Cheaper mobile roaming charges
Mobile charges abroad will be cheaper from this summer. Neelie Kroes, the EU's digital agenda Commissioner, talks to Winifred Robinson about what it will mean for consumers and for the industry.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 10 May 2012
A new vision of healthcare for Europe
Technology enables us to live longer and healthier lives. By implementing IT solutions to preventative and continuing healthcare we can improve the lives of everyone in need of services, says Neelie Kroes, vice-president of the European Commission responsible for the digital agenda.
The Guardian, 9 May 2012
I value the City
Michel Barnier, Commissioner for internal market and services, responds to criticisms by City A.M. on measures being drawn by the Commission to implement the EU directive on alternative investment fund managers. The legislation was adopted in 2010 following a call by G20 leaders to improve the regulatory framework for hedge funds and other investments funds.
City A.M. 12 April 2012
British crime bosses are hiding millions abroad, says EU chief
Some of Britain’s worst criminals are able to hide hundreds of millions of pounds of illicit profits in Europe because legal flaws prevent the money being reclaimed. Cecilia Malmström, EU commissioner for home affairs urges the UK Government to back new EU rules to strengthen confiscation powers.
London Evening Standard, 5 April 2012
Asylum: it's vital that Europe presents a united front
As EU ministers gather in Brussels today (8 March) to discuss a common asylum system, Cecilia Malmström, EU commissioner for home affairs, says leaders must ensure populist rhetoric on asylum seekers – whose numbers are historically low – doesn't dictate the agenda.
The Guardian, 7 March 2012
EU justice chief warns Google over 'sneaking' citizens' privacy away
European Commissioner for justice and fundamental rights, Viviane Reding, talks about EU rules on protecting personal data and explains why there are 'strong doubts' over the legality of Google's decision to change its privacy policy.
The Guardian, 2 March 2012
Viviane Reding, Euro Commissioner, on data security
Sky News, Wednesday 29 February 2012
New EU-US organics partnership is good news for both sides of Atlantic
The agreement will make it easier to trade in organic foods and open-up opportunities for organic farmers and ranchers, small businesses, as well as and jobs in packaging, shipping, and marketing on both sides of the Atlantic, writes Dacian Cioloş, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development and Kathleen A Merrigan Deputy Secretary, US Department of Agriculture.
Guardian, Wednesday 15 February 2012
What is Europe? And where is it going?
The Guardian, Thursday 26 January 2012
Ban on un-enriched battery cages
From January 2012, an EU wide ban on un-enriched cages for laying hens comes into force. Despite repeated calls from the European Commission for member states to take action, a number of them still do not fully comply with the new rules. Roger Waite, EC agriculture spokesman, makes clear that the Commission will not hesitate to take legal action against those countries which continue to use the cages from 1st January.
BBC Radio 4, Farming Today – 22 December 2011
Helping consumers solve disputes with traders
The Commission has put forward a plan which offers consumers a cheap, simple and effective way of resolving disputes with traders online and without going to court. Jacqueline Minor, Director of Consumer Policy at the European Commission, chats to Julian Worricker and explains how it could help British consumers who run into problems. more information
BBC Radio 4, "You & Yours", 12 December 2011
On a recent visit to London Commissioner Georgieva has warned that Niger and other countries in the Sahel region of West Africa are in need increased humanitarian assistance because of another looming food crisis
BBC Radio 4, Today programme, 7 December 2011
José Manuel Barroso: 'The speed of the European Union can no longer be the speed of the most reluctant member'
Britain and Europe face a choice: to come closer, share a common destiny and count in the world, or face disunity and decline, writes the president of the European commission
The Observer, 13 November 2011
EU's new 'six-pack' shows just how tough Europe will be on national governments
"When this legislation enters into force later this year, the EU will have in place a much stronger framework for preventing the economic mistakes that have cast a shadow over the recent past," writes Olli Rehn, European Commissioner for economic and monetary affairs.
The Daily Telegraph, 21 October 2011
Europe to focus on democracy and human rights in aid projects
Commissioner Andris Piebalgs says economic development can't be sustainable unless human rights, democracy and good governance are at its forefront
The Guardian, 13 October 2011
A proper common sales law for Europe's common market
The US has one – and now EU sales law will give businesses and consumers one internal market, instead of 27 contract laws. By Viviane Reding and Diana Wallis
Comment is Free, The Guardian, 9 October 2011
Europe's innovation emergency
Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn tells the BBC about the battle of the knowledge superpowers.
BBC News, 28 September 2011
Pirates pillaging the oceans' bounty a threat to us all
Maria Damanaki, the EU Fisheries Commissioner, attacks the practice of "pirate fishing" around the world and talks about the global responsibility of Europe and the US as the two largest importers to ensure sustainable fishing.
