The Juncker Commission Past Midterm: Does the New Setup Work?
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Load more
Recommended publications
-
EU Commission Presidency Candidates: Taxation Will Remain High up on EU’S Agenda
BRUSSELS I 6 MAY 2019 EU Commission Presidency Candidates: Taxation Will Remain High Up on EU’s Agenda In the run up to the EU elections, Politico Europe, Maastricht University and the European Youth Forum organised the Maastricht debate between the likely candidates for the post of EU Commission president. The debate was particularly aiming to target students and young Europeans, and in addition to digitalisation, climate change and sustainability, taxation was among the topics that raised interest and debate. Bas Eickhout (Netherlands, The Greens), Jan Zahradil (Czech Republic, Alliance of Conservatives and Reformists in Europe), Frans Timmermans (The Netherlands, Socialists & Democrats), Guy Verhofstadt (Belgium, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) and Violeta Tomić (Slovenia, Party of the European Left) met in Maastricht, with the notable absence of the Conservative frontrunner, Manfred Weber (Germany, European People’s Party) who chose to attend instead a Munich event celebrating the 80th birthday of Theo Waigel, a former German finance minister. Weber did attend another debate in Florence subsequently, where much of the discussions were revolving around the collective security and the need for a separate European army. All candidates at the Maastricht debate expressed their support for more regulation of the American tech companies operating in the Single Market as a matter of priority. Considering the public interest in the regulatory and enforcement powers of the European Commission vis-a-vis these businesses, it is likely that many related policy areas such as taxation, copyright and data protection will continue to be high-up on the next Commission’s agenda. With great power more responsibility should have come, apparently. -
Frans Timmermans Cc: Günther Oettinger, Jyrki Katainen, Karmenu Vella and Phil Hogan
Frans Timmermans Cc: Günther Oettinger, Jyrki Katainen, Karmenu Vella and Phil Hogan European Commission Rue de la Loi / Wetstraat 200 1049 Brussels 20th March 2018 Dear First Vice-President Timmermans, We are writing to you as civil society representatives (environmental NGOs, farmers, food movements, and animal welfare groups) regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform, following recent details given in Commission presentations to the Council and the Parliament on its substance, in particular the common EU objectives. 1) We would like to recall that for the next CAP to be truly results-oriented, make effective and efficient use of EU taxpayers’ money, and respond to citizens’ demands to better protect our natural resources, ensure the welfare of farmed animals and ensure many and diversified farms, the EU objectives should be specific, measurable and time-bound so that progress towards them can be properly monitored.1 2) Unfortunately we are very concerned that the objectives will be very general and vague, which will make it very easy for Member States to systematically choose the least ambitious measures without facing adequate monitoring or control—as experienced with the last reform’s ‘greening’, which added complexity and completely failed to address the challenges facing the sector. 3) Furthermore, objectives focussed on increasing production—such as ‘food security’—are not only unjustified in the context of overproduction and overconsumption in Europe, especially of animal products, but also risk undermining other objectives on the long-term resilience of the sector, the environment, animal welfare, climate, human health and fair income for the smallest and most sustainable farms. -
Review of the Juncker Commission
AT A GLANCE Plenary – October II 2019 Review of the Juncker Commission Prior to his election as President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker set out the policy priorities that would serve as the political mandate for the Commission's 2014-2019 term of office. Although the new Commission will not take office on 1 November as scheduled, Juncker is due to make a statement during the October II plenary session on his term as President, and a debate will review the work of his Commission. Background In July 2014, President-elect Juncker published an Agenda for jobs, growth, fairness and democratic change to mark a 'new start for Europe'. The aim of those political guidelines was to make a difference and deliver concrete results for citizens on ten priorities, ranging from the digital single market and energy union, to justice and fundamental rights, migration and security. Changes and challenges Since the Juncker Commission took office in November 2014, every year has brought its share of changes and challenges. For example, 2015 started with a series of terrorist attacks, followed later that year by record-high numbers of migrants and asylum-seekers arriving in the European Union. In 2016, the UK's referendum vote to withdraw from the EU, and the election of a new administration in the United States, required the EU to adapt its priorities in several areas, from security and defence to trade. Furthermore, ensuring energy independence, guaranteeing the respect of the rule of law in Member States and strengthening economic and monetary union were additional challenges influencing the agenda and ultimately forcing the Commission to adapt, through its annual work programmes and State of the Union addresses, its response and initiatives to an ever-changing environment. -
