Archive

Year: 2013

  • How to explain what lobbying is all about “en français”?

    September 30, 2013

    This summer time I was Asked to write an Article for the online outlet catholic " Acting informed Christians "as (Belgian) readers of this publication Were curious to know more about the concept of lobbying Given the bad picture somehow That the HAS activity in the country. So, I Had to think about the basics of my day job and by doing so I found it refreshing to 1. Apparently still be ble to explain...

  • A Digital Wakeup Call for Underperforming Europe

    September 30, 2013

    Getting Europe into a truly connected mode is proving to be especially difficult. It has been left to the EU’s 72 year old Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes to tackle the gridlock on Europe’s networks. Kroes has unveiled a series of bold telecoms reforms to bring Europe up to speed. They are described as the biggest regulatory overhaul in 26 years. But no sooner than the proposals were tabled than they came under attack from...

  • How Much Do Chemical Bans Really Cost?

    September 26, 2013

    Yesterday ECHA produced a report entitled “Estimating the abatement costs of hazardous chemicals. A review of the results of six case studies”. The report looks at how to work out the cost of the substitution of hazardous chemicals. The costs of substituting one chemical for another are a key issue in REACH. It is not new to EU product regulation. Working out the financial merits, or the lack of them, for phasing out the use...

  • German Election Outcome for Energy: Bring on More Coal?

    September 23, 2013

    Frau Merkel won big in Germany's federal elections on Sunday, but not big enough; and that has negative implications for German energy policy. Merkel's third time around as German Chancellor will require a grand coalition that produces the typical lowest common denominator style decision-making that such coalitions bring. That doesn’t bode well for the decisive action required to address Germany’s outstanding energy issues, namely, runaway electricity costs and the future of shale gas development. Merkel personally won commandingly, of course...

  • Brazil’s lower house bans secret voting after protests – will Brussels follow?

    September 19, 2013

    Brazil’s Parliament has recently voted to ban secret voting by Brazil’s Members of Parliament. The BBC reported that the public became appalled at the wide spread secrecy of voting in Brazil’s Parliament. The public took to the streets in mass demonstrations again the widespread political corruption. One of their demands was to end secret voting by Parliamentarians. Brussels Could Learn From Brazil The EU is now a long way behind Brazil in terms of open and accountable law...

  • Assembling the Policy Pieces to Keep Nuclear Power’s Needed Place in Europe

    September 18, 2013

    In a matter of weeks, the European Commission is expected to roll out new guidelines around state aid for energy and environmental matters that may, through verbal gymnastics, green-light Member States’ legal ability to put financial support behind nuclear power. On Tuesday, the European Commission announced a fresh agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to reinforce its long-standing nuclear safety cooperation with the nuclear watchdog agency. Or, in other words, to reinforce the type...

  • You don’t know you’re born. When I were a lad…

    September 16, 2013

    Some people don’t know how lucky they are (not). Last week it was with some astonishment that I found myself explaining to someone what happened when a legislative dossier did not reach a first reading agreement. In theory they knew this possibility existed, but in reality they’d simply not experienced it on anything they’d worked on in the last two years. It made me reflect. Are things better now than when I were a lad?...

  • FH Brussels Food & Agriculture Practice – Infographics

    September 16, 2013

    The European food, beverage and agriculture sectors are an important driver for innovation and growth – they also play a key role in empowering consumers to make informed, healthy and sustainable choices. For more on the FH Brussels’ Food & Agriculture Practice, click here.

  • FH Brussels Retail & Consumer Practice – Infographics

    September 16, 2013

    The retail and FMCG sectors, as the conduit between thousands of product suppliers and consumers, play a key role in ensuring the highest standards of consumer protection across the EU. For more on the FH Brussels’ Consumer & Retail Practice, click here.

  • FH Brussels Healthcare Practice – Infographics

    September 16, 2013

    The healthcare sector is a key contributor to improving the health of citizens, and a driver of economic prosperity and innovation in the EU; yet, it is under unprecedented pressure. For more on the FH Brussels’ Healthcare Practice, click here.