, planned for autumn 2012.
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05-12-2011
Your Rights as a European
As a European citizen, your rights are protected at home, abroad and online
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01-12-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Salzburg wins EU award for disabled-friendly cities
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 1 December 2011 – The Austrian city Salzburg today won the Access City award 2012, the European prize for making cities more accessible to people with disabilities. The annual honour aims to award efforts to improve accessibility in the urban environment and to foster...
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01-12-2011 - Contract law
European Commission convenes legal expert group to seek solutions on contract law
Brussels, 21 May 2010 The European Commission, seeking to boost cross-border trade and to ensure strong rights for consumers, convened a new expert group to propose ways to improve contract law in the European Union. The group of 18 contract law experts, lawyers and consumer representatives met for the first...
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01-12-2011 - Gender equality
More women in top jobs key to economic growth, says EU report
Brussels, 25 March 2010 Only one in 10 board members of Europe's biggest listed companies is a woman and all central bank governors in the EU are male. The economy would benefit by having full representation of both men and women in top positions, says a new report presented by...
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29-11-2011 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Building trust in the Digital Single Market: Reforming the EU’s data protection rules Conference organi...
Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to be with you today to discuss the reform of the European Union data protection laws and its impact on businesses. The collection and storage of personal information are now essential elements of almost all companies’ daily business – from insurance firms and banks...
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21-11-2011 - Fundamental rights
Directive on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography
The directive will harmonise around twenty relevant criminal offences, at the same time setting high level of penalties.
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19-11-2011 - Fundamental rights
Commission strengthens the justice and fundamental rights dimension of future EU budgets
European - Press release Commission Brussels, 15 November 2011 – People in Europe need to feel at ease when they live, travel, or shop in a Member State other than their own. They should be able to rely on access to justice no matter where they are in the EU.
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17-11-2011 - Tackling discrimination
EU Platform for Roma Inclusion: Frequently asked questions
Brussels, 17 November 2011 Who are the Roma? There are around 10-12 million Roma people in Europe. They have been part of Europe for centuries and are integral to its society and economy, but frequently face prejudice, intolerance, discrimination and exclusion.
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16-11-2011 - Civil Justice
Helping international couples. Play video
There are around 16 million international couples in the EU. The EU is agreeing common rules to simplify their joint property rights, and to let them choose which national law to use in case of divorce.
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16-11-2011 - Criminal Justice
Supporting victims of crime. Play video
75 million Europeans each year become victims of crime. The European Union is guaranteeing their right to support, protection and access to justice. Wherever you are in the EU. Also, 8 million Europeans a year are accused or suspected of a crime. The EU is defending their rights to a fair trial: guaranteeing the right to information, translation and interpretation, access to a lawyer, and to contact their family and consulate when in another EU country.
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16-11-2011 - Contract law
Improving your choice for buying and selling. Play video
Only 8% of consumers shop online from other European countries. New EU rules give the online shopper the option of choosing a European sales contract. This will make it easier and cheaper for you to buy and return online your favourite products, and will give you the trust that your rights are being protected across Europe. This optional European contract will also help businesses grow, by letting them trade anywhere in Europe under the same rules and without additional costs.
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16-11-2011 - EU citizenship
Consular Protection. Play Video
90 million Europeans travel outside the EU each year. 30 million Europeans live in a non-EU country. The EU is looking after its citizens throughout the world, enabling you to ask for help from any EU embassy if your own country doesn't have one where you are.
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16-11-2011 - Criminal Justice
Fair trial rights: EU governments agree on the right to information in criminal proceedings
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 November 2011 – EU Member State representatives today agreed on a draft law that will ensure defendants’ right to information in criminal proceedings wherever they are in the EU.
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16-11-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Stop discrimination newsletter - winter 2011 edition
The winter edition of the Stop Discrimination Newsletter focuses on the Fifth Equality Summit of 14-15 November 2011 in Poznan, Poland which dealt with how equality policy is being implemented at regional and local level across the European Union. Lina Papamichalopoulou, head of the team working on non-discrimination policies at the European Commission, Directorate-General for Justice, gives an interview about her role, the theme of the Summit and what she thinks are the main challenges for the coming years in the field of equality and anti-discrimination
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15-11-2011 - Fundamental rights
The Fifth annual Seminar between the European Commission and the Government of the State of Israel on the fight against racism, xenophobia and antisemitism
The Fifth annual Seminar between the European Commission and the Government of the State of Israel on the fight against racism, xenophobia and antisemitism took place on 26 and 27 October in Brussels and Mechelen.
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15-11-2011
New EU programmes to strengthen justice and rights
People in Europe need to feel at ease when they live, travel, or shop in a Member State other than their own. They should be able to rely on access to justice no matter where they are in the EU. On November 15 2011, the European Commission put forward proposals for simplified funding programmes to help build an EU area of justice.
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15-11-2011 - EU citizenship
EU strengthens consular rights to help Europeans abroad
The European Commission has proposed to improve assistance for EU citizens caught in crisis situations – such as those that occurred in Japan, Libya or Egypt this year – and day-to-day emergencies when travelling abroad. The aim is to ease cooperation between consular authorities and strengthen European citizens' right to consular protection.
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10-11-2011 - Contract law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The optional Common European Sales Law – Seizing the opportunity! Conference on European Contract Law W...
Dear guests, dear colleagues, I am glad to see so many of you at this very timely conference on the future of European contract law. I would like to thank our Polish colleagues for the warm welcome they have given us in Warsaw and for the excellent organisation of this...
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08-11-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Working together for Roma inclusion - The EU framework explained
This publication provides guidance on the key elements of the EU Framework for national Roma integration strategies adopted on 5 April 2011 by the European Commission. It also highlights existing good practices and tools that can provide support and help orientate policymaking. It is designed to be used by national and local decision makers. It will be available in all EU languages
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25-10-2011 - Drug control policy
European Commission seeks stronger EU response to fight dangerous new synthetic drugs
- Press release European Commission Strasbourg, 25 October 2011 – The European Commission has today given a fresh impetus to anti-drugs policy by announcing an overhaul of the EU rules to fight illicit drugs, particularly new psychoactive substances, which imitate the effects of dangerous drugs like ecstasy or cocaine and...
