Energy liberalisation Interview Enlargement The makings of an energy Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Obstacles abound on Balkans’ watchdog Page 10 Jean Asselborn Page 14 road to EU Page 15 EUROPOLITIcs
The European affairs daily Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 37th year
Focus Transport Council Crisis a good excuse to delay Iceland looking towards EU Eurovignette revision By Isabelle Smets is admittedly suffering from the crisis, “it is also in transport that growth rates are The question of whether or not to join The economic crisis is serving as the highest” when crises come to an end. the European Union has become a key a good excuse for the member states Sweden and Hungary also noted that the element of the election campaign in Ice- opposed to revision of the Eurovignette crisis could not be used as a pretext to land. It is uppermost in the minds of the Directive, which brought it up time and delay the debate, but Transport Com- main parties as they prepare their strat- again at the Council of Transport Minis- missioner Antonio Tajani did not seem egy for the elections to be held in less ters, in Brussels on 30 March. to want to shake up the troops, saying he than four weeks.Johanna Sigurdardottir, The revised directive is meant to allow did not want “to do things too fast”. the new leader of the Social Democrats, the member states to set up road charg- Over and above the advisability of the only real pro-European party, negoti- ing systems that reflect the external costs legislating now, the discussions focused ated, on 30 March, with the Left-Greens of the road transport of freight (costs primarily on whether or not congestion an agreement on this crucial issue, of pollution, noise and congestion, should be included in the scope of the which came back on the agenda after the according to the proposal). directive, ie whether trucks should be country’s economy collapsed due to the However, since it will logically result made to pay the costs of traffic jams. financial crisis. The Social Democrats, in an increase in transport prices – seen The question divides the Council and who are in the lead according to the as either minimal or disproportionate, many delegations are opposed (Malta, latest polls, are running the interim gov- depending on the point of view – its Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Ireland and ernment with the ecologists. At the con- detractors repeated untiringly that “this Estonia). Others are prepared to accept clusion of their congress the day before, is not the right time”. And considering it provided that passenger cars also con- they confirmed that EU accession would the state of the debate, an agreement at tribute (Finland, Sweden, Slovakia, be a plank in their platform. The Left- the next Transport Council in June - the Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Italy). The Green party, credited with 26% voting Czech Presidency’s goal - appears highly compromise tabled by the Czech EU intentions, has until now considered unlikely. Presidency on this point is nowhere that it was in Iceland’s interests to stay Countries like Germany, Italy, Malta, near rallying unanimity. out of the EU, in particular to protect its Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Ireland, the It nevertheless postpones authorisation fisheries sector.The Independence (Con- United Kingdom, Slovakia, Bulgaria, to impose a congestion charge until four servative) party, which ran the country Cyprus, Greece and Estonia all used years after the directive’s entry into force for years, remains opposed to accession the crisis as an argument to call for (seen as “excessive” by the Commission, although it supports a referendum on more time or only a limited revision of which is nonetheless willing to discuss the opening of negotiations and another Directive 1999/62/EC. the matter) and sets strict conditions on accession itself.A clear majority of While it was repeated that “transport (including the obligation for states using Icelanders (64%) support the open- operators have to be helped, not taxed it to adopt an anti-congestion plan). n ing of accession negotiations but only further,” few states pointed out that the 40% back accession, according to a poll measures in question are not meant The Czech EU Presidency’s proposals are published in early March. to be applied right away. Only France available at dared bring up that, although transport www.europolitics.info > Search = 247093
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Contents N° 3725 Top Stories Energy liberalisation Interview Enlargement The makings of an energy Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Obstacles abound on Balkans’ watchdog Page 10 Jean Asselborn Page 14 road to EU Page 15
Business & competitiveness Energy/Telecoms: ICT could Institutions Intellectual property: Commission help reduce carbon footprint...... 9 Interview with Luxembourg’s to launch piracy observatory...... 4 Energy: New efficiency rules Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn: State aid: Spanish plan for ‘green’ for heating pumps...... 9 “We need to tell the Czechs that cars cleared...... 4 Energy liberalisation: The makings the EU is not a game”...... 14 Telecommunications: Protection of of an energy watchdog...... 10 Greens: Socialists urged to internet users’ rights up for debate again.... 4 Interview with MEP Giles propose alternative to Barroso...... 15 Telecoms Council: EU wants new Chichester, rapporteur on ACER: technologies to help combat crisis...... 5 “We have given the agency powers”...... 11 External relations Telecommunications: Enlargement: Obstacles abound Commission recommends Social affairs on Balkans’ road to EU...... 15 coordination against cyber attacks...... 5 Transport Council: Self-employed Development: First financing drivers not covered by Working decisions under Food Facility...... 16 Financial services, banks, Time Directive...... 12 G20 summit: China steps into insurance G8 social summit: Labour ministers debate on future of global economy...... 16 Financial services: Crisis threatens ponder global employment measures...... 13 expansion of UCITS brand...... 7 In Brief Economic & monetary affairs, EIB loan for Enel...... 17 Sectoral policies taxation Germany keeps restrictions Transport Council: Crisis a good Economic crisis: EIB keen to for EU8 workers...... 17 excuse to delay Eurovignette revision.....1 lend more to Baltic states...... 13 New aid for Afghanistan...... 17 Transport Council: Support in Economy: Sentiment indicator Obama announces energy principle for intelligent transport systems.. 8 continues decline...... 13 and climate forum...... 17 Transport Council: Simpler rules in Development aid sets record in 2008...... 17 sight for maritime transport operators.....8 New head of EC representation Foodstuffs: MEPs say Union must in Berlin...... 17 guarantee reasonable prices...... 9 EU Agenda...... 18
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Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
Intellectual property Commission to launch piracy observatory
By Dafydd ab Iago the collection and analysis of data on piracy raising awareness and sharing best practices and infringement of intellectual property in enforcing intellectual property rights The European Commission will, on 2 rights. Despite the lack of finance or addi- between business and national authorities. April at a Brussels conference on counter- tional staff, Internal Market Commissioner The launch of the observatory takes place feiting and piracy, launch a so-called Euro- Charlie McCreevy praised the observatory at a conference in Brussels at the Concert pean Observatory on Counterfeiting and as a concrete solution. “I am confident that Noble, Rue d’Arlon 82. Some notable Piracy. The observatory, by enhancing coop- the observatory, alongside other initiatives speakers include Commissioner McCreevy, eration in the EU, aims to improve efforts we have launched, will significantly help us MEP Arlene McCarthy, chair of the EP’s against fake goods, illegal downloading and to step up the fight against intellectual prop- Internal Market Committee, Marc-Antoine other infringements of intellectual property erty theft,” said McCreevy. According to the Jamet, president of the Union des Fabricants rights. The observatory has no implications Commission, the European Observatory on (UNIFAB) and Miroslaw Zielinski, director in terms of additional staff and will be man- Counterfeiting and Piracy answers an urgent of customs policy at DG Taxation. n aged by relevant staff in DG MARKT. The need for a better targeted and more focused Commission is, however, set to issue a call enforcement of intellectual property rights. See europa.eu/internal_market/ for tender, of some €500,000 annually, for It aims to be a platform for data collection, iprenforcement/index_en.htm
State aid Spanish plan for ‘green’ cars cleared
By Anne Eckstein 25 February) set up by the Commission Subsidised loans may be granted until to give the member states additional pos- 31 December 2009, for a maximum term The European Commission autho- sibilities to facilitate businesses’ access of two years. The reduction in the inter- rised, on 30 March, a Spanish aid to financing during the economic and est rate may not exceed 50% of the ref- scheme allowing interest rate subsidies financial crisis1. erence rate for small and medium-sized for the production of environmentally On 6 March, Spain notified to the enterprises (SMEs) and 25% for large acceptable (‘green’) cars. Commission a provisional measure businesses, and must take into account The scheme will allow automotive aimed at coping with the crisis and the company’s risk profile when the loan manufacturers to invest more easily in allowing the grant of low-interest loans is granted. The measure applies only to products with environmental benefits, reserved for investments in products that companies that were not in difficulty on 1 the development of which might oth- meet or go beyond EU environmental July 2008, before the start of the crisis. n erwise by hampered by the economic product standards, in particular the stan- crisis. dards for low emission vehicles (Euro 6). It meets the conditions laid down by This measure is open to the car and car (1) The document is available at the temporary framework (amended on component industry. www.europolitics.info > Search = 247053
Telecommunications Protection of internet users’ rights up for debate again
By Nathalie Vandystadt EP in first reading in September 2008. it does mention “the right to freedom of That amendment states that only a judi- expression”. This right includes “freedom As the Council, the European Parlia- cial authority may limit users’ fundamental of opinion and the freedom to receive and ment and the Commission were putting freedoms (of information and expression) communicate information or ideas without the finishing touches to their compromise and thus runs counter to the French bill interference from the public authorities for the revision of EU telecoms rules (tele- that provides for setting up an independent and without regard to borders”. As a result, coms package), the debate on combating high authority to issue warnings to those if internet access is considered a fundamen- illegal downloading and the protection of downloading content illegally and to cut tal right in the EU, France could find itself users’ rights came back up for discussion. off their connection for up to one year in in breach of EU law. As this issue of Europolitics went to press, case of repeated offences. The Council does not intend to open this it was impossible to say what would come In a non-binding resolution on inter- Pandora’s box. The former Amendment out of the three-way talks by the institu- net users’ fundamental rights, adopted 138 could be drastically cut, stating only tions on the evening of 30 March. If there on 26 March, the EP notes that although that the telecoms package must respect the is a sticking point, however, it could con- the EU’s Charter of Fundamental Rights Charter of Fundamental Rights, without cern ex-Amendment 138 adopted by the does not directly mention internet access, mentioning the judicial authorities. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009
