Programme of the Polish Presidency of the Councilpolskiej of prezydencj the Europeani Union w Radzie UE

1 lipca 2011 r. –1 31July grudnia 2011 – 3120 December11 r. 2011

Programme of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the

11 r.

1 July 2011 – 31 December 2011 © Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2011 Al. J.Ch. Szucha 23, 00-580 Warsaw www.pl2011.eu

Layout, cover design: Mariusz Antosik

Printed by: Kra-box ISBN: 978-83-62520-52-7 Table of Contents

Strategic framework 5

European integration as a source of growth 6

Secure Europe – food, energy, defence 8

Europe benefiting from openness 10

Operational programme 12

General Affairs Council 12

Foreign Affairs Council 14

Economic and Financial Council 16

Competitiveness Council 18

Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council 21

Justice and Home Affairs Council 23

Agriculture and Fisheries Council 26

Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council 28

Environment Council 30

Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council 32

Appendix. Calendar of ministerial meetings 34

Strategic framework

The European Union is changing operations need to be put on a more be made on the Multiannual Financial at a pace and scope not seen for a stable footing, aligned with the new Framework (MFF), deeper economic long time. The economic crisis – the treaty framework. Further practical integration and the long-term goals underlying cause of these changes – implementation of the Lisbon Treaty of EU foreign policy. We will need has also demonstrated the strength provisions will take place in the sec- to analyse and modernise the most of . By pulling ond half of 2011. The Polish Presi- important EU policies: the Cohesion together, Europe has overcome the dency will venture into new areas Policy, the Common Agricultural shock wave of the crisis. The - where – pursuant to the Lisbon Treaty Policy, the programme for financing pean Union is still facing enormous provisions – the European Union has research and innovation, funds for challenges. Our societies are ageing, more scope for engagement. culture, the media, the construction the model of the welfare state needs of trans-European networks and to be changed and economic growth, The scale of the challenges con- many other instruments. The Polish stifled by crisis, puts additional pres- fronting Europe requires deeper Presidency will aim to put the Eu- sure on public finances. integration and intense cooperation ropean Union on the path to faster to support economic growth. For our development and will focus on three Europe also needs to focus more on measures to be effective there has priorities: the international situation and take to be a synergy between European • European Integration as a Source coherent measures as the economic and national activities. Europe can be of Growth and political importance of other strong, but it has to pull together in • Secure Europe regions of the world continues to rise. the face of numerous challenges. • Europe Benefiting from Openness. The European Union should act with We need to show Europeans that the determination in relations with its European Union can act effectively. neighbours. The European Union’s Over the next two years decisions will

5 European third countries also provide opportuni- Policy reform – ensuring modernisa- ties for growth. Europe is emerging tion and greater competitiveness for Integration as from the crisis stronger, but the full European agriculture – will also be a Source of Growth success of the EU will be dependent important. Defining a new EU budget upon the rebuilding of social trust means de facto defining the shape In 2011, the economic recovery will and further economic growth. The of the EU in the coming decade. The take hold with the average growth fore- formula for EU development that will Polish Presidency wants the new cast in the EU amounting to 1.8% for provide prosperity for citizens needs financial framework to confirm that the year. Differences between Member to be jointly worked out. This should intensified cooperation within the EU States will widen, with some countries constitute the European Union’s goal is the right response to the economic recording GDP growth, and others still and, therefore, it will become the goal crisis and to the challenges European experiencing a downturn. Unemploy- of the Polish Presidency. Our Presi- societies will have to face in the years ment will not fall significantly, while the dency will engage comprehensively to come. anti-crisis measures that will be intro- in measures to ensure qualitative duced will generate substantial social growth, which will give Europe a The Presidency’s priority is to deepen costs. Reducing the budget deficit and competitive advantage. the Single Market and complete its reducing the public debt will be impor- formation so that its growth potential tant not only for the Member States, The implementation of the Presi- can be fully tapped into. The lack of but also for the economic growth of the dency’s goals hinges, to a great transparent rules governing the way European Union as a whole. If Europe extent, on the Multiannual Financial the Single Market operates is still a se- is to be competitive in global terms, it Framework after 2013. The Polish rious barrier – both for entrepreneurs cannot simply limit itself to repaying Presidency, which will begin negotia- wishing to expand their business debts, but should also act with deter- tions on the financial framework on and for citizens who have no access mination to support growth. the basis of the European Commis- to the entire offer of the European sion’s proposal, will aim to work out market. The Presidency welcomes the Three years of reforms of economic the best possible offer for the whole Commission’s proposal for a Single governance, which also entailed European Union. In times of crisis, Market Act intended to overhaul the putting in place new mechanisms the EU budget should become an Single Market in many priority areas. and institutions, have proven that investment tool significantly con- The Presidency will emphasise the the European Union has learnt tributing to EU economic growth. development of the digital services its lessons from the crisis. Exiting The Cohesion Policy, which serves market and, to this end, will engage the crisis is a time when a growth to further the goals of the Europe in measures to eliminate barriers to model should be developed to en- 2020 strategy, is and should remain cross-border on-line transactions as able Europe to continue social and the main element of EU investment well as continue efforts to reduce the economic development. The Polish policy. All Member States benefit cost of roaming services. Presidency will engage in actions to from this policy. European spend- enhance economic growth through ing strengthens the foundations of It is estimated that 60% of on-line the development of the Single Market the Single Market – investment in transactions in Europe fail, mainly be- (which includes the digital market) modern infrastructure or human cause of legal barriers. The Presiden- and the use of the EU budget to capital translates into the assets of cy will therefore work on the Commis- build a competitive Europe. Trade a competitive European economy. sion’s proposal regarding contract law negotiations and agreements with In this context, Common Agricultural which could result in the creation of a 6 “28th legal regime”. This would be an based involvement in the most impor- build Europe’s competitive advantage optional tool facilitating the execution tant EU project – the Single Market, requires, among other things, meas- of sale contracts in the Single Market on which the European economy is ures to modernise universities and and streamlining Internet transactions founded. The purpose of the SIMFO make better use of the EU’s scientific for 500 million potential consumers will be to support and develop the potential. The Presidency will em- and European entrepreneurs. It would Single Market by raising the aware- phasise the need for closer coopera- co-exist with the 27 legal systems of ness of entrepreneurs and citizens tion between higher schools and the EU Member States. about their rights and opportunities business community and their role in stemming from the four freedoms forming social and civic attitudes. Small and medium-sized enterprises guaranteed by the Treaties. are key to Europe’s economic growth, Youth mobility helps to broaden generating 60% of GDP and almost The challenges facing Europe call horizons and experiences, which are 70% of jobs. The Polish Presidency for new solutions in addition to of key importance to Europe’s future will therefore support the initiatives continuing current activities. Europe generation, increasing its prospects of the that has resources and unique experience of entering the job market. Further facilitate access to capital markets that could become the source for eco- and systematic development of the and venture funds and assist SMEs nomic growth and social prosperity, “Lifelong Learning” programme, in third country markets. thus leading to sustainable develop- which includes the Comenius, ment. Europe’s intellectual capital Erasmus and Leonardo da Vinci The Presidency will also aim to finalise is one such resource. In February programmes, as well as mobil- work on a patent system that will be 2011, the called ity schemes for young researchers cheap and easily accessible to Euro- for the implementation of a strategic (Marie Curie program) will strengthen pean entrepreneurs. Our economies and integrated approach to boost Europe’s intellectual potential. Hence, pay too high a price for the lack of a innovation and take full advantage the Presidency will undertake inten- European patent with unitary effect and of Europe’s intellectual capital for sive work to prepare the next genera- we need to resolve this issue soon. the benefit of its citizens, enterprises tion of the programme. – especially SMEs – and research- The Presidency will put emphasis ers. Therefore, the Presidency will The Presidency will also engage on continuing the process of opening place special emphasis on measures in actions aimed at implementing the the European market to trade con- that enhance cohesion and synergy “Innovation Union” initiative. We will tacts with external partners. The need between EU policies and initiatives to support the creation of a sustainable to scrap non-tariff barriers imposed take full advantage of Europe’s intel- and integrated European Research by third countries, which obstruct or lectual capital. Area, which should be regarded disable access to those markets for as a European community actively EU goods, investments and services, In this context, the modernisation responding to global challenges, fully will be of key importance. of universities and the promotion of using the intellectual capital of all youth mobility will become the Presi- European countries and regions. The Single Market Forum (SIMFO) dency’s priorities. Taking full advan- will provide a platform for broad- tage of Europe’s intellectual capital to

7 Secure Europe External energy policy is of Food security is of fundamental fundamental importance for the importance for European citizens. – food, energy, defence future of the European Union in an In view of the projected increase increasingly globalised world. EU’s in world population, Europe must The stability and security of European position vis-à-vis the main produ- develop its production capacities in citizens is a prerequisite for promo- cers, consumers and energy transit a sustainable way. During the Polish ting growth. Building growth will not countries can be far stronger, if de- Presidency, the discussion on the be possible without ensuring the se- cisive measures are taken to enable future of the Common Agricultural curity and stability of public finances, the EU to operate effectively in the Policy will enter its decisive stage, energy security and measures aimed international energy environment. to end not earlier than 2012. The at enhancing the security and defen- Such measures would lead to sub- Reformed Common Agricultural ce policy, stable borders and internal stantial savings and better conditions Policy, which uses EU funds to security. The Presidency will strive to for economic growth. Work on a good effect, must maintain its market assure that this fundamental condi- new energy strategy for the coming orientation, account for public goods, tion of Europe’s continued successful decade and the challenges facing including food security and the multi- development is fulfilled. the EU in the medium- and long- functional development of agriculture term call for an analysis of the EU’s and rural areas. Decisions on direct In the first place, the European existing external energy policy and payments and support for rural areas, Union has to regain the confidence for drawing up recommendations to as well as agricultural product quality of the financial markets for years enhance it. policy, will be important elements of to come. Enhancing economic the reformed CAP. governance in the EU will be the The development of practical Presidency’s main priority in the aspects of Integrated Border Mana- The Presidency will also engage in areas of economy and finance, gement and sharing best practices the implementation of the EU action since economic governance legi- in border protection will also be one plan for biodiversity. slation must be fully implemented. of our priorities. The Presidency The Council of the European Union plans to finalise work on amending Enhancing EU capabilities to influen- will act consistently to apply the the Frontex Regulation to enhance ce the international environment in Stability and Growth Pact and, in its operating capabilities to support this area will significantly supplement particular, will assess the progress Member States in crisis situations, the security measures implemented . of Member States in reducing their like the ones we are now experien- An internally strong European Union, excessive deficits during the first cing in connection with the develop- with a dynamically developing and year of . ments in North Africa and the Middle innovative economy and having a The Presidency will support actions East. well-established position in the world and proposals aimed at improving economic system, has to develop the regulation and oversight of the The Presidency will also focus its its Common Security and Defence financial markets, and at developing efforts on the effective implementa- Policy, in addition to its most effective rules for crisis management that will tion of initiatives of key importance “soft power”. The Lisbon Treaty be applied to safeguard the sector for the Stockholm Programme. It will provides a good opportunity for this. against the negative consequences continue to develop the concept of Not only does it establish the legal of crises and to maintain the stabili- homeland security, including greater grounds for building new forms of ty of financial markets. efficiency of crisis communication. cooperation within the EU, but it also 8 ushers in a spirit of consolidation, reflect the unique civilian and military of the EU Council. We also intend hence providing for more effective nature of EU stabilisation and crisis to follow up on the initiative of our use of existing EU mechanisms management operations. It will also predecessors as regards the develop- and capabilities. In this context, the support actions to consolidate direct ment of links between the Common Presidency intends to start a debate dialogue between the EU and NATO. Security and Defence Policy and on the enhancement of structures Enhancement of the EU military and the Area of Freedom, Security and responsible for the preparation and civilian capabilities will be an impor- Justice. planning of operations so as to better tant element of the Polish Presidency

