EP’s last plenary before the summer took place in Strasbourg this week. Major decisions have been made about ACTA, Schengen area or a single European railway area. One of the most expected decisions has been made on Wednesday. The EP rejected with an overwhelming majority the anti-counterfeiting document (ACTA) after a massive wave of protests and a petition from European citizens.

The EP also raised concerns about growing restraints of passport-free travelling within the Schengen area. Parliament also set rules for rail transport firms and rail infrastructure managers To facilitate better use of EU rail networks.  Unbundling of the rail operators and undertakings should ensure free competition and thus improve quality of the services. The new directive should enter into force after the approval of the Council of Ministers. Due to the summer break, the next Plenary sitting will be held on 10 September 2012.

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