Telecoms Council EU wants new technologies to help combat crisis
By Nathalie Vandystadt challengers, who have concerns about is not only to favour the development of a decline in competition. According to new broadband infrastructures, particu- The focus will be on the crisis at the ETNO, the European association that larly in rural areas, but also to improve meeting of EU telecoms ministers, on 31 represents the former monopolies, these existing infrastructures”. Prague hopes March in Brussels. They will be debating networks would cost up to €300 bil- to work out an agreement before its the future of information and communi- lion but could create up to two million Presidency ends in June. cation technologies (ICT, namely tele- jobs and produce some €900 billion in The Council will also examine the more coms, media and new technologies) in income. For their debate, the national general question of whether Europe’s the context of the global economic crisis delegations have the data just published information society policy should take with the aim of agreeing on priorities for by the Commission in its annual report into account the effort to fight the eco- beyond 20101. on the sector (see Europolitics 3723). nomic recession and the potential of On telecoms, the Czech EU Presidency The data are positive – telecoms remains ICT. This debate will be all the more will open the debate on measures taken a growth sector, with 1.3% in 2008, or 3% important considering that the Council, in the states to encourage the adoption of the Union’s gross domestic product the European Parliament and the Com- of broadband internet. This will include – but the Commission adds that the regu- mission may have reached agreement the a discussion on encouraging investment latory disparities between the EU coun- day before, after tough negotiations, on in optical fibre networks that will provide tries are likely to discourage investments the revision of telecoms rules (telecoms very high-speed internet connections and in the new networks. package) with a view to boosting compe- on certain measures, such as risk sharing tition in the sector, lowering prices and between investing operators and opera- What about the 1 billion euro? providing better consumer protection tors that wish to access the networks. At More generally, the Czech EU Presi- from 2010 (see separate article). the European Council, on 19-20 March, dency will survey ministers’ views on the The Council will also adopt conclu- the EU heads of state and government role of ITC in combating the crisis. In sions on the accessibility of digital tech- affirmed that “various cooperation mech- spite of its vitality, the sector “has been nologies (especially internet), including anisms” between investors and operators affected just like other sectors,” it notes. for the disabled and the elderly. In their seeking access should be authorised to Furthermore, the development of net- draft conclusions, the ministers wel- diversify investment risk while guarantee- works is still struggling in rural areas, come the Commission’s intention to set ing the market’s competitive structure as where the industry has not invested very up an expert group on the subject and a whole as well as the principle of non- much. In this context, the ministers are to encourage dialogue at EU level with discrimination. They asked the European expected to debate the budget of €1 bil- operators in the sector. n Commission to draw up a broadband lion (of the €5 billion planned by the strategy by the end of 2009. Commission to contribute to economic Measures are sought by the former recovery in the EU, with objectives in (1) A five-year strategy, ‘i2010’, was launched monopolies in the context of the revi- energy and broadband). The Presidency by the EU in 2005 in support of jobs and sion of EU telecoms rules, but feared by explains that “the goal of this initiative growth in the information society
Telecommunications Commission recommends coordination against cyber attacks The European Commission pro- the effectiveness of countermeasures”. and multinational contingency plans posed, on 30 March, a new strategy The options to be reviewed by stake- and regular exercises for large-scale for coordination at EU level to combat holders in the debate include: network security incident response and natural disasters, terrorist attacks, mali- - fostering cooperation, exchange disaster recovery. cious human action and hardware of information and transfer of good The EU must also cooperate inter- failure on information networks. practices between member states via nationally and set up criteria for criti- Countries such as Estonia, Lithuania a European forum and a European cal European infrastructure in the and Georgia have already been victims public private partnership, which will information and communication of such cyber attacks or cyber threats. help businesses to share experience and technologies sector. information The European Network and Infor- VULNERABILITY - supporting the development of a mation Security Agency (ENISA), The Commission points out that “a European information sharing and based in Crete, is asked to promote low level of preparedness in one coun- alert system such dialogue among all players and try can make others more vulnerable, - stimulating stronger cooperation cooperation at European level. n while a lack of coordination reduces between member states via national
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EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009
Financial services Crisis threatens expansion of UCITS brand
By Ruth Milligan expanded. The Product Directive (2001/108) onshore regulation. Such funds hope that introduced two main methods by which such the CESR review will merely lead to a more The UCITS IV Directive, adopted by the risk can be calculated. The first, the ‘commit- coherent standardised definition of VAR. European Parliament in January this year ment’ method, where derivative positions The Madoff scandal was the first blow to (see Europolitics 3671), with an expected are converted into the equivalent position the UCITS reputation, since a number of entry into force in 2011, is intended to in underlying assets, is used for non-sophisti- UCITS funds in Luxembourg and Ireland widen the scope of investment products cated derivatives. For more complex deriva- subcontracted the management of assets across Europe. The UCITS (undertakings tives, the advance risk management model, to businesses run by the disgraced banker. for collective investment in transferable known as ‘value at risk’ (VAR), must be used. Internal Market Commissioner Charlie securities) brand has become a highly suc- VAR can be relative (capped as a percentage McCreevy commented, “These situations cessful form of retail investment since it was of net asset value) or absolute (divided by the can do significant damage to the percep- introduced in 1985 and the latest revisions VAR of a comparable derivatives-free port- tion of UCITS as a safe haven and weaken could promote expansion of retail invest- folio). However, the way VAR is used varies the trust and confidence needed to support ment into riskier hedge fund type products. across the member states as does the distinc- cross-border distribution”. However, the plummeting of investor con- tion between which types of products are Whether such subcontracting actually fidence and the increase in regulatory cau- ‘non-sophisticated’ and should use the com- passes the risk from the custodian bank to tion following the financial crisis may lead mitment model and which are ‘sophisticated’ the investment vehicle is currently the sub- to restrictions on these bold plans. enough to need the VAR assessment. VAR ject of major legal disagreement over the Last week, concerns have grown over possi- concerns add to increasing worries over pass- liabilities of custodian banks under UCITS. ble changes to the way investor risk is viewed porting. UCITS IV will introduce a manage- under UCITS and how this will affect moves ment company passport, which allows funds Industry worries to bring hedge funds into the fund manage- registered in one member state to market and These latest worries come on the heels ment fold. The European Commission has sell products across the EU. If the adequacy of of a major industry report urging imme- asked the Level 3 Committee of European risk assessment in some member states comes diate action to save the European fund Securities Regulators (CESR) to look into into question, regulators might well withdraw industry. In an unusual move, Commis- whether the two basic types of risk measure- their backing for this initiative. sioner McCreevy publicly endorsed the ment remain appropriate in the current risk- The CESR could decide to drop the VAR report, saying, “Recent developments averse climate. If CESR were to jettison the and so effectively bar sophisticated deriva- have underlined that some business more sophisticated measurement, the con- tives from UCITS. Significant movement models introduce new and real sources of vergence process could run aground. has been seen in this direction with the investor risk into products. We will need a The UCITS regulation requires fund man- launch of UCITS by hedge fund groups. ‘belt and braces’ approach to the security agers to assess the potential risk to investors Last week, Aquila Capital of Hamburg of investment solutions”. The January 2009 of different types of products. This process announced a new UCITS commodity trad- report was drawn up by a think tank of eight has become more complex as the range of ing adviser fund responding to pressure from senior figures from European fund manage- asset types into which a fund may invest has institutional investors for the safe haven of ment groups, such as Axa Investment, BNP Paribas and Invesco Europe. It billed itself as a ‘call to arms’ for the asset management indus- Main provisions of UCITS IV feeder structure will streamline the process try to play a much greater role in promoting Passport: This allows UCITS products to of consolidation of funds and allow econo- long-term savings and retirement products in be marketed throughout the EU without mies of scale (traditionally, EU funds have Europe, particularly through UCITS. Failure separate approval from every regulator. been smaller and so less efficient than their to do this, it warned, could “adversely affect The existing process will be simplified and US counterparts). the future growth of UCITS and its competi- speeded up. A fund will notify its home Investor information: The current ‘simpli- tive position in the universe of long-term sav- country regulator, which will notify the fied prospectus’ has become over-long and ings solutions in Europe”. It came up with regulator of the country in which the shares complex. The new ‘key investor document’ six recommendations for industry and three will be marketed. Marketing can then begin will be much shorter and simpler, containing for legislators. Together with a call for urgent immediately. basic details on investment objectives, past implementation of UCITS IV, the report Management company passport: This will performance, costs and charges, risk assess- called on regulators to provide a unified allow funds to operate from their home ment and sources of additional information. regulatory approach to create parity between member state across the EU. They will be In March, CESR launched a consultation substitute products and a pan-European pen- able to provide services in other member on key information on risk and reward. sion framework to encourage regular savings. states without having to establish a branch Supervision: A clear framework is set Industry, meanwhile, should concentrate on office. out for regulatory collaboration and investor education, better information flows, Cross-border mergers: A new master- harmonisation. fair treatment of customers and developing superior long-term savings products. n
