Brown Calls for Change of EU Budget

British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, called today [20th Jan 2010] for an urgent review of the EU’s Budget, including its procurement and tendering process.

According to the PM ” Half of Britain’s international trade is with the EU. More than three million jobs depend on Europe.”

His plans were given in a joint press conference with the EU President Herman van Rompuy. In which it was stressed that with the correct economic strategy, there could be 15 million jobs created across the continent, whilst raising economic output by about 4%, or nearly €500 billion [£436 billion].

Further meetings have been arranged for February when more discussions will take place in order t review rules on State Aid, and procurement, in order for government to assist new industries.

Westminster Council Tender to Update Information Network

Westminster City Council has published in the Official Journal of the European Union a tender to upgrade their Data Network, worth possibly up to £160 million for the successful candidate.

Although the council are aiming their tender towards London based companies, European Union procurement law means that the tender has to be made available to other interested parties.

David Wilde, chief information officer for Westminster was quoted as saying: “For some time London has been talking a lot about joined up services around networks, but the procurement set up has been a constraint. What we have put in place here does not prevent others from taking advantage.”

It is hoped that after the new system is in use throughout Westminster, it can be extended so as to cover other boroughs throughout the capital