Special Dossier Justice/Notaries Pages 10-11 EUROPOLITIcs
The European affairs daily Tuesday 17 March 2009 N° 3715 37th year
Focus Agriculture Commission plans to ‘green’ KW takes over DG Agri and simplify CAP
By Célia Sampol By Luc Vernet particular a revision of legislation at more regular intervals. Too much paperwork and too distant: This could include the question of The European Parliament has a new the most flagrant flaws of the Common whether existing measures should be secretary-general since 15 March. Agricultural Policy (CAP) are in the maintained and if so, in what form. It Klaus Welle of Germany takes over European Commission’s sights. will also try to simplify and harmonise from Harald Rømer of Denmark, who is It promises to correct them in a com- the legal framework applicable to the retiring in accordance with the Bureau’s munication on simplification of the CAP and to extend it to all communica- decision of 3 December 2008. This CAP, to be presented on 18 March. tions under agricultural policy. appointment is not expected to go Its idea of ‘greening’ all the officials Another project in the works is the unnoticed in Parliament, not because of the Agriculture DG is symbolic in adoption of a proposal this year to the former head of cabinet of President this respect. From 2010, a training pro- repeal several Council instruments that Hans-Gert Pöttering (EPP-ED, Ger- have lapsed. many) and ex-secretary-general of the The idea of making legislative EPP-ED likes to be in the limelight. On It will bring a 25% cut in changes at common dates will also be the contrary, Welle seems little inclined the CAP’s administrative explored, in order to facilitate moni- to draw attention to himself. The fact is, toring, along with the possibility of though, that he is perceived, despite his costs by 2012 developing a proposal for a single youthfulness (age 45) and his capacity cross-compliance instrument. to blend in with the decor, as an ‘instru- ment of warfare’, placing EPP-ED mem- gramme that includes a mandatory stay ELECTRONIC EXCHANGE OF INFO bers - preferably German – in all of Par- on a farm will be developed. Lastly, a system to facilitate the liament’s bodies. With his eagle eye and Another weakness of Commission electronic exchange of information provocative smile, Welle, known as KW officials that the executive plans to cor- between the Commission’s services and in Parliament to keep from saying his rect is their tendency to use and abuse the member states (information system name too loud, and even as the ‘Prince incomprehensible jargon. Writing for agricultural market management of Darkness’, will take over manage- courses will be offered. Simplification and monitoring) is in the final stage of ment of the EP’s administrative affairs, will also result in considerable sav- development. probably for many years to come. He ings, notes the Commission, for both The system’s first module is set to be should be comfortable in this role of the the administration and operators in the fully operational by this summer. highest official, as the border between sector, and ultimately for citizens. In January 2009, the ‘sliding’ action administrative and political powers is The revamping of agricultural regu- plan for CAP simplification comprised often vague. With KW, Germany also lations begun in 2005 is therefore set around 50 proposals, of which 43 have extends its hold on the institution’s key to continue. It will bring with it a 25% been implemented. positions. cut in the CAP’s administrative costs The communication details several by 2012, the Commission pledges. A more that offer a good example of the number of options will be explored, in impact simpli- (continued on page 4)
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Contents N° 3715 Top Stories Special Dossier Justice/Notaries Pages 10-11
Sectoral policies Special Dossier Justice/Notaries Defence & security Agriculture: Commission plans to Three questions to Bernard Reynis, EU/NATO: Ministers, Solana welcome ‘green’ DG Agri and simplify CAP...... 1 president, Council of Notariats of the France’s return to NATO’s command...... 14 EU (CNUE): Notarial instruments Defence industry: Ministers agree Business & competitiveness should move freely in EU...... 10 moratorium on Airbus A400M...... 15 Competitiveness: Industries spell Commission seeks to promote out proposals to Commission...... 4 mutual recognition...... 10 In Brief Chemical industry: Conditional Three questions to Jacques Barrot, EP approves bluefin tuna clearance for IPIC buy of MAN commissioner for justice, freedom recovery plan...... 14 Ferrostaal ...... 4 and security: Cross-border divorce: EU-ACP financing Car industry: States pledge to We want to avoid enhanced agreement signed...... 14 coordinate on Opel’s future...... 5 cooperation...... 11 Ombudsman launches ICT research: States invited Launch of European e-justice new interactive guide ...... 14 to become ‘first buyers’...... 6 portal planned for year’s end...... 11 Employment down in Q4 2008...... 15 EUFOR Chad-CAR sets example...... 15 Economic & monetary affairs, Trade policy EU-US dialogue on climate...... 15 taxation EU/US: Dismay in Washington over new Atalanta could be prolonged...... 15 Economic policy: G20 will do anti-dumping duty on biodiesel...... 12 Regional approach in Afghanistan...... 15 “whatever it takes” to fight crisis...... 6 Economic recovery plan: Financial External relations Interview arrangements for five bn euro External Relations Council: Ahn Ho-young, deputy minister referred to EU summit...... 7 Development and climate change require for trade of South Korea: Free Economic recovery plan: Final extra funds...... 12 trade deal to be concluded “soon”...... 20 touches hit carbon capture and storage...7 EU/Bosnia and Herzegovina: Inzko Inflation: EU rate down at 1.7% appointed high representative...... 13 in February...... 8 EU/Belarus: Minsk gets ‘second chance’...... 13 Institutions Lisbon Treaty: Vote on Dehaene, Leinen and Brok reports could be postponed...... 9
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Agriculture to own their land for ten months before BETTER PLANNING (continued from page 1) being eligible for support, will lead to The Commission adds that certain a reduction of around €19 million in improvements have been made to fication can have on operators and/or costs for farmers regulations to allow farmers to plan farmers: - cross-compliance: the Commission’s their activities better and to do away - beef and veal: the abolition of the green light for prior notification of on- with the threat of penalties for minor requirement to present an export cer- site inspections on conformity with infringements. n tificate for beef and veal reduces export cross-compliance rules will cut farmers’ costs by an average of around €16 per operating costs by some €5.7 million. tonne - import and export certificates: the elimination, in June 2008, of the great 281 mn euro in savings already crops, area payment, durum wheat, nuts majority of certificate requirements According to the Commission, the recent and starch potatoes. In addition, the abo- in the agriculture sector is expected CAP ‘health check’ is expected to cut lition of set-aside is expected to slash to reduce by €7.4 million the overall farmers’ administrative expenses by farmers’ administrative costs by another administrative burden on operators around 135 million euro due to the elimi- 146 million euro. The total gain therefore - ten-month rule: elimination of the nation of the special schemes for energy amounts to 281 million euro. ten-month rule, which obliged farmers
Competitiveness Industries spell out proposals to Commission
By Marianne Slegers industry, maintain the open internal market resist all forms of protectionism,” says the and ensure respect of EU rules on state aid alliance. The recovery plans should focus The Alliance for a Competitive European to avoid “harmful subsidy races” within the on “smart investment and infrastructure,” Industry1 has made public its main requests EU. The European funds, such as the Euro- it argues, stressing that the EU should not and proposals which its member organi- pean Social Fund and the European Glo- increase the regulatory burden on Europe’s sations believe the EU should heed in its balisation Adjustment Fund (EGF), should companies. It also calls for the “cost-efficient” efforts to overcome the current economic be used to ease the situation for the manu- implementation of the Union’s energy and and financial crisis. The document was first facturing sector, says the alliance. They call climate change package. n presented to European Commission Presi- for “immediate action” to improve the acces- dent José Manuel Barosso during a working sibility of funding. The EGF is currently The alliance members’ views are available at dinner, on 25 February. According to the under revision and the Czechs hope to have www.europolitics.info > Search = 245887 alliance, “added momentum” should be this review concluded before the end of (1) ACEA, CEFIC, CEMBUREAU, given to the “development of fundamental their term as EU Presidency. Access to capi- CEPI, CIAA, Euratex, Eurelectric, Eurofer, EU policies” in order to “reinforce the com- tal for companies and customers should be Eurometaux, Europia, Orgalime and petitiveness” of the Union’s manufacturing ensured and, simultaneously, the EU “must BusinessEurope
Chemical industry Conditional clearance for IPIC buy of MAN Ferrostaal
By Eric van Puyvelde Eurotecnica, a company specialised independent supplier of a licence in engineering services and in grant- and related engineering services for The International Petroleum Invest- ing licences for melamine production high-pressure melamine production ment Company (IPIC, of the United technology. technology at worldwide level. Arab Emirates) has been authorised to IPIC controls Agrolinz Melamine This technology produces high acquire MAN Ferrostaal of Germany, a International (AMI) of Austria, a leading quality melamine. general contractor that constructs turn- melamine producer with a melamine Due to the vertical relationship key industrial plants, provided it divests production technology of its own. between Eurotecnica and AMI on the some of its activities in the melamine melamine market, the Commission had sector, where competition concerns MELAMINE concerns that the merged entity would were identified. Melamine is used in a wide range of be able to control entry and/or expansion In its decision of 13 March, the Euro- applications, such as surfaces, adhesives in the high-quality melamine market by pean Commission made its approval and flame retardants. steering Eurotecnica’s licensing policy conditional upon IPIC’s commitment MAN Ferrostaal holds a minority vis-à-vis AMI’s competitors, which are to divest MAN Ferrostaal’s share in shareholding in Eurotecnica, the only dependent on this technology. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3715 Tuesday 17 March 2009
