S&Ds president Udo Bullmann: We will not allow our values to be undermined by people like Trump and Putin

July 17, 2018, 12:15 am

≪ Previous: Sales of replacement tyres for ETRMA Members: stable for first half of 2018

Global Europe

"The US and the Russian President have a lot in common: they both try to sell a meeting without concrete results as a success, and they have both become a risk to Europe – Trump with his unpredictability as much as Putin. Both Trump and Putin are attempting to undermine Western democracies. Europe has to stand up against this!

"Before Trump, the US were a reliable partner for Europe, today we are called an enemy by Trump on Twitter without any reason. To call this a change of political strategy would be overrated, this is mere nonsense, and dangerous nonsense at that.

"We will not allow our values of democracy and freedom to be undermined by people like Trump and Putin. Given the current situation, Europe has to stand even closer together. It is up to Europe now!"

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

16 Jul 2018

↧

American Embassy

July 17, 2018, 2:54 am

≫ Next: More transparency in EU negotiations with third countries - S&Ds welcome the publication of EU mandate for the post-Cotonou Agreement

≪ Previous: S&Ds president Udo Bullmann: We will not allow our values to be undermined by people like Trump and Putin

↧

More transparency in EU negotiations with third countries - S&Ds welcome the publication of EU mandate for the post-Cotonou Agreement

July 17, 2018, 5:19 am

≫ Next: EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, an important step forward

≪ Previous: American Embassy

Global Europe

The S&D Group welcomes the publication yesterday by the Council of the recently adopted negotiating directives for the future partnership agreement between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP). The new EU-ACP agreement is to replace the current Cotonou Agreement that will expire in 2020.

S&D spokesperson for the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, Maria Arena MEP, said:

"The S&D Group has long called for increased transparency in EU negotiations with third countries, including the publication of the EU mandates, so we welcome this step by the Council. We expect this to now be the norm with EU negotiating directives.

"MEPs recently adopted our priorities for the post-Cotonou agreement and we particularly emphasised the importance of maintaining the ACP-EU framework. Both the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific countries have recognised the strength of this unique partnership in having a joint forum through which to address our common challenges. We are glad to see that the Parliament, Commission and Council share this objective along with our ACP partners.

"We will closely monitor the negotiations to ensure the final agreement contains a strong parliamentary dimension, enhanced monitoring and accountability on human rights, and a strengthened role for civil society. It is essential that the new agreement ensures increased cohesion at regional level, within the ACP Group of States and through its partnership with the EU."

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

17 Jul 2018

↧

EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, an important step forward

July 17, 2018, 5:21 am

≫ Next: Signal für Offenheit: EU und Japan ratifizieren bilaterales Freihandelsabkommen

≪ Previous: More transparency in EU negotiations with third countries - S&Ds welcome the publication of EU mandate for the post-Cotonou Agreement

Euro & Finance

Global Europe

Leading S&D MEPs today welcomed the signing of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and will now examine the final text in detail. The S&D Group fights for a progressive trade agenda focused on sustainable growth and jobs that benefits citizens and workers.

Pedro Silva Pereira MEP, S&D Group rapporteur for the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement said:

“Today’s signature is an important step forward. It is now up to the European Parliament, which has been closely involved in the monitoring of these negotiations, to analyse the final text and to listen to all the stakeholders before having the final say.

“In challenging times for the global trading system, the Socialists and Democrats want the EU to shape trade relations based on the rule of law and sustainable development, not the law of the jungle. That is why we fought for a strong sustainable development chapter that includes a specific review clause for the future improvement of the enforcement mechanisms of this chapter. We also welcome the fact that the agreement entails a binding commitment for Japan to ratify the two remaining International Labour Organization (ILO) core Conventions. We now expect Japan to show clear and concrete progress towards the ratification of these Conventions, as Canada has done following the agreement on CETA.

“A good trade agreement is one that delivers on sustainable growth, jobs and that brings benefits for citizens and companies. We will continue to do our part to ensure that this is the case.”

Alessia Mosca MEP, S&D Group spokesperson for trade said:

“In the stormy waters of global trade, the EU once again is trying to forge a strategic alliance with a likeminded partner. With the conclusion of economic partnerships with Singapore, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Vietnam, Europe is quickly filling the vacuum left by the US. Our value based trade policy has never been so attractive. The EU, by taking advantage of the momentum, is strengthening its role as the leading standard setter worldwide.”

"The European Parliament has carefully scrutinized the deal during the negotiations and we will now assess the final text in even more detail. The time to deliver on the commitments made by Japan on sustainable development has come. The EU and Japan now have the chance to show the world that trade is not only about economics. European trade agreements must deliver on sustainability and harness globalisation.”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

17 Jul 2018

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Signal für Offenheit: EU und Japan ratifizieren bilaterales Freihandelsabkommen

July 17, 2018, 5:24 am

≫ Next: ACCA sees highest level of member and student satisfaction in a year of ground-breaking change

≪ Previous: EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, an important step forward

Euro & Finance

Global Europe

Signal für Offenheit: EU und Japan ratifizieren bilaterales Freihandelsabkommen

Frankfurt, 17. Juli 2018 – Die deutschen Maschinenbauer begrüßen die Ratifizierung des bilateralen Freihandelsabkommens der Europäischen Union mit Japan. „Dieser Erfolg ist ein deutliches Zeichen dafür, dass der Freihandel lebt und dass die EU auch noch gleichgesinnte Partner in der Welt findet.
Die Annäherungen bei technischen Anforderungen im Marktzugang und die weitere Öffnung des öffentlichen Auftragswesens in Japan für ausländische Unternehmen begrüßen wir. Hier erhoffen wir uns als Maschinenbauindustrie insbesondere indirekte Impulse für unser zukünftiges Geschäft“, erläutert Ulrich Ackermann, Leiter VDMA Außenwirtschaft.

