Portal on policy and development in Visegrad countries - Czech republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia http://www.visegrad.info Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:30:10 GMT FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://localhost/euroactiv/visegrad/fileadmin/templates/images/text/logo.gif http://www.visegrad.info 127 113 logo en info@visegrad.info info@visegrad.info http://www.visegrad.info/energy-sources-renewables/factsheet/exploiting-renewable-nuclear-and-other-energy-sources.html In regards of "new" types of energy, in Visegrad countries there are two main motivations to explore and exploit them: firstly EU's emmision and renewable target, secondly economy crisis and subsequent need for innovation and growth via funding energy research and development. http://www.visegrad.info/energy-sources-renewables/factsheet/exploiting-renewable-nuclear-and-other-energy-sources.html http://www.visegrad.info/innovation-and-research/factsheet/visegrad-countries-on-road-towards-knowledge-society.html The EU and its member states struggled to meet the ambitious goal set at the 2000 Lisbon Summit of becoming “the most dynamic and competitive knowledgebased economy in the world capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social cohesion, and respect for the environment by 2010”. Now, one has to conclude, EU failed. What about the new EU members - Czech republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia? http://www.visegrad.info/innovation-and-research/factsheet/visegrad-countries-on-road-towards-knowledge-society.html http://www.visegrad.info/v4-eu-russia-relations/factsheet/visegrad-countries-and-russia.html During the communist rule in the past, all countries of Visegrad region had been the part of former Soviet block. At that period many key links were created and some of them have been transformed into current relations and cooperation - especially on fields of trade, energy, energy infrastructure and foreign and security policy. Between the most recent issues discussed between V4 and Moscow one can identify U.S. anti-missile shield in Czech republic and Poland, gas supplies to Slovakia, as well as Nabucco and South Stream pipelines talks with Hungary. http://www.visegrad.info/v4-eu-russia-relations/factsheet/visegrad-countries-and-russia.html http://www.visegrad.info/climate-change-and-green-economy/factsheet/the-issues-of-carbon-dioxide-and-climate-change.html What were the positions of Visegrad countries at the COP15 Summit in Copanhagen in December 2009 and what is the perception of citizens in Hungary, Czech republic, Slovakia and Poland about the climate change? All four countries backs common EU position on CO2, but they differ each other, when it comes to way how to reach the goals. http://www.visegrad.info/climate-change-and-green-economy/factsheet/the-issues-of-carbon-dioxide-and-climate-change.html http://www.visegrad.info/minorities-social-exclusion-roma-minority/factsheet/roma-minority-in-visegrad-countries.html Europe is ethnically diverse continent and countries without ethnic minorities are very rare. According to official data every European country with more than one million inhabitants has national minorities. Very easily, a minority in one place can be a majority in another, due to division by national borders. But there are also ethnic groups without their own state like Catalans, Bretons, Corsicans or Roma, which are the largest European minority with population from 10 to 12 million. http://www.visegrad.info/minorities-social-exclusion-roma-minority/factsheet/roma-minority-in-visegrad-countries.html http://www.visegrad.info/health-policy-and-pandemics/factsheet/health-systems-and-challenges-in-v4.html In numerous diagnoses a patient from Visegrad region has considerable lower chance of surviving compared to the “old EU member states”. Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia face many common challenges in their effort to secure a sustainable health services for increasingly demanding patients. http://www.visegrad.info/health-policy-and-pandemics/factsheet/health-systems-and-challenges-in-v4.html http://www.visegrad.info/smes-and-innovative-businesses/factsheet/smes-in-v4-countries.html SMEs, which are defined as companies with no more than 250 employees and a maximum turnover of €50 million, are generally seen as the backbone of the European economy, accounting for 99% of EU businesses and providing around three-quarters of all private sector jobs. http://www.visegrad.info/smes-and-innovative-businesses/factsheet/smes-in-v4-countries.html http://www.visegrad.info/enp---eastern-dimension/factsheet/neighbours-of-visegrad-and-eu-eastern-partnership-.html Following 2004 enlargement, EU has gained new members but also new neighbours. Eastern partnership initiative is designed to address diverse expectations of eastern neighbours concerning European integration and offer them new type of the contractual relationship. The upgraded European Neighbourhood Policy is also an expression of foreign policy priorities of Visegrad countries supporting European aspirations of Ukraine. http://www.visegrad.info/enp---eastern-dimension/factsheet/neighbours-of-visegrad-and-eu-eastern-partnership-.html http://www.visegrad.info/economic-crisis-in-ceecs/factsheet/economic-crisis.html Following the period of global economic boom financial bubble burst and the U. S. subprime mortgages mess impacted Europe almost immediately after it erupted in august 2007. At first, Europe did not pay enough attention to worsening situation on financial markets. But economic environment was getting worse and in first quarter of 2008 European Commission predicted growth contraction. Despite EU was not epicenter of crisis it was affected via the financial channels. http://www.visegrad.info/economic-crisis-in-ceecs/factsheet/economic-crisis.html http://www.visegrad.info/eu-enlargement-western-balkans/factsheet/european-future-of-the-western-balkans.html Safe and prosperous Western Balkans is one of the principal preoccupations of foreign policy of the countries of Visegrad region. What is