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25-10-2011 - Drug control policy
Towards a stronger European response to drugs
Europe is facing new challenges in the field of drugs, notably illicit drug trafficking, the rapid spread of new psychoactive substances and reducing the demand for illicit drugs. The EU has unveiled plans to tackle these problems.
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20-10-2011 - Criminal Justice
Criminal sanctions for insider dealing and market abuse
Investors who trade on inside information and manipulate markets by spreading false information or rumours may face sanctions under proposed EU-wide rules.
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20-10-2011
European Commission seeks criminal sanctions for insider dealing and market manipulation to improve deterrence and market integrity
Brussels, 20 October 2011 - Investors who trade on insider information and manipulate markets by spreading false or misleading information can currently avoid sanctions by taking advantage of differences in law between the 27 EU Member States. Some countries’ authorities lack effective sanctioning powers while in others criminal sanctions are not available for certain insider dealing and market manipulation offences. Effective sanctions can have a strong deterrent effect and reinforce the integrity of the EU’s financial markets. That is why the European Commisison proposes today EU-wide rules to ensure minimum criminal sanctions for insider dealing and market manipulation.
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18-10-2011 - Gender equality
LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton commits to EU gender balance target
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 12 July 2011 - LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton today signed the “Women on the Board Pledge for Europe”, voluntarily committing to increase women’s corporate boardroom presence to 30% by 2015 and to 40% by 2020. At the same time, three Greek companies (G.
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18-10-2011 - Gender equality
EU Justice Commissioner Reding challenges business leaders to increase women’s presence on corporate boards with “Women on the Board Pledge for Europe”
Brussels, 1 March 2011 Following meetings today with business leaders and social partners on women in decision-making (see IP/11/242), EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding challenged publicly listed companies in Europe to sign a “Women on the Board Pledge for Europe” by March 2012.
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11-10-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
European Commission proposes an optional Common European Sales Law to boost trade and expand consumer choice
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 11 October 2011 – Despite the success of the EU's Single Market, barriers to cross-border trade remain. Many of these result from divergent sales laws between the 27 Member States. They make selling abroad complicated and costly, especially for small firms.
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11-10-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
An optional Common European Sales Law: Frequently asked questions
Brussels, 11 October 2011 What is the Common European Sales Law about? Consumers and businesses – especially small companies – are not using the full potential of a Single Market of 500 million people. At present, 44% of Europeans say they do not buy abroad because they are uncertain of...
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11-10-2011 - Contract law
Common European Sales Law to boost trade and expand consumer choice
The optional Common European Sales Law will help break down the trade barriers and give consumers more choice and a high level of protection. It will offer a single set of rules for cross-border contracts in all 27 EU countries.
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10-10-2011 - Fundamental rights
European and World Day against the Death Penalty
Joint declaration by Catherine Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, on the European and World Day against the Death Penalty.
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10-10-2011 - Fundamental rights
EU committed to achieving universal abolition of the death penalty
10 October marks the World and European Day against the Death Penalty. The abolition of the death penalty worldwide is one of the main objectives of the EU’s human rights policy. The EU considers the death penalty inhumane and a violation of human dignity.
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10-10-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
New EU rules on consumer rights to enter into force
Brussels, 10 October 2011 The new EU Consumer Rights Directive has been formally adopted today by Member States in the EU's Council of Ministers. The new legislation will strengthen consumers' rights in all 27 EU countries, particularly when shopping online.
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03-10-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumers: the European Commission asks Belgium and France to comply with EU rules on unfair practices
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 29 September 2011 - The European Commission has today stepped up legal action against Belgium and France for non-compliance with the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (Directive 2005/29/EC).
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29-09-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumers: the European Commission takes action to enforce timeshare protection
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 29 September 2011 - The European Commission has decided to step up legal action against Spain, Poland, Slovenia and Lithuania to ensure that consumers benefit from the protection granted under EU rules on timeshare sales (Directive 2008/122/EC).
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26-09-2011 - Gender equality
Gender Balance: Business schools are crucial to getting more women into top jobs
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 26 September 2011 - EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding today met with leaders of Europe's business schools to discuss how to improve the gender balance in company boardrooms by encouraging more young women to follow a career in business.
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26-09-2011 - EU citizenship
Citizens' factsheets
The Commission will launch a debate with the European Parliament and the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, the Committee of the Regions, and with civil society, on how EU citizens can get the most out of citizenship. In 2013 the Commission will present an assssment of the main actions, which are outlined in the following factsheets.
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21-09-2011 - Contract law
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding meets with leaders of Europe’s insurance industry
Brussels, 21 September 2011 European Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding is today meeting with leaders of European insurance companies to discuss European contract law in the insurance sector, the follow-up to the Court of Justice of the European Union's 1 March Test-Achats ruling on gender discrimination in insurance pricing, limitation periods...
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20-09-2011 - Criminal Justice
Towards a reasonable use of criminal law to better enforce EU rules and help protect taxpayers' money
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 20 September 2011 – Fighting crime is a priority for Europeans (see Annex). Citizens expect that criminals cannot hide behind borders or exploit differences between national legal systems. At the same time, criminal law is still a relatively young field at EU level.
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20-09-2011
Criminal law to ensure better respect for EU rules
Fighting crime is a priority for Europeans who expect that criminals cannot hide behind borders or exploit differences between national legal systems. The EU makes use of criminal law to strengthen the enforcement of EU policies and rules.
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19-09-2011 - Gender equality
Conference "Equality between women and men"
The Directorate-General Justice of the European Commission organised the conference "Equality between Women and Men" in Brussels on 19 and 20 September 2011.
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13-09-2011
700 000 legal practitioners will get training in EU law
Brussels, 13 September 2011 - The European Commission has set a clear target for increasing the numbers of judges, prosecutors, lawyers and other legal practitioners trained in European law. In a policy paper agreed today, the European Commission aims to ensure that half of all legal practitioners in the European Union – around 700,000 – participate in some form of European judicial training by 2020. The aim is to equip legal practitioners to apply European law – which is part of their role as judges and lawyers at national level. It will also help to build mutual trust between Europe's different legal systems and improve the implementation of European legislation. This will benefit people and businesses in Europe, who will be able to rely on swift decisions and proper respect for the rules.
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08-09-2011 - Criminal Justice
Victims' rights factsheets
Throughout the EU, more than 75 million people are victims of serious crime every year. The following factsheets provide guidance for victims to safeguard their rights.
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11-08-2011 - EU citizenship
European Commission proposes to make 2013 the "European Year of Citizens"
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 11 August 2011 – Union citizenship and the rights that go with it are one of the key pillars of the European Union. As we mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Union citizenship under the Maastricht Treaty, on 1 November 1993, the...
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29-07-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
New tool to fight Unfair Commercial Practices
The Commission has developed a new tool to support national enforcers in achieving a common understanding and a uniform application of the Directive on Unfair Commercial Practices.
This legal database makes it possible to compare decisions and national case-law of the Member States.
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29-07-2011 - Contract law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Opening trade and opportunities: From the Hanseatic League to European Contract Law Informal meeting of t...
Sopot, Poland 19 July, 2011 Dear Krzysztof, dear Ministers of Justice, The Polish government was truly inspired to kick off its Presidency in the field of justice in Gdansk, right on the shores of the Baltic Sea. The Presidency has put the theme of European contract law high on the...
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27-07-2011 - EU citizenship
Going on holiday? Support is available for EU Citizens in moments of need
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 27 July 2011 – One in six Europeans plan to take their main holiday outside the EU this year (see Annex). Overall, Europeans take around 90 million trips outside the EU every year for business or pleasure.
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25-07-2011
Cross-border debt: helping business recover €600 million in outstanding claims - Press Pack
A small Italian cheese company supplies mozzarella to a frozen pizza maker in France. After the French company falls behind on its payments, the Italian firm stops the shipments, but it’s stuck with thousands of euros of unpaid bills. How will the Italian company recover the debt?
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22-07-2011 - Civil Justice
European Commission takes action to ease access to justice in cross-border legal disputes
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 22 July 2011 – Settling disputes and disagreements through courts is often costly and time-consuming. Cross-border cases are particularly complex due to different national laws and practical matters like costs or language.
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12-07-2011 - EU citizenship
EU-Justice Commissioner Reding on UK's Kenneth Clarke's support for EU victims of crime proposal
Brussels, 12 July 2011 "I welcome Justice Minister Kenneth Clarke's recommendation that the UK join the negotiations on the Commission’s proposal for a Directive on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime. This will allow the UK to play its part fully in the upcoming negotiations in the...
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11-07-2011 - Drug control policy
European Commission to strengthen rules to fight dangerous new synthetic drugs - Press pack
Tougher action across the European Union is needed to tackle the growing problem of new synthetic drugs entering the market, according to a report by the European Commission released today ...
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11-07-2011 - Drug control policy
European Commission to strengthen rules to fight dangerous new synthetic drugs
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 11 July 2011 – Tougher action across the European Union is needed to tackle the growing problem of new synthetic drugs entering the market, according to a report by the European Commission released today.
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11-07-2011
European Commission to strengthen rules to fight dangerous new synthetic drugs - Press Pack
Brussels, 11 July 2011 – Tougher action across the European Union is needed to tackle the growing problem of new synthetic drugs entering the market, according to a report by the European Commission released today ...
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06-07-2011 - Gender equality
EU Justice Commissioner Reding welcomes the European Parliament’s strong support for more women in economic decision-making positions
Brussels, 5 July 2011 On the occasion of the European Parliament's vote on the report on women and business leadership, Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU's Justice Commissioner, said: "It is good news that the European Parliament supports the European Commission's approach towards more women in economic decision-making positions.
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06-07-2011 - Data protection
Statement by Vice-President Reding on the European Parliament's vote on the Voss report
Brussels, 6 July 2011 The European Parliament approved a report by German Christian Democrat Axel Voss today that supports the Commission’s reform of the 1995 Data Protection Directive. The report states that people must be able to have their data easily deleted, corrected or blocked and be informed about any...
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05-07-2011
More women in top management: Leading companies Guerlain and FES pledge to increase women’s presence on their corporate boards to 40%
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05-07-2011
Consumer law: ten ways the new EU rules will give you stronger rights when you shop online
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28-06-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumer Rights: 10 ways the new EU Consumer Rights Directive will give people stronger rights when they shop online
Brussels, 23 June 2011 Good news for consumers: new EU legislation will strengthen their rights in all 27 Member States. The European Parliament today adopted – by an overwhelming majority (615 for, 16 against, 21 abstentions) – the Consumer Rights Directive, which the European Commission proposed in October 2008 (IP/08/1474).
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28-06-2011 - Gender equality
Prizes and equality labels to help companies close the gender pay gap
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24-06-2011 - Tackling discrimination
European Commission invites nominations for anti-discrimination journalist award
The European Commission launched the 2011 competition of the EU Journalist Award – Together against discrimination! The award – the only competition for print and online journalists focused on discrimination and diversity issues in the EU – recognises journalists who contribute to a better public understanding of diversity and discrimination issues in the EU. The EU-wide winner and the two runners up will receive vouchers with a value of €5,000, €3,500 and €2,500, respectively. Registration deadline: 10 November 2011 at 12.00 (midday-CET).
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24-06-2011 - EU citizenship
EU leaders endorse Commission's plan for Roma integration
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 24 June 2011 – The European Commission's EU framework for national Roma integration strategies (IP11/400, MEMO/11/216) was endorsed at the highest political level. European leaders meeting in Brussels today backed a plan to end the centuries-old exclusion of the continent's Roma minority.
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24-06-2011 - Drug control policy
Statement by Vice President Viviane Reding ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
Brussels, 24 June 2011 Marking the 50th anniversary of the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, EU Justice Commissioner Reding said Europe made the following statement: “We are investing heavily in Europe in preventing drug use, treating addicts and disrupting drug trafficking.
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21-06-2011 - Civil Justice
Children and families to benefit from new EU rules on maintenance payments
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 21 June 2011 - Under new EU-wide rules which apply as of this week, children across the EU will benefit from speedier maintenance payments when families split up. With an estimated 16 million international couples in the EU and 1 million divorces every year,...
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20-06-2011 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Assuring data protection in the age of the internet BBA (British Bankers' Association) Data Protection an...
Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to be here at the British Bankers' Association's Data Protection and Privacy Conference to share with you my ideas on the upcoming data protection reform for Europe. The protection of personal data is one of the basic values for people in Europe, for the...
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20-06-2011 - Criminal Justice
European Commission seeks views on detention in the EU's area of justice
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 14 June 2011 – Europeans must have confidence that they will be treated to similar standards of protection no matter where they are in the European Union. EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding presented a Green Paper today asking 10 questions on how to strengthen...
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17-06-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Sale of consumer goods: Commission closes case against Czech Republic
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 June 2011 - The European Commission closed infringement proceedings against the Czech Republic after it improved its rules for consumers wishing to return faulty goods. The Commission had taken legal action against the Czech Republic to ensure that it correctly transposed Directive 99/44/EC...
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16-06-2011 - Criminal Justice
Environmental crimes: Commission asks 12 Member States to implement EU rules
European Commission - Press release Brussels, 16 June 2011 - The European Commission has given 13 Member States two months to transpose EU rules laying down criminal penalties against sea pollution and other environmental offences.
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16-06-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Sale of consumer goods: Commission closes case against Czech Republic
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15-06-2011 - Fundamental rights
Joint statement by High Representative/Vice-President Catherine Ashton, Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs and Commissioner for Trade Karel De Guc...
Brussels, 12 June 2011 “Today we commemorate World Day against Child Labour. The EU welcomes a steady decline in child labour since 2006 when the International Labour Organisation (ILO) set a visionary target to eliminate the worst forms of child labour by 2016.
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14-06-2011
Commission seeks views on detention in the EU's area of justice - Press Pack
Brussels, 14 June 2011 - Europeans must have confidence that they will be treated to similar standards of protection no matter where they are in the European Union. EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding presented a Green Paper asking 10 questions on how to strengthen mutual trust in the field of detention. Detention conditions and periods vary widely between EU countries. Whiile national governments are solely responsible for detention issues and prison management, it is the European Commission's role to make sure judicial cooperation in the EU works and fundamental rights are respected when EU mutual recognition instruments - such as the European Arrest Warrent - are implemented.
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09-06-2011 - Criminal Justice
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Putting Victims first – Better protection and support for victims of crime Conference "Victims of Crime...
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure to be with you today to discuss victims rights. First of all, I want to thank the European Law Academy – ERA for organising this conference. I very much appreciate the central role of ERA in promoting knowledge and training on EU...
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09-06-2011 - Contract law
European Commission welcomes Parliament's support for an optional Europe-wide contract law
- Press release European Commission Strasbourg, 8 June 2011 - The European Parliament, in a vote of its 736 members plenary today, with an overwhelming majority (521 in favour, 145 against, 8 abstentions) backed optional EU-wide rules for businesses and consumers who are concluding contracts in the Single Market.
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08-06-2011 - Criminal Justice
European Commission to guarantee suspects’ rights to speak with a lawyer, inform family of arrest
- Press release European Commission Brussels, 8 June 2011 – A 22-year-old man went on holiday abroad to attend a football match. Following the game, he went to a bar with his friends. A riot broke out and he was arrested.
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08-06-2011 - Civil Justice
Right of access to a lawyer and communication with a family member: Frequently asked questions
Brussels, 8 June 2011 How will suspects’ rights be guaranteed by the European Commission’s proposal? The Commission’s proposal sets out European Union-wide minimum standards on the right of access to a lawyer for suspects and accused persons and on the right of people in detention to communicate with a person...
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08-06-2011
European Commission to guarantee suspects’ rights to speak with a lawyer, inform family of arrest - Press Pack
Brussels, 8 June 2011 – A 22-year-old man went on holiday abroad to attend a football match. Following the game, he went to a bar with his friends. A riot broke out and he was arrested. The police then questioned him for several hours without a lawyer being present. Under a European Commission measure proposed today, all suspects – no matter where they are in the European Union – would be guaranteed the right to speak with a lawyer from the moment they are held by police until the conclusion of proceedings. Suspects could also talk to a family member or an employer and inform them of their arrest. If they are outside of their country, they would have the right to contact their country’s consulate.
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07-06-2011 - Contract law
Viviane Reding EU Justice Commissionner, Vice-President of the European Commission The Next Steps Towards a European Contract Law for Businesses and Consumers Keynote Speech at the Confer...
Dear Professor Stuyck, dear Professor Schulze, Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be with you today to discuss the challenges of European Contract Law. I am impressed to see so many bright legal minds from all over Europe who have come to Leuven for this purpose: Judges from...
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01-06-2011 - Criminal Justice
European Commission welcomes foundation of the European Law Institute
- Press release European Commission Paris, 1 June 2011 – Viviane Reding, the European Union’s Justice Commissioner, marked the foundation of the European Law Institute as an important contributor to the EU’s wider goal of building a European area of justice.
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23-05-2011 - Criminal Justice
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Moving Justice centre-stage Plenary session of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) Lux...
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a great pleasure for me to be taking part in your plenary this morning. I am conscious that I am the first Commissioner with dedicated responsibilities for the Justice portfolio. That brings with it the need to understand the concerns of the legal profession.
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20-05-2011 - Fundamental rights
Statement by Vice President Viviane Reding, EU Justice Commissioner, on Japan's move to sign the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction
Brussels, 20 May 2011 “Today’s news that Japan is taking steps to sign the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is a very positive development,” said EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding. “I have repeatedly encouraged the Japanese authorities over the past year to join the Convention.
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19-05-2011 - Criminal Justice
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Ensuring better protection of crime victims Press Conference Brussels, 18 May 2011
Any one of us can fall victim to a crime, be it at home, be it abroad. Just imagine that you walk out of your home, you go to the cinema, and you are attacked by two people. You are knocked down, punched in the face, they grab your wallet,...
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18-05-2011 - Criminal Justice
European Commission ensures better protection of crime victims
Brussels, 18 May 2011 A tourist from Poland is mugged and badly injured while visiting Paris. An Italian teenager is attacked outside a metro station in Helsinki. Throughout the EU, an estimated 75 million people may be victims of crime every year.
