http://www.eucommerz.com en eu_editor@eucommerz.com Boston Hannah Copyright 2010 2010-09-08T15:46:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0579_ecb_report_reviews_payment_systems http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0579_ecb_report_reviews_payment_systems/When:15:46:00Z The European Central Bank (ECB) published an assessment report on 8 September on the implementation status of the Eurosystem’s business continuity oversight expectations for systemically important payment systems. 2010-09-08T15:46:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0578_eu_switzerland_fewer_barriers_for_cross_border_workers http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0578_eu_switzerland_fewer_barriers_for_cross_border_workers/When:15:10:01Z Commuting from EU or EFTA countries to work in Switzerland each day will become easier for about 200,000 cross-border workers under proposals to ease free movement of people and services approved by a show of hands in Parliament on 7 September. 2010-09-07T15:10:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/foreign_citizens_made_up_64_of_eu27 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/foreign_citizens_made_up_64_of_eu27/When:14:58:01Z On 1 January 2009, 31.9 million foreign citizens lived in the EU27 member states, of which 11.9 million were citizens of another EU27 member state. 2010-09-07T14:58:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0576_council_strengthens_monitoring_of_economic_policies http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0576_council_strengthens_monitoring_of_economic_policies/When:11:52:01Z On 7 September, the Council endorsed changes to the manner in which the EU's stability and growth pact is implemented in order to allow a 'European semester' to be introduced as part of a reform of EU provisions on economic policy coordination. 2010-09-07T11:52:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0575_ep_adds_bite_to_eu_financial_watchdog_rules http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0575_ep_adds_bite_to_eu_financial_watchdog_rules/When:08:40:00Z EU authorities are to get tough new powers to settle disputes among national financial supervisors and to ban risky financial products and activities, in a revamp of EU financial supervision plans agreed on 2 September. 2010-09-06T08:40:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0574_roma_meps_doubt_legality_of_returns http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0574_roma_meps_doubt_legality_of_returns/When:08:20:02Z The legality of the French government's expulsion of Roma people has yet to be established, with regard both to EU law on free movement and temporary residence and to the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the European Commission told Civil Liberties Committee MEPs in a debate on 2 September. 2010-09-06T08:20:02-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0573_fright_at_the_end_of_the_tunnel http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0573_fright_at_the_end_of_the_tunnel/When:15:48:00Z Some European countries are doing well and are on the road to economic recovery. Others are still struggling and are only now being hit by the worst of the crisis. By Eva-Luise Schwarz 2010-09-03T15:48:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/country_focus_the_netherlands http://www.eucommerz.com/a/country_focus_the_netherlands/When:15:01:00Z The prominent business environment of the Netherlands and its strategic location within Europe makes it an ideal country for investment opportunities. 2010-09-03T15:01:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/ruminating_on_risk http://www.eucommerz.com/a/ruminating_on_risk/When:14:36:00Z A safe, resilient and dynamic global financial system – can the dream become reality? The IMF is seeking tougher rules and regulations and a surcharge might just be the solution. By Eva-Luise Schwarz 2010-09-03T14:36:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0568_expert_advice_from_hsbc http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0568_expert_advice_from_hsbc/When:14:26:00Z Following the blast of cold wind from the devastating economic turndown, there has rarely been a time when company bosses have been more anxious to find solid financial advice and information. Kirk Bryans, HSBC’s head of the European Receivable Finance Team, answers questions from one such company owner, David Shires. 2010-09-03T14:26:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0567_uniform_eu_payment_terms http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0567_uniform_eu_payment_terms/When:13:22:00Z The European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee (IMC) has approved changes to a planned EU directive on late payments, with the express aim of giving more protection to businesses – especially small to medium sized entities (SMEs). By Simon Groves 2010-09-03T13:22:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0566_winning_ways http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0566_winning_ways/When:13:16:00Z Winning new business and establishing long-lasting and fruitful business partnerships will succeed through your personal people skills. By Judith Luddington 2010-09-03T13:16:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0565_bringing_presentations_to_life http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0565_bringing_presentations_to_life/When:11:54:00Z One of the great fears for many is public speaking. But with growing confidence and practise you can master the art of presenting. By Krissy Jackson of the International Coach Federation 2010-09-03T11:54:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0564_entrepreneurial_drive http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0564_entrepreneurial_drive/When:11:47:00Z Michael Spencer is the World Entrepreneur of the Year 2010. He talks to Eva-Luise Schwarz about business growth, electronification and keeping up with the rapidly evolving business environment. 2010-09-03T11:47:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0563_the_science_of_sales_growth http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0563_the_science_of_sales_growth/When:11:36:00Z As the global economy continues to tighten, businesses are gently reminded by Nicholas Read to steer clear of the five most dangerous mistakes a company can make. 2010-09-03T11:36:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0562_choosing_an_outsourcing_partner http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0562_choosing_an_outsourcing_partner/When:11:16:01Z No matter how successful you think you are already, you can always build bigger and better. Frank Yazdi and Manoj Madhusudanan from Evalueserve know how it is done. 2010-09-03T11:16:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0561_networking_how_to_stand_out_in_a_crowd http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0561_networking_how_to_stand_out_in_a_crowd/When:10:43:01Z If you thought that networking is standing in a room, meeting people – think again. Here are the top tips to improve your networking skills and get you the business that you want. By Stewart Townsend 2010-09-03T10:43:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0560_building_your_deal_team http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0560_building_your_deal_team/When:10:03:00Z Thinking about selling your company, buying a competitor, or maybe raising capital? You need a deal team with the right mix of talent and experiences to get the best value and to assure the transaction happens. By Kenneth H. Marks 2010-09-03T10:03:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0559_doing_business_in_nigeria http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0559_doing_business_in_nigeria/When:09:49:01Z With a population of more than 160 million, spread over 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory and a pool of well-educated and industrious citizens, Nigeria is arguably the largest market in Africa. Patrick Abuka outlines the legal framework for foreign direct investment in Nigeria. 2010-09-03T09:49:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0558_gdp_up_by_1_in_euro_area_and_eu27_in_q2 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0558_gdp_up_by_1_in_euro_area_and_eu27_in_q2/When:14:24:00Z GDP increased by 1% in both the euro area (EA16) and the EU27 during the second quarter of 2010, compared with the previous quarter, according to first estimates released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. 2010-09-02T14:24:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0557_commission_addresses_environment http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0557_commission_addresses_environment/When:13:26:00Z The European Commission today adopted a decision outlining the criteria necessary to achieve good environmental status for Europe's seas. 2010-09-01T13:26:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0556_euro_area_unemployment_rate_10 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0556_euro_area_unemployment_rate_10/When:14:50:00Z The euro area (EA16) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 10% in July 2010, unchanged compared with June. It was 9.6% in July 2009. The EU27 unemployment rate was 9.6% in July 2010, unchanged compared with June. It was 9.1% in July 2009. 2010-08-31T14:50:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0555_european_commissioner_meets_flood_victims http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0555_european_commissioner_meets_flood_victims/When:15:19:00Z Kristalina Georgieva, European Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response met with victims of the floods in Pakistan, during a two-day visit to the country this week. 2010-08-27T15:19:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0554_antitrust_eu_examines_marine_insurance http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0554_antitrust_eu_examines_marine_insurance/When:11:46:00Z The European Commission has opened formal proceedings to investigate whether certain provisions accompanying claim-sharing and joint-reinsurance agreements in the marine insurance sector might infringe European Union antitrust rules. 2010-08-27T11:46:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0553_eu_citizens_want_stronger_economic_governance http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0553_eu_citizens_want_stronger_economic_governance/When:11:22:01Z 75% of Europeans think that stronger coordination of economic and financial policies among EU member states would be effective in fighting the economic crisis, according to the Spring 2010 Eurobarometer, the bi-annual opinion poll organised by the EU. 2010-08-26T11:22:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0552_bluefin_tuna_eu_research_achieves_breakthrough http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0552_bluefin_tuna_eu_research_achieves_breakthrough/When:11:50:00Z EU scientists have succeeded in obtaining viable mass eggs from Atlantic bluefin tuna in captivity, using natural means and without any hormonal induction. If breeding can be developed on a commercial scale, pressure on endangered wild stocks could be significantly relieved. 2010-08-25T11:50:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0551_world_economic_forum_releases_new_report http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0551_world_economic_forum_releases_new_report/When:11:09:01Z The report by the WEF provides a roadmap to maximise private investment in meeting infrastructure funding needs. 2010-08-25T11:09:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0550_industrial_new_orders_up_by_25_in_euro_area http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0550_industrial_new_orders_up_by_25_in_euro_area/When:13:12:00Z In June 2010 compared with May 2010, the euro area (EA16) industrial new orders index rose by 2.5%. 2010-08-24T13:12:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0549_cross_border_crime_must_be_prevented_says_ec http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0549_cross_border_crime_must_be_prevented_says_ec/When:13:54:00Z EU rules in force since 2006 allow EU member states to obtain the confiscation of criminal assets abroad. However, a report published by the European Commission on 23 August shows that half of EU countries have yet to put these rules in place. 2010-08-23T13:54:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0548_ec_calls_for_mediation_in_cross_border_legal_disputes http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0548_ec_calls_for_mediation_in_cross_border_legal_disputes/When:13:33:00Z The European Commission reiterated the potential of existing EU-rules on mediation in cross-border legal disputes, reminding EU member states that these measures can only be effective if put in place by member states at national level. 2010-08-20T13:33:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0547_world_humanitarian_day_honours_workers http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0547_world_humanitarian_day_honours_workers/When:11:29:00Z On World Humanitarian Day on 19 August, the European Commission honours humanitarian workers who have lost their lives or freedom, or have been injured during the course of their work. 2010-08-19T11:29:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0546_a_question_of_security_for_humanitarian_aid_workers http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0546_a_question_of_security_for_humanitarian_aid_workers/When:11:10:00Z Security represents one of the most challenging issues for the humanitarian community. The conditions in which humanitarian workers operate have become increasingly dangerous. 