http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/newsarchive.php Recent News Stories from Alan Butt Philip en-GB Alan Butt Philip http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/ Prater Raines Ltd http://www.praterraines.co.uk/ (c) 2010 Alan Butt Philip 2010-03-10T18:07+00:00 United Kingdom http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000026/alde_calls_for_end_to_procrastination_on_lisbon_treaty.html The Czech Senate finally ratified the Lisbon Treaty today by the required 3/5ths majority, but it does not appear to have put an end to the filibustering that is causing a major headache for EU lawyers trying to shed light on the transition this autumn to a new European Commission and Parliament. 2009-05-06T17:36+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000025/telecoms_package_will_uphold_internet_users_rights.html Today the European Parliament adopted a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. This new regulation aims to enhance competition and fair access to new entrants. European Liberals and Democrats were concerned that internet users would be cut off from the internet without a ruling from a judge. 2009-05-06T17:11+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000024/ep_votes_to_adjust_capital_requirements_to_rebuild_trust_in_the_banking_sector.html The European Parliament adopted today its view on capital requirements in the European banking sector. As the voted text has been agreed with the Council in first reading, the new arrangements become effective from 31 December 2010. 2009-05-06T14:55+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000023/european_globalisation_adjustment_fund_a_strong_signal_for_an_active_social_policy.html The economic crisis which is hitting employment hard within the EU requires a strong European response adapted to the diverse situations within Member States and the varying employment conditions concerned. With this in mind the European Parliament during its plenary session in Strasbourg tomorrow will review the European globalisation adjustment fund. Despite warnings by the European Parliament the eligibility criteria, in place since the creation of the EGF in 2006, have proven too rigid whilst social policies multiply throughout Europe and unemployment continues to increase. 2009-05-05T15:13+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000022/european_action_against_swine_flu_is_insufficient.html During today's debate on the EU´s approach to protect its citizens against the swine flu, ALDE-spokesperson Jules Maaten expressed his deepest regret at the way the Council is dealing with this health threat. He is surprised that the EU Health ministers have not been able to agree on a European approach to tackle this imminent pandemic. 2009-05-04T19:15+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000007/european_parliament_votes_for_broader_ecodesign_rules_for_energy_related_products.html Today the European Parliament approved a broadening of the EU eco-design Directive to all energy related products. Products such as hairdryers, computers and fridges already had to fulfill Eco-design requirements. Now also goods which help reduce energy consumption, such as windows, construction products, insulation materials, detergents and water-using products are covered by this legislation. 2009-04-24T13:40+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000008/european_parliament_facilitates_money_transfers_and_electronic_payments.html The European Parliament has adopted today by large majority two legislative proposals whose provisions may facilitate the use of money for citizens in Europe when they want to transfer money cross-border or when they want to pay electronically. 2009-04-24T13:08+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000009/eu_fisheries_policy_needs_to_be_radically_decentralised.html The European Parliament adopted a report today by Elspeth Attwooll (LibDem, United Kingdom) which advocates a complete recast of the institutional governance of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), in particular by reinforcing the role of the Regional Advisory Councils (RACs) established in 2004. This report comes at a time when the European Commission has announced a wide consultation in order to reform "Blue Europe" in view of 2013. 2009-04-24T12:54+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000010/parliament_backs_rights_of_patients_to_healthcare_without_borders.html Today the European Parliament approved the first step toward a European patient area by adopting a report on cross-border health. People with rare diseases will be able to receive medical care throughout the EU. European Liberals are delighted that the attempt by the Greens and the GUE to block the report failed. The PSE abstained. 2009-04-23T14:35+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000011/european_lib_dems_push_for_smarter_transport.html Today in Strasbourg the European Parliament adopted a proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other transport modes. 2009-04-22T17:03+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000012/european_parliament_gives_its_final_vote_to_cut_roaming_prices.html The European Parliament today in Strasbourg voted in favour of the Commission's proposal to substantially cut the prices for texting and surfing the internet with your mobile phone while abroad. The plenary vote is the last step before the new roaming rules can enter into force on 1 July - just in time for the summer holidays. 2009-04-22T13:25+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000013/liberalized_energy_market_will_bring_benefits_to_citizens_across_europe.html The European Parliament today in Strasbourg adopted the Third energy Package which contains five texts related to electricity and gas markets and access to the network as well as the establishment of the Agency that will supervise market functioning. 2009-04-22T13:07+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000014/meps_launch_internet_freedom_campaign_on_facebook__human_rights_need_also_to_be_respected_online.html Nine Members of the European Parliament launched their campaign for global Internet freedom on Facebook today - http://apps.facebook.com/causes/269854?m=cc366e79. This Facebook campaign is against the censorship of the Internet in support of the protection of online freedom worldwide. The main aim is to raise awareness that around the world countries are tightening their control over the Internet. In July 2008 this group of MEPs representing the four major political Groups in the European Parliament and who are from nine different EU member states have come up with a package of proposals for European Internet freedom legislation: the Global Online Freedom Act (EU GOFA), based on a similar proposal launched in the US House of Representatives in 2006. 2009-04-16T17:12+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000015/liberals_and_democrats_urge_barroso_to_take_action_against_un_initiative.html On March 27th, the Human Rights Council of the United Nations adopted Resolution 10/22 on "Combating Defamation of Religions". The resolution expresses concern over growing intolerance and xenophobia, in particular islamophobia and calls on governments to criminalize religious blasphemy. 2009-04-15T17:06+01:00 http://alanbuttphilip.org.uk/news/000016/watson_human_rights_must_remain_an_ep_priority.html A roundtable on human rights issues initiated by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) Leader Graham Watson MEP took place in the European Parliament today. Attended by representatives of NGOs active in that field, the meeting underlined the determination of European Liberals and Democrats to keep human rights atop the EP agenda during the next parliamentary mandate. 2009-04-14T15:54+01:00