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18-05-2011 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The reform of the EU Data Protection Directive: the impact on businesses European Business Summit Brussel...
The growth of the internet economy brings tremendous economic benefits. This needs to be taken very much into account when the EU will start working on a new, modern and comprehensive framework for data protection across our continent later this year.
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18-05-2011 - Criminal Justice
Victims' rights: Frequently asked questions
Brussels, 18 May 2011 How many people are victims of crime in the EU? Crime can affect us all. In fact, many millions of people in the European Union fall victim to crime every year. According to Eurostat data, around 30 million criminal offences against persons or property, excluding minor...
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18-05-2011
European Commission ensures better protection of crime victims - Press Pack
A tourist from Poland is mugged and badly injured while visiting Paris. An Italian teenager is attacked outside a metro station in Helsinki. Throughout the EU, an estimated 75 million people may be victims of crime every year. Such events can have devastating physical, emotional and financial consequences for victims and their families...
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04-05-2011 - Gender equality
"Women on the Board Pledge for Europe” signed by Guerlain and FES Consulting
Brussels, 4 May 2011 EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding announced today the first two companies which signed up to the “Women on the Board Pledge for Europe” committing to improve the gender balance in boardrooms. Guerlain – a major perfumes and cosmetics firm – and FES Consulting Empresarial – a...
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03-05-2011 - Contract law
Cross-border transactions: European Commission publishes expert group's feasibility study on European contract law
Brussels, 3 May 2011 An expert group established by the European Commission has today delivered a feasibility study on a future initiative on European contract law. In April 2010, the Commission convened the group, made up of legal practitioners, former judges and academics from across the European Union, to explore...
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12-04-2011 - Contract law
European Commission welcomes European Parliament committee vote in support of an optional European Contract Law
Brussels, 12 April 2011 The European Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee approved a report today that favours the elaboration of an optional European Contract Law. This is in response to several options put forward by the European Commission for a more coherent approach to contract law (see IP/10/872).
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08-04-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship The EU Framework for national Roma Integration Strategies: Moving fro...
Dear Ms Izsák, Ladies and Gentlemen, I am delighted to be here with you at this 5th meeting of the European Platform for Roma Inclusion. The European Platform for Roma Inclusion provides a unique forum for debate and cooperation between all stakeholders: from national governments, EU institutions and international organisations...
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06-04-2011 - Data protection
European Data Protection Commissioners insist on the need for a comprehensive EU approach to data protection
PRESS RELEASE Brussels, Wednesday 6 April 2011 On 5 April 2011, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Chairman of the Article 29 Data Protection Working Party(*) hosted the annual Spring Conference of European Data Protection Commissioners in Brussels, involving data protection authorities from EU and non-EU Member States,...
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06-04-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Employment Equality: European Commission refers Italy to the EU's Court of Justice
IP/10/408 Brussels, 6 April 2011 The Commission has referred Italy to the EU's Court of Justice concerning the transposition of Directive 2000/78/EC, which prohibits discrimination in employment on the grounds of religion or belief, disability, age and sexual orientation.
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06-04-2011 - Data protection
Data Protection: European Commission requests Germany to ensure independence of data supervisory authority
Brussels, 6 April 2011 The European Commission has acted today to ensure that the EU rules on the protection of personal data are respected in Germany. The Commission has formally requested Germany to comply with a judgment on 9 March 2010 by the EU's Court of Justice (C-518/07).
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06-04-2011 - Civil Justice
Children in EU to benefit from speedier maintenance payments from abroad
Brussels, 6 April 2011 The pain of a divorce or separation is all too often made worse by financial and emotional pressure when one parent lives abroad and refuses to provide financial help. With an estimated 16 million international couples in the EU and 30 million EU citizens living in...
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05-04-2011 - Tackling discrimination
European Commission calls on Member States to set national strategies for Roma integration
Strasbourg, 5 April 2011 Europe's 10-12 million Roma continue to face discrimination, exclusion and the denial of their rights, while governments lose out on increased revenue and productivity because potential talent could go wasted.
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31-03-2011 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Who pays for Data Protection? EPP Group Public Hearing Brussels, 31 March 2011
Ladies and gentlemen, Thank you for inviting me to this debate on the very important question: "Who pays for Data Protection?" I am pleased to see that the European Parliament is taking a proactive approach to the data protection reform, which is my top legislative priority.
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30-03-2011 - Data protection
EU-US Negotiations on an agreement to protect personal information exchanged in the context of fighting crime and terrorism
Brussels, 29 March 2011 Today the European Union and the United States opened negotiations on an agreement to protect personal information exchanged in the context of fighting crime and terrorism. The negotiations will build on our longstanding, robust cooperation and agreements in this area.
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28-03-2011 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner The European Commission's New Gender Equality Strategy: Towards Quotas for Women in the boardroom? Europe...
Ladies and Gentlemen, It is a pleasure to be here in Frankfurt today. I would like to thank the ECB's Vice-President and in particular my friend Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell for the invitation. The topic of your conference "Building on Diversity: how to master Europe's challenges" could not be more timely! Let...
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25-03-2011 - EU citizenship
EU to reinforce citizens' rights to consular protection and assistance in third countries
Brussels, 23 March 2011 During emergencies and crises, such as in Japan, Libya or Egypt, EU citizens abroad have the right to ask for assistance from any EU consulate or embassy when their Member State is not represented in the country.
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24-03-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Statement by Vice-President Viviane Reding on the European Parliament’s plenary vote on the Consumer Rights Directive
Brussels, 24 March 2011 Better rights for consumers when they shop online are within reach, following today's plenary vote by the European Parliament to move ahead with a draft EU consumer protection law. The vote on amendments to the Consumer Rights Directive gives the Parliament's rapporteurs a mandate to start...
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24-03-2011 - Relations with third countries
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner Privacy standards in the digital economy: enhancing trust and legal certainty in transatlantic relations ...
Ladies and Gentlemen: First of all, let me thank Ambassador Kennard and the Aspen Institute for inviting me to take part in this event. I am glad to have the opportunity to share with you my views on privacy in the digital economy and on how to enhance consumers' trust...