„Erstmalig wurde in ein bilaterales Freihandelsabkommen der EU ein Kapitel zu klein- und mittelständischen Unternehmen aufgenommen, um deren Chancen auf dem japanischen Markt zu erhöhen. Ein wichtiges Zeichen, spiegelt es doch die Struktur der europäischen Investitionsgüterindustrie wider, erklärt Ackermann anlässlich der EU-Japan Gespräche in Tokyo. „Traditionell weist unsere Industrie ein Handelsdefizit mit Japan auf. Wir sind jedoch nach diesem Abschluss optimistisch, die derzeit bestehende Lücke schließen zu können“, führt Ackermann weiter aus.

Zum Hintergrund: Japan ist ein wichtiger Exportmarkt in Asien, der sich zurzeit erfreulich entwickelt. Nach einem positiven Jahr 2016 lieferte die deutsche Maschinenbauindustrie 2017 Güter im Wert von 2,6 Mrd. Euro nach Japan. Dies entsprach einer Steigerung um 12 Prozent im Vergleich zum Vorjahr. Dieser Trend hält weiter an. Im ersten Quartal stiegen die Exporte nach Japan im Vergleich zum Vorjahr erneut um 12 Prozent auf insgesamt 710 Mio. Euro.

Wenn Sie unsere Presseinformationen nicht mehr erhalten wollen, klicken Sie bitte hier.

Der VDMA vertritt mehr als 3.200 Mitgliedsunternehmen des mittelständisch geprägten Maschinen- und Anlagenbaus. Mit 1,35 Millionen Erwerbstätigen im Inland und einem Umsatz von 226 Milliarden Euro (2017) ist die Branche größter industrieller Arbeitgeber und einer der führenden deutschen Industriezweige insgesamt.

17 Jul 2018

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ACCA sees highest level of member and student satisfaction in a year of ground-breaking change

July 18, 2018, 2:31 am

≫ Next: S&D MEPs meet UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss how to better promote Sustainable Development Goals

≪ Previous: Signal für Offenheit: EU und Japan ratifizieren bilaterales Freihandelsabkommen

Education

Award-winning[i] professional body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has seen a record level of satisfaction from its members and students. Overall 80.7 percent of ACCA members and students were satisfied or very satisfied with their professional body in the 2017-18 strategic year, an uplift of 3.8 percentage points. Employer satisfaction was up by 5.3 percentage points to a staggering 91 percent, also the highest level ever recorded.

ACCA has continued to strengthen its presence on the global stage, growing the organisation to more than 208,000 members and over 503,000 students worldwide and spanning across 179 countries.

Helen Brand OBE, ACCA’s chief executive, says: ‘2017-18 was a pioneering year for ACCA. Not only did we achieve a milestone with our membership numbers, but we were able to celebrate this achievement by creating a transportable wall of member names – featuring every one of ACCA’s 200,000 membership community. To date, the wall has visited a number of our markets around the world, including Ethiopia, Pakistan, Singapore, China, and Malaysia - leading all the way to the grand finale in Sydney, Australia for the World Congress of Accountants event in November 2018, where ACCA is officially a gold sponsor.

‘This all comes at a time when ACCA’s Qualification has undergone trailblazing change, which includes the introduction of a new type of computer-based exams for our Fundamentals papers and the successful launch of the innovative Ethics and Professional Skills Module, which has been well-received by students and employers. And as a result, I’m pleased to say we have achieved record-breaking levels of satisfaction.

‘As we look ahead to 2018-19 and beyond, I look forward to keeping up our momentum by engaging with ACCA’s global network, analysing trends most likely to shape our future and indeed developing the accountancy profession the world needs.’

ACCA’s seventh integrated report will be available on 1 August 2018, where more details can be found of its performance in 2017-18.

- ends –

For media enquiries, contact:

Chanel Townsend

E: chanel.townsend@accaglobal.com

T: +44 (0)20 7059 5622

M: +44 (0)7834173867

Twitter @ACCANews

About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants, offering business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

ACCA supports its 208,000 members and 503,000 students in 179 countries, helping them to develop successful careers in accounting and business, with the skills required by employers. ACCA works through a network of 104 offices and centres and more than 7,300 Approved Employers worldwide, who provide high standards of employee learning and development. Through its public interest remit, ACCA promotes appropriate regulation of accounting and conducts relevant research to ensure accountancy continues to grow in reputation and influence.

ACCA is currently introducing major innovations to its flagship qualification to ensure its members and future members continue to be the most valued, up to date and sought-after accountancy professionals globally.

