End of Term Review

of Hans-Gert Pöttering as President of the European Parliament

January 2007 - July 2009

End of Term Review 1 2 “DefendingValues Europe’s values - for a citizens’ Europe”

“Winning the peace with our environment - Future for justice towards future generations” “Shaping gloablisation - for a socialResponsibility market economy” “Encouraging the dialogue of cultures - for partnership and tolerance”Dialogue “Implementing reforms - Reformfor democracy and a European parliamentary system”

Quotes from the Inaugural speech, Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament

Strasbourg, 13 February 2007

3 © European Communities, 2009

4 “WelcomeLooking at the progress achieved ... Clear objectives and apparent achievements

n 4-7 June 2009, the citizens of the European Union have elected their new Euro- Opean Parliament. For the first time, citizens from all 27 member states took part together in a Europe-wide democratic election. The newly elected European Parliament will constitute itself on 14 July 2009, and Members will elect their new President. June 2009 marked the 30th anniversary of the first direct elections to the European Parliament. Devoid of virtually any prerogatives thirty years ago, today the European Parliament is stronger than ever before, beating as the strong heart of a European parliamentary democracy we could only dream of in 1979. The European Parliament’s increased political and legislative influence, which will grow further with the hopefully prompt entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, bestows an important responsibility on the elected representatives of the nearly 500 million European citizens.

Aware of the significant impact this development Failure to act, indifference, would have on the scope of the European Parlia- would be the greatest wrong we ment’s work, Hans-Gert “ could commit Pöttering, who was elected 12th President of the First direct elections to the President Pöttering, directly-elected European European Parliament in 1979 Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007 Parliament on 16 January 2007, outlined ambitious objectives in his inaugural speech on 13 February 2007, designed at enabling the European Parliament to live up to its increased responsibilities and to rise to the global challenges.

These priorities were: - Securing agreement on a new treaty ” - Fighting climate change - Tackling the financial and economic crisis - Developing parliamentary dimension at European level and worldwide - Defending human rights and promoting intercultural dialogue - Developing a European parliamentary contribution to the peace in the Middle East President Pöttering delivering - Reforming Parliament working methods and reinforcing its inter-institutional role his Inaugural speech. - Bringing the European Union closer to the citizens Strasbourg, 13 February 2007

Throughout the last two-and-half years of his term in office - a period intense in events with new challenges arising at both the institutional and the global level - the President has actively focussed on these objectives. This ‘End of Term Review’ evaluates the progress made in fulfilling the objectives set for the President’s mandate and highlights the impact of the legislative and reform activities carried out in the European Parlia- ment during the last legislature, laying strong foundations for our future work.

I hope that readers find this End-Term Review a valuable overview of the political, institutional and legislative achievements of the European Parliament over the last years. © European Communities, 2009 Katrin Ruhrmann A European Union of 27 Member States

5 Introduction: Clear objectives and apparent achievements

I. Towards a new Treaty reform: Preparing the European Union for the XXI century

Maintaining Momentum for Treaty Reform The Berlin Declaration Full participation in the Intergovernmental Conference Success in maintaining the substance of the reforms Promoting a swift ratification of the Lisbon Treaty Avoiding a standstill in the ratification process Finding a way forward The June 2009 European Council: clarifications for Ireland Future prospects

II. Fighting Climate change

Pushing for urgent action at European Union level Building momentum in the fight against climate change Securing the European Union’s energy supply Taking the lead on the way to the third industrial revolution Fast-track review of the EU-‘Energy and Climate package’ Putting the case around the world Historical First-Reading Agreement on the Climate Change Package Preparing for Copenhagen Summit

III. Addressing the economic and financial crisis

Facing the financial challenge together as European Union Pushing for better supervision and regulation of financial markets Towards an order based on the principles of Social Market Economy Promoting better regulation of financial markets at the global level The Euro - the rock of macroeconomic stability Seeking common solutions to boost tomorrow’s growth: investing in the future

IV. Developing the Parliamentary Dimension

Developing parliamentary democracy and cooperation at European level Joint Parliamentary Meetings on key European wide issues Projecting the European Parliament in the Wider World Participating in the G-8 Speakers‘ process Developing parliamentary democracies and cooperation throughout the world Parliamentary pre-summits Promoting parliamentary cooperation in the framework of the EMPA The EMPA in the Union for the Mediterranean Stepping up parliamentary co-operation with Africa Fostering closer relations of the European Parliament with Latin America Developing the Eastern Partnership

6 V. Defending Human rights and promoting Intercultural dialogue

Defence of human rights: red line throughout the President’s mandate 20th anniversary of the Sakharov Price Launching a Sakharov Network Promoting the dialogue and co-existence between cultures Building bridges: Africa Week Furthering Euro-Arab Dialogue: Arab week The EMPA as core institution in fostering intercultural dialogue EuroMedScola: Young citizens at the heart of the Union for the Mediterranean Stepping up dialogue with religions leaders and communities of faith Visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama to the European Parliament Pursuing the process on the long term

VI. Developing a European parliamentary contribution to the peace in the Middle East

Official visit to the Middle East in May 2007 Addressing the Knesset Developing a stronger parliamentary contribution to the peace process Creating a Working Group on the Middle East The EMPA, a parliamentary channel for dialogue in the Middle East The EMPA Fact-Finding Delegation to the Middle East

VII. Reforming the European Parliament’s working methods and reinforcing its inter-institutional role

Matching the EP participation in decisive EU-bodies with its increased influence Ensuring the European Parliament’s representation in key diplomatic fora Adapting the European Parliament working methods to new challenges First Wave of Reform: a Better Structured Plenary Second Wave of Reform: Accountability and Better Law-Making Third Wave: Improving Committee work and Inter-Institutional Relations Modernising the legislative work by strengthening the support services Enhancing the Better Law-Making agenda

VIII. Bringing the European Union closer to the citizens

Better communicating the European Parliament to the Citizen Involving the citizens: creation of new Prizes Stepping up dialogue between the European Parliament and Civil Society Developing the concept of Citizens’ Fora Promoting dialogue with the younger generation Creating a House of European History

Conclusion: Significant achievements Sound foundations for future work

7 I. Towards a New Treaty: Preparing the EU for the 21st Century

“If we wish to defend our values and interests worldwide, to appear as a respected partner in promoting peace and stability, we must make sure that the necessary institutional reforms become legal and political reality as soon as possible.” (Hans-Gert Pöttering, Inaugural speech)

rom the start of his term in office, President Pöttering made it clear that the The signing of the Treaties of Rome F‘priority of priorities’ was to contribute in ensuring an agreement on a new treaty, Rome, 25 March 1957 which would include the necessary reforms making the enlarged European Union fit for the 21st century.

Maintaining Momentum for Treaty Reform

The European Parliament played a key role in the revival of the debate on institutional reform. It was strongly involved in the reform process throughout: back from the Laeken Declaration in late 2001, the Convention on the Future of Europe, during and after the reflection period following the rejection of the Constitution in France and the Neth- erlands, right up to the final stages of the Inter- governmental Confer- If our community of values is ence in autumn 2007. to endure, we must reform it As President of the President Pöttering, Chancellor Merkel, “ totally. President Barroso and German Finance European Parliament, Minister Steinbrück at the 50th anniversary Hans-Gert Pöttering President Pöttering of the Rome Treaties has constantly advocated Inaugural speech Berlin, 25 March 2007 the need for a new pact between the European Union and its citizens. At the beginning of his term in office in January 2007, the European Union was still in search of a way forward on institutional reform. Thus,

President Pöttering, Commission President Barroso and the presidents of parliaments of the Member States in ” the ‘Sala degli Oriazi e Curiazi’ in Rome, where the Treaties of Rome were signed on 25 March 1957 Rome, 23 March 2007

8 the new President wanted the European Parliament to contribute in bringing about a new agreement on key reforms, which would maintain the substance of the original Constitutional Treaty, notably the improvements to the decision-making process and the European Union’s capacity to act, as well as the provisions giving legal force to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the common European values enshrined in the document.

The strength and coherence of the European Parliament’s position was made possible through intensive and trustful cooperation between all actors within the Par- liament. President Pöttering, on behalf of the European Parliament, has played an active role in the negotiations on the Berlin Declaration and in further efforts to find common ground for an agreement, which eventually led to the adoption of the Lisbon Treaty.

In doing so, the President engaged in regular coordination with the Chair and the Coordinators of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, as well as the respective rap- Signing ceremony of the Berlin Declaration porteurs. The political group leaders inspired the process and provided the neces- by the Presidents of the EU institutions sary support in the Conference of Presidents. The Head of the President‘s Cabinet Berlin, 25 March 2007 together with a specialised official from the Secretariat of the Constitutional Affairs Committee, took part, as Parliament‘s ‘sherpas’, in the preparation of a new treaty agreement. © European Communities, 2009 The Berlin Declaration

The adoption of the Berlin Declaration on the future of Europe on 25 March 2007, which marked the high-point in the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Trea- ties of Rome, was an important milestone on the way towards a successful outcome on the negotiation of the Reform Treaty, now known as the Lisbon Treaty. If our community of values is The crucial document was signed by the three Presidents of the European Union to endure, we must reform it institutions. The co-signature of the President Pöttering was a clear signal of a new “ totally. perception of the European Parliament as the directly-elected representation of 500 million citizens of the President Pöttering European Union, as an Inaugural speech equal player in the Euro- The Berlin Declaration signed by the Today we live together as was pean political system. Presidents of the EU institutions Berlin, 25 March 2007 never possible before. During his official visits “ We, the citizens of the to the member states, the President of the Euro- European Union, have united pean Parliament and the ” for the better members of the Con- stitutional Affairs Com- Berlin Declaration mittee, used every op- 25 March 2007 portunity to promote the need for a new basis for action at European level, explaining the urgency of providing the European Union with updated instruments to tackle the new global challenges facing our continent.

Addressing a joint meeting of the European committees of the Dutch Parliament - a Parliament then in the search for a renewed ”consensus after the failed French and President Pöttering meeting Dutch Prime Dutch referenda, the President of the European Parliament stressed the crucial need Minister Peter Balkenende for European solutions in order to be able to face a wide range of pressing issues, The Hague, 12 April 2007 which do not stop at national borders. Today, no individual country can deal alone with ensuring energy security, fighting climate change, terrorism and illegal immigration or a revival of the European economy.

9 © European Communities, 2009 On many occasions the President reiterated that the Lisbon Treaty was The European Union is our also the answer to criti- cisms which citizens have answer to the challenges of levelled at the deficits of “ globalisation; it is a means the European Union. The new Treaty would of developing solutions for the bring the European Un- ion closer to its citizens future and enable to achieve President Pöttering concrete results for them Dutch Parliament in many policy areas. 12 April 2007

In order to maintain a strong momentum for the reform of the Treaties and to emphasise the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the reform process, the European Parliament hosted a series of Joint Parliamentary Meetings on the future of Europe, bringing together European and national parliamentarians from the 27 member states (plus the candidate countries) in its premises in Brussels. Two such meetings, jointly” convened by President Pöttering and the Speakers of the German and Portuguese Par- liaments, the countries respectively holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of Ministers in the first and in the second half of 2007, took place just before the Portuguese Prime Minister and EU Council final negotiations at the European Council in June 2007 and the final signature of President José Socrates welcomes President the new treaty in Lisbon in December 2007. Pöttering at the informal EU Summit Lisbon, 8 October 2007 Full participation in the Intergovernmental Conference

Both at the crucial Troika meeting held in May 2007 in Sintra (Portugal), which was decisive on the way to an agreement, and subsequently at the meeting of the Euro- pean Council in June 2007, Hans-Gert Pöttering strongly defended the position of the European Parliament, the core objective of which was for the key reforms and the legally binding nature of the Charter of Fundamental Rights to be preserved, this notwithstanding the possibility for the new Treaty to take a different form.

It was also in Sintra that the President succeeded in ensuring a full involvement of the European Parliament in the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), with three full representatives, instead of only two observers, as previously foreseen. This, as President Pöttering, the European Parliament’s well as the fact that the President of the European Parliament, was invited to par- representatives at the IGC, Enrique Baron ticipate in the entire proceedings of the Conference was a clear recognition of the Crespo, Elmar Brok and Andrew Duff, and Jo positive contribution of the European Parliament throughout the process and sig- Leinen, Chairman of the AFCO Committee nalled a further strengthening of Parliament‘s role in the European inter-institution- Bruxelles, 25 September 2007 al framework.

© European Communities, 2009 The European Parliament‘s representatives in the Intergovernmental Conference, Elmar Brok, Enrique Barón Crespo and Andrew Duff, made very positive contribu- tions to securing a successful result, and also managed to convince member states to adopt the proposal made by the Parliament on the future distribution of seats within the European Parliament (with only one small change that added an extra seat for Italy).

Success in maintaining the substance of the reforms

The outcome was a remarkable achievement for the European Union, and in particular for the European Parliament, which, together with the citizens and national President Pöttering at the Treaty signing ceremony in Lisbon parliaments, emerges as the major beneficiary of the new Treaty. To be able to ad- Lisbon, 13 December 2007 dress the challenges ahead of us properly, the European Union needs to have insti- 10 © European Communities, 2009 tutions of a mature and responsible European democracy at it disposal. Above all, it needs a strong and assertive European Parliament, acting as the democratic heart The European Union is our of the European Union. answer to the challenges of The new Treaty, which was signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007, includes the “ globalisation; it is a means essential reforms the European Parliament had constantly fought for, guarantee- ing a much higher degree of democracy at all stages of decision-making, thereby of developing solutions for the strengthening European democratic accountability and ensuring an appropriate ca- future pacity to act.

President Pöttering Co-decision will become the ordinary legislative procedure for the adoption of Eu- With the Lisbon Treaty, codecision Dutch Parliament ropean laws and will cover nearly 100 percent of European legislation, including the will cover both 12 April 2007 Common Agricultural Policy, the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as external trade. the Common Agricultural Policy ... In the budgetary field, the European Parliament and the Council will share power in a similar procedure covering all EU spending.

© European Communities, 2009 The European Union is a Henceforth the outcome of the European elec- ” community of values, not some tions will form the basis “purposeless club. Our values for the proposal made by the European Council as have found expression in the to the next President of the European Commis- Charter of Fundamental sion, and the European Rights. ... The legally binding Parliament will on that basis - not simply con- firm – but formally elect recognition of the values on ... and the Common Fisheries Policy. which the European Union is the new President. based ... is a matter of Last but not least, the updated Charter of Funda- Europe‘s self-esteem mental Rights, originally adopted in 2000, which President Pöttering enshrines the common Speech at the European Council values, on which the Eu- 21 June 2007 ropean Union is founded,

Signing ceremony of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, with President Hans-Gert Pöttering, European Commission President José Manuel Durao Barroso and the President in Office of the ” Council, Portuguese Prime Minister José Socrates, Inigo Mendez de Vigo MEP, Elmar Brok MEP and Jo Leinen MEP Brussels, 12 December 2007

11 receives legally binding status with the new Treaty. As underlined by President Pöt- tering at the June 2007 European Council and throughout his mandate, this binding nature of the Charter was for the European Parliament a non-negotiable component of any agreement on the reform of the European Treaties.

Following a proposal by the Representatives of the European Parliament in the IGC, the Presidents of the three main institutions - Commission, Council and Parliament - solemnly signed and proclaimed the Charter of Fundamental Rights in the Plenary of the European Parliament in Strasbourg on 12 December 2007, thus expressing the strong attachment of European law-makers to the basic rights of the citizen. President Pöttering meets with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Promoting a swift ratification of the Lisbon Treaty Brussels, 4 December 2007 After the formal signing of the Lisbon Treaty, securing a swift ratification and entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty across the 27 member states of the European Un- ion - preferably before the next European elections in June 2009 - became the top priority for the European Parliament and its President.

On behalf of the European Parliament, the President has used every available occasion, official visits or private meetings, to highlight the advantages of the reforms enshrined in the new Lisbon Treaty.

Throughout the year 2008, the President of the European Parliament met with Pres- idents, Prime Minister and Europe Ministers from Lithuania to Cyprus to discuss the ratification in their respective countries. For instance, he met with the Polish Prime French President Nicolas Sarkozy with Minister, Donald Tusk, the former Czech President Vaclav Havel, the Swedish Prime President Pöttering at the Elysee Palace Paris, 1 July 2008 Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt or the former Austrian Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer. He also paid successful official visits amongst other countries to Greece, to Poland, where he spoke before the Sjem, to Italy, to the Baltic States and Denmark, meeting both government and opposition leaders, repeatedly making the case on behalf of the European Parliament for a swift parliamentary ratification.

During an official visit to the United Kingdom in February 2008, the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon was at the centre of discussions the President of the Euro- pean Parliament had with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the Minister of State for Europe, Jim Murphy and representatives of the opposition. The President was able to follow the debate on the Lisbon Treaty in the House of Commons, ahead of key votes on the ratification bill; and, in the framework of a meeting with Lord Grenfell, Chairman of the Lords’ Committee on the European Union, he could get a direct President Pöttering with Journalists at the insight into the report on the Lisbon Treaty the Committee on the EU had adopted European Council meeting that same day. He reiterated the European Parliament’s expectation that the ratifica- Bruxelles, 21 June 2007 tion process should be promptly completed in as many member states as possible.

Likewise, he has made a strong case for the Lisbon Treaty on every occasion when addressing European citizens. This, for instance, in the framework of the numerous “Citizens’ Fora” organised ahead of the European elections in June 2009, such as the Citizens’ Forum in Barcelona in January 2009, which looked at the opportunities for a Social Market Economy in Europe - a concept specifically mentioned in the Lisbon Treaty, the televised “Winter Arena” in Helsinki in February 2009, which focussed on the defence of European values in the world or the Grenoble Forum in March 2009, dedicated to global warming, climate change being the subject to a specific chapter in the new Treaty.

On every occasion, the President reiterated the European Parliament’s strong con- President Pöttering and British viction that the new treaty was crucial in providing the European Union with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown during the necessary ‘tool box’ to confront the central challenges of today and tomorrow, as President’s visit to the United Kingdom London, 26 February 2008 well as a prerequisite to any future enlargements. This plead for a swift adoption of

12 the new text also reflected the overall feeling in the European Parliament and beyond that it was high time to conclude a long drawn-out discussion on institutional reform, and to focus on concrete action.

Addressing the so-called extended Presidential We have no more time to lose Troika Meeting in Prague on 30 January 2009 host- if we are to deal with the im- ed by Miloslav Vlček, “mense challenges ahead of us. Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Depu- We have to ensure that the ties, President Pöttering pointed out the crucial people can regain confidence democratic component in Europe of the Lisbon Treaty, which once ratified would President Pöttering enable national parlia- Programme Speech ments to exert greater 13 February 2007 influence over the course of European Policy. He again called for a swift entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, as did the speakers from the French National Assembly, Bernard Accoyer, the speaker of the Swedish Riksdag, Per Westerberg, The European Parliament approved the and Ms Maria Teresa Cunillera, the first Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies Lisbon Treaty by an overwhelming majority of Spain. ” during its February 2008 plenary session Avoiding a standstill in the ratification process © European Communities, 2009 The ratification process has indeed taken off rapidly. Hungary was the first country to successfully conclude the ratification procedure on 17 December 2007, just a couple of days after the signature of the Treaty by all Member States. It was followed by Malta, Slovenia and Romania. The European Parliament approved the Lisbon Treaty by an overwhelming majority during its February 2008 Plenary in Strasbourg.

France, by rapidly ratifying the new Treaty at the beginning of February 2008, ahead of the French Presidency of the Council starting on 1 July, has committed itself anew to the European project. After France, the ratification of the- Lis The biggest loosers of the Irish bon Treaty by the Dutch „No“ vote are not so much the Tweede Kamer on 6 June 2008, then by the Dutch “ institutions, nor the govern- Senate beginning of July, put a second founding ments, but the people of the Member State, which had European Union, who place rejected the draft Consti- tutional Treaty in 2005, their hopes in joint European back at the centre of the Union action, to overcome the European Union. growing challenges linked to But, the ‘no’ vote by the Hungary was the first country to complete majority of Irish citizens the ratification procedure on 17 December 2007 globalization in the referendum on the Lisbon Treaty on 12 June President Pöttering 2008 confronted the Eu- Speech at the June European Council 19 June 2008 ropean Union with one of the most difficult chal- ” 13 lenges of its history. The result of the referendum was a great disappointment to the European Parliament, its President, as well as for all those who wanted to achieve greater democracy, greater political effectiveness and greater clarity and transparency in decision-making in the European Union.

Opening the June 2008 European Council, just a couple of days after the Irish referendum, President Pöttering acknowledged the democratic decision of the Irish people. At that point in time though, it was equally crucial, to clearly underline that the rejection of the Treaty text by one European country could not invalidate the ratifications by national parliaments, which by then had been successfully carried out in nineteen European countries - two-thirds of all the EU Member States, representing 339 million inhabitants and already making up a clear majority of the population of the European Union - would become invalid. President Pöttering meets with Pat Moylan, Speaker of Irish Senate, and Dick Roche, Minister for European Affairs (right) Just as the outcome of the referendum in Ireland had to be respected, so did the Dublin, 7 April 2008 democratic approval of the Lisbon Treaty by 19 Member States in accordance with their constitutional rules deserve respect. Consequently, the President, on behalf of the European Parliament, called for the ratification process to be pursued in those Member States, which hadn’t yet ratified - a line which found clear political agreement amongst the Head of State and Government.

© European Communities, 2009 In this context, the President strongly welcomed the successful completion of parliamentary ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the United Kingdom, just ahead of the European Council, immediately followed by its signature by Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II.

Finding a way forward

Even before the Irish ‘no’ vote to the Lisbon Treaty, the President had paid an official visit to Ireland in April 2008, during which he strived to rebuff the erroneous and insincere arguments brought forward against the Lisbon Treaty. It was falsely The United Kingdom ratified the Lisbon claimed that the Lisbon Treaty would make euthanasia legal in Ireland, that abortion Treaty just ahead of the European Council would be allowed, that the treaty would introduce military service at European level in June 2008 or Irish tax policies would be affected. Likewise, the President also pointed out that reduction in the size of the European Commission was already provided for in the Nice Treaty, which Ireland approved by means of a referendum.

At the June 2008 European Council, the President expressed the view that the public debate in Ireland and the reasons cited during the campaign for voting ‘no’ suggested that the problems, which had prevented ratification, had perhaps less to do with the institutional changes introduced by the Lisbon Treaty than with specific Irish issues that do not necessarily apply to other countries. © European Communities, 2009 From that background, the President insisted that the Member States and the Euro- pean institutions work responsively together with the Irish Government on finding a suitable solution, which would take into account the justified interests of the Irish citizens. He also called upon the Taoiseach to submit proposals on how to overcome the concerns and misinterpretations voiced during the referendum campaign.

The following November, the President of the European Parliament paid another official visit to Ireland to take stock of the developments in the debate on the Lis- bon Treaty in preparation of the up-coming European Council in December 2008. The steps taken to find a suitable solution on the Irish issues linked with the Lisbon Finding a way forward after the first Irish Treaty were at the centre of discussions during a meeting with the Foreign Minister, referendum Micheál Martin. The President, expressing the view of his colleagues, as well as of most of the member states, pleaded for a solution that would not trigger a new ratification in those member states that had already ratified the Lisbonreaty. T

14 The President also met the members of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) Sub-Com- mittee on Ireland’s Future in the European Union, which was set up under the chairmanship of Senator Paschal Donohue, in order to contribute to an open, comprehensive and sincere debate on Ireland’s future relationship with the European Union. Its report, which had been published just ahead of the visit, concluded that there were no legal objections to a second referendum and emphasized the benefits Ireland had gained from membership.

With the outbreak of the financial crisis the I came to listen and to learn challenges of tomorrow turned all too quickly – and see how we might find a into challenges of today, “ common way forward and it became obvious that the European Un- President Pöttering ion still lacked the tools Ireland that would allow it to November 2008 meet these challenges efficiently.

On the occasion of the European Council in October 2008, which focussed on at- tempting to find a common response to worse financial and economic crisis since the thirties, the President of the European Parliament strongly highlighted the „cost of non-Lisbon“ – the price in terms of lack of capacity to act because of the new Treaty not yet being in force – which was brought” home to us anew every day.

The immediate concern and priority of the European Union was to find a way for the necessary reforms to be introduced promptly in the course of 2009. Thus, addressing the European Council in December 2008, President Pöttering called for a precise road-map to be adopted, which would free the Union from the institutional paralysis, clear the way for a rapid entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, and respect President Pöttering existing legal obligations. Press Conference at the European Council Bruxelles, 15 October 2008 At that meeting, the President has once again been invited to participate in the Eu- ropean Council’s substantive discussion on institutional reform issues. This pattern of involvement on Treaty questions has been a regular and positive development in interinstitutional relations and will also allow future Presidents of the European Parliament to make the voice of the directly elected peoples’ representatives heard at the table of the Heads of States and Governments, when it comes to discussions about the future of the European Union.

The June 2009 European Council: Clarifications for Ireland © European Communities, 2009 The outcome of the December 2008 European Council provided the starting point for a solution to overcome the concerns of the Irish people. The summit addressed the issue of the composition of the Commission and agreed that all the Member States, including Ireland, would upon entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty further on nominate their European Commissioner. Additional assurances on specific questions in relation to military neutrality, taxation policy, right to life, education, family and social issues were to be negotiated with the view to an agreement at the Euro- pean Council in June 2009.

In his speech at the June 2009 European Council, President Pöttering strongly advocated an agreement providing the necessary legal guarantees for Ireland, on the basis Irish Taoiseach Brian Cowen of which the citizens of Ireland would be able to take their sovereign decision. The at the European Council outcome of the June European Council was a decisive step forward in ensuring a Bruxelles, June 2009 prompt entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. At the meeting, the Heads of State and

15 Governments managed to adopt a legally-binding decision providing Over the past year the Europe- the necessary assurances as to the concerns of an Union has been challenged the Irish people. This “like seldom before. Every day decision will take effect on the day of the entry we feel the impact of the Lis- into force of the Lisbon Treaty and its provisions bon Treaty not yet being in would then be annexed force. The Lisbon Treaty is in a Protocol to the next accession Treaty. On that of supreme importance for the basis, the Taoiseach was © European Communities, 2009 European Union’s future enabled to commit in seeking to complete the President Pöttering ratification of the Lis- European Council bon Treaty in Ireland by 18 June 2008 the end of the current term of the European Commission. Moreover, the European Council defined transitional measures to be taken concerning the composition of the European Parliament, as 18 seats would be added to the 736 seats filled in the June European elections, if the new Treaty were to enter into force. The designation of the additional members of the European Parliament was to occur according to national procedures, on the condition that the The Treaty of Lisbon is ready to ” come into force appointed persons had been elected through the direct universal suffrage.

Future prospects

In the meantime, following a ruling by the Constitutional Court in Brno, judging the Lisbon Treaty compatible with the Czech Constitution, the Lower House of the Czech Parliament approved the Treaty in February 2009, thus underscoring the willingness of the Czech Presidency to contribute to the success of the new Treaty. It was on 6 May 2009, exactly the same day as the end of term speech of President Pöttering, that the Czech Senate approved the Lisbon Treaty ratification bill, concluding the parliamentary ratification process.

The European Parliament very much welcomed the parliamentary ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the Czech Republic. This notwithstanding, today the ratification process is still incomplete in that and in three further countries – including Ireland, as well as the Czech Republic, Germany and Poland, where the respective Heads of State need to finalize the ratification. Yet, the ruling if the German Federal Consti- tutional Court on 30 June 2009 has, albeit conditionally, in principle cleared the way for the Treaty of Lisbon to be signed by German President Horst Köhler and for its ratification in Germany to be completed, thus giving a signal to those countries which have not yet completed the ratification process.

Paving the way for the adoption of a new Treaty, which would adapt the European The German Federal Constitutional Court Union to the needs of XXIst century by making it more democratic and increasing its on 30 June 2009 has in principle cleared the capacity of action, was at the heart of the European Parliament’s and its President’s way for the Treaty of Lisbon endeavours over the last years. If the Lisbon Treaty were to be passed in a second Irish referendum, probably in the autumn of 2009, it could enter into force in January 2010. This would constitute a major achievement for the European Parliament, for national parliaments and for the citizens of our continent, as the new Treaty would represent a significant progress in terms of democracy, accountability and transparency, as well as ensure legal protection of our common European values. Eschel Alpermann

16 II. Fighting Climate Change Over the past year the Europe- an Union has been challenged “like seldom before. Every day “Global warming is taking on alarming dimensions: it is we feel the impact of the Lis- man-made and accelerating. We must ... not just talk about bon Treaty not yet being in the dramatic impact, but also take the necessary measures force. The Lisbon Treaty is before it is too late” of supreme importance for the (President Pöttering, Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007) European Union’s future © European Communities, 2009 rom the very start of his mandate in January 2007, President Pöttering has been President Pöttering Fat the cutting-edge of the European Parliament’s commitment to address climate European Council change and energy issues - both within the European Union and globally. 18 June 2008 He has consistently stressed the urgency of common action to address what he considers to be perhaps the biggest long-term environmental, social, health, economic and even security challenge facing mankind.

Pushing for urgent ” On the European continent, action at Euro- pean Union level Global warming is man-made and we have managed to create accelerating in alarming dimensions “lasting peace between our coun- Stressing the extremely narrow time-frame avail- tries. Now we have to tackle able for global action – 7 to 8 years if we are to the huge task of creating peace ward off the direst im- with the planet we live on. pact of global warming, the President has played ... Global warming is taking an active role in driving forward action to com- on alarming dimensions: it is bat climate change at Eu- man-made and accelerating ropean Union level.

President Pöttering Ahead of the March Round Table meeting on energy and climate Keio University, Japan 2007 European Council, change in the European Parliament 13 February 2007 the President invited all Brussels, 1 March 2007 the Commissioners dealing with climate and energy issues to a roundtable in the European Parliament. In order to gain a maximum of expertise and knowledge on the issue, he also met with international experts, such as Sir Nicholas Stern, author of the Stern Review on the Economics of Climate Change, Jeremy Rifkin, author of ‘The Hydrogen Economy’, and Joachim Schnell- huber, adviser of German Chancellor Angela” Merkel on the issue.

President Pöttering also held intensive discussions with Dr Rajendra Pachauri, the Chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 together with former US Vice-President Al Gore for their efforts to raise awareness of global warming. President Pöttering meets Rajendra K. Opening the Spring European Council in March 2007, the President called for am- Pachauri, Chair of the UN Intergovernmen- bitious binding targets on the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and on the tal Panel on Climate Change Brussels, 26 March 2008

17 © European Communities, 2009

increase in the share of renewable energy. The binding character of Fighting climate change is not the objectives is indeed key to the credibility of only a political challenge for European efforts, and “our leaders, it is a moral im- at the same time, sends out a clear signal to our perative. Failing to act now partners throughout the would create a problem for world. Therefore, on behalf of the European which future generations would Parliament, the Presi- dent strongly supported have to pay an enormous price the objectives proposed President Pöttering by the European Com- Speech to the Spring European Council mission of a 20 percent 8 March 2007 reduction of CO2 emissions and of a 20 percent share of renewables The European Parliament strongly in the total energy consumption by 2020. As the President underlined on that occa- supported the goal of a 20 percent sion, rapid and responsible action was all the more imperative as it was not morally reduction of CO2 emissions acceptable for our societies to benefit from short-term economic gain by simply forwarding the enormous long-term economic, health and environmental price” involved on to future generations.

Spring Council Summit Brussels, 8 March 2007 Building momentum in the fight against climate change

Throughout his mandate, the President has contributed strongly to keeping attention focussed on Climate Change and to increasing awareness of this critical challenge. Wher- ever possible - in meetings big or small, through a series of events and fora in the house or abroad – the President has highlighted the urgent imperative of determined measures at European and The time span left for action global level. Following the is very short - and the price of setting up of a Temporary Committee on Climate “inaction gets higher with every Change (CLIM) in the Eu- ropean Parliament in April day that passes 2007, President Pöttering President Pöttering immediately held an ex- Spring European Council tensive exchange of views 8 March 2007 with its members, notably in order to identify the main steps forward ahead of the December 2007 UN Climate Conference in Bali. 18 ” On 11 April 2007, the European Parliament hosted the internationally televised ‘Energy Globe Award Gala’, which show- Fighting climate change is not cased innovative projects in the use of sustainable resources and alternative energy sources. This highly visible event, in presence only a political challenge for of prominent personalities and strong advocates of coordinated “our leaders, it is a moral im- global action, such as Michael Gorbatchov, was repeated in May perative. Failing to act now 2008. In October 2007, he chaired a Joint Parliamentary Meeting between Members of And the winner is: Planet Earth! would create a problem for Energy Globe Gala the European Parliament and parliamentarians from the 27 national parliaments on Brussels, 11 April 2007 which future generations would climate change, aimed at helping raise awareness of the issue and developing a common and coherent approach throughout the Union. The following year in Novem- have to pay an enormous price ber, at a time when the negotiations on the energy and climate package were entering a decisive phase, the President convened the parliamentarians from all the Mem- President Pöttering Speech to the Spring European Council ber States to discuss the 8 March 2007 pressing issue of the security and sustainability The cost of failing to act ... of energy supply.

outweighs by far that of the During his official visit to “measures now required. Fight- the United Kingdom in February 2008, the Presi- ” ing global warming is also an dent also had the op- imperative of economic ration- portunity to speak about national and European ality. Putting the European policies aimed at fighting climate change with Union on the path to a low- Environment Secretary carbon future ... provides real Hilary Benn – who talked of building Europe as opportunities for growth and an ‘environmental union’. The same month, President Pöttering hosts the Energy Globe increased competitiveness Charles, Prince of Wales, Awards in the European Parliament Brussels, 11 April 2007 President Pöttering was invited to the Euro- Opening of the Energy Globe Award Gala pean Parliament to ad- 11 April 2007 dress the issue of global warming in the same effort to build momentum on common action.

On an official visit to Denmark, host country of the UN Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009, which is hoped to produce the successor agreement to the Kyoto Protocol, climate change was the central topic” of the President’s discussions with the Danish politicians, including the Danish Minister of Climate Change Connie Hedegaard, whom the President invited to address the EP’s committee of climate The time span left for action change in order to discuss the preparations for the Copenhagen COP 15. is very short - and the price of In the framework of that visit the President held a lecture at the Copenhagen Uni- “inaction gets higher with every versity on policies to curb global warming, highlighting the initiatives and positions of the European Parliament in that field and stressing the need for the European day that passes Union to take the lead towards a comprehensive and binding agreement ahead of President Pöttering welcomes HRH the Copenhagen meeting. Charles, Prince of Wales in the European President Pöttering Parliament Spring European Council Then, the next day he paid a visit to the European Environment Agency and had Brussels, February 2008 8 March 2007 exchange of views with its Director, Prof Jacqueline McGlade, as well as with the entire EEA Management Board representing 32 European countries, including all 27 Member States. ” 19 At the same time, the President has also wanted to set a positive ex- Without a binding inter- ample on how to curb emissions in our own national agreement concluded back-yard and called for “ under the auspices of the a comprehensive review of the environmental United Nations we will not impact of the European achieve our objective of Parliament’s buildings President Pöttering holds a lecture on and activities (‘carbon halving greenhouse gas European policies to curb global warming footprint’). On his initia- Copenhagen, 1 April 2008 tive, the European Par- emissions by 2050 liament has reached the President Pöttering voluntary targets of the University of Copenhagen Eco-Management and 1 April 2008 Audit Scheme (EMAS) in all its buildings and has also introduced 100 percent renewable-source electricity in the Parliament’s buildings. Securing the European Union’s energy supply ” Fighting climate change and changing the European Union’s habits on energy consumption, overwhelmingly predominated by fossil fuels, are complementary and mutually reinforcing aims.

All the more so as the gas crisis in January 2009 once again brought home to us just how dependent the European Union was on energy imports. Some 12 Member States have been affected by the consequences of the dispute between the Ukraine and Russia.

Aware of this dependency, the European Parliament considered it crucial that the ‘Greening’ the European Parliament European Union’s efforts on fighting climate change should be backed by a reinforcement of the European Union’s internal and external energy security.

As underlined by the CLIM-Committee and reiterated by the President at the March 2008 European Council, a major priority for the European Union is to achieve a more balanced energy mix, to diversify its energy suppliers and transit routes, to develop renewable energies and new energy technologies, as well as to enhance energy efficiency.

Thus, the European Parliament made sure that the work on shaping an effective external energy policy went hand in hand with the rapid completion of the internal energy market. Opening the Spring European Council in March 2009, the President emphasized the need to rapidly build a unified internal market for electricity and natural gas. He called for a balanced compromise in the field of electricity, in order to conclude the third package on the internal energy market before the end of the legislative term.

Taking the lead on the way to the third industrial revolution

Securing the energy supply for all Combating climate change certainly is the European leaders’ once-in-a-century task, 27 European Union Member States one which, at the same time, represents an invaluable tool for reducing Europe’s energy dependency and offers us ways out of the economic crisis. In that context, decisive action to curb climate change and the implementation of the energy package should not be viewed as just a short-term economic burden, but rather as an

20 © European Communities, 2009 additional incentive to swiftly prepare the European economy quickly for the third industrial revolution - particularly in view of the major growth opportunities and Without a binding inter- competitive advantages involved. national agreement concluded Last year, the President has been testing a hydrogen car to demonstrate the opportu- “ under the auspices of the nities provided by clean technologies and their key role on the path to a low-carbon economy. As the President repeatedly put it, the European Union must decisively United Nations we will not step up it research and innovation efforts in areas of environmentally-friendly tech- achieve our objective of nologies, such as carbon capture and storage, in order to take the technological lead, which will give it a decisive competitive edge on the global market. halving greenhouse gas Promoting clean energy technologies emissions by 2050 Fast-track review of the EU-‘Energy and Climate package’ © European Communities, 2009 President Pöttering Setting ambitious and binding targets at the 2007 Spring Summit represented a first, University of Copenhagen significant breakthrough. The European Union still needed to take concrete steps, 1 April 2008 clearing the ground for a transition to a low-CO2 economy.

The “Climate and En- ergy Package“ proposed Putting the European Union by the European Com- mission on 23 January on the path to a low carbon 2008 in the energy and ” environment fields was “future ... provides real oppor- the detailed policy re- tunity for growth and increased sponse to the political Building a unified internal energy market agreement reached at the in the European Union competitiveness Spring Summit the previ- President Pöttering ous year. The legislative Opening of the Energy Globe Gala package includes meas- 11 April 2007 ures on effort-sharing for emission cuts, on renewable energy, on carbon capture, as well as a revision of the emissions trading scheme.

In its role as co-legislator, the European Parliament, with its committees on environment and industry taking the lead, had an important role to play in working out a balanced approach, which would reconcile the” imperative of climate protection with economic and business interests.

To address this challenge, the European Parliament had set up the Temporary Com- Completing our work on the mittee on Climate Change (CLIM) in April 2007. The committee’s members come Energy Package before the end of 2008 from different policy backgrounds, providing the European Parliament with a unique platform to express cross-cutting ideas and develop new policies in this field. © European Communities, 2009 The CLIM-Committee in its reports on the various aspects of the energy package highlighted the importance of fostering eco-innovation, developing and testing new energy technologies, such as CO2 capture and storage, as well as the need to step up the drive to higher energy efficiency.

The CLIM-Committee also strongly emphasised, as did the Committee on the En- vironment responsible for reviewing legislation on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), that market-based instruments were crucial in efforts aimed at mitigating climate change, and should, in order to be efficient, be based in part on the auction- ing of certificates. Promoting, developing and supporting new The time pressure in reviewing the energy and climate package was greater than alternative energy technologies usual. Following a proposal by President Pöttering, the European Parliament com-

21 mitted to completing consideration of the energy package in its committees before the end of the year 2008.

For the European Parliament, it was crucial that the European Union should achieve a tangible result early enough before the United Nations Climate Change Confer- ence to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Putting the case around the world

The issue of global warming has featured centrally in the discussions the President of the European Parliament has had on international visits and when addressing international fora.

Invited to participate for the first time in the annual meeting of the Speakers of the G-8 Parliaments in Berlin in September 2007, the President underlined the urgency of global cooperation in fighting climate change. He highlighted the positive role played by the European Parliament on the matter and its contribution in securing an agreement on binding targets at the March 2007 European Council.

In Tokyo in February 2008, in talks with Japa- nese Prime Minister Yas- uo Fukuda, the President If we want to be able to con- focussed on efforts to build a joint approach by vince our partners worldwide the world’s biggest econ- “to participate in a global and omies. In New York the following week, he spoke binding framework, we first at a special debate organ- have to deliver on the targets President Pöttering meets Japanese Prime ised by the UN General Minister Yasuo Fukuda Assembly on the theme we have set ourselves Tokyo, 6 February 2008 of “Addressing Climate Change: The United Na- President Pöttering tions and the World at European Council Work”, underlining that December 2008 without a binding international agreement concluded under the auspices of the United Nations, we would not be able to achieve the objective of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Likewise, speaking at the biannual EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in Peru in President Pöttering adresses the UN panel May 2008, attended by some 60 heads of state and governments and focusing mainly” discussion ‘Rising to the Challenge: on sustainable development and environmental issues, the President of the European Partnerships on Climate Change’ New York, 11 February 2008 Parliament put strong emphasis on climate change and energy, as core areas for future (Photo: UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz) cooperation. On all these occasions, President Pöttering has been struck by how far the United Nations and its member states were looking to the European Union in general, and the European Parliament in particular, to give a global lead in securing a binding and comprehensive Post-Kyoto framework in the run-up to the Copenhagen Conference.

22 As the President indicated in his speech to the 2008 Spring European Council, to live up to such expectations, it was vital for the European Union to demonstrate its determination and commitment, by delivering on the goals for curbing emissions and promoting renewable energy, which it has set itself.

Historical First-Reading Agreement on the Climate Change Package

Sticking to its own fast-tack timetable, the European Parliament had been pushing for an agreement on the climate change and energy package by the end of 2009. The European Parliament has acted highly responsibly in the face of this challenge. It has been pragmatic in setting the procedure and in conducting the negotiations, bringing forward the discussions in committee by many months and making every effort to ensure that an agreement could be reached in good time, pushing the Coun- Adopting the ‘Energy cil to follow suit.

package’ as soon as possible is a Working closely together “ matter of credibility: with the French Presiden- The European Union’s role as cy, a first-reading agree- If we want to be able to con- ment with the Council leader in the fight against climate could finally be reached vince our partners worldwide in December 2008. En- change is not just about setting deavouring to strike the “to participate in a global and right balance between targets, deeds must follow climate objectives and binding framework, we first economic imperatives, President Pöttering have to deliver on the targets University of Copenhagen Council and Commis- 1 April 2008 sion had been engaged Historical first reading agreement we have set ourselves in near continuous ‘tria- on the Energy Package logues’ for weeks, sorting © European Communities, 2009 President Pöttering out the complex details of a multi-faceted deal on various parts of the package. This European Council task, particularly as in the final stages it was conducted against the backdrop of the December 2008 developing economic crisis, had not been easy. Yet, the effort paid out. The European Union” has achieved a historical outcome, demonstrating its capacity to act swiftly and responsibly. It has also achieved an agreement with the Council on the issue of CO2 emissions from cars, which is of major importance for the progressive adaptation and sustainability of the the Euro- ” pean industry. More so, the European Agreement with the Council on CO2 emis- By adopting the energy and Parliament has been sions from cars was also reached closely looking at the climate package, the European follow-up on the climate package so as to make “Union has taken the lead by sure that words be in- the example and demonstrated deed followed by deeds. In his opening speech its ability to act swiftly and at the December 2008 European Council, the responsively President emphasized President Pöttering that the European Par- Spring European Council liament was adamant for March 2009 the necessary funding for Working closely together with the French investments in the devel- EU Presidency secured the success ” 23 opment and testing of new energy technologies, such as carbon capture and storage, to be guaranteed. This is of crucial importance to enable substantial progress in fighting climate change, both in the European Union and in the developing countries.

By setting a common approach and committing to binding objectives, the European Union has gained credibility and stronger positioning ahead of the negotiations on a post-Kyoto deal. The key challenge will be to bring on board the other key global ‘environment players’, namely China, India, Russia and the United States.

Preparing for Copenhagen Summit

With the Kyoto protocol due to expire in 2012, the European Union will need to show genuine political leadership in the current negotiations in order and to convince its partners to sign up to a binding successor agreement at the UN Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

However, the European Union is no longer fighting this battle alone: signs of a change in thinking can be also made out in Chi- na and India, countries which are seeing ever The European Union has more clearly the impact Working meeting with Connie Hedegaard, promised to lead the world to- Danish Minister for Climate Change of climate change on Copenhagen, 2 April 2008 their own environment, “wards a global post-Kyoto agree- as well as in the United States. The new Ameri- ment. The eyes of the world can President, Barack will be on us in the run-up to Obama, has stated clearly that he intends to take the Copenhage Conference a determined approach to combating climate President Pöttering change, thus providing University of Copenhagen 1 April 2008 a great opportunity at a decisive time.

In an open dialogue with young Europeans in the European Parliament “EU-US: The Next Generation takes the Floor”, US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clin- ton, not only emphasised the need to devise global solutions in time for the Copen- hagen Summit, stressing the ‘100 percent commitment of the new administration on fighting climate change, she also described the European Emissions Trading Scheme” as an example for the whole world.

However, time is running out. Less than 160 days remain to prepare the ground for a comprehensive and binding agreement at the UN International Conference on Climate in Copenhagen.

We are no longer fighting alone: President Pöttering welcomes US Secretary of State Under the leadership of the CLIM–Committee, the European Parliament recently Hillary Clinton in the European Parliament put forward a strategy for the European Union designed to help us meet the objec- Bruxelles, 6 March 2009 tive of achieving a comprehensive agreement in Copenhagen.

As stated in the European Parliament’s resolution, such an agreement must be based on the principle of shared, but differing, responsibilities. As the President pointed out already at the 2007 Spring European Council, the developed nations will have to shoulder most of the global burden of reducing pollutant emissions over the next 10 years. Nevertheless the involvement of the emerging and developing countries, backed by the offer of technology transfers, is essential, since even before 2020 those

24 states’ emissions will out- strip those of the indus- The UN meeting in Copen- trialised countries. © European Communities, 2009 hagen in December 2009 is a Speaking at the 2009 “window of opportunity that we Spring European Coun- cil, the President stressed can not miss that it was both essential and in our own interests President Pöttering that the requisite fund- UN New York February 2008 ing for investments in new technologies and for technological support for third countries should be made available as soon as possible. On behalf of the Euro- pean Parliament, he called on the European Commission to draw up a comprehen- Also awaiting the UN Summit on Climate: sive action plan on the funding of climate change policy ahead of the Copenhagen The little Mermaid in Copenhagen negotiations. ” The President once again pointed out that any comprehensive global strategy to combat climate change should also encompass efforts to curb deforestation throughout the world, since today the felling of vast areas of forest accounts for some 20 The European Union has percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. promised to lead the world to- All in all, the European “wards a global post-Kyoto agree- Parliament and its Presi- A fair and effective climate dent have played a major ment. The eyes of the world regime must be comprehensive part in driving the fight will be on us in the run-up to against global warming “ and binding! A voluntary high on the agenda and the Copenhage Conference ensuring a timely adop- agreement is not enough tion of the energy and President Pöttering climate package. The President Pöttering University of Copenhagen UN New York European Union has 1 April 2008 taken the lead by the ex- February 2008 Melting ice in the Arctic ample. In the up-coming (Photo: Shawn Marshall, www.nsf.org) months, it must now use its increased credibility to convince it partners worldwide to participate in a comprehensive and binding Post-Kyoto framework. ” ” Karen Fredsgaard

25 III. Adressing the Economic and Financial Crisis

„Freedom always goes hand in hand with order: We need better rules and sustained oversight of financial markets, a policy of order in the sense of a Social Market Economy!“ President Pöttering, European Council, 15 October 2008

oday the financial stability is under exceptional strain. The international finan- Tcial markets are faced with what is probably their greatest crisis since the nineteen thirties. The dramatic international developments in the second half of 2008, marked by the bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers and the rescue operations for numerous banks around the world, have revealed serious shortcomings in regulation and oversight of financial institutions. Regulation had not kept up with the rapid development and global reach of the financial trading. Increasingly, the money and financial markets had been relying on a ‘laissez-faire’ approach and self regulation.

Started in the United States before rapidly spreading to the rest of the world, the serious disruption suffered by global financial markets, has induced a major downturn Starting in the US with the collapse of the subprime market .... of the real economy, requiring serious efforts to revive the European economy and safeguard the continent’s future competitiveness.

As early as 2002, the European Parliament had highlighted the limits of self-regulation and the potential risk posed to financial stability. It had repeatedly called for measures to counter the deficiencies in the regulatory and supervisory framework for financial institutions and services.

Over the last months, the European Parliament has been at the forefront of efforts aimed at finding solutions to the crisis, pleading for a comprehensive reform of the financial architecture and for increased investment in the new technologies to boost the growth and jobs in Europe.

Facing the financial challenge together as European Union

... the financial crisis quickly swept over to The European Council in October 2008 was nearly entirely dedicated to seeking the European Union for common ways of addressing the most immediate challenge, which was to restor confidence in the financial system. The overrid- ing objective had been to avoid a systemic bank- We shall only be able to ing collapse, to limit the overcome this crisis if we act spill-over effect in other branches of the econo- “ together. We have a joint my and to put in place new foundations for fu- responsibility ture economic stability. President Pöttering European Council Addressing the Euro- 15 October 2008 pean Council, the Presi- dent pointed out that, if United in tackling the financial crisis: Joint Press Conference in the European the deficiencies in regulation had become apparent following the meltdown of the Parliament, 21 October 2008 financial system, for some years already clear signs of serious shortcomings in the

26 ” system had nevertheless been discernible, shortcomings that meant that sooner or later there would be serious problems. © European Communities, 2009 He drew the attention of the Heads of States and Governments to the fact that over the last years, the European Parliament has regularly taken up the issue and renewed its calls on the European Commission to put forward measures strengthening the European oversight system. More specifically, the Euro- pean Parliament had expressed its concern about the underestimation of the risk level of financial products, the inappropriate short-term- profit oriented remuneration and focussed on problems surrounding the conduct of hedge funds and the role of Family Photo of the European Council Bruxelles, 11 December 2008 credit rating agencies.

