News in brief

Telecoms package

MEPs and national governments agreed on 4 November the last element of a package of reforms to EU telecoms regulation – procedures to be followed to cut off the internet service of people suspected of downloading material illegally. Under the agreement, internet access would be suspended only after a “prior, fair and impartial procedure” and with the possibility of a review.

Pipeline approval

Sweden and Finland on Thursday (5 November) approved plans by a Russian-German consortium to build a pipeline through the Baltic Sea to deliver Russian gas to German markets. Nord Stream and another Russian-led pipeline, South Stream, are seen as competition for the EU-backed Nabucco pipeline.

Moldovan president

Moldova’s parliament failed to elect a new president on Tuesday (10 November) after the Communist opposition, in power until July, voted against Marian Lupu, whose party is part of the governing coalition. If another attempt fails next month, Moldova may have to hold its third general election in a year.

Ex-MEP jailed

Tom Wise, a former MEP from the UK Independence Party, was yesterday (11 November) given a two-year jail sentence by a London court. Wise had pleaded guilty to diverting more than €40,000 from a secretarial allowance in 2004-2005.

Age discrimination

Almost two-thirds of Europeans fear that the recession will increase age discrimination in the jobs market, according to a Eurobarometer survey published by the European Commission on Monday (9 November). One in six respondents reported having suffered discrimination, with age discrimination the most common complaint.