Brussels, 15/11/2011

Brussels, 15/11/2011 ETUC had expressed grave concern about the possible discontinuation of the food aid programme for the most deprived, given the particularly difficult economic and social situation. The ETUC General Secretary had at the time sent a letter to the presidents of the European Commission and the Council of the European Union to ask that one of the few programmes that symbolises European solidarity be maintained.

Brussels, 15/11/2011 Following a decision in the United States to open such an investigation, the ETUC urges Karel De Gucht and Catherine Ashton, to take action that will lead the Georgian authorities to understand that concrete progress on labour rights is now essential if they are to hope to develop their relations with the European Union. The ETUC also calls on the High representative to raise the issue during her visit to the country this week. - ETUC letter

Brussels, 15/11/2011 The aim of the negotiations will be to conclude an agreement, to be implemented by Council decision in accordance with Article 155 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The first negotiation meeting is scheduled for 8 December 2011. Should the European social partners be able to conclude these negotiations within the nine month period foreseen by the Treaty, they would inform the Commission of the results achieved at the beginning of September 2012.

15/11/2011

Brussels, 14/11/2011

Brussels, 03/11/2011 “The cut today can only be a start to further monetary easing. It does not entirely offset the wrong decisions which were taken in the Spring, and which we criticized” Ms Ségol continued, pointing to the time-lag of monetary policy filtering through to investment demand. “Uncertainty about growth and employment prospects has to be tackled as THE priority. Europe must not fall into a double-dip recession".

Paris, 02/11/2011 Mr President, We hope that Europe will assert itself fully in the G20. However, synchronised austerity is not a good example to set the world. I am in constant contact with the Greek unions; they have asked me to reiterate that the regime being imposed upon Greece has led to recession and chaos.We have to learn the lessons from this. There is a price to be paid for a programme such as that being imposed on Greece.

Brussels, 31/10/2011

Brussels, 28/10/2011 If unchanged this text would represent a major step away from the commitments the EU is making internationally, calling into question its credibility with negotiating partners.

Brussels, 27/10/2011

Brussels, 26/10/2011