Factsheet: Delivering on the Capital Markets Union
Delivering on the CAPITAL MARKETS UNION #CMU | #InvestEU WHAT IS THE CAPITAL MARKETS UNION? The Capital Markets Union aims to get money - investments and savings - flowing across the EU so that it can benefit consumers, investors and companies. It is part of the Juncker Commission’s ambition to sustain growth in Europe. The Capital Markets Union aims to break down barriers that block cross-border investments in the EU and make it easier for companies and infrastructure projects to get the finance they need, regardless of where they are located. It also sets out to foster sustainable finance by directing investment to environmentally friendly projects. WHY CAPITAL MARKETS UNION MATTERS? More integrated financial markets create a cushion to absorb sudden shocks, and allow risk to be shared by private actors across EU borders, making the Economic and Monetary Union stronger and more resilient. This, in turn, can create an incentive for market participants to use the euro, therefore reinforcing its international role. WHAT ARE THE CURRENT ISSUES? Start-ups and small and High fixed costs EU households Investors European businesses medium-sized enterprises of up to 15% of save heavily, face many highly depend on banks need more funding for the amount raised but do not barriers for their financing (50% innovation and growth makes access make the when inves- of total financing), with (market-based sources of to stockmarkets most of their ting in other few alternative funding finance are currently less especially costly for savings EU countries sources than 15%) small businesses “The Capital Markets Union has a key role to play in strengthening Europe's Economic and Monetary Union and the euro. -
Europe's Two-Faced Authoritarian Right FINAL.Pdf
1 Europe’s two-faced authoritarian right: ‘anti-elite’ parties serving big business interests 15 May 2019 INTRODUCTION If the more pessimistic projections are to be believed, authoritarian right-wing politicians will do well in the upcoming European Parliament elections, reflecting a surge in EU scepticism and disillusionment with establishment parties, many of whom have overseen a decade or more of punishing austerity. These authoritarian right parties are harnessing this disillusionment using the rhetoric of ending corruption, tackling ‘elite’ interests, regaining ‘national’ dignity and identity, and defending the rights of ‘ordinary people’. However, the contrast between this rhetoric and their actual actions is stark. From repressive laws to dark money funding; from corruption scandals to personal enrichment; from corporate deregulation to enabling tax avoidance, the defence of ‘elite’ interests disguised as the defence of disaffected classes is a defining characteristic of Europe’s rising authoritarian right parties. After the election, Europe could well see the formation of a new axis by these parties across the EU institutions, simultaneously becoming a significant force in the European Parliament, while having a strong voice in the Council and European Council, and nominating like-minded commissioners to the EU’s executive. Such an alliance could undermine or prevent action to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing us such as climate change, whilst working against workers’ rights, and measures to regulate and tax business -
Speakers, Moderators, Rapporteurs
SPEAKERS, MODERATORS, RAPPORTEURS SPEAKER Nikos Christodoulides served as Director of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Spokesperson of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Cyprus in Greece and Director of the Office of Cyprus in the United Kingdom. Prior to his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs on 1 March 2018, he served as Director of the Diplomatic Office of the President of the Republic of Cyprus (2013-2018) and Government Spokesman (2014-2018). He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Economics, Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies from City University of New York, with postgraduate studies in Political Science at the same University and Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta. He also holds a doctorate from the Department of Political Science and Public Administration of the University of Athens. Moreover, he is the author of Plans for Solution of the Cyprus Problem 1948-1978 and Relations between Athens and Nicosia and the Cyprus Problem, 1977-1988. SPEAKER Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni was elected Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe in June 2012. In June 2015, she has been re-elected for a second 5-years mandate, starting on 1st September 2015. From October 2011 to August 2012 she held the position of the Director General of Programmes and from 2004 to 2011 she was the Director General of Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport. As part of her professional trajectory at the Council of Europe, she held positions of Coordinator for Intercultural Dialogue, Director General of Social Cohesion, Director of Social Affairs and Health, Head of Service at Research and Planning Unit and Head of Service at Directorate of Education, Culture and Sport. -