In the current context and in order to avert the recurrence of similar situation more successfully in the future, the European Parliament considered it urgent to carry out a comprehensive reform of the regulation and oversight of the European financial services system.

Pushing for better supervision and regulation of financial markets

Based on the proposals included in numerous resolutions adopted by the European Parliament since 2003, President Pöttering highlighted a range of short, medium and long-term measures to be taken by the European Union in coming months.

Considering the crucial role of the financial system for the functioning of the economy, it was crucial in the short term, to save banks and financial institutions from insolvency and to keep credit flowing to business. Essential was also to restore the trust of the citizens in the financial system by better protecting their savings; thus the European Parliament expressed strong support for a raise of bank deposit guarantees for private individuals to € 50,000.

In terms of the medium and long term measures, the President pleaded for the development of a new legal framework for the regulation of the financial markets in the European Union and worldwide. Stock markets, banks and businesses came Beyond the proposal re- under enormous pressure, forcing the We shall only be able to vising the Own Funds European Union to act quickly The market principle must not Directive, the President overcome this crisis if we act called on the European be equated with the unbridled Commission to swiftly “ together. We have a joint put forward a series of “forces of unregulated markets responsibility measures, which should President Pöttering include (a) regulation of President Pöttering European Council all financial service pro- European Council 15 October 2008 viders, including hedge 15 October 2008 funds, with a view to achieving greater transparency and more responsible behaviour; (b) binding risk-dependent own capital rules for all financial entities; (c). codes of conduct and scrutiny for rating agencies, with greater disclosure of their evaluation criteria;” (d) the realignment of regulation ” 27 of executive remunerations, as well as (5) common European solutions and practises for financial oversight. With the meltdown of the financial system, the idea of self- © European Communities, 2009 regulating markets had lost any kind of credibility. The crucial task was now to set up an appropriate, uniform European framework so as to make the financial institutions into responsible partners. The European urgently needed better common rules and more effective oversight, based on the principles of a Social Market Economy.

The European Council in October 2008 put strong emphasis on the need for common solutions to overcome the crisis and made an important contribution to helping restore confidence. Moreover, it witnessed a critical change in the European Un- ion’s approach to the financial markets by shaping a more pro-active agenda aimed at improving the regulation and oversight of the financial markets.

Looking for common solutions to help Towards an order based on the restoring confidence in the markets principles of Social Market Economy

The outcome of the latest European elections has expressed the European citizens’ support for a policy approach based on the principles of social market economy, securing a balance between market liberalism and social responsibility. Thus, the results can be seen as a mandate for pursing the agenda on better regulation of financial markets and reform of the European economy.

Following the European Council of October 2008, the European Commission put forward a series of measures, some of which were an up-date of existing legisla- tions, such as the proposals relating to capital requirements; others clearly aimed at filling the loopholes in the financial sector. The European Parliament particularly welcomed the Commission’s first proposals as to the regulation of hedge funds and other financial services providers, which it had repeatedly called for over the last years and which should contribute in achieving greater transparency and more responsible behaviour on the financial markets.

Thus, over the last months, substantial progress has been made in process of reshaping the European financial architecture. In many respects, the current reforms to the regulation of financial markets at European level have been brought about at New proposals to regulate hedge funds the initiative of the European Parliament and under pressure from it. are finally on the table More so, the European Parliament as co-legislator has acted responsively and swiftly. Within 24 hours, it has accepted the proposals of the Commission with regard to the fair values system. Furthermore, the European Parliament has been active in developing acceptable solutions and has also made sure that its work on deposit guarantee schemes, credit rating agencies, the capital requirements of the bank- ing industry and Solvency In a single European internal II was completed before the legislative term market, we need European ended. These new pieces of legislation should “solutions for the supervision of help supervisors protect financial markets policyholders’ interests more effectively by mak- President Pöttering ing prudential failure less Spring European Council likely, and by reducing the 19 March 2009 probability of consumer loss or market disruption. Yet, a lot of work remains to be done and the reform of the financial architecture will remain high on the agenda in the up-coming legislative period. The crucial task 28 ” of creating the proper legal framework for oversight of the finance markets has yet to be completed. © European Communities, 2009 Speaking at the spring 2009 Euro- pean Council, the President reiterated the strong commitment in the Euro- pean Parliament to an effective and adequate European legal framework for financial supervision in a single European internal market. Following the conclusions of the Larosière Group, a series of proposals have been put forward in this Family Photo of the Spring European Council Summit field and discussed at the June 2009 European Council. Addressing the Heads States Bruxelles, 19 March 2008 and Governments, the President of the European Parliament welcomed the recent submission of proposals aimed at creating a European Systemic Risk Committee, in which the European Central Bank would also have a role to play, as well as proposals for a new oversight structure. He underlined that, due to the cross-border nature of financial activity, it was necessary to get away from the idea of purely national supervisory arrangements. In doing so, the European Union should bear in mind the principles of the Social Market Economy.

Promoting better regulation of financial markets at the global level

A social market economy is the right blueprint for the future, particularly in view of globalisation. It is not only the European Union that needs a regulatory policy. A comprehensive response to the crisis also calls for long-term, global solutions to deal with the financial markets, which themselves had worldwide reach.

The European Parliament considered it crucial, once the reforms of rules at Euro- pean level were in train, that the European Union should take the lead in pointing the way towards a more comprehensive review of the rules to be applied to the financial markets on an international scale. Thereby, the European Union should do everything in its power to secure acceptance for European standards at If we can now see a chance of international level. In a single European internal resolving the crisis, it is because And indeed, the break- market, we need European through in the efforts “ the European Union has to bring about closer in- “solutions for the supervision of ternational cooperation shown the determination financial markets and a reform of inter- needed to take a pioneering national financial insti- President Pöttering tutions achieved at the Spring European Council role at world level G-20 meeting in Wash- 19 March 2009 ington on 15 November President Pöttering 2008 owes much the co- European Council 11 December 2008 ordinated approach developed in the European Union. ” ” 29 Therefore, it was crucial that the European Union should send a strong and united message ahead of the G20 Summit in London on 2 April 2009. The preparation of the G20 summit was at the centre of the debate at the spring 2009 European Council. In his speech at the opening of the meeting, the President of the European Parliament stressed the urgency of reaching an agreement in London on the implementation of the 47-point action plan which was adopted in Washington.

However, he insisted that the G20 Summit should not focus solely on the short-term response to the crisis set out in the action plan, but instead work towards securing an international agreement on the required longer-term measures and a precise timetable for their implementation. He pointed out that it was in the European Union’s our own interest that it should continue to play a pioneering role in the process of reshaping the supervision of financial markets, so that European conceptiond could come to be recognised as international standards.

Over the last year, the Member States and the European Union institutions showed strong commitment and efficient management of the crisis and were cognisant of their responsibility in the design of the new financial market oversight structures. The European Parliament has played a important role in the process, by pushing at Former French President Valery Giscard an early stage for a comprehensive overhaul of the system and insisting on a swift d’Estaing speaking at the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Euro completion of the work on the new financial architecture. Strasbourg, 13 January 2009 The Euro - the rock of macroeconomic stability

January 2009 marked the tenth birthday of the introduction of the European Union currency, the Euro. In an ever-closer European Union with interdependent economies, the creation of the Euro was a logical development in terms of consolidation of the a single market and simplification of trade therein. Yet, 1999, when the currencies of eleven sovereign states were replaced by a single currency, there was a great deal of scepticism about the planned single currency’s chances of success. Ten years later, it appears that the Euro enjoys just as much confidence as the currencies used previously in the Eurozone countries, but also that it has without any doubt brought with it numerous advantages for people and businesses in the European Union.

Following the meltdown of the financial markets, the Eurozone has proved to be much better equipped to withstand external economic crisis than the Member States would have been in the past with their national currencies. Thus, in the course of the recent crisis, the role of the Euro as an anchor a macroeconomic stability has become more appar- The Euro proved to be a ent than ever. decisive factor of stability: To celebrate the anniver- “The single currency has saved Christa Randzio-Platz, Joaquin Almunia, sary of the introduction Jean-Claude Trichet, Valery Giscard d’Estaing, of the Euro, which the us from the worst effects of the President Pöttering, Jean-Claude Juncker, President Pöttering qual- Jose Maria Gil-Robles and Pervenche Beres ified as one of the most greatest financial crisis since at the the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Euro important and historic the thirties Strasbourg, 13 January 2009 decisions ever made by the European Union, the President Pöttering European Parliament or- European Council ganised a commemora- 11 December 2008 tive event in Strasbourg on 13 January. Highlight- ing the advantages of the common currency for business and consumers, the Presi- 30 ” dent of the European Parliament pointed out that the immediate budgetary and monetary problems in individual member states might have led to really serious currency runs in the course of the recent bank crisis had the common framework of Economic and Monetary Union not been in place.

In a context of a possible expansion of the Eurozone, the membership of which had become an attractive perspective to countries outside the common currency, the President underlined that compliance with the stability criteria was to remain a priority. The expansion without following the stability criteria would neither bring advantages to the Eurozone nor to the countries outside of it The European Central Bank played a Finally, the President paid tribute to the decisive role played by the European Central decisive role during the direst days of the Bank throughout the direst days of financial turmoil. The ECB intervened almost financial turmoil daily to bring liquidity to the market, and performed as a powerful stabilising force.

Seeking common solutions to boost tomorrow’s growth: investing in the future

Nevertheless, the serious disruption suffered by global financial markets has induced a major downturn of the real economy, requiring great efforts to revive the Euro- pean economy and safeguard our continent’s future competitiveness.

Ahead of the Spring European Council, in February 2009, European and national Members of Parliament met in a Joint Parliamentary meeting in the European Par- liament to discuss the consequences of the economic and financial developments in the second half of 2008 and to identify the required policy answers to boost growth and jobs on the European continent. The meeting entitled “A New Deal for Euro- pean Economic Recovery?” was co-chaired by Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Czech Senate Miloslav Vlček, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies and the Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the ECB President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering. (Copyright ECB)

This discussion covered the origins and implications of the downturn, stressing the need to resist protectionism, to safeguard the achievements of the sin- Only together, with European gle market, to recognise the stabilising impact of solutions, will we be able to the single currency, and “ preserve our ideal of to take effective action to free up responsible lend- European society combining ing by the banks, without The Euro proved to be a economic success and social which the crisis would decisive factor of stability: simply deepen. On that responsibility in future occasion, the President “The single currency has saved of the European Parlia- President Pöttering ment strongly opposed us from the worst effects of the Spring European Council temptations of slipping greatest financial crisis since Brussels, March 2009 into protectionism as a way of overcoming the the thirties crisis. Moreover, he, and a number of further speakers strongly underlined the importance of investing in President Pöttering new technologies: the European Union needed to invest its way out of the crisis. European Council An emphasis on research, renewables and alternative energy would pay long-term 11 December 2008 dividends, both for the environment and for ”the economy. Addressing the 2009 Spring European Council, President Pöttering reiterated the main conclusions of the Joint Parliamentary meeting and underlined the positive ” 31 impact of the European Union’s coordinated response, on both the monetary and macro-economic fronts. Referring to the European Commission’s communication of December 2008 on a European Economic Recovery Plan, the President expressed the European Parliament’s support for the €200 billion package, whilst particularly welcoming its focus on ‘tomorrow’s growth industries’, such as environmental technologies, alternative forms of energy, communication and information technologies. At the summit, the member states of the European Union endorsed the Recovery plan, which proposed a framework for coordinated action to revive the European Union at both European and national level. President Pöttering and Commissioner Joaquin Almunia at the Joint Parliamentary Over the last year, the Not markets shielded from Meeting in the European Parliament European Union and Brussels, 16 February 2009 its member states have competition, not protectionism, together played a leader- “but rather open markets, both ship role both in rescuing and restructuring banks, in the European Union and as well as in boosting demand in otherwise throughout the world, will help depressed economies. our firms survive the crisis The single currency, the Euro, has safeguarded a President Pöttering number of smaller, open Spring European Council economies with large fi- 19 December 2009 nancial sectors, avoiding the kind of acute crisis witnessed in Iceland

Yet, the financial stress may last longer, be more difficult to overcome and its impact on the real economy be more pronounced than originally expected. Most of the member states have corrected their growth forecasts and seen their national unem”- ployment rate rise sharply. On the medium term though, the initiatives taken in the last months, to which the European Parliament has made an important contribution, will slowly gain ground, ensuring more responsible financial markets and giving increased significance to the principles of Social Market Economy. Renate Feiler

32 Not markets shielded from competition, not protectionism, “but rather open markets, both in the European Union and throughout the world, will help our firms survive the crisis

President Pöttering Spring European Council 19 December 2009 ”

33 IV. Developing the Parliamentary Dimension

„Today the European Parliament is at the heart of a Euro- pean parliamentary democracy which in 1979 we could only dream of.” (President Pöttering, 50th anniversary of the European Parliament, 12 March 2008)

009 marked the 30th anniversary of direct elections to the European Parliament, Today, the European 2the only democratically elected European institution of the European Union. Parliament is a fully-fledged Parliament Over the last 30 years, the Euro- pean Parliament has developed from an advisory body with virtually no prerogatives into a full- fledged democratic parliament. Today, the European Parliament is stronger than ever before: it is a key part of the EU decision-making process, as the European Un- ion’s joint legislature and budgetary authority.

More than two thirds of all Eu- ropean decisions are taken by way of the co-decision procedure, making the participation of the European Parliament in the European legislative process equally important to the work of the Council of Ministers. Not only does the Parliament exercise oversight over the European Commission, it also elects the President of the Commission and impacts powerfully the political agenda of the European Union as a whole.

With the Lisbon Treaty, the ‘co-decision’ procedure becomes the gen- Step by step, the European eral format of legislation, and the European Parliament has fought to secure Parliament will have a say “more and more rights and has on the entire European budget and on most are- become ever more aware of its as of legislation, not least responsibility; and today, ... it in areas such as agriculture, fisheries and trade does credit to its name policy - where currently no parliaments, whether President Pöttering national or European, 50th Anniversary of the European Parliament have any meaningful say 12 March 2008 at all.

A formal sitting took place in Strasbourg in March 2008 to celebrate the 50th birth- Celebrating the 50th anniversary day of the European Parliament and to commemorate the establishment of the of the European Parliament European Parliamentary Assembly in 1958. This event was the occasion to recall the Strasbourg, 12 March 2008 long and fascinating journey from a 142-member European Parliament Assembly” to 34 a European Parlia- ment of 785 members from 27 member states representing nearly 500 million citizens.

The parliamentary dimension of the European Union can look back on an impressive development over the past 50 years. The Euro- pean Parliament has The Speakers of the national parliaments of put the development of parliamentary democracy within the European Union and the European Union meet in Paris to beyond at the very core of its work. In parallel to the efforts aimed at improving law- discuss the institutional future of making within the European Parliament, high priority was given to a strengthening the European Union. of the cooperation between the national parliaments of the member states and the Paris, 27 February 2009 European Parliament over the last years.

Yet, the cooperation with parliaments is not only The European Parliament limited to the Member States of the European and the national parliaments Union. As a directly- “ are partners. Our work is elected, supranational parliament, the European complementary. Together we Parliament has become a model for similar efforts can make the European Un- in the other regions of ion more democratic, bring it the world and put high emphasis on strengthen- closer to its citizens and ensure ing relations with parlia- that the subsidiarity principle ments in third countries. © Assemblée Nationale is respected Developing President Pöttering parliamentary Step by step, the European Formal sitting with the Presidents and democracy and Speakers of the national parliaments Parliament has fought to secure Rome, Senate, 23 March 2007 cooperation at “more and more rights and has European level become ever more aware of its Cooperation with the national parliaments of the member states has become an important feature in the work of the directly-elected European Parliament. Regu- responsibility; and today, ... it lar meetings are held in the format of the Joint Parliamentary Meetings (JPMs) on key issues (see below), whilst the respective committees of the European and the President Pöttering speaking at the formal does credit to its name sitting of the Speakers of the national national parliaments are taking forward intensified dialogue in a variety of formats. ” parliaments of the European Union in the President Pöttering Cooperation is underpinned by additional budgetary resources approved for that Assemblée Nationale 50th Anniversary of the European Parliament aim in October 2008. Paris, 27 February 2009 12 March 2008 Nearly all national parliaments now have a representative office within the European Parliament building, in order to help promote swift two-way flow of information. Increased cooperation is extremely valuable to discuss policy challenges together, exchange best practice, and help ensure coherent implementation of European leg- ” islation at national level. 35 Once the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, the rights of the national Parliaments will be further strengthened. Therefore, it seemed logical to develop a clearer framework for the future relations between the European Parliament and the national parliaments. The reform process of the European Parliament working methods, which was carried out in the last two and half years, included a framework aimed at intensi- fying the relations between the European Parliament and the national parliaments.

The Conference of Presidents agreed that the responsible office-holders in the Par- liament for relations with national parliaments should henceforth form a steering group, whose task would be to promote the internal coordination of EP activities in this field and to propose a regular programme of activities for adoption by the Con- ference of Presidents. Codifying an already well-established tradition, it was agreed that one Joint Parliamentary Meeting with national parliaments would be held every six months, with the autumn meeting focussed on the Commission’s Legislative and Work Programme.

Joint Parliamentary Meetings on key European wide issues A New Deal for European Economic Recovery: Joint Parliamentary Meeting in the European Parliament Since 2005, the European Parliament and the national parliament of the country Brussels, 16 February 2009 holding the rotating Council presidency co-organise one or two Joint Parliamentary Meetings during a six months period. These bring together MEPs and national parliamentarians from all the 27 EU Member States and the candidate countries. They are co-chaired by the President of the European Parliament and the Speaker(s) of the national parliament of the presidency country.

JPMs are aimed at providing a platform for a full exchange-of- views between MEPs and national parliamentarians on key issues, in particular where there may not be a specific legislative proposal under consideration, but where the development of a common view can be of political benefit to both. Those meetings are also an opportunity for parliamentarians from all 27 Member States and the European Parliament to interact with both the Commission and Council, who regularly attend.

Nine such Joint Parliamentary meetings were organised during the term in office of President Pöttering. They touched upon a wide range of crucial issues, such as climate change and energy, institutional reform, Lisbon strategy and economic re- The future of the European agriculture: form, impact of the financial crisis, migration and integration, and the future of the Joint Parliamentary Meeting Western Balkans. in the European Parliament Brussels, 3 November 2008 The last ‘Joint Parliamentary Meeting’ in the 2004-2009 legislative period, which took place in February 2009 under the title “New Deal for European Econom- ic Recovery?”, focussed on the international economic and financial crisis – and its impact on the European Union. Co-chaired by Přemysl Sobotka, President of the Czech Senate and Miroslav Vlček, Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies and EP President Pöttering, the discussion covered the origins and implications of the downturn, stressing the need to resist protectionism, to safeguard the achievements of the single market and to take effective action to free up responsible lending by the banks, without which the crisis could simply deepen. The Members also insisted that the European Union should send a strong message ahead of the G20 Summit in London in April 2009.

Among leading guests were President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Joaquín Almunia from the European Commission, Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek and finance minister Kalousek from the Council, and the President of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet. Energy and Sustainable Development: Joint Parliamentary Meeting in the European Parliament With the same purpose of developing the parliamentary dimension of the European Brussels, 20 November 2008 Union’s external relations, President Pöttering has taken the initiative of hosting a

36 Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Western Balkans. The meeting, which took place on 26-27 May 2008, brought together Members from the 27 European national parliaments and from of all the parliaments of the Western Balkans. The Presidents of both the European Council and European Commission also participated in the event.

Following the declaration of independence by Kosovo in February 2008 and the general election in Serbia earlier that month, the meeting took place at a crucial point in time, when the former Yugoslav Republics was at the centre of political attention in Europe and beyond. Joint Parliamentary Meeting on Addressing the Joint Parliamentary Meeting, the President of the European Parlia- the Western Balkans ment underlined the very special nature of this JPM meeting, which opened it ranks Bruxelles, 26-27 May 2008 to welcome Members of Parliament from South Eastern Europe - countries, which have only too recently suffered divisions and conflict. The aim of the meeting was to debate the future of the region and the progress made in achieving their EU membership goal. On that occasion, the President also highlighted the central role that parliamentarians could play in bringing the Western Balkan states closer to the European Union, notably through their scrutiny of national governments.

This JPM was not “a one-off event”. The meeting was part of the European Par- liament’s effort to develop an effective parliamentary network, one which is active not only at European, but also on a regional level, and which should help us address jointly issues of common concern.

Projecting the European Parliament in the Wider World

Today the external relations of the European Union are not an exclusive domain of the European Governments any more. In parallel with its increasing legislative power, the role and profile of the European Parliament in the field of external relations has grown significantly. The European Parliament has developed a wide network of relations at parliamentary level all over the world and now plays an important complementary part in promoting peace and democracy worldwide.

Following the conclusions of the ‘La Hulpe’ Away-Day of the Bureau of the Eu- ropean Parliament in spring 2007, President Pöttering has put high emphasis on promoting a stronger parliamentary dimension in international relations and on fostering closer cooperation between the Parliament and democratic representatives in partner countries throughout the world.

Crucial steps in this direction were the introduction of ‘parliamentary pre-summits’ ahead of the normal executive-level EU summits with partners worldwide and the participation of President of the European Parliament in the meetings of the Speak- ers of the parliaments of the G-8 countries.

Participating in the G-8 Speakers‘process The ‘brain-storming’ session of the Parliament’s Bureau in La Hulpe For the first time in September 2007, the President of the European Parliament was La Hulpe, March 2007 invited to participate in the annual meeting of the Speakers of the parliaments of the G-8 countries. On that occasion, the decision was taken to admit the European Parliament as a permanent guest for all future meetings and activities.

Securing the involvement of the European Parliament in the G-8 process, the group of the world’s richest industrialised nations, was a major achievement for the visibility of the European Parliament and its role on the international stage.

37 Whilst the international role of the European Union had been recognised back in 1981 with the involvement of the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council in the then G-7 summits at executive level, the European Parlia- ment had not until recently been represented in the G8 Speakers’ process.

With the significant legislative power gradually acquired by the European Parliament over the years, many of the global issues now addressed in the G-8 process cover policy areas in Efficiency, the rule of law and which the European Par- liament has now as im- sustainable development cannot portant a role as national “be achieved without democracy, parliaments. Henceforth the President of the Eu- without parliamentarians ropean Parliament will G-8 Speaker’s Summit Berlin, September 2007 take part in the yearly President Pöttering (Photo: Deutscher Bundestag summit and participate Spring European Council by Hermann J. Müller) in the regular activities 13 March 2008 of the G8. Next autumn, the President of the newly elected European Parliament will participate in the Speakers’ Summit in Italy, which currently has the the chairmanship of the G8.

In the last years, the European Parliament has put high emphasis on the promotion of parliamentary democracy and cooperation with parliaments of partner countries throughout the world.

The European Parliament considers the development of parliamentary cooperation with elected representatives in third countries to be essential in its efforts of fostering better understanding between nations and promoting the values of democracy President Pöttering meeting with the and human rights. In this sense, the parliamentary dimension is an important com- Speakers of the French, Cezch and Swedish plement to the activities on the executive and governmental level. Parliament Paris, 12 July 2008 The contribution of parliamentarians is crucial in developing living democracies. With their direct link to ordinary citizens, parliamentarians are best placed to represent the differing levels of society and to translate their needs into concrete legislative measures. Every step towards stronger supra-regional cooperation will Parliamentary “only be possible on the basis of pre-summits parliamentary democratic deci- The initiative of Presi- dent Pöttering to move sions. ... A living in the direction of or- democracy cannot ignore checks ganising so-called ‘parliamentary pre-summits’ and balances President Pöttering meeting with Speakers constitutes a central of national parliaments component of the Presi- President Pöttering Bruxelles, 26 May 2008 dent’s overall priority of EU-Africa Summit 8 December 2007 promoting the parlia- 38 ” mentary dimension as an integral part of the foreign relations of the European Un- ion. The aim of the ‘pre-summits’ is to provide a parliamentary position and effective contribution in the run-up to the summits of the heads of state and government of the European Union with their counterparts in other countries and regions.

This concept was first put into practice ahead Let us plant the tree of of the European Union- democracy today, and in doing Africa Summit in Lis- Efficiency, the rule of law and bon in December 2007. “so, give our peoples a strong President Pöttering and sustainable development cannot the President of the Pan- voice in intergovernmental “be achieved without democracy, African Parliament, Ger- cooperation as well trude Mongella, chaired without parliamentarians the first parliamentary President Pöttering pre-summit on 7 De- President Pöttering EU-Africa Pre-Summit cember, the day before Spring European Council 7 December 2007 the executive-level sum- 13 March 2008 mit, in the same city. In President Pöttering and the President of the his opening speech, the Pan-African Parliament, Gertrude Mongella, President underlined the need for a common strategy between the peoples of Eu- at the parliamentary pre-summit rope and Africa, which should be based on strong democratic and parliamentary Lisbon, 7 December 2007 structures. He therefore called for the full institutional involvement of the Pan-Afri- can Parliament, the European Parliament and the national and regional parliaments ” in a close partnership. ” The pre-summit was concluded with a Common Declaration, presented by both Presidents to the EU-Africa Summit the following day, and highlighting policy direc- tions for jointly meeting the manifold challenges ahead and advocated in favour of a solid parliamentary dimension to the relationship between the two regions. In his address President Pöttering also insisted on the urgency of providing national parliaments in Africa, as well as the Pan-African Parliament, with the necessary financial and logistical underpinnings to be fully able to perform their role in a democratic system.

This first experience of organising pre-summits proved to be successful and would be increasingly pursued in the future ahead of EU summits with third countries or Family photo at the EU-Africa Summit regional blocs. Lisbon, 8 December 2007

Promoting parliamentary cooperation in the framework of the EMPA

Every step towards stronger The concept of pre-summits and intensified cooperation at parliamentary level was supra-regional cooperation will given its full dimension in the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA). “only be possible on the basis of The EMPA is the parliamentary dimension of the Barcelona process, in which elect- parliamentary democratic deci- ed members of the parliaments of the European Union, the European Parliament, sions. ... A living and parliaments from Mediterranean partner-countries, including Israel, meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. democracy cannot ignore checks On 1 April 2008, the European Parliament represented by its President took over and balances the one-year rotating Presidency of the EMPA in a context marked by new institu- The European Parliament takes on the presidency of the EMPA, the Euromediter- President Pöttering tional and political challenges. Four years after the inauguration of the EMPA, the new Bureau was called on to play a decisive role in consolidating the Assembly’s ranean Parliamentary Assembly EU-Africa Summit Athens, 27 March 2008 8 December 2007 institutionalisation and enhancing its involvement in the promotion of peace, stability and prosperity in the region through political dialogue. The election of President ” 39 Pöttering was a powerful testimony of the potential of the EMPA as a framework for cooperation between the European Union and its Mediterranean neighbours.

In his closing speech as President of the EMPA on 17 March 2009, the President of the European Parliament highlighted the defining characteristic of the EMPA work, namely openness to discussion and dialogue, to parliamentary debate which transcends the divisions created by old and new conflicts, by cultural and social dif- ferences. Thus, the fundamental purpose of the EMPA was to give the citizens of the broader If we wish to bring the peoples Mediterranean region a voice, enabling elected of Europe and of the Medi- The European Parliament takes on the representatives of the presidency of the EMPA, the Euromediter- “terranean region closer together, people to draw up pro- ranean Parliamentary Assembly Athens, 27 March 2008 posals to be addressed to and if we wish them to take governments, as well as to exercise parliamentary the new ‘Union for the Medi- scrutiny over the execu- terranean’ to their hearts, (...) tive branch of the Union for the Mediterranean. this requires a strong parlia- Moreover, under the EP Presidency, the EMPA mentary dimension also successfully carried Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of EMPA through its enlargement Paris Summit for the Mediterranean to new countries, ex- 13 July 2008 panding from 37 to 40 country delegations and possibly more in the near future. With the accession of these three new countries, the EMPA will now represent around 7 million more citizens, on top of the 760 million it already represents. The EMPA in the Union for the Mediterranean ” The European Parliament took over the Presidency of the EMPA at the same time The President of the European Parliament as the launch, at intergovernmental level, of the Union for the Mediterranean. This arriving at the Paris Summit contributed greatly to setting the partnership’s agenda over the year. Under the im- for the Mediterranean pulsion of the European Parliament Presidency, the Assembly was mobilised to Paris, 13 July 2008 provide its input to the new initiative and to ensure its full integration within the new structures, thus reaffirming the need for democratic processes to prevail at the heart of Euro-Mediterranean cooperation.

As a still-young Parliamentary Assembly, now entering a phase of consolidation, the © www.ue2008.fr President suggested that the impact of the EMPA’s recommendations could be increased if they were adopted more systematically ahead of Ministerial meetings in the Barcelona Process. Upon the EP Presidency’s proposal, the Bureau of EMPA agreed to hold an extraordinary Bureau meeting on 12 July 2008 to formulate a political message to be conveyed the next day to the “Paris Summit for the Mediterranean”.

The declaration adopted by the Bureau members gathered on 12 July 2008 in the premises of the French National Assembly in Paris expressed one fundamental principle: in order to ensure the democratic legitimacy of the redesigned partnership, the EMPA should be expressly recognised as the legitimate parliamentary body of the “Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean”. At the summit the follow- The President of the European Parliament takes part in the Paris Summit for the ing day, President Pöttering invited the Heads of State and EU-partners to take a Mediterranean further step by making the EMPA an integral part of the institutional machinery of Paris, 13 July 2008 the ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’.

40 The EMPA’s call was heard: the Final Declaration of the Paris Summit adopted a clear position on the Assembly, which it described as the legitimate “parliamentary expression” of the process. Meeting for the first time in Marseille beginning of November 2008, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean stressed that the EMPA should be further consolidated and its work better articulated with the other institutions of the partnership.

Moreover, as one arm of the EU’s budgetary authority, the European Parliament will have a major say on the use of the European share of the funding for the practical projects to be developed in the framework of the newly-established Union and will If we wish to bring the peoples be closely scrutinizing decisions taken at the executive level. The President of the European Parliament takes part in the Paris Summit for the of Europe and of the Medi- Stepping up parliamentary co-operation with Africa Mediterranean “terranean region closer together, Paris, 13 July 2008 Since taking office in Jan- and if we wish them to take uary 2007, the President the new ‘Union for the Medi- Our parliaments are the only of the European Parlia- representative institutions in ment, next to the rela- terranean’ to their hearts, (...) tions with the Mediterra- “ our continent-wide Unions. nean region, has attached this requires a strong parlia- high importance to de- mentary dimension We have a pivotal role to good veloping strong, regular governance: without functioning contacts with the repre- Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of EMPA sentatives of the African Paris Summit for the Mediterranean parliaments, there can be no Union, and in particular 13 July 2008 with the Pan-African democracy Parliament (PAP). President Pöttering 10th Ordinary Session of The European parlia- the Pan-African Parliament ment had closely moni- 27 October 2008 tored the creation and development of the PAP. ” 2006, the European Par- liament had established an ad-hoc delegation for relations with the PAP, which was mirrored 2007 with a The President of the European Parliament similar African delegation for relations with the European Parliament. inaugurating a water project Ethiopia, October 2008 The relations between the European Parliament and its partners in Africa have indeed evolved significantly throughout the President” Pöttering’s term in office. Ger- trude Mongella, the President of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) had collaborated The President of the European Parliament in organising the first ever parliamentary pre-summit, which preceded the second attending the 10th session of the PAP EU-Africa Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Lisbon in Decem- Midrand, South Africa, 27 October 2008 ber 2007. This was a political milestone bringing the two continents together in cooperating in the political, economic, social and cultural fields, and it also gave impetus to strong cooperation between the EP and the PAP.

In developing its relations with the Af- rican countries, the European Parliament has given high priority to the promotion of real parliamentary democracies and to the strengthening of the Pan-African Parliament in its role, independently of the Commission of the African Union.

41 Thus, the European Parliament has provided institutional as well as in material support to the PAP and the African parliaments, so as to help overcome the shortage of staff. Enable the people’s representatives to play their part more efficiently, is an essential prerequisite the building of democratic institutions, and more broadly for strengthening democracy on the African continent. In its dialogue with the States of Africa, the Europe cannot have a good European Parliament future without a good future also put strong emphasis on concrete steps in “ for Africa. This is our self- improving good governance and the human interest. We are on your side rights situation. This ef- in the fight to eradicate poverty, fort is not to be seen as just a moral obligation; because we are confronted with The President of the European Parliament during his visit to South Africa and Ethopia the European Parliament the consequences if we fail in October 2008 holds the strong view that economic and social this fight progress, human development are impossible President Pöttering to achieve without hu- 10th Ordinary Session of man rights and the rule the Pan-African Parliament 27 October 2008 of law.

In November 2008, President Pöttering paid an official visit to South Africa and Ethiopia to participate in meetings with the African Union. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen already existing ties between the two communities and to promote the development of parliamentary democracy in Africa as the best means to achieve lasting peace and prosperity on that continent. Accompanied by Gahler MEP, who chairs the ”EP’s ad-hoc delegation for relations with the PAP, the President visited the institutions of the African Union - its Parliament, Presidency and Commission. During the visit, President Pöttering and MEP Michael Gahl- the President reiterated the commitment of the European Parliament to play a key er, Chairman of the EP’s ad-hoc delegation role in implementing the content of the joint EU-AU Strategy for Africa, which had with the PAP, during their visit to Ethopia been endorsed at the EU-African Union Summit in Lisbon in December 2007. October 2008 In his subsequent visit to South Africa, President Pöttering was received Together we must not cease to by the current chair of be advocates for human the African Union, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, Presi- “dignity, the rule of law and dent of Tanzania. At the African Union Commis- democratic governance sion headquarters in Addis President Pöttering Ababa, the President met 10th Ordinary Session of with the Vice-President the Pan-African Parliament of the College, Jarnalese 27 October 2008 Onkundi Mwencha, as well as the Commission- ers responsible for peace and security, infrastructure and energy, trade and industry, human resources, and science and technology.

President Pöttering addressing the The highlight of the trip was the EP President’s address to the tenth session of the 10th session of the Pan-African Parliament Pan-African Parliament in Midrand. The President devoted a large part of his speech” Midrand, South Africa, 27 October 2008 to the issues of human rights and good governance, pointing out that the European

42 Union’s concern for human rights and good governance was not a matter of postcolo- nial paternalism, but the consequence of the joint commitment to universal protection of human dignity. Finally, recalling the development of the European parliament from a consultative Assembly of appointed members to a directly elected and powerful co-deciding Parliament, President Pöttering called on the Pan-African Parlia- ment, to also persevere on the long march towards a directly elected and legislative Europe cannot have a good Parliament, which is what Africa and the people of Africa deserve. future without a good future Fostering closer relations of the “ for Africa. This is our self- European Parliament with Latin America interest. We are on your side Over the last decades, the European Parliament had played an important role in promoting closer relations between the Latin-American and the European conti- in the fight to eradicate poverty, nent. The creation of Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (EUROLAT) because we are confronted with in 2006, which is the parliamentary institution of the Bi-regional Strategic Associa- tion established in the context of the European Union-Latin American and Carib- the consequences if we fail in bean Summits, has given a new impetus to the parliamentary relationships between this fight the two regions.

President Pöttering In May 2008, the fifth EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit took place in the 10th Ordinary Session of Peruvian capital Lima. This biannual meeting of heads of state and government of the Pan-African Parliament some 60 countries concentrated on two topics: the eradication of poverty, inequality 27 October 2008 and exclusion on the one hand, sustainable development, climate change and energy on the other. During the entire visit to the Latin-America, the role of the EUROLAT parliamentary assembly was given special attention. When addressing the EU-Latin President Pöttering participated in the America and Caribbean fifth EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit, President Pöt- Summit tering, who represented Lima, Peru, 16 May 2008 Only a firm and loyal all the parliaments of ” both regions, highlighted partnership between us, as the main points of the “ equal partners in solidarity resolution adopted at the last plenary of EURO- with one another, can provide LAT, which had taken place two weeks earlier us with the means necessary to in Spain. overcome the problems of the The Co-President of Together we must not cease to 21st century Eurolat, MEP José Igna- cio Salafranca, also ad- be advocates for human President Pöttering dressed a strong message EU-Latin America Summit to the foreign ministers “dignity, the rule of law and 16 May 2008 attending the Summit. democratic governance He promoted the idea of regional integration and President Pöttering addressing a seminar for Latin-American journalists in Lima President Pöttering called for the conclusion of negotiations on the association agreements between Peru, May 2008 10th Ordinary Session of the European Union and the Andean Community, Central American countries and the Pan-African Parliament Mercosur, as an important step towards the establishment of a genuine strategic 27 October 2008 partnership between the European Union and” Latin-America by 2012. Cooperation between the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean is vital. It is multidimensional and has potential for growth. In this context, the Euro- pean Parliament, together with its parliamentary partners in Latin America within the framework of EUROLAT, has an important role to play. The prominent role accorded to the President of the European Parliament in the framework of the ” summit is recognition of the importance of the parliamentary dimension of the cooperation between the two continents.

43 Developing the Eastern Partnership

Last but not least, the European Parliament has in the last years given high importance to the development of relations with the parliaments of the neighbouring states to the East. Although it already had bilateral relations with the countries taken individually, the European Parliament wanted to give a regional dimension to the process and promote inter-parliamentary cooperation in that region.

Since the EU- enlargements in 2004 and in 2007, the importance of the Eastern neighbourhood has grown significantly on the European Union agenda. The active support of the European Union for the democratic opposition in Belarus, its role in finding peaceful and stable political solutions in Ukraine during the ‘Orange Revolution’ in 2004, as well as during the Georgian-Russian war in August 2008, and more recently the active voice of the European Union during the latest parliamentary elections in Moldova, are concrete examples that showing just how intertwined the European Union is with these countries and how much further involvement is needed.

The President of the European Parlia- The idea of an Eastern Partnership was first brought up by Poland and Sweden, and ment meets with the leaders of the United subsequently endorsed by the European Council of 20 March 2009, thus becoming Democratic Forces of Belarus a fully-fledged EU project. Bruxelles, 5 June 2008 Ahead of that decision, in 2008 already, the European Parliament had hosted a parliamentary conference devoted to ‘European Neighbourhood Policy - East’, during which the idea of setting up a EU-Neighbourhood-East Parliamentary Assembly - ‘EURO-NEST’ – had been discussed. Members of Parliament from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine met with Members of the Eu- ropean Parliament in Brussels to discuss the prospects and opportunities offered by the development of a European Neighbourhood Policy – East framework. A multi- party delegation of the Belarusian opposition ‘United Democratic Forces’ also took part in the event. Strengthening and deepening cooperation between the European Union and the Eastern neighbours was described as an important way of promoting democracy, respect of human rights and the rule of law, one which would also enhance the stability and security of the entire European continent.

Addressing the Spring Summit in March 2009, the President of the European Parlia- ment stressed that the European Union had reasons to be concerned about security of the European continent. Thus, the Europe- an Parliament considered the strengthening of re- The European Union has a lations with neighbouring states to the East in special responsibility for pro- the framework of the “ moting democracy, stability Eastern Partnership to be of vital political, eco- and prosperity in the countries Family photo at the Inaugural Meeting of the Eastern Partnership nomic and strategic im- of our eastern neighbourhood. Prague, 7 May 2009 portance. Their stability and The Eastern Partnership initiative was officially development ... is in our launched in Prague on 7 mutual interest May 2009. The President of the European Parlia- President Pöttering ment, who participated Inaugural Meeting of the Eastern Partnership in the inaugural sum- 7 May 2009 mit, announced on that 44 ” occasion the creation of a new Parliamentary If we wish to consolidate dem- Assembly for relations with the Countries of ocratic institutions and ensure the Neighbourhood East “stability, we must first include (EuroNest), as the parliamentary dimension of the parliamentary dimension the Eastern Partnership. as an inseparable part of the He also underlined that, if this EU initiative was partnership between the Euro- to become a success story, President Pöttering at the Inaugural Meeting political ambitions would of the Eastern Partnership pean Union and our six east- have to be matched with Prague, 7 May 2009 ern neighbours adequate financing, thus giving the European Par- President Pöttering liament as budgetary au- Inaugural Meeting of the Eastern Partnership thority a crucial role in 7 May 2009 the process.

The new EuroNest Par- liamentary Assembly, which will be similar to those that exist within the framework of Eurolat and the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean, will be established with the beginning of the new legislature and address a wide range of issues of mutual interest, such as democracy, sound governance and stability, economic integration, energy security and interaction between” people. Through active dialogue with these national parliaments, EuroNest aims at strengthening democratic and parliamentary structures, and thus, at fostering democracy, stability and prosperity in the European Union’s neighbours. The exact On the European continent, nature of the representation of Belarus in the some people are still living under Assembly will be decided “a dictatorship. We stand reso- upon, when the new Par- liamentary Assembly will lutely shoulder to shoulder with be set up. Inaugural Meeting the people of Belarus. They have of the Eastern Partnership During the 2004-2009 Prague, 7 May 2009 just as much right as we do to legislative term, the Eu- The European Union has a ropean Parliament has live in peace, under a democratic special responsibility for pro- given high priority to the system and a free society development of a strong “ moting democracy, stability parliamentary dimension President Pöttering both within the Europe- and prosperity in the countries Prague Summit an Union and beyond. It 7 May 2009 has intensified its coop- of our eastern neighbourhood. eration with the national Their stability and parliaments of the member states, putting strong emphasis on concrete and regular exchange on legislative development ... is in our initiatives and issues of key concern for all the member states. As a directly-elected, supranational parliament, the European Parliament has also become a model for mutual interest other regions around the world. Thus over the last years, the European Parliament President Pöttering has become a respected partner and essential” actor in promoting democracy, good Inaugural Meeting of the Eastern Partnership governance and human rights. 7 May 2009 Eschel Alpermann, Ana Fernandez Perles ” 45 V. Defending Human Rights and Promoting Intercultural Dialogue

“If we believe in the dignity of the human being, the highest value bringing us together as a European Community of values, it means that we have an unconditional duty to protect human rights worldwide and to promote dialogue between cultures within the European Union and beyond.” (President Pöttering, Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007)

n its half century of existence, the European Union has been a driving force in Iconsolidating democracy on the European continent and has managed to establish a stronghold for fundamental values. Promoting the European values of human rights and democracy, and above all the respect for human dignity, is today the hallmark of the European Union’s external relations, and a major aspect of the Euro- pean Parliament’s work.

After centuries marked by war, the people of Europe have chosen the path of right over might, not might over right, a path towards reconciliation, mutual respect and cooperation. Because Europeans have learnt from their own history, they see it as their duty and responsibility to share that experience and to foster peaceful coexistence on the basis of tolerance and cooperation outside the European Union’s borders as well.

The European institutions have together designated 2008 as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID) with the aim of fostering dialogue, cooperation and understanding between peoples of different cultures and religious convictions. The European Parliament being firmly committed to promoting peace, freedom and respect for human rights has attached great importance to the Year of Intercul- tural Dialogue. The President of the European Parliament has made intercultural The people of Europe have chosen the dialogue one of the key priorities of his term in office and, with the support of the path of reconciliation and coooperation. It Conference of Presidents, has taken the initiative of mainstreaming the theme into is our responsibility to share this experience with the rest of the world. a wide range of activities of the European Parliament’s bodies throughout the year 2008

Defence of human rights: red line throughout the President’s mandate

Promoting dialogue, cooperation and Promoting the respect for human rights worldwide has been a central feature of the understanding between poeples of different political agenda of the European Parliament since the first direct elections in 1979. cultures and religious convictions. There is agreement across party lines in the European Parliament that the defence of human rights throughout the world is central to the credibility of European policies.

Over the years the European Parliament has gained strong creditability worldwide in the area of human rights protection. It has addressed a number of cases of breach of human rights, whether through declarations or parliamentary resolutions, in the framework of foreign visits, often of great inconvenience to authoritarian regimes.

The defence of fundamental freedoms and democracy has featured as a priority in all foreign policy activities and initiatives of President Pöttering. All through his

46 mandate, the President has constantly been avail- Where human rights are able and willing to meet with political opposition disregarded, human dignity is in third countries, as well “trampled on. The citizens of as ethnical minorities and human rights defend- the European Union look to ers. A clear example on us to raise our voice in protest President’s responsible defence of freedom of whenever - and wherever in the thought was the discrete contribution made on world - human rights the case of Maitre Ab- violations occur bou, who had been jailed following a critical article President Pöttering on the Tunisian govern- 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration ment. President Pötter- of Human Rights ing made repeated con- 10 December 2008 tacts with the Tunisian authorities on this case, and took the occasion of his participation in the EMPA Meeting in Tunis in February 2007 to raise the issue openly, which most likely contributed in Maitre Abbou’s liberation in July 2007. To mark the 60th anniversary of the Dec- laration of Human Rights, the human rights Parliamentary diplomacy has indeed more freedom to express itself and to act, defenders take the floor in the European whilst enjoying easier direct contact with the various” interlocutors. Such support has Parliament frequently provided many courageous and committed people with the moral sup- Bruxelles, October 2008 port and the strength to continue their work, in the face of great hardship.

The European Parliament’s condemnation was loudly voiced and clearly heard when details of the violence in Tibet emerged in spring 2008. The President of the European Par- liament was one of the few and first to express the continent-wide emotion triggered by the violence in Tibet. In a statement issued on 17 March 2008, he took a very firm stance - not only did he call on the government in Beijing to refrain from all acts of violence, to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama and to release all political prisoners, but he also advocated condition- ality of European Union attendance at the opening The adoption of the Univer- of the Olympic games in China in August 2008. sal Declaration of Human Defending human rights is at the heart of the European Parliament’s work “Rights was a major victory of Following a request by His Holiness the 14th Dalai our modern civilisation. Un- Lama, the European Par- fortunately, on the occasion of liament organised an urgent debate at an Extraor- it 60th anniversary, we must dinary Plenary meeting in Brussels in March 2008 sound the alarm and adopted a resolution at the following session in President Pöttering 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration April 2008. In addition, of Human Rights firm and constructive 10 December 2008 contacts with the Chinese authorities had been taking place. The European Parliament can be seen as a mediator, protecting the principles that it advocates, even The European Parliament stands on the in relationship with strategic partners. The swift reaction of the European Parliament side of the Tibetan people against violence

” 47 had an important impact on the public opinion. Likewise, the President of the Euro- pean Parliament took a very strong interest and involvement in the case of Bulgarian medics, who had spent eight years in Libyan prisons living under death sentence, and used every opportunity to call for their immediate release.

Another area where the European Parliament President has been particularly involved is action against the death penalty. In countries still applying the death penalty, such as China, Libya, Belarus, the US, Japan, Afghanistan or, Rwanda, the President, on behalf of the European Parliament, has carefully but decisively and repeatedly taken steps – through declarations, speeches, press releases - to express its condem- The European Parliament has constantly nation and to protect those most at risk. called for the release of the Bulgarian medics Speaking at a conference organised in the European Parliament in October 2008 to mark the 60th anniversary of the UN Declaration on Human Rights, President Pöttering firmly reiterated the strong opposition of the European Parliament to the death penalty and called once again for a universal moratorium. He expressed strong concern about the breaches of human rights worldwide. With 1,252 people executed in 2007 in 24 countries, and torture or restrictions to democratic freedoms remaining widespread, the values included in the 1948 Universal Declaration of human rights’ were today facing as strong a challenge as ever. On that occasion as on many others, the I urge us all, the institutions President also had a se- of the European Union and ries of meetings with human rights defenders, “the Member States, to stand NGOs and representatives of ethnical minori- up for the abolition of the ties. death penalty in the forum of More so, in connection the United Nations with the 60th anniversary, Ingrid Betancourt, President Pöttering Inaugural speech the kidnapped Colom- 13 February 2007 bian politician released in the summer 2008 after more than six years in captivity, gave a powerful and deeply moving address to the European Parliament in a solemn session in Brussels, in which she described her experience as a hostage and reminded the world of those who are still deprived of their freedom. Inigrid Betancourt speaking in the plenary ” of the European Parliament 20th anniversary of the Sakharov Price Bruxelles, 8 October 2008 To underline its commitment to human rights, the European Parliament awards every year the Sakharov-price for Freedom of Thought to personalities having risked their lives to fight intolerance, fanaticism and oppression. Since 1988, the Prize has been awarded to individuals or organisations, which struggle for human rights and

48 fundamental freedoms all over the world, and includes a financial award now worth € 50,000. The decision, on whom to award the prize to, is made every autumn by the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents from a short list proposed jointly by the Foreign Affairs and Development Committees.

2007, the Sakharov price was awarded to Salih Mahmoud Osman, for his courage in providing legal and medical aid to the victims of violence and civil war in Sudan.