Founded in 1904, ACCA has consistently held unique core values: opportunity, diversity, innovation, integrity and accountability. More information is here: www.accaglobal.com

18 Jul 2018

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S&D MEPs meet UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss how to better promote Sustainable Development Goals

July 18, 2018, 2:44 am

≫ Next: Udo Bullmann: Google must play by the EU rules when in the EU market. No company is above EU law

≪ Previous: ACCA sees highest level of member and student satisfaction in a year of ground-breaking change

Sustainable Dev.

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament are deeply committed to promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both in the EU and around the world. This is why three S&D MEPs - Linda McAvan, Seb Dance and Arne Lietz - are in New York this week as part of a European Parliament delegation to the UN High Level Political Forum on the implementation of the SDGs.

Yesterday evening S&D MEPs met with the United Nations Secretary General António Guterres. They stressed the importance of EU leadership in the implementation of the SDGs, the fight against climate change and the need reinforce coordinated action through multilateral organisations.

Linda McAvan, who chairs the development committee in the European Parliament, and is also in the parliamentary delegation to New York, said:

“It is an important time for multilateralism and the UN. With the challenges the world is facing today, now more than ever we need a stronger United Nations. We strongly support the Secretary General in the ongoing reform of the UN."

Seb Dance MEP said:

“The challenges the world faces are vast and cut across all aspects of our lives, whether we live in a richer or a poorer country. The good news is that we can solve them - as long as we continue to work together as an international community. There are those who would seek to destroy all this. They offer easy-sounding answers or simplistic analyses. But they won’t stop climate change or alleviate poverty. What will deliver to better our world is the hard work that needs to be done across civil society, government and businesses. The SDGs give us the framework we need to get that hard work to bear fruit.”

Arne Lietz MEP said:

“The Secretary General of the UN urged us to do everything possible in our capacity to deliver on the SDGs and to strengthen climate protection. I was able to give him an initiative report of the European Parliament on climate diplomacy which fulfills his request.”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

18 Jul 2018

↧

Udo Bullmann: Google must play by the EU rules when in the EU market. No company is above EU law

July 18, 2018, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Kosovo has done its homework - citizens deserve to freely travel to Europe

≪ Previous: S&D MEPs meet UN Secretary General António Guterres to discuss how to better promote Sustainable Development Goals

InfoSociety

S&Ds welcomed today the decision of the European Commission to impose a €4.3 billion penalty on Google for abusing its dominant position in the Android operating system for mobile phones.

Reacting to the announcement by the competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager, S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:

“Once again Google is making headlines with its illegal methods to maintain its dominance in the market for mobile and other devices. This is the eighth consecutive year of EU’s antitrust battle with Google and so far, there is no sign of change. Google continues to shamelessly disregard EU law and do business as usual to the detriment of its competitors and of European consumers. This is unacceptable.

“Google must understand that being the most important player comes with great responsibility. It must immediately end these illegal practices and offer proposed remedies to its anticompetitive behaviour without further delay.

“Competition Commissioner Vestager has shown today that no company, no matter how important, is above the law. We fully support her decision to fine Google for abusing Android dominance in the EU market.

“Tech giants and multinationals must know that they are welcome in Europe but they must play by the rules. It is certain that they bring innovation, jobs and more choices for European consumers. This however cannot become an excuse for infringing on EU antitrust law. In order for companies to benefit from the EU market, they must respect EU law and the responsibilities that come with it. Greater competition and more choices is not a one-way street.”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

18 Jul 2018

↧

Kosovo has done its homework - citizens deserve to freely travel to Europe

July 18, 2018, 8:01 am

≫ Next: Steel safeguard measures send a strong signal: Commission acts against distortive trade practices

≪ Previous: Udo Bullmann: Google must play by the EU rules when in the EU market. No company is above EU law

Global Europe

S&D Group welcomes today’s European Commission announcement that Kosovo has made sufficient progress with regards to the fight against corruption and organised crime, and should now be granted a visa-free regime with the European Union. This means that all the conditions of EU visa liberalisation are now fulfilled. Socialists and Democrats have always been at the forefront of the fight for visa-free travel for all of the Western Balkans, including Kosovo.

S&D MEP and European Parliament’s rapporteur for visa liberalisation for Kosovo, Tanja Fajon, said:

"I am very happy that the European Commission has finally confirmed that Kosovo has done its job. There must be no more obstacles for the Kosovar citizens to freely travel for shorts-stays in Schengen area. As a rapporteur I will put the report on visa liberalisation with Kosovo to vote in the European parliament’s Civil liberties committee immediately after the summer break. I call on the member states to do their job too, and adopt the necessary regulation as soon as possible.

“Kosovars, just like other Western Balkans citizens, deserve to travel to Europe freely. This is important not only for political and economic cooperation between Kosovo and EU, but also for people to people contact in particular for the youth.

“Of course lifting visa requirements is not an easy process. Therefore, It's of crucial importance that Kosovo continues the implementation of the criteria on the ground. A final decision will be in the hands of the governments of the EU and we need to make sure that Kosovo is truly ready to abolish visas for its citizens. The S&Ds will be on your side!”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

18 Jul 2018

↧

Steel safeguard measures send a strong signal: Commission acts against distortive trade practices

July 18, 2018, 8:06 am

≫ Next: S&Ds protest against Nation State and Breaking the Silence Laws in Israel

≪ Previous: Kosovo has done its homework - citizens deserve to freely travel to Europe

Brussels, 18 July 2018 – After today’s announcement that the European Commission will impose safeguard measures on certain steel products, European Aluminium calls on the Commission to monitor import surges vigilantly and defend its industry against an influx of aluminium imports if proven necessary.

