European Commission
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Commission urges action on mini-motorbikes

The European Commission is urging EU member states to review the use of mini-motorbikes because of concerns about safety. EU Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Markos Kyprianou said: “The increasing numbers of inexpensive mini-motorbikes on the EU market is an extremely worrying development. These bikes are designed to appeal to youngsters through their small size and speed, but they are not toys and can kill. As a matter of urgency, I urge member states to alert consumers to the dangers of these mini-motorbikes, increasetesting and ensure the withdrawal of unsafe products.” In recent months, the Commission has been alerted to the increasing numbers of inexpensive mini-motorbikes being imported into Europe. Several EU countries have reported serious and even fatal accidents involving such products and have detected major design and construction defects.

[ IP/06/965]

New EU support programme for victims of terrorism

The European Commission has unveiled a preparatory action with a budget of €2 million to support projects in favour of victims of terrorist acts.  The preparatory action aims at helping victims of terrorist acts and the members of their families to overcome the consequences of the situation they lived.  It stresses the need for improvement of assistance and legal advice to victims and their families, to which €400,000 will be allocated.  The priority also aims to strengthen co-operation, training, information exchange, best practices dissemination among professionals and organisations for supporting victims in the European Union, including the establishment of European networks.  The action also foresees the funding of projects aimed at mobilising the public against terrorism, including the promotion of the development of networks or organisations representing victims at European level and the organisation of public events, seminars and conferences with a European dimension, aimed at developing a spirit of solidarity towards victims.  Click here for further information.

[ IP/06/955]

Commission proposes strategy on safer use of pesticides

The European Commission has adopted a new strategy aimed at improving the way pesticides are used across the EU. It complements existing EU legislation controlling which pesticides can actually be placed on the market. The strategy foresees measures such as national action plans, training for professional users and distributors, certification and control of application equipment, protection of the aquatic environment and restricting or banning the use of pesticides in specific areas. Aerial spraying is banned except for strictly defined cases. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said: “Ensuring that the use of pesticides does not endanger public health or the environment is a fundamental obligation for the EU. We want to ensure that citizens today and in the future do not have their health endangered by the use of pesticides, and can benefit from a safe, clean and rich environment”. 

[ IP/06/981]

EU Business

• EU Foreign Ministers meet in the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 17-18 July when agenda items include the EU External Relations Financial Instruments. 
• The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meets on 18 July when topics for discussion will include the Commission's Communication "Towards a sustainable European wine sector" and reform of Common Agricultural Policy expenditure ("voluntary modulation") to ensure a transparent and more equitable distribution of income support for farmers.
• The Finnish Presidency continues with a Justice and Home Affairs Council on 24 July. The Finnish Presidency website is www.eu2006.fi