Economic policy – Special dossier
The crisis: A test for Europe Pages 11-15 EUROPOLITIcs
The European affairs daily Monday 23 February 2009 N° 3699 37th year
Focus Economic policy The ubiquitous EU G20 leaders lay ground for April summit crisis By Sarah Collins regulating financial markets, dealing The economic and financial crisis has with tax havens, toxic assets and execu- been on the front pages for months and Italian, German, French and British tives’ pay. However, the spectre of pro- is a source of anxiety for citizens and leaders should have agreed, on 22 Feb- tectionism and a lack of coordination their governments and companies and ruary, a general European line to take on national stimulus packages continue their management. It dominates the EU’s at a major meeting of the G20 group of to plague EU leaders trying to put on a agenda, so much so that it has become countries, on 2 April in London. The united front. “Only if we work together the main subject of all the high-level EU meeting in Berlin is crucial in forming and not against each other can we ensure meetings (see the list of key meetings for a united European stance at the April that we emerge in better shape,” Barroso the next ten weeks below). On the eve gathering, as differences over national insisted after his meeting with Merkel, of these important events, Europolitics rescue plans emerge among the member on 19 February. devotes a substantial dossier to what can states. And there is also the social aspect to be summed up in a single sentence: the France’s proposed bailout of the coun- consider: the Irish Congress of Trade EU urgently needs continuous coordina- try’s car industry, currently being exam- Unions organised a 21 February mass tion and a framework to move forward ined by the European Commission, has protest against the government’s han- coherently and effectively. Its raison caused concern in the Czech Republic dling of the crisis. And British MEP d’être, or even its very survival as a and Slovakia – which host French-owned Glyn Ford, in a 13 February article for Union, depends on it. car plants – because of provisions within the UK’s Tribune magazine, put for- Key meetings coming up: it that ensure French factories stay open. ward the idea that people will soon be 22 February: Informal meeting of the It is not clear whether the Commission demanding retribution for the “crimes” European G20 members ahead of 2 April will have decided on the issue before committed by “a combination of govern- summit; 23 February: General Affairs an informal summit of EU leaders, on ment deregulation, greedy bankers and Council (Brussels); 25 February: Conclu- 1 March, which will lay the ground for cowardly officials”. Barroso is shortly to sions of the de Larosière high-level group the European Council, on 19 March. meet with the social partners, and he on cross-border financial supervision;1 At a joint press conference with recently announced a special summit March: Informal European Council on German Chancellor Angela Merkel on employment to be held under the financial issues (Brussels), preceded by before the 22 February meeting, Com- Czech Presidency in May. a meeting between Barroso and repre- mission President José Manuel Barroso But growth projections continue to sentatives of East and Central European said, “Our unique European experience be revised for the worse; the EU’s latest countries; 4 March: Contribution of the is also helping us to build a vision not interim forecast, published on 19 Janu- Commission to the spring European only for Europe, but also for the world. ary, predicted a fall in GDP of between Council; 10 March: Ecofin Council; 19-20 The meeting of European G20 leaders 1.75% and 2.75% this year in the largest March: European Council in Brussels; 2 this Sunday here in Berlin will be an member states. Eastern European states, April: Meeting of G20 leaders in London important step in developing a clear and meanwhile, are also facing further uncer- to discuss the global financial system; united European position for the G20 tainty, with the recent plummeting of 7 May: European employment summit summit in London on 2 April.” currencies and assets; Barroso is to meet (Prague or Brussels) The major issues that need to be tack- with them ahead of the 1 March summit led ahead of the London summit are to discuss the issue, amongst others. n
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AP08 EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009
Contents N° 3699 Top Stories Economic policy – Special dossier
The crisis: A test for Europe Pages 11-15
Business & competitiveness Social affairs Defence & security Dual-use export controls: Higher education: Study sings ESDP: EP report on NATO-EU Industry disappointed by proposed praises of Erasmus programme...... 10 ties sparks heated debate...... 18 review of EU rules ...... 4 Telecommunications/Copyright: Greens Enlargement In Brief concerned about neutrality of web...... 4 Enlargement: Rehn: Enlarged EU Nature: Infringements by Spain Telecommunications: Czech can respond better to new challenges .....10 and Portugal...... 19 proposals get telecoms package moving..... 5 Enlargement: Montenegro’s Waste water: Final warning to Italy...... 19 Chemical industry: High level accession application to be reviewed Aquaculture: Infringements...... 19 group presents strategy to boost on 23 February...... 10 Portugal referred to ECJ...... 19 competitiveness ...... 6 Public procurement: Italy ordered Economic & monetary affairs, to comply...... 19 Sectoral policies taxation Lawyers: Bulgaria in breach of law...... 19 Foodstuffs: New framework Economic policy: EU G20 leaders Sanctions against Zimbabwe extended....19 on nutritional profiles...... 6 lay ground for April summit...... 1 Company law: Four countries Environment/Agriculture: in violation ...... 20 Soil legislation poorly implemented, Economic policy - Special dossier Commission warns Spain says JRC...... 7 The crisis: A test for Europe...... 11 on pensioner health care...... 20 Internal Market Scoreboard: ETUC critical of Commission’s Misapplication of Community Institutions policy priorities...... 20 law becoming more common...... 7 General Affairs Council: Five billion EBRD funding for Russian Air transport: Luxembourg challenges euro plan: Small sum, big debate...... 16 oil services firm...... 20 directive on airport charges...... 8 EP green light to amending Air transport: Council and EP External relations fisheries convention...... 20 close to deal on Single Sky...... 8 External Relations Council: Danuta Hübner, doctor ‘honoris causa’...20 Whaling: Parliament calls for ban Mideast, Eastern Partnership Commission “concerned” about on whaling for scientific purposes...... 9 and Afghanistan on agenda...... 17 Italy’s car industry aid...... 20 Energy: MEPs want say in EU/US: MEPs delete reference to gas crisis report...... 9 Barroso’s role in CIA renditions ...... 17 EU Agenda...... 21 Justice: ENCJ moves seat to Brussels...... 9
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info Monday 23 February 2009 N° 3699 EUROPOLITICS
Dual-use export controls Industry disappointed by proposed review of EU rules
By Paul Ames need to ease restrictions for European busi- easier for European firms to compete on ness while maintaining security controls to international markets. European industry representatives ensure technology with a potential military Business representatives at the conference expressed dismay over plans to overhaul EU use does not fall into the hands of hostile grumbled that the requirements for seeking rules on the export of dual-use goods, which states or terrorist organisations. export licences vary greatly from country to may have civilian or military applications. However, the proposed regulation has country within the EU, along with the time “We are very disappointed with the results,” been bogged down in negotiations with period for granting authorisations. Among the said BusinessEurope’s Export Controls member states for over two years and measures sought by industry are a maximum Chairman Dominique Lamoureux. “It was although Commission officials say an agree- time limit for the granting of licences and a an extraordinarily long process for a much- ment could be close, they acknowledge wider list of ‘safe’ destination nations where reduced outcome,” Lamoureux told a con- that the plans have been watered down by goods can be exported with fewer controls. ference on dual-use exports, on 19 February governments seeking to keep control over The economic crisis added to the urgent in Brussels. such a sensitive area. “Our national admin- need for more streamlined procedures, they Industry has long complained that con- istrations are seeking safety in the comfort of said. Under the current system, the EU can trols on dual-use goods are complicated and regulation that is totally maladjusted to the authorise exports of most dual-use goods to time-consuming within the European Union current situation,” complained Lamoureux, the United States, Canada, Japan, Austra- as the 27 member governments maintain who is also a vice-president at the French lia, New Zealand, Switzerland and Norway. national controls. Exporters consider the cur- defence and aerospace group Thales. Under Exporters need to apply for national licenses rent system outdated in the context of the EU the current rules, exporters complain that if they are selling to other nations. single market and the increasingly globalised they face a complicated mosaic of national The proposed new rules being discussed by nature of world trade. regulations. Lamoureux said the industry the member states focus on regulating bro- In response, the European Commis- is well aware of the security concerns and kers who act as intermediaries for exporting sion, in 2006, proposed a reform of the the need for controls, but it wants the rules companies based outside the EU and on wid- existing legislation. The Commission says simplified and harmonised across Europe ening the powers of authorities in controlling its proposal strikes a balance between the to create a level playing field and make it goods transiting through their territories. n
Telecommunications/Copyright Greens concerned about neutrality of web
By Patrick Veillard and Sophie Petitjean “exception in respect of reproductions such a threat to the neutrality of the for private use, presents risks for the pro- web unacceptable. Costos Rossoglou The Greens are mobilising against an tection of copyright”. Medina therefore (European Consumers’ Organisation) own-initiative report concerning online recommends that no further exceptions and Green MEP David Hammerstein copyright. Drafted by Manuel Medina should be allowed. The report also rec- (PES) say internet service providers Ortega (PES, Spain), the report states ommends the creation of “administrative should simply manage traffic and ensure that the activity of websites that allow authorities responsible, on instruction its security from a purely technical downloading of copyrighted works is from rights holders and using a gradu- standpoint. “illegal,” as is “peer to peer” exchange of ated approach, for the enforcement of According to Graham Taylor (Open such works. The Greens in the EP con- copyright on the internet”. German Forum Europe), trying to control the sequently convened, on 18 February, a Green Eva Lichtenberger, who chaired net would limit innovation and compe- small group of participants (won over the meeting, sees this as a way of justify- tition. Lichtenberger adds that “saving to its cause) representing the industry ing the ‘graduated response’ contained artists must not be used for other objec- and civil society, to answer the question: in the French bill addressing the issue tives. Some companies want to use the “Who wants to control the internet? of illegal downloading. The French text internet as a tool to control competition. How the Medina report and the tele- provides for cutting off the internet con- They dream of being able to manipu- coms package can affect the internet?” nection after three illegal downloads by late access with the aim of restricting or The Medina report follows on from internet service providers (ISPs). giving preference to certain services or a Commission report on application of This implies that the ISPs will be sites in such a way as to block access to Directive 2001/29/EC on copyright in made accountable for the content down- competitors’ services”. the information society. Manuel Medina loaded, a proposal found in the Medina Presentation of the Medina report Ortega defends a number of measures report. Benjamin Bayart (French Data to the Legal Affairs Committee, origi- meant to provide better protection of Network) says that would be tantamount nally slated for 19 February, has been intellectual property. He notes that the to “allowing the postman to read your postponed indefinitely by the regime of exceptions, for example, the letters”. Most of the participants find draftsman. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009
Telecommunications Czech proposals get telecoms package moving
By Nathalie Vandystadt would be “complementary” to the internal - The reform of spectrum management. market. Although the commissioner is not This would remain a member state respon- The coming weeks will be decisive for opposed to the idea of a decision, like the sibility. However, to give it more of a the telecoms sector. The revision of EU EP, she would prefer the use of directives, European dimension and to promote pan- telecoms rules, which was in a stalemate which are more respectful of national European services, the Commission will until recently, appears to be moving again circumstances. EU directives must be propose a multiannual plan to be adopted thanks to the latest proposals by the Czech transposed into national laws. by the Council and EP in co-decision. It EU Presidency. A verdict could come out There remains the problem of the Com- will then adopt ‘technical measures’ to of the three-way talks (Council, Commis- mission’s powers in terms of the remedies implement the plan. The Council will sion and European Parliament), on 24 applied nationally in the case of competi- keep its eyes open, but the idea is there. February, and then again in March. The tion problems. The 27 have rejected the The Presidency hopes to convince the reactions of Information Society Commis- idea of a veto power for the Commission EP to delete all references to harmonisa- sioner Viviane Reding are encouraging. if it is opposed to a regulator’s decision. tion of spectrum management, which the The Presidency created a surprise at a Parliament recommended a system of co- Council rejects. ministerial meeting in Prague, on 17 Feb- regulation with GERT, but the Council - The possibility for the future GERT to ruary. The EP had recently complained also rejected that option. receive EU funding, rather than being about the lack of initiatives and a few well According to Commissioner Reding, a purely intergovernmental body. Its designed proposals would make a differ- the existing rules - a simple obligation competences will be limited, however. ence. That could start with decision making for regulators to provide a market analysis The Presidency has not proposed any power on harmonisation, which the Com- before applying a remedy - are untenable. solution for regulation of the future opti- mission could use “instead of mere recom- The dominant operators can be protected cal fibre high-speed networks. MEPs mendations” (which can nevertheless be from competition without being troubled are calling for more flexibility for these used in court), in the context of revision by the EU executive’s injunctions. The networks, which will demand huge of Article 19 of the Telecoms Framework commissioner insisted that the EU can investments: €300 billion over 15 years, Directive (2002/21/EC). More specifi- only rid the telecoms market of protec- according to the former monopolies. cally, says the Presidency’s paper obtained tionism by reforming Article 7 of the The EP was considering the introduc- by Europolitics, “the Commission could framework directive, thus by giving the tion of a mechanism for risk-sharing take decisions on certain aspects related to Commission more power on remedies. between investors and competing opera- harmonisation provided for by the direc- That is a weighty argument in these times tors seeking access to the networks. tive” after consulting the future group of of economic crisis, as certain protectionist But that option would be hard to push European telecoms regulators (GERT). attitudes are being denounced. through in most countries, which attach These aspects are not detailed, but the importance to competition. n suggestion is very innovative, according to A MULTIANNUAL PLAN Reding, who has urged the member states The Presidency’s proposals also contain The Presidency’s proposals are available at to take it “very seriously”. The mechanism two other advances: www.europolitics.info > Search = 244294
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Chemical industry High level group presents strategy to boost competitiveness
