Joining forces for more efficient EU research “The problems related to food-safety, health, bio-diversity, climate changes and energy go beyond the national borders. This is why it’s important that research in these sectors be conducted not only at national level but also at European level”. Janez Potocnik, EU Commissioner for Science and Research, explained the reasons underlying the proposal submitted to Member States by the Executive on July 15, in order to “share resources and improve effort coordination”. The declared purpose is to “achieve more effective and efficient scientific results”. According to the Commission, a series of strategic sectors ought to be identified to step up scientific cooperation also with joint investments in research centres, researchers, and research. Such “joint planning” is expected to become operative, prior to the approval of the EU’s Parliament and Council, starting in 2010. Multilingualism and enterprise competitiveness”Diversified linguistic skills enable communication, promote understanding and the identification of new solutions. The time has come for education and vocational training to take these aspects into account”. Thus Günter Verheugen, Industry Commissioner, expressed his appreciation of the report on multilingualism and economy submitted to the Executive by the “Enterprise Forum” set up in 2007 and chaired by former Belgian Commissioner Etienne Davignon, to “assess the impact of language skills on trade and employment”. The document gives a snapshot of the measures “which ought to be taken in order to help enterprises access new markets and new trade opportunities in a globalized world”. Multilingualism Commissioner Leonard Orban declared: “The report makes clear that language diversity along with investments in language and intercultural skill acquisition, can become an opportunity for growth and a benefit to all”. The report underlines that Europe “risks losing competitiveness, since emerging economies, Asia and Latin America in particular, are rapidly developing strong language skills along with other skills aimed at efficient competitiveness”. He maintained that EU Member States should promote foreign-language courses, also by giving incentives to those enterprises that decide to invest in this field.Stop to discrimination and violence against womenFor the first time since enlargement towards Eastern Countries, this week MEPs approved an “initiative report” on gender equality in EU-27. The members of the Commission for Women’s Rights, chaired by Popular Party MEP Anna Zaborska, from Slovenia, underlined the need to promote equality throughout all Community policies eliminating all forms of discrimination. The report, drawn up by Spanish Socialist MEP Iratxe García Pérez, also highlights the importance of “combating violence against women”. The report addresses a series of issues. In fact, it is stated that “while women’s access to the job market has improved, the quality of employment offered to women is still a problem”, as is unequal salary treatment (approximately 15% less) for same jobs. Furthermore, “women occupying executive positions still represent only 33%”. The same discriminatory approach is visible in political life, with “23% of women MPs present at national level and 33% in the European Parliament”. The document – which will progress on its path through Parliament – stresses the need to put women in the condition of reconciling work and family life.Holiday? Practical advice from the Commission Some pieces of advice to better enjoy your summer. By tradition, as the time of vacations draws near, Brussels’ Executive issues a series of basic rules of behaviour addressed to tourists, whether one simply decides to relax in one’s own Country, (sea, mountains, hills, cultural sites) or whether one decides to travel abroad. Mostly, the Commission suggests, “being far-sighted”. Those who visit another Country “must have the European health insurance card with them”. The Card covers the expenses of medical visits and treatment received during the stay abroad in one of the 31 adhering States. “In case of illness or accident, the Card gives tourists the right to the same treatment they would be given in the State they are visiting, as if they were insured”. The Commission equally warns citizens on the risks of “solar exposure”, underlining the importance of staying in the sun for short periods and avoiding the warmest hours of the day, while certified “UVA” solar creams should be preferred.
