Parliament/Commission EU/South Korea Interview Buzek: Majority of groups back Free trade talks MEP Christian Engström, 16 Sept vote on Barroso Page 5 still ongoing Page 5 Swedish Page 5 EUROPOLITIcs

The European affairs daily Monday 7 September 2009 N° 3811 37th year

Focus Cohesion Policy Some states would like to relax Irish support for decommitment rules Lisbon drops By Isabelle Smets funds in 2009 under these decommitment By Célia Sampol rules. In any case, he said he was “more opti- Might decommitment rules for the Euro- mistic than at the start of the year,” when the pean Structural Funds be relaxed in the difficult economic and financial context led The Lisbon Treaty ‘yes’ camp is losing current context of the economic crisis? This to a fear of major difficulties in implement- ground in Ireland, according to the concerns the much talked-about ‘N+2’ rule ing Cohesion Policy on the ground. “We latest polls. Less than a month away (‘N+3’ for the EU12), which provides that are receiving many requests for payment,” from the second referendum, public a member state will lose the Community indicated the director-general, which proves support has dropped by eight points funds allocated to a project if they are not that the projects are being set up, despite the from May and now stands at 46%, used within two years (three for the EU12) crisis. Dirk Ahner thus considers that the risk according to an Irish Times-TNS following the year in which they were of decommitment “seems far less important mrbi survey made public on 3 Sep- approved. In the simplification package for than anticipated for 2009”. But, at the same tember. Some 29% of respondents time, he recognises that the issue is likely said they would vote against the treaty to come up again in 2010. And, as men- on 2 October, which is a one-point Can the N+2 et N+3 rules tioned by several member states, “it will be increase over the previous poll in May. continue to apply as if necessary to discuss the matter anew”. The undecided have risen from 18% “nothing had happened”? To recall, the Commission’s proposals to 25%, which treaty supporters see contain a series of measures intended to as a disturbing signal. facilitate the use of money and the man- The figures were released as the cam- agement of projects co-financed by the paign gets underway in Ireland. Prime the Structural Funds, presented on 22 July European Structural Funds. This “simplifi- Minister Brian Cowen (centre-right) 2009 (see Europolitics 3799), the European cation” has, in general, been well received will defend the ‘yes’ by highlighting the Commission does not propose amending by the states, except for one measure aimed protection Europe has provided in this these rules. But initial discussions in the at doing away - in 2009 and 2010 - with the period of recession, but many analysts Council of Ministers working group show obligation for states to co-finance projects fear a sanction vote. On 12 June 2008, that there could be a request from this side. funded by the European Social Fund (see over 53% of Irish voters rejected the “The issue was raised at the Council,” our previous edition on the presentation of Lisbon Treaty. The government won acknowledged Dirk Ahner, director-general the Swedish priorities). concessions on issues like neutral- of DG Regio at the Commission, during a Should we expect other simplification ity and taxation as a preliminary to visit to the ’s Commit- measures for the Structural Funds in the holding a second referendum. tee on Regional Development, on 3 Sep- coming months? A priori, no. According EP President Jerzy Buzek (EPP, tember. According to him, several states are to Ahner, the package of 22 July should Poland) will be in Dublin, on 8 Sep- questioning whether, in the context of the be the last one for the 2007-2013 period, tember, where he will meet Foreign crisis, “the N+2 and N+3 rules can continue bearing in mind the difficulties inherent Minister Micheál Martin. to apply as if nothing had happened”. in changing the rules of the game along Ahner does not, however, appear to be par- the way. “Except if we notice something ticularly concerned about the risk of loss of which is totally unacceptable.” n

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Contents N° 3811 Top Stories Parliament/Commission EU/South Korea Interview Buzek: Majority of groups back Free trade talks MEP Christian Engström, 16 Sept vote on Barroso Page 5 still ongoing Page 5 Swedish Pirate Party Page 5

Sectoral policies External relations New publications...... 10 Cohesion Policy: Some states would EU/Iran: Bildt: Europeans like to relax decommitment rules...... 1 willing to confront Tehran...... 6 EU Agenda...... 11 Agriculture Council: Milk crisis Energy: Ukraine and Russia tops agenda of 7 September session...... 4 fight over transit price...... 6 Interview MEP Christian Engström, member of Financial services, banks, Trade policy the Swedish Pirate Party: “Distribution insurance EU/South Korea: FTA talks capacity is in everyone’s hands”...... 20 G20: Extraordinary summit still ongoing...... 7 and new appeal by EU ...... 4 WTO: Doha round: Cautious optimism in New Delhi...... 8 Social affairs Road transport: MEPs split over People...... 8 working time for self-employed drivers...... 5 In Brief Institutions Acquisition of Manucor by Parliament/Commission: ISP and RDM okayed...... 9 Buzek: Majority of groups back Report on recovery of claims...... 9 16 September vote on Barroso ...... 5 Slovak ambassador as Commission: Barroso’s programme does next commissioner?...... 9 not convince European trade unions...... 5 OneCarbon-Orbeo merger cleared...... 9 Development: Swedish priorities...... 9 Presidency spells out social priorities...... 9

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Agriculture Council Milk crisis tops agenda of 7 September session Pressure is building in the run-up to expectations of many MEPs who called detected in recent months in shipments the Agriculture Council, on 7 Septem- for urgent measures to combat the crisis of American soy. In July, several opera- ber in Brussels, which will review the (see Europolitics 3809). tors chose to stop buying soy from the different actions planned by the Euro- United States out of fear of seeing deliv- pean Commission to address the milk Competitiveness of agri-food industry eries held up if traces of unauthorised crisis. The will also GMOs are detected. In the absence of In a report presented in July, the Com- review the work of the high-level group a compromise establishing a tolerance mission states that it will continue to on the competitiveness of the agri-food threshold, the EU will be obliged to seek use instruments, such as intervention, industry, which it set up in 2008, an issue other suppliers. At this stage, Argentina private storage aid and export refunds, that ties in with today’s milk crisis. This alone seems capable of increasing its soy and that discussions have begun on group put out 30 recommendations last deliveries to the Union. how to reinforce the appeal of the milk March. One states that “the Commis- Poland will argue, under the miscel- distribution scheme in schools. sion, in collaboration with the member laneous items on the agenda, for mea- It also intends to authorise direct pay- states and stakeholders, should establish sures to improve the “difficult situation” ments to producers at an early stage a European forum that will address the on the cereals market. The Netherlands and has just inaugurated a new set of relationships among the players in the will stress the importance the Commis- programmes to promote dairy products. food chain, and in particular among pro- sion should attach, in the proposal it is Other possible measures include reallo- ducers, processors and distributors, and preparing on adapting rules for animal cating contributions received in cases of identify various parameters of impor- protection during transport, to satellite quota overruns by producers to finance tance for the proper functioning of the monitoring systems and the databases voluntary withdrawal from milk produc- food chain with the aim of adopting an that register such controls. Germany tion, and extending the temporary state EU-wide code of conduct”. will return to the issue of CAP simpli- aid framework to operators. fication: it regrets that, in this long-term The latter measure could make it pos- Alternative to US soy? legislative work, the Commission fails to sible to pay up to €15,000 to each pro- Another important item on the agenda give sufficient account to the 39 practical ducer by the end of 2010. The member is the problem of difficulties obtaining propositions submitted by 13 member states also have the possibility to real- supplies of American soy cake, which states last May1. Lastly, the Commission locate aid to the dairy products sector could affect European stock farmers in will review the World Trade Organisa- under the agreement on the Common the coming months due to strict appli- tion discussions and Greece will provide Agricultural Policy ‘health check’ cation of EU legislation on genetically information on the damage caused by adopted last year. modified organisms. With zero tolerance the fires North of Athens. n In her remarks, on 2 September, to the rule in the EU, Mariann Fischer the European Parliament’s Agriculture Boel has expressed on several occasions Committee, Commissioner Mariann her concerns over the problem of con- (1) register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/ Fischer Boel did not respond to the tamination by dust from GMO maize en/09/st09/st09103.en09.pdf

