By EXME 13 / 30.01
Midday Express of 2013-01-30
News from the European Commission's Midday Briefing
Nouvelles du rendez-vous de midi de la Commission européenne
European Railways at a junction: the Commission adopts proposals for a Fourth Railway Package
The European Commission today announced a comprehensive package of measures to deliver better quality and more choice in railway services in Europe. Rail is a vital part of EU transport, with a key role in addressing rising traffic demand, congestion, fuel security and decarbonisation. But many European rail markets are currently facing stagnation or decline.
January 2013: Economic sentiment increases in both the EU and the euro area
In January the Economic Sentiment Indicator(ESI) increased by 1.4 points in both the EU (to 90.6) and the euro area (to 89.2). In the EU, confidence improved in services, construction, retail trade and among consumers, while deteriorating slightly in industry. In the euro area, confidence picked up in construction, services and among consumers and remained broadly unchanged in industry and retail trade. In both regions, the ESI rose for the third consecutive month but remains well below its long-term average.Among the seven largest EU Member States, the ESI registered increases in Germany (+2.5), the Netherlands (+1.0), Spain (+0.5) and the UK (+0.5). It remained unchanged in Italy and broadly stable in France (
