Síntesis de Información Periodística 1/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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INDICE

Financial Times (Reino Unido)...... 3 Cyprus clears path for Turkey's EU bid...... 3 German industry voices fears of strong euro...... 4 Czech appointed as EU commissioner ...... 4 India ready to shift stance on farm subsidies...... 4 Immigrants refusing to work will be thrown out...... 5 International Herald Tribune...... 6 Chirac, in Hungary, talks of EU flexibility ...... 6 EU and South Korea ban U.S. poultry ...... 7 5 Días (España)...... 8 Los pedidos industriales repuntan en la zona euro ...... 8 Cae la confianza de las empresas alemanas y del consumidor en EE UU...... 8 El País (España) ...... 8 La fuerte demanda de China eleva el precio del acero un 30% en dos meses ...... 8 La OMC permite a la UE sancionar a Estados Unidos...... 10 Le Figaro (Francia)...... 10 Zone euro : l'excédent courant a fondu, les capitaux sortent ...... 10 Le Monde (Francia) ...... 11 La Grande-Bretagne limite l'accueil d'immigrants venus des pays d'Europe centrale ...... 11 EU Observer...... 11 Concern over measures against new workers...... 11 Ireland to curb benefits for new EU workers...... 12 Agence Europe...... 13 A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS...... 13 THE DAY IN POLITICS ...... 13 GENERAL NEWS...... 13 (EU) EU/COMMISSION/CZECH REPUBLIC: Pavel Telicka designated Commissioner candidate but tension persists in government...... 15 (EU) EU/MOLDOVA: Moldova calls on EU to invest more for settlement in Transnistria ...... 15 (EU) EU/BALKANS: Council criticises political situation in Serbia and requestS "general concept" for SFOR handover in Bosnia-Herzegovina to EU...... 16 (EU) EU/ESDP/BUDGET...... 16 (EU) EU/CRISIS MANAGEMENT...... 16 (EU) EU/TRANSNISTRIA ...... 16 (EU) EU/UGUANDA...... 17 (EU) EU/EPP/GREENS ...... 17 (EU) EU/IGC/ITALY ...... 17 (EU) EU/MIDDLE EAST: EU does not want simple transfer of colonies from Gaza Strip to West Bank - France continues to advocate third party military force...... 17 (EU) EU/HAITI: EU supports Caricom plan ...... 18 (EU) EU/CYPRUS...... 18 (EU) EU/TURKEY/GERMANY...... 18 (EU) EU/PIONEER GROUPS...... 18 (EU) EP/ULIVO ...... 18 (EU) EU/UNITED STATES: Commission authorised to negotiate agreement allowing United States to have access to airline company files ...... 19 (EU) EU/ENLARGEMENT: Prodi is "concerned" by debate on free movement of workers from new Member States - London and Dublin open up their job market, but wish to restrict access to social benefits ...... 19 (EU) EU/BIRD 'FLU: EU imposes embargo on imports of chicks and eggs from the US until 23 March - Mr Byrne in Washington on 18 and 19 March ...... 20 Síntesis de Información Periodística 2/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EU/TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL: Development of information society focus of meeting on 8 and 9 March ...... 21 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE/MILK: France calls for 1% decrease in EU quotas...... 21 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE COUNCIL: Differences subsist on improving conditions for transport of livestock...... 21 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE...... 22 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE...... 22 (EU) EU/WTO/UNITED STATES...... 22 (EU) EU/FISHERIES: Quotas for imports of fisheries products...... 22 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE: Fifteen approve labelling rules and controls for organic produce.... 22 (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE...... 23 (EU) EU/ANTIDUMPING/BRAZIL...... 23 (EU) EU/COMPETITION: Monti says "nothing is impossible" in Microsoft dossier ...... 23 (EU) EP/FINANCIAL SERVICES: EP economic committee makes transparency rules of investment service directive more flexible (second reading 29 March) ...... 24 (EU) EU/COHESION: regional and local bodies support Commission proposals but want more funding for Objective 2 - issues about state aid coherency ...... 24 (EU) EU/UN/DEVELOPMENT: European Commission and UNESCO strengthen cooperation in developing countries ...... 25 (EU) EU/TRADE: Toward establishment of definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cotton bed linen from Pakistan...... 25 (EU) EU/COMPANY LAW: Consultation on directors' remuneration...... 25 (EU) EU/ILO/SOCIAL: Report on "fairer globalisation" from world committee on social dimension will serve a basis for Commission communication ...... 26 (EU) EU/EC-UN/EMU: United Nations supports lower interest rates and more flexibility to stability pact...... 26 (EU) EU/ENVIRONMENT: Agreement between parliament and Council on environmental liability directive ...... 26 (EU) EU/FOOD SAFETY: Commission obtains official observer status within World Organisation for Animal Health ...... 27 (EU) EU/EDUCATION COUNCIL: In event of adoption, Council will send interim "Education and Training 2010" report to Spring summit at end of March - Europass and European Year of Education through Sport 2004 ...... 28 (EU) EP/CULTURE/ENLARGEMENT ...... 28 (EU) EU/EUROBAROMETER: European citizens generally positive about EU but worried about jobs, think they lack information about Europe and won't turn out en masse in June elections 29 (EU) OECD/EDUCATION: Ministerial meeting on political issues of education (Dublin 18-19 March) ...... 29 (EU) EU/TRANPORT ...... 30 (EU) EP/MEDITERRANEAN/CULTURE: Commission proposes minimum budget of 10 million EUR over three years for Euro-Mediterranean Foundation - In favour of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus ...... 30 (EU) EU/EDUCATION/CULTURE ...... 30 (EU) OECD/CAREER GUIDANCE ...... 31 (EU) EU/CATALONIA: Meetings with President Maragall at Commission - Anna Terron, General Secretary of employers Catala Pro europa...... 31 (EU) EU/EIB: EIB launches GBP 250 million tap of 2010 retail-targeted issue...... 31 (EU) EU/ECONOMY: Trade surplus of euro zone falls in 2003...... 31 €: VALUE IN DIFFERENT CURRENCIES ON 24/02/2004 ...... 32

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Financial Times (Reino Unido)

Cyprus clears path for Turkey's EU bid By Judy Dempsey in Brussels The European Commission is moving towards backing Turkey's bid to start negotiations to join the EU, diplomats say. The gradual shift in Turkey's favour reflects growing optimism inside the Commission that United Nations-brokered talks over Cyprus could lead to a deal by May 1 when the divided island - along with nine other countries - will join the European Union. It also reflects growing confidence in Ankara's commitment to reforms and Turkey's persistent campaign to join the EU. "There is no Plan B," said an EU official. "It will be impossible to avoid starting negotiations." The EU is due to make a final decision at a summit in Brussels this December on whether to open accession talks with Turkey. The decision will be based on the Commission's recommendations, which will be made in October. The recommendations are likely to be hotly debated by member states, but if talks do go ahead diplomats say Turkey could become an EU member by 2015. Germany, Britain, Spain and Italy back Turkey's membership. France has remained ambiguous while others - in Scandinavia and among the new entrants due to join this year - have strong reservations on grounds of religion, costs and human rights. A Cyprus deal would "boost Turkey's chances for starting accession talks", said a senior diplomat. He said Ankara was making a big effort to end the 30-year dispute started when Turkey occupied the northern part of the island. Diplomats are also convinced that Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish prime minister, is determined to press ahead with reforms and meet the EU's "Copenhagen criteria" - the political and economic conditions for starting talks. In strategic terms, Turkey's supporters see advantages in having a strong, secular and democratic Muslim country inside the EU. "I am not sure the EU can develop a long-term relationship ith the Islamic world if it sees itself as an exclusive Christian club," a European ambassador said. Diplomats said all these factors meant it was no longer possible to put off the decision to start talks with Ankara. Turkey applied for membership more than 40 years ago and was given candidate status in 1999. Gerhard Schröder, the German chancellor, on Tuesday wrapped up a two-day visit to Turkey and said he supported the start of membership talks "without delay" if the Commission decided the conditions have been met. "Schröder's trip to Turkey was about preparing public opinion at home over the possibility that Turkey one day will be in the EU," a German official said. With European Parliament elections in May, he may also see electoral benefits in wooing the 2.5m Turks living in Germany, where the opposition Christian Democratic Union opposes Turkey joining the EU. Angela Merkel, the CDU leader, has suggested instead, a "special relationship". Austrian officials said public opinion and much of the political establishment are staunch opponents to giving Turkey a date largely because of its large size - it has a population of 70m - and religion. Dutch diplomats said Turkey will become a "huge political issue" as the country's traditional support for enlargement and liberal immigration policies moves further to the right. The governing Síntesis de Información Periodística 4/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 conservative Christian Democratic Alliance opposes talks with Turkey although its foreign minister, Ben Bot, thinks otherwise. Sweden is reluctant, wanting to be convinced that Turkey's human rights record meets EU standards. Many of the candidate countries also oppose giving Turkey a date, either for religious reasons or that it will cost too much money to bring it into the EU.

German industry voices fears of strong euro Tony Major in Frankfurt German business sentiment deteriorated in February for the first time in 10 months as concern over the impact of the strengthening euro on company competitiveness mounted. The Munich based Ifo economic institute said its closely- watched business climate index fell to 96.4 this month from 97.5 in January, bucking market expectations of a slight rise. Economists said the decline reflected worries over the appreciation of the euro, which rose to record levels against the dollar last week, and uncertainty over economic reform in Germany in the face of stiff opposition. Hans Werner Sinn, president of Ifo, said the slight decline in the index was "a small warning signal for the economic recovery" in the eurozone's largest economy. He said it was "more important than ever" to give investors confidence in the reform process and "to keep the exchange rate under control." The overall picture, however, was muddied slightly because the index now covers the whole of Germany for the first time and includes a bigger weighting for domestic-oriented industries. Daragh Maher of ING said the fall in Ifo, although not a massive surprise given recent declines in the ZEW business expectations index, was a "high profile, tangible sign that the euro is taking its toll on confidence." The current conditions component of the index was broadly stable at 92.6 against 92.5 in January. But business expectations fell sharply to 100.4 in February from 102.9 last month. Economists said the disappointing readings were still consistent with a gradual recovery although it remained heavily dependent on exports in the face of weak domestic demand. Mr Sinn said the strong euro had affected export expectations in manufacturing. The strong euro makes exports outside the eurozone more expensive.

Czech appointed as EU commissioner By Robert Anderson Pavel Telicka, the Czech former chief negotiator with the European Union, has been selected as the country's first European commissioner following the resignation of Milos Kuzvart, the initial candidate. Mr Telicka is the current ambassador in Brussels. The government was forced to choose a new candidate after the resignation on Friday of Mr Kuzvart, a former environment minister.

India ready to shift stance on farm subsidies By Guy de Jonquières in London India is ready to discuss reducing its agricultural subsidies and import barriers if leading international trade partners show they are serious about cutting theirs, the economic adviser to the Indian prime minister said on Tuesday. The comments by S. Narayan appear to contradict categoric recent statements by Indian ministers ruling out reductions in farm subsidies. The issue is politically highly sensitive in India, almost half of whose 1bn people live off the land. Síntesis de Información Periodística 5/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Jaswant Singh, the finance minister, said three months ago that he could not "recommend that India ever give up supporting subsidies relating to the agriculture sector. Nobody on earth [can]." However, Mr Narayan said that "a lot of opportunities and options are on the table. We are happy to look at a phased reduction. We would be willing to reduce [farm] subsidies at the same rate as other countries." He said the main issue to be resolved was how quickly reductions would be phased in. They would need to take account of unspecified "sensitive" agricultural products, to ensure that farmers' livelihoods were not endangered. He indicated that cutting farm subsidies could be one means to achieve the federal government's goal of eliminating its large budget deficit by 2008. He said India, which has so far strongly resisted pressure in the Doha world trade talks to reduce its farm import barriers, was willing to discuss doing so if other countries were ready to reciprocate. However, he said: "We are not getting any clear message from the US and the Europeans on the kind of path they would like to follow." Mr Narayan, who does not have direct authority over policy, adopted a cautious attitude towards the results of India's recent efforts to conclude bilateral trade agreements with several other countries. "I think we have to see as we go, as we negotiate," he said. India plans talks with countries in south and south-east Asia and is considering negotiations with Brazil, China and South Africa. The Indian government cut import duties on steel and coal used by the industry on Tuesday, in a move to halt rising domestic prices ahead of crucial national elections when inflation is a key concern, Reuters reports from New Delhi. The cuts include a reduction in the basic import duty on steel products from 20 to 15 per cent, on pig iron from 15 to 10 per cent and on metallurgical coke from 10 to 5 per cent.

