Defining Nanomaterials for the Purpose of Regulation within the European Union

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Bowman ◽  
Joel D'Silva ◽  
Geert van Calster
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
International Agreement ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Cosmetic Formulations ◽  
Policy Shift

Consumer desire for superior and new products has provided industry with the opportunity and market demand to incorporate and experiment with new technologies, including nanotechnologies. While these products and processes have fallen under the scope of existing regulatory frameworks, potential health and safety concerns has prompted some stakeholders to call for new, nano-specific regulations. Until now, governments have been hesitant to respond to such demands given the evolving state of the scientific art and limited international agreement as to what nanotechnologies or nanomaterials “are”. Despite these challenges, in November 2009 the European Union formally embraced the idea of specifically regulating the use of nanomaterials in cosmetic formulations. To achieve this objective, the Parliament and Council had to define what they meant by nanomaterials within the context of the adopted text in order to regulate them. It appears likely that other instruments will be similarly amended so as to include nano-specific provisions, including definitions. This article explores this policy shift within the European Union and the implications of the Parliament and Council's stance at this stage due to the absence of a generally accepted definition within the international community.

scholarly journals The Cereal Extraction Territorial Analysis of Lithuania in 2000–2014 Years

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 47-63
Author(s):  
Ieva Žvigaitytė ◽  
Izolda Ona Bražukienė
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Cereal Crops ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Market Demand ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Agricultural Industries

From the ancient times crop production perceived as one of the most important Lithuanian activities in relation to cereals extraction growing. The Crop Production – is “basis for agriculture" (Kaluina, 1993), in a long time this basis has formed the current agricultural situation in Lithuania. This scientific object is cereal extraction in Lithuania. The objective is to carry out cereal extraction territorial dispersion analysis in Lithuania 2000–2014 year. This article scientific must tasks: review of scientific literature on the theme of cereal crops extraction; analyze grain extraction determinants; examine grain extraction territorial dispersion characteristics; assess grain production development prospects in Lithuania. All the time scientists are interested cereal crops extraction in Lithuania. Scientists analyzed a lot of things, these are development stages of cereal crops, natural and social economic conditions, which caused these cultures emergence of a certain territory and dissemination. The most important factors are natural and socio-economic. These factors are very much connected. Also, the modern territorial system of cereal extraction growing has developed under the influence of the following other factors: soil conditions; agricultural traditions formation within a certain time; the internal market demand; mastering new technologies; the Government’s support and policy in agricultural industries; the European Union structural funds support and policy in agricultural. In Lithuania cereal crops extraction has increased from 2000 to 2014 years. An improving situation observed after accession to the European Union. Record harvest was fixed in 2014 year. It was influenced by technological million tonnes break in the Lithuanian grain farms. The Middle Lithuanian height intensive zone (area) for grain crops extraction. Here are good soil potential possibilities cereal crops (high yield) and here are a lower cost cultivation of cereal crops extraction. The condition for cereal crops extraction is bad in the Western and Eastern Lithuanian zones (areas). This area is characterized by worse natural – climatic conditions. In recent years, huge volumes of the growing cereals harvest, improving yields and growing conditions for crop areas form optimistic cereal crops for production in future. In our country economic situation will improve every years and this is an impact on improving agricultural situation.

A reference framework for health and safety in the workplace in China and the European Union: A comparative study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Zhang Han Yuan ◽  
Xue Yang ◽  
MDolores Martínez-Aires
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Basic Aspect ◽  
Reference Framework ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Accident Rates ◽  
The Eu

BACKGROUND: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) has a direct repercussion on the work, social and economic environments. The regulatory frameworks developed by each country are a basic aspect of OHS action policies. OBJECTIVE: This study analyses and compares the differences in OHS regulations in China and the European Union (EU) to identify weaknesses or gaps in the Chinese regulations. METHODS: Firstly, an overview of the OHS situation in the EU and China is carried out to provide context. Following this, a comparison of OHS regulations is conducted by searching different European and Chinese databases. The comparison focuses on several areas: socio-economic issues, accident rates, and the OHS regulatory framework. RESULTS: Since 1989, the EU has produced a broad and comprehensive OHS regulatory framework. Almost 30 years later, its positive impact can be seen in EU accident rates, indicating that this framework might be used as a reference for other territories or countries. China has a complicated system with over 280 OHS legislative regulations, in the form of laws, regulations, rules, integrated regulations, etc. that lead to a mixture and repetition of contents. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese OHS legislation is still being constructed and complemented, since the two main Chinese OHS laws were approved during the last decade. This contrasts with the mature European framework, as it has been modified and completed over the years.

scholarly journals Economic burden of work injuries and diseases: a framework and application in five European Union countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emile Tompa ◽  
Amirabbas Mofidi ◽  
Swenneke van den Heuvel ◽  
Thijmen van Bree ◽  
Frithjof Michaelsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Economic Burden ◽  
National Level ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Indirect Costs ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Work Injuries ◽  
European Union Countries ◽  
Related Quality