Car industry States pledge to coordinate on Opel’s future
By Isabelle Smets industry, who said, “after this meeting for enterprise, arrived at the meeting it will be difficult for a member state to criticising Germany’s attitude in veiled The member states are going to coor- negotiate in his corner because that isn’t terms. dinate on the future of Opel, the strug- a long-term solution”. Agence France Speaking about GM’s restructuring gling subsidiary of America’s General Presse quoted another minister, how- projects in Europe, the Belgian minister Motors. That is the European Commis- ever, as saying that he did not believe was disappointed still not to have seen sion’s message from the meeting about European coordination would happen. the envisaged plan “while other coun- GM’s future, which took place at the end “Everybody is going to try and keep tries had seen it”. Belgium, worried of the day, on 13 March, at the Com- their own factories,” this minister said, about the future of the Opel site in Ant- mission’s headquarters in Brussels. The undermining the Commission’s offi- werp (Flanders), called for a “European meeting took place in two stages: the cial statement. As evidence of this fear plan” drawn up by the EU countries first part was to meet the group’s man- of ‘every man for himself’, Vincent affected in order to “share the pain” of agement (Fritz Henderson, GM’s execu- Van Quickenborne, Belgium’s minister the planned restructuring. n tive director, and Carl Peter Forster, GM Europe’s CEO) and the second was to discuss the future of the manufacturer New vehicle sales in February amount (-13.2%) than its neighbours. and its subsidiaries in Europe. In addi- On the day of the meeting, the Euro- Spain – the fourth largest European tion to commissioners Günter Verheu- pean Automobile Manufacturers’ Asso- car market – posted a very bad result, gen (enterprise and industry), Neelie ciation (ACEA) published figures for the -48.8%, despite the assistance plan put Kroes (competition) and Vladimir Spidla registration of new vehicles in Europe in place by the government - which did (employment, social affairs), twelve in the month of February 2009. They not include a scrapping premium. Coun- member states were also represented at fell 18.3% compared with February tries such as Latvia and Lithuania saw ministerial level at the meeting: Austria, 2008. Germany – the biggest European their markets fall by more than 70%. Belgium, the Czech Republic, Ger- market – played its game well, record- Ireland, Estonia and Romania fared many, Spain, Hungary, Luxembourg, ing a 21.5% rise in vehicle registra- little better, with registrations falling by Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden and tions, a direct result of the tax reform more than 60%. On the manufacturers’ the United Kingdom. and the generous scrapping premium side, the VW group did better than its A statement published by the Com- (2,500 euro) introduced by Angela competitors (“only” -10.2%), benefit- mission at the end of the meeting noted Merkel’s government. It was the only ing directly from the German market’s the assurances made by the parties not European country, along with Poland renewed health. France’s PSA Peugeot to take national measures without first (+7.3%) and Luxembourg (+0.3%), to Citroën and Renault were, respectively, informing and coordinating with the record sales growth. France, which has -25.3% and -23.1%. Daimler and the other countries concerned. A common also introduced a scrapping premium, BMW group were -29.8% and -29.2%. sense approach, according to Joran saw its registrations fall by a smaller Italy’s Fiat was at -16.5%. Hagglund, Sweden’s state secretary for
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ICT research States invited to become ‘first buyers’
By Nathalie Vandystadt benefits involved in the design, develop- by European companies amounts to only ment of prototypes and testing of new ICT 23% of the total because Europe’s market The European Commission urged the products and services, without involving and research efforts are fragmented. member states, on 13 March, to take more state aid. As a result, Europe is lagging behind its risks on the information and communica- It also helps create optimal conditions American and Asian competitors in both tion technologies (ICT) market, in particular allowing extensive marketing and take-up of research and the production of innovative by becoming the ‘first buyers’ of innovative ICT-based products and services, regrets products. The aim is to double the financing the Commission. of research in this sector, which accounts The ICT sector accounts It aims to promote the development of for some 6% of the Union’s gross domestic for some 6% of the Europe-wide, interoperable services and product (GDP) and 12 million jobs. Union’s GDP products, such as e-signature, e-identi- With the economic crisis, this sector fication and e-procurement, intelligent cannot be neglected, notes the Commission, transport systems and intelligent cars. which invites the member states to double R&D results through standardisation and/ Also in keeping with the Aho report, the their national budgets for ICT research. The or publication. Lastly, procurement can be Commission recommends more public EU executive will be increasing the annual pooled among several public authorities. private partnerships, like the recent joint funding for ICT research from €1.1 billion Member states are still hesitant to take technology initiatives (JTI) in the fields in 2010 to €1.7 billion in 2013. such risks for now. “Our economic per- of onboard computer systems (Artemis) Like its expert group led by former Finn- formance and jobs depend on these tech- and nanoelectronics (ENIAC). ish Prime Minister Esko Aho (which issued nologies,” warns Information Society Lastly, the Commission notes that Europe its recommendations for the sector in 2008, Commissioner Viviane Reding. should be the home for more world-class see Europolitics 3590), the Commission poles of excellence in ITC. n makes pre-commercial procurement a key EUROPE-WIDE SERVICES solution. Such public procurement has the Although Europe represents 34% of The communication is available at effect of sharing with suppliers the risks and the global ICT market, the value added www.europolitics.info > Search = 245817
Economic policy G20 will do “whatever it takes” to fight crisis
By Sarah Collins on the degree of fiscal stimulus needed allow countries experiencing balance of pay- - the US has said that EU countries should ments difficulties to apply for funding much Ahead of a leaders’ meeting, on 2 April, pump support worth 2% of GDP into their earlier. Since the beginning of the crisis, EU finance ministers from the G20 group economies, 0.05% higher than the percent- member states Hungary and Latvia have both of industrialised countries agreed, on 14 age recommended under the Commission’s received IMF bailouts amounting to some March, to do “whatever it takes” to restore economic recovery plan - Darling did say that €20 billion (including supplements from the growth and support lending, including countries were ready to do more. “Substan- EU and the World Bank). But Darling said strengthening the resources of the Interna- tive measures have already been taken in that current aid has come too late, “when tional Monetary Fund and continuing to many countries and we made clear that we countries are already in trouble”. Aggressive inject cash into the banking sector. are ready to do more if so required.” However, monetary policy is to be pursued, with min- Ministers said their key priority was to France and Germany are strongly opposed isters agreeing to use “unconventional” mea- restore lending, but they failed to come to to a larger stimulus. France last November sures alongside lowering interest rates. On an agreement on what kinds of measures to announced a €26 billion plan worth 1.3% of regulation, ministers agreed to oversee hedge take to prop up ailing banks. British Chan- its GDP, while Germany is to inject over €80 funds, credit rating agencies and tax havens, cellor Alistair Darling insisted that there was billion, which works out at 1.75% of GDP for and welcomed the recent decision by Swit- a “clear recommendation that governments this year and the next. US Treasury Secretary zerland to loosen bank secrecy and provide need a menu of options,” citing the UK gov- Tim Geithner said there had been a lot of dis- tax information to the international commu- ernment’s part privatisation and nationalisa- cussion on the issue of increasing the budget- nity. Finally, ministers reiterated their goal tion of Bradford and Bingley and Northern ary response to the crisis. “The world is with to fight protectionism and to help poorer Rock last year as examples. The European us on this. There was a clear statement to do countries out of crisis, highlighting above all Commission is still investigating the restruc- whatever is necessary and to keep at it.” the need to remain coordinated. To this end, turing of Northern Rock to make sure it The IMF is also to have a more substan- the IMF and the Financial Stability Forum complies with rules on state aid. tive role, with its resources more than likely are to operate a joint “early warning exer- Although ministers were keen to paper over doubling to US$500 billion (€385 billion) cise” and will monitor “more closely” the cracks appearing between the US and Europe restructuring its borrowing procedures to countries’ individual stimulus plans. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3715 Tuesday 17 March 2009
Economic recovery plan Financial arrangements for five bn euro referred to EU summit
