|
EU NEWS YOU CAN USE
|
European Commission in Ireland
|
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/representations-germany-eu-aktuell/images/banner2.jpg)
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
In this issue
- 5 October
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/pix.png) |
|
|
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/representations-germany-eu-aktuell/images/banner3.jpg) ![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Top News
|
EU Commission refers Ireland to Court re Apple tax
|
The European Commission has decided to refer Ireland to the European Court of Justice for failing to recover from Apple illegal State aid worth up to €13 billion, as required by a Commission decision. The Commission decision of 30 August 2016 concluded that Ireland's tax benefits to Apple were illegal under EU State aid rules, because it allowed Apple to pay substantially less tax than other businesses. As a matter of principle, EU State aid rules require that illegal State aid is recovered in order to remove the distortion of competition created by the aid. The deadline for Ireland to implement the Commission's decision on Apple's tax treatment was 3 January 2017.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
EU Commission says Luxembourg aid to Amazon illegal
|
The European Commission has concluded that Luxembourg granted undue tax benefits to Amazon of around €250 million. This is illegal under EU State aid rules because it allowed Amazon to pay substantially less tax than other businesses. Luxembourg must now recover the illegal aid. Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said "Luxembourg gave illegal tax benefits to Amazon. As a result, almost three quarters of Amazon's profits were not taxed. In other words, Amazon was allowed to pay four times less tax than other local companies subject to the same national tax rules. This is illegal under EU State aid rules. Member States cannot give selective tax benefits to multinational groups that are not available to others."
|
Read more...
|
|
Making VAT simpler and fraud proof
|
The Commission wants to modernise the EU VAT system. As of now, Member States are missing out on VAT revenue worth €150 billion every year including €50 billion - or €100 per EU citizen - due to cross-border VAT fraud. There are four cornerstones to the Commission's proposal: tackling fraud; a One Stop Shop; greater consistency; and, less red tape. VAT would be charged on all cross-border trade between businesses. A One Stop Shop would be set up for traders to make declarations and payments on a single online portal in their own language and according to the same rules as in their home country. The final amount of VAT would be paid to the Member State of the final consumer and charged at the rate of that Member State. Invoicing rules would be simplified by allowing sellers to prepare invoices according to the rules of their own country even when trading across borders.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
€1.3 bn lost to Vat Gap in Ireland in 2015
|
According to new EU figures, Ireland lost an estimated €1.3 billion in 2015 in Value-Added Tax (VAT) revenues. This put Ireland's Vat Gap at 9.94%, which is a little below the EU average of 12%. The 'VAT Gap' is the overall difference between the expected VAT revenue and the amount actually collected. In 2015, Sweden had the lowest gap at 1.4% while Romania had the highest at 37.18%. EU Commissioner responsible for Taxation Pierre Moscovici said: "We will soon propose to revamp the rules governing VAT on cross-border sales. Our reform will help cut cross-border VAT fraud by 80% and get badly-needed money back to Member State coffers."
|
Read more...
|
|
Brexit Debrief to European Parliament
|
President Juncker and Michel Barnier told the European Parliament this week that Prime Minster May's speech in Florence was "conciliatory", underlining that work still remains to be done, and saying that "Until now, we can't say that we are ready to enter the second phase of negotiations." Michel Barnier recalled that the three main topics of the discussions on the UK's orderly withdrawal – citizens' rights, the financial settlement, and Ireland – "go together. They are inseparable." A fifth round of negotiations will take place in Brussels next week.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Other news
|
Boosting apprenticeships in the EU
|
The European Commission wants a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships and has identified 14 key criteria that EU countries and stakeholders should use to develop quality apprenticeships that improve job prospects for apprentices. EU Employment Commissioner Marianne Thyssen said: "Two out of three apprentices move straight into jobs after finishing their education. With today's new framework, we define what makes apprenticeships shine."
|
Read more...
|
|
|
High rate of female teachers in Ireland
|
A new Eurostat study has found that 80% of teachers in Ireland are female. The EU average is 72% with more female teachers than male in all European countries.
The study also found that only 25% of teachers here are aged over 50 compared to the EU average of 36%. And only 4% of Irish teachers are aged over 60 compared to an EU average of 9%.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Cork hosts event on EU funding opportunities
|
The Representation joined with Seán Kelly MEP and the European Parliament Information Office for a special briefing on the Investment Plan for Europe (IPE) on 29 September in Cork. What projects are eligible? How to apply? Who are the decision makers? How can SMEs benefit? Speaking for the Commission, Patrick O'Riordan focused on the key elements of the Investment Plan and how they link to other EU policies, gave examples of projects funded to date, explained how SME’s can benefit from advisory and support services.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Ireland urged to implement Victims' Rights Directive
|
The Commission has urged Ireland to implement the EU Directive establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime (the Victims' Rights Directive, Directive 2012/29/EU). The Directive had to be translated into national law by 16 November 2015. To this day, Ireland has still not notified the European Commission of any national rules which implement this EU law. If the Irish authorities fail to act within two months, the case may be referred to the Court of Justice of the EU.
|
Read more...
|
|
Commission wants to improve public procurement
|
The Commission has put forward proposals to get Member States to develop a strategic approach to procurement policies, focusing on greater uptake of innovative, green and social criteria in awarding public contracts; professionalisation of public buyers; improving access by SMEs to procurement markets in the EU and by EU companies in third countries; increasing transparency, integrity and quality of procurement data; digitisation of procurement processes; and more cooperation among public buyers across the EU.
|
Read more...
|
|
End to sugar quotas
|
The EU sugar quota system came to an end on 30 September 2017, after nearly 50 years. The end of the quota system means producers can increase their production and explore new export markets. It also simplifies the administrative burden for operators, growers and traders. Phil Hogan, Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said: "Producers will now have the opportunity to expand their trade on global markets, and with the right policy supports from the European Commission – such as the Sugar Market Observatory which provides timely and relevant market information – they should have every chance of success."
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Update of European rail passenger rights
|
The European Commission is revising the European rules on rail passenger rights regarding delays, cancellations or discrimination. The Commission also wants to significantly improve the rights of passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. The proposal allows rail operators, under strict circumstances, to be exempted from having to compensate passengers for delays.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Lowest share of over 80s in Ireland
|
New Eurostat figures show that only 3.1% of Ireland's population were aged over 80 in 2016, the lowest share in the EU where the average is 5.4%. The share of over 80s was highest in Italy (6.7%), Greece (6.5%) and Spain (6%). Overall, the share of elderly people in the EU was up considerably from 2006, from 2.6% in Ireland and from 4.1% across the EU. Life expectancy for people aged over 80 has also increased. It now stands at 9 years for Irish people aged 80 (8.2 years for men and 9.5 for women). The EU average is 9.2 years with over 80s having the longest life expectancy in France at 10.5 years.
|
Read more...
|
|
Assessment of offers for European Banking Authority and European Medicines Agency
|
The European Commission has published its assessment of the 27 offers received by Member States to host the European Banking Authority (EBA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which are currently located in the United Kingdom. It does not provide a ranking or shortlist of any kind. The Council will discuss the assessment at the General Affairs Council (Article 50 format) in October 2017. A final decision will be taken in November 2017. Ireland has applied to host both agencies.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Agenda
|
Saturday 7 to Sunday 22 October: EU Code Week
|
There are a number of events taking place at locations all around Ireland for European Code Week which runs from 7 to 22 October. Click on the link below for details of events in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Mayo and Offaly. Europe Code Week is a grassroots initiative which aims to bring coding and digital literacy to everybody in a fun and engaging way.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Tuesday 3 to Thursday 19 October: Time to Move campaign events in Ireland
|
A number of events are taking place around Ireland this October as part of the "Time to Move" campaign. The events are organised by Léargas/Eurodesk Ireland, in cooperation with Youth Work Ireland, Crosscare and Europe Direct and aim to promote international mobility opportunities for young people (13-30) and those who work with them. The events are taking place in Blanchardstown Library (3 October), Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort, Tipperary (10 October), Ballinsaloe Library (17 October) and Letterkenny Library (19 October).
|
Read more...
|
|
Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 October: Eurogroup meeting, Luxembourg
|
Agenda highlights: Deepening the EMU: the role of the European Stability Mechanism, Thematic discussions on growth and jobs: financing labour tax cuts and Post-programme surveillance mission to Portugal. For further information click on the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 October: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Luxembourg
|
The Commission will update the Council on the latest market developments in the main agricultural sectors and ministers will exchange views. Ministers will have the opportunity to discuss the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as its implications for the EU agricultural policy. For further information, click on the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
Tuesday 10 October: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg
|
The Council is expected to approve a new system for resolving double taxation disputes. Ministers will also hear a presentation by the Commission about its proposed strategy for digital taxation, aimed at closing off loopholes that leave digital companies largely untaxed. The Commission will also present a proposal on rules for a definitive VAT system, aimed at making it more simple, fraud-proof and business-friendly. The Council is due to adopt conclusions on the financing aspects of climate change.
|
Read more...
|
|
Thursday 12 and Friday 13 October: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg
|
Information on this meeting will be available in due course at the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
Friday 13 October: Environment Council, Luxembourg
|
Agenda highlights: Legislative proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions in sectors not covered by the ETS; UN Climate Change Conference; and, UN Environment Assembly. For further information, click on the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
Thursday 19 October: Citizens' Dialogue on the Future of Europe, Dublin
|
EU Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc and Brian Hayes MEP will be the keynote speakers at a Citizens' Dialogue on the Future of Europe in Dublin on Thursday 19 October.
