ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK

SPECIAL REPORT | JULY 2019 https://eurac.tv/9Qwz ’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK

SPECIAL REPORT | JULY 2019 https://eurac.tv/9Qwz

Romania held its first rotating presidency of the Council of the EU between January and June. How did the country perform during its six months at the helm? This special report outlines its main outcomes and successes. Contents

How Romania’s EU presidency survived its baptism of fire 4

Strategic success from the Sibiu summit 6

Disinformation in the EU presidency’s crosshairs 8

Signed, sealed, delivered: Important files closed by Romania 10

Romania’s shift at the helm of the Council 13 4 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

How Romania’s EU presidency survived its baptism of fire

By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com

Romanian parliament staff workers make final adjustments, prior to the conference dedicated to European Day of Data Protection, 28 January 2019. [Photo: EPA-EFE/ROBERT GHEMENT]

he world of tennis was stunned surprise from expert observers, presidency. The Romanians structured on 13 July, when Romania’s particularly as Bucharest was mired in their programme into four pillars: TSimona Halep won the first a domestic political crisis. Europe of Convergence, Safer Europe, Wimbledon title for her country. But it Like , and Austria Europe as a stronger global actor, wasn’t the country’s only international before it, Romania kicked off its Europe of common values. success this year – just two weeks presidency six months earlier than The presidency also pledged to put earlier, Romania brought the curtain planned, after the cohesion at the heart of the decision- down on its maiden six months at the voted in 2016 to leave the EU and gave making for the following six months. helm of the EU’s rotating presidency. up its stint in charge. Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă At a glitzy opening ceremony and President both The presidency stint has also in Bucharest on 10 January, the EU prompted reactions of positive welcomed in the new year and its new Continued on Page 5 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 5

Continued from Page 4 The Pole also said there was Rutte said Romania is “not going in the “good progress” made in talks on right direction” to join, citing rule of attended the gala event, with the the EU’s next long-term budget, the law concerns. former’s government services driving multiannual financial framework. His Romanian counterpart, the presidency work and the latter Romanian President Iohannis told Dăncilă, retorted that her country acting as the holder’s figurehead. the same press conference that the “met the technical criteria for joining Bucharest was aware that the presidency “was very important for the as early as 2011”, as months to come would not lack us” and highlighted the sheer amount recognised in a Council decision. challenges, and Dăncilă said at the of work officials had got through, After these six months the outset that ”we are fully aware of the stressing also that the Council’s Romanians have earned a lot of stakes, especially in this changing strategic agenda for the next five years credit during their presidency and a European landscape”. “reflects entirely” the points adopted deal on membership could be in the She said Romania was “firmly under the Sibiu Declaration. offing during the first part of the next committed to contributing, as a That text was agreed at May’s legislative cycle in . facilitator of consensus, through Future of Europe summit in the “The presidency was proof that concrete actions, to the promotion of Transylvanian city of Sibiu. Initially Romania is an honest member of the a more united and cohesive Europe”. billed as the first major meeting after EU and a serious contender for getting It ended up being a baptism of fire, Brexit, the event took on more of a the permanent membership of the given that Brexit was meant to happen reflective tone when the UK requested Schengen zone,” according to a review on 29 March and crucial EU elections an extension to its leaving deadline. of the presidency written by the Center were held at the end of May. Tusk actually labelled the summit for Global & Strategic Studies, an There were also a large number of as “one of the most memorable events international think tank. legislative files still on the negotiating of my political career” and said, in Finland is the second member of table, on topics as diverse as climate remarks made in passable Romanian, a trio of member states that will helm change and transport emissions to that “the whole of Europe is in love the presidency over an 18-month- social rights and the Banking Union. with Sibiu”. period, with the last of the set, In the first 100 days of its making its bow on 1 January 2020. presidency, the team in Brussels, in JUNCKER’S SCHENGEN coordination with the government WISH UNFULFILLED back home, managed to get as many as 90 legislative files off of its books, Romania, as well as Bulgaria and as well as numerous agreements on Croatia, want to join the borderless joint negotiating positions for the Schengen area. But a decision on next holder of the presidency baton, membership must be approved by Finland, to take over. unanimous vote in the Council. Agreement on a landmark climate In keeping with its self-styled role deal fell agonisingly short in June but as an ‘honest broker’, the Romanians political observers were impressed did not impose a vote in the Council that consensus among 24 member but that did not stop the presidents states had built so effectively under of the European Commission and the presidency. Parliament, Jean-Claude Juncker and Many climate experts had expected Antonio Tajani, from reiterating their that talks would have to extend long support for the country’s accession. past Romania’s time in charge but now the situation is teed up for the Finns to Juncker even hoped to see a deal broker a deal during their six months. reached under his stewardship. During a press conference at the But with the Luxemburger on June leaders summit in Brussels, course to vacate his job at the end of Council President Donald Tusk October that prospect looks uncertain. called it an “energetic and successful More so given that the Council looks presidency” and said the number in no mood to add new members to of legislative files closed was Schengen. “impressive”. In May, Dutch Prime Minister Mark 6 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

