Europe’s mass of different mobile phone chargers will be replaced next year by one type, following an industry agreement signed with the European Commission today.

Europe’s industry ministers are to hold emergency talks tomorrow amid growing concern about Germany’s handling of the attempt to sell off General Motors Europe.

The EU Commission today published details of a new proposal to help combat the practice of late payments and improve cashflow for businesses.

New toy safety standards were approved today, updating 20-year-old rules in the wake of a series of scares last year which forced millions of toys off the shelves across Europe.

Ireland’s drinkers were raising their glasses to Europe tonight after bureaucrats called time on scrapping the much-loved pint.

Hundreds of business leaders from across Europe will meet tomorrow for “crisis talks” over how the global economic downturn is affecting their firms.

European Commission claims that daytime running lights on cars improve road safety were challenged by an MEP today.

Europe’s 23 million small businesses were today promised “less red tape and more red carpet” to help them thrive.

THE pint has been saved.

THE EU has decided that multi-billion dollar cosmetic companies need not tell consumers if their beauty products have caused problems or contain dangerous ingredients because it would be too expensive.

TWENTY-TWO chemicals used in hair colourings will be banned by the end of the year, Europe’s Industry Commissioner said yesterday.

TO VAT or not to VAT nappies is exercising the minds of the European Commission.

THE EUROPEAN Commission has admitted that red tape must be cut to help small businesses.

SUN worshippers gearing up for the summer holidays were warned yesterday not to believe all the claims they read on sunscreen products.

Sun worshippers were warned today not to believe all the claims they read on sunscreen products.

THE Italian scientist who co-invented the microchip was named Europe’s top inventor yesterday.

COUNTERFEIT medicines make up 10% of the total drug market in Europe and the figure is expected to double in the next five years.

ONE-IN-FIVE students involved in mini-companies goes on to create their own businesses when they leave school, a new study says.

European Union health ministers today voted to require more regulatory approval for medication used by children.

THE German leader of the Socialist MEPs has urged Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso to reprimand Charlie McCreevy, but said Ireland’s commissioner was impressive — when he could understand his accent.

NEW smart headlamps that reduce glare for oncoming traffic, bend around corners and automatically adapt to road and weather conditions should be cleared for use in the EU shortly.

Ann Cahill, Europe Correspondent

Europe’s proposed new constitution is about to be launched - into space.

THE Irish are the most fearless in Europe when it comes to going into business for themselves but the latest figures show they are losing courage.

Polling is taking place in Cyprus today on a referendum aimed at securing a last-minute reunification of the island before it joins the European Union next month.

IT is clear from the answer which he gave to the Fine Gael Leader, Mr Enda Kenny, TD in the Dáil last wednesday that the Taoiseach is badly advised in relation to the status of the Irish language in the EU.

WHEN Eamon de Valera aspired to a nation dancing at the crossroads, it’s not quite clear if he meant it to take place at the junction of Stephen’s Green and Kildare Street.

THE Government and the European Commission denied yesterday that the Dáil would have to back EU enlargement if the Nice Treaty is rejected again.