New study by WHO Europe and ECDC examines variations in antibiotic consumption in European countries between 2014 and 2018
Jul 7 2021
New study by WHO Europe and ECDC examines variations in antibiotic consumption in European countries between 2014 and 2018

A new study by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe) and ECDC examines variations in antibiotic consumption in European countries between 2014 and 2018.

The study focuses on data from 30 EU/EEA countries of the European Surveillance of Antibiotic Consumption Network (ESAC-Net) and 15 countries of the WHO Europe Antimicrobial Medicines Consumption (AMC) Network, and aimed at examining the total consumption and patterns of consumption of antibiotics, i.e. antibacterials for systemic use (ATCa group J01), in defined daily doses (DDDa) per 1 000 inhabitants per day, the relative consumption of oral and parenteral formulations, and the comparative use of WHO Access, Watch and Reserve (AWaReb) antibiotics in 2018, as well as assessing trends over time.

In 2018, the total consumption of antibiotics ranged from 8.9 for Azerbaijan to 34.1 DDD per 1 000 inhabitants per day for Greece, with similar ranges of estimates for ESAC-Net and the WHO Europe AMC Network. However, there were considerable differences in the consumption of various antibiotic groups, with a larger consumption of penicillins and tetracyclines and a lower consumption of cephalosporins and quinolones in ESAC-Net countries than in WHO Europe AMC Network countries.

The relative consumption of parenteral formulations varied within and between networks. For the 26 ESAC-Net countries for which hospital sector data were included, parenteral formulations represented between 3.6% and 23.9% of total consumption. For the 15 WHO Europe AMC Network countries, parenteral formulations comprised between 2.8% and 40.1% of total consumption.

Furthermore, ‘Access’ antibiotics represented more than 60% of total consumption in 17 of 29 ESAC-Net countries, and three of 15 WHO Europe AMC Network countries. The relative consumption of ‘Watch’ antibiotics ranged from 13% (Iceland) to 61% (Slovakia) of total consumption for ESAC-Net countries, and from 34% (Bosnia and Herzegovina) to 69% (Uzbekistan) of total consumption for WHO Europe AMC Network countries. ‘Reserve’ antibiotics represented <1% of total consumption in all countries included in the study.

Between 2014 and 2018, there were statistically significant decreases in the total consumption of antibiotics in eight ESAC-Net countries: Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This may be due to the longstanding programmes and commitment of these countries toward the prudent use of antibiotics. WHO Europe AMC Network data were characterised by less consistent patterns, with only one country showing a significant increasing consumption trend between 2014 and 2018. This may reflect the nature of the data collection in these countries, as well as shorter histories of interventions tackling antimicrobial resistance.

WHO’s global target that 60% of total antibiotic consumption should be of ‘Access’ agents was met by 14 of 29 ESAC-Net countries in the five years of the study, while only one country in the WHO Europe AMC Network met this target.

The authors said:

“Although the total consumption of antibiotics was similar in the two networks, the distribution of this consumption among the different antibiotic groups varied substantially. The greater consumption of antibiotics in the ‘Watch’ group in WHO Europe AMC Network countries suggests opportunities for improved prescribing. Significant decreases in antibiotic consumption in several ESAC-Net countries illustrate the value of sustained actions to address the prudent use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance”.

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the world’s leading public health threats. It is estimated that about 33 000 deaths are attributable to infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria annually in the European Union/European Economic Area, and 700 000 globally. Ensuring prudent antimicrobial use is a key priority in an effective response to antimicrobial resistance.

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€14.2 million seized from cross-border VAT fraudsters in Hungary
Jul 7 2021
€14.2 million seized from cross-border VAT fraudsters in Hungary

The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NTCA), supported by Europol, dismantled an organised crime group involved in cross-border VAT fraud (missing trader intra-community fraud) and carousel fraud.

The two action days in June led to:

  • 59 house searches 
  • 14 arrests
  • Seizure of assets worth € 14.2 million including € 4.23 million in real estate, € 2.8 million in bank accounts and € 500 000 in cash

A complicated scheme to evade VAT payment

After the Hungarian authorities dismantled a large criminal network in October 2019, which managed to cause €12 million damage to the Hungarian budget, they shifted their focus onto three other related networks. The investigators unveiled a much more complex criminal activity. Missing traders who imported mobile phones submitted their VAT returns to the tax authorities but failed to pay the VAT to the national treasury. Their activity was registered to strawmen and hosted by company service providers.

After importing the items, the missing traders sold the mobile phones at a loss to several buffer companies, which then sold the products to broker companies. The brokers either resold the mobile phones at an attractive price on internet marketplaces or recorded intra-community supplies to several conduit companies located in different EU Member States. Again, the aim was to reclaim the VAT, which was never paid by the missing traders. The buffer and conduit companies did not carry out any real economic activities nor did they hire employees. These companies were used exclusively for fictitious invoicing. Used for only a short period, many of them installed foreign strawmen as managers. While achieving a significant price advantage at the end of the chain through VAT fraud, the criminal network caused tax losses to the state budget of about € 29.8 million.

Europol supported the investigation from the beginning by facilitating information exchange and providing analytical support. During the action days, Europol deployed three experts to Hungary to support the investigators in the field with real-time analysis of operational information against Europol’s databases. Technical support was also provided by extracting data stored on the mobile devices.

Bringing the money back to taxpayers

Missing trader intra-community fraud (MTIC) does not affects only governments, but all citizens. The billions of euros that organised crime gangs defraud from taxpayers through this scam fraud scheme are ultimately robbing citizens affecting the funding of vital public services. A cross-border crime per definition, the effective fight against it requires internationally coordinated operations pulling together the affected Member States, Europol and trusted partners. 

Europol recently created the European Financial and Economic Crime Centre (EFECC) to increase synergies between economic and financial investigations and to strengthen its ability to support law enforcement authorities in effectively combating this major criminal threat.

MTIC fraud is a priority for the European Union for the period 2018-2021 in its fight against organised crime.
Read more about MTIC fraud.  

In 2010 the European Union set up a four-year Policy Cycle to ensure greater continuity in the fight against serious international and organised crime. In 2017 the Council of the EU decided to continue the EU Policy Cycle for the 2018 – 2021 period. It aims to tackle the most significant threats posed by organised and serious international crime to the EU. This is achieved by improving and strengthening cooperation between the relevant services of EU Member States, institutions and agencies, as well as non-EU countries and organisations, including the private sector where relevant. MTIC fraud is one of the priorities of the Policy Cycle.
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Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Sassoli and Prime Minister Janša on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU
Jul 6 2021
Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Sassoli and Prime Minister Janša on the presentation of the programme of activities of the Slovenian Presidency of the Council of the EU

European Commission Statement Strasbourg, 06 Jul 2021 Thank you very much Prime Minister,
Thank you President,
The Slovenian Presidency comes indeed at a pivotal point in time and let me highlight a few of the main…

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EIOPA publishes monthly technical information for Solvency II Relevant Risk Free Interest Rate Term Structures – end-June 2021 – Eiopa European Commission
Jul 5 2021
EIOPA publishes monthly technical information for Solvency II Relevant Risk Free Interest Rate Term Structures – end-June 2021 – Eiopa European Commission

Today, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) published technical information on the relevant risk free interest rate term structures (RFR) with reference to the end of June 2021.

RFR information has been calculated on the basis of the content of the Technical Documentation published on 31 May 2020 and based on RFR coding released on 8 October 2019.

All the documents are available on RFR specific area on EIOPA’s website. In particular, the updated version of the source code can be accessed under Related links in the RFR area.

 

Background

Technical information relating to risk-free interest rate (RFR) term structures is used for the calculation of the technical provisions for (re)insurance obligations.

In line with the Solvency II Directive, EIOPA publishes technical information relating to RFR term structures on a monthly basis via a dedicated section on EIOPA’s Website also containing the release calendar for 2021, the RFR Technical Documentation, the RFR coding and Frequently Asked Questions.

With this publication, EIOPA ensures consistent calculation of technical provisions across Europe.

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Politician from Northern Macedonia: Bulgaria’s clear and unequivocal “no” was natural
Jul 2 2021
Politician from Northern Macedonia: Bulgaria’s clear and unequivocal “no” was natural

Instead of conducting a fraternal dialogue, we sought support and someone to “press” the older brother to let us into the EU, added Petar Kolev

“Bulgaria’s clear and unequivocal “no” to Northern Macedonia was a natural end to this stage of our relationship, because there are three key things that have happened” stated on June 25, 2021 in the studio of “Tazi Sutrin” on bTV by the chairman of the Civil Democratic Union in Northern Macedonia Petar Kolev. “First, our government overslept the Bulgarian framework and did not take the necessary diplomatic steps to try to find a direct solution with Sofia. Instead of seeking dialogue with the institutions and leaders in Bulgaria, our government decided that it should “This conversation with the leaders in Washington, Brussels and Berlin. Third, Zaev finally remembered Rumen Radev’s mandate that there is a presidential institution in Bulgaria. This is an extremely insincere attitude,” he added.

