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Asylum seekers [What Europe does for you]

Wed, 08/29/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for asylum seekers.

Since 2014, Europe has seen a mass movement of people arriving at its borders. Many of them are asylum seekers who are fleeing war, instability or persecution in their countries.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

While national authorities decide on who is recognised as a refugee and offered protection, the EU sets out a number of conditions that all EU countries must respect during this process. These include adequate reception conditions, processing times for asylum applications and safeguards for vulnerable applicants. EU rules require countries to give asylum seekers the chance to work after six months in a country, and ensure the right to an education for underage asylum seekers.

© Frank Gärtner / Fotolia

Those common standards were, however, undermined by exceptionally high migratory flows, especially in 2015. This put a strain on some countries’ reception capacities, and prompted calls to make the EU asylum system more responsive, effective and fair.

As a first step, the EU set up a temporary relocation system to distribute asylum seekers more evenly between all EU countries. The EU provides funding for relocation and monitors progress closely. The EU also set up ‘hot spots’ – operational centres along the main entry points – where staff from EU border and asylum agencies help local authorities to register and instruct arriving asylum seekers.

Since 2016, the EU is working on simplifying the rules and reducing differences between EU countries’ approaches to asylum.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Common Provisions Regulation: New rules for cohesion policy for 2021-2027 [EU Legislation in Progress]

Tue, 08/28/2018 - 18:00

Written by Vasileios Margaras (1st edition),

© nelsonaishikawa / Fotolia

For the next EU budget, covering the 2021-2027 period, the European Commission proposed to update EU cohesion policy with a new set of rules, on 29 May 2018. The proposal for a Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) sets out common provisions for seven shared management funds: the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument. Additional specific regulations add certain provisions needed to cater for the particularities of individual funds, in order to take into account their different rationales, target groups and implementation methods.

The CPR proposal is of utmost importance as it will set the main rules that govern the above-mentioned funds for the forthcoming period. While the proposal builds upon the previous sets of rules covering the 2014-2020 period, it nevertheless introduces a number of innovations, and aims, amongst other things, at providing simplification and better synergies between the different EU policy tools.

Versions Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund Plus, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and financial rules for those and for the Asylum and Migration Fund, the Internal Security Fund and the Border Management and Visa Instrument Committee responsible: Regional Development (REGI) COM(2018) 375
29.5.2018 Co-rapporteurs: Constanze Krehl (S&D, Germany)
Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) 2018/0196 (COD) Shadow rapporteurs:

  Ruža Tomašić (ECR, Croatia)
Iskra Mihaylova (ALDE, Bulgaria)
Younous Omarjee (GUE/NGL, France)
Monica Vana (Greens/EFA, Austria)
Rosa d’Amato (EFDD, Italy) Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) Next steps expected: Publication of draft report

Categories: European Union

European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021-2027 [EU Legislation in Progress]

Tue, 08/28/2018 - 14:00

Written by Marie Lecerf (1st edition),

© Doreen Salcher / Fotolia

In preparation for the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation on the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) on 30 May 2018. In the same spirit as the current European Social Fund 2014-2020, the ESF+ will provide the main EU financial instrument for improving workers’ mobility and employment opportunities and strengthening social cohesion, improving social fairness and increasing competitiveness across Europe for the 2021-2027 period. With a provisional budget of €101.2 billion (current prices), the ESF+ should merge the existing European Social Fund (ESF), the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI), and the Fund for European Aid to the most Deprived (FEAD), the Employment and Social Innovation Programme (EaSI) and the EU Health Programme. The new fund will concentrate its investment in three main areas: education, employment and social inclusion. At the European Parliament, the file has been allocated to the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), with Verónica Lope Fontagné (EPP, Spain) as rapporteur. A presentation of the draft report in the EMPL Committee is scheduled for 29 August 2018.

Versions European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021–2027 Committee responsible: Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) COM(2018) 0382
30.5.2018 Rapporteur: Verónica Lope Fontagné (EPP, Spain) 2018/0206 (COD) Shadow rapporteurs:

 

  Brando Benifei (S&D, Italy)
Ulrike Trebesius (ECR, Germany)
Jasenko Selimovic, (ALDE, Sweden)
Gabriele Zimmer (GUE/NGL, Germany)
Terry Reintke (Greens/EFA, Germany)
Laura Agea (EFDD, Italy)
Mara Bizzotto (ENF, Italy) Ordinary legislative procedure (COD) (Parliament and Council on equal footing – formerly ‘co-decision’) Next steps expected: Presentation of draft report

Categories: European Union

Children participating in decision making about their lives [What Europe does for you]

Tue, 08/28/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for children participating in decision making about their lives.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

You might remember how important it was when you were a child that your voice was heard in the world of grown-ups. Did you know that it is more than just a child’s desire and that according to the international law, children have the right to be heard? Children’s views and opinions should be taken into account in family life, schools and in court proceedings in all the matters that concern them.

©Gelpi / Fotolia

Protection of children’s rights, including their right to be heard is the responsibility of individual EU countries. On the level of the EU, that right is recognized in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. It established EU agenda for the rights of the child in 2011, stressing that children must be given a chance to voice their opinions and participate in the making of decisions that affect them. EU has also put in place a range of laws and policies that focus on children’s right to be heard. According to one law, for example, court must ensure that a child is given the opportunity to be heard during proceedings following parental child abduction. The child must also be heard in proceedings concerning visiting rights. Another law gives a child victim the right to be heard during criminal proceedings. It enables individual children to participate in proceedings, by promoting a child sensitive approach.

European Commission is keeping a keen eye on developments regarding children’s right to be heard throughout Europe. It evaluates the legislation, policy and practice in the EU, recognizes the gaps in national legislation and policies and makes recommendations.

Further information
Categories: European Union

People interested in Massive Open Online Courses [What Europe does for you]

Mon, 08/27/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people interested in Massive Open Online Courses.

Are you thinking of upgrading your skills? Online learning is a good way to go back to school without giving up your other activities. Some 23 million new students signed up for their first Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in 2017, taking the global number of learners to 81 million. If you are in the process of selecting a higher education institution, you may want to choose one of the over 1 700 MOOCs offered by various platforms and universities in the EU.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

OpenupEd, launched by the European Association of Distance Teaching Universities and supported by Erasmus+ is a pan-European MOOC initiative. Learners can choose from over 200 MOOCs in the 8 languages of its EU partners plus Russian, Hebrew, Turkish and Arabic.

© bnenin / Fotolia

Over 1 million people have enrolled with the EU-supported German platform iversity, one of the few platforms offering online courses that award the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which aims to make it easier for students to move between countries. If you want to learn how to ‘Make the most of EU resources for your region or city‘, then the iversity MOOC is the one for you!

Other big MOOC providers in the EU include the British platform FutureLearn, led by the Open University, with 145 partners worldwide and boasting nearly 8 million learners. The Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia has a substantial share of MOOCs in Spain. France Université Numérique, the first French digital learning portal, broadcasts 269 MOOCs in 2017 to over 900 000 users worldwide. Are you ready to give it a go?

Further information
Categories: European Union

Cultural tourists [What Europe does for you]

Sun, 08/26/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for cultural tourists.

If you choose your holiday destinations on the basis of the cultural sites or museums to visit, as 40 % of European tourists do, you may be interested to know how the EU supports sites that are off the beaten track and helps them link up with similar sites in cross-border areas. These often hidden treasures are economic assets and it is important to attract tourists to visit them.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

Two museums in northern France have benefited from EU funds. The Calais Lace Museum, based in the old Boulart lace factory, highlights the shared history of France and England and old and new uses of lace in fashion. Le Louvre-Lens provides an opportunity to enjoy the treasures of the world famous Parisian museum at a lower cost and perhaps closer to home.

© olly / Fotolia

The EU has also supported the Danube Limes archaeological sites along the lower Danube in Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria, tracing the borders of the Roman Empire across the region. The aim is to preserve the sites and promote tourism, focusing on common heritage and joining up with other sections of limes to form an extended Unesco cultural heritage site.

A number of wooden Orthodox churches on the Polish-Slovak border and renovated with EU funds are on the Unesco heritage list. Along with other wooden monuments they form part of a wooden architecture route. The EuroVelo 3 Pilgrims Route meanwhile, co-financed by the EU in the context of sustainable tourism, is a cycle path from Norway, via Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Belgium and France, to Santiago de Compostela, following the ancient Saint James pilgrimage route.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Unemployed people [What Europe does for you]

Fri, 08/24/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for unemployed people.