The event will be moderated by Audrey Carville from RTE's Morning Ireland. It will take place at the Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 starting at 17.45.
This is a free public event, however advance registration is required. Please email RSVP@europeanmovement.ie to register your interest.
|
|
|
Thursday 19 and Friday 20 October: European Council, Brussels
|
EU leaders will look at a number of the most pressing issues, including migration, defence, foreign affairs and digitalisation. More information on the agenda is available on the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
Tuesday 24 October: The Digitalisation Agenda Conference - Re-thinking the role of Qualifications and Skills, Dublin
|
Digitalisation is changing how we work and learn. This high-level international conference will explore the implications of digitalisation on the demand, delivery and recognition of skills and qualifications. The conference, which is organised by the Irish Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition, takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin 8. It will be moderated by Ingrid Miley. Attendance at the conference is free. However, early registration is advised as places are limited.
|
Read more...
|
|
Wedneday 8 November: Taking care of business event, Dublin Castle
|
This free half-day event has been specifically designed to help small and start-up businesses understand and benefit from the services provided by many of our State offices and agencies. The event will include short presentations and opportunities to get information directly from the agencies involved. The EU Commission Representation will have a stand at the event, which takes place at the Printworks Conference Centre, Dublin Castle, starting at 8.15 a.m.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Public consultations
|
Re-use of Public Sector Information (PSI Directive)
|
The Commission wants to review the directive on the re-use of public sector information (PSI Directive). The Commission is preparing an initiative on accessibility and re-use of public and publicly funded data, and is at the same time further exploring the issue of privately held data which are of public interest. The questions of this online consultation cover both the evaluation of the current Directive implementation and the problem, objectives and possible options for the future. The consultation is open until 12 December 2017.
|
Read more...
|
|
Draft Guidance on Public Procurement of Innovation
|
The purpose of this targeted consultation is to receive stakeholder feedback on the draft Guidance on Public Procurement of Innovation, announced in the Public Procurement package of 3 October 2017. The consultation is open until 2 January 2018.
|
Read more...
|
|
Improving the food supply chain
|
The consultation covers three areas relating to farmers’ position in the food supply chain: unfair trading practices(UTPs); market transparency; and, producer cooperation. The input received from this consultation will complement the work on the simplification and modernisation of the CAP. The consultation is open until 17 November 2017.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Calls for Tender/Proposals
|
Opportunities for EU regions to get from tailored financial and advisory support
|
The Commission has launched two pilot projects to help EU regions get tailored EU funding and advice to develop their economies and modernise their industries. Under the first call, "Tailored support for regions facing industrial transition", 5 EU regions can get up to €300,000 in ERDF funding to help implement regional economic transformation strategies. Under the second call, "Interregional partnerships to develop competitive European value chains", between 5 and 10 transnational partnerships of regional authorities from at least four different EU countries and involving universities, research centres, clusters and businesses can get up to €1,000,000 Commission support to develop their projects and access new markets. Regions can apply until 31 October 2017. The results of the calls will be published in early December.
|
Read more...
|
|
Opportunity for SMEs: innovation vouchers up to €60,000!
|
On 22 September 2017 the INCluSilver project published a call for provision of financial support to third parties whereby €2.8 million will be distributed. Through this call, INCluSilver will provide up to €60,000 per SME through innovation vouchers (scalability and internationalisation voucher, demonstration voucher, technology transfer voucher, economic feasibility analysis voucher), IPR vouchers and travel vouchers, to support innovative ideas. The innovative ideas should address one of the 7 challenges, identified by the project, related to personal nutrition for the silver population. In addition, the selected SMEs will benefit from additional innovation support services provided by the INCluSilver partners.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Job opportunities
|
Job opportunities in the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)
|
There are a number of vacancies currently available for Temporary Agents and Contract Agents at Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, which is based in Warsaw. Full details are at the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow1.png) |
Competitions
|
Europe Direct Annual Soapbox competition
|
Ireland's ten Europe Direct Information Centres are holding their annual soapbox competitions this month. The topic this year is ‘Brexit: Ireland’s Opportunity’. Participants are invited to speak for 3 minutes for or against the motion. There are two categories: 18 and under; and, 19 and over. The winners of each Europe Direct Centre's competitions (both categories) will go forward to the National final in Dublin in November with a chance of winning €1000 and a trip to Brussels for 2 people. Find details of each Centre's competition on their website at the link below.
|
Read more...
|
|
![](http://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/templates/generic-newsletter/images/shadow2.png) |
|
This is the Newsletter of the Representation of the European Commission in Ireland.
If this Newsletter was forwarded to you and you would like to receive it directly you can subscribe here.
You can unsubscribe from this newsletter from your profile or by contacting us at this address: Functionnal mailbox.
|
|