Strategic success from the Sibiu summit

By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com

All eyes were on Sibiu on 9 May for the Future of Europe summit. [Photo: Shutterstock]

n 9 May, EU leaders gathered Romanian presidency of the EU. the same, really”. in the Transylvanian city of After Britain successfully lobbied Juncker explained at the Sibiu OSibiu to discuss the future of for an extension to the original 29 summit that his September 2017 Europe. What conclusions did heads March Brexit date, the summit shifted proposal to hold a meeting in the town of state and government reach in the its focus away from the purely post- was because “I wanted you to fall in Romanian hills? And what will be the UK stock-take that was envisaged to a love with this place”. summit’s legacy for the EU in the years broader, future-gazing affair. The spell seemed to work its to come? UK Prime Minister Theresa May magic on Council chief Donald Tusk, did not make the Transylvanian trip who said that it was “one of the most The Sibiu gathering was meant and although European Commission memorable events of my political to be the first major summit after the boss Jean-Claude Juncker said “I miss career”, adding that “the whole of United Kingdom’s departure from the her”, he also said that, whether Britain bloc but fate had other plans for the was in attendance or not, “it’s almost Continued on Page 7 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 7

Continued from Page 6 which the broader document was der Leyen’s appointment, it’s safe to adopted, President Iohannis said it say that Sibiu was the cradle where a Europe is in love with Sibiu”. “reflects entirely the 10 points under decision on the EU’s leadership first Indeed, several leaders were the Sibiu Declaration, the ‘Spirit of saw the light of day. visibly pleasantly surprised by the Sibiu’ as I call it”. The programme that will influence welcome they received in the city, The strategic agenda prioritises the work of the next Commission with hundreds of the locals gathering defence and migration, economic president was first sketched out at the outside the meeting venue to wave EU stability, climate action and improving Transylvanian summit, meaning that flags and chant messages of support. Europe’s standing on the global stage. the meeting’s legacy will definitely On the nitty-gritty details, Juncker It is set to guide the work of the EU influence the future of Europe as said the summit was “one of the easiest institutions for the next five years. intended. I’ve ever attended. First, because the said after the The Sibiu summit will ultimately be Romanian Presidency, in particular summit that “it was important for us fondly remembered for being the first President Klaus Iohannis, prepared today to define our role in the world, to informal summit held on Europe day this council in the best possible way.” say once more that we are fighting for by one of the EU’s newest members, at “Secondly, because there was no a Europe of values and everybody, or a time when the bloc sorely needed to urgent decision to take. This was more mostly everyone, agreed, one country take a good long hard look at itself. a trial run for the June council,” where cannot solve the world’s issues.” EU leaders struggled to decide who EU leaders also preserved a should land the bloc’s top jobs. united front on the Brexit issue and Leaders acknowledged all along diplomats told EURACTIV at the Sibiu that the meeting was not aimed at meeting that it was partly thanks to agreeing on law changes or new the Romanian presidency for the way proposals but rather a reflection in which it had organised meetings in period. the lead-up to the main event. Observers of EU politics suggested that Sibiu could be a blueprint for all START OF THE TOP JOB future summits, given the conviviality SAGA on display at the meeting, as well as the fact that it achieved what it set Sibiu also saw the beginning of the out to do: boost the debate about the end for the Spitzenkandidat process of future of Europe. selecting the EU’s main institutional postings for the next five years. A STRATEGIC RESULT Although the process, which elevated Juncker to the Commission The main tangible outcomes of presidency in 2014, survived the the May meeting included the Sibiu Future of Europe summit, Donald Tusk Declaration, a broad-brush list of ten did not confirm that it would be used commitments ranging from defence again to appoint the Luxemburger’s and solidarity to the rule of law, and successor. a first draft of the Council’s five-year- The writing was on the wall plan, known as the strategic agenda. though, as leaders like Emmanuel Leaders took only a matter of Macron and voiced their minutes to give their seal of approval strong criticisms of Spitzenkandidat. to the declaration. But it was quickly Tusk ultimately called an dismissed as vague, particularly by emergency meeting for 28 May, some environmental groups, who immediately after the EU elections. insisted that climate change was It is now known that the Council relegated to “an afterthought” in the decided not to give their blessing text. to Spitzenkandidaten like Manfred However, the declaration Weber or Frans Timmermans. ultimately fed into the strategic With the positive vote of the agenda. After the June summit, in European Parliament on Ursula Von 8 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