“The steel safeguard measures send a strong signal: The Commission is willing to take decisive action to preserve European industries against distortive and unfair trade practices. We trust the Commission to have the courage to implement commensurate safeguard measures to offset any negative impact if the surveillance data that is being collected since mid-May shows a threat of injury to the aluminium industry,” commented Gerd Götz, European Aluminium’s Director General.

The European aluminium industry faces the risk of being harmed by a redirection of aluminium from third countries that are targeted by the U.S. measures under Section 232. This redirection could see an additional 35% of semi-fabricated aluminium products entering Europe, which could create unfair competition for European producers who are already under immense pressure due to growing Chinese overcapacity in both primary and semi-fabricated aluminium.

The industry association has been very vocal about the need to address Chinese overcapacity, which is the root cause of global market imbalances. The total Chinese overcapacity is currently around 10 million tonnes, which is almost 5 times the total EU production of primary aluminium. During the first quarter of this year, Chinese imports to the EU of flat-rolled products increased by 37% compared to the same period last year. Similarly, there was an increase of 22% for extruded products imports during the first quarter. Depending on the product, Chinese import shares in extruded products vary from 31% to 75% of all imports into EU. While the global problem of Chinese overcapacity should be addressed at G20 level through the creation of a Global Multilateral and Governmental Forum on Aluminium Overcapacity, safeguard measures might be necessary to rebalance the EU market in the short-term.

“We are expecting an increasing demand for our metal in several strategic application areas including low carbon mobility, resource-efficient packaging and energy efficient buildings but European producers are not able to fully benefit from this positive trend due to Chinese overcapacities. If we do not defend ourselves against unfair competition, Europe risks losing a strategic industry vital to its transition to a low carbon economy. Our strongly interlinked value chains could start to disintegrate, and research and innovation may take place elsewhere. Business is promising for our industry and its customers so Europe must be prepared to act with adequate trade defence measures as soon as necessary,” concluded Götz.

About European Aluminium

European Aluminium, founded in 1981 and based in Brussels, is the voice of the aluminium industry in Europe. We actively engage with decision makers and the wider stakeholder community to promote the outstanding properties of aluminium, secure growth and optimise the contribution our metal can make to meeting Europe’s sustainability challenges. Through environmental and technical expertise, economic and statistical analysis, scientific research, education and sharing of best practices, public affairs and communication activities, European Aluminium promotes the use of aluminium as a material with permanent properties that is part of the solution to achieving sustainable goals, while maintaining and improving the image of the industry, of the material and of its applications among their stakeholders. Our 80+ members include primary aluminium producers; downstream manufacturers of extruded, rolled and cast aluminium; producers of recycled aluminium and national aluminium associations are representing more than 600 plants in 30 European countries. Aluminium products are used in a wide range of

markets, including automotive, transport, high-tech engineering, building, construction and packaging.

For further information, please contact: communications@european-aluminium.eu, +32 2 775 63 63

18 JULY 2018_PR_ European Aluminium_Response to Steel Safeguards.pdf

Press release on european-aluminium.eu

18 Jul 2018

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S&Ds protest against Nation State and Breaking the Silence Laws in Israel

July 19, 2018, 3:04 am

≫ Next: Enjoying Water Leisure Safely – Standards and the EU Recreational Craft Directive

≪ Previous: Steel safeguard measures send a strong signal: Commission acts against distortive trade practices

Global Europe

Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament protest against the controversial Nation State Law adopted by Knesset today, declaring Israel the nation state of the Jewish people with Hebrew as its only official language.

They also restate their support for the NGO Breaking the Silence, through which former Israeli soldiers share their experience in the occupied Palestinian territories. Earlier this week, the Knesset also passed a law authorising the Minister of Education to prevent "external elements acting against the goals of education and against the Israel Defence Forces."

S&D vice-president for foreign policy and human rights, Elena Valenciano MEP, said:

"The Israeli government and the right-wing majority in Knesset may think that decisions they make these days will go unnoticed by the international community due to the summer break. They will not. These new laws represent another serious attack against democratic values and fundamental freedoms in the country.

“The Nation State Law not only downgrades the status of Palestinian Arab citizens and of Arabic language in Israel, but also encourages segregation through the promotion of Jewish settlement as a national value.

“Preventing human rights defenders from meeting children in schools and declaring them the enemy of the state is unacceptable. Breaking the Silence is and will remain a close partner to the S&D Group. We continue to support the important work they do towards achieving peace.

“We side with Zionist Union, Meretz and Joint List Members of Knesset who voted against these laws.

“All this happens against the backdrop of demolition and transfer orders imposed on Khan al-Ahmar and other Bedouin villages in the Negev and in Area C in the occupied West Bank; and the ongoing violence around the Gaza Strip, where rockets and killings must stop, ceasefire must be respected, and another war must be prevented.

“The international community, including the European Union, has to say it loud and clear: Israel is not above international law and standards. Acts and decisions must have consequences. It is in this spirit that I reiterate our call for a genuine assessment by the European Union whether Article 2 of our Association Agreement with Israel is still fulfilled."