By Célia Sampol erence. Second, a revision of the multian- resources) would be reduced by the same nual financial framework so as to use up amount. Six hundred million would go to There is still no agreement by the 27 2008 margins, as proposed initially by the projects linked to broadband internet con- member states on the financial arrange- Commission, is definitively excluded. An nections and measures in support of rural ments for the €5 billion for the European increase in the overall net ceiling of the development. This amount would come economic recovery plan. The matter will financial framework would only be used from margins under Heading 2 in 2009. be referred to the summit of heads of state as a “last resort” and “be kept to a strict The €2.4 billion to be found in and government, on 19 and 20 March in 2010 could be released through a Brussels. ‘compensation mechanism’. The General Affairs Council of 16 “Misgivings are dwindling,” At the consultation meeting held in March discussed the issue again on the according to an the framework of the annual budget pro- basis of a draft compromise tabled, on 12 informed source cedure for 2010, Parliament, the Coun- March, by the Czech EU Presidency, but cil and the Commission would examine failed to reach agreement. “Misgivings “all available sources” of financing. The are dwindling,” however, according to an minimum”. A sufficient margin must be funds for broadband internet projects and informed source. The Czech represen- left in Heading 2 (natural resources) if rural development will have to be taken tative declared at the conclusion of the these funds are used to finance part of the exclusively from Heading 2. Financing debate that the member states were “on recovery plan. The draft compromise also for energy projects will be staggered over the right track” and that the Presidency points out that the amount of margins avail- 2009 and 2010, but if need be could be “will make a final effort to find a compro- able under Heading 2 in 2010 will not be extended to 2011. mise this week”. That does not necessarily known until the annual budget procedure mean that there will be a new proposal, is closed, namely in autumn 2009. Lastly, Reluctance continues but it shows that the issue is now in the all financing possibilities must be explored These still vague financial arrangements hands of the European Council. and the solution proposed will have to be continue to pose a problem for some accepted by the European Parliament, the countries, including Germany, Romania Draft compromise second branch of the budget authority. and Portugal. The debate promises to be The Presidency’s existing draft compro- On the basis of these principles, the tough at the European Council. In theory, mise draws several conclusions. First, the Presidency proposes the release of €2.6 the member states have until the begin- amount of €5 billion remains the refer- billion in 2009 to finance the projects pro- ning of May to find a solution, ie up to the ence figure, in spite of the continuing mis- posed by the Commission to jump-start European Parliament’s last voting session. givings of Austria, which would prefer the the economy. Two billion would go to Politically, however, the Czech EU Presi- use of “available” resources rather than the energy projects. To raise this amount, the dency wishes to seal an agreement at the setting of an overall amount. The problem net ceiling of Subheading 1a (competitive- spring European Council in order to send is that at this stage no one really confirms ness) would be raised by €2 billion in 2009 out a signal to the public opinion as the that this figure will continue to be the ref- and the net ceiling for Heading 2 (natural economic crisis continues. n
Economic recovery plan Final touches hit carbon capture and storage
By Dafydd ab Iago such as interconnectors and offshore wind. spending to €565 million. There is now The five groups of CCS projects now each €200 million, instead of €150 million, With ministers still failing to agree on get €180 million, down €20 million on the for the Alpha Ventus/Borkum project, in the financing of the €5 billion economic revised proposal put to the Energy Coun- northern Germany. The aim is to build a recovery plan (see separate article), the cil in February. This is also lower than the new generation of 6-7 MW turbines situ- latest compromise proposal from the original €250 million foreseen by the Euro- ated far from the shore, at up to 100 km, Czech EU Presidency for energy projects pean Commission. While the €100 million and in deeper waters of up to 40 m. As continues to eat into money earmarked earmarked for a CCS project at Torre Valda- for the additional €155 million for elec- for carbon capture and storage (CCS) glia, at Civitavecchia, just north of Rome, tricity interconnections, compared to the projects. As reported (Europolitics 3714) remains the same, the project location is mid-February version, the bulk of the new broadband internet, together with mea- now Porto Tolle, south of Rome. One lobby- money (€125 million) goes for the long- sures related to the Common Agricul- ist for CCS admitted that none listed by the planned France-Spain interconnection, tural Policy ‘health check’, now amount Commission are “immediately” able to go. bringing it to €225 million. As for gas, the to €1100 million. However, additional Another change is an extra €65 million Italy-Algeria interconnection now gets money is given for energy-related projects, for offshore wind, bringing total intended €120 million instead of €100 million. n
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Inf INFLATIONlation EU EU raterate downdown atat 1.7%1.7% inin FebruaryFebruary Inflation rates in %, measured by HICPs EEurostaturostat datadata 12-month Annual rates Monthly rates In In February February 2009, 2009, inflation inflation in in the the average rates EU stood at 1.7%, half its rate of 3.5% Feb 09 Jan09 Dec 08 Nov 08 Feb 08 Feb 09-08 Feb 09 EU stood at 1.7%, half its rate of 3.5% Feb 08 Jan 08 Dec 07 Nov 07 Feb 07 Feb 08-07 Jan 09 inin February February 2008 2008 and and down down slightly slightly Belgium (BE) 1.9 2.1 2.7 3.2 3.6 4.2 2.3 fromfrom its its January January 2009 2009 level level of of 1.8%. 1.8%. Germany (DE) 1.0 0.9 1.1 1.4 3.0 2.4 0.7 LastLast year’syear’s slowdownslowdown inin priceprice increasesincreases Ireland (IE) 0.1 1.1 1.3 2.1 3.5 2.7 0.2 waswas eveneven moremore pronouncedpronounced inin thethe euroeuro-- Greece (EL) 1.8 2.0 2.2 3.0 4.5 3.8 -1.1 zone,zone, accordingaccording toto figuresfigures publishedpublished byby Spain (ES) 0.7 0.8 1.5 2.4 4.4 3.5 0.0 Eurostat,Eurostat, onon 1616 March.March. France (FR) 1.0 0.8 1.2 1.9 3.2 2.8 0.4 AnnualAnnual inflationinflation inin thethe eurozoneeurozone waswas Italy (IT) 1.5 1.4 2.4 2.7 3.1 3.2 0.2 1.2%1.2% inin FebruaryFebruary 2009,2009, comparedcompared withwith Cyprus (CY) 0.6 0.9 1.8 3.1 4.7 3.8 0.0 3.3%3.3% in in February February 2008 2008 (and (and 1.1% 1.1% in in Luxembourg (LU) 0.7 0.0 0.7 2.0 4.2 3.4 1.8 Malta (MT) 3.5 3.1 5.0 4.9 4.0 4.6 0.8 JanuaryJanuary 2009).2009). Netherlands (NL) 1.9p 1.7 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.2p 1.0p The The lowest lowest annual annual rates rates in in February February Austria (AT) 1.4p 1.2 1.5 2.3 3.1 2.9p 0.5p 20092009 werewere seenseen inin Ireland,Ireland, PortugalPortugal andand Portugal (PT) 0.1 0.1 0.8 1.4 2.9 2.2 0.0 Cyprus,Cyprus, andand thethe highesthighest inin Latvia,Latvia, LithLith-- Slovenia (SI) 2.1 1.4 1.8 2.9 6.4 4.8 0.6 uaniauania and and Romania. Romania. Compared Compared with with Slovakia (SK) 2.4 2.7 3.5 3.9 3.4 3.8 0.0 JanuaryJanuary 2009,2009, annualannual inflationinflation fellfell inin 1111 Finland (FI) 2.7 2.5 3.4 3.5 3.3 3.8 0.7 membermember states,states, remainedremained stablestable inin twotwo Eurozone (MUICP) 1.2p 1.1 1.6 2.1 3.3 2.9p 0.4p andand roserose inin 13.13. Bulgaria (BG) 5.4 6.0 7.2 8.8 12.2 10.8 0.4 In In the the eurozone, eurozone, the the main main compo compo-- Czech Republic (CZ) 1.3 1.4 3.3 4.1 7.6 5.2 0.1 nentsnents with with the the highest highest annual annual rates, rates, Denmark (DK) 1.7 1.7 2.4 2.8 3.3 3.4 1.0 Estonia (EE) 3.9 4.7 7.5 8.5 11.5 9.4 -0.4 in February 2009, were alcohol and in February 2009, were alcohol and Latvia (LV) 9.4 9.7 10.4 11.6 16.5 14.1 1.1 tobaccotobacco (3.2%), (3.2%), hotels hotels and and restaurants restaurants Lithuania (LT) 8.5 9.5 8.5 9.2 10.9 10.8 0.3 (2.9%)(2.9%) and and housing housing (2.8%), (2.8%), while while the the Hungary (HU) 2.9 2.4 3.4 4.1 6.7 5.3 0.8 lowestlowest annualannual ratesrates werewere seenseen inin transtrans-- Poland (PL)6 3.6 3.2r 3.3 3.6 4.6 4.0 0.8 portport (-2.7%), (-2.7%), communications communications (-1.4%) (-1.4%) Romania (RO) 6.9 6.8 6.4 6.8 8.0 7.8 0.8 andand clothingclothing (0.1%).(0.1%). Sweden (SE) 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.4 2.9 3.2 0.6 The The main main components components with with the the United Kingdom (UK) : 3.0 3.1 4.1 2.5 : : highesthighest monthly monthly rates rates were were clothing clothing EU (EICP) 1.7p 1.8r 2.2 2.8 3.5 3.4p 0.4p (1.5%),(1.5%), recreation recreation and and culture culture (1.1%) (1.1%) Iceland (IS) 21.6 21.9 21.0 19.8 4.5 15.8 1.2 Norway (NO) 2.8 2.6 2.6 3.3 3.1 3.4 1.0 andand transporttransport (0.6%),(0.6%), whilewhile thethe lowestlowest EEA (EEAICP) 1.8p 1.8 2.2 2.8 3.5 3.4p 0.4p werewere food food (-0.1%) (-0.1%) and and housing housing and and Switzerland (CH) -0.1 -0.1 0.3 1.2 2.3 1.9 0.0 communicationscommunications (0%(0% each).each). n Source: Eurostat p = provisional : = data not available r = revised
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Lisbon Treaty Vote on Dehaene, Leinen and Brok reports could be postponed
