'Briefing from Brussels' - tagged features

In case you haven’t come across the GPS sat-nav system yet, it’s a system of satellites that pinpoint your car and then beam information to the the voice under your dashboard, which in turn tells you verbally to turn right, left or go straight ahead. The EU’s ‘Galileo’ project is supposed to rival America’s GPS satellite navigation system. But being the EU there has been drawn out wrangling about how the project will be funded, stalling progress for months. Until now. 

The European Network Against Racism has just published its annual report and it makes for a startling read. Away from glossy ad-campaigns trumpeting harmony and diversity, ethnic minorities are at the sharp end of a highly competitive job market. Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s Vanessa Mock describes the group’s findings. 

The European Commission launched the world's biggest job advertising blitz this week. European officials announced plans to introduce an EU work permit - dubbed the Blue Card. It's inspired by the famous Green Card in the US and is designed to attract would-be migrants normally headed for North America or Australia. And to match the EU flag, it's of course a Blue Card - not a green one. Why does Europe needs such a card? 

Another decision EU ministers took on Monday in Luxembourg was to sign a new agreement with Montenegro, the world's newest state which seceded from its union with Serbia in May 2006. The Stabilisation and Association Agreement is a first step on the road to EU membership. 

Ukrainians went to the polls last weekend, to finally settle months of deadlock between pro-Western and pro-Russian parties. Election results so far show big gains for the Orange coalition parties of Yulia Tymoshenko and Victor Yushchenko. Here's the Briefing from Brussels with a full round up of EU news.