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EU NEWS YOU CAN USE
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European Commission in Ireland
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In this issue
- 16 November
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Top News
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Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth, Gothenburg
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President Juncker and Swedish Prime Minister Löfven will jointly host EU leaders for the first EU Social Summit in 20 years tomorrow in Gothenburg (Sweden). At the Summit, the European Parliament, Council and Commission will jointly proclaim the European Pillar of Social Rights. The Pillar enshrines 20 principles in the fields of: equal opportunities and access to the labour market; fair working conditions; and social protection and inclusion. It is the first set of rights proclaimed by EU institutions since the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Pillar will help us encourage a race to the top, benefiting citizens.
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Gerry Kiely at Meath County Council
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Gerry Kiely, Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland, this week addressed Meath County Council about the Commission's White Paper on the Future of Europe and the 5 scenarios presented by President Juncker. In his speech, Mr Kiely drew attention to the Citizens' Dialogues organised by the Representation around Ireland in 2017 and the upcoming Dialogue with Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Commissioner Tibor Navracsics in Dublin on 13 December. He said: "Ireland needs to have a broad based grass root discussion on what form of EU it wants to be part of". Click on the link below for more information about the White Paper on the Future of Europe.
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Brexit: specific solutions required for Ireland
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Speaking at the close of the sixth round of Brexit negotiations with the United Kingdom in Brussels last week, Michel Barnier said: "We will continue our dialogue on Ireland and Northern Ireland. We have to ensure a common reading, the same reading, of the conditions, consequences and implications of Brexit on the Good Friday Agreement and the Common Travel Area. This should lead us to identify the technical and regulatory solutions necessary to prevent a hard border, while preserving the integrity of the Single Market. As David and I told you last time, the unique situation on the island of Ireland requires specific solutions." He went on to say: "The United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union over 500 days ago... – we are going to have to work intensively over the coming weeks, before the next European Council."
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Ireland launches Future of Europe debate
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On Wednesday 15 November Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD, along with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney TD and Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee TD, launched the Irish Government's Citizens' Dialogue on the Future of Europe. The event was moderated by Noelle O'Connell, Executive Director of European Movement Ireland. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar invited people to take part in the debate saying: "It is the promise of a better future that has motivated people to work for the European ideal over successive decades. It is why we want to hear your views in the debate about its future, because we all have a stake in it, and how it evolves will affect all of us." Information on upcoming events taking place around Ireland is available on the link below.
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Towards a European Education Area by 2025
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The European Commission has set out its vision for a European Education Area by 2025. This includes: creating an EU Student Card to store information on a person's academic records; the mutual recognition of higher education and school leaving diplomas; setting a new benchmark for all young Europeans finishing secondary education to have a good knowledge of two languages in addition to their mother tongue by 2025; promoting lifelong learning; mainstreaming innovation and digital skills in education;, and preserving cultural heritage and fostering a sense of a European identity and culture.
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Commission report on migration
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A new EU Commission report on migration shows that the total number of irregular crossings along the main migratory routes decreased by 63% in 2017. Collective efforts to protect the EU's external borders, cooperate with partner countries to tackle the root causes of irregular migration, improve the protection of migrants and win the fight against smugglers are also showing concrete results. Almost €2 billion worth of programmes have been approved under the EU Trust Fund for Africa to help economic development and migration management in countries facing crises. The Commission is calling on Member States to increase their contributions to the Fund. It is also calling on Member States to continue pledging to reach the target of at least 50,000 resettlements of the most vulnerable refugees by October 2019.
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Other news
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Georgia’s European Way
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The European Commission has confirmed Georgia's commitment to political association and economic integration to the EU. Speaking at a diplomatic event on "Georgia's European Way" in Europe House last Friday, Gerry Kiely, Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland said: "To benefit from trade access to the EU it is crucial that Georgia continues to improve its standards, especially in relation to food".
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Gerry Kiely at the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly
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Gerry Kiely spoke last week to the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly about the debate on the Future of Europe. In his speech he also touched on the importance of Ireland remaining at the core of the EU after Brexit. He said: "Brexit poses risks for Ireland but also opportunities. Yes Ireland needs to prepare for the worst on Brexit but let’s not act as if it has arrived."
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New EU Air Quality Index and Atlas
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The Commission and the EU Environment Agency have launched a new Air Quality Index which allows citizens to monitor air quality in their own town/area real time. The Index rates air quality from very poor to good. Ireland's air quality is currently rated good. The Commission has also just published an Air Quality Atlas that maps the origins of fine particulate matter, such as dust, smoke, soot, pollen and soil particles, in EU cities.
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EU steps up efforts to improve military mobility
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The Commission wants to improve military mobility in the European Union and has outlined steps to address the obstacles currently hampering the movement of military equipment and personnel across the EU so that they can react quickly and effectively to internal and external crises. Due to the specific status of armed forces and equipment, military mobility is legally bound by a range of national decisions and EU rules, but there is room for a more coordinated and harmonised approach which would maximise the EU-added value and build on civilian/military synergies.
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€179 million for agri-food promotion
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The Commission is to make €179 million available to EU agri-food producers next year to promote their products both within the EU and in high growth potential markets outside the EU. Funding in 2018 will be targeted at campaigns promoting sustainable sheep/goat production as well as at campaigns promoting increased consumption of fruits and vegetables within the EU. Calls for proposals are due to be published in January 2018.
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Court of Justice ruling on right of residence
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The European Court of Justice has ruled that a non-EU national may benefit from a right of residence in the Member State in which his/her EU citizen family member resided before acquiring the nationality of that Member State in addition to his/her nationality of origin.
The conditions for the granting of that right of residence must not be stricter than those laid down by the free movement directive.
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Ireland: 2nd lowest share of organic farming
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New Eurostat figures show that in 2016, only 1.7% of agricultural land in Ireland (77,000 hectares – up from 1.16% in 2012) was devoted to organic farming, joint second lowest in the EU with Romania. The UK had the fourth lowest share at 2.8%. On average, 6.7% of agricultural land in the EU was farmed organically, up from 5.6% in 2012. Austria (21%), Sweden (18%), Estonia (18%), Italy (14%) and the Czech Republic (14%) had the highest shares of organic farming.
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Irish home energy consumption 7th highest in the EU
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New Eurostat figures show that Irish households have the 7th highest consumption of electricity despite having the 4th highest electricity prices in the EU. Ireland also had the 4th highest dependence on energy imports in the EU with 88.7% of energy consumed in 2015 being imported. And only 9.2% of our energy came from renewable sources, 6th lowest in the EU. Eurostat's Energy, Transport and Environment report also shows that Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions in 2015 were 9.2% higher than in 1990. The publication also contains information on road traffic and waste.
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Schrems may be able to rely on his consumer status to sue Facebook Ireland
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In an opinion published this, the European Court of Justice Advocate General said Maximilian Schrems may be able to rely on his consumer status in order to sue Facebook Ireland before the Austrian Courts with respect to the private use of his own Facebook account.
However, Mr Schrems cannot rely on his consumer status with respect to claims assigned to him by other consumers
Mr Maximilian Schrems from Austria started legal proceedings against Facebook Ireland before the Austrian Courts. He alleges that Facebook Ireland has violated his own privacy and data protection rights and those of seven other Facebook users who assigned their claims for allegations of the same violations to him in response to his online invitation to do so.
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Agenda
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Friday 17 November: Social Summit, Gothenburg
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Together with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven will host a Social Summit in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, focusing on promoting fair jobs and growth. The Summit will gather EU heads of state or government, the social partners and other key stakeholders for an open discussion on how to promote fair jobs and growth.
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Friday 17 November: Informal meeting of the 28 heads of state or government, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, will chair a debate on education and culture with the 28 EU leaders, in Gothenburg, Sweden, on 17 November.
This discussion on education and culture is part of the Leaders' Agenda, which was discussed and enjoyed unanimous support by the members of the European Council on 20 October 2017. The aim of this concrete work program is to guide EU action over the next two years.
A paper will be released ahead of this debate to clearly outline the specific issues to be addressed by the leaders.
The discussion will take place in light of the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus programme, and it will feed into the preparations of the next European Council meeting on 14-15 December.
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Friday 17 November: Economic and Financial Affairs Council on budget, Brussels
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Ministers will prepare negotiations with the European Parliament on the EU's general budget for 2018. The negotiations will be held at a conciliation committee meeting the same day.
The Parliament is asking for total commitments to be increased to €162.6 billion and total payments to €146.7 billion. The Council set total commitments at €158.9 billion and total payments at €144.4 billion.
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Monday 20 and Tuesday 21 November: Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council, Brussels
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The Council will aim to reach a general approach on the proposal for a regulation on the European Solidarity Corps. This is a new EU initiative aiming to support volunteering and work experience opportunities for young people. The Council will also adopt conclusions on smart youth work, calling for the creation of tools that young people can use to prevent and manage risks in the digital age. Ministers will also discuss the future of skills and the changing role of vocational education and training.
In addition, the Council will adopt a recommendation on tracking graduates to help understand the causes of graduate employability.
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Monday 20 to Friday 24 November: European Vocational Skills Week 2017
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The second European Vocational Skills Week takes place from 20 to 24 November 2017. Its aim is to make vocational education and training more attractive. To date, there are 9 events registered for Ireland. You can find details of these by clicking on the map on the webpage linked to below.