Immigrants refusing to work will be thrown out By Cathy Newman, Chief Political Correspondent Britain will throw open its doors to workers from the former communist countries joining the European Union on May 1, but those that refuse to get a job will be denied benefits and thrown out, the government has pledged. David Blunkett, home secretary, on Monday told the Commons that "whether they are plumbers or paediatricians", jobseekers from eight central and eastern European countries should be welcomed to fill the UK's half a million vacancies. However, in an effort to prevent the country being seen as a "soft touch" for so-called benefits tourists, immigrants from new member states, including Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, will have to work for a year before claiming welfare. They will also have to sign up to a special registration scheme on arriving. Those who fail to find a job or other means of supporting themselves will not be eligible for benefits. Tony Blair - after months of pressure from the Tories and the rightwing press over fears of an influx of immigrants from the former Soviet bloc - vowed: "If they can't support themselves, they will be put out of the country." But while his rhetoric was uncompromising, the proposals - to take effect for at least two years - amounted to a U-turn for the government and a significant climbdown for the prime minister. The government had originally planned to allow citizens from the new member states the right to work and claim benefits. Under siege from the opposition, Mr Blair belatedly mooted a clampdown, and was in favour of making the immigrants apply for work permits. However, the government made clear that such a scheme - opposed by Mr Blunkett - had been rejected. France and Germany are among other EU member states to restrict access to the labour market for the new arrivals. Síntesis de Información Periodística 6/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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The UK government has emergency powers to introduce work permits if more people than expected arrive from the new member states. Mr Blunkett appeared to disown his department's estimates of the expected scale of immigration. The Home Office has said it expected around 13,000 immigrants each year from eastern Europe. The government's opponents say that figure is too low, and yesterday the home secretary said: "13,000 has never crossed my lips." He told the Commons: "EU enlargement is extremely welcome and important for our country. It is something to celebrate." David Davis, shadow home secretary, accused the government of making policy on the hoof in order to come up with "another headline-grabbing initiative". And he said ministers had introduced "a bureaucratic solution which carries unnecessary risks". Mr Davis questioned whether ministers had complied with the UK's obligations under EU law. However, the CBI employers' body, praised the new policy.

International Herald Tribune

Chirac, in Hungary, talks of EU flexibility Integration can be faster or slow, he says BUDAPEST President Jacques Chirac of France on Tuesday called for the European Union to allow core nations to press ahead with integration at different levels and speeds. Chirac said Europe had reached a crossroads in its development, which requires a new dynamics if it is to move ahead. "If certain countries want to go farther, let them go, let them pioneer the way," Chirac told state officials and invited dignitaries in Parliament. "Others will be more hesitant perhaps, so let's give them sufficient time to adapt." But he sought to allay the concerns of some countries, including Hungary, which fear they will be left behind by larger and more powerful member states like France and Germany in an enlarged Europe. These pioneering groups "should keep the gates open to all those who wish to and are able to join them," Chirac said, adding, "Our aim is not division, but rather that with the creation of new solidarities, we should attract others." While praising the development of EU defense forces, Chirac said that new member states would not have to choose between the EU and NATO. "The United States is our ally," Chirac said. "The common values that hold the Euro-Atlantic alliance together are stronger than any occasional differences of view." Last year, Chirac criticized Hungary and other states that are set to join the EU for endorsing U.S. policy on Iraq, leading to tensions with the EU and NATO. Chirac cited the Schengen Agreement, which allows free movement within member countries' borders, and the European monetary union as examples of how groups within the EU have already moved ahead. EU nations like Spain and Italy expressed alarm at the prospect of a new, exclusive club trying to run Europe. The Hungarian foreign minister, Laszlo Kovacs, said last week that the concept of a "two-speed" Europe sounded "very negative" and could "lead to the collapse of the EU." Chirac told reporters after his speech that he did not want to see the creation of a group of privileged countries inside the EU, but rather groups of countries moving ahead on certain issues of common interest. Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy said he agreed with Chirac that faster development by smaller groups of countries in certain areas should be allowed as long as they remain open to newcomers. "We are not talking about a multi-speed Europe in every sense," Medgyessy said. Síntesis de Información Periodística 7/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Referring to the enlargement of the EU on May 1, when 10 new members states including Hungary will join the organization, Chirac said Tuesday it was vital to pursue institutional reform. Chirac said that EU states should put their trust in the current Irish presidency and allow it to conclude negotiations on adopting the planned EU constitution by the end of June. Chirac praised Hungary's transition to democracy and a market economy since 1989 and said that France was proud to tie its fate to Hungary's when it joins the EU. France and Hungary have agreed to set up an industrial research and development center in the southern city of Szeged and a French-language university in Budapest, Chirac said.

EU and South Korea ban U.S. poultry Others set limits as bird flu spreads BRUSSELS The European Union, South Korea and others imposed a ban on poultry imports from the United States on Tuesday following the outbreak of a highly contagious strain of avian influenza in the state of Texas. Russia, the United States' largest single poultry export market, said it too was considering a U.S.-wide ban on imports but decided Tuesday just to block those from Texas. The Philippines said it was considering a boycott as well. Both countries had previously banned poultry from the state of Delaware, which had earlier reported an outbreak of a lesser strain of avian flu. The Russian agriculture minister, Alexei Gordeyev, has said the temporary ban could be expanded to the entire United States if cases spread. In Mexico City, agriculture officials said that imports of live birds, eggs and poultry products from throughout the United States were prohibited. The only exemption is for some products subjected to heat treatment for at least 10 minutes. Mexico imported about 160,000 tons of U.S. chicken worth nearly $100 million in 2003, making it the second-biggest international market for the meat. American producers shipped $586 million worth of chickens to Russia in 2001 and $494 million in 2002. The EU health and consumer affairs commissioner, David Byrne, said the decision to cut off imports of live chickens, turkeys and eggs came after U.S. agriculture officials had informed him of the outbreak. Chicken and turkey meat are also banned although the EU currently does not import any due to differences in vaccination policies. "It is not as virulent as the outbreak in Asia, but nevertheless its a highly contagious virus and therefore does require an immediate response from the EU," Byrne told reporters. "We want to ensure there is no risk posed." He said 25 percent of imported eggs come from the United States, which is worth some $25 million in trade annually. The EU also imports $3.15 million worth of day-old chicks, or around 800,000 per year, most of which are turkeys. The majority of the EU's imports come from eastern seaboard states, not from Texas, officials said. Byrne said the U.S.-wide ban could be reduced and "regionalized" to Texas in the coming weeks if the U.S. authorities prove they have contained the outbreak. He said the current ban would be reviewed by the EU before March 23, when it expires. After South Korea implemented the open-ended ban, the country's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said about 1,900 tons of U.S. chicken meat currently in South Korea will be returned. U.S. officials said Monday that the bird flu outbreak near San Antonio, Texas, was a dangerous strain of the type originally suspected, but was not the same strain that has killed at least 22 people in Asia. Síntesis de Información Periodística 8/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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5 Días (España)

Los pedidos industriales repuntan en la zona euro Los pedidos a la industria en la eurozona se incrementaron un 5,7% en diciembre de 2003 respecto al mes anterior, mientras que en la Unión Europea el alza fue del 5,3%, informa la Oficina Estadística comunitaria (Eurostat). En la zona euro, este índice había descendido un 0,1% en noviembre, después de un alza de 1,2% en octubre. En la UE, la cartera de pedidos a la industria había crecido en 0,1% en noviembre de 2003 y un 1,1% en octubre. En diciembre de 2003, con respecto a diciembre de 2002, los pedidos a la industria crecieron un 13 por ciento en la zona euro y en la UE. Con respecto a 2002, el índice medio de la cartera de pedidos a la industria progresó un 0,4% en las dos zonas durante 2003. Entre noviembre y diciembre de 2003, el alza más importante se registró en los pedidos para el transporte, que crecieron un 16,9% en la zona euro y un 16,5% en toda la Unión. Esta fuerte subida se debió a la cartera de pedidos de material de transporte en Francia, sobre todo ferroviario rodante. La fabricación de equipos eléctricos y electrónicos progreso un 4,7% en la zona euro y 3,7% en la UE. La industria química aumentó un 0,2% en las dos zonas. Eurostat precisó que se registraron bajadas en los pedidos a la industria textil y de vestido, que descendieron un 2,1% en las dos zonas, así como en la fabricación de máquinas y equipos, que descendieron un 2% en la zona euro y 1,9% en la UE. En diciembre de 2003, el conjunto de la industria manufacturera que trabaja por pedido progresó en Francia (19,9%), en Italia (4,3%), en Bélgica (4,1%) y en Alemania (3,5%), precisó Eurostat. Las únicas bajas tuvieron lugar en Dinamarca (16,4%) y Portugal (7,5%).

Cae la confianza de las empresas alemanas y del consumidor en EE UU La confianza de los empresarios pierde terreno en Alemania como consecuencia de la apreciación del euro, según revela el índice del IFO tras consultar a 7.000 empresas. En Estados Unidos cede también la confianza de los consumidores hasta valores anteriores a la guerra de Irak. El Instituto de Investigación Económica alemán (IFO) informó que el índice de confianza empresarial en el conjunto de Alemania bajó en febrero hasta los 96,4 puntos, frente a los 97,5 puntos revisados de enero, seguramente como consecuencia de la apreciación del euro frente al dólar. El presidente de este instituto de investigación, Hans-Werner Sinn, calificó este retroceso de 'pequeño toque de atención' para la coyuntura y dijo que ahora 'es importante mantener el cambio del euro bajo control' y 'dar confianza a los inversores en la continuación de las reformas económicas' recientes. 'La fortaleza del euro ha dejado huellas en las expectativas exportadoras' de la industria germana, añadió Sinn. El clima empresarial empeoró con más fuerza en Alemania occidental que en la oriental y especialmente en el sector manufacturero y en el comercio mayorista, mientras que en la construcción presentó una ligera mejora. Algunos expertos consideran que la fuerte y rápida apreciación del euro puede perjudicar la competitividad de las empresas alemanas, que venden en el área del dólar o a países que orientan sus divisas hacia esta moneda una quinta parte de sus exportaciones.

El País (España)

La fuerte demanda de China eleva el precio del acero un 30% en dos meses La siderurgia española descarta el desabastecimiento aunque alerta de que repercutirá la subida Síntesis de Información Periodística 9/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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El fuerte incremento de la producción y consumo de acero en China ha puesto en jaque al mercado de EE UU y Europa. Los precios de los productos siderúrgicos han subido un 30%, hasta unos 460 dólares por tonelada, en los últimos dos meses por la escasez de materia prima, sobre todo chatarra y carbón de coque. El sector a escala mundial descarta el riesgo de desabastecimiento, lo mismo que la patronal siderúrgica Unesid en España, aunque avisa de que los fabricantes tendrán que trasladar el alza de precios a sectores como la construcción, automóvil o electrodomésticos, principales demandantes de acero. China está manejando el mercado mundial del acero a su antojo. No sólo va reforzando cada mes su liderazgo como principal productor mundial de productos siderúrgicos, sino que además se ha convertido en el primer comprador de materias primas y de acero del planeta para atender a su fuerte crecimiento (10% del PIB). Además, el mercado mundial se ha recuperado claramente. Un cóctel explosivo que está pasando factura al conjunto de la industria manufacturera estadounidense y europea, y en el que está jugando además en contra el elevado precio del petróleo y de los fletes marítimos. La producción mundial de acero en 2003 llegó a 962,5 millones de toneladas, un 6,6% más que en 2002. De esa cantidad, 220,1 millones de toneladas salieron de las acerías chinas. "Es la primera vez que un país produce más de 200 millones de toneladas en un año", afirma el Instituto Internacional del Hierro y el Acero (IISI, en sus siglas en inglés), el doble de lo que consume EE UU. El incremento de la producción china en ese periodo ha sido del 21,2% y controla el 23% del mercado, frente al 11,2% de hace una década. En cuanto al consumo, la economía china absorbe casi el 30% de la producción de acero mundial. El IISI señala en este sentido que la liberalización de su economía está provocando una aceleración en el consumo de acero de entre el 10% y el 15% anual, muy por encima del ritmo de crecimiento de su PIB. Sus centenares de plantas siderúrgicas no dan abasto para cubrir la demanda y eso le ha convertido en el mayor importador de productos siderúrgicos. Para atender su consumo, los chinos están controlando además el mercado de las materias primas que se necesita para la producción de acero en EE UU y Europa. Esto está provocando que el precio de la chatarra para acerías eléctricas esté subiendo un 20% al mes desde el verano y hoy se paga la tonelada a 220 euros en el mercado europeo, 70 más que hace tres meses. La subida del carbón de coque y del mineral de hierro para altos hornos está siendo de un 30%. Y en paralelo, el precio de los fletes se ha disparado un 300% ante la escasez de barcos para atender la fuerte demanda. "Esperábamos que tanto la producción como el consumo bajaran en China este año. Pero no ha sido así", lamenta el secretario general del IISI, Ian Christmas. Y la situación no tiene visos de cambiar a la vista del potencial de crecimiento de la economía china. "Cualquier aumento del consumo per cápita en China, por muy pequeño que sea, supone una burrada de toneladas porque no hay que olvidar que es un país con más de 1.000 millones de habitantes", añaden los industriales del sector, "y todavía necesitan mucho para su desarrollo". Los siderúrgicos a ambos lados del Atlántico reconocen que "el cambio ha sido muy rápido. (...) No ha dado tiempo a reaccionar", dicen. Ante esta situación, el sector se ha visto forzado a subir el precio de sus productos siderúrgicos un 30% en menos de dos meses. Y esta tendencia al alza en los precios seguirá durante todo el año más, según los conocedores del sector, "hasta que China no empiece a equilibrar su producción de acero con su demanda. (...) Hasta entonces no se puede hacer nada", advierten. En el caso de EE UU está jugando además en su contra la fuerte debilidad del dólar y el hecho de que China tenga vinculada su moneda a la evolución de la divisa estadounidense. La sorpresa está siendo aún mayor porque se suponía que la supresión del arancel especial a las importaciones de acero habría supuesto una rebaja sustancial del precio del producto. Pero no está siendo así y hoy la tonelada se paga a una media de 360 dólares, frente a los 300 dólares de noviembre. En algunos productos especiales ese aumento ha sido de hasta el 66%. Esta escalada en EE UU está provocando la cancelación de pedidos y la revisión de los contratos. Y muchos Síntesis de Información Periodística 10/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 analistas ya empiezan a advertir del impacto que tendrá enla recuperación del sector manufacturero.

La OMC permite a la UE sancionar a Estados Unidos Estados Unidos sufrió ayer un nuevo revés ante la Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) al autorizar ésta a la Unión Europea a adoptar represalias contra Washington por una normativa antidumping (competencia desleal) que data de 1916 y que ya declaró ilegal hace más de tres años. Un grupo especial de tres árbitros independientes dictaminó que la Unión Europea (UE) podrá "suspender sus obligaciones" multilaterales en esa materia frente a EE UU, aunque no fijó ninguna cantidad concreta para las sanciones comerciales solicitadas por Bruselas. Para calcular ese monto, la UE podrá basarse en los daños y perjuicios pagados por empresas europeas condenadas ante los tribunales de EE UU en virtud de esa ley o en las cantidades fijadas en algún acuerdo logrado por firmas europeas acusadas de competencia desleal (dumping) y sus denunciantes estadounidenses. La Unión Europea había solicitado la luz verde de la OMC para imponer derechos de aduana equivalentes al triple de los daños económicos sufridos por las compañías europeas a productos de empresas estadounidenses acusadas de prácticas desleales, pero los árbitros no aceptaron represalias de ese nivel. La ley estadounidense antidumping de 1916 permite incoar procesos civiles o criminales contra empresas extranjeras acusadas de competencia desleal e imponer multas o exigir daños y perjuicios por el triple de los eventuales daños sufridos, lo que viola las reglas de la OMC. Hasta diciembre de 2003, cuando un tribunal del distrito de Iowa (EE UU) concedió a una empresa estadounidense 31,5 millones de dólares en daños y perjuicios en una disputa con competidores japoneses, ningún denunciante había visto triunfar su caso. Sin embargo, en varias ocasiones empresas europeas se vieron obligadas a llegar a acuerdos con otras rivales de EE UU al amparo de esa ley.

Le Figaro (Francia)

Zone euro : l'excédent courant a fondu, les capitaux sortent Les douze pays de la zone euro ont enregistré une chute de 58% de l'excédent de leurs comptes courants l'an dernier, à 28,1 milliards d'euros. Ce recul s'explique en particulier par une baisse du surplus des échanges de biens, d'environ 20 milliards d'euros à 110,3 milliards, du fait «d'un repli des exportations», a souligné la Banque centrale européenne. La zone euro a ainsi vu l'excédent de son commerce extérieur avec le reste du monde reculer à 72,5 milliards d'euros, contre 98,9 milliards. Concernant les mouvements de capitaux, les douze pays de la zone ont enregistré en 2003 une sortie nette de 9,3 milliards d'euros après deux ans d'entrée nette. Un retournement qui s'explique par une spectaculaire réduction des entrées nettes au titre des investissements de portefeuille, passées de 103,4 milliards en 2002 à seulement 11,9 milliards en 2003. L'hémorragie a été particulièrement sensible sur le marché de la dette avec une sortie nette l'an dernier de 27,4 milliards + 52,9 milliards en 2002), et sur le marché monétaire, avec une sortie nette de 50,9 milliards. Sur les marchés actions, en revanche, la zone euro est restée en territoire positif, mais la tendance est à la baisse. Ces mouvements ne sont qu'apparemment contradictoires avec la hausse de l'euro face au dollar l'an dernier. Il n'y a pas à proprement parler d'appréciation de l'euro, juste une baisse du dollar liée aux déficits américains. Par ailleurs, une partie croissante de ces capitaux part vers l'Europe de l'Est et est sans influence sur la parité euro/dollar. Síntesis de Información Periodística 11/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004

Le Monde (Francia)

La Grande-Bretagne limite l'accueil d'immigrants venus des pays d'Europe centrale Redoutant un "tourisme social", le gouvernement britannique ne se dit prêt à accueillir les citoyens des nouveaux Etats membres de l'Union qu'à la condition qu'ils justifient d'un emploi. Londres de notre correspondant Travailler ou partir : tel est le choix auquel les ressortissants de huit des dix nouveaux Etats membres de l'Union européenne, immigrants en Grande-Bretagne, seront de facto confrontés à partir du 1er mai. S'ils ne trouvent pas d'emploi, ou le perdent, devenant "un fardeau pour la société", ils ne pourront pas bénéficier de certaines aides sociales et devront quitter le Royaume- Uni. S'ils travaillent, ils seront les bienvenus, mais ne pourront, en tout état de cause, recevoir la plupart des aides qu'après un délai "d'au moins deux ans". En annonçant, lundi 23 février, à la Chambre des communes, son nouveau dispositif de régulation de l'immigration, le ministre de l'intérieur britannique, David Blunkett, a affiché son souci de respecter un fragile équilibre entre la volonté de maintenir ouvert le marché de l'emploi et celle de dissuader les immigrants attirés en priorité par la générosité du système d'aides sociales. Les nouvelles mesures ne s'appliqueront qu'aux citoyens des huit pays accédants anciennement communistes : Pologne, Hongrie, République tchèque, Slovaquie, Slovénie, Estonie, Lituanie et Lettonie. Chypre et la République de Malte ne sont pas concernés par cette procédure. Il s'agit, pour le gouvernement de Tony Blair, de décourager ceux que la presse populaire appelle les "touristes de l'aide sociale". "Des règles plus strictes permettront d'avoir la certitude que notre générosité ne sera pas exploitée, a souligné David Blunkett. Pendant deux ans, et peut-être plus longtemps, nous exigerons que les ressortissants des nouveaux pays-membres puissent subvenir à leurs propres besoins." Autrement dit, qu'ils travaillent pour vivre. "S'ils ne peuvent le faire, ils perdront tout droit de résidence et devront rentrer dans leur pays", a-t-il ajouté. Quelques heures après la déclaration de M. Blunkett, une porte-parole du ministère de l'intérieur s'est montrée à la fois plus précise et plus nuancée. Les immigrants des huit pays concernés, a-t- elle indiqué, pourront, s'ils travaillent, percevoir, dès leur arrivée, des allocations familiales (modiques en Grande-Bretagne), et, au bout d'un an, des allocations-chômage. Les restrictions s'appliqueraient donc surtout aux aides au logement et à la santé.

EU Observer

Concern over measures against new workers EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The European Commission has admitted that it is concerned about the series of steps taken by member states to restrict the rights of workers from new member states from 1 May. Commission spokesperson Reijo Kemppinen said "we all here are rather concerned about what is happening". His comments come as one by one current member states have decided to either partially or fully close the door to workers from central and eastern Europe. The latest moves came yesterday by the UK and Ireland, who indicated that they would consider curbing benefits for migrants from the new member states. London and Dublin, along with Stockholm and The Hague, led a group of states two years ago who said they would keep their markets open. For the new member states who were fairly certain that the majority of others would take the same course, the turnaround comes as a shock. The accession treaties allow member states to impose restrictions for up to seven years after enlargement. Síntesis de Información Periodística 12/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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However, given the sensitivities surrounding the question and the fact that governments can take the decisions on their own, the details of what they are actually planning to do are very murky. "We have asked member states to give us the information", said Commission spokeswoman Antonia Mochan. She added that by the end of January just two governments had complied. Illegal actions? This murkiness also makes it difficult to assess whether the measures - particularly those of the UK and Ireland where they would differentiate between current and new EU citizens in terms of access to benefits - actually contravene the EU's own rules of non-discrimination on the grounds of nationality. "We are looking into the situation. We will have to verify if all these measures are compatible with EU law and whether it represents a trend we will have to look into", said the spokesperson. This is not the first time that the 'old' member states have worried about 'new' ones. When Spain and Portugal joined in 1986, a seven year transitional period was also agreed. However, because the fact that economic pick-up in these countries was so quick, the transition period was shortened. In fact, a net amount of workers returned from the northern states to these two countries.

Ireland to curb benefits for new EU workers Ireland has indicated that it may introduce welfare restrictions on workers coming from the new member states after enlargement. In doing so it has completed the full round of current member states planning to undertake some sort of precautionary measures following similar statements by the UK yesterday. Speaking on Monday (23 February) Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern said "If we do have a serious disruption in the labour market, we have the power to reintroduce work permits but I hope that will not happen". We also need to ensure that our social welfare system and other public services are not open to abuse. We will, therefore, put in place measures to prevent abuse of the social welfare system". Ireland's change of position follows hot on the heels of their island neighbours, the UK. Yesterday UK Home Secretary David Blunkett announced plans to cope with migrants after 1 May. With most other EU nations imposing restrictions, the home secretary said "it makes sense that our approach will not leave us exposed". "People who come here from accession countries but do not work will not be able to claim benefits." That restriction will last until at least 2006. However, neither Dublin nor London have yet applied restrictions to the numbers of those coming in to find work. Other countries, such as Germany and Austria, have indicated that they could avail themselves of the up to seven years legal allowance to restrict the number of workers from the eight central and eastern European countries. Still up for discussion in Sweden And in other countries still, such as Sweden, the debate is far from over. The four centre-right parties over the weekend launched secret talks to prepare a common counter proposal to that of the Social Democrat government. The four parties are against the proposal to restrict labour - but in favour of welfare restrictions - for people from the new EU member states. According to a Sifo poll published today, (24 February) by Dagens Nyheter, Swedish citizens also do not support their government’s plan to restrict labour access. Síntesis de Información Periodística 13/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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As many as 66 percent want to see free labour access to Sweden for labour, according to the survey. "This is very positive. It demonstrates a strong sense in the Swedish people for openness towards the world", said Jöran Hägglund, secretary of the Centre Party, according to Dagens Nyheter. Agence Europe Contents

A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS A few facts to chew over on the Summit of the 'three big countries'

THE DAY IN POLITICS (EU) EU/COMMISSION/CZECH REPUBLIC: Pavel Telicka designated Commissioner candidate but tension persists in government (EU) EU/MOLDOVA: Moldova calls on EU to invest more for settlement in Transnistria (EU) EU/BALKANS: Council criticises political situation in Serbia and requestS "general concept" for SFOR handover in Bosnia-Herzegovina to EU (EU) EU/ESDP/BUDGET (EU) EU/CRISIS MANAGEMENT (EU) EU/TRANSNISTRIA (EU) EU/UGUANDA (EU) EU/EPP/GREENS (EU) EU/IGC/ITALY (EU) EU/MIDDLE EAST: EU does not want simple transfer of colonies from Gaza Strip to West Bank - France continues to advocate third party military force (EU) EU/HAITI: EU supports Caricom plan (EU) EU/CYPRUS (EU) EU/TURKEY/GERMANY (EU) EU/PIONEER GROUPS (EU) EP/ULIVO

GENERAL NEWS (EU) EU/UNITED STATES: Commission authorised to negotiate agreement allowing United States to have access to airline company files (EU) EU/ENLARGEMENT: Prodi is "concerned" by debate on free movement of workers from new Member States - London and Dublin open up their job market, but wish to restrict access to social benefits (EU) EU/BIRD 'FLU: EU imposes embargo on imports of chicks and eggs from the US until 23 March - Mr Byrne in Washington on 18 and 19 March (EU) EU/TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL: Development of information society focus of meeting on 8 and 9 March (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE/MILK: France calls for 1% decrease in EU quotas (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE COUNCIL: Differences subsist on improving conditions for transport of livestock (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE (EU) EU/WTO/UNITED STATES (EU) EU/FISHERIES: Quotas for imports of fisheries products (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE: Fifteen approve labelling rules and controls for organic produce (EU) EU/AGRICULTURE (EU) EU/RESEARCH (EU) EU/ANTIDUMPING/BRAZIL (EU) EU/COMPETITION: Monti says "nothing is impossible" in Microsoft dossier (EU) EP/FINANCIAL SERVICES: EP economic committee makes transparency rules of investment service directive more flexible (second reading 29 March) (EU) EU/COHESION: regional and local bodies support Commission proposals but want more funding for Objective 2 - issues about state aid coherency (EU) EU/UN/DEVELOPMENT: European Commission and UNESCO strengthen cooperation in developing countries (EU) EU/TRADE: Toward establishment of definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cotton bed linen from Pakistan (EU) EU/COMPANY LAW: Consultation on directors' remuneration (EU) EU/ILO/SOCIAL: Report on "fairer globalisation" from world committee on social dimension will serve a basis for Commission communication (EU) EU/EC-UN/EMU: United Nations supports lower interest rates and more flexibility to stability pact (EU) EU/AIR TRANSPORT (EU) EU/ENVIRONMENT: Agreement between parliament and Council on environmental liability directive (EU) EU/FOOD SAFETY: Commission obtains official observer status within World Organisation for Animal Health (EU) EU/EDUCATION COUNCIL: In event of adoption, Council will send interim "Education and Training 2010" report to Spring summit at end of March - Europass and European Year of Education through Sport 2004 (EU) EP/CULTURE/ENLARGEMENT (EU) EU/EUROBAROMETER: European citizens generally positive about EU but worried about jobs, think they lack information about Europe and Síntesis de Información Periodística 14/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 won't turn out en masse in June elections (EU) OECD/EDUCATION: Ministerial meeting on political issues of education (Dublin 18-19 March) (EU) EU/TRANPORT (EU) EP/MEDITERRANEAN/CULTURE: Commission proposes minimum budget of 10 million EUR over three years for Euro-Mediterranean Foundation - In favour of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus (EU) EU/EDUCATION/CULTURE (EU) OECD/CAREER GUIDANCE (EU) EU/CATALONIA: Meetings with President Maragall at Commission - Anna Terron, General Secretary of employers Catala Pro europa (EU) EU/EIB: EIB launches GBP 250 million tap of 2010 retail-targeted issue (EU) EU/ECONOMY: Trade surplus of euro zone falls in 2003 €: VALUE IN DIFFERENT CURRENCIES ON 24/02/2004 Bulletin A LOOK BEHIND THE NEWS by Ferdinando Riccardi A few facts to chew over on the Summit of the 'three big countries' Reality as a basis. Another comment of the Summit of the Three Big Countries- Germany, France, United Kingdom- is there any need ? Perhaps, as long as its objective is realistic and modest. No great wars of words for or against 'directoires', on the arrogance of some and the bad faith of others and so on, but a few considerations based on reality: 1. The letter signed by Jacques Chirac, Gerhard Schröder and Tony Blair (reproduced in Nr 2360 of our series EUROPE/Documents, annexed to our bulletin of 21 February) relates almost exclusively to economic issues, but it cannot allude to a kind of 'directoire' (board of directors) for Three in this field, for the very simple reason that the UK is not part of the euro zone, and will thus remain outside governance projects in this zone. For the time being, this kind of governance is the only serious economic prospect for the EU. Mr Blair clearly wants in, but public opinion and several political forces in his country are either opposed or reluctant, and the press is by and large hostile. 2. As the euro remained on the sidelines, the letter doesn't really contain anything that wasn't in the preparatory work for the "Spring Summit" carried out by the European Commission and other bodies. To focus on research, eventually create the European patent, support innovation, update the European regulatory framework to the benefit of business, support families in order to buck demographic trends, extend access to high-quality healthcare to all citizens- all these are objectives which are always worth repeating and reaffirming, but they are far from new. The chorus in their favour is virtually unanimous. The letter of the "Six" went in the same direction; it would not have been hard to combine the text, save for a couple of finer points, with a bit of goodwill. 3. I only saw three points in which the letter of the Three differed from the European Commission's documents or the letter of the Six, namely: - reaffirmation of the intention to limit Community expenditure to 1% of Union GDP. It was unthinkable that just a few weeks after signing a letter to this effect, the Three could change position. This is a controversial, delicate point, it comes as no surprise; - requests to the Commission to: a) re-examine the legal framework for State aid, for a more effective support of innovation, micro-enterprises, and high-risk, long-term research; b) in its competition policy, take greater account of the specific traits of international competition and of Europe's much-needed industrial development. The debate on these subjects is already open, and the Commission basically shares the general ideas of the Three; - the suggestion of appointing a Vice-President of the Commission, who would concentrate solely on economic reforms, so as to move the Lisbon programme on and to co-ordinate the work of the Commissioners in charge of it. 4. The suggestion on the Commission's internal functioning touches on a field which comes under the Commission itself and especially its President, but there's nothing astonishing in the substance. The imminent prospect (late October) of a Commission made up of 25 Commissioners and voting by simple majority cannot but be of concern to the larger countries, whose weight within it will be negligible. We have to expect them to step up the pressure either for changes to the Commission's inner workings, or to reduce its competencies and influence. Given the prospect of Síntesis de Información Periodística 15/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 having 3 votes out of 25 in the Institution with sole right of initiative and very considerable executive powers (internal market, competition, agriculture etc), would you expect three countries with over 50% of the population and over 50% of its GDP not to try to change things ? A single alternative for defence. The Three didn't touch upon defence this time, but they have already taken new initiatives without waiting for their Summit. The situation is clear: either the Constitution is approved, and then the "defence" part can be developed in a Community framework, or we stick with the Nice Treaty, which bans "reinforced co-operation" in this field, and then the Three (with a few other Member States) will take initiatives on the periphery of the EU, autonomously, without rules making it possible for countries to join in further down the line. Those taking part would be masters of the game, with neither the Commission nor the Council of 25 involved, and outside of any Community procedures. Is that what those governments which are keeping their reservations on the draft Constitution want? It's up to them- just don't come crying afterwards. (F.R.) THE DAY IN POLITICS

(EU) EU/COMMISSION/CZECH REPUBLIC: Pavel Telicka designated Commissioner candidate but tension persists in government Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the Czech government chose the current Ambassador to the EU, Pavel Telicka as its new Czech candidate for the position of European Commissioner from 1 May. Mr Telicka (38)n was the accession negotiator in chief and will replace the first candidate Milos Kuzvart, who decided to withdraw his candidacy last week due to lack of support from within the government coalition in Prague (EUROPE 24 February p 5). Nonetheless, political tensions persist even after the nomination of Telicka as the new candidate is not supported by all the centre left coalition in power, acknowledged prime minister Vladimir Spidla in a press conference on Monday evening. The Christian Democrat Party (KDU-CSL) at the ministry of foreign affairs, Cyril Svoboda, has already said he does not agree, as Telicka had been a member of the Communist Party in Czechoslovakia before the fall of the dictatorship in 1989. Telicka is supported by the other minority partner in the coalition, the US-DEU (Liberal). The Czech prime minister, Mr Spidla, phoned the president of the Commission, Romano Prodi on Tuesday, to announce Telicka's candidacy. The nomination is, however, only expected to be made formal on Wednesday; then it will be up to Prodi to decide if the list drawn up last week on "twinning" of new and old Commissioners will be kept. Currently, it is expected that the Czech commissioner will be "associated" during the six month transition period (till November) to the Commissioner for health and consumer protection David Byrne (EUROPE 10 February p 5 and 19 February p 5).

(EU) EU/MOLDOVA: Moldova calls on EU to invest more for settlement in Transnistria Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The EU and Moldova want a rapid settlement to the conflict between Moldova and the brake away republic of Transnistria. In this context, the Moldova prime minister, Vasile Tarlev, has called on the EU to play an increased role in the resolution of this conflict by sending out on-the-ground observers. At the end of the sixth Cooperation Council between the EU and Moldova on Tuesday in Brussels, chaired by Dick Roche and attended by enlargement Commissioner, Günter Verheugen, the EU called on Moldova to ratify at its earliest convenience, the permanent protocol for the extension of the EU/Moldova partnership and cooperation agreement to the ten future EU Member States. Mr Tarlev declared to the press that the conflict in Transnistria was a danger to the security of Moldova and Europe. He also requested EU observers in the region and that the EU be at the head of a future multinational peace consolidation mission in the even of such a mission being sent out on-the-ground. The EU is prepared to make all its instruments available for resolving this conflict, indicated Roche, who also indication of the extension of sanctions affecting leaders in Transnistria, decided on on Monday, (see below). Flush with this support, Tarlev presented the conflict in Síntesis de Información Periodística 16/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Transnistria as being to blame for all the problem in his country and declared it "impossible" to meet all the European conditions for resolving the conflict. The Moldovan prime minister also reiterated his country's wish to swiftly integrate into the EU and said that he hoped that a European delegation would open in the capital city of his country. Mr Verheugen said that this added a new dimension to reciprocal relations, notably in the context of the new EU neighbourhood policy. According to Verheugen, Moldova could become a "pioneer" in the implementation of the action plan to put this neighbourhood policy into practice (a Commission draft of the policy has been sent to the Moldovan authorities). Nevertheless, the country will have to pursue reforms for fighting against drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, illegal immigration and ensuring a healthier climate for investors. The EU is also encouraging the country to improve the management of its borders an customs inspections by collaborating with its neighbours. It is also prepared to contemplate establishing asymmetrical trade practices with Moldova so that the origin of its products are guaranteed and that WTO obligations are respected, indicated Verheugen. Questioned about the recent resolution by the EPP accusing the Moldovan government of being "totalitarian", the Commissioner replied that, "if everything the EPP says is true, what should be one? Should the country be isolated or should discussions take place with it?" Mr Tarlev has invited foreign journalists to come to his country to judge for themselves.

(EU) EU/BALKANS: Council criticises political situation in Serbia and requestS "general concept" for SFOR handover in Bosnia-Herzegovina to EU Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The External Relations Council of 23 February adopted conclusions on the Balkans in which it expressed its worry about political developments in Serbia following parliamentary elections on 28 December. The Council points our that political and economic reforms and cooperation with the International Criminal Court for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the fight against organised crime are indispensable for moving towards European integration. Taking note of the report by Javier Solana, EU High Representative for CFSP, on the means for strengthening the Community contribution to the work of the United Nations in Kosovo, the Council has called on its competent bodies to examine the proposals by Solana to enable him to rapidly make decisions on the matter. The Council also took note of Solana's report on the EU take-over from SFOR in Bosnia- Herzegovina and called for cooperation with the presidency to rapidly develop a "General Concept" to be presented to the Political and Security Committee (COPS). The Council again insisted on the fact that this handover necessitated close cooperation with NATO, which is leading the operation, as well as the Bosnian authorities.

