Today the European Parliament adopted Olle Schmidt's (Folkpartiet, Sweden) report on tax that responds to the tax initiatives taken by the Commission in 2011 and on the areas where much more must be done to increase growth and boost Europe's competitiveness. In particular, the report focuses on removing cross-border tax obstacles for EU citizens and businesses, on preventing tax fraud, increasing tax transparency, as well proposing common principles, general guidelines concerning taxation and the need for further tax coordination where the EU can play a key role.

EU sanctions against Iran are politically naïve, negligent sabre-rattling according to GUE/NGL MEP Cornelia Ernst speaking ahead of today's European Parliament vote on a resolution on Iran's nuclear programme.

"We condemn the Iranian regime for its catastrophic human rights violations, repression of religious minorities and persecution of human rights activists but embargoing Iranian oil through the de-facto ban on trade with Iran's central bank ultimately just impacts the population."

The European Parliament will vote on a report on EU policy towards the leaders of authoritarian regimes on Thursday during its mini plenary session in Brussels.  The report has been timed to coincide with a European Commission and EEAS review of the EU's sanctions policy which has been requested by the Council of Ministers.

Sir Graham Watson (Liberal Democrat, United Kingdom), who drafted the report, sends a clear message to authoritarian regimes "The EU will not help you launder your ill-gotten gains."

Brussels, 1 February 2012 -  Andrew Jenkins Executive Vice President, International for Universal Music Publishing Group  has been elected as chair of ICMP, the world trade association representing the interests of the music publishing community internationally.   His unanimous appointment follows elections to the board held during the ICMP Annual General Assembly in Cannes on 29 January and he will serve a two-year term starting with immediate effect.

Commenting on his appointment, Ger Hatton, ICMP secretary general said:

Sophie in 't Veld (D66, NL), will outline today her recommendation for the European Parliament to withhold consent on the EU-US PNR Agreement for which she is Parliament's rapporteur. The Agreement on the transfer of Passenger Name Records (PNR), signed by the Council in 2011, does not meet the criteria set by the European Parliament in its 2010 resolutions, and is not in line with EU legislation.