EU and the UK
date: 18/05/2018
Federica Mogherini and Michel Barnier on the future of EU foreign, security and defence policy
High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini and the European Commission's Chief Negotiator for Brexit Michel Barnier discussed on 14 May the European Union's foreign, security and defence policy after Brexit, in a panel discussion organised by the European Institute for Security Studies. Michel Barnier spoke of five different dimensions the future UK-EU partnership could include, such as close and regular consultations with the UK on foreign policy, exchanging information on incidents and an EU-UK Security of Information Agreement.
Michel Barnier's full speech
Commission approves prolongation of UK Enterprise Management Initiative scheme
On 15 May, the European Commission approved under EU state aid rules the extension of the UK Enterprise Management Initiative scheme, which reduces the taxation of employee share options for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the scheme, SMEs that are listed companies and their employees will benefit from reductions in income tax and/or national insurance contributions, when exercising their share options. The aim is to allow SMEs to recruit and retain employees – a key factor in companies' growth – without unduly distorting competition in the single market. This Commission decision applies only as long as the UK remains a member state. The decision is without prejudice to any provisions in the withdrawal agreement currently negotiated between the UK and the EU.
Commission takes action to protect citizens from air pollution
On 17 May, the Commission referred France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania and the United Kingdom to the European Court of Justice for breaching agreed EU rules on air pollution limits and for failing to take appropriate measures to keep breaches of the limits as short as possible. The Commission also issued additional letters of formal notice to Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom on the grounds that they have disregarded EU vehicle type approval rules.
British firms pitch maritime investment projects at inaugural Blue Invest event
Fishy Filaments Ltd (link is external), Fishtek Marine Ltd and Nova Innovation pitched their investment projects at Blue Invest, the first EU-wide matchmaking event between start-ups and investors in the maritime sector. The event in Brussels held on 17 May brought together hundreds of start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors to find future business partners and help sustainably develop the blue economy.
Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2018: Brits retain Europe's online shopping crown
For a third year in a row, Brits remain the EU's most dedicated online shoppers – just ahead of Swedes and well ahead of the EU average. Now, the UK also tops the league in social media use. This data comes from the 2018 Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), published every year by the European Commission. The index analyses the performance of member states in areas ranging from connectivity and digital skills to the digitisation of businesses and public services.
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