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27/10/2016

Ireland Representation - Dublin Newsletter update - 27/10/2016

Irish Life-Science leader 'Malin' gets €70m from EU investment fund (25/10/2016)

The EU Investment Fund (#InvestEU) has made its first loan to an Irish private company via the EIB. The €70 million EIB loan is guaranteed by the EU budget, which allows the EIB to offer Malin long-term financing with flexible conditions and at favourable rates. The formal signature took place in Dublin this week with Minister Mary Mitchell-O'Connor, Head of Representation Gerry Kiely, EIB Vice President Andrew McDowell and Malin (pictured). The Investment Plan is the Juncker Commission's landmark strategy to support investments and bring back jobs and growth to Europe. It allows its strategic partner, the EIB, to take on innovative and higher-risk projects.

2017: Pillar of social rights; data protection; fairer company taxation (26/10/2016)

The Commission this week proposed its Work Programme for 2017. The Programme proposes 21 key initiatives, as well as a further 18 REFIT proposals to improve the quality of existing EU legislation and ensure rules are fit for purpose. There are 34 priority pending proposals that are still awaiting adoption by the Parliament and Council. A summary is on the infographic in the link below. President Juncker said: “In the comings weeks I will – together with the European Parliament and Council – select a number of initiatives of major political importance that should receive priority treatment in the legislative process in the months to come. This is the Europe that delivers.”

"Nobody knows what the future holds": Commissioner Hogan on Brexit (26/10/2016)

Agriculture & Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan addressed a Public Affairs Ireland Conference last Friday in Dublin on "Brexit: implications for public policy and public administration in Ireland". In his speech the Commissioner said: "While the impact of Brexit will be particularly hard-felt in Ireland, not least because this country is the only Member State which shares a land frontier with the UK, its impact will also be felt right throughout the European Union and beyond." He added: "... anybody who stands up at this conference and claims to know with certainty what the consequences of Brexit are for Ireland, the UK, cross-border relations or the EU is mistaken and misleading. The truth is that nobody knows what the future holds, whether in terms of the conditions under which the UK will leave the EU or the post-Brexit environment in which the UK and the EU or Ireland and the UK will have to coexist, because there will have to be a relationship of some kind."

Commission wants major corporate tax reform for the EU (26/10/2016)

The Commission unveiled a revised version of its proposals to change the tax regime for companies operating in Europe (known as CCCTB) this week. The latest proposals follow previous efforts in 2011 but have important revisions and the Commission feels the political time is right for its Action Plan for a Fair and Efficient Corporate Tax System. This time, the Commission has separated the proposal for a common tax base, (i.e. what expenses are tax deductible, a common set of forms to fill in and so on) from the proposal for the consolidation measures (i.e. common rules on where the tax is payable, based on where the company's staff, property are located and where its sales take place). Commissioner Moscovici said that he will ask the Member States to agree on the common base before proceeding with discussions on the consolidated base proposals.

Four Dublin SMEs to get EU Funding (26/10/2016)

Four Dublin-based SMEs are to receive EU grants under the latest round of Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 funding announced this week. They are: Framework Computer Consultants Ltd; D.A Renewable Energy Technology; Trinitas Ventures Ltd; and, Measurence Ltd. The funding is provided under Phase 1 of the instrument, which means that each project will receive €50,000 to finance feasibility studies for new products that can disrupt the market. They can also ask for up to three days of free business coaching. 42 Irish SMEs have been awarded Horizon 2020 SME Instrument Phase 1 funding since its launch in 2014.

Cod stocks continue to decline: EU Commission's 2017 fish quota proposed (27/10/2016)

In preparation for the December Fisheries Council, where Member States will negotiate fishing quotas in the Atlantic and North Sea for 2017, the Commission is presenting its proposal for healthy and sustainable stocks. This is the annual scheme for the amount of fish which can be caught by EU fishermen from the main commercial fish stocks next year, also referred to as Total Allowable Catches (TACs). On the basis of the scientific advice received, the Commission proposes to maintain or increase the current fishing quotas for 42 stocks which are in good health, and reduce catches for 28 stocks which are faring poorly. For full tables, scroll down.

Ireland: 2nd lowest share of crop land devoted to organic farming (25/10/2016)

According to new Eurostat figures, Ireland had the second lowest share of crop area devoted to organic farming in the EU in 2015 at 1.6%, up from 1% in 2010. This corresponds to a total land area of just over 73,000 hectares, up from 47 864 in 2010. In total, 11,139,595 hectares are devoted to organic farming in the EU, or 6.2% of cropland, up from 5.1% in 2010. The countries with the highest shares of crop land devoted to organic farming are Austria (20%) Sweden (17%) and Estonia (16%). Malta had the lowest share (0.3%).

Men dominate Irish IT sector (26/10/2016)

New Eurostat figures show that men account for 81.4% of people employed in IT in Ireland, slightly below the EU average of 83.9%. IT specialists were also more likely to be higher educated with 77.5% of Irish IT specialists having a third level education compared to an average of 46.6% across all employment. This was the third highest in the EU after Lithuania (79.8%) and Spain (78.7%). On average across the EU, 60.5% of IT specialists had third level education with Italy (33.1%) and Germany (48.1%) having the lowest levels. IT specialists accounted for 4.1% of employment in Ireland in 2015, 8th highest in the EU where the average was 3.5%. Finland (6.5%), Sweden (6.1%), the Netherlands and the United Kingdom (both 5.0%) had the greatest shares while Greece (1.2%) had lowest.

Fourth largest share of high growth enterprises in Ireland (26/10/2016)

One in eight (12.6% or 2,247) Irish companies employing 10 or more staff is high growth according to new Eurostat figures. This puts Ireland in 4th place in the EU after Malta (13.7%), the United Kingdom (12.9%) and Latvia (12.8%). On average 9.2% of EU enterprises qualify as high growth, i.e. employee numbers have risen by an average of at least 10% over three years. The sectors with the highest shares of high growth companies in Ireland are: information and communication activities (19.9%), administrative and support service activities (19.3%), and electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (17.7%). In fact, Ireland has the second highest share of high-growth information and communication enterprises and the highest share of high growth administrative and support service enterprises in the EU.

European Parliament calls for EU limit on industrial trans fats in food (26/10/2016)

The EU should place mandatory limits on industrially-produced trans-fatty acids (TFA) which may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, infertility, Alzheimer’s, diabetes and obesity for consumers, says a resolution approved this week by the European Parliament. TFA intake is mostly linked to consumption of industrially produced, partially hydrogenated oils. According to the European Commission, only one in three consumers in the EU knows about TFAs which shows that labelling measures are not sufficient. The Parliament has called on the Commission to propose an EU legal limit on the industrial TFA content of all foods as soon as possible, and preferably within two years.

Brazilians account for largest share of residence permits issued in Ireland (27/10/2016)

A total of 38,433 first residence permits were issued to non-EU citizens in Ireland in 2015 with the largest share going to citizens of Brazil (10,955 or 28.5%) followed by India (2,883 or 7.5%) and the US (2,690 or 7%). More than half (57.4%) of these permits were issued for education reasons. Employment (15.8%) and family reasons (9%) were the next most important reasons. For the EU as a whole, 2.6 million residence permits were issued in 2015, up 12.1% on 2014. Almost one in four (633,000, or 24.3%) were issued in the United Kingdom. The top countries of citizenship for residence permits issued in the EU in 2015 were Ukraine (19.2%), followed by the US (10%) and China (6.4%).

Irish road fatalities among lowest in EU (27/10/2016)

Ireland is in 12th place overall on the new EU Transport Scoreboard. The number of road fatalities per million inhabitants in Ireland is among the lowest in Europe. Ireland also performs well (4th place) for the number of charging points for electric vehicles per city population. Ireland's lowest score is for the number of electrified railway lines. In other areas such as rail, road and port infrastructure, Ireland is in the middle. The Netherlands tops the Scoreboard for the third year running with high scores in 15 categories, followed by Sweden, Germany and Austria.

Tuesday 8 November: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (25/10/2016)

EU Finance Ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 8 November.

Tuesday 8 November: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (20/10/2016)

European Finance Ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 8 November.

Friday 11 November: Foreign Affairs Council, Brussels (25/10/2016)

EU Finance Ministers will meet in Brussels on Friday 11 November.

Monday 14 November: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels (25/10/2016)

EU Agriculture and Fisheries will meet in Brussels on Monday 15 November.

Friday 18 November to Friday 9 December: Exhibition - Let’s capture Freedom Of Expression!, Europe House, Dublin 2 (25/10/2016)

From Friday 18 November to Friday 9 December, the European Commission Representation in Ireland will host an exhibition presented by the Institut Français and the Courrier International. The exhibition, entitled “Drawing Freely” (Dessins en Liberté) is composed of 12 panels of cartoons made by almost 50 cartoonists from all around the world. Each panel is devoted to a specific topic linked to freedom of expression: censorship, internet, corruption, women’s rights, rebellions, racism… All of the drawings were published in local papers. The exhibition will be open to the public on weekdays from 18 November to 9 December from 9 am to 5 pm at Europe House, 12-14 Lower Mount Street, Dublin 2.

Public consultation on strengthening EU cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (21/10/2016)

The Commission has launched a public consultation on the form future EU cooperation on Health Technology Assessment (HTA) might take. HTA is a multidisciplinary process to assess the added value of a given health technology – for example a medicine, medical device, diagnostic tool or surgical procedure, over and above existing ones. It is open until 13 January 2016.

Public stakeholder consultation – interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 (25/10/2016)

The objective of the consultation is to collect information from a wide audience on different aspects of Horizon 2020 implementation. It is open until 15 January 2017.

Call for tenders for the supply of promotional items (27/10/2016)

The European Commission Representation in Ireland intends to issue a call for tenders for the supply of promotional items in 2016 and 2017. The estimated maximum budget attributed to this project is €19,350 (excl. VAT). If you are interested in this tender, please request the tender documents by sending an email to COMM-IE-TENDERS@ec.europa.eu before 10th November 2016.

A new Space Strategy for Europe (27/10/2016)

In its new Space Strategy for Europe put forward this week the Commission proposes a range of actions to allow Europeans to fully seize the benefits offered by space, create the right ecosystem for space start-ups to grow, promote Europe's leadership in space and increase its share on the world space markets. Under the new Strategy, the Commission will for example: promote the use of Galileo in mobile devices and critical infrastructures and improve connectivity in remote areas; make it easier for innovative companies and start-ups to access space data via dedicated industry-led platforms in order to develop services and applications; promote more private investment for such start-ups, in particular in the context of the Investment Plan for Europe; and, support the emergence of European industrial space hubs and clusters in European regions.

Wednesday 2 November: Kapuscinski Development Lectures, Trinity College Dublin (27/10/2016)

Head of the European Commission Representation in Ireland, Gerry Kiely, will give the opening address at the next Kapuscinski Development Lecture on Wednesday 2 November. The theme of the lecture is: "Challenging inequalities and unsustainabilities". The keynote speaker is Melissa Leach, Director of the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex. The event takes place at the Paccar Theatre, Science Gallery, Trinity College Dublin, on Wednesday 2 November starting at 4 p.m.

20/10/2016

Ireland Representation - Dublin Newsletter update - 20/10/2016

Commissioner Hogan: We need a debate about how the EU can better communicate with citizens (20/10/2016)

EU Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food & the Marine in Dublin today. In his speech, the Commissioner outlined the importance to the Commission of direct interaction with national parliaments. He said: "We need a debate about how the EU can better communicate with the citizens, in a way that emphasises the positive contribution that the EU can make to their lives. The Common Agricultural Policy is one of those policies that makes an immense contribution to the lives of millions of farmers and other beneficiaries in every country in Europe. Without it, what kind of a food policy or agricultural production system would we have in Europe. What kind of a rural environment would we have or what kind of vitality would our rural communities enjoy."

Ireland is world leader in Development Policy: EU Commissioner Mimica (18/10/2016)

Ireland has played a leading role in getting UN members to agree on the latest Development Goals and continues to be a world leader in Development Policy, said European Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, in Dublin earlier this week. Speaking at Dublin's Institute of International European Affairs, Commissioner Neven Mimica said that eradicating poverty must remain the core objective of development policy. Tackling poverty at source was the only way to avoid conflict and mass migration, and the results of the failure to do so are clearly visible.

Migration, trade and Russia on the agenda of this week's European Council (19/10/2016)

EU leaders meet today and tomorrow in Brussels to discuss migration, trade and Russia, including its role in Syria. They will focus on cooperation with African countries of source and transit for migrants. They will also discuss trade, including the future of CETA, the EU-Canada trade agreement. "We have a special responsibility regarding the agreement with Canada. There is still work to be done, but I hope we will find a way forward," said President Tusk in his invitation letter. Leaders will also discuss long-term relations with Russia, not least in the context of recent dramatic developments in Syria.

Migration cooperation with Africa gets results (19/10/2016)

The European Commission this week presented its first progress report on the implementation of the Partnership Framework with third countries to manage migration together. The report shows that cooperation with Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Ethiopia under the new Framework has started to yield tangible results. The Partnership Framework approach changes the way the EU, together with its Member States, manages mobility and migration with third countries of origin and transit. The aim of the so-called "migration compacts" with priority countries is to reduce flows of illegal migration by disrupting the business model of smugglers and opening legal channels of migration, increase return rates, and address root causes of irregular migration.

European Investment Bank agrees record €200m support for investment in 71 Irish schools (19/10/2016)

The Minister for Education and Skills, Mr. Richard Bruton TD, and the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Mr. Andrew Mc Dowell, this week signed a long-term loan agreement which will allow the Department of Education to draw down €200m in European Investment Bank funding. This €200 million long-term loan will help deliver the Department of Education’s €530m School Building Programme which was announced in September 2015. It will support the construction, enlargement and modernisation of 71 schools over the next 4 years as well delivering improved energy saving measures to these schools.

Commission says trade dumping persists (20/10/2016)

Despite the fact that the European Commission has been using the available trade defence instruments toolbox to its full extent, it says these have proven insufficient to deal with the huge overcapacities that result in dumped exports on the EU market. The EU accounts for 15% of world imports (second only to the United States), yet the EU's trade defence measures correspond to only 7,8% of those in place worldwide and affect a mere 0,21% of the imports.

Gardaí join Europol's raid on people traffickers (20/10/2016)

Twenty-eight countries, including Ireland, teamed up with Europol to deliver a major blow to organised crime groups involved in trafficking in human beings across the EU and beyond. During an EU-wide action week (10-16 October), 11,161 locations (red-light district areas, brothels, private flats, massage parlours, airports and reception centres) were visited, 43,405 persons were checked, and 549 victims/potential victims1 identified. In addition, police controls checked 5,126 vehicles and 35,848 ID documents. Data gathered during the operations led to the launch of 102 new investigations in order to identify further suspects and victims linked to human trafficking cases across the EU.

Remembering the Holocaust: Crocus Project 2016/17 launched in Dublin (19/10/2016)

The Commission Representation hosted this week's launch of the Holocaust Education Trust Ireland's Crocus Project 2016/17. The Project aims to raise awareness among Ireland's school children of the terrible events of the Holocaust. It is part-funded by Europe for Citizens Programme. The yellow Crocus flowers planted by the children are a reminder of the yellow star that Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule. In his address at the launch, the new Head of the Commission Representation in Ireland, Gerry Kiely (pictured), said: "The Crocus Project is an excellent means of reminding the next generation of the need to reject and confront all forms of intolerance and persecution at every level – from the school yard bully to the political populists promoting themselves at the expense of others – usually the less fortunate." The event was also addressed by Holocaust survivor Suzi Diamond.

EU Court rules operator of a website may store certain personal data relating to visitors (20/10/2016)

In a judgment issued this week, the European Court of Justice ruled that the operator of a website may have a legitimate interest in storing certain personal data relating to visitors to that website in order to protect itself against cyber attacks. The dynamic internet protocol address of a visitor constitutes personal data, with respect to the operator of the website, if that operator has the legal means allowing it to identify the visitor concerned with additional information about him which is held by the internet access provider.

Microfinance Ireland showcases mentoring service (14/10/2016)

Events took place across Europe this week to mark European Microfinance Day. In Ireland, Microfinance Ireland organised a special event showcasing the benefits of its mentoring service to businesses both new and established. The Microfinance Ireland mentoring service, delivered through the Local Enterprise Offices, is aimed at both start up and expanding businesses that employ fewer than ten people. Garrett Stokes, CEO of Microfinance Ireland said: “While businesses constantly tell me that getting funding support for their business is very important, I believe our mentoring assistance is more critical to many new businesses. Many business people are experts in their own sector but they are weak in other areas such as finance, marketing and planning."

Human Trafficking: Commission calls for intensified efforts to address new challenges (18/10/2016)

The European Commission marked the 10th EU Anti-Trafficking Day earlier this week with a call for the reinvigoration of joint efforts across the EU to eradicate trafficking in human beings. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, said: " Trafficking in human beings must be stopped. Today, new trends are calling for intensified efforts from all of us: migrants and refugees, especially vulnerable persons such as women or unaccompanied children, are suffering terrible experiences at the hands of traffickers. The profits from their exploitation go to the very same networks of organised crime that we are fighting daily with our security policies. We will continue to do so, supporting our Member States in this fight, legally, operationally and financially. We owe this to each and every victim."

New satellite image database maps the dynamics of human presence on Earth (18/10/2016)

Built-up areas on the Earth have increased by 2.5 times since 1975. And yet, today 7.3 billion people live and work in only 7.6% of the global land mass. Nine out of the ten most populated urban centres are in Asia, while five out of the ten largest urban centres are in the United States. These are some of the numbers calculated by a new global database which tracks human presence on Earth, launched this week by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III).

Opening up passenger train markets (18/10/2016)

EU Transport Ministers this week adopted new rules aimed at boosting train travel in Europe. The revised rules will make it easier for new operators to enter the market and offer their services. It should bring wider choice, cheaper fares and improved quality for passengers. The European Parliament must now approve the texts at second reading. The package is expected to be published and become law by the end of 2016.

Ireland: Highest number of households with children in the EU (19/10/2016)

According to new Eurostat figures, Ireland (41.5%) had the highest number of households with children in the EU in 2015. The EU average was 29.8% (down from 32.2% in 2006) with Sweden (21.6 %) and Germany (21.8 %) having the lowest shares. The most common household type in the EU was single adults without children (33.4%), followed by couples without children (24.6%) and couples with children (20%). Single adults without children comprised 22.8% of Irish households in 2015 while couples with children made up 28.9% and couples without children made up 20.8%. Single adults with children accounted for 6.2%, which is well above the EU average of 4.5%. Other types of Irish households accounted for the remaining 6.4%. Average household size in Ireland was also one of the highest in the EU at 2.7 people per household after Croatia and Slovakia (both 2.8). It was lowest in Denmark, Germany (both 2) and Sweden (1.8). The EU average was 2.3.

Only 0.2% of EU vegetables are grown in Ireland (19/10/2016)

New Eurostat figures show that only 0.2% of the EU's vegetables and 0.1% of its apples are grown in Ireland. And Ireland grows such a low number of tomatoes that it doesn't even register on an EU-wide scale. Only 1% of Irish farms grow vegetables, the lowest in the EU. On average, vegetables are grown on 12.4 % of EU farms. And less than 1% (0.8%) of Irish farms had orchards for fruit growing compared to an EU average of 14.6%. Apples were the most common fruit grown in the EU with Poland producing the largest share (25%) followed by Italy (19.2 %), France (15.5 %) and Germany (7.7 %).

Novi Sad to be European Capital of Culture in 2021 (14/10/2016)

The first ever European Capital of Culture in a candidate country for EU membership has been selected: Novi Sad (Serbia) is to hold the title in 2021 following a recommendation from a panel of independent experts to the European Commission. The European Capitals of Culture is an initiative of the European Union. Its objectives are to safeguard and promote the diversity of cultures in Europe, highlight the common features they share and foster the contribution of culture to the long-term development of cities.

Thursday 20 October: Screening of French movie "Le Dîner de Cons" with subtitles in Irish, Alliance Française, Dublin (12/10/2016)

To celebrate the European Day of Languages, the European Commission and the Alliance Francaise are organising a screening of the French movie "Le Dîner de Cons", subtitled in Irish, on Thursday 20 October. The movie is based on an adaptation of the play by Francis Veber. Pierre Brochant, a Parisian publisher, attends a weekly "idiots' dinner", where guests, who are prominent Parisian businessmen, must bring along an "idiot" who the other guests can ridicule.

Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October: European Council, Brussels (13/10/2016)

EU leaders meet on 20 and 21 October to discuss migration, trade and Russia, including its role in Syria. They will focus on cooperation with African countries of source and transit for migrants. They will hear a presentation by the EU High Representative and the Commission President about the state of play of so-called 'migration compacts' between the EU and African states. They will also discuss trade, including the future of CETA, the EU-Canada trade agreement. Leaders will also discuss long-term relations with Russia, not least in the context of recent dramatic developments in Syria.

Friday 21 October: Conference - 'Irish as a full official and working language of the EU', Dublin (13/10/2016)

On Friday 21 October, a special conference on 'Irish as a full official and working language of the EU' will take place in Dublin. The conference, which is being jointly organised by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and the European Commission will take place in the Aston Suite, O'Callaghan Alexander Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 starting at 9 am. The conference opens with keynote speeches from Mr Seán Kyne T.D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, and Mr Rytis Martikonis, Director General, Directorate-General for Translation, European Commission.

Monday 24 to Thursday 27 October: European Parliament plenary session, Strasbourg (18/10/2016)

The next plenary session of the European Parliament will take place in Strasbourg from Monday 24 to Thursday 27 October.

Friday 21 October: Conference - Brexit: implications for public policy and public administration in Ireland, Dublin (19/10/2016)

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Phil Hogan, is to address a conference organised by Public Affairs Ireland on "Brexit: implications for public policy and public administration in Ireland". The conference takes place on Friday morning, 21 October, from 9 am to 1 pm.

Monday 7 October: Eurogroup meeting, Brussels (20/10/2016)

Eurozone Finance ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday 7 October.

Tuesday 8 November: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Brussels (20/10/2016)

European Finance Ministers will meet in Brussels on Tuesday 8 November.

€2.5 billion Calls for Proposals for Erasmus+ (20/10/2016)

The European Commission has just published its 2017 Call for Proposals for Erasmus+, the European Union's programme for education, training, youth and sport. For 2017, funds available for the programme have increased by almost €300 million compared to 2016, also representing a record annual rise of funds since the first year of the Erasmus+ programme (2014). This will benefit Erasmus students, but also teachers, apprentices, volunteers and young people involved in sport projects, while also supporting cooperation between education institutions, youth organisations and businesses. As in 2016, priority will be given to projects promoting social inclusion.

Public stakeholder consultation – interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 (20/10/2016)

The objective of this consultation is to collect information from a wide audience on different aspects of Horizon 2020 implementation. It is open until 15 January 2016.

Call for tender: Provision of Media Consultancy Services (13/10/2016)

A call for tender has been launched for the provision of media consultancy services: online communication consultancy services to the European Commission Representation in Ireland. The deadline for receipt of tenders or requests to participate is 24 November 2016.

13/10/2016

Ireland Representation - Dublin Newsletter update - 13/10/2016

Calls for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (13/10/2016)

The European Commission has just launched the third round of calls for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Overall, the calls make €840 million available to all 28 Member States ('General envelope') for cross-border infrastructure projects and for projects covering innovation and new technologies and traffic management systems such as the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS), Intelligent Transport Systems for roads (ITS) or the Single European Sky Air Traffic Management Research (SESAR) Programme. The deadline for submission of proposals is 7 February 2017.

European Court of Auditors signs off the EU accounts for 9th year in a row (13/10/2016)

The European Court of Auditors has given the EU annual accounts a clean bill of health for the 9th year in a row. The Court found that, in particular in cohesion policy and agriculture, the overall estimated level of error for payments has further declined from 4.4% in 2014 to 3.8% in 2015. Kristalina Georgieva, Commission Vice-President in charge of Budget, said: ‘The EU budget is all about delivering for people and I am pleased by the progress we are making in this regard and which can be clearly seen in the ECA's latest report. Money is being better directed to where it is needed but it is also being managed more effectively. We need to do more of this. EU money belongs to our citizens and we owe it to them that every euro is well spent, in accordance with the rules.'

Commission presents first report on progress made towards an effective and sustainable Security Union (13/10/2016)

The report outlines the Commission's efforts in the fight against terrorism, organised crime and cybercrime and the work undertaken to strengthen the EU's resilience against these threats. It highlights the priority areas where more work is needed and sets out concrete operational measures for the months to come. The report underlines the need to implement existing EU legislation and to accelerate the work on security related proposals presented by the Commission. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos said: "The fragmentation of our security framework makes us all vulnerable. The dots have to be connected within and between Member States, but also between Member States and EU Agencies, and between the different security and border management systems. The internal security of one Member State is the internal security of all."

Health-Care Challenges for Ireland and EU - new Commission report (12/10/2016)

A major new report on public spending and health was this week published by the European Commission. It includes detailed country-specific analysis and figures. For Ireland, some of the key challenges it identifies are: Increasing the reach of primary care; Reducing the unnecessary use of specialists and hospital care; Improving the integration of private and public provision and reconsidering the current system of payment incentives; Enhancing managerial accountability and completing activity-based costing; and improving data collection.

New web portal for cities (12/10/2016)

The Commission this week launched a new web portal for cities. The new "One-stop shop" portal provides up-to-date information on EU policies such as climate change adaptation, mobility or circular economy that directly impact cities and urban areas. It also provides clear information on financing opportunities under the different EU funding instruments and on events related to urban development. In addition, a new Urban Data Platform provides a single access point to common indicators on the status and trends in over 800 European urban areas – on demography, economic development or access to services, for example. Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said: "Over 70% of the EU's population lives in urban areas; it is here where the transition to a green economy is being decided."

Call for tender: Provision of Media Consultancy Services (13/10/2016)

Ireland has highest success rate in Europe's Horizon 2020 SME Instrument (11/10/2016)

Ireland has the highest success rate in Europe for the Horizon 2020 SME Instrument with a 16% success rate compared to a European average of 6%. Irish innovative SMEs have received €26.5 million from the SME Instrument which places Ireland first in Europe for successful participation in this part of Horizon 2020. Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation programme ever with nearly €80 billion of funding available over 7 years (2014 to 2020).

Annual house price rise of 5.3% in Ireland in the second quarter (12/10/2016)

Ireland recorded an annual house price rise of 5.3% in the second quarter of 2016 compared to the second quarter of 2015. While this is above the Euro Area (+2.9%) and EU (+4.0%) averages, it is well below countries like Hungary and Latvia which recorded the highest rises in the EU (both +10.3%). Only two countries recorded an annual fall in house prices - Cyprus (-8.9%) and Italy (-1.4%). When compared to the first quarter of 2016, Irish house prices rose by only 0.6% compared to an EU average of 1.6% and a Euro Area average of 1.4% for the same period. The highest quarterly rises were recorded in Latvia (+6.6%), Estonia, Lithuania and Portugal (all +3.1%) as well as the United Kingdom (+3.0%). Four countries recorded falls - Croatia and Cyprus (both -0.9%), Italy (-0.4%) and Hungary (-0.2%).

