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EU news and funding bulletin - 17 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
Tender opportunities
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

A 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, due 3 September 2009, for full proposals only.

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. The call for proposals document was amended on 17 March 2009 so please consult the new version. 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 -

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. Proposals are due by 2 June 2009.

The Media ‘Automatic’ Scheme 2009 provides funds to distributors of European films. This is due by 29 May 2009.

ICT

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.

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

Energy

The Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE) programme 2009 is now calling for proposals. 65M€ will become available to support projects promoting energy efficiency. Proposals are due by 25 June 2009.

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

Aviation: Commission updates list of airlines banned from Europe
Economy: Agreement on the use of ozone depleting substances
Economy: Industrial producer prices down by 0.3% from January to February
Environment: EIB provides extra loans for cleaner cars
Environment: New rules to improve energy performance of external power supplies
Foreign trade: EU surplus in trade with the US during 2008
Internal market: New policy to combat late payments
Media: Consultation on revised rules for state funding of public service broadcasting
State aid: Commission approves UK measures in favour of Royal Mail
Telecoms: Commission launches case against UK over internet privacy

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 proposed a package of measures amending the legislation and seeks opinions from interested parties on the proposal. 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 responsibilities and to reduce regulatory burdens. Contributions are welcome until 11 June 2009.

Environment:

Ecodesign requirements for lighting products
EC legislation
Directive 2005/32/EC on eco-design requirements for energy using products aims at reducing energy consumption for a wide range of electrical appliances. These requirements have been set by the Commission in a number of areas and for a number of energy using products. The products chosen all represent significant volumes of sales and have a significant environmental impact. The Commission is now introducing eco-design requirements in the area of external power supplies. Office equipment and consumer electronics are often powered by external power supplies, which convert electricity from the mains power source. The requirements are set with a view to improving the power conversion efficiency of the external power supplies. The overall objective is to reduce energy consumption by 20 % in 2020 compared with the assumed consumption in that year if no measures are implemented.

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 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

Market Monitoring for the Retail trade sector
EC Consultation
In preparation of a Communication on Market Monitoring for the Retail trade sector in the EU, the Commission is seeking input from the public. The Commission encourages all citizens and organisations, in particular those offering or receiving retail services, to fill out a questionnaire. The focus is on five supply chain areas: grocery, pharmacy, textiles, electronic goods and recreational goods. With the consultation, the Commission aims to collect information of what type of problems stakeholders perceive as well as where the problems are encountered on the retail market. Contributions are welcome until 5 June 2009.

Media

Challenges for European Publishing SMEs
EC Consultation
The Commission has launched a consultation directed at 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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