Pollution from fertilizers and fodder

In the framework of the FAIE Initiative on polluting agents in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission has published an Atlas that “illustrates for the first time and in a clear way the pressure exerted by nutrients on ecosystems and their source”. Nutrients, fundamental for crops and for […]

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Those who pollute shall pay

The new Directive on environmental responsibility in the Eu came into force on 30 April, without retroactive effect. It finally introduces into Eu legislation the principle that those who pollute shall pay, as prescribed by the Constitutional Treaty. The Directive concerns in particular the environmental damage caused to water resources, to fauna and flora, to […]

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Curbing violence on the workplace

The general secretaries of the four main European social partners (Confederation of Trades Unions, Ceep, Businesseurope, and Union of Small and Medium Businesses) signed a framework accord on harassment and violence on the workplace in Brussels on 26 April. After the joint decision taken by the Commission and European businesses in 2005 to adopt a […]

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Humanitarian aid in the Middle East

Multiplying efforts to preserve a humanitarian zone in the Middle East: that’s the gist of the message transmitted by the Eu Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Louis Michel during a Conference in Jerusalem on the humanitarian challenges of the Middle-Eastern peace process. In his report on behalf of the European Union, Michel expressed the […]

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EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN

A culture of service

“The number of complaints is maintained at record levels”, in continuity with previous years. “This development ought to be of concern to all those who have at heart better relations between citizens and EU institutions”, said NIKIFOROS DIAMANDOUROS , European Ombudsman, in presenting his annual Report for 2006 in Brussels in recent days. The role […]

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EUROPEAN UNION

A historic turning point

“The proposed budget represents an historical turning point for the EU: expenditures linked to development and employment represent the main item of the EU budget” and, for the first time in 50 years, “exceed those for agriculture and natural resources”, commented DALIA GRYBAUSKAITÉ , Commissioner for Financial Planning, in presenting the 2008 draft budget adopted […]

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CYPRUS

An endangered heritage

The heads of the Greek-Orthodox Church in Cyprus will be received by Benedict XVI in Rome on 16 and 17 June. News of the forthcoming audience was given to SIR by GEORGIOS , Bishop of Paphos, who recently met an ecumenical pilgrimage promoted by Brevivet in Brescia in which 21 journalists and diocesan delegates for […]

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Ukraine: against the scourge of alcoholism

“The scourge of alcoholism: current situation, therapy and pastoral aid”: that’s the title of a conference held in recent days at Lvov in Ukraine, organized by the Commission of the pastoral care of health of the Byzantine-rite diocese of Lvov and the Ukrainian Catholic University. “The strength of a people consists of its sobriety” was […]

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Belarus: a new church

A new Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Spirit was consecrated at Polociani, near Minsk, in Belarus on 1st May. The celebration was officiated by the apostolic administrator of the diocese of Minsk-Moghilievsk, Bishop Antonij Demiankonone , together with numerous priests from neighbouring parishes. Representatives of the civil authorities were also present. Years ago Polociani […]

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Bulgaria: the Knights of charity

Helping the Catholic Church and also the Orthodox Church, as indeed all people in need – that is the aim pursued by the Order of the Knights of Malta which has been working in Bulgaria for two years. During this period the Knights have furnished medical equipment and supplies to three Bulgarian hospitals linked to […]

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