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European Commission Spokesman's Briefing for 08-01-21Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: EUROPA, the European Commission Server at <http://europa.eu.int>CONTENTS / CONTENU
MIDDAY EXPRESSNews from the Communication Directorate General's midday briefingNouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Direction Générale Communicationb21/01/08[01] Statement of Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs in response to the biofuels report of the House of CommonsEnergy Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, responding to the report of the House of Commons which calls for a moratorium on biofuels, said: "The Commission strongly disagrees with the conclusion of the Environmental Audit Committee of the British House of Commons report, where it says that the overall environmental effect of existing biofuel policy is negative. On the contrary, it is delivering significant greenhouse gas reductions, compared with its alternative, oil.[02] A week to change tomorrow: European Commission launches Sustainable Energy WeekOn 28 January the European Commission will launch the second EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW 2008). It is the world's largest open forum on sustainable energy bringing together stakeholders on a local, regional, national and European level to debate strategies for a more sustainable future in terms of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, clean transport and alternative fuels. From 28 January to 1 February 80 events in eight countries are organised by more than 100 key industry and social players.[03] "SEPA GOES LIVE" - Official Launch of the Single Euro Payments AreaTo mark the official launch of the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area), Mr Charlie McCreevy (Internal Market and Services Commissioner, European Commission), Ms Gertrude Tumpel-Gugerell (Member of the Executive Board, European Central Bank) and Mr Gerard Hartsink (Chairman, European Payments Council) are organising a high-level SEPA launch event, entitled "SEPA GOES LIVE", with distinguished guests from the EU payments market. The event will be held at the Charlemagne Building, in Brussels, on 28 January 2008, starting at 6.00 p.m.[04] Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner on the cutting of fuel supplies to Gaza"I condemn the rocket fire into Israel and we fully understand Israel’s need to defend its citizens. I have called for an immediate ceasefire. However, the recent decision to close all border crossings into Gaza as well as to stop the provision of fuel will exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and risks escalating an already difficult situation on the ground. Following the closure, the only Power Plant in Gaza has completely shut down. Cutting the supply of fuel jeopardises the electricity production and the supply of clean water. Over the weekend we have already seen blackouts in parts of Gaza, affecting both homes and hospitals. Closing the crossings will also result in shortages of food, medical and relief items. I have made clear that I am against this collective punishment of the people of Gaza. I urge the Israeli authorities to restart fuel supplies and open the crossings for the passage of humanitarian and commercial supplies. Neither the blockade nor the recent military strikes are able to prevent the rocket attacks. Only a credible political agreement this year, as foreseen at Annapolis, can turn Palestinians away from violence. That is why we must support Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas in their current efforts."[05] Promoting innovation in Europe through clusters, Stockholm, 22-23 January 2008The role of clusters for innovation and competitiveness is the subject of the conference "European Presidential Conference on Innovation and Clusters" in Stockholm on 22-23 January. Clusters can be powerful drivers of innovation and engines of regional economic development. They enable companies to collaborate with and learn from research institutions, suppliers, customers and competitors. Best practice examples of cluster initiatives implemented in different countries will be discussed at the event organised under the helm of the Slovenian Presidency of the EU and hosted by the Swedish Government. The conference brings together over 300 participants including Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen, ministers and other high-level representatives from the Member States. The recently published European Cluster Memorandum and the report on Innovation Clusters in Europe have already provided an important input to this discussion. The conference is a major milestone for the preparation of the forthcoming Commission Communication on Clusters that will address the question of how to foster stronger clusters in Europe and to better promote cluster cooperation and innovation excellence.Autre matériel diffusé • Memo on Preparation of Eurogroup and Economic and Finance Ministers Council, Brussels, 21 and 22 January 2008 • Speech by President Barroso " A day For Celebration and Congratulation" • Discours de la Commissaire Ferrero-Waldner sur l'Ouverture du Séminaire sur le statut avancé pour le Maroc dans le Cadre de la Politique européenne de voisinage A disposition au secrétariat de Jonathan Todd (BERL 03/315): Notification préalable d'une opération de concentration : KKR / Northgate Information Solutions
From EUROPA, the European Commission Server at http://europa.eu.int/ Midday Express: News from the EU Commission Spokesman's Briefings Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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