2010-08-19T11:10:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0545_greece_to_receive_second_installment_of_loans_from_eu http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0545_greece_to_receive_second_installment_of_loans_from_eu/When:10:48:00Z The European Commission, on 19 August, assessed measures taken by Greece to comply with the Council Decision of 10 May 2010 to remedy the situation of excessive deficit. 2010-08-19T10:48:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0544_eu_us_summit_to_be_held_in_november_in_lisbon http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0544_eu_us_summit_to_be_held_in_november_in_lisbon/When:13:45:00Z The President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, will welcome US President Barack Obama at the next European Union-United States Summit which shall be held in Lisbon, Portugal, on 20 November. 2010-08-18T13:45:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0543_council_adopts_eu_draft_budget_for_2011 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0543_council_adopts_eu_draft_budget_for_2011/When:13:23:00Z In August, the Council has adopted its position on the EU draft budget for the financial year 2011, approving targeted cuts in the Commission's proposal whilst ensuring appropriate funding for the priorities of the European Union, in particular economic recovery. 2010-08-17T13:23:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0542_euro_area_annual_inflation_up_to_171 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0542_euro_area_annual_inflation_up_to_171/When:11:04:02Z Euro area annual inflation was 1.7% in July 2010, up from 1.4% in June. A year earlier the rate was -0.6%. Monthly inflation was -0.3% in July 2010. 2010-08-16T11:04:02-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0541_q2_gdp_in_euro_area_and_eu27_up_1_and_17 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0541_q2_gdp_in_euro_area_and_eu27_up_1_and_17/When:11:16:00Z GDP increased by 1% in both the euro area (EA16) and the EU27 during the second quarter of 2010, compared with the previous quarter, according to flash estimates published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. 2010-08-13T11:16:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0540_industrial_production_down_by_01_in_euro_area http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0540_industrial_production_down_by_01_in_euro_area/When:10:52:00Z In June 2010 compared with May 2010, seasonally adjusted industrial production decreased by 0.1% in the euro area (EA16) and remained stable in the EU27. 2010-08-12T10:52:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0539_european_commission_give_funds_to_help_pakistans_people http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0539_european_commission_give_funds_to_help_pakistans_people/When:15:12:00Z European Commission adopt a €10m decision to assist those affected by the floods in Pakistan. 2010-08-11T15:12:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0538_eib_gives_loan_to_armenia_for_metro_upgrade http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0538_eib_gives_loan_to_armenia_for_metro_upgrade/When:11:03:01Z The EIB has agreed a loan of €5m to go towards the costs of upgrading the metro in Yerevan. 2010-08-10T11:03:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0537_sudan_appointed_a_british_eusr http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0537_sudan_appointed_a_british_eusr/When:15:28:00Z From September Sudan will have a British female as their European Union Special Representative. 2010-08-05T15:28:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0536_self_employed_workers_to_gain_maternity_and_pension_benefits http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0536_self_employed_workers_to_gain_maternity_and_pension_benefits/When:16:27:00Z New EU laws will mean that self-employed workers and their partners will be able to enjoy better social protection. 2010-08-04T16:27:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0535_unannounced_inspections_in_polyurethane_foam_sector http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0535_unannounced_inspections_in_polyurethane_foam_sector/When:14:16:01Z Unannounced inspections carried out at several premises suspected of violating European antitrust rules. 2010-08-03T14:16:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0534_deere_receives_220m_research_and_development_loan http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0534_deere_receives_220m_research_and_development_loan/When:13:37:00Z The European Investment Bank has agreed to support research and development at John Deere plants in Germany and France. 2010-08-02T13:37:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0533_150m_loan_to_enterprises_in_turkey http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0533_150m_loan_to_enterprises_in_turkey/When:11:29:01Z EIB signed two loans to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Turkey. 2010-07-30T11:29:01-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0532_ecb_reviews_risk_control_measures_in_its_collateral_framework http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0532_ecb_reviews_risk_control_measures_in_its_collateral_framework/When:10:07:00Z The European Central Bank has reviewed the risk control measures in the framework for assets eligible for use as collateral in the European market operations. 2010-07-29T10:07:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0531_eu_bank_lending_survey_released_today http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0531_eu_bank_lending_survey_released_today/When:11:57:00Z The results reported in the July 2010 bank lending survey relate to changes during the second quarter of 2010 and expectations of changes in the third quarter. 2010-07-28T11:57:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0530_eu_opens_accession_negotiations_with_iceland http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0530_eu_opens_accession_negotiations_with_iceland/When:14:13:00Z The first intergovernmental conference on the accession of Iceland to the European Union was held in Brussels on 27 July 2010, formally opening accession negotiations with this country. 2010-07-27T14:13:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0529_eu27_population_501_million_in_2010 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0529_eu27_population_501_million_in_2010/When:09:34:00Z On 1 January 2010, the population of the EU27 was estimated at 501.1 million, compared with 499.7 million on 1 January 2009. 2010-07-27T09:34:00-06:00 http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0528_council_establishes_european_external_action_service http://www.eucommerz.com/a/0528_council_establishes_european_external_action_service/When:15:16:00Z The Council adopted a decision on 26 July establishing the European External Action Service (EEAS) and setting out its organisation and functioning. 2010-07-26T15:16:00-06:00