The European Banking Federation (EBF) welcomes the decision made by European Heads of States and Governments last night to empower the European Central Bank to supervise all banks in the Euro area as part of a new Single Supervisory Mechanism.

Statement by Gabi Zimmer, president of the GUE/NGL group in the European Parliament:

The European Standardization Committees CEN and CENELEC have launched a new section on their website as part of their ongoing efforts to promote the use of standards by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and facilitate the active participation of SMEs in standardization. The 'SME Toolbox of Solutions' makes it easier for SMEs to access information about standards, and find out how they can get involved in contributing to the development of new standards.

Hans-Joachim Reck, President of CEEP, presented this key message at the Tripartite Social Summit today in Brussels. The proposal for a “Compact for Growth in Public Services” had been launched ahead of the June European Council meeting and the CEEP President took the opportunity to review two of the ingredients of this Compact.

Brussels, 17 October 2012, for immediate release

Caritas Europa expects that EU policies in assistance, investments and trade will effectively contribute to ensure the “Right to Food” in the post-2015 development framework. Secure access to adequate and safe food is a universal Human Right, which all states of the international community are mutually obliged to respect, protect and fulfill.