A gradual, but modest, recovery is expected in 2010 for the European engineering industry after the most severe contraction in 2009 since the 1970s. The volume of production is expected to fall by as much as 20% in 2009. Since financial markets are not yet functioning properly and capacity utilisation is at a record low, demand for investment goods, which represent 80% of the output of Orgalime industries will remain low. The volume of production at the level of EU 27 is therefore forecast to remain unchanged in 2010.

The European paper industry today launched its fourth Sustainability Report, in which it highlighted its impressive performance on an increased number of indicators and targets including its decrease in specific emission of CO2 per tonne of paper produced by 42% since 1990.

The report shows that the paper industry even during difficult economic times has a good track record as a sustainable sector in Europe and that it is delivering on its targets and indicators set in previous Sustainability Reports.

Brussels, 18 November 2009

“The recast agreement is excellent news for the prospects of improving the energy standards of Europe’s 190 million buildings, responsible for over 40% of all energy use”

EuroACE congratulates all those involved in the process - most especially MEPs from all political groups, led by rapporteur Silvia-Adriana Ticau, who have helped strengthen further the constructive text issued by the European Commission last November; and the Swedish Presidency to the EU who have worked so tirelessly to obtain agreement.

The latest version of Hypostat, the EMF’s annual statistical handbook on mortgage markets, has been published and is available for download on the EMF website www.hypo.org The 2008 statistics reveal an acceleration of trends already witnessed in 2007: - very modest growth in outstanding residential lending compared to the double digit growth of recent years; - stagnant or falling house prices; - a difficult market for mortgage funding; - a fall in housing activity in the EU15; - and yet much variation on the overall impact of the economic crisis in housing

The winners of seven different prize categories of the Fondation EurActiv Awards for Debating Europe Nationally were announced on 12 November at the very heart of European democracy - the European Parliament.