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Transport Council Support in principle for intelligent transport systems
By Isabelle Smets ITS will only materialise if deployed at is also prepared to consider EU finan- EU level and not in a patchwork, as is cial support (specifying that this must The Council of Ministers supports the the case today, which is why it launched be done within the current financial European Commission’s determination to framework) but remains silent on the encourage the use of intelligent transport Commission’s intention - announced in systems (ITS) in the EU. It warns, how- The Commission is the action plan – to draw up guidelines ever, that decisions on their implemen- convinced that the for the financing of ITS installations and tation are up to the member states, “in potential of ITS will only services by the member states. accordance with the principle of subsidiar- After taking all these precautions, the ity”. Thus states a Transport Council reso- materialise if deployed Council defines the objectives to be met lution adopted in Brussels, on 30 March, at EU level and not in a by the deployment of ITS: modal shift, on the action plan for the deployment of patchwork co-modality, freight and traffic manage- intelligent transport in Europe, presented ment and enhanced road safety. It lists by the Commission last December (see a number of measures that should be Europolitics 3660). its action plan. The states agree on the taken as a matter of priority, such as real- Intelligent transport systems apply principle but it remains to be seen how time traffic information, the logistics of information and communication tech- work will proceed on a future framework freight transport, interoperability of ITS nologies to the transport sector, from directive. The reference to subsidiarity, and advanced driver assistance systems. It electronic toll collection systems to route as well as a sentence in the conclusions also calls on the Commission to mandate planning, development of itineraries, stating that, when implementing ITS, European standardisation bodies to accel- driver assistance systems, such as elec- existing ITS infrastructure in the states erate the definition of European technical tronic stability control, adaptive cruise “should be taken into account in terms standards for ITS interoperability. n control, anti-collision radar and emer- of technological progress and financial gency braking assistance. The Commis- efforts,” shows that the Council has every The Council conclusions are available at sion is convinced that the potential of intention of mapping out the process. It www.europolitics.info > Search = 246952
Transport Council Simpler rules in sight for maritime transport operators
By Isabelle Smets The stakes are high for maritime trans- These conclusions were adopted port operators. A ship sailing between along with more general conclusions on The EU’s Council of Transport Min- two ports in the EU is subject to admin- the EU’s maritime transport policy to isters subscribes fully to the European istrative and customs procedures that 2018, also in response to a communica- Commission’s goal of creating a Euro- are almost as complex as those it must tion presented by the Commission, on pean maritime area without barriers for observe in ports outside the EU. With 21 January. EU ports, which implies the abolition the Council’s support, these procedures These conclusions invite the Com- or simplification of administrative and could become a thing of the past, plac- mission to develop measures that will customs formalities currently imposed ing maritime transport on an equal foot- allow improvement of the EU’s frame- on maritime transport operators. It ing with surface transport (for which work on state aid and income tax, pro- adopted, on 30 March, conclusions that administrative procedures were consid- motion of fair competition worldwide, encourage the Commission to continue erably eased with the introduction of the enhancement of the image of maritime moving in the direction mapped out on internal market in 1993). transport and improvement of the work- 21 January, when it presented an action The Council also invites the Commis- ing conditions and social protection of plan for a European maritime transport sion to review the possibility of simplify- seafarers. space without barriers and a proposal ing administrative procedures for ships The objective of reaching an agree- for a directive on streamlining the pro- that primarily sail between EU ports ment in July 2009 within the Interna- cedures applying to ships upon entering and having a call in a third country or tional Maritime Organisation (IMO) on and leaving EU ports (see Europolitics free zone. It asks the EU executive to the reduction of greenhouse gas emis- 3674). The ministers agreed to “give come forward with new simplification sions from ships is reiterated in these proper priority” to the proposal and con- measures by 2010. The Council notes conclusions. n sider that the EU regulation establishing that the member states should – as far as certain provisions of the customs code possible - coordinate inspections in ports should also be amended as a matter of and study the possibility of establishing The Council conclusions are available at priority. separation areas for intra-EU goods. www.europolitics.info > Search = 246954 www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009
Foodstuffs MEPs say Union must guarantee reasonable prices
By Sophie Petitjean farmers,” declared the rapporteur, Katerina wages, rents and withdrawals throughout Batzeli (PES, Greece). the EU. An international price observatory In its resolution on the difference in price In order to guarantee reasonable prices could also monitor these data. The report, between production and consumption in for consumers and decent incomes for farm- however, believes that in order to shift the the food chain, adopted on 26 March, the ers, the report supports the decision by the balance of power within the food chain, pro- European Parliament calls on the Commis- Commission to propose a European market ducers’ organisations should be encouraged, sion to launch a report, “as soon as possible” monitoring system, which will allow for as this would help to increase farmers’ nego- to investigate the “margin share in the pro- cross-border comparisons. It also underlines tiating powers and encourage direct contact duction and distribution chains”. Following the absence of reference by the Commission between producers and consumers. the significant rise in food prices in 2007- to abuse of dominant position. By adopting this resolution, MEPs rejected 2008, the cost of some products has multi- In practical terms, MEPs are proposing an alternative proposal by the ALDE, sup- plied: “It is time to put in place a long-term the establishment of a Europe-wide data- ported by a few members of the EPP-ED plan and to adopt interventions at European base, easily accessible to citizens, which will group, which - among other things - opposed level so as to face the financial crisis, which include the reference prices of products as the creation of the European price database is weighing heavily on households and well as of inputs, costs relating to energy and and the international price observatory. n
Energy/Telecoms ICT could help reduce carbon footprint
By Sophie Petitjean reduce carbon emissions in transport logistics economy,” Reding commented. The Com- by up to 27%. “E-commerce and telework- mission has also launched an online public In a video posted on her website, Informa- ing, for example, could reduce demand for consultation in all 27 EU member states to tion Society Commissioner Viviane Reding oil and energy, transport of goods and people gather ideas and suggestions for a new policy reiterates the position announced by the to the tune of almost 30% of our energy con- instrument it could adopt in the autumn European Commission in its communi- sumption, “said the commissioner. The ICT to stimulate the use of ICT for enhancing cation of 12 March: “Better use should be sector accounts of 2% of carbon emissions in energy efficiency. n made of information and communication Europe, 1.75% resulting from the use of ICT technologies (ICT) to reduce faster the products and services and 0.25% of their pro- Reding’s video message is available at carbon footprint of households in Europe”. duction. Some ICT companies are already ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/reding/
The Commission in general encourages the voluntarily working to reduce their CO2 video/index_en.htm use of ICT to improve energy efficiency. emission by 50% to 80%. “I see from the Further information is available at ec. Recent studies indicate that better use of response of European ICT companies to the europa.eu/information_society/activities/ ICT could reduce energy consumption of Commission’s ongoing work that Europe is sustainable_growth/energy_efficiency/ buildings in the EU by up to 17% and to already well ahead in using ICT to green the index_en.htm
Energy New efficiency rules for heating pumps
By Dafydd ab Iago 2013. Only very high-efficiency ‘intelligent’ only function when needed and adjust their circulators will be allowed by 2015. speed according to need. The Ecodesign Regulatory Committee The Commission’s proposal now goes to The energy efficiency requirements set has approved a European Commission pro- the European Parliament and Council for are from 1 January 2013, when glandless posal to reduce the electricity consumption a period of three months’ ‘scrutiny’. If no standalone circulators shall have an energy of the approximately 14 million boiler-inte- objections are raised, it should be formally efficiency index (EEI) of not more than 0.27 grated circulators and standalone circulators adopted by the Commission this July. The and, from 1 January 2015, when glandless sold annually. These small pumps are used regulation notes that most standard circula- standalone and boiler integrated circulators to circulate water in commercial and resi- tors operate continuously, regardless of heat- shall have an EEI of not more than 0.23. The dential heating applications. Efficiency sav- ing needs. Circulators are therefore one of Commission claims the two deadlines will ings could equal about 23 TWh of electric- the priority products for which ecodesign re- allow manufacturers, particularly SMEs, the ity annually by 2020, or 11 million tonnes quirements should be established, argues time to adapt to the new requirements. n of CO2 emissions per annum. According the Commission in its proposal. Achieving to the regulation, sales of low and standard savings would be done by only allowing The draft proposal is available at efficiency circulators will be forbidden by high-efficiency ‘intelligent’ circulators that www.europolitics.info > Search = 247026
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info 10 Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
Energy liberalisation The makings of an energy watchdog
By Dafydd ab Iago It remains to be seen whether European The agency has a more important role regulators have actually been given sufficient in developing, analysing and monitoring Central to the third energy liberalisation powers to deal with many issues they have the non-binding ‘framework guidelines’ package is the Agency for the Cooperation pinpointed as problems. One telling example by which network codes must abide. This of Energy Regulators (ACER). This body was given just days after the informal deal requires consulting interested parties on will take the place of the European Com- between the EP and Council. ERGEG com- issues such as tariff structures, grid con- mission’s independent advisory group, the plained publicly that the removal of end-user nection and access, capacity allocation and European Regulators Group for Electric- prices regulation is not a decision taken by congestion management, security and reli- ity and Gas (ERGEG). The new agency regulators. This will not change under the ability rules, emergency procedures, balanc- will retain ERGEG’s advisory role towards third liberalisation package. Price regulation ing and transparency. The guidelines will be the Commission as well as other Com- is just one of many factors seen by regula- adopted by the Commission to push market munity institutions and national regulatory tors as distorting energy markets. Regulators integration, non-discrimination, effective authorities. ACER will, however, ensure have also consistently argued for ownership competition and the efficient functioning of that the regulatory functions performed by unbundling as the best solution for energy both the gas and electricity markets. the national regulatory authorities under the markets. Without it, they previously claimed EU’s new internal energy market rules are it would be difficult to achieve the benefits of Cooperation between TSOs “properly coordinated” and, where neces- a truly European energy market. Now, own- The agency monitors regional coopera- sary, “completed” at EU level. The Council, ership unbundling, or the forced separation tion between transmission system operators however, has insisted that these monitoring of energy production and distribution from (TSOs) in the electricity and gas sectors as tasks do not “duplicate” or “hamper” moni- network activities, is just one of three options well as the operation of the ENTSO for toring by national authorities, in particular available in the third package. Even in prac- electricity and the ENTSO for gas. The national and EU competition authorities. tical matters, the functioning of the agency agency should ensure that cooperation may be impeded by a protracted contest over between TSOs is efficient and transparent its location. Currently, Romania, Slovakia and benefits the internal markets in elec- Background and Slovenia are in the running. Regulators, tricity and natural gas. It is accountable The agency will be financed from the EU though, may take comfort in the fact that the - “where appropriate” - to the Parliament, budget, but also by fees and ‘voluntary’ agency should be located in Brussels until Council and Commission. However, the contributions. It consists of 1. a nine- a final decision is made. This would make agency can only “inform” the Commission member Administrative Board (with hiring the director easier. if it concludes that cooperation between five members appointed by the Council, The non-binding essence of the agency TSOs is not effective or a national regulatory two each by the Parliament - no MEPs - is evident by the fact that it will mostly authority has taken a decision that is not in and the Commission); and 2. the Board issue only opinions and recommendations compliance with the framework guidelines of Regulators (with senior regulatory to transmission system operators (TSOs), or does not adequately follow up an opinion, experts from each member state as national regulatory authorities. If not recommendation or decision of the agency. well as one non-voting representative respected, however, ACER may in turn Concerning situations involving more than of the Commission). Aside from the resort to issuing further opinions and recom- one member state, the agency has the power director, there is a six-member Board mendations to the European Parliament, to adopt individual decisions, for instance, of Appeal (appointed by the Administra- Council or Commission. In terms of indi- on technical issues, the regulatory regime for tive Board). The Administrative Board vidual decisions, the agency is clearly lim- electricity and gas infrastructure and exemp- (for ‘administrative’ issues, such as ited to the notable areas of cooperation of tions from the internal market rules for new the ACER budget, internal rules and national regulatory authorities, access condi- electricity inter-connectors and new gas infra- appointing the director), Board of Regu- tions and operational security of cross-border structure (located in more than one member lators (for ‘regulatory’ decisions) and infrastructure (if the competent national state). Agency decisions require a favourable Board of Appeal vote by a two-thirds regulatory authorities have not been able to opinion issued by the Board of Regulators. In majority of their respective members. reach an agreement within a period of six adopting such opinions, the Board of Regula- Appeals can be made against decisions months), and exemptions to access rules for tors should “not seek or take instructions and by the Board of Appeal. Decisions of the new cross-border infrastructure. The agency not accept recommendations” from member agency’s Board of Appeal may in turn also only provides an opinion on the draft states, the Commission or other public or be subject to appeal before the Court of ten-year network development plans and private entity. The decisions of the Board of First Instance or the Court of Justice of draft annual work programmes submitted Regulators must, at the same time, be com- the European Communities. A balanced by the European Network of Transmission pliant with Community legislation concern- participation of member states’ repre- System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO ing energy, the environment, the internal sentatives on the Administrative Board for electricity) and the European Network energy market and competition. Interested should be ensured by rotation. of Transmission System Operators for Gas parties can appeal to the Board of Appeal, an (ENTSO for gas). independent part of the agency. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009 11
Interview with MEP Giles Chichester, rapporteur on ACER “We have given the agency powers”
By Dafydd ab Iago wanted the chair of the regulatory board European regulators came out clearly for to have the opportunity of coming before ownership unbundling as the sole option. The former chair of the European Parlia- Parliament. This is important not just for Will their job not be made difficult having ment’s Committee on Industry, Research and accountability, but also to give the regulators several other options? Energy (ITRE) and long-term MEP, Giles a platform to express themselves in public. This will make the agency’s job difficult. Chichester sees little need for a fourth liber- Regulators appreciate this as their arguments But we have given the ACER powers, espe- alisation package for carry more author- cially on cross-border issues. The roles of the energy markets. The ity than if kept solely national regulatory agencies have also been rapporteur on the to closed meetings strengthened. Getting this regulatory aspect Agency for the Coop- with the Commis- right – giving the agency as much power eration of Energy Reg- sion or Council. As as we could – is essential in making mar- ulators (ACER) calls we did not get what kets function efficiently. By beefing up the for more serious effort we wanted on own- agency we were in some way compensating at timely transposi- ership unbundling, for the fact that ownership unbundling was tion and implemen- it was important to not fully retained. tation before passing counter-balance with Do you see the imperfections of the judgement. stronger powers for legislation leading to a fourth energy How has Parliament the national regula- liberalisation package? strengthened the tors and the agency. I hope this liberalisation package will be agency? Why did Parliament transposed and implemented for a sufficient One example is want the agency to amount of time so as to allow judgement to
the structure of the © PE be based in Brussels? be passed upon it. One could even say that agency. We negoti- Chichester: ACER should be somewhere that’s easy to get to We put down an this third liberalisation package was a little ated and ended up with an agreement on a amendment saying it should be here. It premature, especially given the slow way two board of nine members, five from the Coun- would be better if it were in Brussels. The specific member states [a reference to France cil, two each from Parliament and the Com- European Regulators Group for Electric- and Germany - Ed] have implemented the mission. This is important as it means the ity and Gas (ERGEG) and the Council of second liberalisation package [including the agency is accountable to the Parliament and European Energy Regulators (CEER) are 2003 electricity and gas directive and regula- not just the Council. Even more important already based here. We were told that this tions - Ed]. Let’s not go through this process was requiring the director to appear before decision [of where the agency will be located again too soon. That said, the compromises the Parliament. We had wanted to vote on - Ed] was the Council’s prerogative. We then allowing an independent transmission oper- the director, but Council did not accept settled on a compromise that the agency ator (ITO) and independent system operator that. should remain in Brussels until a decision (ISO) are probably not sustainable. But we Another important point was the board of is made. In all events, ACER should be would need hard evidence not just opinion regulators deciding on regulatory issues. We somewhere that is easy to get to. on this point. n
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info 12 Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
Transport Council Self-employed drivers not covered by Working Time Directive
