São Paulo, December 17, 2008 – Today’s approval by the European Parliament of the Renewable Energy Sources Directive is a clear sign that a sustainable market for renewables in transport will be created in the European Union. The decision by the EU, which calls for the adoption of a 10% mandatory target by 2020 for renewables in the transport sector, is “the positive signal biofuels producers, consumers and investors have been waiting for,” according to Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) president and CEO, Marcos Jank.

The General Assembly of CEEP, in its meeting of 15 December 2008, unanimously
elected Mr Carl Cederschiöld as President of CEEP. Mr Cederschiöldt, former
mayor of the City of Stockholm and President of the Swedish employers’ organisation
for local public enterprises (KFS), replaces Mr Caspar Einem, who had been CEEP
President from May 2005 on.
The General Assembly also, unanimously elected as executive Vice Presidents of
CEEP Mr Janos Berenyi, President and Director General of the association of

In 2008, EU farmers successfully responded to market signals by increasing EU Cereal production by more than 50 million tonnes (increased sowings by 7% and unusually good weather conditions globally). This represented an increase in production of more than 20% compared to last year. It has been confirmed by Copa – Cogeca’s December estimates released last week (nearly 311 million tonnes) with a final increase in production compared to the September figures (nearly 307 million tonnes). As a result, cereal prices have reversed their upwards trend.

Liberals and Democrats salute the efforts of all sides to conclude a deal on the three remaining elements of the climate change/energy package proposed by the Commission at the beginning of the year as a means for European Union countries to meet their commitments to reducing carbon emissions and the impact on global warming. Agreement on renewable energies was already concluded earlier in the week.

Joint letter from European employer and business organisations, BUSINESSEUROPE, CEEP, UEAPME and EUROCHAMBRES, regarding your upcoming plenary vote on the Working Time Directive.

Dear Member of the European Parliament,

We write to you concerning the Working Time Directive on which the European Parliament plenary will vote on 17 December.