Abstract Background Estimates of the economic burden of work injuries and diseases can help policymakers prioritize occupational health and safety policies and interventions in order to best allocate scarce resources. Several attempts have been made to estimate these economic burdens at the national level, but most have not included a comprehensive list of cost components, and none have attempted to implement a standard approach across several countries. The aim of our study is to develop a framework for estimating the economic burden of work injuries and diseases and implement it for selected European Union countries. Methods We develop an incidence cost framework using a bottom-up approach to estimate the societal burden of work injuries and diseases and implement it for five European Union countries. Three broad categories of costs are considered—direct healthcare, indirect productivity and intangible health-related quality of life costs. We begin with data on newly diagnosed work injuries and diseases from calendar year 2015. We consider lifetime costs for cases across all categories and incurred by all stakeholders. Sensitivity analysis is undertaken for key parameters. Results Indirect costs are the largest part of the economic burden, then direct costs and intangible costs. As a percentage of GDP, the highest overall costs are for Poland (10.4%), then Italy (6.7%), The Netherlands (3.6%), Germany (3.3%) and Finland (2.7%). The Netherlands has the highest per case costs (€75,342), then Italy (€58,411), Germany (€44,919), Finland (€43,069) and Poland (€38,918). Costs per working-age population are highest for Italy (€4956), then The Netherlands (€2930), Poland (€2793), Germany (€2527) and Finland (€2331). Conclusions Our framework serves as a template for estimating the economic burden of work injuries and diseases across countries in the European Union and elsewhere. Results can assist policymakers with identifying health and safety priority areas based on the magnitude of components, particularly when stratified by key characteristics such as industry, injury/disease, age and sex. Case costing can serve as an input into the economic evaluation of prevention initiatives. Comparisons across countries provide insights into the relevant performance of health and safety systems.

scholarly journals Oil Price Uncertainty, Globalization, and Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from the European Union

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3429
Author(s):  
Svetlana Balashova ◽  
Apostolos Serletis
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Total Factor Productivity ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Price Volatility ◽  
Oil Price ◽  
Price Uncertainty ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Factor Productivity ◽  
Tfp Growth

This paper uncovers linkages between oil price uncertainty, total factor productivity (TFP) growth, and critical indicators of knowledge production and spillovers. It contributes to the literature by investigating the effects of oil price volatility on TFP growth, controlling for two different channels for TFP growth; benefits from the quality of the national innovation system and from adopting new technologies. We use an unbalanced panel for 28 European Union countries for the period from 1990 to 2018. We find that oil price uncertainty has a negative and statistically significant effect on TFP growth, even after we control for technological advancements and the effects of globalization. We also find that the scale of research and innovation and international trade are positive contributors to TFP growth.

Diplomatic Protection in EU Law: What’s New under the Sun?

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Forni
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
International Law ◽  
European Commission ◽  
European Community ◽  
The Sun ◽  
International Agreement ◽  
Eu Law ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Diplomatic Protection ◽  
Effective Role

Summary This article aims to assess which subjects could offer diplomatic protection in third countries to European citizens and/or European Union legal persons on the basis of eu law. The absence of a common standard of assistance and the lack of specific agreements with third states has de facto excluded the diplomatic protection ex Article 23 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (tfeu, formerly the tec or Treaty establishing the European Community). Yet the practice shows cases in which the European Commission claimed the infringement of the rights of eu citizens and eu corporations in cases of violation of an international agreement concluded by the Union, or in cases of a breach of general international law in a matter of eu exclusive competence. These evidences indicate that the eu could play an effective role in ensuring the protection of European citizens in third countries in situations in which the eu member states have transferred their competences to the European Union. However, these actions remain discretional, since the ‘duty to protect’ is far from achieved both in eu and in international law.

scholarly journals Analysis of Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Digital Health: A Comparison of Guidelines and Approaches in the European Union and United States

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fara Aninha Fernandes ◽  
Georgi V Chaltikyan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
European Union ◽  
Digital Health ◽  
Clinical Decision Support Systems ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Regulatory Pathways ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Regulatory Landscape

The advent of digital technology in healthcare presents opportunities for the improvement of healthcare systems around the world and the move towards value-based treatment. However, this move must be accompanied by strong legal and regulatory frameworks that will not only facilitate but encourage the good use of technology. The goal of the study was to assess the amenability and furtherance of regulatory frameworks in digital health by evaluating and comparing the processes, effectiveness and outcomes of these frameworks in the European Union and United States. Methods: This study incorporated two research methodologies. The first was a research of current legal and regulatory frameworks in digital health in the European Union and United States. A comprehensive online search for publications was carried out which included laws, regulations, policies, green papers, guidelines and recommendations. This research was complemented with interviews of five purposively sampled key informants in the legal and regulatory landscape. Results: Mind-maps revealed key features and challenges of the digital health field in the topics of the current state of regulation of digital health in the EU, Germany and US, regulatory pathways for digital health devices, protection and privacy of health data, mobile health validation, risk-based classification of medical devices, regulation of clinical decision support systems, telemedicine, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, reimbursement for digital health services and liability for digital health products. The experts expressed and explained key points where current regulation is deficient. The review of the legal frameworks revealed deficiencies which provide opportunities and recommendations to further develop and strengthen the regulatory landscape. Conclusions: A key element to a robust regulatory framework is the ability to ensure trust and confidence in using digital health technology. Technology must measure the impact on quality of life and burden of disease and not merely involve the collection of data.

