France has advanced on the path of reforms in recent years, more than is commonly perceived.

A year ago, President Nicolas Sarkozy was elected on a reformist platform--that he termed a "rupture" with past policies--to tackle long-standing economic difficulties. The government has pushed through several initiatives, including measures to boost work, investment, and purchasing power, but the needed "critical mass" to boost lagging growth and tackle persistently high unemployment is still to come.

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn today praised the economic stability promoted by the euro in its first decade, but also called for economic reforms—as well as a stronger European political voice—to maintain its success in the decades ahead.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears today outlined plans to give every citizen in England three new rights to have a greater say to trigger action on local issues they care about. These could range from directing more money from councils to tackle anti-social behaviour and graffiti, to taking over the running of local assets like community or leisure centres, or forcing a public debate on local issues they are concerned about. The UK is one of the biggest petition signing countries in Europe and the World and Ministers are to harness this as a key way of giving local people more say.

As a response to the recent significant price hikes in oil, gas and coal and in anticipation of a hike in electricity tariffs the Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has established a Task Force to identify how fuel poverty here can be addressed for the coming winter.

Investment in an integrated transport strategy is key to underpinning a successful economy said Transport Minister, Conor Murphy in his address to a Transport Conference.

 The NHS is on course to deliver its key pledges to the public, and important reforms coupled with financial stability mean it is well placed to continue to improve services for patients, but there is more to do - David Nicholson, NHS Chief Executive said today.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ukraine as a new member. It is a significant step for the WTO as this new membership will strengthen the multilateral trading system. We will continue facilitating fuller integration into the world economy of other developing countries” said Director General Pascal Lamy.

The organisations that represent patients’ rights in Wales have several vacancies and are seeking new members.

The Welsh Assembly Government today announced that David Hawker has been appointed Director of the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills.