AGENDA/08/25

Brussels Friday 4 July

Top News from the 7 July to 3 August 2008

Background notes from the Spokesperson’s service for journalists The European Commission reserves the right to make changes

Monday 7 July: Proposal on VAT Reduced Rates 3

Monday 7 July: State Aid – General Block Exemption Regulation 4

Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 July: The G8 summit in Japan – Leadership to address global challenges 5

Tuesday 8 July: Increasing the share of fruit and vegetables in the diets of children 7

Tuesday 8 July: Towards greener transport 8

Tuesday 8 July: Additional finance to help farmers in developing countries increase their production9

Tuesday 8 July: adoption in : formal decision & festivities 10

Wednesday 9 July: Cohesion policy offers great opportunities for SMEs 11

Wednesday 9 July: Internal Market Scoreboard 12

Thursday 10 July: High-Level Expert Forum on Mobility presents report on "Learning Mobility, an Opportunity for All" 13

Thursday 10 July: 2008 Report on progress towards the Lisbon objectives in education and training 14

Friday 11 July: Donors Conference for Kosovo 15

Publisher Alain Bloëdt +32 2 295 56 04 SPP Coordination and Planning Unit

Thursday 11 July: Multilingualism – Recommendations aiming to improve the competitiveness of companies, the employability and mobility of workers, and awareness-raising 16

Sunday 13 July: "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean" Summit in Paris 17

Wednesday 16 July: Another step towards the European Research area: a Communication to promote the Joint Programming of national research agenda and a proposal for regulation for big research infrastructures 18

Tuesday 16 July: Solutions to modernise and simplify the current tobacco tax rules 19

Wednesday 23 July: Commission reports on Bulgaria and Romania 20

2

Monday 7 July: Proposal on VAT Reduced Rates

The news: The European Commission is going to present a proposal to change the VAT Directive so as to provide Member States with the flexibility to allow, on a permanent basis, the application of reduced VAT rates in some specific sectors. The main sectors concerned are so called labour- intensive services and other locally supplied services.

The background: The basic rules as regards VAT rates are simple: supplies of goods and services subject to VAT are normally subject to a minimum rate of 15%, but the Member States may apply reduced rates of not less than 5% to goods and services set out in a restricted list. However, these simple rules are complicated by a multitude of derogations which were granted to some Member States and not to others, as a result of negotiations preceding the introduction of the VAT rates Directive (1992) or in Acts of Accession. For example 11 Member States currently apply a reduced rate to restaurant services while the 16 remaining Member States cannot. A similar situation of derogations exists for labour intensive services.

The event: Customs and Taxation Commissioner Lazslo Kovacs will give a press conference at 11:15 (TBC) in the Berlaymont press room, to present the Commission's proposal to amend the VAT reduced rates provisions in the VAT Directive.

The sources:

How VAT works: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/vat/how_vat_works/index_en.htm

Commissioner Kovacs' website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kovacs/index_fr.htm

The contacts: Maria Assimakopoulou +32 2 295 9842 [email protected] Emer Traynor +32 2 292 1548 [email protected]

3

Monday 7 July: State Aid – General Block Exemption Regulation

The news: The European Commission will adopt a new Regulation which will automatically approve many types of state aid that will benefit society, such as aid for SMEs, training, employment and innovation, thereby cutting red tape and making state aid control simpler and quicker. The Regulation will enter into force in a few weeks, after it has been published in the EU's Official Journal (it is not a proposal). The new Regulation will not only replace with a single text existing block exemptions on aid for training, employment and SMEs, but also include new types of aid (innovation, environment, risk capital, regional aid). Under the Regulation, Member States will be able to grant these categories of state aid without first notifying them to the Commission as long as the aid complies with the rules laid down in the Regulation. This will ensure that clearly compatible aid can be implemented by Member States as quickly as possible, and reduce red tape for the Member States, the beneficiaries and for the Commission. At the same time, it will allow the Commission to concentrate on tackling state aid that distorts competition.

The background: The Regulation not only simplifies the existing arrangements for automatic approvals, consolidating them into a single law but also exempts new types of aid. The European Commission has been granted powers to adopt such Regulations by the EU's Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, which enter into effect without being approved by the Council and Parliament. The Regulation is a key component of the State Aid Action Plan and of the recently adopted Small Business Act.

The event: 12:30: Press conference by Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes in the Berlaymont's press room, Brussels. Available on EbS

The sources:

State Aid Action Plan: IP/05/680 - Commission outlines comprehensive five year reform of state aid policy to promote growth, jobs and cohesion MEMO/05/195 - Frequently asked questions Small Business Act: IP/08/1003 - Think Small First": A Small Business Act for Europe Consultation on General Block Exemption Regulation: IP/07/549 - Commission launches consultations on simplified rules for block exemptions MEMO/07/151 - Frequently asked questions Commissioner Kroes'website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kroes/index_en.html

The contacts:

Jonathan Todd +32 2 299 4107 [email protected] Maria Javorova +32 2 299 8903 [email protected] Linda Cain +32 2 299 9019 [email protected]

4

Monday 7 to Wednesday 9 July: The G8 summit in Japan – Leadership to address global challenges

The news: For the fourth time, President Barroso will represent the Commission as full member of the G8 summit, which this year takes place under Japanese Presidency at Toyako (Hokkaido, Japan). Alongside with the leaders of four EU member states (France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom) as well as the United States, Russia, Canada, and Japan, President Barroso will push for a coordinated international response to common challenges related to climate change, development/Africa, increased food and energy prices and the world economy. During the summit G8 leaders will meet their counterparts from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Republic of Korea, South Africa in the context of the Major Economies. The G8 will also meet with two groups of so-called "outreach countries" (Outreach 8: Algeria, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania; Outreach 5: Brazil, China, India, Mexico, South Africa). President Barroso, will call for meaningful and ambitious long-term goals to combat climate change so as to provide an impetus to the ongoing UN climate negotiations and to facilitate a global agreement by 2009. He will make a case for industrialised countries leading by example and engaging emerging economies and developing countries in the fight against climate change in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities. On development and Africa, President Barroso, will continue pleading for substantial progress in reaching the Millennium Development Goals, by calling on partners to stick to commitments on development aid and by enhancing regional integration, private investment and aid for trade as well as support for agriculture in a spirit of partnership. On increased food and energy prices, President Barroso will work with the other leaders to a coordinated international response, after the had proposed short-term, medium-term and long-term solutions on both issues.

The context: The summit takes place at a time where multiple global challenges require more than ever the commitment and determination of G8 leaders to promote coordinated international action. A series of events, like the ongoing UN climate change negotiations, the FAO conference in Rome, G8 ministerial meetings, the TICAD IV conference for African development and the European Council of 19-20 June have helped shaping this response. The G8 summit therefore is a crucial occasion to provide political impetus in finding solutions. The European Union for its part has responded swiftly to these challenges: In January 2008, the Commission proposed a most ambitious climate action and renewable energy package that is not only the European contribution to fighting climate change, but also demonstrated that a fair and balanced approach in effort-sharing does not hamper economic development. In April, the Commission outlined its approach on how to increase quality and quantity of development aid and proposed to better monitor the European commitments to development aid by means of multiannual programming and reporting to the Commission. Finally, the Commission had adopted two Communications on food prices and energy prices in May and June that fed into the discussions and conclusions of the European Council on 19-20 June.

5

The event: Participation of President Barroso at the G8 summit in Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan. A Technical Briefing will be organised in the Berlaymont press room, Brussels, the 4 July at 12:45. EbS coverage

The sources:

IP and MEMO on the 2008 G8 summit (to be published shortly before the summit)

IP/07/757: President Barroso calls for G8 progress on climate change and trade and highlights African development

IP/08/548: Commission: EU must stand by its promises and deliver on development aid if we are to meet the Millennium Development Goals

IP/08/763: Commission outlines European response to mitigate effects of rising global food prices

IP/08/916: Commission calls for swift adoption of energy and climate policies as best coordinated response to rising oil prices.

