The European Commission is seeking views from interested parties on EU policy developments and actions. These public consultations offer EFC members an opportunity to contribute to the definition of future EU priorities. Open consultations at present relate to:

• Future of cultural and creative industries. The European Commission launches an online public consultation today aimed at unlocking the full potential of Europe's cultural and creative industries. The consultation is linked to a new Green Paper which highlights the need to improve access to finance, especially for small businesses, as key to enabling the sector to flourish and to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth. Deadline: 30/07/2010 Read more 
• Protection of Europe's forests against climate change. The European Commission has launched a public consultation to seek stakeholders' views on the protection of forests and possible EU action in the field. Input received will inform and guide Commission considerations regarding any additional action at EU level to better prepare EU forests for climate change, and enhance the fulfilment of their functions. It may also provide input for discussions concerning the possible update of the EU Forest Strategy on climate related aspects. Deadline: 31/07/2010. Read more
Children's rights. The European Commission invites interested parties, including foundations, who deal with the protection and promotion of children's rights at all levels to provide their input on EU children's rights. Contributions received will feed into the preparation of the EU strategy on the rights of the child for the period 2011-2014, which will replace the current strategy adopted in 2006. Deadline: 20/08/2010. Read more
State aid rules on services of general economic interest. The Commission wishes to consult public service providers and their associations, public service users and their associations, stakeholders, citizens and all interested parties, on the application of the Services of general economic interest (SGEI) package, which defines the conditions under which State aid in the form of public service compensation can be considered compatible. Deadline: 10/09/2010. Read more
National measures implementing provisions of EU services directive. The Commission has launched a stakeholder consultation to assess the national measures implementing some provisions of the EU services directive, notably the measures relating to the requirements imposed by Member States on the establishment of service providers and on the cross-border provision of their services. Deadline: 13/09/2010. Read more
Possible approaches to tackling cross-border inheritance tax obstacles within the EU.  Stakeholders’ views are sought on obstacles related to cross-border inheritance tax and possible solutions to these problems. Input received will feed into the current Commission’s work to obtain more evidence of the extent of any cross-border inheritance tax problems within the EU and to find solutions to any problems identified. Deadline: 22/09/2010. Read more 
Future of pensions. The European Commission has launched a Europe-wide public debate on how to ensure adequate, sustainable and safe pensions and how the EU can best support the national efforts. Input received will be used to consider the best course for future actions to address these issues at EU level. Deadline: 15/11/2010. Read more
Insurance Guarantee Schemes. The Commission seeks stakeholders' input by means of a White paper aimed at setting out a coherent framework for EU action on insurance guarantee schemes (IGS) protection for policyholders and beneficiaries. In particular, it proposes introducing a Directive to ensure that all member States have an IGS that complies with a minimum set of design requirements. The White Paper raises a number of issues in relation to the introduction of al legally binding EU solution for IGS. The Commission's preferred option are clearly set out in text boxes throughout Sections 3 and 4. The Commission calls upon all interested parties to provide their views on these options. Deadline: 30/11/2010. Read more
Policy options for progress towards a European Contract Law for consumers and businesses. The Commission has released a consultation paper (Green Paper) setting out a number of options on how to strengthen the internal market by making progress in the area of European Contract Law. This issue is considered of relevance given that the internal market is currently built on a multitude of contracts governed by different national contract laws which may entail additional transaction costs and legal uncertainty for businesses and lead to a lack of consumer confidence in the internal market. Depending on the evaluation of the results of the consultation, the Commission could propose further action by 2012. Deadline: 31/01/2011. Read more

EFC members interested in obtaining further information are invited to contact EFC secretariat at eu@efc.be