Mandelson: Doha Deal Close, Will Provide Economic Boost

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York this week, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson observed that a deal on the Doha Round of world trade talks would "top up economic confidence" and lock in the current level of openness in the global economy, which would in turn guard against future recession and protectionism. Noting that a deal is close, Mandelson said, "In the final stages, we will all need to negotiate hard, but we also need to see beyond the immediate negotiation to our real long term interest. This is one of those times when politicians need to think and act like statesmen." MORE

EU to Help Developing Countries Manage Climate Change Impact

Because developing countries will be hardest hit by climate change, the European Commission has proposed an effort to strengthen the poverty reduction strategies of those poorer countries most likely to be affected. The EU will provide substantial resources to the new Global Climate Change Alliance and will support measures such as better preparedness for natural disasters, which are expected to become more frequent and intense as a result of global warming. MORE

EU: World's Largest Public Investor in Nanotechnology

With €1.4 billion allocated to 550 projects in nanosciences and nanotechnology, the EU—through its flagship 6th Research Framework Program (FP6)—accounts for one-third of total European public monies and is the world's largest single funder in the field. EU funds have generated strong private sector participation, although private investment in nanotechnology remains higher in the U.S. and Japan. The EU expects to double nanotechnology funding during FP7, covering 2007-2013. MORE

EU-Ukraine Summit in Kiev

EU leaders travelled to Kiev, Ukraine last week to meet with Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko and review the EU-Ukraine bilateral relationship. Taking place on the eve of parliamentary elections in Ukraine, the Summit provided the opportunity for the EU to reiterate its support for continuing political and economic reforms in the country. The EU is one of Ukraine's leading trading partners and foreign investors, and supports the country's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). MORE

European Commission Promotes Transportation Alternatives During Mobility Week

As in the U.S., traffic congestion is a serious problem in most European cities, including the European Commission's home cities of Brussels and Luxembourg. Air and noise pollution damage both the environment and human health, and traffic jams add stress to life. This week, the European Commission is encouraging its staff and neighbors to get out of the car and walk or bicycle to work, and to participate in Car-Free Sunday in Brussels on September 23. MORE

EU Teams Up with Soccer Group to Fight Obesity

The European Commission and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have launched a TV advertising campaign to encourage European citizens to fight obesity by making physical activity part of their daily lives. Advertisements encouraging viewers to "get out of their armchairs" will air at halftime during soccer matches in this season's Champions League, which brings together the best soccer clubs from across Europe. The 30-second spots are expected to reach between 80 and 100 million viewers during each week of Champions League play. MORE

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