Dublin Airport sees 3rd highest rise in passenger numbers in 2015 (11/10/2016)

According to new Eurostat figures, Dublin Airport saw a rise of 14.9% in passenger numbers between 2014 and 2015. This was the third largest rise in the EU after Athens (+19.1%) and Luton Airport (+17%). Dublin Airport is now the 12th busiest airport in the EU with almost 25 million passengers handled in 2015. The busiest airports were London/Heathrow with 75.0 million passengers, Paris/Charles de Gaulle (65.7 million), Frankfurt/Main (60.9 million) and Amsterdam/Schiphol (58.2 million). Overall, Irish airports (+12.3%) recorded the fifth largest rise in passenger numbers in the EU in 2015. On average passenger numbers rose by 4.7% across the EU.

The gender employment gap: Challenges and solutions (13/10/2016)

Eurofound has just published a new report "The gender employment gap: Challenges and solutions". The report explores the main characteristics and consequences of gender gaps in labour market participation. It also examines policies and measures aimed at fostering female labour market participation, which could be central to closing gender gaps.

Employment and Social Developments in Europe Quarterly Review Autumn 2016 confirms strengthening of employment growth in EU (11/10/2016)

The autumn edition of the Employment and Social Development in Europe (ESDE) Quarterly Review confirms the strengthening of employment growth in the EU, observed over the last two and a half years. In the year to the second quarter of 2016, an additional 3.2 million (1.4%) people were employed in the EU, including 2.2 million (1.5%) people in the euro area. Employment increased in almost all Member States (except for Croatia, which registered a small decline, and in Finland where it stagnated). Employment in the EU is now above the 2008 level. Unemployment in the EU is at its lowest rate (8.6%) since March 2009, with 1.6 million (0.7 pp) fewer unemployed people in the EU compared to last year.

Thursday 13 and Friday 14 October: Justice and Home Affairs Council, Luxembourg (11/10/2016)

The Council will discuss the implementation of migration measures. The aims is to identify the main gaps and shortcomings and to make the appropriate recommendations to speed up the processes. The Council will focus in particular on the state of play of relocation and resettlement, the calls for experts for EU agencies, the situation in Italy and Greece and the implementation of the EU-Turkey statement. Ministers will also asses the implementation of the European Border and Coast Guard and will briefly review IT measures related to border management. The Council will discuss the reform of the Common European Asylum System, focusing on Eurodac, EASO related issues and the resettlement framework.

Friday 14 October: Horizon 2020 information day on the research public-private partnerships, Brussels (11/10/2016)

The aim of this event is to give the research community an overview of on-going activities in the following PPPs : Factories of the Future, Energy-efficient Buildings, Sustainable Process Industry and European Green Vehicles Initiative. The event will be web streamed and recorded.

Saturday 15 to Sunday 23 October: EU Code Week (13/10/2016)

Over 40 events are taking place around Ireland to mark this year's EU Code Week, which runs from 15 to 23 October. EU Code Week is a grassroots initiative which aims to bring coding and digital literacy to everybody in a fun and engaging way.

Monday 17 October: Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg (11/10/2016)

EU foreign affairs ministers will discuss the situation in Syria in light of recent developments on the ground. The Council will also discuss the EU Global Strategy and how to implement it effectively. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions. The Council will further discuss the situation on migration and take stock of the EU actions and priorities in this area.

Thursday 17 October: Environment Council, Luxembourg (11/10/2016)

EU Environment Ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Monday 17 October.

Thursday 18 October: 7th EU Diversity Charters' Annual Forum 'Selling Diversity in a World of Diversion', Dublin (07/10/2016)

The European Commission and Department of Justice and Equality, in collaboration with Irish Diversity Charter, are co-organising this year’s Annual Forum. The theme of the forum is "Selling Diversity in a World of Diversion". Speakers include Frances Fitzgerald, Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Tiina Astola, Director General for Justice and Consumers, European Commission, and Cecile Kyenge, Member of the European Parliament.

Tuesday 18 October: Foreign Affairs Council, Luxembourg (11/10/2016)

The Council will be called on to adopt a package of decisions on the comprehensive economic and trade agreement with Canada (CETA). These include decisions on conclusion of the agreement, signature and provisional application. CETA will remove more than 99% of tariffs that are currently imposed on trade between the EU and Canada.

Tuesday 18 October: General Affairs Council, Luxembourg (11/10/2016)

The Council will conclude the preparations for the European Council on 20-21 October 2016 by discussing draft conclusions. Ministers will take note of the state of play on the mid-term review of the EU's multiannual budgetary framework for 2014-2020. The MFF regulation sets out annual maximum amounts which the EU is allowed to spend on different policy areas over the period from 2014 to 2020. Finally, ministers will be informed by the presidency on the implementation of the interinstitutional agreement on better regulation, which was adopted by the Council on 15 March 2016. One of its main aims is to ensure that EU policies and laws achieve their objectives at minimum cost and administrative burden.

Thursday 20 October: Screening of French movie "Le Dîner de Cons" with subtitles in Irish, Alliance Française, Dublin (12/10/2016)

Thursday 20 October: Irish ECHR Judge to address Human Rights Law Conference, Dublin (04/10/2016)

Recently elected Irish judge to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), The Hon. Ms Justice Siofra O’Leary will address a conference on Human Rights Law on Thursday 20 October. The conference is organised by the Irish Centre for European Law and will cover a wide range of topical issues in the area of human rights law. Ms O’Leary will examine the interaction between the ECHR, EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the Irish Constitution in protecting human rights. She is joined by Michael McDowell SC, Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, Michael Farrell (FLAC) and others. The event takes place at DDRC, Distillery Building, Church Street, Dublin 7 with registration starting at 4 p.m.

Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October: European Council, Brussels (13/10/2016)

The Agenda highlights for the Autumn European Council include: Migration, Trade issues and External Relations (Russia).

Friday 21 October: Conference - 'Irish as a full official and working language of the EU', Dublin (13/10/2016)

Commission invites comments on revised criteria for implementing unproblematic state support for ports and airports (13/10/2016)

The European Commission is inviting comments on its proposal to revise the criteria for exempting certain investment aid for ports and airports from prior Commission scrutiny under EU state aid rules. It aims to facilitate public investments that can create jobs and growth whilst preserving competition. The public and stakeholders are invited to submit comments on the consultation by 8 December 2016. The Commission aims to adopt the final Regulation in the first quarter 2017.

Public consultation on the evaluation of procedural and jurisdictional aspects of EU merger control (12/10/2016)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the evaluation of procedural and jurisdictional aspects of EU merger control. The consultation is open until 13 January 2017.

Public consultation on the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) (12/10/2016)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation for the mid-term evaluation of the European Union Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI). The consultation is open until 11 January 2017.

Public consultation on the fitness of EU legislation for maritime transport safety and efficiency (12/10/2016)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the fitness of EU legislation for maritime transport safety and efficiency. The consultation is open until 8 January 2016.

Commission seeks feedback on certain aspects of EU merger control (07/10/2016)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the functioning of certain procedural and jurisdictional aspects of EU merger control. The public consultation will seek feedback from citizens, businesses, associations, public authorities and other stakeholders. The consultation is open until 13 January 2017.

