VOL. 1 NO. 6 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 .EU Polish Duda rises over The election of a Euroskeptical president raises pressing questions about Warsaw’s sway in the EU

By JAN CIENSKI factored in a second term for in- of a more socially conservative — into parliamentary elections Warsaw as the leading EU power cumbent Bronisław Komorows- and Euroskeptical strand of Pol- in autumn. Komorowski’s loss east of Germany. The surprise victory of Andrzej ki. Dismissed as an unknown and ish politics. reflected voter fatigue with his “Duda is a representative of Duda in Poland’s presidential long-shot, Duda triumphed in The 43-year-old lawyer comes centrist Civic Platform (PO), the Kaczyński movement, which runo was greeted with shock Sunday’s elections by three per- from the Law and Justice (PiS) which has ruled Poland since was very critical of the common in Brussels, and raised pressing centage points, bloc of Jarosław Kaczyński, a 2007 and comes into the election European approach and has a questions about the future of heralding former prime minister who campaign on a weaker foot. This very nationalistic background,” Warsaw’s policies toward as well the re- will lead the party — now unexpected political shift is also said , president as influence in the EU. sur- brimming with momen- forcing a rethink of Poland by its The European capital had long gence tum and confidence main EU partners, which view POLAND: PAGE 21 The reign The Queen in Spain is does CREDIT no longer Cameron’s on the wane bidding King Felipe and By BEN JUDAH Queen Letizia, LONDON — Queen Elizabeth II made clear Wednesday that the a power parliament will be dominated by Prime Minister David Cameron’s couple for a quest for a new, long-term consti- tutional settlement for Britain. weakened The Queen read out the key points of Cameron’s legislative kingdom agenda to lawmakers, in a cen- turies-old ceremony known as By TUNKU VARADARAJAN the Queen’s Speech. Cameron’s top targets: more powers for MADRID — Spain has been Scotland, English votes for magnificent at giving birth to English laws, and radical de- painters and poets, impressive at volution to new elected mayors minting novelists, chefs and soc- in English cities. cer players, but thoroughly inept “My government,” read the at producing good kings. Queen, stumbling at first on Apart from Ferdinand and Is- her words, “will renegotiate the abella, Philip II, Charles III, and United Kingdom’s relationship for the sentimental, Alfonso XII with the and (who died at 27 in 1885), no Span- pursue reform of the European ish monarch can indisputably be Union for the benefit of all mem- called “great.” This scorecard ber states.” dates back to 1492, the year in which, most historians would THE QUEEN: PAGE 3 agree, it became meaningful to talk of “Spain” in anything re- sembling the modern sense. On a recent afternoon here, FORUM I lunched with two experts in Spanish kingship, at one of those The Catholic Church will no longer masculine restaurants where no be the dominant institution of Irish patron of good repute starts to family life. PAGE 18 eat before two in the afternoon (and only those of ill repute fin- KEN FALLIN ish earlier than 4:30 pm). HEALTH FELIPE VI: PAGE 14 Leading patient organizations call on EU countries to cooperate on drug pricing. PAGE 8

A new sheriff in the ‘Wild West’ DANI KIRCHLECHNER Robert Ménard has turned French town of Béziers into a laboratory for far-right policies

By NICHOLAS VINOCUR Then you pick up the city hall set against huge yellow numer- The all-caps title, the urgent newspaper. The bimonthly “Jour- als that spell out “64%” — a ref- tone and even the subject it refers SPECIAL REPORT BÉZIERS, France — Take a walk nal de Béziers” is what a French erence to the alleged proportion to are all the work of Béziers’ me- NUTRITION & HEALTH through the sleepy streets of municipal newsletter might look of Muslim students in the town’s dia-savvy mayor, Robert Ménard.

ISSN 2406-5250 Béziers, in southwestern France, like if the some- school system. Diagonally across A former Trotskyist militant- Is there such a thing as “bad food” and you might get the impression how got hold of its printing press- Marianne’s front, a banner head- turned-journalist and then press – or just unhealthy eating and that this is just another pictur- es. On the cover of its May 15 edi- line blares: “THE REPUBLIC freedom activist is now one of drinking habits? POLITICO reports. esque old town with a struggling tion, a stone bust of Marianne, MUST STOP HIDING ITS STA- INSIDE economy. the French national mascot, is TISTICS!” WILD WEST: PAGE 15 POLITICO 2‚THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015

PLAYBOOKPLUS

By Ryan Heath and Tara Palmeri

PARLIAMENTARY jousting +++ The JUNCKER touch +++ EUROfuneral +++ EUROVISION power struggle

CHIVALRY ISN’T DEAD: Last EMOJ-ASBORD: There will be took to the phones this week to week the WE RUINED THEIR DINNER DATE! German Chancellor Angela 38 new ways to express your vigorously challenge at least one didn’t just tackle the great foie Merkel and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras were due to boredom to friends during a Par- person for referring to her as a gras debate but also wrestled sit next to each other over dinner last week at the Riga Summit liamentary hearing or EU sum- small ‘c’ conservative. Do you with a request to host a Medi- on Europe’s Eastern Partnership. Until Playbook wrote about it mit by summer 2016, when the know more? eval tournament on July 13 and … and Latvians were placed between them. Unicode Consortium releas- 14. The European Conservatives es new emojis. Get ready for BY THE NUMBERS — JUNCKER’S and Reformists group — known Nauseated Face, Drooling Face, SPECIAL TOUCH: It was “Maul for wielding budgetary swords Lying Face and Clown Face. But Europe” rather than Less Eu- rather than real ones — asked we hope there’s enough time rope as Jean-Claude Juncker the Bureau of the Parliament for to add a few — like Belly Slap greeted national leaders in permission to use the Esplanade Face, Where’s Your Tie Face, a back-slappy, necktie-grabby, Solidarność 1980 for the event. Dictator Slap Face and Triple forehead-kissy Friday photo-op Debate on the request focused Kiss Face session in Riga. A video edit by on whether the Code of Chivalry Le Petit Journal showed Junck- refl ected European values. Af- SPOTTED: Jean-Claude Junck- er goofi ng around with a parade ter a lengthy discussion on the er taking a morning walk with of VIPs as European Council merits of jousting on the steps no security detail or assistants President looked of the European Parliament, it just before 8 am outside the on uncomfortably. Here’s a was decided that the games do Princess Juliana school recently. breakdown of the Juncker meet- not constitute a parliamentary He stopped to chat with a young and-greet: event and Parliament Vice-Pres- schoolgirl and her father when ident Rainer Wieland of the Eu- recognized. 4 dismissals, in which a ropean People’s Party killed the national leader is told to move concept. An ECR representa- WE HEAR: MEP Jacqueline on. tive explained: “It was intended sider a dust-up in the press cen- circle. It ož ers “Discount ash- Foster has been complain- to promote common values in ter between the BBC and Radio es to families,” in case you’re ing that she isn’t referred to as 4 back slaps. Europe such as honor, fair com- France. The BBC decided to wondering. a capital ‘C’ conservative. She petition and courage, highlight- commandeer a few tables, just 3 “who is that?” questions ing the common heritage in because they could. Then Ra- to either Tusk or the Latvian Europe.” Apparently, we’ll have dio France needed to borrow a prime minister. to fi nd some other way to do that. power outlet, and decided to help WHO’S UP, WHO’S DOWN The minutes record: “After a dis- themselves to one in the BBC 3 face slaps. cussion on the merits of organiz- space. Cue a spat in which the BBC ing such a tournament in front tried to push them away, and the 3 kisses for Lithuanian Presi- of the European Parliament (the Radio France journalist shout-  dent Dalia Grybauskaitė. code of chivalry as ‘European ed, “Who do you think you are?  values’ was raised) the Bureau The BBC, so what?” Calmer Andrzej Duda — The 43-year-old Litterbugs in China — The Hong 3 necktie yanks and/or com- decided that such an event did heads intervened and Radio dark horse politician (pictured) Kong Cleanup Challenge is publicly parisons. not constitute a European Par- France got their power outlet. went from being a rank-and- le shaming people who throw trash liament event.” MEP to ousting Polish President on the streets. By collecting DNA 2 forehead kisses. SMOOTH SWEDE: Eurovision Bronisław Komorowski. See, samples found on the waste, winner Måns Zelmerlöw (be- there is life a­ er the European the NGO, in partnership with 1 calling somebody a “dictator” low) is a man of the people. He Parliament! Ogilvy & Mather, has digitally (Hungarian PM Viktor arrived in an ordinary taxi to the reconstructed the faces of the Orbán). fi nal in Vienna, and he defi ed the World’s oldest woman — culprits and plastered them on stage crew at the oª cial after- Jeralean Talley, the world’s billboards around town. The only 1 making of a dictator sand- party. They wanted him to per- oldest living person, turned 116 thing missing piece from the mug- wich — with Orbán pressed by form his winning number using on Saturday in Michigan. The shots is hair, leaving the guilty at Juncker into Tusk. a taped recording, but Zelmer- African-American great-great- large as long as their hair disguises löw argued with them on stage grandmother was born in 1899 their face. 1 belly slap. and insisted on singing live. as one of 12 children. The world’s oldest mom — 65-year-old Unrecognizable government A WANTED POSTER SPOTTED IN German Annegret Raunigk — just leaders — Jean-Claude Juncker RIGA: hat tip @Berlaymonster gave birth to her 14th child. She couldn’t recall their names in FAUX-JUNCKER’S FAN CLUB: already has seven grandchildren. Riga last week, and neither Jean-Claude Juncker’s shadow could we (see right). is keeping tabs Anne Glover — Her post as on a account spoofi ng Commission chief scienti c Mariano Rajoy (pictured) — The the Commission President — @ adviser was abolished by Juncker. Spanish prime minister’s People’s JunckerLU. The chief of staž is A­ er months of delay and Party lost control of almost one of the 37 followers of the ac- uncertainty it turns out it will take every region in the country count, which tweets gems such seven people to replace her — with a­ er a bruising election last as: “Served English sausage for something called the Scienti c weekend. dinner by @David_Cameron. Advice Mechanism. Think I have food poisoning. Must ban those things when I SIGN OF THE TIMES: There’s a get back. #GBR ##EUref.” place in Brussels where the euro goes to die: It’s called the “Euro MEDIA POWER STRUGGLE AT Funeral Home,” located in the EUROVISION: Not everything at scenic industrial zone of Forest. the Eurovision Song Contest is The funeral home’s sign has a sweetness and harmony. Con- familiar 12 yellow stars in a EPA EPA EPA

[email protected] +++ @POLITICORyan +++++++++ [email protected] +++ @tarapalmeri Go to Politico.eu to sign up for Ryan’s must-read daily briefing on what’s driving the day in Brussels POLITICO News THURSDAY, MAY 28, 20153 The radical Queen Speech makes clear that the PM’s quest for a new constitutional settlement will dominate this Parliament

THE QUEEN FROM PAGE 1 “Legislation will be intro- more social and not merely free duced,” read the Queen, “to pro- market aim. The Queen formally announced vide for the devolution of powers to “He very much sees himself as Cameron’s plans to legislate for an cities with elected metro mayors.” (1950s Prime Minister) Harold in/out referendum on Britain’s EU This plan, a brainchild of Chan- Macmillan,” said Andrew Rob- membership. This will take place, cellor George Osborne, is a dramat- erts, a historian and friend of Cam- the speech revealed, “before the ic break with the old distribution eron’s. Macmillan also spoke of end of 2017.” of power in England. Under new himself as a “one nation,” socially That timeframe will disap- legislation, Britain’s cities will get concerned, leader. point both Tory and Labour an unprecedented level of control In this spirit, the speech con- MPs, who have called for the ref- over their own finances. The bill tained a series of packages aimed erendum to be brought forward will also see a new tranche of pow- at low-income voters. This includes to 2016 to minimize negative erful, high-profile mayors emerge controversial legislation to allow e‡ects on the economy that the as figures in national politics. those living in housing associa- uncertainty over membership Cameron’s constitutional am- tions to buy their own homes and may bring. bitions do not stop there. The gov- an initiative to remove income tax The Queen’s speech noted that ernment also outlined its inten- for those working 30 hours a week the government is also is still re- tions to bring forward legislation on minimum wage. The speech sponding to the long-term reper- to create so-called English votes also highlighted existing plans to cussions of the 2014 referendum for English laws, which will greatly build high-speed rail lines. on Scottish independence, which enhance the Tory majority in Par- For higher earners, the Queen the Unionist camp almost lost. liament by removing the Scottish outlined the government’s prom- “My government,” read the votes on matters that no longer ise for “no rises in income tax rates, Queen, “will bring forward legisla- a‡ect them thanks to devolution. value added tax or national insur- tion to secure a strong and lasting Critics see this as further weak- ance for the next five years.” constitutional settlement devolv- ening the Union. Perhaps the most controver- ing wide-ranging powers to Scot- The speech was also defined by sial part of the speech concerned land and Wales.” a turn not quite taken. The Queen planned legislation covering trade Plans to hand over more pow- had been widely expected to out- unions. ers to Scotland also come, in light line plans for a new British Bill “My government,” read the of the triumph of the Scottish Na- of Rights, scrapping the Human Queen, “will bring forward legis- tional Party in recent elections, Rights Act. Instead the Queen lation to reform trade unions and winning 56 out of 59 national seats spoke of “proposals” and not “mea- to protect essential public services in Westminster. sures” — a code word for a consul- against strikes.” The speech did not commit tation, not laws. Britain’s trade unions claim Cameron to any specifics however. The Queen said the government the plans, which include a 50 per- The speech also marked Cam- will adopt a “one nation approach.” cent turnout threshold for strike eron’s embrace of constitutional This phrase is redolent with mean- ballots, are repressive and could radicalism, where England is con- ing in Britain and especially to the e‡ectively bar them from holding Queen Elizabeth II’s speech to open Parliament did not commit her cerned. Conservative Party, alluding to a most strikes. Prime Minister to any specics. EPA

DIRECTOR (Grade AD14) DIRECTORATEGENERAL FOR HUMAN RESOURCES AND SECURITY

Directorate “Security” (HR.DS), Brussels COM/2015/10359 The ’s Security Directorate is part of the Directorate- Your skills: General for Human Resources and Security and in charge of the institution’s Established track record in the relevant aspects of security especially in internal security policy. This policy seeks to ensure that, in all its places of the context of the European Union, including proven successful experience activity, people, assets and information are adequately protected against in high-level management and leadership in this domain; security threats and safety risks. Ability to establish and maintain effective relations and co-operation The European Commission is seeking a Director for the Security Directorate in the area of security with EU institutions, international, national and who will be responsible for the safety, security and protection of staff, property, local authorities, international organisations at the appropriate and activities and information at all Commission places of employment in highest levels; Europe and outside. Experience of budgetary, financial and human resources management in a national, European and/or international context. Your responsibilities: Manage and direct the development, implementation and evaluation of APPLICATIONS / INFORMATION: the European Commission’s security policy; Please consult the Official Journal C 165 A of 20 May 2015 for the Ensure the physical protection of the European Commission’s sites and detailed vacancy notice as well as the eligibility and selection criteria. protection to members of the European Commission and visiting VIPs; Registration for applicants: provide IT and technical security advice and deal with counter-intelligence https://ec.europa.eu/dgs/human-resources/seniormanagementvacancies/ and counter-terrorism activities; Implement and deploy the European Commission’s “health and safety at The closing date for registration is: work policy”, including auditing of management systems and implementing 18 June 2015, 12.00 noon Brussels time. related training programmes. POLITICO 4 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 News Cash for asylum seekers plan

Triton will be brought to Greek Commission or Italian harbors and then proposal would COMMISSION’S PITCH: eventually relocated. The Com- EU RELOCATION PLAN FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS mission points out that this pro- see EU countries cedure will not apply to economic The EU Commission's proposal includes a number of asylum seekers that EU countries will have to take on. migrants but only “persons in clear need of international get a payment of protection.” €6,000 for each 02,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 The relocation mechanism will only apply to asylum seek- asylum seeker ers arriving to Italy and Greece Germany “after 15 April 2015 or that arrive coming from Italy France after the mechanism is launched” — if it passes the Council in a or Greece Spain vote likely at the end of June. Poland That means Rome and Athens By JACOPO BARIGAZZI and can decide on one of the two HANS VON DER BURCHARD The Netherlands options. Romania The European Commission on EASTERN OPPOSITION Wednesday pitched its proposal Portugal There are some obstacles ahead. to relocate 40,000 asylum seek- Sweden The Commission’s legislative ers from Italy and Greece across proposal needs be adopted by the Europe, paying EU countries Belgium Council on a qualified majority, €6,000 per individual to take the Czech Republic meaning with the approval of at refugees, confirming an earlier least 55 percent of the EU mem- report by POLITICO. Austria ber countries who represent 65 The plan, once described by Hungary percent of the EU population or a Commission spokeswoman more. as “Juncker’s baby,” envisions Other member states Some Baltic and Eastern relocating 24,000 asylum seek- excluding Italy, Greece, European countries fiercely ers from Italy and another Denmark, Ireland and oppose the mandatory reloca- 16,000 from Greece to other EU the United Kingdom Asylum requests foreseen in Commission proposal tion of refugees, others, including members, to stem the rapidly Spain, could vote no as well. expanding migration crisis. Source: European Commission, Eurostat | Find the full “gures at www.politico.eu/tag/migration “Can you exercise solidarity “The EC has shown that it can by imposing it?” asked the Czech act quickly,” Dimitris Avramo - ambassador to the EU, Martin poulos, the European commis- Povejšil. Referring to the rise of sioner for home aŽairs, said on right-wing parties in Europe, Wednesday. Referring to the Povejšil said Brussels was acting delicate nature of the numbers he this relocation scheme, which is “Realistically,” says Collett, “you “completely irrespective of the added: “Quotas is a word we don’t designed to last for 24 months. “Quotas is a word cannot return someone to Syria.” political consequences.” like and we never used.” These numbers are the miss- we don’t like and As for the funding, it should A blocking minority of at least The calculations per country ing parts of the ambitious not be a problem: “Europe is four EU members representing will be based on a redistribution agenda that was presented two we never use. ” facing threats so big that we 35 percent of the EU population key that gives population size a weeks ago, and comes a month will find the money,” Antonio will be enough to stall Juncker’s weight of 40 percent, 40 percent after about 800 refugees died at Tajani, an EPP vice president of migration plan. based on economic growth, 10 sea trying to cross the Mediter- Dimitris Avramopoulos the European Parliament, told As the relocation of the percent on unemployment and ranean, pushing migration to European commissioner for POLITICO. “Europe has to real- asylum seekers is based on a 10 percent on former engagement the top of the Commission’s home a airs ize that the situation is worsen- treaty article — defining a “emer- with asylum seekers. agenda. ing and that it needs to have a gency situation characterized by They must belong to “nation- “We have to look at this figure strategic thinking. We have to a sudden inflow of nationals of alities for which the EU average as a strong first step, it’s a com- avoid having Isis surround Eu- third countries” — the Parlia- recognition rate [as refugees] as pletely new era for the Commis- rope, otherwise soon even quotas ment is reduced to a consulting established by Eurostat is above sion,” Elizabeth Collett, director ers have to remain in the first will not be enough,” he said, re- function and won’t be able to 75 percent,” the proposal defines. of the Migration Policy Institute European country they enter, ferring to the presence of Islamic amend the legislative proposal This could particularly apply to Europe in Brussels, said. “A first which is in most cases Italy or State in Libya, where many of the brought forward by the Com- Syrians and Eritreans, who have step with a implicit ‘quid pro quo:’ Greece. refugees crossing the Mediterra- mission. the highest success rates in their that Italy and Greece invest in re- But other answers have yet nean Sea come from. “The objective is to move requests for protection with over ception, processing and integra- to be provided by the Com- Meanwhile, the EU border ahead swiftly,” an EU o©cial in- 70 percent being approved. In tion of asylum seekers.” mission. What will happen to agency Frontex announced plans volved in the migration agenda 2014, they were the largest group But the EU help will come people who do not want to stay to boost its “Triton” rescue op- said under condition of anonym- trying to enter the EU. with strings attached, since in the country where they are eration. The operational area ity. The document specifies that Italy and Greece will have to relocated? How many countries will be extended to 138 nautical The United Kingdom, Ireland EU countries “shall receive a stop turning a blind eye to have the real capacity and miles south of Sicily, up from 30 and Denmark won’t participate, lump sum of €6,000 for each those refugees who avoid being experience to support people and miles. One additional aircraft as they have a special status in applicant … relocated from Italy registered in these countries try to restore their lives? And and helicopter, four new oŽshore the EU treaties. and Greece.” The money will so that they can easily move will it really be possible to send patrol vessels and six further pa- come with an extra €240 million to another European state. back those whose requests trol boasts also will be brought Zoya Shealovich contributed to this funding by the EU to support Under EU law, asylum seek- for asylum may be rejected? into service.Refugees rescued by report.