more, the cultural and geographical proximity and experience with successful transformation predetermine Visegrad countries to play a pivotal role in advocating the European future for the countries of the region. http://www.visegrad.info/eu-enlargement-western-balkans/factsheet/european-future-of-the-western-balkans.html http://www.visegrad.info/economic-crisis-in-ceecs/fe_event/public-discussin-slovakia-and-economic-crisis-future-is-not-what-it-used-to-be.html The main topics of public discussion “Slovakia and economic crisis: Future is not what it used to be” were anti-crisis measures, their implementation and impact on enterprises, employment and growth. The event was organized by web portal EurActiv.sk, NGO AKO and American Chamber of Commerce in Slovakia with financial support from Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Slovakia. http://www.visegrad.info/economic-crisis-in-ceecs/fe_event/public-discussin-slovakia-and-economic-crisis-future-is-not-what-it-used-to-be.html http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/situace-romu-v-cr-se-podle-osn-zhorsuje-kocab-nesouhlasi-007188 High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay on 4 March presented her annual report to the Human Rights Council. She said that discrimination rate against Roma in the CR is getting worse. Czech human rights minister disagrees http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/situace-romu-v-cr-se-podle-osn-zhorsuje-kocab-nesouhlasi-007188 http://www.euractiv.cz/vnejsi-vztahy/interview/vychodni-partnerstvi-cesta-jak-nahlednout-postsovetskym-zemim-pod-poklicku-007186 http://www.euractiv.cz/vnejsi-vztahy/interview/vychodni-partnerstvi-cesta-jak-nahlednout-postsovetskym-zemim-pod-poklicku-007186 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/keleti-partnerseg-budapest-nagyobb-sebessegre-kapcsolt-002488 Foreign Minister of Hungary, Péter Balázs called the EU countries to fill the Eastern Partnership with "real content". The activity of Hungary shows that the country"s EU presidency is coming closer and closer, but the Commission is still quite cautios with the eastern dimension of the neighbourhood policy. http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/keleti-partnerseg-budapest-nagyobb-sebessegre-kapcsolt-002488 http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/hirek/aki-nem-halad-lemarad--a-heten-zarul-az-e-keszsegek-programsorozata-002470 The knowledge of the new informatics technologies and the digitalization means the keystones of the Union’s competitiveness in the future. Although computer has revolutionized people’s life in the 21st century, a huge number of people haven’t got convenient basic knowledge about digitalization. Moreover fewer students intend to continue their studies in the informatics sector. The European Committee Enterprise and Industry DG started a long-term program in 2007 to remedy the problems. Each Member States joined to this initiative, and the campaign will be ended by the e-Skills Week (1st-5th March). http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/hirek/aki-nem-halad-lemarad--a-heten-zarul-az-e-keszsegek-programsorozata-002470 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/janukovics-az-unios-integracio-fontos-prioritas-ukrajna-szamara-002400 Instead of going to Russia, the first visit of the recently elected Ukrainian president, Viktor Janukovich was leading to Brussels on monday (1st March). The step wants to deny all the rumours arbout Janukovich being too Moscow-friendly. http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/janukovics-az-unios-integracio-fontos-prioritas-ukrajna-szamara-002400 http://www.euractiv.hu/innovacio_es_kreativitas/hirek/innovacios-unio---hianyoznak-az-alapok-barroso-europajahoz-002382 The EU"s new growth strategy, due to be rubber-stamped by the new Barroso Commission on Wednesday (3 March), includes a blueprint for transforming Europe into an "Innovation Union" by 2020. http://www.euractiv.hu/innovacio_es_kreativitas/hirek/innovacios-unio---hianyoznak-az-alapok-barroso-europajahoz-002382 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/keleti-kulugyminiszterek-budapesten-002372 As presidency of the V4, Hungary will hold a special meeting with the countries of the Eastern Partnership in Budapest. Foreign ministers of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan will discuss the future cooperation with V4 + EU trio presidency countries. http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/hirek/keleti-kulugyminiszterek-budapesten-002372 http://www.euractiv.hu/regionalispolitika/hirek/nem-valt-be-teljesen-a-szegedi-napkollektor-002370 ‘Think global, act local!’ was the motto of the 2006 solar cell project in the Hungarian city of Szeged. The solar cells on the roof of the city Hospital are still collecting the waves of the sun in regard of global thinking, but local efficiency of the implementation is debated. http://www.euractiv.hu/regionalispolitika/hirek/nem-valt-be-teljesen-a-szegedi-napkollektor-002370 http://www.euractiv.cz/energetika/analyza/energeticke-vztahy-mezi-eu-a-ruskem-stagnace-nebo-na-ceste-ke-zlepseni-007134 Last year"s relations between the EU and the Russian Federation were (similarly to preceding years) marked by the omnipresent threat of disruption in gas supplies and by inability of both parties to in finding a common stance on key issues. On the other hand, in effort to emerge from an adverse situation, Brussels and Moscow succeeded in comming to couple of joint decisions. http://www.euractiv.cz/energetika/analyza/energeticke-vztahy-mezi-eu-a-ruskem-stagnace-nebo-na-ceste-ke-zlepseni-007134 http://www.euractiv.hu/intezmenyek-jovo/interju/szucs-tamas-nagyobb-nyitottsag-tobb-program-002359 http://www.euractiv.hu/intezmenyek-jovo/interju/szucs-tamas-nagyobb-nyitottsag-tobb-program-002359 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ukraina-demokracja-ma-si-dobrze-001637 Many voters, lack of obstacles, the first presidential run seems to be a success of the democracy. The next exam is during the second turn and in the way how the relationship between the president and premier will look like. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ukraina-demokracja-ma-si-dobrze-001637 http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/ue-sankcji-wobec-biaorusi-na-razie-nie-bdzie-001630 Despite of the recent conflict with the Assembly of Poles in Bielarus the EU decided not to impose sanctions on Lukashenko"s regime. http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/ue-sankcji-wobec-biaorusi-na-razie-nie-bdzie-001630 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/az-ipari-lobbi-megfurta-a-klimatrvenyt-002358 Second after the UK, Hungary could have accepted a Climate Protection Framework yesterday (22 February), but the government backed out from it’s own initiative, after heavy pressure of the industrial lobby. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/az-ipari-lobbi-megfurta-a-klimatrvenyt-002358 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/romak-vagyunk-ezert-nem-figyel-rank-senki-002354 According to the recent publication of Amnesty International in Romania 75 per cent of the Roma living in poverty. Moreover the minority (10 per cent of the whole population of Romania) is the victim of the regulary government segregation. The Amnesty International analized a 100 evicted Roma’s problem. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/romak-vagyunk-ezert-nem-figyel-rank-senki-002354 http://www.euractiv.hu/bovites/hirek/osszetett-helyzetben-moldavia-002353 "Moldavia is not in a difficult, but in a complex situation" - said Iurie Leanca, Deputy PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, on Friday (19 February) on his lecture in Central European University. He talked about the chances of the accession to the Union according to the Eastern Partnership, and about short-term and long-term goals of the moldavian government. http://www.euractiv.hu/bovites/hirek/osszetett-helyzetben-moldavia-002353 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/pas-kvalita-podnikatelskeho-prostredia-na-slovensku-dalej-klesa-014562 Business climate in Slovakia further deteriorated in the last quarter of 2010 due to insufficient government activities against crisis and business barriers, The Business Alliance of Slovakia (PAS) says. http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/pas-kvalita-podnikatelskeho-prostredia-na-slovensku-dalej-klesa-014562 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/rehn-magyarorszag-jo-uton-halad-002344 "Hungary has taken effective action," the European Commission and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) say in their common evaluation about the countries counter-crisis mechanisms. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/rehn-magyarorszag-jo-uton-halad-002344 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/unios-mikrohitel-a-kis--es-kozepvallalkozasok-fellenditesehez-002337 Thursday (11 February) the Parliament approved to enter the new type of microcredits. Union makes a significant opportunity for thousands of entrepreneurs, who have seriously bad conditions to launch out new small enterprises. Moreover it may reduce the measure of unemployment all over Europe in the long run, even the rate of social differences between the Member States. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/unios-mikrohitel-a-kis--es-kozepvallalkozasok-fellenditesehez-002337 http://www.euractiv.hu/bovites/hirek/janukovics-szabadkereskedelemre-trekedne-az-eu-val-002339 It would be "gross simplification" to say that Victor Yanukovich is a stooge of Moscow, says Márton Ugrósdy, analyst of Kitekintő.hu. Ugrósdy believes that the renewed Russian relations will not be enough to fight the economic crisis in Ukraine, so Yanukovich will strive to start free trade negotiations with the EU. http://www.euractiv.hu/bovites/hirek/janukovics-szabadkereskedelemre-trekedne-az-eu-val-002339 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/ki-dont-az-egeszsegpolitikarol-erdekervenyesites-az-eu-ban-002330 Health Care policy is the field, where Member States have relatively huge autonomy in the EU. Within the Treaty of Amsterdam (1999) the Community received a measure of influences, although it did not become a part of Community Policy. How the interests of Member State’s and the Union can meet, how can they complete each other? Nadia Carboni’s essay provides answers for that. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/ki-dont-az-egeszsegpolitikarol-erdekervenyesites-az-eu-ban-002330 http://www.euractiv.cz/zivotni-prostredi/interview/jan-pretel-lidem-z-mzp-jsou-souvislosti-cizi-006885 http://www.euractiv.cz/zivotni-prostredi/interview/jan-pretel-lidem-z-mzp-jsou-souvislosti-cizi-006885 http://www.euractiv.cz/ekonomika-a-euro/analyza/srovnani-vyvoje-men-visegradske-ctyrky-po-vzniku-krize-007044 Time pattern of exchange rates is both hard predict and explain as there are many factors that influence them. In spite of that, looking at charts depicting paths of exchange rates of Czech koruna (CZK), Polish zloty (PLN) and Hungarian forint (HUF) to euro, common characteristics can be found, one of them being their common upward trend that lasted until US" Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008. http://www.euractiv.cz/ekonomika-a-euro/analyza/srovnani-vyvoje-men-visegradske-ctyrky-po-vzniku-krize-007044 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/55-orszag-csatlakozik-a-koppenhagai-klima-megallapodashoz-002315 Fifty-five countries accounting for almost 80% of world greenhouse gas emissions have pledged varying goals for fighting climate change under a deadline in the "Copenhagen Accord", the United Nations said on Monday. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/55-orszag-csatlakozik-a-koppenhagai-klima-megallapodashoz-002315 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/eurobarometer-tovabbra-is-a-munkanelkliseget-tartjuk-a-legnagyobb-problemanak-002311 Similar to other EU citizens, Hungarians see unemployment as the biggest problem in their lives, the latest Eurobarometer survey presented in Budapest on Thursday shows. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/eurobarometer-tovabbra-is-a-munkanelkliseget-tartjuk-a-legnagyobb-problemanak-002311 http://www.euractiv.cz/vnejsi-vztahy/analyza/vychodni-partnerstvi-v-kontextu-evropske-politiky-sousedstvi-a-agendy-visegradske-skupiny-007019 http://www.euractiv.cz/vnejsi-vztahy/analyza/vychodni-partnerstvi-v-kontextu-evropske-politiky-sousedstvi-a-agendy-visegradske-skupiny-007019 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/rok-2011-szans-dla-v4-na-przejcie-roli-lidera-ue-w-stosunkach-ze-wschodnimi-ssiadami-001565 The Wysegrad Group (V4) is a chance to unify common interests of Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary in the EU. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/rok-2011-szans-dla-v4-na-przejcie-roli-lidera-ue-w-stosunkach-ze-wschodnimi-ssiadami-001565 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/vlada-komisii-slubuje-vyrovnany-rozpocet-v-roku-2015-014408 Slovak government has two goals - to lower deficit under 3 % by 2012 and to achieve balanced budget in 2015. http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/vlada-komisii-slubuje-vyrovnany-rozpocet-v-roku-2015-014408 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/kzs-ado-kzs-felelsseg-002303 Common, but indirect taxation should be introduced after 2014, Sándor Richter, researcher of the Vienna Institute for Internal Economic Studies believes. However, redistribution should work out on national level, he stresses. Specialists from the Visegrad countries doubt that such an idea would be viable, so even without the net contributors, opinions differ a lot. Starting the debate about the new EU financial framework will be a challenging task for the 2011 Hungarian presidency. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/kzs-ado-kzs-felelsseg-002303 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/po-pierwszej-turze-wyborow-na-ukrainie-bez-niespodzianek-001543 In the second turn we will see a strong battle but from the Polish or European point of view the choice will be not so important as five years ago. We can expect that both candidates, at least at the beginning, will lead a policy of balance between the EU and Russia. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/po-pierwszej-turze-wyborow-na-ukrainie-bez-niespodzianek-001543 http://www.euractiv.cz/rozsirovani-eu/interview/matyas-zrno-pokud-chce-do-eu-musi-srbsko-hledat-nejakou-formu-uznani-kosova-006975 http://www.euractiv.cz/rozsirovani-eu/interview/matyas-zrno-pokud-chce-do-eu-musi-srbsko-hledat-nejakou-formu-uznani-kosova-006975 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/trke-andras-istvan-a-szlovak-allamnyelv-trveny-legujabb-modositasai-002291 "The reactions of Mr. High Commissioner Knut Vollebaek can be decisive on the protection of European minorities." - Doctor of Sorbonne and director of the European Varietas Institute, András Türke wrote in his recent analysis about the European responses to the Slovak language-law. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/elemzesek/trke-andras-istvan-a-szlovak-allamnyelv-trveny-legujabb-modositasai-002291 http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/analizy/nowe-stanowiska-wysokiego-przedstawiciela-unii-oraz-przewodniczcego-rady-europejskiej-w-systemie-instytucjonalnym-ue-001526 New posts will stimulate not only the decision making process in politics but also in business, e.g. concerning SME. However some dilemas remain. http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/analizy/nowe-stanowiska-wysokiego-przedstawiciela-unii-oraz-przewodniczcego-rady-europejskiej-w-systemie-instytucjonalnym-ue-001526 http://www.euractiv.sk/energetika/clanok/severny-tok-strata-penazi-tvrdi-polsko-014284 The Nord Stream pipeline project is "a waste of European consumers" money," Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski told the Polish National Assembly"s foreign affairs committee last week. http://www.euractiv.sk/energetika/clanok/severny-tok-strata-penazi-tvrdi-polsko-014284 http://www.euractiv.sk/socialna-politika/clanok/delegaciu-ek-sokovali-romske-osady-na-slovensku-013687 At the end of september 2009 EC delegation visited Slovakia to study Roma problematics. According to delegation leader Katarina Mathernova, Deputy Director General of DG Regio of European Comission, the EU Officers were shocked that in the 21st century there are people living the similar way like in the Middle Ages. http://www.euractiv.sk/socialna-politika/clanok/delegaciu-ek-sokovali-romske-osady-na-slovensku-013687 http://www.euractiv.sk/regionalny-rozvoj/clanok/celoeuropska-koordinacia-integracie-romskeho-obyvatelstva-013382 Pan-European Coordination of Roma Integration is to support innovative and integrated projects promoting the inclusion of Roma through educational, social, and economic activities, cross border cooperation and exchange of best practices while integrating existing (local, national, European and international) instruments. http://www.euractiv.sk/regionalny-rozvoj/clanok/celoeuropska-koordinacia-integracie-romskeho-obyvatelstva-013382 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/europske-vlady-sa-zbavuju-vakcin-proti-prasacej-chripke-014241 Governments in Western Europe are selling off surplus stocks of H1N1 flu vaccine and cancelling orders for additional supplies due to low demand from the public. However, the World Health Organisation is warning that flu transmission is still on the rise in Central and Eastern Europe. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/europske-vlady-sa-zbavuju-vakcin-proti-prasacej-chripke-014241 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/rosyjski-projekt-traktatu-o-bezpieczestwie-europejskim-001524 The issue of security became the main topic for dialog between Russia and the western countries and institutions. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/rosyjski-projekt-traktatu-o-bezpieczestwie-europejskim-001524 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ueukraina--czas-na-reset-001520 Ukraine get deeper and deeper into a political and economical chaos. Its relationship with the EU characterise a reciprocal dissapointment. The upcoming presidential election is a chance for a stabilisation in the country. No matter who wins. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ueukraina--czas-na-reset-001520 http://www.euractiv.hu/europai-parlament/hirek/brsszel-kitntette-moszkva-letartoztatta-002273 http://www.euractiv.hu/europai-parlament/hirek/brsszel-kitntette-moszkva-letartoztatta-002273 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/serbia-zoya-wniosek-o-przyjcie-do-ue-001506 Serbia submited formal EU membership application on Tuesday, 22nd of December 2009. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/serbia-zoya-wniosek-o-przyjcie-do-ue-001506 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/tasze-wizy-dla-ukraicow-001494 Poland will issue cheaper visa for Ukrainians and will simplify procedure of Schengen`s visa - declared Wednesday in Kiev polish minister of Foreign Affairs Radosław Sikorski. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/tasze-wizy-dla-ukraicow-001494 http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/polska-popiera-czarno-biae-opakowania-papierosow-001371 The Polish governement supports the EU proposal to eliminate colours from cigarettes boxes. The inscriptions should be identic - on a white background a black slogan warning from smoking. http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/polska-popiera-czarno-biae-opakowania-papierosow-001371 http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/30-proc-witecznych-wiateek-stanowi-zagroenie-dla-bezpieczestwa-001455 To this conclusion came an EU report in which 5 countries were involeved: Hungary, Germany, Slovakia and Slovenia. Christmas lights cause a lot of problems every year in Poland as well. http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/30-proc-witecznych-wiateek-stanowi-zagroenie-dla-bezpieczestwa-001455 http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/artykul/polska-nie-wspiera-brany-it-001486 Poland took the 22. place among the EU-countries regarding the competitiveness of the IT industry. http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/artykul/polska-nie-wspiera-brany-it-001486 http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/artykul/europejskie-innowacje--najlepsze-praktyki-001320 In the Regional Committess in Brussels was held a meeting of EU-fonds consultants Euroforum KFE 2009 - European Innovation „Best practices – perspectives for Future”. http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/artykul/europejskie-innowacje--najlepsze-praktyki-001320 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/2280-pyta-dotyczcych-przygotowania-albanii-do-wejcia-do-ue-001500 Albania on Wednesday (16 December) took another step towards EU membership when the European Commission sent Tirana a voluminous questionnaire about its readiness to join the bloc. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/2280-pyta-dotyczcych-przygotowania-albanii-do-wejcia-do-ue-001500 http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/wkrotce-fina-interaktywnej-gry-w-ramach-kampania-na-rzecz-zdrowego-odywiania-001504 The youngest Europeans can show their knowledge on a sustainable diet and a healthy way of life. The deadline is 31 of december 2009. http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/wkrotce-fina-interaktywnej-gry-w-ramach-kampania-na-rzecz-zdrowego-odywiania-001504 http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/min-termin-dostosowania-krajowych-ustaw-telewizyjnych-do-wymaga-ery-cyfrowej-001505 So far only three countries (Belgium, Romania and Slovakia) implemented the EU-regulations. http://www.euractiv.pl/gospodarka/artykul/min-termin-dostosowania-krajowych-ustaw-telewizyjnych-do-wymaga-ery-cyfrowej-001505 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/wgry-sowacka-ustawa-amie-unijne-przepisy-001499 Hungary"s prime minister said on Wednesday that Slovak legislation punishing the use of minority languages is unacceptable and goes against the basic values of the European Union and the Lisbon Treaty. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/artykul/wgry-sowacka-ustawa-amie-unijne-przepisy-001499 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/interju/bozso-brigitta-kizart-hogy-jogilag-kotelez-klimaegyezmeny-szulessen-002257 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/interju/bozso-brigitta-kizart-hogy-jogilag-kotelez-klimaegyezmeny-szulessen-002257 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/szksegszer-a-zld-forradalom-002258 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/szksegszer-a-zld-forradalom-002258 http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/nejdiskriminovanejsi-mensinou-jsou-cesti-romove-rika-zprava-eu-006843 European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) published a report evaluating minorities´ situation in member states. Report is based on interviews with nearly 23 thousand of immigrants and members of minorities. Document says that the most discriminated minority in the EU are Roma in the CR. http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/nejdiskriminovanejsi-mensinou-jsou-cesti-romove-rika-zprava-eu-006843 http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ukraina-walka-o-peni-wadzy-001475 The presidential election to be hold in Ukraine in January 2010 may lead to a change of the power system in the state. For the first time since four years there is a chance that one political camp may overtake the full power. http://www.euractiv.pl/rozszerzenie/analizy/ukraina-walka-o-peni-wadzy-001475 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/interju/ader-janos-ragaszkodnunk-kell-a-sporolt-penznkhz-002240 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/interju/ader-janos-ragaszkodnunk-kell-a-sporolt-penznkhz-002240 http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/interju/barta-e-gyula-szerencse-nelkl-nincs-sikeres-vallalkozas-002237 http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/interju/barta-e-gyula-szerencse-nelkl-nincs-sikeres-vallalkozas-002237 http://www.euractiv.sk/verejna-sprava/clanok/opis-vyzvy-za-viac-ako-pol-miliardy-eur-014103 Representatives of Slovak government met today with journalist in order to keep them informed about the progress under Operational Programme Information Society, supported by EU money. http://www.euractiv.sk/verejna-sprava/clanok/opis-vyzvy-za-viac-ako-pol-miliardy-eur-014103 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/clanok/holandsko-uz-neblokuje-srbov-014090 After 18 months Netherlands agreed to unblock trade agreement between Serbia and EU. The impulse came after main prosecutor of ICTY said country is progressing with cooperation. http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/clanok/holandsko-uz-neblokuje-srbov-014090 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/ket-oldalas-megoldas-a-klimavaltozasra-002229 Friends of Earth Europe and the Stockholm Environment Institute believes that everithing that Europe has to do to reach its climate goals can be listed in two pages. Moreover, it is possible by only using domestic resources. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/ket-oldalas-megoldas-a-klimavaltozasra-002229 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/kukan-rozsirovanie-blokuju-bilateralne-problemy-014086 Bilateral issues are creating tension ahead of a crucial meeting today (7 December) of EU foreign affairs ministers, MEP Eduard Kukan, who has been Slovakia's foreign minister for over eight years, told EurActiv in an exclusive interview. http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/kukan-rozsirovanie-blokuju-bilateralne-problemy-014086 http://www.euractiv.cz/regionalni-rozvoj/interview/marketa-reedova-navigacni-system-galileo-muze-byt-v-praze--pokud-se-rozdeli-006828 http://www.euractiv.cz/regionalni-rozvoj/interview/marketa-reedova-navigacni-system-galileo-muze-byt-v-praze--pokud-se-rozdeli-006828 http://www.euractiv.hu/europai-parlament/hirek/targyalasi-mandatum-a-magyar-ep-kepviselonek-002213 There was a bit confusion in the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parlament yesterday (3rd December), when the draft report concerning the modification of the European Union"s financing instrument for the promotion of democracy and human rights worldwide was on the agenda. There was no voting, however, Hungarian MEP and Co-Rapporteur Kinga Gál received a negotiating mandate in the issue. http://www.euractiv.hu/europai-parlament/hirek/targyalasi-mandatum-a-magyar-ep-kepviselonek-002213 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/erar-dluzi-evropskym-podnikatelum-180-miliard-eur-006577 EU businesses complained that at the time of drop of demand caused by the economic crisis firms often suffer from late payments by public institutions. Governments do not need to create any specific stimulation packages, they should rather pay in due time, firms say. Czech Republic is not an exception in this regard. http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/erar-dluzi-evropskym-podnikatelum-180-miliard-eur-006577 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/podnikatele-oznacili-zakon-o-lobbingu-za-legislativniho-mrzacka-006565 Czech business groups and center-right deputies condemned a proposal that aimed at setting standards for regulation of lobbyists prepared by Social Democrats (ČSSD). Among others, they criticised a part of the proposal that would require politicians to inform of every contact with potential lobbyist. http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/podnikatele-oznacili-zakon-o-lobbingu-za-legislativniho-mrzacka-006565 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/podnikatele-stat-se-musi-chovat-jako-soukroma-firma-006508 Mirek Topolánek, a leader of right-center civic democrats (ODS) supported requirements of entrepreneurs who called for more effective public administration. Czech businesses call also for a new export strategy aimed at small and medium sized entreprises. http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/podnikatele-stat-se-musi-chovat-jako-soukroma-firma-006508 http://www.euractiv.cz/cr-v-evropske-unii/interview/pat-cox-ve-zdravotnictvi-je-treba-zmenit-system-motivaci-005766 http://www.euractiv.cz/cr-v-evropske-unii/interview/pat-cox-ve-zdravotnictvi-je-treba-zmenit-system-motivaci-005766 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/ceske-podnikatelky-proc-jsou-na-vymreni-006656 According to Czech Statistical Office there is twice as much male entrepreneurs as female entrepreneurs. But in fact, the difference is much bigger. What are the reasons for such imbalances? EurActiv asked Helena Cetlová and Lenka Šťastná, members of two associations of female entrepreneurs. http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/clanek/ceske-podnikatelky-proc-jsou-na-vymreni-006656 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/interview/podnikatel-konicek-spoluprace-s-komisi-je-jen-pro-silne-natury-006671 http://www.euractiv.cz/podnikani-a-zamestnanost/interview/podnikatel-konicek-spoluprace-s-komisi-je-jen-pro-silne-natury-006671 http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/podeli-se-s-nami-evropa-o-vakciny-proti-praseci-chripce-006456 EU ministers for health will discuss mutual cooperation as regards innoculation against AH1N1, including vaccine sharing. However, the issue will most probably show reluctance among those EU countries who ordered markedly higher volume of vaccines than others. http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/podeli-se-s-nami-evropa-o-vakciny-proti-praseci-chripce-006456 http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/eu-doporucuje-ockovat-nejprve-chronicky-nemocne-tehotne-a-pracovniky-ve-zdravotnictvi-006414 EU Health Security Committee issued a statement identifying groups of people that should be prioritised in vaccination against H1N1 virus. However, statements of the body are non-binding. http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/eu-doporucuje-ockovat-nejprve-chronicky-nemocne-tehotne-a-pracovniky-ve-zdravotnictvi-006414 http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/praseci-chripka-v-evrope---klid-pred-bouri-006399 Experts concluded that virus H1N1 virus will continue