The following year, after condemning the violence in Tibet in the spring and welcoming His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama in its premises, the European Parliament – as an expression of its commitment to the respect of basic human rights in China Sakharov price 2007 awarded to - has awarded the 20th Sakharov price in December 2008 to the still imprisoned Chi- Salih Mahmoud Osman nese human rights activist and dissident Hu Jia, who is currently serving a three and a half year sentence. There was an empty chair in the plenary to represent him, just as during the first ceremony in 1988 for Andrei Sakharov. Hu Jia’s wife, Zeng Jin- yan, herself under house arrest, bravely spoke in a powerful and moving Hu Jia was nominated as the recorded video, on his representative of those voices behalf. “in China and Tibet, who have The value of the Sakha- I urge us all, the institutions rov Prize in providing been forced into silence ... . I of the European Union and inspiration and support Sakharov price 2008 awarded to the still am sure that a day will come in the human rights field imprisoned Chinese human rights activist “the Member States, to stand is huge. The awarding of and dissident Hu Jia when we will welcome Hu Jia the price to people like up for the abolition of the Hu Jia last year, and so death penalty in the forum of in this plenary many others in the past, not only gives their cause President Pöttering, the United Nations awarding of the 2008 Sakharov Prize international recognition, 17 December 2008 but it often provides des- President Pöttering perately needed protec- Inaugural speech tion to activists and or- 13 February 2007 ganisations.

In spring 1990 for instance, the world reacted with shock to the tragic events in Burma/Myanmar. The awarding of the 1990 Sakharov Prize to Aung San Suu Kyi The European Parliament’s campaign of conferred on her the prestige, which may have saved her life. Since then, the Euro- support for the 1990 Sakharov laureate Aung San Suu Kyi pean Parliament continues to do everything ”in its power to secure her release. Just ” last month, the European Parliament launched a campaign of support for her, and displayed images of the Burmese opposition leader on the European Parliament’s buildings in Brussels in support of her release before her trial resumes on 26 June.

The President of the European Parliament also raised the issue at the European Council on 18 June 2009. Expressing the European Parliament’s full support and solidarity with Aung San Suu Kyi, he urged Myanmar’s military rulers to release her immediately and unconditionally and called on all the 27 Member States to also step in to support her case.

Launching a “Sakharov Network”

December 2008 marked the 20th anniversary of the Sakharov Price for Freedom of Thought. In order to celebrate this anniversary, all previous laureates were invited to take part in the celebrations in Strasbourg and to address a special conference on human rights, which was opened by Elena Bonner, the wife of the late Andrei Sakharov. Thirteen laureates took part, whilst a number of them were still unable to

49 make the visit because of continuing difficulties with their national authorities. The regime in Burma/Myanmar made it impossible for Aung San Suu Kyi to be present, whilst the Cuban authorities prevented the departure of Oswaldo Payá and of the Ladies in White, just a few days ahead of the event.

The conference was designed as a forum for an exchange of views on ways of working closer together in facing human rights challenges. An important result of the meeting of prize-winners was the launch of a ‘Sakharov Network’, aimed at maintaining permanent contact amongst the laureates and making a greater contribution to human rights policy of the European Union in general, and of the European Parliament in particular.

Thus, the creation of the new network, which had its first working meeting in spring 2009, was a part and parcel of the European Parliament’s efforts to be an even more effective advocate of human rights and supporter of activists throughout the world. As President Pöttering underlined on several occasions, human rights are universal. Therefore, we must avoid divisive debates, which do not lead anywhere, and define our common values and moral consensus. The dialogue between cultures has a key role to play in that respect.

Promoting the dialogue and co-existence between cultures

2008 has been designated as the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (EYID) with the aim of promoting deeper mutual understanding between today’s diversity of cultures, Europe‘s future is dependent both within the Euro- pean Union and beyond to a great extent on a success- its borders. “ful coexistence among cultures As the history of the past and religions within the fifty years in Europe has shown, dialogue is the European Union and between first step towards closer friendship and can lead the European Union and its to reconciliation. On the neighbours.. We must do our basis of this experience the European Union can part in making the dialogue and will set an example among cultures and religions to the whole world and promote dialogue be- the hallmark of Europe tween cultures. President Pöttering A series of events and Inaugural speech conferences was sched- 13 February 2007 uled throughout the year at European level and in the 27 member states, this in a common effort to enable closer contact and exchange President Pöttering and the President in Of- between cultures and religions, and thereby to build an intellectual and cultural bridge fice of the Council, Slovenian Prime Minister across the Mediterranean, between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Janez Jansa, launch the Year of Intercultural Dialogue Ljubljana, 8 January 2008 President Hans-Gert Pöttering has made intercultural dialogue one of the key priori”- ties of his term in office. The Conference of Presidents has supported the President in his initiative to ‘mainstream’ intercultural dialogue into a wide range of parliamentary activities during the European Year. On 8 January 2008, the President co- launched the Year of Intercultural Dialogue with the European Commission and the new Slovenian Presidency of the Council of Ministers in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In his

50 address on that occasion, the President underlined There need be no ‘clash of the great significance that the European Parliament civilisations’. Certainly we attached to the European “often witness a clash of under- Year of dialogue between cultures, which should standings, but dialogue ...can be understood as an ever do a great deal to overcome stronger and wider political commitment to mak- these misunderstandings ing intercultural issues an Official Opening of the European Film integral part of all Euro- Festival on Intercultural Dialogue President Pöttering, pean Union policies. Brussels, 13 February 2008 Euromed Parliamentary Assembly Tunis, 17 March 2007 On 13 February 2008, the President opened a year-long Intercultural Dialogue Film Festival, which is taking place in the Parliament and presenting a series of films from across the European Union dealing with subjects such as cultural and individual identity, integration, immigration and peaceful coexistence. They have been selected by the network of European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC). ”

The European Parliament had undertaken and hosted vast initiatives within the framework of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue (2008) - such as the Arab and African weeks (see below), and pursued the dialogue with religious leaders, Europe‘s future is dependent in which both the Council Presidencies and the Commission have been involved as to a great extent on a success- well. The EYID coincided with the EP Chairmanship of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly from March 2008 until March 2009. “ful coexistence among cultures In parallel with efforts at institutional level, the President puts high emphasis on the and religions within the meetings of young people coming from different faith communities, including from European Union and between Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Having been awarded the 2007 edition of the Walter-Hallstein-Preis, which was accompanied by a grant of 20.000 Euro, the Presi- Sheikh Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun the European Union and its dent has used this donation to invite young people from Israel and Palestine to the addresses the Plenary of the European neighbours.. We must do our European Parliament for three days. He also initiated the first EuroMedScola meet- Parliament in the framework of the ing, a ‘simulated’ parliamentary sitting, in a Euro-Mediterranean context, involving European Year of Intercultural Dialogue part in making the dialogue schoolchildren between the ages of 16 and 18 (see below). Strasbourg, 15 January 2008 among cultures and religions Moreover, the Conference of Presidents has invited distinguished personalities to the hallmark of Europe address the plenary in the framework of the European Year of intercultural dialogue. In January 2008, President Pöttering the Grand Mufti of Syr- Inaugural speech ia, Sheikh Ahmad Badr 13 February 2007 European civilisation was Al-Din Hassoun, ad- born 2000 years ago in dia- dressed the Parliament in Strasbourg, followed in “logue. (...) Where words end, February 2008 by John Kufuor, President of violence begins Ghana and former Presi- dent of the Council of Sir Jonathan Sacks, ” Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew the African Union. His Congregations of the British Commonwealth All Holiness Patriarch Sir Jonathan Sacks, CHief Rabbi of the Plenary of the European Parliament Bartholomew, Ecumeni- United Hebrew Congregations of the 19 November 2008 cal Patriarch of Constan- British Commonwealth, speaking at the tinople, addressed the European Parliament Plenary of the European Brussels, 19 November 2008 ” 51 Parliament in Brussels on 24 September 2008, Sir Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the British Commonwealth on 19 November 2008, and His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama on 4 December 2008. The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, visited the European Parliament in February 2009.

The promotion of intercultural dialogue at all levels has featured prominently in the President’s activities, both in the European Parliament and during his visits abroad. Each This dialogue must be official visit had included one or several meetings grounded in tolerance and with representatives of “truth. Tolerance does not mean minority communities in the given country. accepting anything and every-

In the Netherlands in thing. Tolerance means respect- April 2007, he talked ing the conviction and views of President Pöttering holds a lecture at the with the National Coun- London School of Economics on the Dia- cil for Minorities, which the others, while maintaining logue between civilisations represents seven ethnic London, 27 February 2008 one’s own, and thus co-existing groups, and serves as an advisory body to the peacefully of the other government. In Bulgaria, he had discussions with President Pöttering representatives of the Opening of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue Roma, whilst in Poland Ljubljana, 8 January 2008 he had an exchange of views with members of the Jewish community.

When the President visited Romania in October 2007, he also paid a visit to Sibiu/ Hermannstadt, which was the “2007 European Capital of Culture”, and met with political leaders to discuss with them intercommunity relations. ”

President Pöttering meets representatives In August 2008, the President paid an official visit to Latvia, where he met with rep- of the Netherlands National Council for Minorities resentatives of various ethnic minorities, which represent some 40 percent of the Den Haag, 12 April 2007 contry’s 2.3 million population. In addition, he met representatives of the so-called ‘non-citizens’, citizens of the former USSR numbering several hundred thousand, who now have no citizenship at all.

The President has also seized every possible opportunity to meet civil society organisations involved in intercultural dialogue and cross-community cooperation in Brus- sels and elsewhere in the EU member states. For instance, in November 2007, he met in the Eu- Dialogue can be a bridge, ropean Parliament with Islamic NGOs from Af- a bridge to peace, a bridge ghanistan, Thailand, Ma- “ between States, peoples and laysia, Singapore, Indone- President Pöttering meets representatives sia and Philippines, which individuals of Latvian Minorities Groups are supporting grass- Riga, 20 August 2008 roots projects of inter- President Pöttering community relations and Opening of the African week combating radical Islam. September 2008 52 ” Culture is an important aspect of all human coexistence, which helps to promote integration, cohesion and political participation, as relations between different cultures can be considerably improved with the aid of enhanced dialogue, better understanding and greater trust.

In his dual capacity as President of the European Parliament and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly, President Pöttering was determined to use the year as an opportunity to highlight the benefits of cultural diversity - which also encompasses interreligious dialogue - and to demonstrate its positive aspects. This dialogue must be For that reason, he was a particularly fervent advocate of events such as the African grounded in tolerance and and Arab Week held in the European Parliament and aimed at promoting a closer “truth. Tolerance does not mean acquaintance and better understanding of both Arab and sub-Saharan African countries and cultures. accepting anything and everything. Tolerance means respect- Building bridges: Africa Week ing the conviction and views of As a cornerstone of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, the European Parliament organised an “African week” between 8 and 12 September 2008. Designed as a means the others, while maintaining of building cultural bridges of understanding, it allowed Members and citizens of one’s own, and thus co-existing Brussels and elsewhere to experience at first hand the cultural richness and diversity peacefully of the other of the African continent. During one week, it was President Pöttering possible to get acquaint- Opening of the Year of Intercultural Dialogue Ljubljana, 8 January 2008 It is better to build bridges ed with African music, than walls film, photography and art. African Cuisine was “President Pöttering also available. Concerts, Opening of the African week big and small, were or- September 2008 ganised, the leading one taking place at Place ” Fernand Cocq featuring Pas Mal + (Democratic Republic of Congo), Dobet Gnahoré (Ivory Coast), Bonga (Angola) and Bai Kamara Jr (Sierra Leone). Exhibitions took place, such as of the outstanding photography of Malick Sidibé from Mali or the moving photographic report by Aida Muluneh ” from Ethiopia and Ray- mond Dakoua from Ivo- ...one decade into the twenty- ry Coast. first century, and six decades The Nigerian writer and “ after the first African state 1986 Noble Prize winner for Literature Wole threw off the shackles of colo- Soyinka, who displays a strong commitment to Dialogue can be a bridge, nialism, the business of build- human rights and free- ing democracy is yet far from dom of opinion, was a bridge to peace, a bridge amongst the most prom- “ between States, peoples and over. Indeed, for many nations, inent personalities par- it has hardly begun ticipating in the ‘African individuals Week’. In response to Nigerian writer and 1986 Nobel Prize win- Wole Soyinka’s address ner Wole Soyinka was guest of honour at President Pöttering Wole Soyinka, the European Parliament’s Africa Week Noble Prize for Literature winner in the European Parlia- Opening of the African week Brussels, September 2008 September 2008 Africa week ment, President Pötter- ing underlined that the ” ” 53 cooperation between the African and the European continents was developing, and that the European Parliament was putting high emphasis on good governance and strong parliaments in its relations with the Pan-African Parliament.

And indeed, the Africa week was also aimed at boosting political cooperation and flagging up African issues on the European Parliament’s agenda. In parallel to the cultural events, numerous meetings and political activities have been taking place. More specifically, the Bureau the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, the ad hoc Delegation for relations with the Pan-African Parliament and seven committees of the European Parliament held special meetings in the House on topics linked with Africa. Gertrude Mongella from Tanzania, the President of the Pan-African Parlia- ment (PAP), was also present and met with President Pöttering.

The ‘African Week’ was without doubt a success and an exemplary ‘bridge building’ exercise. It reiterated the European Parliament’s political commitment to making intercultural dialogue an integral part of all European Union policies. At the same time, it proved that ever closer political co-operation with this vast continent was a crucial necessity. During a week, Africa was the political focus of the European Par- liament, as well as the cultural one, creating an exciting synergy between the two. Getting aquainted with African culture and art during the African Week in the European Parliament Furthering Euro-Arab Dialogue: Arab week Brussels, September 2008 Likewise, also in the framework of the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dia- logue, the European Parliament, in partnership with the League of Arab States, dedicated a week to the promotion of Euro-Arab dialogue.

From 3 to 6 November 2008, several internal and external policy committees of the European Parliament, various inter-parliamentary delegations and the European Parliament Delegation to the EMPA, devoted their work to subjects in relation with the Arab world, in the presence of experts and political personalities.

In parallel, a number of cultural events open to the public were held. Members of the European Parliament, as well as the thousands of visitors the European Parlia- ment receives every week, were given the opportunity to admire an exhibition on contemporary Arab visual arts, entitled Reorientations, aiming to offer a new perspective on Arab artistic creation.

An exhibition on Iraq, organised at the initiative of Baroness Nicholson of Winter- bourne MEP, featured unique ancient manuscripts conserved by the British Museum and the Bodleian Library, thus bridging the gap between ancient and modern times.

Movies, calligraphy and music were also on the agenda of the Arab Week. Guests included Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, André Azou- lay, President of the Anna Lindh Foundation for the Dialogue between Cultures, and Dominique Baudis, President of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and now Member of the European Parliament. The ‘Arab week’ was an essential part of a broader Euro-Mediterranean dialogue.

The EMPA as core institution in fostering intercultural dialogue

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) is the parliamentary dimension of the Barcelona process, in which elected members of the parliaments of the European Union, the European Parliament, the Muslim countries and Israel, Amr Moussa, Secretary General of the meet on a regular basis to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. It forms a Arab League, opening the Arab Week in the European Parliament unique platform for fostering links between cultures and religions, and for promot- Brussels, 3 November 2008 ing mutual understanding between both sides of the Mediterranean.

54 The President of the European Parliament is Each of our ... meetings Vice-President of the As- sembly in his own right makes a contribution to that and on 28 March 2008, “ dialogue: Let us build up a he was elected President of the Assembly for the tradition of dialogue through coming year. At the start of his term President active debate Pöttering made a com- President Pöttering mitment to put coopera- President Pöttering speaking at the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly tion within the EMPA at opening of the Arab week in Tunis, 17 March 2007 the core of his activity the European Parliament and pleaded for inter- Brussels, 3 November 2008 cultural dialogue to be a mainstream topic of the Assembly’s work.

With the concurrence of the EP Presidency of the EMPA and the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Di- alogue, the EMPA forum gained a new perspective All of us Parliamentarians and its role in fostering gathered here, must together dialogue received greater visibility and potentially “foster dialogue between cultures, all the more impact. The President called on the An exhibition on Iraq, organised at the mutual respect and uncondition- Assembly to go beyond initiative of Baroness Nicholson of al protection of human rights ‘declamatory policy’ Winterbourne MEP in the framework of and to work on practi- the Arab Week Brussels, November 2008 President Pöttering cal projects to facilitate Acceptance speech as EMPA President exchanges and contacts Athens, 28 March 2008 between people from different cultural backgrounds.

EuroMedScola: Young citizens at the heart of the Union for the Mediterranean” One project of high importance for President Pöttering in that context was the “Eu- roMedScola” meeting. In his dual capacity as President of the European Parliament and President of the EMPA, President Pöttering drove forward the organisation Discovering calligraphic treasures from of the first ever special Euro-Mediterranean youth event hosted by the European the Arab world Parliament in November Brussels, November 2008 2008.

EuroMedScola is a symbol of Following the model of the established Euro- hope for the future and for our Scola, which for many “ Euro-Mediterranean coop- years has brought together pupils from Eu- eration. It is also proof of its ropean countries, the strength and dynamism. “EuroMedScola” meeting has been extended President Pöttering to include high school European Parliament Euro MedScola Plenary pupils from all over the Closing speech of President Pöttering as Strasbourg, 17 November 2008 EuroMed region. This President of the EMPA unique exercise of par- Brussels, 17 March 2009 ” 55 liamentary simulation, which brought together around 100 young Christians, Jews and Muslims, was organised in the framework of the European Year of In- tercultural Dialogue 2008.

By organising this meeting, the Euro- pean Parliament wishes to highlight that living together around the Mediterrane- an does not simply mean sharing a geo- graphical area. The Mediterranean is the cradle of great civilisations, which over the centuries have constantly exchanged not just goods, but also discoveries, ideas and values.

It’s the future we have to take care of: EuroMedScola will bring 100 young Steeping up dialogue with religions and Christians, Jews and Muslims together representatives of faith communities in the European Parliament Strasbourg, 12 March 2008 One essential component of intercultural dialogue is the promotion dialogue with the churches and faith communities. The European continent is the continent of the three great cultures and religions - the Christian, the Jewish and the Islamic, and therefore the dialogue and better understanding between them is of core importance for peaceful and constructive coexistence in Europe.

A highlight in the efforts aimed at promoting inter-religious is the annual meeting between the heads of the European Union institutions and European religious leaders, which has now become a fixture in the institutional calendar. The purpose of the gathering is to foster mutual understanding, trust and respect, and to discuss common ap- Through dialogue we can try proaches to European challenges. to highlight ... the common “ ground between us and em- Churches and religions have a special role to play phasise the substance of our in the public space. Their inherent commitment to shared values - above all, hu- common universal val- man dignity and human rights ues is the very bedrock for constructing a free President Pöttering society. In the European Meeting of European Religious Leaders institutions’ endeavour Brussels, 5 May 2007 to find ways of meet- President Pöttering meets Ioan Robu, ing the great economic, Archbishop of Bucarest social and environmental challenges of today, and thus of improving the life of Bucarest, 15 October 2007 European citizens, the European Union needs the support and moral leadership of the religious authorities.

The President of the Parliament, together with the Presidents of the Council and” the Commission, has led the dialogue with the leaders of the faith communities (Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, Islamic, Jewish) in the European Union and helped it gain a new dimension. President Pöttering has attended and addressed the third

56 meeting with religious leaders in May 2007 and We have managed to ensure the fourth one in May 2008, which was dedicat- peace on our continent. Now ed to climate change and “we have to make peace with reconciliation. Vice Pres- ident Mario Mauro, who the planet we live on - our is responsible for dia- creation logue with religions and churches within the Bu- President Pöttering reau of the Parliament, Dialogue with the leaders of the 4th annual meeting with the churches joined the President at faith communities 5 May 2008 all these meetings. Brussels, 5 May 2007

In total, there were 20 religious leaders attending the fourth meeting, drawn from all the main European churches and religions - Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican, Jewish, Sunni and Shia Islam. They came from different member states of the European Union, and one - the Grand Mufti of Sarajevo - from outside the Union. Highlighting the example of the Western ” Balkans, President Pöttering stressed that in those parts of our European continent where intercommunity wounds still require healing, it was essential to involve community spiritual leaders in the process of reconciliation.

The 2008 European Year of Intercultural Press Conference with the leaders of the Dialogue has given a special impetus to this process, increasing awareness and vis- faith communities Through dialogue we can try ibility. Many of the leaders highlighted examples of cross-community initiatives, Brussels, 5 May 2008 to highlight ... the common which they were promoting in their member states. More specifically, the need for confidence-building measures to combat antisemitism and islamophobia was un- “ ground between us and em- derlined by a number of participants, whilst the issue of reciprocal treatment of phasise the substance of our Christian minorities in neighbouring Islamic countries was also raised. shared values - above all, hu- The fifth meeting of the European institutions with religious leaders took place on 11 May 2009 at the Commission headquarters and was co-chaired by Commission man dignity and human rights President Barroso and President Pöttering on behalf of European Parliament. The meeting, which focussed on the economic and financial crisis and “ethical contribu- President Pöttering tions to European and global economic governance”, was another important step Meeting of European Religious Leaders Brussels, 5 May 2007 in the gradually developing dialogue between the European Union and Europe’s Churches and Faith.

The five annual meetings between the European institutions and the churches that have taken place in the last years have done so on a free basis, outside any Treaty re- quirement, as an acknowledgement of the essential role of the churches in the pub- President Pöttering at the joint Press lic space. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty would provide, in its article 17, Conference with the leaders of the a legal basis for the ongoing dialogue with churches and religious leaders, defining a faith communities ” Brussels, 5 May 2008 framework for the deepening and extension of the dialogue in the coming years.

57 Article 17 of the Treaty of Lisbon also provides for dialogue with non-confessional and philosophical organisations. President Pöttering and President Barroso have inaugurated this process on the highest level with leaders of European humanist and secular organisations in a meeting in the Commission premises on 26 June 2009.

Beyond the institutionalised dialogue at European level, initiatives for inter-religious dialogue and better understanding - across the European Union, but also during visits in third countries - have featured very prominently on the agenda of the Euro- pean Parliament over the last two-and-half years. In December 2007 and 2008, the President of the European Parliament received the ‘Flame of Peace’ from the hands of young Scouts of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim faiths, who had carried it from Bethlehem to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The ceremony, during which songs from each tradition were sung, was a symbolic demonstration of the meaning and aim of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue. President Pöttering receives the Flame of Peace During visits across the European Union, as well as in third countries, meetings with Strasbourg, 10 December 2007 religious leaders and religious minorities were a regular point on the agenda. In the framework of the President of the European Parliament’s visit to the United King- dom in February 2008, for instance, he met with Catholic and Muslim Faith leaders. He was received by Cardinal Cormac Murphy- O’Connor, Archbishop of West- minster and head of the Catholic Church in Brit- ain. The President also met with three leaders Ten years is a very short period of Muslim NGOs, who gave a powerful account of time across the great span of integration issues of “of history. You have chosen the Muslim community at local level and outlined the path of respect and recon- policies to improve the situation on the ground. ciliation, and made tremendous strides As the President underlined during the lecture President Pöttering President Pöttering meeting representatives he held at the London Northern Ireland Assembly of the Polish Jewish Community 24 November 2008 Poland, 5 June 2007 School of Economics (LSE) in the framework of that visit, the relationship between Islamic and Western societies is going to be increasingly central to life in Europe, and to politics in the wider world, in the years to come. In that context, the peaceful co-existence with and between the cultures and religions around the European Union - and within the Union - is of vital importance to our future and need to be given all possible attention. ” Likewise, in the framework of his official visit to Northern Ireland in This is a powerful and moving November 2008, the President of the Euro- testimony of what people can do pean Parliament was able to see at first hand the “together to get over past divi- formidable progress be- sions and build a better future ing made towards peace President Pöttering addresses the Norther and reconciliation on the President Pöttering Ireland Assembly, paying tribute to the ground, in a once-trou- Northern Ireland success of the Belfast Peace Agreement bled region of the United 24 November 2008 Belfast, November 2008 Kingdom. In the course 58 ” of his address to the Northern Ireland Assembly, he underlined how strongly he had been impressed by a common willingness to build a new, more positive, future for Northern Ireland and the feeling of a real commitment to make progress. The Presi- dent of the European Parliament also praised the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (Belfast Peace Agreement) and paid tribute to the choice of a path aimed at healing the wounds of the past and building a better future together.

Following meetings with the leader of the differ- At a time when we are fac- ent faiths communities, ing such significant challenges, the President visited a ‘Education for diversity’: couple of deeply en- A partnership programme between three “religious leaders who, like you, couraging projects aimed primary schools in Lisburn, at promoting reconcili- Northern Ireland advocate dialogue, peace and ation and better under- reconciliation can make a vital standing in the region. One of them, devoted to contribution to the life of our ‘educating for diversity’ is a partnership between society three primary schools (St Joseph’s, Harmony President Pöttering Welcoming words to His Holiness the 14th Hill and St Aloysius) in Dalai Lama, December 2008 Lisburn, just outside Bel- Ten years is a very short period fast; through active pro- grams that promote the of time across the great span celebration of difference The Suffolk and Lenadoon Interface Group “of history. You have chosen and mutual respect, it brings together pupils, teachers and parents across the com- are bringing the residents of two munity divide. It is one of several thousand micro-projects which have benefited adjoining neighbourhoods together in a the path of respect and recon- from European Union support over the years. whole range of social activities. ciliation, and made tremendous ” Visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama strides to the European Parliament President Pöttering Northern Ireland Assembly In the course of 2008, the European Parliament has welcomed a number of the 24 November 2008 representatives of the Christian religion, the Jewish religion and Islam. With the visit of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people since 1950, which addressed the Parliament’s mini-plenary in Brussels in De- cember 2008, it had an opportunity to hear a leading representative of Buddhism.