(EU) EU/ESDP/BUDGET 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday the External Relations Council adopted without debate its decision to create a funding mechanism for common costs for EU military operations, called ATENA (costs have to be financed by a fund set up by Member States, as opposed to common costs for police missions that are paid for out of the Community budget).

(EU) EU/CRISIS MANAGEMENT 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Monday's External Relations Council decided to authorise the presidency, assisted by Javier Solana, EU High representative for CFSP, to begin negotiations with several third countries (Canada, Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Ukraine) to establish a framework governing participation of these countries in EU led crisis management operations.

(EU) EU/TRANSNISTRIA 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Al previously announced (EUROPE 21 February p 4), the External Relations Council on Monday decided without debate to extend the visa ban on 17 Síntesis de Información Periodística 17/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 members of the self-proclaimed breakaway republic of Transnistria (Moldova), including its president. This ban, which expires 26 February 2004 has therefore been extended till 27 February 2005.

(EU) EU/UGUANDA 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In the conclusions adopted on Monday in Brussels, the Council of Ministers of the European Union condemned the massacre of 192 civilians by the Lord's Resistance Army on 21 February in Barlonya in the North of Uganda. The Council has requested EU mission chiefs in Kampala to provide it with a report on the situation.

(EU) EU/EPP/GREENS 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Welcoming the creation, last Friday in Rome of a European Green Party (EUROPE yesterday pp 7 & 8), Hans-Gert Pöttering, president of the EPP-ED group at the European Parliament hoped that the Greens would succeed in coming together in support of continued European integration, "as the EP succeeded in doing since its foundation twenty eight years ago. He added that "the pan-European aspiration of the Greens is, however, still far from reality, as they are scarcely represented in the parliaments of the East and Central European countries". In a press statement, the CDU MEP pointed out that out of 162 candidate country observers to the European Parliament, only one was attached to the green group.

(EU) EU/IGC/ITALY 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - the Committee for a Federal European State has written to the Italian foreign affairs minister, Franco Frattini, who in an interview in the Financial Times on 18 February announced that Italy, free from its duty in the presidency of the Council of the EU would be proposing courageous solutions to the problems affecting the transfer of sovereignty in Europe. According to the committee, Italy is expected to "take the courageous initiative of proposing to the five other founding countries …a pact for the creation of a European federal state". Proposing the creation of the "first core of a European federal state open to those how want to join, Italy will be in this way able to denounced the attempts of resolving European problems through the hegemony of certain countries", asserted the press statement. In his commentary, Frattini was particularly opposed to limited summits and any reduction in the financial resources of the EU. He also asked whether decision about foreign policy and revision of the treaties be taken by majority voting.

(EU) EU/MIDDLE EAST: EU does not want simple transfer of colonies from Gaza Strip to West Bank - France continues to advocate third party military force Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The exchange of views that the European Union Foreign Ministers held on Monday in Brussels on the situation in the Middle East was marked by fears caused by the announcement of the Israeli Prime Minister's proposal to dismantle colonies in the Gaza Strip. Withdrawal of this kind would be unacceptable for the EU if it simply meant a transfer of the colonies to the West Bank. Council President Brian Cowen of Ireland said at a press conference that withdrawal would only be acceptable if it were a step on the road toward the creation of two separate states in the region, if organised and negotiated transfer of power were set in place in the area and if Israel worked on reconstruction. The EU also calls for the organisation of a Quartet meeting in order to reactivate the peace process on the basis of the roadmap established by the four parties (UN, EU, United States, Russia). French Foreign Minster Dominique de Villepin returned with the proposal aimed at sending a third-party military force to the area. He stressed how important such a force would be to "guarantee stability" during the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. He did not conceal the fact, however, that he still had a way to go before this idea were accepted within the EU. Síntesis de Información Periodística 18/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EU/HAITI: EU supports Caricom plan Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Monday in Brussels, at the request of France, the Foreign Ministers of the European Union briefly evoked the dramatic situation in Haiti. The EU supports the action plan of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom), French Minister Dominique de Villepin said, mainly insisting on humanitarian assistance, the despatch of human rights observers and the preparation of the civil peace force that Caricom is proposing to deploy on the ground.

(EU) EU/CYPRUS 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The EU Council welcomed, on Monday, resumption of negotiations in Cyprus on reunification of the island. He recalled his "clear preference for accession by a united Cyprus" when it joins the EU on 1 May. The Council gave is full support to the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, who is supervising talks via his representative on the spot, Alvaro de Soto. The Council welcomes the supporting role played by the Commission in these negotiations.

(EU) EU/TURKEY/GERMANY 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - After his meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan on 23 February in Ankara, Chancellor Schröder pointed out, according to a press release from the Presseamt of the German Government, that Germany supports Turkey's aspiration to immediately open accession talks with the EU, on the basis of a positive verdict from the European Commission (in its report expected for this autumn). According to the press release, Gerhard Schröder felt Turkey's contribution to stability in the region and the common economic interests point in favour to the opening of such negotiations (he mainly cited transport and energy). Before leaving, Mr Schröder had strongly opposed the idea of a "preferential partnership" offered to Turkey by CDU President Angela Merkel as an alternative to EU membership (see EUROPE of 18 February, p.4).

(EU) EU/PIONEER GROUPS 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a speech to the Hungarian parliament, on Tuesday, Jacques Chirac gave his assurance that the "25 member Europe will be the natural framework for common action" and that "we want to make the whole Union move forward, respecting the rate of each, in an approach that remains open, concerted and progressive". Some countries are more hesitant so "let us give them the time they need", he added, saying: "the most determined must be able to form (…) pioneer groups called upon to go into certain areas as scouts" but "it is Europe as a whole that will benefit from this", if the groups are open and if acquis communautaire is complied with "under Commission control". President Chirac also said he was confident the Irish Presidency would present to the summit on 25 and 26 March a "just assessment of the situation" concerning the prospects of convening the IGC and that it will take the "necessary initiatives if it considers the conditions for success are met by end June".

(EU) EP/ULIVO 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 25 February, the Brussels Comitato per l'Ulivo and the Circolo Fratelli Rosselli in Rome are organising at the European Parliament in Brussels, under the chairmanship of Democratici di sinistra member Pasqualina Napoletano, a meeting on the theme "Ideas for an Ulivo programme based on the European Conention". Those taking part will include Italian deputy Valdo Spini and MEPs Enrico Baron and Elena Paciotti (both PES), Monica Frassoni (Greens) and Francesco Rutelli (ELDR). (Information: [email protected]) GENERAL NEWS Síntesis de Información Periodística 19/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EU/UNITED STATES: Commission authorised to negotiate agreement allowing United States to have access to airline company files Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The EU Council has authorised the European Commission to begin negotiating an international agreement with the United States, which will allow the latter to have direct access to files of European airline companies. In practice, the agreement will create ad hoc derogation to Community legislation on the protection of personal data. Last December, the Commission and US authorities had reached a compromise whereby the United States made a number of pledges to comply with the directive on the protection of personal data when noting information on passengers on transatlantic flights in the context of anti-terrorist measures. The Commission had considered that such commitments were "adequate", in so far as, among other things, the amount of data kept on file and the duration of data storage was limited and the use of such data restricted to the fight against terrorism and similar crimes (see EUROPE of 18 December, p.9). The negotiating brief adopted by the Council fills two "legal gaps" left open by the agreement of last December: 1) the directive does not allow "extra-territorial" access to company files for a non- European authority; 2) only Member State authorities have the possibility of determining the circumstances in which personal data may be processed. The agreement to negotiate will therefore create a "light" framework for waiving these two obstacles. In other words, it will dispense the United States from having to comply with these two sovereignty rules. The Commission brief nonetheless specifies that the future agreement will be suspended should Washington not comply with the commitments made last December. We recall that the "Article 29" group, composed of representatives of national authorities for monitoring protection of private life, issued an extremely critical opinion of the results of negotiations, considering, in particular, that the list of data kept on file is still too long and that there is no real way to appeal (see EUROPE of 3 February, p;8). Johanna Boogerd-Quaak (ELDR, NL), EP rapporteur on the subject, also voices criticism. She recently said in a press release that it is up to the EU Court of Justice to decide whether the files begun in February 2003 by the United States comply with the directive on protection of personal data. The December 2003 agreement "is not binding and does not stop the transfer of data towards the United States which is in breach of the directive on the protection of personal data", she said.

(EU) EU/ENLARGEMENT: Prodi is "concerned" by debate on free movement of workers from new Member States - London and Dublin open up their job market, but wish to restrict access to social benefits Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - President Prodi has expressed concern about the debate currently under way in several member countries on the free movement of workers after enlargement and on the potential risk of seeing, after 1 May, a large number of workers of the eight future member countries of Central and Eastern Europe flood onto the labour markets of the fifteen current members. Under the terms of the Accession Treaty, the Fifteen all have the right to restrict the arrival of workers from the new Eastern European members (Cyprus and Malta are not concerned) during a transitional seven-year period. Although initially several Member States had said they intended to fully open up their labour market immediately after enlargement, there has been a certain political turnabout over recent weeks within the governments of some countries in favour of more restrictive measures - sometimes, as is the case in the United Kingdom and Ireland, due to the strong pressure exerted by tabloids. Romano Prodi has expressed concern about this phenomenon, the Commission spokesperson said on Tuesday. In answer to questions on the measures announced on Monday by the British government to restrict access by immigrant workers to social security benefits (see below), the spokesperson stressed that, under the terms of the Treaty, Member States cannot discriminate against the nationals of other Member States (because of their nationality) to the advantage of their own citizens. He nonetheless refused to go beyond this statement of principle, stressing that the Síntesis de Información Periodística 20/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Commission is not yet familiar with all the details. The Commission "will be studying" the measures announced "more closely" as soon as it has all the texts, he said. On Monday, the British government (which still plans to open up its job market immediately after enlargement) announced restricted access to the social security system, in order to prevent abusive use of the system. At the House of Commons, Home Minister David Blunkett stated that nationals from Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovenia will be able to work in Great Britain from 1 May 2004 but that they will not have immediate access to all forms of social aid. Essentially, these people will have to be included on a special obligatory register in order to be able to work. Then, those who have worked legally for at least one year will be able to claim unemployment benefit, for example. However, those without work in the United Kingdom will have to wait two years before they can claim any social benefit. "Stricter rules for social benefit will help give us the certainty that our generosity is not being abused", said Mr Blunkett. "For two years, and maybe more, we will require [unemployed] nationals of the new Member States of the EU to be able to cover their own needs", he explained, adding: "if they cannot do so, they will lose all residence rights and have to return home". Ireland, which will also open up its job market on 1 May, will also limit social benefit for nationals of the new Member States of the EU, announced Prime Minister Bertie Ahern. "In matters of social protection, I feel we must guard against abuse", he said. Measures will be taken before 1 May, he added, without elucidating further.