By Isabelle Smets currently debating (first reading, co-deci- are subject to the same rules as salaried sion). European trade unions condemn drivers or not. The Council also deleted The Council agrees with the European the proposal, saying it could result in self- the references the Commission wanted Commission that self-employed drivers to introduce in the directive to prevent should not be covered by the Directive on ‘false’ self-employment being imposed working time of persons performing road France regretted that the on drivers by employers interested in transport activities. new scheme would not circumventing the working time rules. It adopted a general position along those offer any guarantee against During the debate that preceded adop- lines at the Transport Council, on 30 March tion of the guidelines, France regretted in Brussels (adoption by qualified majority, abuse of the status of false that the new scheme would not offer any with Germany, Austria and Greece abstain- self-employment guarantee against abuse of the status of ing). The Council’s position is diametrically false self-employment. opposed to that of the EP’s Committee on Under the Council’s compromise, the Social Affairs, which rejected, on 2 March, employed drivers working 86 hours a week, Commission will have to report four years the Commission’s proposal to exclude such instead of the regulatory 48 hours. after implementation of the new text on drivers from Directive 2002/15/EC. That the consequences of possible extension of vote still has to be confirmed at the plenary New recital the scope of the directive to self-employed session of 4-7 May. While the compromise adopted in drivers. The report must in particular Directive 2002/15/EC applies for now Council excludes self-employed driv- analyse the consequences of the possible only to salaried drivers. It was set to apply ers from the Working Time Directive, inclusion of such drivers with respect automatically to self-employed drivers, from it also gives member states the freedom to “road safety, competition conditions, 23 March 2009, unless they were expressly to apply the rules the directive lays down the structure of the profession and the excluded on the basis of a proposal from to these drivers (in a new recital to the social aspects”. If need be, it may pres- the Commission. It is this exclusion pro- text). So it is the member states that will ent a proposal for the reintroduction of posal that the Council and Parliament are decide whether self-employed drivers self-employed drivers in the directive. n
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G8 social summit Labour ministers ponder global employment measures
By Marianne Slegers The issue of unemployment will also be pants is likewise unknown. The Euro- high on the agenda. pean social partners will send delegates, The ‘social dimension’ of the crisis EU Employment Commissioner Vladi- along with the troika (the current Czech is the main subject for discussion at a mir Spidla told the participants that there and the upcoming Swedish and Span- meeting of the European Commission is a need to “find global solutions” to tackle ish EU Presidencies) and the European and the G8 labour and social affairs the social impacts of the crisis and to “help Commission, but the other participants ministers (the United States, Canada, people who are loosing their jobs”. Accord- have yet to be identified. A decision is Japan, France, Germany, Italy, the ing to Spidla, the top priority should be expected “before the end of this week,” United Kingdom and Russia), on 29- “to keep people in work wherever possible said the Czech Presidency. On 20 31 March in Rome. The ‘main emerg- and to maintain and improve their skills so March, France, the United Kingdom, ing economies’ - India, China, South they can find new jobs”. Germany, Italy and Belgium questioned Africa, Brazil, Mexico and Egypt - are Meanwhile, the venue of the ‘crisis the need for an extra summit dedicated also represented. The conclusions of the job summit’, scheduled for 7 May, to employment, and subsequently the meeting will feed into the G20 summit remains undecided (either Prague or Union’s heads of state decided against of world leaders, on 2 April in London. Brussels), and the final list of partici- attending the event. n
Economic crisis EIB keen to lend more to Baltic states
By Sarah Collins the last quarter of the year. We hope during this year we might con- The EIB has agreed to increase its total clude loans also with these countries.” The European Investment Bank has lending by 30% in 2009, and has already His comments come after European said that it hopes to start lending to banks signed loans worth €31 billion with compa- Central Bank Vice-President Lucas in Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia this year, nies, energy and climate projects and poorer Papademos hinted last week that it might despite assurances by Sweden that Swedish regions hit by the financial crisis (€28.1 bil- be necessary to further increase the EIB’s subsidiaries in these countries are solvent. lion of which has already been signed over). resources to meet the needs of credit- Since October 2008, the three Baltic coun- However, the EIB says it will have to dis- strapped companies. The EU confedera- tries, and Sweden, Belgium, the Netherlands cuss with Swedish banks whether their sub- tion BusinessEurope has also said the EIB and Luxembourg, are the only EU members sidiaries in the Baltics want to take out loans. should play a larger role, especially in co- not to apply for EIB funding for their banks. “Until now they have held the position that insuring and reinsuring companies’ loans. In 2008, the EIB gave out €8.1 billion under they did not need EIB funding,” EIB Presi- According to the Swedish financial ser- the SME heading (where it lends to banks dent Philippe Maystadt told a conference vices authority, Swedbank and SEB spent on the condition that loans are passed on to organised by the Centre for European Policy 16% and 12%, respectively, of their total SMEs). Most of this - €4.5 billion - was lent in Studies, on 30 March. “This might change. lending in the three Baltic states in 2007. n
Economy Sentiment indicator continues decline
By Eric van Puyvelde at their lowest levels since the current Among the largest member states for series of surveys was launched, in Janu- which data are available , Italy expe- In March, the economic sentiment ary 1985. rienced the most significant decline indicator (ESI) for the EU and the euro- The decline in the indicator is due to in sentiment (-4.5 points), while the zone declined again, but more slowly deteriorating sentiment in the industry decline was smaller in France and than in the first two months of the and services sector, which fell by two Poland (-1), Germany (-0.8) and the year, amid signs of stabilisation in some points in both zones. The situation is United Kingdom (-0.4). sectors. mixed in other sectors: consumer senti- Confidence recovered slightly in the The results of the business and con- ment stabilised in the EU but dropped Netherlands (1.3) and in Spain (0.8). sumer survey, published on 30 March by by one point in the eurozone and retail The financial services confidence the European Commission, show a 0.6 trade increased by two points in the EU indicator – which is not included in the point decline in the EU and a 0.7 point and by one point in the eurozone, rein- ESI – improved by one point in the EU drop in the eurozone, to 60.3 and 64.6 forcing the rebound that started in Feb- but fell by four points in the eurozone, points, respectively. ruary. The construction sector is stable cancelling out the previous month’s The indicators for both zones stand in both areas. gain. n
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info 14 Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
Interview with Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn “We need to tell the Czechs that the EU is not a game”
By Fabrice Randoux There are two important aspects for the EU: with the EU culture, meaning he has to take making a success of the Czech EU Presi- the measures needed to ensure that we have Jean Asselborn is concerned that if the dency up until 30 June and ratification of a government until the end of his country’s Czech Senate fails to ratify the Lisbon the Lisbon Treaty. Concerning the govern- EU Presidency that is capable of acting. Treaty before the June EU summit, Ireland’s ment in place, all the decisions are in Presi- referendum this autumn could be jeopardised. dent Václav Klaus’s hands. He was a dissi- And what about the Lisbon Treaty? If the dent at the time of the Iron Curtain and he Czechs do not ratify by June, will that call How should the EU react to the Czech knows what a divided Europe is. To keep the the referendum in Ireland into question? political crisis? Union united, he has to act in accordance Things will not be any easier on the treaty. If the Senate does not ratify before June, there will be some very tough discussions at March in Bohemia, Czech Foreign Min- the June European Council and certainly Ratification by Prague in June? ister Karel Schwarzenberg, a member of problems for the referendum date in Ireland. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolánek, the Green Party in the governing coali- who has resigned, hopes the Senate tion, said he was “deeply convinced that Are you concerned about the fate of the will approve the Lisbon Treaty by June, the Senate will ratify the treaty soon”. treaty? in spite of his government’s resignation, Ireland’s Minister for European Affairs, We need to argue convincingly and tell on 24 March. “I will work for approval of Dick Roche, also minimised the conse- the Czech officials that the European the treaty with as little friction and divi- quences of a Czech delay on the refer- Union is not a game. Sometimes in sion within the ODS Civic Democrats as endum in his country: “I don’t think our the history of the EU, if we’re too late, possible,” he said, on 29 March. Asked decisions have to depend on any other it is really too late. I think that with the on national TV whether he thought the member state”. Ireland and the Czech Lisbon Treaty we have reached the limits text would be approved, he replied “yes”. Republic are the only countries that have of the elasticity possible. If we fail this At the informal Gymnich meeting, on 27 not yet ratified the treaty. time, I think it will be at the expense of the whole European idea. n
www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009 15
Greens Socialists urged to propose alternative to Barroso
By Patrick Veillard majority at the Council and Parliament”. In tion) and they are even considering a can- his opening speech, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, didate from the EPP group (see Europolitics officially named on the occasion as campaign 3724). The Greens therefore urge the Social- spokesperson alongside Rebecca Harms ists to rise above simple national interests (Germany) and Deirdre de Burca (Ireland), by uniting behind a European leader and The official launch of their campaign, on declared that he could not “support the declare themselves ready to support a Social- 27 March, was the occasion for the Greens to idea that the Council and Parliament could ist president at the Parliament. These declara- urge other parties, in particular the Socialist decide, even before the result of the elections, tions may resemble an acknowledgement of group (PES), to propose an alternative to the to nominate Barroso to head the Commis- powerlessness, even if the group is optimistic European Commission’s current President, sion”. “Once the debate for an alternative is and hopes to win ten to 15 seats in the elec- José Manuel Barroso. Alongside the ‘Green open, this will flourish naturally,” he added. tions. Moreover, twelve ambassadors were New Deal’, the fight against Barroso is the For the time being, the group appears to be appointed during this congress, tasked with main axis of the group’s campaign, which unable to propose anyone (before the press, ‘transnationalising’ national campaigns. Previ- seems to want to establish itself as a standard- Cohn-Bendit mentioned the Socialist Poul ously, the Greens had officially adopted their bearer in the fight against the “neo-Liberal Nyrup Rasmussen, who rejected the posi- electoral manifesto (3723). n