06/10/2016

Ireland Representation - Dublin Newsletter update - 06/10/2016

"A global displacement crisis": EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (06/10/2016)

Speaking to the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin today (6 October), EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides said that a global response was needed to the current refugee crisis. He called for the support of national parliaments saying: "Today, 250 million people are affected by humanitarian crises world-wide. An unprecedented sixty-five (65) million have been forcibly displaced. We are facing a global displacement crisis. Which requires a global response. We help people in need, no matter where they are... As we have a new instrument that allows us to provide humanitarian aid within our own borders. And in particular, to the refugees in Greece. But we can certainly do more. Much more: Member States, National Parliaments, the EU institutions, civil society. In partnership."

Tipperary man appointed Head of EU Commission Representation in Dublin (30/09/2016)

Killenaule man Gerry Kiely took up office as the new Head of the European Commission's Representation in Ireland on 1 October 2016. Speaking in Dublin earlier this week, Gerry Kiely said: "I'm delighted to be appointed to this post after many years working for the Commission in Brussels. Keeping Ireland in touch with Brussels and making sure Brussels understands what is happening on the ground here is a highly motivating task, and I look forward to the challenge."

Launch of the European Border and Coast Guard (06/10/2016)

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency was officially launched today (6 October) at the Bulgarian external border with Turkey. The new European Border and Coast Guard Agency will closely monitor the EU's external borders and work together with Member States to quickly identify and address any potential security threats to the Schengen area. Ireland is not part of Schengen but may cooperate with the new agency on an agreed basis. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, Dimitris Avramopoulos, said: "Today is a milestone in the history of European border management. From now onwards, the external EU border of one Member State is the external border of all Member States – both legally and operationally. In less than one year we have established a fully-fledged European Border and Coast Guard system, turning into reality the principles of shared responsibility and solidarity among the Member States and the Union."

Youth Employment: Progress report on EU's Youth Guarantee (30/09/2016)

Ireland was one of the Member States to benefit from access to a €6.4 billion fund which accompanied the EU's "Youth Guarantee" measure when it was brought in in 2013. Reporting back on the three-year-old scheme and the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funding which accompanied it, the Commission this week said that EU youth unemployment is down by 1.4 million young people and that 900,000 fewer young people are not in employment, education or training (NEETs). Under the scheme, Member States promised that no young person would remain unemployed for more than four months without a good-quality offer of a job, training or apprenticeship. Extra financial support went to countries, including IRELAND, where youth unemployment was over 25%.

Paris Climate Agreement to enter into force as EU agrees ratification (04/10/2016)

The Paris Climate Change Agreement takes effect this week, following the EU's final ratification. The Agreement needed to have the signatures of at least 55 parties, representing at least 55% of global emissions in order to enter into force. The EU's ratification gets the deal over this threshold. Speaking after the ratification vote in the European parliament, Commissioner for Climate Action Miguel Arias Cañete said: "Our collective task is to turn our commitments into action on the ground. And here Europe is ahead of the curve. ... The world is moving and Europe is leading, confident and proud of our work to tackle climate change".

EIB to open first Dublin office before year end (30/09/2016)

The European Investment Bank expects to open its first permanent presence in Ireland later this year. The plans were confirmed by Andrew McDowell, the new European Investment Bank Vice President responsible for Ireland during his first working visit to Dublin since assuming office earlier this month.

Commission proposes fishing opportunities for deep-sea fish stocks in the North-East Atlantic (06/10/2016)

The Commission has proposed fishing opportunities for deep-sea fish stocks in the international waters in the North-East Atlantic for 2017-2018. Deep-sea fisheries account for about 1% of all fish caught in the North-East Atlantic. Over the years, fishing activity and associated jobs have been declining as stocks become more and more scarce. The proposal presented by the Commission aims to reverse this trend. Based on scientific advice, the Commission proposed to keep the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) unchanged for 1 stock and to reduce the TACs for 10 stocks in order to prevent their over-exploitation. Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, said: "Life at the bottom of the sea grows at a much slower pace, which makes deep sea fish particularly vulnerable to exploitation. We must set the biannual fishing opportunities for these stocks with the clear objective of ensuring sustainable management."

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2016 goes to EU-funded researchers developing world's smallest machines (06/10/2016)

The Swedish Academy this week awarded Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2016 for the design of the world's smallest - molecular - machines. All three laureates have participated in EU-funded research projects. Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, said: "I warmly congratulate Jean-Pierre Sauvage, Sir J. Fraser Stoddart and Bernard L. Feringa on their achievement... I am proud to see that EU support has enabled them to push the frontiers of human knowledge and ultimately benefit the society and economy."

Patient Safety: Single European Code and EU Web Platform improve traceability of donated tissue and cells (06/10/2016)

The Commission has just launched the web-based EU Coding Platform to support healthcare professionals and national competent authorities in tracing donated tissues and cells from donor to recipient in the entire EU. The EU Directive on standards for quality and safety of human tissues and cells sets standards for tissues and cells such as bone marrow, reproductive cells, corneas, skin, etc., that are used within the EU and which will be identified by a Single European Code (SEC). The new standard SEC is an important tool for better patient safety, as it enables the tracing of tissues and cells along the supply chain - from the donor to the patient receiving it. In case of a quality or safety issue, it allows appropriate action, including - where necessary, withdrawing or recalling all tissues and cells from the same donor, to be taken quickly.

Teachers in Ireland predominately women and aged under 50 (04/10/2016)

New Eurostat figures published to mark World Teachers Day earlier this week show that almost 9 in 10 (86.9%) primary school teachers in Ireland are women. This is a little above the EU average of 84.7% but below countries like Lithuania, Hungary and Slovenia (all 97%) and Italy (96%). The situation was least imbalanced in Denmark (69%). Women accounted for 71% of teachers at secondary level in Ireland, well above the EU average of 64%. The situation is most balanced in the Netherlands (51%), Luxembourg (53%), Denmark (56%) and Spain 57%) and least balanced in Latvia (83%), Lithuania (82%) Bulgaria (79%). Irish teachers also tend to be younger than the EU average with only 22.4% of primary school teachers aged 50 or over (EU average 32.4%) in 2014 and 29% of secondary teachers (EU average 38.1%).

Celebrating 25 Years of MEDIA in Ireland (04/10/2016)

As part of this year’s celebration of 25 years of the MEDIA programme in Ireland, Creative Europe MEDIA has teamed up with VOLTA Video on Demand to host an online Film Festival highlighting Irish and European films supported by MEDIA. Since 1990, the MEDIA programme of the EU Commission has invested over €39 million in Irish film and TV productions, film festivals, film exhibition, and training. The Celebrating 25 Years of MEDIA Online Film Festival will be officially launched on 6 October at a Gala screening of the Creative Europe MEDIA funded documentary, Mattress Men, in the Lighthouse Cinema in Dublin. Mattress Men tells the story of sixty-something Michael Flynn who in an attempt to save his struggling mattress business, reinvents himself as the eccentric online personality ‘Mattress Mick’ under the guidance of his good friend Paul Kelly. The festival will run for four weeks from 7 October to 4 November on Volta and will highlight a selection of MEDIA funded films.

