The European Commission has today presented an 80 billion EUR investment programme to boost research, innovation and competitiveness in Europe. Leo Sun, President of Huawei's Brussels Office and Europe Affairs Department, welcomed today’s launch of the Horizon 2020 programme and said: "This is a significant proposal from the European Commission to strengthen research and innovation in Europe and boost international cooperation. R&D is a strategic domain for economic growth and development.

On the occasion of World AIDS Day today, Françoise Grossetête MEP has drafted a Resolution that was co-signed by representatives from other political groups in the European Parliament. The text was adopted by a large majority today in plenary.

The new President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, faced stern criticism of ECB policy from GUE/NGL MEPs in his first appearance before the European Parliament since taking office.

On World AIDS Day 2011, Caritas says it is unjust that more than 800 children are dying each day of AIDS-related diseases. Such deaths continue to occur because these children have no access to early diagnosis of HIV or to child-friendly medicines to treat infection with this virus. By the end of 2010, experts estimated that only 21% of children living with HIV had access to the medicines they desperately need in order to stay alive beyond their second birthday.

The European Parliament today voted to adopt an agreement on the EU's 2012 budget. The Greens criticised the deal, which represents a scale back of the original proposals by the European Commission (1), in spite of the growing tasks faced by the EU. The group is also concerned about the proposed spending in key areas, notably the disproportionate amount of funding for nuclear energy, vis-a-vis safe and sustainable energy technologies. After the vote, Green budgetary spokesperson Helga Trüpel said: