The new President of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi, faced stern criticism of ECB policy from GUE/NGL MEPs in his first appearance before the European Parliament since taking office.

On World AIDS Day 2011, Caritas says it is unjust that more than 800 children are dying each day of AIDS-related diseases. Such deaths continue to occur because these children have no access to early diagnosis of HIV or to child-friendly medicines to treat infection with this virus. By the end of 2010, experts estimated that only 21% of children living with HIV had access to the medicines they desperately need in order to stay alive beyond their second birthday.

The European Parliament today voted to adopt an agreement on the EU's 2012 budget. The Greens criticised the deal, which represents a scale back of the original proposals by the European Commission (1), in spite of the growing tasks faced by the EU. The group is also concerned about the proposed spending in key areas, notably the disproportionate amount of funding for nuclear energy, vis-a-vis safe and sustainable energy technologies. After the vote, Green budgetary spokesperson Helga Trüpel said:

EurActiv est heureux de vous présenter ses Ateliers 2012 pour les fédérations européennes, une série de sept ateliers organisés par des sociétés de conseil européennes de haut niveau qui permettront aux membres EurActeurs de mieux comprendre les tendances de la communication et du lobbyisme dans l'UE.

Speaking during this morning's debate in Parliament on a global EU response to HIV/AIDS, GUE/NGL MEP Marisa Matias said it was important to send out a clear and positive message from the Parliament today, World AIDS Day.

Unfortunately, despite all the work done in the field, there were approximately 25,000 new cases diagnosed in the EU and EEA countries and some 100,000 in neighbouring countries in 2010.