According to him, for the first time the Bulgarian side has emphasized an extremely important issue, namely the non-fulfillment of the Copenhagen criteria in the direction of human rights and discrimination against people in the Republic of Northern Macedonia who self-identify as Bulgarians.

“Instead of looking for a fraternal and sincere dialogue, as close relatives trying to find a solution, we tried to seek support and someone to ‘push’ the older brother to let us into the EU. This is not fair.” Kolev thinks.

He explained that more than 89% of the citizens of Northern Macedonia are in favor of NATO and EU membership.

Zaev: We don’t need the EU if someone wants us to negotiate the Macedonian language and identity!

Negotiations have not yet begun due to the internal situation in Bulgaria, which lacks a political government and a constituted parliament, he said.

Neither this government nor any other has the right to talk about the Macedonian language and Macedonian identity. This was emphasized by the Prime Minister of Northern Macedonia Zoran Zaev on June 25, 2021 at a parliamentary session, at which parliamentary questions were asked, reports Nezavisen Vesnik.

“We do not need the European Union if someone wants to negotiate the Macedonian language and the Macedonian identity. Because we will be depersonalized. There is no one to join the EU, because the majority of the people in the country are Macedonians,” Zaev said.

He responded to MP Rashela Mizrahi of VMRO-DPMNE, who asked why there were no talks with the EU and asked the prime minister to read the proposal with which he left for Sofia, BTA added.

Zaev explained that the roadmap is being discussed with Bulgaria, such as the proposal for solving the problem, which lists all areas for cooperation, such as building infrastructure, opening border crossings, better cooperation between institutions.

“The second part, which we focus on in the roadmap, is the intensity of the meetings of the Commission on Historical and Educational Issues, without specifying what the Commission is talking about, because there are experts there. In a place where the Macedonian language is mentioned,” that these are two similar but different and internationally recognized languages, “Zaev stressed.

He added that negotiations with the EU have not yet begun due to the internal situation in Bulgaria, which does not have a political government and a constituted parliament. Zaev believes that talks with Bulgaria will continue in the coming period.

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EASO publishes a COI report: Somalia Actors
Jul 2 2021
EASO publishes a COI report: Somalia Actors

Today, the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) published a Country of Origin Information (COI) report titled – Somalia: Actors (2021)

After peaking in 2015, with 21 600 applications for international protection, Somali requests for international protection have fluctuated in recent years.  So far in 2021 (January-April), Somalis have lodged over 4 300 IP applications in the EU+, which makes Somalia the seventh top country of origin for applicants in the EU+. By comparison, in 2020 Somalia was the 10th top country of origin. So far in 2021, the EU+ recognition rate for EU-regulated types of protection (at first instance) for Somalis was 59 %, which is in line with that of the previous year. At the end of April 2021, some 10 500 Somali applications were pending at first instance.

This report is part of a series of four EASO COI reports on Somalia that are going to be produced in 2021. The report provides information relevant for international protection status determination for Somali applicants, and in particular for use in EASO’s country guidance development on Somalia. The report is meant to provide the background information and mapping of relevant actors/dynamics in Somalia, upon which subsequent reports (notably the Somalia Security Situation, the report on Targeted Profiles and the report on the Key Socio-Economic Indicators) will build. The report, EASO COI Report: Somalia – Actors is divided into seven macro-chapters. Chapter 1 provides a general overview of the various conflict dynamics in the country (Country Background). Chapters 2 to 6 describe the main country-wide actors in Somalia and in the Somali conflict, namely: the Federal Government of Somalia, al-Shabaab, the clans and militias, AMISOM and AFRICOM, and ISIS-Somalia. For each one of these, the report details strengths, characteristics, justice provision and relative human rights conduct/abuses by various actors. Chapter 7 provides an overview of the the Federal Member State (Jubbaland, South West State, Hirshabelle, Benadir/Mogadishu, Galmudug, Puntland), as well as Somaliland. Each regional sub-chapter includes a brief description of relevant dynamics, territorial control, governance, local armed forces, access to justice, as well as security forces’ human rights conduct.

