European Commission

The European Parliament continues to express it opposition to the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) as six political groups join together to press the Commission to adjust its stance.
“No one from the Parliament will vote for this if no access to documents is given”, Green MEP Carl Schlyter, referring to one of the key sticking points, told EU Reporter before the issue was debated in plenary.

A seemingly innocuous report on the transportation of domestic animals due to be taken to trialogue discussions in Brussels this week (Tuesday) could set a precedent for future legislative procedures to be determined jointly by the European Parliament and Council.
The report, on the “animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals” has so-far been debated in the Parliament’s Environment Committee without much contentious debate.

Over one year since it was launched, the European Transparency Initiative (the EU's register of interests) continues to face problems over its ability to deal coherently with law firms and think tanks.

 

As EU heads of state prepare to gather in Brussels this week and contemplate the Union's new structures post-Lisbon, the question of who exactly will take up the new position of President of the Council continues to be the source of much speculation.

Most of that speculation has thus far centred on former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a man seemingly with as many enemies as friends, and who has been the front runner for quite some time.

Following the reappointment of Jose Manuel Barroso as European Commission President this week, speculation continues as to who will be appointed to the new college, with particular attention being placed on the much favoured Vice President role with joint responsibility for foreign affairs within the Council.

Jose Manuel Barroso looks certain to be returned as Commission President this week, despite opposition from certain MEPs who want to force him "through hoops" and damage his political credibility.