spreading out, probably even faster than in the past. According to the European Center for Diseases Prevention and Control, another 491 people were found infected by the virus within last 24 hours. http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/praseci-chripka-v-evrope---klid-pred-bouri-006399 http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/komise-vyzyva-k-zakazu-koureni-ve-verejnych-prostorach-do-roku-2012-006217 European Commission published a proposal calling on national governments to adopt legislation that would protect EU citizens from exposure to cigarette smoke. Tobacco still ranks among the major cause of diseases in the EU. http://www.euractiv.cz/socialni-politika/clanek/komise-vyzyva-k-zakazu-koureni-ve-verejnych-prostorach-do-roku-2012-006217 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/az-eu-felmeri-a-tagorszagok-h1n1-elleni-oltoanyag-tartalekat-002208 The European Commission will soon take stock of the H1N1 vaccines available in the member states to see how much of the serum is available in case of urgeny, Andrulla Vassiliou has announced on tuesday (december 1.). http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/az-eu-felmeri-a-tagorszagok-h1n1-elleni-oltoanyag-tartalekat-002208 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/az-eu-tul-keves-hatassal-van-az-egeszsegunkre-001802 A report by the European Court of Auditors claims, no evidence has been found that European health programs would have any effect on citizens" state of health. As such, the board questions the use of such programs. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/az-eu-tul-keves-hatassal-van-az-egeszsegunkre-001802 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/hatos-fokozatban-a-sertesinfluenza--terveket-szo-europa-001736 Governments across Europe last night triggered national pandemic response plans in the wake of the World Health Organisation"s decision to raise the flu pandemic alert level to phase six. This marks the first full-scale global pandemic in 41 years, though the WHO stressed that most of those infected to date have made a swift recovery. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/hatos-fokozatban-a-sertesinfluenza--terveket-szo-europa-001736 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/sertes-influenza-keszltseget-vezettek-be-az-els-europai-esetek-megjelenese-utan-001623 While confirmed cases of swine flu have sparked fears of a worldwide pandemic, the World Health Organisation voted to raise its alert level, but did not think it appropriate to impose travel bans. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/sertes-influenza-keszltseget-vezettek-be-az-els-europai-esetek-megjelenese-utan-001623 http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/a-tavolsagi-egeszsegugyi-ellatas-kiepitesere-surgeti-a-tagallamokat-az-eu The European Commission is pushing EU member states to remove legal barriers to the provision of distance healthcare, potentially a very profitable new niche market for health in Europe. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/a-tavolsagi-egeszsegugyi-ellatas-kiepitesere-surgeti-a-tagallamokat-az-eu http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/eu-igyal-tejet Commission started school milk campaign las week. Agriculture commissioner Mariann Fischer-Boel started her road show in Cyprus where she tried to boost attention on the healthy effects of drinking milk and consuming milk products. Health commissioner Androulla Vassiliou presented the financial tools available for schools in Europe. http://www.euractiv.hu/belugyek/hirek/eu-igyal-tejet http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/grigorij-nemyria-ukrajina-si-vybrala-realisticky-pristup-k-integracii-do-eu-013352 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/grigorij-nemyria-ukrajina-si-vybrala-realisticky-pristup-k-integracii-do-eu-013352 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/k-europskemu-zdravotnemu-systemu-je-este-dlha-cesta-013873 On the 27th of November the second regional debate in the framework of the European Citizens Consultations (ECC) was held in Bratislava, Slovakia. The debate involved experts from Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria to discuss the recommendations and further issues related to the subject of health. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/k-europskemu-zdravotnemu-systemu-je-este-dlha-cesta-013873 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/kriminalnici-zarabaju-na-prasacej-chripke-013864 European medicine authorities are growing increasingly alarmed by the number of bogus swine flu remedies being sold over the Internet. The news comes as MEPs gear up to debate new rules covering counterfeit medicines. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/kriminalnici-zarabaju-na-prasacej-chripke-013864 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/obcania-ocakavaju-vacsiu-angazovanost-eu-v-zdravotnictve-013852 Bratislava will be the place of discussion on citizen´s recommendations in the field of public health. European Commission has promised to listen. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/clanok/obcania-ocakavaju-vacsiu-angazovanost-eu-v-zdravotnictve-013852 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/interview/valentino-vrani-ockovanie-je-dogma-013125 Chairmen of citizens´ initiative on raising awareness of risk related to vaccination speaks on the motion to change Slovak legislation on the compulsory vaccination. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/interview/valentino-vrani-ockovanie-je-dogma-013125 http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/analyza/zdravotnicka-politika-vyzvy-a-perspektivy-v-europe-013880 Miroslav Mikolašik, MEP and doctor, elaborates on current health policy challenges in Europe. http://www.euractiv.sk/zdravotnictvo/analyza/zdravotnicka-politika-vyzvy-a-perspektivy-v-europe-013880 http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/elemzesek/magyar-diplomaciai-jatszmak--harcok-nelkul-002203 Hungary"s interest representation and national politics concerning Hungarian minorities were the main subjects of Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Balázs"s opening speech in a conference concerning Hungarian national interest in the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs on Friday (27th November). The Foreign Minister said that Hungarian diplomacy is used to games rather than open struggles an that Hungary"s national politics needs to be improved. http://www.euractiv.hu/kulpolitika/elemzesek/magyar-diplomaciai-jatszmak--harcok-nelkul-002203 http://www.euractiv.sk/obrana-a-bezpecnost/clanok/rusi-nas-chcu-ochranit-014029 Russia published on 29 November its proposal for a new Euro-Atlantic security treaty that would restrict its ability to use military force unilaterally if the United States and its European allies agreed to do the same. http://www.euractiv.sk/obrana-a-bezpecnost/clanok/rusi-nas-chcu-ochranit-014029 http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/artykul/mur-berliski-run-take-w-warszawie-001398 Symbolic wall has been destroyed in the centre of Warsaw to commemorate the 20. anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. In the happening "No more walls!" took part some dozens young people from different EU countries. The event has been prepared by the Polish Schuman Foundation and the German embassy in Poland. http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/artykul/mur-berliski-run-take-w-warszawie-001398 http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/rowerem-wzdu-elaznej-kurtyny-001414 The project "Iron Courtain Route" engages 20 countries, inclusive 14 EU-members. Poland is one of them. The route has 6 500 kilometers - it begins at the Barents Sea. http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/rowerem-wzdu-elaznej-kurtyny-001414 http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/niezalene-radio-na-biaorusi-001412 European Radio for Belarus, with its headquarter in Poland, will be able to broadcast in Belarus. The independent television Bielsat, with its headquarter in Poland as well, however still cannot reach viewers in Belarus. http://www.euractiv.pl/polityka-zagraniczna/artykul/niezalene-radio-na-biaorusi-001412 http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/interju/kassai-robert-allami-bankot-a-vallalkozasoknak-002192 http://www.euractiv.hu/vallalkozasok/interju/kassai-robert-allami-bankot-a-vallalkozasoknak-002192 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/energia--gaz-es-olaj-002184 Oil and gas are the first commodities that come to our minds if we talk about energy. These are the two resources causing the most economic and political problems today. While most of the panels of the high profile 4th Energy Forum were dedicated to these raw materials, a few experts missed the renewabed from the discussion. http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/hirek/energia--gaz-es-olaj-002184 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/europe-stale-chybaju-podnikatelky-013883 As the European Commission pushes for greater gender balance in its own ranks, the EurActiv network takes a look at how women across Europe fare in the business world. http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/europe-stale-chybaju-podnikatelky-013883 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/slovenske-podnikatelky-maju-osem-ambasadoriek-013588 National Agency for Development of Small and Medium Enterprises (NADSME) with associated partners chose eight Female Entrepreneurship Ambassadors from 38 national candidates. Their role is to encourage more Slovak women to become entrepreneurs and start their own companies. http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/clanok/slovenske-podnikatelky-maju-osem-ambasadoriek-013588 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/interju/topolanek-a-v4-ektol-meg-sarkozy-is-felne-002175 http://www.euractiv.hu/gazdasag/interju/topolanek-a-v4-ektol-meg-sarkozy-is-felne-002175 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/clanok/kosovske-regionalne-volby-prebehli-pokojne-013957 PM´s party PDK won the most votes in the first regional elections in Kosovo. International observers say that the voting was "generally fair". http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/clanok/kosovske-regionalne-volby-prebehli-pokojne-013957 http://www.euractiv.sk/obrana-a-bezpecnost/interview/jean-michel-de-waele-rola-gorbacova-sa-prehliada-013947 http://www.euractiv.sk/obrana-a-bezpecnost/interview/jean-michel-de-waele-rola-gorbacova-sa-prehliada-013947 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/jm-wiersma-slovakov-situacia-romov-netrapi-akceptuju-ju-013938 http://www.euractiv.sk/rozsirovanie/interview/jm-wiersma-slovakov-situacia-romov-netrapi-akceptuju-ju-013938 http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/wywiad/vladimir-spidla-do-rozruszania-gospodarki-potrzebne-innowacje-spoeczne-001384 http://www.euractiv.pl/innowacyjnosc-i-kreatywnosc/wywiad/vladimir-spidla-do-rozruszania-gospodarki-potrzebne-innowacje-spoeczne-001384 http://www.euractiv.pl/przedsiebiorczosc-i-praca/artykul/drobny-biznes-nie-odczuwa-zalet-unijnego-planu-ratunkowego-001390 Eurochambres says that the European plan of stimulating the economy hardly helps the small enterprises in developing green technologies http://www.euractiv.pl/przedsiebiorczosc-i-praca/artykul/drobny-biznes-nie-odczuwa-zalet-unijnego-planu-ratunkowego-001390 http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/analizy/partnerstwo-wschodnie-geneza-moliwoci-i-wyzwania-001050 The Eastern Partnership it"s a new proposal of regional cooperation that the EU addresses towards Armenia, Azerbejdshan,Belarus, Georgia, Molodova and Ukraine. Deepening of the relations between those countries depends mostly of their will and progresses in democratisation"s process. http://www.euractiv.pl/eurowybory/analizy/partnerstwo-wschodnie-geneza-moliwoci-i-wyzwania-001050 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/interview/tana-kyselova-podnikanie-je-adrenalinovy-sport-013812 http://www.euractiv.sk/podnikanie-v-eu/interview/tana-kyselova-podnikanie-je-adrenalinovy-sport-013812