MEMO/07/221: FAQs: the G8 Summit

MEMO/08/380: The International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC)

MEMO/08/421: Commission's / EU's response to the high oil and food prices

Site of the G8 summit: http://www.g8summit.go.jp/eng/

Site of President Barroso: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/index_en.htm

The contacts: Pia Ahrenkilde-Hansen +32 2 295 3070 [email protected] Jens Mester +32 2 296 3973 [email protected]

6

Tuesday 8 July: Increasing the share of fruit and vegetables in the diets of children

The news: In light of the dramatic increase in obesity amongst schoolchildren, highlighted in the recently published Commission White Paper "A strategy for Europe on Nutrition, Overweight and Obesity" and following a request from the Council, the Commission will adopt a proposal for a School Fruit Scheme. The proposal is based on an evaluation of the benefits, practicality and costs involved and a public consultation launched in December 2007. The aim of the scheme at EU level is to provide a framework for Member State initiatives to increase the share of fruit and vegetables in the diets of children, at the stage when their eating habits are formed.

The background: In the context of the reform of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) for fruit and vegetables, adopted in June 2007, the Council asked the Commission to come forward with a proposal for an EU school fruit scheme.

The event: Press conference by Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel in Strasbourg – 17.30. Commissioner Fischer Boel will introduce the school fruit programme at a press event at the Falkenhausenschule, Grossherzog-Friedrich-Strasse 23, 77694 Kehl, Germany. The event begins at 15.00. There will be photo and filming opportunities and the chance to interview the Commissioner. A press release will be issued Available on EbS

The sources:

IP/07/810: CAP reform: Fruit and Vegetable reform will raise competitiveness, promote consumption, ease market crises and improve environmental protection

European Commission's website: http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/markets/fruitveg/sfs/index_en.htm

Commissioner Fisher-Boel's blog: http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/fischer-boel/

The contacts: Michael Mann +32 2 299 97 80 [email protected] Johan Reyniers +32 2 295 67 28 [email protected]

7

Tuesday 8 July: Towards greener transport

The news The Commission is scheduled to adopt an ambitious package for greening the transport sector. It will summarise what has already been done by the EU to make all types of transport more sustainable and set out what more it intends to do over the coming years It will give Member States wider scope to fix road tolls for heavy goods vehicles in a way that reflects some environmental costs and provides incentives for the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles and forms of transport. Over time this will reduce pollution, noise and congestion caused by heavy-goods vehicles. It will lead to potential savings of 6-8% of CO2 emissions, NOx emissions and sulphur emissions each year from heavy goods vehicles. The package will also contain measures to reduce noise from the EU's railways, leading to a reduction of up to by 50% in noise from rail freight trains. Short-term beneficiaries will be all those travelling on congested main roads, all those living nearby suffering from air and noise pollution and 16 million people who will benefit from markedly less rail noise Ultimately, all European citizens will benefit, because more economically and environmentally efficient transport will help keep transport costs and therefore prices down, while reducing the bill taxpayers have to meet for repairing damage caused by pollution.

The background Transport is key to our economies and our lifestyles. But it causes too many accidents, too much congestion and too much environmental damage, both through climate change and locally. Growth in transport use is likely to make these problems worse. And as taxpayers currently bear most of the costs, there is little incentive for transport users to change their behaviour and reduce the negative impacts they cause. Among other things, the package will update the "Eurovignette Directive" which currently allows Member States only to set tolls at levels required to maintain and replace infrastructure, with some additional flexibility in mountainous areas. Member States will now be able to factor in also environmental costs. The specific measures in the package are planned to come into effect before 2011 for heavy goods vehicles and for rail noise by 2013.

The event: 16:00: Press conference by Commissioner Tajani in the European Parliament press room in Strasbourg. Available on EbS

The sources:

European commission's websites: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/costs/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/transport/clean/green_paper_urban_transport/index_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/research/transport/news/article_5995_en.html

Commissioner Tajani's website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/tajani/index_en.htm

The contacts: Fabio Pirotta +32 2 296 7284 [email protected] Maria Quillinan-Meiland +32 2 299 4014 [email protected]

8

Tuesday 8 July: Additional finance to help farmers in developing countries increase their production

The news: The European Commission will present a proposal for a special financing facility to help developing countries cope with the effects of soaring food prices. The facility would be funded through underspending in the EU agricultural budget, brought about by reduced spending on market support measures thanks to high agricultural prices. The facility would apply for two years. It would provide financing to help farmers in developing countries to increase production levels.

