|
Commission steps up EU action to protect and restore the world's forests
On 23 July, the European Commission adopted a Communication setting out a new framework of actions to protect and restore the world's forests. Forests host 80% of biodiversity on land, support the livelihoods of around a quarter of the world's population, and are vital to our efforts to fight climate change. The EU's reinforced approach introduces measures for enhanced international cooperation with stakeholders and member states, promotion of sustainable finance, better use of land and resources, sustainable job creation and supply chain management, and targeted research and data collection. It also launches an assessment of possible new regulatory measures to minimise the impact of EU consumption on deforestation and forest degradation.
More information
GDPR one year on: progress in data protection, but more work needed
Just over one year after the entry in force of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) most member states have set up the necessary legal framework, businesses are developing a compliance culture, while citizens are becoming more aware of their rights. A report published by the European Commission on 24 July shows that the new EU data protection rules have achieved many of their objectives, but more work needs to be done in certain areas.
More information
European Commission presents progress report on EU-US trade talks
On 25 July, the European Commission published a report on the implementation of the EU-US Joint Statement on its first anniversary. It provides an overview of the progress made and illustrates the depth of the engagement between EU and US over the past year, both at political and technical level. As a first step, the Presidents set up an Executive Working Group, co-chaired by Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström and her counterpart US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, to work on the different tracks for cooperation identified in the Joint Statement.
More information
European Commission issues guidance on the participation of third country bidders in the EU procurement market
On 24 July, the European Commission published guidance on the participation of third country bidders in the EU procurement market. It is part of a package of Commission initiatives to ensure fair competition, high quality and a level playing field in public procurement markets. The guidance provides practical advice to public buyers in the member states. It helps them identify which third country bidders have secured access to the EU procurement market.
More information
All this week's key European Commission announcements can be found here
|