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Thursday, 23 November 2017: Free Media Workshop for third level students, Europe House, Dublin
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The EC Representation & European Movement Ireland are organising a free Media Workshop in Dublin on Tuesday, 23 November 2017 for third-level students. The workshop will offer students an opportunity to meet with journalists, communications professionals and EU affairs experts – including Carl O’Brien (The Irish Times) and Ruth Deasy (European Commission Representation) and get a crash course on the EU and writing about Europe. Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided! You must register in advance. Please call 01 642 4923 or send an email to events@europeanmovement.ie by Monday, 20 November.
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Friday 24 November: Conference - Ireland and the Future of Europe, New Challenges, New Opportunities, Dublin
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The 2017 Irish Association for Contemporary European Studies (IACES) Biennial Conference brings together leading academics and senior politicians to consider the issues which will be part of the Future of Europe debate and to determine what they mean for Ireland. The conference takes place in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin 2, on Friday 24 November starting at 9.15 am. This event is free to attend and all are welcome.
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Tuesday 28 November: Launch of Eurofound report on Care homes for older Europeans, Europe House
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The European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound) will launch its new report on care homes for older Europeans at a special event on Tuesday afternoon 28 November 2017 in Europe House, Dublin.
The event will be opened by Mr Jim Daly, Irish Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, and will gather policy makers, academics, practitioners, and representatives from national authorities and European institutions in order to discuss fresh research findings on the provision of services in care homes for older people.
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Thursday 30 November: Conference - Investing in the Future of Europe, Dublin
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The European Movement and the European Investment Bank are holding a half-day conference on "Investing in the Future of Europe" on Thursday 30 November in Dublin.
For further information or to register your interest, email: rsvp@europeanmovement.ie
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Thursday 7 December: ICEL Consumer Law Conference, Dublin
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The Irish Centre for European Law (ICEL) is hosting a short evening conference on Consumer Law, with leading Irish and international speakers, including Dutch Judge Prof Dr Mr Sjef van Erp . This often neglected area of law has risen to prominence in recent times with the decision of Mr Justice Barrett in AIB v Counihan and the upcoming judicial review of a decision of the Laois County Registrar in the Grant case. Both of these cases deal with the role of consumer protection in debt enforcement. This timely event will hear how the Dutch courts deal with unfair terms and the obligation on national courts to carry out own motion assessments. The event takes place at the Distillery Building, Church Street, Dublin 7 starting at 4.30 pm and finishing at 6.30 pm.
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Wednesday 13 December: Citizens' Dialogue on the Future of Europe, Dublin
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The EU Commission Representation in Ireland will host a Citizens' Dialogue on the Future of Europe on Wednesday 13 December in Dublin. The keynote speakers at this event will be European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Tibor Navracsics, and Minister of State for European Affairs, Helen McEntee TD. The moderator will be Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin. The event takes place at the Royal Irish Academy, Dawson Street, Dublin 2 starting at 12 noon.
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Public consultations
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Fake news and online disinformation
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The consultation will collect views from all parties concerned by fake news across the EU as regard the scope of the problem and the effectiveness of voluntary measures already put in place by industry to prevent the spread of disinformation online. The objective is also to better understand the rationale and possible directions for action at EU and/or national level. The consultation runs until 23 February 2018.
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Institutional investors and asset managers' duties regarding sustainability
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The aim of this public consultation is to collect the views and opinions of interested parties on this issue in order to inform the impact assessment process. The consultation runs until 28 January 2018.
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Competitions
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Video concept competition - Say No! Stop Violence against Women
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Applicants are invited to submit a short video to raise awareness of violence against women and encourage people to speak out against it. The deadline for submission of entries is 10 February 2018. The winners will be announced on 8 March 2018.
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Your Europe, Your Say! 2018
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The "Your Europe, Your Say!" event, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee, invites 16-18 year old pupils from all EU Member States and the candidate countries to come to Brussels for two days and draw up resolutions which will be passed to the EU institutions on the theme of "United in diversity: a younger future for European culture". Next year's event takes place in Brussels on 15-16 March. Schools have until 24 November to apply!
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Land and Soil Management Award
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Farmers, landowners, land managers, groups of farmers, on their own or in collaboration with research institutes, universities and/or private companies are invited to apply for this prize which rewards land use and soil management practices mitigating soil threats i.e. soil degradation, erosion, reduction of organic matter content, diffuse contamination, and compaction as well as the reduction of soil biodiversity, salinization, sealing, flooding and landslides. The deadline to apply for this prize, which is organised by the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO), under the auspices of the European Commission, is 31 December 2017. The top prize is €5,000 as well as a diploma of recognition.
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This is the Newsletter of the Representation of the European Commission in Ireland.
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