European policy affects how we do business as a County Council - for example EU Directives on waste management and public procurement. Policy decisions can also have significant implications for the amount of EU funding available to Devon's businesses and communities.

Devon County Council has a forward plan for picking up and responding to proposed policy developments in the European Commission's annual work programme. Find out more about the Work Programme for 2010.

EU policy is monitored by theme: regional policy (& EU budget); energy, transport & waste; the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) & rural development; low carbon economy & climate change; maritime affairs; enterprise, innovation, ICT & research; employment & social affairs; education & citizenship; state aids, procurement & public services; EU general.

Areas of interest in 2010 include the new EU2020 Sustainable Development Strategy, the EU budget review, future options for Regional Policy, proposals for CAP reform, low carbon economy roadmap for 2050, and an agenda for new skills and jobs.

For more information about how EU policy and legislation affects local councils in the UK, you may wish to refer to the new guide produced by the Local Government Association: Knowing me, knowing EU