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Some of the world’s most dy- Strauss of the Brussels-based plat- namic companies have emerged from form Knowledge4Innovation. these shores, and young people in The K4IForum is organising the 7th Europe today are coming up with all European Innovation Summit in De- kinds of innovations. The problem is cember at which Strauss will push for that too often, these innovations have a renewed emphasis on boosting in- to be taken elsewhere in order to be- novation in Europe. “The strategy was come successful businesses. adopted in 2010, it was conceived two Three European countries – Switzer- to three years earlier,” he says. “Now land, Sweden and the United Kingdom we are in 2015, it’s more than time to – topped the 2014 Global Innovation In- take stock of new developments such dex, a ranking by Cornell University, IN- as digitalisation. SEAD and the World Intellectual Prop- Strauss says the bottlenecks identi- erty Organization. But Europe’s position fi ed by the strategy – lack of fi nance, as an innovation leader faces a number regulatory burden and market frag- of hurdles, resulting in a ‘brain drain’ mentation – are still the main chal- of talented people and ideas to other lenges faced today. Finance remains countries. The most signifi cant of these the most beguiling. Venture capital hurdles is a lack of fi nance for research, funds in Europe are a quarter of the start-ups and expansions. level in the . Despite The European Commission has having the world’s largest public fund taken steps to address this problem. for research, the EU has struggled In 2010 member states agreed to to provide matching public money set a target of raising investment in to source more private investment. research and development to 3% of “The framework conditions have to be “Size does matter. The EU needs to be better at leveraging the size of Europe as a lead market and as a home market.” Carlos Härtel, managing director, GE Global Research Center – Europe. the EU’s GDP by 2020, as part of the improved,” says Strauss. “We need mid-sized companies of tomorrow are though not all member states are par- Europe2020 strategy. Doing so could more incentives for private equity and the ones that that will lift the economy.” ticipating). The recent digital single create 3.7 million jobs and increase angel investment. The solution for en- Market fragmentation and regula- market strategy from the Commission annual GDP by up to €295 billion by trepreneurs seems still to be to go to tory burden also remain signifi cant ob- also aims to remove copyright bottle- 2025, according to the Commission. Silicon Valley. What we start in Europe stacles for companies trying to innovate necks, which would address the prob- That same year, the Commission goes out to other markets, where they in Europe. In principle, the EU single lem faced by Spotify. adopted an ‘Innovation Union’ strate- make better use of the great know- market should bring the advantages of gy, setting out further goals to increase how we develop in Europe.” the world’s largest consumer base. But Needed: speed and risk innovation. It set out to make Europe differences between member states Though many of the innovation ob- into a world-class science performer, Few angel investors can still hamper development of an stacles Europe faces are fi nancial and improve the way public and private Of course there’s a limit to what policy- idea. One only need look at the diffi culty technical, many are psychological. Last sectors work together and remove makers can do to address the funding faced by Swedish company Spotify in year a report from GE on innovation in bottlenecks like expensive patenting, problem. “It can’t be controlled arbi- setting up in various states of the EU, Europe, which surveyed over 3,200 market fragmentation, slow standard- trarily, there’s little money in Europe where it faced different copyright restric- executives around the world engaged setting and skill shortages. compared to the United States,” says tions. For this Swedish company, setting in innovation strategy, identifi ed an ‘at- But fi ve years later, this push for Carlos Härtel, managing director of up in the United States was easier and titude problem’ among both businesses innovation seems to have stalled. Eu- the European research centre of Gen- more lucrative because it was a simple, and policy-makers. Compared to other rope is still a long way from meeting eral Electric which is currently being large market to enter. regions, European executives place the goals set out in the 2010 Innova- doubled in size. “That’s the nature and “Size does matter,” says Härtel. less emphasis on speed than those in tion Union strategy. “There has been structure of the fi nance market. But “The EU needs to be better at leverag- other parts of the world. quite some silence, nothing specifi c improving the situation has to be on ing the size of Europe as a lead market The survey also identifi ed a frustra- on innovation and how this relates the agenda, because there has to be and as a home market.” tion with Europe’s risk-averse regulatory to initiatives such as the DSM, smart more money available for good ideas. The EU has made some strides in structure. Strauss says that there needs manufacturing and the Juncker Invest- The start-ups of today are the mid- this area, for instance with the recent to be a different way of thinking in policy- ment plan has come out so far from sized companies of tomorrow, and the adoption of the unitary EU patent (al- making. Europe’s ‘precautionary prin- ciple’, which says that laws should be made on the basis of possible risk rather than proven risk, is useful, he says. But the EU should also make laws on the basis of an ‘innovation principle’, which rewards some element of risk. “There are still a lot of areas where the EU is putting the breaks on promis- ing areas for new technology develop- ment, such as GMOs, driverless cars and fracking,” he says. “There is a need to take risks, to give space to new tech- nologies to solve burning issues.” European businesses are looking to the new Commission to come forward soon with a new strategy for innova- tion, to change the way Europe thinks about taking risks in new ideas.

This article is part of a series, spon- sored by GE, ahead of a POLITICO event ‘Propelling Europe Forward’ on 16 June. More information is available on www.politico.eu/pro- pellingeurope POLITICO 6 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 News

Kristalina Georgieva, Five subplots in the Commission vice president for budget and human the EU budget resources. EPA We combed through the proposal for the best nuggets so you don’t have to

By QUENTIN ARIÈS regarding unpaid bills,” Ash- and TARA PALMIERI worth said of Georgieva’s pro- posal. “I admire the Commis- The European Commission un- sioner’s optimistic target of a €2 veiled Wednesday what it called billion reduction by 2016. I also “a small budget with a big punch” approve of the greater focus on for the EU for next year, as ocials the role of member states in ac- sought to justify new spending to cepting greater discipline in their deal with foreign policy crises. forecasting.” While the broad outlines But sealing an agreement as those in Ukraine and Syria, THE “JUNCKER FUND” line items have names every- of the EU budget have already among the Commission, the Par- and to provide humanitarian one could love. Here’s what they been determined for the 2014- liament, and EU countries will help to those in need, with €9.5 Coincidently — or not — the Com- mean: 2020 period, the annual budget take time. The Commission’s billion in funding for 2016. mission published its 2016 budget n Smart and Inclusive Growth allows wiggle room for certain adoption of Georgieva’s proposal The European Court of Justice the same day of the last round of (€66.58 billion; includes pro- priorities. For its €153.5 billion on Wednesday is only the first step. will see its administrative budget negotiations among the Com- grams to boost research and in- proposal for 2016, which must Here’s a look at some of the key increase by 5.8 percent to cover mission, the Parliament and EU novation) be approved by Parliament and subplots that will play out as the the cost of hiring new judges and countries on the funding of the n Sustainable Growth: Natural EU countries, the Commission budget makes its way through the legal staœ. European Strategic Investment Resources (€55.87 billion; spend- took pains to point out that it is legislative process: Also good news for students Fund, commonly known as the ing on agriculture and fishing shifting more resources to crisis and farmers: The EU’s Erasmus+ “Juncker Fund.” subsidies); issues, like the migration prob- WHO WINS? program for education, training, This proposed €315 billion n Security and Citizenship lem in the Mediterranean and With the migration crisis in the youth and sport, gets €1.8 billion fund, designed to reboot the EU (€2.26 billion; migration policy, conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. headlines — the budget proposal (a 30 percent boost over 2015); with innovation and growth, was consumer and citizenship initia- “We are responding to the most came out on the same day as the and programs aimed at helping expected to include an infusion of tive) pressing needs in Europe and aim- Commission put forward a con- European farmers are getting €8 billion in seed money from the n Global Europe (€9.54 billion; ing for the best possible results,” troversial and expensive plan to nearly €43 billion. EU budget to help it gain credibil- includes common foreign and said the Commission’s budget relocate asylum seekers across ity. The Commission aims to raise security policy and humanitar- chief, Vice President Kristalina the EU — there was a clear eœort WHO LOSES? the rest of the cash in EU countries ian aid) Georgieva, at a briefing in Brussels. to show a broader intent to deal Getting EU funding for a local and the private sector. n Administration (€8.9 billion; The 2016 budget includes with the problem. project might become at least a But with cuts in research pro- the bill for all those Eurocrats, spending commitments of €153.5 The proposal includes a €6 little trickier. The budget puts grams Horizon 2020 and the Con- which amounts to just 2.9 per- billion, down 5.3 percent from million boost for Trident and the squeeze on the cohesion necting Europe Facility, there’s cent of the total budget) 2015; and actual spending of Poseidon, the EU’s two border fund, which includes spending less cash for the infusion. The €143.5 billion, an increase of 1.6 patrol operations in the Medi- on infrastructure, investments Commission proposed this week KEEP AN EYE ON THE CALENDAR percent from the 2015 budget. The terranean aimed at stopping the in roads, energy eciency and to limit EU funding and to feed the The Parliament is expected to budget includes a plan to close the influx of asylum seekers making rail transport and other public Juncker fund from other unspent vote on the 2016 budget dur- €10 billion yearly gap between dangerous and often deadly sea transportation. For 2016, com- margins in the EU budget. ing its October session. But EU spending commitments and actual crossings. mitments are dropping by 15.9 The Parliament would rather countries will aim to slash fund- payments — basically, unpaid bills It also allocates €833 million percent and payments by 4 per- use those margins in the 2016 ing they find wasteful. — that has existed since 2007. to the Asylum, Migration and cent. budget, either for payments (€2.2 It’s an annual struggle be- Spending hawks in Brussels Integration Fund, which would The European Globalisation billion) or for commitments (€1.6 tween the Parliament and the seemed pleased. British MEP cover the price tag for the asylum Adjustment Fund — which pro- billion), but the Council has been Council. The Commission — the Richard Ashworth, from the seeker relocation program. EU vides subsidies to employees divided on this compromise. deal broker between the two Parliament’s European Conser- countries would receive €6,000 who lose their jobs to competi- — has proposed adopting a ne- vatives and Reformists Group, per refugee. tion overseas — with spending WHAT’S IN A NAME? gotiation by November 18, but said the budget had “better focus There’s also a big increase in commitments dropping by 9.8 The budget proposal is notable for if history is any guide, they will and better discipline.” support to the EU’s capacity to percent and payments by 7 per- its use of creative terminology to likely wrap up talks just hours “There is a welcome approach respond to external crises, such cent for the year. describe EU spending. The main before that deadline.

STEELIE-NEELIE JOINS ODI interests of over 7 million Euro- BOARD: Neelie Kroes, the for - pean hunters since its founding mer European commissioner BRUSSELSINFLUENCE By James Panichi and Quentin Ariès in 1977.” You’ve got until June who was a tireless but arguably 1 to get your application in. But unsuccessful campaigner against update your shooting licence the vested interests standing be- dealings concern the Commis- speed. Krahmer argued that the mated its lobbying spend at under at once: “The ideal candidate tween the EU and its digital po- sion). The same ethical committee EU nanny state should butt out of €10,000 for 2014 — that’s fantas- should be familiar, or prepared tential, has been welcomed by the green-lighted Reding’s association speed limits which “patronize” tic value for money. It was with to become familiar, with all as- Open Data Institute (ODI), a UK with Nyrstar, a mining and metals drivers. All this to say that Krah- some surprise, therefore, that pects of hunting [...] with prac- non-profit. A press release from business. However, when con- mer’s appointment as director of BirdLife sheepishly told us that tical experience and participa- ODI announced that Kroes would tacted by POLITICO, Reding’s of- European aœairs, public policy it had slightly underestimated its tion on an ongoing basis.” join Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Sir fice said: “[Reding] is not and will and government relations with expenditure. They indeed wrote Nigel Shadbolt and Baroness not be part of the Nyrstar Board car manufacturer Opel makes €10,000 but what they actually RAI’S (NOT SO) LARGE LOBBYING Martha Lane Fox on the ODI of Directors.” Asked whether that sense. The German car manu- meant was between €1,500,000 SPEND: Imagine our surprise. management board. ODI CEO meant that the EPP MEP would facturer (owned by General Mo- and €1,749,000. Oops! Just two days after we reported Gavin Starks said the organiza- not have any business dealings at tors) placed Krahmer’s name on that Italian state broadcaster tion shares with Kroes “a com- all with Nyrstar, the answer was: the register on May 9. HUNTING FOR GOOD-WILLED RAI was strutting its €2.7 mil- mitment in deriving social, eco- “exactly.” Her oce would not PRESS OFFICER: If you’re a PR lion budget to lobby the Commis- nomic and environmental value elaborate. BIRDLIFE’S GOLDMAN SACHS professional who likes to both sion on the digital agenda, copy- from open data.” On April 28, MOMENT: Brussels NGOs have shoot animals and have a cred- right and TTIP, RAI updated the the Commission authorized the KRAHMER & KRAHMER: The maintained their rage over the ible backdrop in which to do so, figure to a more modest €50.000 appointment, providing Kroes finely-oiled revolving door keeps information put on the Register then FACE (Federation of Asso- to €100,000 in 2014. A change “refrained from lobbying the swinging. As an ALDE MEP be- by investment bank Goldman ciations for Hunting & Conser- of strategy or an entry mistake? Commission” within 18 months tween 2004 and 2014, German Sachs. The NGOs had been sus- vation of the EU) has the job for The latter, according to an email of her departure. Holger Krahmer was known as picious of Goldman’s 2013 entry, you. The industry organization from RAI. The €2.7 million was a a staunch defender of the Euro- in which it estimated its lobbying is “looking for someone who is reference to RAI’s overall budget, REDING NON-NEWS: Luxembourg pean (read: German) car indus- spend at €50,000 (the 2014 entry a multi-tasker, fast learner, au- although the company ocials MEP recently try, weighing in heavily in the boosts the annual lobbying spend tonomous and communicative” concede that “three zeros were joined the board of Agfa-Gevaert, 2012 debate over whether pro- to €800,000). Yet NGOs are not with “experience in interna- omitted, by mistake.” the Belgian-German multination- ducers should require vans to immune to such controversies. tional communications, ide- al. It was all above-board (pardon rein-in their CO2 emissions and We contacted avian and nature ally within an NGO” (Birdlife? To sign up for a complimentary the pun): the Commission’s ad-hoc accept in-built speed limits. The conservation group BirdLife to Friends of the Earth? — the pos- trial of the weekly Brussels ethical committee had approved proposal was 120 km/h — some heap praise on the organization: sibilities are boundless). FACE, InŽuence email newsletter, sent the appointment (as a former drivers on the autobahn aren’t with seven accredited lobbying which is listed on the Trans- on Mondays, go to Politico.eu/ commissioner, Reding’s business even out of third gear at that staœ on the books the NGO esti- parency Register, “acts in the registration POLITICO Health care THURSDAY, MAY 28, 20157 Pharma wins first round in booze battle Two Nordic drug is among those opposing an EU- wide approach to alcohol regula- manufacturers tion. “Consumption patterns and traditions vary completely in the face the alcohol EU member states. Therefore an exclusively European regula- lobby behind the tion is nonsense – the di erent member states are asked to find scenes solutions to alcohol abuse,” Som- mer told POLITICO. Sommer is By ALEKSANDRA TERZIEVA the president of the Parliament’s Beer Club — one of the most Before the European Parliament popular clubs in the Parliament, voted to push the Commission to The EP Beer Club — MEP Renate Sommer, one of those who opposes an EU-wide approach to with 82 MEPs as members. The take a more aggressive stance on alcohol regulation, is the president of the club. EP BEER CLUB Brewers of Europe serve as the curbing the health impact of too party planners for the club. A much booze, interests from the ment needs to be accompanied by options for patients and health sage through. The industry group second pharma company acting pharma and alcohol industries specialized counseling, accord- care systems,” Illaria Passarani spiritsEUROPE reported expen- to influence EU policy makers is were lining up their allies. ing to the European Medicines from the European consumer ditures between €500,000 to the Finnish biopharmaceutical Nordic drug manufacturers Agency. Since 2013, Lundbeck group BEUC told POLITICO. €599,000 during 2014. O—cials company Biohit. – the Danish Lundbeck and the has granted over €315,000 to pa- Yannis Natsis, advocacy o—cer there declined to comment spe- The company, which did not Finnish Biohit – mobilized mem- tient organizations in Europe for at the NGO TransAtlantic Con- cifically on the nature of their have a comment, makes a drug to bers of Parliament, anti-alcohol anti-alcohol campaigns. sumer Dialogue, acknowledged lobbying activities but oppose reduce the e ects of a substance NGOs and academics, and ran “This integrated approach to that pressure from industry on much of the advice in the Parlia- – acetaldehyde – that can cause anti-alcohol campaigns behind alcohol policy from prevention patient groups is standard. “Pa- ment’s resolution, and are fight- cancer. The chemical is present the scenes. On the other side, to early diagnosis and treatment tient groups are increasingly in ing a minimum tax on alcohol in in alcohol but also more benign beer, hard liquor and wine in- is particularly important for the the spotlight as they are encour- Scotland in the European Court products, such as bread and fruit. terests all lobbied against many patients,” Lundbeck’s product aged by industry to put pressure of Justice. Alcohol lobbyists say they are of the recommendations, which PR specialist Charline Coquerel on their national regulatory au- Diageo, which sells Johnnie being unfairly singled out. Sev- include a pitch for mandatory said in a statement. Lundbeck thorities and to demand earlier Walker whiskey and Smirno eral amendments to the text of labeling and minimum pricing. and NGOs urged high-profile and faster access to treatments,” vodka, reported expenses on EU the Parliament’s report asked Pharma may have won the first parliamentarians, such as Presi- he said. lobbying ranging from €1.5 to €2 for labeling on this carcinogenic round. Late last month the Par- dent , who is a The company also tells Wall million in the last reported year substance in drinks. liament voted to push the Com- nondrinker himself, to include Street the drug could sell over ending June 2014. “We are active The amendments were pro- mission to adopt a new alcohol the fight against alcohol on their €300 million a year — but needs members of the European Alco- posed by Finnish center-right strategy, also advising EU states agenda in an open letter. governments to pay for broader hol and Health Forum, where we MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen. Biohit to “implement policies and treat- The company gives money to sales. In 2013, when Lundbeck have publicly committed to a se- welcomed the move, quoting ments within their healthcare anti-alcohol lobby groups, such funded the awareness raising ries of initiatives in partnerships Pietikäinen in a press release. systems that reduce alcohol ad- as NGOs and organizations rep- campaign in Belgium, France, with retailers, governments and There was a warning on acet- diction in individuals.” resenting patients with liver dis- Germany, the UK and other EU NGOs,” said the head of alcohol aldehyde in the final document, Lundbeck has a keen interest ease. These types of campaigns countries had not decided yet policy at Diageo, Piero Soave. which “urges the Commission to in promoting awareness about can lead to the medicalization whether to pay for the anti-alco- The beer industry associa- immediately ask the European the side-e ects of drinking too of conditions and “downplay or hol drug. tion, the Brewers of Europe, says Food Safety Authority to re-eval- much. Its drug Selincro curbs omit lifestyle changes or non- Now they pay for the drug. To it spent €300,000 to €400,000 uate the use of acetaldehyde as a cravings by attaching certain drug therapies, which are often be sure, alcohol interests were in 2014. MEP Renate Sommer flavoring substance in alcoholic proteins to the brain. The treat- highly e ective and lower cost also spending to get their mes- of the European People’s Party and non-alcoholic beverages.”