G20 Extraordinary summit and new appeal by EU

By Eric van Puyvelde states already met, on 2 September (see Italy). “ Quite obviously, [these rules] will be Europolitics 3809 and 3810). all the more effective if they are adopted at The Swedish Presidency of the EU is to Following the joint letter from British international level,” they write. organise, on 17 September in Brussels, an Prime Minister Gordon Brown, French “The payment of bonuses must be spread extraordinary EU summit, in preparation for President Nicolas Sarkozy and German out over several years and the bonuses the G20 in Pittsburgh, scheduled for 24-25 Chancellor Angela Merkel calling for oblig- paid must correspond to the real perfor- September. Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik atory rules on earnings in the G20 coun- mances of the individuals concerned and Reinfeldt confirmed this to journalists, on 4 tries, accompanied by sanctions if necessary the activities of banks over this period”, September in Stockholm, in the margins of (3810), seven European finance ministers specify the seven ministers. They recall the Gymnich meeting of EU foreign affairs have called on their G20 colleagues to “join that “the crisis is the result of the excessive ministers. [them] in adopting strict rules” in terms of sophistication of financial instruments, On the evening of 4 September, finance the pay of financial operators, in a joint state- the absence of risk evaluation, the insuf- ministers and central bankers from the G20 ment published on 4 September in seven ficient regulation of certain players and embarked upon a preparatory meeting in countries (France, Sweden, the Nether- certain products and the insatiable greed” London. Ministers from the 27 member lands, , Spain, Germany and of some financial players. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3811 Monday 7 September 2009 

Road transport MEPs split over working time for self-employed drivers

By Isabelle Smets self-employed drivers from the direc- If Edit Bauer’s report is adopted on tive’s scope but proposes a definition 29 September, the plenary vote will be Members of the European Parlia- of ‘self-employed’ that should prevent considered confirmed and the proposal ment’s Committee on Employment and employers from forcing such status on will be rejected. If the report is rejected, Social Affairs (EMPL) still do not see eye drivers as a way of getting around the a new report will be drafted and debate to eye on whether or not to include self- working time rules (the problem of false will be reopened in committee. employed drivers in Directive 2002/15/ self-employment). Directive 2002/15/ES sets weekly EC, which regulates the working time In plenary last May, MEPs argued that working time at 48 hours. It has applied of road transport workers. different rules could not be imposed on since March 2005 to salaried workers A vote scheduled for 3 September in salaried and self-employed drivers. They and was set to apply automatically to Brussels has been postponed until 29 rejected the Commission’s proposal by a self-employed drivers from 23 March September. slim majority (332 against, 307 for and 2009, unless they are explicitly excluded Rapporteur Edit Bauer (EPP, Slova- six abstentions), to the delight of the on the basis of a Commission proposal. kia) proposes to reject the European European Transport Workers Federation Since 23 March 2009, it is no longer Commission’s proposal. It excludes (ETF). clear what rules are in force. n

Parliament/Commission Buzek: Majority of groups back 16 September vote on Barroso

By Fabrice Randoux in Stockholm all the leaders of the political groups” Prime Minister Reinfeldt commented and “at least three” are in favour of a that it is not possible to await the entry The horizon seems to be opening up vote on 16 September and “one has not into force of the Lisbon Treaty, as sought for José Manuel Barroso. In Stockholm yet decided”. Buzek did not mention the by the . on 4 September, the new EP President, names of the groups, but those around Apart from the result of the Irish ref- Jerzy Buzek, said that “a majority of him note that he was referring to the erendum, on 2 October, ratification is the political groups” support a vote of EPP, the Eurosceptic Conservatives of still incomplete in three countries (Ger- approval on the European Commission the ECR and the Socialists, while the many, Poland and the Czech Republic), president, on 16 September. Liberal Democrats are still undecided. which makes the date of the treaty’s The decision will be taken by the Barroso will meet all the political fami- entry into force uncertain, he said. Conference of Presidents, on 10 Sep- lies, on 8 and 9 September, but given the “We cannot waste time because we tember, but “the most likely outcome is influence of the PES in the chamber, need leadership at the Commission to a vote on the 16th,” he said at a joint this should be enough to have a major- prepare the G20 in Pittsburgh and the press conference with Swedish Prime ity for the Conference of Presidents, on Copenhagen conference on climate Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. “I have met 10 September. change in December,” he added. n

Commission Barroso’s programme does not convince European trade unions

By Célia Sampol paper, with which he “concurs fully” and of Presidents will come to a decision. which “outlines the ways forward that Outside the EP, one of the more vis- There has hardly been a tidal wave will enable Europe to return to growth”. ible reactions was that of the European of reactions to the publication, on 3 The EPP now hopes to see Parliament Trade Union Confederation, which September, of José Manuel Barroso’s “accept its responsibilities” by voting, on commented that “given the crisis, the campaign programme. 16 September, for reappointment of the president needs to be more precise on The European Parliament’s President, candidate, who already has the member the proposed solutions”. The ETUC Jerzy Buzek (Poland), who belongs to states’ unanimous support. calls on “the next Commission and the same political family as Barroso The Socialists and Liberals have not the new Parliament to be more asser- (EPP, centre right), welcomed publica- issued any public statements at this tive on social and employment policy” tion of the guidelines, which “provide a stage. They want to take the time to and defends the creation of a “new EU valuable starting point for further discus- analyse Barroso’s programme and then social deal” that would include more sions with Parliament”. The head of the to hear him, on 8 and 9 September, investment in an expanded European EPP group, Joseph Daul (France), also before deciding on the date of the vote. recovery plan and more effective EU welcomed the Commission president’s On 10 September, the EP Conference regulation of financial institutions. n

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EU/Iran Bildt: Europeans willing to confront Tehran

By Fabrice Randoux in Stockholm stretched hand,” said German State by telephone “in the next few hours”. Secretary for European Affairs Günter The ministers were also set to discuss As the West considers new sanctions, Gloser. French Minister Bernard the EU strategy in Afghanistan. While Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt has Kouchner questioned the usefulness of the accent so far has been on military warned the Iranians that Europe is pre- continuing the negotiations indefinitely: against the Taliban, the EU would pared if necessary for a “confrontation” “We have been holding talks with Iran like to see the international community if Tehran continues to develop a nuclear for three years and nothing has come of shift its effort to training Afghan security programme for military aims. “If they it”. Tehran says it has prepared propos- forces and providing assistance for con- are willing to talk with us, we are will- als for the major powers – United States, struction of civil governance infrastruc- ing. But if they choose a confrontation, Russia, China, France, United Kingdom ture as a way of gaining the population’s then there will be a confrontation,” he and Germany – for the resumption of confidence. This issue was brought to declared, on 4 September, at the start of talks. Javier Solana, the EU’s chief dip- the fore yet again by the latest NATO an informal two-day meeting with fellow lomat, reiterated on his arrival that he bombing, which left 90 victims. British EU ministers in Stockholm. has not yet received the proposals but he Minister David Miliband called for an “We urge them to seize this out- said he hoped to speak with the Iranians “urgent investigation”. n

Energy Ukraine and Russia fight over transit price

By Dafydd ab Iago that this depends on the oil price. Meanwhile, the general financial position “The tariff for gas transportation across of Ukraine’s Naftogaz as well as Ukraine con- Gazprom has rebuffed a statement by the Ukrainian territory is determined by the tinues to cause concern. Although Naftogaz Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko formula stipulated in the contract,” Gaz- should pay, without problem, some US$660 over gas transit price increases. Some 80% of prom spokesperson Sergei Kupriyanov in a million to Gazprom for gas supplied in Russia’s gas exports to the statement, on 4 September. “The tariff may August, doubts remain as to future months. pass through Ukraine. Any disruption to Rus- vary depending on the oil price.” Kupriya- Naftogaz must pay for gas by the 7th of each sian supplies, due to a repeat of the January nov mentioned current Gazprom forecasts month. The government led by Tymosh- 2009 crisis, would have an almost immediate of 2010 tariffs ranging from US$2.56 to enko has yet to carry out reforms promised to effect on energy security in those EU coun- US$2.7 for every thousand cubic metres of international financial institutions in order tries most dependent on Russian gas. At a gas per 100 kilometres of transit. “The real to receive a loan worth US$1.7 billion. government meeting, Tymoshenko had said tariff figure will be determined as actual data The plenary of the European Parliament that Ukraine’s gas transit fees payable by Gaz- are obtained for fuel oil, gas oil and natural is set to discuss the security of energy supply prom would increase, from 1 January 2010, gas prices in the reference period,” said and the Nabucco pipeline project at the by 65-70%. Tymoshenko, however, admitted Kupriyanov. session opening on 16 September. n

