Condolences on the Virginia Tech Tragedy

EU Commission President Barroso sent condolences to U.S. President George W. Bush following the shootings at Virginia Tech. "On behalf of the European Commission, I wish to offer my sincerest condolences to you and the people of the United States. To the families of the victims of this outrage we extend our most heartfelt sympathy, and to the injured our best wishes for a full and swift recovery." EU High Representative Javier Solana, who studied and taught at Virginia Tech, also voiced sadness over the shootings. MORE

Europe Leading Exporter, Importer in 2006

Recently-released 2006 trade figures from the WTO show that the EU is the world's top exporting region, with EU Member State Germany the single largest exporter of goods. Not counting trade within the EU, the Union is the world's second-largest merchandise importer after the United States. MORE (WTO Press Release)

".eu" at One Year: 2.5 Million New Domains

This month, Europe's internet domain ".eu" celebrates one year of online life. Over 2.5 million domain names have been registered, making ".eu" Europe's third most popular top-level domain and the seventh worldwide. With 17 percent registration growth over the past five months, ".eu" is one of the fastest growing domains on the web. MORE

Retaining Development Leadership, EU Further Refines Aid Programs

The European Union boosted development assistance funding in 2006, providing 48 billion euros in foreign aid, 57 percent of total global assistance. EU aid rose to 0.42 percent of gross national income, exceeding the year's target. EU Commissioners noted the Union's commitments to even greater assistance in the future, the importance of trade and open EU markets for developing countries, and continuing efforts to increase overall aid effectiveness. MORE

EU Launches "Black Sea Synergy" Regional Initiative

The European Commission has launched a new effort to strengthen relations with its Black Sea neighbors and help promote stability and reform in the region. Noting the recent EU accession of Black Sea nations Bulgaria and Romania, EU Commissioner for External Relations and Neighborhood Policy Benita Ferrero-Waldner said the initiative “will contribute to creating a better climate for the solution of the 'frozen conflicts' in the region.” MORE

The Other Anniversary—50 Years of the Euratom Treaty

Less noticed amidst recent EU birthday celebrations has been the 50th anniversary of the European Atomic Energy Community (EAEC or Euratom), through which European nations merged nuclear power capabilities in 1957 to "provide extensive energy resources… eliminate hazards to the life and health of the public, [and join with] other countries and international organisations concerned with the peaceful development of nuclear energy." MORE

European Inventor of the Year 2007 Awards

The inventors of eco-friendly biodegradable plastics, automobile airbag sensor technology, anti-Aids drugs, and treatments for autoimmune disorders are the winners of the European Inventor of the Year 2007 awards, given by the European Commission and the European Patent Office. An American team took the honors in the Non-European Countries category. MORE

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