By Célia Sampol political group leaders would prefer for all of the Lisbon Treaty, ie the heads of the the reports related to the Lisbon Treaty to be political groups should be consulted The plenary’s vote on the European Par- adopted after the referendum. For example, immediately after the elections on the liament’s three key reports on the Lisbon they have already decided that the report by choice of the candidate. The rapporteur Treaty could be postponed until after the Richard Corbett (PES, UK) on revision of would like to see Parliament and the Irish referendum to avoid any negative the rules of procedure be split into two: ele- member states reach a political agree- repercussions, hinted the heads of the polit- ments related to the treaty’s entry into force ment in April or May to establish this ical groups, at their meeting on 12 March would be put to the vote after ratification, procedure. However, if the Dehaene in Strasbourg. Nothing has been decided at and the others before. For the Dehaene, report is not adopted in plenary ahead this point, however. Leinen and Brok reports, the decision is not of the elections, the member states are The reports in question are by Jean- as clear-cut. The Conference of Presidents not likely to agree to such a consultation. Luc Dehaene (EPP-ED, Belgium) on will await a request by the Committee on They could simply choose to abide by the Union’s new institutional balance, Jo Constitutional Affairs for the reports to be the Treaty of Nice, which gives them the Leinen (PES, Germany) on Parliament’s put on the plenary’s agenda before taking freedom to appoint whomever they like. new role and new responsibilities, and a decision. Elmar Brok (EPP-ED, Germany) on rela- Jo Leinen is not convinced of the neces- Pöttering to address leaders tions between the European Parliament sity of postponement because the three The rapporteurs would at least like for and national parliaments. They were reports “go in the direction of more rights the EP President, German Conservative adopted in the Constitutional Affairs Com- for citizens”. Jean-Luc Dehaene, whose Hans-Gert Pöttering, to ask the heads of mittee, on 9 March in Strasbourg, and were report is politically more important, does state and government, at the European supposed to be put to the vote in plenary in not wish to comment before the meeting Council on 19 March, to agree to consult April. However, the Conference of Group of the coordinators for the Committee on the EP on the choice of the Commission Presidents has noted that the vote on the Constitutional Affairs, on 17 March. The president. According to the EP president’s texts could send the wrong political signal problem, notes an aide to the MEP, is that services, however, Pöttering could insist to the Irish. the Dehaene report contains important that the member states take into account elements related to the transitional period the results of the elections in the choice Giving member states free rein between the two treaties and the renewal of of the new Commission head, even if Ireland will be voting in October on the Parliament and the Commission. “There is Lisbon is not in force. However, “he is Lisbon Treaty, following the negative out- a danger that if we do not adopt decisions not expected to demand a political agree- come of the first referendum, on 12 June. If now, the member states will have free rein ment” as such or “to mention expressly the EP continues to debate implementation after the elections”. the need to consult the heads of groups”. of the text, voters could think that it was not This could be the case in particular He “will suggest that it is in everyone’s taking their vote into account. To avoid a for the appointment of the Commission interests to do so because Parliament second rejection of the treaty, which would president. The Dehaene report proposes will have to vote on the Commission be virtually impossible to overcome, the to conduct this procedure in the spirit president in plenary, on 15 July”. n
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Special Dossier Justice/Notaries Three questions to Bernard Reynis, president, Council of Notariats of the EU (CNUE) Notarial instruments should move freely in EU
By Nathalie Vandystadt free movement. The heart of the matter is the level, for example by requiring the authentic question of the free movement of an authen- formal requirement which ensures that both This interview was conducted in connection tic instrument. So we are not speaking of a parties have the notary’s impartial legal advice. with the CNUE conference on ‘Legal coop- European authentic instrument as such. This The question of the protection of vulnerable eration at the services of European families’, free movement would allow an acceleration persons will also be one of our priorities, in on 19 and 20 March in Brussels. and simplification of procedures, and help order to grant protection that is valid through- What do you expect of an initiative for a avoid disputes, since such instruments are out the EU to an increasing number of such European authentic instrument? reputed to be drawn up in a balanced and persons. The recognition of measures or deci- I welcome this initiative, which will represent fair way by an ‘amicable magistrate’, a profes- sions taken to manage protection needs to be real progress for European citizens. We, nota- sional of preventive justice. improved. Lastly, we are following closely the ries in Europe, with our status of public offi- Are there other key issues to be concluded Commission’s drafting of the Stockholm pro- cers, confer authenticity on the instruments by the end of the year? gramme on the priorities and initiatives for we draw up. We work for European citizens The work on inheritance and the European 2010-2014 designed to take forward the area in areas that affect their daily life: wills, certificate of inheritance, which affect rules of justice, freedom and security. marriage contracts, real estate transactions, on conflicts of laws, are also important issues. Do you recommend a justice portfolio? company by-laws, to mention but a few. An We recommend application of the principle That is an interesting proposal: it could authentic instrument, by its intrinsic qualities of freedom of contract, which contributes to provide more coherence in follow-up of of enhanced and enforceable conclusive- European citizens’ full exercise of their fun- justice, freedom and security issues. Nota- ness, is the ideal tool for legal certainty. But damental freedoms. Consequently, there is a ries are very interested in all future work in the absence of recognition of such essential need to enable the member states to main- civil law, where numerous developments instruments constitutes a real hindrance to tain the most protective systems at national are anticipated. n
Commission seeks to promote mutual recognition
By Nathalie Vandystadt This spring, the Commission will pub- which coordinates the work of the judicial lish a communication on mutual recogni- authorities. ‘Europe of justice’ is moving forward tion between EU member states of judicial slowly thanks to the principle of ‘mutual decisions in civil and criminal matters. Separate portfolio? recognition’ of judicial decisions handed This raises the question of ‘European The creation of a justice portfolio sepa- down by courts in the different member laws’, starting with proposals for minimum rate from freedom and security is a “possible states. common standards for procedural rights hypothesis,” said Barrot. “I don’t rule it out but The European Commission is deter- in criminal matters (such as the right of I don’t think the Stockholm programme will mined to take it forward, as witnessed by the defence to plead its case). The idea is mention it,” he added. The commissioner is the forthcoming publication, in May,. of to guarantee a fair trial and easier recogni- sceptical, however, saying that a lot of prob- the ‘Stockholm work programme’ that tion of a judgement from one state to the lems need to be addressed, such as protec- will set the EU’s new priorities in the next (see Europolitics 3690). tion of personal data. In any case, the justice field of justice, freedom and security for “We are really trying to push for a com- portfolio hangs on adoption of the Lisbon 2010-20141 parison of judicial systems as a way of Treaty, and therefore on the outcome of the “Europe began as a market. It is going to identifying best practice,” summed up Irish referendum. Under the new text, voting become a community of law. That means Barrot. The EU, which already has a Euro- would be by qualified majority (rather than that citizens, regardless of the member pean arrest warrant, is expected to take unanimity) in Council in co-decision with state they live in, will be able to assert their on “something similar on evidence, the the European Parliament, thus giving the rights,” Commissioner Jacques Barrot validity of evidence,” he explained. Commission the power to initiate infringe- recently told Europolitics. The Commission also wants to ensure ment proceedings against member states This will require a “decisive phase on much closer cooperation between police failing to comply with EU legislation. n mutual recognition and therefore on the forces and the judiciary with the aid of training of judges”. The training of all law relations between Europol, the European (1) It will follow on from the Tampere students on the new EU instruments must police office, which coordinates the work (1999-2004) and The Hague (2004-2009) also be improved. of national polices forces, and Eurojust, programmes. www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3715 Tuesday 17 March 2009 11
Three questions to Jacques Barrot, commissioner for justice, freedom and security Cross-border divorce: We want to avoid enhanced cooperation
By Nathalie Vandystadt Are you going to make a proposal before could say that there is an initial agreement the end of your mandate? on the applicable law, but some member Commissioner Jacques Barrot must meet a Yes. Without dividing the judicial area, we states will never accept the application of request for “enhanced cooperation” (a lim- will try to make a proposal, which we are a law, other than the national one, by their ited group of member states is implementing in the process of re-evaluating. We would courts. It is then possible to imagine that a proposal by the Commission) drawn up by like to avoid enhanced cooperation. And try some countries will not complete this pro- nine EU member states in 2008 in order to to have, on this issue, an initial approach, cess. They will stop halfway. We will there- facilitate procedures for cross-border divorce1. which would make it possible to maintain fore propose an approach which initially In fact, a proposal for a regulation for the everyone in the system. Some states could concerns everyone and which can then be whole of the EU has been on the table for go even further. more ambitious for certain member states two years. But Sweden - anxious to preserve which voluntarily agree to go even further. its law, which it considers to be more ben- How would this work? This will not be called ‘enhanced coopera- eficial - vetoed it. In this domain of family This means that we would create a system, tion’ precisely because we will already have law, any initiative now requires a consensus which is a minimum one. For example, a common basis for settling divorce issues. of opinion at the Council of Ministers. Not we would leave it up to couples to decide We do not want to have enhanced coopera- wanting to divide Europe, the Commission is whether to invoke such or such law. Certain tion in just one specific area, such as that working on a solution other than enhanced countries agree to implement the law in their of divorce. Otherwise, we will be creating a cooperation. courts, even if it is not the national law. We divided European area.
