50th Anniversary of the EU

U.S. House on the Treaty of Rome. The U.S. House of Representatives approved House Resolution 230 on Tuesday March 13, recognizing the historic significance of the Treaty of Rome and saluting 50 years of EU-U.S. partnership "to strengthen transatlantic security, to preserve and promote peace and freedom, to develop free and prosperous economies, and to advance human rights." MORE

50th Commemorated in Events Across U.S. In Washington and across the United States, the EU's 50th birthday will be recognized through a variety of activities, including lectures, conferences, films, and special events. Click on the link for a list of program highlights for "European Week." MORE

Soccer World Celebrates EU Birthday. The best of European soccer ("football" in Europe) was on display last week as the famed Manchester United team suited up on their home ground against a European all-star team to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome. European Commission President José Manuel Barroso said: “[Football] is a great way to mark the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the European Union... It inspires Europeans in a unique way, through a shared passion and a language understood by all.” MORE

EU: Global Development Leader in 2006

The European Commission has presented 2006 external assistance and development figures, showing that the Commission implemented more projects and programs than ever before last year, committing a record 7.6 billion euros. The EU--Commission and Member States combined--is the world's single largest aid donor, providing 55 percent of all global development and humanitarian assistance. MORE

Hydrogen Energy Breakthrough

EU-funded researchers, working with American counterparts, have developed a new type of hydrogen technology, a step on the path to hydrogen-fueled engines as efficient as current diesel engines and comparable in size and power, yet non-polluting. MORE

New Jersey High School Takes the Euro Challenge

Montclair High School from Montclair, New Jersey emerged as the winner of the 2nd Annual Euro Challenge, a competition launched by the European Commission in conjunction with the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Moody's Foundation to encourage U.S. high school students to learn about the EU and the euro, the single currency shared by 13 of 27 EU Member States. MORE

New EU Emergency Veterinary Health Team

The EU will establish an emergency veterinary team to provide expert European response to animal disease outbreaks both within the EU and beyond. The new standing team will ensure that experts in the fields of veterinary, virology, wildlife, laboratory testing, risk management and other relevant areas are on standby, ready to respond at a moment's notice to any emerging animal health crisis. MORE

Report: Women Driving EU Job Growth But Still Face Barriers

A new European Commission report finds that three out of four new jobs created in the EU are being taken by women, but important gaps with men remain. Despite higher educational achievements, women continue to be employed less–and paid less–than men, according to the 2007 Annual Report on Equality Between Women and Men. MORE

EU Proposals to Ease Administrative Burdens for Small Business

The European Commission has put forth a series of proposals to reduce administrative burdens on small businesses without affecting safety and consumer protection. The proposals, part of a package of "fast track" actions announced earlier this year, will save small transportation companies and food retailers 1.3 billion euros annually. The initiatives are part of a broader EU effort to reduce red tape for business by 25 percent by the year 2012. MORE

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