9 Europe Benefiting be an important task for the Polish ters, to be organised by the Presiden- Presidency. The continuation of the cy. The participation of civil society from Openness EU enlargement process will, in turn, organisations will be indispensable. extend the reach of the Single Market A Civil Society Forum of the Eastern The well-being of EU societies to millions more citizens. Partnership is scheduled to take depends not only on the internal place in in November 2011. situation, but also on relations with The EU role in the world depends, to The European Union’s aim as re- third countries and the situation a large extent, on our position in the gards Belarus will be to encourage it outside the European Union. The . Cooperation with its southern to cooperate with the West, provided Polish Presidency will support the and eastern neighbours can tap its it respects the fundamental principles EU foreign and security policy aimed dormant potential. Good neighbourly of democracy and human rights. at enhancing the EU’s international relations can strengthen Europe, also position. in the economic sense, and bring The EU is also determined to develop the greatest benefits at a relatively cooperation in the area of CSDP with The most powerful tool that the EU low cost. The European Union wants its Eastern European partners. The can wield is its role as a model, a to start work on implementing an benefits of such cooperation should reference point for other countries. extended offer for the neighbourhood, be mutual and should encourage The aim should be to extend the area in line with the conclusions of the partners to engage in reforms to of European values and regulations Europe Neighbourhood Policy review. improve their security situation. through further enlargement of the European Union, the development In relations with countries covered by In light of the recent developments of cooperation with neighbouring the Eastern Partnership, the EU will in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and other countries, the promotion of European aim to conclude Association Agree- countries in the Southern Neighbour- solutions at global forums, the build- ments and create deep and compre- hood, the Polish Presidency will strive ing of deeper relations with strategic hensive free trade areas (by finalising to initiate cooperation based on partners and a wise and effective or making substantial progress in partnership, focused on supporting development policy. its negotiations with Ukraine and democratic transformations, building Moldova), make progress in the proc- modern state structures underpinned The actions that the European Union ess of visa liberalisation and deepen by constitutional reforms, enhancing will take in this area will significantly sectoral cooperation. An impetus for the judicial system and security and impact the EU’s economy. By building the Eastern Partnership’s continued fighting corruption. In the area of civil deep and comprehensive free trade development will be its Summit at- society development, it will be important areas with the Eastern Partnership tended by Heads of State or govern- for the EU to support the protection of countries, the EU will help enlarge ment from all Member States and fundamental freedoms and enhance the areas covered by EU rules and partner countries. The Eastern Part- mechanisms preventing persecution regulations. Recent international nership Summit will map additional of minorities, including Christians. developments call for a closer look objectives for cooperation between Along with these measures, economic at issues relating to the process of the EU and its eastern neighbours. growth and development and the stabilisation and democratisation in The planning of specific measures creation of new jobs, as well as deep- the EU’s neighbourhood. Strength- will be possible thanks to a number ening trade relations and facilitating ening economic and trade ties with of ministerial-level meetings, includ- people-to-people travel for specified EU’s southern neighbourhood will ing those attended by Foreign Minis- groups, will also be supported. 10 Enlargement is the European Union’s policy, the most important issue for years struggled with crises, and our strategic political project. It is in the the Presidency will be to work out the membership in the European Union interests of both the EU and the coun- agenda of the WTO’s 8th Ministerial is regarded as the crowning of our tries applying for EU membership. The Conference in December 2011. There struggle for freedom. Hence, integra- enlargement process enhances stabil- are signals of late that the political tion stirs up our enthusiasm and pro- ity in Europe and the EU’s position and economic conditions are ripe for pels us to act. The Polish Presidency on the international stage, enlarges the adoption of a package arrange- wants to tap into the potential of the the area of prosperity and allows us ment designed for a development of average citizen and accommodate to forge our future based on common the least developed countries (LDCs) the expectations of Europeans. We standards. More importantly still, as well as solutions intended to re- believe that by boldly facing up to enlargement contributes to the duce costs in international trade with- challenges and acting in solidarity it enhancement of the security and out preventing from pushing further is possible to help accomplish difficult prosperity of EU citizens. The Polish world trade liberalization ahead at the and sometimes even unimaginable Presidency will strive to ensure that same time. The Presidency will strive things. Experience shows that in the implementation of the enlargement for the EU to work out conclusions the face of crises, Europe can act strategy moves forward. Its objec- and arrangements closing the current effectively and that is how we want to tive is to sign the Accession Treaty phase of the WTO negotiations. act this time. with . It intends to explore all opportunities to continue accession It is important for the European Union The Polish Presidency will be subject negotiations with Turkey. A modern to speak with a consistent and distinct to the logic of cooperation in support- Turkey, economically strong and so- voice at all international forums, i.e. ing the growth, security and open- cially developed, would strengthen the the UN, , the IMF, the World Bank ness of the European Union. We wish European Union. The Presidency will Group, and during the Conference to contribute to putting Europe on the make certain that meaningful progress of the Parties to the United Nations path to faster economic growth and is made in accession negotiations with Framework Convention on Climate greater prosperity for its citizens. The . It will also strongly support the Change in Durban, South Africa Presidency, in collaboration with the European aspirations of the Western (COP17). Last but not least, the Pres- President of the European Coun- Balkans. idency will give increased impetus to cil, the European Commission, the the preparation of the UN Conference High Representative, the European It is hoped that a new framework for on Sustainable Development. Parliament as a whole, and in close cooperation between the EU and Rus- cooperation with its Trio partners, sia will be established during the Polish *** intends to subordinate its activities to Presidency. The Presidency will support The economic crisis has affected the overriding goal – the unleashing activities leading to the signing of a new the public mood and support for of Europe’s potential. We believe that agreement with Russia, outlining the integration among Europeans. The economic growth will contribute to substantive, formal and legal framework European Union is first and foremost rebuilding confidence in the European for cooperation with the Russian Federa- its 500 million citizens, who expect Union and will provide new impetus to tion and developing the EU-Russian efficient and effective actions to the process of European integration. Partnership for Modernisation. promote social and economic devel- In the area of the common trade opment. The Polish people have for

11 Operational programme

General Affairs Ambitious EU finances tions as much as possible, so that an after 2013 agreement on the package can be Council reached by the end of 2012. In the The current financial perspective mainstream of the discussion on the Towards a stronger and financially ends in December 2013. The Polish regulations there will be issues that sound Europe and competitiveness Presidency will start negotiations, can significantly contribute to greater and the cohesion of its regions based on a proposal from the effectiveness of the Cohesion Policy Commission, on the next Multiannual in the context of the implementation Enlargement Financial Framework. The Presi- of the Europe 2020 strategy, i.e. dency will aim to discuss in detail strategic planning, thematic con- The aim of the Polish Presidency will the Commission’s proposal and to centration, conditionality, European be to sign the Accession Treaty with have all Member States present their territorial cooperation and evalu- Croatia. All circumstances favouring positions with a view to arriving at ation. In December 2011, the Polish the continuation of accession nego- an agreement at a later stage of the Presidency will organise a General tiations with Turkey will be explored. process. With regard to the legisla- Affairs Council meeting of ministers A modern, economically strong and tive aspects, the Presidency’s aim responsible for the Cohesion Policy. socially developed Turkey would will be to move forward as much as The meeting will serve as a policy strengthen the European Union. possible with the technical work. All debate on major issues identified The Presidency will see to it that the financial and horizontal aspects in the course of the discussion on meaningful progress is made in of the Commission’s proposals will regulations. accession negotiations with Iceland. be discussed at the General Affairs It will also strongly support the Council meetings, while the specific The first review of EU European aspirations of the Western non-financial legislative aspects will Strategy for the Baltic Sea Balkans. be dealt by the other relevant Council Region (EUSBSR) configurations. The Polish Presidency will aim In October 2009, the European Coun- to ensure progress in the imple- Cohesion Policy as an cil asked the European Commission mentation of the enlargement effective and territorially to present in 2011 a progress report strategy. It will thus be important differentiated response on the EU’s first macro-regional stra- that candidate countries and those to the EU’s development tegy – the EU Strategy for the Baltic interested in EU membership show challenges Sea Region. The review will take determination in fulfilling accession place during the Polish Presidency. criteria, which are equal for all. The In the context of negotiations on the The basis for the Council conclusions conditionality principle guarantees Multiannual Financial Framework, an on the EUSBSR review will be the the right quality of enlargement important element of the General Af- European Commission’s progress understood as a factor that is con- fairs Council’s work will be to adopt a report adopted in June 2011. The 2nd ducive to enhancing the cohesion of legislative package on the Cohesion Annual Forum of the Stakeholders the European Union. Policy after 2013. The aim of the of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Polish Presidency will be to advance Region, scheduled to take place in discussions on the proposed regula- Gdańsk on 24-26 October 2011, will 12 promote this idea. It will be linked The Presidency will hold a review of development of a system of bilateral with the Baltic Development Forum. policy and implementing measures agreements between the Euratom Discussions during the 2nd Stakehol- of the new perspective of the 2009- Community and third countries on ders’ Forum will make a significant 2014 Financial Mechanisms and the cooperation in the peaceful uses of contribution to the review of the 2007-2012 Swiss Contribution in the nuclear energy and will also ensure Strategy. respective beneficiary countries. In effective follow-up to the review of the addition, the Presidency plans to nuclear safety of EU nuclear plants. , initiate talks with EU Member States The growing risk of disruption affec- cooperation with EFTA on the possibility of continuing the ting the supply of radioisotopes for countries Swiss Financial Aid. medical use has also been identified as an urgent challenge that the Presi- In developing cooperation with the Nuclear issues dency intends to address if needed. EFTA countries, the Polish Pre- sidency will aim to intensify and The Presidency will continue work Integration and optimisa- better structure cooperation with on the completion of a European tion of the European Statis- and work on adopting regulatory framework for nuclear issu- tical System a new agreement on counteracting es, and on the long overdue revision financial abuses. It also intends to of the Directive setting Basic Safety The Presidency will strive to improve continue talks with Standards for ionising radiations. the quality, reliability and effective- on exchanging tax information. In Taking account of the development ness of the European Statistical Sys- addition, actions aiming at conclu- demands related to nuclear energy is tem. It will support initiatives aimed ding agreements on counteracting fi- vital in increasing energy security and at reducing burdens on respondents nancial abuses between the EU and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. In and lowering the cost of statistical Andorra, the Principality of Monaco line with the conclusions of the 24-25 research, and will continue a debate and the Republic of San Marino will March European Council, the Presi- initiated by the Hungarian Presidency also be undertaken. The Presidency dency will foster the implementation on the proposed regulation of the Eu- will also support measures intended of the highest standards for nuclear ropean system of national and regio- to promote liberalisation of mutual safety in the EU, and their promotion nal accounts in the European Union. trading in agricultural products and in neighbouring countries. At the The Presidency is planning to move processed agricultural products same time, the Polish Presidency forward the legislative procedure between the EU and and will support initiatives contributing to regarding a decision on the European between the EU and Switzerland. global nuclear safety, including the Statistical Programme 2013-2017.

