The 2020 energy targets set by the European Union will be harder for Malta to achieve than...
Invest In EU News
Reaching Malta’s Eu2020 Energy Targets Will Require 'Disproportionate' Effort - EWA
The 2020 energy targets set by the European Union will be harder for Malta to achieve than they will be for other European member states, and will require a ‘disproportionate effort’ from Malta’s end, according to Energy and Water Agency chief executive officer Daniel Azzopardi.
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Ista Group by CKI and CKP
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the joint acquisition of Ista Group of Luxembourg by CK Hutchison Holdings Limited ("CKHH") of the Cayman Islands - indirectly via CK Infrastructure Holding Limited (“CKI”) of Bermuda - and Cheung Kong Property Holding Limited ("CKP") of China. Ista Group supplies heat and water sub-metering and other related services mainly in the European Economic Area, with a focus on Germany, France and Denmark.
EU and US sign bilateral agreement on insurance and reinsurance
The EU and the US are today due to sign a landmark bilateral agreement on insurance and reinsurance. The signature marks the final step in more than 20 years of discussions and a year of formal negotiations between the European Commission and the US Department of the Treasury and Office of the Trade Representative. The agreement will boost consumer protection and cut costs and red tape for EU insurers and reinsurers active in the US.
Cohesion Policy invests in a gas pipeline in Poland
€79 million from the European Regional Development Fund will cover a part of the construction costs of the 130 km-long Zdzieszowice - Wrocław pipeline in South-West Poland. The new pipeline will reinforce the existing regional gas transmission system and increase its capacity. Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Creţu said: “This Cohesion Policy project improving gas connectivity in Eastern Europe is a concrete example of EU solidarity.
Juncker Plan set to trigger €236.1 billion across the EU
The Investment Plan for Europe - the so-called Juncker Plan - is now expected to trigger €236.1 billion in investments. Following this month's meeting of the European Investment Bank's (EIB) Board of Directors, operations approved under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) now represent a total financing volume of €46.5 billion and are located in all 28 Member States. The EIB has approved 312 EFSI-backed operations, supported by €36.1 billion in EFSI financing.
Taxation: Commission sets out path towards fair taxation of the Digital Economy
The European Commission is today launching a new EU agenda to ensure that the digital economy is taxed in a fair and growth-friendly way. The Communication adopted by the Commission sets out the challenges Member States currently face when it comes to acting on this pressing issue and outlines possible solutions to be explored.
OVER 50 WORLD-CLASS SPEAKERS PARTICIPATE IN MALTA'S MAIN START-UP EVENT
More than 50 world-class speakers are participating in this year’s edition of ZEST Malta 2017, the main gathering for Malta-based start-ups.
More than 50 world-class speakers are participating in this year’s edition of ZEST Malta 2017, the main gathering for Malta-based start-ups.
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Serena by Balder and Varma
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control over Serena Properties AB ("Serena") of Finland by Fastighets AB Balder ("Balder") of Sweden, together with the current parent Varma Mutual Pension Insurance Company ("Varma") of Finland. Serena is active in the Finnish real estate market for commercial use, specializing in retail properties such as grocery stores and discounters. Balder is a real estate company which owns, manages and develops residential and commercial properties and hotels. Varma is a mutual insuran
Creating a stronger and more integrated European financial supervision for the Capital Markets Union
European consumers, investors and businesses will benefit from stronger and more integrated financial markets, thanks to plans by the Commission to reform the EU's supervisory architecture.
State of the Union 2017: A framework for the free flow of non-personal data in the EU
To unlock the full potential of the EU data economy, the Commission is proposing a new set of rules to govern the free flow of non-personal data in the EU. Together with the already existing rules for personal data, the new measures will enable the storage and processing of non-personal data across the Union to boost the competitiveness of European businesses and to modernise public services in an effective EU single market for data services.
State of the Union 2017 - Cybersecurity: Commission scales up EU's response to cyber-attacks
On 13 September, in his annual State of the Union Address, President Jean-Claude Juncker stated: "In the past three years, we have made progress in keeping Europeans safe online. But Europe is still not well equipped when it comes to cyber-attacks. This is why, today, the Commission is proposing new tools, including a European Cybersecurity Agency, to help defend us against such attacks."
Eurostat clarifies how to record energy performance contracts in national accounts
Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Commission, has published today an updated guidance note on the recording of energy performance contracts (EPCs) in government accounts.
Konrad Mizzi's 'Plan B' Involves Shutting Down Air Malta
Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that if talks between Air Malta and the unions fell through, he would close down Air Malta and open a new airline without any legacy constraints.
Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that if talks between Air Malta and the unions fell through, he would close down Air Malta and open a new airline without any legacy constraints.
Juncker Plan supports agriculture project in Bulgaria as EIB opens office in Sofia
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a loan agreement in Bulgaria with Oliva AD, the leading sunflower and oil producer and grain trader in the country. The company will use the loan to finance the construction of a new sunflower oilseed production plant and storage and logistics facilities in the Beloslav municipality near Varna. This agreement is supported by the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the core part of the Investment Plan for Europe, or so-called Juncker Plan.
State of the Union 2017 – Industrial Policy Strategy: Investing in a smart, innovative and sustainable industry
On 13 September, in his annual State of the Union address, President Jean-Claude Juncker stated: "I want to make our industry stronger and more competitive. The new Industrial Policy Strategy we are presenting today will help our industries stay or become the world leader in innovation, digitisation and decarbonisation."
In a conversation with Mr M. Kucinski, the OECD Secretary General welcomes the reform process in Latvia
Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis met with the Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Angel Gurría, on Friday, September 15 in Riga.
During the meeting, the current OECD Economic Review of Latvia was discussed.
Labor Minister Lindström and the labor market leaders discussed well-being at work
Labor Minister Jari Lindström met the labor market leaders on Friday, 15 September 2017 in Helsinki. In the debate, concrete proposals were sought for measures to help the government and the social partners to promote well-being at work.
- Finland has long traditions of promoting well-being at work, through cooperation between the government and the social partners. We need joint measures to ensure a high quality working life in the future as well, says Minister Lindström.
New rules adopted to finance the Single Resolution Board's administrative costs
The Commission has today adopted new rules on how to finance the administrative expenditures of the Single Resolution Board (SRB), the EU agency responsible for ensuring the orderly resolution of failing banks in the Banking Union. A strong Single Resolution Board with sufficient resources and highly qualified staff is essential for the Single Resolution Mechanism (SRM) to function properly and protect financial stability without recourse to taxpayers' money.
State of the Union 2017 - Trade Package: Commission unveils initiatives for a balanced and progressive trade policy
On 13 September, in his annual State of the Union address, President Jean-Claude Juncker stated: "I want us to strengthen our European trade agenda. Yes, Europe is open for business. But there must be reciprocity. We have to get what we give. Trade is not something abstract. Trade is about jobs, creating new opportunities for Europe's businesses big and small. Every additional €1 billion in exports supports 14,000 extra jobs in Europe.
State of the Union 2017 - Trade Package: European Commission proposes framework for screening of foreign direct investments
On 13 September, in his annual State of the Union address, President Jean-Claude Juncker stated: "Let me say once and for all: we are not naïve free traders. Europe must always defend its strategic interests. This is why today we are proposing a new EU framework for investment screening. If a foreign, state-owned, company wants to purchase a European harbour, part of our energy infrastructure or a defence technology firm, this should only happen in transparency, with scrutiny and debate.
20 Applications To Build Boutique Hotels Approved In Three Years
20 applications to construct or develop boutique hotels – relatively small hotels with upmarket facilities – have been approved by the Planning Authority in the past three years, this business portal has learned. PA application data, which is available through the Planning Authority’s website, also shows that 15 applications for boutique hotels filed since 2015 are still pending. One application was rejected in 2015.
Mergers: Commission clears acquisition over a new joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation and Infineon Technologies
The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of joint control over the newly created Chinese joint venture SAIC Infineon Automotive Power Modules (Shanghai) Co, by Infineon Technologies AG ("Infineon") of Germany and SAIC Motor Corporation Ltd ("SAIC") of China. The joint venture will be established in China and produce and sell automotive frame-based insulated-gate bipolar transistor power modules (power semiconductors) for hybrid and fully electric vehicles in China. Infineon is active in the power semiconductor business.
Commission welcomes agreement in principle to extend and reinforce Investment Plan's European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI)
The European Parliament and Member States have come to an agreement in principle on EFSI 2.0.
One year after President Juncker announced the proposal in his State of the Union speech, the European Parliament and Member States have come to an agreement in principle on the extension and strengthening of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), the core of the Investment Plan for Europe. Tonight's agreement extends the EFSI's duration as well as increases its financial capacity.
The wheel is grateful to the companies that have contributed to the anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Estonia
Stenbock House, September 11 - Prime Minister Jüri Ratas thanked the first entrepreneurs in Stenbock House on Monday to support the success of the 100th birthday of the Republic of Estonia.