Disinformation in the EU presidency’s crosshairs

By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com

Romanian EU affairs minister George Ciamba said that “countering disinformation needs to be constantly addressed”. [Photo: Flickr]

rguably the most crucial EU before the EU started to address the package’ and the ‘Action Plan Against elections in recent history issue in earnest. Disinformation’, which both debuted Atook place under Romania’s Donald Trump’s 2016 US in late 2018. watch in May. How did the holder of presidential race victory and the In February 2019, the EU Council the rotating EU presidency tackle the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom the adopted conclusions on those growing challenge of disinformation, same year have been linked to external strategies, agreeing that regular an issue that has already tainted interference and disinformation meetings should be held between several recent ballots? campaigns. the European election cooperation No wonder then that safeguarding network, as well as a slew of other In a nutshell, a Romanian this year’s EU elections was a top measures. presidency-led assessment, issued priority for national governments and During its rotating presidency, in late June, showed that the EU the European institutions alike. Romania took up the baton not only elections were free of unprecedented Some of the main actions rolled to help shore up the defences of the attacks but also acknowledged that out by the EU apparatus included disinformation was already in full flow the ‘Securing free and fair elections Continued on Page 9 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 9

Continued from Page 8 The report also found that and preparedness efforts toward approaches to issues like fake news strengthening the resilience of May elections but also to lay solid vary “greatly across member states” our society,” said EU Romanian foundations for future elections. and are shared between ministries, ambassador Luminița Odobescu. The presidency’s agenda included rather than focusing on a more She added that it would be best regular monitoring of the Action centralised offensive. done “through better understanding Plan, overseeing different Council It added that disinformation of what each member state is doing formations and organising multiple campaigns “aim to undermine trust in and how it is affected, but also through events on issues related to the democracy and in the EU, its policies exchange of best practices”. challenge, both in Brussels and and core values”, as well as exploit The work continues: Based on the Bucharest. “divisive public debates and create a presidency trio proposal, the plan is Ahead of the EU elections, climate of mistrust”. set to be carried on by the Finnish Dimitar Lilkov of the Martens Centre The main findings suggested that presidency and then by Croatia’s. for European Studies said it would “wedge issues” like migration and The idea is to put in place a more be important to bear in mind that terrorism are the main hotbeds of structured approach at the Council “disinformation should not be activity. Other such issues are roles level in strengthening resilience and understood only as ‘fake news’”. of national capitals in EU decision- countering hybrid threats, including In a report outlining the challenges making, NATO, climate change, disinformation. facing the elections, he wrote that religious tensions and healthcare. The idea of the Presidency Trio to “such one-dimensional labelling In a letter to Council President set up a dedicated “Horizontal Working oversimplifies the phenomenon of Donald Tusk, Romania’s EU affairs Party” eventually saw the light in the malign information operations which chief, George Ciamba, warned that first days after the Romanian mandate are often varied and subtle in their “our assessment underlines that ended. approach”. countering disinformation needs to be The first meeting of the hybrid Lilkov added that “in some cases, constantly addressed”. threats task force was held in July, the disinformation campaigns do not He explained that it will need under the Finnish presidency. share fake content per se but promote a “multi-stakeholder approach, by particular stories from trustworthy the EU institutions, member states, media sources in order to contribute civil society, online platforms and to a specific narrative. Other involve academia”. the triggering of strong emotions in In its conclusions, the report users.” said that efforts should focus on a “calibrated response”, “proactive and TAKING STOCK reactive approaches” and raising awareness. It also calls for a reflection Once the end-of-May elections period on tweaking the existing legal were done and dusted, the Romanians and institutional framework. distributed a report to member states ”The Romanian Presidency’s in the last week of their mandate, report and the June European Council concluding that more “sustained Conclusions clearly underline the efforts” need to be made. need to continue the coordination 10 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

Signed, sealed, delivered: Important files closed by Romania

By Sam Morgan | EURACTIV.com

Romania’s presidency curtain call came on 30 June 2019. [Photo: European Council]

omania’s EU presidency was complex long-term budget talks. “Romania proved its capacity to add partly defined by factors During a statement by Romanian value to the , and Rbeyond its control, such as the Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă at that is reflected in the substantial European elections and the ongoing the European Parliament’s plenary stock take we can demonstrate: 90 Brexit issue. But the first-time Council session on Tuesday (16 July), MEPs legislative files concluded, 2,500 chair still managed to do its job: broker acknowledged the progress made meetings organised.” agreements on EU legislation. Here by the presidency on issues like European Commission Vice- are some of the most notable hits. environment and finance. President Maroš Šefčovič summed up “It was important to demonstrate that “bringing 90 files to the finish In the first 100 days of its presidency, to citizens that the EU institutions line in 100 days was a political sprint, before the EU elections campaigning work for them and produce results,” a testament to dedication”. started to draw attention in earnest, Dăncilă told the Strasbourg assembly. The files in question ranged the Romanian presidency pushed “I am happy to be able to reassert that from economic policy, coast guard forward 90 pieces of legislation. Romania has done just that.” That included 10 agreements on the The prime minister added that Continued on Page 11 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 11

Continued from Page 10 chief Miguel Arias Cañete. “intense” negotiations. After the Parliament and Council The updated legislation is meant protection and better work-life- gave the agreement their final stamps to “make the rules fit-for-purpose balance to information-sharing and of approval in April and June, the next in today’s digital environment”, gas markets. milestone is the end of 2019, which according to the Council and “ensure will be used as a baseline for future adequate protection for authors and CLEANING UP HEAVY emission cut calculations. artists”. TRANSPORT Under the agreement, online GAS MANOEUVRING platforms like Google and Facebook One of the main climate-related will have to negotiate licensing files left over by the Austrian In terms of energy and climate deals with rights holders for the re- presidency was the Commission’s first policy, the presidency also successfully publishing of their work. YouTube foray into trying to regulate emissions shepherded an agreement on new gas videos will have to be vetted to ensure from heavy vehicles. pipeline rules into the completion copyright has not been infringed. The Austrians had already zone. At the March plenary session, brokered an agreement on updating The revised EU gas directive MEPs gave their blessing to the rules for light vehicles right at the end is meant to ensure that bloc rules reform effort, although controversial of their presidential shift, finalising a apply to all gas pipelines to and parts of the text almost failed to pass deal that defied expectations. from third countries, according with a majority. In April, the Council Given earlier failures to strike a to the Commission. This includes announced that it would be published compromise between western and rules on third-party access, tariff in the official EU journal. eastern countries, it was expected that regulation, ownership unbundling Romania would have to deal with both and transparency. FOOD FOR THOUGHT files. But in the end, they were able When the February deal was to focus efforts on the heavy vehicles reached, Cañete said a “loophole” Also in February, the presidency rules. had been closed, as the EU starts to oversaw an agreement on updating Under the pact signed in February, think in earnest about how to cut the EU’s General Food Law (GFL). truck emissions will have to be its dependence on foreign energy The legislation “lays down slashed by 30% by 2030, with a 15% imports. general principles, requirements and benchmark as a stepping stone in The amendment was given a final procedures that underpin decision 2025. Manufacturers that fail to meet stamp of approval by the Council making in matters of food and feed the goals will be hit with an “emissions in April. An exemption clause for safety, covering all stages of food and premium” penalty. existing pipelines, as well as clear feed production and distribution”, Negotiators ultimately procedures for negotiating deals with according to the Commission. compromised on the Commission’s third-parties. After an in-depth audit in 2014 initial proposal of 15% and 30%. MEPs “We worked hard to find a into the law’s effectiveness, the EU had wanted CO2 targets of 20% and compromise that would be acceptable executive proposed its update to the 35%, while the EU member states to everyone, and I think we now have GFL in April 2018. backed the Commission’s figures with a good solution which will guarantee Following complex negotiations added tweaks. that we have a fair and competitive within the Parliament, all it took was Dragging the truck rules over the European gas market,” said Romanian three inter-institutional meetings line actually completed the bloc’s long energy minister Anton Anton. in under a month to reach a final list of climate-focused legislation, after After publication in the official agreement. deals were struck on legislation aimed journal, the member states are in The new law grants EU citizens at boosting renewable energy capacity the middle of a nine-month-long greater access to information and improving energy efficiency. transposition period. submitted to the European Food Safety “The European Parliament and Agency and boosts transparency. It is Council have reached an ambitious COPYRIGHT SHOWDOWN set to have a large impact not only on and balanced agreement. The new pesticides but on all agri-food supply targets and incentives will help tackle Following nearly two years of talks, chain authorisations. emissions, as well as bring fuel savings negotiators managed to strike a deal EU health boss Vytenis Andriukaitis to transport operators and cleaner air on copyright reform in February, after for all Europeans,” said EU climate what the Romanian presidency called Continued on Page 12 12 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