13 Foreign Affairs development of the Common Security democratisation, boost the economy and Defence Policy. and create new jobs in the countries of Council the Mediterranean region, including by Poland will regard the implementa- sharing the transition experiences of EU external relations tion of the European Neighbourhood certain Member States and promoting Policy objectives not only as a means intercultural dialogue. Confronted with momentous events of ensuring the development of a on the international stage, the Europe- stable and secure environment for the In cooperation with the High Repre- an Union faces a challenge in conduc- European Union, but also as a key sentative and the EEAS, the Polish ting its external affairs in line with the long-term instrument for bringing tho- Presidency will endeavour to develop new arrangements provided for in the se countries closer to the EU. In the the Common Security and Defence Lisbon Treaty. During its Presidency course of our Presidency, we want to Policy. This is especially important in of the EU Council, Poland will attach start working on the implementation the context of recent developments high importance to close cooperation of an extended offer for the neighbo- in the EU’s southern neighbourhood. with the President of the European urhood, in line with the results of the Poland’s proposals regarding the Council, the High Representative for ENP review, and to ensure its ade- development of the CSDP, laid down Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, quate financing through the use of a in the “Weimar Letter” and adopted the European External Action Service more flexible set of instruments. From by the FAC in January 2011, are which she runs, and the European the point of view of the Polish Presi- intended to strengthen the EU’s crisis Commission. Close cooperation with dency, the ENP should be directed response capabilities. the , which has at supporting democratic processes, been vested with significant powers the protection of human rights, and These measures will aim to enhance in the area of EU external relations the launch of long-awaited economic the structures responsible for prepa- under the Lisbon Treaty, plays a reforms in partner countries. ring EU operations and expanding significant role. These actions will aim capabilities, while stressing the to strengthen the position of the Euro- The 2nd Eastern Partnership Summit, continued development of the Battle- pean Union on the international stage to be held in Warsaw in September groups and multinational initiatives as an organisation that effectively 2011, will be a key event of the Polish launched under the “pooling and taps the potential of Member States Presidency of the EU Council. As sharing” concept. Initiatives dealing and EU institutions, and meets global part of its continued promotion of the with EU-NATO cooperation and part- challenges and the expectations of its Eastern Partnership, the Polish Pre- nership policy will figure prominently citizens. Cooperation at Foreign Affa- sidency will work towards achieving in our work. These steps are intended irs Council level will be significant in measurable progress in deepening EU to actively support the work led by the ensuring proper coordination of every cooperation with partner countries by High Representative of the Union for aspect of EU external policy. intensifying the processes of political Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. association and economic integration, During its Presidency, Poland will and the liberalisation of visa regimes. Development cooperation support all actions undertaken by the and humanitarian aid High Representative and the EEAS, In response to international develop- in particular in matters relating to ments in the EU’s southern neighbour- The debate on the future of EU deve- the stability, democratisation and hood, Poland will, in the framework of lopment policy will continue into the development of the EU neighbourho- its Presidency, support the implemen- Polish Presidency of the EU Council. od, as well as issues pertaining to the tation of an agreed strategy to develop The 4th High-Level Forum on Aid Ef- 14 fectiveness to be held in South Korea Trade policy trade agreement negotiations with will be one of the most important India and Singapore, and the negotia- international events of the Polish Pre- IIn the second half of 2011, an oppor- tions on the EU – Canada economic sidency. Within the framework of its tunity is arising to agree on a package and trade agreement. Furthermore, Presidency, Poland will aim to conso- arrangement designed for a develop- in the framework of EU – third country lidate the European Union’s position ment of the least developed countries association agreement negotiations on development aid and enhance the (LDCs) as well as solutions intended to which include significant trade com- effectiveness of aid activities. reduce costs in international trade with ponents, the Polish Presidency will a concurrent stipulation that it does not support the finalisation of the An issue directly linked to aid effec- close the possibility to pursue negotia- EU – Mercosur negotiations. The tiveness is the joint programming of tions within the framework of Doha De- Polish Presidency will also work development aid by the European velopment Round and that the single towards signing an association agre- Union and its Member States, which undertaking principle will be maintained ement between the EU and Central will become an important element of regarding the whole package. The American countries as well as an the debate on the future European Polish Presidency aims to agree on EU multilateral trade agreement with development cooperation. and adopt the package arrangement Peru and Columbia. during the Seventh WTO Ministerial The Polish Presidency intends to Conference in December 2011. The Polish Presidency will support actively support discussions on the the creation, on the EU forum, of prin- future shape of the instruments that The Presidency will also support the ciples for implementing a common finance development cooperation as European Commission in fixing as investment policy, including the conc- part of the new Multiannual Frame- soon as possible, by the end of 2011 lusion of international agreements work (MFF). at the latest, a roadmap laying down with our external partners regulating further negotiations in remaining investment support and protection The implementation of the com- areas of the WTO Doha Round, inclu- which, until now, have been exclusi- mitments arising from cooperation ding modalities on market access for vely the subject of bilateral national between the European Union and the goods and services. agreements. ACP states will be an important task of the Polish Presidency. An important task of the Polish Pre- In the second half of 2011, work will sidency will be to enhance economic begin on reforming the EU unilateral The Polish Presidency, in collabora- and trade relations with Eastern and trade preference scheme (EU GSP) tion with the European Commission, Southern Europe. In particular, we will for developing countries and the will organise the sixth edition of the underline the need to advance – to the least-developed countries, from 2014 European Development Days in fullest extent possible – negotiations on onwards. The Polish Presidency will December 2011. an EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehen- try to make maximum headway in sive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) creating a new system of preferences During its Presidency, Poland will in the framework of the EU – Ukraine as an important instrument of EU continue to implement the periodic association agreement, with the hope development policy. review of the European Consensus that negotiations can be concluded on Humanitarian Aid Action Plan. before the end of 2011. The Polish Pre- The Polish Presidency will also look A major task will be to hold further sidency will also strive to initiate DCFTA for solutions to existing international discussions and conduct preparatory negotiations with Moldova and Georgia trade barriers. We will moreover work leading to the identification of within the framework of negotiations on support EU efforts to improve access the role and tasks of the European EU association agreements with these for EU service providers and vendors Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps in countries. At the same time, the Polish to the public procurement market in the European humanitarian policy. Presidency will support the Russian developed countries and those with Federation’s accession to the WTO; we large emerging economies, as well as The continuation of negotiations on count on this taking place in 2011. activities aimed at expanding access the Food Aid Convention will be an to third country markets for small and important element of the Polish Presi- The Polish Presidency will support medium-sized EU enterprises dency’s agenda. efforts aimed at finalising the EU free 15 Economic and Financial main priorities of the Polish Presi- Recognising that the European dency in the economic and financial System of National and Regional Council areas. Stability of the euro area is Accounts is an important tool of EU of key importance for the whole EU administration, and is also used to Structural reforms, faster economic thus the Presidency will promote this analyse the coordination and conver- growth, sounder public finances issue despite the fact that Poland is gence of the Member States’ econo- not a member of the . The mic policies, the Polish Presidency In the second half of 2011, the Eco- Presidency will be actively suppor- will work actively on the legislative nomic and Financial Affairs Council ting measures aimed at ensuring proposals aimed at revising this will have the following priorities: to long-term stability of public finances system. implement effective measures that strengthen fiscal discipline and that enhance economic growth, macroeconomic oversight and will Financial services – to put public finances in the EU undertake the efforts to prepare enhancing the security on a stable footing, and to launch the position concerning future of of the European financial initiatives – under the Europe available mechanisms of support. market 2020 Strategy – that support em- The Council will act to ensure ployment and economic growth. consistent application of the Stability Recognising the importance of im- The aim of these measures is to and Growth Pact, in particular, it will proving the stability of the financial boost EU competitiveness worl- assess progress made by Member sector in the EU, the Polish Presi- dwide and to respond quickly and States in reducing excessive deficits dency will support and promote the adequately to current economic during the first year of the enforce- early adoption of proposals aimed developments, which continue to ment of the European Semester. at improving financial market re- be affected by the financial and eco- These actions have great importan- gulation and oversight, and at de- nomic crisis and the public finance ce due to its effects and the need to veloping crisis management rules, crisis in some EU Member States. strengthen the measures helping to which would help to safeguard the All ECOFIN Council activities will avoid such crisis in the future. sector against the negative effects be implemented with a view to the of crises and help maintain financial quality and comprehensive impact Actions relating to the establishment market stability. Special emphasis assessment of new legislative acts, of the European Stability Mecha- will be placed on the implementa- to eliminating barriers and obstacles nism will also be continued to enable tion of measures to increase the in the operation of the Single Market, its entry into force in accordance with integrity and transparency of the and good coordination with other EU the timetable set by the European financial sector, reducing systemic Council formations. Council in December 2010. risks and excessive risk-taking. In addition, the ECOFIN Council Economic governance – The ECOFIN Council will be engaged will monitor the operation of the implementation of new in the process of managing the new macro- and micro-pruden- measures implementation of the Europe 2020 tial oversight framework, closely strategy. It will aim to effectively collaborating with the European Improvement of a situation implement medium- and long-term Systemic Risk Board and the newly relating to the current sovereign structural reforms with a view to established supervisory agencies. debt crisis in many countries increasing EU’s competitiveness, its and enhancement of economic economic potential, social cohesion governance in the EU will be the and economic convergence. 16 2012 EU Budget – meeting any other illegal activities affecting will be made to use the discussions our needs and challenges those interests. Continued emphasis on this new strategy to improve the will be put on the implementation of functioning of the internal market and The Polish Presidency will act to planned reforms of EU institutions re- to increase the effectiveness of the efficiently conduct the annual budget sponsible for executing tasks relating system of indirect taxes in order to procedure in line with the new to proper control of budget revenues enhance EU economic growth. legislative provisions of the Lisbon and expenditures. Treaty, which grant equal rights to the The external dimension – European Parliament and the Coun- Taxes – towards more the EU’s strong and united cil. The aim of the Presidency will be transparent regulations voice at international fo- to ensure that the 2012 EU budget rums is adopted on time and that its size In the area of direct taxes, the guarantees that the challenges facing Presidency will continue working on The Polish Presidency will aim for the Europe can be met. the European Commission’s proposal EU to develop and present a coordi- for a common consolidated tax base. nated, common position at G20 me- Financial Regulation – new, Efforts will be made to achieve pro- etings at the level of finance ministers effective budget rules gress on the European Commission’s and central bank presidents. It will use other legislative proposals. Special its best efforts to ensure, with the full The Polish Presidency will aim to en- emphasis will be placed on good cooperation of the President of the Eu- sure the smooth continuation of work governance, particularly with regard ropean Council and the President of to amend the financial regulation, to the taxation of savings income and the European Commission and those which lays down new budget rules to agreements on counteracting fraud Member States attending the summit enable EU policies to be implemented signed with third countries. meeting, proper coordination in the effectively. preparation of the EU position before Considering the conclusions of the the G20 leaders’ summit. EU’s own resources – European Council of March 24-25 towards a modern system 2011, it will be necessary to continue The Polish Presidency will be of financing work on financial sector taxation. involved in the development and pre- With respect to indirect taxes, as sentation of the EU’s position on the The Presidency will initiate work on a soon as the European Commission forum of the International Monetary new system of EU budget revenues, tables a legislative proposal, the Fund, the World Bank Group, and based on a European Commission Presidency will engage, as a priority, it will maintain close relations with proposal, in order to establish a in work relating to administrative other international and regional fi- modern and fair system of financing cooperation on excise duties. nancial institutions and organisations EU activities in the new multiannual Work to amend the Energy Taxation dealing with economic integration. financial framework. Directive will also be continued. The Polish Presidency will act to strengthen economic cooperation Protection of EU financial In the area of value added tax, the with partner countries covered by the interests – implementation Presidency will continue the work European Neighbourhood Policy, of effective solutions to streamline regulations, redu- in particular countries participating ce administrative burdens, and in the Eastern Partnership, the The Presidency will support initiatives counteract fraud. If the European European Free Trade Association to protect the EU’s financial interests Commission announces a Communi- member countries and candidate and to combat financial abuses or cation on a new VAT strategy, efforts countries for EU membership.

17 Competitiveness Council Enterprises, especially the SME a directive on the licensing of orphan sector, should reap more benefits works to enable the publication of from the Single Market. Measures to library resources or archives in a Towards greater dynamics for which Member States have commit- digital format. It will also engage in a Europe ted themselves by adopting the Small discussion on a Green Paper concer- Business Act will be summed up in ning audiovisual works. Stronger internal market to 2011. We will support and promote benefit entrepreneurs and Commission initiatives that improve In respect of public procurement, citizens development opportunities for SMEs the Presidency will conduct work on and their access to third country the initiative concerning concessions The Single Market has been the markets and venture capital. for services. fundamental instrument of European Union economic growth. It also repre- As a result of the adoption of a A properly functioning internal market sents one of the EU’s greatest assets. decision to engage in enhanced is not possible without ensuring Its beneficiaries are the entrepreneurs cooperation, the Presidency will aim a high level of consumer protec- and citizens of all Member States. The to conclude work on the creation of a tion. The Presidency plans to start Polish Presidency will aim to accelera- unitary patent protection system. negotiations on the EC proposal for te changes in the Single Market to tap The measures proposed in this re- applying alternative dispute reso- its full potential. Actions will focus on gard should lead to the establishment lution mechanisms (ADR) in order the implementation of initiatives laid of an inexpensive patent, easily ac- to enhance the position of consumers down in the Single Market Act which cessible to European entrepreneurs, and to provide them with mechanisms have been selected following broad- which would result in increased that would enable them to effectively based public consultations. patent activity and competitiveness, enforce their rights. especially in the SME sector. The Presidency will focus special The Polish Presidency will aim attention on the development of One of the Presidency’s priorities will launch discussions on a directive on e-commerce. In order to enable EU be to improve the regulatory envi- package travel, package holidays and market participants to fully use elec- ronment in which European enter- package tours. tronic services, it will be necessary prises operate. As part of the Smart to reduce legal and administrative Regulation, special attention will be In an effort to bring the level of security barriers and increase users’ confi- focused on the impact assessment to the same standard throughout the dence and sense of security. instrument applied in the legislative European Union and to enhance the process. system of market oversight, and having An efficiently operating and integra- regard to the creation of a uniform ted internal market for services In order to make it easier to run internal market of harmonised and non- represents the key instrument a business in the EU, measures will harmonised products and to ensure of growth and job creation that be taken to merge certain busi- the overall protection of the interests of Europe needs. The Presidency will ness registers, as a technical tool consumers and transparency for pro- promote the full implementation facilitating access to information for ducers, the Presidency intends to work of the Services Directive and will entrepreneurs. on amending the General Products support further actions aimed at Safety Directive once a draft, schedu- ensuring proper application of its In the area of copyright law, the led to be submitted in the second half provisions. Polish Presidency will be working on of 2011, is presented. 18 The Presidency intends to support competitiveness of the EU economy. capital of all the states and regions the European Commission in its work The future of the Lead Markets Ini- of Europe. The Presidency plans to aimed at enhancing internal market in- tiative and the concept of European organise a ministerial conference on struments; among other things we want Innovation Partnerships will be the the functioning of the ERA and its go- to improve administrative cooperation subject of a conference in Warsaw vernance in the context of the aim of between Member States (Internal scheduled for October. making full use of Europe’s intellectu- Market Information System - IMI). al capital, as well as a conference on In addition, the Presidency will ad- national/regional specialisation and In the area of the Customs Union, the dress the future of space policy with the effects of the Cohesion Policy on Presidency will concentrate on the Ac- an optional future space programme. science and innovation. tion Plan for the Eastern Partnership. It will also oversee implementation In order to streamline the free move- The Presidency intends to continue of the Modernised Customs Code exe- ment of goods in the internal market, discussions about a Common Strate- cutive provisions. We will continue the it is necessary to continue efforts in gic Framework for EU Research and process of amending legislation with the area of technical harmonisa- Innovation, including the next Frame- respect to the operations of customs tion. The Presidency recognizes the work Programme in this area. Work authorities against counterfeit goods. need to ensure an EU-wide modern on the document will proceed in the and flexible standardisation system. It context of the Europe 2020 strategy A more competitive Euro- will also continue discussions on key priorities and the “Innovation Union” pean economy legislation for the chemical industry flagship initiative. The Presidency’s concerning issues such as reducing aim will be to create an effective In the second half of 2011, the the use of phosphates in detergents and coherent system of supporting Competitiveness Council will become and precursors of explosives. In research and development at the EU, involved in developing industrial 2011, we will celebrate the fifth anni- national and regional levels. policy. Taking into account the versary of the adoption of the REACH economic crisis and its impact on chemical package. The Presidency The Presidency will aim to support enterprises, as well as the EU’s will organise a conference on this activities that lead to the creation climate policy objectives and the occasion. The adaptation of sectoral of a simpler and more harmonised Europe 2020 strategy, the Presiden- directives with the New Legislative Framework Programme, which will cy will focus on those elements of Framework should also be ensured. be consistent with other support flagship initiatives promoting industry: instruments, especially instruments “Industrial Policy for the Globalisation The Presidency attaches great impor- applied under the Cohesion Policy. Era” and “Resource efficient Europe”, tance to improving the competitive- Special attention will be paid to stream- which are of key importance. ness of the tourism sector in the EU, lining administrative and financial rules including by developing innovation in governing participation in the Frame- Environmental regulations, inclu- tourism, reviewing existing initiatives work Programme and its accessibility ding those designed to increase the and analysing new challenges in this for small research teams and SMEs. efficient use of resources, significan- area, as well as by organising the tly influence the conditions under European Tourism Forum in Cracow In the context of work on the which industry operates. Hence, all in October 2011. decision to extend the EURATOM important consequences of such Programme, the Presidency intends regulations should be discussed Integrated European Re- to conclude negotiations and bring when considering their implementa- search Area about the adoption of the aforesaid tion. The Presidency will support the decision at the end of 2011. Actions intensification of cooperation between The Presidency intends to contribu- taken in this area will also concern, national authorities and the Europe- te to the building of a sustainable among others, a possible discussion an Commission with respect to the and integrated European Rese- on the statutes of the Joint Under- effective application of competition arch Area (ERA), which should be standing of the “Fusion for Energy”, law. Addressing this subject at the regarded as a European community which implements the ITER project Competitiveness Council will bring actively responding to global chal- on behalf of the EU. added value to discussions about the lenges and fully using the intellectual 19 In addition, the Presidency intends the Europe 2020 strategy, especially tive. In this context, the Presidency to continue the work of implementing “Innovation Union”– its flagship initia- will engage in activities connected with partnerships in research and innovation.