The report was drafted internally by EASO, with one chapter drafted by France (DIDR COI unit of the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless People). The report was written in accordance with the EASO COI Report Methodology. It was peer-reviewed internally, and externally by the Austrian Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, Country of Origin Information Department (B/III), Africa Desk, as well as by the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation (ACCORD).

The report can be downloaded from the EASO COI Portal.

Any further information may be obtained from the European Asylum Support Office on the following email address: press@easo.europa.eu

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Europol: Six children victim of sexual abuse removed from harm
Jul 2 2021
Europol: Six children victim of sexual abuse removed from harm

Six victims of child abuse have been identified and removed from harm as a result of the 9th Victim Identification Taskforce organised by Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3).

Between 14 and 25 June 2021, 41 victim identification specialists from across the world joined forces to identify as many victims of child sexual abuse as possible. 

Europol is managing more than 59 million unique images and video files in its dedicated repository. To prepare for the action, Europol specialists selected footage of victims whose location and identity had not yet been established. 

The participants combined their efforts to assess over 300 series. For 47 of these, the likely country of production was identified. The concerned EU Member States were immediately notified so that they could launch their own investigation at the national level. Europol is now providing support to these countries to help  safeguard the children as quickly as possible and apprehend the offenders. 

The following countries and agencies took part in this edition of the Victim Identification Taskforce: Australia, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, INTERPOL, Latvia, Moldova, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine, US ICE and US FBI.

HOW YOU CAN HELP STOP CHILD ABUSE

In June 2017, Europol launched its crowdsourcing Stop Child Abuse – Trace An Object initiative, which stemmed from the work of this Taskforce. 

As part of this initiative, non-confrontational details of images extracted from child sexual abuse cold cases are regularly made public in the hope that someone might recognise a detail which could help narrow down the location of the victim. 

So far, this initiative has yielded the following results: 

  • Over 26 800 tips have been sent in via the general public;
  • Investigators were able to narrow down a country in 105 instances;
  • 12 children victim of child sexual abuse have been identified and removed from harm;
  • 4 offenders have been identified and prosecuted. 

Every piece of information helps. The images can be viewed at: https://www.europol.europa.eu/stopchildabuse

Please have a look and see if you can help us identify a detail which could lead investigators to a child victim of abuse.

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Johnson explanes the violation of Russian borders by the destroyer with the non-recognition of Russian Crimea
Jul 2 2021
Johnson explanes the violation of Russian borders by the destroyer with the non-recognition of Russian Crimea

British prime minister Boris Johnson, claim on the occasion of the incident with the carnage of ships on the naval naval force of the Defender in the Black Sea, which he beat in the sea, right yes, along the water route, cover the coast of the Crimean Peninsula, which is not in the Russian territory of the sea, but the United Kingdom not recognizing annexation on the Cream from Russia.

Think of the premier of the last two accusations against Moscow and London, who spread the lies of the incident and denounced the incident, warned of the shooting and sabotaging of some bombs at the target.

Johnson, who had a visit to the barracks in Oldrshot, was approeached directly from a journalist who personally approved the route to the Defender destroyer on the coast of the Creme.

“Some work for the Ministry has been taken away, but what seems to be my opinion is crumpled, but there’s a lot of international traffic and, in between, there’s a moment that is not recognized annexation on the Crimea from Russia. Creme is often from the sovereign of the Ukrainian territory and is absolutely correct, yes, upholding the law and then free on the ship, we will eat along a short route between two points on the route …“, explain the British premier.

In the meantime, Johnson said, that the United Kingdom was not open for different relations with Russia. On a pretext for staying in the British-Russian relationships, Boris Johnson declared, remembering the times, when those were beat enough.

Lord Danath, the commander of the British army, both declare that Vladimir Putin is due to the incident in the West with the incident. “I’m worn out, why the Ministry has been selected for the retirement, it’s happened so and think that you’ll prevent the shooting from the military doctrine of the most stupid things,” declared Lord Danath.

British Foreign Minister Dominic Raab told the reporter about the time of his visit to Singapore, which “hadn’t been shot at the Defender”.

