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German ultimatum
- The European Commission announced yesterday (2 May) that it would send a final warning to Germany over legislation which permits Deutsche Telekom to escape sharing a fast internet network, VDSL, with rivals. The warning will be sent in the coming days, according to the Commission, and Germany will face court action if it does not provide a satisfactory reply within one month.
Broadband revolution
- Broadband internet access is found in 30% of EU households, according to statistics from the Commission on Friday (27 April). The EU-wide household survey also found that 81% have mobile telephone access while 72% have a fixed-line telephone. Only 3% of households do not have a television.
South Korea trade
- South Korea will begin free trade talks with the EU next week, following official Korean approval on Tuesday (1 May) for the start of negotiations. Up to six trade talks sessions are expected this year. An EU-South Korea trade agreement would follow a tariffs and trade barriers deal reached between the US and the east Asian country last month.
EU to join China chase
- The EU has asked to join a World Trade Organization complaint brought by the US against China over intellectual property action, the Commission announced yesterday. As China’s largest trading partner, the EU shares US concerns about counterfeiting and piracy on the Chinese market. Mexico, Japan and Canada have also requested third party status.
Retail finance plans
- A green paper published by the Commission yesterday invited European consumers and industry to comment on ideas for future EU policy on retail financial services. The paper covers common financial products including bank accounts, loans, mortgages, investments and insurance policies. The consultation will run until 16 July.
Bully bar
- EU employers’ groups and trade unions signed an agreement in Brussels on Thursday (26 April) to combat sexual harassment and bullying. The agreement obliges companies within three years to have procedures in place to deal with complaints of harassment, including a requirement to deal with them quickly, ensure confidentiality and impartiality and to apply appropriate sanctions against perpetrators.
Unemployment down
- Unemployment in the eurozone fell to its lowest-ever level in March, according to figures released by Eurostat yesterday. The EU’s statistics office said seasonally adjusted unemployment stood at 7.2%, the lowest level since records began in 1993.
The European Institute of Technology (EIT) will be allowed to put its name on national higher education qualifications only with the consent of member states, according to a compromise position expected next month.
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