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

19 Jul 2018

↧

Enjoying Water Leisure Safely – Standards and the EU Recreational Craft Directive

July 19, 2018, 6:11 am

≫ Next: CEEP addresses Digital Labour Market at the informal EPSCO

≪ Previous: S&Ds protest against Nation State and Breaking the Silence Laws in Israel

Global Europe

European standardization and the EU Single Market campaign

In the middle of this sunny summer, many of us will head to the seaside and enjoy a recreational craft, such as a boat cruise, windsurf racing, hiking with a dinghy or paddling a kayak.

About 48 million EU citizens participate regularly in water sports, out of which 36 million participate regularly in boating activities. The safety of this equipment is monitored and improved upon with the help of the ‘Recreational Craft Directive’s’ harmonized standards. For this, we would like to thank and congratulate European and international standardizers in the recreational sector, who contribute to making citizens’ lives safer every day in the European Union!

The recreational craft sector industry in Europe represents a market estimated at €34 billion in manufacturing turnover employing 1,000,000 people with some 100,000 companies (primarily small to medium-sized businesses - (SMEs)). With the 25 million recreational boats in operation and 25,000 marinas, the sector provides indirect economic contributions from a highly varied supply chain and an array of services related to recreational boating. After facing a difficult time due to the 2008 financial crisis, the sector is slowly recovering.

The work of our Technical Committees directly supports European Union (EU) legislation, particularly the 2013/53/EU Recreational Craft Directive.

Customers can count on European standardization to make sure that Standards integrate the views of all stakeholders such as SMEs, but also consumers and societal organizations.

Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General of ICOMIA (the International Council of Marine Industry Associations), highlights the importance of standardization in support of European legislation for the recreational craft industry: “we cannot only encourage legislation to follow the goal of having Harmonized Standards, we also have to produce a reference: that reference exist in the form of ISO or European Standards.”

Watch Udo Kleinitz interview on the contribution of standardization to the EU Single Market.

Discover the various areas where standardization is active in the recreational craft sector:

Follow us throughout the year with the hashtag #SingleMarket. Let us know your examples of how European Standards contributed to the prosperity of the EU economy or how they impact your life for the better. Tell us your stories through the hashtag #TellEUstandards.

Press release on cencenelec.eu

19 Jul 2018

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CEEP addresses Digital Labour Market at the informal EPSCO

July 19, 2018, 6:36 am

≫ Next: Zero tolerance for Orbán’s asylum policies

≪ Previous: Enjoying Water Leisure Safely – Standards and the EU Recreational Craft Directive

Social Europe & Jobs

At the informal ESPCO in Vienna, Walter Marschitz, CEO of SWOE (Sozialwirtschaft Österreich) representing VÖEWG (Verband der öffentlichen Wirtschaft und Gemeinwirtschaft Österreichs), and Valeria Ronzitti, General Secretary of CEEP, addressed the challenges and opportunities of digitalized labour markets.

Identifying pressing challenges, CEEP highlighted:
On the digitalisation of public services: “Public services’ employers are also affected by new forms of work. Employee sharing, ICT-based mobile and voucher-based works are already employment forms in public services, whilst platform work and gig jobs are emerging.”

On the new forms of employer-employee relationships: “Questions on the status of workers and social protection are arising. We face today new determinants of subordination such as imposed rating systems, price setting competence or control mechanism. These elements should be used to establish the exact status of a platform worker.”

On the importance of subsidiarity: “Each Member State must define the employment relationship according to their specific legal contexts and to the different branches of law.
Leaving the definitions for the EU-level would hamper the necessary flexibility to adapt to future developments of the labour market. It is for the social partners, in cooperation with Member States authorities, to foster this adaptation of national law to new circumstances.”

Focussing on solutions, CEEP presented to ministers some key elements to better define the employment relationship in a digitalised world:

Extending employee status to all platform workers and bogus self-employed;
Approximating the status of platforms to that of temporary work agencies;
Automatically extending collective agreements to wider categories of workers than “employee”, with a view to including platform workers;
Creating protective regulations on self-employment to protect workers.

Above all, social dialogue must remain the central element. Social partners’ activities on cross-sectoral and sectoral level need to be further promoted. Social partners are key in preparing the digital transformation of labour markets and should be further empowered at European, national, regional and local levels.

For further information, please contact:
Maxime STAELENS, Communication Officer
Email: maxime.staelens@ceep.eu
Tel.: + 32(0) 2 229 21 40
Website: www.ceep.eu

To subscribe to our newsletter, please follow this link.

CEEP, European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public Services and SGI, is one of the three general cross-sectoral European Social Partners. It gathers public and private providers of services of general interest from across Europe. CEEP members contribute to more than 26% of EU GDP and employ 30% of the EU workforce.

More information

19 Jul 2018

↧

Zero tolerance for Orbán’s asylum policies

July 19, 2018, 7:44 am

≫ Next: Silicon Valley is embracing EU's leadership in data protection and privacy, say S&D MEPs

≪ Previous: CEEP addresses Digital Labour Market at the informal EPSCO

Global Europe

Socialists and Democrats welcome today’s decision taken by the European Commission to launch an infringement procedure against Hungary concerning its “Stop Soros” package of laws. The legislation that the Hungarian parliament adopted in June is designed to crack down on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) by criminalising them for providing help to illegal immigrants.

We also welcome the European Commission’s decision to refer Hungary to the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) for non-compliance of its asylum and return legislation with EU law.

S&D Group president Udo Bullmann said:

“It is just unbelievable that in the heart of the European Union we have a country where people can go to jail for offering help to migrants. The purpose of this law is to intimidate workers of NGOs who do a great job, providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable people seeking asylum. This is not only against EU asylum rules but also against everything that we recognise as the rule of law, basic human rights and European values. The EPP, pretending to be a pro-European group and claiming to refer to Christian values, should decide whether a politician like Orbán is still tolerable for them.

“I also applaud the second decision taken today by the European Commission regarding Hungary. By referring the country to the EU Court of Justice for breaching EU asylum laws, the Commission confirmed that Budapest holds migrants too long in transit centres and fails to give them proper access to asylum procedures. This is the second time, after Hungary was taken to the Court of Justice for not following the European Council decision requiring member states to implement emergency relocation quotas in September 2015. Such practices or laws like the ‘Stop Soros’ package should have no place in Europe. We have to do everything we can to defend Europe as a free, democratic and open society. In Hungary, Poland and everywhere this is needed. If we do not react, we will allow the illiberal drift to continue.

“Victor Orbán has been eroding the foundations of democracy in his country for seven years, and attacking the fundamental freedoms of Hungarian citizens. That is why the S&Ds voted in favour of the report calling for the activation of the Article 7 procedure. It is not against Hungary or Hungarians but against the Hungarian government. We have to make sure that the rights of Hungarians to live in a free, open and democratic society are protected.

Note to editors: The Parliament's civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee adopted in June a report on the situation in Hungary that calls for launching the EU's Article 7 procedure against the Hungarian government for consistent and systematic attacks on the rule of law. This could lead to the eventual suspension of voting rights in the Council and the European Council. The entire Parliament will vote on this report in September’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

19 Jul 2018

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Silicon Valley is embracing EU's leadership in data protection and privacy, say S&D MEPs

July 20, 2018, 6:27 am

≫ Next: Strong transatlantic dialogue with progressive forces is more important than ever

≪ Previous: Zero tolerance for Orbán’s asylum policies

Health & Consumers

InfoSociety

A delegation of S&D MEPs travelled to the United States this week to meet leading digital and hi-tech players in Silicon Valley, and to discuss how best to meet the challenges and opportunities of the new digital environment.

MEPs Josef Weidenholzer, Maria Grapini, and Tiemo Wölken held open and critical discussions with Uber, Mozilla, Facebook, Google, Apple, and SAP, as well as with Wikipedia and the advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation. They addressed topics including fake news and hate speech; digital privacy and fundamental rights; artificial Intelligence in the context of controls, safeguards and regulation, and digital taxation.

MEPs Josef Weidenholzer, Maria Grapini, and Tiemo Wölken said:

“We welcome the digital companies' recognition of the key role of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It seems clear that Silicon Valley is embracing the EU's leadership on this essential topic for anyone who uses the internet. We will continue to push for the adoption of the new EU Regulation to protect citizens' e-privacy.

“We also explained why, in absence of an international solution under the OECD umbrella, the EU cannot wait any longer, and must push for European solutions to ensure fair digital taxation.

“Another important topic is the Copyright legislation in the digital world, which the Parliament is discussing and will vote on after the summer. We discussed with tech experts the pressing questions of fundamental rights due to intended upload filters, and touched on the issue of text and data mining, which is essential for EU's global leading role in the field of artificial intelligence.

“We shared our concerns about fundamental rights and digitalisation in Turkey and supported the endeavours of Wikipedia to secure unlimited access to their services in Turkey.

“We have also held meetings with Denmark's digital embassy and Austria's representation in Silicon Valley, where we underlined the urgent need for an EU presence in Silicon Valley under the umbrella of the European External Action Service.”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

20 Jul 2018

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Strong transatlantic dialogue with progressive forces is more important than ever

July 20, 2018, 6:28 am

≫ Next: CLEPA Newsletter Editorial July 2018 – Electrification is name of the game

≪ Previous: Silicon Valley is embracing EU's leadership in data protection and privacy, say S&D MEPs

Global Europe

A high-ranking S&D delegation just concluded its four-day visit to Washington DC. The delegation, composed of MEPs Victor Boștinaru, Tanja Fajon, Maria João Rodrigues, Jeppe Kofod, Knut Fleckenstein and Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero, met with members of the US Congress from both the Republican and Democratic parties, representatives of Washington think tanks, trade unions, businesses, academia and officials in the US Administration. The focus of their talks was international trade, defence and security, climate change and the political situation in the US and the EU.

Victor Boștinaru, S&D vice-president responsible for foreign affairs who chaired the declaration said:

“I trust that this week was a success, it gave a platform to politicians and stakeholders to frankly discuss the many current challenges and threats that concern citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. These are dire times for the Western democracies, and it is obvious that no state can face them alone. The reality is that we are heavily concerned about the latest trends in American politics, and that we share these concerns with many of our interlocutors here.

“At the same time and in spite of the disruptive positioning and actions of the US President, it is more important than ever to keep a strong transatlantic dialogue with the progressive forces in Congress and in American society, and to reaffirm our values and principles in support of democracy, multilateralism and free, fair and sustainable trade.

“We are committed to building a strong progressive agenda on issues of common concern, such as preserving and continuing to build a multilateral rule based system, reassert our common values in the face of populism, and illiberal and undemocratic forces inside and outside our countries. We are also committed to ensure the security and wellbeing of our citizens, but also strengthening our fight against climate change. We strongly support our progressive partners in the campaign for the November midterm elections.

“We remain convinced that transatlantic relations are key to both sides and should be preserved. The concrete follow up of our meeting is the decision to further strengthen our exchanges with our progressive partners and foster more people-to-people interaction. Finally, we have decided to hold a ‘transatlantic week’ in early 2019 with great participation from US progressive forces to avoid damage to this long-term important partnership.”

Press release on socialistsanddemocrats.eu

20 Jul 2018

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CLEPA Newsletter Editorial July 2018 – Electrification is name of the game

July 20, 2018, 6:33 am

≫ Next: CITA - International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

≪ Previous: Strong transatlantic dialogue with progressive forces is more important than ever

Transport

The proposed ambition level of the post-2020 CO2 emissions legislation for cars and vans will drive the rapid transformation of the automotive landscape both on the road – with a significant amount of electric and electrified vehicles to deliver daily mobility – as well as in the automotive industry, where alternative propulsion technologies will become a regular part of manufacturing practice.

Automotive suppliers are fully immersed in this deep transformation, as they manufacture everything from electric drivetrain to advanced combustion engine solutions, to hydrogen and other alternative fuels-based technologies. As long-standing innovation and solution providers, suppliers industrialise those technologies that help make transport safe, smart and sustainable.

So what does this mean in reality? It says that the supply industry focusses on results – emissions reduction – not on picking a winning technology. CLEPA is concerned, however, that the level of ambition demanded by some members of the European Parliament amounts to exactly the opposite.

Electrification is a popular pathway and for good reasons. But there are more solutions needed to achieve Europe’s obligations under the Paris agreement. In the 30% reduction scenario outlined by the European Commission, a substantial electrification of the vehicle fleet is already assumed: the impact assessment estimates a share of around 45% comprising mild hybrids, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. This assessment is, in fact, conservative. Industry estimates the figure to be at least at 60% and very possibly much higher than that, as technologies will increasingly be combined to meet emission targets as well as serve a broad variety of transport needs in a tailored way. In other words: higher reduction targets are not necessary to trigger a transformation which is unmistakably already underway.

Importantly, ‘electrification’ is the name of the game, not ‘electric’. In future mobility, electric and combustion will go hand-in-hand in many forms and variations. Different technologies serve different mobility needs and circumstances, often in one and the same car: a mild-hybrid can drive emission-free in the city supporting air quality targets, and drive CO2-efficient once outside the city border. This is where technology leadership and innovation come to play.

Different technologies are the trade mark of the European automotive supply industry. Its solutions are in demand and needed around the globe. Automotive suppliers are champions of innovation and transformation, both indispensable traits in a sustainable economy. The sector forms a key part of the European manufacturing base.

In sum, CLEPA supports realistically ambitious reduction targets and stresses the importance of a technology neutral approach to reduce emissions in the most efficient, most innovation-inclusive as well as least disruptive way. In that respect, CLEPA recognises the tough balancing act of the TRAN and ITRE committees voting last week on their respective opinions. Specifically, suppliers welcome the support for eco-innovations reflected in the position of the committee for Transport and Tourism as well as for the inclusion of synthetic fuels in the scope of the legislation, and a stronger recognition for hybrid technology in the so called ‘benchmark’.

The opinion of the committee for Transport and Tourism will be taken into consideration by the leading committee for Environment, Public Health and Food Safety in the preparation of its vote in September and subsequently the vote in the Plenary of the European Parliament (EP), which is scheduled for October. Once EP and Council have decided on their respective positions, inter-institutional negotiations to adopt the regulation will start. CLEPA will continue actively informing the debate.

Wishing you a nice Summer break,

Sigrid de Vries CLEPA, Secretary General

Note to the editor:

CLEPA represents over 3.000 companies supplying state-of-the-art components and innovative technology for safe, smart and sustainable mobility, investing over 20 billion euros yearly in research and development. Automotive suppliers in Europe employ nearly five million people across the continent.

For more information, please contact: Pilar Perez (p.perez@clepa.be)

2018-07-20-NWLEditorial-Electrification is the name of the game.pdf

Press release on clepa.eu

20 Jul 2018

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CITA - International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

July 20, 2018, 6:42 am

≫ Next: SureLight from UK, best JA Europe Company of the Year 2018

≪ Previous: CLEPA Newsletter Editorial July 2018 – Electrification is name of the game

http://citainsp.org/

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SureLight from UK, best JA Europe Company of the Year 2018

July 20, 2018, 7:19 am

≫ Next: European Industrial Hemp Association (EIHA)

≪ Previous: CITA - International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee

Innovation & Enterprise

After a year-long entrepreneurial experience, developing their own company from the idea to reality, over 200 students gathered in Belgrade (Serbia) to compete with their counterparts from across Europe. 39 student-teams took part in the European competition, as part of JA Europe’s flagship JA Company Programme, which gives them the opportunity to set up and run a real business, supported by teachers and business mentors.  Winners of the national competition in UK, team SureLight has been awarded JA Europe Company of the Year 2018 thanks to their outstanding accomplishments during the three phases of the competition: stage pitching, jury interviews and stand exhibition. This award celebrates the student company that demonstrates the best approach to communication, teamwork, problem-solving, objective-setting, personnel management, product development, customer focus, marketing and financial results.