(EU) EU/BIRD 'FLU: EU imposes embargo on imports of chicks and eggs from the US until 23 March - Mr Byrne in Washington on 18 and 19 March Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - With a new bird 'flu infestation having been confirmed in Texas on Monday evening, the European Commission decided on Tuesday to apply immediate measures to protect the EU against the risk of the American virus spreading on its territory. All imports of live poultry, eggs and poultry meat from the United States will be suspended until 23 March (even though the EU does not import poultry meat from the US for sanitary reasons). David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, announced these embargo measures to the Agriculture Council, which met in Brussels on the very day of their adoption. The experts from the regulatory committee on the food chain will confirm them at their forthcoming meeting on 2 and 3 March. "The United States announced yesterday evening that a new pathogenic agent had been discovered in Texas. It is H5N2, which is less virulent than the Asian strain of the bird 'flu (H5N1), but extremely contagious. The EU, a large importer of chicks and eggs from the US, must therefore react immediately. We wish to be certain that the EU is not exposed to any risks", said David Byrne during a press conference. The four-week timescale covers the week needed to get vital information from the US on the virus, and three weeks corresponding to the disease's incubation period, he explained, stating that the Commission would continue to follow the situation very closely in order to decide whether extra measures would prove necessary. "I will speak to the American Secretary of State for Agriculture when I visit Washington on 18 and 19 March, and keep the press informed", said the Commissioner. He feels that the measures adopted reflect a "coherent approach, with the goal of protecting animal health and guaranteeing food safety, whilst remaining in proportion". The disease is localised to Texas, but given how contagious it is, it is appropriate for the measures to extend to the whole of the American territory, in line with recommendations of the IOE (International Office of Epizootics), continued the Commissioner. Answering questions from journalists, David Byrne said that the American virus may have originated in Mexico, but that this was not yet certain. According to the figures he quoted, each year the EU imports 13,000 tonnes for eggs from the United States, with a value of 20 million EUR, to cover 25% of its needs (half of these eggs go for direct consumption, the other half are hatching eggs), and 450,000 chicks (half of all Europe chick imports, with a value of 2.5 million EUR). "The Síntesis de Información Periodística 21/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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EU is not self-sufficient in day-old chicks, especially for turkeys and turkey hens", said the Commissioner. David Byrne said that the embargo would inevitably have economic repercussions for exporters and importers alike, but he feels that "trade concerns must give way to the imperative of protecting animal and public health", of which his directorate general (Health/Consumer Affairs) stands guarantor. The Commissioner added that, not knowing where things were in terms of the evolution of the situation, information expected from the US "in the days and weeks to come" would be decisive in determining whether it would be possible to localise the embargo- which may be considered if the American authorities manage to contain the disease within the State of Texas. "Most European imports come from eastern States, which have not had any outbreaks as yet", said the Commissioner. David Byrne said that he expected the new Member States "to follow suit, even though they are not legally obliged" to apply the embargo measures. According to the competent American veterinary authorities, the virus H5N2 presents no risk to human health.

(EU) EU/TELECOMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL: Development of information society focus of meeting on 8 and 9 March Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The "Telecommunications" plank of the Transport, Telecommunications, Energy Council of 8 and 9 March will focus mainly on the development of the information society in the EU. Ministers will adopt conclusions on the mid-term revision of the action plan eEurope 2005 (see EUROPE of 24 February, p.17), on the situation of electronic communication in Europe (see EUROPE of 4 February, p.13), on unsolicited communications for reasons of direct prospecting ("spam") (see EUROPE of 27 January, p.11), and the follow-up to the world information society summit (see EUROPE of 21 February, p.11).

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE/MILK: France calls for 1% decrease in EU quotas Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In order to clean up Europe's milk market, the French Agriculture Minister, Hervé Gaymard, proposed to his EU counterparts on Tuesday that quotas be reduced by 1% at Community level, which he believes will save the Community budget 350 million EUR (in intervention expenditure). According to France, "collective discipline" should be introduced to "take control of milk supply in Europe". Whereas Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg said that they shared these concerns, without necessarily agreeing with France's solution, the UK and Denmark firmly opposed this approach. Commissioner Franz Fischler said that he took note of this request, and announced the creation of a working group including representatives of the Member States and the Commission, which would evaluate the situation in the sector, especially in the context of the EU's enlargement.

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE COUNCIL: Differences subsist on improving conditions for transport of livestock Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on Tuesday, the Agriculture Ministers of the EU were divided on how conditions for livestock transport could be improved. Differences of opinion on the Commission's proposal, which dates back to July 2003, focus mainly on maximum transport time and the number of transport cycles (e.g. two cycles of nine hours). The Irish Presidency confirmed its willingness to obtain the ministers' political agreement on this text at the Council of 26 and 27 April. Parliament will return its opinion on the dossier on 9 March (codecision procedure). Germany, Austria, Sweden and Denmark pronounced themselves in favour of limiting transport time to 8 hours, and two of them (Sweden and Denmark) also pleaded in favour of limiting the number of transport cycles, especially for the most sensitive species (horses, pigs and young livestock). Germany and Austria asked for transport time for animals destined for slaughter to be limited. The United Kingdom said that in the long term, there should be a move towards transporting meat rather than live animals. In the opposite camp, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Greece Síntesis de Información Periodística 22/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 confirmed their opposition to setting a limit to transport time, and spoke out in favour of the interests of the meat and transport sectors. These countries also pointed out that the isolation of extremely remote locations should also be taken into the equation. The Commission's proposal provides for maximum transport times, varying from 8 to 12 hours depending on the animal species and the age of the animals, beyond which obligatory rest periods are imposed.

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - At Tuesday's Agriculture Council, Greece asked for Community procedures to be speeded up to allow farmers who fell victim to the recent rain and snow-storms to be compensated. Athens asked for permission to grant national aid to cover losses, put at 250 million EUR, which were not covered by insurance. The Commission has indicated that it will look into this aid, and adds that Greece has an envelope of 30 million EUR under rural development, to help its farmers in this context.

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, Commissioner Franz Fischler refused Spain's request relating to the cereals sector. The Commission pointed out that Spain may import 2 million tonnes of corn and 300,000 of sorghum from third countries.

(EU) EU/WTO/UNITED STATES 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, WTO arbitrators accepted the EU's request for permission to impose sanctions against the United States, for failing to conform to the Organisation's ruling, in 2000, condemning the Anti-dumping Act of 1916 (see EUROPE of 17 February, p.16). EUROPE will come back on this.

(EU) EU/FISHERIES: Quotas for imports of fisheries products Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the EU adopted a regulation laying down volumes for tariff quotas for the import of certain fisheries products. The quotas cover the period from 2004 to 2006, and concern products originating from third countries, and destined for processing in the EU. Under the regulation, customs duty applied will be zero for most products (300 tonnes per year of cod livers, 10,000 tonnes of cod, 20,000 tonnes of herring, 20,000 tonnes of hake, 15,000 tonnes of blue grenadier, and 30,000 tonnes of surimi). Customs tariffs will be 3.5% for the quota of 30,000 tonnes of frozen calamari rings and 6% for 4,000 tonnes of tuna loins, 6,000 tonnes of herrings pickled in vinegar, 7,000 tonnes of cooked and peeled shrimps, and 1,500 tonnes of langoustines. Italy voted against the text, because it felt the quota level for tuna loins was too low. Rome wanted to see a volume of 12,000 tonnes per year, whereas the regulation provided for just 4,000 tonnes. Spain abstained, and, taking the opposite view to Italy, said in a statement to be minuted that Community production is sufficient to cover industry's needs. Spain also pointed out the existence of an agreement between the EU and Mexico, which allowed for a sizeable increase in certain fisheries products under preferential customs duty.

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE: Fifteen approve labelling rules and controls for organic produce Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Tuesday's Agriculture and Fisheries Council adopted without debate modifications to the 1991 regulation on labelling and controls for biological agricultural products and foodstuffs. These changes allow better protection of terms associated with organic production and the diminutives "bio" and "eco" in all Community languages: "biological" in Síntesis de Información Periodística 23/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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French, Greek, Italian, Dutch and Portuguese, "ecological" in Spanish, German, Danish and Swedish, "organic" in English and "luonnonmukainen" in Finnish. Spain, whose industry still uses "bio" for standard products, voted against the text. Madrid is involved with a trial with the European Commission before the Court of Justice on this subject. The main changes from the European Commission's initial proposal (dating form the beginning of 2003) are as follows: -choice of terms "ökologisch" and "biologisch" in German (instead of just "ökologisch"); -exemption from control rules of operators selling directly to the end user; -possibility of inspections under the authority of national authorities or private companies nominated to do so; - option of changing rules again in July 2005.

(EU) EU/AGRICULTURE 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the Council of the EU adopted a regulation to extend the option for Member States to derogate on the ceiling of 7.5% for impurities and woody parts in flax and hemp until the 2005-2006 campaign. Member States will be able to grant Community aid to producers of short linen fibres with a percentage of impurities between 7.5 and 15%, and for help fibres with a percentage of impurities between 7.5 and 25%. Parliament returned its favourable opinion on this subject on 10 February.

(EU) EU/ANTIDUMPING/BRAZIL 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 19 February, the European Commission adopted a proposed regulation in which it recommends a revision of the definitive anti-dumping law applicable to imports of certain pipe fittings in malleable cast iron from Brazil (EU regulation 1784/2000). More specifically, it proposes bringing the dumping margin down from 34.8 to 32%. (Text of the proposal: http: //europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/com/pdf/2004/com2004_0119en01.pdf).

(EU) EU/COMPETITION: Monti says "nothing is impossible" in Microsoft dossier Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On the fringe of a hearing before the EP Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, on 23 February, Competition Commissioner Mario Monti said in answer to a question as to whether an agreement with the US group Microsoft were still on the cards that "nothing is impossible". The Commissioner did not give a date for publication of a decision, that some would like end March, but did admit that he had a deadline in mind, saying: "I have a date but it's not public". End January, Mr Monti had told MEPs that "time is short" for Microsoft, hinting that a preliminary decision would not be to the advantage of the US group. Microsoft has effectively much less wriggle room but continues to seek an acceptable compromise: two consultation sessions will be held in March between representatives of Member State governments in order to have their agreement on the draft decision prepared by competition services, before formal adoption of the decision by the College. According to sources familiar with the issue, the European Commission is now ready to let Microsoft conduct its own negotiation on the way it wants to resolve competition problems, in order to avoid court action threatened by the American group. According to The Financial Times, Commissioner Bolkestein, responsible for internal market policy, is currently in close communication with Mario Monti in an attempt to avoid a decision that would force Microsoft to share information on its source codes for making its software compatible with competitive equipment. Such an obligation could in fact be denounced in court by the American group in the name of intellectual property rights, and legal action could turn against the European Executive. Jonathan Todd, spokesman for the Dutch Commissioner, confirmed that Mr Bolkestein was currently in discussion with Mario Monti on the subject of Microsoft, but he did not say what the discussions were about. Síntesis de Información Periodística 24/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EP/FINANCIAL SERVICES: EP economic committee makes transparency rules of investment service directive more flexible (second reading 29 March) Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament is bracing itself for a clash with the Council over the investment services directive, which will bring the banks and stock exchanges into conflict. With the adoption on Tuesday of the report by British Conservative Theresa Villiers (26 for, 8 against and 4 abstentions), the EP Committee on Economic Affairs reintroduced amendments that had been rejected at first reading by the Council. Informal talks between Council and Parliament should, however, continue between now and the plenary vote, no doubt on 29 March, the rapporteur announced. The aim is to reach an agreement before the end of the legislature on this element which is essential for the establishment of a single financial services market. The main difference concerns price transparency rules imposed on banks when they carry out "internal" exchange of securities between their customers. These rules had been called for by France and Italy in particular in order to allow deals to be struck outside stock markets by placing banks and regulated markets in competition. Last October, the Council had reached an agreement which made it compulsory for investment firms to make their quotations for all investors public, except during transactions that are sizeable compared to the normal market volume. The Commission should specify in secondary legislation what exactly "normal market volume" means. The United Kingdom, Ireland, Luxembourg, Sweden and Finland had voted against this compromise (see EUROPE of 8 October, p.9). The EP Committee on Economic Affairs allowed more leeway for investment firms, allowing them to modify the prices given during negotiation, when "professional clients" are concerned. This possibility is, on the other hand, limited when it is a question of retail clients. The Villiers report also seeks to restrict the European Commission's margin of manoeuvre to define "normal market volume" in secondary legislation. It stipulates that the Commission should take local market conditions into account, as well as the effect on liquidities and price formation. The economic committee made the obligations imposed on financial intermediaries lighter when operations only concern the clients' order of execution without advisory activity. This relaxation mainly concerns the "advisability test" that would compel an investment company to assess the experience and the financial situation of its client before making an investment proposal.