When do you plan to make this proposal? petent jurisdictional bodies will be and that We do not know, but in any case we are Position of notaries their decisions will be recognised and car- obliged to respond because there has been a The Council of the Notariats of the Euro- ried into effect in other countries; it is also request for enhanced cooperation. n pean Union (CNUE) supported the prelimi- necessary to know which law these very nary draft regulation, known as ‘Rome III’, jurisdictions will be asked to apply in order (1) In January, a total of ten countries were which aims to allow bi-national spouses to make a judgement on different and often in favour of enhanced cooperation: Romania, to “choose the applicable law”. “The free complex marital situations when they are Hungary, Austria, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, movement of persons and the increas- clearly of a cross-border nature,” it added. Luxembourg, Greece, France and Bulgaria. ingly frequent birth of family ties between Each year, there are 350,000 bi-national France came round after having handed over the people of different nationalities and resid- marriages and 170,000 bi-national EU Presidency to the Czech Republic and thus ing in different countries require a clear divorces registered in the EU. These renounced its obligation to neutrality. Germany, and precise legal response,” explained the figures are set to increase with the geo- Portugal, Ireland, Finland, Slovakia, Estonia, CNUE in a press release. “It is no longer graphical enlargement of the Union and the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Malta, just a question of knowing who the com- the abolition of borders. Poland and Lithuania were against enhanced cooperation.
Launch of European e-justice portal planned for year’s end
By Sophie Petitjean and Nathalie Vandystadt For example, six out of 14 pilot proj- point to European and national leg- ect members are currently exchang- islation for citizens and legal entities, The European Union is expected ing information from criminal records legal professionals and judicial authori- to set up an e-justice portal by year’s electronically: France, Germany, Bel- ties in the member states,” explained end, which will provide access to the gium, Spain, the Czech Republic and recently Czech Justice Minister Jiri entire European electronic justice Luxemburg. Pospisil, whose country holds the EU system, namely European and national The others plan to begin doing so by Presidency. information sites and/or services. mid-2009 at the latest. Another objective of online European “This portal will be more than a set More generally, e-justice will connect justice is to promote the use of videoconfer- of links,” explains the Council. Using a all existing sites, offer permanent assis- ences in transnational procedures. unique authentication procedure, it will tance with translation and interpreting In April, the Commission is due to the give justice professionals access to the in procedures, particularly criminal pro- present to the Council of Justice Min- different functions reserved for them, cedures, and ensure the interconnection isters an inventory of resources avail- where adapted access rights will be of trade registers. able in the EU budget to fund e-justice possible. It should become “a uniform access projects. n
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EU/US Dismay in Washington over new anti-dumping duty on biodiesel
By Brian Beary in Washington Asked if the USTR intended to file a com- that the economic difficulties faced by plaint with the World Trade Organisation, some European biodiesel companies United States trade officials and industry McPherson responded “we will continue were the result of “bad business models, representatives have, unsurprisingly, not to monitor and participate in the EU inves- high feedstock costs and detrimental EU taken kindly to the European Commis- tigation […] should any aspects raise con- member state policy”. n sion’s 12 March decision to impose anti- cerns under WTO rule, we will consider dumping duties on US biodiesel exports to further action at the appropriate time”. Europe. “We regret the decision […] we do The American biodiesel industry has Ron Kirk not believe that US biodiesel imports have also slammed the imposition of the duties. The US Senate’s Finance Committee, on harmed the European biodiesel industry,” “This is a flawed decision,” commented 12 March, approved President Barack spokeswoman Nefeterius McPherson from Manning Feraci, vice-president of federal Obama’s nominee for USTR, the former the office of the US Trade Representative affairs for the National Biodiesel Board, Mayor of Dallas, Ron Kirk who, during his (USTR) told Europolitics. She stressed how the industry’s mouthpiece. He called it confirmation hearing last week, repeat- “the global biofuels industry plays a criti- “nothing more than a politically expedient edly reassured lawmakers he would be cal role in contributing to the reduction of effort to appease the protectionist whims tough on the EU in trade-related dis- worldwide greenhouse gases,” and claimed of the European biodiesel industry”. The putes. The full Senate is likely to approve the EU move “undercuts our efforts to US industry is still holding out hope these Kirk in the coming days, at which point combat global climate change”. provisional duties (anti-subsidy duties for he can begin his job. In a written question The Commission imposed, on 12 March, four months and anti-dumping levies for submitted for Kirk’s hearing, the leading anti-subsidy and anti-dumping duties rang- six months) will not be made permanent Republican Senator on the Finance Com- ing from €211 to €237 per tonne of biodie- when the EU Council of Ministers takes mittee, Chuck Grassley, voiced concern sel, following an investigation it launched, the final decision. “The EC must prove “about the impact such duties could have in June 2008, into the dollar-a-gallon sub- that harm is being caused to the EU indus- on biodiesel producers and soybean sidy US biodiesel producers get from their try before duties are imposed. This simply farmers” in his home state of Iowa. government (see Europolitics 3713). is not the case,” Feraci said. He claimed
External Relations Council Development and climate change require extra funds
By Anne Eckstein country, the Council stated that mitiga- and the need to mobilise the private tion and adaptation to climate change sector. The EU says it will assume its Climate change is harming efforts aimed will only be efficient if they are a part of role in the context of a global agree- at achieving the Millennium Develop- national development strategies. These ment in Copenhagen and an appropri- ment Goals (sustainable development and policies and strategies will, however, gen- ate distribution of efforts between the poverty reduction) and could have a seri- erate significant costs for all countries EU, other developed countries and the ous impact on security issues, EU foreign and will need extra financing. The EU more advanced developing countries. It affairs ministers stressed as they insisted on will help LDCs, SIDS and African coun- thinks that the financial structure needs the need to integrate the fight against cli- tries in their adaptation efforts and in this looking at again and insists that exist- mate change into development aid. While regard recalls the framework proposal for ing channels for delivering aid be fully stressing in their conclusions, adopted climate change adaptation. Against this used and, if necessary, strengthened on 16 March1, that a real effort must be background, the Council encourages before new mechanisms are created. agreed for the least developed countries developing countries, and countries with In this respect, it notes that there are (LDC) and the small island develop- emerging economies in particular, to put already many instruments (Global Envi- ing states (SIDS), the twenty-seven also forward low CO2 emission strategies and ronment Fund, Fund for Adaptation, recalled that developing countries are pri- development plans comprising actions development aid from the EU and bilat- marily responsible for their own develop- that can be undertaken independently erally from member states, the Global ment. The ministers confirmed that the by those that will require international Alliance for the fight against climate EU is ready to shoulder its share of the support. LDCs and SIDS will, however, change, World Bank), but also insists effort but put more emphasis on develop- need financial and technical assistance to on the fact that it will be necessary to ing countries’ own responsibility than was develop these plans. tap additional sources, both public and in the draft European Council conclu- On the financial side, the Council private, national and international. n sions in circulation at the end of last week underlines the need for a wide range of (see Europolitics 3714). financial sources to provide adequate, (1) The document is available at Recalling the right of every developing predictable and sustainable financing, www.europolitics.info > Search = 245898 www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3715 Tuesday 17 March 2009 13
EU/Bosnia and Herzegovina Inzko appointed high representative