EU strengthens trade rules against goods used for capital punishment and torture (05/10/2016)

The European Union has taken an important step to further strengthen the trade rules applicable to goods that could be used for capital punishment or torture. On the proposal of the European Commission, the European Parliament this week approved new restrictions on certain services and revised rules on goods that could be used to apply the death penalty. The Regulation will become law as soon as it is approved by the Council of the European Union and published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Friday 7 October: 2016 EPA Annual Information Day on Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5, Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin (11/08/2016)

The Environmental Protection Agency is organising its 2016 Annual Information Day on Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 on the Friday 7th October 2016 in Dublin (Croke Park Conference Centre). The aim of this event is to promote and disseminate Horizon 2020 Societal Challenge 5 Opportunities amongst the Irish Research Community, as well as facilitate networking. For this 2016 Information Day, the focus will be on the 2017 calls opportunities, as well as on the preparation of the upcoming Work Programme 2018-2020.

Monday 10 October: Eurogroup meeting, Brussels (29/09/2016)

Eurozone Finance Ministers will meet in Brussels on Monday, 10 October.

Monday 10 to Tuesday 11 October: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Luxembourg (29/09/2016)

EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Monday and Tuesday, 10 and 11 October.

Tuesday 11 October: Economic and Financial Affairs Council, Luxembourg (29/09/2016)

EU Finance Ministers will meet in Luxembourg on Tuesday 11 October.

Tuesday 11 October: Time to Move (event promoting mobility opportunities for young people), Dublin Castle (28/09/2016)

Eurodesk Ireland and Léargas invite youth workers, information workers, guidance counsellors, youth and career officers and everyone working with young people who might benefit from working, volunteering, studying and training in Europe to join us at our special event “Time To Move” on 11 October 2016 in Dublin Castle.

Wednesday 12 October: Networking seminar on motivation strategies, Dublin (28/09/2016)

A one-day networking seminar will bring together various European Globalisation adjustment Fund (EGF) stakeholders who will learn about strategies to motivate redundant workers to proactively participate in their reintegration into employment

Thursday 20 October: Irish ECHR Judge to address Human Rights Law Conference, Dublin (04/10/2016)

Public consultation on the evaluation of the Aerosol Dispensers Directive (05/10/2016)

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the evaluation of the Aerosol Dispersers Directive. Aerosol dispensers offer a wide range of products from mass-market goods such as cosmetic and household products to specific aerosol types dedicated for industrial or medical purposes. Aerosol dispensers are safe and easy to use products that are resource efficient and cost effective. The consultation is open until 15 January 2017.

29/09/2016

Ireland Representation - Dublin Newsletter update - 29/09/2016

Commission urges Ireland to improve the collection and treatment of waste water: Reasoned Opinion issued (29/09/2016)

The European Commission is calling on Ireland to ensure that urban waste water is adequately treated in 38 agglomerations around the country. Under EU law (Council Directive 91/271/EEC), towns and cities are required to collect and treat their urban waste water, as untreated waste water can put human health at risk and pollute lakes, rivers, soil and coastal and groundwater. The 38 agglomerations in breach of these requirements are: Arklow, Athlone, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Ballincollig New, Carringtwohill, Castlecomer, Cavan, Clifden, Clonakilty, Cobh, Cork City, Dundalk, Enfield, Enniscorthy, Fermoy, Gaoth Dobhair, Killarney, Killybegs, Longford, Mallow, Midleton, Monksland, Navan, Nenagh, Oberstown, Passage/Monktown, Portarlington, Rathcormac, Ringaskiddy, Ringsend, Roscommon Town, Roscrea, Shannon Town, Thurles, Tralee, Tubbercurry, Youghal and Waterford City.

Gerard Kiely appointed Head of the Commission Representation in Dublin (27/09/2016)

Mr Gerard Kiely will take up office as the new Head of the European Commission's Representation in Ireland on 1 October 2016. He brings over thirty years of European and International affairs experience as well as strong communication skills to this post. In recent years, Mr Kiely occupied a series of managerial posts in the Directorate General for Agriculture, including over the last six years as Head of the Unit for Pre-Accession Assistance. Barbara Nolan, who has been Head of Representation in Ireland since 2010, is returning to Commission Headquarters in Brussels to take up a management position dealing with Education Policy.

Sharp fall in migrant numbers crossing to Greece (29/09/2016)

A Commission report on the implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement of 18 March 2016 shows a sharp and continued fall in the numbers of people crossing the Aegean Sea, from a daily average of 1,700 people before implementation of the Statement to a new average of 85. EU countries have also increased their efforts on resettlement – offering legal and safe pathways to 10,695 people so far of the agreed 22,504 under the July 2015 scheme. Ireland has now settled 439 refugees under the Scheme. Commission First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: "The implementation of the EU-Turkey Statement has continued, and the reduction in attempts to cross the Aegean and in deaths at sea has confirmed its core rationale. I also welcome the efforts of Member States to increase relocation and resettlement. However, those who can do more should do so urgently. We can only effectively manage asylum and migration in Europe, if we all work together in a spirit of solidarity and responsibility."

Galway's Marine Institute gets EU award (28/09/2016)

European Commissioner Karmenu Vella (Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries) presented Galway's Marine Institute with the first Atlantic Project Award for International Cooperation earlier this week. The ceremony took place in Croke Park which hosted the Atlantic Stakeholders Conference. Presenting the award, Commissioner Vella said: "Together, we are focused on using the potential of the sea to offer new economic opportunities. Opportunities not only in emerging sectors, but also by breathing fresh air into traditional ones." The project which won the award was led by Ireland and included a number of international partners. It was funded by Horizon 2020, the EU's research fund and looked at how to implement the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean cooperation.

Lowest share of over 80s in Ireland (29/09/2016)

Ireland and Slovakia (both 3.1%) have the lowest shares of over 80 year olds in their populations while Italy (6.5%) and Greece (6.3%) have the highest, according to new figures released by Eurostat to mark International Day of Older Persons. However this figure is on the rise in almost all EU countries (in Ireland it was up from 2.6% in 2005). For most EU countries, including Ireland, women accounted for at least 60% of over 80 year olds. Life expectancy for the over 80s is also improving all over the EU with people aged over 80 in France now having an average life expectancy of 11 years. In Ireland it is up to 9.1 years (9.8 years for women and 8.2 years for men), which is a little below the EU average of 9.5 years. It was lowest in Bulgaria (7.0 years), Romania (7.6 years), Croatia (7.7 years).

Over 4,000 Irish dairy farmers sign up for milk production reduction scheme (28/09/2016)

Ireland (4,500) had the third highest number of dairy farmers who signed up for the Milk Production Reduction Scheme, announced by the Commission last July to incentivise a reduction in milk production. In total 52,000 dairy farmers in 27 Member States have applied to participate in the scheme with the highest numbers coming from France (13,000) and Germany (10,000). EU Agriculture Commissioner Hogan said the figures showed that "the scheme has proven to be both very attractive and successful. It fully meets our expectations. I am confident that this measure, allied to others included in the July and earlier packages, will contribute further to an already stabilising market situation in the European dairy market. I am particularly pleased at the level of participation among the main dairy producing Member States."