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EU/South Korea FTA talks still ongoing

By Sébastien Falletti in Seoul particular the ‘duty drawback’, a system source told Europolitics that a few sensi- by which South Korea allows import tar- tive issues, including agriculture, were Despite the official conclusion of iffs to be returned to companies that use still being discussed. The Commission negotiations, the issue of the controver- imported materials to make products for wants to keep a low profile in order to sial free trade agreement (FTA) between export. Seoul argues that the system is avoid further complicating the politi- the EU and South Korea is likely to drag authorised by the World Trade Organi- cal situation. On 7 September, Ignacio on during the autumn. No date has been sation and applied by its direct competi- Garcia Bercero, the Commission’s chief set yet for the initialling of the deal and tors, Japan and China. The Commission negotiator, will be in Seoul to meet his the ceremony is unlikely to happen in has eventually accepted the scheme in Korean counterpart. September as originally hoped for by the principle. Diplomats on both sides are holding European Commission and Seoul. Sev- their breath, hoping that no last minute eral member states are still requesting SPECIAL MECHANISM surprise will derail the process. “We some clarifications from EU negotiators In order to alleviate the concerns of both want to conclude the deal as soon and the discussions are likely to continue the European industry, the Commission as possible,” a senior Korean diplomat for at least several weeks. “There is no has negotiated the right to put in place told Europolitics. Legally, the initial- deadline,” said the spokesperson for EU a special mechanism to protect the EU ling does not require formal approval Trade Commissioner . market if needed. On 10 July, after a from the Council but the Commission Moreover, DG Trade is still discreetly heated discussion in the 133 Committee, will not move on before having secured haggling with the Koreans over a few no member state opposed the proposal a broad consensus among the member sensitive issues, Europolitics has learned. and the Commission declared the talks states. The initialling ceremony is likely Officially, the conclusion of the most closed. On 13 July in Stockholm, Swed- to happen later this autumn, predicted a ambitious FTA ever negotiated by the ish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, in diplomat from a key member state. This EU is within reach. Ewa Björling, the charge of the EU Presidency, and South would meet the objective of Sweden, one Swedish minister for trade in charge of Korean President Lee Myung-bak gave of the most free trade-oriented member the EU Presidency, was optimistic, on 1 a strong joint political boost to the FTA. states. Stockholm sees the FTA with September, in front of the International Reinfeldt expressed hope that it would be Korea as its top trade priority, along with Trade Committee (INTA) of the Euro- formally concluded during the Swedish the Doha round. “It would signal that the pean Parliament. “We now have a final Presidency but acknowledged that more EU is serious about its free trade negotia- compromise package on the table and I discussions were needed within the EU. tions and is indeed ‘open for business’,” hope that the agreement can be formally Several member states, including said Minister Björling. n concluded soon,” she told MEPs. How- France and Italy, want to give as much ever, reality remains more complex since teeth as possible to the mechanism. They the Commission is still negotiating with want a system that would allow member several key member states the details of states, and not only the Commission, to Background the deal put on the table. “The politi- trigger the mechanism. The number of South Korea is the EU’s eighth big- cal situation has not changed over the years before this clause could be used is gest trading partner. The ‘country of summer,” said Ashton’s spokesperson, also under discussion. The Commission the morning calm’ was targeted by confirming that several European capi- had proposed five years following the the Commission as a top priority in tals were still requesting clarifications entry into force of the FTA, but several the ‘Global Europe’ strategy unveiled about the prospective deal. capitals would like to shorten that dura- in 2006 by the then Trade Commis- The key issue still under discussion tion. The issue will be discussed within sioner, . “The Korean is the functioning of the so-called ‘spe- the 133 Committee, on 28 September. market is important for EU export- cial mechanism’ that the EU could use Meanwhile, the Commission and ers, with high annual growth rates, in case of a dramatic influx of Korean South Korea are finalising the FTA text. even though significant trade barriers cars or electronic products. This mecha- In late July in Brussels, legal experts remain,” said the Commission. Total nism, originally presented as a ‘safeguard from both sides started work on the legal trade in goods and services between clause’, was proposed by the Commis- screening of the draft. On 7 September, Korea and the EU reached some 75 sion in late June as a last-minute com- a second meeting will be held in Seoul billion euro in 2007. Korea is the promise solution in order to win the sup- with the objective of polishing the text. Union’s fourth largest trading partner port of several reluctant member states. Officially, the Commission claims that outside Europe, absorbing 25 billion Germany, Italy, France and several the negotiations with Asia’s fourth larg- euro worth of EU goods and well over other governments were under pressure est economy are over. “No issue has been six billion euro of services exports of their respective car makers, who are left open with South Korea. The ongoing in 2007. The EU also has the largest concerned that the FTA will favour their discussions are purely technical,” said stock of investment in Korea. Korean competitors. They denounced in Asthon’s spokesperson. However, an EU

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WTO Doha round: Cautious optimism in New Delhi

By Eric van Puyvelde ing, convened on an Indian initiative, Caution is still the watchword, how- “can mark the beginning of the end ever, as shown by US Trade Represen- The World Trade Organisation will of the discussions”. “The WTO min- tative Ron Kirk, who prefers to avoid resume talks aimed at working out a final isters will have the opportunity to look the 2010 deadline for a deal, saying agreement in the Doha round of inter- for ways to conclude the Doha round “content will nurture the process, not a national trade negotiations by 2010, but in 2010,” he added. Australian Trade cut-off date”. even with the breakthrough in the talks Minister Simon Crean also considers it The Indian minister presented a simi- after years of difficulties, the WTO is “feasible” to wrap up the talks. lar view. “We now have an idea of how remaining cautious about the work still In a statement released after the first we can accelerate the negotiations but ahead. Negotiators will meet on 14 Sep- day’s discussions, the ministers note a there is still a great deal of technical tember in Geneva to get the ball rolling consensus “on the need to conclude the work ahead. We have a way to go before again, announced Indian Trade Minis- Doha round swiftly, particularly in this we can say that we have reached the ter Anand Sharma at a WTO ministerial situation of economic crisis”. end,” he observed. n meeting in New Delhi, on 4 September. Around 30 participants – among them the five major WTO players (European have to accept unanimously an agree- Union, United States, China, India and Background ment aimed at reducing agricultural sub- Brazil) – had gathered the day before for Kicked off in late 2001 at a meeting in sidies and customs tariffs. Following a informal discussions. the capital of Qatar, for which the round failed attempt to organise a ministerial India sees a “breakthrough” on trade is named, the talks on international level meeting, in December 2008, the liberalisation, declared the minister. trade liberalisation have stumbled over talks have been limited to a few con- “The stalemate in the talks has been disputes between rich nations and the tacts in Geneva, in the absence of high- broken,” he added. developing world on agriculture and level officials. The last important WTO WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy industry. The 153 WTO member nations meeting, in July 2008, ended in failure. also observed that the New Delhi meet- People

Board of Directors/AEGEE-Europe Per-Olof Granström/Vattenfall Maggy Peeters/European Business AEGEE-Europe – the European Per-Olof Granström has been appointed Forum Students’ Forum - announced, on 1 as new head of Vattenfall European On 1 September, Maggy Peeters September, its new European Board Affairs in Brussels. He comes from a replaced Pierre Hermant as general of Directors 2009-2010. The team position as executive vice-president of manager of the European Business consisting of six students, elected by the Svensk Energi/Swedenergy, an industry Forum (European Business Summit), an General Assembly (Agora) in Cyprus in organisation representing the companies entity of the Begian Business Federation April 2009, will represent the association involved in electricity generation, (FEB). Hermant decided to take up from September 2009 until September distribution and trade in Sweden. Prior a new challenge at FEBIAC (Belgian 2010. The new European Board (Comité to Swedenergy, he had maintained Automobile Federation) as director- Directeur) consists of: President: Agata various positions within the energy sector. general of the European Motor Show Patecka (Poland); Secretary-General: Helmar Rendez, senior vice-president, Brussels. He will remain involved in Olga Basova (Russia): Financial group function strategies, says: “With the EBS as a board member of EBF. Director: Nico Huurman (Netherlands); Vattenfall’s vision of being a leading European Business Forum asbl, Rue des External Relations Director: Agnes European energy company, it is of utmost Sols 8, 1000 Brussels, [email protected] Leyrer (Hungary); European Institutions importance for the company to have an Director: Denis Maksimov (Russia); open, trustful and transparent dialogue Network Director: Anita Kalmane with key stakeholders in Brussels”. (Latvia). Further information is available Per-Olof Granström will start in his at www.aegee.org position on 1 October.

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In Brief

Acquisition of Manucor by ISP and Slovak ambassador as next Development: Swedish priorities RDM okayed commissioner? Ensuring that the developing countries The European Commission granted Intense discussions are under way in can combat poverty effectively and clearance, on 4 September, to the the member states on the names of the responding to the global economic crisis acquisition of joint control of Manucor individuals who will be sent to Brussels and the challenges of climate change S.p.A. (Italy) by Italian companies Intesa to sit in the next European Commission. are the priorities for development policy San Paolo S.p.A. (ISP) and Reno de Some countries are waiting for elections under the Swedish EU Presidency, Medici (RDM). ISP provides banking to be behind them before making a Minister Gunilla Carlsson told the services at national and international decision – Germany and Portugal have EP Committee on Development, on level. RDM produces and sells cardboard legislative elections on 27 September 2 September. The Presidency wishes made from recycled materials. Manucor – while others already seem to have to create a “coherent and uniform manufactures and sells bi-oriented made their choice. According to a framework” through which the EU polypropylene (BOPP) film used in diplomatic source, Slovakia is believed can support democracy in the world packaging. to have chosen its current Ambassador more effectively, she added, because Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (his “democratisation helps reduce poverty Report on recovery of claims country’s permanent representative to the in all its dimensions”. Carlsson also The European Commission adopted, EU in Brussels), Maros Sefcovic, as the urged Parliament to make full use of on 4 September, a report on the use of next commissioner to succeed Jan Figel, its budgetary and co-decision powers the provisions on mutual assistance for who holds the education portfolio. to ensure that the different players in recovery of claims relating to certain EU policy work together to improve the levies, duties, taxes and other measures OneCarbon-Orbeo merger cleared functioning of development cooperation. between 2005 and 2008. The statistics The European Commission granted show an increase in the amounts of tax clearance, on 4 September, to the Presidency spells out social due recovered through the procedures acquisition of sole control of parts priorities of mutual assistance between member of OneCarbon International B.V. of Facilitating integration through the states. The amounts grew six-fold between the Netherlands by Orbeo, a joint labour market is a priority of the Swedish 2003 and 2008. However, the amounts venture controlled by Société Générale EU Presidency, Employment Minister actually recovered are still deceivingly and Rhodia of France. The parts of Sven-Otto Littorin and State Secretary low in comparison with the amounts OneCarbon concerned by the transaction Bettina Kashefi told the EP Committee member states claim to recover. The are Added Value Trading (AVT) and on Employment and Social Affairs, on 3 Commission recommends member states Carbon Credit Development (CCD). September in Brussels. The proposal on to strengthen the recovery instruments CCD provides consultancy services and micro-financing is one of the measures available in their domestic legislation and assistance to greenhouse gas emission to be promoted. The Presidency also invites the Council and the Parliament reduction project developers. AVT wishes to see smooth implementation of to adopt quickly the legislative proposal, buys emission reduction credits issued the new regulation on the coordination presented on 2 February 2009, to by greenhouse gas emission reduction of social security systems and settlement reinforce mutual recovery assistance. projects and sells related credits to trading of the question of third-country Further information is available at partners. Orbeo is active in trading nationals. Several MEPs said they were ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/taxation/ of carbon emission rights, especially disappointed that the officials failed tax_cooperation/tax_recovery/index_ certified emission reduction (CER) to mention the Laval case on posted en.htm and European Union allowance (EUA) workers. They urged the Presidency to instruments. begin work on the Posting of Workers Directive, but Sven-Otto Littorin declared that the Swedish EU Presidency was opposed to the text.

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New Publications

Parliament’s 50th anniversary Spain today Role of fiscal instruments in On 19 March 2008, the European This annual publication by the Spanish environmental policy Parliament celebrated with great pomp State Secretariat for Communication This recent report by the European its 50th anniversary, 19 March 1958 focuses this year on issues like Commission analyses the political having marked the inaugural session of immigration, social rights and the orientations and principal aspects of the its ancestor, the European Parliamentary policies implemented by newly created or role of fiscal instruments in energy and Assembly. In honour of that event, the reorganised ministries (housing, equality, environmental policies. It concludes that European University Institute in Florence science and innovation). The chapter fiscal instruments are a “cost-effective” prepared a dense and thorough work, on foreign policy concentrates on the means to promote environmental goals edited by Yves Mény, aimed at providing European Union due to the proximity and highlights in which cases taxes insight into this unique institution. of the Spanish EU Presidency (2010). and other types of fiscal instruments The authors of this work, (available in Spain’s reaction to the economic and can usefully complement each other to English, French and German) worked financial crisis is also covered in detail. achieve environmental targets. Besides closely with Jacques Nancy, head of the ‘Spain today, 2009’, official publication of actual taxation (eg on pollutant activites), EP unit that monitors public opinion, the Spanish EU Presidency, Madrid, 244 the work also examines public subsidies and his team. The resulting volume takes pages, catalogue at www.060.es for environmental orientations. an approach that is at once historical ‘The role of fiscal instruments in and analytical, detailing the European environmental policy’, by Katri Parliament’s evolution, its struggle to Kosonen and Gaëtan Nicodème, DG assert its powers and the defence of its Taxation, European Commission, 2009, values. ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/ ‘Building Parliament: 50 years of publications/services_papers/working_ European Parliament history 1958- papers/index_en.htm 2008’, EU Publications Office, 2009, Luxembourg, €25, 303 pages

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EU Agenda Week from 7 to 13 September