By Joanna Sopinska support received. He said he saw difficult powers. Among other things, he is able tasks ahead, notably police and judicial to impose laws and dismiss Bosnian offi- The European Union’s foreign min- reform. As his new job is a double-hatted cials seen as undermining the terms of the isters, on 16 March, formally appointed position (the EUSR also serves as the inter- Dayton agreement. It is not clear which Austrian diplomat Valentin Inzko as new national high representative to Bosnia - if any - of those special prerogatives will EU special representative (EUSR) and and Herzegovina, a post created after the be transferred to the EUSR following the welcomed his appointment as high repre- Bosnian war in 1995 to oversee the civil- OHR’s closure. sentative (HR) for Bosnia and Herzegov- ian implementation of the Dayton Peace Commenting on the deteriorating politi- ina. However, they have yet to decide on Agreement), Inzko’s candidacy needed cal situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the terms of the EU’s planned reinforced to be also endorsed by the United States, the ministers urged the country’s politi- presence in the country. Russia, Canada, Japan and Turkey, the cal leaders “to refrain from nationalistic Concluding weeks of consultations, on non-EU members of the Steering Board of rhetoric and unilateral actions”. This was a 13 March Inzko was officially confirmed Bosnia’s PIC. reference to the recent statement by Bos- in his new post. The Peace Implementa- In the Council’s conclusions, the min- nian Serb Prime Minister Milorad Dodik, tion Council (PIC), the international body isters reconfirmed the EU’s “readiness for who in a clear attempt to undermine the that overseas Bosnia’s peace process, said a transition from the Office of High Rep- Dayton agreement suggested that Bosnia he would take up his duties on 26 March. resentative to increased local ownership, should be transformed into a federation, Inzko was designated by the EU supported by a reinforced European Union in which the federal units shall have the member states to take over the post of presence as soon as conditions are met”. right to self-determination. The statement EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina from The ministers have yet to define the future has intensified long-standing political ten- Miroslav Lajcák, who resigned in January role and responsibilities of the EUSR, who sions in the country, which have stalled its to become Slovakia’s foreign minister, on is set to take over from the high representa- progress toward EU membership and sig- 23 February. tive, following the scheduled July closure of nificantly hampered its attempts to meet Commenting on his appointment, Inzko the Office of High Representative (OHR). the requirements set in 2008 for ending the told the press that he was grateful for the For now, the HR has broad executive international supervision. n
EU/Belarus Minsk gets ‘second chance’
By Joanna Sopinska ing Lukashenko, subject also to the visa ban confirmed that “The European Union remains in force. remains ready to deepen its relations with Welcoming “certain positive steps” taken Last October, the EU decided to tempo- Belarus subject to progress made by the by Belarus over the last six months, the EU’s rarily lift visa sanctions against Lukashenko country on the path towards human rights foreign ministers decided, on 16 March, and 35 of his officials for half a year, to renew and rule of law and to assist Belarus in to give the country a “second chance” and political contacts and open new possibili- attaining these objectives”. extend for nine months the visa ban reprieve ties for cooperation with the country in the for Belarusian President Alexander Lukash- wake of the Georgia-Russia war in August. Remaining vigilant enko and a handful of his high-ranking Russia’s military intervention against Tbilisi The ministers urged Belarus “to address officials. They underlined, however, that has prompted the EU to enhance ties with the concerns” and “continue moving for- despite some “positive signs,” such as “the its Eastern neighbours, including Belarus. To ward, through progressive substantial steps” increased high-level EU Belarus dialogue” this end, the EU offered Minsk participation towards full alignment with conditions set by and “the intensified technical cooperation,” in the Eastern Partnership - a new initiative the EU in October for permanent suspension the EU “continues to be concerned about providing for deeper political and economic of all restrictions. In this respect, they warned the human rights station in Belarus and the ties, including free trade agreements and “in Minsk that if no “further positive develop- recent cases of violations in this area”. the long run” a visa-free regime with five other ments,” in particular in the sphere of democ- In a clear attempt to enhance its ties with countries in the region (Armenia, Azerbaijan, racy and human rights, are noted during the Belarus and to help the country to pursue Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine). nine-month ‘trial period’, the sanctions may reforms, the ministers agreed to renew the The decision, adopted on 16 March, falls be revoked. The most sceptical countries, travel ban and the asset freeze on Lukash- short of determining whether Belarus will (the Netherlands and Sweden), will remain enko and over 30 other high-ranking Belaru- become a fully-fledged member of the East- especially vigilant. Accompanied by the UK, sian officials for a year, but at the same time ern Partnership - a question expected to be the Hague and Stockholm were opposed to prolonged the current visa ban suspension answered by the EU leaders at their summit letting Lukashenko off the hook with a poor for nine months. The decision on freezing meeting on 19-20 March in Brussels. record on human rights reforms - but they the assets of 41 Belarusian officials, includ- In a general statement, the ministers only ultimately went along with the majority. n
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EU/NATO Ministers, Solana welcome France’s return to NATO’s command
By Nicolas Gros-Verheyde this decision during a vote, on 17 March. malise their relations with NATO. As of In France, it is optional for parliamentary 1994, the French gradually began to sit During the informal meeting of Euro- assemblies to be consulted in this area. But in again on the alliance’s Military Com- pean Union’s defence ministers, on 12 mittee, a structure that they permanently and 13 March in Prague, Czech Minister This decision marks the end restored in 1996. In the same year, officers Vlasta Parkanova was keen to highlight were integrated, on a “voluntary basis”, into France’s return to NATO’s integrated of an anachronism NATO’s command structures. France also command after a 43-year absence. “I wel- took part in all the alliance’s major opera- come this decision wholeheartedly and tions: in Kosovo in 1999, in Afghanistan I’m crossing my fingers for the French the government has made a ‘commitment as of 2003-2006. In 2004, in a new move parliament next week,” she said. of confidence’, which means certain reluc- ordered by President Chirac (right of centre The decision was also welcomed by tant parliamentarians from the presidential Gaullist), about a hundred officers returned Javier Solana, the high representative for majority must vote for the decision. to the various headquarters. Sarkozy’s deci- Common Foreign and Security Policy. He sion completes this move by permanently called it a “good decision” by Paris that, in GRADUAL CHANGE integrating the command structures. In the his opinion, will encourage “better rela- This decision marks the end of an anach- long term, about 800 French officers could tions between the EU and NATO and ronism. France, a founding country of the return to NATO commands, particularly strengthen EU military missions”. North Atlantic Alliance, whose headquar- in Mons (Belgium), Brunssum (the Neth- French President Nicolas Sarkozy offi- ters were originally in Paris, left NATO’s erlands), Oeiras-Lisbon (Portugal) and cially announced, on 11 March, during a military structure on the orders of Presi- Naples (Italy). France remains, however, speech given at a symposium by the Foun- dent Charles de Gaulle in 1966 in order outside of the Nuclear Planning Group. n dation for Strategic Research, his deci- to reclaim “her full sovereignty”. France sion for France to make a full return into remained, however, a political member of The speeches by Solana and Sarkozy are NATO’s integrated military command. the alliance. Step by step, France’s main available at France’s National Assembly must now ratify leaders have over the years sought to nor- www.europolitics.info > Search = 245890 In Brief
EP approves bluefin tuna EU-ACP financing agreement Ombudsman launches new recovery plan signed interactive guide The European Parliament approved, on The European Commission and the The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos 12 March, a draft regulation presented African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Diamandouros, presented a new by the European Commission on the states signed a €2.7 billion cooperation interactive guide for complainants, on revised multiannual plan for bluefin agreement, on 13 March, under the 13 March, in the context of a seminar tuna in the Eastern Atlantic and Tenth European Development Fund entitled ‘Problem solving in the EU - Mediterranean. The regulation transposes (EDF). The financing will help ACP Where to turn’. The ombudsman receives into EU law the recovery plan adopted states meet global challenges in a number more than 3,000 complaints each year, by the International Commission for the of areas: health (up to €300 million whereas only one quarter falls inside Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). under the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, his mandate, which is to investigate At the request of the Council, Parliament Tuberculosis and Malaria), environment complaints about maladministration in voted under the urgent procedure to and climate change (€500 million), the EU institutions. The ombudsman’s make adoption of the regulation possible agriculture and development of the interactive guide, available online in 23 before the start of the fishing season (15 private sector (€400 million), water, languages since 5 January 2009, aims to April). Total allowable catches (TACs) sanitation and infrastructures (€500 direct complainants to the body which of bluefin tuna for EU vessels are set at million), and peace and security (€400 is best placed to deal with their requests, 12,406 tonnes for 2009, compared with million). The assistance comes on top such as national and regional mediators, 16,210 tonnes in 2008, and 11,237 tonnes of the €14 billion granted to the ACP SOLVIT or the European Parliament’s in 2010, which corresponds to a 30% countries in 2007-2008 under the EDF’s petitions system. The guide is available at reduction over two years. 2008-2013 programming period. www.ombudsman.europa.eu
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Defence industry Ministers agree moratorium on Airbus A400M
