The European Parliament has voted today on a number of important amendments to improve consumer rights in the EU. The votes amend the European Commission's proposal for a new consumer rights directive intended to update and replace a set of four existing laws regarding sales of goods and services from business-to-consumer. But the vote on the overall text was postponed in order to keep open the chance for a first reading agreement with the Council.

The mutual opening of the European Union and the United States' air markets will bring economic benefits for the air carriers, as well as guaranteeing all passengers a new quality in transatlantic connections. Today, the European Parliament adopted by a large majority the Report by Artur Zasada MEP. The Report refers to the protocol which amends the Air Transport Agreement between the EU and US. The air traffic markets of both constitute approximately 60% of the world's air traffic.

23 March 2011

At the European Council meeting on 24th and 25th March 2011, decisions will be taken which will have far reaching consequences on the European economy and our societies.

The Party of European Socialists (PES) and its Prime Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers, firmly reiterate our call for a balanced approach in tackling the economic, financial and social crisis in Europe. We commit to promoting efficient and fair solutions to reunite the necessary fiscal consolidation with strong sustainable growth, high employment and social progress.

Cogeneration at the foundation of Europe’s energy policy

24 March 2011

Household appliance manufacturers1 acknowledge that the recently published Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) identifies the correct challenges the Union is facing, and the in-principle huge potential residing in energy efficiency policies. However, they express deep concern that the plan will most likely not succeed as the coherent, compelling driver to accelerate policy deployment, which is needed.