Tough months ahead for confident Commission

Transatlantic Economic Council faces uncertain future

ALLOWING the US to export 30,000 tonnes of poultry meat to the EU, 0.3% of its total consumption, may not seem much of a breakthrough in a transatlantic trade relationship worth €1.6 trillion. But if, as expected, in June the EU ends the ban it has maintained for 11 years because the US uses antimicrobial agents to eliminate salmonella, it will mark the first positive result of the Transatlantic Economic Council.

EPAs pose threat to ACP regional integration

Negotiations over Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) with the European Commission have divided the African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that are the ostensible beneficiaries. The Commission has managed to secure the initialling of some agreements, but the majority of ACP states have refused to take such a step.

Taming tiny technology, before it bites back

Nanotechnology needs to be handled with care by EU regulators if its potential is to be fulfilled.

Communicating risks to a sceptical public

Policymakers are finding it hard to explain a potential health risk to citizens.

Commission promotes co-operation

Robert Madelin talks about DG Sanco's plans.