Brussels, Belgium, 29 February 2012 — Business Action to Stop Counterfeiting and Piracy (BASCAP) and the International Trademark Association (INTA) today released a study providing a practical analysis of the importance and benefits of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).  The study aims to contribute clarity to the  debate on ACTA in Europe by outlining how ACTA promotes EU trade and economic growth and protects consumers and EU companies of all sizes against the negative impacts of counterfeiting and piracy.

The Commission’s new European Innovation Partnership (EIP) published today, sets the focus on the Common Agricultural Policy’s Rural Development Pillar and on the bioeconomy for delivering productive and sustainable agriculture across Europe.

Mobilizations of workers are taking place today across the European Union, after the call of the European Trade Union Confederation. The Party of the European Left supports and participates in this important day of action against austerity policies pursued by the EU, IMF and ultra-liberal governments.

There is an increased anger building in the world of work and this is normal. Wherever they are in the streets, workers can count on the EL and its member parties to support their struggles.

The European Building Automation and Controls Association (eu.bac) welcomes the result of today’s vote by the Committee on Industry, External Trade, Research and Energy (ITRE) of the European Parliament concerning the Proposal for a Directive on Energy Efficiency (COM(2011) 370 final).

COGEN Europe gives a cautious welcome to the adoption of ITRE report on the Energy Efficiency Directive, but sees it falling short of delivering a European vision for CHP

The ITRE report provides a working basis for the forthcoming negotiations with the Council, notably an increased focus on end-users via the article 61 and the new demand management measures and micro-CHP provisions. However, today’s vote does not deliver a strong enough message on CHP.