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.

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

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

The European Commission today approved a bill to impose stricter emission standards for vehicles and to close a loophole that allows fuel-guzzling sports utility vehicles to escape the EU pollution limits.

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

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

Turkey has given human rights guarantees, setting the stage for a recommendation on beginning talks over EU membership, the bloc’s expansion commissioner said today.

The European Union will not open membership talks with Turkey unless the country passes a human-rights reform package, EU enlargement commissioner Guenter Verheugen said today, his strongest remarks on the issue so far.

A top European Union official said today that the bloc’s upcoming decision on Turkey’s suitability for membership would take into account the series of reforms that the country has carried out.

Charlie McCreevy was put in charge of the internal market and financial markets of the EU as European Commission President-designate Jose Manuel Barroso handed out portfolios today.

IT is with deep regret that the peaceful reunification of Cyprus does not proceed in accordance with the UN proposals for a final settlement.

TURKEY proclaimed its biggest diplomatic victory in 50 years yesterday after Turkish northern Cyprus voted for a UN-backed reunification plan while Greek Cypriots rejected it.

Greek Cypriots poured scorn on the UN reunification plan for their island today while Turkish Cypriots described the blueprint – which will go to parallel referendums next month – as a success.

Just hours before Cyprus' reunification talks were scheduled to begin today, a small bomb exploded in front of the home of the prime minister of the self-declared Turkish Cypriot state.

THE UN and EU were optimistic yesterday that talks this week on Cyprus could bring about an end to the island’s 30-year division in time for the reunited nation to enter the European Union on May 1.

The UN and EU were optimistic today that talks this week on Cyprus could bring about an end to the island’s 30 year division in time for the reunited nation to enter the European Union on May 1.