Unwanted Christmas Gifts – Your rights

European legislation offers consumers across Europe at least two years to seek a remedy from the seller and states that they must be provided with a repair or replacement free of charge.

Now that the busy Christmas period is over, many people find that they have a number of gifts for which they have no use, or that they simply don’t want. Remember you are not entitled to a refund (or an exchange or credit note) simply because you change your mind about something that was bought in store. Some retailers do allow you to exchange goods that you no longer want, but remember that this is a goodwill gesture, and is at the store’s discretion or as per their own policy.
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Facts

  • The European Citizens’ Initiative will enable one million EU citizens to call directly on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest
  • The one million signatures will have to come from at least 9 different EU countries (one third) and each of those countries must provide a minimum number of signatures in order for them to be counted
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    Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland

    “Major progress in strengthening and downsizing the banking system was made in 2011″

    Staff teams from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Dublin during January 10-19 for the regular quarterly review of the government’s economic programme. The teams’ assessment is that the programme is on track but challenges remain and continued steadfast policy implementation will be key.
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    Facts

  • Further education and entrepreneurialism supported under funding
  • €7.4m to help 840 workers re-train
  • Part of the EU’s new Europe 2020 strategy, Youth on the Move proposes 28 key actions aimed at making education and training more relevant to young people’s needs and encouraging more of them to take advantage of EU grants to study or train in another country.
  • The European Commission is to set up a European Vacancy Monitor which will give up-to-the minute information on job vacancies across the whole of the European Union
  • For 2010 as a whole, real GDP growth is now projected at 1.8% in the EU and 1.7% in the euro area, a sizeable upward revision.
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    TalkToEU – The Real Erasmus

    Winner annouced.

    Congratulations to Brain Bolger who has won the TalkToEU Real Erasmus €1000 grant. Brian, currently on Erasmus in Lund, Sweden , and our Spin 1038 FM Real Erasmus grant winner Riona Gilroy, on Erasmus in Bordeaux, France, will begin reporting live from the Real Erasmus blog here on TalkToEU.ie from February 1st.
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    Facts

  • Further education and entrepreneurialism supported under funding
  • €7.4m to help 840 workers re-train
  • In the 1960s almost four-fifths of Irish exports went to the UK – now less than one fifth do. Ireland exports over 60% of its goods to the European market.
  • EU investment in group water schemes in the West of Ireland positively affected around 260,000 people – that’s the equivalent of showering the capacity of Thomond Park 10 times over.
  • The deeper the recession, the higher the cinema attendance.
  • Comments

    2 Comments

    • Steve says:

      Hi.

      Just enquiring about the talktoeu ERAMUS competition. I am going for four months but term starts mid February. I could still provide some material for February and obviously the other months are fine. I’m wondering can I still go ahead with my entry even though I’m not going in January?

      Thanks.

    Leave a Reply

    Meet the EU at Young Scientist Exhibition

    Ireland’s best and brightest secondary school students will be showing off their wares at the Young Scientist Exhibition.

    Come to the EU stand and check out Europe’s “smart grids”, have a go with the radioactivity “glove box” or talk to the EU’s research staff about careers and the work they do!
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    Dublin to host the biggest science conference in Europe

    “It aims to bring together researchers in both the natural and social sciences so that in addition to showing the latest scientific and technological advances being made”

    In 2012, Dublin will host Europe’s largest science conference as part of its role as European City of Science 2012. Having been awarded the honor, Dublin will follow such cities as Stockholm, Munich, Barcelona and Turin in organising a year-long programme of science-related events and activities throughout the country.
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    Not so much trust in the EU for Irish

    “There is a growing public realisation that the solution of the crisis will be a marathon rather than a sprint.”

    Trust in the EU among Irish people is only 24%, a drop of 20% compared to the Spring 2011 survey and well below the EU average of 34% (also down 7%). The percentage of Irish people who tend not to trust the European Union has also risen by 21 points to 60%. Trust in the European Union is highest in Bulgaria at 59% and lowest in the UK at 17%. Keep reading for results about the Irish government, the national economy and our national outlook.
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    Facts

  • The European Citizens’ Initiative will enable one million EU citizens to call directly on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest
  • The one million signatures will have to come from at least 9 different EU countries (one third) and each of those countries must provide a minimum number of signatures in order for them to be counted
  • Comments

    Leave a Reply

    EU sex discrimination guidelines for insurance companies

    “At the moment, a careful young male driver pays more for car insurance just because he is a man.”

    The European Commission has adopted guidelines to help the insurance industry implement unisex pricing, after the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that different premiums for men and women constitute sex discrimination. Insurers had until 21 December to end the practice.
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    Facts

  • The European Citizens’ Initiative will enable one million EU citizens to call directly on the European Commission to bring forward an initiative of interest
  • The one million signatures will have to come from at least 9 different EU countries (one third) and each of those countries must provide a minimum number of signatures in order for them to be counted
  • Comments

    Leave a Reply

    Make your new year a greener one

    “Get a head start and find out how to make your home more energy efficient after Christmas”

    The next few weeks will see us all hopefully relaxing over the Christmas holidays. This will probably mean lots of TV, keeping the heat on, and powering all those new gadgets and presents. A lot of energy use in other words. But hey, it’s Christmas. The EU aims to improve energy efficiency by 20% as part of its Europe 2020 goals and the European Commissioner for the Environment Janez Potočnik has emphasized the importance of improving the efficiency of resources so here are our tips for a greener, more energy efficient (and cheaper) life you can put into practice in the new year.
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    Facts