The European Parliament was the obvious arena for the Dalai Lama to make a key- note address during his ” visit to Europe. Tibet has been high on the agenda Dialogue between cultures must of the European Parlia- ment for some time. The be an ongoing activity. We latter also took an active This is a powerful and moving “have laid the foundations of a stance during the violent testimony of what people can do incidents that took place dialogue designed to last, which in Tibet in spring 2008. “together to get over past divi- The Dalai Lama speaking in the European must continue to guide, inspire In the European Parlia- Parliament’s Conference of Presidents sions and build a better future and commit us in future ment, the Dalai Lama had Brussels, 4 December 2008 a private meeting with President Pöttering Northern Ireland President Pöttering President Pöttering and 24 November 2008 Closing of the African Week a substantial exchange September 2008 of views with the leaders of the political groups in ” ” 59 the Conference of Presidents. In protest against high-ranking European political figures meeting with the Dalai Lama, the Chinese government decided to postpone the EU-China Sum- mit foreseen for 1st December.

On the occasion of his visit, the Dalai Lama also provided a written statement for Members, in which he discussed at length the situation in Tibet and his recent efforts to find a settlement with the Chinese authorities. In that note, he recalled his ‘middle The Dalai Lama addressing the plenary of way approach’, aimed at securing genuine autonomy within the scope of the consti- the European Parliament tution of the People’s Republic of China, and reiterated his opposition to ‘violence’ Brussels, 4 December 2008 as a means to advance the struggle of his people.

Pursuing the process on the long term

Intercultural dialogue is designed, not as a one off and limited initiative, but should be understood as a continuous endeavour that will need to be pursued at all levels - regional, national, European, and indeed global - in the future. Such an on-going ‘dialogue of cultures’ is essential in encouraging peaceful co-existence and mutual understanding, both within the European Union and beyond. By holding a constant and regular dialogue of this kind, we can get to know each other better, respect each other’s diversity, and hopefully work together as strong and trustworthy partners. Ana Fernandez Perles, Ciril Stokelj, Alexandre Stutzmann

60 VI. Developing a European Parliamentary Contribution to the Peace in the Middle East

“The people of Israel and Palestine are linked by their common human dignity ... and have an equal right to live in a State of their own…As European Union, we can make a contribution to dialogue, peace and stability in the Middle East.” (President Pöttering, Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007)

n the Middle East Imore than anywhere, After centuries marked by intercultural dialogue is urgently needed. As war, the people in Europe - part of an active parlia- “former enemies – have chosen mentary diplomacy and President Pöttering meets Israeli Prime a constructive intercul- Minister Ehud Olmert the path of right over might, tural dialogue, President Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 (Photo: Moshe Milner/Israel Govt. Press Office) not might over right - a path Pöttering had firmly committed himself to towards reconciliation, mutual making a positive contribution to the Middle respect and cooperation East peace process, and to enhancing the role of President Pöttering Speech to the Knesset the European Parliament Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 as a facilitator between the parties involved.

The President of the European Parliament strongly believes that, in fulfilling that task, Europeans could draw on their own European experience of reconciliation after the Second World War. The success of the European unification project, through which former enemies have reached out to one another, learnt to live and work to- Jerusalem, a holy city for three big gether by fostering joint development, could ”certainly be a relevant inspiration for a monotheist religions region which, in many respects, represents the cradle of our own civilisation.

Gaza and the West Bank are not just anywhere, but in our immediate neighbourhood across the Mediterranean. Thus, a peaceful settlement in the Middle East is equally decisive for the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims in the European Union and all over the world.

Throughout his mandate, the President of the European Parliament was driven by the conviction that parliamentarians could offer an additional perspective to the relations with the Middle East, since they could think and act outside the traditional diplomatic channels. A crucial way of promoting peace would be, through small steps on the ground, to help parties develop a higher degree of inter-dependence and build a destiny in common. In this light, the President has from the beginning of his mandate been meeting with key interlocutors from Israel, the Palestinian Au- thority, the Arab League, the United Nations, the Quartet and others. His aim was to promote dialogue and a resumption of the peace process in the Middle East, this at two levels: through a series of strategic initiatives enhancing the European Parlia- Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestin- ment’s involvement in the Middle East, as well as through his role as EP President ian Authority, and President Pöttering within the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA). Gaza, 29 May 2007

61 Official visit to the Middle East in May 2007

President Pöttering wanted his very first official visit outside the European Union to take place in the Middle East, as this region dramatically embodies some of the key priorities of his mandate: fostering peace and stability in the European neighbourhood, promoting our We must aim, through dia- common values, enhancing logue, at pulling down the respect for human dignity President Pöttering welcomed by and human rights, as well “ wall in people’s hearts and Knesset Speaker Dalia Itzik as the key need to improve Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 dialogue and mutual under- minds,…(and) overcome to- President Pöttering at the standing. Yad Vashem Memorial gether the vicious circle of fear, Jerusalem, 29 May 2007 The programme of the in which no one dares to take President Pöttering’s visit was equally balanced be- the first step forward tween Israel and the Pales- President Pöttering tinian Territories, between Speech to the Knesset leading institutional and Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 political interlocutors on the one hand, and civil society and religious actors on the ground, on the other.

During his visit, he met with the leaders both of the Palestinian Authority, including President Abbas and Foreign Affairs Minister, Ziad Abu Amr in Gaza City, and of the Israeli government, including the former Prime Minister Olmert, the” then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Tsipi Livni and the current Prime Minister Ben- jamin Netanyahu. Moreover, the President met with the two main rabbis of Israel, representatives of the Arab minority and had a very moving visit to the Holocaust memorial of Yad Vashem.

The final part of the visit to the Middle East was dedicated to Jordan, where the President met with King Abdullah, who plays a key role in the peace process, as an accepted mediator between the Arab nations and Israel.

Addressing the Knesset

Addressing the Knesset on 30 May 2007, the President strongly condemned anti- Semitism and those who deny the right of existence of the State of Israel, and welcomed the new trust and the increased bilateral cooperation that now existed between the European Union and Israel.

The difficult issue of the I firmly believe that a Pales- Peace Process in the Mid- tinian State with sustainable dle East was a centrepiece of the speech. The Presi-“ borders would also bring dent highlighted the Euro- pean Parliament’s, and the Israeli citizens greater security international community’s and stability conviction, that a two-state solution on the basis of the President Pöttering President Pöttering speaking in the Knesset 1967 borders – with a State Speech to the Knesset Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 of Israel in safe and interna- Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 tionally-recognised borders 62 ” peacefully coexisting with a free, sovereign, democratic and viable State of Palestine on its own internationally-recognised territory - was and remained the only way to a satisfactory solution.

Reiterating the European Parliament’s position, the President pointed out that the principle of ‘land for peace’ constituted the fairest, most just approach, if we were to achieve a balanced and lasting result, and that, therefore, the Arab Peace initiative We must aim, through dia- was to be taken seriously. logue, at pulling down the In that context, he expressed his understanding for the need for security at the “ wall in people’s hearts and country’s borders, but reminded Israel that international law was binding upon all, highlighting the oppressive effects of the new security precautions on the lives of minds,…(and) overcome to- the people on the other side of the border. gether the vicious circle of fear, Having visited the Palestinian Territories the previous days, he expressed his feel- in which no one dares to take ing of deep shock at the sight of the economic, social and humanitarian conditions of the people concerned, which he considered as un acceptable both in the Arab The UN provides support to the Palestinian the first step forward world and for the entire international community. He thus urged the Government refugees in the Qalandia refugee camp of Israel to release the Palestinian funds, about 700 million dollars based on customs President Pöttering revenues, to President Abbas, as these funds were an absolute necessity for the Pal- Speech to the Knesset Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 estinian Authority, if it were to be able to function as a fully-fledged Government, and for instance, to employ teachers, police and civil servants.

Overall, the President’s visit left him with a strong conviction that a serious opportunity - and indeed responsibility - existed for the European Parliament to contribute to the Middle East peace and development processes. He felt a growing openness to the idea of the Euro- ” pean institutions play- ing a bigger part in the International law is binding search for a solution, President Pöttering visiting the wall separat- and expressed his belief ing the West Bank and Israel on us all. There can be no that the parliamentary West Bank, 28 May 2007 “ peace without justice. component could be particularly important in this President Pöttering framework, filling a gap Speech to the Knesset left open by traditional Jerusalem, 30 March 2007 diplomacy between governments.

Developing a stronger parliamentary contribution to the peace process President Pöttering visiting a hospital in the The European Parliament President’s visit to” the region was to be understood as a Qalandia refugee camp milestone in an on-going process that would be developed further at every level in West Bank, 28 May 2007 the course of his mandate. With the objective of contributing positively and con- I firmly believe that a Pales- structively to the necessary Israeli-Arab dialogue, the European Parliament would tinian State with sustainable strive to develop new policy thinking on strategies for reconciliation, economic development and democracy promotion. “ borders would also bring In the autumn 2007, the President submitted to the European Parliament’s Confer- Israeli citizens greater security ence of Presidents a set of ‘strategic initiatives on the Middle East’, aiming to offer and stability new fora for meetings involving as many of the parties in the region as possible, as well as to carry out specific projects, which through small but tangible steps, would President Pöttering help promote a revival of the peace process in the region. Speech to the Knesset Jerusalem, 30 May 2007 The President strongly felt the call for an As a start-up event for this pro-active strategy, President Pöttering convened an active European involvement in the peace extraordinary meeting of the Conference of Presidents on 20 November 2007 to process. ” 63 discuss a European contribution to the Middle East peace process and take stock of the situation ahead of the international conference in Annapolis.

As part of these strategic initiatives, the Conference of Presidents has invited distinguished personalities from the Middle East to address the Plenary of the European Parliament (or one of its bodies), such as for instance, His Majesty King Abdullah of Jordan or H.E Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Authority.

Creating a Working Group on the Middle East

Moreover, President Pöttering proposed the creation of a new European Parliament Working Group on the Middle East, bringing together the key office holders within European Parliament in that field, so as to carry forward the new, more comprehen- Visit by the King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein sive approach to the region, and to offer the Parliament’s good services as facilitator of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the outside the conventional constraints of national diplomacy’. European Parliament Strasbourg, 12 December 2007 The 23-strong Working Group, representing all the political groups in the European Parliament, started its work in February 2008. Under the Chairmanship of President Pöttering, supported by the two Vice-Chairs, Veronique De Keyser and Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck, it has met on a monthly basis and taken a pro-active approach by proceeding to an in-depth analysis and debate on specific issues.

On 25 March 2008, the Middle East Working Group met with the Follow-up Group to the Paris International Donors’ Conference for the Palestinian State. The Special Representative of the Quartet, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, together with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store and the Secretary for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, as well as the European Commission, engaged in an in- depth discussion on how to ensure that European aid gets through to the people in need on the ground. The meeting also touched upon a number of wider issues relating to the prospects in the region.

As he had already stressed at the 2008 Spring European Council, President Pöttering President Pöttering, Javier Solana and PES Group Chairman Martin Schulz at the insisted that the bombings of Israel from the Gaza Strip should stop. At the same extraordinary meeting of the Conference of time, he pointed out that ignoring the population of Gaza and supplying it with Presidents on the Middle East only the barest humanitarian necessities could not be part of a workable, long-term Brussels, 20 November 2007 solution.

At that meeting, the President also outlined the substantial involvement of the European Union in the region, which was by far the biggest financial contributor to the Pales- Without freedom of move- tinian Authority. He reminded participants that, ment in Gaza and the West just before the Interna- tional Donors’ Confer- “Bank, ... the establishment of ence in December 2007, a stable Palestinian state is the European Parliament had earmarked €330 mil- unthinkable lion from the 2008 EU President Pöttering President Pöttering and the Special budget to be put at the Statement in EP plenary on the situation in the Representative of the Quartet, Tony Blair, disposal of the Europe- Middle East chairing the meeting of the Working Group an Commission for that on the Middle East Strasbourg, 10 March 2008 Brussels, 25 March 2008 purpose, the aid involved being a major tool for creating viable opportunities to rebuild the Palestinian economy. 64 ” For the European Parlia- ment as one arm of the Security will only be possible EU budgetary authority, it was of major impor- when there is mutual respect tance to now take the “ between the people in Israel necessary steps to ensure that the European Un- and Palestine. Security begins ion’s financial generosity with Reconciliation had both a clearly defined purpose and an effective President Pöttering impact on the ground. Statement in EP plenary on the situation in the Middle East Ahead of the visit of its Strasbourg, 10 March 2008 own Delegation to the region later in course of May 2008, the European Parliament Working Group on the Middle East held a meeting dedicated to the issue of the upgrading of the EU-Israel Association agreement, which the Israeli Gov- ernment had put high emphasis on and was to raise once again during the EMPA Delegation visit to Israel and Gaza the following” January 2009. In line with the position taken previously by the European Parliament, both the ad- hoc Delegation of the Middle East Working Group and the EMPA Delegation expressed the view that, as long as “strong efforts towards Peace” were not perceptible and did not materialize on the ground, it would be difficult to convince a majority of parliamentarians of approving any such upgrading. Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr The ad-hoc Delega- Store, President Pöttering, French State tion of the Middle East Secretary for European Affairs Jean-Pierre The European Union will not Working Group visited Jouyet, and the Special Representative of Israel and the Palestinian the Quartet, Tony Blair Brussels, 25 March 2008 stand idly by and watch the Territories in May 2008 “results of its financial solidar- with the aim of assessing on the ground the prac- ity destroyed by military action tical implementation of the objectives announced President Pöttering at the Annapolis Confer- European Council ence, in particular in rela- 13 March 2008 tion to the reinforcement of the security forces by the Palestinians themselves, the issue of the extension of settlements, especially around Jerusalem, eco- Without freedom of move- nomic development and the restriction of free movement in the West Bank, as well ment in Gaza and the West as the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. “Bank, ... the establishment of It was beginning of 2009 following the Israeli” military intervention in Gaza at end of December 2008 that H.E Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian Au- a stable Palestinian state is thority, visited the European Parliament. Addressing the Members, he described unthinkable the situation in Gaza, informed Parliament on the inter-Palestinian dialogue under the Egyptian mediation and highlighted the perspectives for a resumption of the President Pöttering peace process. The following month, in February 2009, President Pöttering led a Statement in EP plenary on the situation in the Euro-Mediterranean Fact-Finding Delegation to the region to assess on the spot the H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Middle East humanitarian situation of the population in Gaza and to attempt a re-launch of the Palestinian Authority, addressing the plenary Strasbourg, 10 March 2008 of the European Parliament peace process (see below). Strasbourg, 4 February 2009

At the same time, the European Parliament had been following with great interest the new approach taken the new US administration under President Obama, one based ” 65 on multilateralism, constructive diplomacy and the commitment to a Two-State- Solution. Therefore, the Working Group on the Middle East decided to conclude its activities for the 2004-2009 legislature with a joint meeting with the Subcommittee on the Middle East of the US-House of Representatives, via videoconference.

On that occasion, the President underlined that, particularly in the light of recent developments in the Middle East, the transatlantic partners needed to join forces at a very crucial moment, in pushing towards the swift implementation of a Two- State-Solution - Israel within secure borders and a Palestinian State within secure borders. There was a common agreement that these principles should by no means be called into question. After more than one year of intensive activities of the Work- ing Group on the Middle East, this event was a real highlight before concluding the current legislature.

The EMPA fact finding mission assesses on the ground the impact of the military Last but not least, the President has also been invited to address the annual summit events in Gaza in December 2008 of the Heads of State and Governments of the League of Arab States that took Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 place in Doha on 30 and 31 March 2009, where he emphasised once again the Two- State Solution with the utmost clarity.

All these various initiatives form part of a new approach by the European Parlia- ment to the Middle East. They will not necessarily generate immediate results. But they are rather components of a longer-term strategy building upon the distinctive contribution that a European and parliamentary perspective can provide. They will require a lot of patience and persistence, but may help promote peace over the years to come.

EMPA, a parliamentary channel for dialogue in the Middle East

The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) is the parliamentary dimension of the Barcelona Process - the only parliamentary body in which both Israel and the Palestine Authority are represented. As such, it is an important component in the European Parliament’s relations with the Middle East. President Pöttering witnesses the heavy destructions caused by the military events In April 2008, the President of the European Parliament took on the Presidency in Gaza Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 of the EMPA for the following 12 months. He did so at an important moment, as the new, enhanced ‘Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean’, rooted in the EU-institutions, was about to be launched, which gave momentum to the activities of the Parliamentary Assembly.

A major political priority of the EP Presidency of the EMPA was to develop the Assembly’s support for the Middle East peace process by opening and strengthening channels for dialogue. In his acceptance speech, the President underlined that the EMPA, a vital democratic component in a process of promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding, could act as an important source of ideas and a valuable bridge between societies and populations, underpinning the implementation of the road map and international law.

The situation in the Middle East was the main topic on the agenda of two plenary meetings of the EMPA, including an extraordinary Plenary Session held in Jordan in October 2008 aimed at assessing the advancement of the Annapolis process. President Pöttering and Tokia Saifi MEP on The outcome of that Plenary session was a Declaration on the Peace Process in the the EMPA fact finding mission to Gaza Middle East for the attention of the Union for the Mediterranean Conference of Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 Foreign Ministers in Marseille, 3-4 November 2008. In the context of the follow- up to the series of Conferences of international donors in Paris (December 2007), Bethlehem (May 2008) and Berlin (June 2008), the Declaration provided a unique parliamentary contribution on the issue of the implementation of aid and an assessment of its impact in the Palestinian territories.

66 Central to that declaration was the political aim of a Two-State Solution, guarantee- ing a State of Israel in safe and internationally-recognised borders living side by side, in peace and security, with a free, sovereign, democratic and viable State of Palestine on its own internationally-recognised territory.

The subsequent military events that took place in Gaza end of December 2008 and January 2009 triggered a swift reaction by the Bureau of the EMPA. In his dual capacity as President of the European Parliament and President of the EMPA, Hans- Gert Pöttering immediately issued a statement on 28 December expressing his deep concern about the events and urging both sides to stop violence. The statement strongly criticised the launching of rockets by Hamas against Israeli civilian targets, Firsthand experience of the suffering of the but it also qualified the escalation as “totally disproportionate”. civilian population Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 In such difficult political circumstances, marked by the suspension by Arab partner countries of their participation in EuroMed activities, the EMPA was the only institution of the Union for the Mediterranean, which was able to maintain a number of its activities, thus demonstrating the strength of the dialogue thus established.

On 20 January 2009, the Bureau of EMPA managed to issue a joint Declaration on Gaza, calling for the respect of the ceasefire in full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 1860 of 8 January 2009. It invited European and Mediterranean partners to work together with the Quartet for the resumption of peace negotiations with the view to a just and viable settlement of the conflict.

The EMPA Fact-Finding Delegation to the Middle East

Then, on 29 January 2009, the EMPA Bureau held a meeting in Brussels during which it decided to send a high-level Euro-Mediterranean Fact-Finding Delegation to the region to assess on the spot the humanitarian situation of the local population and to contribute to a re-launch of the peace process. President Pöttering crossing the checkpoint Led by President Pöttering and composed of all the EMPA Committee chairs, this from Eretz into Gaza on foot high-level delegation met on 23-24 February 2009 with prominent political leaders Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 in Cairo, Gaza, Jerusalem, Ramallah and Amman. In the context of intense Israeli and Palestinians are diplomatic activity in the region, the EMPA delega- equal in dignity. tion distinguished itself by its unique multination- “Political steps must be guided al composition, involving by that principle. representatives from both shores of the Mediterra- President Pöttering nean, thus reflecting the Closing speech as President of the EMPA active involvement of the 17 March 2009 EMPA in the Middle East Peace Process.

The visit of the EMPA Delegation took place at a critical political moment, both in Israel and in the Palestinian Territories. Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu was undertaking consultations with political parties in order to form a coalition and to ensure government stability. Palestinians, under Egypt mediation, were preparing the national dialogue discussions with about a dozen Palestinian” political factions seeking to establish a government of national consensus. The EMPA Delegation strongly supported the Egyptian efforts as a facilitator for an agreement between the Palestinian groupings. President Pöttering meeting Israeli President In all meetings with Israeli interlocutors, President Pöttering on behalf of the EMPA Shimon Peres Delegation conveyed a clear message about the critical humanitarian situation wit- Jerusalem, 24 February 2009

67 nessed in Gaza the previous day. He urged for an extension of the list of goods allowed to enter the city – the list of 15 allowed products being seen as highly insuf- ficient considering the severe shortage of goods and of crucial medical supply, as well as the scale of recovery needs. He also called for the lift of Israeli opposition to a UN-investigation mission on destruction by Israeli shelling, notably of UNRWA properties.

The EMPA Delegation also highlighted the fact that particularly children, which constitute about a half of the population, had been severely affected by the conflict having been witness to immense scenes of violence and suffered injury and loss. In The EMPA mission observes the severe that context, it insisted that the reconstruction of educational institutions for the shortage of goods and of crucial medical childrens’ supervision and the supply of basis material, such as paper for text books supply in Gaza should be given the necessary attention. Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 In relation to the West Bank, the EMPA Delega- tion clearly expressed its It is the duty of parliaments to rejection of new settle- insist on strict compliance with ments and house demo- lition practices, as well as “international law and interna- of the establishment of separation-barriers and tional humanitarian law. Es- check-points. tablishing truth and justice is a The report of the EMPA right that any victim deserves. President Pöttering holding a joint press confer- Delegation was dis- ence with UNRWA Commissioner General cussed during the EMPA President Pöttering Karen Abu Zayd after their visit to Gaza Plenary session of 16-17 Declaration in the framework of the EMPA Gaza, 23-24 February 2008 Fact-Finding-Mission March 2009 in Brussels. 24 February 2009 It underlined that the international community, alongside its political and diplomatic commitment, should pursue its assistance on the ground and recom- mended the possible deployment of a multinational peace-keeping force to secure the borders and alleviate the Israeli security concerns.

The EMPA, remaining faithful to its cross regional role, was the only body of” the Union for the Mediterranean to have provided continuity and constructive commitment throughout the recent crisis. It has once again demonstrated that parliamentary diplomacy could make an original contribution and indeed play a constructive role in The EMPA fact finding mission present its report of its visit to the Middle East to the reducing the distrust and enhancing the political dialogue. Plenary of the EMPA Alexandre Stutzmann Brussels, 17 March 2009

68 VII. Reforming the European Parliament’s Working Methods and Reinforcing its Interinstitutional Role

“We, as European Parliament, must also be prepared to reform our house. ... A lot remains to be done. Therefore, I will be submitting a proposal for a comprehensive reform of the working methods of the European Parliament to the group chairs” (President Pöttering, Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007)

It is the duty of parliaments to ince its first direct election in 1979, the European Parliament has seen its power Ssteadily grow, developing from a largely advisory body to a fully-fledged legisla- insist on strict compliance with tive institution. Currently the Parliament shares decision-making powers with the “international law and interna- Council of Ministers in more than three-quarters of the policy areas of the Eu- ropean Union. Increasingly, the European Parliament has become the fulcrum of tional humanitarian law. Es- political compromise at European level. tablishing truth and justice is a With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the competences of the European Par- right that any victim deserves. liament will increase still further. The ‘co-decision’ procedure will become the general procedure, covering nearly 100 per cent of all areas of legislation. The European Par- President Pöttering liament will acquire effective co-equal status with the Council in all areas of EU spend- Declaration in the framework of the EMPA ing and also have a right of veto, in one form or another, over nearly all international Fact-Finding-Mission agreements concluded by the European Union with third countries. This development 24 February 2009 will close a major democratic gap in the European Union, but it also bestows a huge responsibility upon the institution and its Members. The progressive increase in the political and legislative influence of the European Parliament has significant implications on how the European Parliament conducts its business, as well as on its relations to other EU-institutions and its presentation in key political fora. Since its first direct election in 1979, the Matching the EP participation in decisive European Parliament has seen its powers ” steadily grow ... EU-bodies with its increased influence

Over the last years, the European Parliament has striven to match its rise in influence with an according representation in decisive bodies and meetings, which would have a important influence on our common future. Indeed, we can establish that the European Parliament has been successful in ensuring an adequate representation through its Presi- dent and representatives of the political groups in key political and diplomatic fora. © European Communities, 2009 The Co-signature of the European Parliament on key documents adopted by We, the citizens of the Euro- the European Union over the last years, such as the pean Union, have united for Charter of Fundamental “ the better. Rights or the Berlin Dec- laration, constitutes a clear Berlin Declaration signal that the European 25 March 2007 Parliament is now considered as an equal player ... and with the Treaty of Lisbon co-decision in the European political will cover nearly 100 percent of the Euro- system. pean Union’s legislation. ” 69 The signature of the Berlin Declaration by the Presidents of the Council, the Com- mission and the European Parliament on 25 March 2007 was the high-point of the celebrations of the fiftieth anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. The co-signature of the President of the European Parliament was recognition of both the influence gained by the representation of the European citizens over the years and the important role it played in the elaboration of this document.

