Commission's Major Recovery Plan for Growth and Jobs

The European Commission has presented a comprehensive plan to drive Europe's recovery from the current economic crisis. The Recovery Plan is based on two main elements; short-term measures to boost demand, save jobs and help restore confidence and "smart investment" to yield higher growth and sustainable prosperity in the longer-term.

The Plan calls for a timely, targeted and temporary fiscal stimulus of around €200 billion or 1.5% of EU GDP, within both national budgets (around €170 billion, 1.2% of GDP) and EU and European Investment Bank budgets (around €30 billion, 0.3% of GDP).

The full text of the Recovery Plan is available at: CLICK HERE

Commission Pressure Leads to Improved Protection for Salmon in River Faughan

The European Commission has announced that it is closing a long-standing nature protection infringement case in Northern Ireland, following the decision by the UK to upgrade its protection of Atlantic salmon spawning sites on the River Faughan and its tributaries.  The UK was being challenged by the Commission over its national designations of protected areas, which are a requirement under the Habitats and Birds Directives. 

President of the European Parliament on Official Visit to Northern Ireland

The President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering, was on an official visit to Northern Ireland from 23 to 24 November at the invitation of the First Minister Peter Robinson MP MLA and the Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA.  Ministers briefed the President on political developments and also discussed the present economic downturn and how the EU can help Northern Ireland to tackle its effects. Ministers also outlined the ongoing work of the Northern Ireland Task Force.

EU Sends One Billion Euros to Africa

EU governments have approved a European Commission proposal to send €1 billion (approximately £608 million) of unused agriculture funds to help African farmers cope with soaring food prices.  The money, which will be in addition to existing development aid, will create a special fund for the hardest hit developing countries this year and next. The distribution of aid will be based on objective criteria and the support will be paid via international organisations.

EU Pupils Learning Foreign Languages At Earlier Age

The European Commission has this week presented a new study on the teaching of languages at schools in Europe by the Eurydice Network. It gives a comprehensive picture of language teaching, from primary to secondary general education, in the 31 countries involved in the EU's Lifelong Learning programme.

'Drink It Up' Photo Competition

The European School Milk Programme encourages children to consume dairy products and maintain a balanced diet.  It also plays an educational role by supporting the development of good eating and nutritional habits that will last a lifetime.  Through the European School Milk Programme, the European Union provides subsidies to schools and other educational establishments so that they can provide their students with selected milk and milk products.