The Scotsman, 7 September 2011
Andy Klom, head of the European Commission's office in Wales, explains the backdrop to budget negotiations in Brussels
BBC News, 10 August 2011
BBC article covering Commissioner Georgieva's visit to the crisis stricken regions
BBC News, 24 July 2011
Commissioner Georgieva interview with the BBC on the funding
BBC Radio 4, Today programme, 23 July 2011
Strict new rules to bring the banks to heel.
"The financial crisis is still hitting families and businesses across Europe hard. We can't let such a crisis happen again, and we can't allow the actions of a few in the financial world to jeopardise the rest of society", writes Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for internal market and services.
London Evening Standard, 20 July 2011
Our generosity can end this African catastrophe
As more than 10 million people struggle for survival in one of the world's most fragile landscapes, Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for international cooperation and humanitarian aid believes: "The hour is late, but there is still time for us to act."
The Independent on Sunday, 17 July 2011
Chantal Hughes, spokesperson for the European commissioner responsible for internal markets and financial services,
talks on the recent decisions by credit rating agencies and why it is believed they have too much influence.
BBC Radio 4, Today programme, 14 July 2011
Commission reforms on credit rating agencies
Antonia Mochan, Head of Media at the European Commission in the UK, explains the context of EU public procurement rules for the Thameslink contract award
BBC News at Ten, 5 July 2011
Jonathan Todd, Commission spokesperson for Digital Agenda talks to the Guardian about EU rules on website cookies
The Guardian, Tuesday 24 May 2011
International day of biodiversity - let's put conservation at the heart of politics
Unless biodiversity loss goes on the agenda of every minister from transport to trade, our generation will fail the next one
Article by EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik: Guardian, 20 May 2011
Women are essential to democracy
In regions beset by war and revolutionary change, women's rights must be safeguarded for the good of the many
The Guardian, 23 April 2011
EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas talks to BBC's You and Yours about his ambitions for sustainable transport in Europe
BBC Radio 4 "You and Yours", 15 April 2011
Commission President José Manuel Barroso talks to the Cambridge University publication "Varsity" during his recent visit to Cambridge
Varsity, 24 February 2011
New protection for UK timeshare owners
The programme looks into the introduction of new EU directive for timeshare and holiday club holidays that comes into British law this week. Adam Mortimer, consumer adviser from the UK-ECC talks to Julian Worricker about the changes.
BBC Radio 4 "You and Yours", 21 February 2011
See also
Mobile phone companies agree to universal charger
Following pressure by the Commission on the mobile phone industry to voluntarily adopt common standards or face EU legislation, 13 companies have now signed up to offer universal chargers for data-enabled mobiles phones sold in the EU. Charlotte Arwidi, the EC's spokesman on industry policy, explains this is good news for consumers and the environment.
BBC Radio 4 "You and Yours", 16 February 2011
EU Fisheries Commissioner pledges to end 'nightmare of discards'
Talking exclusively to The Guardian's environment correspondent Fiona Harvey, Maria Damanaki calls for a new fishing policy to end the wasteful practice highlighted in Channel 4's recent Fish Fight campaign
The Guardian, 3 February 2011
The BBC on the EU performance in innovation
BBC, 1 February 2011
European Commissioner for Sport Androulla Vassiliou comments on the value of Arsenal's community work as part of a feature on Match of the Day.
BBC, 22 January 2011
Catherine Ashton, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy talks to Newsweek about the job she really wanted.
Newsweek, 20 December 2010
The facts about the sale of crackers
BBC R4's "You and Yours" looks into the history behind the sales of explosives in the UK. Despite the explosive headlines blaming EU legislation, the programme reveals that sales restrictions in the UK actually stem from the Explosives Act of 1875.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 15 December 2010
BBC West Midlands host Ed Doolan asks Jonathan Scheele, Head of Representation why people in Britain don't know much about the EU.
BBC West Midlands host Ed Doolan asks Jonathan Scheele, Head of Representation why people in Britain don't know much about the EU part two.
