The Waste Framework Directive establishes a framework for the management of waste across the European Community. It also defines certain terms, such as 'waste', 'recovery' and 'disposal', to ensure that a uniform approach is taken across the EU.  The revised Waste Framework Directive was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council on 19 November 2008. The revised Directive sets the basic concepts and definitions related to waste management and lays down waste management principles such as the "polluter pays principle" or the "waste hierarchy". The Directive is aimed at encoring re-use and recycling of waste as well as at simplifying legislation. By promoting the use of waste as a secondary resource, the new directive is intended to reduce the landfill of waste as well as potent greenhouse gases arising from such landfill sites.

According to this Directive, Member States must design and implement waste prevention programmes, while the Commission is set to report periodically on progress concerning waste prevention. Should you have any comments on this directive kindly contact Abigail Mamo @ GRTU. Source: MEUSAC Environment Committee.

Local Companies can now apply for the Training Aid Framework (TAF) to receive a part-reimbursement of costs for training that provides knowledge, skills and competences that increase the adaptability of one or more employees. The TAF is a scheme partly funded through the European Social Fund (ESF).

Training is classified in two: General Training and Specific Training. General Training is training involving tuition which is not applicable only or principally to the employee's present or future position in the company, but which provides qualifications that are largely transferable to other companies or fields of work. Specific Training involves tuition directly and principally applicable to the employee's present or future position in the company and providing qualifications which are not, or are only to a limited extent, transferable to other firms or fields of work