20 Transport, network guidelines and by a number Telecommunications of initiatives undertaken vis-à-vis Telecommunications neighbouring countries, such as the The Polish Presidency will continue and Energy Council Eastern Partnership. The develop- work on the Radio Spectrum Policy ment of transportation links with third Programme (RSPP). Improved co- Cohesion and integration countries is important not only from ordination of the management of the the point of view of countries which radio spectrum within the EU and at Transport policy share borders with the EU, but also its external borders is very important from the point of view of social mobi- for reducing barriers to the develop- The main priority of the Presidency lity and economic development in the ment of wireless telecommunication in transport policy will be a revision EU as a whole. technologies. This issue will be the of the guidelines for the Trans- topic of a ministerial conference on European Transport Networks Poland wishes to apply its exten- the new perspectives for the develop- (TEN-T). These networks represent sive experience in higher maritime ment of the electronic telecommuni- a key element of an integrated education. Hence, the Presidency cation market in the EU. and coherent Europe. Their future plans to initiate work on the so-called shape is of great importance for all Maritime Social Agenda Package. The Polish Presidency will also Member States – both in terms of It will cover issues such as com- hold a debate on the Regulation the development of the common petitiveness in shipping, working on roaming on mobile telephone market and social mobility, and on conditions, qualifications and the networks. Pursuant to the European account of the continued differences training of seamen. The Presidency Commission report, the Presidency between European regions in the considers the Maritime Social Agenda will enable the Council to adopt a po- development of transport infrastruc- to be a very important element of EU sition regarding the possible revision ture. The Polish Presidency aims maritime policy, especially in its social of this regulation, guided primarily to create a coherent and integrated dimension. by the interests of EU consumers. transportation system that will boost It is possible that the scope of the EU’s economic development; this An increasing number of EU citizens the Roaming Regulation could be is its objective in revising the TEN-T travel by plane. Therefore, there is a extended to cover retail prices for network guidelines. need to increase the air traffic capaci- data transfer following its review ty of EU airports. It is also necessary during the Polish Presidency. The Presidency will also attach to adapt legislative provisions to the great importance to deeper transport existing market conditions, and to Information society integration with third countries on ensure greater competitiveness of the EU’s eastern border. Consequ- the services needed to operate EU The Presidency will continue work ently, it intends to hold a debate on airports. These issues will be on on the effective implementation a communication regarding interna- the Presidency’s Airport Package of the objectives of the Digital Agen- tional transportation policy vis-à-vis agenda. The Presidency intends to da for Europe – the Commission’s neighbouring countries. The objective pay special attention to the revision strategy for the development of infor- of this communication will be to of the Directive on access to the mation society and the creation adapt the EU’s transportation policy ground handling market at Communi- of a digital single market - which vis-à-vis neighbouring countries to ty airports. is one of the flagships of the Europe new conditions determined by the 2020 Strategy. The implementation results of the revision of the TEN-T of the provisions of the Digital 21 Agenda for Europe will contribute Agency (ENISA) and aims to make ted within a time-frame that allows for to the effective use of the potential effective progress in this area. the implementation of 2011-2020 EU of Information and Communication energy strategy objectives. Technologies (ICT) for economic Integrated EU in a global growth and social progress. The energy dialogue The Polish Presidency intends to Presidency will focus considerable finalise the ongoing negotiations on attention on the Commission’s acti- The changing situation in the EU the Regulation on the Integrity and vities as part of the first assessment energy market poses new challenges Transparency of the Energy Market of the implementation of the Digital for Europe which require a joint and (REMIT). The Presidency also plans Agenda for Europe. deeper effort on the part of Member to conclude work on legal acts whose States in order to implement the go- adoption is conditional on external The Polish Presidency will also als of EU energy policy as set out in time constraints, as is the case with focus on the development of the Lisbon Treaty. The EU needs the new EU-US Energy Star Agre- e-government. In line with the a stable and long-term strategy to ement. European eGovernment Action Plan promote the development of the ener- 2011-2015, the governments of EU gy sector in the 2050 perspective. The Polish Presidency intends to play Member States will develop eGo- The Presidency wishes to address a role in defining the EU’s external vernment services designed around these challenges. The Polish Presi- energy policy. The enhancement users’ needs, reinforcing the mobility dency will support the aspirations of of this policy area is our priority. The of citizens and businesses, also in European countries and institutions Presidency plans to hold a debate the cross-border dimension, and to fully implement measures already on the ways in which this policy sho- providing benefits for the economy adopted, such as the third liberalisa- uld be developed in the coming years and protection of the natural environ- tion package. and on the mechanisms that could ment. The Polish Presidency, jointly help strengthen the EU’s voice in with the Commission, will organise The Presidency intends to achieve the global energy dialogue. Based a ministerial conference on the greatest possible progress on the on this debate, the Presidency e-government. Infrastructure Package and Energy intends to adopt the TTE Council Efficiency Acts, which represent conclusions in November 2011. The issue of security and privacy the core energy legislation on the Those conclusions should contain in the field of ICT is another impor- agenda in the second half of 2011. a clearly defined set of actions and tant subject to be addressed Close and good cooperation between instruments (such as the solidarity by the Presidency. The Polish Presi- all the actors in the EU decision-ma- and coordination mechanism), which, dency is ready to continue work on king process will be necessary, espe- once implemented, will represent the a regulation modernising the Europe- cially with regard to infrastructural EU’s position appropriately at interna- an Network and Information Security legislative acts, if they are to be adop- tional level.