Enlargement Obstacles abound on Balkans’ road to EU
By Fabrice Randoux in Hlubokà nad Vltavou Asselborn of Luxembourg. These countries “agreed to say that the recession in Europe do not want enlargement to be a central called for even greater cooperation between The Balkan countries have their place issue of the European elections. Germany, the EU, the international financial institu- in the EU, but they will need to be (very) the Netherlands and Belgium have also tions and the Balkans”. Hard hit by the crisis, patient. Meeting on 28-29 March in Hlubokà refused, until now, to hand over the dossier Serbia has received a loan of €3 billion from nad Vltavou (south Bohemian region of the for Montenegro’s application to the Euro- the International Monetary Fund. Czech Republic), the EU’s foreign affairs pean Commission, a step which they con- ministers certainly reiterated the “European sider to be “political”. “We must not give Bilateral problems perspective” of the Western Balkans (Croa- the impression that enlargement is obvious. Croatia’s progress has been blocked for tia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Alba- Commissioner Rehn talks of the instabil- several months by Slovenia, due to a bilateral nia and Bosnia). But the integration process, ity of the Balkans but does not think of the border dispute inherited from the former which is already very slow, is not going to instability in our countries and of the swing Yugoslavia. The Commission is working on speed up over the coming years. in public opinion,” explained a diplomat. mediation, but “we must stop these types of Nevertheless, a solution is taking shape to small disputes,” summarised Jean Asselborn. Ratification of Lisbon Treaty hand over the Montenegro dossier in April Macedonia, which has had the status of Czech President Václav Klaus - who is or May, in return for a guarantee that the candidate country since 2005 and has since believed by many to hold the key to the Commission will not be in too much of a been waiting for negotiations to begin, is still Senate vote on the Lisbon Treaty - has been hurry to examine the dossier. under threat from the disagreement with warned. Without ratification, there can Another concern is the German elections, Greece over its name. be no enlargement, of which Prague is a scheduled for this autumn. In its electoral defender. “There will be no enlargement if programme, Angela Merkel’s CDU party Nationalist sentiments there is no Lisbon Treaty. Everyone know talks of a suspension of enlargement after the The persistence of nationalist sentiments this, it is a prerequisite,” underlined French accession of Croatia, which hopes to join in in the Balkans is worrying. “It is not com- Minister Bernard Kouchner. This condition 2010 or 2011. “It is an electoral programme, patible to have one nationalist speech and is clear to most supporters of enlargement. not a government programme,” says a diplo- another on joining the EU. This doublespeak “Obviously, if the treaty does not enter into mat, putting the situation into perspective. is harmful,” underlined Bernard Kouchner. force at a given time, this will make it a little In Bosnia, “there is no stable political situa- more difficult to find a solution to enlarge- Economic crisis tion yet, there are tensions between ethnic ment”, acknowledged Finnish Minister This can go both ways. In a crisis period, groups,” acknowledged Valentin Inzko, the Alexander Stubb. “it is seldom popular to say that the EU new EU special representative for Bosnia will enlarge,” above all in countries which and Herzegovina. And the Netherlands is Political climate “strongly contribute” to the Union’s budget, still making the entry into force of the interim In several of the ‘old’ member states, such as Germany, noted Bernard Kouch- stabilisation and association agreement with “enlargement is a word that the public no ner. On the other hand, the Czech EU Serbia conditional upon the arrest of former longer wants to hear,” acknowledged Jean Presidency maintained that all Europeans Bosnian Serb army chief, Ratko Mladic. n
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info 16 Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
Development First financing decisions under Food Facility
By Eric van Puyvelde Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, like UNOPS (in Myanmar-Burma) and Burma-Myanmar, Burundi, Central African UNRWA (Palestine). Twenty-three developing countries will be Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, The overall plan for implementation beneficiaries of the first package of financing Cuba, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea- of the Food Facility contains the list of 50 under the €1 billion Food Facility adopted Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Liberia, countries that will receive assistance during in late 2008 to remedy increasingly seri- Mali, Mozambique, Pakistan, Palestine, a three-year period. Considerably higher ous food security problems in a number of Philippines, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe1. amounts have been earmarked for Ethiopia developing countries. The European Com- All the funds will be channelled through (€45.4 million), DR Congo (€40.6 million) mission approved, on 30 March, a set of international organisations: the United and Palestine (€39.7 million) than for the projects amounting to €314 million along Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation other countries2. with an overall plan for the use of the entire (FAO), the International Fund for Agricul- The Food Facility will support measures amount of the mechanism, which targets 50 tural Development (IFAD), the World Food to improve access to agricultural inputs (fer- developing countries. Programme (WFP), the World Bank, the tiliser and seed) and services (veterinarians, The financing decision supports projects United Nations Development Programme advisors); small-scale measures to increase and programmes in the following countries: (UNDP) and specialised UN agencies agricultural production (microcredit, rural infrastructure, training and support to pro- Background liament had approved the regulation, on 4 fessional groups); and social transfers to vul- The EU Council formally adopted, on 16 December. The facility has a total budget nerable population groups, often in the form December 2008, a regulation establish- of 1 billion euro for 2009-2010 and aims of labour-intensive public works (roads, ing the Food Facility as a swift response to encourage higher agricultural supply in irrigation projects). n to surging food prices in the developing the target countries and regions, to miti- countries, following a first-reading agree- gate the negative effects of surging food (1) Further details are available at ment with the European Parliament, on 21 prices on local populations and to build ec.europa.eu/development/index_en.cfm November (see Europolitics 3644). Par- production capacity. (2) A detailed list is available at www.europolitics.info > Search = 246948
G20 summit China steps into debate on future of global economy
By Sébastien Falletti in Seoul This, in turn, could lead to the further weak- as Japan or South Korea, see this debate in a ening of the US dollar, fears the Chinese different light and are more likely to support China will take the opportunity of the government, which owns a large part of the the US approach. Tokyo and Seoul’s export- upcoming G20 summit in London to assert American debt. In case of a collapse of the driven economies are desperate to stimulate its new global power status and is likely to greenback, Chinese financial assets would global demand and the two countries are seek to influence the ongoing EU-US debate mechanically melt down. Ahead of the G20 pushing for ambitious recovery plans. over the future of the world economy. Amid summit, Beijing has sent a clear warning to At least, Asian members of the G20 agree increasing transatlantic tensions ahead of Washington: Prime Minister Wen Jiabao on one point: the urgent need to contain the the critical London summit, scheduled for has urged America to remain “a credible growing global protectionist tide. Despite 2 April, Beijing could play a decisive role in nation”. Last week, the Chinese central the pledge made during the last summit, in the discussions. In the past few days, China bank’s governor has openly called for the November in Washington, to conclude the has been unusually outspoken about the creation of a new global currency to replace Doha round and resist any protectionist mea- global economic imbalances and has directly the US dollar. The proposal was immedi- sures, the world is turning its back on trade criticised the way the US has managed the ately rebuked by the Obama administration liberalisation. Asian leaders will push for a dollar. The Asian giant could become a key and brushed aside by the European Com- firm commitment by the EU and the US ally for European leaders, who are reluctant mission. The Commissioner for Monetary to reverse the trend seen over the past few to respond to US calls for more ambitious Affairs, Joaquin Almunia, refused to put months. “This is critical. We need action, not stimulus packages. into question the US currency’s supremacy. only rhetoric,” said Il Sakong, senior advisor Like many policy makers in the EU - but However, EU leaders in London (except to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. for different reasons - China is worried by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown) will see Seoul will call on the World Trade Organisa- the lack of the Obama administration’s fiscal China as an ally in their attempt to resist to tion to report to the G20 all the recent mea- discipline. The massive recovery plan pre- American calls for more public spending. sures announced by governments, which are sented by the new president in order to put Like Beijing, they will stress the importance undermining free trade. The fourth biggest the US economy back on track will bring of balancing the recovery plan with fiscal dis- Asian economy hopes that such a report will the American public deficit to a record level. cipline. Other major Asian economies, such trigger a ‘naming and shaming’ effect. n www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009 17
In Brief
