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EU news and funding bulletin - 20 February 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
Business events

Funding opportunities

Audiovisual sector

Media 2007 funds business in the audiovisual sector for:

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

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

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

Research & Innovation

FP7 supports collaborative projects undertaking technology research and development in:

Nanosciences, nanotechnologies, materials and new production technologies (NMP)
- EU-Russia, due 31 March 2009
- NMP and Environment Joint Call, due 31 March 2009
Transport, due to 31 March 2009
ICT and Energy Joint Call, due 31 March 2009
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), due 01 April 2009
Energy

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

More about funding for Research and Development.

For further information contact fp7@gle.co.uk

Intelligent Energy Europe (IEE)

Early warning! The 2009 Intelligent Energy Europe Programme call for proposals is forecast to be published in late March with a deadline to submit project proposals before the summer break. 65M€ will become available to support projects promoting energy efficiency. More to follow soon.

Transport

Grants to actions in support of the development of sustainable urban mobility projects, deadline 31 March 2009.

ICT Policy Support Programme (ICT PSP)

It supports innovative ICT based solutions and digital content., due 02 June 2009

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

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) Joint Programme

ICT based solutions for Advancement of Social Interaction of Elderly People aims to provide innovative products, systems or services addressing identified wishes and needs of the end-users (individuals and organisations).

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

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For more information, please visit the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry website, or contact Tessel van Essen on 020 7203 1838.

EU press releases

Consumers: Europe Direct information network re-launched
Consumers:Calls for European emergency number 112 to become multilingual
Employment: Wanted: English–language translators
External Relations: Visa-free travel between the EU and six Caribbean countries
Foreign Trade: Developments in EU – Southern Africa trade relations
ICT: Commission launches campaign against cyber-bullying
Research: Cooperation agreement to take European satellite radio navigation project forward
State Aid: Overview of national measures during the economic crisis
Statistics: EU 27 GDP down by 1.5%
Telecoms: EU Telecoms ministers discuss future investments
Telecoms: EU Member States to move towards analogue TV switch-off

Read more EU press releases

EU legislation and consultations

Agriculture:

Intervention agencies for sales of cereals, EC legislation As a safety net for farm incomes within the EU, an intervention price mechanism applies to the European market in cereals. Intervention agencies designated by the Member States may buy and sell cereals harvested in the Community, thereby affecting the market price. The procedure and conditions for the sale of cereals held by intervention agencies have been substantially amended several times. Regulation 127/2009 therefore intends to clarify the rules, for example in relation to sale by invitation to tender, the intended use of the cereals on the EC market and exports to third countries.

Energy:

Eco-design requirements for simple set-top boxes, EC legislation Eco-design is a concept aimed at reducing energy consumption for products such as domestic electrical appliances. Information concerning the product's environmental performance and energy efficiency must be visible on the product itself, thus allowing consumers to compare before purchasing. In 2005, the Commission established a framework for the development of eco-design requirements and, since then, more and more energy-consuming products have been included. Simple set-top boxes (devices converting digital input to analogue output signals) have been identified as representing significant potential for improvement in terms of environmental impact. Commission Regulation 107/2009 incorporates these products into the eco-design framework.

Financial services:

Review of Investor Compensation Schemes Directive, EC consultation The Commission has launched a consultation to assess whether the Investor Compensation Schemes Directive should be reviewed. The Directive aims to protect investors against the risk of losses in the event of insolvency (resulting in an investment firm’s inability to repay money). Opinions are sought from the public on the functioning of the scheme, in particular four issues: the scope of the Directive; the amount of compensation; the funding of the compensation schemes and technical aspects which may hamper the efficient functioning of the schemes.

Internal market:

Commission decision on in vitro diagnostic medical devices, EC legislation In vitro medical devices are products used for the in vitro analysis of tissues or substances from the human body. The rules related to the reliability of these products and on the protection of the health and safety of patients are harmonised within the EU. This decision revises the common technical specifications for these products to take account of technical progress. Changes include a refined definition of rapid tests, clarified requirements for HIV screening and the update of a number of scientific and technical references. Manufacturers whose devices are already on the market will be given a transition period in order to adapt to the new rules.

Internal market:

Consultation on a possible Statute for a European Foundation, EC consultation The Commission has launched a consultation to assess the need for a European Foundation Statute. The purpose of the Statute is to enable the use of a single legal form instead of up to 27 national ones. The consultation covers the difficulties faced by foundations when operating cross-border, the content of a possible European Foundation Statute and on how it might affect donors' and founders' attitudes. The Commission encourages foundations, trusts, donors, founders, tax authorities, legal practitioners and academics among other stakeholders to fill out the online questionnaire.

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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