22 Justice and Home to a proposal from the European ternal Security Strategy. Achieving Commission, the Polish Presidency progress on the following issues will Affairs Council will start discussions in the Council be a priority: concerning adoption of the deci- Protection of EU citizens’ rights sion authorising the signing of this • implementation of the EU policy and security agreement. It will also continue cycle concerning serious and or- drafting internal legislative provisions ganized crime policy (Harmony); Effective achievement of laying down the rules of conduct in • supporting activities relating to the Stockholm Programme matters arising from the application the establishment of the Euro- goals as the main challenge of the Convention and the acces- East Police long-term training sion agreement. It will also pay due programme for Eastern Partner- Considering the existing develop- attention to the proposal regarding ship countries; ment of the area of freedom, security the Multi-Annual Work Programme • evaluation of the CATS and and justice, the Presidency will focus of the European Union Agency for SCIFA Committees and an its efforts on the effective implemen- Fundamental Rights (FRA). analysis of the grounds for their tation of initiatives of fundamental operation after 2011; importance for the implementation Home Affairs • development of institutional of the Stockholm Programme. The mechanisms of cooperation Presidency will engage in activities One of the most important tasks to between CSDP and JHA (inclu- aimed at further implementing and be implemented by the Presidency ding between COSI and PSC) developing mechanisms protecting will be cooperation in combating to improve planning and enhance citizens and facilitating their access drug-related crime. The Presidency CSDP civilian mission capabilities; to justice. The Presidency’s actions intends to develop, and submit for • continuation of work to ensure will also be focused on improving adoption by the EU Council, the a cohesive EU policy concerning management in the , European Pact against Synthetic the exchange of information be- initiatives addressing border mana- Drugs. In addition, it will concentrate tween law enforcement agencies gement, the establishment of new on renewing cooperation between while fully respecting personal migration and asylum policy instru- the EU and third countries from data protection standards, aiming ments, and enhancing cooperation Eastern Europe in combating drug- for full implementation of the mechanisms for fighting organised related crime, promoting regional EU Information Management crime. Special attention will be cooperation to combat drug-related Strategy, monitoring of the imple- paid to streamlining civil protection crime, in particular with Eastern Eu- mentation of the Prüm Decisions, mechanisms and measures aimed at ropean countries, and it will address work on the draft Directive on the further development of the internal the issue of the new synthetic drugs. European PNR and continuation security concept. The Presidency will also launch the or conclusion of negotiations of Evaluation of EU Anti-Drugs Stra- agreements on PNR with the US, The Presidency hopes to make tegy for the years 2005-2012 and the Australia and Canada, and day- progress in negotiations on the 2009-2012 Action Plan. to-day monitoring of negotiations European Union’s accession to the on a data protection agreement European Convention on Human In the second half of 2011, work with the US; Rights. It will support the European will continue on the development of • taking action to amend the Data Commission in its efforts to negotiate police cooperation in the EU, hence Protection Directive and the start the accession agreement. Pursuant also on the implementation of the In- of a discussion on the possibility 23 of creating an EU TFTP, based population protection mechanisms System by the end of 2012, in on the EC’s Communication; existing in the EU in order to make particular those referring to political • combating sexual abuse of Community measures more effective agreement on the Dublin III and Eu- children and child pornography and to improve practical cooperation rodac regulations, and will undertake in cyberspace; measures to between EU agencies and Member the necessary efforts to finalise work protect currencies, in particular States. The start of the process of on the draft Qualification Directive. In the euro, against counterfeiting; transforming the Community Civil addition, the Presidency will take the identifying and combating traffic- Protection Mechanism and the Civil action necessary to finalise work on king in human beings; identifying Protection Financial Instrument will the proposed Reception Conditions crimes against cultural property; serve this purpose. The Presiden- Directive and will actively support counteracting illegal produc- cy will also focus on an integrated the work of the European Asylum tion of, and trading in, tobacco approach to crisis communication Support Office (EASO). products; improving security at with the aim of further developing its mass sports events; and initiating social and technological aspects. Development of the practical aspects actions to standardise forensics. of Integrated Border Management, Migration, asylum, and bor- including work on the concept of September 11th, 2011 will mark the der management “smart borders” (the establishment 10th anniversary of the World Trade of the EUROSUR system) and the Center terrorist attacks. The memory The Presidency will continue work on diffusion of best practices in border of those tragic events and lessons the development of instruments to management, will be given priority. learned will be the topic of reflection manage legal migration, in line with during a debate organised as part the directions and guidelines of the The Polish Presidency will launch the of a seminar on the role of Members Europe 2020 strategy. debate to improve the functioning of States’ Anti-Terrorist Centres in the Schengen area. In the second combating terrorism and on structural It will also start a debate on the future half of 2011, work will begin on adop- and procedural changes in the anti- of the Global Approach to Migra- ting amendments to the Schengen terrorist policy of EU Member States tion (GAM) in relation to Eastern Border Code, which will streamline in the last decade. Europe and Central Asia in order to border control procedures. The continue implementing the Action Presidency will aim to conclude work Mass events protection against Plan for the Prague Process. Another on amending the Frontex Regulation terrorist threats (including enhancing priority of the Polish Presidency will so as to enhance its capabilities CBRN security) will be an important be to develop capabilities for mana- of implementing tasks supporting theme. The Presidency will also ging migration and crisis situations Member States in crisis situations. focus on issues relating to combating characterised by the sudden influx of The Presidency will engage in efforts cyber-terrorism, the phenomenon citizens from third countries, such as to carry out an efficient evaluation of radicalisation (in the context of the one we are now witnessing in the of Schengen and to keep to the the impact of conflict in the region of Southern Neighbourhood region. timetable for launching the second the Southern Caucasus on national generation Schengen Information minorities from this region in the EU), Effective measures against illegal System (SIS II). as well as links between left-wing migration are an important element extremism and terrorism. of the common migration policy. The- The Presidency’s visa policy priori- refore, the Presidency will continue ties include the continuation of effec- Work will begin on new tasks and to develop an effective and susta- tive implementation of the Visa Code, directions for customs cooperation, inable policy concerning returns and pursuing visa dialogues (hence the with special emphasis placed on the readmissions of immigrants, primarily process of visa liberalisation) with management of customs services in by supporting voluntary returns while third countries and achieving opera- crisis situations. The Presidency will respecting fundamental rights. bility of the . act to encourage closer cooperation In the monitoring of the implementa- between customs and the police. The Presidency will engage in tion of action plans concerning visa li- With respect to population protection, actions required to conclude work beralisation, special emphasis will be the Presidency will act to improve the on the Common European Asylum placed on support for the process of 24 visa facilitation and visa liberalisation enforcement of judgments in the correlation between actions taken with Eastern Partnership countries European Union with respect to in AFSJ external relations and other and the Russian Federation. cross-border debt recovery. EU policies, especially foreign, Another priority will be to carry out defence, development and trade technical modifications to Council In judicial cooperation on criminal policies. An important task will be Regulation 539/2001 of 15 March matters, the Presidency will focus to engage in a debate on ensuring 2001, listing third countries whose ci- on two issues. The first one is to the complementarity and cohesion tizens must have visas when crossing enhance the procedural and non- of measures undertaken by the EU external borders and those countries procedural rights of victims of crime. and Member States vis-à-vis third whose citizens are exempt from this In the opinion of the Presidency, countries. requirement and also to ensure an special attention should be paid to efficient process of adoption of the the planned proposal for a directive The Presidency will ensure a smooth decision of the European Parliament on strengthening the position of continuation of strategic cooperation and the Council laying down a list of victims in criminal proceedings. with the United States, the Russian documents entitling their holders to In addition, the Presidency will conti- Federation, the Western Balkan cross the EU’s external borders. nue actions to reinforce the procedu- countries and the countries of the ral rights of suspects and accused Union for the Mediterranean. Justice in criminal proceedings by focusing on creating an instrument that would Special emphasis will be placed on In judicial cooperation on civil matters, guarantee access to a trial lawyer for the development of mobility and se- the Presidency will focus on measures suspects. curity in the framework of the Eastern aimed at streamlining the exercise of Partnership (EaP) by initiating new property rights enjoyed by citizens. In In addition to these two priorities, and enhancing existing forms of this respect, major importance will be work will also be continued on the cooperation in border protection, given to work on a draft regulation on technical implementation of the improving capabilities for managing succession and international inheri- ECRIS and a manual for practi- migration (hence promoting legal tances and on the amendment of the tioners. The Presidency will also and combating illegal migration) Brussels I regulation, which lays continue work on the European and the development of police down the rules governing jurisdiction, Investigation Order and on the cooperation (combating organi- recognition of judgements and their proposed directive on attacks against sed crime and serious offences, enforcement in the majority of civil and information systems. including combating trafficking in commercial cases. human beings). The Presidency will External dimension of the aim to efficiently implement visa The Presidency intends to hold a Area of Freedom, Security liberalisation action plans for Ukraine debate on the European Commissio- and Justice (AFSJ) and Moldova, placing emphasis on n’s proposal concerning European performance of commitments and on contract law, which should eliminate The Presidency will aim to enhance criteria related to security, the rule real barriers in international Internet the external dimension of the AFSJ of law and the administration of trade which create obstacles for as a tool for streamlining the process justice. A visa dialogue will also be consumers. of management of migratory flows developed with other EaP countries and to improve the internal security on the basis of individual readiness The Presidency will also commen- of the EU and its partners. Emphasis assessments. ce work on a proposal for effective will be placed on ensuring better

25 Agriculture and Fisheries payments, based on objective and a significant priority for action. The not historical criteria. The Presidency proposed solutions regarding the fu- Council will also work on an agreement on a ture form of the CAP should also take strong second pillar, together with all account of this aspect. In addition, the Reforms for meeting common of its existing links to the Cohesion Presidency will try to reach an agre- challenges Policy. ement on legislative proposals that would repeal redundant legal acts. CAP effectively serving EU In the context of a debate on the futu- goals re of the Common Agricultural Policy Work will also be continued to adapt and the improvement of European legal acts to the Lisbon Treaty. In the second half of 2011, discus- agriculture’s competitiveness, the sions on the future of the Common Polish Presidency will pay special Reforming the Common Agricultural Policy will enter their attention to supporting investments Fisheries Policy decisive phase. The European Com- relating to the development of mission will submit to the Council and renewable energy in rural areas With regard to fisheries, the most the European Parliament a package and will promote measures aimed important objective of the Presidency of legislative proposals concerning, at increasing energy production from will be a comprehensive reform of among others, the system of direct by-products of agriculture and the the . payments and the policy of rural leftovers of the agri-food industry. The Presidency recognises the need development and market regulation. to continue this work, based on the Solutions dealing with these impor- The Presidency will continue discus- progress made since the 2002 re- tant elements of the CAP will be of sions on the future of the milk and form, in order to create a sustainable key importance in effectively tapping milk products market in the context fishing sector in all of its dimensions, the potential of agriculture and rural of the lifting of the milk production so that it can address the challenges areas to implement EU’s long-term quota system planned for 2015. This brought about by the current state of goals and ambitions, laid out, among discussion will be based, inter alia, on the EU fisheries sector. The reform of others, in the Europe 2020 strategy. recommendations of the High Level the Common Fisheries Policy should The CAP should be an instrument Group on the Competiveness of the ensure the sustainable and respon- that builds a strong, competitive and Agro-Food Industry and the High sible management of fish stocks in sustainable European agriculture, Level Expert Group on Milk, as well a multiannual perspective and con- responding to global challenges and as on proposals on the milk package tribute to the implementation of the contributing towards the sustainable submitted by the European Commis- Europe 2020 strategy objectives. In social and economic development of sion. addition to the work of reforming the rural areas. The Presidency will start Common Fisheries Policy, the Presi- working on the Commission’s legisla- Measures concerning the agri- dency will focus on a new European tive proposals to enable successive cultural product quality policy will Fisheries Fund during negotiations on Trio countries to work out a common be an important element of the CAP the 2014-2020 Financial Perspective. position of Member States and to overhaul. The Presidency will conti- conduct effective negotiations be- nue working on a relevant legislative The Presidency intends to devote tween the Council and the European package. considerable attention to the setting Parliament. One of the Presidency’s of 2012 fishing quotas in the Baltic aims will be to identify a basis for an Streamlining the Common Agri- Sea, the Black Sea, as well as in agreement on a new system of direct cultural Policy invariably remains other deep-sea waters, in order to 26 reach an agreement in line with the on the assumptions for a new EU right to plant varieties and its imple- principle of sustainable fisheries. Plant Health Strategy. Summing up mentation in the European Union. The Presidency will also become the Sixth Session of the Commission involved in managing the external for Phytosanitary Measures and Forests and forestry fisheries policy and in negotiating working out an EU position on drafts bilateral agreements with third coun- of International Standards for Phy- The Presidency will focus its interest tries, as well as in coordinating work tosanitary Measures, which have on stable and sustainable forest in the framework of regional fisheries been submitted for consultations to management and the significant management organisations. states parties to the International contribution it makes to the green Plant Protection Convention, will be economy in the context of sustaina- Veterinary and phytosani- an important issue. ble development and to mitigating tary issues and adapting to the consequences In addition, the Presidency will be in- of climate change. The Presidency The Presidency intends to swiftly volved in the preparation and running will also devote special attention to a start work on the upcoming Commis- of a conference called: “Legal Protec- possible legally binding agreement on sion proposal to introduce electronic tion of Plant Varieties in the European forests in Europe in the framework of identification in bovine animals. Union in the 21st Century”, organized the FOREST EUROPE process. by the European Commission (DG In addition, it will continue coopera- SANCO) as part of a summing up of ting with the European Commission the results of the evaluation of the