Page 1 of 15 Mr Jean-Claude Juncker President European Commission Cc
Mr Jean-Claude Juncker President European Commission cc: Frans Timmermans, First Vice-President, in charge of Better Regulation, Inter-Institutional Relations, the Rule of Law and the Charter of Fundamental Rights Andrus Ansip, Vice-President for the Digital Single Market Jyrki Katainen, Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President for the Energy Union Vytenis Andriukaitis, Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Elžbieta Bieńkowska, Commissioner for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Transport Miguel Arias Cañete, Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Corina Creţu, Commissioner for Regional Policy Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Trade Pierre Moscovici, Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Tibor Navracsics, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Günther Öttinger, Commissioner for Budget and Human Resources Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner for Competition Brussels, 16 June 2017 Re: Contribute to economic growth and climate change mitigation through a EU Cycling Strategy Dear President Juncker, With this letter, signed by leaders from businesses, public authorities and civil society, we call upon the European Commission to unlock the potential for creating jobs -
The State of Europe Disruption, Disorder and Division: Crunch Time for Europe
WINTER 2016 THE STATE OF EUROPE DISRUPTION, DISORDER AND DIVISION: CRUNCH TIME FOR EUROPE REPORT In partnership with With the support of WINTER 2016 THE STATE OF EUROPE DISRUPTION, DISORDER AND DIVISION: CRUNCH TIME FOR EUROPE REPORT This report reflects the roundtable rapporteur’s understanding of the views expressed by participants. These views are not necessarily those of the organisations that participants represent, nor of Friends of Europe, its Board of Trustees, members or partners. Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted, provided that full credit is given to Friends of Europe and that any such reproduction, whether in whole or in part, is not sold unless incorporated in other works. Rapporteurs: Paul Ames and Sebastian Moffett Publisher: Geert Cami Director: Nathalie Furrer Events Manager: Laetitia Garcia Moreno Programme Managers: Jean-Yves Stenuick and Clotilde Sipp Project Assistant: Nina Hasratyan Photographers: Philippe Molitor and François de Ribaucourt Design: Ilaria Dozio and Elza Lőw © Friends of Europe - December 2016 This report is printed on responsibly produced paper TABLE OF CONTENTS About Friends of Europe 7 Executive summary 10 Annual roundtable seeks way ahead for Europe in crisis 10 Disruption, disorder and division: Crunch time for Europe 14 Time to get tough on populism 15 A communications fightback 21 Tough on the causes of populism: Inspiring hope in the economy 25 Bridging societal gaps 31 Within communities: a question of trust 35 Reaching out to build a better EU 41 Generation Brexit 47 Optimism from the outside 54 Recommendations for a rethink 59 The President’s Gala Dinner 64 Revitalising growth in Europe 65 ANNEX I – Programme 70 ANNEX II – List of participants and observers 76 List of participants 77 List of observers 86 The State of Europe 2016 | Winter 2016 7 ABOUT FRIENDS OF EUROPE www.friendsofeurope.org /friendsofeurope.foe @friendsofeurope Friends of Europe is a leading think tank that connects people, stimulates debate and triggers change to create a more inclusive, sustainable and forward-looking Europe. -
The European Union: Questions and Answers
The European Union: Questions and Answers Updated October 27, 2020 Congressional Research Service https://crsreports.congress.gov RS21372 SUMMARY RS21372 The European Union: Questions and Answers October 27, 2020 The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership that represents a unique form of cooperation among sovereign countries. The EU is the latest stage in a process of integration Kristin Archick begun after World War II, initially by six Western European countries, to foster interdependence Specialist in European and make another war in Europe unthinkable. The EU currently consists of 27 member states, Affairs including most of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and has helped to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity throughout the European continent. How the EU Works The EU has been built through a series of binding treaties. Over the years, EU member states have sought to harmonize laws and adopt common policies on an increasing number of economic, social, and political issues. EU member states share a customs union; a single market in which capital, goods, services, and people move freely; a common trade policy; and a common agricultural policy. Nineteen EU member states use a common currency (the euro), and 22 member states participate in the Schengen area of free movement in which internal border controls have been eliminated. In addition, the EU has been developing a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which includes a Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), and pursuing cooperation in the area of Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) to forge common internal security measures. Member states work together through several EU institutions to set policy and to promote their collective interests. -