  • As Part of European Mobility week, the campaign will encourage local authorities to promote alternatives to the car and highlight the benefits on public health and the environment.
  • The total national greenhouse gas emissions from transport in Ireland increased by 165% between 1990 and 2006
  • At the National Ploughing Championships, the EU stand will present a range of rural development projects co-financed under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
  • Since the establishment of Blue Flag in Ireland, 60% of Irish beaches have improved
  • 40% of pumping facilities don’t clean the sewage first
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    Don’t get scammed buying online this Christmas

    “Counterfeiters are adept at knowing what the most sought-after Christmas gifts are while they might look like a bargain, they can pose a serious risk “

    With research indicating that Irish consumers planning to spend more than their European counterparts this Christmas, ECC Ireland is advising consumers to be careful not to spend their hard earned money on fakes.
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    Facts

  • Further education and entrepreneurialism supported under funding
  • €7.4m to help 840 workers re-train
  • Part of the EU’s new Europe 2020 strategy, Youth on the Move proposes 28 key actions aimed at making education and training more relevant to young people’s needs and encouraging more of them to take advantage of EU grants to study or train in another country.
  • The European Commission is to set up a European Vacancy Monitor which will give up-to-the minute information on job vacancies across the whole of the European Union
  • For 2010 as a whole, real GDP growth is now projected at 1.8% in the EU and 1.7% in the euro area, a sizeable upward revision.
  • Comments

    Leave a Reply

    TalktoEU jobs app launch

    Download our new iPhone or Android app for a handy guide to finding work and living in the EU.

    You don’t need to pack up and head half way around the world to find a job. As an EU citizen you have 26 countries on your door step where you can find work with limited or no visa restrictions and still be close to home. To help you with your job search, we’ve created an iPhone and Android app that gives you all the information you need if you’re considering looking for work or study abroad in the EU. Just scan the QR code below, or search for “talktoeu” in Apple App Store or Android Market. Or you can download or see a preview here: Apple Apple Store. Android Market Place.
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    • 1940s

      1946

      The British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, calls for a "kind of United States of Europe" in a speech at Zurich University.

    • 1950s

      1951

      'The Six' (France, West Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Italy) sign the Treaty of Paris, establishing the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).

      1957

      The signing of the Treaties of Rome establishes the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

      1959

      The European Free Trade Association is established.

    • 1960s

      1960

      RT is founded.

      1961

      Ireland, the UK and Denmark apply to join the European Communities for the first time.

      1963

      French President Charles De Gaulle vetoes British membership, affecting Ireland's application as well.

      1964

      The European Court established.

      1969

      Neil Armstrong walks on the moon.

    • 1970s

      1972

      After the government agrees that Ireland will join the EEC, a referendum campaign follows with Fianna Fáil & Fine Gael united on the YES side, and Labour & other left-wing parties advocating NO. The Irish people eventually vote to join the Community, with 83.1% in favour.

      1972

      Bloody Sunday in Derry.

      1973

      Ireland, the UK and Denmark join the European Community.

      1975

      Ireland holds the EU Presidency for the first time from January to June.

      1979

      First direct, democratic elections to the European Parliament (EP) – the first international elections in history. 15 Irish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) are elected, representing 4 constituencies.

    • 1980s

      1980

      Contraception is legalised in the Republic of Ireland.

      1981

      Greece joins the EC.

      1985

      Bob Geldof organises Live Aid at Wembley. Ireland is the highest 'per capita' donor.

      1986

      Spain & Portugal join the EC.

      1986

      Ryanair opens for business.

      1987

      The Blue Flag beach awards are established at a European level. Of those awarded to Ireland, one is to Duncannon Beach, Co.Wexford which has held it ever since.

      1987

      The Single European Act, modifying the Treaty of Rome, comes into force.

      1989

      Fall of the Berlin Wall.

    • 1990s

      1990

      With the collaspe of the Iron Curtain, former East Germany joins the Community as part of a united Germany.

      1990

      "Jackie's Army" makes it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, eventually losing out to the hosts, Italy.

      1991

      Condoms go on sale in Virgin Megastore, breaking the law that ruled them not to be sold in shops.

      1993

      Homosexuality is decriminalised in Ireland.

      1993

      The European Union is born. The Maastricht Treaty comes into force, creating the EU and the 3-pillar system, and leading to the creation of the euro.

      1995

      In the closest ever referendum result, Ireland votes for divorce with 50.3%.

      1997

      The Treaty of Amsterdam is signed - getting the EU ready for eastward expansion and strengthening laws on employment & discrimination.

      1999

      The Euro is officially launched, with the 11 Eurozone countries (including Ireland) adopting it as their official currency. The Irish punt would be take out of circulation in 2002.

    • 2000s

      2002

      Euro coins & notes enter circulation in the 12 Eurozone countries.

      2002

      Roy Keane walks out on the Irish Football Team in Saipan.

      2002

      The Nice Treaty is accepted by Irish voters in a second referendum.

      2004

      The EU's biggest ever enlargement with 10 new countries joining, representing more than 100 million people.

      2005

      French voters vote NO to the ratification of the European Constitutional Treaty… As do Dutch voters, leading to what was described as a 'constitutional crisis'.

      2007

      Irish becomes an official language of the EU.

      2007

      Bulgaria & Romania join the EU.

      2008

      Barack Obama is elected as President of the United States.

      2009

      The Lisbon Treaty is accepted by the Irish voters in a second referendum, following some legal guarantees. It is then ratified by the remaining member states, Poland & the Czech Republic.

      2010

      Ireland's number of blue flag beaches at 76

      2010

      EU approve the bail out of Irish banks

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