The General Court of the European Union ruled Thursday that testing vacuum cleaners using empty dust bag receptacles does not serve the purpose of one of its energy efficiency regulations. The regulation in question is known as Directive 2010/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council. The directive was finalized in May 2010. As of September 1, 2014, all vacuum products sold in EU countries are subject to energy efficiency labeling requirements that serve to inform consumers of each products’ energy efficiency. Dyson, a British vacuum manufacturer, challenged directive 2010/30/EU. Dyson produces a vacuum cleaner that does not utilize attachable dust bags the same way traditional vacuum cleaners do. Dyson brought suit against the European Commission in 2013. The court noted that 2010/30/EU, does not require testing of vacuum cleaners using empty dust bags. The court ruled the method does not comply with the purpose of the directive. … [Read more...] about UK vacuum manufacturer wins victory in EU court
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EU says it seeking to raise tempo of U.S. trade talks
By Philip Blenkinsop BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union will seek to increase the tempo of trade talks with the United States and set out its negotiating mandate for a deal to remove tariffs in the coming months, the Austrian presidency of the bloc said on Friday. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has taken an aggressive stance on trade issues, agreed in July not to impose higher duties on EU cars while the two sides sought to improve ties in a number of fields, from regulatory cooperation to energy and a deal to remove tariffs on industrial goods. Austrian Economy Minister Margarete Schramboeck, whose country holds the six-month rotating EU presidency, said Europe had gained some time given that trade had not been the dominant theme before Tuesday's U.S. mid-term elections. "But no one knows how long this pause will last," she told a news conference after chairing a meeting of national ministers responsible for trade. "We will step up the tempo of negotiations. We should conclude … [Read more...] about EU says it seeking to raise tempo of U.S. trade talks
Macron wants to build EU “coalition” that goes beyond liberal core
PARIS (Reuters) - President Emmanuel Macron's party hopes to build a coalition of pro-EU lawmakers in the European Parliament election next spring that goes beyond the current centrist grouping and takes on surging nationalists, a French official said on Friday. Macron has framed the European election as a battle between anti-immigrant nationalists and pro-EU 'progressives' like himself. He has sent emissaries across 27 EU countries to build contacts and seek out like-minded parties that could join his movement in the wake of the vote. Speculation is rife in Brussels over who Macron will ally his En Marche party with. The European Parliament's liberal-centrist group ALDE is hoping to build an alliance that brings the French president's future lawmakers under its umbrella. But while some of Macron's emissaries are attending ALDE's congress in Madrid on Friday, they made clear they were working on building a coalition which would go beyond the current party lines, creating a broader … [Read more...] about Macron wants to build EU “coalition” that goes beyond liberal core
YP Letters: A no-deal Brexit for Britain would bring EU to its senses
0 Have your say From: Terry Watson, Adel. THERESA May said she would walk away with no deal rather than accept a bad deal for Britain. Actions speak louder than words – we are going to get nothing but a very bad deal. It’s time to get tough with Michel Barnier. He will settle for nothing less than complete capitulation with full membership of the customs union and single market. We can still trade with EU countries under WTO rules just as many other countries do and pay tariffs. The EU would also have to pay our tariffs, and as they export far more to us than we to Europe, they would be far worse off. Bernard Ingham: All our troubles will still come from Europe if we don’t get Brexit rightBarnier knows that May is weak and is making Britain look foolish with his demands. Leaving with no deal would soon bring the EU to its senses. The £40bn they would lose would soon make them think again.From: John Turley, Dronfield Woodhouse. WHY do so … [Read more...] about YP Letters: A no-deal Brexit for Britain would bring EU to its senses
Theresa May faces rebellion threat over EU fishing ‘demand’
Theresa May could face fresh a fresh rebellion of Tory MPs over reported EU demands for access to UK fishing waters after Brexit. Senior Brussels diplomats were quoted in The Telegraph saying EU fishing fleets must be granted access in exchange for a UK-wide customs union forming part of the backstop deal.They reportedly want to "extract a high price" for the concession if a trade deal is not reached before the expected transition period ends in December 2020.The claims have raised anger from Brexit supporters.Sammy Wilson, Brexit spokesman for the minority government's partner the Democratic Unionist Party, said Mrs May must face down the demand and keep her promises to the electorate.He added allowing EU fishing vessels access to UK waters was "going to raise the ire of Scottish MPs". "She just doesn't have a battle with the DUP, she has a battle with a substantial number of her own party," Mr Wilson told Sky News.Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage also claimed that "fishing is the … [Read more...] about Theresa May faces rebellion threat over EU fishing ‘demand’