EIB loan for Enel New aid for Afghanistan Development aid sets record The European Investment Bank (EIB) Ahead of an international conference in 2008 and Cassa depositi e prestiti Spa (CDP) in The Hague, on 31 March, the EU Official development assistance (ODA) signed, on 26 March, a contract for announced its readiness to commit aid has set a new record in 2008, up by financing the three-year plan to develop “in the magnitude of €60 million” to over 10% to nearly €90 billion, the Enel’s distribution network. Under the Afghanistan. Of this sum, €20 million Organisation of Economic Cooperation agreement, the EIB will make financial will be earmarked to provide extra and Development (OECD) said, on 30 resources of up to €1 billion available to support for the regional and presidential March. The respective figures for the the CDP, which will enable the power elections in August; €15 million will EU are 8% and €49 billion, representing group to carry out the investments go for the support of the Afghan police 0.40% of GDP. Development planned over the period 2009-2011 by force; and €24 million will be spent on Commissioner Louis Michel has called Enel Distribuzione. The loan, which will rural development projects. The aid is on member states to keep up the effort be for 20 years, is in line with the EIB’s in addition to the €700 million already in 2009 despite the economic crisis. priorities in the energy sector. made available to Afghanistan for the “Our future prosperity is linked to that 2007-2010 period. of developing countries. The current Germany keeps restrictions for recession must not serve as an excuse to EU8 workers Obama announces energy and reduce our aid,” he said. The EU has Germany confirmed, on 30 March, climate forum committed to achieve ODA of 0.56% of its intention to send a request to the Top energy and climate policy officials GDP in 2010 and 0.70% in 2015. European Commission to extend from the 17 major economies will gather transitional arrangements for workers in Washington, on 27-28 April, to discuss New head of EC representation in from the EU8 (the ten member states how to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Berlin that joined in 2004 minus Cyprus and By hosting the forum, US President The European Commission has Malta). For these countries, the second Barack Obama is continuing an initiative appointed a German national, Matthias phase of the transitional arrangements launched by his predecessor, George Petschke, as head of representation for ends in April 2009. Four member Bush, in May 2007. The forum aims to Berlin. Petschke joined the Commission states (Germany, Austria, Belgium and advance talks for a new international in 1995, after having served as first Denmark) still have restrictions. Austria climate treaty due to culminate in secretary at the German Permanent is expected to follow Germany. Member Copenhagen in December. The EU and Representation to the EU in Brussels. states may continue to restrict access to member states France, Germany, Italy He was deputy head of unit for free trade their labour markets after 1 May 2009 for and the United Kingdom are invited, as agreement negotiations and, since 2004, a final two years only if they notify the are the United Nations, Australia, Brazil, head of unit in the Directorate for Public Commission before 1 May of a “serious Canada, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Procurement Policy of DG Internal disturbance of the labour market, or the South Korea, Mexico, Russia, South Market and Services. threat thereof”. Under the accession Africa and the US. Previous forums were treaties, all the member states must fully held in Washington (September 2007), open their labour markets in 2011 for the Hawaii (January 2008) and Paris (April EU8. The case of Belgium is uncertain. 2008) and the final one takes place in La The Belgian minister for labour and Maddalena, Italy, in July 2009. (BBE) social affairs has announced the country’s intention to keep the transitional restrictions for the EU8, while the minister for foreign affairs has said that the transitional arrangements should be lifted. Denmark has already announced its decision to lift its restrictions for the EU8 as of 1 May. (MSL)
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EU Agenda
Tuesday 31 March Presentation of study by Irene Schipper, Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CNS)- Centre for Research on Multinational Vote on report by Rumiana Jeleva (EPP- Corporations (SOMO) ED, BG) European n Discussion with Louis Michel, n United Nations Convention on the Commissioner for development and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Parliament humanitarian aid (11:30-12:30) (Optional Protocol) (CNS)-Vote on report The President’s diary by Rumiana Jeleva (EPP-ED, BG) 16:00-17:00 Brussels Committee on Budgets n Coordination of social security systems: n 16:00 Inauguration of EP buildings 9:00-12:30 Brussels, JAN 4Q1 implementing procedures (COD)-Vote on József Antall, Willy Brand and the Konrad n Amending budget 2/2009 : SESAR, report by Jean Lambert (Greens/EFA, UK) Adenauer passerelle ECDC, ERA, GMES operational services, n Coordination of social security systems: Food facility (BUD)-Vote on report by Jutta Annex XI (COD)-Vote on report by Jan Parliamentary Committees Haug (PES, DE) Cremers (PES, NL) Committee on Foreign Affairs n Amending budget 3/2009: financial 15:00-18:30 Brussels, ASP 3G3 9:00-12:30 Brussels, JAN 4Q2 consequences of the own-resources decision n Discussion with Olli Rehn, in 2007(BUD)-Vote on report by Jutta Haug Committee on the Environment, Commissioner for Enlargement, on (PES, DE) Public Health and Food Safety developments in the Western Balkans 9:00-12:30 Brussels, PHS 3C50 (10:00-11:30) Committee on Economic and n Greenhouse gas emission allowance 15:00-18:30 Brussels, JAN 4Q2 Monetary Affairs trading system (COD)- Adoption of a n Discussion with Vlasta Parkanová, 9:00-12:30 Brussels, JAN 2Q2 corrigendum Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of n Community programme to support n European action in the field of rare Defence of the Czech Republic (15:00- specific activities in the field of financial diseases (CNS)-Vote on report by Antonios 16:30) services, financial reporting and auditing Trakatellis (EPP-ED, EL) n Consolidating stability and prosperity in (COD)-Vote on report by Karsten Friedrich n Statistics on plant protection products the Western Balkans (INI)-Vote on report by Hoppenstedt (EPP-ED, DE) (COD)-Vote on report by Bart STAES Anna Ibrisagic (EPP-ED, SE) n Taxation of savings income in the form of (Greens/EFA, BE) n Motion for Resolution on the situation interest payments (CNS)-Vote on report by n Patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare in Bosnia and Herzegovina-Report by Doris Benoît Hamon (PES, FR) (COD)-Vote on report by John Bowis (EPP- Pack (EPP-ED, DE) n Common system of value added tax as ED, UK) Gender mainstreaming in EU external regards tax evasion linked to import and Patient safety (CNS)-Vote on report by relations and peace-building / nation- other cross-border transactions (CNS)-Vote Amalia Sartori (EPP-ED, IT) building (INI)-Vote on report by Libor on report by Cornelis Visser (EPP-ED, NL) n Petrol vapour recovery during refuelling Roucek (PES, CZ) n Discussion with Jean-Claude Juncker, of passenger cars at service stations (COD)- n Non-proliferation and the future of the President of the Eurogroup Vote on report by Dimitrios Papadimoulis Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear (GUE/NGL, EL) Weapons (NPT) (INI)-Vote on report by Committee on Employment and 15:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 3C50 Angelika Beer (Greens/EFA, DE) Social Affairs n Regulatory aspects of nanomaterials n Annual Report on Human Rights in the 9:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 3G3 (INI)-Vote on report by Carl Schlyter World 2008 and the European Union’s n Renewed Social Agenda (INI)-Vote on (Greens/EFA, SE) policy on the matter (INI)-Vote on report by report by José Albino Silva Peneda (EPP- n Comitology-Registration, Evaluation, Raimon Obiols I Germà (PES, ES) ED, PT) Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals n Tibet: an update on the current situation n Amendment of Regulation (EC) No (REACH) as regards Annex XVII-Asbestos after the breakdown of negotiations with 1927/2006 on establishing the European fibres-Consideration and adoption of China (17:15-18:30) see ‘Public Hearings’ Globalisation Adjustment Fund (COD)-Vote motion for a resolution-Report by Guido on report by Gabriele Stauner (EPP-ED, DE) Sacconi (PES, IT) Committee on Development n Active inclusion of people excluded from n STOA presentation-Presentation by 9:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 3G2 the labour market (INI)-Vote on report by Anders Wijkman or Dorette Corbey n Clinical trials in developing countries: Jean Lambert (Greens/EFA, UK) on Science and Technology Options how to protect against unethical practices?- n United Nations Convention on the Assessment (to be confirmed) www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language EUROPOLITICS N° 3725 Tuesday 31 March 2009 19
Committee on Industry, Research recommendation for second reading-Report (Transport Protocol) (COD)-Vote on report and Energy by Giles Chichester (EPP-ED, UK) by Reinhard Rack (EPP-ED, AT) 9:00-12:30 Brussels, PHS 1A2 15:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 1A2 n Green Paper on the future of TEN- n Energy produced from renewable n Joint Public Hearing with the Committee T policy (COD)-Vote on report by Eva sources-Adoption of a Corrigendum-Report on Womens’ Rights and Gender Equality Lichtenberger (Greens/EFA, AT) by Claude Turmes (Greens/EFA, LU) on Women and Science-see ‘Public n The Action Plan on Urban Mobility n Amendment of Regulation (EC) No Hearings’ (COD)-Vote on report by Gilles Savary 717/2007 (mobile telephone networks) (PES, FR) and Directive 2002/21/EC (electronic Committee on the Internal Market 15:00-17:00 Brussels, PHS 4B1 communications) (COD)-Vote on report by and Consumer Protection Adina-Ioana Vrlean (ALDE, RO) 9:00-12:30 Brussels, JAN 6Q2 Committee on Regional Development n European metrology research n Electronic communications networks 9:00-12:30 Brussels, PHS 5B1 programme (COD)-Vote on report by Erika and services, protection of privacy and n External study: ‘The Economic Mann (PES, DE) consumer protection (COD)-Vote on report Return of Cohesion Expenditure for n Labelling of tyres with respect to fuel by Malcolm Harbour (EPP-ED, UK) Member States’-Presentation of the efficiency (COD)-Vote on report by Ivo n Workshop on the Implementation of the draft external study by Prof. Gerhard Belet (EPP-ED, BE) Services Directive (10:30-12:30)-see ‘Other Untiedt (Gesellschaft für Finanz und n Minimum stocks of crude oil and/or Events’ Regionalanalysen-Münster, Germany) and petroleum products (CNS)-Vote on report Prof. John Bradley (Economic Modelling by Miloslav Ransdorf (GUE/NGL, CZ) Committee on Transport and and Development Strategies-Dublin, n A Community framework for nuclear Tourism Ireland) (9:00-10:45) safety (CNS)-Vote on report by Gunnar 9:00-12:30 Brussels, PHS 4B1 n Integrated approach to implementing Hökmark (EPP-ED, SE) n Access to the market in the international regional policy (transport, environment, n The energy performance of buildings carriage of goods by road (recast version) employment, etc.)