Are you, or is someone close to you, one of the nearly 19 million Europeans who were unemployed in 2017? Whatever the reasons for losing your job – the economic crisis, a skills mismatch, lack of education or training – the EU is putting measures in place to fight unemployment.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Andrey Popov / Fotolia

The EU wants 75 % of 20-64 year-olds to be in work by 2020. European employment strategy focuses on creating more and better jobs, and the ‘New Skills for New Jobs’ programme helps national governments to increase ‘flexicurity’, job quality, ensure better working conditions and create jobs. The 2012 employment and the youth employment packages introduced measures to tackle the demand side of job creation by reducing labour taxes and supporting business start-ups.

The European Social Fund (budget of over €86 billion for 2014-2020) finances projects that help people learn new skills and find jobs. The Employment and Social Innovation Programme (budget €920 million) aims at ensuring that those jobs are fair, durable, and involve adequate and decent social protection, while the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (budget €150 million) helps those who have lost their jobs when big companies reduce production or move it out of the EU, such as textile and clothing workers who face competition from Asia, or those employed in the manufacturing and car industries hardest-hit by global recession.

Sometimes, the problem is that there are no jobs at all in your region. The EU has set up the EURES network to help workers to move to work in any EU country (plus Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).

Further information
Categories: European Union

Local and regional banking providers [What Europe does for you]

Wed, 08/22/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for local and regional banking providers.

Whether you are a business owner, want to start one, or a financial intermediary, you have access to EU funds. The European Investment Bank provides credit lines to finance providers such as local banks and financial institutions, helping them develop their lending portfolio and offer greater access to credit to a wider range of clients. This support helps finance the medium and long-term loans offered to private sector firms, commercially run public-sector enterprises or even local authorities. The Bank invests €75 billion in over 400 projects in a typical year. While such loans must meet some conditions (e.g. increase local growth and employment or help protect the environment), they offer benefits such as long time-to-maturity and attractive pricing. The finance providers can also make use of the technical assistance offered both to the intermediaries and the final recipients.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Elnur / Fotolia

In addition, EU microfinance support tools help microfinance providers (e.g. private or public banks, non-bank microfinance institutions and not-for-profit microcredit providers) to offer loans up to €25 000 for setting up or developing a small business. EU support includes not only loans but also guarantees, which help share the providers’ potential risk of loss. Microloan conditions for entrepreneurs vary depending on the provider, but the EU makes sure that priority goes to groups which have difficulty getting conventional credit, e.g. social enterprises and the unemployed. In addition, technical support is available for microcredit providers to help them build capacity.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Residential property buyers [What Europe does for you]

Mon, 08/20/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for residential property buyers.

Many if not most Europeans looking to purchase their first apartment, or thinking of buying a bigger apartment or house to fit a growing family, take out mortgages for the purpose. Under these contracts, the purchased property secures the mortgage and, should repayment obligations not be fulfilled, allows the loan provider (usually a bank) to seize the property and sell it to pay off the loan. Taking out a mortgage loan is therefore a very important financial decision, entailing a financial commitment that can last for decades and carrying risks for both the buyer and the bank.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Stasique / Fotolia

The Mortgage Credit Directive is designed to ensure that anyone taking out a mortgage to purchase a property is adequately informed and protected against the risks. The directive applies to all loans made to consumers in order to buy residential property.

The directive states that lenders are required to provide consumers with clear and detailed information on loan conditions, as well as to assess their creditworthiness according to common EU standards. Furthermore it sets out common quality standards and business conduct principles for all EU lenders and establishes the right to repay credit earlier than determined in a contract. Last but not least, it sets up an EU ‘passport’ scheme that allows banks that are authorised to operate in one EU country, to deliver services across the whole EU, thus offering consumers a far greater choice than what they would normally find nationally.

Further information
Categories: European Union

People unhappy with their purchase [What Europe does for you]

Thu, 08/16/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people unhappy with their purchase.

Have you have ever bought something that you weren’t happy with when you got home? If so, EU rules provide you with a certain set of rights.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Samo Trebizan / Fotolia

One is that you can change your mind within 14 days, without giving a reason, if your purchase was made online, over the phone, by mail order, or you bought it from a door-to-door salesperson. Be careful though, because this right does not apply when you buy a product in a shop, or if the product was tailor-made especially for you.

