European Commission

The European Commission has proposed lifting a controversial law that requires fishermen to discard excess catches. 

Another reform suggested by Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki would limit the time that fishermen can spend at sea. This would reduce the large amount of waste fish dumped in the North Sea every year.

She will pitch ideas to delegates from EU member states next week and a decision is expected later in the year.

Cornish Pasties from Valerie King on Vimeo.

Cornwall's national dish has got legal protection from the European Commission alongside champagne, Stilton cheese and Scotch whisky.

It means that only pasties which are baked west of the Tamar to a traditional recipe can be called Cornish.

Claire Jones reports.

© European Union, 2011

A universal phone charger goes on the market for the first time within the next few weeks.

The European Commission has welcomed radical plans by the Greek Government to cut the country’s growing budget deficit.

However there is growing concern regarding the way Greece reports its statistics.

Greece's budget deficit is currently one of the highest in the European Union standing at 12.7 per cent, four times the legal limit for an EU country.  By comparison, the UK has a budget deficit of 13%.

European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia announces his support for Greek reform plans

European Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Joaquin Almunia announces his support for Greek reform plans