European Commission Takes Action on Various Fronts: Jordan, Transatlantic Trade, Cybercrime, and Flood Relief

Strategic Insights -

The European Commission has been active on multiple fronts, addressing the needs of Jordan, advancing the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), tackling cybercrime, and offering assistance in response to floods in Albania. The Commission has disbursed €100 million in loans to Jordan as part of its Macro-financial assistance program, which totals €180 million. In a significant development, the Commission has published the EU proposal on regulatory cooperation in TTIP negotiations, aiming to increase transparency. Furthermore, a Eurobarometer survey reveals that EU citizens are increasingly concerned about cybercrime, with 85% of Internet users agreeing that the risk of becoming a victim is rising. The EU has implemented various measures to combat cybercrime, including legislation and operational cooperation. In a separate development, the EU has provided aid to Albania following recent floods, coordinating the dispatch of essential supplies and equipment. Additionally, the Commission has approved a prolongation of a Portuguese guarantee scheme on European Investment Bank lending, allowing for the continuation of funding for the real economy. Lastly, Eurostat has released data on contingent liabilities and non-performing government loans, offering a more comprehensive picture of EU Member States' financial positions. In energy policy, Vice-President for the Energy Union Maros Sefcovic will attend the Ministerial Meeting on the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to steer the project's implementation at the political level.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Commission has disbursed €100 million in loans to Jordan as part of the Macro-financial assistance program, totaling €180 million.
  • The EU proposal on regulatory cooperation in TTIP negotiations has been published, aiming to increase transparency in the negotiations.
  • A Eurobarometer survey reveals that 85% of EU Internet users are concerned about cybercrime, a 9% increase from the 2013 survey.
  • The EU has implemented legislation and operational cooperation to combat cybercrime, with a dedicated European Cybercrime Centre within Europol.
  • The EU has provided aid to Albania following recent floods, coordinating the dispatch of essential supplies and equipment.
  • The Commission has approved a prolongation of a Portuguese guarantee scheme on European Investment Bank lending, allowing for the continuation of funding for the real economy.
  • Eurostat has released data on contingent liabilities and non-performing government loans, offering a more comprehensive picture of EU Member States' financial positions.
  • The Southern Gas Corridor remains a key element of the EU's energy security strategy, aiming to diversify sources and suppliers by 2019-2020.

Statistics:

  • The Macro-financial assistance program to Jordan totals €180 million.
  • 85% of EU Internet users agree that the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime is increasing.
  • The EU has implemented legislation and operational cooperation to combat cybercrime.
  • The dedicated European Cybercrime Centre within Europol was established in January 2013.
  • The EU has provided aid to Albania, coordinating the dispatch of essential supplies and equipment.
  • The prolongation of the Portuguese guarantee scheme on European Investment Bank lending will continue until 30 June 2015.
  • Eurostat has released data on contingent liabilities and non-performing government loans for EU Member States.

Sources:

  • The European Commission (no date) - "European Commission disburses €100 million in loans to Jordan under the Macro-financial assistance programme".
  • European Commission (no date) - "Transparency in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership TTIP: publication of EU proposal on regulatory cooperation".
  • European Commission (no date) - "Eurobarometer survey: EU citizens very concerned about cybercrime".
  • European Commission (no date) - "EU assists in response to floods in Albania".
  • European Commission (no date) - "State aid: Commission approves prolongation of Portuguese Guarantee Scheme on European Investment Bank lending".
  • Eurostat (no date) - "First time release of data on contingent liabilities and non-performing loans in EU Member States".
  • European Commission (no date) - "Southern Gas Corridor: Energy Union Vice-President Sefcovic attends Ministerial Meeting in Baku".