EUROPE DIRECT information centre - Aberdeen
How can we help?
We can provide:>
- Information about the European Union's policies, programmes and institutions
- Internet access to EU websites
- EU resources for teachers
- Copies of publications, brochures & guides to take away
- Information on your rights when travelling in the EU
- EU Facts & Figures
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My Europe in Books
We are getting ready to launch our "Your Europe in Books" project. We need you to tell us in no more than 100 words about
- Your favourite European Author or Poet
- Your favourite European fictional character
- Your favourite place in Europe to read
Entries must be accompanied by an entry form
Closing Date 19 August 2013
Croatia
Croatia is set to become the 28th member of the European Union on 1 July 2013.
MEPs
Croatia has a population of 4.3 Million citizens and they held elections on 14 April 2013 to elect 12 MEPs who will take their seats on 1 July 2013. European Parliament President Martin Schulz had encouraged Croatians to vote stating "It is happy news when a family grows, especially our family of values, committed to democracy, justice and the rule of law. Croatia's accession is a major step towards the full reunification of Europe. It will enrich the European Union and open new opportunities for Croatia."
The newly elected MEPs will remain in office until the European Parliament elections next year when Croatia will see their MEP numbers reduced from 12 to 11.
The 28th Commissioner
Neven Mimica, who is Croatia's candidate for the EU's 28th commissioner, was questioned by members of the consumer protection and environment committees on 4 June. Commission president José Manuel Barroso has assigned commissioner-designate Mimica the new portfolio of consumer protection which until now has been part of the health and consumer protection portfolio. The MEPs evaluated his general competence, his commitment to the EU as well as his knowledge of consumer protection issues. This will be followed by a meeting of the Parliament's Conference of Committee Chairs will meet on Wednesday 5 June and the Conference of Presidents on Thursday 6 June to assess the suitability of Mr Mimica.
There will then be a plenary vote in Strasbourg on Wednesday 12 June and if all goes well the new commissioner will be confirmed by the Council before 1 July.
Europe Direct Aberdeen are planning an event to celebrate Croatia becoming the EU's newest Member State. More details available soon.
European Parliament Elections 2014
During their May plenary session MEPs voted in favour of holding next year's European Parliament elections from 22 to 25 May. The formal decision will however need be taken by the governments in the Council. In the UK the elections will be held on 22 May 2014 so mark it in your diary!
The number of MEPs in the European Parliament will reduce to 751 after the 2014 elections due to the Lisbon Treaty. Currently there are 754 MEPs but this will increase to 766 with Croatia joing the EU in July 2013. Whilst negotiating the Lisbon Treaty it was decided to put a cap on the total number of MEPs to prevent the European Parliament growing indefinitely every time a new member state joins the EU.The following restrictions were agreed:
- Maximum number of MEPs - 750 plus the president
- Maximum number of MEPs per country - 96
- Minimum number of MEPs per country - 6
The division of seats should be according to degressive proportionality, meaning the more citizens a member state has, the more seats it will get, but also the more citizens each MEP will represent. So MEPs from smaller countries represent fewer people than their colleagues from larger states. The allocation of seats is also being adjusted to take into account changes in the population of member states. Therefore Germany will lose three seats and 12 countries will each lose one seat: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal and Romania. The UK remains with 73 MEPs (6 in Scotland)
Waste smART- What does waste look like Competition
- How do you see wasted food, construction waste, landfills, composting?
- How can we better reduce, re-use or recycle waste?
- How can re-using and recycling reduce the demand for extracting new resources?
- How do you want Europe's waste policy to look like in the future?
The European Environment Agency (EEA) has launched a competition for citizens to share their views about waste in Europe. You can express your thoughts across three categories : photo, cartoon or video. Closing date is 30 September 2013 and the competition is open to those aged 18 and over. For more information on the competition visit Waste smART
Latest Publication
This free booklet commemorates five years of Europe Direct Aberdeen and can be collected from any department within the Central Library or any Branch Library.
Europe Direct Roadshows
Pop along to the following venue and pick up information on a range of EU policies and programmes
Torry Community Library, Victoria Road 27 June 2013 from 2-4pm
Euro Talk Aberdeen Newsletter
The latest Euro Talk Aberdeen Newsletter is now available to view below:If you would like to be added to our distribution list to receive a copy of the e-newsletter by email then please send your details to europedirect@aberdeencity.gov.uk
Local Schools Compete in Annual Debate
Europe Direct Aberdeen hosted their annual Schools Debate on Thursday 7 March 2013 in the Aberdeen Beach Ballroom.Eight teams from secondary schools in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire demonstrated their debating skills in front of an audience.
