EUROPE DIRECT information centre - Aberdeen: Press Releases & Links
Press Releases
16 May 2013 Nobel Peace Prize exhibition opens in Brussels
The Nobel Peace Prize awarded to the EU in 2012 is on display at the European Parliament's visitors centre - Parlamentarium until 6 October. Inaugurating the exhibition, European Parliament president Martin Schulz said: "Understand what kind of precious gift it is for all of us to live in the EU in an era of peace on a continent that was too long, too often, a continent of war, of hate, of racism, of xenophobia, of anti-Semitism. For more information visit the Parlamentarium website
15 May 2013 President Barroso sets out priorities for May European summit
In an open letter to national leaders ahead of their meeting on 22 May 2013 President Barroso has set out the challenges facing the EU on high energy prices, tax fraud and tax evasion. Read the full letter here President Barroso Letter
May 2013
Celebrating Europe – Open Day on 4 May 2013
Europe’s open day is a time to reflect on the EU’s achievements – and look at how to make it work better for everyone. Join in the debates, events and activities for all ages. On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, France’s foreign minister, sparked the creation of what is now know as the European Union by calling on France, Germany and other European countries to pool their production of coal and steel. The anniversary of his declaration is celebrated as Europe Day –recognising a union of 27 countries that upholds respect for freedom and the rule of law while valuing the diversity of its citizens. Open days On Saturday 4 May, EU institutions will mark the anniversary by opening their doors to the public. Events will also be held at Commission offices in each EU country, and at some local offices around the world. Each is holding a variety of fun, educational activities for adults and children, including live music, cultural shows, and quizzes. For more information visit the European Commission website
April 2013 - EU Women Innovators Prize
The EU Women Innovators Prize is a competition that rewards three women who have achieved outstanding innovations and brought them to market. The first prize is worth GBP 85 000 (Euro 100 000), the second GBP 43 000 (Euro 50 000) and third GBP 21 000 (Euro25 000). The deadline for applications is 15 October 2013. An independent panel of judges from business and academia will examine and select the three winners who will be announced in spring 2014. More information on how to apply and details on previous winners here
16 April 2013 – The European Commission has published the test results after EU wide testing for horsemeat DNA and phenylbutazone, following on from the recent horsemeat scandal. The results show that less than 5% of the tested products contained horse DNA and approx. 0.5% of equine carcasses contained phenylbutazone. They conclude that no food safety issues but tougher penalties to apply in the future to fraudulent labelling "Today's findings have confirmed that this is a matter of food fraud and not of food safety. Restoring the trust and confidence of European consumers and trading partners in our food chain following this fraudulent labelling scandal is now of vital importance for the European economy given that the food sector is the largest single economic sector in the EU" said Commissioner for Health and Consumers Tonio Borg. To conclude: "In the coming months, the Commission will propose to strengthen the controls along the food chain in line with lessons learned. For more information visit Food Safety Website
March 2013 - "Start Up Europe" campaign
The European Commission wants young Europeans to be inspired by home-grown entrepreneurs, so their bright ideas start and stay in Europe. They are setting up a platform for current entrepreneurs to tell their stories to inspire young Europeans. For more information visit Start Up Europe
January 2013 - Ireland assume Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
On 1st January 2013 Ireland took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Cyprus. This is the seventh time that Ireland has held the Presidency. The full programme of the priorities of the Irish Presidency during the six month period will be announced shortly on the official website which at the moment states that "The Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU is about securing stability and ensuring that it leads to jobs and growth."
For further information, visit Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Current Consultations
28 March 2013 - 02 July 2013
Green Paper on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies
The purpose of this public consultation is to collect insights and viewpoints from a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals, which will help to inform the Commission's ongoing work in developing a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies. The consultation will run until 2 July 2013.
To read the Green paper and for details of how to submit your comments please visit
2030 Framework for climate and energy policies consultation
To view other topics that the European Commission is currently consulting EU citizens about and to use "Your Voice in Europe" then please visit European Commission current consultations
Useful Links: Other Pages from Information Services
Getting to Know the European Union
The Official website of the European Union
European Union in 12 Easy lessons
The History of the European Union
Calendar of the EU
Weekly Calendar for the Institutions of the EU
Have Your Say on the EU
- Debate Europe: Join the debate on Europe. The European Commission has relaunched its "Debate Europe" website where you can express your ideas, hopes and worries on topics such as energy and climate change, intercultural dialogue and the future of Europe. You can interact with other European citizens and occasionally with Commissioners who join the debate.
- EUtube: Europe in moving images. See the latest videos on European themes on "EUtube" - and give your comments or tell a friend
- EU Blogs For a personal, insider's view on EU affairs, try a Commissioner's blog. Several EU Commissioners have their own blogs – as do some senior Commission staff in individual EU member countries.
Useful Links: European Union and Others
- European Parliament
- Enterprise Europe Network Help for businesses
- European Parliament in the UK
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). If you are a UK resident & are a holder of anEHIC, you may be entitled to medical treatment that becomes necessary, at reduced cost or sometimes free, when temporarily visiting a European Union (EU) country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. Only treatment provided under the state scheme is covered.
How to apply for a card - UK European Consumer Centre Information and support for consumers shopping across the EU.
- Foreign & Commonwealth Office
- Generation Europe Foundation's creation in 1995 was based on a simple observation; that the young represent tomorrow's decision-makers who will live, work, consume and contribute to the economic and political fiber of the world in the years to come. For "Tomorrow's Citizens" from 9 to 29 years old.
- Study in Europe- A new European Commission website that provides up to date information to potential students on 32 European countries, their universities and what it takes to live and study in them.
- Who gets EU cash? This allows free access to details of who receives EU funds managed directly by the Commission and it's executive agencies. Presently covers 2007 to 2009.
Contact details
- 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
Back to the Europe Direct home page.