Brussels briefing
Technology is roaring ahead of users’ ability to understand what is involved — and so creating a trust divide.
Cloud computing is just one example — and new guidelines with a voluntary code of conduct have been devised by the European Commission’s Cloud Select Industry Group. They are set to contribute towards a contract that covers both legal and technical issues for users and providers.
The guidelines are in plain language that sets out clearly what users are getting — and how they can better manage what they store in the cloud.
They will also be tested, particularly with SMEs, and it is hoped that the guidelines will contribute to new global standards.
Ireland has the least energy-intensive economy of any EU country, helped by industries that consume very little energy.
But when it comes to other aspects of the environment, the country has one of the worst records for energy-intensive transport, thanks to a poor public transport infrastructure for goods and people. It is also reliant on imports from a very limited number of suppliers abroad, though not as much as many member states that are totally dependent on just one supplier, such as Russia.
However its belching cattle still leave Ireland with the biggest headache in reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emitted.
While Europe bickers over who the big jobs go to next, spare a thought for those on the way out.
Those who are used to wielding power appear to have trouble letting go.
The very moving ceremony around a peace bench in Ypres to mark the centenary of the start of the First World War went off peacefully.
Though it looked strange Council president Herman Van Rompuy making something of a bag-boy out of Commission president José Manuel Barroso when he handed him his ceramic poppy — leaving him holding two while the former Belgian premier warned of the dangers of Europe sleep walking towards an abyss.
So what is the speed limit in Spain, or the drink- drive alcohol limit in Austria?
Just in time for holidays the European Commission has produced an app that tells you all you should know before driving in any of the 28 member countries.
Available in 22 languages, it is hoped it will help save lives especially during the holiday months of July and August.
Download the “Going Abroad” app from Apple, Windows or Google.
* http://ec.europa.eu/transport/road_safety/going_abroad/index_en.htm
The EU reputation of Environment Minister Phil Hogan — tipped to be Ireland’s next commissioner — could stand or fall on figures due out tomorrow.
A policy pushing for zero waste will be unveiled, aiming for higher recycling targets and pointing out that some countries recycle 70%. It will also move to eliminate landfill, long Ireland’s favourite method of waste disposing, and suggests ways to reduce the 100m tonnes of food wasted each year.
Just 6.8 million of the EU’s half a billion citizens gamble on-line — but they manage to hand over more than €10bn to those running the sites.
They make up close to half of those in the world who take a punt on lady luck regularly from poker to lotteries, and sports. This of course is just the tip of the iceberg as the total gambled every year is about €80bn, as just one in eight bet on-line.
As a result following research and consultations, the European Commission will make some recommendations to the member states during the week on how to reduce the risks for minors, cut down on fraud and help tackle addicts.
Britain, including Buckingham Palace in London, above is Ireland’s top destination for holidays and business trips, while Spain is the top tip for the Britons and citizens of 10 other EU states.
The Irish are spending half their holidays at home, but the other half abroad — double the EU average.
Not surprisingly close to half the Irish take a flight, though a surprising 42% take their car.
Romanians and Bulgarians were the most likely to take bus trips.
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