EU launches ‘Generation Awake’
On 17 October 2011 the European Commission launched “Generation Awake. Your choices make a world of difference!”, a campaign designed to encourage consumers to make resource efficient purchasing choices.
Category: Article
The EU sets conditions for ratification of new phase of Kyoto
At the latest meeting of the EU environment council on 10 October 2011 the environment ministers of the EU have decided that, while the the European Union remains open to the new phase of the Kyoto climate change pact, it will do so under very clear conditions, namely if the biggest emitters of greenhouse gas
Proposed unified European sales law to boost trade, including eCommerce
The European Commission has proposed an optional Common European Sales Law that is to transcend barriers to cross-border trade in the EU. The law now needs to be approved by EU Member States and the European Parliament.
EU music copyright extended to 70 years after recording
In September the copyright protection for performers and sound recordings in the EU was extended from 50 to 70 years.
Five solutions to smartphone security risks identified by the EU cyber security agency
ENISA, the European Network and Information Security Agency tackling cyber security issues in the European Union, has published a report on smartphone app-store security.
European Court of Justice defines trademark abuse in use of keywords identical to protected trademarks
The European Court of Justice has set legal precedent by clarifying the scope of trademark protection in the EU. On 22 September the Court ruled in the case of Marks and Spencer vs. Interflora and issued a judgement that severely affects competitors who try to take advantage of a protected trademark by misusing internet referencing
Cars to be able to dial emergency services in case of serious accidents by 2015
An emergency call system for road accidents is to be part of all new models of cars and light vehicles in the EU from 2015 onwards. The eCall system will automatically dial the single European emergency number 112 in the event of a serious accident, communicating the vehicle’s location to first respondents even when participants
EU-wide online gambling legislation being considered
European policymakers and operators are considering introducing legislation in 2012 that would govern the online gambling market in the European Union.
Online shopping in the EU increases despite legal barriers
The European Parliament’s Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection has published a study on consumer behaviour in a digital environment that analyses consumer behaviour and the interaction between consumers and businesses online, examining how consumers benefit from the digital environment and whether and how they change their purchasing behaviour.
Brussels asks for clarifications on AVMS Directive implementation
In September the European Commission sent letters to eight EU Member States, Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxemburg, asking for information about their implementation of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMS). The countries are to reply to the Commission in 10 weeks.