E-Government at Supranational Level in the European Union

2011 ◽  
pp. 501-506
Author(s):  
F. Amoretti
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Social Cohesion ◽  
Information Society ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
White Paper ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Common Information ◽  
Use Of The Internet ◽  
Community Programmes

The term “e-government” became part of the political vocabulary toward the end of the 1990s. Previously, with the onset of new technologies, it found its place in the wider “semantic container,” the information society. To respond to the United States and Japan’s economic challenge, the European Commission drew up a “White Paper on Growth, Competitiveness, and Employment: Challenges and Ways Forward to the 21st Century” (the so-called Delors’ White Paper). The construction of the IS is considered one of the five fundamental priorities of the Union to create a “common information area” based on ICTs and telematic infrastructure. E-government was the key element of significant community programmes (i.e., IDA [Interchange of Data between Administrations] and TEN-TELECOM [from 2002 renamed eTen]). A decisive step toward the development of EU policies for e-government came with the approval, in June 2000, of the Action Plan “eEurope 2002: An Information Society for All.” Guidelines were fixed for greater use of the Internet, and the initiative “Government online: electronic access to public services, [which] aims to ensure that citizens have easy access to essential public data, [...] [and, in order to improve] efficiency in the public sector, will require a re-thinking of internal organisation and of electronic exchanges between institutions” (Council of the European Union & Commission of the European Communities, 2000, p. 22). A few months previously, based on numerous EC documents, the Council of Europe of Lisbon indicated an ambitious objective for the European Union: “to become the most competitive and dynamic economy based on knowledge in the world, capable of achieving sustainable economic growth, creating new and better jobs and more social cohesion.” The so-called “Lisbon strategy” to permit Europe to recover the delay accumulated compared to the U.S., was intended to guide community policies up to 2010. It is in this context, interwoven with different and often conflicting pressures (economic competition and social cohesion, market logics, and the language of rights) that action plans are formulated and policies for e-government implemented in Europe.

Preventive Services in Occupational Health and Safety in Europe: Developments and Trends in the 1990s

1997 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 247-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
David R. Walters
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Preventive Services ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Northern European

This article outlines the legislative requirements for preventive services in health and safety in 13 European countries and considers the implementation and coverage of such services. The author identifies the predominant models of preventive services operating in the European Union, then assesses the influence of the E.U. Framework Directive 89/391 on the development and integration of preventive services and the role of workers in their organization and accountability. Significant differences exist in the extent and functions of preventive services in European countries, including differences in coverage between southern and northern European countries, different degrees to which employees in small enterprises and large enterprises are covered by preventive services, and overall differences in legislative approach.

The Oxford Guide to Treaties

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
International Relations ◽  
International Law ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Reference Point ◽  
International Agreements ◽  
International Agreement ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Trade Relations ◽  
Nation States

From trade relations to greenhouse gases, from shipwrecks to cybercrime, treaties structure the rights and obligations of states, international organizations, and individuals. For centuries, treaties have regulated relations among nation states. Today, they are the dominant source of international law. Thus, being adept with treaties and international agreements is an indispensable skill for anyone engaged in international relations. This revised and updated edition provides a comprehensive guide to treaties, shedding light on the rules and practices surrounding the making, interpretation, and operation of these instruments. The chapters are designed to introduce the law of treaties and offer practical insights into how treaties actually work. Foundational issues are covered, including what treaties are and when they should be used, alongside detailed analyses of treaty formation, application, interpretation, and exit. Special issues associated with treaties involving the European Union and other international organizations are also addressed. These are complimented by a set of model treaty clauses. Real examples illustrate the approaches that treaty-makers can take on topics such as entry into force, languages, reservations, and amendments. The book thus provides an authoritative reference point for anyone studying or involved in the creation or interpretation of treaties or other forms of international agreement.

scholarly journals Regulatory Frameworks for Aquaponics in the European Union

2019 ◽  
pp. 501-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilman Reinhardt ◽  
Kyra Hoevenaars ◽  
Alyssa Joyce
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Technological Innovation ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Regulatory Framework ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Institutional Conditions ◽  
Eu Policy ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Eu Policies

AbstractThis chapter provides an overview of the regulatory framework for aquaponics and the perspectives for European Union (EU) policy. Using Germany as an example, we analyze the specific regulations concerning construction and operation of aquaponic facilities and the commercialization of aquaponic products. We then show how aquaponics fits in with different EU policies and how it might contribute to EU sustainability goals. In the end, we provide some recommendations on how institutional conditions could be improved for aquaponics as an emerging technological innovation system.

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