CBI deputy director-general John Cridland recently met with the Belgian minister for Economic Affairs at the start of Belgium's presidency of the European Union.
Mr Van Quickenborne put particular emphasis on reaching agreement on the new European Patent.
John welcomed this and also stressed the importance for business of appropriate banking reform, and of a route map for climate change which recognises the risk of carbon leakage.
Contact: sean.mcguire@cbi.org.uk
In the run-up to the European Parliament's first discussion of Cristiana Muscardini's report on country of origin labeling, we reaffirmed our opposition to the proposal.
In a letter sent to members of the International Trade (INTA) Committee, we argued that the proposal to introduce obligatory country of origin labeling would be protectionist, detrimental to European businesses, pointless for consumers and potentially incompatible with WTO rules.
We will work with other likeminded European federations over the summer to develop a coordinated lobbying strategy ahead of the INTA Committee vote, expected on 28 September and plenary vote, expected on 13 December.
Contact: naomi.harris@cbi.org.uk
Following a recent European Commission workshop, we submitted a written contribution to DG Justice on the forthcoming review of the Data Protection Directive. In the paper, wergued against wholesale reform of the existing rules, preferring instead gradual reform of the regulatory framework to promote high standards of data protection, without stifling innovation or creating burdensome requirements for business.
The approach should be risk-based, balanced, coordinated and proportionate. We will continue to stress this view ahead of the Review's publication which is due in late 2010.
Contact: marta.costas@cbi.org.uk or paul.davies@cbi.org.uk
As the closing date for the registration of chemicals under the EU's Regulation REACH approaches, we are consulting members on their preparations for the deadline.
While manufacturers or importers are responsible for the registration of substances and the required data sharing, downstream users have expressed concerns about the implementation of REACH and its potential impact on industry.
The use of unregistered chemicals will be illegal from 1 December. We would welcome feedback from chemical manufacturers, importers and downstream users to help identify an effective means to influence policymakers.
Contact: hayley.conboy@cbi.org.uk or paul.davies@cbi.org.uk.