By Anne Eckstein creating stable and foreseeable condi- tions for the necessary investments to be tions in spite of the economic crisis. made to secure the future of our indus- In the face of the challenges of a secure Three conditions are seen as essential to try.” That is why, continues CEFIC, the energy and feedstock supply, climate the continuing success of the chemical strategic agenda for the industry has to change and competition with the emerg- industry. First, it must boost innovation build on better legislation, affordable ing economies, the European chemical and research and reinforce networks and and reliable energy sources, fair and industry needs to remain competitive by clusters to secure competitiveness and open trade conditions and increased stepping up its innovation and making sustainability. More innovation requires skills and innovation capacities, with responsible use of natural resources, greater private commitment and a special focus on the needs of small and improving its energy performance and favourable policy framework. Second, medium-sized enterprises. n making optimal use of an open world it must make responsible use of natu- market. These are the main recom- ral resources and ensure a level playing mendations of the High Level Group field for sourcing energy and feedstock, (1) The report is available at on the Competitiveness of the Euro- improving energy efficiency and devel- ec.europa.eu/enterprise/chemicals/hlg/ pean Chemical Industry, contained in a oping innovative solutions to contribute hlg2/hlg_index.htm report, released on 19 February, entitled to energy savings targets. Third, it needs ‘Strategy for a strong and competitive open world markets with fair compe- EU chemicals industry’1. The group was tition to fully unlock its potential to tasked with identifying the conditions ensure a successful future. and means of ensuring the competitive- Background ness of the European chemical industry. Overcoming the crisis The High Level Group on the Com- The first step was to identify the major For the European Chemical Industry petitiveness of the European Chemical challenges for the sector: 1. the increas- Council (CEFIC), this report recognises Industry was set up on 14 June 2007 ingly difficult energy and feedstock situ- the irreplaceable role of the industry as (Decision 2007/418/EC). Chaired by ation, with a high impact on costs; 2. cli- a provider of innovation and solutions to Industry Commissioner Günter Ver- mate change and global environmental downstream industries and to the EU heugen, the group has 27 members, challenges more generally; and 3. strong economy in general. It adds that the including ministers and high-ranking competition from industry in emerging report presents a strategic vision for the representatives of member states, rep- countries and barriers to market access long-term viability of the sector, but notes resentatives of the European chemical in these countries. that the short-term difficulties ahead industry and of downstream indus- The group then drew up 40 recom- should not be overlooked. “We must tries, the chemical regions network, mendations meant to stimulate the now work together with the European academia, trade unions, environmen- competitiveness of this industrial sector, Commission and the member states to tal non-governmental organisations while contributing to sustainable devel- ensure that short-term difficulties will be (NGOs) and consumer groups. opment. It confirmed the necessity of overcome and to create the right condi-
Foodstuffs New framework on nutritional profiles
By Luc Vernet posed to the member states a limit of system has been proposed for bread: the 400mg/100g or 100ml, 5 g/100g of fat threshold would be 700g of salt for the Following the adoption, in 2006, of and 15g/100 g of sugar for the access of first six years of implementation of the a new regulation on health claims, the fruit and vegetables, and of this category, law. This would then fall to 400g. The European Commission was to set up to the claims. fat level would be set at 5g and the sugar a specific framework to define which For milk and dairy products except level at 15g. foodstuffs, according to their nutritional cheeses, these thresholds would be 300 For breakfast cereals, the thresholds profile, could use expressions such as mg for salt, 2.5g for fat and 15g for sugar. are as follows: a maximum of 500mg of ‘rich in calcium’ or ‘fat-free’. On 20 Feb- These figures would increase to 600mg, salt, 5g of fat and 25g of sugar. For other ruary, it presented to European experts a 10g and 15g, respectively, for cheeses. cereal products: 400mg of salt, 5g of fat draft regulation establishing nutritional Meat and meat-based products should and 15g of sugar. profiles. remain below 700g of salt and 5g of fat Specific categories are planned for A definitive vote is unlikely to take per 100 grammes in order to be able to ready meals, soups and sandwiches as place before March. benefit from the nutritional claim. well as for non-alcoholic drinks and In particular, the Commission pro- With regard to cereals, a progressive other foodstuffs. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009
En ENVIRONMENT/AGRICULTUREvironment/Agriculture Soil legislation poorly implemented, says JJRCRC
By LLucuc Vernet ondary objective, notes the JRC. These present there is no specific Community include the directives on nitrates, water, legislation on soil protection that meets The European Commission’s Joint natural habitats and birds, and plant the new requirements in this area.” Research Centre (JRC) states in a long protection products. The JRC also notes They recommend improvement of the report on the state of soils in the EU the importance of cross-compliance for range and nature of measures available that the current legislative framework aid paid to farms that play a role in soil for soil protection and the development makes it possible to combat soil deteriodeterio-- conservation and protection through of a “common strategy for the recovery, ration but that it is not being sufficiently best agricultural and environmental conservation and improvement of agriagri-- implemented by the member states1 practice. cultural soils”. The report will go before “Existing policy measures potentially The framework directive on soil propro-- the plenary at the 9-12 March session. allow for combating all the different propro-- tection, which is currently under discusdiscus-- The compromise submitted by the cesses known as soil deterioration in the sion, would require the member states Czech EU Presidency in late January European Union but these measures are to adopt measures that are already in has been welcomed by several delegadelega-- not being sufficiently put in place by the place at national or EU level, note the tions. However, the United Kingdom is member states or the regions,” states the researchers. still defending the idea that the existexist-- report. The EP Agriculture Committee ing legislative framework is sufficient to The JRC highlights the usefulness of adopted an own-initiative report, on 17 combat all forms of soil deterioration. a “flexible” European legislative frameframe-- February, on soil deterioration in the France stresses the concepts of proporpropor-- work and the necessity of conducting a Mediterranean countries. “The data colcol-- tionality, subsidiarity and flexibility, policy based on incentives for the agriagri-- lected at various levels show that agriculagricul-- which it says must be better highlighted culture sector while banning the most tural soils are subject to ever increasing in the text. n harmful techniques. environmental pressure, with adverse At present, soil protection is not the effects already observable,” regret specific objective of any EU legislation, MEPs. “Although soil protection proviprovi-- (1) The report will be available soon at but is contained in certain texts as a secsec-- sions exist in the Community acquis, at soco.jrc.ec.europa.eu/output.html
I INTERNALnternal MaMARKETrket ScorSCOREBOARDeboard M Misapplicationisapplication of CCommunityommunity law becoming more common
By DDafyddafydd ab IIagoago directives have not been transposed on Poland (33), Portugal (30), Greece (28), folfol-- time into national law. Among these 92 lowed by Cyprus 27 and the Czech RepubRepub-- The European Commission’s InterInter-- directives, there are 22 where the transtrans-- lic (22). The Commission’s report notes nal Market Scoreboard for 2009, pubpub-- position deadline expired over two years that most member states have the highest lished solely in English this year, shows ago. The best results are posted by DenDen-- number of directives still to transpose in an increase in the number of member mark and Malta, with only five directives, the areas of financial services, energy and states that still need to ensure internal or 0.3%, not being implemented on time. transport. “To a certain extent, this can be market directives are correctly transposed. This year, 14 member states achieved or explained by the high number of direcdirec-- Currently, an average of 49 directives equalled their best score so far. These states tives for which the transposition deadline are not correctly imposed, with Poland, are Denmark, Malta, Slovenia, the NethNeth-- expired recently and the fact that member Italy, Greece, Luxembourg and Portugal, erlands, Romania, Slovakia, Latvia, HunHun-- states take an extra 9.5 months on average in that order, being the worst offenders. gary, Finland, France, Austria, Ireland, to transpose directives,” reads the report. On a more positive note, member states the Czech Republic and Portugal. CurCur-- At the same time as the Internal Market performed well in terms of implementimplement-- rent EU President Czech Republic made Scoreboard, the Commission published ing new internal market legislation into the most spectacular progress reducing its reports on its problem-solving and advice national law on time. The Commission legislative backlog down to 1.4%. HowHow-- services SOLVIT and Citizens Signpost notes that, on average, only 1% of internal ever, Cyprus, Greece, Portugal, Poland Service. n market directives have not been impleimple-- and Luxembourg failed to reach 1.5%. mented into national law by the deadline. In absolute terms, the worst offends are The report, in English only, is available at Currently, a total of 92 internal market Luxembourg, with 36 directives overdue, www.europolitics.info > Search = 244267
EU27 member state transposition deficit, as at 10 Nov 2008 – 1,611 directives Ranking 1 1 3 4 4 4 4 8 9 10 10 10 13 13 15 15 17 18 18 20 21 21 23 24 25 26 27 Member state DK MT SI BG NL RO SK LV HU DE LT FI FR AT IE SE ES EE UK IT BE CZ CY EL PT PL LU EU Transposition deficit (%) 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.7 1.7 1.9 2.0 2.2 1.0 Number of directives not transposed 5 5 6 7 7 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 14 14 15 15 16 18 18 21 22 22 27 28 30 33 36
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info Monday 23 February 2009 N° 3699 EUROPOLITICS
Air transport Luxembourg challenges directive on airport charges
By Isabelle Smets “pursue all options to find a satisfactory traffic, adding that it would propose a solution to this matter”. These were not legislative amendment if necessary. The EU Council of Ministers defini- empty words, because a declaration by tively adopted, on 19 February, a new Luxembourg appended to the minutes NO UNIFORM METHOD EU directive that establishes common of the act of adoption indicates that it The directive does not contain a uniform principles to be respected by airport “reserves the right to bring proceedings method of calculating airport charges but operators when they determine their air- for annulment before the Court of Jus- imposes a series of principles, such as non- port charges. But discussions relating to tice of the European Communities to discrimination, consultation with airlines the text may not be over just yet: Lux- prevent the application of a provision and price transparency. It introduces the embourg, which voted against the direc- that it regards as discriminatory, dispro- possibility of adapting charges according tive, is threatening to refer the matter to portionate and contrary to the principle to the environmental performance of air- the Court of Justice in order to have it of subsidiarity and to the objective of the craft. It also makes it possible for member annulled. states to apply a common system to air- In question is the field of application ports serving the same city. But airlines of the directive, which will apply to “Discriminatory, are disappointed. They believe that the airports with an annual traffic of more disproportionate and text does not go far enough and will not than five million passengers, as well as contrary to the principle really put an end to price-setting prac- to the airport with the highest passenger tices, which they consider to be excessive movement in each member state. of subsidiarity and the on the part of the airports. The Associa- It is the latter to which Luxembourg internal market” tion of European Airlines (AEA) simply is objecting. The sole criterion of five talks of a “first step,” while the European million passengers would protect the Low Fares Airlines Association (ELFAA) small Luxembourg airport from the text, internal market”. During the debates is more critical, speaking of a “missed but the second criterion is cause for at the Transport Council, Luxembourg opportunity”. The AEA also regrets that concern. had received the support of Slovenia, the directive will not enter into force which had declared that the text “did before March 2011, whereas, it says, in ONLY AIRPORT not quite correspond to the principle of times of crisis, airports tend to increase And Luxembourg fears that its only air- loyal competition”. the charges paid by airlines in order to port will be subjected to rules to which Estonia and Malta had also expressed make up for the fall in profits due to its closest competitors are not. reservations. As for the Commission, fewer visitors to airports. It cites Copen- Throughout the adoption process, it had indicated that it would examine hagen airport, which will increase its Luxembourg repeated that it could not whether the airports targeted by the charges by 8% from 1 April 2009, “with- accept this criterion. Moreover, Lucien directive are unfairly disadvantaged com- out prior consultation” with the airlines. Lux, the country’s transport minister, pared with the airports of other member This will no longer be allowed by the new had said that he reserved the right to states with a comparable amount of directive. n
Air transport Council and EP close to deal on Single Sky
By Isabelle Smets Essentially, the idea is to improve the tutions another good month to come performance of the air traffic control to agreement. In addition to the FABs, The Council of Ministers and the system. The Commission wants to speed the outstanding points include the ques- European Parliament look set to wrap up the creation of functional airspace tion of the authorities competent for up the reform of Single Sky rules in a blocks, which divide up the airspace in approving performance plans (emis- single reading, according to representa- terms of traffic flows rather than national sions, cost), the financing of common tives of the two institutions. They spoke borders. At the seminar, the target date of projects and the extension of the EASA’s at a seminar, on 19 February, sponsored end 2012 proposed by the Commission competences to airfields. n by the European Economic and Social for the creation of FABs still seemed pos- Committee. Informal contacts are under sible even though some member states way and are expected to lead to conclu- are reluctant. sion during this legislative period, in The EP’s rapporteur, Marian-Jean (1) Revision of the Single Sky Regulations record time. The European Commis- Marinescu (EPP-ED, Romania), would 549/2004, 550/2004, 551/2004 and 552/2004 sion’s proposals1 were only presented in like to present his report to the plenary, and of Regulation 216/2008 on the European June 2008. on 26 March, which gives the two insti- Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009
Whaling Parliament calls for ban on whaling for scientific purposes
By Anne Eckstein Parliament recognises the need to is needed to avoid by-catches of other authorise clear quotas and “strict con- species, particularly cetaceans. The European Parliament is calling trols” for the communities with a whal- Measures to protect cetaceans from for a prohibition on whaling for scien- ing tradition for their own food needs, threats arising from climate change, tific purposes. With their adoption, on but calls for more research into the use pollution, collisions with ships, fishing 19 February (626 to 12, with 19 absten- of humane killing methods. gear and anthropogenic ocean noise tions), of a report by Elspeth Attwooll (sonar, seismic surveys and vessel noise) (ALDE, UK), MEPs ask the Council SANCTUARIES are also needed outside the protected and EU member states that participate The European Parliament asks for areas. in the work of the International Whal- the designation of maritime areas that The Parliament suggests that the ing Commission (20 of the 27) to work would serve as sanctuaries, where all European Commission should present toward a universal agreement on whal- whaling would be banned for an unlim- proposals for practical measures in EU ing to extend the moratorium in force ited duration, and for special protected waters, without awaiting international since 1986 on commercial whaling to all areas. action, and a revised regulatory frame- whaling activities. The use of more selective fishing gear work for whale-watching. n
Energy MEPs want say in gas crisis report
By Dafydd ab Iago why other EU member states, notably Bul- the management of the recent crisis. MEPs garia and Slovakia, coped much worse. The want the Commission to confirm whether A cross-party group of four MEPs from the letter was sent by the four MEPs to Energy or not German and Austrian gas companies European Parliament’s Energy Committee Commissioner Andris Piebalgs with copies were not able to reverse transit to Slovakia (ITRE) is calling on the European Com- to Commission President José Manuel Bar- because of a missing 30 km pipeline con- mission to be fully transparent in drawing roso, Entreprise Commissioner Günter Ver- nection on the so-called Kittsee gas pipeline. up a report on the gas crisis. The MEPs, heugen and Competition Commissioner The Commission should also investigate Giles Chichester (EPP-ED, UK), Lena Ek, Neelie Kroes. whether Italy blocked all gas exports and (ALDE, Sweden), Eluned Morgan (PES, With respect to hard-hit countries like maximised gas imports so as to strictly pro- UK) and Claude Turmes (Greens, Luxem- Bulgaria and Slovakia, the MEPs want to tect its own national interests at the expense bourg) want the Commission to specifically know what lessons can be drawn from the of European solidarity. Why did Dutch gas analyse a series of undiplomatic questions, different regulatory approaches to gas storage companies export “huge” quantities of gas to such as whether Italy “blocked” exports and crisis management. A second question the well-supplied British gas market instead of gas to countries affected in Central and concerns the role played by gas interconnec- of sending the gas to Central and Eastern Eastern Europe. MEPs also want to know tions and the reversibility of gas pipeline in European member states? n
Justice ENCJ moves seat to Brussels
By Sophie Petitjean law and is subsidised by the European the Stockholm programme (a multi- Union under the 2007-2013 Civil Justice annual programme for the 2010-2014 The European Network of Councils programme. This status has allowed it period) with several suggestions, two of for the Judiciary is in full flight. The net- to strengthen; it helps increasingly often which are the focus of a Commission work, which was formally created in 2004 in advising the Commission under the proposal in the course of 2009. The first to foster knowledge and understanding of comitology framework. is a proposal to strengthen the frame- the different European legal systems, on The inauguration was an opportu- work decision for helping crime victims 19 February opened its permanent Sec- nity for the President of the ENCJ, in the Union and the second is a frame- retariat in Brussels (65 Avenue Louise, Justice Thomas, to recall a few areas of work decision proposal to reinforce 1050 Brussels). The ENCJ, which today work that are important to him, such as procedural laws. boasts 17 members (the member states transparency and access to justice, the Jacques Barrot, vice-president of the that have a judiciary organised into a gov- responsibility and ethics of judges, e-jus- European Commission, and Stefaan De erning council) and many observers, was tice and the European Union’s criminal Clerck, Belgium’s justice minister, also recognised in 2007 as an international policies. In concrete terms, the network attended the inauguration in order to non-profit organisation under Belgian has contributed to the development of welcome the progress made. n
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Higher education Study sings praises of Erasmus programme
By Marianne Slegers try for some months. However, the pro- actions that can be directly drawn from gramme has also contributed to “improv- it, such as “easily readable and compa- The current system of higher education ing, opening up and modernising” higher rable degrees, the establishment of a would have been very different had there education institutions and education poli- credit system, quality assurance and the not been the Erasmus programme, which cies. Erasmus has led to “innovation” in application of joint and double degrees”. was established in 1987, concludes a recent teaching and learning methods and to The institutional impact of Erasmus is study by the European Commission. It says “better recognition of study periods, sup- likewise “strong,” the report notes, particu- that the Erasmus programme for mobility port services for students, research activi- larly in the larger institutions “and in the and cooperation in higher education has ties, business cooperation and institutional new EU member states”. In the area of been a “strong driving force in shaping the management”. research, Erasmus has encouraged “active landscape of higher education in Europe”. The study, based on a survey of some participation in international projects, The programme is mostly known by its 750 institutions and over 1,800 Erasmus attendance at conferences and tender- student mobility aspect: thousands of stu- coordinators, finds that the Erasmus pro- ing for international projects”. Erasmus dents benefit from Erasmus funding each gramme was the “driving force” behind has fostered “closer cooperation between year to pursue studies in another coun- the Bologna process and there are many universities and businesses”. n
Enlargement Rehn: Enlarged EU can respond better to new challenges
By Sophie Petitjean situation for the old and new member the crisis will not succeed in dividing states and for the Union overall, the a Union that is more united than ever. “The conclusions of the report on the two commissioners’ comments mainly “Europe is ready to help weak econo- economic achievements and challenges focused on the current economic and mies. Moreover, it is sparing no effort to of the fifth and sixth EU enlargements financial crisis, a crisis that for some strengthen its support to the twelve new are optimistic and will allow us to tackle unites and for others divides. members”. common challenges,” said the Commis- According to Olli Rehn, the enlarge- And the commissioner for enlarge- sioner responsible for enlargement, Olli ments have made Europe a bigger eco- ment hopes that the bad economic Rehn. nomic power that will help it tackle the and political news will not thwart the With his colleague in charge of eco- crisis because “a well-managed enlarge- new accessions, 2009 being “the year nomic and monetary affairs, Joaquin ment provides opportunities”. “Enlarge- of the Western Balkans”. “I really hope Almunia, he assessed, on 20 Febru- ments must not be demonised and the that this report will reinvigorate the ary, the last two enlargements (see effects of the crisis be linked to the public debate, by acting as a reminder Europolitics 3697). new member states,” he reminded the of the benefits of enlargement”, he While the report confirms a ‘win-win’ audience. For Commissioner Almunia, concluded. n
Enlargement Montenegro’s accession application to be reviewed on 23 February
By Pierre Lemoine donia, on 22 March 2004. Montenegro ion, and accession negotiations would is catching up with its predecessors in its only be opened subsequently. The European Union will review a little application formalities and could well join Is the fact of transmitting the request noticed but very real EU accession appli- the EU ahead of Serbia. for an opinion a run-of-the-mill admin- cation - submitted by Montenegro – at the The fast-moving candidacy was pre- istrative act? Views diverge. Some states, meeting of the General Affairs and Exter- sented formally on 15 December, after the particularly Belgium, the Netherlands nal Relations Council, on 23 February in European Council and before the end- and Luxembourg, are said to be reluctant. Brussels, at lunch time. of-year holidays (see Europolitics 3659). They see it as a wrong signal to the public This small state on the banks of the Adri- It has not yet been officially endorsed. opinion. Others argue that the principle atic has fewer than 700,000 inhabitants The Council first has to transmit it to of Montenegro’s possible accession has and used to be part of Yugoslavia. Border- the European Commission, which will never come under challenge, that the fact ing Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, review the country’s situation and issue of endorsing the request does not create Kosovo and Albania, it is the third Western an opinion. The Council’s decision to any commitments and that the Com- Balkans state to submit its candidacy, after grant the country official applicant status mission would not be issuing an opinion Croatia, on 21 February 2003, and Mace- will depend on the Commission’s opin- before summer 2010. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 11
Economic policy – Special dossier The crisis: A test for Europe
Recovery plans abound. EU member more now? If yes, how much more needs mended by the European Commission states are falling further and further into to be spent so that budgetary expenditure in November 2008 and endorsed in debt. Growth is negative and the begin- or public guarantees will have a rapid December by the European Council, ning of 2009 sees the European Union impact on the economy? consisting of the heads of state and gov- sinking steadily into the worst recession Many figures have been put forward, ernment of the 27 EU member states), since its creation and the first since the but there have been remarkably few the question is: will the European euro was introduced ten years ago. analyses of the nature of efforts that effort be enough and, more important, The EU, its member states and its have been either made or proposed, or will it be effective? major trading partners (China, the of their coherence at European level, The EU, with a market spread over 27 United States and Japan) now have to with the exception of sporadic exami- countries and a currency shared by 16 decide on both the extent and nature of nations by banks and some think tanks. of those countries, has no common tax the action they need to take to manage Are national plans appropriate? Does policy, no common social policy and the crisis, which none of them is find- the strategy proposed by the European no economic governance. European ing easy. It is also the question at the Commission - which as the Union’s governments have responded much heart of the discussions in the different executive has tried to provide inspira- like firemen in a crisis, but they still EU institutions (the ‘crisis’ Council tion - have any real value? Will it lead lack a solid common vision on how to on 1 March, and the spring European to a positive shift in the economic protect Europe against globalisation. Council, on 19-20 March) and it is dynamics? Do people know and under- For now, as we go to press in mid- at the heart of this article as we try to stand what it is and is it easy to imple- February 2009, the EU’s recovery plan assess the situation. ment? And what about the ’coordinated lacks a coherent doctrine and coordina- The billions of euro spent at the end of response‘, which European leaders tion. The combined effect of national 2008 and the beginning of 2009 are not pretended to believe in by printing it initiatives is an inclination to postpone expected to have any impact in the short for all to see in the press release of the an early economic recovery for at least term and there is doubt as to whether December 2008 European Council? six to nine months – but Europe needs they will change anything in the months Is it still possible? If so, at what level? to be saved… now! ahead (certain analysts have predicted And with what means? little or no impact by mid-2009). So the So for the €200 billion (the total question remains: Is there need to do sum of the collective action recom- Pierre Lemoine
1. The European plan: A €200 billion ’package’ The European Commission, headed - loans from the European Investment of €5 billion to the European plan. The EU, by José Manuel Barroso of Portugal, on 26 Bank (EIB), the EU’s financial institution, which is not a federal structure, has limited November 2008, made an attempt to estab- whose role it is to lend money on the finan- own resources: its budget is €116 billion, only lish a European framework for economic cial markets in order to finance European just more than 1% of the accumulated GDP recovery measures planned by governments projects (50%) of the 27 member states. It had been planned in the different member states. It recom- - existing credit from the European to draw these €5 billion from the non-allo- mended a ’package’ worth €200 billion in Structural Funds (EU funding intended to cated elements of the 2008 and 2009 budgets, total, representing the equivalent of 1.5% of help develop the least advanced regions and but certain member states contested this idea. the EU’s GDP and its principle was approved establish equal living conditions through- Agreement on the financial details could be by the European Council, in December. out Europe) allocated differently. Releas- pushed back to March (see page 16). The major part of the ’package‘, 85% of ing these funds meant for use in the poor- The Commission proposes that the €5 the total amount, is made up of the different est regions (€4.5 billion) and others from billion should be divided up as follows: recovery plans in the various member states, the European social funds (€1.8 billion) - €3.5 billion for strategic projects in equal to approximately €170 billion (see the will speed up in 2009. Aid foreseen by the the energy sector: €1.25 billion for carbon comparative table of national plans below). European Globalisation Adjustment Fund capture and storage, €500 million for To this sum, the EU has contributed (intended to counter serious economic dis- the production of off-shore wind energy an additional €30 billion, just over 2% of turbances in any one of the EU member and €1.75 billion for gas and electricity the Community’s GDP, taken in equal states) could also be distributed quicker. interconnections proportions from: Finally, the EU contributes a symbolic sum - €1 billion to extend broadband internet
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restructuring the dairy sector. EIB’s contribution The Commission would have liked to The European Investment Bank (EIB) plans to give priority to providing aid for SMEs, take on the role of coordinator between the energy and the climate, the automobile industry and Eastern and Central Europe. Its global plan and national action. But in vain. 2009-2011 activity plan, adopted by its Governing Council on 17 December 2008, It is unfortunately limited both in its budget foresees a 30% increase in the total volume of its loans. This is expected to generate and its capacity to act. n, additional investment worth 72 billion euro in 2009 and 2010 by means of the tradi- tional leverage effect of multiplying EIB funding by five. The EIB should soon see its The plan is available at www.europolitics. capital increase from 67 billion euro to 232 billion euro. info/web/external-file/pdf/gratuit_ fr/238657-fr.pdf access to rural areas with low coverage, and cultural Policy (CAP) ’health check‘: cli- The December summit conclusions are - €0.5 billion to tackle the ’new chal- mate change, renewable energy sources, available at www.europolitique.info/web/ lenges‘ identified in the Common Agri- water management, biodiversity and external-file/pdf/gratuit_en/240055-en.pdf
2. Different national plans – a comparison who is to say that Europe’s contribution will work quilt and at worst a disparate arsenal, n Different numbers remain at €200 billion. the important element is the target and that EU citizens and partners will judge the Contributions from EU member states a solution that may work in a given member appropriateness of the European recovery also differ widely from country to country. state may not be suitable in another. But this plan more by its ability to convince and to They range from €5 billion for Italy to €82 disparity nonetheless casts doubt on the cred- improve the situation than by the amount of billion over two years for Germany. ibility of the plan at European level. Added money that is spent on it, or the number of Experts disagree on how many of these to this, there is an associated cost. According measures taken or announced. measures can be classified as exceptional to public statements by Laurence Boone and The Community plan, approved by the or ’discretionary‘ and those that could be Raoul Salomon, head economists at Bar- European Council in December, asked classified as ’automatic stabilisers‘ in a clays Capital, Europe “will pay a high price member states to contribute measures equal- crisis situation (a slowing down of eco- in terms of euro, by imposing the burden ling 1.5% of Europe’s GDP (1.2% from nomic activity leads to reduced fiscal rev- of higher debt on tax payers: this lack of member states’ budgets). At the end of Janu- enue and an increase in budget deficits, organisation could cost up to €31 billion”. ary, Commission staff estimated that the which in turn leads to increased economic An attempt to find common points reveals anticipated budgetary action over the next activity). Whatever happens, the Commis- that the first priority is given to aid busi- two years, 2009 and 2010, would represent sion has forecast a total budget deficit for nesses, followed by expenditure on public between 3% and 4% of GDP. They did not the EU of 4.8% of GDP by 2010 – the infrastructure. In the former, the aim is to calculate the figures for 2009 alone, which highest level for 15 years. avoid waves of companies going bankrupt might have resulted in a lower figure. These measures are completely separate and mass job cuts. In the latter, it is to pre- The attached table reveals significant dif- from the operation carried out by member vent a slowdown in the construction indus- ferences between the member states. This states to guarantee the solvency and lend- try, traditionally perceived as being sensitive can be partly attributed to the varying degrees ing capacity of their banks. At the beginning to economic changes. But the reality is that of debt and public deficit. Some have man- of 2009, the Commission estimated that a priority is actually being given, in many aged their public finances better and there- sum equivalent to 6% of the EU’s GDP was instances, to existing projects. fore have a higher margin for manoeuvre. Of injected into the financial sector (through When, at the end of November 2008, the the top five countries in this group (Ireland, recapitalisation or cash flow). The guaran- British government decided to reduce VAT the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and tees allocated to this sector in the EU are from 17.5% to 15%, it was on its own. This Denmark), the Irish and Spanish efforts are around 19% of GDP. reduction in indirect tax was intended not particularly noteworthy in view of negative only to give consumers an additional €20 growth. At the other end of the scale, of the n Different ways billion to spend, but also to help businesses bottom five (Italy, Greece, Lithuania, Hun- While continuing to defend the principle by easing the burden on their accounts. Ger- gary and Malta), the first two are mentioned of a ’coordinated response‘, EU member many, on the other hand, which in 2007 had most often because of their lack of action, states are reluctant to commit to a single increased VAT from 16% to 19%, has no mainly because of being crippled by debt. united approach to resolve the crisis. Com- intention of going back on this decision. In absolute terms – although they are not mission President Barroso presented “his” With the exception of the United Kingdom as telling as GDP percentages – the EU plan as a “toolbox,” allowing them to choose (75%) and Italy (60%), aid for households has recovery plan differs enormously from those whichever “tool” they wanted, without been relegated to a second level (Germany of other major powers: €460 billion for China defining any clear joint objectives. 42%, Spain 35% and France 11%, accord- (4 billion yuan), €610 billion (US$789 bil- European governments then each ing to figures produced by the French bank lion) for the United States, and €650 billion announced their own individual measures Natixis). Experts in Brussels, however, have for Japan, which between 1992 and 2000 has without concern for choices made elsewhere. not excluded the possibility that in future launched no less than 12 plans for a grand It would be nice to think that in the result, other countries will introduce household aid total of more than €1,000 billion. Of course, which at best could be described as a patch- as tension in the labour market increases. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 13
Budgetary support to economic activity cit in the EU is expected to more than pean Central Bank), the only possible in 2009-2010 % of GDP double before settling at 4.5% in 2009 solution is to reach agreement now on a 1 Ireland IE 6.7 (in the eurozone it will increase from coordinated strategy to end the crisis. 2 United Kingdom UK 5.0 3 Spain ES 4.9 1.75% to 4%). Inflation of consumer The Commission, meanwhile, main- 4 Germany DE 4.7 5 Denmark DK 4.6 prices is expected to decline from 3.7% tains that it never proposed any fixed 6 Luxembourg LU 4.4 in 2008 (3.3% in the eurozone) to 1.2% date for the elimination of public defi- 7 Belgium BE 4.3 8 Finland FI 4.1 in 2009 (1% in the eurozone). But this cits in the EU. Before the recession, 9 Netherlands NL 3.9 may be affected by fluctuating prices of however, eurozone finance ministers 10 Sweden SE 3.9 11 Latvia LV 3.8 energy and raw materials. Between Octo- had set themselves the goal of elimi- 12 Austria AT 3.3 13 Portugal PT 4.1 ber 2007 and October 2008, the indus- nating deficits in 2010. Already in 14 Romania RO 2.9 trial new orders index fell by 15.1% in 2007, France voluntarily extended the 15 France FR 2.2 16 Cyprus CY 2.0 the eurozone and 17.9% in the EU. The deadline to 2012, after which all other 17 Bulgaria BG 1.9 economic confidence indicator – based deadlines were abandoned. 18 Slovenia SI 1.8 19 Slovakia SK 1.5 on the views of industry heads and con- 20 Estonia EE 1.3 5. Member states invited to carry 21 Czech Rep. CZ 1.1 sumers – dropped by seven points in the 22 Poland PL 1.1 EU in December 2008 and by 7.8 points out “structural reforms” 23 Italy IT 0.9 24 Greece EL 0.7 in the eurozone, reaching its lowest-ever European public authorities have also 25 Lithuania LT 0.5 level since the indicator was introduced warned against abandoning or ignoring 26 Hungary HU -0.3 27 Malta MT -1.0 in January 1985. ’structural reforms‘ aimed at improving Eurozone EA 3.3 EU EU 3.3 No recovery before 2010: Jean-Claude the running of the country and which Figures at January 2009, do not include measures announced since then Trichet, the European Central Bank’s in the long term should have a positive Source: Commission services president, predicts that “the world effect on public finances and effective 3. Fall in confidence: a vicious circle economy will slow down significantly in growth of GDP. The range of possible The European Commissioner for Eco- 2009,” that plans to save banks and boost reforms is wide: health care and care for nomic and Monetary Affairs, Joaquin the economy will “gradually play a posi- the elderly and pensioners, a reduction in Almunia, at the end of January 2009, tive role” and will start to have a positive administrative costs and liberalisation of announced that the EU’s reaction to the impact in 2010. n the primary markets. Commission Presi- crisis had been “balanced and adequate” dent Barroso includes the recommen- and that the sum total of measures intro- 4. Explosion of debt levels: a concern dations of the Lisbon strategy, adopted duced in the Union representing some Many member states will exceed, and in 2000 with the aim of transforming 4% of its GDP was “enormous”. Never- some (Spain, Ireland, France and Portu- the EU into the “most competitive and theless, it is possible that these will not gal) by a large margin, the budget defi- most dynamic knowledge-based society produce the required improvement in cit threshold of 3% of GDP as foreseen in the world by 2010”. But the strategy the economic situation if not correctly by the Stability and Growth Pact. As a was watered down by member states and implemented and the financial market reminder, the pact is a commitment in 2005 was converted into one combin- remains at risk. In the 17 EU mem- taken by countries in the eurozone to ing employment, competitiveness and bers in which plans to save banks were maintain a balanced budget (contrary to environmental considerations which, approved, two objectives have been monetary policy, budget policy remains according to a Commission proposal, achieved: financial markets have been national jurisdiction). According to the can be interpreted as state aid for SMEs stabilised and interbank loans have been European Commission, the budget defi- that seize the opportunities offered by stimulated. The third aim, of stimulat- cit in the EU is expected to reach 4.8% a low-carbon economy using very few ing cash flow in the real economy, was, of GDP in 2010, the highest level in 15 resources. however, not achieved in January. years. Some experts are suggesting that All EU economic indicators in the in some member states, reform of public 6. Threat of protectionism red. Forecasts predict that the EU’s GDP finances would be an option with least When the United States introduced will drop by 1.8% in 2009 before rising risk. the slogan ‘buy American’ – not a partic- slightly (0.5%) in 2010 (compared to The European Parliament regularly ularly wise move for an exporting coun- 3.3% in 2008). The public finance defi- sounds the alarm. According to the Eco- try in a global economy – protectionist nomic and Financial temptation was also felt in Europe. The Committee (an advi- EU is first and foremost a market, and EU forecasts % 2008 / 2009 / 2010 (eurozone) sory committee made the most open market in the world. Its Growth (GDP): 1 (0.9) / -1.8 (-1.9) / 0.5 (0.4) up of representatives greatest success is the establishment of Rate of unemployment: 7 (7.5) / 8.7 (9.3) / 9.5 (10.2) from all member the ’border free‘ internal market, which Inflation: 3.7 (3.3) / 1.2 (1) / 1.9 (1.8) states, typically from benefits all EU citizens. Freedom of Public deficit: -2 (-1.7) / -4.4 (-4) / -4.8 (-4,4) the finance ministry movement of goods and services and Detailed forecasts are available at http://www.europoli- or the central bank, free competition are rules at the heart tics.info/web/external-file/pdf/gratuit_en/241788-en.pdf the European Com- of the founding Treaty of Rome of 1957 mission and the Euro- and with which all member states must
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comply, irrespective of their accession and genuine concern for protecting and directions, which require real politi- date. So the state aid plans for national national jobs work together? cal reflection, not just coordination. This businesses introduced in 2008-2009 And there is another danger: if other is what ’European circles‘ are hoping, appear to go against nature and will member states decide to introduce without being over optimistic, will come undoubtedly lead to misunderstandings unilateral protectionist measures, and out of the next meeting of heads of state and create controversy. in so doing contribute to overrunning and government at the formal European It was France’s decision to grant state their budgets, it will cast doubt over the Council, on 19 and 20 March. n aid to French automobile manufactur- European Union itself. “Now is the time ers that sparked the whole debate. PSA for Europe to show its solidarity and 7. Unemployment: Worrying Peugeot Citroën and Renault were each its added value,” stressed Luc Van den concern promised €3 billion on condition they did Brande, president of the EU’s Commit- Strangely enough, the question of not close their assembly lines on French tee of the Regions. “If member states unemployment is not yet an official pri- territory. Accusations of protectionism, start introducing uncoordinated recov- ority, although it is expected to become strongly denied by Paris, led to a dispute ery plans, the single European currency one in the not too distant future. The between the Czech EU Presidency and will suffer and the single market will fall job market started to deteriorate in most the French. Germany, Belgium, Luxem- apart.” member states in 2008 and the begin- bourg and Sweden have also expressed While differences of opinion within ning of 2009 saw an increase in the fears of a trade war breaking out. But the the EU are inevitable, crises provide an number of bankruptcies and social plans question remains: how can a fair market opportunity to elaborate new strategies in the EU. Official forecasts predict 3.5 million job cuts in 2009. The unem- ployment rate in the EU is expected to reach 8.75% over the year (9.25% in the eurozone) and continue rising in 2010. The unemployment rate in Slovakia is expected to rise to 9.8% in 2009, to 9.2% in Estonia, 9% in France and 8% in Belgium. Unem- ployment in the United States is expected to reach 8.1% in 2010. Employment should grow in the EU only slightly in 2009-2010, after six million new jobs were created in 2007-2008, including four million in the eurozone. n
8. Banking crisis not yet over Since September 2008, European governments have been injecting money into the banking sector – in the region of €300 billion for recapi- talisation - and €2.4 trillion in the form of guarantees. Nevertheless, confidence in the banking sector has dropped to such an extent that governments, regulators and inves- tors have started to doubt whether statements issued by banks about their actual losses are true. The need to reinforce supervision of banks and insurance has been proposed at several levels, although no decisions have been taken. Fear that another shock may shake up the banking sector even further has not been excluded. Several Euro- pean countries (notably Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom) have already prepared new rescue www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 15
plans. Others are playing with the idea on the banks’ balance sheet and liquid- on all the toxic assets. The subject of of having the state inherit all the ’toxic ity. The Commission is looking into the ’bad banks‘ is on the agenda of the G20 assets‘, ie assets that impact negatively possibility of creating ’bad banks‘ to take meeting, in London on 2 April. n
Conclusion: Need to ‘shift up a gear’
European leaders would appear to 1. guarantee the Stability and Growth unscheduled - meeting between the have responded fast to this unprec- Pact Commission and the Czech Prime edented economic crisis caused by a 2. consolidate public finances Minister, Mirek Topolánek, will be major financial crisis, wanting to come 3. continue structural reforms, and based on four major themes: across as presenting an extensive, pre- 4. establish closer coordination within • review of financial rules cise and coordinated plan. But their the EU. • economic recovery plans promises and plans have not been not The European Commission is • preparation of a strong and opera- reflected in reality: expected, on 4 March, to adopt its con- tional message which the European -too few measures implemented tribution to the European Council of Union will present to the G20, and when these should in fact have been 19 and 20 March. The preparation of • (in keeping with tradition at the Euro- overwhelming this communication began during a pean Council in March) the demand- - lack of common objectives as demand breakfast meeting of commissioners, on ing expectations of EU citizens in this drops 11 February. The discussions that took time of crisis: a dynamic approach to - lack of consultation with major part- place were intended to clarify the basic social problems and unemployment. ners worldwide when none is able to guidelines that President Barroso and All the commissioners are expected find a solution on its own Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joa- to contribute. - threat to the EU’s public finances and quin Almunia will be defending in the Baroness Ashton (external trade) credibility, and run-up to the summit, notably during and Günter Verheugen (industry) - danger of protectionism. the meeting of European members in have already submitted their input. And they are only too aware of this fact. preparation for the G20, which is to be Commissioner Almunia, for his part, The high level consultative committee held in Berlin, on 22 February, and the circulated a note last week on the known as the Economic and Financial extraordinary meeting of the European depreciation of assets. Committee mentioned above has iden- Council, scheduled for 1 March. The crisis cycle is only just begin- tified these shortcomings and in Febru- The position that will be taken ning and the European Union is wise to ary set out four major challenges: on these occasions and at the - still prepare for some hard work ahead. n
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General Affairs Council Five billion euro plan: Small sum, big debate
By Célia Sampol to think that the EU budget can relaunch the margin still exists and can be used, the economy”. The way the Commission although the Council’s legal experts and The General Affairs Council, meet- presented its plan to the member states “almost all the net contributor countries” ing on 23 February in Brussels, will try to has sparked an outcry among the coun- - which would prefer to see this money clear the ground on the European Com- tries that are net contributors to the EU come back into their coffers - argue that mission’s economic recovery plan for the budget, which say their national budgets it came to an end in 2008. The member EU, which will release €5 billion from the are already under enough strain. As a states would therefore like to see another EU budget for measures to cope with the result, today it is proving hard to agree solution, for example, using “the 2009 crisis. The member states are still sceptical on the list of projects to be launched and margins and those that will exist in 2010, over the financial arrangements proposed on the financial arrangements as such. 2011 and 2012”. While a substantial and the idea of tapping into unspent funds The EU executive presented an updated margin may well be available in 2009, the from 2008 could be dropped once and for proposal, on 18 February, containing a picture is much less certain for the follow- all, explained a senior diplomatic source, revised breakdown of the funds. Energy ing years. Some delegations, in particular on 20 February. sector projects would get €3.75 billion Ireland, Poland and France, consequently The General Affairs Council will also rather than €3.5 and the amount for rural say it would be best not to make a defini- discuss the list of projects to be financed development would drop from €1.5 bil- tive commitment. The agreement on the and how to finance them, possibly on the lion to €1.25 billion (see Special Dossier). financial details could be pushed back basis of a document by the Czech EU The Commission suggests that the funds to March, especially because the Coun- Presidency, but agreement is not expected can be raised by taking €3.5 billion from cil is going to have to discuss it with the to be reached at this stage. The question unspent funds under Heading 2 of the European Parliament. of how to raise the €5 billion is “extremely financial framework (natural resources) in difficult”. Some are starting to wonder 2008 and €1.5 billion from unspent funds Preparation of spring summit whether it was really worth it to present under Heading 2 in 2009. The General Affairs Council will also such an idea, because it is causing a lot of However, a good many member states discuss preparation of the European energy to be wasted over a derisory amount continue to speak out against the idea of Council of 19-20 March in Brussels and in comparison to the sums being invested dipping into the 2008 margins since the will review the draft annotated agenda in the national recovery plans. 2008 budget has already been closed, par- drawn up by the Czech EU Presidency. ticularly because doing so would require Three items will be on the agenda of this An outcry a revision of the financial perspectives spring summit: the economic and finan- According to this same source, “it was 2007-2013. “Use of the 2008 margin cial situation, energy and climate change, interesting and relevant on the part of the would have required a decision by the and external relations (particularly the Commission to state at the December member states before the end of 2008,” Eastern Partnership). The discussion on summit that the EU budget had to contrib- commented the diplomat, but that would the first item is expected to be brief since ute to the crisis response,” but at the same have been a “race against the clock”. The there will be a special summit on this time “it would be completely erroneous Commission continues to maintain that issue, on 1 March. n
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External Relations Council Mideast, Eastern Partnership and Afghanistan on agenda
By Eric van Puyvelde struction of Gaza, which will take place in Prague. The initiative, put forward on 2 March in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), on 3 December last year by the Com- During the ‘external relations’ part of in particular on the EU’s contribution (see mission (3638), has in general been wel- their Council, on 23 February in Brus- Europolitics 3698 for the the European comed by the twenty-seven and is a pri- sels, the EU’s foreign affairs ministers will Parliament’s latest debate on Gaza). ority for the Czech Presidency. But the essentially concentrate on the Middle The situation in Afghanistan will be dis- main stumbling block is financing (the East situation, Afghanistan and the cussed in light of the elections that are to Commission has provided €600 million Eastern Partnership project. take place there in August, EU policy and for 2010-2013 - 3676). The Council will discuss the situation its cooperation with other partners, in par- The project will also be discussed at the regarding the Middle East peace process ticular the United States, and EU activi- European Council, on 19-20 March. following the parliamentary elections that ties such as the police mission in Afghani- Over lunch, the ministers will also took place in Israel, on 10 February. The stan (EUPOL Afghanistan). The Council review the situation in the Western Bal- Czech EU Presidency indicated that it should renew its commitment to all aspects kans (enlargement, the role of the EU will encourage the Israeli government, of the Afghan process. As a reminder, the special representative in Bosnia-Herze- which will be formed shortly, to pursue Commission has committed to granting govina, Serbia’s cooperation with the all efforts so that a Palestinian state can be €700 million to Afghanistan from 2007 International Criminal Tribunal for the created that is independent, democratic, to 2010 and member states currently pro- former Yugoslavia, Kosovo). contiguous and viable, and can coexist vide about half the ISAF (International In the margins of the Council, there with Israel in peace and security. Javier Security Assistance Force) troops. will be a meeting of the EU-Lebanon Solana, the EU’s high representative, has Over lunch, the ministers will discuss Association Council at the end of the said he hopes that, whatever form the new the Eastern Partnership, an initiative day, on 23 February, followed by a work- government takes, it will be committed to between the EU and Armenia, Azer- ing dinner with the Council of Europe negotiating. Discussions will also focus on baijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic bodies. On the morning of 24 February, the international conference in support of Moldova and Ukraine that is to be there will be an EU troika meeting with of the Palestinian economy for the recon- launched at a special summit, on 7 May Albania. n
EU/US MEPs delete reference to Barroso’s role in CIA renditions
By Brian Beary to the clause’s deletion, much to the dismay taking Guantanamo detainees, when he of many MEPs on the left, including Italian visits Washington, on 16-17 March, with Adopting a resolution on CIA renditions in Socialist Claudio Fava, who was rapporteur a minister from the Czech EU Presidency Europe, the European Parliament decided for Parliament’s 2006 inquiry into the CIA and EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator at the last minute to delete a clause that renditions. The final text does allude to the Gilles de Kerchove. implicated EU Commission President José involvement of the Polish, Spanish, British While repudiating the counter-terror Manuel Barroso in secret detainee transfers. and Italian governments in CIA renditions. policies of President George Bush, Following the lobbying of MEPs from Portu- Obama has not entirely ruled out the gal’s Foreign Minister Luís Amado, who sent WORRY OBAMA HAS LEFT DOOR OPEN possibility of allowing either secret deten- a letter, the resolution, passed on 19 Febru- MEPs gave a qualified welcome to US tions or so-called enhanced interrogation ary by 334 votes to 247, omitted a reference President Barack Obama’s 22 January techniques. Instead, he has set up two to «new press information on CIA flights in orders to close the Guantanamo Bay site ministerial-level task forces, whose mis- Portugal carrying detainees, during the Bar- within a year and CIA detention sites «as sion is to review the Bush-era policies and roso government’s term of office». Barroso expeditiously as possible». The resolution report back within 180 days. On deten- was prime minister of Portugal in 2002-2004, says that «though a big step forward, [they] tion, one force is asked to «identify lawful a period when some European governments do not seem to fully address the issues of options for the disposition of individuals were helping the CIA to secretly detain and/ secret detention and abduction or that captured or apprehended in connection or transfer suspected terrorists. of the use of torture». It adds that «some with armed conflicts and counter-terror- The leader of the PES group, Martin ambiguities persist as to the limited main- ism operations». On interrogations and Schulz (Germany), in a discussion on the tenance of rendition schemes and of secret transfers, another force is asked to assess eve of the vote, persuaded most of his Social- detention facilities,» and says that secret whether the US Army’s manual on inter- ist colleagues to vote to remove the reference, detention is a «serious violation of basic rogation techniques - which clearly bans EP sources told Europolitics. As the EPP-ED human rights.» The MEPs urged Commis- torture - provides «an appropriate means group was also opposed to mentioning Bar- sion Vice President Jacques Barrot to raise of acquiring the intelligence necessary to roso, a show-of-hands vote in the plenary led this, along with the issue of Europe possibly protect the nation». n
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ESDP EP report on NATO-EU ties sparks heated debate
By Nicolas Gros-Verheyde itary weight and strategic importance” credibility of EU operations”. It responds (in particular its participation in the to potential accusations of duplication A report on NATO-EU relations, European Defence Agency). with other structures by recalling the drafted by Franco-Finnish MEP Ari The European Parliament therefore “civilian-military priorities of the EU”. Vatanen (EPP-ED), sowed confusion “calls on Turkey to cease hindering coop- The “NATO headquarters is primarily in the European Parliament, on 20 Feb- eration between the EU and NATO”. It intended for military planning, whereas ruary. Its strongly Atlanticist tone had encourages Cyprus to “review its politi- the EU possesses expertise in planning already sparked considerable debate in cal position on its membership of the and conducting civilian, military and the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs. Partnership for Peace and calls on NATO civilian-military operations, which no Its interventionist approach in support member states to refrain from using their other global actor is currently able to of “freedoms of the democratic world,” veto to prevent EU member states from conduct successfully,” states the report. which appears to justify the intervention becoming members of NATO”. The United Kingdom is still opposed in Iraq, revived dissension that has not to a permanent operational headquar- yet had time to mend. SOUNDER RELATIONS ters – a recommendation that was refor- During the 19 February plenary ses- Only six of the 27 EU member states mulated in 2003, at a four-way summit sion, debate grew more bitter, focus- are not NATO members (Austria, Cyprus, in Brussels — and a few other coun- ing on a paragraph (22) that “strongly Finland, Ireland, Malta and Sweden). tries also have misgivings: they are as welcomes the French initiative of a MEPs therefore insist on the fact that all interested in protecting their indepen- formal return to the military structures the EU member states “must be present dence as in justifying their own military of NATO”. As a result, the report, which at the joint EU-NATO meetings without operational structures, which are often contains interesting provisions on EU- discrimination”. The report also proposes oversized compared to real means. NATO relations, almost failed to rally that NATO allies that are candidates for The report also contains recommen- the majority needed to pass. In the EU accession “should be more closely dations on the European security strat- end it was adopted by a slender major- involved in the work of the ESDP and egy, the new threats to the European ity of ten votes (293 to 283, with 60 the European Defence Agency” (target- continent and relations with Russia abstentions). ing Turkey, but also the Former Yugoslav (provisions already included in German Republic of Macedonia). EPP-ED MEP Karl von Wogau’s report ENDING THE BICKERING The EP points out that the Berlin Plus - see Europolitics 3697). n Recognising NATO’s important arrangements, which allow the EU to role in Europe’s security architecture, have recourse to NATO assets and capa- both yesterday and today, Parliament bilities, need to be improved to allow the Ari Vatanen notes that the EU and NATO could two organisations to intervene and effec- MEP Vatanen’s own-initiative report strengthen each other – “the defence tively deliver relief in crises that demand is not entirely innocent in the Finn- of the EU should as far as possible be a multi-task civilian-military response. ish context. A debate is raging in organised in cooperation with NATO” The European Parliament also recom- Finland on the necessity of giving up – but that there needs to be an end to mends that the EU and NATO develop the country’s semi-neutrality and join- “institutional bickering”. a comprehensive approach to crisis ing NATO. The Conservatives support So the report has the merit of being management and consequently call on membership of the alliance, but the frank. Where officials of both organisa- the EU to continue to deploy missions Social Democrats reject it, although tions are usually evasive, speaking of while ensuring greater sustainability of the division between the two camps “problems between certain member ESDP to prevent conflicts and promote does not necessarily fall strictly along states,” the European Parliament clearly stability. party lines. The question of NATO identifies the source of the problems membership is very close to that of between NATO and the EU: the Turk- PERMANENT EU OPERATIONAL HQ relations with Russia. Without being a ish-Cypriot dispute, which continues Parliament backs the creation of a “per- member of the alliance, Finland never- to “badly impair” cooperation. Turkey manent EU operational headquarters” theless takes part in some of its oper- refuses to allow Cyprus to “participate in under the authority of the vice-president ations (ie in Afghanistan). A former ESDP missions involving NATO intel- of the commission/high representative. racing car driver, Ari Vatanen was ligence and resources” (in fact, Turkey Its mandate would include the planning elected to the European Parliament in is blockading certain agreements, such and conduct of military ESDP missions. France, in 2004, on a South-East UMP as structured exchange of information It justifies this request by noting that list (EPP-ED), where he has a second and intelligence). In response, Cyprus “the experience of EU operations dem- residence. This year he will stand refuses to allow Turkey to “engage in onstrates that a permanent planning and for election in his country of origin, the overall development of ESDP to an command capability for EU operations Finland, on a ‘Conservative’ list. extent commensurate with Turkey’s mil- would increase the effectiveness and www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 19
In Brief
Nature: Infringements by Spain did not conform to the directive. After a service contracts for the treatment of and Portugal subsequent evaluation, the Commission municipal waste in Sicily (Judgement The European Commission sent found that 299 urban areas are still not in C-382/05 of 18 July 2007). In the latter a final warning, on 19 February, to compliance and sent the final warning. case, the Commission faults Italy for not Spain for its delay in putting in place Italy has two months to respond. complying with directives on competition nature protection measures at Madrid in tender procedures for public contracts. Barajas Airport. Madrid has failed to Aquaculture: Infringements implement the additional provisions The European Commission sent Lawyers: Bulgaria in breach of law promised (including the creation of reasoned opinions (the second step The European Commission decided, on new habitats) to offset the impact of the of infringement proceedings), on 19 19 February, to send a letter of formal airport extension on some 1,250 hectares February, to Austria, Belgium, Greece, notice to Bulgaria in connection with of protected natural areas that make up Italy and Portugal over their failure to certain provisions of the Bulgarian Bar part of the Natura 2000 network. The notify national implementing measures Act, which could constitute a violation Commission also sent a first warning for Directive 2008/53/EC (amendment of the freedom of establishment of letter to Spain and Portugal over their of Directive 2006/88/EC), which lays lawyers and law firms in Bulgaria (Article failure to designate sites as special areas down the list of aquatic animal diseases 43 of the EC Treaty), in particular the of conservation (SACs) and to adopt and defines animal health requirements nationality requirement for obtaining conservation measures needed for a for aquaculture animals and products. the qualification of Bulgarian lawyer. number of areas in the Canary Islands, The authorities of these countries have Moreover, some provisions also appear Madeira and the Azores (together known two months to prove that they have taken to be in violation of Directive 98/5/EC, as the Macaronesian Biogeographical the necessary measures to transpose the which aims to facilitate the practice of Region). The two countries had until directive into their national laws, failing the profession of lawyer on a permanent December 2007 to adopt the required which the Commission could take them basis in a member state other than that in conservation measures. Measures have before the EU Court of Justice. which the qualification was obtained. still not been taken more than one year after that date, however. According to the Portugal referred to ECJ Sanctions against Zimbabwe Commission, Spain still has to designate The European Commission has decided extended 174 sites as SACs in the Canary Islands to refer Portugal to the EU Court of President Robert Mugabe’s new unity and to adopt protection measures for their Justice over the legal framework for the government, whose Prime Minister conservation. Portugal has to designate privatisation of GALP Energia and the is Morgan Tsvangirai, the former 36 sites as SACs on the Madeira and special rights granted to the state by the opposition leader, was put in place, on the Azores islands and to put in place company’s articles of association (right of 18 February in Zimbabwe. But, with additional protection measures. veto, right to appoint the chairman of the increasing pressure on the regime, board). It finds that these special powers the Council of the EU decided, Waste water: Final warning to represent unjustified restrictions to the on 19 February, to again extend by Italy free movement of capital (Article 56) one year - until 20 February 2010 - On 19 February, the European and the right of establishment (Article restrictive measures against the country Commission sent Italy a final written 43) because they hinder both direct (suspension of aid from the European warning, before taking the case to the investment and portfolio investment. Development Fund and aid for projects EU Court of Justice, over its failure to other than those in direct support of the comply with Directive 91/271/EEC Public procurement: Italy ordered population, suspension of the section on waste water treatment. Under that to comply of the ACP-EP Partnership Agreement legislation, Italy was obliged to put in The European Commission has sent concerning restrictive measures place adequate systems for collecting and Italy two reasoned opinions, ordering it to prohibiting the entry of top officials treating water in urban areas with more comply without delay with two rulings by into the EU and the freezing of their than 15,000 inhabitants by 31 December the EU Court of Justice, the first on the assets). This gives legal authority to a 2000. The EU executive sent a first letter renewal of a number of concessions for decision taken on 26 January by foreign of warning to the Italian authorities on 9 horse race betting operations (Judgement affairs ministers (see Europolitics 3680). July 2004 after information showed that a C-260/04 of 13 September 2007) and considerable number of towns and cities the second on the award of public
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In Brief
Company law: Four countries in as part of its policy agenda». Secretary- Its aim is to promote the conservation violation General John Monks said that he will and optimal use of fish stocks from this The European Commission decided, raise these issues during his meeting with area and to encourage international on 19 February, to refer Luxembourg the College of Commissioners next week. cooperation for preserving and managing to the EU Court of Justice for failure to (MSL) these stocks. The draft decision aims to implement, by the anticipated deadlines integrate into Community law the latest of December 2007 and April 2008, EBRD funding for Russian oil amendments to this text by the NEAFC respectively, the 2005 Directive on cross- services firm in November 2004. (AEC) border mergers and the 2006 Directive The EBRD has raised US$250 million simplifying the formation, maintenance in long-term funding for Russian oil Danuta Hübner, doctor ‘honoris and alteration of companies’ capital. It field services provider Integra Group. causa’ is also with regard to the latter directive According to the company’s chief The European Commissioner for that Portugal and Spain will be referred financial officer, the EBRD loan will Regional Policy, Danuta Hübner, to the court. Lastly, the Commission radically change Integra’s debt profile, received an ‘honoris causa’ doctorate will refer the Czech Republic to the making it predominantly long-term as from the Polish university of Poznan, on court regarding a 2007 directive on well as refinancing past investments and 20 February. The honorary title was “in transparency obligations of listed providing a long-term capital solution. recognition of her services for Europe companies, which should have been Despite the global (and Russian) and economic sciences,» according to a transposed by March 2008 at the latest. financial crisis, the EBRD was able to release published by the Commission. syndicate US$175 million of the loan to It is almost becoming a habit: in 2008, Commission warns Spain on eight international and local commercial it was the University of Camerino (Italy, pensioner health care banks. Integra, founded in 2004, is one the Marche Region) that awarded her Spain fails to comply with EU legislation of the leading independent Russian the title of doctor honoris causa; in on social security rights for people providers of on-shore oil field services. It 2007, the University of National and travelling in Europe. That is the content is also the largest Russian manufacturer of World Economy in Sofia; in 2005, the of a reasoned opinion (the second stage heavy drilling rigs, cementing equipment University of Sussex (United Kingdom). of the infringement procedure) sent by and specialised equipment used in the the European Commission to Spain, exploration, development and production Commission “concerned” about on 19 February. The Commission says of oil and gas. (DAI) Italy’s car industry aid that Spain discriminates against EU First it was France and Spain, now Italy. pensioners “by refusing them access EP green light to amending The European Commission has “a few to free medication when they stay fisheries convention concerns” with Italy’s plan for aid to the temporarily in Spain». The Spanish The European Parliament approved, car industry, a spokesperson said, on 20 authorities have two months to respond. on 19 February, the Council’s proposal February. One concern regards an Italian If they fail to do so, or if the response is on approving amendments to the decree-law of 18 February, which would not satisfactory, the Commission can refer Convention on multilateral cooperation provide that companies wishing to benefit Spain to the EU Court of Justice. (MSL) in the North-East Atlantic Fisheries. from this aid would first (within 30 days of In adopting the report by Philippe the decree-law being adopted, according to ETUC critical of Commission’s Morillon (ALDE, France), the chair of the spokesperson) have to sign a protocol policy priorities the parliamentary committee on fisheries, with the government. This procedure In response to the Annual Policy Strategy by 615 votes in favour, 15 against and 11 would be “discriminatory” and contrary for 2010, published by the European abstentions, the assembly approved the to the principle of the free movement of Commission on 19 February, the amendments that widen the convention’s goods. The Commission said that it would European Trade Union Confederation scope by revising the goals and creating send a letter to the Italian authorities the (ETUC) said it was “surprised and deeply various regulation procedures. The same day and that the government is asked disappointed” that the EU executive did convention, signed in London in 1980 to respond within five working days. The not include problems “that have arisen and in force as of March 1982, establishes spokesperson also added that the time in the single European labour market in a regional organisation for fisheries period for a reply to the letter sent to the respect of retrograde European Court of management (North-East Atlantic Spanish authorities about their car-aid Justice judgements and posted workers Fisheries Commission or NEAFC). plan ran until 24 February. www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 21
EU Agenda Week from 23 February to 1 March
Monday 23 February Structural funds: Regional Euromed Assembly Fact Finding Development Committee to Poland Mission to Gaza and the Middle-East From 23 to 25 February 22-24 February, Cairo, Gaza, Ramallah, European A Regional Development Committee Jerusalem, Amman delegation will be in Poland from 23-25 A delegation of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliament February to discuss EU structural funding Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), led by The President’s Diary with Regional Development Minister President Hans-Gert Pöttering, will go to 09:00 - 15:00, Gaza Elżbieta Bieńkowska, meet the regional Cairo, Gaza, Ramallah, Jerusalem and • EMPA Fact Finding Mission to Gaza authorities in Silesia, and visit EU co-funded Amman on 22-24 February to assess the - Meeting with the United Nations Agency infrastructure and cultural projects. These situation following the recent events in for Palestinian Refugees in the Middle East will include the Upper Silesia industrial the Middle-East. (UNRWA) at Rafah crossing park, the Katowice Euro-Centrum Science The delegation of parliamentarians from - Visit of UNRWA food distribution centre and Technology Park, Katowice Music both sides of the Mediterranean will be (Rafah) Academy, projects to revitalise higher led by Hans-Gert Pöttering, who is both - Visit Al Quds Palestinian Red Crescent education and develop new industrial President of the European Parliament Society Hospital / rehabilitation centre technologies in Rybnik, and the Beskids and President of the Euro-Mediterranean Briefing by Khalid Joudeh and visit of Technology Incubator in Bielsko-Biala. Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA), and Jordanian field hospital Contact: Andrew Boreham : region-press@ composed by the chairpersons of the - Meeting with Karen Abu Zayad, UNRWA europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 42319 (BXL), various Euromed Assembly (EMPA) Commissioner General at UNRWA (32) 0498 983 401 committees. headquarters In Cairo, they will meet the President of - Visit of industrial area Transport Committee Delegation to Egyptian People’s Assembly, Fathi Ahmed - Visit Izbet Abd Rabo village Ireland Sorour (February 22). - 14:30 Press conference at UNRWA school Members of the Transport Committee The assessment of humanitarian needs in Beit Hanoun/Beit Lahia with UNRWA will head to Ireland next week to visit and the rebuilding of Gaza will be at the Commissioner General, Ms Karen AbuZayd local transport and infrastructure projects centre of the delegation’s fact finding and meet with local politicians and mission to the region. The delegation Sderot, Israel entrepreneurs who are helping to stimulate will visit Gaza under the auspices of • 16:30 Visit Sderot and Sapir College; tourism in the Western region of Ireland. UNWRA, the United Nations Agency for meetings with local authorities The delegation of MEPs, led by Brian Palestinian Refugees in the Near East. Simpson (UK, PES), will arrive in Shannon MEPs and MPs will meet Karen Abu Parliamentary committees on Monday, where they will visit the Zayad, UNRWA’s Commissioner General Committee on Budgets Shannon Regional Development project (February 23). 15:00 - 18:30, Brussels, JAN 4Q1 and attend a Mayoral reception with In Israel, they will meet the Speaker of regional and local politicians. the Knesset and are also expected to meet Delegations On Tuesday they will then meet with the President of Israel, Mr Shimon Peres. Fisheries Committee delegation to Frank Fahy, the Chairman of the Irish The delegation will also go to the city of Croatia Parliament Transport Committee, as well Sderot. From 23 to 26 February as John Conneally, Director of the Mid- In Ramallah, meetings with Salam A delegation of the Fisheries Committee will West Regional Authority, responsible for Fayyad, Prime Minister as well as with visit Croatia from 23 to 26 February 2009. coordinating EU Structural Funds in the PLC Members of the EMPA delegation Members will visit inter alia Zagreb and Split region. The delegation will also meet with are planned (February 24). In Amman, and meet with representatives of the fisheries airport officials to discuss the future of parliamentarians will hold a meeting and aquaculture sector and local authorities Shannon airport. with Abdel-Hadi Majali, Speaker of the with a view to learning more about the On Wednesday MEPs will visit a section Jordanian House of Representatives and situation and problems encountered by the of the newly constructed Western Rail Member of the EMPA Bureau. fisheries sector in this EU candidate country. Corridor in County Galway. Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ Contact: Isabel Nadkarni: fish-press@ Contact: François Arnaud: tran-press@ europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 32198 (BXL), europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 32379 (BXL), (BXL), (32) 0498.98.32.84 (32) 0498 983336 (32) 0498 983.283
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Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan Next they have meetings with Mourad Legislative elections are scheduled for early From 21 to 28 February Medelci, Minister for Foreign Affairs 2010. The EP delegation for relations with (2.30pm), Mohamed Seghir Babes, Negotiations between the EU and six the countries of south Asia is travelling President of the National Economic and Central American countries (Guatemala, from 21 to 28 February to Pakistan and Social Council (3.30pm), Karim Djoudi, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, then Bhutan. Led by Robert Evans Minister of Finance (4.20pm) and Farouk Nicaragua and Panama) are under way (PES, UK), the delegation will meet its Ksentini, President of the National Advisory regarding a free trade agreement between counterparts of the Pakistan National Commission for the protection and the two regions. Talks will focus on sensitive Assembly in Islamabad as part of the 7th promotion of Human Rights (5.30pm). products such as bananas and sugar. interparliamentary meeting, on Monday 23 The EP delegation will also meet The other members of the delegation are February. representatives of the forum of business Pilar Ayuso (EPP-ED, ES), Agustín Diaz On Friday 27 February MEPs will move leaders on Wednesday evening and NGO De Mera Garcia Consuegra (EPP-ED, ES), on to Bhutan to take part in the third representatives on Thursday morning. It Emilio Menéndez Del Valle (PES, ES) and interparliamentary meeting with the will also visit an education cooperation Maruja Sornosa Martínez (PES, ES). National Assembly of the Kingdom, being project on Tuesday morning. Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ held on Saturday 28 February in the capital The delegation will be led by Carlos europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), Thimphou. Several meetings with leading Iturgaiz Angulo (EPP-ED, ES), who will (32) 0498.98.32.84 political figures in Bhutan are planned for be accompanied by Sebastiano Sanzarello 27 February, including King Jigme Khesar (EPP-ED, IT), Ioannis Varvitsiotis (EPP- Internal Market Delegation to Namgyel Wangchuck and Prime Minister ED, EL) and Inés Ayala Sender (PES, ES). Bulgaria Lyonpo Jigme Yoser Thinley. Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ From 23 to 25 February Other members of the EP delegation: europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), A delegation of members of the Internal Jas Gawronski (EPP-ED, IT), Jo Leinen (32) 0498.98.32.84 Market Committee (IMCO) will visit (PES, DE), Teresa Riera Madurell (PES, Bulgaria from 23 to 25 February. The seven ES), Francesco Ferrari (ALDE, IT), Jan Delegation to Honduras and Costa MEPs, from Bulgaria, Spain, France, the Tadeusz Masiel (UEN, PL) and Francesco Rica Netherlands and Portugal, are going to SPERONI (UEN, IT). From 23 to 27 February Bulgaria for the first time since it joined Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ A delegation of five MEPs, led by Raimon the EU in 2007. The main aim of their visit europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), Obiols (PES, ES), travels to Central is to see how consumer protection rules (32) 0498.98.32.84 America from 23 to 27 February ahead work in practice in a new Member State. of the presidential elections in Honduras The MEPs will meet representatives of Delegation to Algeria and the legislative elections in Costa Rica. consumer organisations as well as business From 23 to 26 February Closer trade links between the EU and people and the Bulgarian authorities. They The EP delegation for relations with these countries will also be on the agenda. will also learn about Bulgaria’s customs the Maghreb countries will be in Algiers In Honduras, MEPs will meet Vice- service. from 23 to 26 February for the ninth President Aristides Mejia, Trade Minister Contact: Cezary Lewanowicz: imco-press@ Interparliamentary meeting between the Fredis Carrato and the President of the europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44659 (BXL), European Parliament and Algeria. National Assembly, Robert Micheletti (32) 0498 98 35 88 MEPs will be welcomed by Boudjemaa (Monday 23rd) as well as Gloria Oqueli, Souilah, chair of the Committee on Foreign the President of Parlacen (the Central EP-Sabor parliamentary committee Affairs, International Cooperation and the American Parliament) on Tuesday 24th. meets in Zagreb Algerian Community Abroad of the Council MEPs will also meet two of the declared 23 and 24 February of the Nation, and by Reguieg Bentabet, candidates for the presidential elections: The ninth joint meeting of the EU-Croatia chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Elvin Santos of the Liberal Party (PL) and parliamentary committee takes place in Cooperation and Emigration of the People’s Porfirio Lobo of the National Party (NP). Zagreb on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 National Assembly. The presidential elections are scheduled for February. MEPs will discuss the progress On Tuesday 24 February they will meet late this year, probably in November. made in Croatia’s negotiations for EU Abdelkader Bensalah, President of the A press conference is scheduled for membership. Council of the Nation (3.30pm), then Wednesday 25 February at 10.30am in the A meeting with Vladimir Drobnjak, the leaders of the parliamentary groups Real Intercontinental Hotel (Tegucigalpa). Croatia’s chief accession negotiator, will represented in the Council of the Nation In Costa Rica on Thursday 26th, MEPs focus on the country’s state of preparedness (4.30pm). will meet Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno, and its relations with its neighbours. MEPs The next day the delegation meets Prime Trade Minister Marco Vinicio Ruis and will also hold talks on the reform of the Minister Ahmed Ouyahia (8,30am) then representatives of the various parties justice system with Justice Minister Ivan the President of the People’s National represented in the National Assembly. A Simonovic. Outside the parliamentary Assembly, Abdelaziz Ziari (9.30am) and meeting is also scheduled with Alberto meeting they will meet the President of the leaders of the parliamentary groups Canas, leader of the Citizens’ Action Croatia, Stepjan Mesić, and Prime Minister (10.30am). Party (Partido Acción Ciudadana - PAC). Ivo Sanader. www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 23
The delegation is led by Pal Schmitt (EPP- n Ms Danuta Hübner receives Mr Bruno Amman, Jordan ED, HU). The other members are Zsolt Lemaire, State Secretary for European • 18:00 Meeting with Abdel-Hadi Majali, Becsey (HU), Michl Ebner (IT) and Bernd Affairs of France Speaker of the Jordanian House of Posselt (DE) for the EPP-ED, Gary Titley n Ms Danuta Hübner receives Mr Michael Representatives and EMPA Vice-President (UK) and Richard Howitt (UK) for the Spindelegger, Foreign Minister of Austria • 18:45 Press conference at Four Seasons PES, Lena EK (SE) and Viktória Mohácsi and Mr Cristian Diaconescu, Foreign Hotel (HU) for the ALDE group and Erik Meijer Minister of Romania, on Danube strategy (NL) for the GUE/NGL. n Ms Danuta Hübner receives Mr Javier Parliamentary committees Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ Velasco, Counsellor of the President of Committee on Foreign Affairs europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), Aragon 09:00 - 12:30, Brussels, JAN 4Q2 (32) 0498.98.32.84 n Mr Olli Rehn receives Mr Lulezim • The mandate of the International Basha, Foreign Minister of Albania Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia n Mr Olli Rehn receives Mr Michael - Adoption of draft recommendation Spindelegger, Austrian Federal Minister for - Report by Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck Council of European and International Affairs (ALDE, BE) n Mr Vladimír Špidla visits European Ministers Social Fund projects in Belgium 15:00 - 18:30, Brussels, JAN 4Q2 General Affairs and External Mr Andris Piebalgs receives Mr Vygaudas • The state of Transatlantic Relations in Relations Council (GAERC) Ušackas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the aftermath of the US elections - Vote on 23 and 24 February, Brussels Lithuania report by Francisco José Millán Mon (EPP- ED, ES) EU - Albania Ministerial Meeting • Discussion with Jan Kohout, Deputy (Troika) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Brussels Economic and Republic and acting President-in-Office of Council, on the results of GAERC meeting Meeting of Committee Chairpersons, Social Committee of 23-24 February 2009 (17.30 - 18.30) Topic TBC depending on the Czech 22 to 26 February, Gaborone, Botswana Presidency Priorities n Exploratory mission (Preparation of Committee on International Trade 23 and 24 February, Prague the 17th regional seminar of the ACP-EU 09:00 - 12:00, Brussels, PHS 1A2 economic and social interest groups in • «The application of human rights Meeting of the European Police Botswana) conditionality in the EU’s bilateral trade College (CEPOL) Governing Board agreements and other trade arrangements 23 to 25 February, Prague with third countries» - Presentation of a Tuesday 24 February study by Lorand BARTELS, University of Cambridge