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Regional airports are key for the economic recovery and territorial cohesion in the EU
Jul 2 2021
Regional airports are key for the economic recovery and territorial cohesion in the EU


In this interview, Władysław Ortyl (PL/ECR), President of the Podkarpackie Region, answers six questions about his opinion on the Future of Regional Airports , which was adopted at the Committee of the Regions’ plenary session on 1 July. The CoR opinion highlights the importance of regional airports for the territorial cohesion of the EU and the socio-economic development of regions and stresses the need to continue working to reduce greenhouse emissions (GHG) from air transport and to align the aviation sector with the objectives of the European Green Deal, the EU’s growth strategy to reach climate-neutrality by 2050.

Why did the European Committee of the Regions decide to draft an opinion on the situation of regional airports?

The aviation sector has been one of the worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the situation facing regional airports is particularly worrying. More than 6 000 routes which were served from Europe’s airports in 2019 were still not restored nine months into the COVID 19 crisis. Smaller regional airports have recorded the greatest decline in direct flight connections, particularly in passenger flights. The sharp drop in revenues has put some airports in such a difficult position that they risk insolvency without external support. Their bankruptcy would have a dramatic impact on employment and the economies of the regions where they are located.

Why is it necessary to support regional airports? Didn’t the aviation sector already receive enough attention during the COVID crisis?

In 2018, aviation in Europe accounted for 26% of global passenger traffic. This directly and indirectly provided over 13.5 million jobs. It is estimated that some 1.7 million people are directly employed by airport operators, institutions and companies that work with airports. Regional airports are key to ensuring the accessibility of transport in peripheral, island and outermost regions and therefore make an important contribution to the economic development and job market in these regions. Let’s not forget that they also play a crucial role for air ambulance services, for fire monitoring and firefighting flights, and help to ensure the smooth functioning of rescue services, public administration, institutions and businesses. It is important to recognise that the rate at which regions develop depends to a large extent on the quality of their connectivity, and that regional airports play a prominent role in EU territorial cohesion.

The European Green Deal sets out ambitious targets, in particular a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to transport by 2050. How can support to airports be conciliated with those objectives?

The European Commission has set out its vision for the decarbonisation of aviation in its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy , the result of which should be a 90% reduction in GHG emissions coming from transport by 2050. The Green Deal emphasises that air quality should be improved near airports by tackling the emissions of pollutants by aeroplanes and airport operations, including by gradually increasing the share of alternative fuels. Here I would really like to highlight the necessity to provide EU funds, in the context of cohesion policy for 2021-27, to co-finance investments in regional airports that directly support decarbonisation. It is also crucial to allocate adequate European funds to the development of safety and security infrastructure, and to make use of innovative technologies and digitalisation.

What are your recommendations to airports in order to mitigate their CO2 emissions and their environmental impact? What role should local and regional authorities have in this regard?

A significant number of local and regional authorities own or operate regional airports, provide the necessary infrastructure and other services relevant for their functioning, and sometimes contribute to their financing considerably. Regional airports could be ideal pioneers of green innovation, as their inherent characteristics include being smaller, more flexible, and more adaptable to newer, greener types of aircraft. In order to mitigate their emissions, airports can establish the charges paid by airlines based on environmental criteria, for example, by reducing charges for aircraft producing less noise and emitting fewer air pollutants. Moreover, airports can use incentives to support new fuel use or noise reduction.

Are you expecting the European Commission to take any measures, particularly regarding state aid rules and EU funding?

In my opinion, I include a call on the European Commission to develop, as part of the legislative process, even more flexible and more effective public aid rules that enable Member States to provide regional airports with the financial assistance in line with the relevant ERDF and RRF provisions for investment in regional airports located in peripheral, island or outermost regions where a more efficient and sustainable alternative (for instance rail) does not exist.

How do you see the future of regional airports in the EU?

I firmly believe that now is the moment to assess the relevance of regional airports in Europe. The assessment needs to consider their role in relation to their connectivity for their citizens, the regional economic development, including tourism, take into account the experience and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and their contribution to the EU’s ambitious climate policy. I hope and expect to see coordinated action by the European Commission, the Member States, regions, the research community and businesses with a view to propose a new comprehensive transport system in Europe, maintaining the aviation mode of transport when it is necessary and where a more efficient and sustainable alternative (for instance rail) does not exist or does not make sense economically.

Background

The draft opinion on the Future of Regional Airports was adopted by the COTER commission of the European Committee of the Regions on the 23 April 2021 and is scheduled for adoption at the Committee of the Regions’ plenary session on 1 July.