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 Join POLITICO for a half-day discussion with key EU policymakers, leaders in business and DOORS AT 8:30 A.M. entrepreneurs on how to make Europe an attractive destination for innovation and investment, and how EU and national regulation can help cultivate a growth-oriented business environment POLAK ROOM in the near and long term. RESIDENCE PALACE SPEAKERS INCLUDE: RSVP: JAKOB VON WEIZSÄCKER, MEP, Member of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee WWW.POLITICO.EU/PROPELLINGEUROPE , MEP, Member of the Industry, Research and Energy Committee #PROPELLINGEUROPE MODERATORS: @EVENTSPOLITICO PIERRE BRIANÇON, Senior Correspondent, POLITICO RYAN HEATH, Senior EU Correspondent, Associate Editor, POLITICO

Presented by POLITICO 8 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Health care Impatient patients demand drug fix Two major groups surprise industry with their specific demands for ‘a European approach to the market’

By PETER O’DONNELL

Exasperated patients are making a surprise intervention in the in- creasingly rancorous debate over drug costs in Europe. The two leading patient orga- nizations in Europe have called on national pricing and reim- bursement authorities to aban- don their reluctance to cooperate, and to set up a common system of price fixing for new drugs. The European Patients Forum and the European Organisation for Rare Diseases, known as Eu- ARCHIVE rordis, sent a letter to the pricing and reimbursement authorities in every member state demand- ing “a European approach to the euros per patient without bank- should set up a formal negoti- prices that national authorities meeting in June, is formally pro- market rather than [the current rupting health care systems. One ating procedure at the EU level choose to fix. hibited from looking at changes approach] at scattered national high-profile drug, Sovaldi for where drug firms and buyers It is also much more ambi- in the current EU rules. level.” Until now, the groups have Hepatitis C, costs $84,000 per could conduct common assess- tious than the discussions now Central to the patient associa- stopped short of issuing such treatment. ments of the value of new medi- underway at the European tions’ pitch is that the negotia- specific demands. cines and reach agreements on Medicines Agency on alterna- tions would allow for prices to be Their intervention has sur- STRUCTURED DIALOGUE what the medicine is worth. tive ways to approve medi- adjusted in the light of a prod- prised industry executives, who The patient groups are calling for The proposal goes much fur- cines, which also involve some uct’s demonstrated merits after told POLITICO that they wel- “structured dialogue” between ther than anything envisioned health technology assessment it is launched. come the contribution but re- national authorities, to achieve in the EU’s current health tech- advisers, but without any man- So prices could be increased main unconvinced that a price “an adequate balance between nology assessment network, date to look at pricing decisions. if the drug is shown to work well, system that works for the Neth- cost-containment, pharmaceu- where national advisory bodies Similarly, a new European but they could also be cut if it erlands would work for Portugal tical innovation and patients’ are exploring joint discussion of Commission committee of ex- disappoints — or, paradoxically, or Poland. access to medicines.” a drug’s e”ectiveness, but with- perts on accelerating market ac- if it works so well that it is used To be sure, the hope of coun- They say member states out any formal influence on the cess, which will hold its second in very wide populations, and its tries banding together is to nego- volume of sales at the initial price tiate lower prices — an outcome agreed would threaten health likely to cut into industry profits. system finances. Fierce protection by mem- For national authorities, the ber states of their autonomy on system would give them greater health matters has until now WEEKLY FACT CHECK +++ powers over budget management. kept them from working togeth- For patients, it could allow ear- er on prices and reimbursement. ARE POLITICIANS GETTING THEIR FACTS RIGHT? Source: factcheckeu.org lier access. And for drug firms, it In the parlance of EU treaties, could generate faster returns on health is not a “competence” of investment and reduce the ad- the EU, but left to individual ministrative burden of separate member states. negotiations country-by-country, Now, patients want member argue the patient groups. states to set up a new negotiat- The drug industry is likely ing framework for joint review to remain guarded over the pro- of economic questions, to mirror posals. the long-standing arrangements for cooperation on the scientific EPA (2) NEED FOR CHANGE issues of drug approval at the Eu- Industry strategists know that ropean Medicines Agency. They ALMOST ‚ 50/50 something has to change if there call for a radical new system to is going to be money available for ensure patients have access to “Ninety percent of asylum requests are “I support free movement. new drugs. The language of this new medicines without compro- new intervention reflects many mising sustainability of health rejected but only five percent are It allows over 1.3 million Brits to live of the views of the industry, es- care systems. realistically returned outside of our abroad.” pecially on the need for collabo- The two groups both derive ration across all players. But it some funding from the phar- borders.” is not easy to see, say industry maceutical industry, alongside figures, how cross-country price financing from the EU and other Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, a deputy in the French At the end of last year, when migration was (yet negotiations would proceed sources. But they command re- National Assembly and scion of the Le Pen political again) a controversial topic in EU-UK relations, where there were di”erences in spect in the EU for their inde- family, denounced in a tweet the apparent laxity of David Cameron had used the same exact Œgure national wealth, or customs and pendence. EPF’s constituency of France’s refugee policy. Is she right? of Brits living abroad (in Europe). culture. patients and their families total “The money component will some 150 million — more than Maréchal-Le Pen somewhat exaggerates the Cameron is technically right: “Over 1.3 million remain very national,” Richard a quarter of the EU population. proportion of asylum applications France rejects, Brits” do live abroad. However, the likely number Bergström, director-general Eurordis is a central player in which is closer to 80 percent than 90 percent. The is quite a lot more. A report commissioned by the of the European Federation of policy discussions about helping vast majority of asylum applications are rejected, foreign ožce claimed the Œgure was at least 1.8 Pharmaceutical Industries and people who su”er from condi- but the fate of these people is less clear. According million. While census-based reports from the UN Associations, told POLITICO. tions for which no e”ective treat- to the French interior ministry, the Œgure of and others do claim roughly 1.3 million Brits live The two patients’ groups sign ment currently exists. rejected refugees who were returned was about abroad, the British Embassy in Madrid estimates o” their letter saying: “Looking A third of EU patients do not Œve percent, though this excluded those who that the Œgure of Britons living there is more than forward to hearing from you have access to the treatments returned voluntarily, which brings the total to twice what these reports are estimating. Cameron soon.” they need, according to the around 10 percent. has thus signiŒcantly underestimated the real groups. Their initiative comes Œgure, ignoring a study quoted by a part of his own amid widespread debate over Maréchal-Le Pen gets an “Almost”. government. To subscribe to POLITICO Pro’s how to meet the challenges of Morning Health newsletter, providing new medicines that visit www.POLITICO.eu/ can cost tens of thousands of registration

POLITICO 10 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Energy The hunt for Chinese solar EU inspectors to check Taiwanese and Malaysian factories

By SARA STEFANINI and The aim of the investigation HANS VON DER BURCHARD would be to figure out which of these Taiwanese and Malaysian As the European Commission companies are legitimate mak- nears a decision on whether to ers of solar energy products, and investigate claims that Chinese which are simply extensions of solar energy products destined Chinese exporters. for Europe are sidestepping anti- The Commission would start dumping taxes, one big question by sending out questionnaires to has emerged — exactly how will companies exporting to the EU; the Commission conduct such a those that want to be excluded probe? from its existing anti-dumping Lawyers and industry insid- and anti-subsidy measures ers expect the Commission will would have to reply. The next EPA launch an investigation into step would be to make so-called A solar panel outtted emergency power supply truck at Yingli Green Energy company headquarters whether China is shipping its verification visits to companies cheap and readily available solar that have answered. government’s agreement to set a subsidies in recent years. “If your ing to more than 70 bankrupt- energy modules to Taiwan and The Commission is not le- minimum import price for solar price is being distorted because cies, insolvencies and production Malaysia, then loading the prod- gally obligated to visit each site. products sent to Europe. That you’re paying more, it becomes shutdowns — not just in Europe, ucts onto a new ship, issuing new However, assessing Taiwanese price is based on a formula that harder to compete against other but also in Taiwan and India. But papers, and sending them o to and Malaysian companies from includes a Bloomberg index for sources such as wind, and to the root of the problem, it says, is Europe. A source said the Com- Brussels could also be tricky, said solar panel prices, as well as the draw the capital needed,” said the Chinese government’s sup- mission hasn’t reached a conclu- Vander Schueren. “Will it sample euro-to-US dollar exchange rate, Watson. port for its solar industry. sion and it’s “monitoring” the is- some by going onsite to verify and is revised every quarter. On the other hand, European “The Chinese set up a five- sue. A decision is expected within them, and simply do a written But both measures have be- solar producers say they need the year-plan for their solar panel the next days or weeks. analysis of the others? I don’t come contentious in Europe, par- anti-dumping and anti-subsidy production, which resulted in a But carrying out this anti-cir- know, that is for the Commission ticularly as the minimum import measures to compete with Chi- sudden overcapacity,” Nitzsche cumvention inspection may be to decide within these few weeks price has gone up in 2015, in line nese rivals, and would even like said. “Currently, they build more much easier said than done. The to see them strengthened. This solar panels than the world mar- Commission would have to ex- point of view is represented by ket demands, so they are sitting amine several dozen companies the Brussels-based trade group on high stocks and are willing to in Taiwan and Malaysia, starting “The Commission would have to visit EU ProSun, which asked the sell their panels at a low price. with questionnaires and followed Commission to carry out the an- There is also a high competition by on-the-ground visits — all with- each one, which is a huge job. Finding ti-circumvention investigation in between the dierent Chinese in the deadline of nine months for what isn’t legitimate is like nding Taiwan and Malaysia. manufacturers, which causes such queries. The number of com- further price cuts.” panies is rumored to be as high as a needle in a haystack.” CLOSING THE LOOPHOLE Evidence that China is evad- 80, according to Paulette Vander EU ProSun announced it had ing the EU restrictions is in the Schueren, a partner at the global James Watson made the request in late April, import data, the group claims. It law firm Mayer Brown. Chief executive of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) arguing China is evading the says that while China’s exports “That in itself may cause some taxes and minimum import price of solar products to Taiwan went practical problems, because and, consequently, continuing to up by around 400 megawatts in there’s a large number of pro- distort the European solar mar- 2014, Taiwanese exports to Eu- ducers in Taiwan and Malaysia, or days before the initiation of with the strengthening dollar. ket. “They have the most protec- rope grew by the same amount. and if all submit a response to be the investigation.” Groups pushing for a growth tive market, EU companies could A lawyer representing Chinese exempted from anti-circumven- At the end of the investigation, in solar energy capacity — such never sell their solar cells there,” companies exporting to Europe tion measures — if imposed — the Taiwanese and Malaysian com- as the EPIA and AFASE — say Milan Nitzsche, EU ProSun’s declined to comment. But the Commission probably doesn’t panies that are found to be deliv- the minimum import price is president, recently said of China. Commission’s anti-circumven- have the manpower to do these ering products from China would partly to blame for a slowdown “But Beijing’s o§cial position is tion case, if it proceeds, would onsite verifications,” said Vander become subject to the same re- in Europe. ‘We are against protectionism, be a burden for the companies Schueren, who represents the strictions imposed on Chinese Solar energy installed in Eu- the EU can’t [stop] us from sell- being investigated as well as Sustainable Energy Trade Ini- makers in December 2013. rope has declined since 2009, ing our products to them.’” those doing the investigating, tiatives (SETI) Alliance and the when the EU passed a directive EU ProSun represents 30 so- said Vander Schueren. “It is a te- Alliance for Aordable Solar LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD designed to promote renewable lar product makers in Germany, dious process for the Taiwanese Energy (AFASE). Two things happened that month energy. Although total solar ca- Italy, France, Spain and Austria. and Malaysian producers too, James Watson, the chief execu- to restrict solar products from pacity is growing, the amount of The group only names a few of because they will have to show tive of the European Photovoltaic China, which had been flooding new solar capacity installed ev- its members — Germany’s Kioto that they are genuine produc- Industry Association (EPIA), an- the EU solar market with cheap- ery year has fallen from nearly Photovoltaics, Energetica Ener- ers and do not merely transship other SETI Alliance member, put er panels and cells. 23 gigawatts in 2011, to 11 GW in gietechnik and SolarWorld, and products imported from China,” it more bluntly: “There are at least First, the EU imposed anti- 2013 and just over 6.8 GW in 2014 Italy’s Brandoni Solare and Sol- she said. “If they show they are 80 manufacturers who would dumping and anti-subsidy taxes — which was about the same as in sonica. The rest prefer to remain real producers they will also have require exemption, and the Com- on Chinese imports, at an aver- 2009, according to the EPIA. anonymous, “because of threats to show the value added in Tai- mission would have to visit each age of 47.7 percent for two years The European solar market and impairments by Chinese wan, or show that Chinese parts one, which is a huge job. Finding from December 6, 2013. Two has grown increasingly sensi- producers,” according to a group and materials only make up 60 what isn’t legitimate is like finding days later, the Commission for- tive to the price of modules as representative. It also sees a de- percent or less of the total cells a needle in a haystack.” mally accepted the Chinese EU countries have rolled back cline in the solar industry, point- and modules shipped to the EU.”

By SARA STEFANINI scheme is running after the mar- ceived strong backing, although, ket, rather than boosting innova- according to the environmental Imagine you’re buying a new tele- tion, which was the idea.” bureau, it will only be the first vision, and you see an energy ef- Grade inflation That scheme may start to step to improving a system that ficiency label of A+. If you’ve done catch up to innovation this sum- is so outdated that the four lowest your research, you know that’s mer, after the European Com- ratings for white goods (fridges, the highest rating for TVs in Eu- for TVs and fridges mission releases a much-antici- washing machines, etc.) — D, C, B rope from 2014, so you buy it. pated review of the energy label- and A — are no longer used. That But what you may not know is Makers of appliances have become too ing directive passed in 2010. leaves A+, A++ and A+++. that television technology has al- Maros Šefčovič, the EU’s vice The Commission is expected ready surpassed the EU’s sched- good at increasing energy efficiency president for the energy union, to introduce a new scale running ule for energy labeling, which has consistently said improving from A, at the top, to G, at the means some makers may already the rules for rating the energy use bottom. To avoid having to revise be using the A++ or A+++ ratings TVs that are so energy e§cient Arditi, the products and waste for fridges, washing machines, the scale too often, it may choose that were not due to take eect the producers have been forced policy manager at the European televisions and other electric ap- to leave some of the highest for another two to five years. to use a labeling scheme that was Environmental Bureau (EEB), pliances is a cornerstone for the categories empty for the arrival “Because the market has been so only supposed to come into force a federation of environmental proposed energy union. of newer, even more e§cient quick and innovative, you’ve got in 2017 or 2020,” said Stephane groups. “So it means the labeling The Commission’s plan has re- products.