27 Employment, Social be initiated on work-life balance, to be ment enabling implementation of social prepared by the European Institute for goals and its further development. An Policy, Health and Con- Gender Equality. The work-life balance important event that will coincide with sumer Affairs Council issue will be reflected in the conclu- Poland’s Presidency of the EU Council sions worked out by the Council. will be the summing up of the Europe- Demographic challenges, health an Year of Volunteering 2011. and consumer protection In implementing the Active Europe priority, the Presidency will launch Strengthening the role Employment and social a debate on the flexicurity model’s of consumers, ensuring policy impact on the level of employment, consumer safety and more especially among older people. The effective protection The Presidency’s employment and debate will also concern the positive social policy priorities will be as aspects of occupational activity. A re- Consumer protection policy at EU follows: view of the factors motivating and de- level is an important part of internal • Intergenerational solidarity: motivating employees to maintain and market functioning. If the common towards Europe’s demographic prolong their occupational activity will market functions well, consumers will future; be carried out during our Presidency. have greater confidence in internatio- • Active Europe (A working Within this priority, the Presidency will nal transactions, which will positively Europe); attempt to assess the extent to which impact competition and prices and, • Civic partnership: public the economic crisis has contributed to in effect, bring benefits to all EU authorities and non-governmental labour market reforms, and will pro- citizens. Enhanced consumer protec- organisations in the implementa- pose an outlook for the future of the tion aims to implement this goal and tion of social policy goals. European labour market after 2020. strives to create a genuine internal The outcome of this debate will be market for the exchange of consumer In the framework of the Intergenera- reflected in the Council conclusions. goods. With this in mind, the Presi- tional solidarity: The Demographic Moreover, the Polish Presidency will dency will assess the implementation Future of Europe area, the Presidency hold negotiations on amendments of the Consumer Policy Strategy will promote measures facilitating to the regulation establishing the 2007-2013 and will start work on work-life balance, including improved European Globalisation Adjustment a new Consumer Policy Strategy access to childcare and elderly care Fund to be proposed by the Europe- 2014-2020, which will set out the services, increasing and extending the an Commission. challenges of the European Union professional activity of different social in the field of consumer protection groups, improving the profitability of Civic partnership: public authorities and for the coming years. mobility in the labour market, and non-governmental organisations in the increasing the importance of social implementation of social policy goals – The Polish Presidency will organise dialogue for the achievement of social in this area the Presidency will initiate the European Competition and policy goals. Work will continue on a debate on the role and importance of Consumer Day, which will bring revising Directive 92/85/EEC on the non-governmental organisations and together the heads of European introduction of measures to encourage other partners in the implementation of consumer and competition protection improvements in the safety and health social policy. agencies. Partners from Ukraine and at work of pregnant workers and Russia will be invited to participate in workers who have recently given birth A discussion will take place on virtual the conference. or are breastfeeding. Work will also volunteering as an innovative instru- 28 Health tests, and to create a network of The Presidency, depending on the institutions that would monitor health Member States’ needs and the posi- In the area of public health, special outcomes leading to prevention and tions, also plans to address the follo- emphasis will be placed on reducing adequate treatment of such diseases wing topics: partnership for innovation the gaps in health status of the and the creation of better conditions to promote healthy and active ageing, European Union’s population. for later stages in life, as well as e-health, antibiotic resistance and easier integration of patients afflicted ensuring that patients have access to In this respect, the Presidency will fir- by such diseases into social and reliable information about prescription stly pay attention to actions targeting economic life. medicinal products. the determinants of health, especially nutrition and physical activity, mainly The Presidency also intends to The proposal currently under discus- through prevention, health promotion continue actions aimed at pre- sion for a regulation of the European and education. venting and treating brain and Parliament and of the Council on neurodegenerative diseases, inc- the provision of food information to Secondly, in the area of chronic dise- luding Alzheimer’s disease. Such consumers should ensure that con- ases, the Presidency will focus on the actions are of great significance for sumers have important and reliable prevention and control of respiratory Europe’s ageing populations and information which would permit them diseases in children. Thirdly, the Pre- the social and economic challen- to make the right choices. During sidency will address topics that help ges facing Member States. In this work on this proposal, the Polish to better detect and treat communi- context, a special debate will be Presidency will aim for a compromi- cation disorders in children through held on setting priorities in brain se. Efforts will also be undertaken to e-health and an innovative approach research, innovative diagnostics, reach agreement regarding work on to treatment and enhanced coope- the treatment and the organisation a proposed regulation on foods for ration between countries. A special of care, and the social integration particular nutritional uses which is discussion will be held on the need to of the elderly afflicted by such scheduled to begin during the Polish develop instruments and screening diseases. Presidency.

29 The task of the Presidency will be Global process of sustain- to continue work on implementing able development (Rio +20) the EU Biodiversity Action Plan. The Creating a new European frame- Presidency intends to hold a discus- An important event in 2012 will be the work for environmental policy sion on the subject of funds devoted Conference on Sustainable Deve- to the conservation of biological lopment which will sum up the Earth Preventing climate change diversity. Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. and adapting Europe to this change For the actions implemented to The Conference will address two be effective, biodiversity conse- main tasks of paramount importance The world needs a new post-2012 rvation must be integrated with for the European Union and its global climate policy, which would guarantee measures implemented in different standing: the green economy and global and effective climate protection sectors of the economy, such as the global institutional framework measures based on solidarity. The agriculture and transportation. for sustainable development. It will aim of the Presidency is to work out The Presidency intends to work on provide an opportunity to revise a common EU position in this regard developing instruments that could existing commitments and to propose in the Council and to strive to achieve help prevent the loss of biodiver- new directions for environmental pro- a binding new agreement during the sity, such as spatial planning and tection development, including a new Conference of the Parties to the Uni- sustainable forest management. environmental management system ted Nations Framework Convention on It is planning to organise two high – the International Environmental Go- Climate Change in Durban, Republic level conferences addressing vernance, which will help to intensify of South Africa (COP17/MOP7). these topics. global common environmental protec- tion efforts. The Conference should The Presidency considers it crucial to Effective use of resources result in concrete measures aimed enhance measures designed to prepa- at developing the green economy re Europe for the outcomes of climate The European Union countries sho- and at working out a more effective change, and it therefore intends to uld look for new solutions that would institutional architecture responding hold a discussion on the possibility of effectively prevent the loss of reso- to new global challenges and serving intensifying adaptation measures. urces at the EU and global levels. To both the developing and developed this end, it is important to continue countries’ needs. The Presidency in- Protection of biological a political debate on solutions that tends to actively support an EU-wide diversity would help us use resources effi- dialogue to develop ambitious EU ciently. What is particularly important proposals for the 2012 Earth Summit. The loss of biological diversity is is to integrate these solutions with one of the greatest environmental economic measures. The Presidency The Presidency will give impetus to problems the European Union needs will hold a discussion at the informal the EU’s preparations for the UNCSD to address, in view of the real and Council in July on the transition 2012 in order to map ambitious goals measurable risks posed by this loss, to a resource-efficient Europe. In and proposals for the conference in such as: upsetting ecosystem func- addition, the Presidency will work on 2012. To this end, a high level discus- tions, loss of energy resources and a Road Map to plan EU actions in sion on how to prepare the EU for this other chain reactions whose effects this area. event is planned for October. are difficult to predict and which affect human health and safety. 30 Current work on environ- The Presidency intends to focus with the European Parliament aimed mental policy instruments special attention on the review of the at reaching agreement at second 6th Environmental Action Programme reading on the Biocidal Products Re- Moreover, during the Presidency an and to work on constructive input to a gulation and the WEEE Directive. important debate will take place on new proposal for the 7th Programme. new environmental policy challenges. The Presidency will hold discussions

31 Education, Youth, in the context of lifelong learning, contributes to the idea of the 2011 including language competencies, European Year of Voluntary Activities Culture and Sport thereby helping to make studying or Promoting Active Citizenship, as well Council working abroad more widespread. as to the European Commission’s Enhancing cooperation between activities that proclaimed 2011 the Competencies for Europe vocational training, higher education EU-China Year of Youth. and employers, as well as other Education (school and institutions in the social and econo- The main objective of the Presiden- higher education) mic environment, and helping to raise cy will be to promote and increase the quality of education and to create cooperation between young people In the field of education, the Presi- flexible lifelong learning paths are all from the EU and their peers from dency’s priorities will be education important aspects of this work. Eastern European and the Caucasus for mobility and the modernisation countries (Eastern Partnership co- of universities. The context for the The full use of Europe’s intellectual untries and Russia). This priority will implementation of the above priorities capital for the purpose of building be implemented through structured will include the following EU strategic Europe’s competitive advantage dialogue with young people (consul- documents: Europe 2020 Strategy requires, among other things, initia- tations and youth conferences), the and its flagship initiatives - Youth on tives to modernise universities. The exchange of good practices in this the Move, Agenda for New Skills and Presidency will put an emphasis on area between Member States, and a New Jobs and the Strategic Frame- supporting quality in the context of discussion on the strategic priorities work for European Cooperation in popularisation of higher education, of youth policy in the coming years Education and Training (ET 2020), primarily perfection in teaching and (meetings of Directors General for as well as the European Commission scientific research, as well as diffe- Youth). A discussion will also be communication on the modernisation rentiation and transparency of higher launched on the future of program- of universities expected in the third education institutions, employability mes that support mobility, including quarter of 2011. of graduates, partnership with the opening them up to neighbouring business community, and the social countries. The Presidency recognises The Presidency will launch a debate dimension of higher education. the importance of the Eastern dimen- on learning mobility issues in the sion of youth mobility. framework of EU educational pro- In the second half of 2011, a declara- grammes, in a comprehensive way, tion on the development of educatio- Culture taking into account its international nal contacts between the EU Member dimension (including the EU’s neigh- States and the Eastern Partnership In the area of culture, the Presidency bours). The debate on priority areas countries, and their importance in will continue working to promote a of the second cycle of European enhancing the EU’s position in global better understanding of the role of cooperation in the field of education development processes, will be dra- culture, using the potential of culture and training for the years 2012–2014 fted and presented. to enhance European integration and will also be an important part of the the EU’s social and economic deve- Presidency’s agenda. Youth lopment, including in the implemen- tation of the Europe 2020 strategy The Presidency will aim to advance The Presidency’s work in this area goals. In this context, the Presidency work on developing competencies will focus on the field of action called will work on measures highlighting among young people and adults “youth and the world”. This topic the important role played by the 32 development of key cultural compe- to nominate members of a European Sport tencies and individual and community panel of experts on the Label. creativity in building Europe’s intellec- The Polish Presidency will have a key tual capital (including its social and Audiovisual policy role in developing EU cooperation in human capital). In the second half of the field of sport, as it will be the first 2011, work will begin to identify the The Presidency will focus its attention Presidency working in the context of most effective creative partnerships on promoting cultural diversity and the new EU work-plan for sport adop- that contribute to the development of creative content (the Digital Agenda ted in May 2011. The Presidency will cultural competencies, and the role of for Europe). Its main priority in audio- initiate a discussion on risks to the NGOs in this process. visual policy will be issues relating to integrity of sport, focusing mainly on digitalisation, access to and protec- those caused by corruption. The Presidency will support the tion of cultural heritage, in particular continuation of discussions on the audiovisual and film resources, also Moreover, the Presidency will focus assumptions underlying the EU in the context of the development of on the social and economic dimen- instruments that will support culture the Europeana digital library. sions of sport, stressing issues after 2013. relating to social exclusion and the The Presidency recognises the significant impact of sport on the The Presidency will also attach great importance of the MEDIA 2007-2013 economy, which are fully in line with importance to the place of culture Programme, which has made a positi- the Europe 2020 strategy. in EU’s external relations. The EU ve contribution to the development should play a leading role in the of the European film and audiovisual In connection with the above, the implementation of the UNESCO industry, and has enhanced Europe- Polish Presidency’s priority will be to Convention on the Protection and an cultural diversity and supports the develop new sport initiatives. Poland Promotion of Diversity of Diversity of flow of film and audiovisual works in plans to adopt documents addressing Cultural Expressions. The Presidency Europe. In addition, the Presidency sport volunteering and representa- considers it particularly important to will draw attention to the need to tion, and coordination of the EU’s develop and enhance cooperation advance the process of digitalisation position at the meeting of the World with the Eastern Partnership coun- of European cinemas in the context Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). tries. Promoting people-to-people of the challenges of the digital era. contacts and mobility between the EU The Polish Presidency’s actions in and the Partnership countries will be The Presidency will also aim to initia- the above areas are directly linked to a priority. te and advance measures to improve the directions of development of the the protection of minors in the digital European sport dimension as set out We will also continue work on im- environment, media literacy, on-line in the European Commission Com- plementing the initiative to create a access to audiovisual content and the munication “Developing the European European Heritage Label by agreeing legal protection of services based on Dimension in Sport”. on a mechanism allowing the Council or consisting of conditional access.

33 Appendix. Calendar of ministerial meetings

July

5 – 6 July Health Ministers’ Meeting (informal), Sopot 6 – 7 July Eastern Dimension of Mobility Conference, Warsaw 7 – 8 July Employment and Social Policy Ministers’ Meeting (informal), Sopot 8 July Meeting of the members of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Poland and the EU College of Commissioners, Warsaw 11 – 12 July Environment Council (informal), Sopot 12 July Economic & Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), Brussels 13 – 15 July High-Level Meeting on Energy, Bełchatów 14 – 15 July Development Ministers’ Meeting (informal), Sopot 16 July Ministerial Conference on the Use of Agricultural Biomass for Energy Purposes as an Important Element of the Common Agricultural Policy, Sopot 18 July General Affairs Council (GAC), Brussels 18 July (FAC), Brussels 18 – 19 July Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels 18 – 19 July Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA; informal), Sopot 18 – 19 July Conference on Promotion of Equal Opportunities Through Sport as an Element of Social Policy, Wrocław 18 – 20 July Conference on Cultural Competence, Warsaw 20 July Conference ahead of the Competiveness Council (informal) on the European Research Area, Sopot 20 – 22 July Competitiveness Council (COMPET; informal), Sopot 22 July Economic and Financial Affairs Council – Budget (ECOFIN Budget), (poss.) Brussels 25 – 26 July EU- US Senior Officials Meeting, Cracow 28 – 29 July Meeting of Ministers for European Affairs (informal), Sopot

September

2 – 3 September Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (GYMNICH format), Sopot 5 September Conference on the Social Responsibility of Business, Gdańsk 5 – 6 September Meeting of Transport Ministers (informal), Sopot 6 – 7 September IV Investment Forum, Tarnów 8 – 11 September European Culture Congress, Wrocław

34 9 September Meeting of Ministers of Culture and Audiovisual Policy (informal), Wrocław 9 September Expanding single European market to the Eastern Partners - giving mutual boost to our economic growth - new concept for neighbourhood policy, Krynica Zdrój 11 – 13 September Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH; informal), Wrocław 12 September General Affairs Council (GAC), Brussels 12 September e-volunteering Conference, Warsaw 13 – 14 September Conference “From Volunteer to Sport Leader”, Warsaw 14 – 16 September Eurofi Financial Forum (accompanying event), Wrocław 15 September Ministerial Conference of the Ministry of the Economy on the occasion of the 15th Anniversary of Poland’s Membership of the OECD, Warsaw 16 – 17 September Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN; informal), Wrocław 17 – 18 September European Congress of Women, Warsaw 19 – 20 September Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels 19 – 20 September Transportation, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE – Energy; informal), Wrocław 22 – 23 September Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA), Brussels 22 – 23 September Meeting of Ministers for National Defence (informal), Wrocław 26 September Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) – Trade Ministers Formation, Brussels 26 September Formal lunch of Ministers of Trade, Brussels 26 September Ministerial Conference of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy on the social priority: “Social Impact of the Economic Crisis. Short- and Long-Term Measures of the Anti-Crisis Policy”, Wrocław 26 – 28 September Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference, Warsaw 28 – 29 September Ministerial Conference “Forestry for Climate and Biodiversity” combined with a meeting of Directors for Forests and Nature Conservation, Ryn 29 – 30 September Eastern Partnership Summit, Warsaw 29 – 30 September Competitiveness Council (COMPET), Brussels

October

3 October Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), 2 - 4 October Single Market Forum (SIMFO), Cracow 3 - 4 October EU – Western Balkans Ministerial Forum, Ohrid 4 October Economic & Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), Luxemburg 5 - 6 October Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (Informal), Cracow 5 - 7 October European Tourism Forum, Cracow 6 October Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council – Transport (TTE- Transport), Luxembourg 10 October Environment Council (ENVI), Luxembourg 10 – 11 October Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Luxembourg 10 – 11 October Ministerial Energy Conference and General Assembly of the Council of European Energy Regulators on “Competitive and integrated market as a guarantee of energy security”, Cracow 10 – 11 October Russia-EU Permanent Partnership Council on Freedom, Security and Justice, Warsaw 10 – 11 October Ministerial Conference of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy on Challenges and Opportunities for Employment opportunities in Changing Demographics, Warsaw 10 – 11 October Meeting of EU Ministers for Education (informal), Gdańsk 11 October General Affairs Council (GAC), Luxembourg 35 11 – 12 October European Heritage Forum, Wrocław 11 – 12 October Conference in preparation for the Rio+20 Global Summit, Warsaw 13 – 14 October Sports Ministers’ Meeting (Informal), Cracow 17 October Tripartite Social Summit, Brussels 17 – 18 October Convention of the European Platform Against Poverty, Cracow 17 – 18 October EUROPEAN COUNCIL, Brussels 18 – 19 October Ministerial Conference “Development of the European Statistical System in light of the Eastern Partnership – Directions and Strategy”, Cracow 19 – 20 October Ministerial Conference “Perspectives for Development of the Electronic Communications Market in the European Union”, Warsaw 19 – 20 October European Congress on Rural Development, Warsaw 19 – 21 October Conference of Heads of Customs Services in the framework of the EU’s Eastern Partnership Programme, Kraków 20 – 21 October Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Luxembourg 20 – 21 October Union for the Mediterranean Senior Officials’ Meeting, Cracow 20 – 21 October Meeting of Ministers for Family and Gender Equality (informal), Cracow 20 – 21 October Conference in cooperation with the Academy of European Law in Trier - Cross-border insolvency, Trier 24 – 25 October Transport Ministers’ Meeting on Eastern Partnership, Cracow 24 – 26 October EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Forum and the Baltic Development Forum, Gdańsk 25 – 26 October European Migration Network Conference, Warsaw 26 – 27 October Conference on the Implementation of the LMI initiative and the European Partnership Initiative (EPI), Warsaw 27 – 28 October Ministerial Conference “Approximation of Veterinary, Phytosanitary and Food Quality and Safety Legislation in Eastern Partnership Countries with ”, Cracow 27 – 28 October Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA), Luxembourg

November

3 – 4 November Second Prague Process Ministerial Conference – Building Migration Partnerships in Action, Poznań 7 November EU-USA Ministerial Meeting in Justice and home affairs area, Washington 7 – 8 November Ministerial Conference “Solidarity in Health – Closing the Health Gap between European Union Member States”, Poznań 8 November Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), Brussels 9 – 10 November Conference on European Contract Law, Warsaw 14 November Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Brussels 14 – 15 November Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels 14 – 15 November 5th Equality Summit, Poznań 15 November General Affairs Council (GAC), Brussels 15 November European Economic Area (EEA) Council, on the margin of the GAC, Brussels 17 November Meeting of Ministers for e-government, Poznań 17 – 18 November 6th European Ministerial Conference and Exhibition on e-administration “Borderless eGovernment Services for Europeans”, Poznań 18 November Economic and Financial Affairs Council – Budget (ECOFIN Budget), Brussels 21 – 22 November Fundamental Rights Conference 2011, Warsaw 36 23 – 24 November REACH Fifth Anniversary Conference, Warsaw 24 November Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council – Energy (TTE - Energy), Brussels 24 November Ministerial Conference “Integrated Approach to Development - Key to Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth”, Poznań 24 – 25 November European Competition and Consumer Day, Poznań 25 November Meeting of Ministers for Regional Policy, Cohesion, Territorial Cohesion and Urban Development (informal), Poznań 28 - 29 November Education, Youth, Culture and Sports Council (EYCS), Brussels 30 November Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), Brussels

December

1 December Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), Brussels 1 December Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO), Brussels 1 – 2 December High-level Conference for Southern Neighbourhood countries, Warsaw 2 December Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council – Health (EPSCO- Health), Brussels 5 December General Affairs Council (GAC) (TBC), Brussels 5 – 6 December Competitiveness Council (COMPET), Brussels 5 – 6 December Space Council on the margin of the Competition Council (COMPET) (poss.), Brussels 5 – 6 December Conference on the financial aspects of legal aid in criminal matters in the EU Member States, Warsaw 9 December EUROPEAN COUNCIL, Brussels 12 December Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council – Transport (TTE - Transport), Brussels 13 December Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council – Telecommunications (TTE – Telecom.), Brussels 13 – 14 December Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA), Brussels 15 – 16 December Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), Brussels 15 – 16 December European Development Days, Warsaw 16 December General Affairs Council (GAC) on Cohesion Policy (poss.), Brussels 16 December Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) on the margin of the WTO ministerial conference (poss.), Geneve 19 December Environment Council (ENVI), Brussels

37 38 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Al. J.Ch. Szucha 23, 00-580 Warsaw

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