Contact: presscdr@cor.europa.eu

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Dutch television aired the Nazi version of the text of the German anthem
Jul 1 2021
Dutch television aired the Nazi version of the text of the German anthem

A huge blunder was made by the Dutch television NPO during the performance of the anthem of Germany before the 1/8 finals of the European Football Championship against England at Wembley. The Nazi version of the musical symbol of the German state was broadcast on teletext, which broadcasts subtitles for people with hearing impairments. The media was quick to apologize on Twitter for the release of the text of “Germany above all”.

“During the live broadcast of the England-Germany match, a wrong version of the German anthem was shown due to oversight. The mistake is our employee. We apologize to the viewers who have been affected by this,” the statement said.

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The President of Serbia is on the verge of a hand-to-hand fight with an opposition leader
Jul 1 2021
The President of Serbia is on the verge of a hand-to-hand fight with an opposition leader

People’s Party Chairman Vuk Jeremic and three of its members, Miroslav Aleksic, Borislav Novakovic and Vladimir Gaic, appeared in the Serbian presidency 25.06. after President Aleksandar Vucic urged them “to go and try to lynch him” , that he will deal with all four on his own, writes the Serbian edition of En Jedan.

Jeremic claims the president appeared at the meeting visibly angry, accompanied by his bodyguards.

“He was shouting, cursing, insulting and threatening us. I invited him out, but he didn’t dare.

He called me a “thief,” and I replied in the calmest tone possible that he was a traitor. I asked him if he could repeat all this in front of the national television camera, but he said there was no need,” said the opposition leader.

According to the chairman of the People’s Party, he and his men appeared in the Serbian presidency only to ask Vucic if he found his behavior and similar “invitations” to something normal, with no real intention of a physical altercation with the Serbian president.

Vuk Jeremic later posted a photo of the meeting on his Twitter account.

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Joint statement of the EU and Ghana on the start of trading under the EU-Ghana interim Economic Partnership Agreement
Jul 1 2021
Joint statement of the EU and Ghana on the start of trading under the EU-Ghana interim Economic Partnership Agreement
Economic Partnerships | Brussels, 1 July 2021

Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis and Hon. Alan Kyerematen, Minister of Trade and Industry of Ghana, are pleased to announce that July 1, 2021 marks the start of effective implementation by Ghana of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) between the European Union and Ghana.

Since December 2016, the iEPA guarantees duty-free quota-free access to the EU market for products made in Ghana and as of today Ghana starts liberalising  access to its  market for 80% of the total volume of EU exports. This is crucial for developing and diversification of our bilateral trade. It also creates better opportunities for EU companies to trade and invest in Ghana and produce goods for export to the wider African market under the preferences available under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

 

The removal of tariffs on intermediary goods and machinery from the EU under the iEPA will mean cheaper inputs for Ghanaian production. This will also make locally produced goods more competitive and support industrial development in Ghana and the country’s integration into global value chains.

 

In addition, trade-related development cooperation under the iEPA will facilitate reforms of the fiscal revenue system, improve the business environment and promote the upgrading of the productive sectors in Ghana.

 

Although the iEPA was signed in December 2007, and ratified by Ghana in 2016, the implementation of the tariff liberalisation schedule was delayed pursuant to technical adjustments agreed between the EU and Ghana. The necessary rules of origin documents to be used for trading including the certificates of origin and origin declarations have now been developed and the codes and systems are in place for the start of the effective implementation of tariff cuts for EU products entering Ghana.

Trading under the iEPA reaffirms the deep interest of both Ghana and the EU to strengthen their longstanding trade and economic relationship. It also underscores their shared ambition to enhance relations between the EU and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and African States more broadly.

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ESMA publishes latest edition of its Newsletter
Jul 1 2021
ESMA publishes latest edition of its Newsletter

Your one-stop-shop in the world of financial markets focuses this month on the 2020 Annual Report. ESMA was at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 crisis and Brexit on EU financial markets, while assuming new powers and supervisory responsibilities under the European Supervisory Authorities’ Review and EMIR 2.2.

For ESMA,  two key achievements were related directly to the new mandates – firstly our swift response to the Wirecard case which resulted in a comprehensive report in response to the request from the European Commission, and secondly, the establishment of the Central Counterparties Supervisory Committee.