Regardless of where you bought the item, if it is faulty, you have the right to have it repaired or replaced by the seller. If this does not work out, you have the right to get the price reduced or a full refund. Throughout the EU, the legal guarantee for products is always at least two years. However, during the first six months there is an assumption that a product that doesn’t work was faulty from the start, after which, in most countries, it is you who has to prove that this was the case.

Remember, though, that these rules apply only if you bought from a business. If you buy from a private person, even if the goods they sell are new, EU consumer rules do not apply and your rights depend exclusively on national law.

If you have problems with an item you bought in another EU country, and you are unable to resolve the issue with a professional seller, you can turn to the European Consumer Centre. Regardless of where the product was bought, you can also try to settle the dispute out-of-court using an alternative dispute resolution procedure or through the ODR platform if it was bought online.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Parents and parents-to-be [What Europe does for you]

Tue, 08/14/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for parents and parents-to-be.

As soon as you find out that you are going to become a parent, you are confronted with a new situation that requires not only mental readiness but also some basic equipment.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Kzenon / Fotolia

You will need the means to transport the new family member (pushchair, car seat or baby carrier), a place for him or her to sleep safely (cot, barriers), clothes, nappies, and the list goes on. Although it is still early days, it might not be long before you start thinking about toys. Then after a few months, you might start buying ready-made baby food.

Every product on sale in the European Union has to comply with general safety rules. Particular rules apply to toys, electrical and electronic goods, cosmetics, chemicals and other specific product groups. European standards ensure the safety of toys, nursery products and furniture, child resistant products and protective devices, and playground and sports equipment for children. Children’s car seats have to comply with global rules.

Manufacturers declare that a product has been checked against all essential EU safety criteria by using the CE conformity mark, which is legally required for products sold in the European Union, Iceland, Lichtenstein and Norway. The rapid alert system for non-food, dangerous products (RAPEX) facilitates the rapid exchange of information between 31 countries: consumers are then warned and the product taken off the shelves. RAPEX weekly reports provide information about dangerous products.

Food for infants and young children, meanwhile, must meet special strict EU requirements regarding nutritional composition and food safety.

Further information
Categories: European Union

People concerned about food safety [What Europe does for you]

Mon, 08/13/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people who like chips.

If you love chips or indeed any other fried or baked foods such as crisps, biscuits or toast, you may have heard of acrylamide, a harmful substance present in these foods.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© CroMary / Shutterstock

Discovered by Swedish scientists in 2002, acrylamide can be found in a wide range of everyday starch-rich foods that are fried, baked or roasted at high temperatures. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2015 that acrylamide in food is a public health concern, highlighting links with cancer and obesity.

Following EFSA’s opinion, the European Commission presented a proposal in June 2017 on measures to reduce acrylamide levels in food. The new rules apply from 11 April 2018.

Ingredients used and storage and processing temperatures have a major influence on acrylamide formation. Manufacturers should therefore select potato and flour varieties with lower acrylamide-forming potential and keep to the right storage temperature. They are advised to wash or soak chips before frying, to keep the oil temperature as low as possible, and to control the colour of the final product, as a longer cooking time and deeper colour increase the amount of acrylamide. In addition, manufacturers must measure the levels of acrylamide in their products to check them against the values set by the Commission. If these voluntary efforts fail to be sufficiently effective, the Commission is considering setting binding limits for the food industry.

The way you cook at home also has a substantial impact, so the advice is to fry your chips until golden yellow, not brown, and to avoid overcooking your toast.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Teleworkers [What Europe does for you]

Fri, 08/10/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for teleworkers.

If you work from home, you are among the 17 % of EU employees engaged in telework or mobile work. This type of work can be good for your work-life balance, reducing commuting time and boosting productivity; but it also brings the risk of longer working hours and work-home interference.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Jelena / Fotolia

The 2002 European Framework Agreement on Telework improved the protection of teleworkers and laid down rules to ensure they enjoy the same rights as their counterparts working on the employer’s premises. The guidelines cover data protection, privacy, work organisation, health and safety, training, and career prospects. They have been implemented in accordance with each country’s national procedures, via changes to legislation or collective agreements.