The background: The recent rise in agricultural prices has caused hardship in many developing countries. Poverty has deepened for millions of people and there has been widespread unrest. Recent progress towards meeting the Millennium Development Goals has also been put at risk. However, these developments could also provide an opportunity to stimulate a supply response from farmers in developing countries. Higher prices also mean that EU expenditure on agriculture is lower than anticipated. The Commission has decided to make available some of the unused money for a one-off facility to help farmers in developing countries increase their output. The proposal will need to be adopted by co-decision between the Council and the European Parliament. It could be decided this autumn.

The event: 17:30: Development Commissioner Louis Michel and Agriculture Commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel will give a press conference in the press room at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Covered by EbS

The sources:

IP/08/763: Commission outlines European response to mitigate effects of rising global food prices.

European Commission website : http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/foodprices/index_en.htm

Commissionner Fischer Boel's blog: http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/fischer-boel/

Site du Commissaire Louis Michel: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/michel/index_fr.html

The contacts: Michael Mann +32 2 299 97 80 [email protected] John Clancy +32 2 295 37 73 [email protected] Johan Reyniers +32 2 295 67 28 [email protected]

9

Tuesday 8 July: Euro adoption in Slovakia: formal decision & festivities

The news: EU finance ministers are expected to approve, at their July 8 meeting, the Commission’s proposal for Slovakia to adopt the euro on January 1, 2009. They will also set the rate at which the will be converted into the euro. The decision on the conversion rates must be taken by unanimity of the euro area Member States and the Member State concerned on a proposal from the Commission and after consultation of the .

The background: The Commission proposed on May 7 that Slovakia becomes member of the euro area next January as it meets the conditions set in the Maastricht Treaty. The proposal was welcomed by the June 19-20 European Council. The European Parliament has also given a positive opinion. If confirmed, the decision will be celebrated, from around 14:30, at the Berlaymont Esplanade in the presence, among others, of Commissioner Joaquín Almunia and the Finance Minister of Slovakia. With Slovakia, the euro area will count 16 out of the 27 EU countries and a total population of 326,4 million people (figures on 1 January 2008).

The event: ECOFIN decision and press conference + festivities from 14:30 on the Berlaymont Esplanade Covered by EbS

The sources:

IP/08/715: Convergence report on Slovakia

19-20 June 2008 European Council conclusions (see point 42) http://www.consilium.europa.eu/showPage.asp?id=432&lang=en&mode=g

European Parliament opinion – Report MEP D.Casa adopted on 19.5.2008 http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//TEXT+REPORT+A6-2008- 0231+0+DOC+XML+V0//EN&language=EN

To see the national sides of the Slovak go to: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/the_euro/coins12768_en.htm

All relevant documents concerning the euro http://ec.europa.eu/euro/archives/home5.jsp?lang=5 http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/eurorelated_en.htm

The contacts : Amelia Torres + 32 2 295 4629 [email protected] Marisa González + 32 2 295 1925 [email protected]

10

Wednesday 9 July: Cohesion policy offers great opportunities for SMEs

The news: Cohesion Policy offers great opportunities for the creation and development of Small and Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe in the new programming period 2007-2013. Planned investment in SMEs is worth €27 billion in the period from 2007 to 2013, through programmes which will be implemented by the Member States.

The background: Cohesion Policy action for SMEs is part of the overall European Commission effort to boost these entreprises, which was emphasised on 25 June with the adoption of the "Small Business Act for Europe". In fact, 99% of businesses in the EU are SMEs, providing about two-thirds of all private sector jobs. They are the backbone of the European economy and their development will contribute to the success of the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs. Over and above the substantial financial contribution, the policy improves SMEs' access to finance through the new "JEREMIE" programme (Joint Resources for Micro to Medium Enterprises) as well as access to information and communication technologies (ICTs), and new business infrastructures and support services in response to their needs.

The event: 11:30: Press conference by Commissioner Danuta Hübner in the Berlaymont press room, Brussels Available on EbS

The sources:

SPEECH/07/226: "SMEs are drivers for growth in European regions" IP/06/693: Three new initiatives for cohesion policy launched in Brussels by Regional policy Commissioner Danuta Hübner and international financial institutions MEMO/06/219: JEREMIE: A Joint REGIO-EIF / EIB initiative supporting improved access to finance for SME

For more information on the JEREMIE programme: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funds/2007/jjj/jeremie_en.htm

DG Regional Policy website: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm

The contacts: Eva Kaluzynska +32 2 2992615 [email protected] Constantina Avraam +32 2 29 59667 [email protected]

11

Wednesday 9 July: Internal Market Scoreboard

The news Commissioner Charlie McCreevy will present the Internal Market Scoreboard which examines how quickly and how well each of the Member States writes Single Market directives into national law. Once legislation is agreed at EU level member States have a specific time – usually two years to transpose it into their own national legislation. It also highlights the number of infringements proceedings that are underway against Member States. The Commission starts these proceedings when it considers that a Member State has not implemented an EU law correctly or indeed at all. Usually the Member State is able to rectify the situation soon after the Commission has made a formal request, but in some cases the Commission may if necessary refer the case to the European Court of Justice.

The background: The Internal Market plays a key role in achieving the EU's objective of creating more growth and jobs. It has created millions of jobs and billions of in extra prosperity. It gives EU citizens a wider choice of quality goods and services and greater freedom to travel, work, study and live in other EU countries, while making for a more efficient allocation of resources and offering greater trading opportunities to businesses. But the Internal Market can only achieve its full potential if legislation agreed at European level is effectively implemented and applied by all Member States. The European Commission monitors the functioning of the Single Market and controls the full and timely respect of EU law in co-operation with Member States, without which the Single Market cannot function properly.

The event: 12:30: Press Conference Commissioner Charlie McCreevy in the Berlaymont Press room, Brussels Available on EbS

The sources:

IP/08/235 - European Commission’s latest Internal Market Scoreboard from February

European commission's websites: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/top_layer/index_10_en.htm http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/mccreevy/index_en.htm

The contacts: Oliver Drewes +32 2 299 24 21 [email protected] Catherine Bunyan + 32 2 299 65 12 [email protected]

12

Thursday 10 July: High-Level Expert Forum on Mobility presents report on "Learning Mobility, an Opportunity for All"

The news: The European Commission's High Level Expert Forum on Mobility will present its final report "Learning Mobility, an Opportunity for All" on 10 July 2008. The task of this Forum has been to reflect and make recommendations on how to promote and create more opportunities for the mobility of students and young people between EU Member States. The report will identify long term goals, such as the need to make mobility for learning the norm rather than the exception, as well as concrete mid-term targets on mobility opportunities to be created for young people across Europe.

The background: The High Level Expert Forum on Mobility was set up in December 2007 by the European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Ján Figel', in response to a request from the French administration, which will give the promotion of mobility a political focus during its Presidency of the EU. The Expert Forum brings together 11 mobility experts from 10 EU Member States covering such wide-ranging fields as higher education, youth, vocational training, employment, culture and music.

The event: 12:30: The report will be presented at a Press Conference with Commissioner Ján Figel'. Available on EbS

The sources:

IP/08/85: High level experts discuss future of mobility in the EU

Education and training website: http://ec.europa.eu/education/index_en.html

Commissioner Ján Figel's website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/figel/index_en.htm

The contacts: John MacDonald +32.2.295.52.67 [email protected] Sophie Andersson +32.2.295.02.08 [email protected]

13

Thursday 10 July: 2008 Report on progress towards the Lisbon objectives in education and training

The news: The European Commission will present its 2008 Indicators and Benchmarks Report on Member States' progress towards their objectives in education and training, defined under the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs. The report analyses progress of educational systems towards the 2010 objectives in five benchmark areas agreed by ministers in 2003: • Completion of upper secondary education • Early school leavers • Participation of adults in lifelong learning • Low achievers in reading literacy • Higher education graduates in Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST)

The report highlights individual Member States' performances and their progress towards the five benchmark indicators, identifying which of them are catching up or falling behind, losing momentum or moving further ahead compared to the others. It also points out where there are important inequities across EU education systems in such areas as participation in pre-primary education, access and completion of upper secondary education and participation in lifelong learning as well as gender-specific performance.

The background: “Progress towards the Lisbon objectives in education and training. Indicators and Benchmarks” is the fifth in a series of annual reports examining performance and progress in education and training systems in the EU under the Education and Training 2010 work programme in all education and training areas. The report draws on sixteen core indicators and five benchmarks in order to provide strategic guidance for the work programme by which Member States want to achieve the broad common objectives they have set for their education and training systems under the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and Jobs.

The event: 12:30: Press conference by Ján Figel', European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Berlaymont press room, Brussels, Available on EbS

The sources:

European Commission: 2007 Progress Report: http://www.ec.europa.eu/education/policies/2010/progressreport_en.html

Commissioner Figel's website: http://www.ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/figel/index_en.htm

The contacts: John MacDonald +32.2.295.52.67 [email protected] Sophie Andersson +32.2.295.02.08 [email protected]

14

Friday 11 July: Donors Conference for Kosovo

The news: The European Commission and Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn will be hosting a Donors Conference for Kosovo, in Brussels, European Union Member States, key international donors, International Financial Institutions as well as international and UN agencies will be invited. The aim of the Conference will be to collect pledges from donors for Kosovo’s socio-economic development, to create the conditions for growth, investment and jobs for all communities in one of the poorest parts of Europe.

The background: In calling this Conference, the Commission is responding to the Conclusions on Kosovo of the December European Council, which declared that ‘The EU will also be ready to assist economic and political development through a clear European perspective, in line with the European perspective of the region.’ Kosovo is facing considerable financial requirements to respond to its institution-building and pressing socio-economic development needs. The Kosovo authorities have drawn up their own programme for development that will address key challenges like investing in the infrastructure to connect Kosovo with the rest of the region, improving the conditions for education of Kosovo’s extremely young population (where some schools to operate 3 shifts per day), developing Kosovo’s institutions to consolidate democracy and rule of law in a multi-ethnic society. Donors will be invited to contribute to this plan.

The event: The conference is held in the Commission's 'Charlemagne' building, in Brussels. 9.00 Opening session of the Conference, transmitted in the 'Berlaymont' press room 9.30 Press point in the 'Berlaymont' press room In the afternoon Closing press conference in the "Charlemagne" building, time tbc. The event is available on EbS.

The sources:

IP/08/913: Donors Conference for Kosovo

COM (2008) 127 5.3.2008: Communication from the European Commission – Western Balkans: Enhancing the European Perspective

Conference page: www.seerecon.org/

Commissioner Rehn's website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/rehn/index_en.htm

The contacts: Krisztina Nagy +32 2 29 88663 [email protected] Anna-Kaisa Itkonen +32 2 29 93849 [email protected]

15

Thursday 11 July: Multilingualism – Recommendations aiming to improve the competitiveness of companies, the employability and mobility of workers, and awareness-raising

The news: The Business Forum, a group of top European managers chaired by Etienne Davignon, focused on identifying how enhanced multilingual language skills can improve company competitiveness in the economy, in partnership with business, education and public authorities. It will present its final report in the presence of Commissioner Orban.

The background: On the occasion of the September 2007 Brussels Conference on linguistic skills and competitiveness and as part of the development of a strategy for multilingualism, the Commission created a Forum of business leaders and managers of human resources. Its remit was to focus on the partnership between business, education and public authorities to enhance language learning in favour of the economy. The Forum, chaired by Viscount Etienne Davignon, former Belgian commissioner and a successful businessman, brings together a group of top European managers. The discussions have focused on investment in language skills and intercultural competence of employees in the context of identifying how companies can make operational use of language management as part of their efforts to maximise their economic performance.

The event: 12:30: Press conference to present the Final report of the European Commission Business Forum, following the midday briefing, Berlaymont’s press room, Brussels EBS coverage.

The sources:

Commissioner's website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/orban/index_en.htm

Translation DG: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/translation

Languages in the EU website http://europa.eu/abc/european_countries/languages/index_en.htm

European Commission Languages Portal: http://europa.eu/languages/en/home

The contacts: Pietro Petrucci +32 2 298 94 92 [email protected] Roger Nunn +32 2 295 36 47 [email protected]

16

Sunday 13 July: "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean" Summit in Paris

The news: President Barroso and Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner will attend the Paris Summit with the Heads of State and Government of the EU and the countries around the Mediterranean. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen regional cooperation between the European Union and the countries bordering the Mediterranean based on the Barcelona Process and the EU's Neighbourhood Policy, by launching the "Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean". The Union for the Mediterranean is a new political initiative which will be based on practical projects. It will give a triple boost to the Barcelona Process by: - enhancing the political dimension of relations between the EU and its Mediterranean partners; - confirming the shared responsibilities in our multilateral relations; - promoting practical projects which will enable citizens to appreciate the strength of the ties that unite the two shores of the Mediterranean. The initiative should also give new political impetus to Euro-Mediterranean cooperation, for example by instituting bi-annual summits and creating a co- presidency and a secretariat.

The background: Following the decision of the Spring European Council, the European Commission adopted proposals on 20 May 2008 to strengthen relations with its Mediterranean partners based on the Barcelona Process and the European Neighbourhood Policy. The European Council on 19 and 20 June welcomed these proposals, particularly the guidelines on the projects to be launched, all of which are linked by the common theme of closer regional integration. Examples include the "Motorways of the Sea" to revitalise ports and maritime transport, efforts to clean up pollution in the Mediterranean and the exchange of scientific and technological expertise, to name just a few of the main themes. Greater involvement by the private sector is another priority.

The event: Paris Summit EbS coverage

The sources:

SPEECH/08/309 – Speech to the European Parliament (08/06/08) (FR) IP 08/774: Commission adopts proposals to enhance the partnership between the EU and its Mediterranean neighbours

Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/com08_319_en.pdf Commission website: http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/index.htm

I-058013: - in Egypt: general images of Cairo, Alexandria and Zafarena wind farm;- in Tunisia: general images of Tunis and aqueduct; - in Morocco: general images of Rabat, Amogdoul wind farm and installation of solar panels.

The contacts: Christiane Hohmann +32 2 2991196 [email protected] Concha Fernandez de la Puente +32 2 2952977 [email protected]

17

Wednesday 16 July: Another step towards the European Research area: a Communication to promote the Joint Programming of national research agenda and a proposal for regulation for big research infrastructures

The news: The Commission will adopt the Communication "Towards Joint Programming in Research: Working together to tackle common challenges more effectively" and the proposal for a regulation on "Instruments for Research Infrastructures" on the 16 July. These two initiatives constitute a further step towards the creation of the "fifth freedom" – the freedom of knowledge, and support for a stronger cooperation between Member States in Research.

The background: In 2000 the EU called for realising a European Research Area, creating a single area across Europe and overcoming under-capacity, fragmentation and lack of coordination between national and European research programmes. With the Communication "Towards Joint Programming in Research: Working together to tackle common challenges more effectively" the Commission wants to encourage Member States to develop and implement common Strategic Research Agendas and allow cross border research and innovation to take place on major societal challenges such as food safety, healthcare, climate change and energy. Joint programmed research on the Alzheimer's disease would be a relevant example. Europe's big scientific challenges need big scientific infrastructures - radiation sources for new materials, clean rooms for nanotechnologies, databanks for genomics, observatories for earth sciences. These require massive investment and coordination between Member States for their building and operation. The Commission's proposal for the Regulation for "European Research Infrastructures" proposes a new tailor-made legal framework that will make it easier for Member States and international organisations to set up the infrastructures that will attract and retain the best researchers in Europe. The Communication "Towards Joint Programming in Research: Working together to tackle common challenges more effectively" and the proposal for the Regulation "Instruments for Research Infrastructures" are key policy initiatives put forth as a result of the public consultation process following the Green Paper "The European Research Area: New Perspectives" adopted on 4 April 2007.

