EU Foreign Ministers Assess Lebanon Situation

Foreign Ministers from the European Union met in extraordinary session to consider the situation in Lebanon, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to be followed by a sustainable cease-fire. The EU expressed support of UN efforts to define a political framework for a lasting solution, a necessary precondition for deployment of an international force, and underscored the European commitment to long-term political and economic partnership with Lebanon. MORE

EU Remains Committed to Doha Round

Following the recent breakdown of WTO Doha Round trade talks, European Union Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson restated the EU's firm commitment to success in the negotiations, intended to especially benefit developing nations. "We will not allow the world trading system to enter into a period of hibernation," said Commissioner Mandelson. MORE

Slovenia to Adopt Euro Next Year

The EU has approved Slovenia's application to join the euro area, making it the first of the ten Member States that joined the EU on May 1, 2004 to adopt the euro as its national currency. MORE

Italy Lifts Restrictions on Free Movement of Workers

Italy removed all restrictions on workers from eight Central and East European countries that joined the EU in May 2004, becoming the eighth EU-15 Member State to do so. Workers from the newer states have helped to relieve labor market shortages and contributed to better economic performance in EU-15 Member States that have lifted the restrictions. MORE

Public Support for EU on the Increase

A Eurobarometer opinion poll shows a significant increase in the overall image of and support for EU membership among EU citizens. According to the survey, Europeans also increasingly feel their own country has benefited from European Union membership. MORE

Recent EU NewsBriefs:

• EU Provides 10 Million Euros Aid to Lebanon
• First EU Head of Delegation in Iraq
• Finland Assumes EU Presidency
• EU Enhances Biometric Passports
• Euro Area Unemployment at Five-Year Low
• EU Outlines Anti-Terror Actions on Anniversary of London Bombings
• Ambassador John Bruton in Seattle, Washington
• EU Imposes 280.5 Million Euros Fine on Microsoft
• EU Provides Fuel for Palestinian Hospitals

EU NewsBrief is a new electronic publication issued regularly by the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States. To receive updates on specific issue areas, click on this link.