Monday 7 for the revision of the Strategic Plan for Relations of the Netherlands the Convention on Biological Diversity n Joaquín Almunia participates in the September and, in particular, the development of new seminar organised by Bruegel Institute biodiversity visions and targets following the (Brussels) evaluation of the 2010 Biodiversity Target. n Janez Potocnik in Nairobi (Kenya) and European Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) to promote the EU PSC Ambassador Olof Skoog at the / African Union Science & Technology Parliament European Parliament’s Committee Partnership (07-10): attends the AU Women The President’s diary on Security and Defence Regional Scientists Award Ceremony Brussels Brussels and the information day on the FP7 n 14:30 - Opening exhibition ‘Peace for PSC Ambassador Olof Skoog will present Call for proposal for research on Africa; revolution, road to freedom’ (ASP, 3rd the Swedish Presidency’s priorities at the visits different research centres active in floor) meeting of the European Parliament’s environment, health or geo-mapping n 16:30 - Meeting with Javier Solana, high Committee on Security and Defence. n meets Miroslav representative for the Common Foreign Naydenov, new Bulgarian agriculture and Security Policy Informal SCIFA meeting (Strategic minister and Ilse Aigner, German n 18:30 - Bureau meeting Committee on Immigration, agriculture minister Frontiers and Asylum) n Vladimír Špidla receives a high level Parliamentary committees 7-8 September, Stockholm Chinese delegation to discuss occupational Subcommittee on Security and Defence Discussions at the informal meeting in health 15:00-18:30, Brussels, JAN 4Q1 Stockholm on 7-8 September will focus on n Catherine Ashton in China (07-11): • Latest information on ESDP - Discussion the Common European Asylum Policy and participates in the 13th China International with Olof Skoog, chair of the PSC, Swedish its external dimension. Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) (08, Presidency Xiamen) • Non proliferation issues and the Review 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy n receives Zhou Bohua, Conference of the NPT - Discussion with 7-10 September, Uppsala (Sweden) Chinese minister for state administration, Annalisa Giannella, Javier Solana’s personal Around 500 delegates from the whole for industry and commerce representative on non proliferation of world are expected in Uppsala where n Megleva Kuneva receives members of WMD (at 16:15) presentations will be given on the latest the European Federation of Magazine research findings in the field of “Ocean Publishers Energy”. Presentations and poster sessions, one day for students in the area, three-day Council of conference with industry and study visits in i.a. Lysekil. Court of First Ministers Contacts: Mats Leijon, Uppsala university, Agriculture and Fisheries Council + 46 18 471 58 08 Instance Brussels 10:00 During the Swedish Presidency the three Eighth Chamber political priorities in the area of agriculture n Hearing T-147/07 - Competition and fisheries are: Long-term sustainable European ThyssenKrupp Aufzüge and ThyssenKrupp fisheries; Food and climate – the global Fahrtreppen v Commission challenges; Sound animal husbandry and Commission healthy animals. Travel and visits 15:00 n José Manuel Durão Barroso and Ján Eighth Chamber High-level Meeting: Visions for Figel’ participate in the conference ‘20 n Hearing T-148/07 - Competition Biodiversity Beyond 2010 – People, years of support for European integration ThyssenKrupp Ascenseurs Luxembourg v Ecosystem Services and the Climate studies: From the Jean Monnet action to Commission Crisis the Jean Monnet programme’ (CHARL) 7-9 September, Strötad (Sweden) n receives Ank Bijleveld, The objective of the meeting is to prepare state secretary for the Interior and Kingdom

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Newspaper Publishers’ Association (ENPA) n opens the Beyond GDP Economic and Council of Seminar (BERL) n Joaquín Almunia and Algirdas Semeta Social Committee Ministers receive Péter Balázs, Hungarian Minister 7-8 September, Helsinki-Stockholm Political and Security Committee of Foreign Affairs n Extraordinary meeting of the REX (PSC) n Pawel Samecki receives Eva Section bureau, with a special focus on Brussels Sreiber, Vice-President of the European the Baltic Sea Strategy and the Swedish Investment Bank (EIB) Presidency priorities in external affairs Transparency and Clear Legal n Pawel Samecki receives Péter Balázs, Language in the EU Foreign Minister of Hungary Stockholm n Ján Figel’ participates in the meeting The seminar is intended for officials of the General Assembly of the European Committee of the from EU institutions and Member State Club Association (Geneva) administrations, academics and others. n in Denmark: meeting with Regions Contacts: Frida Göranson, Legal Adviser, the Europe Committee of Folketinget; Mariehamn (Åland Islands, Finland) Ministry of Justice, +46 8 405 17 46, +46 70 meeting with Per Stig Moeller, Minister for n 20th meeting of the CONST 618 17 46 Foreign Affairs of Denmark; speech at the commission (Commission for University of Copenhagen Constitutional Affairs, European High-level Meeting: Visions for n Olli Rehn in Iceland (08-09): meeting Governance and the Area of Freedom, Biodiversity Beyond 2010 – People, with Ossur Skarphedinsson, Minister Security and Justice) Ecosystem Services and the Climate for Foreign Affairs of Iceland; meets Crisis Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister of 7-8 September, Brussels 7-9 September, Strötad (Sweden) Finance (08). Meeting with the Foreign n The challenge of sustainable transport Affairs Committee of the Althingi (09) to, from and within cities Informal SCIFA meeting (Strategic n Mariann Fischer Boel receives CEOs This conference in partnership with Committee on Immigration, of the European Dairy Association the Regional Review, is an opportunity Frontiers and Asylum) n Vladimír Špidla addresses a speech to highlight some of theh proble facing 7-8 September, Stockholm in the conference of German CARITAS Europe’surban spaces, and to showcase the (Brussels) wide variety of projects that city authorities 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy n in Stockholm: meets have put into place to tackle these proble. 7-10 September, Uppsala (Sweden) with the Minister of Education, Jan Organiser: The Parliament Magazine’s Björklund; participates in the Seminar on Regional Review in association with “Transparency and clear Legal Language in Eurocities the EU” (Rosenbad) and delivers a speech Contact: Rachel Hewett at: rachel. “The importance of well-drafted originals [email protected] or +32 (0)2 285 0922 European in plain language in the multilingual Localisation: Committee of the Regions, context of the European Union” Jacques Delors building, room JDE 52 Commission Travel and visits n Margot Wallström holds opening speech Court of Justice Tuesday 8 at the Transparency and Clear Language Conference (Stockholm) 9:30 September n participates in the Grand Chamber Conference on “Railway Safety: the way n Judgement C-411/06 - Law governing forward” (CHARL) the institutions European n receives for discussion Commission v Parliament and Council on Google books Dan Clancy, n Judgement C-42/07 - Freedom to Parliament Engineering Director of Google, Bruno provide services The President’s diary Racine, Président de la Bibliothèque Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional Dublin, Ireland Nationale de France, Arnaud Nourry, and Baw International • Visit to Ireland on the invitation of the Président Directeur Général du Groupe n Opinion C-139/07 P - Law governing Irish Institute of European Affairs Hachette Livre, Monique Goyens, the institutions Director-General of BEUC, the European Commission v Technische Glaswerke Consumer Association , David Hanger, Ilmenau President of the European Federation of n Judgement C-478/07 - Agriculture Magazine Publishers (FAEP) and Valdo Budejovicky Budvar Lehari jr., President of the European n Hearing C-265/08 - Freedom of www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3811 Monday 7 September 2009 13

establishment Presidency conference on climate Federutility and Others and jobs n Opinion C-358/08 - Environment and Conferences and Brussels consumers Fredrik Reinfeldt will address the Aventis Pasteur seminars conference on the opportunities that an 8-9 September, Vallelunga (Italy) ambitious climate policy can bring and the 9:30 n eSafety Challenge importance of reaching an international First Chamber Subject: It is the first annual event of the climate change agreement in Copenhagen n Opinion C-215/08 - Environment and eSafety Challenge. The event will feature in December 2009. consumers targeted discussions on deployment The conference is taking place in E. Friz support, a technology exhibition, an connection with a guest performance in award ceremony, and Formula 1 drivers Brussels by the Swedish Radio Symphony 9:30 like Felipe Massa, Jano Trulli and Robert Orchestra, who are giving a number of Third Chamber Kubica will demonstrate syste available concerts taken from this year’s Baltic Sea n Opinion C-333/08 - Free movement of on the market such as: Warning and Festival. goods Emergency Braking Syste, Blind Spots Contacts : Roberta Alenius, +46 8 405 49 Commission v France Monitoring, Lane Support Syste, Speed 04, +46 702 70 72 17 Alert, and ESC. Organisers: The event is co-funded by High-level Meeting: Visions for the European Commission, the FIA Biodiversity Beyond 2010 – People, Court of First Foundation and eSafetyAware Ecosystem Services and the Climate Contact: Tel: + 32 2 791 7551 - info@ Crisis Instance eSafetyAware.eu 7-9 September, Strötad (Sweden) 9:30 Venue: Vallelunga (near Rome) First Chamber www.eSafetyChallenge.eu 8th European Wave and Tidal Energy n Judgement T-303/05 - State aid 7-10 September, Uppsala (Sweden) AceaElectrabel v Commission Wednesday 9 European Economic and September Commission Social Committee European Travel and visits Brussels, at the EESC n Margot Wallström participates in the n Meeting of the Specialised Section for Parliament Expo Tour & Taxis: “C’est notre Terre 2. Transport, Energy, Infrastructure and the De Kyoto à Copenhague” Information Society (TEN) The President’s diary n Margot Wallström speaks at the High Brussels and Krynica (Poland) Level Conference with Swedish Prime n 8:15 - Meeting with Jean-Claude Trichet, Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt: “Climate and president of the Jobs; the EU’s Global Agenda” Committee of the n 10:00 - Meeting with Wilfried Martens, n Jacques Barrot receives the Bulgarian president of the EPP Minister of Justice, and Regions n 15:00 - Speech at the Economic Forum the Bulgarian Minister of the Interior, Mariehamn (Åland Islands, Finland) in Krynica n External seminar of the CONST n Viviane Reding receives representatives commission on “Multi-level governance: of the GSM Association representing the reinforcing the cooperation between mobile industry for the signing ceremony of the EU, Member States and local and Council of the E-call Memorandum of Understanding regional authorities: reaching out to small n Pawel Samecki receives Rosen regions” Ministers Plevneliev, Minister of Regional Meeting of Coreper I Development and Public Works of Brussels ; Nona Karadjova, Minister of Environment and Water of Bulgaria; Political and Security Committee Traichko Traikov, Minister of Economy, (PSC) Energy and Tourism of Bulgaria Brussels n Pawel Samecki in Ceuta and Melilla (09-11, Spain): meets Juan Vivas Lara, President of the Regional Government

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of Ceuta (Ceuta) (09). Visits local n Hearing C-405/08 - Social policy Confebask v Commission projects financed by the ERDF; gives a Holst Press Conference with President of the 9:30 autonomous city of Ceuta, Juan Jesús 9:30 Fifth Chamber Vivas Lara (Palace of the Assembly, Second Chamber n Judgement T-301/04 - Competition Ceuta); meets Juan José Imbroda Ortiz, n Hearing C-408/08 P - Intellectual Clearstream v Commission President of the Regional Government property n Hearing T-319/05 - External relations of Melilla (Palace of the Assembly, Lancôme v Office for Harmonisation in the Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft v Melilla) (10). Visits Historic-Artistic Site Internal Market and C Hasche Sigle Commission in Melilla financed by Structural Funds; visits various projects in Melilla; gives a 9:30 Press Conference with President Juan José Fourth Chamber Imbroda Ortiz (Assembly of Melilla) (11) Court of First n Hearing T-33/05 - Competition n receives a delegation of the Cetarsa v Commission Irish Registered Mussel Fishing Vessel Instance n Judgement T-369/06 - State aid Alliance 9:30 Holland Malt v Commission n Joe Borg receives members of the Fifth Chamber, Extended Composition Fisheries Committee of the Houses of the n Judgement Joined cases T-30/01, T-31/01, 10:30 Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) T-32/01, T-86/02, T-87/02, T-88/02 - State Fourth Chamber n Ján Figel’ participates in the aid n Hearing C-461/08 - Taxation Conference on Identity - Slovakia and Diputación Foral de Álava v Commission Don Bosco Onroerend Goed Europe (PERM REP) ; Diputación Foral de Guipúzcoa v n Ján Figel’ meets European Youth Commission ; Diputación Foral de Vizcaya 11:00 Forum (EYF) (YFJ Office, Brussels) v Commission ; Diputación Foral de Álava Sixth Chamber n Speech by László Kovács at the v Commission ; Diputación Foral de n Hearing C-460/08 - Freedom of conference “VAT: Looking back - Vizcaya v Commission ; Diputación Foral movement for persons looking forward” organised by the Swiss de Guipúzcoa v Commission Commission v Greece Federal Tax Administration and OECD n Judgement T-227/01 - State aid (Organisation for Economic Co-operation Diputación Foral de Álava and Gobierno 11:00 and Development) (Lucerne) Vasco v Commission Fourth Chamber n receives Josef n Judgement T-228/01 - State aid n Hearing T-38/05 - Competition Ostermayer, Austrian Secretary of State for Diputación Foral de Vizcaya and Gobierno Agroexpansión v Commission Media and Communication Vasco v Commission n Neelie Kroes attends Internal Market n Judgement T-229/01 - State aid 15:00 Section meeting of Economic and Social Diputación Foral de Guipúzcoa and Fourth Chamber Committee Gobierno Vasco v Commission n Hearing T-37/05 - Competition n Speech of Mariann Fischer Boel at the n Judgement T-230/01 - State aid World Wide Tobacco España v Conference on “Climate and Jobs - The Diputación Foral de Álava and Gobierno Commission EU’s Global Agenda” Vasco v Commission n Benita Ferrero-Waldner receives Karen n Judgement T-231/01 - State aid 15:00 Abu-Zayd, Commissioner-General of Territorio Histórico de Vizcaya and Sixth Chamber UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco v n Hearing T-237/05 - Law governing the Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in Commission institutions the Near East) + VIP corner n Judgement T-232/01 - State aid Editions Jacob v Commission n delivers a speech at the Territorio Histórico de Guipúzcoa and n Judgement T-437/05 - Company law conference “Nordic Climate Solutions” Comunidad Autónoma del País Vasco v Brink’s Security Luxembourg v (Copenhagen) Commission Commission n Judgement T-265/01 - State aid Confebask v Commission n Judgement T-266/01 - State aid Court of Justice Confebask v Commission Economic and 9:30 n Judgement T-267/01 - State aid Fourth Chamber Confebask v Commission Social Committee n Hearing C-423/07 - Company law n Judgement T-268/01 - State aid Bruxelles, at the EESC Commission v Spain Confebask v Commission n Meeting of the Section for the Single n Judgement T-269/01 - State aid Market, Production and Consumption (INT) 9:30 Confebask v Commission Third Chamber n Judgement T-270/01 - State aid www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3811 Monday 7 September 2009 15

• Exchange of views with Karen Koning Travel and visits AbuZayd, UN Under Secretary-General n José Manuel Durão Barroso at the Committee of the and Commissioner-General of the United presentation of Wilfred Martens’ book Nations Relief and Works Agency for (Concert Noble) Regions Palestine Refugees in the Near East n José Manuel Durão Barroso receives Conference, Brussels, 17:00-18:30 (UNRWA) Boris Borissov, Prime Minister of Bulgaria • n Common European Space: Experiences VIP corner of regional sustainable development Human Rights n Margot Wallström in Ireland (10-11): The event will present the “Forum 09:00 - 12:30, Brussels, PHS 1A2 delivers keynote address at Lisbon Treaty of Regions of Europe and Russia” to • EU policy towards Burma following the Business Lunch with European Chamber take place in Perm, Russia, on 20 and renewed detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, of Ireland (Dublin); speaks at Labour 21 October 2009 and possibilities for 1990 Sakharov Prize winner - Discussion Women’s Conference (Dublin); attends a European regions to become involved. with Harn Yawnghwe, Executive Director Public Event on the EU (Athlone) (10). The Forum will address issues related to of the Euro-Burma Office Speaks at Women and Jobs event (11, sustainable regional development and • Human Rights situation in Afghanistan Drogheda) high-level speakers from EU and Russian in particular following the Presidential n Günter Verheugen in Bremen (10- institutions, state structures and business and Provincial Council elections held on 11): attends the Conference on Maritime organisations will discuss a number during 20 August 2009 - Discussion with Ahmad Container Security (10). Attends the 12 panel debates. Further information Zia Langari, Commissioner, Afghanistan Conference “LeaderSHIP 2015” (11) about the Forum you can find at www. Independent Human Rights Commission n Stavros Dimas receives Bulgarian Prime ccblr.org (‘Activities and Events’). Minister, Borisov Boiko Organiser: Ministry of Regional n M. Joaquín Almunia receives Alessandro Development of the Russian Federation Profumo, President of the European with other offices Council of Banking Federation (EBF) Localisation: Brussels, the Committee of n Joe Borg receives Dr Miroslav Naydenov, the Regions, Rue Belliard 101, room 51 Ministers Bulgarian Minister for Agriculture and (5th floor) Meeting of the Coreper II Food Please register via email to: olga. Brussels n Ján Figel’ participates in the Conference [email protected], with a copy to: “20 years after the fall of iron curtain” (10- [email protected] EU-US Strategic Dialogue on Asia 11, Krakow) (troika) n Neelie Kroes participates in 27th 10 and 11 September, Washington DC Annual Bilateral Meeting between DG Thursday 10 Competition and the Japanese Fair Trade European Crime Prevention Commission (JFTC) September Network – Meeting of the National n Mariann Fischer Boel receives a Representatives delegation of the Agriculture Committee of 10 and 11 September, Göteborg the Parliament of Ireland European n addresses the 8:th European Wave and Tidal Energy European Heart Network and the Parliament 7 to 10 September, Uppsala (Sweden) European Society of Cardiology (Residence The President’s diary Palace, Brussels) n 09.00 - Meeting with Karen AbuZayd, Commissioner General of UNWRA n 10.00 - Speech at the launch of Wilfried European Marten’s book “I struggle - I overcome” Court of Justice n 11.00 - Conference of Presidents Commission 9:30 n 13.20 - Meeting with , Weekly meeting Second Chamber Prime Minister of Bulgaria followed by a Brussels n Opinion C-118/07 - External relations press point Commission v Finland n 17.00 - Meeting with Barbara Prammer, On the agenda: n Judgement C-269/07 - Freedom of Speaker of the Austrian National Council • Communication on the financing of movement for persons international efforts to combat global Commission v Germany Parliamentary committees warming n Judgement C-76/08 - Environment and Committee on Foreign Affairs • Proposal for a decision on the creation consumers 9:30 - 11:00, Bruxelles, ASP 1E2 of the Eurodac system for the comparison Commission v • Extraordinary joint meeting : Committee of digital fingerprints for third country n Judgement C-199/08 - Freedom to on Foreign Affairs and Committee on applicants requesting international provide services Development protection Eschig

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9:30 n Hearing C-484/08 - Environment and Third Chamber consumers Friday 11 September n Judgement C-416/07 - Agriculture Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad de Commission v Greece Madrid n Judgement C-573/07 - Company law European Sea 9:30 n Opinion C-45/08 - Approximation of Grand Chamber Parliament laws n Opinion Joined cases C-570/07, C- The President’s diary Spector Photo Group and Van Raemdonck 571/07 - Freedom of establishment Warsaw (Poland) / Rome (Italy) n Judgement C-100/08 - Environment and Blanco Pérez and Chao Gómez n 09.00 - Speech at the 20th anniversary of consumers the establishment of the first non-communist Commission v 9:30 government in Poland (in the Sejm) n Judgement C-97/08 P - Competition Fifth Chamber n 18.00 - Participation in the G-8 Speaker’s Akzo Nobel and Others v Commission n Judgement C-286/08 - Environment and meeting n Judgement C-206/08 - Freedom to consumers provide services Commission v Greece Eurawasser n Judgement C-201/08 - Environment and 11:00 Council of Ministers consumers Eighth Chamber EU-US Strategic Dialogue on Asia (troika) Plantanol n Hearing C-476/08 P - Company law 10 and 11 September, Washington DC n Opinion C-262/08 - Taxation Evropaïki Dynamiki v Commission CopyGene A v S European Crime Prevention Network n Hearing C-343/08 - Social policy – Meeting of the National Representatives Commission v Czech Republic 10 and 11 September, Göteborg n Opinion C-311/08 - Taxation Court of First SGI Instance 9:30 9:30 European Fourth Chamber Fifth Chamber n Judgement C-457/07 - Law governing n Judgement T-75/03 - State aid Commission the institutions Banco Comercial dos Açores v Travel and visits Commission v Portugal Commission n Neelie Kroes delivers opening address n Judgement C-446/07 - Agriculture n Hearing T-289/08 - Intellectual property to 13th Annual Competition Conference Severi Deutsche BKK v OHMI (Deutsche BKK) of International Bar Association (IBA) n Judgement C-44/08 - Social policy (Florence) Akavan Erityisalojen Keskusliitto AEK and 9:30 n Vladimír Špidla in Prague: participates in Others n Hearing T-144/07 - Competition the XXII. Social Fir conference (CEFEC): n Hearing Joined cases C-317/08, ThyssenKrupp Liften Ascenseurs v “A new dimension of Enterprise”; addresses a C-318/08, C-319/08, C-320/08 - Commission speech in the conference Leave Policies and Environment and consumers Court of First Instance - Eighth Chamber Research Alassini, Califano, Iacono, Multiservice n Keynote speech by Meglena Kuneva at the n Judgement C-366/08 - Approximation 15:00 conference on Market Surveillance and the of laws Eighth Chamber Free Movement of Goods (Stockholm) Adolf Darbo n Hearing T-154/07 - Competition ThyssenKrupp Liften v Commission 9:30 Saturday 12 First Chamber n Judgement Joined cases - C-445/07 P September C-455/07 P Regional policy Economic and Commission v Ente per le Ville vesuviane Ente per le Ville vesuviane v Commission Social Committee European n Judgement C-292/08 - Area of Freedom, Bruxelles, at the EESC Security and Justice n Meeting of the Consultative Parliament German Graphics Graphische Maschinen Commission on Industrial Change The President’s diary GmbH (CCMI) Rome n Judgement C-277/08 - Freedom of n Participation in the G-8 Speaker’s movement for persons meeting Vicente Pereda www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3811 Monday 7 September 2009 17

17-18 September, Berlin Upcoming n European Smart Grid Strategies: Council of Achieving a Successful Transition conferences Subject: The conference will explore Ministers in depth all the core sector areas Conference on the Future EU 11 September, Paris as well as significant related topics, Cooperation in the Youth Field n What future for human rights and including optimising grid infrastructure, 12 to 14 September, Stockholm democracy in Europe? The role of the integrating large-scale intermittent Youth representatives, directors-general and Council of Europe generation, deployment priorities, officials from all EU Member States, as well Subject: Sixty years after its creation, in a finance and incentives, information and as applicant countries and EFTA countries, completely changed political and economic communication technology, new markets, are invited to the conference. A number of environment, the Council of Europe faces users and energy efficiency. selected experts in the field of youth from new major challenges for the defence of Organisers: Platts different parts of Europe are also invited. human rights and the democratic ideal in Contact: Stacey Knox, Tel: +44-20-7176- Contacts: Veronica Eriksson, Desk Officer, Europe. 6226, [email protected] Ministry of Integration and Gender Organisers: Council of Europe Venue: Hilton Berlin Equality, +46 8 405 31 02, +46 70 275 26 Contact: [email protected] www.platts.com 46. Venue: Assemblée Nationale, (Salle Lamartine), Paris 28-29 September, Brussels www.coe.int/t/coefuture n European Emissions Trading Sunday 13 Subject: The event will offer an 17-18 September, Trier understanding of the European carbon September n European Legal Proceedings For market and underlying issues affecting it National CiviL Servants while also taking into account other global Subject: The seminar addresses the three economic and political dynamics. European judicial remedies in which a civil servant Organisers: Platts is most likely to be involved: infringement Contact: Stacey Knox, Tel: +44-20-7176- Parliament proceedings (Art. 226-228 EC); the 6226, [email protected] The President’s diary submission of observations in preliminary Venue: Marriott Brussels Rome references (Art. 234 EC) and actions for www.platts.com n Participation in the G-8 Speaker’s annulment (Art. 230 EC). meeting The seminar will discuss the legal rules that 19-20 October, Brussels apply to these actions. n Platts European Energy Efficiency Organisers: ERA (Academy of European Strategies Conference Law) Subject: Platts’ inaugural European Council of Contact: Annette Geibel: Tel. +49 (0)651 Energy Efficiency Strategies conference 937 37 36 - [email protected] will provide a timely and comprehensive Ministers Venue: ERA Congress Centre, Metzer Allee overview of each area involved in the Informal meeting of Agriculture 4, Trier energy efficiency sector from regulation, and Fisheries Ministers finance, power generation, design, building, 13 to 15 September, Växjö, Sweden 17-18 September, Budapest and transportation to innovative green n FEICA European Adhesives & Sealants technology and operation management Conference 2009 syste. Subject: This year FEICA meets Central & Organisers: Platts European Eastern Europe and one of the main topics Contact: Stacey Knox: Tel: +44-20-7176- will be: Sustainable Business Development 6226, [email protected] Commission Organisers: FEICA Venue: Hilton Brussels Hotel Travel and visits Contact: marion.kraemer@feica- n Ján Figel’ in Austria: attends the Grand conferences.com, T: +49 211 69556004 Opening “Brucknerfest Linz 2009” Venue: Hotel InterContinental, Budapest To announce your events on these pages, (Brucknerhaus, Linz); delivers a Keynote (Hungary) contact: [email protected] speech at the Opening of the Sypposium www.feica-conferences.com “Kulturgeschichtetag 2009”; attends the Opening Concert of the “Brucknerfest Linz 2009”

