Revising the EU's customs strategy and modernising electronic customs systems to streamline and harmonise customs procedures should be made a high political priority in order to enhance the economic competitiveness of EU firms and consumer safety, says a resolution adopted on Thursday.

Parliament today approved a call to keep the internet open and neutral, by ensuring that EU telecoms rules are properly enforced. They also called on the European Commission to monitor internet traffic management practices, so as to ensure, for example, that end users do not lose their connections whenever networks are congested.

To make it easier for doctors, dentists, architects and other professions to work abroad within the EU and to add flexibility to the labour market, professional qualifications need to be recognised faster but without compromising the reliability and safety of their work for citizens, the European Parliament said on Tuesday.

A deal on an ambitious EU radio spectrum policy, designed to stimulate mobile broadband use and boost economic growth, was approved by the Council of Ministers on Friday. It was negotiated by Council representatives and Industry, Research and Energy Committee MEPs.

EU rules on public procurement contracts should be reformed to make it easier for small firms to bid for them, said Parliament in a vote on Tuesday. This includes enabling authorities to award contracts not just to the lowest bidder, but to the most innovative, or to those offering the greatest environmental or social benefits. The Commission is to table reform proposals in December.

Europe's global satellite navigation system, Galileo, became a reality on Friday with the launch of its two first operational satellites on a Soyuz rocket from the European Space station in Kourou, French Giuana. The programme really got under way, after a slow start, when Parliament and Council struck a deal in 2008 to include funding for it in the EU's long-term budget.

Šodien, 19.oktobrī Francijas, Itālijas, Somijas un Vācijas žurnālistiem EP priekšsēdētājs Ježijs Buzeks pasniedza Žurnālistikas balvas četrās kategorijās: drukātie mediji, internets, radio un TV. Uzvarētājs katrā kategorijā saņems balvu - 5 000 eiro.

The skills of doctors, engineers, dentists and other professionals applying to work in another EU Member State must be recognised faster, but without compromising the reliability or safety of their services to citizens, said the Internal Market Committee on Monday, voting on its input to forthcoming proposals to revise EU rules on cross-border mobility for professionals.

On 20 October the first two operational Galileo satellites will be launched from European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

The European Parliament's fourth annual prize for excellence in journalism will be awarded by President Jerzy Buzek on Wednesday 19 October. The prize goes to journalists who have covered major European issues or promoted a better understanding of EU institutions and policies. The award ceremony starts at 09.00h in the plenary chamber.