European European 15:00 - 18:30, Brussels, PHS 1A2 • Economic Partnership Agreement Commission Parliament between the EC and Cariforum - Adoption Travel and visits The President’s Diary of question for oral answer for a resolution n Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso on an 09:00 - 12:00, Jerusalem, Israel further to a question for oral answer - offical visit to Tallinn (Estonia) EMPA Fact Finding Mission to Gaza Reporteur David Martin (PES, UK) n Mr Jacques Barrot receives a delegation • 09:00 Meeting with Shimon Peres, Economic Partnership Agreement between from Sciences Politiques de Paris President of Israel the EC and Cariforum - Adoption of draft n Mr Stavros Dimas hands out the • 10:00 Meeting with Ehud Olmert, Prime recommendation (assent) - Reporteur European Mobility Week award and the Minister of Israel David Martin (PES, UK) Green Capital award (Bibliothèque Solvay) • 11:00 Meeting with Benjamin Stepping-stone Economic Partnership n Mr Joaquín Almunia in Madrid: Netenyahu, President of Likud Agreement between the EC and Ivory participates in the ‘V’ Conferencia • 11:45 Meeting with Tzipi Livni, Deputy Coast - Adoption of question for oral answer Internacional de ABC: Europa y América, Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign and of motion for a resolution further to a ante los cambios’; delivers the opening Affairs of Israel question for oral answer - Reporteur Erika speech at the Conference ‘EU financing MANN (PES, DE) for SMEs’; meets with the Asociación de Ramallah, West Bank • Stepping-stone Economic Partnership Periodistas Europeos’ and participates in the • 13:00 Meeting with Salam Fayyad, Prime Agreement between the EC and Central Hearing at the Committee on the European Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Africa - Adoption of question for oral answer Union at the Spanish Parliament followed by a press point and of motion for a resolution further to n Ms Danuta Hübner receives Mr Yannis • 14:00 Meeting with EMPA delegation a question for oral answer (Cameroon) Valinakis, Secretary of State of Greece PLC members - Reporteur Kader Arif (PES, FR)
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• Economic Partnership Agreement Delegations Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ between the EC and Ghana - Adoption Fisheries Committee delegation to europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 of question for oral answer and of motion Croatia (BXL), (32) 0498.98.32.84 for a resolution further to a question for From 23 to 26 February oral answer - Reporteur Christofer Fjellner More info on Monday 23 February Delegation to Honduras and Costa (EPP-ED, SE) Rica • Interim Economic Partnership Agreement Structural funds: Regional From 23 to 27 February between EC and SADC States - Adoption Development Committee to Poland A delegation of five MEPs, led by Raimon of question for oral answer and of motion From 23 to 25 February Obiols (PES, ES), travels to Central for a resolution further to a question for oral More info on Monday 23 February America from 23 to 27 February ahead answer - Reporteur Robert Sturdy (EPP- of the presidential elections in Honduras ED, UK) Transport Committee Delegation to and the legislative elections in Costa Rica. • Economic Partnership Agreement Ireland Closer trade links between the EU and between the EC and the East African Members of the Transport Committee these countries will also be on the agenda. Community - Adoption of question for will head to Ireland next week to visit Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ oral answer and of motion for a resolution local transport and infrastructure projects europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), further to a question for oral answer and meet with local politicians and (32) 0498.98.32.84 - Reporteur Helmuth Markov (GUE/NGL, entrepreneurs who are helping to stimulate DE) tourism in the Western region of Ireland. Internal Market Delegation to • Interim agreement establishing a On Tuesday they will then meet with Bulgaria framework for an Economic Partnership Frank Fahy, the Chairman of the Irish From 23 to 25 February Agreement between Eastern and Southern Parliament Transport Committee, as well More info on Monday 23 February Africa States and the EC - Adoption of as John Conneally, Director of the Mid- question for oral answer and of motion for West Regional Authority, responsible for EP-Sabor parliamentary committee a resolution further to a question for oral coordinating EU Structural Funds in the meets in Zagreb answer - Reporteur Daniel Caspary (EPP- region. The delegation will also meet with 23 and 24 February ED, DE) airport officials to discuss the future of The ninth joint meeting of the EU-Croatia • Interim Partnership Agreement between Shannon airport. parliamentary committee takes place in the EC and the Pacific States - Adoption of On Wednesday MEPs will visit a section Zagreb on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 question for oral answer and of motion for of the newly constructed Western Rail February. a resolution further to a question for oral Corridor in County Galway. More info on Monday 23 February answer - Reporteur Glyn Ford (PES, UK) Contact: François Arnaud: tran-press@ europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 32379 (BXL), Subcommittee on Security and Committee on Budgets (32) 0498 983.283 Defence Delegation to Georgia 09:00 - 12:30, Brussels, JAN 4Q1 From 24 to 27 February • 2010 budget - Section III Commission: Euromed Assembly Fact Finding A three-member delegation, led by the «Guidelines for Budget 2010» - Vote on Mission to Gaza and the Middle-East chair of the EP Subcommittee on Security report by László Surján (EPP-ED, HU) Cairo, Gaza, Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Defence (SEDE), Karl von Wogau, • Community guarantee to the EIB - Vote Amman will visit Georgia from 24 to 27 February on report by Esko Seppänen (GUE/NGL, 22-24 February to observe at close quarters the work of FI) More info on Monday 23 February EU observers who are monitoring the • The ABB-ABM method as a management application of the cease-fire signed under tool for allocating budgetary resources Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan EU auspices in September 2008. The - Vote on report by Kyösti Virrankoski From 21 to 28 February observers have been deployed as part of (ALDE, FI) More info on Monday 23 February the European Union Monitoring Mission Mid-term Review of the 2007-2013 (EUMM). Financial Framework - Vote on report by Delegation to Algeria MEPs will meet Ambassador Hansjörg Reimer Böge (EPP-ED, DE) 23 to 26 February Haber, who directs the EUMM, as well • Hearing on the Mobilisation of the EUSF The EP delegation for relations with the as Gilles Janvier, deputy head of mission. for Romania (11.00 - 12.00) Maghreb countries will be in Algiers for They will visit the EUMM office in Gori, the ninth Interparliamentary meeting where they will be able to take part in a 12.00 - 12.30 between the European Parliament and patrol on the administrative border with • Mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund Algeria. South Ossetia. - Vote on report by Reimer Böge (EPP-ED, On Tuesday they will meet Abdelkader Meetings will also take place with DE) Bensalah, President of the Council of the the Georgian Defence Minister, Vasil • Amending budget 1/2009: Floods in Nation (3.30pm), then the leaders of the Sikharulidze et Giorgi Targamadze, chair Romania - Vote on report by Jutta Haug parliamentary groups represented in the of the Defence Committee of the Georgian (PES, DE) Council of the Nation (4.30pm). Parliament. www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 25
The delegation will consist of Karl von Wogau (EPP-ED, DE), Richard Howitt (PES, UK) and Angelika Beer (Greens/ Council of European EFA, DE). Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ Ministers Commission europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), General Affairs and External Travel and visits (32) 0498.98.32.84 Relations Council (GAERC) n Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso receives 23 and 24 February, Brussels Mr Ferenc Gyurcsany, Prime Minister of Third regional meeting of ACP-EU Hungary + VIP corner Joint Parliamentary Assembly - Political and Security Committee n Mr Jacques Barrot meets Mrs Dominique Caribbean, in Guyana (PSC) Versini, Ombudsperson for Children (Paris) From 24 to 27 February, Georgetown Brussels n Ms Danuta Hübner signs Memorandum The Economic Partnership Agreement of Understanding (MoU) on JEREMIE (EPA) with Cariforum will be the main Joint Meeting of Deputy Ministers (Joint European Resources for Micro to issue at the third regional meeting of the of the Environment and Finance Medium Enterprises) with President of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Prague Andalucia, Mr Manuel Chaves González - Caribbean, which takes place in Representatives of the ministries of the (Seville) Georgetown, Guyana, from 24 to 27 environment and ministries of finance will n Mr Janez Potocnik at the First meeting February. discuss climate protection commitments with Panel for Review of the European MEPs and ACP MPs will discuss topics and maintenance of the EU’s position as a Research Council structures and including the Economic Partnership world leader in this area despite the current mechanisms (Tour Madou) Agreement (EPA) with Cariforum, global economic crisis. focusing on three aspects: the development dimension of the agreement and its trade Meeting of the Competent and institutional implications. Authorities for Medical Devices Committee of the They will also look at the consequences 24 and 25 February, Prague of climate change and natural disasters in The 23rd regular meeting of Competent Regions the region, then the impact of the financial Authorities for Medical Devices attended Conference crisis and the credit crunch. by 27 national experts from the European n Building the Bridge: Regional Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana, and Union, candidate countries, EFTA dimension of TEN-T Ralph Ramkarran, Speaker of the Guyana countries and the European Commission The Seminar aims at raising the attention National Assembly, will address Members focuses primarily on transposition of of all interested parties on one of the still of the Joint Parliamentary Assembly at the directive 2007/47/EC into national missing elements for the completion opening session on Wednesday 25 February. legislation, discussion of the results of the of the Internal Market: the transport A press conference will be held on public consultation regarding the revision infrastructures, especially in their Thursday 26 February at 6pm local of the directives on medical devices and connections with the local and regional time (Guyana International Convention the tendencies in directive amendments. networks. Centre). Issues of global harmonisation in the area Organiser: Zlín Region in Brussels The European Parliament delegation will of medical devices and reports from the EU Contact person: Mr Mattia Crosetto, be led by Glenys Kinnock (PES, UK). work groups will be also discussed. Ms Petra Janoskova, Zlin Region The EPP-ED will be represented by John Contact: Eva Sobotková, Ministry of Representative Office, tel. (32) 2 641.17.60 Bowis (UK), Martin Callanan (UK), Filip Health, [email protected], +420 224 - [email protected] Kaczmarek (PL), Peter Olajos (HU), Jürgen 972 696 Location: Committee of th Regions, room Schröder (DE) and Armando Veneto JDE-52, between 14h30-17h30 (IT). Maria Badia i Cutchet (ES), Alain European Forum on Research and www.zlinregioninbrussels.eu Hutchinson (BE), Miguel Angel Martinez Development Impact Assessment Martinez (ES) and Catherine Neris (FR) 24 and 25 February will represent the PES. Danute Budreikaite Wednesday 25 (LT) and Kyösti Virrankoski (FI) will Meeting of Committee Chairpersons, represent the ALDE group, Robert Zile Topic TBC depending on the Czech February (LV) the UEN, Marie Anne Isler Béguin Presidency Priorities (FR) the Greens and Madeleine Jouye De 23 and 24 February, Prague Grandmaison (FR) the GUE/NGL group. European Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ Meeting of the European Police europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), College (CEPOL) Governing Board Parliament (32) 0498.98.32.84 23 to 25 February, Prague The President’s Diary Brussels • 15.00: Speech at First Northern
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Dimension Parliamentary Forum Delegation to Honduras and Costa parliamentary bodies of the Baltic Sea and • 17.00: Meeting with Ossur Rica the Arctic regions will hold its meeting in Skarphédinsson, Foreign Minister of From 23 to 27 February the European Parliament in Brussels on Iceland A delegation of five MEPs, led by Raimon 25 and 26 February. The Forum will be Obiols (PES, ES), travels to Central opened by Hans-Gert Pöttering, President Delegations America from 23 to 27 February ahead of the European Parliament. MEPs and Fisheries Committee delegation to of the presidential elections in Honduras MPs will adopt a statement. Croatia and the legislative elections in Costa Rica. Jan Kohout, Deputy Minister of From 23 to 26 February Closer trade links between the EU and Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, More info on Monday 23 February these countries will also be on the agenda. representing the President-in-Office of More info on Monday 23 February the EU Council, Elisabeth Walaas, State Structural funds: Regional Secretary, Norway, representing the Chair Development Committee to Poland Internal Market Delegation to of the Arctic Council, Sinikka Bohlin, From 23 to 25 February Bulgaria President of the Nordic Council, Christina More info on Monday 23 February From 23 to 25 February Gestrin, President of the Baltic Sea More info on Monday 23 February Parliamentary Conference and Hill-Marta Transport Committee Delegation to Solberg, President of the Conference of Ireland Subcommittee on Security and Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region will More info on Tuesday 24 February Defence Delegation to Georgia address the Assembly. From 24 to 27 February Over the years, enlargement of the EU has Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan More info on Tuesday 24 February increased the presence of Northern and From 21 to 28 February Baltic states in the Union. The Northern More info on Monday 23 February Third regional meeting of ACP-EU Dimension addresses the specific regional Joint Parliamentary Assembly - challenges of the Baltic Sea region and Delegation to Algeria Caribbean, in Guyana the Arctic region. This Forum aims to 23 to 26 February From 24 to 27 February, Georgetown strengthen dialogue and cooperation The EP delegation for relations with the More info on Tuesday 24 February between the EU and its member states, the Maghreb countries will be in Algiers for the northern countries associated with the EU ninth Interparliamentary meeting between 2009 European Capital of Culture: under the EEA (Norway and Iceland) and the European Parliament and Algeria. Culture Delegation Committee the Russian Federation. On Wednesday, the delegation meets Prime Delegation to Linz (Austria) The parliamentary assemblies invited Minister Ahmed Ouyahia (8,30am) then the Katerina Batzeli, Chairwoman of the to the Forum are representing all the President of the People’s National Assembly, Culture Committee, will head a delegation national parliaments in the Northern Abdelaziz Ziari (9.30am) and the leaders of of MEPs to Linz, the 2009 European Dimension region, including Canada and the parliamentary groups (10.30am). Capital of Culture, this week from the USA as well as the EU institutions and Next they have meetings with Mourad Wednesday to Friday. governmental bodies from the region. This Medelci, Minister for Foreign Affairs The delegation will hold an exchange of Forum will be held every two years in order (2.30pm), Mohamed Seghir Babes, views with organisers of the city’s «Culture to examine the evolution of the Northern President of the National Economic and Capital» events. They will look at how the Dimension policy. Social Council (3.30pm), Karim Djoudi, network of EU Culture Capitals could Approximately 200 participants (among Minister of Finance (4.20pm) and Farouk improve co-operation through the exchange which 100 parliamentarians and 20 MEPs), Ksentini, President of the National Advisory of best practices. including NGOs and other organisations Commission for the protection and The Culture Committee aims to visit are expected to attend the Forum. promotion of Human Rights (5.30pm). as many European Culture Capital Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ The EP delegation will also meet Cities as possible in order to monitor the europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), representatives of the forum of business implementation of projects and help share (32) 0498.98.32.84 leaders on Wednesday evening and NGO best practices between the cities. In 2009 representatives on Thursday morning. It will Vilnius and Linz are the two chosen cities. also visit an education cooperation project Contact: François Arnaud: cult-press@ on Tuesday morning. europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 32379 (BXL), Council of The delegation will be led by Carlos (32) 0498 983.283 Iturgaiz Angulo (EPP-ED, ES), who will Ministers be accompanied by Sebastiano Sanzarello Other events Meeting of the Coreper I (EPP-ED, IT), Ioannis Varvitsiotis (EPP-ED, First Northern Dimension Brussels EL) and Inés Ayala Sender (PES, ES). Parliamentary Forum to be held in Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ the European Parliament Meeting of the Coreper II europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), 15:00 - 18:30, Brussels, PHS 1A2 Brussels (32) 0498.98.32.84 The Forum which coordinates the www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 27
European Forum on Research and and Mr Spyros Eustathopoulos (27) Proposal for a Council recommendation Development Impact Assessment n Mr Vladimír Špidla meets Mr Jean- on a European action in the field of 24 and 25 February Claude Juncker, Luxembourg Prime rare diseases. COM(2008) 726 final Minister and Minister for Finance – 2008/0218 CNS; CESE 86/2009 fin Meeting of the Competent (Luxembourg) – 2008/0218 CNS. Rapporteur: Ms Ágnes Authorities for Medical Devices n Ms Catherine Ashton in Berlin: Cser (Gr. II-HU) 24 and 25 February, Prague meets with government and industrial • Reduced rates of VAT. More info on Tuesday 24 February representatives Proposal for a Council directive amending Directive 2006/112/EC as regards reduced Meeting of the European Police rates of value added tax. COM(2008) 428 College (CEPOL) Governing Board final – 2008/0143 CNS; CESE 1968/2008 23 to 25 February, Prague Economic and fin – 2008/0143 CNS. Rapporteur: Mr Sergio Ernesto Santillán Cabeza (Gr. II-ES) Social Committee • Facing the challenge of higher oil prices Plenary session (communication). European 25 and 26 February, Brussels Communication from the Commission József Antall building (European to the European Parliament, the Council, Commission Parliament), Room JAN 2Q2 the European Economic and Social Weekly meeting Committee and the Committee of the Brussels • Opening of the session at 2.30 p.m. Regions. Facing the challenge of higher • Meeting with the European social • Speaker: Mr Jacques Barrot, Vice- oil prices. COM(2008) 384 final;CESE partners president of the European Commission, at 2024/2008 fin. Rapporteur: Mr Carmelo • Recommendations on the stability/ 3.30 p.m. Cedrone (Gr. II-IT) convergence programmes of Italy, • Structural Funds – Modifications. Luxembourg, Portugal and Lithuania Opinions to be put straight to the vote: - Proposal for a regulation amending • Directive scoping out micro-enterprises • Nanomaterials (communication). Regulation (EC) No 1083/2006 on from the 4th company (accounting) Regulatory aspects of nanomaterials. the European Regional Development Directive COM(2008) 366 final; CESE 21/2009 fin. Fund, the European Social Fund • Notice on the enforcement of State aid Rapporteur: Mr Antonello Pezzini (Gr. and the Cohesion Fund concerning law by national courts I-IT) certain provisions relating to financial • Conservation of fisheries resources. management; COM(2008) 803 final Travel and visits Proposal for a Council regulation – 2008/0233 AVC n Mr Jacques Barrot receives the Minister concerning the conservation of fisheries - Proposal for a regulation amending of Justice, Mr Stefaan De Clerck resources through technical measures. Regulation (EC) No 1080/2006 on the n Speech by Mr Joaquín Almunia on COM(2008) 324 final – 2008/0112 CNS; European Regional Development Fund as «Europe in Recession: The Years Ahead» CESE 1617/2008 fin – 2008/0112 CNS. regards the eligibility of energy efficiency at the Conference EEAG Report on the Rapporteur: Mr Gabriel Sarro Iparraguirre and renewable energy investments European Economy 2009 (Brussels) (Gr. III-ES) in housing. COM(2008) 838 final n Mrs Danuta Hübner visits Athens, the • Protection of animals at the time of – 2008/0245 COD. regions of Epirus and Ionia Nisia Islands killing. - Proposal for a regulation of the European (25-27): meets Mr Kostis Hatzidakis, Proposal for a Council regulation on the Parliament and of the Council amending Minister of Development; meets Mr protection of animals at the time of killing. Regulation (EC) No 1081/2006 on the Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Minister of Interior; COM(2008) 553 final – 2008/0180 CNS; European Social Fund to extend the types meets Ioannis Papathanasiou, Minister of CESE 1853/2008 fin – 2008/0180 CNS. of costs eligible for a contribution from the Economy and Finance (25, Athens). Gives Rapporteur: Mr Frank Allen (Gr. III-IE) ESF. COM(2008) 813 final – 2008/0232 the keynote speech at the Conference • Community eco-management and audit COD; CESE 102/2009 fin – 2008/0233 «Innovation, Research and Development scheme (EMAS). AVC, 2008/0245 COD, 2008/0232 COD. in the framework of the European Regional Proposal for a regulation of the European Rapporteur: Mr Carmelo Cedrone (Gr. Policy»(Athens); visits the region of Parliament and of the Council on the II-IT) Epirus and meets Mr Dimitris Panozahos, voluntary participation by organisations in Secretary-General of the Region and Mr a Community eco-management and audit Opinions to be debated: Spyros Eustathopoulos, Secretary-General scheme (EMAS). COM(2008) 402 final • Interoperability solutions for European for Investments and Development of the – 2008/0154 COD public administrations (ISA). Ministry of Economy and Finance; visits CESE 1648/2008 fin – 2008/0154 COD; Proposal for a decision of the European the Egnatia Motorway and other projects Rapporteur: Mr Antonello Pezzini (Gr. Parliament and of the Council on funded by ERDF and CF (26). Visits Corfu I-IT) interoperability solutions for European and meets Mr Sotiris Vosdou, Secretary- • European action in the field of rare public administrations (ISA). COM(2008) General of the Region of the Ionian Islands diseases. 583 final – 2008/0185 COD; CESE
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1811/2008 fin – 2008/0185 COD. Employment, Social Affairs and Rapporteur: Mr Antonello Pezzini (Gr. Citizenship, Ms Leila Kurki Thursday 26 February I-IT) by the rapporteurs • Amendment to the GSM Directive. by the Group presidents – members on Proposal for a directive of the European behalf of the Groups European Parliament and of the Council amending Council Directive 87/372/EEC on the • Response by Mr Jacques Barrot Parliament frequency bands to be reserved for the The President’s Diary coordinated introduction of public • Further general debate Brussels pan-European cellular digital land- Response by rapporteurs • 10.00: AESI Forum based mobile communications in the Discussion of any amendments and • 14:00 - 15:00: Bruges, Belgium Community. COM(2008) 762 final voting • 14.00: Speech at the College of Europe – 2008/0214 COD; CESE 93/2009 fin followed by a debate – 2008/0214 COD. Rapporteur-general: • European Civic Service (exploratory Mr Bernardo Hernández Bataller (Gr. opinion requested by the French Delegations III-ES). presidency). CESE 1597/2008 fin. Fisheries Committee delegation to • Statement by Mr Jacques Barrot, Vice- Rapporteur: Mr Thomas Janson (Gr. II- Croatia president of the European Commission SE). Co-rapporteur: Mr Ionuţ Sibian (Gr. From 23 to 26 February with responsibility for justice, freedom III-RO) More info on Monday 23 February and security, followed by a thematic • Construction products. debate on European asylum and Proposal for a regulation of the European Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan immigration policy Parliament and of the Council laying From 21 to 28 February • Introduction by Mr Mario Sepi, down harmonised conditions for the More info on Monday 23 February President of the European Economic and marketing of construction products. Social Committee COM(2008) 311 final – 2008/0098 COD; Delegation to Algeria • Statement by Mr Jacques Barrot, Vice- CESE 1860/2008 fin – 2008/0098 COD. 23 to 26 February president of the European Commission Rapporteur: Mr Angelo Grasso (Gr. III- The EP delegation for relations with the • A common immigration policy for IT) Maghreb countries will be in Algiers Europe: Principles, actions and tools • Reporting and documentation from 23 to 26 February for the ninth (communication) requirements in the case of merger and Interparliamentary meeting between the Communication from the Commission to divisions European Parliament and Algeria. the European Parliament, the Council, Proposal for a directive of the European The EP delegation will also meet the European Economic and Social Parliament and of the Council amending representatives of the forum of business Committee and the Committee of the Council Directives 77/91/EEC, 78/855/ leaders on Wednesday evening and NGO Regions. A common immigration policy EEC and 82/891/EEC and Directive representatives on Thursday morning. It for Europe: Principles, actions and tools. 2005/56/EC as regards reporting and will also visit an education cooperation COM(2008) 359 final; CESE 1382/2008 documentation requirements in the case project on Tuesday morning. fin. Rapporteur: Mr Luis Miguel Pariza of merger and divisions. COM(2008) 576 The delegation will be led by Carlos Castaños (Gr. II-ES). Co-rapporteur: Ms final – 2008/0182 COD; CESE 9/2009 – Iturgaiz Angulo (EPP-ED, ES), who will Ana Bontea (Gr. I-RO). 2008/0182 COD. Rapporteur: Ms María be accompanied by Sebastiano Sanzarello • Communication from the Commission Candelas Sánchez Miguel (Gr. II-ES) (EPP-ED, IT), Ioannis Varvitsiotis (EPP- to the European Parliament, the Council, • Sustainable consumption and ED, EL) and Inés Ayala Sender (PES, ES). the European Economic and Social production (communication) Contact: Thomas Dudrap: foreign-press@ Committee and the Committee of the Communication from the Commission to europarl.europa.eu, (32-2) 28 44524 (BXL), Regions. Policy plan on asylum: an the European Parliament, the Council, (32) 0498.98.32.84 integrated approach to protection across the European Economic and Social the EU. COM(2008) 360 final; CESE Committee and the Committee of the Delegation to Honduras and Costa 1377/2008 fin. Rapporteur: Mr Luis Regions on the sustainable consumption Rica Miguel Pariza Castaños (Gr. II-ES). Co- and production and sustainable industrial From 23 to 27 February rapporteur: Ms Ana Bontea (Gr. I-RO) policy action plan. COM(2008) 397 final, A delegation of five MEPs, led by Raimon • Migration, mobility, education CESE 1616/2008 fin. Rapporteur: Mr Obiols (PES, ES), travels to Central Green Paper: Migration & mobility: José María Espuny Moyano (Gr. I-ES) America from 23 to 27 February ahead challenges and opportunities for EU of the presidential elections in Honduras education systems. COM(2008) 423 final; 7 p.m. Adjournment and the legislative elections in Costa Rica. CESE 1619/2008 fin. Rapporteur: Mr Closer trade links between the EU and Mário Soares (Gr. II-PT). these countries will also be on the agenda. • Statements: More info on Monday 23 February by the president of the Section for www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3699 Monday 23 February 2009 29
Subcommittee on Security and business and culture sectors; visits Defence Delegation to Georgia Mcast (Malta College of Arts, Science From 24 to 27 February and Technology); meets Dr Mawrence Economic and More info on Tuesday 24 February Gonzi, Prime Minister; visits St. John’s Co-Cathedral; participates in a Working Social Committee Third regional meeting of ACP-EU Lunch with Mrs Dolores Cristina, Plenary session Joint Parliamentary Assembly - Minister for Education, Culture, Youth 25 and 26 February, Brussels Caribbean, in Guyana and Sport; visits the city of Mdina, the József Antall building (European From 24 to 27 February, Georgetown Silent City and old capital of Malta; visits Parliament), Room JAN 2Q2 More info on Tuesday 24 February Hypogeum (Megalithic Temples); attends the EUPA Valorisation and award Giving 9 a.m. Resumption 2009 European Capital of Culture: Activity - New Generation of Programmes Culture Delegation Committee 2007-2013 Opinions to be debated: Delegation to Linz (Austria) n Mr Janez Potocnik meets with • Community Ecolabel scheme From 25 to 27 February representatives of the European Science Proposal for a regulation of the European More info on Wednesday 25 February Parliament (Aachen declaration) (at the Parliament and of the Council on a Rep.of the German State of North Rhine- Community Ecolabel scheme. COM(2008) Other events Wesphalia, Brussels) 401 final – 2008/0152 COD; CESE First Northern Dimension n Mr Janez Potocnik receives the Viscount 1804/2008 fin – 2008/0152 COD. Parliamentary Forum to be held in Etienne Davignon, President of CSR Rapporteur: Ms Sylvia Gauci (Gr. I-MT) the European Parliament Europe (Corporate Social Responsibility) • Trade in seal products 09:00 - 12:30, 25 and 26 February, n Mr Janez Potocnik receives Professor Proposal for a regulation of the European Brussels, PHS 1A2 Dieter Imboden of the ETH (Swiss Parliament and of the Council concerning More info on Wednesday 25 February Federal Institute of Technology) trade in seal products. COM(2008) 469 n Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner receives final – 2008/0160 COD; CESE 1495/2008 Ms Micheline Anne-Marie Calmy-Rey, fin – 2008/0160 COD. Rapporteur: Mr Foreign Minister of Switzerland Pedro Narro (Gr. III-ES) Council of n Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner addresses • Electronic money the Gulf Policy Forum Proposal for a directive of the European Ministers n Mr Vladimír Špidla delivers a speech Parliament and of the Council of on Justice and Home Affairs Council at Czech Presidency Conference on the taking up, pursuit and prudential (JHA) Strengthening EU Competitiveness supervision of the business of electronic 26 and 27 February, Brussels – Potential of Migrant Workers on the money institutions, amending Directives Labour Market (Prague) 2005/60/EC and 2006/48/EC and repealing Preparatory Meeting for Defining n Ms Meglena Kuneva in Berlin: meets Directive 2000/46/EC. COM(2008) 627 the Integrated Platform on Roma with representatives of the Federation final – 2008/0190 COD; CESE 29/2009 fin Inclusion of German Consumer Organisations – 2008/0190 COD. Rapporteur: Mr Peter 26 and 27 February, Prague (VZBV); meets with representatives of Morgan (Gr. I-UK) German Business Associations; meets with • Cooperation and transfer of knowledge Conference on Strengthening EU Mr Guido Westerwelle, Party leader and between research organisations, industry Competitiveness – Potential of Leader of the Parliamentary group of the and SMEs – an important prerequisite for Migrant Workers on the Labour Free Democratic Party innovation (own-initiative opinion). CESE Market n Mr Leonard Orban in Scotland (26- 1888/2008 fin. Rapporteur: Mr Gerd Wolf 26 and 27 February, Prague 27): visits the Scottish Parliament; visits (Gr. III-DE) the Tollcross Primary, a bilingual school (EN/GA); meets Mr Michael Russell, • Any other business Minister for European and External European Affairs, Culture, and the Constitution; End of plenary session visits the interpreting centre at the School Commission for Languages and Intercultural Studies of 26 and 27 February, Prague Travel and visits Heriot-Watt University; meets a group of n Participation of Ms Vladimíra Drbalová n Mr Günter Verheugen meets with Romanians undertaking a training course Conference on Strenthening EU members of the Irish government to at the Scottish Government (Edinburgh, Competitiveness - Potential of Migrants on discuss enterprise policy (Dublin) 26). Visits the Slavic and Eastern European the Labour Market organised by the Czech n Speech by Joe Borg at the Conference Institute at the University of Abertay Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in the on Maritime Spatial Planning (CHARL) (Dundee, 27) frame of the Czech Presidency n Mr Ján Figel’ in Malta (26-27): meets with main stakeholders in education,
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Preparatory Meeting for Defining Subject: Resolutely following a European Friday 27 February the Integrated Platform on Roma approach, this conference is organised Inclusion around two roundtables: one dedicated 26 and 27 February, Prague to the adaptation of spatial planning to European an ageing population in Europe, and the Conference on Strengthening EU second more specifically centred on the Parliament Competitiveness – Potential of answers that can be provided by European The President’s Diary Migrant Workers on the Labour social housing organisations. Paris Market Organisers: Comité Européen de • 8.30: Visit to the City Hall of Paris 26 and 27 February, Prague COrdination de l’HAbitat Social - • 9.30: EU Speaker’s Conference at the CECODHAS National Assembly Contact: Tél: 0033(0)1.40.75.50.00 - carole. • 18.00: Reception at the Elysée with [email protected] Nicolas Sarkozy European Venue: Conseil Régional d’Aquitaine, • 19.30: Debate at IFRI Bordeaux Commission http://www.cecodhas.org Delegations Travel and visits Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan n Mr Antonio Tajani participates in From 21 to 28 February Conference of Presidents of National Saturday 28 More info on Monday 23 February Parliament (Paris) n Mr Stavros Dimas delivers a speech at the February Delegation to Honduras and Costa Hungarian Climate Summit (Budapest) Rica n Speech by Mr Joaquín Almunia at the From 23 to 27 February Bank of Spain conference ‘España en la European A delegation of five MEPs, led by Raimon UEM: Conferencia 10° Aniversario del Obiols (PES, ES), travels to Central Ingreso de España en la UEM’ (Madrid) Parliament America from 23 to 27 February ahead n Mr Janez Potocnik receives Professor Dr Delegations of the presidential elections in Honduras Helmut Schwarz, President of Alexander von Delegation to Pakistan and Bhutan and the legislative elections in Costa Rica. Humboldt Foundation From 21 to 28 February Closer trade links between the EU and n Ms Meglena Kuneva in Eupen: More info on Monday 23 February these countries will also be on the agenda. meets with Mr Karl-Heinz Lambertz, More info on Monday 23 February Prime Minister of the German speaking Community in Belgium; delivers a speech at Subcommittee on Security and a seminar with representatives of consumer Council of Defence Delegation to Georgia organisations; visits the Parliament of the From 24 to 27 February German speaking Community Ministers More info on Tuesday 24 February Meeting of the Presidium of the European Disability Forum 2009 European Capital of Culture: 28 February to 1 March, Prague Culture Delegation Committee Committee of the Contact: Mgr. Pavel Hríbek - pavel.hribek@ Delegation to Linz (Austria) evropskyinstitut.com, www.euroklic.cz From 25 to 27 February Regions More info on Wednesday 25 February n 17th meeting of the CONST Commission (Commission for Sunday 1 March Constitutional Affairs, European Governance and the Area of Freedom, Council of Security and Justice) Council of Ministers CoR building (room JDE 52) Ministers Justice and Home Affairs Council Informal Meeting of Heads of State 26 and 27 February, Brussels and Government Conferences and Brussels Meeting of the Coreper I Brussels seminars Meeting of the Presidium of the Bordeaux European Disability Forum Political and Security Committee n Demographic change, mobility and 28 February to 1 March, Prague Brussels housing, a challenge for territorial Contact: Mgr. Pavel Hríbek - pavel.hribek@ cohesion in Europe evropskyinstitut.com, www.euroklic.cz www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language
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