Continued from Page 11 able to complete their studies after Brexit. This regulation will guarantee hailed the deal, saying that with that the ongoing learning activities in “political will and determination, we which they are involved will continue can do wonders addressing citizens’ to be eligible for grants,” said Ecaterina concerns”. Andronescu, Romania’s minister of “We heard the call, notably national education. expressed via a European Citizens Romania’s preparation could Initiative on pesticides, for greater still come into play, given that the 31 transparency, at an early stage of the October deadline is fast approaching risk assessment process, on studies and the UK’s likely new leadership are submitted as part of an application more inclined to push for a no-deal for an authorisation,” the Lithuanian exit. Commissioner added. The Council formally adopted the updated law in early June. It is expected to be published in the Official Journal on 6 September 2019 and come into force by the end of March 2021.

ERASMUS +

A number of the files addressed by the Romanian presidency also focused on Brexit, especially given the fact the UK was supposed to leave the bloc on 29 March. It was ultimately granted an extension until Halloween night on 31 October. One of the issues addressed was Brexit-proofing the EU’s flagship educational and cultural exchange programme, Erasmus +. In mid-March, the Council adopted a regulation that would ensure the scheme is not negatively impacted by the UK leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement in place. As part of its so-called no-deal planning, the Parliament approved the proposal on 13 March. Estimates at the time suggested that 14,000 students from the other EU27 countries were in the UK at the time, with 7,000 British counterparts in educational schemes across the bloc. The agreement means that any students caught up in a potential no- deal scenario would not lose their academic credits and would not be obliged to repeat any years of study. “We are making sure that young people from EU-27 and the UK will be JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV 13

OPINION

DISCLAIMER: All opinions in this column reflect the views of the author(s), not of EURACTIV.COM Ltd. Romania’s shift at the helm of the Council

By Viorica Dăncilă

for the EU citizens and gives especially the young people a sense of security concerning their future development and opportunities. The program of our Presidency was structured into four pillars: Europe of Convergence, Safer Europe, Europe as a stronger global actor, Europe of common values. These strategic pillars have been approached in a cross-cutting and coherence- based approach, creating synergies an maintaining the red thread of cohesion throughout our priorities. Romania’s mandate as Presidency of the EU Council came in a unique moment in time, marked by the European elections, though negotiations on the next Multiannual Financial Framework or intricate Romanian Prime Minister Viorica Dancila. evolutions on Brexit. Against this background, the Union needed a new vision post 2020 omania’s EU presidency putting together our country’s sense and a refreshed commitment to a was a successful mandate, of commitment, determination, long- joint future. We perfectly understood Rshowcasing the country’s term vision as well as capacity to work these implications and the Romanian commitment to the EU project, writes hard and deliver. government stood ready from the Prime Minister Viorica Dăncilă. From the outset, a Romanian very beginning to act as an enabler in successful mandate was more than a this crucial moment for the European Six months of uninterrupted work, political project, it was above all the Union. in addition to more than two years of highest expectation of the Romanian In this capacity, Romania preparations beforehand, have come citizens. For Romanians, an efficient represented the interests of all member to the end on 30 June 2019. This has Presidency of the EU Council was states in the negotiations with the been a remarkable period, marking evidence of their commitment to European Parliament. With hard work Romania’s first mandate at the helm of Europe. and intense efforts, we succeeded to the EU Council. Our aim from the very beginning It was a unique experience, was that of a Presidency which delivers Continued on Page 14 14 JULY 2019 | SPECIAL REPORT | ROMANIA’S EU PRESIDENCY: A GLANCE BACK | EURACTIV

Continued from Page 13 A cohesive and strong Europe is one research and memory of Holocaust that guarantees equal opportunities will be continued and materialized. deliver beyond expectations, reaching for the development of all its citizens, The fight against disinformation the remarkable result of 90 legislative ensures their safety, social protection and the spread of fake news, especially files concluded in 100 days. and inclusion, and guarantees fair and in the context of the European These pieces of legislation bring non-discriminatory access to all the elections in May, were at the core of tangible benefits to the European benefits of the Single Market. our action. I strongly supported and citizens such as guaranteeing equal In this sense, the Romanian I was personally involved in several opportunities, social protection and Presidency has highly prioritized awareness raising public events inclusion, boosting EU competitiveness and succeeded in fighting for the organized both in Brussels and and strengthening the Single protection of citizens’ social rights and Bucharest. Market, encouraging digitalisation, employment, as well as guaranteed The six months spent in the role innovation, decarbonisation and that nobody is left behind with regards of impartial mediator have proved promoting sustainability, connectivity to the advancement of digitalisation that Romania is a genuine consensus- and research, ensuring the efficient and requirements for new skills. builder, whose strength lies in the functioning of the financial sector, Through key achievements on new ability to listen, in the respect towards making Europe a safer place for its EU laws such as Work-Life Balance, others, and in the quality of being a citizens or preparing the Union for any Transparent & Predictable Working reliable partner on the long run. Brexit scenario. Conditions, the European Labour It has also shown that Romania can Also, in our vision, a strengthened Authority, and reducing exposure be particularly effective and propose role of the EU as global actor could to carcinogens at work, we ensure feasible solutions, even in the most not be separated from an ambitious that all citizens benefit from fairness difficult of situations. All along this enlargement policy, therefore we & social justice: the right to quality mandate, we had good friends and worked intensively and succeeded to jobs, healthcare, lifelong learning and partners on our side. channel the discussions in a positive gender equality. The valuable support provided by direction. We have involved young people the General Secretariat of the Council, Furthermore, Romania envisaged in EU decision making because a and the excellent cooperation with the cohesion as a common European secure future is being built through European Commission, the European value, an expression of unity accountability. The Youth Council Parliament and all the other EU among countries and regions across under the Romanian Presidency institutions and bodies contributed Europe. The approach we followed drew essential conclusions on young decisively to a successful mandate. was based on the fact that the people and the future of work, as Last but not least, I can say that promotion of economic and social well as adopted a resolution on the the Romanian Presidency of the convergence is essential to the governance of the EU Youth dialogue. EU Council was a true diplomatic Union’s harmonious, balanced and The Presidency ensured that the marathon, an endurance exercise sustainable development, which can EU ministers’ policy debate on the that tested our expertise, negotiation only be achieved through narrowing topic of ‘Young people as agents of skills, stress resistance and, above all, the development gaps among various democracy in the EU’ was introduced team spirit. At the end of this journey, regions and creating genuinely equal by two teenagers in their capacity as I am proud to say that the Romanian opportunities for all citizens. youth representatives. administration has successfully The Romanian Presidency has also The Romanian Presidency passed this test. strongly stood against a multi-speed has also made it a key-criteria the I am confident that we leave behind Europe, as this would hamper EU’s involvement of all stakeholders, a strong legacy for the next chapter sustainable and coherent growth, such as social partners, private and of the EU construction. Building on putting the future of the EU project in public organisations, in consultation this new experience, we will continue danger. and debate because a strong and to work hard for the consolidation We also strongly believe that fair Europe is one where everyone’s of the Union and the strengthening this cannot be separated from the views are considered and their rights’ of its policies, as well as to promote perspective of Romania’s accession to respected. solidarity and unity among EU the Schengen area, given the common During our Presidency, we showed member states. objective to guarantee the security of a fearless determination to fight anti- all European citizens and their free Semitism in Europe. I hope that our movement. projects aimed to promote education, For information on EURACTIV Special Reports...

Contact us Dan Luca Senior Director [email protected] tel. +32 (0)2 226 58 18 Sam Morgan Reporter [email protected] tel. +32 (0)2 788 36 87