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24-03-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Statement by Vice-President Viviane Reding on the European Parliament’s plenary vote on the Consumer Rights Directive
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23-03-2011 - EU citizenship
Reinforcing EU citizens' rights to consular protection and assistance in third countries – frequently asked questions
Brussels, 23 March 2011 Which right do EU citizens have on consular protection? EU citizens, whether travelling to or living in a non-EU country in which their Member State is not represented, have the right to receive the protection of the diplomatic and consular authorities of any EU Member State...
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16-03-2011 - Civil Justice
Commission proposes clearer property rights for Europe's 16 million international couples
Brussels, 16 March 2011 What happens to your house if you get divorced and your spouse is of another nationality? What happens to a joint bank account if the spouse dies? What happens in such cases if you and your spouse have the same nationality, but you have property or...
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16-03-2011 - Civil Justice
Clearer property rights for Europe's 16 million international couples – frequently asked questions
Brussels, 16 March 2011 What is the problem? With more and more Europeans living in another EU country, the number of international couples (both spouses and registered partners) is on the rise. There are today around 16 million international couples in the European Union.
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14-03-2011 - Gender equality
Equality: Commission drops three cases against Poland following new anti-discrimination law
Brussels, 14 March 2011 The European Commission has closed three separate infringement procedures against Poland covering different aspects of EU equality legislation. The Commission successfully concluded the cases after Poland adopted a new anti-discrimination law.
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14-03-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumer protection: Commission requests Belgium to comply with rules on unfair commercial practices
Brussels, 14 March 2011 The European Commission has sent a reasoned opinion to Belgium asking the country to comply with EU rules protecting consumers from commercial practices that could harm them. The move comes after Belgium failed to repeal national rules that do not fully comply with Directive 2005/29/EC on...
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14-03-2011 - Consumer and marketing law
Consumer protection: Commission requests Belgium to comply with rules on unfair commercial practices
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09-03-2011 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship 100th Anniversary of International Women's Day Press Conference EP Ple...
This is real gender equality in action: two men – the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Commission – and two women – the Chair of the FEMJM Committee and the Vice-President of the European Commission – mark together the 100th anniversary of International Women's...
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08-03-2011 - Gender equality
Joint Statement by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-president of the European Commission Catherine Ashton and European Commission Vice-President Vivian...
Strasbourg, 8 March 2011 "Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. For the past century, this important occasion has marked the economic, social, political and cultural achievements of women around the world. Women have struggled throughout history for more rights and greater freedom of choice and liberty.
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04-03-2011 - Gender equality
First European Equal Pay Day highlights EU earnings gap
Brussels, 4 March 2011 Women in the European Union earn on average 17.5% less than men during their lifetimes. This stark figure will be highlighted tomorrow during the first EU-wide Equal Pay Day. This day – 5 March – marks the extra number of days in 2011 that women must...
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01-03-2011 - Gender equality
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding meets European business leaders to push for more women in boardrooms
Brussels, 1 March 2011 Corporate Europe is still a man's world: just one in 10 board members at Europe's biggest companies are women and in 97% of cases the board is chaired by a man. Studies show that businesses with more women at the top outperform “men only” companies.
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01-03-2011 - Tackling discrimination
Sex Discrimination in Insurance Contracts: Statement by European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, the EU’s Justice Commissioner, on the European Court of Justice's ruling in th...
Brussels, 1 March 2011 The Court of Justice of the European Union today delivered its ruling in the Test-Achats case (C-236/09) concerning sex discrimination in insurance premiums. Commenting on the judgement, EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding (who is in charge of gender equality at the European Commission) said: "Today is...
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06-02-2011 - Gender equality
Joint Statement of High Representative Catherine Ashton and European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding on the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation
Brussels, 6 February 2011 "6 February marks the International Day against Female Genital Mutilation. This is an opportunity to remind the world that the European Union condemns this abhorrent practice that severely violates the human rights and dignity of hundreds of thousands women and girls.
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31-01-2011 - Contract law
Contract law: Commission considers way forward
Brussels, 31 January 2011 As part of the EU's action to tackle bottlenecks in the Single Market and to boost growth, the European Commission carried out a public consultation on bringing more coherence to contract laws in Europe (IP/10/872) – the rules that apply to businesses and consumers buying and...
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27-01-2011 - Data protection
Data Protection Day: guaranteeing individuals' privacy rights
Brussels, 28 January 2011 Nowadays the exchange of information across the globe has become easier and faster. An individual’s personal data – email, photos and electronic agendas – may be created in the UK using software hosted in Germany; processed in India; stored in Poland and accessed in Spain by...
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06-12-2010 - Criminal Justice
Fair trial rights: EU governments endorse law ensuring suspects’ right to information in criminal proceedings
IP/10/01/1652 Brussels, 3 December 2010 EU Member States today backed a draft law that ensures defendants’ right to information in criminal proceedings just four months after the Commission’s proposal (see IP/10/989). Suspects of a criminal offence will have to be informed of their rights in a language they understand.
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06-12-2010 - Data protection
European Commission ready to start talks with US on personal data agreement to fight terrorism or crime
Brussels, 3 December 2010 EU Justice Ministers today approved the start of talks between the European Union and the United States on a personal data protection agreement when cooperating to fight terrorism or crime. The European Commission adopted the draft mandate for negotiating such an agreement on 26 May 2010...
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03-12-2010 - Drug control policy
Commission achieves EU-wide ban on ecstasy-like drug mephedrone
Brussels, 3 December 2010 The EU’s 27 Justice Ministers agreed today to ban a dangerous ecstasy-like drug that is still legal in 12 EU countries. The European Commission proposed on 20 October that governments act to stop the free spread of the drug "mephedrone" across Europe by submitting it to...
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26-11-2010 - Gender equality
Gender Equality: Commission welcomes compliance with EU sex discrimination rules in Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia; closes infringement cases
Brussels, 24 November 2010 The European Commission has welcomed the notification by Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia of measures to implement EU rules prohibiting discrimination in employment and occupation on the grounds of sex (Directive 2006/54/EC, see MEMO/08/742).