Further protection for teleworkers is offered by EU rules on working time and health and safety. The Working Time Directive sets standards for maximum working hours, daily and weekly rest periods, annual leave, and night and shift work. The Health and Safety at Work Directive, and additional rules on the use of work equipment, display screens and workplace requirements, helps to make sure working environments are safe, also covering the use of ICT equipment and ergonomics. The European Pillar of Social Rights puts a strong emphasis on fair working conditions and equal opportunities for workers in atypical working conditions, such as teleworkers.

The EU also publishes research on telework. Eurofound and Eurostat prepare statistics, surveys and reports on the extent of telework, sectors and types of jobs, and the effects on people and firms.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Hairdressers [What Europe does for you]

Thu, 08/09/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for hairdressers.

The hairdressing sector in Europe employs more than a million people. Together with other owners of small and medium-sized companies, as a hairdresser you can benefit from the EU’s small business-friendly legislation. You can access EU-backed loans for small businesses and European market information. Enterprise Europe Network makes it easier to find a new business partner in Europe. Moreover, EU laws allow EU countries to apply reduced value added tax rates to various services, including hairdressing. This reduction, if applied, helps to increase profit margins for the sector.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© JackF / Fotolia

It is estimated that there are around 400 000 hairdressing salons in the EU. Customers tend to view salons as safe and relaxing places, probably not realising that for hairdressers themselves the workplace can, in fact, be very harmful. According to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), exposure to chemicals and the nature of hairdressing work more generally can lead to various skin and respiratory diseases, chronic pain, physical injuries and even cancer.

The EU has already funded two projects focused on researching and implementing the prevention of occupational skin diseases in the hairdressing sector – SafeHair 1.0 (2010) and SafeHair 2.0 (2011). In addition, there is a growing body of EU occupational safety and health legislation that aims to protect all people, including hairdressers, from exposure to dangerous substances and other health threats at work.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Vocational students [What Europe does for you]

Wed, 08/08/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for vocational students.

If you are studying on a vocational or professional track, your talents are key to a strong economy and the EU wants to help you develop your skills. The EU invests in improving awareness, creating opportunities, and supporting those in charge to provide the best quality and most relevant training possible.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© auremar / Fotolia

Still considering your options? The European Vocational Skills week, with more than 1 000 events across Europe showcases opportunities for young people and raises awareness of the importance of vocational education and apprenticeships.

If you are already a vocational education student, Erasmus+ offers mobility opportunities so you can carry out part of your studies or training abroad. A new initiative, ErasmusPro, even caters for long term mobility.

Your learning experience should be both relevant and worthwhile. The EU is keen to ensure that all players who shape vocational education in EU countries define good quality vocational education and training together. To understand how well things are working in practice, the EU also provides studies and research. And when you go to another country, it will also be easier for your skills and qualifications to be recognised when EU countries understand each other’s training systems better.

Of course, you want to find work at the end of your studies, so the EU also helps develop links between vocational education and training (VET) schools, businesses in a given sector, and public authorities. Together they identify skills the labour market needs and develop motivating courses that prepare you for a job that appeals to you.

Further information
Categories: European Union

The Privacy Shield: Update on the state of play of the EU-US data transfer rules

Tue, 08/07/2018 - 14:00

Written by Shara Monteleone and Laura Puccio,

© vector_master / Fotolia

In the 2015 Schrems case, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) declared the European Commission’s 2000 decision on the ‘adequacy’ of the EU-US Safe Harbour regime invalid. This regime had formed the legal basis to allow transfers of data, for commercial purposes, from the EU to the United States of America (USA).

One of the main concepts on which the reasoning of the Court relied is that of ‘equivalence’ – between the level of protection existing in a third country, and the European data protection system. The Court invalidated the Commission’s Safe Harbour adequacy decision as it did not contain any findings regarding the existence in the USA of laws and practices limiting interference on the right to privacy and data protection (e.g. interference by public authorities for security purposes), nor of effective judicial remedies for individuals. According to the judgment, laws which establish exceptions (such as enacting measures for security purposes) which could lead to conflict with fundamental rights should lay down clear and precise rules regarding the scope and application of the measure, and minimum safeguards against the risk of abuse, including unlawful access and further use of such data. The corollary of this statement is that derogations and restrictions to data protection should be allowed only if strictly necessary. Moreover, whereas the self-certification mechanism for US-based companies could be part of an adequate data protection system, it should be accompanied by effective enforcement and oversight mechanisms.