In order to sign the Declaration with full confidence, the President took care to engage in thorough and transparent consultations with stakeholders in the European Parliaments colleagues. He discussed the subject with political group leaders in the President Pöttering, Chancellor Merkel, framework of the Conference of Presidents, and consulted the Chairman and the President Barroso and German Finance coordinators of the Constitutional Affairs Committee. Minister Steinbrück at the 50th anniversary of the Rome Treaties The Berlin Declaration was also the subject of two debates in the plenary, with the Berlin, 25 March 2007 participation of German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In the negotiations with the German Presidency of the Council, the European Parliament pushed successfully for the text to be a succinct and accessible document that would set out the values of the European Union and address the key policy challenges facing the Union of tomorrow.

Likewise, the European Parliament has made sure that it could adequately be represented by its President, the leaders of political groups and/or other designated representatives in decisive meetings relating to institutional issues or having an impact on the future of the European Union. The up-graded positioning of the European Parliament became apparent in the framework of the negotiations on a new Reform Treaty, now Treaty of Lisbon, and in particular through its full involvement in the work of the Intergovernmental Conference.

A crucial step was the Troika meeting held in May 2007 in Sintra (Portugal), in which the President of the European Parliament was invited to attend and during President Pöttering, Portuguese Prime which he succeeded in ensuring a full involvement of the European Parliament in Minister and President-in-Office José Socrates, the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), with three full representatives, instead of Portuguese Foreign Minister Luis Amado and only two observers, as previously foreseen. Thus, at the Intergovernmental Confer- the European Parliament’s representatives at ence, the European Parliament was represented at the level of Heads of State and the IGC, Enrique Baron Crespo, Elmar Brok and Government by its President, and fully involved in the works of the conference Andrew Duff, at the Informal EU Summit Lisbon, 8 October 2007 itself through its delegation of three representatives.

The fact that the President of the European Parliament was invited to participate in the entire proceedings of the Conference was a clear recognition of the positive contribution of the European Parliament throughout the process and signalled a further strengthening of Parliament‘s role in the European inter-institutional framework.

Furthermore, during the 2004-2009 parliamentary term, the participation of the European Parliament in the European Council meetings has also positively evolved. The role of the European Parliament in European summits has no longer been confined to the President of the European Parliament delivering an address at the beginning of each meeting - important as this is. The European Parliament is now usually represented in institutional and constitutional consultations at EU summits.

More so, increasingly the European Parliament is invited to attend Trio summits The President of Parliament attends the bringing together the current Presidency of the Council, the former and in-coming Tripartite Social Summit on employment Presidencies, such as the previously mentioned Sintra meeting or the recent Trio Prague, 7 May 2009 summit on employment that took place in Prague on 7 May 2009.

70 Ensuring the European Parliament’s representation in key diplomatic fora

Additionally, the European Parliament, represented by its President and/or another MEP, participates in summits with third countries and regions. For instance, the President, on behalf of the institution he chairs, attended and addressed the EU- Africa Summit on 8 December 2007, the EU-Latin America and Caribbean Summit in May 2008, the Paris Summit for the Mediter- ranean on 13 July 2008 Cooperation between you, your or the inauguration summit of the Eastern Part- parliaments and the European nership on 7 May 2009. “Parliament is absolutely vital The President of the President Pöttering participated in the European Parliament’s fifth EU-Latin America and Caribbean and in our shared interest. It attendance at the recent Summit EU-US Summit with US Lima, Peru, 16 May 2008 is more than just a matter of President Barack Obama protocol. on 5 April 2009 was a case in point. President Pöttering G-8 Speakers’ Summit We may also observe that 8 September 2007 since its admission to the process in September 2007, the European Par- liament represented by its President now attends the annual meetings of the Speak- ers of the G8 parliaments. Securing the involvement of the European Parliament in the G-8 process was a major achievement for the visibility of the European Parlia- ment and its role on the international stage President Pöttering and US President Ba- ” rack Obama at the EU-Summit in Prague Adapting the European Parliament Prague, 5 April 2009 working methods to new challenges Dagmar Roth-Berendt MEP, Chair of the The greater influence gained by the European Parliament since 1979, combined with Working Group on Parliamentary Reform the enlargement of the European Union to 12 new member states in 2004 and 2007, has had significant implications on the way the European Parliament conducted business.

The integration of the new Members from the accession Member States was un- questionably among the most significant successes of the 2004-2209 legislature, but it also made the adaptation of the European Parliament’s working methods and internal organisation to a larger and more diverse parliament an urgent necessity.

Accordingly, the President of the European Parliament attached high importance to the reforming of the institution’s procedures and practices during his period in office. He also identified an improvement of support services provided to the Mem- bers and progress on the Better Law-Making agenda of the European Union as priorities, so as to make the enlarged European Parliament a better law-maker and to enable it to live up to its growing responsibilities.

In February 2007, after intensive discussion with the political groups, President Pöt- tering, proposed a detailed mandate for reform, with the overall aim of increasing the coherence, efficiency and visibility of the Parliament’s activities in coming years. On the basis of this proposal, the Conference of Presidents established a Working Party on Par- liamentary Reform chaired by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt and comprising a personal representative for every political group. Its mandate was to consider concrete proposals to

71 improve the working practices of the Parliament, at both plenary and committee levels. The Working Party on Parliamentary Reform has developed an agenda for reform in three separate phases:

First Wave of Reform: a Better Structured Plenary

The first stage of EP reform, unanimously adopted by the leaders of political groups in October 2007, introduced a much clearer structure for the European Parliament’s monthly plenary sessions in Strasbourg and better planning of its agenda. The purpose was to encourage livelier, better focussed and more interesting debates. These measures took effect at the beginning of 2008.

Part-sessions in Strasbourg are now divided into several clearly defined slots for ‘priority debates’. Discussion on key legislation normally takes place on Tuesday morn- ings and afternoons, while important political debates are held on Wednesday morn- ings, with discussion of current issues on Wednesday afternoons. Votes on major Encouraging livelier, better focussed and pieces of legislation or other decisions requiring an absolute majority of Members’ more interesting debates votes are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon. To improve the link between debates and votes, the debates on important issues are now, so far as possible, scheduled in the time-slots immediately prior to the relevant voting session.

A ‘cooling-off ’ period has been introduced, so as to ensure a period of at least one month between the vote on any co-decision legislation in committee (on first reading) and the vote on it in the Plenary. This gives political groups more time to consider the implications of committee outcomes before the Parliament as a whole votes on a proposal.

More speaking time is being set aside for rapporteurs, so that they can react to points made or wind up the debate. In addition, there is a much greater opportunity for Members to intervene spontaneously, in other words to ‘catch the eye’ of the Presi- ‘Catch the eye’: An new system to inter- dent in debates. Members have found this a very attractive change, making debates vene spontaneously in debates more spontaneous and interesting.

The Conference of Presidents also decided to develop a new approach to Question Time, in order to make the exercise crisper and more effective, thus enhancing the accountability of both Council and Commission to the Parliament. From January 2009, a new ‘Question Hour’ with the President of the European Commission and other Commissioners was introduced. As a standard part of monthly plenary business, this With these key changes (...), Question Hour compris- es two parts. The first both parliamentarians and part is devoted to policy “ citizens will soon be able to themes agreed upon in advance, but without benefit from the important prepared questions. The second part is conducted changes to the way we conduct on an entirely spontane- our business ous basis. In both parts of the ‘Question Time’, President Pöttering Members are called by European Parliament catching the President’s 25 October 2007 eye. The Commission, in response to the Parlia- A new approach to ‘Question Hour’: Making the exercise crisper ment’s reform strategy, has itself already adopted revised internal guidelines to en- and more effective courage more succinct replies at Question Time and briefer statements in Plenary. 72 ” Additionally, the Working Group on Parliamentary Reform looked at the issue of non-legislative reports. The Conference of Presidents agreed to create five specific categories of initiative reports, each with a distinct procedure for authorisation and adoption. A provision has been introduced - following the necessary changes in the Parliament’s rules of procedure - to allow some own-initiative reports to be handled more rapidly in Plenary. The new practice foresees a brief presentation by the rapporteur, followed by a reply from the Commission. Alternative resolutions can now also be put forward by political groups or forty Members.

Second Wave of Reform: Accountability and Better Law-Making Streamlining the work and procedures of In 2008, the Working Party on Parliamentary Reform moved on to the second stage the European Parliament of its work, which focussed on improving the European Union’s legislative process and regulatory environment. In doing so, it also considered the Parliament’s interface to both the other EU institutions and the national parliaments of the member states. The overall aim was to promote increased accountability and better law-making.

This second set of reforms, which was agreed upon in September 2008, put high emphasis on better legislative planning. To enhance the coherence and visibility of Parliament’s policy priorities - and improve legislative planning between the Europe- an institutions, the Plenary now has the opportunity to express its view on priorities as to future legislation at three points in time during the annual planning cycle. It can pass resolutions on the European Commission’s Annual Policy Strategy, following its publication each spring, as well as on the Commission’s Annual Legislative and Work Programme, both before and after its publication each autumn - normally during the September II and December part-sessions. These measures are gradually being implemented.

In terms of day-to-day legislative business, a formal Code of conduct for the negotiation of co-decision proposals, replacing the current ‘guidelines’, has been agreed and included into the European Parliament’s Rules of Procedure in May 2009. The increase in so-called ‘first-reading agreements’, which are now the most frequent method by which legislation is being agreed between the Council and Parliament, makes this very timely. Likewise, the rules were adjusted to give appropriate recogni- A new Code of Conduct for the timely negotiation of co-decision proposals tion of the roles, rights and duties of rapporteurs, shadow rapporteurs and political- group coordinators, in the legislative process.

In this second phase, the Working Party focused on Better Law-Making issues that have an inter-institutional aspect, such as simplification, impact assessment, comitology and the transposition and implementation of EU law (see “Better Law-Making” With these key changes (...), section below). both parliamentarians and Third Wave: Improving Committee work “ citizens will soon be able to and Inter-Institutional Relations benefit from the important In its third and final set of reform proposals, the Working Party on Parliamen- changes to the way we conduct tary Reform has reviewed the Parliament’s role as co-legislator, which is given even greater importance by perspective of the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. It our business concentrated on improving the internal operation of the Parliament’s committees and inter-parliamentary delegations, and on enhancing the coordination between President Pöttering the two. The package was approved in March 2008 and put in place in time for the European Parliament 25 October 2007 constitutive meeting of the new European Parliament in July 2009. Streaming committee work pointed to the need for improved practices for own- initiative reports, which are mostly non-legislative in character. The Working Party Increasing our performance as therefore proposed a set of more clearly defined categories of own-initiative and European co-legislator

” 73 non-legislative reports. Its detailed proposals were approved by the Conference of Presidents on 12 December 2007 (see reform of Plenary). Clear rules were set, not only in terms of the classification of the reports, but also as to the ‘quota’ of reports; now each parliamentary committee may draft up to six own-initiative reports, this notwithstanding automatic authorization given in certain cases.

Collaboration between committees has also been improved by introducing new forms and means of cooperation. According to the revised rules, the position of the opinion-giving committee in comparison with the lead committee has been substan- tially strengthened. Following the submission of a legislative proposal, the Chairs of the committees involved have to define the areas of the proposal falling within their exclusive or joint competence. In the event of disagreement, the matter is referred to the Conference of Presidents. The amendments, concerning the areas for which the associated committee is exclusively responsible, are accepted without a vote.

To reduce and resolve conflicts of competences between committees, a number Enhancing the expertise and of proposals have been adopted and the relevant rules have been revised. As a performance of our parliamentary result, the responsibilities of the committees have become clearer and the role of committees and delegations the Conference of Committee Chairs stronger. Within binding deadlines, it is now mandatory for the Conference of Committee Chair to make, a recommendation to the Conference of Presidents on how a given conflict should be resolved, thus considerably accelerating the entire process.

In addition, an enhanced cooperation between the European Parliament’s delegations and committees has been introduced. The knowledge and experience acquired by delegations is indeed likely to benefit the work of the committees and vice versa. Therefore, a framework, which clearly defines the rights and obligations of both delegations and committees, has been drawn up in order to encourage a more systematic co-operation between these two types of bodies in their joint fields of work.

Many of the reforms proposed by the Working Party required a modification of the Rules of Procedure, which was adopted in Plenary in May 2009. The changes that needed implementing decisions by the Conference of Presidents are being prepared by the Secretary General. It is expected that all reform measures will be applied and evaluated by the end of 2010. Reforms providing a strong foundation for the successful work of the Thus, over the last two years, important reforms to the working procedures of the European Parliament European Parliament could be brought to completion. A high proportion of the reforms have already been implemented, and the latest ones were approved by the Conference of Presidents in March 2009. As a result of the strong commitment of the Working Party for parliamentary reform, the working methods of the Parliament have been significantly improved, providing a strong foundation for the work of the new European Parliament.

Modernising the legislative work by strengthening the support services

The European Parliament is already today a central political player in shaping Euro- pean legislation. To live up to this increased responsibility and further enhance the European Parliament’s capacity to shape legislation, it was decided to strengthen the support services available to Members of the European Parliament for this purpose.

The purpose of the so-called ‘La Hulpe Agenda’, adopted by the Bureau of Parlia- Modernising and strengthening the Parlia- ment on its away-day in March 2007, was to identify how organisational capabilities ment’s support services to its Members can best be matched to the expectations of both Members and citizens, and thus to maximise the European Parliament’s impact on policy and law-making.

74 Good law-making depends in part upon the provision of and access by members to high-quality policy analysis, in order to assist them in performing their legislative responsibilities and daily parliamentary business. In that context, the We must modernise the allo- European Parliament has developed new services cation of staff and financial to Members providing “ resources in Parliament, so them with additional input and support in their that we become a world-class legislative work. New Making the library of the European Parlia- facilities, such as the ment a powerful support tool for Members administration serving both Library’s Briefing Serv- Members and citizens ice for Members and a personalized interpreta- President Pöttering tion service, will help Inaugural Speech overcome the difficul- 13 February 2007 ties Members may come across while performing their everyday duties. This service was launched in 2008 and extended in 2009.

The diversity of languages, which is an important characteristic of the European Parliament, can in certain cases make it difficult for Members to communicate and work with their colleagues. Therefore, a personalized” interpretation service, for Members meeting outside of the committee framework, was launched in 2008. Ad Personam Interpretation is now available in 21 official languages, not only to rappor- Ad Personam interpretation as additional teurs, but also to Vice Presidents, Quaestors, committee chairs and political group support to Members outside the coordinators. committee framework

On another level, the inauguration of two new buildings of the European Parlia- ment in Brussels was also part of the process of improving facilities for members. These new buildings were constructed to accommodate the additional offices and meeting room facilities needed following the enlargements of 2004 and 2007. The new buildings were named after eminent personalities, who have contributed to the European idea and played an important part in the process of integrating Europe and unifying the continent.

Speaking at the inauguration of the József Antall and Willy Brandt buildings and the Konrad Adenauer passerelle, Hans-Gert Pöttering underlined that the inauguration of the new buildings and spaces reflected the success story of the European The Konrad Adenauer passerelle, Union, which had achieved peace and democracy on a now reunified continent. The inaugurated in 2009, .... inauguration also highlighted the increased role of the European Parliament and the progressive development of parliamentary democracy in the European Union.

Finally, after many years of discussion, new rules These men and women shaped on the Statutes for both Members and their As- and co-designed the European sistants were adopted at “Union of today based on com- the end of 2008. The entry into effect of the new mon values and the rule of law rules in July 2009 will resolve a number of practi- President Pöttering cal problems, whilst con- ... as well as the Jószef Antall and the Willy Inauguration of the Konrad Adenauer Passerelle tributing to transparency Brandt buildings reflect the success story of 21 April 2009 and openness. The Court a growing European Parliament. ” 75 of Auditors, the external auditor of the European Parliament, has recognised the efforts undertaken by the Parliament, with a view to an adequate follow-up of its audit reports on these, as well as on other issues. It welcomed the fact that the new framework of rules should ensure transparency, non-discrimination and legal cer- tainty, thus addressing concerns raised by the Court in the past years.

Enhancing the Better Law-Making agenda

Improvements in the Better Law-Making agenda are of central importance in bringing Europe closer to the citizen and in achieving the commitments made in the Lisbon Strategy for Growth and jobs. Therefore, the President of the European Parliament has, throughout his term in office, been committed to carrying forward the agenda for Better Law-Making in the European Union.

The Better Law-Making agenda implies a major change in the way the European Union oper- Better Law-Making requires ates, and it is one that is best achieved in incre- a new way of thinking about mental steps, ideally in- “ EU policy-making volving all the European institutions working to- President Pöttering gether. By improving the Spring European Council quality of its law-making, 8 March 2007 the European Union will become more transparent, accountable and democratic.

The basis principles for Better Law-Making were laid down in the Inter-Institutional The European Parliament needs to function Agreement by the Parliament, the Commission and the Council in 2003. In the as a modern and professional organsiation framework of the initiative on parliamentary reform, the Working Party chaired” by improving the quality of its law-making by Dagmar Roth-Behrendt, has been invited to look at innovative ways of carrying forward the Better Law-Making agenda. More so, the President has successfully encouraged the European Parliament’s Bureau to devote more financial and person- nel resources to these issues, for instance by increasing staff and boosting expertise budgets for impact assessments, in order to enable parliamentary committees to look at the implications of key amendments to draft laws. The ‘Better Law-Making’ Over the last years, the European Parliament agenda can make a contribu- has indeed rightly devot- “ tion to achieving credibility ing greater attention to looking at the whole leg- by ensuring more democratic islative process, from the ‘upstream’ to far ‘down- oversight, transparency, reliable stream’. That means that transposition into national it focussed more on issues such as better leg- law, ... impact assessments and The European Parliament devoted much islative planning, proper greater attention to looking at the whole advance consultation, simplification of legal texts legislative process more systematic use President Pöttering of impact assessments, Inaugural Speech higher priority for sim- 13 February 2007 plification, improved 76 ” democratic scrutiny of the comitology process, and speedier and more consistent transposition, implementation and enforcement of European legislation.

© European Communities, 2009 Simplification, which aims at improving the quality of existing legislation and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, is of crucial importance for citizens and business, especially in the current difficult economic circumstances. The update of the rules concerning ‘codification’ and ‘recasting’ have significantly improved the operation of the simplification process in the Parliament.

Codification is the practice of condensing into one single text a series of older legislative acts without changing the substance of the provisions. Recasting means the simultaneous amendment and codification of the existing legislation. President Pöt- tering has put great efforts into securing an agreement with the European Commis- sion, in order for recasting to become the standard practice for important legislative Simplification aims at improving the quality initiatives. Recasting has the European Parliament’s preference, but where recasting of existing legislation and reducing unneces- is not possible, the existing body of law should then be codified. sary administrative burdens Better Law-Making requires In order to enhance cooperation between the Parliament and the Commission in the planning of the rolling simplification programme, the President, based on the pro- a new way of thinking about posal of the Working Party on Parliamentary Reform, has invited the Commission “ EU policy-making to include any initiatives for simplification into its Annual Policy Strategy, published at the beginning of the year. The same applies to the so-called ‘screening’ of existing President Pöttering Commission proposals that could be withdrawn. This would leave enough time for Spring European Council the Parliament’s committees and the relevant Commissioners to engage in a struc- 8 March 2007 tured bilateral dialogue.

At the same time, the President holds the strong Better Law-Making is crucial view that impact assessment of new initiatives is to bringing Europe closer to a fundamental part of the ” “the citizen and delivering on Better Law-Making agenda and that greater atten- the Lisbon Strategy tion should be devoted to it. Thus, he secured President Pöttering Spring European Council the approval of the EP 8 March 2007 Bureau for an increase in Allowing committees enough time to staff and expertise budg- engage in a structured dialogue ets, in order to enable parliamentary committees to The ‘Better Law-Making’ examine the implications of key legislative proposals and amendments. agenda can make a contribu- Regarding comitology, the European Parliament’s position has been significantly strengthened over the last few years. In July ”2006, the Parliament gained an effec- “ tion to achieving credibility tive right to block implementing acts, through a new type of comitology procedure by ensuring more democratic - the Regulatory Procedure with Scrutiny (RPS). Following the adoption of this change, the President has helped negotiate an agreement with the Commission and oversight, transparency, reliable the Council, according to which each piece of existing legislation needed to be scru- tinized and where appropriate, updated, so as to bring in the new comitology provi- transposition into national sions. The Commission identified about 225 legislative acts that needed to be aligned law, ... impact assessments and to the new rules. Recently, the process of alignment was successfully completed. simplification of legal texts The Regulatory Procedure with Scrutiny is now operating smoothly. Thus far, more than 130 draft implementing measures have been transmitted by the Commission President Pöttering to the European Parliament. It is expected that from September 2009 onwards, ap- Inaugural Speech proximately 300 draft RPS measures, often concerning highly sensitive issues, will 13 February 2007 be submitted annually. ” 77 © European Communities, 2009 Concerning the transposition and implementation of EU law, progress has already been achieved with the new reforms and further development are expected in the next legislative term. According to the new rules, each of the Parliament’s committees will appoint ‘rapporteur(s) for implementation’, whether for specific legislative acts and/or by means of an annual report. Several reports have already been drafted in 2008-2009 but these reforms are expected to come into tighter focus for committee activities after September 2009.

In autumn 2009, the European Parliament will start negotiations with the new Com- mission on a revision of the five-year ‘Framework Agreement on relations between EP and the Commission’. The European Parliament’s intention is to develop new practical arrangements on issues relating to Better Law-Making, which have recently gained great importance, such as co-decision, simplification, comitology, and impact assessment.

Significant improvement and progress have been achieved regarding the- impor tant and ambitious project of modernizing, updating and simplifying the working methods of the European Parliament, as well as the quality of law-making at the European Union level. The reforms implemented in the last two and a half years have increased the European Parliament’s performance as law-maker and brought tangible benefits for the citizens. They have contributed to the creation of a more democratic, transparent and effective European Parliament, which is now in a better Becoming more transparent, accountable position to face the challenges ahead. and democratic Anthony Teasdale

78 79 VIII. Bringing the European Union closer to the citizens

“We need a new pact between the citizens of Europe and their political institutions in the European Union. A ‘Citi- zens’ Europe’ and the credibility of the European institutions are conditional upon each other” (President Pöttering, Inaugural speech, 13 February 2007)

nvolving the citizens in the decision-making process and listening to their wishes Iis an essential means of improving governance and creating an active civil society. At the beginning of his mandate, President Pöttering highlighted the importance of effective communication of the European Parliament with the citizens and emphasised the need to modernise communication methods, especially in the run-up to the 2009 European elections.

The people in the European Union need to be better informed about the activities of the European Union and be offered more channels through which they can participate in the decision-making process.

With this in mind, the President gave high priority to the development of new communication projects, such as the Parliament’s own internet television channel - Eu- roparlTV, the opening of a new Visitors’ centre in Brussels or the launch of the House of European History, whilst also ensuring a more effective use of existing tools. Moreover, the European Parliament has established new prizes for European citizens, young people and journalists, and developed new fora for public debate and discussion on major European topics.

Better communicating the European Parliament to the Citizen

At the President’s suggestion, the Bureau has first focussed on improving existing information means. The mission statement of the European Parliament’s information offices in national capitals was revised in June 2007 with the aim of putting the connection to the citizens at the heart of their activities. President Pöttering launching the European Parliament’s own Web-TV Brussels, September 2008 As a consequence of this up-date in the mission of the EP information offices, the promotion of the Parliament’s activities has been intensified, the visibility and the accessibility of the offices have been improved and the opening-hours were modi- fied in a way which suits better the needs of the citizen. Furthermore, the Members of the European Parliament have been invited to become more closely involved in the activities of the information offices, which in turn will provide the members with additional logistical and other support in their task.

At the same time the time, the European Parliament has launched a series of major communication projects, amongst which the project of a Web-TV is of paramount importance. Aware of the crucial role of television as a medium of communication with the citizens and the rapidly growing group of internet TV viewers, the Bureau of the European Parliament decided in February 2008 to create the European Parlia- ment’s own a Web-TV.

The ‘EuroparlTV’, which enables the European citizens to closely follow what is happening in the European Parliament, whilst also having the opportunity to inter-

80 act, went on-line in September 2008. The Web-TV offers a vast array of information in the form of mini-documentaries and live-streaming. In addition to carrying the plenary live, the Web-TV already has the capacity to provide live broadcasting of four committee meetings and will eventually be able to carry all such meetings live.

Another innovative project, which will help communicate the European Parliament to the wider public, is the new Visitors’ Centre. Its main purpose is to raise awareness of the significance of the European Parliament in shaping European Union law and policies, as well as in representing the citizens’ concerns.

