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EU news and funding bulletin - 3 April 2009

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EU news & funding is a fortnightly bulletin to keep London's businesses informed of key European information.

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Funding opportunities
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EU press releases
EU legislation and consultations
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Funding opportunities

Research & Innovation

FP7 supports collaborative projects undertaking technology research and development in -

Energy

Collaborative Projects, due 29 April 2009
Coordinated call with Brazil on Energy Second Generation Biofuels, due 05 May 2009

The ARTEMIS programme focuses on downstream research and technology development with a strong market drive. Deadline 15 April 09

The Together for Health Programme aims to improve the level of physical and mental health and well-being of EU citizens and reduce health inequalities throughout the Community. Deadline 20 May 2009.

The ENIAC programme supports the research and development of Nanoelectronics. ENIAC are now calling for project proposals until 6 May 2009 for project outlines and 3 September for full proposals.

For further information contact fp7@gle.co.uk

Audiovisual sector

Media 2007 funds business in the audiovisual sector for -

developing interactive products including computer, internet and mobile phone games - due 17 April 2009
developing a film (animation and fiction) and / or documentaries - due 17 April 2009
contributing to the costs of insurance, completion guarantees and bank financing for an audiovisual work - due 7 July 2009

The Preparatory Action MEDIA International programme aims at strengthening cooperation between audiovisual industries of third-world countries and European countries.

ICT

The ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP) supports innovative ICT based solutions and digital content - due 02 June 2009

The Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme aims to provide ICT based solutions for the advancement of social interaction for elderly people. They plan to do this by delivering innovative products, systems or services which address the identified wishes and needs of the individuals and organisations - due 5 May 2009.

Energy

The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme's 2009 call for proposals is forecast to be published in late March. 65M€ will become available to support projects promoting energy efficiency. More information to follow . . .

The Eco-Innovation programme supports the first application and further market uptake of eco-innovative products and services in Europe. More information to follow . . .

For more information contact rachael.m@gle.co.uk

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EU press releases

Agriculture: New proposal on wine labelling
Aviation: EU rules allowing the use of mobile phones on board airplanes
Consumers: Steady increase in e-shopping during 2008
Environment: Agreement on the use of ozone depleting substances
Finance: SEPA direct debit scheme to be launched in November 2009
Foreign trade: Commissioners meet on how to help small businesses to export
Funding: Launch of €1 billion in Trans-European Transport Network funding
ICT: New strategy to protect Europe from cyber-attacks
ICT: ICT industry urged to reduce carbon footprint by 20% by 2015
Internal market: Cheaper trade mark protection in the EU
Internal market: New web portal to facilitate cross-border trade in the EU
State aid: Commission authorises UK lending scheme to small businesses
Telecoms: Commission report on the state of EU’s telecoms market
Telecoms: Broadband becoming cheaper and faster

Read more EU press releases

EU legislation and consultations

Employment:

Employment agencies and Employment businesses, BERR consultation The Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (“the Conduct Regulations”) govern the conduct of the private recruitment industry and set minimum standards for businesses operating in this sector in the UK. All employment agencies and employment businesses must comply with the legislation, which is designed to protect both work-seekers and hirers. BERR has now proposed a package of measures amending the legislation and seeks opinions from interested parties on the proposal. In particular, two areas are examined; the abuse of upfront fees in the entertainment and modelling sector, and the issue of temporary workers employed via umbrella companies. The consultation also sets out to clarify lines of responsibility and to reduce regulatory burdens. Contributions are welcome until 11 June 2009.

Enterprise:

Effectiveness of Innovation Support in Europe, EC consultation The Commission has launched a public consultation on the effectiveness of public innovation support mechanisms in the EU. The objective is to find out which types of support would create the most impact on companies’ capacity to innovate. The consultation intends to highlight opportunities to improve the support and how best to do it. The first part of the consultation is a questionnaire directed towards companies, as they are potential beneficiaries of innovation support measures. Companies are welcome to give their views on the future design of innovation support policies. The second part of the consultation is directed towards institutional stakeholders. The results of the consultation will be summarised in a Commission Staff Working Document scheduled for publication in June 2009.

Environment:

Ecodesign requirements for lighting products, EC legislation Framework Directive 2005/32/EC on ecodesign requirements for energy using products is aimed at reducing energy consumption for a wide range of electrical appliances. Ecodesign requirements are set by the Commission for energy using products representing significant volumes of sales and having a significant environmental impact. The Commission has carried out a number of preparatory studies and is now introducing ecodesign requirements in the areas of lamps and lighting products. The requirements are set with a view to improving the environmental performance of the products affected, contributing to the functioning of the internal market. The objective is to reduce energy consumption by 20 % in 2020 compared with the assumed energy consumption in that year if no measures are implemented.

External trade:

Common rules for imports, EC legislation The Regulation on common rules for imports from 1994 has been replaced by Regulation 260/2009 with the same name. The regulation applies to most imports of products originating in non-EU countries except for textile products covered by special rules. The regulation lays down the principle of freedom to import products originating in non-EU countries, subject to possible safeguard and surveillance measures. Imports of products may have to undergo Community checks if they threaten to cause injury to EU producers of competing products.

ICT:

ICT to pave the way towards low-carbon society, EC consultation The Commission is setting out specific actions to make use of ICTs in improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The idea is to use ICTs to empower citizens and businesses by providing them with reliable data about their energy consumption. ICTs can be introduced into energy metering and can simplify the collection, processing and management of complex data in building and transport services, among other areas. The Commission is now gathering information and opinions from stakeholders to ensure that they have the same understanding of the issues and the proposed solutions. The closing date for contributions is 14 June 2009.

Internal market:

Regulation on the Community trade mark, EC legislation Regulation 40/94 on the Community trade mark has been substantially amended several times and therefore a new version, Regulation 207/2009, has been adopted. A Community trade mark may consist of any signs capable of distinguishing the goods or services of companies from those of other companies. The Community trade mark provides for a system where one registration process for the entire area of the Community is in place and to which uniform protection is given. National trade marks continue to be necessary for those who do not want protection of their trade marks at Community level.

Media:

Challenges for European Publishing SMEs, EC consultation The Commission has launched a consultation directed to small and medium sized businesses in the publishing sector, as many businesses in this sector are struggling with increasingly difficult economic circumstances. The initiative, “European publishing SMEs in the digital era: Technological and business innovation” aims to explore how publishing SMEs are responding to the changes brought on by new technologies and structural change. Topics covered by the questionnaire include access to finance, innovation, market access and regulation, skills and quality of the labour force, delivery platforms and other mechanisms for co-operation, and language-related issues. The consultation will be open until early June 2009.

Transport:

Towards a Better Integrated Trans-European Transport Network, EC consultation The Commission has initiated a broad review of the trans-European transport network policy (TEN-T) and invites stakeholders’ opinions on its proposals. Among the future challenges being considered when reviewing the policy are climate change, economic growth and economic and social cohesion. Interested parties are encouraged to complete a questionnaire, in particular infrastructure managing companies, transport service providers or operators in the different transport sectors, research institutes, financial institutions, non-governmental organisations and business associations. The deadline for contributions is 30 April 2009.

Confused about how EU legislation affects your business? Any other queries on EU affairs or trans-European matters? Take advantage of our free enquiry service: call 020 7489 1992 or email europe@londonchamber.co.uk

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