Covid 19 Angle’
STUDY Studies with a ‘Covid 19 angle’ Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs Directorate-General for Internal Policies PE 694.625 - June 2021 EN Studies with a ‘Covid 19 angle’ Abstract When the pandemic loomed over us in spring 2020, we asked experts to analyze whether it was possible to introduce a Covid angle into their studies. In many cases, it seemed prima facie a bit far-fetched. However, it soon became apparent that even in our area of work there were interesting aspects to investigate. This publication groups together the most relevant parts of the studies published so far and in which a Covid 19 angle has been presented and discussed. AUTHORS ADMINISTRATOR RESPONSIBLE Miguel TELL CREMADES EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Sofia PAPADOPOULOU LINGUISTIC VERSION Original: EN ABOUT THE EDITOR Policy departments provide in-house and external expertise to support EP committees and other parliamentary bodies in shaping legislation and exercising democratic scrutiny over EU internal policies. To contact the Policy Department or to subscribe for updates, please write to: Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs European Parliament B-1047 Brussels Email: [email protected] Manuscript completed in June 2021 © European Union, 2021 This document is available on the internet at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/supporting-analyses DISCLAIMER AND COPYRIGHT The opinions expressed in this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Parliament. Reproduction and translation for non-commercial purposes are authorised, provided the source is acknowledged and the European Parliament is given prior notice and sent a copy. -
Sauli Niinistö – Tasavallan Presidentti Risto Uimonen Sauli Niinistö – Tasavallan Presidentti
sauli niinistö – tasavallan presidentti Risto Uimonen sauli niinistö – tasavallan presidentti werner söderström osakeyhtiö helsinki © Risto Uimonen ja WSOY 2018 ISBN 978-951-0-43107-8 Painettu EU:ssa Lapsenlapsilleni Lotalle (4 v.) ja Nupulle (3 v.) Sisällys 11 | LUKIJALLE 17 | SISÄÄNAJO UUTEEN TYÖHÖN Valtarakenteet murtuvat 19 Symboliikkaa eduskunnan portailla 24 Suomen vähävaltaisin presidentti 27 Presidentin tulkintaoikeus 35 Valtionpää arvojohtajana 43 Sammon ryöstö 49 55 | ULKOPOLITIIKAN JOHTAJA Idänsuhteiden painoarvo 57 Niinistö paljastaa karvansa 65 Juhannus Pietarissa 74 Kovaa substanssia yllin kyllin 81 Presidentti hakee ja löytää linjan 89 Ikävyyksiä itänaapurin kanssa 95 Tappio Luxemburgille 101 Islannin ilmavalvontakiista 108 Isännän ote lujittuu 117 Kylmä todellisuus vastassa 127 Yllätysmatka Sotshiin ja Kiovaan 137 Niinistöstä kypsyy ulkopoliitikko 142 151 | LISÄTURVAA ULKOMAILTA Poliittista Nato-retoriikkaa 153 Tekoja puheiden takana 164 Avunanto ja vastaanotto 175 Onttoja eurooppalaisia sitoumuksia 182 Suomalais-ruotsalaista veljeilyä 189 201 | VENÄJÄ – KOLMAS PILARI Suoraa puhetta Putinille 203 Puun ja kuoren välissä 215 Merkillinen vuoto itärajalla 223 Presidentit Punkaharjulla 228 235 | PRESIDENTTI JA EDUSKUNTA Tiivistä yhteydenpitoa valiokuntien kanssa 237 Taiten junailtu isäntämaasopimus 247 Puoluejohtajat hienovaraisessa ohjauksessa 258 269 | KOLME HALLITUSTA Pääministerit ulkopolitiikan johtajina 271 Korkean tason moitteita 279 Puheenjohtajan etuotto-oikeus 287 Keskustajohtajasta pääministeri 293 Täs siul on sellane -
THE JUNCKER COMMISSION: an Early Assessment
THE JUNCKER COMMISSION: An Early Assessment John Peterson University of Edinburgh Paper prepared for the 14th Biennial Conference of the EU Studies Association, Boston, 5-7th February 2015 DRAFT: Not for citation without permission Comments welcome [email protected] Abstract This paper offers an early evaluation of the European Commission under the Presidency of Jean-Claude Juncker, following his contested appointment as the so-called Spitzencandidat of the centre-right after the 2014 European Parliament (EP) election. It confronts questions including: What will effect will the manner of Juncker’s appointment have on the perceived legitimacy of the Commission? Will Juncker claim that the strength his mandate gives him license to run a highly Presidential, centralised Commission along the lines of his predecessor, José Manuel Barroso? Will Juncker continue to seek a modest and supportive role for the Commission (as Barroso did), or will his Commission embrace more ambitious new projects or seek to re-energise old ones? What effect will British opposition to Juncker’s appointment have on the United Kingdom’s efforts to renegotiate its status in the EU? The paper draws on a round of interviews with senior Commission officials conducted in early 2015 to try to identify patterns of both continuity and change in the Commission. Its central aim is to assess the meaning of answers to the questions posed above both for the Commission and EU as a whole in the remainder of the decade. What follows is the proverbial ‘thought piece’: an analysis that seeks to provoke debate and pose the right questions about its subject, as opposed to one that offers many answers.