POLITICO 12 THURSDAY,WEDNESDAY, MAY MAY 28, 28, 2015 2015 Tech

UK companies to diŸ erent countries to pay for cials in Brussels are “beginning the productions. to cut down one of the legs of the are creating a “[The digital single market] [entertainment] industry.” completely pulls the rug out from Pre-sell rights across Europe lobby group to under our fi nancing,” McVay said. account for up to 60 percent of the budget of some productions. block EU STRAIGHT TO THE TOP Without that source of funding, The British companies will be Kjaerhauge said his company may copyright changes seeking meetings with the biggest have to pull out of making its own hitters on the project in Brussels pictures and merely act as a dis- By ALEX SPENCE in the coming months: Andrus tributor. Ansip, the Commission’s vice Martin Smith, a policy adviser LONDON — Britain’s fi lm and president for the digital single to Ingenious, a British invest- television industries are push- market; Günther Oettinger, the ment group that has fi nanced ing back against the European commissioner for digital econo- fi lms including Selma, said that Union’s plans to equalize the my and society; Robert Madelin, creative businesses would be prices and availability of digital the senior civil servant respon- “commercially unsustainable” entertainment across member British sible for the digital agenda; and if they can’t negotiate exclusive countries. Martin Selmayr, chief of staŸ arrangements in diŸ erent ter- Representatives from the for Commission President Jean- ritories. UK’s major broadcasters, mov- Claude Juncker. Oettinger, in a blog post before ie studios and independent film’s EU the festival, said he doesn’t want TV producers, including NBC- to scrap the sale of territorial Universal and the BBC, are form- rights or impose pan-European ing a lobby group to present a “We are absolutely licenses. The commissioner met united front against the proposal. fight club of one mind that fi lmmakers including Michel They claim changing copyright Haznavicius, director of The laws, a key part of the European this is probably the Artist, in Cannes to try to allay Commission’s digital single mar- their concerns. He will meet with ket strategy, will cripple their single biggest fi lmmakers again in the autumn, ability to fi nance productions. threat to our according to the Commission. “We are absolutely of one mind McVay said British companies that this is probably the single ability to make have heard mixed messages and biggest threat to our ability to the latest “warm words” from make high-quality content in high-quality Oettinger are not enough. the UK,” said John McVay, chief content in the Their lobbying assault will fo- executive of Pact, which rep- cus not only on Brussels, but also resents the UK’s independent UK.” on Westminster. producers. The UK producers were horri- Their cries have been echoed fi ed by the UK government’s last by media companies across John McVay position on the EU’s digital sin- Europe. Trade groups in Italy, Chief executive of Pact gle market. The UK agreed that Belgium, Poland, Greece, Swe- consumers should be able to ac- den and the Netherlands have cess content “on fair and reason- written to Brussels to voice their able terms across borders” and objections. At the Cannes Film Senior fi gures from the UK’s that prices for digital products Festival, fi lmmakers including TV and fi lm industries have met “should not change unfairly on Lord Puttnam, producer of The four times to discuss a combined the basis of where consumers Killing Fields and Chariots of Fire, response to the proposals, McVay come from in the EU.” criticized the initiative. said. The new lobby group, yet to They hope the key ministers British producers generated be named, will commission an in Prime Minister David Cam- £340 million (€479m) from economic study to bolster their eron’s new cabinet — Sajid Javid, sales to European countries over case. the business secretary, and John the past year, more than any Other European produc- Whittingdale, who will head the other territory except the US, ers expressed their concerns department for culture, media according to consultancy TRP at Cannes last week. Anders and sport — will be sympathetic Research. Their businesses Kjaerhauge, an executive at to the entertainment industry. depend on selling the same Zentropa, a Scandinavian pro- Whittingdale, for example, has programs and movies again and ducer whose credits include Lars made numerous speeches in Par- again in diŸ erent markets and Günther Oettinger (above, at the Cannes Film Festival) can Von Trier’s Nymphomaniac, liament in recent years support- across diŸ erent platforms. Fre- expect a call from the likes of Lord Puttnam (below) who is told an industry event he is wor- ing their position on copyright. quently, they use money raised unhappy at the EU’s planned copyright changes. GETTY (2), EPA (2) ried that in their push to boost But the media companies are from selling the rights in advance Europe’s digital economy, o§ - taking nothing for granted. Parliament power struggle over digital single market

Two committees in a tug of war the decision at their next meet- ing on June 9. If they can’t agree, over control of the package the matter will be decided by the conference of presidents, which By ZOYA SHEFTALOVICH asked for a review of the May 21 will meet June 11 and July 2. decision. Regardless of which commit- Two infl uential committees in He also noted that the tele- tee takes pole position, several the European Parliament are coms single market package, the committees ultimately will be locked in a power struggle to predecessor to the digital single responsible for implementing control the digital single market market, is “currently being nego- the package. The Committee on strategy. tiated under ITRE lead.” Legal AŸ airs, or JURI, will likely Parliament last week assigned Buzek did not respond to take on intellectual property the lead role to the Internal Mar- requests for comment. and copyright reforms, while the ket and Consumer Protection Róża Gräfi n von Thun und committee on civil liberties, (IMCO) committee, because its Hohenstein, a Polish MEP LIBE, will most likely look at core competencies are closely and chair of the IMCO work- privacy. The biggest challenge aligned with the strategy. ing group on the digital single will be ensuring the digital single However, the committee for market, is staking her claim. market package doesn’t suŸ er the Industry, Research and Energy “To me it is important it same fate as its predecessor. The (ITRE) is trying to cut in, claim- goes to IMCO,” she told telecoms package has been gut- ing expertise in cybersecurity, POLITICO. ted and blocked in tense nego- the data economy and fostering of The digital single market tiations between Parliament and interoperability. package, released May 6, is a hot Jerzy Buzek, the Polish center-right MEP who chairs the European the Council. “I am writing to express my property because it is a top pri- Parliament’s ITRE committee. EP “If European citizens knew disagreement with the fact that ority of European Commission that it’s their ministers who block the ITRE committee has not President Jean-Claude Juncker. reforms, they would put pressure been attributed the proper role Taking the lead on the pack- the Commission. The package of e-commerce to Internet access on them,” said Thun. “Citizens in the procedure given the con- age bestows signifi cant prestige legislation and directives, which and data privacy. come to us and say ‘why do we tent of this communication,” on a committee, elevating its will be negotiated and rolled out Now that ITRE has raised still have roaming [charges]?’ according to a letter from Jerzy status in Parliament and be- over several years, will cover an objection, the conference of Well they must look at their Buzek, chair of ITRE, who yond, with more face-time with everything from copyright and committee chairs will review governments.” NUTRITION & HEALTH A SPECIAL REPORT

VOL. 1 NO. 6 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 POLITICO.EU

The real battleground

The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not. MARK TWAIN

ith characteristic intuition, WMark Twain identifi ed the debate that even in his day was developing over nutrition and health. Since he wrote those words in ‘Following the Equator’ in 1897, the surge in science, in- dustrialization, technology, and mass communications has made the debate look more like a battle- ground. The medical establishment is- sues dire warnings to citizens that poor diet will trigger rampant disease and premature death, and the food and drink industry is increasingly accused of placing profi t above public health. It is not only multinational conglomerates and burger chains that come un- der fi re. Village stores, hospitals and school caterers, pizza take- away shops and even Michelin two-stars increasingly come un- der scrutiny from health authori- ties, consumer organisations and environmentalists. Governments are caught in the cross-fi re as they struggle uncomfortably to arbitrate between demands for regulation and arguments for in- novation and choice. The confrontations are all the Pure Health more acrimonious in the absence of any widely-agreed defi nition of what constitutes healthy food. The debate over nutrition is handicapped by the lack of agreed definitions The arguments spill over into is- sues of civil liberties, as the rights While health authorities and or individual foods. “There is broader socio-economic and vide clear information to help of citizens to be defended against health campaigners call on no such thing as ‘bad food’,” environmental factors — “a people make the right choices misleading practices or abuses of the food and drink industry says the main industry body, major challenge for society as for them.” dominant position are weighed to change its behaviour, the FoodDrinkEurope. “Every- a whole,” as FoodDrinkEurope Unilever’s Truus Huisman, against the right to make oŠ ers industry urges greater reli- thing is a matter of balance terms it. the European communications in a market economy or the rights ance on science, and says that and moderation, as well as “There is no one single vice-president for the multi- of individuals to make their own fi nger-pointing is unhelpful. information.” As Enrico Fra- method that can eŠ ectively national with major brands lifestyle decisions. For the European o“ ce of betti, deputy secretary general address the various facets of that stretch from ice creams to Underlying the entire debate is World Health Organization, of Clitravi, the EU lobby the complex issue of obesity,” it shampoos, told POLITICO the that inescapable common biologi- there is no doubt that eating organization for the says: “Issues such as obesity for group is reformulating its foods cal necessity — to eat. In Europe, habits are “the most impor- meat processing instance result from a series to reduce salt content, but that the refl ections on precise calorie tant factors that under- industry, puts of factors, including a lack of “the challenge is to move grad- content of a cream cake or a cor- mine health and well- it, “a person physical exercise, stress, sleep- ually. We need to help consum- don-bleu steak may ring hollow being in every member ing problems.” Frabetti echoes ers to adjust their taste prefer- to many for whom such refi ned state.” The European the view: although diet is ence for salt and prevent them decisions are a luxury beyond Commission cites “an important part” from adding salt at the table.” their reach. A parallel debate is evidence that young of a healthy life- Henk Aalten, head of Europe- now gathering pace over how the people in the European style, it is just an regulatory aŠ airs at Dutch mountains of wasted food might Union now consume more fast- one infl uence, food-ingredient manufacturer be better re-deployed — a debate food and substantial amounts does not alongside DSM, also argues for a more fueled by the recent widespread of sugar-sweetened beverages, need to ex- physical nuanced debate: “There is a emergence of food banks for the eat outside the home more fre- clude any food activ- tendency to see the food indus- indigent, even in Europe’s richer quently and spend less time a priori.” Wouter ity, no try as a threat to public health,” countries. There are many more eating family meals. Vermeulen of Coca smok- but “the reality is much more people, too — both among epi- In addition, it says, prepared Cola takes a similar ap- ing, mod- erate complex.” cures and those for whom food and processed foods are more proach in responding to the alcohol consumption, or The industry boasts of what is not a life’s calling — who may accessible, and in larger por- suggestion that fi zzy drinks regular sleeping, he says. it has done already. “Food and resent the impertinence of unso- tion sizes. The European con- mean people have too much FoodDrinkEurope also drink manufacturers have licited advice on what they should sumer association, BEUC, says sugar: “There’s nothing wrong stresses the need to take ac- stepped up to the plate,” says feed themselves or their families. that people in the EU consume with sugar, in drinks or any count of product acceptability FoodDrinkEurope. It is help- The energy and resources that too much added sugar, salt and other source — it’s just a ques- to consumers, and of “Europe’s ing people to make informed are dedicated to the discussions saturated fat, and not enough tion of the quantity in the con- rich cultural diversity.” “Con- choices with more information, in Europe nowadays refl ect the fruit and vegetables — and it text of overall energy burned,” sumers make their choices,” modifi ed ingredients, and wid- power and the prestige of the dis- blames the trend on industrial he says. points out Vermeulen from er varieties of pack and portion tinct protagonists. But the real food products. Industry likes to place Coca Cola. “You can’t dictate sizes, it says, and “consumers battleground is — as Twain hint- The industry contests the the debate about nutrition to them. You can only nudge ed — each person’s everyday life. logic of attacks on ingredients and health in the context of them. But companies can pro- PURE HEALTH: PAGE II

WRITTEN BY PETER O’DONNELL +++ ILLUSTRATIONS BY DANI KIRCHLECHNER POLITICO II THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Nutrition & Health Pure Health

SPECIAL REPORT FROM PAGE I sodium, sugars and calories, and interest,” says the o¡ cial record of has set targets to meet “the high- the meeting. Similarly, the WHO’s who are given a choice are mak- est nutritional standards”, with a new action plan on nutrition warns ing healthier food choices than third of its volume sales already in against letting industry get too they used to.” But its emphasis compliance. close. “Engagement with the pri- is often on voluntary action, self- The European Commission vate sector is needed, given its role regulation, encouragement, and concedes that the industry has in food production, distribution “a pragmatic approach.” And it “already implemented a number and retail”, the plan concedes. But notes that “it is a challenge to of good examples of self-regula- this should be only “to meet nutri- change a product’s ingredients tory measures.” But, it goes on, tion and health goals; care must while maintaining the taste that “more remain to be developed in be taken to avoid con- consumers have come to love and the areas of marketing of food fl icts of interest expect.” and drink products and initia- in policy- tives to create and promote making.” “WE TAKE IT SERIOUSLY” healthy dietary and physical Companies like DSM in the spe- activity choices in children and cialty ingredients sector indus- young people.” try — that manufacture preser- Voluntary initiatives have so far vatives, colorants or emulsifi ers failed to ensure restaurants pro- — are seeking “solutions for the vide information on their menus health issues society is strug- about energy content, says BEUC. gling with,” says Aalten. “A topic Chains including Kentucky Fried like obesity is high on our agenda Chicken, Pizza Hut and Starbucks with research topics like fi nding have complied in the UK, it says, sugar and fat replacements.” but there has been only a patchy At Nestlé, Bart Vandewaetere A LITTLE OF WHAT YOU FANCY response from restaurants and rejects any suggestion of neglect- their trade associations across ing consumer interests — as far Amid all the discussion of links and the ability of research to Europe. “Only legally binding leg- as his company, at least, is con- between health and nutrition, identify e† ective prevention islation can meet this objective,” cerned. Highlighting the group’s there is little agreement on what and treatment methods is says BEUC. hallmark infant formulas and its constitutes healthy food. Even compromised.” Behind closed doors, misunder- continuing attachment to “nutri- the World Health Organization And the Non-Communicable standing and mistrust pervade the tion from conception onwards,” is tentative in its approach to Disease Alliance congratulated debate, despite the numerous part- he said: “We take our responsi- the issue: “Some diets in parts the WHO on a recent initiative to nerships proudly proclaiming their bilities seriously,” and cites the of Europe are consistent with re‰ ne understanding of what is multi-stakeholder composition. In company’s record in reducing the characteristics of a healthy and isn’t good food for children private many of the stakeholders portion sizes, reformulating diet, notably the Mediterranean because until now, the main are dismissive of the achievements, products to improve their nutri- diet,” it says — but nothing more obstacle to action has been “the and the strains are often evident. tion profi le, and commitments to prescriptive. di‹ culty in ‰ nding a workable When Nutricia, a Danone sub- removing trans-fats. The Journal of Public classi‰ cation system for foods.” sidiary, recently presented an Unilever’s Huisman says that Health published a study this Wouter Vermeulen of Coca Cola educational program for pediatric since 2005 the group has system- year concluding that “the true says ‘ atly: “There is no de‰ nition nurses to one of these European atically reviewed its entire foods causes of the childhood obesity of ‘unhealthy foods’. It’s a matter Commission-sponsored encoun- portfolio of 30,000 products and epidemic remain undiscovered, of lifestyles.” ters on diet, “some members con- 22,000 formulations for their sidered that this commitment levels of trans-fat, saturated fat, presented a potential confl ict of Recipes for change — what authorities can do ferent policy approaches is critical ment” that is “tailored to the sec- needs space to innovate. But crit- maintain industry competitive- All eyes are on to success.” tor’s specifi c needs.” It complains ics allege that many claims to in- ness at home and abroad. the EU to create João Nabais, president of the that companies “face endless novation are simply subterfuges Industry spokespeople International Diabetes Federa- problems when introducing inno- to circumvent those regulations also argue for fi rmer a stronger link tion Europe, says: “Self-regulation vative products and processes,” or guidelines that do exist on action by the Com- has not brought the expected re- and says authorization proce- food content, and that regulators mission to protect between nutrition sults. Many companies still heav- dures for placing new products on should be more assertive. Patti the internal market and health ily market unhealthy food to chil- the market need to be speeded up. Rundall, policy director of Baby — which is often a dren, limit reformulation to only That in turn refl ects the position Milk Action, says EU policy fa- coded message about a few of their products, or use un- of the main industry lobby, Food- vors innovation over health, and limiting the scope for There has been no shortage of realistic portion sizes to hide high DrinkEurope, which points out “encourages companies to baž e member states to intro- European initiatives to promote levels of added sugars, saturated the sector’s position as “a major with science” in the interests of duce their own constraints. the links between nutrition and fat and salt.” contributor to Europe’s economy,” big business. She complains that “It should prevent any drift to health — in regulations, recom- The EU is the focus of expecta- but warns that it is “losing its com- regulatory action is “riddled with national bans or additional mendations and research. But tions from both sides for incisive petitive edge.” The industry mes- confl icts of interests” and that the labeling or advertising rules, questions remain over the scope action — health advocates seek- sage has also won support from Commission has issued “weak which could be problematic,” and the impact of actions to date, ing tighter rules, and companies EFFAT, the trade union closely and outdated rules” that permit said one, preferring to speak and particularly over how far new seeking a business-friendly envi- linked to the sector, which is urg- high sugar and deceptive adver- anonymously. regulation is needed to create a ronment. But the balance seems ing smart regulation that elimi- tising for baby formula products. Bart Vandewaetere at Nestlé stronger link between nutrition tilted in industry’s favor. The nates bottlenecks to innovation. But many in the food industry also says it would be better for and health. EU’s notoriously limited powers The issue of innovation is argue that innovation is essential fi rms to have coherent rules: The World Health Organiza- in matters of health are coun- sharply divisive. Industry says it to boost consumer choice and to “There should be greater coordi- tion, which has no direct author- terbalanced by its more robust nation of member states policies ity in the matter, insists in its own competences in single market and implementation,” he said. The action plan on nutrition that “self- supervision, competition issues, need for greater European har- regulatory, voluntary approaches agriculture, and trade. And as the EUROPEAN INITIATIVES monization is frequently raised have loopholes, and government Commission boasts, the food and by international groups: “Having leadership is required to estab- drink industry is the EU’s biggest In May the European Commission as a preventive target for major EU-wide nutrient profi les would lish the criteria for policy and for manufacturing sector in terms of provided healthy school lunches diet-related health problems. The be of great help in establishing independent monitoring.” A series jobs and value added, and an asset and a recipe booklet to 70,000 current Latvian presidency of the which products can carry health on obesity in The Lancet this year in trade with non-EU countries, pupils in connection with the Milan Council has made a priority of claims. This would safeguard the concluded that increased e• orts which weighs in any deliberations Expo, and on June 5, it is sponsoring healthy lifestyles and nutrition. internal market, supporting in- from industry and civil society on introducing new regulatory a conference there on the role of And the merits of the longstanding vestment in reformulation,” says will not be enough: “regulatory constraints. The Commission’s fruit and vegetables: “Healthy EU subsidies to milk, fruit and Unilever. actions from governments” will explicit aim is “to improve the diet, healthy environment vegetables in schools that reach But advocates of greater atten- be necessary, it said. An OECD competitiveness of the sector.” within a fruitful economy.” EU more than eight million children tion to health in food policy say study on combating alcohol The European Economic and research ranges from supporting across Europe look as if they may that the EU’s competing objectives abuse published in May argued Social Committee Consultative an agenda for “a healthy diet for be con‰ rmed by an ongoing review — and particularly the concerns to that “governments’ ability to de- will vote in June on a text with a healthy life” to using gut ‘ ora of those policies. promote industry interests — risk sign and implement wide-ranging a similar message, calling for “a blunting attempts to boost healthy prevention strategies through dif- more business-friendly environ- eating. Even within the Commis- POLITICO Nutrition & Health THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015III

THE INNOVATION DEBATE Equal chances Henk Aalten of DSM, who and food technology.” He that con dence and desire chairs an industry nutrition says that European health to innovate seeps away.” It is important to reach out to those consumers committee on specialty authorities have paid only Enrico Frabetti of ingredients such as colorants lip-service to innovation: “In meat processing lobbyist with low awareness levels of nutrition or emulsi ers, criticizes the past, those with primary Clitravi agrees that “it the view that dismisses responsibility for developing is di­ cult to bring new Europe’s inequalities are revealed most are found to disproportionately a™ ect the innovation “as one more EU food regulations have products to consumers, cruelly in terms of health. Average life ex- most deprived, says the European Public step away from good been health o­ cials with and the EU regulatory pectancy varies by as much as eight years Health Alliance. diet,” arguing that many little interest or expertise framework today does between the best-performing and the So in terms of food, “it is particularly consumers, including those in market dynamics.” What not support innovation.” worst-performing countries — and the important to reach out to those consumers with food allergies, “have is needed is con dence in And Wouter Vermeulen, of gap in healthy life expectancy for men is with low awareness levels of nutrition as much to gain from the the regulatory system, he Coca Cola, told POLITICO 21 years. they are high level consumers of processed application of new insists: “When your approval the Commission should And within member states, the varia- and low nutritional food,” says BEUC. Low knowledge dossiers disappear in a promote innovation, not tions in aŒ uence and opportunity across literacy impedes label understanding, and regulatory black hole, and allow it to be regions and sections of the population are disadvantaged groups are disproportion- market plans go wrong, impeded. conspicuous — and closely matched to ately exposed to poor diet, it says. health indicators. Overweight and obe- One response to the challenge is that sity are highly prevalent among the chil- WHO has agreed to an action plan for dren of less educated parents, particularly creating healthy food and drink environ- in southern European countries, and the ments, to promote the gains of a healthy problem has the greatest impact among diet throughout life, especially for vulner- the most deprived groups of society, says able groups. WHO. Other responses range from forms of market intervention to nutrition counsel- OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY HAVE RISEN ing and in-school campaigns. Denmark, WHO is also particularly worried at the Finland, France and Hungary have all ex- situation in the eastern part of Europe, perimented with taxes on food with high where overweight and obesity among fat or sugar content, and there is some children and adolescents in some areas evidence that the approach can infl uence has risen more than threefold since 1980. consumption and purchasing patterns. At- Patti Rundall of Baby Milk Action says: tempts have also been made at modifying “Europe is not a paradise for everyone, food environments in public institutions with 120 million at risk of poverty or social or retail environments, giving greater exclusion, 100 million lacking piped water prominence to o™ ers of fresh fruit, for in- in their homes, and 66 million without stance — particularly in areas frequented access to adequate sanitation.” Non-com- by people of lower socio-economic status. municable diseases a™ ect all population But there are practical problems. Fra- groups but they are most commonly found betti at Clitravi concedes that “it is prob- in disadvantaged groups. ably much easier to fi nd foods considered The Commission childhood obesity ac- unhealthy than those considered healthy” tion plan says “overweight and obesity in — but he points out that preservation or children and young people in Europe is as- shelf life have to be taken into account in sociated with parental socio-economic sta- the discussion: “A vending machine in a tus. Lower socioeconomic status, physical rail station fi lled with carrots and apples inactivity, food and nutrition insecurity probably needs to be re-fi lled every day and obesity are associated.” And the bur- and this is not eŸ cient (and food waste den of disease and deaths related to alcohol might increase).” Recipes for change — what authorities can do

sion’s health department, João Nabais wants tougher ac- where Vytenis Andriukaitis, tion right now. “The EU needs to the European commis- stop being complacent about its sioner for health and food actions to promote healthier eating safety, says unequivo- habits,” he said. “Tackling obesity cally that “food is one and unhealthy diets will require of the contributors tougher and more intrusive legis- to a healthy society,” lation.” Ilaria Passarani, head of the range of challenges health and food at BEUC, told PO- is evident. “It is no sur- LITICO that the focus of the Junck- prise that my everyday job er Commission on jobs, growth and is to protect Europeans from investment “is creating a sort of pa- food crisis,” he told POLITICO. ralysis on key measures to protect “But there are many more aspects consumers and public health.” She to the food role, such as promoting says the Commission should “strike food safety together with healthy a better balance between economic and sustainable diets.” and public health interests.”

A CONSUMER’S WISH LIST

BEUC points to a long list of information to appear labeling, and on full labeling necessary health actions it on the front of packs, of meat. would like to see enacted, and the absence of legibility And on the tighter rules including many of what rules or harmonization on food information now it claims are unful lled for portion sizes hampers coming into force, it says obligations. consumers’ use of nutrition “Enforcement will be It says the EU failure information. key!” The BEUC wishlist to complete its legislation BEUC attacks delays includes regulation on on health claims allows in removal of trans-fatty “realistic portions,” nutrition manufacturers to make acids (on which US standards for schools claims of health bene ts for President Barack Obama, and hospitals, controls on cakes and biscuits that are by contrast, is tipped to be supermarket promotions high in calories and sugar, recommending  rm action), and product-positioning, merely by adding vitamins on ending the ingredient- tighter controls on vending and minerals. There is still labeling exemption for machines and on advertising no obligation for nutrition alcohol, on country of origin to children. POLITICO IV THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Nutrition & Health What’s on the tin?

essential for consumers to make tion to make concerns over “potential over- The new rules real choices about what they eat suitable simplifi cation of some of the or drink. choices labeling schemes recently dis- for product New EU rules came into e„ ect for a bal- cussed,” which could, it says, just six months ago requiring anced damage companies. The fi eld is information most prepacked processed foods diet and now so tangled that an EU data- to carry nutrition information, healthy life- base is being created this year have not settled with a further volley of require- style.” And it to provide food business op- arguments ments due to kick in at the end of insists on basing erators with a handy guide next year. But it has not settled advice on “sound, ac- to identify the numerous the arguments, because second- cepted science.” It urges EU and national manda- “Open your mouth and close your ary legislation is still needed for a pragmatic approach to tory labelling rules. eyes” used to be a popular chil- its detailed implementation, and assess whether or not manu- The complexity of the in- dren’s game of dare. Nowadays, say it has disappointed consumer ad- facturers can meet labeling re- dustry makes for complexity of food industry critics, it is more or vocates’ ambitions — such as for quirements and whether or not implementation. A restaurant less what consumers are being in- EU adoption of the colour-coded they bring an added value to the multinational that holds fran- vited to do. This is why the pressure ‘tra‘ c-light’ schemes to convey consumer. chises from Burger King and for more product information is so information graphically that The plethora of labeling re- Domino’s Pizza has to juggle intense. “Key content informa- major players including Pepsico, quirements is making life dif- cially the frequent changes.” carefully with di„ erent ingre- tion has to be on the label so that Mars, or McCain already use. fi cult, particularly for smaller And EFFAT, the European trade dient disclosure practices from consumers can make informed FoodDrinkEurope says it aims fi rms, says the EU’s Economic union federation that strongly di„ erent partners while aiming choices,” Vytenis Andriukaitis, the to give consumers “the informa- and Social Committee, “espe- supports the food industry, has to meet European rules on the European commissioner for health information it must provide on and food safety, told POLITICO, its menus, says Isabel Cid Romero highlighting one of the issues at of Zena, speaking from her com- the heart of the health and nutri- CHILDREN’S FAVORITES pany’s direct experience. tion debate. “No matter where the ingredi- And labels are only part of the Recent consumer research shows to promote healthy lifestyles to unhealthy food to children is led by ents come from, no matter which confl ict, because product infor- that foods high in sugar, salt and their children, and which are both food and drink businesses,” it says. supplier is involved, no matter the mation can be conveyed — or, saturates and of low nutritional responsible in terms of content and A WHO-Europe initiative to brand, the fact is, each restaurant say industry critics, e„ ectively value — chips, snack bars, breakfast the products advertised.” develop curbs on food marketing or take-away or home delivery concealed — in many other ways: cereals, zzy drinks — are still heavily But the worm seems to be to children has won support outlet is the last step, the last link through advertising, television marketed to children, says BEUC. turning. The recently published from consumer groups as “an in the food chain, in contact with placement, in social media and The Commission’s action plan interim report of a WHO commission authoritative contribution to tackling the consumer — and is respon- in video games. on childhood obesity shares the on ending childhood obesity also childhood obesity in Europe.” sible for providing the consumer The nature, the content, the concern. It argues that television found that voluntary initiatives are João Nabais of the International with the information for every credibility, the legibility, even the viewing and internet use have insu“ cient due to the wide variation Diabetes Federation Europe dish to be served,” she says. positioning of labeling have been harmful e‰ ects on the eating habits in attitudes and behavior within the says: “A quick look at the EU pledge Duty-free shops in EU air- subjects of intense discussion of children and young people. food and non-alcoholic beverage to stop marketing of unhealthy ports, frequently serving clients for years. As BEUC points out, Controls are largely voluntary. and marketing industries. food to children is enough to show from outside the EU, and air- a supposedly healthy drinkable FoodDrinkEurope chooses its words BEUC is just one of the the limits of self-regulation : not all lines, serving clients beyond EU yogurt can contain more sugar carefully on the subject. It “has organizations now denouncing the food companies have signed up, and airspace as a matter of course, than a fi zzy drink, and two slices encouraged its members to develop self-regulation approach as not t family programs on television, social also have to make delicate bal- of bread can have more salt than marketing communications which for purpose. “Right now the major media and online computer games ances between their European a packet of peanuts or chips — but support parents in their e‰ orts EU initiative to reduce marketing of are not covered by the pledge.” responsibilities and obligations this can’t necessarily be tasted, and other operational or legal so the display of information is considerations. Fair Shares A third of all food is lost or wasted while 898 million people are undernourished across the world According to FAO data, 898 million peo- that do not go into the main product to ple are undernourished and going hun- produce renewable energy or animal feed. gry across the world, and more than one The industry is looking into ways to rec- third of the deaths of under-45-olds are ommend how to reduce household waste, attributable to under-nutrition. At the such as by informing consumers about same time, 1.4 billion are overweight, how to interpret ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ DID YOU KNOW? including 500 million who are obese. In dates — because when food is wasted at the Europe people are going hungry too: 79 end of the chain, all the resources invested million people in the EU live below the in a product’s lifecycle are lost. poverty line, while 124 million are at risk Within the EU, the European Com- of poverty or social exclusion. mission has initiated a series of public in- SIGNATORIES Yet more than 100 million tonnes of formation campaigns to improve under- Soft drinks contribute just food are wasted annually in the EU. Glob- standing, and it o„ ers tips on sustainable TO THE UNESDA ally, a third of all food produced for human approaches. But the potential gains from 3% of daily calories in COMMITMENTS consumption is lost or wasted — around 1.3 more e„ ective management go way beyond the average European diet billion tons per year, according to the Food individual household budgets. Reducing and Agriculture Organization. And in in- food waste could reduce the resources Do not advertise dustrialized countries, nearly half this necessary to produce food, saving money to children waste occurs at retail and consumer level. and reducing the environmental impact No and low sugar of food production and consumption. The varieties account for up to under 12 A LACK OF AWARENESS EC is currently redrafting a proposal for The reasons for food waste vary widely — national targets to cut food waste. of sales in and can be as simple as insu‘ cient plan- The EESC has recently urged recovery 30% Do not o er their many EU markets ning of shopping and meal preparation, or of unsold food, with coordinated action products for sale misunderstandings of “best before” and among member states to promote dona- in primary schools “use by” date labels. Portion sizes in res- tions to food banks. And a EP resolution Between 2000-2013 taurants and canteens contribute, and all in April stressed that “the right to food is a the average calories catering services face di‘ culties in antici- basic human right and can be achieved only per 100ml of soft 330ml Carry calorie labelling pating customer demand. Overproduction when all people have access to suitable, safe 549kj 7% drinks has declined by 139kcal 100ml: 180kj/42kcal front-of-pack in or unpredictability of demand can gener- and nutritious food to meet their dietary addition to clear ate waste at the level of farmers and food needs for an active and healthy life.” nutrient labelling manufacturers, as can inadequate storage, It called on the Commission to ensure 11.5% packaging or transport at all stages of the that the EU pavilion at Expo 2015 raises food chain. But the underlying issue is a awareness of the need to address urgent lack of awareness. problems in the entire food supply chain, in- The European food industry says it has cluding the long-term sustainability of food put in place practices to reduce this waste. production, distribution and consumption, www.unesda.eu It aims to use 100 percent of agricultural to tackle food waste and to combat the prob- raw materials, for example by using parts lem of malnutrition, poor diets and obesity. POLITICO DC Digest THURSDAY, MAY 28, 201513 Republican tensions endanger trade bill

Sen. Rand Paul of Ken- conservative defections to those The fate of tucky and Jordan. who have already declared their US President Hensarling’s spokes- opposition, House Republican Barack Obama’s Barack Obama woman, Sarah Rozier, aides said. is pushing for said he “supports TPA “I don’t think they’re saying fast-track EU and Asia- and he’s encouraging they’ve got [enough support to trade authority Paci„c trade other members to do pass the bill], but they’ve opened deals. GETTY the same.” a path to get it,” one of the aides proposal remains But when a major- said. “I don’t think there are all ity of the GOP confer- that many undecided. It’s a ques- in doubt ence huddled Thursday tion of people whose minds might morning to talk about be able to be changed.” Jordan By VICTORIA GUIDA the trade issue at a told reporters this week that he meeting organized by thought the GOP leadership still WASHINGTON — Democrats in its chairwoman, Rep. didn’t have the votes to pass the in the US House of Representa- Cathy McMorris Rodg- fast-track bill, “but they’re work- tives are in open warfare with ers (R-Wash.), and led ing on that, so they may be close.” President Barack Obama over his by House Ways and pitch for fast-track authority to Means Chairman Paul IS IT ALSO WORTH THE PRICE? negotiate trade deals, but conser- Ryan (R-Wis.), a lot of Which side the undecided Re- vative dissenters are conducting the members still had publicans take will soon become their fight quietly behind closed questions about the clearer, now that the Senate has doors — even though they may be basics of how the fast- spoken. But the product that left the key to approving the deal. track process works the upper chamber could pose So far, about 40 to 45 of the massive Asia-Pacific trade deal a powerful conservative voice — for example, how its protec- problems for House conserva- 245 House Republicans, most of and an even bigger pact with the within the House Republican tions would be stripped if the tives. To appease Democrats, them in the far-right wing, are European Union are approved, Conference. “I would think a president brings back a bad Senate leaders agreed to pair the hard “nos” on a bill their own a number of conservative dis- majority of the House Freedom deal, the panel’s trade subcom- fast-track bill with Trade Adjust- party leaders support as fervently senters have rallied around their Caucus now is opposed to it for mittee chairman, Pat Tiberi ment Assistance, a retraining as Obama, according to the inde- worry about giving Obama too a variety of reasons,” the Ohio (R-Ohio), said. program for workers displaced by pendent assessments of three much power. Republican added. “I had one person, when I trade deals that most Republican House aides. If they are able to Jordan noted his caucus has walked out, who said, ‘I have a members dislike. boost their numbers by even a EYE TO EYE ON MANY ISSUES not taken an o—cial position on better understanding. I’m getting “Many House Republicans are handful of votes, it would imperil Under the fast-track bill, Con- the bill and some of its members closer [to supporting fast track],’” growing increasingly concerned the legislation, which passed the gress would surrender the right are undecided. Indeed, lawmak- Tiberi told POLITICO. Republi- about the Senate bill,” a House Senate late Friday, because Dem- to amend the final trade deals and ers on the right who see eye to eye can sources say the fast-track bill, Republican aide told POLITICO. ocrats are expected to provide at agree to give them up-or-down on many issues are divided over which passed the Senate after a “Now, not only do they need to most 25 “yeas” toward the 217 votes. “I’m concerned about giv- the trade promotion authority frenzied debate on Friday, could decide whether this TPA is good, votes needed for passage. ing this president the authority” legislation. come up in the House as early as but if it’s also worth the price” of But while Democratic oppo- to negotiate such deals, explained On the pro-side stand mem- the first week of June. the retraining program. nents and their allies in the labor Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, who bers like Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Ryan and Majority Whip Steve movement are raising the specter heads the roughly 40-member Jeb Hensarling, both of Texas. On Scalise (R-La.) are increasingly Adam Behsudi contributed to this of lost manufacturing jobs if the House Freedom Caucus and is the opposing side are the likes of confident that they can limit the report.

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POWER COUPLES

FELIPE VI FROM PAGE 1 Letizia o›ers an obvious con- economic crisis. His son-in-law trast to Queen Sofia, her mother- — Iñaki Urdangarin, the Duke in-law. Although she has lived in of Palma, husband of Princess Spain since 1962, Sofia has always Spain now has Cristina — became mired in al- spoken Spanish with a mild Ger- legations of major corruption and man accent. This may be the re- money laundering. sult of her having been born into Amid all of this, the king the House of Schleswig-Holstein- a royal family himself — who bore no personal Sonderburg-Glücksburg; but she responsibility for Urdangarin’s is also vegetarian, non-nocturnal shenanigans — angered Spanish and opposed to bullfighting. The public opinion by shooting an el- thoroughly Spanish Letizia, ephant dead for sport while on va- by comparison, is an excellent cation in Botswana. The kill came public speaker, with a limpid to light because the king broke his anchorwoman’s diction — and hip while hunting. To ram home In between sips of manzanilla undeniable wattage. “Remem- the decadence of it all, Spanish and mouthfuls of jamon iberico, ber,” says Powell, “that Fe- newspapers did the math, and both experts staunchly insisted lipe first noticed her on the TV estimated that his hunting holi- that a sixthI name be added to that screen.” day had cost twice the average short list: Juan Carlos I, the king annual salary in Spain. O«cial who abdicated last year in favor * explanations that the trip was of his son, and who did more than Powell explains that Felipe “has paid for by a Syrian businessman any man alive to ensure that de- had the benefits of a formal edu- and not by the Spanish taxpayer mocracy took root in Spain after cation, at university in Madrid served only to diminish the king’s the death in 1975 of Francisco and at Georgetown in the US. majesty still further. The story Franco. This is something his father went global, and Vanity Fair ran Juan Carlos ceded the throne never had, poor man. He went a piece titled “The Reign in Spain to his son, Felipe — now King Fe- to Spanish military academies is Mainly on the Wane.” lipe VI — who at 6 feet 6 inches in the 1960s!” The young king stands a head taller than his is “the first university-educated * father (who stands two heads king Spain has ever had, and that José Antonio Zarzalejos had been taller than most Spaniards of his implies discipline, rigor, and the editor of the avowedly monar- own generation). It is apt that the ability to listen. It also makes chist ABC until 2008, so he in- Spanish for “Highness” is alteza, him capable of improvising in- duced gasps in Spain by e›ective- a word that also means loftiness telligently.” Felipe’s years in col- ly calling for the king’s abdication in a physical sense. As we talked lege, Perez-Maura adds, “make in a widely read blog in February of Felipe, my lunch companions him someone who has a capac- 2013. He is still a monarchist, and expressed the view — guardedly, ity to study issues. His father’s as impressed with Felipe VI as he because he’s reigned for less than main strength as king was his was unimpressed with the late- a year — that the young king could warmth, and his capacity to se- era Juan Carlos. one day not merely match his fa- duce people.” “The present king is the politi- ther in monarchical consequence, Juan Carlos sought to make cian with the highest reputation but possibly exceed him. This was up for his lack of formal educa- in Spain today,” he says. “He has high praise indeed from two very tion by being very — some would won the respect of public opinion, discerning palace-watchers. say excessively — colloquial in especially in Catalonia — some- his informal conversations with thing which Juan Carlos had * journalists and the like. “This lost.” Of Queen Letizia, Zarza- Felipe VI, just 47, is a remarkable was fun at first,” says Powell, lejos says that “she connects very man, not least because he’s the “given the contrast with Franco. well with those Spaniards who first Spanish monarch to marry a In later years, however, it often have no connection with the ar- commoner, and a divorcee at that. made him sound rather paternal- istocracy or the world of money. Queen Letizia — whose name, as istic. He came over as a little too King Felipe, Princess So a, Princess Leonor and Queen Letizia We’ve never had a queen in Spain she is wont to explain to English folksy, something Felipe is care- aer the First Communion of Leonor. Carlos Alvarez / Getty with her life experience. You can speakers, means “happiness” — ful to avoid. Paradoxically, Felipe see that she’s a very good influ- was a news anchor. In fact, Fe- is more respectful — and formal made monarch.” The monarchy The story of the old king’s fall ence on Felipe. She’s made him lipe first saw her on TV, fancied — in his informal contacts.” in Spain is “under-institution- from grace is almost operatic. It less rigid. She’s humanized him her greatly, and asked an aide to This is just one of many con- alized. It’s the monarchy as a wasn’t the string of mistresses enormously.” set up an informal dinner at a trasts between Felipe and his fa- ‘crowned republic.’” After 36 that eroded his stature in the Felipe, says Zarzalejos, is con- friend’s home. “And boom,” says ther, who was a bon vivant with years of Franco’s dictatorship, eyes of Spain: Spain is not that structing “a new royal family for Ramon Perez-Maura, deputy edi- a mastery of seduction that — it “everything about the monarchy sort of country. Juan Carlos was Spain, and making a personal tor at ABC, Spain’s leading con- is no secret — extended beyond rested on Juan Carlos’s charisma, damaged by the financial scan- e›ort to be financially austere, servative newspaper, and one of matters of state. Juan Carlos and when he lost that charisma, dal that swirled around the royal in keeping with the times.” Po- my lunch companions. Felipe and was, as Powell puts it, “a self- he had to go.” household in a time of severe litically, he is a king who knows Letizia hit it o›, to the conster- that he “has to legitimize himself nation of Spanish traditional- by doing the quotidian things ists, who’d have preferred their right, doing his job day in and Crown Prince to cast his eye on a TWEET STREET day out — unlike his father, who woman from the aristocracy. And derived his legitimacy from his as we all now know, they married. By JULES JOHNSTON role in great events of state and If there were fears that a plebe- history.” This is a point ampli- ian would be a misfit as a king’s @NickMalkoutzis: Q from journo to @philipoltermann: Very smart fied by Perez-Maura, the ABC consort, they have been laid to Varoufakis: “What’s your response move by Cameron to make sure his newspaperman. “The monarchy rest. “You can see how Letizia to Schauble saying he wouldn’t want new adviser on EU a˜airs won’t get a has developed over the last 40 has evolved from being insecure to be in your position?” “That he’s chance to vote in the referendum he years with Juan Carlos as king. when seated at a banquet table for right” Greece is advising on. Modern, democratic Spain has dinner, to being fully in control,” only had one king — one model. says Perez-Maura. “She has be- The model could change if Felipe come far more comfortable since succeeds in making an enduring she became queen.” @MaximEristavi: You were so close, institution of the monarchy.” My other lunchmate, Charles Vladimir, so close #RUS It seems likely that Felipe will Powell, author of the first Eng- #Eurovision2015 succeed. The Spanish royals have lish-language biography of Juan lived in much less of a bubble Carlos, adds that “Felipe mar- than their English counterparts. ried for love, which shows char- @IanDuncanMEP: Even a™er 1 year Spain now has a nuclear royal acter on his part. She keeps him in @Europarl_EN, I still make school family: dad, mom and two kids, grounded, a lower-middle-class boy error of turning up for @EP_ who like to spend time together. woman who is part of the meri- Environment meetings on time The king and queen have gone to tocracy that characterizes the college. As Spain strains to resist Spanish transition to democra- @serenacoolbeans: One of the secession of Catalonia and to cy. She is the first queen of Spain @Maxime_Nalepa: Awe ... Who’s my dreams just came true quell a recession that has robbed who’s done a serious day’s work, the cutest? C’est qui le plus mignon? @POLITICOEurope has written @tarapalmeri: If you fold this its youth of employment, it helps and has earned a salary.” She has #berlusconi #Instagram about Ireland #MarRef week’s @POLITICOEurope in half it to have a monarchy that seems also been resolute in severing looks like @ConchitaWurst is @ so thoroughly “in touch.” Some- ties with her former journalist @Martin1Williams: Never under- @ABridgwater: EU Digital Single JunckerEU’s baby h/t @ times, the appearance of normal- colleagues and associates. “She stood decimals - can’t see the point. Market No easy acronym JohnstonJules ity is as comforting as normality can’t have done otherwise,” says itself — perhaps never more so Powell. than in the case of kings. POLITICO Forum THURSDAY, MAY 28, 201515 Making Marine Le Pen look ‘moderate’

WILD WEST FROM PAGE 1 of children in the Béziers school grant-heavy towns like Béziers, to the Revolution. You cannot the canton of Béziers beat their system — 64.6 percent, according where he said that up to 90 per- simply overturn that in one day Socialist rivals by 55 percent to 45 to his count — were Muslim. This cent of students in some schools and certainly not in the way that percent in local elections in April. statement went against French were descendants of immigrant Ménard has prescribed, where That success raised the ques- law, which forbids drawing up parents who spoke French poorly he is essentially deciding who is tion of why Ménard, who says he statistics based on ethnic origin, and had little chance of escaping Muslim and who is not based on shares “80 percent” of Marine Le religion or sexual orientation, an enclave environment. their first names.” Pen’s ideas, has kept her party at and set ož a wave of condemna- To break up an excessive con- arm’s length as she prepares to tion from critics who accused centration of minority students A CLIMATE OF FEAR run in France’s 2017 presiden- him of resurrecting Nazi-style and promote diversity in one In coming weeks, Ménard will tial elections. Le Pen has given religious profiling. immigrant-dominated school, surely apply himself to a new speeches in Béziers; Ménard is The statement, which Ménard he had drawn up plans to divide problem and his proposal will be locally allied with National Front later qualified by saying that he it into three smaller units spread forgotten. Legalizing ethnic sta- candidates; and both parties say did not keep a file on Muslim around the city — which would tistics would probably require they are perfectly comfortable children, prompted a police raid not have been possible without constitutional reform, which with their current arrangement. France’s most notorious far-right on his oces that failed to turn some notion of the school’s reli- is unlikely. Yet the debate sur- Yet Louis Aliot, the National politicians. Ménard was elected up the illegal list. The inquiry gious and ethnic makeup. rounding them shone a light on Front’s vice president, hinted at last year with the support of Ma- was subsequently dropped. Mé- “God knows that I’m a fervent Ménard’s true skill: making sure tension between Ménard and his rineF Le Pen’s National Front par- nard told POLITICO that he had opponent of immigration,” he that he remains squarely in the party — which has tried hard to ty, to which he does not belong. come up with the statistic by said. “But once these children, headlines. Local opponents to the avoid the sort of controversies Since he took oce in March counting Muslim-sounding first who are French, are here, my mayor, including Socialist and that Ménard embraces — when 2014, the French Algeria-born names from a school register, but only concern is that they become Communist members of the town he told the local Midi Libre news- Ménard has been turning his did not use it for administrative little French people and that council and a newly launched on- paper last year that the Béziers town into a laboratory for in- purposes. things go as well for them as they line newspaper called “En Vie à mayor had hired stažers who your-face, far-right policies that A few days later, Ménard used possibly can. That’s not possible Béziers,” or “Alive in Beziers,” ar- were “far more radical than the often make Le Pen look moderate his publication to remind every- when you deny the reality in the gue that this search for attention National Front will ever be.” on issues like security and immi- one in town of the ožending sta- name of a pseudo-equality that in is precisely what is wrong with Indeed Ménard, who says gration. His success, not least in tistic — 64 percent — and argue fact is anything but that.” his approach. that his father was a member attracting attention to himself that France should be tallying Ménard, who was born in Oran While Ménard has become of the OAS paramilitary group and his policies, isn’t unnoticed up its minorities, as is common- in 1953 and moved to France known for publicly attacking crit- in French Algeria that fought by the National Front or France’s ly done in the US and UK. In an when he was nine, has caused dis- ical journalists, his opponents against Algerian independence, two mainstream parties, which frequently outflanks the National struggle to keep up with a poli- Front to the right and is far more tician who says he does not care socially conservative than Le Pen. what the Parisian press writes about him. MARINE AND ME Ménard told POLITICO that the DIRTY HENRI ‘ARMED 24/7’ main reason he wouldn’t join the And yet write they do. Among National Front was because he Ménard’s most widely publicized treasured his independence. Yet moves have been plans to ban ha- he acknowledged disagreements lal menus in school canteens; an with Marine Le Pen over several 11pm curfew for children under policy issues: from her relatively 13; a ban on drying laundry in weak opposition to President public view; a vow to bring back François Hollande’s 2012 move to 1930s-style school uniforms for legalize gay marriage (Ménard, a primary school students; and a practicing Catholic since his mar- public-relations campaign cele- riage and staunch opponent of gay brating his decision to equip the marriage, said he felt closer to her

Béziers police with handguns. SYLVAIN THOMAS / GETTY niece, Marion-Maréchal Le Pen, In a country where there is with whom he had participated little public enthusiasm for guns in several rallies against the re- and no real equivalent of an form); her embrace of the wel- American frontier spirit, that last fare system and statist economic initiative prompted criticism that philosophy (Ménard said that he Ménard was conducting “Wild was far more liberal); and her po- West” policies in what was once sition on exiting the eurozone in a quiet, if economically troubled, the event of a National Front vic- town. Posters were plastered tory in the 2017 race. around the city showing a gleam- Robert Ménard in front of a poster, reading: “From now on, the Municipal Police has a new friend.” “To say that we need to aban- ing handgun next to the Dirty don the euro seems a bad idea to Harry-esque caption: “Béziers interview at his oce, Ménard comfort among French Socialists argue that many of his headline- me,” Ménard said. “First, we can’t police have a new friend.” Then, argued that he was the victim of with his talk of statistics. While grabbing initiatives are devoid of do it alone; we’ll have to negotiate to clear up any confusion, it adds: a herd mentality among French Prime Minister Manuel Valls substance. His initiative to bring with our partners. Secondly, it’s “Armed 24/7.” journalists who he said refused warned in January that France back school uniforms fizzled; the stressful for many people who While not all of Ménard’s to engage on issues he raised be- was subject to a “territorial, so- measure against drying laundry wonder what will happen if we policies are actually enforced, cause of the politics he represents cial and ethnic apartheid,” few in public view is next to impos- suddenly withdraw. You can’t just the common thread between and their own fear of breaking ta- mainstream politicians are will- sible to enforce (clothes can still throw that in their face, we need them is their ability to generate boos. He defended his use of com- ing to talk about the thorny issue be seen drying in Béziers win- a pragmatic approach because a headlines — often supplied by munications in Béziers as the only or the notion that French society dows); and the local economy is Europe of nations is indispens- his oce at considerable cost. way to spark discussion about a may sužer from widespread and still moribund, with an unem- able and we need to guard it His use of taxpayer resources on subject as thorny as ethnic statis- largely unmeasurable discrimi- ployment rate stuck around 15 dearly.” publicity has prompted outrage tics, which are banned in France nation, notably in the workplace. percent, five percentage points On gay marriage, he added: among his political opponents due to the republican principle of One of the rare ocials to above the national average. “I told Marine that she was not in France’s ninth-poorest town, strict equality before the law. openly embrace the idea of using They also argue that by going ožensive enough on that front, who argue that he is cutting so- statistics is Socialist MP Philippe after his critics personally, Mé- and I think she paid attention cial welfare programs to feed STATISTICS AND THE REPUBLIC Doucet, who has argued for their nard has instilled a climate of because she now says that she his own propaganda. While the He spoke about the need for sta- use in some circumstances, but fear in Béziers that prevents free plans to undo the law if she is ever mayor slashed the town hall’s tistics to highlight areas where who also criticized Ménard’s po- debate of his policies. One social elected.” While Ménard has so far operating costs by more than €2 the concentration of a certain sition as “shameful” on Twitter. worker, who declined to be named expressed no national ambitions, million in 2015, according to an populations — Muslim, in this While Doucet said it was fair due to a fear of losing his job, said there are signs that his brand of investigation by newspaper Me- case — were preventing integra- to use statistics to make sure that the mayor had cut ož mu- politics in Béziers is influencing diapart he hiked the budget for tion and deepening the alien- social housing was fairly distrib- nicipal funding to a community Le Pen, rather than the other way communications and publicity ation of minority groups from uted (but not in schools or work- center in a tough neighborhood around. by more than 150 percent, from mainstream French society.“My places), he said that Ménard’s use after its boss told a newspaper he A National Front source close €193,900 to €518,400. method is the only way to ad- of Muslim-sounding first names was disappointed by the results of to Le Pen told POLITICO that “Le Journal de Béziers,” the dress such questions,” he said. to come up with his statistic a local election in which Ménard’s the party leader was contem- municipal newsletter, has a sep- “The problem is that all of these amounted to religious labeling. allies had done well. plating a broad rethinking of its arate budget of €162,000, which people [mainstream politicians] “It’s true that what Ménard Even so, Ménard’s approach policy positions after December Ménard put to use in the latest are afraid of their own shadows said is a real pain for us; it pre- has so far proved successful in regional elections. On the menu Marianne issue to talk about a ... I don’t have a political appara- vents what is otherwise a le- keeping local conservatives and for change? Tougher social poli- controversy that he himself had tus, and I am free to say and do gitimate debate,” Doucet told business owners on-side — and cies, more business-friendly pro- sparked during an appearance on exactly what my soul and my con- POLITICO. “With the idea of it has brought him success at posals and — this may please Mé- France 2 television in early May. science dictate.” equality, we’re talking about one the ballot box. A year after his nard — a careful withdrawal from On that occasion, Ménard Ménard argued that statistics of the founding principles of the election as mayor, far-right can- the stated position on exiting the claimed that almost two-thirds were needed in poor and immi- French Republic that goes back didates supported by Ménard in eurozone. POLITICO 16 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Forum

THE DIRTY DOZEN

Putin had a lotP of help undoing the country

By LINDA KINTSLER der writes in Bloodlands. “Those who refused to steal or to prosti- When Russian President Vladi- tute themselves died. Those who mir Putin sat down to plot his 2 gave food to others died. Those invasion of Ukraine in February who refused to eat corpses died. 2014, he didn’t have to start from Those who refused to kill their scratch. Generations of Russian fellow man died. Parents who re- rulers have invaded Ukrainian sisted cannibalism died before lands to starve, deport and en- their children did.” slave the native populations, and Some say that Stalin helped Putin has drawn avidly from solidify Ukraine’s national their playbooks. Ukraine’s oli- identity by recognizing it as a garchs have been equally ruth- launched a series of campaigns to distinct state within the Soviet less in despoiling the country, expand her empire into Ottoman Union. “Except for Crimea, to- some even funding the very territory, taking the Crimean day’s nationalist Ukraine is a be- rebels who’d like to conquer it. peninsula in 1783 and establish- queathal of Stalin,” Russian his- Here’s a rundown of those who ing a Russian military presence tory Stephen Kotkin argues. “It’s have done the most to devastate on the Black Sea — without which true that he executed countless Ukraine. Putin would have had a much ožcials of Ukrainian (and every more dižcult time annexing other) ethnicity. But as the Soviet Crimea last year. Much of pres- state expanded, he promoted still ent-day south and east Ukraine more Ukrainians to take their came under Russian rule as a re- places.” Still, the tenuous strain sult of Catherine’s Russo-Turkish of self-determination he a¤orded 1 wars, and her newly conquered Ukraine is a poor excuse for mass territory became known as Novo- murder. rossiya, New Russia, a term sep- aratist rebels recently brought back into vogue in Donetsk and Luhansk. Catherine the Great 4 resettled her new land with na- Twelve people who ruined Ukraine tive Russians, imposing serfdom upon local Ukrainians.

BOHDAN KHMELNYTSKY JOSEPH STALIN 1595—1627 1878—1953 VIKTOR YANUKOVYCH unknown. Ukraine’s chief pros- As leader of the Zaporizian cos- From 1932 to 1933, Stalin or- 1950 — ecutor has accused him of fleeing sacks, Khmelnytsky led his ban- chestrated the mass starvation with some $32 billion, now being dit army into a successful rebel- of over three million Ukrai- STEPAN BANDERA In his four-year term as president, used to fund separatists in the lion against the Polish rule of nians, a murderous campaign 1909—1959 Yanukovych and his cronies man- east. Ukraine in 1648. After fighting that 16 countries, including the Perhaps the most controversial aged to steal at least $350 million sprang up again in 1651, he asked United States, now recognize as figure in Ukraine’s recent his- from Ukraine’s co¤ers, money Tsar Alexis to absorb and pro- genocide. Wealthy farmers or tory, Bandera was a nationalist with which Yanukovych built his tect Ukraine as an autonomous “kulaks” were stripped of their leader who resorted to terror- lavish countryside estate, now 6 region of Russia. The union was possessions, members of the in- ism and Nazi collaboration to used to house political refugees. finalized in 1654, when the Cos- free Ukraine from Polish and A puppet of Putin, Yanukovych sack army signed the Pereyaslav Soviet control. He became head once fiercely advocated for Agreement, ceding Ukraine to of the Organization of Ukrainian Ukraine to join both NATO and Russia. “The polarized inter- Nationalists in 1933, and later the EU, but buckled to Kremlin pretations of what transpired in 3 formed the Ukrainian Insurgent pressure and declined to sign an Pereyaslav later formed the basis Army (UPA) to help create an for equally polarized conceptions ethnically pure Ukraine, free of of the nature of the Ukrainian- Jews, Poles, Russians, and other Russian relationship,” Roman minorities. During the Maidan VIKTOR MEDVEDCHUK Solchanyk writes. The agree- Revolution, Bandera’s likeness 5 1954 — ment spurred the Polish-Russian was proudly displayed by pro- One of Putin’s closest associates war, which left Kiev fully under testers in Kiev’s Independence and chief of sta¤ to former Ukrai- Moscow’s control. Ukraine be- Square, and his name has be- nian President Viktor Kuchma, came known as “Little Russia” telligentsia were deported to Si- come a calling card for the far- Medvedchuk has found himself — a term Putin lovingly invoked beria, and farmland was collec- right political party Right Sector. in a curious position this year, as in 2009, four centuries later. To tivized and put under the control The party’s aim is the same as one of the Ukraine’s lead nego- commemorate the 300th anni- of Communist party leaders, who Bandera’s: to “build a nationalist tiators in its war against Russia. versary of the Pereyaslav Agree- gorged themselves while watch- Ukrainian state and stage a na- Putin is the godfather of one of ment, in 1954, Nikita Khrushchev ing peasants around them perish. tionalist revolution,” as one party EU Association Agreement in No- Medvedchuk’s children and the gifted the Crimean peninsula Stalin’s goal was to undermine all leader put it. Bandera’s followers vember 2013, triggering protests US deemed him one of a hand- what was then the Ukrainian So- nationalist sentiment in Ukraine, have been dubbed “Banderovtsy,” that sparked the revolution. Ya- ful of Russians “who use their viet Socialist Republic. decimating the population to and are regarded as the “worst nukovych fled Ukraine in Febru- resources or influence to sup- ensure the land would remain traitors” of their homeland by ary 2014 after bloody confronta- port or act on behalf of senior under his control. Watchtow- some; the term is frequently ban- tions between his security forces Russian government ožcials” CATHERINE THE GREAT ers were erected throughout the died about in Russian media and and pro-democracy protesters when it sanctioned him follow- 1729—1796 countryside to keep Ukrainians ožcial statements to drive home killed over 100 of his citizens, ing Russia’s invasion of Crimea. Like Putin, Catherine the Great from finding food elsewhere and the point that the Ukrainian gov- and has lived in exile in Russia Medvedchuk has since served as was willing to trade in her repu- talking to countrymen from ernment is a “fascist junta.” Ban- ever since. The extent of the dam- a “courier” between Putin and tation as a European ruler for the neighboring villages. “The good dera was assassinated by the KGB age he wrought on the Ukrainian Ukrainian President Porosh- sake of territorial conquest. She people died first,” Timothy Sny- in 1959. people and their economy is still enko. In 2013, he founded a pro- POLITICO THURSDAY, MAY 28, 201517

cused of bribing Indian oŽcials via US banks. Then there’s Igor Kolomoisky (net worth $1.3 bil - 11 lion), who was fired as regional governor of Dnipropetrovsk in March, after hiring armed men to occupy the headquarters of a state oil pipeline company. Ukrainian President Poroshen- ko, an oligarch in his own right, has made it his mission to de- pose his rivals from their feudal perches, but only to solidify his KETCHUM INC. own power. From 2006 until March 2015, the American PR firm Ketchum Inc. worked with Putin and members of his inner circle to hone their images abroad, earning some 9 $60 million along the way. As one former Ketchum consultant told The Daily Beast, the company’s job “means helping them disguise all the issues that make it unat- tractive: human rights, invasions of neighboring countries, etc,” in- cluding Russia’s wars in Georgia and Ukraine. One lobbyist work- ing for the Russians likened the ARSENIY YATSENYUK job to “trying to polish a turd,” in 1974 — an interview with POLITICO last Yatsenyuk came into the spot- year. Over the past several years, light as acting prime minister however, Russian oŽcials haven’t ANASTASIA VLASOVA (2), / EPA, WIKICOMMONS EPA (7), GETTY (2), CORPORATE LOGO following Yanukovych’s ouster, been following Ketchum’s advice; and promptly set out on a global and the firm’s revenues from its diplomatic tour pleading for help Kremlin work were dropping from foreign leaders. He seemed when, in March, Russia decided determined and hopeful, “in his to get rid of their services alto- element.” But in the year since, gether. “We decided not to renew Yatsenyuk has retained control the contract because of the anti- over parliament through a catty Russian hysteria, the informa- style of politics. He has been tion war that is going on,” Krem- rumored to give his ministers lin spokesman Dmitry Peskov last-minute assigenments at in- told CNNMoney. Ketchum re- convenient hours. Long known tains its contract with Gazprom. to be corrupt, he and his “Peo- ple’s Front” party are finally coming under state scrutiny. In a panic, Yatsenyuk has made a concerted e—ort to consolidate 12 support on the far-right, and has introduced wasteful, impractical anti-communist laws to distract Twelve people who ruined Ukraine from the growing political pres- sure. The man who intended to lead Ukraine away from its cor- rupt past has carried corruption into its future.

Russian group aimed at steering after, when she and her mentor, most to undermine the country VLADIMIR PUTIN Ukraine away from the European former President Viktor Yush- in plundering its assets and ma- ANGELA MERKEL 1952 — Union. This year, however, he has chenko, came into power, they nipulating its politics, there are 1954 — The dirtiest of the dozen. Putin represented Ukraine in informal ran a government composed of The German Chancellor, who has had his eyes set on Ukraine talks with pro-Russian separat- political veterans who failed to speaks fluent Russian, has taken since at least 2008, when he infa- ists as well as in negotiations enact promised reforms, under- the lead in the EU’s negotiations mously told President George W. with the rebels over prisoner mining their own revolutionary with Putin over the Ukraine cri- Bush that “Ukraine is not even a exchanges. Perhaps that’s why cause. “In the end, the bitter 8 sis, and deserves praise for her country.” His invasion of Ukraine the Minsk ceasefires have been personal infighting that soon dogged diplomacy. But under was the perfect vehicle to drive anything but. developed between the Yush- her leadership, the EU has left his approval ratings to a three- chenko and Tymoshenko camps Ukraine by the wayside: Sanc- year high, distracting the Russian robbed the Orange Revolution of tions were too long delayed, as people from their increasingly its chances to cement a progres- was aid to the bankrupt coun- precarious economy and dissuad- sive legacy for Ukraine,” Mark try. Continuing advances by ing them from attempting their 7 Medish, a senior White House separatist militias were greeted own Maidan Revolution. Since and Treasury oŽcial in the Clin- only with expressions of “great then, well over 6,000 Ukrainians ton administration, writes. In some standout o—enders. Rinat and an untold number of Russian 2011, Yanukovych’s government Akhmetov (pictured above), soldiers have been killed, leaving sentenced her to seven years in Ukraine’s richest man, is worth swathes of eastern Ukrainian jail on shaky allegations that she $7.7 billion and helped bring territory destroyed. Putin has overstepped her power as prime Viktor Yanukovych to power. His 10 propped up faux-governments in minister, removing her from the fortune derives from steel and Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk political spotlight. But she al- coal holdings in eastern Ukraine, regions and resumed Russian ready had ample time to bequeath some of which are now located oppression of the long-su—er- YULIA TYMOSHENKO her sclerotic style of politics unto in rebel territory. Akhmetov has ing Crimean Tatar community, 1960 — the next generation of politicians, been accused of fomenting sepa- all while pretending he knows Derided as “Putin with a braid,” especially current Prime Minis- ratism in the east and funding nothing about this “civil war” in Tymoshenko served as Ukraine’s ter Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who led rebel groups — separatist leader Ukraine. There are signs that the prime minister following the Or- her “Fatherland” party while she Oleksandr Borodai went so far cost of war may finally be wear- ange Revolution, in 2005, and was in prison. When Tymoshen- as to brag about his special rela- ing on the Kremlin: Representa- then again from 2007 to 2010. ko tried to re-enter politics upon tionship with Akhmetov in last concern” from Merkel and the tives of the separatist republics She earned her millions, and her her release from jail after Yanu- month. Dmytro Firtash is now EU, even as civilian casualties announced last week that their “gas princess” nickname, in the oil kovych’s ouster, she was decid- worth just $500 million, but he continue to mount. Thanks to “Novorossiya Project” — New business during the boom years edly unwelcome. made billions by cutting deals the EU’s inaction, there are now Russia project — will shut down after the fall of the Soviet Union. with Russian gas giant Gazprom, a million internally displaced because it violates the terms She emerged as a hero of Ukrai- money that he also put to work refugees in Ukraine; and thanks of February’s Normandy peace nian politics during the Orange THE OLIGARCH getting Yanukovych elected. The to the EU’s continued stalling on talks. If true, that would be the Revolution of 2004, when she led While it’s impossible to pick Austrian government recently visa liberalization for Ukraini- first diplomatic agreement Pu- protests against fraudulent presi- which among Ukraine’s ruling rejected a petition to extradite ans, many of them will struggle tin has chosen to honor since the dential election results. Shortly class of oligarchs has done the Firtash to the US, where he is ac- to find new homes. start of this devastating conflict. POLITICO 18 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Forum

GAY RIGHTS

A landslide in Ireland CHARLES MCQUILLAN / GETTY CHARLES After the historic vote for gay marriage, the Catholic Church’s options are clear: evolve or fade away

By DONNY MAHONEY proposals were made. Many were issue. It is a tiny country; some that thousands and thousands Church will never again be the accepted. two million votes were cast Fri- of these voters no longer live in dominant institution of Irish life. No country had been ever been day. There is no such thing as Ireland. The country has been Today is Pentecost Sunday, tasked with the decision that Ire- seven degrees of separation in a ravaged by austerity measures the day the Church was born. I land faced this week. For months, place this small. That tight-knit introduced after the government attended a family mass in the polls had pointed to a strong ma- sense of community allowed for bailed out the country’s banks. Dublin neighborhood of Rath- jority in favor of same sex mar- a national conversation about the Young Irish people did what mines this morning. There were riage, but a tradition of close ref- place of gay people in Irish life. young Irish people do when hard about 100 people in attendance, erendums on cultural issues and Those discussions happened on times strike: they emigrated. At many of them immigrants. The the victory (later reversed in the television and social media, but least 180,000 people have left in priest began by recognizing that courts) of Proposition 8 against more importantly, they took the last four years, most of them there were yes voters and no vot- same-sex marriage in California place on doorsteps and around in their twenties. ers among the congregation. He in 2008, tempered expectations. dinner tables and pub counters But on Friday, just when many called for “a new Pentecost for the Civil partnership was introduced up and down the country. Many Yes campaigners started to fear Church, a renewal of the spirit,” here in 2010, but even up to vot- well-known public figures — for- the turnout of a conservative though he did not dwell too much DUBLIN — “I always had confi- ing day, many wondered if Ire- mer presidents, elected parlia- “silent majority,” the so-called on the consequences of the refer- dence in the Irish people,” said land was prepared to pass a ref- mentarians, journalists, sports endum. The archbishop of Dublin Irish Senator David Norris early erendum on same-sex marriage. personalities — chose to come The incredible was more blunt. On Saturday, he in the afternoonI outside Dublin The ballot paper posed a simple forward and share their experi- called the result a “wake-up call.” Castle as word of a definitive vic- question — should marriage be ences either of being homosexual youth vote is The Church’s options are clear: tory for Ireland’s gay marriage gender-blind? To answer that or having homosexual children. evolve or fade away. referendum was beginning to question, the people of Ireland It was these interventions — and all the more spread from the count centers. had to wrestle with a more fun- not the broad political consensus remarkable THE NEXT BATTLEGROUNDS Norris had spent 40 years fight- damental issue: Is the love that behind the Yes vote — that won The great untangling of Church ing for recognition for Ireland’s two men or two women have for the referendum. considering that and State is underway in Ireland, LGBT community. “This is a re- each other the same love that a For gay rights campaigners, and for many, the next battle- sounding statement, a statement man has for a woman? it was a time to celebrate, but thousands and grounds will be in schools and to the entire world. This is the Ireland gave a loud and clear also to remember those who had hospitals, most of which are still way forward. Because this is the yes to both questions. no choice but to leave Ireland thousands no Church-run and abide by Catho- Irish people speaking. It’s not a The result reflects the rapid because of their sexuality, and longer live here. lic teaching. Abortion rights ac- court, it’s not a government. This change that Ireland has under- those who did not have the op- tivists will take encouragement is the people themselves welcom- gone in less than a generation. portunity to see this day. from this result, but a referen- ing gay people into the Irish fam- In 2007, Ireland’s then-justice “One thing I’m reminded of on dum on that issue, the fourth in ily. It is a great day to be Irish.” minister Brian Lenihan ruled this wonderfully positive day is “generation emigration” — gay Ireland’s history, would be far out a referendum on gay marriage the many people I knew or knew and straight — returned to par- more divisive. There will be a A LOUD AND CLEAR YES saying it would be “divisive and of who sadly took their own lives ticipate in the referendum. The general election here next year, The result was overwhelming. unsuccessful” and “jeopardize because they were made so un- hashtag “hometovote” was trend- but political commentators were They said yes in the cities, they the progress we have made over happy. I remember this day and ing on Twitter throughout poll- quick to play down expectations said yes in the towns, they said the last 15 years.” Few at the time I wish [this] day had been there ing day and social media analysts of looming political change. yes in rural communities. They questioned Lenihan’s pragma- for them,” Norris said. tracked people flying to Ireland Wherever this referendum said yes in 42 of Ireland’s 43 elec- tism. This was a country where, Norris also expressed his grat- to vote from every continent. takes the country, it is clear a new toral constituencies. After it was up until 1993, homosexuality itude to the nation’s young voters It’s clear that this result is the chapter has begun in Irish life. confirmed that 62 percent had was a crime. This was a country who decided this vote. Never be- death knell for the Church as the For years, many have wondered supported same-sex marriage, where, in 1982, a gay man named fore have so many people below moral arbiter in people’s lives in what, if any, social force would hundreds of people gathered for Declan Flynn was hunted down the age of 45 participated in an Ireland. In 1995, Ireland legal- emerge to seize the public imagi- hours on Dame Street and on the by a pack of teenagers and bru- Irish referendum. Turnout was ized divorce by referendum, but nation that was once so transfixed steps of Dublin city hall, cheer- tally killed in a Dublin park. This nearly double the other referen- that vote only passed by 9,000 by the Catholic Church. Well, ing at passing traŠc and waving was a country where his killers dums Ireland held this decade. votes. In the intervening years, that force arrived on Saturday, rainbow flags. Any time a car were charged with manslaughter, The cause of same-sex marriage the Catholic Church in Ireland when mainstream Irish society honked, a loud roar went out. not murder, and given suspended mobilized a generation of young has had its moral credibility declared that homosexual love — When a man wearing a placard sentences, which meant they nev- Irish men and women who, un- obliterated by a litany of reports the love of their brothers, sisters, that urged sinners to repent en- er served a day in prison. like their parents, do not define that detailed shocking and sadis- cousins — is natural and normal. tered the fray, he was serenaded themselves by their religion. tic abuse carried out by priests It’s a defining statement of a by chants of “God loves gays!” TWO MILLION VOTES Many would not even consider and nuns upon some of the most mature society. The Dixie Cups’ classic “Going Ireland is a di¢erent country themselves lapsed Catholics. vulnerable in society. The refer- to the Chapel” was sung over today. In a way, it was the ideal The incredible youth vote is all endum confirms finally what has Donny Mahoney is an American writer and over again. Many wedding country for a referendum on this the more remarkable considering long been known: the Catholic and journalist based in Dublin. POLITICO Opinion THURSDAY, MAY 28, 201519 A ‘mosque’ at the Biennale