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24-11-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Equality: Commission welcomes end of discriminatory pension ages in Greece and Italy; closes infringement cases
Brussels, 24 November 2010 The European Commission has welcomed notification by Greece and Italy of measures to comply with EU rules on pensionable ages. In its rulings of 26 March 2009 and 13 November 2008, the EU’s Court of Justice found that different pensionable ages in Greece (case C-559/07) and...
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23-11-2010 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the Commission, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Making equality between women and men a reality – the march goes on The Euro...
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here with you today at the European Institute for Gender Equality. It is a great moment for me to finally be able to visit the Institute and address this conference. As you know, the idea for a gender institute goes back...
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15-11-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Creating a barrier-free Europe: European Commission seeks better access for 80 million people with disabilities
Brussels, 15 November 2010 Most people take it for granted that they can hop on a bus to go shopping, surf the Internet or enjoy a television series. But for the 80 million Europeans with a disability, there may be major obstacles that put these activities out of reach.
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15-11-2010 - Tackling discrimination
European Disability Strategy 2010-2020 – frequently asked questions
Brussels, 15 November 2010 Why does the EU need a new strategy on disability? Around 80 million Europeans have a disability, representing one out of six people in the EU. They have the right to participate fully and equally in all aspects of life, both in the economy and society...
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09-11-2010 - Drug control policy
European Commission calls for rapid action to tackle new drugs, “legal highs” and trafficking routes
Brussels, 9 November 2010 The EU has made progress in curbing drug use and trafficking over the past 18 months. The Commission is acting to stop so-called “legal highs,” proposing on 20 October an EU-wide ban on mephedrone, an ecstasy-like drug that is already illegal in 15 Member States (see...
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08-11-2010 - Drug control policy
Justice and Home Affairs Council: 8-9 November 2010
Brussels, 8 November 2010 European Union Justice and Home Affairs ministers will meet in Brussels on 8 and 9 November 2010. The European Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, EU Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Commissioner, and Cecilia Malmström, EU Home Affairs Commissioner.
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28-10-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Equality: European Commission closes infringement case against the United Kingdom on gender rules
Brussels, 28 October 2010 The European Commission today has closed legal proceedings against the United Kingdom for non-transposition of EU rules prohibiting gender discrimination in access to and supply of goods and services (Directive 2004/113/EC). The case was successfully concluded after the United Kingdom transposed the Directive as regards Gibraltar.
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28-10-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Equality: European Commission closes cases against Germany on anti-discrimination rules
Brussels, 28 October 2010 The European Commission has today closed legal proceedings against Germany for incorrectly implementing two parts of EU anti-discrimination legislation. The EU rules concern discrimination in employment on grounds of religion, belief, disability, age and sexual orientation (Directive 2000/78/EC) and in employment in almost all other areas...
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28-10-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Equality: Commission requests Czech Republic to comply with EU gender equality rules
Brussels, 28 October 2010 The European Commission has today sent a formal request to the Czech Republic to implement fully EU rules against gender discrimination in employment (Directive 2002/73/EC). The request, in the form of a reasoned opinion under EU infringement procedures, comes after the Czech Republic failed to adequately...
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21-10-2010 - Gender equality
Paid Maternity Leave: European Commission to work on balanced compromise to advance mothers’ rights, following European Parliament vote
Strasbourg, 20 October 2010 In a first reading, the European Parliament voted today on the European Commission's proposal to reform the 1992 Maternity Leave Directive (Directive 92/85/EEC). The Commission had proposed an increase in the minimum period of maternity leave from 14 to 18 weeks and to pay women 100%...
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20-10-2010 - Drug control policy
Commission calls for EU-wide ban on ecstasy-like drug mephedrone
Brussels, 20 October 2010 The European Commission today called for a dangerous ecstasy-like drug that is still legal in 12 EU countries to be banned. It asked the EU Member States to stop the free spread of the drug "mephedrone" across Europe by submitting it to control measures.
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30-09-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Equality: European Commission closes cases against Sweden and Latvia on employment
Brussels, 30 September 2010 The European Commission has today closed legal proceedings against Sweden and Latvia for incorrectly implementing EU rules on equal treatment in employment on the basis of religion, belief, disability, age and sexual orientation (Directive 2000/78/EC).
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28-09-2010 - Contract law
Joint statement by Mr Christos Papoutsis, Minister of Citizen Protection of Greece and Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner in charge of Home Affairs: Greece and the Commission agree...
Brussels, 27 September 2010 The Minister of Citizen Protection Mr Christos Papoutsis and the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ms Cecilia Malmström met in Athens on 27 September to discuss ways to assist Greece in its efforts to reform the Greek asylum system.
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14-09-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Statement on the latest developments on the Roma situation Brussels, 1...
"Over the past weeks, the European Commission has been following very closely the developments in France regarding the Roma. I personally have been appalled by a situation which gave the impression that people are being removed from a Member State of the European Union just because they belong to a...
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10-09-2010 - Contract law
European Commission holds first contract law roundtable with business and consumer groups
Brussels, 7 September 2010 The European Commission held the first meeting of business, consumer and legal practitioners' groups today to discuss European contract law. At the moment, different national contract laws lead to higher transaction costs for businesses.
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15-07-2010 - Criminal Justice
EU launches public consultation on improving rights of victims of crime and violence
Brussels, 15 July 2010 About 30 million serious crimes in the EU are reported annually. The EU supports cooperation to bring criminals to justice, but what happens to the millions of crime victims? Their devastating experience can be made worse by a difficult investigation or trial, an invasion of their...
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14-07-2010 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Towards a true Single Market of data protection Meeting of the Article...
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very pleased to be here today to discuss privacy and personal data protection matters with the real experts, those who have the essential role of ensuring that European rules are complied with at national level. Protection of personal data is a fundamental right.
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01-07-2010 - Contract law
European Commission seeks contract law solutions to smooth Single Market for consumers and businesses
Brussels, 1 July 2010 Contracts are the basic building blocks for relationships between businesses and consumers. The European Union’s Single Market is built on contract laws. However, businesses – particularly small and medium-sized companies – are hampered in cross-border sales because they must follow different contract laws for each of...
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17-06-2010 - Criminal Justice
Procedural rights: European Parliament fully backs EU proposal for stronger rights in criminal proceedings
Brussels, 16 June 2010 European Union plans for rules ensuring translation and interpretation rights in criminal proceedings are one step closer to taking effect following approval by the European Parliament today. The Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority in favour of a strong draft law agreed during negotiations between the...
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25-05-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Competitiveness Council, Brussels, 25-26 May 2010 – Consumer and Research, Innovation and Science points
Brussels, 25th May 2010 The Competitiveness Council will hold on 25 May in the afternoon a policy debate on the Commission's proposed Consumer Rights Directive, which is also being reviewed by the European Parliament. For the discussion on consumer rights, the Commission will be represented by Vice-President Viviane Reding, Commissioner...
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25-05-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Competitiveness Council, Brussels, 25-26 May 2010 – Consumer and Research, Innovation and Science points
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20-05-2010 - Tackling discrimination
EU adopts new measures to improve housing conditions of Roma communities
Brussels, 20th May 2010 The European Parliament has given its green light to a proposal from the European Commission which makes it possible to use European regional funding to improve housing for marginalised communities.
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19-05-2010 - Tackling discrimination
EU seeks rapid ratification of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Brussels, 18 May 2010 European Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding will urge EU Member States to swiftly ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities during a May 19 Ministers’ meeting in Zaragoza, Spain.
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18-05-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Disability Rights: EU and the Ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Brussels, 18 May 2010 On 19 May 2010 the Spanish EU Presidency will host an informal meeting of Ministers responsible for disability policies in Zaragoza, Spain. Commission Vice-President Viviane Reding, responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, will urge those EU Member States that have not done so yet to...
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07-04-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Communication on Roma in Europe and Progress Report on Roma inclusion 2008-2010
Brussels, 7 April 2010 What is the new Communication about? This is the first time the European Commission has adopted a policy Communication dedicated specifically to Roma. The document defines the main challenges ahead and develops an ambitious programme to help make policies for Roma inclusion more effective.
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07-04-2010 - Tackling discrimination
European Commission urges Roma social inclusion
Brussels, 7 April 2010 Roma communities, the European Union’s largest ethnic minority, continue to face persistent discrimination and segregation. The European Commission urged Member States in a report today to use EU funds for the social and economic integration of Roma.
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24-03-2010 - Data protection
European Commission prepares new negotiations with US on transfer of bank data for counter-terrorism purposes
Brussels, 24 March 2010 The Commission today adopted a draft mandate for negotiating bank data transfers with the United States government under the Terrorist Financing Tracking Programme (TFTP). The Commission wants to complete an agreement this summer to limit gaps in security.
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19-03-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Making the Single Market work for Europe's citizens and businesses: re...
Justice in the Single Market Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank the Spanish government for organising today's conference on the reform of international litigation in Europe. The subject is important and timely. The reform discussed at this conference is not an academic debate.
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18-03-2010 - Tackling discrimination
Employment equality rules: European Commission sends final warning to Portugal and closes case against Lithuania
Brussels, 18 March 2010 The European Commission today stepped up legal action against Portugal for incorrectly implementing EU rules prohibiting discrimination based on religion or belief, disability, age or sexual orientation in employment and occupation (Directive 2000/78/EC, see also MEMO/08/69).
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15-03-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship An ambitious Consumer Rights Directive: boosting consumers' protection...
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am very grateful to the European Economic and Social Committee for the invitation to take part in European Consumer Day. I can think of no better occasion to discuss my vision of consumer rights in the EU.
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15-03-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship An ambitious Consumer Rights Directive: boosting consumers' protection...
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15-03-2010 - Consumer and marketing law
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Making the Single Market work for Europe's citizens and businesses...
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10-03-2010 - Gender equality
Viviane Reding Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship Women's Charter: Our Commitment to Gender Equality Joint Press Confere...
Ladies and gentlemen, for me this is an important moment. For several reasons: first, it is the first time that I come to this press room in my new role as Vice-President of the European Commission second, I was in New York on Monday to participate in the United Nations...
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09-03-2010 - Criminal Justice
European Commission acts to ensure fair trial rights in the EU
Brussels, 9 March 2010 From the Italian tourist involved in a traffic accident in Sweden who was not allowed to talk to an Italian-speaking lawyer during trial to the Polish suspect who could not see written translations of evidence used against him in a French court – unexpected barriers can...
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09-03-2010 - Criminal Justice
Right to interpretation and to translation in criminal proceedings – frequently asked questions
Brussels, 9 March 2010 1. What is the issue at stake? More and more Europeans travel, study and work outside their home country. 1 European Union citizens are entitled to "move and reside freely within the territory of the Member States," according to the EU Treaties.
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05-03-2010 - Gender equality
José Manuel Durão Barroso President of the European Commission Women's Charter: our commitment to gender equality Joint press conference with VP Reding Brussels, 5 March 2010
SPEECH/ 10/71 Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, Last September, I announced in the European Parliament the preparation of a Women's Charter, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, and to express this Commission's commitment to gender equality.
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05-03-2010 - Gender equality
European Commission strengthens its commitment to equality between women and men
Brussels, 5 March 2010 Ahead of International Women's Day, the European Commission strengthened and deepened its commitment to equality between women and men with a Women's Charter. This political declaration sets out five key areas for action and commits the Commission to building a gender perspective into all its policies...
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05-03-2010 - Gender equality
European Commission aims to significantly reduce the gender pay gap
Brussels, 5 March 2010 The European Commission plans to use a series of measures aimed at sig nificantly reducing the pay gap between men and women over the next five years. The average gender pay gap in the EU currently stands at 18%.
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05-03-2010 - Gender equality
Tackling the gender pay gap – Frequently Asked Questions
Brussels, 5 March 2010 Why do we need to tackle the gender pay gap? At 18% across Europe, the gender pay gap remains intolerably high and stubborn. Equal pay for equal work is one of the European Union’s founding principles.
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29-01-2010 - Data protection
Viviane Reding Member of the European Commission responsible for Information Society and Media Privacy: the challenges ahead for the European Union Keynote Speech at the Data Protection D...
SPEECH/ 10/16 Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to be with you today to celebrate the Data Protection Day. The growing number of events organised each year all over Europe to raise awareness and inform citizens of their privacy rights clearly demonstrates the usefulness of this Day.