The event: 12:30 (tbc): Press conference by the Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik Available on EbS

The sources:

IP/07/49 on the Green Paper on the European Research Area: IP/08/637 on the report following the public consultation on the Green Paper:

European Commission's website on the European Research Area: http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/index_en.html Commissioner Potocnik's website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/potocnik/indexfl_en.htm

The contacts: Catherine Ray +32 2 296 99 21 [email protected] Sophie Andersson +32 2 295 02 08 [email protected]

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Tuesday 16 July: Solutions to modernise and simplify the current tobacco tax rules

The news: The European Commission will present a report on the tobacco tax Directive, which will be accompanied by a proposal to amend the existing rules, taking into account the smooth functioning of the single market and wider objectives of the EU. Substantial differences in tax and price levels of tobacco products lead to considerable cross- border smuggling and consequently distort the Internal Market and undermine the budgetary and health objectives of the Member States. The Commission therefore takes the view that the existing rules should be: • modernised, simplified and made more transparent, in order to create a level playing field for producers, importers and retailers and to ensure stability of budgetary resources for Member States. • brought in line with the EU's health objectives to discourage tobacco consumption

The background: Existing tax rules for tobacco are the outcome of discussions which started more than 20 years ago. Today, the current international market environment is very dynamic, with many different brands and price ranges. Tobacco taxation rules are not designed for this new situation in most Member States. Moreover, smoking is still the biggest single cause of avoidable death in the EU. The level of excise duties is a crucial element in determining the tax inclusive price of tobacco products. Taxation therefore remains a very effective tool to prevent smoking.

The event: 11:00: Press conference made by Commissioner Kovács, Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union (Press room BERL- Brussels). EbS coverage

The sources:

Tobacco taxation: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/excise_duties/tobacco_products/index_en.htm

Outcome of the public consultation: http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/consultations/tax/article_4266_en.htm

Commissioner Kovacs' website: http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kovacs/index_fr.htm

The contacts: Maria Assimakopoulou +32 2 295 9842 [email protected] Emer Traynor +32 2 292 1548 [email protected]

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Wednesday 23 July: Commission reports on Bulgaria and Romania

The news: The Commission will adopt its latest annual reports on the progress made by Bulgaria and Romania in judicial reform and fighting corruption. The Commission report on Bulgaria will also cover organised crime. The Commission will assess the state of play on the benchmarks set out under the cooperation and verification mechanism.

The background: When Romania and Bulgaria joined the EU on 1 January 2007, shortcomings remained in judicial reform, the fight against corruption and in the case of Bulgaria the fight against organised crime. These shortcomings carried the risk that Bulgaria and Romania would not be able to correctly apply community law and that Bulgarians would not be able to fully enjoy their rights as EU citizens. In order to assist both countries in their reform process and at the same time monitor the progress of reform, a Cooperation and Verification Mechanism was set up by a formal Commission decision on 13 December 2006. It identified six benchmarks to be met by Bulgaria and four to be met by Romania. The Commission presented its first report in June 2007 on the findings in the areas covered by the benchmarks. It has also published an interim report on 4 February 2008. This report is prepared by the Secretariat General under the authority of the President of the Commission in agreement with Vice-President Barrot.

The event: Presentation at the Midday briefing (details to be confirmed)

The sources:

Treaty of Accession of the Republic of Bulgaria and Romania – Articles 36, 37 and 38: http://eur- lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2005:157:0011:0027:EN:PD F

Commission decisions of 13 December 2006 establishing a mechanism for cooperation and verification of progress in Bulgaria and Romania to address specific benchmarks in the areas of judicial reform and the fight against corruption: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:354:0056:0057:EN:PDF http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:354:0058:0060:EN:PDF

IP/07/948: Bulgaria and Romania make progress but much remains to be done to tackle judicial reform and corruption MEMO/07/260: Progress Report on the Cooperation and verification mechanism – procedural aspects MEMO/07/261: Key findings of the progress report on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism with Bulgaria MEMO/07/262: Key findings of the progress report on the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism with Romania MEMO/08/72: Interim Report on Progress in Romania with Judiciary Reform and the Fight against Corruption MEMO/08/73: Interim Report on Progress in Bulgaria with Judiciary Reform and the Fight against Corruption and Organised Crime Website of Secretariat General of the Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/secretariat_general/index_en.htm

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The contact: Mark Gray +32 2 29 88644 [email protected]

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