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DOSSIERS „ Small Business Act: 3561, 30/06/08 „ Lamassoure report on citizens’ Europe: 3559, 26/06/08 „ EU/US Financial Regulations, 3805, 28/08/2009 „ Galileo: 3557, 24/06/08 „ European Parliament 2009-2014: the parliamentary committees, 3801, 27/07/2009 „ Back to Nice: 3554, 19/06/08 „ Security of energy supply, 3794, 15/07/2009 „ Territorial cooperation: 3552, 17/06/08 „ Commission: Member states preparing to nominate candidates, „ Irish referendum: 3548, 11/06/08 3790, 09/07/2009 „ REACH: 3540, 30/05/08 „ EU-US food safety disputes : 3781, 26/06/09 „ EU-Bosnia-Herzegovina – EESC at 50: 3538, 28/05/08 „ Aviation: the answers to climate change: 3773, 16/06/09 „ Remuneration of directors: 3536, 26/05/08 „ Three heads for Europe : 3767, 08/06/09 „ Brazilian beef breeders planning full return to EU markets: „ Atalanta: 3761, 28/05/09 3532, 20/05/08 „ Competition policy: 3758, 22/09/2009 „ Return directive: 3531, 19/05/08 „ Energy liberalisation third package: 3748, 07/05/09 „ EU-US – Climate change: 3524, 7/05/08 „ Five years after: Whither enlargement?: 3744, 30/04/09 „ EU Chad-CAR Mission: 3517, 24/04/08 „ 15 years of the Committee of the Regions: 3738, 22/04/09 „ EUBAM Moldova-Ukraine Mission: 3516, 23/04/08 „ Washingtonians Europeans should know: 3727, 02/04/09 „ EU-Japan: 3515, 22/04/08 „ Airbus A400M: 3722, 26/03/09 „ EU-NATO: 3509, 14/04/08 „ Solana: 3717, 19/03/09 „ VAT package: 3469, 13/01/08 „ European Parliament’s priorities in run-up to elections: „ Energy-climate change pakage: 3455, 24/01/08 3709, 09/03/09 „ Kosovo: 3452 and 3453, 21 and 22/01/08 „ Water, a global challenge : 3712, 12/03/09 „ EU-Africa Summit: 3428, 06/12/07 „ The crisis: A test for Europe: 3699, 23/02/09 „ EU-Russia: 3400, 205/10/07 „ EU-US – Barack Obama: Chances and challenges: 3674, 19/01/09 SPECIAL EDITIONS „ ESDP Mission in Georgia: 3664, 23/12/08 „ Swedish Presidency: Bends Ahead : n° 3785, 02/07/09 „ Poznan conference: 3649, 2/12/08 „ Super Parliament 2009-2014 : n° 3782, 29/06/09 „ Regions and migration: 3645, 26/11/08 „ European elections 2009 : 3749, 08/05/09 „ Enlargement report: 3632, 5/11/08 „ Czech EU Presidency:: 3665, 04/01/09 „ Pact on immigration and asylum: 3617, 15/10/08 „ EU Security and Defense Policy: 3630, 03/11/08 „ Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy: 3604, 26/09/08 „ French EU Presidency: New horizons: 3562, 01/07/08 „ Citizens’ access to law and justice in Europe: 3598, 18/09/08 „ European Parliament of Enterprises: supplement, 14/10/08 „ Customs Union: 3594, 12/09/08 „ European Parliament turns 50 Anniversary special: 3494, 19/03/08 „ Community Fisheries Control Agency: 3580, 28/07/08 „ Slovenian EU Presidency: 3441, 04/01/08 „ Telecoms package: 3579, 25/07/08 „ Europe facing climate change: 3423, 30/11/07 „ Energy liberalisation: 3576, 21/07/08 „ isbon Treaty: Here is what changes: 3407, 07/11/07 „ Cyprus reunification process: 3569, 10/07/08 „ Tomorrow’s Europe: 1957-2007 - What’s next?: 3270, 19/03/07 „ Security and defence strategy: 3563, 2/07/08 20 Monday 7 September 2009 N° 3811 EUROPOLITICS

Interview with MEP Christian Engström, member of the Swedish Pirate Party “Distribution capacity is in everyone’s hands”

By Nathalie Vandystadt Council has been very secretive. If the in everyone’s hands. To help artists, ministers wish to counter Parliament’s we have to get rid of the very greedy Christian Engström, age 49, who cre- vote, they should at least say what they record companies. ated a sensation in the European elec- plan to do. What would you do with societies tions in Sweden on 7 June, represents What changes do you expect in EU that deal with collective administra- the Swedish Pirate tion of ? Party (Piratpartiet) They have a role to in the European Par- play but some adopt liament. Founded in extreme practices. 2006, his party wishes They have to stop to reform copyright, trying to extend their scrap the patent system control to file-shar- and guarantee respect ing on internet. The for citizens’ right to tax for private copying privacy. A member of on electronic media the Legal Affairs Com- should also be imme- mittee, this computer diately abolished. programmer sits with Why do you consider the Greens-European access to internet a Free Alliance, which fundamental right? together with the In the next decade, Socialists launched internet will be the the European debate only way to dissemi- on the right to inter- nate information. net access. This issue Internet is essential. is still a controversial It has become hard to © Rickard-Olsson element in the debate Engström: “Europe should not be involved in police matters” live without it today. on the telecoms pack- Being deprived of age, the overhaul of EU rules in the copyright legislation? internet amounts to no longer being telecommunications sector. This legislation is abusive. It was valid part of society. The EU is set to resume its debates in the commercial environment of 20 What are your priorities for the on the right to internet access under years ago. Today, the copyright lob- coming months? the telecoms package. Does the bies want to meddle in the daily life There are three priority issues: the European Parliament’s amendment of teenagers. They are trying to make telecoms package, revision of the obliging the member states to have money on music swaps because record information technology agreement a court decision before cutting off sales are collapsing, while artists’ live in the WTO and the Stockholm pro- internet access in cases of illegal performances are on the rise. A change gramme [on justice and home affairs downloading address your concerns? of mentalities is needed. The EU has in Europe for 2010-2014). What the It is important for us to defend what a long tradition of protecting human member states are doing on data was voted by Parliament. The devil is rights but so far the European Com- exchange before European police always in the details and this could mission has sided with the record com- forces is extremely vague. First of all, be the case if the member states try panies. If Europe wishes to say ‘yes’ to Europe should not be involved in to change the substance of Amend- the future, the most important thing police matters. Second, sharing police ment 138. However, I think that there is to make culture accessible. Copy- information via databanks lays the is now awareness of the issue [right of right for commercial reasons should foundations for a police state, with no access to the web], whether in Sweden be reduced to a period of five years. apparent reason. Third, the member or in the rest of the European Union. What we should also do is to get rid states should not draft legislation in Interest in information society policy of the intermediaries, namely record secret. That is not the way to work in is growing everywhere. So far, the compa nies. Distribution capacity is a democracy. n

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