BBC You & Yours on foreign nurses working in the UK
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 8 September 2010
No escape from tighter EU financial supervision
Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for the internal market, tells the Financial Times that no one will escape tighter financial supervision under new EU new reforms which he believes will help underpin economic stability
Financial Times, 5 September 2010
BBC You & Yours focuses on EU ferry passengers' rights
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 26 July 2010
The BBC on funding opportunities for European researchers
BBC, 20 July 2010
Graduates look overseas as jobs dry up
Graham Snowdon, the Guardian's work and graduate supplements editor asks, "With 70 applicants for every UK graduate job, could applying abroad be the answer? From Brussels to Beijing, Graham chats with the enterprising university leavers finding work overseas, as well as David Bearfield, director of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) which handles recruitment for the EU institutions
The Guardian, 10 July 2010
Ten best money saving websites
The Independent's consumer Editor Martin Hickman reviews the UK's European Consumer Centre which is partly funded
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Catherine Ashton - Gaza's misery does not make Israel safer
Times Online, 14 June 2010
Plans to certify biofuels to ensure they help cut emissions are announced by the European Commission
BBC, 11 June 2010
A police officer from Suffolk talks to East Anglian Daily Times on what it means to be Mr Anti-Corruption in Afghanistan
20 May 2010
Connie Hedegaard interviewed by BBC and sets out the case for a unilateral 30% EU cut in CO2
BBC, 11 May 2010
Huw Davies from EPSO tells the Independent why the new EU selection procedure improves the chances for British graduates
The Independant, 29 March 2010
Trade commissioner Karel De Gucht interviewed by the BBC
Karel De Gucht discusses protectionism and EU trade relations with China and America.
BBC, 26 March 2010
Hedge funds must be intelligent
Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for the internal market, speaks with Today presenter Evan Davis about his financial regulation ambitions. Mr Barnier explained that the regulation of hedge funds and of private equity is not is something which he invented as being a need, but a commitment set out in the G20 roadmap. Adding hedge funds could pose a risk and so required "intelligent and efficient" regulation.
BBC Radio 4, Today, 1 April 2010
Had by an ad?
Matthew Newman, EC spokesman for justice, fundamental rights and citizenship, explainswhy enticing offers of free gifts or holidays for a pound could be illegal under the EU directive covering “unfair commercial practices”.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 31 March 2010
If you think you've been a victim of misleading advertising than advice is available via the Commission's "Is it fair" website.
Bringing Europe closer to its citizens
If the new European citizens' initiative is embraced, it will put into practice a whole new form of participatory democracy in the EU, writes Maros Šefčovič, European Commissioner for interinstitutional relations and administration.
The Guardian, 31 March 2010
Clampdown on car hire charges in Europe
Ever hired a car and had your credit card hit with extra charges long after the holiday? Unauthorised charges make-up the biggest number of complaints to the European Commission. John Dalli, EC consumer commissioner believes a voluntary code of conduct is the best way to deliver a culture of good delivery.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 19 March 2010
EU scientists work on safe volume limits for MP3 players
The European Commission has powers to bring in maximum sound limits for MP3 players, but an EU standard is still some way off. Stefano Soro, from the European Commission's product safety unit, explains why new players will have an override mechanism and why it is taking some time for the EU standard to set.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 19 March 2010
EU Commissioner on City charm offensive
During a visit to London on 2 March, Michel Barnier spoke with the Financial Times about his new role as the EU Internal Market Commissioner. Wanting to be the Commissioner of "more single market, not less", Mr Barnier praised London as "the financial powerhouse of Europe", but added: "markets should be at the services of the economy and not the contrary".
Financial Times, 3 March 2010
Catherine Ashton, the EU’s new High Representative and Vice President of the European Commission
outlines her plans for Europe on the world stage
The Times 17 December 2009
New ways to protect travellers announced
A consultation is underway on proposals to extend holiday protection for EU travellers. Under current laws only people who book package holidays get full protection and compensation if their travel company goes bankrupt. The European Commissioner for consumer affairs, Mrs Meglena Kuneva, explains the ideas being considered.
BBC Radio 4 "You and Yours", 27 November 2009
Consumers want to make green choices
The potential of consumers to make a real difference when it comes to fighting climate change should not be wasted, writes Meglena Kuneva, European Commissioner for consumer affairs.
The Guardian, 29 November 2009
West London schools compete in EU 24-hour innovation challenge 
[6 MB]
An interview with Dormers Wells
Hayes FM, local radio for Greater West London, 27 November 2009
See where the EU millions end up
[Comment by Siim Kallas] On Tuesday (10 November), the EU auditors will publish their report on the way the EU spends money and keeps its books, offering an insight into the state of the Union's finances. Sadly enough, rather than listen to what the auditors say, some quarters will yet again use the report to promote their own anti-EU agendas, which have little or nothing to do with the report's findings.
EUobserver 9 November 2009
Crisis management
Vladimir Spidla on why getting people off benefits won't get Britain back to work.
The Guardian 21 October 2009
Greater protection for DIY travellers
Helen Kearns, EC spokeswoman, talks about plans to revise the EU package travel directive to include cover for DIY travellers. Currently only those who book their holidays through a package deal are certain of financial protection.
BBC Radio 4, You & Yours, 12 October 2009
Reducing unemployment must be a priority for post-crisis Europe
says Vladimir Spidla, EU Commissioner for employment, social affairs and equal opportunities
The Independent, 6 October 2009
Derbyshire man takes on Somali pirates
Derby Telegraph Thursday, July 09, 2009
A vision for a digital Europe
After last month's Digital Britain report Lord Carter and Viviane Reding explain why Europe's hopes for economic recovery lie in its digital industries and infrastructure.
The Daily Telegraph 9 July 2009
G8 leaders meeting in earthquake-hit L'Aquila must avoid man-made disaster
Europe leads on climate change but must be more ambitious by expanding carbon trading and clean development mechanism reform
Guardian 7 July 2009
"Extra efforts by Turkey to reform are needed": Michael Leigh, Director-General for Enlargement, European Commission
The Foreign Press Association Wed 17 June 2009
No one’s stealing jobs
Mobile labour forces benefit everybody by Commissioner Vladimir Spidla
Independent 18 June 2009
Time to vote for your MEP
In a letter to the Echo, José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, insisted that "the European Parliament is becoming ever more significant and will increase further in the future".
Lincolnshire Echo Wednesday 3 June 2009
Time to vote?
More 4 News, 14 May 2009
EU airlines clean-up ticket selling websites
Antonia Mochan, EC spokeswoman, explains why this is good news for consumers.
BBC radio 4 "You and Yours",14 May 2009
On a recent visit to Birmingham,
Vice President Margot Wallstrom has urged voters to put aside their dislike and cynicism of politicians during the expenses row and turn out in force for European elections on June 4.
Birmingham Post, Thursday 14 May 2009
Computer chipmaker Intel fined €1.06bn for anti-competitive behaviour.
Jonathan Todd, EC spokesman for competition policy, explains why.
BBC radio 4 "You and Yours",13 May 2009
So who says the EU is boring?
Writing on the eve of Europe Day, Margot Wallstrom, Vice-President of the European Commission, pays tribute to the founders of the EU and its achievements for Europe's citizens.
Independent, Friday 8 May 2009
Notts innovation an example to Europe says EU commissioner
This is business-eastmidlands.co.uk May 6 2009
How José Manuel Barroso quietly transformed the world's financial future
The European Commission and its president played a crucial but behind-the-scenes role in G20 agreement, reports Adrian Michaels.
The Daily Telegraph, 4 April 2009
G20: Turning good intentions into actions by José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission
"The G20 summit in London will be a key moment to achieve results that will help end the present financial and economic crisis and prevent future ones. I am confident that we will deliver. For the sake of preserving and creating jobs and prosperity, here in Europe and worldwide."
The Daily Telegraph, 1 April 2009
EU acts against child sex abuse
BBC, Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Financial Times interview with Benita Ferrero-Waldner
When visiting London, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations, gave an interview to the Financial Times for their website, looking at issues such as relations with the US and the situation in Gaza.
Monday 9 March 2009
'No quotas for ordinary UK sea anglers'
Antonia Mochan sets the record straight for British sea anglers
Online fishing.tv, 22 January 2009
BBC Watchdog: Meglena Kuneva,
the EU's commissioner for consumers, recently visited the studios and offices where she saw first-hand the stories sent in by members of the British public.
BBC November 2008
High hopes for free trade deal
The Guardian, Wednesday 26 November 2008
Meglena Kuneva talks to Winifred Robinson, BBC You & Yours,
about her role as European Commissioner for consumer protection, the benefits of shopping online and how complaints about energy bills are being addressed.
Radio 4, Thursday 30 October 2008
In defence of globalisation.
An article by EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson on the subject of globalisation
The Guardian. (G36), Friday October 03 2008
'Paraffin mafia' is fined £535m
BBC News, Wednesday 01 October 2008
Commissioner Orban speaks to the Observer about language learning
Sunday 21 September 2008
Europe is not bullying the developing world over trade
Peter Power writes in the Guardian, Tuesday September 16 2008
Antonia Mochan talks to the BBC's Farming Today programme
about European Commission proposals on pesticides and animal welfare Tuesday September 16 2008.
Trade: one size doesn't fit all
Peter Power, European Commission spokesperson for trade
The Guardian, Thursday September 4 2008
Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel says farming talks are a feather in the cap of the EU
Yorkshire Post, Monday 11 August
We'll pay a high price for free-trade failure
Rich and poor countries alike would have benefited greatly from the Doha deal on the table in Geneva, writes Peter Mandelson, European Commissioner for Trade
The Daily Telegraph, 31 July 2008
Veteran rockers set for windfall
BBC News 17 July 2008
Growing efforts to tackle fuel price rises
European Commission letter on biofuels in the Guardian, 9 July 2008
Free trade is our only way forward argues Peter Mandelson, European Commissioner for Trade
The Sunday Telegraph, 6 July 2008
Simplified rights for shoppers
European shoppers are to get a simplified set of rights under legislation Meglena Kuneva, the EU's consumer protection Commissisoner, plans to bring forward this autumn.
The Financial Times, 20 June 2008
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