The debate was chaired by James Temple-Smithson, Head of European Parliament Information Office in Scotland who was joined by a judging panel consisting of;
- Graham Blythe, Head of the European Commission Office in Scotland
- Carole Lyons, Department of Law, Robert Gordon University
- Ian Hudghton, Member of the European Parliament for Scotland
- Professor Michael Keating, Chair of Politics, University of Aberdeen
- Councillor Kirsty Blackman, Aberdeen City Council
- Andrew Burnett, Enterprise North East Trust
Each year the debate topics are chosen to reflect current European issues that are likely to impact on the lives of citizens throughout the European Union. This year the topics under debate looked at whether the EU is doing enough to support young entrepreneurs and whether after 40 years of the UK in Europe young people play a role as active EU citizens.
As always the standard of debating was extremely high and it was a very difficult task for the judges. however the eventual winners were our defending champions Alice and Harriet from Robert Gordon's College.
Councillor Jenny Laing, representing the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, presents the trophy to the winners.
European Walking Trail
Pick up a copy of the self-guided Europe Direct Aberdeen; European Walking Trail; now also available in an MP3 format; in the Central Library, Information Centre.
Further guided tours may be offered in the future so keep checking back for more details.
The publications is available in two versions- A fun interactive guide for children including quizzes and a version for adults (pictured). Copies are available in libraries throughout the city or, in case of difficulty please contact us at the address below.
Europe Direct Aberdeen Fact Files
A series of small leaflets allowing citizen's to find out about the role of the European Union and their rights in various key areas of European policy. If you have any suggestions for topics that you would like Europe Direct to cover in these leaflets please get in touch.
- Volunteering Resources
- Healthcare Rights
- Resources for SMEs
- Quick Guide To Travelling in the EU
- Retiring to Another European Union Country
- Finding a Job in the European Union
- Get in Touch
- European Citizens' Initiative
- Driving Licences
- EU Basics
- EU Labels
- Anti-trafficking
Please note that fact files 1-6 are currently being updated and will be available shortly.
Fact files 7 - 12 are available to read online by simply clicking on the individual title above.
Download the EU Treaties as e-Books
Download and read in e-Book format the Consolidated Treaty on European Union and the EURATOM Treaty.
Available at
EU Treaties e-Books
Travelling in Europe
Travelling in Europe 2012 - 13 is the European Union's official website for people travelling in the EU. Whether you are on holiday or on business, you will find practical advice and helpful tips on a wealth of subjects, from what documents you need, to getting healthcare and using your mobile phone.
Emergencies in the EU
In the UK 999 remains as the main emergency number.
112 in UK How it works PDF
The Countries of Europe
A new feature on the Europa website is an interactive map and listings of the countries of Europe.
Each of the above links will take you to a map of Europe and a list of countries. Clicking on the name of the country on the map or on the list to the left will bring up a brief overview of that country
Europe for Business
Your Europe - Business A multilingual service providing practical information and online government services for companies looking for business in another EU country.
Provided jointly by the European Commission and national authorities.
Europe for Kids
Discover more about your European neighbours in "The EU: What's it all about?", enjoy the interactive games and quizzes and find out about your rights on the Kids Corner webpage.
Europe for Youth
A gateway to citizenship and mobility for young people in Europe!
The European Youth Portal offers European and national information of interest to young people who are living, learning and working in Europe. The portal covers 31 countries and is available in 25 languages. Information is provided in 8 main themes:-
- Studying
- Working
- Volunteering / Exchanges
- Your rights
- Portals for young people
- Info on Europe
- Active citizenship
- Travelling Europe
EU Events and Initiatives
*NEW* European Citizens' Initiative
You are now able to call on the Commission to make legislative proposals on EU policy. A new website has all the information on how to launch a "citizens' initiative".
Find out more at:
The European Citizens' Initiative page
Euraxess
The European Commission has launched a new website for researchers. EURAXESS - Researchers in motion will provide researchers with easy access to information in four main areas:
- EURAXESS Services: information for mobile researchers
- EURAXESS Jobs: on-line researchers's vacancies and funding opportunities
- EURAXESS Rights: European Researchers' Charter and Code implementation
- EURAXESS Links: networking of European researchers abroad and third-country researchers in Europe
At the Euraxess: Researchers in motion page you will find a free one-stop-shop listing research jobs and funding opportunities in Europe.
- Researchers: Search for up-to-date vacancies and post your CVs.
- Employers: Post your vacancies and find qualified research talent.
Press Releases, Current Consultations & Useful Links
Please go to Europe Direct Press Releases & Links
Feedback
Europe Direct - Feedback and Enquiry Form
Contact
EUROPE DIRECT information centre - Aberdeen
Information Centre,
Central Library,
Rosemount Viaduct,
Aberdeen,
AB25 1GW
Tel. 01224 649483
Fax 01224 624118
Email: europedirect@aberdeencity.gov.uk
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