As a consequence, the judgment ruled the Safe Harbour framework, on which a large number of companies had relied, insufficient to ensure the high level of protection for EU citizens required under EU law. This invalidation of Safe Harbour created legal uncertainty and the need for a new arrangement. In the meantime, more than 4 000 US companies making data transfers switched to other existing tools, albeit more burdensome and limited, such as Binding Corporate Rules or Standard Contractual Clauses.

In 2016, the European Commission and the USA adopted a new framework for transatlantic exchange of personal data, known as the Privacy Shield. Within a year, more than 3000 companies had subscribed to the new framework, and the US Federal Trade Commission had already triggered three cases of non-compliance with Privacy Shield. In September 2017, the first joint annual review of Privacy Shield took place. Although considered to be working well, a number of recommendations for further improvements were issued. Moreover, a range of concerns still remain to be addressed (not least in view of the recent Facebook / Cambridge Analytica scandal). The European Parliament adopted a resolution in July 2018, which, although acknowledging some improvements, reiterates a number of persistent concerns on Privacy Shield, and calls on the Commission to suspend the Shield.. Unless the concerns can be resolved satisfactorily, the underlying legal uncertainty may not disappear, and Privacy Shield is also likely to end up challenged before the CJEU, like its predecessor.

Read the complete in-depth analysis on “The Privacy Shield: Update on the state of play of the EU-US data transfer rules“.

 

 

Redress mechanisms available to individuals

 

 

Avenues of redress for undue access and use by US public authorities

Categories: European Union

People who do not drive [What Europe does for you]

Tue, 08/07/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for people who do not drive.

There is roughly one car for every two people in the EU, but not all Europeans drive. For people living in densely built up areas, the convenience of a car may be outweighed by the inconvenience of finding a parking spot; the cost of buying, maintaining and running a car; or health or environmental considerations. Not driving means relying on alternative forms of getting about: walking, cycling, public transport, taxis – and for longer distances, buses, trains and aeroplanes. The EU is working to improve these services on two fronts: by encouraging investment in public transport and cross-border transport links for the movement of people, goods and services; and by fostering competition on transport routes across the continent, to secure a better deal for consumers.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© hedgehog94 / Fotolia

The EU supports city and cross-border transport by carrying out studies and transport policy analysis; promoting the exchange of best practice between local authorities; and helping local authorities to invest in cycle infrastructure and more walkable public spaces through the European structural investment funds. Given that national transport networks often stop at national borders, the EU also invests in bridging cross-border transport links and removing bottlenecks. The EU guarantees passenger rights when travelling in Europe by air, rail, bus and coach, or ship. Finally, the EU sets air quality standards and targets, and holds countries to account when they fail to meet those targets. For Europeans travelling on foot or by bike, cleaner air means a more pleasant, healthier journey.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Disabled road users [What Europe does for you]

Mon, 08/06/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for disabled road users.

Perhaps you, or someone you know, are one of the estimated 14 to 17 % people aged over 15 in the EU who suffer from a disability? You are not alone, as these numbers are expected to rise, mainly due to the aging population. By 2020, approximately 120 million Europeans will have a disability. The EU is working to remove barriers preventing your equal participation in life activities, particularly as regards your access to transport.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© Christophe Fouquin / Fotolia

People who are entitled to a disability parking card can use it in all EU countries, because the cards are issued according to a standardised EU model and recognised by all Member States.

On long-distance journeys (over 250 km) by bus and coach, disabled Europeans are entitled to assistance at designated terminals, and help with getting on and off the bus. The carrier must also allow you to be accompanied by a person of your choice free of charge, if this solves security or safety concerns that would otherwise prevent you from travelling. The EU also introduced common rules on adapting and approving vehicles used to transport persons with disabilities, and requires EU countries to put national rules in place on transporting people with reduced mobility. EU rules should ease access for disabled passengers by standardising solutions, such as priority seats, limits on step height, handhold and ramp availability, and clear marking. In addition, the European Accessibility Act, which will set EU-level requirements to increase supply of key services at more competitive prices for disabled users, includes transport.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Breastfeeding mothers [What Europe does for you]

Fri, 08/03/2018 - 08:30

With European elections coming up in May 2019, you probably want to know how the European Union impacts your daily life, before you think about voting. In the latest in a series of posts on what Europe does for you, your family, your business and your wellbeing, we look at what Europe does for breastfeeding mothers.

If you recently gave birth and are breastfeeding your baby, you may be wondering how you are going to reconcile the need to go back to work with the desire to continue breastfeeding. As mother’s milk is known to be very important for infants, the EU supports breastfeeding, including in the workplace, by means of legislation, information campaigns, and funding for projects and research.

Twitter Hashtag #EUandME

© rh2010 / Fotolia

EU law forbids discrimination against breastfeeding mothers, especially in the work place. Their health and safety is the highest priority and EU countries must comply with minimum standards. If working conditions could harm the breastfeeding mother, the employer must adjust them to ensure her well-being. If that is not possible, she must be given leave. EU law also gives protection against night work for a period following childbirth. All the while, the mother’s employment rights must be upheld.

Although there has been a significant progress regarding the protection of breastfeeding mothers on their return to work, there is room for improvement. The EU is currently working on more detailed rules to facilitate successful transitions between maternity leave and employment, including breastfeeding facilities at the work place and breaks during working hours. The EU believes that mother-friendly practices and child welfare should be a public health priority across Europe.

Further information
Categories: European Union

Roma Holocaust Memorial Day, 2 August

Thu, 08/02/2018 - 09:00

Written by Magdalena Pasikowska-Schnass,

The tragedy of the Holocaust was a crucial consideration in the development of European integration; Simone Veil, the first female President of the European Parliament, described it as the horrible price paid for allowing totalitarian ideologies, racism, xenophobia and anti-Semitism take hold on the continent, with the resultant dehumanisation of certain groups of people. Veil also deeply regretted the lack of widespread knowledge of the whole history of the period, including that the memory of the Roma Holocaust was not brought to public attention.

It was only in 1982 that Germany recognised the racial grounds for the deportations, imprisonment and extermination of Roma and Sinti people in Nazi concentration camps in Europe. It was also not until 2001 that the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum devoted a permanent exhibition to Roma and Sinti victims, where Romani and Sinti, armed with sticks and stones, had resisted being removed from barracks in May 1944. On 2 August 1944 the Nazis, fearing the rebellion could spread, sent around 3 000 Roma people from the Gypsy Camp to their death.

This was just one of many events that marked the Roma Holocaust, which took a toll of between 220 000 and 500 000 Roma victims – between one quarter and a half of the Roma and Sinti population of the pre-war period. The exact number is not known, since the victims’ families did not officially report their losses and the perpetrators erased the records of their crimes.

In April 2015, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the occasion of ‘International Roma Day – anti-Gypsyism in Europe and EU recognition of the memorial day of the Roma genocide during World War II’. The general term ‘Roma’ covers various groups, such as Roma, Travellers, Sinti, Manouches, Kalés, Romanichels, Boyash, Ashkalis, Égyptiens, Yéniches, Doms and Loms, with diverse cultures and lifestyles. In the context of growing anti-Gypsyism, anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia in Europe, the EP called for the establishment of a European day of commemoration of the victims of Roma genocide during World War II ‘The European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day’. This call was reiterated in a further EP resolution adopted in October 2017 ‘Fundamental rights aspects in Roma integration in the EU: fighting anti-gypsyism’, designating 2 August as a Memorial Day, as well as appealing for the inclusion of Roma victims in Holocaust Remembrance Day on 27 January, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz camp in January 1945.

The European Parliament commemorated the memory of the Roma and Sinti victims of Nazi extermination on 27 January 2018, inviting representatives of Roma people for the commemoration and hosting an exhibition devoted to Roma genocide.

Holocaust education is crucial to keeping the memory of Roma victims alive. EU funding from the Europe for Citizens programme supports projects related to World War II Roma history. The Roma Genocide Remembrance Initiative is one such project, undertaken and coordinated by the ternYpe International Roma Youth Network, aiming at raising awareness of the Roma Holocaust among educators. Macedonia and Hungary participated in a similar project ‘Roma Genocide – Part of European History‘, and commemorated Roma victims on 2 August 2015 in the Csillagerőd (Star Fortress) in Komárom, from where thousands of Roma were deported to concentration camps.

Categories: European Union

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