The EDPS presented his opinion on the initiative to make the Treaty of Prüm applicable throughout the EU. Stepping up cross-border cooperation, particularly the combat of terrorism and cross-border crime, the initiative is a significant step in the implementation of the principle of availability. The EDPS supports its cautious and gradual approach, but regrets that it does not harmonise essential elements of the collection and exchange of data. [EDPS Press Release]

This April, Europe's internet domain .eu celebrates its first year of being open to the public. Over 2.5 million domain names have been registered. This enormous number of active users makes .eu Europe's third most popular top level domain (TLD) and seventh most popular worldwide. With a 17% increase of registrations over the past five months, .eu is also one of the fastest growing TLD names on the web. [European Commission Press Release]

On Thursday 12 April, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament will take an important vote on the European Commission's proposal to reduce international mobile roaming charges by 70% as from this summer. Even though the final view of the European Parliament will only be known once the plenary has voted on the Commission proposal – which is expected to take place by mid-May – the vote in ITRE (the European Parliament's lead Committee as regards the EU Roaming Regulation, with the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee IMCO being associated to it) will be important to shape the final text to be adopted by the European Parliament and the EU Council this summer. The Committee's Rapporteur on Roaming is Paul Rübig (EPP-ED, Austria). [European Commission Press Release]

This April, Europe's internet domain .eu celebrates its first year of being open to the public. Over 2.5 million domain names have been registered. This enormous number of active users makes .eu Europe's third most popular top level domain (TLD) and the seventh most popular worldwide. With a 17% increase of registrations over the past five months, .eu is also one of the fastest growing TLD names on the web. According to a recent Europe-wide study, use of the .eu has proved particularly effective for small businesses. [European Commission Press Release]

The European Commission confirmed that it has sent a Statement of Objections to major record companies and Apple in relation to agreements between each record company and Apple that restrict music sales: consumers can only buy music from the iTunes' on-line store in their country of residence. Consumers are thus restricted in their choice of where to buy music, and consequently what music is available, and at what price. The European Commission alleges in the Statement of Objections that these agreements violate the EC Treaty's rules prohibiting restrictive business practices (Article 81). [European Commission Press Release]

Public and private investment in information and communication technology (ICT) is bearing fruit, finds the European Commission's annual progress report on i2010 – the digitally-led strategy for growth and jobs. Technology is fuelling innovation and productivity, and there are signs of fundamental change in markets and user behaviour, as Europe moves towards a knowledge-based economy. [European Commission Press Release]

The safety of medical devices such as surgical equipment or implants is to be significantly improved after the adoption of a proposal by the European Commission, today by the European Parliament. There will be stricter rules for the use of potentially toxic materials, for which adequate labelling will be required. Furthermore the safe single use of devices is enhanced. A study will be done to see how better reprocessing of devices can be achieved. Apart from this, specialized medical software will fall under the scope of the new Medical Device Directives, which have been updated in the light of new technological developments. The European Parliament vote is based on a compromise, reached with the Council, which is expected to adopt the package shortly. [European Commission Press Release]

European consumers continue to benefit from lower prices and innovative services as a result of good progress in the implementation of Europe's telecoms rules. However for consumers and providers to reap the full benefits of Europe's internal market, more competition, a more consistent and speedy application of remedies and regulators that are more independent are necessary, says the European Commission's 12th report on the EU's telecom markets. [European Commission Press Release]