Other key publications include:

For updates, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

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Scott J Cooper Water Council Reviews Netflix Seaspiracy Documentary
Jul 1 2021
Scott J Cooper Water Council Reviews Netflix Seaspiracy Documentary

Scott J Cooper Flotsam

Rick Scott J Cooper Flotsam

Scott J Cooper Water Crisis

Rick Scott Consultant Josh Cooper

Scott J Cooper Water Shortage

The flotsam and jetsam problem is so connected to climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification that you cannot deal with it in isolation.”
— Flotsam Scott J Cooper

FOWLER, CA, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — Scott J Cooper Water Council released its review of Seaspiracy, the controversial Netflix documentary. Ever since the release of Seaspiracy, there has been an uproar among many who cannot come to terms with the staggering information is presented. The documentary sheds light on the fishing industry’s exploitative practices that lead to dolphin killings.Moreover, the film illustrates the impact of the fishing industry on marine science. The biggest ecological nightmare for the world right now is that the very people who define sustainable fishing goals are the scientists with ties to the fishing industry.

The Netflix documentary has received its share of criticism. Fishing industry scientists are particularly unhappy about how the film has raised suspicion on the credibility of certification labels and ocean conservation groups. Those who defend Seaspiracy claim that the documentary was never supposed to be scientifically 100 percent accurate and there are much larger issues at hand.

The loudest criticism remains about the year 2048. The film used research to claim that the oceans would be empty by the year 2048. It was not received well by critics. In fact, several attempts were made to control media outlets from citing it.

Netflix and Seaspiracy have been on point on a variety of issues. Despite some minor errors, the documentary was right about the issue of overfishing. It depicted how seriously overfishing threatens marine biodiversity. “It is not only widely accepted but also comes with strong reasoning behind it,” said Flotsam’s Scott J. Cooper. “It talks about plastic pollution being highly destructive to marine life. It talks about how dirty the global seafood system is. This flotsam and jetsam problem is so connected to climate change, pollution, and ocean acidification that you cannot deal with it in isolation.”

The documentary claims that the fishing industry receives $35 billion in subsidies annually. The subsidies primarily come from the European Union, the US, China, Japan, and Korea. The claims stand true as the UN had previously said that a dollar is subsidized for every $5 of exported fish products.

About The Scott J. Cooper Water Council

The Scott J Cooper Council provides a reporting platform for the water crisis and offers solutions to change millions of lives around the world, by offering solutions to get safer and safer water to the families and helping them live a safer and secure life.

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FAA, European Commission Reaffirm Commitment to Build Safer, More Sustainable Aviation System
Jun 30 2021
FAA, European Commission Reaffirm Commitment to Build Safer, More Sustainable Aviation System

The U.S. Department of Transportations Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Commissions Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) affirmed their commitment to increasing aviation safety and building a more sustainable industry during a virtual meeting today with senior officials from both continents.

Weve proven we can accomplish more, with better results, when we work together, said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. President Biden made this clear on his trip to Europe earlier this month. He reaffirmed the primacy of the U.S.-European alliance. The bonds we have forged through NATO and countless other areas continue to serve the interests of both sides. And nowhere is that more true than our relationship in aviation safety and sustainability.

The EU-U.S. aviation partnership is a cornerstone of international aviation and has proven to be very beneficial for both sides over the years, said Henrik Hololei, Director General of DG MOVE. However, it is important to look ahead and continue to build on this strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented partnership. Today, we jointly confirmed our very close cooperation on aviation safety. Importantly, we also agreed that the reduction of emissions is the licence to grow for the aviation sector and shared our commitment for the decarbonization of air transport. Together, we will help the sector build back better.

Officials discussed a wide range of initiatives during the U.S.-European Union (EU) Safe and Sustainable Aviation webinar. These included areas for further future safety cooperation, sustainable aviation fuels, more efficient operations, air traffic management modernization, quieter, more efficient aircraft and engine designs, and exploring breakthrough airframe and propulsion technologies that could accelerate the path to decarbonization.

The FAA and the European Commission are committed to their ongoing partnership under the U.S.-EU Safety Agreement as well as advancing a shared priority to address climate change through closer collaboration on sustainability efforts. The resulting high-level dialogue through this webinar will further strengthen the bilateral safety cooperation and foster collaboration to address aviations environmental impact. Safety and sustainability are the pillars that both the FAA and the EU proudly use to guide future cooperation. This allows the aviation sector to progress despite the challenges.

The EU-U.S. aviation partnership is a cornerstone of international aviation and has proven to be very beneficial for both sides over the years, said Henrik Hololei, Director General of DG MOVE. However, it is important to look ahead and continue to build on this strong, mutually beneficial, and future-oriented partnership. Today, we jointly confirmed our very close cooperation on aviation safety. Importantly, we also agreed that the reduction of emissions is the licence to grow for the aviation sector and shared our commitment for the decarbonization of air transport. Together, we will help the sector build back better.

Speakers included Ali Bahrami, FAA Associate Administrator for Safety; Filip Cornelis, DG MOVE Director for Aviation; Henrik Hololei; Steve Dickson; Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); and Carol A. (Annie) Petsonk, U.S. Department of Transportation, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation.

The webinar also included two panels. The first panel, titled Key Areas of Current and Future Aviation Safety Cooperation, focused on the current U.S.-EU Safety Agreement and new ways to achieve future cooperation. The second panel, titled Sustainable Aviation: U.S. EU Priorities and the Path to Greening Aviation, addressed ways to make aviation greener. The Sustainability Panel was a continuation of the cooperative dialogue between the U.S. and EU on sustainability at the U.S.-EU Transatlantic Summit held on June 15 in Brussels.

A recording of the U.S.-EU Safe and Sustainable Aviation Webinar is available here.
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Globalshopex: Be prepared for the eCommerce EU VAT reboot
Jun 30 2021
Globalshopex: Be prepared for the eCommerce EU VAT reboot

MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, June 30, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ — The European Union (EU) is making important changes to its value-added tax (VAT) rules, which come into effect on July 1, 2021.This will impact businesses that sell across EU country borders (also known as distance sellers) and businesses exporting goods to buyers in the EU.

These changes will lead to simpler procedures and reduced administration, as well as possible broader implications for how merchants conduct business in the EU.

There are two major changes that will impact the VAT threshold and tax filing for non-EU businesses:

1- New €150 VAT threshold for imports – Currently, customers importing consignments valued below €22 are exempt from VAT. As of July 1, 2021, import VAT will be payable on all consignments up to €150, and import VAT, as well as duties, will continue to apply above this threshold.
Closing of the import VAT exemption loophole – This exemption has been heavily abused by many sellers mistakenly or deliberately under-declaring the import values of goods to avoid VAT.

2- Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) filing – Merchants who choose to collect VAT on low-value goods can use the newly introduced Import OSS (IOSS) to file a single monthly VAT return for all exports to the EU not supplied via a facilitating OMP/platform. Using IOSS is optional. Non-EU merchants opting to use IOSS may need to appoint a fiscal representative.
Simplified customs declaration – From July 2021, sellers will be able to provide a simplified declaration at the point of import into the EU. This is a ‘super-reduced dataset’ for the party declaring the import.

Where can I learn more?
• European Commission: All you need to know about the VAT for e-commerce

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Use of antibiotics in animals is decreasing
Jun 30 2021
Use of antibiotics in animals is decreasing

Taking a One Health approach, the report from the three EU agencies presents data on antibiotic consumption and development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Europe for 2016-2018.

The significant fall in antibiotic use in food-producing animals suggests that the measures taken at country level to reduce use are proving to be effective. Use of a class of antibiotics called polymyxins, which includes colistin, nearly halved between 2016 and 2018 in food-producing animals. This is a positive development, as polymyxins are also used in hospitals to treat patients infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The picture in the EU is diverse – the situation varies significantly by country and by antibiotic class. For example, aminopenicillins, 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins and quinolones (fluoroquinolones and other quinolones) are used more in humans than in food-producing animals, while polymyxins (colistin) and tetracyclines are used more in food-producing animals than in humans.

The link between use of antibiotics and bacterial resistance

The report shows that the use of carbapenems, 3rd- and 4th-generation cephalosporins and quinolones in humans is associated with resistance to these antibiotics in Escherichia coli infections in humans. Similar associations were found for food-producing animals.

The report also identifies links between antimicrobial consumption in animals and AMR in bacteria from food-producing animals, which in turn is associated with AMR in bacteria from humans. An example of this is Campylobacter spp. bacteria, which are found in food producing animals and cause foodborne infections in humans. Experts found an association between resistance in these bacteria in animals and resistance in the same bacteria in humans.

Fighting AMR through cooperation

AMR is a significant global public health problem that represents a serious economic burden. The One Health approach implemented through the cooperation of EFSA, EMA and ECDC and the results presented in this report call for continued efforts to tackle AMR at national, EU and global level across the healthcare sectors.

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