Latest consultation opportunities from Enterprise Europe East of England

Consultation related to the review of the scope of REACH

Fri, 4 Jun 2010 14:25:11 GMT

Stakeholders have the chance to give examples of where they have identified specific instances where a provision in EU legislation has overlapped with a REACH provision or where there has been a gap in the interface between REACH and other EU legislation.

The identified overlaps or gaps could be in terms of:

Exemptions
Definitions
Risk assessment or risk management methodology
Specific Authorisation or Restriction regimes
Specific substance issues
Other issues

To provide your input in this consultation please click here

European Commission survey on Intellectual Property Rights protection and enforcement in third countries

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:16:51 GMT

The European Commission has launched a survey on the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR’s) in third countries and wants to hear from EU companies either established or operating in third countries on the subject.

This survey is linked to the Strategy for the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in Third Countries adopted in 2004 by the Commission, with the purpose to reduce the level of IPR infringements beyond EU borders, in particular in countries where it has reached worrying proportions and is seriously harming EU right holders.

Since the purpose of this exercise is to focus on the fight against IPR infringements outside the borders of the European Union, this survey focuses on those non-EU countries which are the most relevant to the EU from a trade policy perspective (in particular, least-developed countries are not covered).

The replies to this new survey will be taken into account by the Directorate General for Trade in reviewing its priorities regarding IPR issues.

To take part in the survey and for more information click here

Public consultation on the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 11:23:14 GMT

The European Commission has launched a public consultation in relation to the review of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation. Environmental Impact Assessments are designed to ensure that the environmental implications of decisions are taken into account before the decisions are made. Environmental assessment can be undertaken for individual projects, on the basis of Directive 85/337/EEC, as amended (known as EIA Directive). The EIA Directive applies to a wide range of defined public and private projects, such as power stations, roads, railway lines, waste installations, industrial installations, energy infrastructure.

The objective of this public consultation is to collect opinions on:
- the overall view on the functioning and effectiveness of the EIA Directive,
- the need to amend the EIA Directive,
- the possible policy options for review,
- the areas to be improved / amended.

The findings of the public consultation will feed into a Commission review next year. Views are sought from citizens, stakeholders and organisations involved in environmental assessments. The deadline to reply is 24^th September 2010.

For more information click here

Consultation on tackling cross-border inheritance tax obstacles within the EU

Wed, 7 Jul 2010 15:16:06 GMT

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on problems related to cross-border inheritance tax within the EU and possible solutions to these problems. Problems that can occur in cross-border inheritance situations are double taxation and discriminatory application of inheritance tax rules. When these problems arise, they can result in very high overall inheritance taxation rates and may, therefore, deter citizens and businesses from moving and operating freely within the Internal Market.

Citizens, businesses, tax administrations, tax practitioners are all invited to provide their views and all feedback received will play a valuable role in helping the Commission to determine what measures will be taken in cross-border inheritance tax.You have until 22^nd September 2010 to submit your views.

For more information and to participate click here

Public Consultation on the Raw Materials Initiative

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:20:53 GMT

In 2008 the Commission launched the EU Raw Materials Initiative . The Commission is now preparing a new Communication which will not only report on progress made with the implementation of this initiative, but also indicate the way forward.The goal of this consultation is to gain an understanding of stakeholders’ views on both the implementation of the Initiative as well as gather opinions and suggestions on the potential avenues the Commission should explore in order to further progress and strengthen the Initiative.Contributions are sought from Public Authorities, SME’s, Trade Unions, NGO’s and Environmental Organisations and Citizens.

For more information click here

Public Consultation on revision of the In vitro diagnostic medical devices Directive

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:33:00 GMT

The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the technical aspects of the revision of Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices.

Please click here for details of how to contribute to this consultation and submit your views.

Consultation on the radio and telecommunications terminal equipment (RTTE) Directive

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:59:46 GMT

DG Enterprise has recently launched a consultation on the radio and telecommunications terminal equipment (RTTE) Directive. The R&TTE Directive establishes a framework for the placing on the market, free movement and putting into service of radio equipment and telecommunications terminal equipment in the EU.

The EU is looking into revising the directive and is seeking the views of businesses on how the directive impacts on them and the issues that need to be addressed in amending the directive.

Businesses can contribute to this by completing the attached questionnaire (which is anonymous) and returning to us. We will then forward all completed questionnaires to the relevant department at DG Enterprise who will take these into account when revising the directive.

The questionnaire is addressed to companies involved in the manufacturing, importing, placing on the market and putting into service radio equipments and telecommunications terminal equipment and you have until 13th September to submit your views.

For further ifnormation and to contribute please downloaded the questionnaire.

Consultation on the Seventh Framework Programme

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 09:00:37 GMT

The Interim Evaluation of FP7 is being carried out by a group of independent experts, supported by an extensive base of evidence. In order to provide the experts with a range of opinions and views about the functioning and achievements of FP7, this interactive consultation has been set up to allow for contributions both from those with direct experience of the FP, as well as any groups or individuals who wish to give their views. The survey addresses stakeholders including major users of FP7, research organisations and firms. To contribute to this consultation please click here