By Nicolas Gros-Verheyde ing heavy compensation. The contract rium has been accepted by the seven coun- signed between member states – via Occar tries participating in the programme. “The Defence ministers participating in the (Organisation conjointe de coopération en principle [is] that the nations must take Airbus A400M programme - meeting in the matière d’armement) – and the company control of discussions”, he explained. “No margins of the informal Council of defence indeed allows sponsors to withdraw from the member state will take a decision without ministers, on 12 March in Prague - agreed programme in spring 2009. having discussed this issue with the others,” to propose a three-month moratorium on The idea behind the moratorium is there- he added. Spanish Defence Minister Carme EADS, the company responsible for design- fore to allow sponsoring countries to begin Chacon confirmed this positive approach. ing and manufacturing this new European discussions with the manufacturer in order “We would all like the defence industry military aircraft. to try to evaluate the situation with regard to have some clout.” German Defence Such was the delay in the programme to the programme, the difficulties of imple- Minister Franz Josef Jung believes that the — three years according to EADS, five years mentation and the issue of possible financial contract must be respected. according to other sources — that some min- penalties, in a calm environment. This topic could be mentioned, at least isters had more or less officially mentioned Hervé Morin, the French defence min- bilaterally, at the European summit of 19 the idea of withdrawing from it or demand- ister, believes that the concept of a morato- and 20 March. n In Brief
Employment down in Q4 2008 the Central African Republic and especially back on board and intends to take a leading The number of persons employed in the EU in Sudan, where the implementation of role,” according to an American source in fell by 0.3% (672,000 persons) in the fourth the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and Brussels. (AEC) quarter of 2008, compared with the previous the Darfur peace process is crucial to the quarter, according to estimates published stabilisation of the region”. The Council Atalanta could be prolonged by Eurostat, on 16 March. Compared welcomes the fulfilment of EUFOR’s The EUNAVFOR Atalanta operation to with the same quarter of the previous year, mandate and underlines the exemplary combat acts of piracy could be prolonged, employment remained stable (0%) in the cooperation between the European Union agreed the 27 defence ministers, meeting fourth quarter of 2008, after +0.6% in the and the United Nations.(FPE) informally in Prague, on 12 and 13 March. third quarter of 2008. Over the whole year of “Thought needs to be given to pursuit of 2008, employment grew by 0.8% (1,760,000 EU-US dialogue on climate the operation,” summed up Czech Defence persons) in the EU27 (compared with +1.8% A European delegation, led by Czech Minister Vlasta Parkanova, who chaired the in 2007). Eurostat estimates that, in the Environment Minister Martin Bursik, meeting. Javier Solana confirmed: “All the fourth quarter of 2008, 225.3 million men the president of the EU Council and ministers seemed inclined to continue the and women were employed in the EU, of Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas, operation”. (NGV) whom 145.4 million were in the eurozone. is in Washington for high-level talks with the These figures are seasonally adjusted. American ‘green team’. It is an opportunity Regional approach in Afghanistan for both sides, on 16 and 17 March, to The EU foreign ministers reiterated their EUFOR Chad-CAR sets example present their respective positions on the commitment in Afghanistan and Pakistan Following the end of the EUFOR operation climate file and more specifically on the at their meeting, on 16 March. The in Chad and the Central African Republic, Obama administration’s new guidelines. ministers concluded: “Fostering stability the EU’s 27 foreign ministers expressed Discussions will focus in particular on future in Afghanistan is in the interest of all their determination to remain engaged in US legislation to set up a cap and trade countries in the region and the international the region, at their meeting, on 16 March. mechanism for emissions trading, legislation community. [...] The improvement “EUFOR’s redeployment does not mark the that Washington says will be compatible of the bilateral relationship between end of the European Union’s involvement with other systems, including Europe’s ETS, Afghanistan and Pakistan is essential.” in Chad, in the Central African Republic or in order to quickly attain a global carbon They stressed the importance of the in the region,” since “2,000 soldiers currently market. Proof can be seen in the fact that the EUPOL mission of support for the Afghan serving under EUFOR will in future come ‘green team’ was the first team that Barack police force (a mission that so far has had under the MINURCAT banner,” state the Obama set up after becoming president, recruitment problems). They note that “the Council’s conclusions. In addition, “the a sure sign of the importance he gives to establishment of a competent and legitimate European Union will remain active at a the climate issue and to the international Afghan national police force is crucial for the political and diplomatic level in Chad, in negotiations for which the United States “is long-term stability of Afghanistan”. (FPE)
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EU Agenda
Tuesday 17 March Parliament, will take the reins of EMPA Contact: Julianne Kammer, indu-press@ for a year (until March 2010), succeeding europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 32602 (BXL), Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the (32) 0498.98.35.50 European European Parliament and current president of EMPA. June 2009 European elections Parliament EMPA may also decide to welcome, as – communication strategy President’s diary new members of the Assembly, Albania, presentation 8:45-13:15 Brussels Mauritania and Monaco, which are 10:30-11:30 Brussels, ASP 3rd floor n 8:45 Plenary meeting of the Euro- also members of the Union for the (VoxBox area) Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly Mediterranean. European Parliament Vice-Presidents Alejo (EMPA) EMPA brings together 260 Vidal-Quadras and Mechtild Rothe invite n 12:45 Joint press conference with Abdel- parliamentarians. Of these, 130 represent journalists to a presentation of Parliament’s Hadi Majali, Speaker of the Jordanian the European Union (49 Members of communication strategy for the European House of Representatives and incoming the EP and 81 Members appointed by elections of 4-7 June 2009. EMPA President (PHS 3C50) the national parliaments of the EU’s 27 Contact: Federico De Girolamo, Press n 15:00-19:00 Berlin (Germany) member states) and 130 represent the Service, federico.degirolamo@europarl. Official visit to Germany national parliaments of the Mediterranean europa.eu, (32-2) 28 31389 (BXL) partner countries which are not members : (32) 0498.983.591 Parliamentary committees of the EU: Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Committee on Foreign Affairs Lebanon, Morocco, the Palestinian Conciliation Committee - Working 18:00-19:00 Brussels, PHS 1A2 Authority, Syria, Tunisia and Turkey. Time Directive n Discussion with Jan Kohout, Deputy Contact: Thomas Dudrap, Press Service, 20:30-22:00 Brussels, ASP 5G3 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech [email protected], (32-2) 28 The conciliation committee will meet on Republic and acting President-in-Office of 44524 (BXL), (32) 0498.98.32.84 Tuesday evening. This is the last chance to Council, on the results of GAERC meeting reach an agreement between Parliament of 16-17 March 2009 Conference on the European Patent and Council on Working Time Directive. System (The meeting is not opened to the media) Delegations 9:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 1A2 Contact: Nora Chaal, Press Service, nora. MEPs to the World Water Forum European intellectual property rights and [email protected], (32-2) 28 31151 9:00-19:00 Turkey patents policy will take centre stage at (BXL), (32) (0) 498 98 34 02 Contact: Thomas Dudrap, Press Service, a conference organised by Parliament’s [email protected], (32-2) 28 scientific research panel STOA. MEPs, 44524 (BXL), (32) 0498.98.32.84 experts and industry stakeholders will discuss issues such as creating a Council of Other events Community Patent, enforcing patents via Plenary session of Euro-Med an EU Patent Litigation System, reducing Ministers Assembly the backlog of patents, and the use of Political and Security Committee 9:00-19:00 Brussels, European existing patents. (PSC) Parliament A round table discussion from 17:00 Brussels The situation in the Middle East and the to 18:30 will assess the possibility of impact of the world financial crisis on the establishing a standing committee on Criminal Law Conference Mediterranean region will be the main intellectual property rights within the 17-18 March, Prague points for debate at the fifth plenary session European Parliament. of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Speakers include: General Affairs and External Assembly (EMPA) taking place from 15 to - Alison Brimelow, President of European Relations Council (GAERC) 17 March at the European Parliament in Patent Office 16-17 March, Brussels Brussels, beginning with a meeting of the - Guus Broesterhuizen, President of the Bureau on Sunday. Netherlands Patent Office Cedefop’s Agora Conference Following the plenary session, Abdel - Josef Kratochvil, Vice-President of the 17-18 March, Thessaloniki, Greece Hadi Al-Majali, Speaker of the Jordanian Czech Industrial Property Office Organizers of the Event: European Centre www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3715 Tuesday 17 March 2009 17
