Andrew Duff MEP

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Andrew Duff MEP, who represents the East of England in the European Parliament, is supporting a campaign to improve business conditions and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the East of England and across the EU. Currently:

• Europe's approximately 23 million SMEs make up to 99% of all businesses and provide two thirds of all jobs in the private sector.
• More than half of the value creation of European companies is attributed to SMEs.
• A study presented by the European Commission in January revealed that six in ten new jobs are created by small enterprises.

MEPs today voted for new rules which will further reduce the cost of mobile phone calls whilst abroad. The rules also impose a cap on the cost of data roaming for the first time.

Eastof England Lib Dem MEP Andrew Duff was among those who voted in favour of the new price caps, which will replace existing limits when they expire in June.

Reacting to the decision of the General Affairs Council today (Tuesday), UEF President Andrew Duff MEP welcomed the progress made with regard to Serbia and Kosovo.

"The Council is right to encourage Serbia's candidacy for full membership of the European Union. Serbia is the key player in the Western Balkans and has the necessary state capacity to cope with the demands of belonging to the EU. Now we will see whether it has the political will to continue to work towards meeting in full the membership criteria, which include good relations with all its neighbours.

"Kosovo is also deserving of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and it is encouraging that none of the five EU states who, for their own domestic reasons still refuse to recognise the independence of Kosovo, have blocked the Commission's mandate to launch a feasibility study.

"Despite appearances, Europe continues!"

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Reacting to the decision of the General Affairs Council today (Tuesday), UEF President Andrew Duff MEP welcomed the progress made with regard to Serbia and Kosovo.

"The Council is right to encourage Serbia's candidacy for full membership of the European Union. Serbia is the key player in the Western Balkans and has the necessary state capacity to cope with the demands of belonging to the EU. Now we will see whether it has the political will to continue to work towards meeting in full the membership criteria, which include good relations with all its neighbours.

"Kosovo is also deserving of a Stabilisation and Association Agreement, and it is encouraging that none of the five EU states who, for their own domestic reasons still refuse to recognise the independence of Kosovo, have blocked the Commission's mandate to launch a feasibility study.

"Despite appearances, Europe continues!"

END

A local Euro MP is using Saturday's date (11/2) to raise awareness of the 112 emergency number that works across Europe.

Despite being in use for 20 years, most travellers are unaware of the number. This weekend marks European 112 Day, dedicated to the promotion of the service.

East of England Euro-MP Andrew Duff said: