FEP, the European Federation of the Parquet Industry with seat in Brussels, presently estimates that based on preliminary information obtained from member companies and discussed at the recent DOMOTEX fair in Hannover, global parquet consumption in 2011 on the European market remained stable in comparison with the previous year. The general picture, however, is not uniform and the market performance varies considerably from country to country. First indications point towards a similar situation as regards parquet production, though complete data are not yet available at this stage.

“One thing is for sure: We need a strong European Union”, said Hans-Joachim Reck, President of the European Centre of Employers and Enterprises providing Public services (CEEP), during his welcoming speech in Brussels. With Europe's challenges ahead the ambitions must be even stronger, not weaker. However, the official motto of the European Union does also say: ‘United in diversity’. This means that many different cultures, traditions and languages in Europe are a positive asset.

FoodDrinkEurope welcomes the adoption of the European Parliament’s report today on “How to avoid food wastage: Strategies for a more efficient food chain in the EU”.

Finding solutions to food wastage is a key priority for the food and drink industry because the resources and sustainability measures put into the production of food, such as the raw materials, water and fuels, are also wasted when food is wasted for example, in households.

After today's vote on the recast of the Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), GUE/NGL MEP Sabine Wils said: "I welcome the outcome of today's vote. After two years of hard work, an improved version of WEEE will be adopted. A better scope, higher collection targets and stringent export regulations for electronic products are all welcome standards."

The European Federation of Energy Traders (EFET)1 welcomes the contribution made by the Council of European Energy Regulators (CEER) in the Conclusions Paper of the CEER Vision for a European Gas Target Model (GTM) from 1st December, 2011.