The European Union has taken another bold step forward in reviving the 25-member bloc's flagging economic situation. Bypassing efforts to attract industry, retain jobs, and cut unemployment, the European Parliament is taking on a central pillar of the European economy, regulating circuses. Yes, those types of circuses:

The European parliament is set to vote on a report calling for standardised rules for circuses performing across the continent.
MEPs suggest circuses should be referred to as part of Europe's cultural heritage, but they disagree on whether they should include presentation of animals or not.
The parliamentary rapporteur, German centre-right MEP Doris Pack, argues the fact that circuses are generally mobile “highlights the need to look at their situation from a European point of view and consider EU measures in this area”.

No word on whether this new regulation will apply to the traveling circus between Brussels and Strasbourg. In case this bold economic leap fails for the entire 25-member bloc, one country will be miles ahead:

Belgium is also currently drafting much stricter rules, effectively ruling out animals in circuses.

Always stepping up to tackle the truly burning economic issues of the day.