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        <title>news feed - EU explained</title>
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        <description><![CDATA[news feed - EU explained]]></description>
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            <title>Get closer to Europe – on Europe Day</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120504_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120504.jpg">Get closer to Europe – on Europe Day</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
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			]]><![CDATA[“12 May 2012, Festival of Europe, European institutions open day, www.festivalofeurope.europa.eu” © EU]]><![CDATA[
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[04/05/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Europe Day celebrates the EU’s achievements – not least, lasting peace, economic cooperation and border-free travel. It is also a chance to find out more about the EU, with events and activities for all ages.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
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            <title>Budget focuses on getting Europe back to growth</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120427_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120427.jpg">Budget focuses on getting Europe back to growth</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
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			]]><![CDATA[A 3D pie-chart in five segments on top of three sheets of graph paper © Stock/123render]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[27/04/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[The draft 2013 budget amounts to about €138bn in payments, 6.8% more than in 2012. The increase is in line with calls by EU governments for more growth-friendly investment.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
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            <title>Support for Greece</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/economy/120319_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/economy/120319.jpg">Support for Greece</source>
            <category>Euro</category>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa.eu/n]]><![CDATA[ews/images/economy/120319.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[View overlooking Athens towards the sea © istock/Yuliya Kryzhevska ]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[19/03/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[EU provides hands-on expertise to help Greece return its economy to growth and job creation.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/economy/120319_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
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            <title>Moving to growth mode</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120302_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120302.jpg">Moving to growth mode</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120]]><![CDATA[302.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Commission president José Manuel Barroso speaks at a press conference © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[02/03/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Leaders urged to follow through on their EU agreements to stimulate growth and jobs, says Commission president José Manuel Barroso.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/120302_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>What the EU did in 2011</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120228_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120228.jpg">What the EU did in 2011</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120]]><![CDATA[228.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[European flags in front of the European Commission headquarters building © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[28/02/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Annual activity report lists achievements including stronger economic governance, measures to boost growth and jobs and giving people a say in EU lawmaking.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/120228_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>Restoring confidence, boosting growth and jobs</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120201_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120201.jpg">Restoring confidence, boosting growth and jobs</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			]]><![CDATA[EU leaders around a table at the informal European Council meeting © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[01/02/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[EU leaders agree on urgent action to bring down youth unemployment, support small businesses and tap into the EU market, and set date for signing new treaty on economic policy coordination. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/120201_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>Help make EU law – from 1 April 2012</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120127_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120127.jpg">Help make EU law – from 1 April 2012</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/120]]><![CDATA[127.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Logo with the words “European Citizens’ Initiative” © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[27/01/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[You will soon be able to call on the Commission to make legislative proposals on EU policy. A new website has all the information on how to launch a “citizens’ initiative”.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/120127_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>Task for Danish Presidency: to prepare Europe for tomorrow</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/120103_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111221.jpg">Task for Danish Presidency: to prepare Europe for tomorrow</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[221.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Logo for the 2012 Danish Presidency - showing the year changing from 2011 to 2012]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[03/01/2012 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[From January to June 2012, Denmark will hold the Presidency of the Council of the EU. During that time, it wants to bring Europe together and make it more resilient for the tough challenges ahead.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/120103_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>Delivering European renewal</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/111227_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111226.jpg">Delivering European renewal</source>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[226.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Commission headquarters – the Berlaymont building – displaying economic governance banner © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[27/12/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[The Commission’s roadmap for 2012 will target economic growth, financial sector reform and giving the EU an effective voice in the wider world.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
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            <title>Building a stronger economic union</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/111214_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111214.jpg">Building a stronger economic union</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <category>Economy and economic policies</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[214.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[European Commission President José Manuel Barroso at the European Parliament in Strasbourg © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[14/12/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Agreement by most EU governments on further economic integration should be complemented by moves to restore growth and create jobs, says Barroso.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
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            <title>Decisive steps towards more discipline, integration and convergence</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/111212_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111212.jpg">Decisive steps towards more discipline, integration and convergence</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[212.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[EU leaders group photo during the European Council meeting on 8 & 9 December 2011 © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[12/12/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[A new intergovernmental treaty would set tighter budget rules and strengthen economic coordination as a means of tackling the debt crisis and restoring market confidence. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
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            <title>EU leaders to focus on reviving economy</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/111207_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111207.jpg">EU leaders to focus on reviving economy</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[207.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[The Justus Lipsius building, where EU leaders hold their summits in Brussels, Belgium. © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[07/12/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Stronger economic governance in the eurozone will be the focus of leaders' discussions on 8-9 December in Brussels – alongside energy and the prospect of new countries joining the EU. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/111207_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>An agenda for growth</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/economy/111123_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/economy/111123.jpg">An agenda for growth</source>
            <category>Economy and economic policies</category>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa.eu/n]]><![CDATA[ews/images/economy/111123.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Puzzle of EU flag with a dislodged piece, light shining through the space from below. © iStock/Eduard Härkönen]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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				]]><![CDATA[23/11/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Package of economic and budgetary recommendations sets priorities for 2012 and includes new measures to reinforce eurozone financial governance and stability.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/economy/111123_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>Toward a closer, stronger economic union</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/economy/111117_2_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/economy/111117_2.jpg">Toward a closer, stronger economic union</source>
            <category>Economy and economic policies</category>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa.eu]]><![CDATA[/news/images/economy/111117_2.jp]]><![CDATA[g]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[MEPs meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[17/11/2011 17:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Eurozone governments should move quickly to support the common currency, end the debt crisis and forge a deeper economic union, says Commission President José Manuel Barroso, announcing plans for new proposals. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/economy/111117_2_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
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            <title>Step up in fight against EU budget fraud</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/111003_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111003.jpg">Step up in fight against EU budget fraud</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/111]]><![CDATA[003.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[A 3D pie chart in five segments on top of three sheets of graph paper © Stock/123render]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[03/10/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Better monitoring is finding more cases of EU funding misuse, including fraud. This means more money is being recovered for programmes intended for citizens.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/111003_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Renewing Europe</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110928_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110928.jpg">Renewing Europe</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 28 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[928.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[MEPs meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[28/09/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Commission President José Manuel Barroso sets out a EU strategy for sustainable growth and jobs in his annual State of the Union speech to the European Parliament.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110928_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Economic recovery a priority</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110902_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110902.jpg">Economic recovery a priority</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[902.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[José Manuel Barroso © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[02/09/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Better economic governance, new assistance for Greece and reform of the banking sector are among the measures that need to be implemented for economic recovery and job creation.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110902_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Poland heads the Council of the European Union</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110704_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110704.jpg">Poland heads the Council of the European Union</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[704.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Logo: six vertical arrows pointing upward, Poland's flag, "PL2011.eu" © Government of Poland]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[04/07/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Focus for the second half of 2011 is on economic growth, a more secure Europe, and closer relations with the EU's eastern and southern neighbours. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110704_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Reforming the budget, changing Europe</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110701_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110630.jpg">Reforming the budget, changing Europe</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[630.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[A 3D pie chart in five segments on top of three sheets of graph paper © Stock/123render]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[01/07/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[All across Europe, families are prioritising where to spend their money. Some luxuries are being cut, as people invest in what really matters for the future. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110701_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>EU summit focuses on economy, immigration and Croatia</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110627_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110627.jpg">EU summit focuses on economy, immigration and Croatia</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[627.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[European leaders sit around a table for their meeting on 23 June 2011 © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[27/06/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Major decisions on economic policy, immigration, relations with North African countries and Croatian membership at meeting on 23 and 24 June.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110627_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>A tough budget for growth</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110420_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110420.jpg">A tough budget for growth</source>
            <category>EU affairs</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[420.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Woman holding a blue paper with the EU symbol, with her other hand on a stack of folders © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[20/04/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[The draft budget for 2012 amounts to €132.7bn in payments, representing a 4.9 % increase on 2011.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110420_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Back to school!</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110117_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100819.jpg">Back to school!</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[819.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Empty classroom with blackboard © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[17/01/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[European civil servants go back to school to talk to young people about what the EU does.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110117_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Hungary at the head of the Council of the EU</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/110103_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110103.jpg">Hungary at the head of the Council of the EU</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/110]]><![CDATA[103.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Budapest: Hungarian Parliament building on the bank of the Danube © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[03/01/2011 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Hungary followed on from Spain and Belgium to become head of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2011.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/110103_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>The EU and you in 2010</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/101223_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/101223.jpg">The EU and you in 2010</source>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/101]]><![CDATA[223.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Paper fortune teller in the colours of the EU flag © Mélanie Heddrich/Patrick Bombaert]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[23/12/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[As the end of the year approaches, the 'Europe and you' booklet focuses on some of the EU's 2010 initiatives.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/101223_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
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        <item>
            <title>Growth for jobs top of Barroso's EU reform agenda</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100907_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100907.jpg">Growth for jobs top of Barroso's EU reform agenda</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[907.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Commission President José Manuel Barroso © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[07/09/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Commission President José Manuel Barroso set out his strategic plans for the EU over the next year in his State of the Union speech to the European Parliament.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100907_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Back to school!</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100819_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100819.jpg">Back to school!</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 19 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[819.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Empty classroom with blackboard © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[19/08/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[European civil servants go back to school to talk to young people about what the EU does.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100819_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Getting things done – a priority for the Belgian Presidency</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100701_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100701.jpg">Getting things done – a priority for the Belgian Presidency</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[701.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Belgian presidency logo © eu2010.be]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[01/07/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Belgium took over the rotating EU Council presidency from Spain on 1 July –  and has produced an ambitious programme for the second half of 2010.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100701_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Europe's open day</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100506_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100506.jpg">Europe's open day</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[506.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[06/05/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Europe Day – a celebration, but also a chance to find out more about the EU
and what it does, with events and activities for all ages.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100506_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>New exercise in democracy</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100331_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100331.jpg">New exercise in democracy</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.europa]]><![CDATA[.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100]]><![CDATA[331.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[31/03/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Europeans will soon have a new way of getting the EU to act on issues that concern them. But how will the ‘citizens’ initiative’ work in practice?]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100331_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Working for the EU</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100311_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100311.jpg      ">Working for the EU</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 11 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.]]><![CDATA[europa.eu/news/images/eu_explain]]><![CDATA[ed/100311.jpg      ]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Women interpreter at work © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[11/03/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[EU overhauls selection procedure for civil servants, shifting the focus from formal knowledge to actual knowhow. ]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100311_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Tall agenda for Barroso II</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100215_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100215.jpg      ">Tall agenda for Barroso II</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.]]><![CDATA[europa.eu/news/images/eu_explain]]><![CDATA[ed/100215.jpg      ]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Group photo of new commission © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[15/02/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[When president Barroso's first team took office, the economy was doing well
and unemployment was declining. Five years on and following the biggest
recession in decades, a whole new set of challenges awaits the 2010-14 European
commission.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100215_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>New commission set to take office</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100209_2_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100209_2.jpg">New commission set to take office</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
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			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.euro]]><![CDATA[pa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/1]]><![CDATA[00209_2.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[European parliament in session ©EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[09/02/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[President Barroso’s new team wins backing from parliament.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100209_2_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Kristalina Georgieva completes the line-up</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100203_1_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100203_1.jpg">Kristalina Georgieva completes the line-up</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.euro]]><![CDATA[pa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/1]]><![CDATA[00203_1.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Sign pointing to the European Parliament © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[03/02/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Parliament wraps up hearings for next commission.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100203_1_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Kristalina Georgieva is new Bulgarian commissioner-designate</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100122_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100122.jpg">Kristalina Georgieva is new Bulgarian commissioner-designate</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/100122.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Sign pointing to the European Parliament © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[22/01/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[New hearing set for 3 February, to be followed by parliament vote on the new commission on 9 February.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100122_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Commissioners-designate set for ‘job interviews’</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100111_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100111.jpg">Commissioners-designate set for ‘job interviews’</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/100111.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Sign pointing to the European Parliament © EU]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[11/01/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Nominees for positions in the next commission will face questions from the European Parliament from 11 to 19 January.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100111_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Lisbon treaty to be focus of Spanish presidency</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/100104_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/100104.jpg">Lisbon treaty to be focus of Spanish presidency</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/100104.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Spanish presidency logo © eu2010.es]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[04/01/2010 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Economic revival, the EU’s global standing and citizens’ rights also top the Spanish agenda.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/100104_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>EU and you in 2009</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091228_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091230.jpg">EU and you in 2009</source>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091230.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Crocuses blooming in the snow © EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[28/12/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Time for the end-of-year review - what has the EU done for Europeans in 2009?]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091228_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>EU raises stakes with €7.2bn in climate change aid</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091211_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091211.jpg">EU raises stakes with €7.2bn in climate change aid</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
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			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091211.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Flags and logos of EU and Sweden ©EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[11/12/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Summit addresses funding for climate action and financial reform]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091211_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Lisbon treaty - a fresh start for the EU</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091201_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091201.jpg">Lisbon treaty - a fresh start for the EU</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091201.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[A bound copy of the Lisbon treaty on an EU flag ©EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[01/12/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[New EU treaty ushered in with blaze of fireworks in the city where it all began.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091201_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>EU fills new top jobs</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091120_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091120.jpg">EU fills new top jobs</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091120.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Herman Van Rompuy, Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, Commission President Barroso, Catherine Ashton]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[20/11/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[European leaders select Belgian premier to be the EU’s first permanent president. EU trade commissioner Catherine Ashton from the UK lands the foreign policy spot.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091120_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Public asked to help design new citizens’ initiative</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091111_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091111.jpg">Public asked to help design new citizens’ initiative</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091111.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Books showing signatures on Lisbon treaty ©EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[11/11/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Europeans will soon have a new way of getting the commission to act on issues that concern them. But how will the new citizens’ initiative work in practice?]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091111_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Victory in Ireland for Lisbon treaty</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/091003_1_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/091003.jpg">Victory in Ireland for Lisbon treaty</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/091003.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Irish voting in referendum on Lisbon treaty ©EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[03/10/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Irish voters endorse the Lisbon treaty on their return to the ballot box.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/091003_1_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>New mandate for President Barroso</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090916_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090619.jpg">New mandate for President Barroso</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/090619.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[President Barroso © EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[16/09/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Mr Barroso gets the nod from European parliament for another five years.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090916_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			
			]]></description>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Sweden at the helm</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090701_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090701.jpg">Sweden at the helm</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
			<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" width="100%">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top" width="1">
			<table border="0" cellspacing="5" cellpadding="0">
			<tr>
			<td valign="top">
			 		
			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/090701.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Swedish presidency logo © se2009.eu ]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
			</tr>
			</table>
			</td>
			<td valign="top">
			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[01/07/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Sweden takes its turn at the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union, with economic recovery and climate change on its agenda.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090701_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
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            <title>EU leaders nominate José Manuel Barroso for new term</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090619_1_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090619.jpg">EU leaders nominate José Manuel Barroso for new term</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			]]><![CDATA[President Barroso © EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[19/06/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Mr Barroso gets the nod from council for another five years.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090619_1_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
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            <title>Back to the ballot box</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090619_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090619_1.jpg">Back to the ballot box</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.]]><![CDATA[europa.eu/news/images/eu_explain]]><![CDATA[ed/090619_1.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Leaders seated around the table at summit ©EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[19/06/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Lisbon treaty and financial supervision dominate debate at EU summit.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090619_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
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        <item>
            <title>New European Parliament elected</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090608_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090608.jpg">New European Parliament elected</source>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/090608.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[MEPs watching the election results come in © EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[08/06/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Challenges ahead: financial and economic crisis, the Lisbon treaty and climate change.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090608_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
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        <item>
            <title>European elections to shape future for 500 million people</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090602_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090602.jpg">European elections to shape future for 500 million people</source>
            <category>Governance</category>
            <pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			<img align="top" src="]]><![CDATA[http://ec.eu]]><![CDATA[ropa.eu/news/images/eu_explained]]><![CDATA[/090602.jpg]]><![CDATA[ " alt="
			]]><![CDATA[Election poster© EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[02/06/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[From 4th to 7th June, 375 million voters in 27 countries will determine the direction of Europe for the next 5 years. An unprecedented range of information sources will help them make their choice.]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090602_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
			</a>
			</p>
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        </item>
        <item>
            <title>Commission reports on recent achievements</title>
            <link>http://ec.europa.eu/news/eu_explained/090528_en.htm</link>
            <source url="http://ec.europa.eu/news/images/eu_explained/090528.jpg">Commission reports on recent achievements</source>
            <category>EU Institutions</category>
            <pubDate>Thu, 28 May 2009 00:00:00 +0200</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[
			
			
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			]]><![CDATA[Commissioners at a table © EC]]><![CDATA[
			"/>
			</td>
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			</td>
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			<p>
			
				]]><![CDATA[28/05/2009 00:00:00]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			</p><p>
			]]><![CDATA[Action on the economy and climate change cited among EU executive’s success stories]]><![CDATA[ ]]><![CDATA[
			 
			
			 <a href="
			]]><![CDATA[/news/eu_explained/090528_en.htm]]><![CDATA[
			">
			]]><![CDATA[...]]><![CDATA[
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