(EU) EU/COHESION: regional and local bodies support Commission proposals but want more funding for Objective 2 - issues about state aid coherency Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - European regional and local bodies strongly support the proposals of the European Commission on the future of cohesion policy but want more funding (EUROPE 19 February p 7). Meeting on Monday in Brussels on the initiative of four different bodies, they were unstinting in their support. These organisations support, above all, the proposal to not confine aid to regions in the new Member States, even if they receive most of it. The Association of Border Regions, the Conference of the Peripheral Maritime Regions, the Council European Municipalities and Regions of Europe and Eurocities are committed to defending these proposals which provide a "sustainable framework for active participation of regional and local bodies in European competition and territorial cohesion of the Union". These associations would, nevertheless, like a more substantial envelope, especially for the future Objective 2, which will be for regions of the 15 and "competitiveness". Commissioner for regional policy, Michel Barnier understands that "one can say that there is not enough money for Objective 2" but insisted on that fact that this objective almost did not exist" (within the Commission, its continuation not being even close to obtaining unanimity). Barnier, however, recognised, that "more beneficiaries" would be able to share this aid in the future. he would have preferred that a quarter of structural funds be destined to this objective but finally proposed 18% to make a step in this direction of states like the United Kingdom, which want it getting rid of. Síntesis de Información Periodística 25/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Asked several times about state aid, Barnier said that his counterpart for competition, Mario Monti, had prepared a proposal that would be presented in the next few weeks. Aid for Objective 1 could continue to benefit from exemptions (Article 87.3a of the treaty). Remote regions and those subject to the statistical effect would gradually move from the system in Article 87.3 a to that of the less favourable Article 87.3.c "with a degressive intensity". For the others, he explained that "there will not be any zoning" but work on the "coherency with interventions made in the name of cohesion policy. Answering the numerous question on tripartite contracts - Commisson-States-regions - Barnier answered that Member States were not keen on the idea. He nonetheless brought it up in the report so that "it remains in the debate". Finally, he announced a forthcoming proposal for the status of "European territorial community".

(EU) EU/UN/DEVELOPMENT: European Commission and UNESCO strengthen cooperation in developing countries Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Poul Nielson, European Development Policy Commissioner, and Marcio Barbosa, Deputy Director General for UNESCO, signed on Monday an agreement to strengthen the partnership between their two institutions in the fields of education, science and culture. The agreement is expected to facilitate the implementation of programmes financed by the European Commission and mainly implemented by UNESCO in developing countries. Last year, the EUR 4.66 million allocated by the Commission to UNESCO were used first and foremost for the joint funding of activities in the field of education.

(EU) EU/TRADE: Toward establishment of definitive anti-dumping duty on imports of cotton bed linen from Pakistan Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 16 February, the European Commission adopted a Council proposal of regulation aimed at establishing definitive anti-dumping duties on imports of cotton bed linen, either pure or blended with synthetic or artificial fibres or with flax fibre (flax fibre linen not dominant), either bleached, dyed or printed, from Pakistan. The recommended rate applicable to the net price free at Community border before customs is 13.1% and would apply to products produced by all companies. On 18 December 2002, the Commission opened an anti- dumping inquiry concerning imports to the EU of incriminated products, an inquiry that revealed the existence of harmful dumping. In the explanatory statement of its proposal, the Commission points out that, during the verifications linked to the inquiry in Pakistan, it received an anonymous death threat against officials responsible for these verifications. The letter was personally addressed to officials, and the Commission felt that the necessary conditions had not been met to carry out verifications and that most of the information provided could not be verified. It stresses therefore that it did not have any other choice but to break off the inquiry and to base its conclusions on data available. To do this, it used all the information that had already been verified and communicated to the parties interested.

(EU) EU/COMPANY LAW: Consultation on directors' remuneration Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has launched a series of consultations on directors' remuneration. This will end on 12 April and the investigation will pave the way for "recommendations" to Member States. The Commission is questioning the different parties about information that should be provided to shareholders: salaries, share options (stock options) complementary pensions etc. It is suggesting that information be requested on remuneration for independent administrators and monitoring organisations too. May questions focus on information support: how should remuneration policy be presented in the annual accounts, reports and annexes? Should remuneration figure in the general assembly's annual agenda of a company and should shareholders be able to vote on the subject? Should substantial amendments to remuneration packages be subject to preliminary approval by shareholders? Síntesis de Información Periodística 26/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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Consultation will attempt to define the field of application for future recommendations by working out the exact definition of "director" in the companies concerned (only those which are quoted on the stock exchange or other companies too?). The Commission wants to know whether to encourage Member States to set out regulation whereas some countries have tackled the question by way of codes of conduct etc. This consultation is part of the action plan on corporate governance presented in May 2003 by the European Commission. The objective is to define a specific European framework that limits the damages wreaked by financial disasters such as Enron, Worldcom and more recently Parmalat. Documents on this subject can be found on: (http: //europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/company/directors-remun/index_en.htm).

(EU) EU/ILO/SOCIAL: Report on "fairer globalisation" from world committee on social dimension will serve a basis for Commission communication Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The International Labour Organisation's (ILO) Social Dimension of Globalisation has just published its "A fair Globalisation - Creating Opportunities for All" report which analyses the various facets of globalisation, the diversity of public perceptions of the process, and its implications for economic and social progress. The report is available on (www.ilo.org/public/french/wcsdg/index.htm). Welcoming the report, the Commissioner temporarily in charge of employment, Margot Wallström and Commissioner for trade, Pascal Lamy declared that the report constituted a contribution to the increasing mastery of globalisation and would provide significant help in preparing a communication on the subject. In a press statement, the Commission indicates that it will now be examining the analysis and the actual proposals of the World Commission and would be reflecting upon their possible impact on the external and internal policies of the Union.

(EU) EU/EC-UN/EMU: United Nations supports lower interest rates and more flexibility to stability pact Geneva, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In its annual report, "Economic Study of Europe", the Economic Commission of the United Nations for Europe (EC-UN) expresses its concern about the probable suffocating effect on the increasing economic recovery in Europe, provoked by the depreciation of the dollar. "Given the strong rise in the Euro, which has little chance of changing in 2004, a reduction in interest rates appears today to be necessary in order to avoid a more restricted monetary environment", underline the authors of the report. An opinion that could be interpreted as a call for a nudge in this direction by the European Central Bank (ECB). The authors also state that it is even more necessary given that budgetary policy should be broadly neutral in 2004. The EC-UN also calls for Member States of the Euro-zone to introduce greater flexibility to the Stability Pact, explaining that it is important that the planned reform (of the pact) finds a suitable balance between the need to ensure medium and long term budgetary stability and the necessary flexibility of a budgetary policy that supports economic growth. The report considers that expanding the ECB mandate, which highlights the need to monitor both inflation, growth and employment, could be useful.

(EU) EU/ENVIRONMENT: Agreement between parliament and Council on environmental liability directive Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - After twenty years or so of difficult discussions at the European institutions, the European Parliament and the Council of ministers finally reached an agreement at the end of last week (as we previously indicated) on the draft directive on environmental liability by remedying the problem of financial guarantees. The directive now has to be formally adopted in March by the two institutions. Member States will have three years for transposing the directive into national law. Síntesis de Información Periodística 27/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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The directive will now be the first Community legislative instrument specifically based on the polluter pays principle. It will guarantee prevention and reparation of damages caused to the environment (water resources, soil, fauna, flora and natural habitats) as well as the placing of liability on those who are responsible for the damages. The idea of setting up a compulsory insurance system for these damages, demanded by many MEPs and ecologists is of the uttermost concern to industrialists and insurers, due to the cost. The compromise reached by the EP and the Council involves voluntary insurance schemes. Nevertheless, six years after the entry into force of the directive, the European Commission will produce an insurance report in which it will be able to propose a standard binding system of harmonised mandatory financial security. The European Insurers (CEA) has said that it is relatively satisfied with this formula insofar as it leaves the time to insurers to come up with new products. The directive will not cover, however, oil pollution (oil slicks), which will be considered separately. In 2003 the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds was created for covering environmental damages causes by oil spills. Contributions to this fund will come from those who buy old products and not be oil tanker owners. Parliament is afraid that this situation could weaken the resolve of shipowers to act responsibly in the activities in which they are engaged. This explains why during negotiations with the Council, Parliament has successfully applied pressure on the Commission to make shipowners more responsible while it draws up produces its assessment report on the directive. The EP/Council also envisages the possibility of operators limiting their liability under the conditions of the International Conventions on Maritime Claims and Inland Navigation. Parliament would have preferred that this opportunity it not left up to them but did not insist on this point. The issue, however, will be re-examined by the Commission nine month after entry into force of the directive.

(EU) EU/FOOD SAFETY: Commission obtains official observer status within World Organisation for Animal Health Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 23 February the European Commission obtained today official observer status within the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) at the first ever global conference on animal welfare bringing together the 166 member countries of the OIE and various OIE-affiliated international organisations. The observer status will now enable the Commission to advance the EU´s view on all international animal health and welfare issues. At the conference Commissioner David Byrne appealed for animal welfare to be recognised at an international level. The EU supports every step to achieve higher animal welfare standards not just within the EU but worldwide. Animal welfare standards are not defined at an international level except in Conventions by the Council of Europe and some multilateral agreements. However current WTO provisions take little account of animal welfare and the EU can therefore not require its own animal welfare standards to be respected in third countries. Nevertheless the Doha 2001 conclusions placed non-trade concerns, including animal welfare, firmly on the agenda for future WTO agricultural negotiations. The Commission endorses the OIE's approach of basing animal welfare guidelines and standards on the best available science and setting up expert groups to advise on the specific issues. Recently OIE expert groups have been working to develop international standards and guidelines on the welfare of animals during land and sea transport, humane slaughter for consumption and the killing of animals for disease. Separate guiding principles on animal welfare are due to be adopted at the General Session of the OIE International Committee in May 2004. However OIE Member countries are free to maintain their own standards if these are higher, i.e. the EU standards. Síntesis de Información Periodística 28/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EU/EDUCATION COUNCIL: In event of adoption, Council will send interim "Education and Training 2010" report to Spring summit at end of March - Europass and European Year of Education through Sport 2004 Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The Education, Youth and Culture Council session on 26 February will just focus on Education and is expected to be extremely short. This Council will take place in Brussels and will be chaired by Noël Dempsey TD, Irish minister of Education and Science, is expected to adopt the joint interim report on the implementation of the detailed work plan on the follow-up to the education and training systems in Europe, "Education and Training 2010 - the success of the Lisbon strategy hinges on urgent reform" (EUROPE 27 November 2003 p 13). Once adopted, the report will be sent to the Spring Summit of 25-26 March (the European Commission will be represented by Viviane Reding). Ministers will also hold a public debate on the draft decision setting up a single framework for transparency of qualifications and skills (Europass: EUROPE 8 January p 11). The presidency has already said that it wanted to reach an agreement on this issue before the end of its term, despite the lack of time it has available. The opinion of the European Parliament in first reading is expected in April. During dinner ministers will discuss the Year of Education through Sport 2004 (EUROPE 6 January p 11). The interim report "Education and Training 2010" underlines the insufficient progress in the Lisbon strategy and proposes four priority levers for getting this strategy to succeed: focus reform and investment on decisive aspects in each country; define genuinely coherent and global education for life strategies; finally build Europe of Education and Training; provide a real place to the work programme "Education and Training 2010" (for details, EUROPE 14 November p 12). During the council on 25 November, ministers held an exchange of views on the draft report which they consider constitutes an extremely useful basis for their work and should help them accomplish more balance and optimism (EUROPE 27 November p 13). On these bases, during the Education Committee, new advances were presented which had been achieved at a European level (adoption of the Erasmus Mundus and e-Learning programmes and the five European reference criteria) such as the Commission's work reference for adopting an indicator for linguistic competency. In the context of the definition of coherent and global education and training strategies for life-long learning, the year 2006 was retained (Sweden and Portugal also asked for this to be more clearly formulated) instead of 2005 as proposed by the Commission. In connection with follow-up progress, the idea of a joint consolidated report to adopt every two years as from 2006 and to be sent to the European Spring Council on the basis of information from Member States, was retained. This is expected to be based around the "employment" and "social inclusion" processes. The United Kingdom expressed a reservation on this, preferring a report every three years but finally agreed to elaborating a report every two years. The Council debate on Europass - an instrument that will enable young people who want to study, to take courses or work in neighbouring countries and will respond to the goal of mobility (as explained at the time by Ms Reding: EUROPE 8 January p 11) - will focus on the following issues raised by the presidency: 1) are the objectives sufficiently clear and are they really worth it for citizens?; 2) are all the components in the proposal likely to strengthen the other component parts?; 3) dose the proposal present specific challenges at a Member State level?; 4) is the proposal adapted to the political, economic and social priorities as European and Member State levels?; 5) does the proposal contribute to the objective of increasing recognition of qualifications?; 6) does it contribute significantly to mobility within the EU?