By MICHAEL MOYNIHAN the resistance of European venerate Spinoza and Vol- it’s “not a venue for truly free countries to accommodate Welcome to taire, who urge the Muslim artistic expression.” or the pornographically the religious traditions of world to embrace religious Others seem to have as- wealthy and intellectu- Muslim immigrants. Indeed, 2015, where pluralism and tolerance, and similated the newly popu- Fally insecure, there’s no across Europe, voters and provocative art those who campaign in sup- lar sensitivity to all things more anticipated event on the governments have estab- port of bans on headscarves religious. The art critic Hrag 2015 European social calen- lished a complicated thicket and minarets. Vartanian sni–ed that he dar than the Venice Biennia- of rules and regulations is neutered on It wasn’t long until the un- didn’t think Büchel’s work le, the massive art fair that, targeting Islam. the flimsiest convincing claims of safety “has done much to promote says its curator, exists “at the In 2009, voters in Büchel’s violations were supplement- understanding,” nor did he confluence of many socio- home country of Switzerland of pretexts ed by claims of safety con- “do the essential legal and political changes and radical community work required to historical ruptures across the realize his vision.” (Imagine fields of art, culture, politics, Robert Mapplethorpe putting technology, and economics.” down the bullwhip, pulling It possesses all the raw ma- up his pants, and embark- terial of a Tom Wolfe novel: ing on “community work” to extravagant parties promot- “promote understanding” ing extravagantly priced art, amongst those who found his created by radical chic artists work o–ensive.) who profess to loathe ex- Anna Somers Cocks, travagance. For the 2015 fair, founding editor of the contradictions will be further influential Art Newspa- heightened with visitors to per, slammed Büchel for the main pavilion greeted by “play[ing] frivolously with actors reading aloud from fire,” blaming the artist for Karl Marx’s masterpiece having “provoked the xeno- of failed economic theory, phobes and ignorant into Das Kapital (they’ll drone making hurtful statements.” through all seven volumes Like the now-infamous Mu- in seven months, footnotes hammad cartoons published included). by Jyllands-Posten, which But this year’s real ideo- spidered across the globe, logical cause célèbre comes leaving a trail of dead bodies from Swiss-born stunt art- and charred Danish embas- ist and paint-by-numbers sies, Somers Cocks confident- provocateur Christoph ly claimed that “we can count Büchel, whose installation on this episode being tweeted “The Mosque: The First and Facebooked all over the Mosque in the Historic City Muslim world and the o–ence of Venice,” a Muslim house of will be amplified immeasur- worship constructed within ably, adding to the general a disused Catholic church, paranoia.” was just shuttered by Italian In other words, the prob- authorities, citing an uncon- lem isn’t censorious Catho- vincing litany of minor legal lics, but Muslims who could infractions (like missing potentially be stricken with a paperwork) and safety viola- bad case of paranoia. (No sign tions (like overcrowding). of this yet, but why take any According to his tormentors chances?) in city hall and from the local To be sure, not all religions Catholic diocese, Büchel’s treat “blasphemous” art with work isn’t art but a fully equal measures of aggression functioning mosque, which and violent stupidity. But this necessitates a very di–erent EPA (2) false equivalence — killing series of permits. cartoonists isn’t the same as Well, they might have a bit pulling funding for a piece of a point there. The Mosque of art — has created a type of is so conceptual — there is, cowardly consistency. When to the unsophisticated eye, voted in favor of a ban on the cerns. If an artist’s depiction the Associated Press refused little “art” to be found — that new construction of mina- of Muhammad can provoke to make the first post-attack it has already attracted a rets. Austria has recently murderous rage, perhaps cover of Charlie Hebdo avail- stream of worshippers who banned foreign funding of recasting a mosque as an art able to its media subscribers, have embraced it as their mosques and required imams project could do the same. it also quietly removed its regular place of prayer. Not to be conversant in German. According to the New York stock image of artist Andres your typical Bienniale at- Italy has seen a number of Times, local o£cials “warned Serrano’s “Piss Christ,” tendees. And as noted in the proposed prohibitions on that [The Mosque] posed a figuring it was hypocritical if title of Büchel’s piece, despite new mosque construction, security threat because of they didn’t conform to every a sizable Muslim population, while France’s nationwide possible violence either by religion’s blasphemy rules. there isn’t a single sanctioned ban on the full-face veil has anti-Islamic extremists or So welcome to 2015, where mosque in Venice. been replicated in a number Islamic extremists upset that provocative art is neutered At first blush, the why of of Italian towns. And so on. a mosque has been created on the flimsiest of pretexts, Büchel’s work isn’t exactly Like with the post-Charlie inside a church.” Find a pro- where religious sensitivity clear. And as demonstrated in Hebdo massacre arrest of Ho- vocative art exhibit, lecture, trumps artistic freedom, the aftermath of the Charlie locaust denier and anti-Sem- or play closed by authorities, where artists are advised to Hebdo massacre, an artist’s ite Dieudonne on charges of and you’ll inevitably find a consult with the subjects of intention is always at the “condoning” terrorism, there bureaucrat kowtowing to an their work, lest they take of- mercy of a critic’s ideology. Is has been relative silence from aggrieved religious group in fence. And the willingness of it a jab at rising anti-immi- those who full-throatedly de- the name of “safety.” governments, galleries, and grant sentiment in Europe? fend plays, novels, cartoons, One would expect the art media outlets to submit to Or is he lamenting Europe’s and films cancelled or never world to line up four-square diktats from swivel-eyed re- move away from religion, produced because of the ob- behind Büchel. Not so much. ligious believers is now both in contrast to the influx of jections of o–ended Muslims. The Icelandic Art Center, ecumenical and de rigueur. religious immigrants? This is perhaps unsurpris- which commissioned The Büchel has explained ing considering the overlap Mosque, blasted the Ven- Michael Moynihan is a columnist at that The Mosque is a fairly between those who profess a ice Bienniale for its supine the Daily Beast and host of the Vice straightforward comment on love of freedom, who rightly response, complaining that News show The Business of Life. POLITICO 20 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Opinion

La Défense skyline in Paris. EPA

BY ANNE HIDALGO o„ering up new solutions for sites to help feed the city, as tional 100,000 square meters data to be the motor of inno- surmounting these challenges. part of a larger project favor- of innovation infrastructure, vation and the catalyst of our aris didn’t wait until the It is in this pragmatic state ing short distribution cir- mostly located along Paris’ collective intelligence. Every- end of the 21st century of mind that the Council of cuits. This in turn will help us so-called “Innovation Arc.” one should be in a position to Pto assert itself as the Paris chose to embrace the achieve another imperative: In 2015 and 2016, two giant submit ideas for improving city of perpetual renewal. sharing economy. This will lightening urban logistics start-up incubators will open the way our city works. The city’s dense history and help guarantee healthy and and reducing delivery vehicle in Paris, including the Halle For this vision to succeed, never-ending capacity for balanced living conditions traŽc. We have also chosen to Freyssinet, the largest such Parisians must get involved in change, its countless pioneers for our citizens, preserve the the political life of their city. — architects, inventors, and environment for our children, The citizen’s voice is a critical scientists — have conferred and support the emergence element of political decision- the city with a key role in of a job-creating economy in making, and I have made Europe and in the world. As both the short and long-term. consistent e„orts to give Pa- Paris has grown increasingly In this spirit, we are prepar- Parisian castles risians a say in the strategic prominent over the centuries, ing to make crucial deci- decisions a„ecting the future this role has been character- sions that will ensure Paris of our municipality. As such, I ized by territorial ingenuity remains a smart and sustain- in the air decided to earmark 5 percent and urban innovation. able city for the long haul. of the annual investment Today, Paris is an open-air In its innovative approach budget — some €71 million laboratory, connected and to urban design, Paris has The French capital has become a per year — for projects that flexible, populated by indi- inspired cities around the Parisians submit, select and viduals who will determine world: its drainage system, testing ground for new technologies vote on themselves. This ap- its future and provide us with Haussmanian architecture, proach is part of the largest- the means for getting there. electricity network, and ever participative budget in The city’s primary strength metro have all served as mod- the world. lies in its awareness of the els. Recent innovations like scale up revegetation in Paris, incubator in the world. And Participative democracy high stakes it faces. Global Vélib’ and Autolib’ have been which will hopefully reduce because innovation is best will allow us to design the urban growth brings real met with worldwide acclaim. the city’s temperature. fostered by exchange and city’s future as Parisians challenges for urban plan- Seeking out, testing and To continue our unrelent- interaction, 30 percent of themselves imagine it. We ning, as well as our ecological exploring new possibilities ing fight against pollution, start-ups hosted in Parisian have launched a call for proj- footprint, connection with is the only way to find fresh we will introduce even more incubators will be of foreign ects, inviting all professionals the countryside and quality solutions and set examples collective, clean transport al- origin by 2020. to submit their ideas on rede- ternatives in order to reduce In Paris, we are convinced signing 23 major sites across individual car ownership. that a smart, sustainable the capital. This proactive Reducing the number of cars city is, first and foremost, a approach to urban innovation IN THE LOOP on our roads is part of a wider forum that allows its citizens, enriches our overall urban e„ort to reconquer the city for researchers and innovators planning policy, as evidenced POLITICO’s weekly podcast covers the its citizens. The transforma- to drive the decision-making by the rebirth of the heart of latest news and debates shaping politics tion of the Seine riverbanks, process of urban projects Paris with its modernized Les in the European Union. In the second Polish which will phase out traŽc from conception to roll-out. Halles complex, the striking language podcast, POLITICO’s Matt Kaminski, lanes in favor of pedestrian Consequently, I want open new Law Courts project going executive editor, and Jan Cieński, energy and zones, is currently underway. up in the Batignolles district, New episodes in English of security editor, discuss the upcoming Polish In addition to embracing and the forthcoming trans- IN THE LOOP are available on presidency of Andrzej Duda, and in particular, the sharing economy, Paris is To propel formation of some of Paris’s POLITICO.eu every Friday what it means for foreign policy and the EU. also building a “circular econ- most popular spots. Not only omy” of renewable and recy- Parisian celebrating past glories, but clable energy. Metropolises innovation we daring to build those of the of life. With natural resources worth imitating. We must like Paris are brimming with future: that is the choice we drying up, we’ve got to keep relentlessly pursue promis- untapped energy sources — in need to pursue have made. things in check. ing developments regardless basements, sewers, tunnels, an aggressive “If you have built castles The unprecedented pres- of the technical or political and data centers. It’s up to us in the air, one day, your work sure on our resources means diŽculties that may come up to harness this energy. investment need not be lost; that is where we must find ways to consume along the way. To propel Parisian innova- policy that will they should be. Now put the less, and to consume more ef- Over the past few years, tion, we need to pursue an foundations under them,” ficiently, while limiting our im- Paris has become a testing aggressive investment policy free up more Henry David Thoreau wrote. pact on the environment. Paris ground for new technologies that will free up more space This is what we are doing in faces major challenges when it in all sectors. Advances in ur- for start-up development in space for start- Paris, imagining and imple- comes to energy, waste treat- ban agriculture, for example, the city. Over 130,000 square up development menting new possibilities at ment, revegetation, provision- have produced excellent meters of space for start-up the human level, laying the ing, mobility, and logistics. At yields, both in quantity and incubators has been created in the city. foundations for our dreams. the same time, the spectacular in quality. We will continue in recent years. By 2020, we boom in digital technologies is to open up more agricultural will have created an addi- Anne Hidalgo is the mayor of Paris. POLITICO News THURSDAY, MAY 28, 201521 Brussels nervous over Polish political shift

POLAND FROM PAGE 1 fice) who hasn’t been vocally hos- tile to the EU, although PiS does of the center-right European belong to the European Con- Peoples Party, the largest group- servatives and Reformists bloc, ing in the European Parliament. which is cool towards ambitious “That is creating a lot of concern federalist ideas. “He hasn’t given here.” the impression that he is a Euro- Under the Polish constitu- skeptic,” said , a tion, the president can veto laws member of the EPP, which also and “on foreign policy cooper- includes Civic Platform. ates with the prime minister,” Duda doesn’t seem to share who governs the country day-to- Kaczyński’s hostility toward day. Even with the presidency’s Germany. His wife, Agata Korn- limited powers, Duda’s arrival hauser-Duda, is a German lan- changes the mood in Warsaw as guage teacher in Kraków. “I don’t well as Brussels. The parliamen- think he is personally anti-Ger- tary election this fall will either man,” said Marcin Zaborowski, blunt or confirm PiS’s return to head of the Warsaw-based Polish the heart of power in Poland Institute of International Ažairs. The possible second coming of “Until the parliamentary elec- Kaczyński isn’t going down well tions the party will be fighting in Brussels. During his 16 months for centrist voters so it won’t em- as prime minister, Kaczyński had phasize that radical anti-German terrible relations with Berlin. He view. But the party does have a lot used German wartime atrocities of anti-German stereotypes.” as a bargaining chip in EU negoti- The issue for Duda in Warsaw ations, and was suspicious of any Andrzej Duda with his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda (r) and daughter Kinga Duda (l) EPA/ PAWEL SUPERNAK and in Brussels is how closely he EU ideas that in his view would will be tied to Kaczyński, a domi- weaken Poland’s national sov- A recent study of national prime minister, Matteo Renzi. political elites will be for the neering politician who has shown ereignty. His views on gay mar- “political muscle” by the Brue- Spain’s economy is recovering, coming months consumed by little past tolerance for rivals. riage and the death penalty were gel think tank found that Poland and Madrid is now angling for campaigning, leaving little time Duda has already announced that and remain out of the European now holds the seventh-highest prestigious jobs like head of the for EU matters. “Of course all he is resigning from PiS — it is mainstream. total of top-ranked EU jobs — Eurogroup of eurozone finance the attention is going to be on something of a tradition for Polish Poland’s emergence as an just behind Belgium, which has ministers. national politics,” said Mikołaj presidents to claim they are above EU power coincided with home field advantage in Brussels. “You know with waves — they Dowgielewicz, a former Europe party politics — but Kaczyński’s Kaczyński’s departure in 2007. It is the only one of the “big six” rise and then they fall,” said a minister now with the Council influence still looms large. A new tandem of Prime Minister EU countries (Germany, France, senior Polish oŸcial at the Com- of Europe Development Bank. “Kaczyński steered the cam- Donald Tusk and Radek Sikor- UK, Italy, Spain and Poland) to mission who requested anonym- “Poland’s place in the EU will be paign. Please believe me, these ski, his Oxford-educated foreign see an increase in the percentage ity. determined after the parliamen- were the decisions of Jarosław minister, were embraced by Ber- of those jobs from 2009 to 2015. Tusk’s departure from War- tary elections.” Kaczyński,” one of the former lin. It helped too that Poland’s “The UK, Italy and Spain have saw brought to power Ewa It is the possible reappear- prime minister’s top lieutenants, economy continued to outper- all seen relative declines in their Kopacz, a former health minis- ance of Kaczyński, who is 65, that Mariusz Kamiński, told Poland’s form its neighbors. Poland was Commission and parliamentary ter with little Brussels exposure causes far more consternation RMF FM radio this week. the only EU country to avoid appointments,” the study said. or political charisma. The multi- among Eurocrats than Duda. The recession after the onset of Eu- lingual Sikorski became speaker lawyer from Kraków is an MEP Kalina Oroschako and Maïa de La rope’s economic crisis in 2009. POLISH WAVE EBBING of parliament, leaving the top (he is currently closing up his of- Baume contributed to this article. While Spain and Italy were The high point of that Polish diplomat’s distracted by their economic wave was Tusk’s appointment as post to Grze- troubles and the UK was as usual president of the European Coun- gorz Schety- debating whether it even wanted cil last year. na, a PO party to be in the EU, Poland part- Yet even before Duda became baron who nered with Germany on energy a Polish household name, War- had shown no and other policies and sought saw’s influence in Brussels was prior experi- to punch above its weight in the ebbing, observers say. In recent ence in for- diplomatic arena, particularly on months, Italy has shaken ož eign ažairs. Ukraine and Russia. In Brussels, some of its political torpor and At the very Poles snagged plumb posts. chaos under the energetic new least, Poland’s Head of Communications & WARSAW RISING External Relations Department Percentage of top EU positions by country, includes heads of cabinets and deputies, directors-general and Managerial Position deputies (Commission), chairs of committees, the secretary-general and directors-general (Parliament) 18 European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Parma, Italy 1999 2009 Do you want to play an active role in an • Have full budgetary management responsibility 16 2015 organisation that makes a di erence to the across all communications channels. lives of 500 million EU citizens? The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is at the heart of Main skills 14 the EU’s risk assessment system for food and • Experience in developing and successfully feed, providing scientic advice which helps implementing cooperation and/or partnership 12 to ensure that people across the continent propositions from the outset; have access to safe, nutritious food. • Experience in developing and implementing EFSA is looking for a dynamic and inspiring communications programmes both alone 10 manager to lead a communications department and in partnership with external providers; of around 50 people on all aspects of our • Experience in managing a team of sta and communication, cooperation and relationship leading middle managers; 8 management. • Hands-on experience in budgetary and You will be joining the organisation at an nancial management; exciting time, as momentum builds behind a • Excellent knowledge of both written and 6 number of high-prole changes aiming at spoken English. transforming EFSA into an open science organisation. If you are interested 4 please consult the detailed vacancy notice as Main responsibilities well as the eligibility criteria and competencies • Provide expert guidance and help ensure required at: 2 consistency of message across the business; http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/jobs/ • Develop and direct a contemporary vacancies.htm 0 communication strategy including EFSA’s Y sta and experts as key audience; Application online closes on 15/06/2015 NCE ITAL A

N SPAI • Identify key stakeholders and develop midnight Italian time. UNITED FR POLAND strategies for scientic cooperation and KINGDOM GERMANY networking; Source: Ocial Directory of the European Union (2015, 2005 and 1999), Bruegel Calculations POLITICO 22 THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2015 Cartoon Carousel

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