About: European Single Market

Vince Cable: The Europe I Want, the Europe We Need

“The European Union is part of the solution; not part of the problem” said Vince Cable, in a speech at the Lisbon Council in Brussels on January 20th. The speech, titled "The Europe I Want, the Europe We Need" called for a re-invigorated digital single market. Cable, the British business secretary and Liberal Democrat MP, added that, “digital is central to growth in the European Union” and “we need to be able to show that the internal market works.”

Vince Cable on the Digital Single Market

“The European Union is part of the solution; not part of the problem” said Vince Cable, in a speech at the Lisbon Council in Brussels on January 20th. The speech, titled "The Europe I Want, the Europe We Need" called for a re-invigorated digital single market. Cable, the British business secretary – and Liberal Democrat MP added that, “digital is central to growth in the European Union” and “we need to be able to show that the internal market works.”

Cable: Success of the single market is the right direction for UK

Vince Cable, Britain’s business secretary and Liberal Democrat MP, set out his vision of a healthy, prosperous European Union at a Lisbon Council event on 20 January 2013. Cable's speech addressed what Europe can do to restore dynamism to its economy, how to boost growth and create new jobs, and how to demonstrate its relevance to its 500 million citizens.

Cameron: ‘A la carte’ mode makes EU stronger

Answering a question by EURACTIV's journalist Georgi Gotev, UK's Prime Minister David Cameron said that 'picking and choosing' what EU policies member states want to follow will make Europe 'stronger and not weaker' After hosting a meeting between EU leaders and UK business figures on the margins of a 2-day EU summit in Brussels, Cameron said that cutting EU red tape will 'help businesses grow, take on people and get our economies moving'.

MEPs urge EU leaders to suspend SWIFT agreement with US amid spying scandal

As EU leaders gather for a 2-day summit in Brussels, MEPs are demanding explanations over the allegations that the US have been spying on European head of state and have urged EU leaders to take action. 'I'm very disappointed about the weak attitude the Europeans again showed towards the US, tapping phone of Angela Merkel this is the top of all scandals information we have received, and the Europeans prefer still to play diplomacy, and refuse any strong reaction', said Green MEP Rebecca Harms.

EU leaders meet UK business figures

In a bid to 'cut red tape to foster growth and jobs in Europe', UK Prime Minister David Cameron is hosting a meeting in Brussels with British business leaders and his European Union counterparts. As EU leaders gather in Brussels for a 2-day summit, Cameron has called for EU's regulations on businesses to be simplified.

Hollande, Merkel demand explanation over US spying allegations – Hollande’s press conference

As the US security agency has been accused of monitoring the phones of European leaders, Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande are seeking talks with the US before the end of the year to demand an explanation over the allegations. Speaking in a press conference after the first meetings of a 2-day gathering of EU leaders in Brussels, Hollande said that 'such activities cannot be accepted'.

Merkel, Hollande demand explanation over US spying allegations – Merkel’s press conference

As the US security agency has been accused of monitoring the phones of European leaders, Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande are seeking talks with the US before the end of the year to demand an explanation over the allegations. Speaking in a press conference after the first meetings of a 2-day gathering of EU leaders in Brussels, Merkel said she wants 'action' from President Obama, and 'not just words'.

Barroso, Van Rompuy: EU-US relations must be based on respect, trust

Speaking in a press conference after the first meetings of a 2-day gathering of EU leaders in Brussels, President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy said that relations between the EU and the Us should be based on mutual 'respect and trust'. Following allegations that the US had been tapping German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone, Van Rompuy defended the Franco-German initiative of seeking further clarification from the US.

Lithuania’s Grybauskait?: EU expects to reach free trade deal with Ukraine

As EU leaders gather in Brussels for a 2-day summit, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskait? said on Friday that Brussels expects to reach a deal on a free trade deal with Ukraine in the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius. Refereeing to recent allegations that the US had been tapping the phones of European leaders, Grybauskait? stressed the need to find a 'balance between data protections for European citizens' and 'international security'.

Cameron: EU needs to cut regulation for businesses

As EU leaders gather in Brussels for a 2-day summit, UK's Prime Minister David Cameron told reporters waiting outside the EU Council building that excessive regulation for businesses must be cut 'to create jobs and growth' and be 'competitive'

EU leaders meet for October 2013 EU Council Summit – Roundtable

The digital single market will dominate the EU's pre-summit agenda, with discussions being spiced up after revelations of deep US spying on France. Other issues on the agenda include immigration policies following the Lampedusa tragedy, banking union and the social dimension for the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).

Katainen: Spying cannot be avoided

As EU leaders gather in Brussels for a 2-day EU summit, Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen told reporters that 'data protections laws are very important', following allegations that the US had been spying on EU leaders. Katainen added that EU citizens 'must be certain that the digital market really means safe market'.

Samaras: We must tackle illegal immigration in the EU

As EU leaders gather in Brussels for an EU summit, Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras told reporters that tackling illegal immigration is of 'paramount importance', specially in the South Mediterranean region. Samaras also added that European leaders will discuss 'digital union' and 'banking union' throughout the meeting.

Di Rupo: ‘We can’t accept systematic spying’

As EU leaders gather in Brussels for an EU summit, Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo said that 'systematic spying' can't be accepted, amid allegations that the US had been tapping EU leaders mobile phones. Not sure about decision today, but we can't accept systematic spying, have to take measures. National measures are not enough, need to take European measures. Between allies, we can find a mechanism for collaboration, but no spying.

Merkel to Obama: ‘Spying among friends is not acceptable’

Amid allegations that the US had been spying on EU leaders, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday that she has made clear to US president Barack Obama that 'spying among friends is not acceptable. As EU leaders gather in Brussels for an EU Summit, Merkel told reporters on her arrival that Europe needs 'to reflect on what data protection agreements and transparency is needed for that'.

Schulz: EU should reconsider free trade negotiations with US

As socialists leaders meet on Thursday ahead ahead of the EU Summit in Brussels, European Parliament's president Martin Schulz said that the EU should reconsider holding free trade talks with the US following allegations that the US intelligence system has been spying on European leaders. 'I think we should reconsider if we can negotiate with the US on the same level. It would not be legitimate if the other side plays with an advantage', Schulz said.

Thatcher: a European legacy

The UK's first female Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died on Monday in London aged 87 after suffering a stroke. As the longest serving premier of the 20th century, she was one of the most influential and controversial political leaders Europe and the world has ever seen. 'May I thank you for offering me this opportunity to reply. It seems to me that some people do not like me to reply quite as vigorously as they attack me. It is a reciprocal business with us, I hope it is with you', said Baroness Thatcher.