(EU) EP/CULTURE/ENLARGEMENT 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The "European Character" initiative will be presented on 25 February to the European Parliament in Brussels by MEP Demetrio Volcic, Head of communications for the City of Genoa, Anna Castellano and Carlotta Gualco, director of the Centro in Europa. This centre and the University of Genoa organised, with the support of the Representation of the European Commission in Rome, an interactive game addressed to the world Síntesis de Información Periodística 29/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 of journalism in order to better understand the culture of future EU Member States. The action coincides with the "Genoa 2004 European Capital of Culture". (Information: Eurete Brussels. Tel: 02/534 7198. Fax: 02/534 7298. Website: (www.ilpersonaggioeuropeao.it).

(EU) EU/EUROBAROMETER: European citizens generally positive about EU but worried about jobs, think they lack information about Europe and won't turn out en masse in June elections Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Current EU citizens and those from the ten countries joining the Union in May are less worried about economic aspects than jobs. Nevertheless, most of them believe that the Union plays a positive role in the major fields, such as the fight against terrorism. These are the findings of the most recent "Eurobarometer" findings in the EU15 and in "accession countries" in October/November 2003. These investigations also confirm the indications of the previous surveys, which revealed that European citizens consider that the EU plays a positive role in foreign and defence policy and that most of them support political union, except for the United Kingdom and Scandinavian countries. Eurobarometer No. 60 also illustrates that a majority of citizens consider that they are badly informed about Europe by the national media and that the next European elections will not produce any genuine enthusiasm among the masses (EUROPE yesterday p 16). Another area that is less positive: support for the Euro has fallen in the past year, although 70% of those interviewed (a drop of 5 points) still support it in the Euro-zone. the Commission also observes that opinions expressed about the role of the EU in areas such as unemployment and immigration are "unfortunately less positive" than those expressed, for example, about the role the Union plays in the fight against terrorism. Public opinion with regard to enlargement remains stable. This is the first time that a Eurobarometer survey questioned citizens about the quality of information diffused by the national media about European issues. This has proved to be an interesting initiative given that the survey reveals that 37% of people interviewed consider that the media does not offer sufficient coverage of this area. Around 41% think that media coverage of the EU is objective, 12% think coverage too negative and 23% think it too positive. In the United Kingdom, which is in general the most "Eurosceptic" of countries, the greatest number of people (27%) think that the press paints too negative a picture of the EU. The series of questions devoted to the European Parliament illustrates that less than a third of those interviewed are certain to go to the ballot box in the June elections. The British are the less likely to go out and vote, while the Danish are expected to prove to be the most enthusiastic voters. Those interviewed in the survey say that candidates should focus their campaigns on issues such as employment, security and immigration. The survey can be consulted at the following on-line address: http: //europa.eu.int/comm/public_opinion).

(EU) OECD/EDUCATION: Ministerial meeting on political issues of education (Dublin 18-19 March) Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Education ministers of the OECD countries will be meeting in Dublin on 18-19 March in Dublin on the theme of "Improving the Quality of Education for All". In order to face the challenges they are confronting: shortage of teachers across the board, an evolution in the social conditions and pupil and student intake that is unceasingly diverse difficulties in providing a sufficient supply of teachers, especially in mathematics, science and technology, ministers will be discussing on 19 Mach under the chairmanship of the Irish minister for education Noël Dempsey, how to raise performance, improve teacher supply and efficiency in this area, as well as making education serve the interests of democratic citizenship. On 18 March, a forum will being together ministers and representatives from the business community, unions, NGOs and universities in order to examine how education systems can adapt to the increasing diversity of the pupil and student intakes while strengthening social cohesion. (Info: www.oecd.org). Síntesis de Información Periodística 30/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

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(EU) EU/TRANPORT 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Tuesday's Agricultural Council adopted without debate the common position of the Ecofin Council on 25 November on the draft amendment to Regulation 2336/95 on the general rules for granting Community financial aid to the Trans-European networks. EUROPE would like to point out that the Council decided to bring the maximum rate of Community co-funding to 20% (instead of the 30% requested by the European Commission) for certain priority projects, such as the GALILEO satellite radio navigation system and cross-border feeders in the T- TEN projects.

(EU) EP/MEDITERRANEAN/CULTURE: Commission proposes minimum budget of 10 million EUR over three years for Euro-Mediterranean Foundation - In favour of Euro-Mediterranean Erasmus Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - In response to the concern expressed by the President of the European Commission Romano Prodi, the EP's committee on culture organised a public hearing in Brussels on 18 February, on the theme "Dialogue between peoples and cultures in the Euro-Mediterranean area", chaired by its President, Michel Rocard. The Group of the Wise, created at the initiative of President Prodi, presented participants with a report. Those MEPs who took the floor congratulated President Prodi on his initiative. MEPs expressed concern at the budgetary amount to be allocated to the new Euro- Mediterranean Foundation (Myrisini Zorba, PES, Greece), the role of education (Roy Perry, EPP- ED, UK), and the role of teaching in tolerance in schools (Christopher Beazley, EPP-ED, UK), the role of Europe in the crisis in the Arab world (Pasqualina Napolitano, PES, Italy), the importance to Europe of having a culture policy (Raina Echerer, Greens/EFA, Austria), and the extension of the Erasmus and Comenius programmes to Mediterranean countries (Gianni Vattimo, PES, Italy). Professor Assia Alaoui Bensalah (University of Rabat), from the Group of the Wise, said that the group was proposing a task force within the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation, to listen to all interested parties, before making concrete proposals. Ms Bensalah said that "education is the backbone of intercultural dialogue", and action to be taken should focus on: "learning about diversity and the culture of dialogue, and the reduction of inequality in knowledge"; -"teaching a education for young people and women"; -"diversity training for journalists". Sandro Gozi (member of President Prodi's cabinet- pointed out that following the attacks of 11 September, Romano Prodi wanted to give priority to intercultural dialogue to avoid any fusion between terrorism and the Muslim Arab world, and to a neighbourhood policy creating a "circle of friends" from the Mediterranean to Russia. He feels that the Euro-Mediterranean Foundation will be the right instrument to follow up from the report by the Group of the Wise. Mr Gozi indicated that there was still no agreement on the budget for the Foundation, nor where it would be situated, but that the Commission was asking for at least 10 million EUR over three years (French sources stated that the site would be Alexandria: see EUROPE of 21 February, p.14). Mr Gozi explained that the Foundation would work at the centre of a network, and would have national ramifications. "Politically, is will be the first common institution with Europe and the Mediterranean working together on an equal footing. It will have a symbolic value", he stressed. According to Spanish Professor Juan Diez Nicolas, the first course of action to fight racism is "teaching, schools, the media, which are not doing their job". "I am Palestinian and Belgian, Arab and Catholic, European; it's a complex of identities, and it's not a heavy burden!" said Professor Bichara Khader (Catholic University of Louvain). A cultural platform in the Mediterranean is more necessary than ever, said Mr Khader, proposing an inter-Mediterranean Erasmus. Franco- Algerian Professor Rostane Mehdi (University of Aix-Marseilles and College of Europe in Bruges), the Group's report should be a source of inspiration. We need "an authentic partnership, with common institutions", he said, calling for culture to be included horizontally into all the EU's policies.

(EU) EU/EDUCATION/CULTURE 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Following a proposal by Viviane Reding, the European Commission has approved its communication on the adoption of an annual working programme on Síntesis de Información Periodística 31/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 subsidies and contracts in the field of education and culture for 2004. For certain budgetary lines, this working programme earmarks subsidies to be granted to beneficiaries in monopoly situations by law or by fact, stresses the Commission in its introduction. In particular, this document lays down how funds allocated to those planks of the programmes which are not managed centrally are divided up between countries taking part in the Socrates, Leonardo da Vince and Jeunesse programmes.

(EU) OECD/CAREER GUIDANCE 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The OECD has just published a study entitled "Career guidance and public policy: bridging the gap", which flags up the sizeable disparities between the objectives of public policy, and the funds available to career guidance services. The OECD recommends that governments: -improve national co-ordination mechanisms; -pay greater attention to better-quality and more specialised training programmes for practitioners; -create more specialised career guidance bodies (info: www.oecd.org).

(EU) EU/CATALONIA: Meetings with President Maragall at Commission - Anna Terron, General Secretary of employers Catala Pro europa Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - "The Catalan government must say what it thinks loud and clear, in Spain but also in Europe. It must be fully involved in Spain's external policy. We call for our policy to be respected", Pasqual Maragall, President of the Government of Catalonia (and formerly President of the Committee of the Regions), told the press after meeting President Prodi last Thursday in Brussels, as well as Javier Solana and Commissioners Pedro Solbes and Michel Barnier. President Maragall, who believes Europe is in an "impasse", insisted on how important it is for the EU to have financial perspectives that allow it to achieve its goals. He told Commissioner Barnier of his wishes concerning Structural Funds. He also told the Commissioners of his concern about the national hydrological plan which has given rise to polemic in both Spain and Europe. Mr Maragall also spoke of terrorism in Spain, suggesting that a "new anti-terrorist pact" should be established, and to which all political parties would belong. Mr Maragall announced, moreover, that MEP Anna Terron (Socialist) had been elected General Secretary of the employers' organisation, Català Pro Europa.

(EU) EU/EIB: EIB launches GBP 250 million tap of 2010 retail-targeted issue Luxembourg, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Investment Bank (EIB) launched on 12 February its first sterling retail-targeted transaction of 2004. The GBP 250 million tap to the existing 4.25% issue due December 2010 was managed by joint bookrunners Barclays Capital, HSBC and Royal bank of Scotland. The issue was priced at a spread of 20bp over the 4.0% Gilt (British government security) due March 2009. The issue was targeted at the UK retail investor base and generated good demand from retail intermediaries and institutional ISA (individual savings accounts) managers. The 2010 final maturity of the issue meets with requirements for ISA inclusion and this enhanced the appeal of the issue for UK retail investors. The co-lead group for this transaction comprised other members of EIB's Sterling Retail Dealer Group: Citigroup, Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, Merril Lynch, Morgan Stanley, RBC Capital Markets, UBS Investment Bank and Winterflood Securities.

(EU) EU/ECONOMY: Trade surplus of euro zone falls in 2003 Brussels, 24/02/2004 (Agence Europe) - Over the whole of the year 2003, the euro zone saw its foreign trade surplus with the rest of the world fall by EUR 72.5 billion (EUR 98.9 billion in 2002) according to data provided last Thursday by Eurostat. In the EU as a whole (EU15), trade with third countries stood at a deficit of EUR 11.8 billion in 2003 (surplus of EUR 7.9 billion in 2002). Eurostat considers that the deterioration of the trade balance in 2003 in the euro zone and the EU is due to a Síntesis de Información Periodística 32/32 Misión de México ante la Unión Europea

miércoles, 25 de febrero de 2004 larger fall in exports than in imports. In the euro zone, exports were down 3% and imports down 1%. In the EU as a whole, exports were down 2% but imports remained stable. According to data available for the first eleven months of the year (January-November), the euro zone saw its trade surplus with the USA fall to EUR 51.6 billion (EUR 53.5 billion in 2002). The trade deficit of the euro zone with China increased to EUR 35.4 billion (26.6 billion during the first eleven months of 2002). The deficit with Japan was up by one billion, to EUR 19.2 billion. The energy cost within the euro zone increased during the first eleven months of the year to EUR 108.9 billion (EUR 104.6 billion in 2002). During this period, Germany recorded the greatest trade surplus (EUR 119.2 billion, albeit down on the 124.4 billion in 2002), followed by Ireland (surplus of 32.2 billion). The United Kingdom had the largest deficit (EUR 69.7 billion), followed by Spain (39.5 billion). France notched up a deficit of EUR 4.3 billion although it had had a surplus of 1.7 billion in 2002.

€: VALUE IN DIFFERENT CURRENCIES ON 24/02/2004 USD 1.2595 CHF 1.5745 EEK 15.6466 ROL 40315 HKD 9.7963 JPY 136.48 ISK 86.75 HUF 258.85 SIT 237.7000 NZD 1.8345 DKK 7.4511 NOK 8.7775 LTL 3.4532 SKK 40.605 SGD 2.1348 GBP 0.67120 BGN 1.9470 LVL 0.6693 TRL 1670300 KRW 1481.23 SEK 9.1 983 CYP 0.58582 MTL 0.4276 AUD 1.6259 ZAR 8.3927 CZK 32.635 PLN 4.8833 CAD 1.6 820