SureLight impressed the jury, chaired by Zoran Petrović, Chairman of the Managing Board at Raiffeisen, with their company producing a smart brake light for bicycles. Team SureLight, as a group of cyclers, wanted to improve security by using car's brake light technology and making it available for bicycles. SureLight not only won the title of Company of the Year, they also won the "Citi Foundation Client Focus Award" and two teams members were recognized with the "JA Alumni Leadership Award" supported by AXA.

"We’ve learned so many lessons taking part in the JA Company (Young Enterprise) programme, running a student company alongside an intense school curriculum. I really hope it can inspire further generations, because there is no other way to learn to be an entrepreneur than just do it yourself," shared Ben Ray, Managing Director of SureLight.

“We are about to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the JA Company Programme. Because it is experiential, hands-on and involves business volunteers, it continues to inspire thousands of young people in more than 100 countries year after year. JA Company Programme alumni not only discover entrepreneurship, but they are more motivated for school and improve their performance in other subjects. This unique real-world programme has a deep impact on young people’s entrepreneurial competences, financial capability and work readiness; it prepares them well for a fast-changing future,” said Caroline Jenner, CEO of JA Europe.

Last school year, the JA Company Programme counted over 340 000 participating students across 40 countries in Europe. Through the process of learning to run a company from top to bottom, the JA Company Programme students create and market real products and services. The success of the programme is largely down to the wide support from business volunteers, acting as mentors, offering expert advice to the students. Partnerships between education and business are essential to closing the gap between classroom theory and real-world challenges.

The Jury

Zoran Petrović, Chairman of the Managing Board, Raiffeisen banka a.d. (CHAIR JUDGE)
Carina Bergquist Palm, Head of Branch Region, Nordea bank Sweden  (JURY VICE CHAIR)
Trevor Hoyle, SVP Operations Northern Europe, FedEx Express
Svetlana Dogotaru, General Director at Palplast
Emilios Kyriacou, Citi Country Officer Greece, Cyprus & Malta, Corporate Bank Head Greece
Mustafa Hilmi Çolakoğlu Assoc. Prof., Turkey
Benjamin Dhier, Co-Founder and Manager at Do.Be.Doo...
Enny van de Velden, Chairman of the Board and Chief Commercial Officer, CCV Group
Gregory Inglott, Head of Customer Value Management and Head of Retail Business Banking, HSBC Bank Malta
João Pedro Tavares, ACEGE President + Junior Achievement Portugal Chairman
Dr. Vladas Lašas, Entrepreneur, Carbon War Room Co-Founder, TED Patron, Lithuania

JA Europe Company of the Year 2018 Awards

Winners: SureLight - UK www.surelight.bike

Second place: OKelvin JA - Italy www.okelvinja.com

Third place: Bugman's Best - Finlandwww.bugmansbest.com

Signature Awards

AT&T Excellence in IT Award recognizes the student-company showing the best innovation-driven concept, strong business potential, sustainability, viability and scalability.

Winner: Extinctus Enterprise - Portugal

Citi Foundation Client Focus Award recognizes student enterprises that excel at creating value for their clients, listening to their clients and walking in their shoes to understand their world, anticipating and serving their changing needs.

Winner: SureLight - UK

Delta’s Innovation Award recognizes the student company which has an innovative or effective approach for solving a problem or developing further a product, has a potential to prosper and has an international prospect; whose idea is easy to implement and has a functional business model.

Winner: Create - Israel

FedEx Access Award recognizes student-run businesses that best exhibit the principles of global connectivity.

Winner: Safe & Stable - Latvia

ManpowerGroup "Ready for Work" Award recognises those teams that have the best-built work readiness skills during the competition. This year, ManpowerGroup presented the award for the project with the most significant impact on developing learnability, a key component of work readiness.

Winner: Art of Joy (Kunsten å glede)- Norway

TeleGroup Best Business Philiosophy Award recognises the JA company which can demonstrate strong market potential, tech driven innovation and social responsibility.

Winner: Helm.e.t - Greece

The Alumni Leadership Award supported by AXA was presented to individuals demonstrating outstanding leadership skills impacting their team and the JA company. With this award, JA Alumni Europe wishes to recognise and honour the personal strength of the individuals in a successful team.

Winners:

Helin Kuldkepp, Estonia

Kristina Horsager, Denmark

Carolina Schlegel, Spain

Dimitrios Konstantinou, Cyprus

Ben Ray, UK

Aya Haimovich, Israel

Luke Andrews, UK

Nemanja Matic, Serbia

Katharina Hartung, Germany

Damir Babacic, Luxembourg

About JA Europe

JA Europe is Europe’s largest provider of entrepreneurship education programmes, reaching 3.6 million students in 40 countries in 2017. JA Europe brings the public and private sectors together to provide primary and secondary school students and university undergraduates with high-quality education programmes teaching them about enterprise, entrepreneurship, business and economics in a practical way.

www.jaeurope.org

www.coyc.jaeurope.org

Press release on jaeurope.org

20 Jul 2018

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