for the Development of Vocational Training Economic and Social Committee 17 March, EESC (Thessaloniki, Greece); Ministry of n Mrs Margot Wallström speaks at n Hearing on ‘Road transport in 2020: Education, Youth and Sports inspiration event of Dutch Women the organized civil society’s expectations’ Network organised by the Section for Transport, Meeting of Chief Medical Officers n Mr Günter Verheugen participates at Energy, Infrastructure and the Information 17-18 March, Prague the high-level conference on industrial Society (TEN) Contact: competitiveness (Brussels) Andrea Mimrová, spokesperson of the n Mr Antonio Tajani receives the Chief Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic Executive Officer of Lufthansa, Mr for the Presidency Wolfgang Mayrhuber Committee of the tel.: +420 224 972 424, mobile: +420 737 n Mr Antonio Tajani meets with the 204 961; e-mail: [email protected] Chief Executive Officers and senior board Regions members of the European Passenger Conference Meeting of European Personnel Transport Operator (EPTO) Association n Public e-procurement conference : Selection Office n Speech by Mr Joaquín Almunia on cutting the red tape and better use of 17-18 March, Prague ‘Staying the course; implementing public money. Conférence Procure sur policies for recovery’ at the Conference la commande publique électronique: Social Rights, Active Citizenship and of the European Economic and Social réduction des charges administratives et Governance in the European Union Committee (Brussels) meilleure utilisation du denier public. 16-18 March, Brussels, n Mr Ján Figel’ attends the European Location: Committee of The Regions, Organizers of the Event: CESES (Centre Evening - EPP-ED Group + welcoming room JDE 51, 9:00-17:00 for Social and Economic Strategies, Charles remarks by Chairman Joseph Daul and University Prague) / Roskilde University by President Wilfried Martens (Autoworld Denmark / European Commission Museum, Parc du Cinquantenaire) Contact: Dr. Miroslava Mašková, Ph.D., n Mr Louis Michel visits Cuba (17-19) Conferences and Charles University Prague - maskovam@ n Mrs Mariann Fischer Boel receives Jim fsv.cuni.cz, Ellen-Kristina Kock Kristensen Paice, UK Shadow Agriculture Minister seminars - [email protected] n Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner receives 17 March, Brussels Mr Marat Tazhin, Foreign Minister of n Can electronic payments make Europe EUMCWG/HTF Working Meeting (EU Kazakhstan more competitive? Military Committee Working Group/ n Mr Vladimír Špidla attends the ‘Café Crossfire’ Evening Debate Headline Goal Task Force) conference of Cinefogo, Network on Civil Organisers: Friends of Europe 16-20 March, Prague Society and New Forms of Governance in Contact: +32 (0)2 737 9150 or Jacqueline. Theme: General Affairs and External Europe (BERL) [email protected] Relations n Mr Vladimír Špidla attends the Venue: Bibliothèque Solvay – Parc Léopold The EUMC Working Group is responsible Conference ‘Everything to play for! Let’s – 137 Rue Belliard – 1040 Brussels, from for solving issues related to the military climb out of the crisis together, and opt for 17.30 capabilities of the EU. Besides the normal progress!’ www.friendsofeurope.org agenda, the programme of the meeting n Mr Vladimír Špidla hands over prizes on includes presentation of the capabilities of Health and Safety - European Agency for 17-18 March, Brussels the Czech military in the area of protection Safety and Health at Work (BERL) n 2nd Forum for the Future of against weapons of mass destruction. n Mr Vladimír Špidla attends the Agriculture Participants in the meeting will visit the conference on Reconciliation of Private and Subject: “The Global Financial and 31st CBRN Brigade in Liberec. professional Life (Bavarian representation, Economic Crisis: The challenge of Brussels) financing food and environmental security” The 2-day event will seek to answer the question as to how we govern and provide European finance for food and environmental Economic and security, against the backdrop of the global Commission economic crisis. Travel and visits Social Committee Organisers: Syngenta and the European n Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso 17 March, EESC Landowners Organisation (ELO) gives opening remarks at the High-level n President Sepi’s Conference ‘It is not Contact: [email protected] or Conference -Industrial Competitiveness over ! Everything to play for! Let’s climb out +32(0)2.737.95.66 - Challenges, opportunities, and the role of of this crisis together, and opt for progress!’ Venue: Bibliothèque Solvay – Parc Léopold policy in difficult times (CHARL) with the participation of M. Barroso and the – 137 Rue Belliard – 1040 Brussels n Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso Commissioner Almunia and the national participates at the conference of European ESCs of the EU
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17-18 March, Vienna 17-18 March, Brussels 17-18 March, Brussels n The Future of European Rail: Making n 4th Annual European Energy Policy n Social Rights, Active Citizenship and trains competitive : realising rail’s bright Conference 2009 Governance in the EU future Subject: The fourth annual CEPS/Epsilon Subject: The conference will focus on two Subject: The ASI & Marketforce’s 14th energy conference will look at how the EU important topics relevant for all citizens Annual Conference is an opportunity to and its energy sector can prepare for the of Europe as well as all European policy consider how the continent’s rail market challenges posed by global energy markets. makers: is developing and what strategies will give It will deal with energy in the framework of Social rights and social reality in the operators the best chance of success. general security issues but also in the light European Union Organisers: Marketforce of the EU’s climate change policy. Active citizenship and governance Contact: +44(0)20.7760.8699, Organisers: by the Centre for European Organisers: Roskilde University (DK) and [email protected] Policy Studies (CEPS) and Epsilon Events. Charles University in Prague (CZ) Venue: The Imperial Riding Scholl, A Contact: James Wilmott: phone: +44 (0) Contact: Potucek Martin: +420 224 491 Renaissance Hotel 2920 783 022, [email protected] 493 - [email protected] www.marketforce.eu.com/eurail Venue: The Management Centre Europe, Venue: Berlaymont Building, Brussels Rue de l’Aqueduc 118, B-1050 Brussels inefogo.cuni.cz/index.php?&l=0&w=16&id_ www.euenergypolicy.com event=90
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Interview with Ahn Ho-young, deputy minister for trade of South Korea Free trade deal to be concluded “soon”
By Sébastien Falletti in Seoul cussions may be needed in the future. more thoroughly and see what would be When you embark upon negotiations of the benefits of such liberalisation. Euro- On the eve of a critical trade negotiating such magnitude, you usually agree on pean car makers have been concerned by round between South Korea and the EU, a time frame. But the key purpose of the the high tariff rates applied in Korea for a Korean Deputy Minister for Trade Ahn Ho- timeframe is to help negotiators to move long period of time. They have also been young tells Europolitics about very much concerned by the the chances of reaching a deal. technical and environmen- He hopes that the free trade tal standards in Korea. What agreement (FTA) will be con- would the EU-Korea FTA cluded “soon” after the eighth do? Tariffs would be gone round of talks, scheduled for in several years’ time. There 23 and 24 March in Seoul. In would be a significant degree the South Korean capital, chief of harmonisation between negotiators Ignacio Garcia Korean and European stan- Bercero and Lee Hye-min will dards. What does this all attempt to remove the remain- mean? It means there would ing stumbling blocks in order be a very important expansion to pave the way for swift con- of market opportunities both clusion of the talks launched for European and Korean
in May 2007. Ahn Ho-young © Belga-AFP manufacturers. If this is the urges European car makers to Ahn Ho-young: “March will be too soon” reality, then I think European lift their opposition to the controversial deal. ahead. This is much more important than manufacturers should support the early strictly respecting the timeframe. When conclusion of the FTA. What effects does the economic crisis it comes to the EU-Korea FTA, I can say have on South Korea’s trade? we have been moving very efficiently. We EU manufacturers argue that while their The financial crisis is directly affecting our do not think there is much reason to be Korean competitors will get access to a trade. The global demand for our export concerned about the speed of the talks. market of 500 million people, they will goods is declining. At the same time, we receive little in return since the Korean are not so concerned because while our When do you think a ministerial meeting market represents less than 50 million exports are decreasing, our imports are could take place in order to conclude the consumers... decreasing even further. This is because deal? Well, if this is their logic, then I think the the prices of natural resources have been We hope this will happen sometime soon EU would be able to negotiate an FTA going down rapidly since last year. This after the eighth negotiation round. But only with a very small number of countries factor is helping us a lot. My frank impres- as I told you it will depend of how our across the globe. The single market is one sion regarding the economic crisis is that negotiations progress next week. of the largest economies in the world and the worst is over. it will be difficult to find an economic part- Do you think this could happen in ner of equal size. So if this is the logic, then The Commission and Korea had to post- March? it is going to be difficult. pone the conclusion of the FTA originally No. March will be too soon. planned for March. Are you concerned by Is Korea ready to reopen the discussions this new delay? European car makers are opposed to regarding the two most sensitive issues, I wonder if we should talk of a new post- a deal. Do you fear that the current car namely the tariffs on cars and the duty ponement. From the very beginning, we industry crisis could put in jeopardy the drawback system? have said that the eighth round of negotia- talks? As I understand it, significant progress has tions would be the last one. Next week, we Generally speaking, liberalisation tends to been made on both issues. We will move are going to have the eighth round and I suffer when the economy is in a poor situa- on the basis of the achievements that have think most of the remaining sticking points tion. And I think this exactly is what is hap- been made so far. will have been resolved by that time. We pening now. Since the economy is facing really do not think there has been a new its worst crisis since the great depression, Is Korea ready to accept to progressively postponement as such. it is only natural that certain industrial sec- put an end to the duty drawback system, tors fear the consequences of trade liber- as requested by several member states? The Commission says that the next round alisation. But at the same time I think it is This is something we should leave to the might not be sufficient and that more dis- really important that we look at these issues negotiators. n
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