The unilateral law passed by Catalonia’s parliament today in effect embarks the Spanish region on a path to independence from Madrid.
http://news.yahoo.com/catalonia-declares-intent-hold-independence-referendum-215759594.html
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EU ultimatum on energy performance of buildings in 4 states
Greece, Italy, Portugal and Bulgaria risk the EU Court ruling
(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 24 - The EU Commission has launched an ultimatum to Bulgaria, Greece, Italy and Portugal, requesting them to notify their implementation measures for the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. The Directive of 2010 had to be transposed into national law by 9 July 2012. Under this EU law, Member States must establish and apply minimum energy performance requirements for new and existing buildings, ensure the certification of buildings' energy performance and require the regular inspection of heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, the Directive requires Member States to ensure that by 2021 all new buildings are so-called 'nearly zero-energy buildings'. If the four Member States do not comply with their legal obligation within two months, the EU Commission may decide to refer them to the european Court of Justice.
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Tlc: Portugal risks fine due to EU law violation
Proposed over 5,000 euros per day until the second ruling
(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JANUARY 24 - The European Commission has asked the European Court of Justice to impose a fine on Portugal because it has not respected a 2010 Court judgment requiring it to follow EU telecoms rules when deciding who should provide universal service in Portugal. The Commission is suggesting a lump sum of 5,277.30 per day for the period between the 2010 judgement and eventual second Court ruling.
Today's decision to refer Portugal back to the Court, with a view to imposing financial penalties, follows a previous Court referral decision from the Commission in March 2012. The Commission has taken into account the progress made by the Portuguese authorities since then, in particular through the publication of invitations to tender, and has therefore proposed a reduced lump sum. Under EU law (the Universal Service Directive), basic services must be available throughout the country, including connection to the telephone network at a reasonable price, public pay telephones and emergency telephone numbers free of charge. The selection of any universal service provider must be based on an efficient, objective, transparent and non-discriminatory procedure. This means that all interested companies should be able to take part in the designation procedure, and no company should be excluded from tendering.
Despite a 2010 ruling of the EU Court of Justice, Portugal has still not designated its universal service provider(s) in line with EU law.
Today's decision to refer Portugal back to the Court, with a view to imposing financial penalties, follows a previous Court referral decision from the Commission in March 2012. The Commission has taken into account the progress made by the Portuguese authorities since then, in particular through the publication of invitations to tender, and has therefore proposed a reduced lump sum. Under EU law (the Universal Service Directive), basic services must be available throughout the country, including connection to the telephone network at a reasonable price, public pay telephones and emergency telephone numbers free of charge. The selection of any universal service provider must be based on an efficient, objective, transparent and non-discriminatory procedure. This means that all interested companies should be able to take part in the designation procedure, and no company should be excluded from tendering.
Despite a 2010 ruling of the EU Court of Justice, Portugal has still not designated its universal service provider(s) in line with EU law.
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Obama 'sun-tanned' remark 'a compliment' says Berlusconi
'Shows good health' says ex-premier
24 January, 13:36
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(ANSA) - Rome, 24 January - Calling US President Barack Obama "sun-tanned" was a compliment, ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi said on Italian radio Thursday.
Berlusconi played down the fuss the remark made after Obama's first inauguration four years ago.
"Sun-tanned was a compliment. I would have liked to have his colour, which shows good health," said the centre-right leader, who is running for a fourth term as premier in February 24-25 elections.
Berlusconi played down the fuss the remark made after Obama's first inauguration four years ago.
"Sun-tanned was a compliment. I would have liked to have his colour, which shows good health," said the centre-right leader, who is running for a fourth term as premier in February 24-25 elections.
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