The Visitors’ Centre, which is expected to be operational at the end of 2009, will Involving the citizens and listening to their host a permanent exhibition divided into four sections. In the first two sections, the wishes is an essential means of improving visitors will be provided with information on the evolution of the European Parlia- governance ment and on how it influences their daily life. The third will portray the different aspects of diversity in Europe; and in the fourth, the visitors will be given the opportunity to participate in a role-play ‘scenario’, through which they can gain knowledge about the work of the MEPs.

Involving the citizens: creation of new Prizes

In addition to these important communication projects, a series of new awards has been created in order to encourage the development of a European consciousness among citizens, in particular within the younger generation, and to reward outstanding initiatives promoting European values and integration. The President awarded the first European The European Citizen’s Prize was established with the purpose of marking out Parliament Prize for Journalism projects from the civil society with European dimension, which contribute in raising Brussels, 17 October 2008 the European Union’s profile on our continent and beyond. The Price was awarded for the first time on 2 July 2009 to the Carinthian-Slovenian Konsensgruppe.

The European Parliament Prize for Journalism was created to recognize journalists, who, through their articles and reporting have promoted a better understanding of European issues and institutions, providing high-quality reporting for the general public. The EP Price for Journalism was awarded for the first time on 17 October 2008 in four categories: written press, TV, online and radio. The award ceremony was held in the European Parliament’s Hemicycle.

The final winners were selected in Brussels by a jury composed of three Members of the European Parliament and journalists representing the press accredited to Eu- The laureates of the first European ropean institutions. They represented, respectively, Denmark and the United King- Parliament Prize for Journalism dom (TV), Finland (Internet), Germany and Austria (written press) and Romania Brussels, 17 October 2008 (radio). For each category, winners were honoured with a prize of 5 000 Euros (in the case of more than one winner, this amount was split.)

Nearly 70 national winners, who were the candidates for the EU level prize and around 200 young journalists from across Europe, taking part in the European Youth Media Days, attended both the ceremony and, thereafter, the panel discussion on the relations between European Parliament and the media. At the awarding ceremony, the President of the European Parliament underlined the central role of journalists and the media in conveying Europe to the citizens and stressed that their regular coverage of European politics was a major means of informing the public about decisions that directly affect people’s everyday life. The European Parliament Prize for Journalism will be awarded for the second time in October 2009.

As young people represent the future of our continent, President Pöttering has also attached great importance to their engagement in the European project. Thus, he proposed to the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize - a prestig-

81 ious award being dis- tributed since nearly 60 years to eminent personalities having contributed to Euro- pean integration - to establish a additional joint ‘European Charlemagne Youth Prize’, sponsored by both the European Parliament and the Foundation. The price was to be awarded to outstanding initiatives by young people aged between 16 and 30 years, which foster the development of a shared sense of European identity and integration, serve The achievements of the Eu- as a role model for young people living in Europe, ropean Union are too often and offer practical exam- “taken for granted and at the ples of Europeans living together as one commu- same time, the awareness of nity. our common European identity Projects welcome for consideration include is still in becoming youth events, exchanges President Pöttering and internet projects Awarding of the first ‘European Charlemagne with European dimen- Youth Prize’ sion. Priority is given to 29 April 2008 projects created jointly by young people representing more than one member state.

The jury of the 2008, 400 projects from across the 27 member states were submitted. Each submis- Youth Charlemagne Prize 2008 sion was first assessed by a national jury, composed of at least two Members of the European Parliament and one representative of a national youth organisation.” National winners were then evaluated by a pan-European jury, composed of the President of the European Parliament, three MEPs and four representatives of the Foundation of the International Charlemagne Prize.

The first edition of the ‘European Charlemagne Youth Prize’ was awarded on 29 April 2008 in Aachen. The jury decided to give the third prize to the Greek project, submitted by the Public Gymnasium in Vyronas, Athens, whose students benefit from an educa- The fact that so many young tional programme involving both teaching on people have joined in develop- Europe and promotion “ ing more than 400 projects of tolerance and inter- The three laureates of the cultural dialogue. This testifies that the flame of the first Youth Charlemagne Prize project received a € 2.000 European idea still burns Aachen, 29 April 2008 award. President Pöttering The second prize was Awarding of the first ‘European Charlemagne awarded to the UK Youth Prize’ project, the London 29 April 2008 Festival of Europe. The 82 ” festival, organised for the first time in 2007, was instigated by two young people, providing an innovative public platform for different aspects of European culture, ranging from film to philosophy. It brought together speakers and performers from 15 EU countries and over 1 000 participants to 10 different events over two weeks. It received a € 3.000 award.

The first prize - the 2008 European Charlemagne Youth Prize - was awarded to the Hungarian project, ‘Students without Boundaries’ organised by the Ferenc Rákóczy II Foundation. This annual event now involves some 135 young people from both the European Union and non-EU countries. During the two weeks spend together, participants get an excellent opportunity to share cultural experiences and build an on-going community across national boundaries. This project received a € 5.000 award. The achievements of the Eu- Addressing the young laureates in Aachen, the President highlighted the intention of the European Parliament when establishing the Youth Charlemagne Price, which ropean Union are too often was to convince and inspire those who will carry the European Union tomorrow, “taken for granted and at the the younger generation, and to motivate them to actively contribute in shaping the destiny of our European continent. Three young people from among the winning same time, the awareness of teams were invited to visit the European Parliament later in the year our common European identity The second European Youth Charlemagne Prize was awarded on 19 May 2009 to the President Pöttering addressing the young Polish youth project “YOUrope needs YOU”. The second price went to a French laureates in Aachen is still in becoming project, the “European Theatre Festival of the University of Albi, France, and the President Pöttering third to the German project “Diplomats in rubber boots”. Awarding of the first ‘European Charlemagne Youth Prize’ The new Prize had now gained its reputation and is well established. In the new 29 April 2008 legislative period, the European Parliament will, through its active support for the Youth Charlemagne Prize, continue to promote projects contributing to mutual understanding between the peoples of Europe.

Stepping up dialogue between ” the European Parliament and Civil Society The European Parliament as the only directly elected institution of the European Union has a special legitimacy and responsibility to promote ‘direct democracy’ by conducting discussions and debates with the public. Democratic dialogue has a great value since it helps resolve misunderstandings, clarifies the positions of the different political families and helps finding common policy answers that fulfil the expectations of the citizens.

In order to enhance interaction between the political and civil spheres of society, Citizens Agora on the urgent topic of ‘Climate Change’ the European Parliament has initiated a structured debate on key European topi- Brussels, June 2008 The fact that so many young cal issues with representatives of various sections of the civil society. In June 2006, the Bureau decided to host two forums within the framework of the new ‘Citizens people have joined in develop- Agora’. The first forum, held in November 2007, was dedicated to the ‘Future of Europe’, the second, in June 2008, to the urgent challenge of ‘Climate Change’. The “ ing more than 400 projects Agoras provided an opportunity for more than 400 NGOs in 2007 and more than testifies that the flame of the 500 in 2008 to express their views on topics of crucial importance for our common future. European idea still burns In addition, the Festival of Europe - Open Day, which is organized each year around President Pöttering 9 May, the day marking the Schuman Declaration, with the aim of bringing the citi- Awarding of the first ‘European Charlemagne zens closer to the European Union, has seen its scope upgraded by the European Youth Prize’ 29 April 2008 Parliament. On the Open Day, the public is not only invited to visit the European institutions, but also to discuss Europe with decision-makers and officials and to Up to 500 NGOs expressed their views take part in various entertaining and cultural activities inside and outside the build- during each of the Citizens Agoras ” 83 ings. In 2008 and 2009, visitors were offered a greater variety of activities within the premises of the European Parliament than ever before. The 2009 programme included public debates, exhibitions, educational games for children, a Europe Quiz, and a tour of the European Parliament. Also, for the first time, the esplanade located in front of the European Parliament hosted a range of artistic events.

Developing the concept of Citizens’ Fora

Furthermore, with a view to the European election in June 2009, the European Par- liament has initiated a series of ‘Citizens’ Fora’ enabling a direct exchange of views between the citizens and members of the European Parliament. Such meetings provided a platform to inform a wider public about the activities and achievements of the European Parliament during the 2004-2009 legislature and to promote participation in the European elections in June 2009.

The concept was launched already in 2008 and was intensified in the first half of 2009. Back in August 2008, the President participated in a ‘Citizen’s Forum’ in Latvia, which was attended by representatives of the civil society, in particular representatives of minorities, as well as by several Latvian Members of the European Parliament. The future of Europe and the conflict in Georgia were at the centre of discussions. On that occasion, the President stressed the strategic significance of the Citizens Forum in Vilnius membership of the Baltic States in both the European Union and NATO. 28 April 2009 In the run-up to the European elections, the President of the European Parliament attended nearly a dozen citizens’ fora all over Europe. Starting with the Citizens’ Forum in Barcelona in January 2009, which looked at the opportunities for a Social Market Economy in Europe, followed by the Forum in Helsinki in February focuss- ing on the defence of European values in the world, the Grenoble Forum in March, dedicated mainly to the consequences of the financial crisis, or the Citizens’ Forum in Vienna in May, where the need to adapt to climate change was a central topic, all these fora were part of a Europe-wide awareness campaign organised by the Euro- pean Parliament and aimed at convincing the citizens to cast their vote and express their choice about the future of Europe.

Throughout the last six months, four topics clearly dominated the debate with the citizens. First, high emphasis was put on the legislative and political ‘balance sheet’ The President participating in a Citizens of the European Parliament during the 2004-2009 term. In order to convince the Forum at the University of Helsinki voters of the importance of their choice and to illustrate the direct impact of the Helsinki , February 2009 European Parliament’s work, its President regularly pointed out important legislative dossiers, which have a direct bearing on the lives of European citizens, such as roaming charges, the services directive or the chemical regulation Reach, on which the final compromises were brokered in the European Parliament.

Considering the growing concern of citizens as to the consequences of the current financial and economic crisis, common solutions to boost growth and jobs in the European Union were at the centre of the discussion during many of the Citizens’ fora.

Another recurrent topic brought up by the citizens, this a few months ahead of the UN Conference on climate change in Copenhagen, was the challenge of global warming. On behalf of the entire European Parliament, which has played a critical role in pushing for the swift approval of legislative measures to fight climate change, Citizens Forum in Grenoble: The consequences of the financial crisis on top of the the President of the European Parliament highlighted the importance of the climate agenda change package and its impact in terms of decrease in CO2 emissions and increase Grenoble, 26 March 2009 in renewable energy sources.

84 Finally, the citizens expressed great interest in the European Union’ role in promoting peace and defending European values in the world. In this field, the European Parliament can testify of a strong record of commitment to the promotion of parliamentary democracy and the defence of human rights worldwide, but it can also play an active part through a more flexible approach to diplomacy, as well as by means of its budgetary powers.

Altogether, the organisation of Citizens’ fora, which were attended by representatives of all political families, was a major success. Through his intervention at the Citizen’s Forum, the President was able to give concrete meaning to the official slogan of the European Parliament campaign - ‘European Elections: It’s Your Choice’. The President participating in the Citizens Forum in Berlin Promoting dialogue with the younger generation Berlin, 8 May 2009

Convincing the younger generation - a generation, which grew up with open borders between European nations, which has experienced neither war nor the division of the European continent, and which often takes the European Union and its achievements for granted, convincing these young people of the added value We are at a genuine cross- of European integration and of the need to work roads in history - for both the together with our trans- “American and the European atlantic partner to face the challenges of globali- President Pöttering with participants in the continents. The challenges and sation has been a core Model European Parliament in Bulgaria Sofia, 20 April 2007 priority of the President the choices we face are huge of the European Parlia- and humbling ment.

President Pöttering In March 2009, the Eu- Visit of US Secretary of State ropean Parliament pro- Hillary Rodham Clinton vided young people from 6 March 2009 Belgium, as well as young students and profession- als working in the Euro- pean institutions with the extraordinary opportunity of engaging, in a town hall-style meeting, in an open a dialogue with the new US Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton and the President of the European Parliament on global challenges of to- The next generation takes the floor - and day. Mrs. Clinton’s visit was the most high-ranking visit to the Parliament from the US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham United States since Ronald Reagan spoke in the” plenary in 1985. Clinton is answering Brussels, 6 March 2009 Under the rubric of ‘EU-US: The Next Gen- Let us work together, as equal eration takes the Floor’, over 800 young people partners, to build a better took part in the event, “ future which could be was also followed by many other President Pöttering interested young people Visit of US Secretary of State beyond the premises of Hillary Rodham Clinton the European Parliament 6 March 2009 by watching proceedings on EP WebTV and Eu- Over 800 young people from all over the European Union took part in this unique rope by Satellite. A wide townhall-style meeting in the European array of issues was raised from the floor, as well as some posted by people following Parliament the meeting by internet and included the Middle East, terrorism, global warming, the Brussels, 6 March 2009

” 85 economic crisis, Africa and relations to Russia. Introducing Mrs Clinton, the Presi- dent of the European Parliament said that it was vital for the European Union and the United States to work closely together in order to tackle the central challenges of our time - whether it be the defence of our common values, peace in the Middle East, climate change, energy security, or economic governance.

Effective communication with citizens is crucial to raise awareness of the concrete contribution of the European Parliament in improving the quality of life of Eu- ropeans and in finding common answers to the numerous challenges ahead of us. The initiatives taken by the European Parliament over the last years to intensify the dialogue with European citizens were a central part of the efforts to make Europe more ac- The museum should act as a lo- cessible, understandable and closer to the people. cus for our memory of Europe- “an history, as well as a place for Creating a the future, where our European House of European History identity can continue to grow President Pöttering Finally, a key project aim- Inaugural Speech ing at communicating the 13 February 2007 significance of Europe, the European roots and values to the wider public, is the ‘The House of European History’, which President Pöttering unveiled in his inaugural speech in February 2007. The idea of a House of Working on a ground-breaking project: European History is a ground-breaking project. There is currently no major muse- President Pöttering and Prof. Hans Walter Hütter, Chair of the Committee of Experts um of the history of European integration and no institution of this kind focusing Strasbourg, 19 November 2008 primarily on our common European roots, values and contemporary experience.” Visiting Douaumont near Verdun on the invitation of President Sarkozy in November 2008, the European awareness of his- President of the Euro- pean Parliament high- tory (...) is still in its infancy. lighted the importance “Developing collective awareness of preserving a collective memory of the past. of European history, of the Explaining our history to the young generation wars we have overcome through is not only a question of reconciliation and cooperation, education, it is in essence the chance to shape our is the best way of preventing common European fu- them from ever returning. ture in peace, partnership and unity. President Pöttering Douaumont Katerina Batzeli MEP, Chairwoman of the Culture Commitee, speaking on the House When endorsing the 11 November 2008 of European History project, the European Strasbourg, 19 November 2008 Parliament’s Bureau put high emphasis on the academic, political and institutional independence of the museum and invited an independent Committee of Experts - historians and experts in the field of museology - to draft a detailed concept for the House. ” 86 Since then, fundamental decisions as to the establishment of the House of Euro- pean History have been taken by the Bureau of the European Parliament. It has been agreed that the museum would serve as an exhibition, information and docu- mentation centre - modern, interactive and multi-lingual, as a place in which, by means of both a permanent exhibition and specific displays referring to the history of the EU Member States, the citizens could remember and renew their European sense of identity

The constituent meetings of the supervisory bodies of the future House took place in May 2009. It was suggested that the museum should be on a path likely to be taken by visitors to the EU institutions, and the Eastman Building in Brussels has been Writing European History: The European identified as a possible venue for the House. parliament is well on its way to realise a unique European project The museum should act as a lo- President Pöttering, who has been re-elected to the European Parliament, will be devoting his best efforts throughout the next legislative period to the task of setting cus for our memory of Europe- up the House of Euro- “an history, as well as a place for pean History by the year 2014, which would also the future, where our European It has taken a long time for mark the centenary of identity can continue to grow the present free, peaceful and the outbreak of the First World War. A hundred President Pöttering “socially committed European years later we are living Inaugural Speech today in a renewed Eu- 13 February 2007 Union to come into being. We rope of peace, freedom now need to put some life in and unity. The House will contribute to explaining the principles on which the Eu- the achievements of Eu- ropean integration and ropean Union is founded. give life to the values the President Pöttering European Union is built ” European Council upon. 18 June 2009 Greater awareness of our collective memory and stronger involvement of the citizen in the European Union’s decision-making process Extraordinary Bureau meeting on the European awareness of his- could lead to the development of a stronger sense of European identity, and thus also House of European History tory (...) is still in its infancy. facilitate the process of broadening and deepening of European integration. Strasbourg, 19 November 2008 Jesus Gomez Martinez, Thomas Subelack “Developing collective awareness ” of European history, of the wars we have overcome through reconciliation and cooperation, is the best way of preventing them from ever returning.

President Pöttering Douaumont 11 November 2008 ” 87 Conclusions: Significant achievements - Sound foundations for future work

n 4-7 June 2009, the citizens of the European Union elected a new European OParliament. With around eighty percent of the 736 elected Members coming from parties espousing the work of European unification and supporting the Treaty of Lisbon, the new Parliament has a clear pro-European majority.

The European Parliament in which the newly-elected representatives are taking their seats now has little in common with the Parliament that was directly elected in 1979 for the first time. Today the European Parliament is stronger than ever before. It has gained increasing influence and visibility, and has become an equal partner in decision-making in most areas of European legislation.

The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the European Parliament in March 2008 was a symbolic occasion to review the work of the last half century and the long journey from an essentially advisory body to a fully-fledged co-legislator. This process should reach its logical next step with the further extension of co-decision and budgetary powers with the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.

This development bestows an important responsibility on the Members of the Eu- ropean Parliament. The new Parliament must live up not only to this legacy but especially to its enhanced responsibilities. For this, it can build on the sound foundations of the work the Members of Parliament have achieved throughout the 2004-2009 legislative period.

In the last years, the Members of the European Parliament have together travelled a significant part of the way towards a European polity fit for the future. The programme of action outlined by Hans-Gert Pöttering at the beginning of his term of office as President of the European Parliament was part of a common agenda President Pöttering delivering his closing designed to adapt the European institutions to an enlarged European Union and to Speech to the plenary of the European enable them to meet increased responsibilities and challenges. Parliament Strasbourg, 6 May 2009 At the end of the legislative period, we can observe significant progress in achieving these priorities. The European Parliament has been able to strengthen its role as the democratic component of the European Union institutional framework, and to push forward major items on the policy agenda, not least on intercultural dialogue and climate change.

It was the European Parliament that pushed for a fast-track adoption of the ‘energy and climate’ package, which was adopted in a historic first-reading agreement with the Council in December 2008. The fact that we have achieved this result, much earlier than originally expected, has given the European Union a high degree of credibility for the negotiations at the Copenhagen Conference in December 2009.

During the 2004-2009 legislature, the European Parliament has also been faced with unforeseen challenges, such as significant setbacks at the institutional level or the meltdown of the financial system, calling for swift, constructive and pro-active solutions. On the way to the European elections - and to a new European Parliament Many of the current reforms in the regulation of financial markets at European level have in many respects been brought about at the initiative of the European Parliament and under pressure from it. However, there is still much work for us to do, and the newly elected European Parliament will have to continue this work with commitment and determination in order to find ways out of the crisis, on the basis

88 of the social market economy, as defined in the Lisbon Treaty, and secure the competitiveness of the European economy in a globalised world.

Likewise, in recent years, the European Parliament has revived the debate on institutional reform and driven forward the process leading to the conclusion of the Lis- bon Treaty. In so doing, it succeeded in preserving in the new treaty the fundamental principles which the European Parliament has always fought for.

The new Treaty strengthens the parliamentary dimension of the European Union by increasing both the competences of the European Parliament and the role of national parliaments in the European political system. Ahead of that already, the European Parliament has intensified its co-operation with the national parliaments and held regular meetings with them in order to establish a common line on vital topical issues.

At the same time, the development of the European Parliament’s relations with the parliaments of third countries has been a prime concern in recent years.

Since September 2007, the European Parliament has been involved in the G-8 proc- Election night at the European Parliament ess and its President attends the annual meetings of the Speakers of the G8 Parlia- in Brussels ments. Likewise, the European Parliament represented by its President and repre- Brussels, 7 June 2009 sentatives of the political groups, increasingly takes part in EU summits with third countries, such as the EU-Africa, EU-Latin America and EU-US summits, and most recently, in the summit to inaugurate the Eastern Partnership. Today the European Parliament is a respected partner on the world stage, when it acts as a powerful advocate for human rights and democracy.

Another achievement of this parliamentary term has been that the role of the Euro- pean Parliament in European Council meetings is no longer confined to our Presi- dent delivering an address at the beginning of each meeting, important as it is. The European Parliament now also participates in the institutional and constitutional consultations, which often take place at EU summits. The President of the Euro- pean Parliament is increasingly invited to Trio meetings, as recently the Summit on employment policy in May 2009.

At the Intergovernmental Conference which led to agreement on the Lisbon Treaty, the European Parliament was fully involved at the level of the Heads of State and Government through the participation of its President and at the Intergovernmen- tal Conference itself through the participation of a delegation of three Members of Parliament.

Significant steps forward have been made in the endeavour to match the European Parliament’s position in the European institutional framework and its representation in key political and diplomatic fora with an increased political influence and greater international role.

The increased responsibility and visibility of the European Parliament called for a reform of the working methods and procedures of the European Parliament, in order to increase its performance as law-maker. Thanks to the commitment of the Working Party on Parliamentary Reform, this major project of President Pöttering has been successfully completed. Thus, the working methods of the European Par- liament have been updated and modernised to reflect new political circumstances, Election night at the European Parliament in not least the increase in size and diversity of the European Parliament following en- Brussels - first results are coming in largement. The European Parliament thus now has the benefit of new procedures, Brussels, 7 June 2009 and this is a sound basis for European Parliament’s work in the new parliamentary term.

89 To complement the Parliament’s internal reform, the Bureau has also sought to improve the administration of the institution, to facilitate the everyday work of Mem- bers and to modernise methods of communication with citizens, by establishing the EuroparlTV, or launching new prizes for youth, citizens and journalists.

Moreover, the European Parliament concluded its work on the Statute for Members, on which we worked over many years, as well as on the new legal status for assistants. This makes an important contribution to transparency and openness.

Hans-Gert Pöttering, who was re-elected to the European Parliament at the June 2009 elections, will during the next legislature strive to continue the work he initiated in two areas that were core priorities during his term as President: intercultural dialogue and the establishment of the House of European History.

Lasting impetus has been derived from the 2008 European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, in the form for example of the dialogue in the Euro-Mediterranean Par- liamentary Assembly, the meetings of young people from different faith communities, including from Israel and the Palestinian Territories, or the Arabic and African weeks which have been held at the European Parliament. The European Parliament has laid the foundations of a dialogue designed to last, one which must continue to guide, inspire and commit us in future.

In this context, the European Union and the European Parliament can and must make a contribution to peace and stability in the Middle East. This is also of decisive importance for the peaceful coexistence of Christians, Jews and Muslims in the European Union and all over the world. With the creation of the EP Working Group on the Middle East, as well as through its role and work in the EMPA, the European Parliament has shown that its members can offer an additional perspective in relations with the Middle East, as they can think and act outside the traditional diplomatic channels. The Working Group has done important work and is now well established; in that framework the new European Parliament should persevere in resolutely promoting a Two-State Solution.

Hans-Gert Pöttering also will devote himself to the task of ensuring that the House of European History becomes a reality by the end of the next parliamentary term in 2014. In this year we shall be commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. A hundred years later, we are living in a renewed Europe of peace, freedom and unity.

It has taken a long time for today’s united Europe to come into being. Europe should never forget its roots, and never lose sight of the values that bind it together. Thus the House of European History should serve as a place in which we can remember and renew our European sense of identity and give life to the principles on which the European Union is founded.

The two and a half years during which Hans-Gert Pöttering has served as President of the European Parliament were an intensive time. The European Union has been challenged more than ever before.

A great deal has been achieved, but much work awaits the new European Parliament elected in June 2009: overcoming the economic and financial crisis, the establishment of a European energy policy, the transition to a low-carbon economy, greater security for the citizens of Europe, and pursuit of worldwide peace and stability. The case for European-level action on these and other issues has become more apparent than ever.

90 In the new legislative term, the European Parliament must show that it can rise to the opportunity and the challenge. It is through intensive work and commitment that the European Parliament will be able to demonstrate to the citizens that the European Union is capable of concrete action that provides visible added-value to the everyday lives of real people and that it can contribute to building a better life for future generations.

In this endeavour, the newly-elected European Parliament will be able to build on the sound foundations of the work which has been undertaken throughout the 2004-2009 legislature. It is important work that has made a positive difference for the benefit of Europeans as a whole. Astrid Worum

Published by the Cabinet of the President of the European Parliament Responsible for the content: Katrin Ruhrmann, Head of Cabinet Editor: Astrid Worum All photos, except when indicated otherwise: Audiovisual Service of the European Parliament or private archives