French still most popular foreign language in Ireland (23/09/2016)

New Eurostat figures show that French (60%) is still the most popular foreign language studied in Irish secondary schools (2014 figures). German (21.4%) and Spanish (15.6%) were the next most popular foreign languages. Across the EU as a whole, English was by far the most popular foreign language with 97.3% of lower secondary students studying it. Only in Belgium (46.3%), Luxembourg (54.0%), Hungary (69.3%) and Bulgaria (87.2%) was the share of pupils learning English below 90%. French was the second most popular foreign language studied followed by German and Spanish. Russian was the most popular non-EU language studied.

Spain top tourist destination for Irish people (27/09/2016)

According to figures published by Eurostat to mark World Tourism Day earlier this week, Spain was the top foreign destination for Irish tourists in 2014 (18.2%), followed by the United Kingdom 13.5% and the US (8%). However, over 1 in 4 (26.7%) Irish people took staycations in 2014, although usually for short periods. The top countries of origin of visitors to Ireland in 2014 were the UK (8.3%), the US (8%) and Germany (4.6%). Older tourists (aged 65 and older) accounted for 23% of tourism nights in Ireland in 2014.

€600 million for Syrian refugees' education and health (28/09/2016)

The European Commission has signed two direct grants worth €600 million to support Syrian refugees and host communities in Turkey in the areas of education and health. The €600 million grants - €300 million for education and €300 million for health - are funded under the €1.415 billion "Special Measure". The direct grant for education means 500,000 Syrian students can receive education in the Turkish language. The direct grant in the area of health is for comprehensive health care for refugees in Turkey. Since March this year, the EU has mobilised more than €2 billion out of its total budget of €3 billion under the Facility for Refugees in Turkey.

Transparency Register for all EU institutions (28/09/2016)

The European Commission wants a mandatory Transparency Register covering all three EU institutions – the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission. The Commission is proposing that all three institutions – including the Council - be subject to the same minimum standards for the first time. Under these proposals, lobbyists would have to register in the Transparency Register before any meetings with decision-makers. First Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: "Today's proposals for a mandatory transparency register covering the Parliament, Council and Commission are an important step in the right direction. Citizens have the right to know who tries to influence EU law-making. We propose a simple rule: no meeting with decision-makers without prior registration. Through the Register, the public will see who is lobbying, who they represent and how much they spend."

Call for proposals for infrastructure (28/09/2016)

The European Commission has launched the first-ever call for proposals under the EU funding programme for infrastructure, called the Connecting Europe Facility, to support projects fostering synergies between transport and energy infrastructure. The call makes €40 million available to studies supporting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, in line with the Europe 2020 strategy, as well as enabling the EU to achieve its sustainable development targets through the creation of synergies between transport and energy. Support will be granted to study projects with or without pilot deployment on a competitive basis in the form of EU co-financing of up to 60% of eligible costs, following a thorough evaluation and selection process. Applicants have until 13 December 2016 to submit their proposals. The outcome of the call will be published by April 2017.

New restrictions on exports of dual-use items (28/09/2016)

The European Commission wants to strengthen controls on exports of certain goods and technologies that – as well as legitimate civilian applications – may also be misused for severe human rights violations, terrorist acts or the development of weapons of mass destruction. A main element of the proposal is a new "human security" dimension in export controls, to prevent human rights violations associated with certain cyber-surveillance technologies. EU Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmström said: "We are living in turbulent times. Preserving peace and protecting human rights are core objectives of the EU and our trade policy is essential to that aim. That's why we are proposing a set of modern rules to make sure that exports are not misused to threaten international security or undermine human rights".

Eurostat treatment of Public Private Partnerships (29/09/2016)

The European Commission and European Investment Bank have published a new Guide to the Statistical Treatment of Public Private Partnerships. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are expected to play an important role in getting Europe’s investment in infrastructure back on track. While the Guide does not change the rules used by Eurostat in classifying PPPs, it analyses the most common features of current PPP contracts in the light of these rules and gives a clear overview of their potential impact on government finances. The guide will help Member States and other PPP stakeholders to better understand the impact that the features of PPP contracts have on government balance sheets and will assist public authorities in taking well-informed decisions when preparing and procuring their PPPs.

Friday 30 September: Conference on Investing in Ireland's Infrastructure, Dublin (22/09/2016)

The European Commission Representation in Ireland and the European Movement Ireland are hosting a half-day conference on Investing in Ireland's Infrastructure. The conference will take place on Friday 30 September in the Chartered Accountants House, 47-49 Pearse Street, Dublin 2, from 9 am to 1 pm. The keynote speaker will be the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe TD, and Ireland's new vice-president at the EIB, Andrew McDowell will also speak. The event is free to attend. Register in advance at: rsvp@europeanmovement.ie.

Friday 30 September: Environment Council, Brussels (20/09/2016)

EU Environment Ministers will meet in Brussels on Friday 30 September.

Monday 3 to Thursday 6 October: European Parliament Plenary session, Strasbourg (29/09/2016)

The daily agendas for this plenary session are now available online.

Tuesday 3 October: Info day on Horizon 2020 ‘Smart grids and storage’, Brussels (28/09/2016)

The event targets potential applicants to the calls for 'Smart Grids and Storage' projects, which will be funded under the 2016-2017 Horizon 2020 work programme ' Secure, clean and efficient energy', and in particular under the 'Competitive low-carbon energy' (LCE) call. Presentations will cover the call content and the application procedure. A networking session will take place in the afternoon. The event can also be followed via live web streaming and on Twitter at #H2020GridsStorage.

Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 October: Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, Brussels (20/09/2016)

On 5 October, the European Union and the government of Afghanistan will co-host the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan. This conference will gather up to 70 countries and 30 international organizations and agencies. It will provide a platform for the government of Afghanistan to set out its vision and track record on reform. For the international community, it will be the opportunity to signal sustained political and financial support to Afghan peace, state-building and development. Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, High Representative Federica Mogherini and Neven Mimica, European Commissioner for Development Cooperation, will represent the European Union.

Thursday 6 October: EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management to address the Institute of International and European Affairs, Dublin (29/09/2016)

On Thursday 6 October, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides will address the IIEA on the Role of Education in Displacement Crises. Emergencies and protracted crises, such as the current migration crisis, are disrupting the opportunities for education of an estimated 75 million children and youth across 35 countries. In his keynote address to the IIEA, Commissioner Stylianides will discuss the European Union’s strategies for supporting education in crisis situations, and the challenges the EU faces achieving this priority.

Thursday 6 October: The European Investment Plan and Economic Policies – What’s in it for the South East’s SMEs and entrepreneurs?, Waterford (22/09/2016)

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, in association with the Waterford Chamber of Commerce and supported by the European Commission Representation, are organising a lunchtime session on the European Investment Plan in Waterford (Central Library, Lady Lane) on Thursday 6 October starting at 12.45 p.m.