-Exchange of views with (recast version) (COD)-Vote on report by (COD)-Vote on report by Mathieu Grosch the ‘follower’-Jean Marie Beaupuy Silvia-Adriana Ţicău (PES, RO) (EPP-ED, BE) n Electronic communications networks n Access to the market for transport services Committee on Agriculture and Rural and services (COD)-Adoption of a draft by coach and bus (recast version) (COD)- Development recommendation for second reading-Report Vote on report by Mathieu Grosch (EPP- 9:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 1G3 by Catherine Trautmann (PES, FR) ED, BE) n Support for rural development by the n European Electronic Communications n Conditions to be complied with to European Agricultural Fund for Rural Market Authority (COD)-Adoption of a pursue the occupation of road transport Development (EAFRD) (CNS)-Vote on draft recommendation for second reading- operator (COD)-Vote on report by Silvia- report by Petya Stavreva (EPP-ED, BG) Report by Pilar Del Castillo Vera (EPP-ED, Adriana Iicku (PES, RO) n National restructuring programmes for ES) n European rail network for competitive the cotton sector (CNS)-Vote on report by n Frequency bands to be reserved for freight (text with EEA relevance) (COD)- María Isabel Salinas García (PES, ES) mobile communications (COD)-Vote on Vote on report by Petr Duchor (EPP-ED, n Amendment of Regulation (EC) report by Francisca Pleguezuelos Aguilar CZ) No 1234/2007 establishing a common (PES, ES) n Rights of passengers when travelling by organisation of agricultural markets n Internal market in electricity (COD)- sea and inland waterway (COD)-Vote on as regards the marketing standards for Adoption of a draft recommendation for report by Michel Teychenné (PES, FR) poultry meat (CNS)-Vote on repor by Ilda second reading-Report by Eluned Morgan n Rights of passengers in bus and coach Figueiredo (GUE/NGL, PT) (PES, UK) transport (COD)-Vote on report by 15:00-18:30 Brussels, ASP 1G3 n Internal market in natural gas (COD)- Gabriele Albertini (EPP-ED, IT) n Protection of animals used for scientific Adoption of a draft recommendation for n Marco Polo II programme (COD)-Vote purposes (COD)-Vote on report by Neil second reading-Report by Antonio Mussa on report by Ulrich Stockmann (PES, DE) Parish (EPP-ED, UK) (UEN, IT) n Intelligent Transport Systems in the field n Discussion with Mariann Fischer Boel, n Conditions for access to the of road transport and interfaces with other Member of the Commission responsible for network for cross-border exchanges in transport modes (COD)-Vote on report by Agriculture and Rural Development electricity (COD)-Adoption of a draft Anne E. Jensen (ALDE, DK) recommendation for second reading-Report n The Intelligent Transport Systems Action Committee on Fisheries by Alejo Vidal-Quadras (EPP-ED, ES) Plan (COD)-Vote on report by Anne E. 15:00-18:30 Brussels, ASP 3G2 n Conditions for access to the natural gas Jensen (ALDE, DK) n Community control system for ensuring transmission networks (COD)-Adoption of n Agreement between the EC and Pakistan compliance with the rules of the common a draft recommendation for second reading- on certain aspects of air services (COD)- fisheries policy (CNS)-Vote on report by Report by Atanas Paparizov (PES, BG) Vote on report by Paolo Costa (ALDE, IT) Raül Romeva I Rueda (Greens/EFA, ES) n Agency for the Cooperation of Energy n Protocol on the Implementation of the n Conservation of fisheries resources Regulators (COD)-Adoption of a draft Alpine Convention in the field of Transport through technical measures (CNS)-Vote on
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report by Cornelis Visser (EPP-ED, NL) (COD)-Vote on report by Lidia Joanna Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice n Repeal of one Directive and 11 obsolete Geringer De Oedenberg (PES, PL) and Home Affairs Decisions in the field of the common n Application for international protection 9:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 3E2 fisheries policy-Vote on report lodged in one of the Member States by a 10:00-11:00 n Repeal of 14 obsolete Regulations in the third-country national or a stateless person n Critical Infrastructure Warning field of the common fisheries policy (CNS)- (recast version) (COD)-Vote on report by Information Network (CIWIN) (CNS)-Vote Vote on report Lidia Joanna Geringer De Oedenberg on report by Luca Romagnoli (NI, IT) (PES, PL) n Problem of profiling, notably on the basis Committee on Legal Affairs n Establishment of ‘Eurodac’ for the of ethnicity and race, in counter-terrorism, 9:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 5G3 comparison of fingerprints (recast version) law enforcement, immigration, customs n Discussion with Günter Verheugen, (COD)-Vote on report by Lidia Joanna and border control (INI)-Vote on report by Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, Geringer De Oedenberg (PES, PL) Sarah Ludford (ALDE, UK) on Better legislation (9:30-10:30) n The space for mounting the rear n A Common Immigration Policy for 10:30-12:30 registration plate of two or three-wheel Europe: Principles, actions and tools (INI)- n Effective enforcement of judgments in motor vehicles (codified version) – Vote on Vote on report by Simon Busuttil (EPP-ED, the EU: the transparency of debtors’ assets corrigendum MT) (INI)-Vote on report by Neena Gill (PES, n Installation of lighting and light- n European network for the protection UK) signalling devices on two or three-wheel of public figures (CNS)-Vote on report by n Reporting and documentation motor vehicles (codified version)-Vote on Gérard Deprez (ALDE, BE) requirements in the case of merger and corrigendum n Wind-up resolution on the annual debate divisions (COD)-Vote on report by Renate n The component type-approval of lighting on the area of freedom, security and justice Weber (ALDE, RO) and light-signalling devices on wheeled (FSJA)-Vote on report by Gérard Deprez n Bilateral agreements between Member agricultural or forestry tractors (codified (ALDE, BE) States and third countries concerning version) -Vote on corrigendum n Development of an EU criminal justice sectoral matters and covering applicable n Certain parts and characteristics of area (INI)-Vote on report by Maria Grazia law in contractual and non-contractual wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors Pagano (PES, IT) obligations (COD)-Vote on report by (codified version)-Vote on corrigendum n Bilateral agreements between Member Tadeusz Zwiefka (EPP-ED, PL) n The maximum design speed of and States and third countries on judgments n Parliamentary Immunity in Poland (INI)- load platforms for wheeled agricultural or and decisions in matrimonial matters, Vote on report by Diana WALLIS (ALDE, forestry tractors (codified version)-Vote on parental responsibility and maintenance UK) corrigendum obligations-Vote on report by Gérard n 25th annual report from the Commission n The steering equipment of wheeled Deprez (ALDE, BE) on monitoring the application of agricultural or forestry tractors (codified n Report on “Homophobia and community law (2007) (INI)-Vote on report version)-Vote on corrigendum Discrimination on Grounds of Sexual by Monica Frassoni (Greens/EFA, IT) The installation of lighting and light- Orientation and Gender Identity in the EU n Animal health conditions governing the signalling devices on wheeled agricultural Member States’ of the European Union movement and importation from third and forestry tractors (codified version)-Vote Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) countries of equidae (codified version) on corrigendum (requested by the European Parliament (CNS)-Vote on report by Lidia Joanna n Rear-view mirrors for wheeled in July 2007)-Presentation by Morten Geringer De Oedenberg (PES, PL) agricultural or forestry tractors (codified Kjaerum (Director of the FRA) and Ioannis n Control rules and measures to combat version)-Vote on corrigendum Dimitrakopoulos (Head of Equality and African horse sickness (codified version) The roll-over protection structures of Citizens’ Rights Department, FRA) (11:00- (CNS)-Vote on report by Lidia Joanna wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors 12:00) Geringer De Oedenberg (PES, PL) (codified version)-Vote on corrigendum n List of the third countries whose n The coupling device and the reverse of Committee on Constitutional nationals must be in possession of visas wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors Affairs when crossing the external borders and (codified version)-Vote on corrigendum 15:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 5B1 those whose nationals are exempt from that n The suppression of radio interference n General review of the Rules of requirement (codified version) (CNS)-Vote produced by agricultural or forestry tractors Procedures (REG)-Vote on report by on report by Lidia Joanna Geringer De (electromagnetic compatibility) (codified Richard CORBETT (PES, UK) Oedenberg (PES, PL) version)-Vote on corrigendum n Trade arrangements applicable to certain n The driver-perceived noise level of Committee on Women’s Rights and goods resulting from the processing of wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors Gender Equality agricultural products (codified version) (codified version)-Vote on corrigendum 15:00-17:00 Brussels, JAN 2Q2 (CNS)-Vote on report by Lidia Joanna n Roll-over protection structures of n Equal treatment between men and Geringer De Oedenberg (PES, PL) wheeled agricultural or forestry tractors women: self-employed workers and their n Waste electrical and electronic (static testing) (codified version)-Vote on spouses (COD)-Vote on report by Astrid equipment (WEEE) (recast version) corrigendum Lulling (EPP-ED, LU) www.europolitics.info Sold by 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n Gender mainstreaming in the work of Administration. committees and delegations (INI)-Vote on Contact: Jack Blackwell, Press Service, report by Anna Záborská (EPP-ED, SK) [email protected] Council of 15:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 1A2 n Women and Science-Joint Public Woman and Science Ministers Hearing with the Committee on Industry, 15:00-18:30 Brussels, PHS 1A002 Transport, Telecommunications Research and Energy-see ‘Public Hearings’ Joint hearing by the Committees on and Energy Council (TTE)- Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, and Telecommunications Committee on Petitions the Committee on Industry, Research and Brussels 10:00-12:30 Brussels, ASP 1E2 Energy n Annual report on the activity of the MEPs and experts will debate the role of Political and Security Committee Petitions Committee 2008 (INI)-Vote on women in science and ways to support (PSC) report by Mairead Mcguinness (EPP-ED, female researchers at a joint public Brussels IE) hearing organised by Parliament’s Industry n Report on the Special Report by and Women’s Rights committees. Conference ‘The Role of Generic the European Ombudsman to the Issues to be discussed: Drugs for Healthcare Sustainability European Parliament following his - How to attract women to science and and Accessibility’ Draft Recommendation to the European engineering Prague Commission in Complaint 185/2005/ELB - How to get women established in the Organizer of the Event: European Generic (INI)-Vote on report by Miguel Angel upper layers of the organizations’ hierarchy medicines Association (EGA) Martínez Martínez (PSE, ES) - How to enhance networking of women Contact: Pavel Kosek, Teva Pharmaceuticals, 15:00-18:30 Brussels, ASP 1E2 scientists [email protected] Speakers include: Delegations - Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik EU-Intergovernmental Authority 9:00-19:00 Czech Republic, Prague - Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann, on Development (IGAD) Ministerial A delegation from the Committee on President of the Technische Universität Meeting (Troika) Budgets, invited by the Czech Presidency, Munich Brussels will go to Prague on 31 March-1 April. - Professor Rumiana Kotsilkova of the It is an informal visit to the Czech Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Informal Meeting of the IWC Minister of Finance who is the current Contact: Juliane Kammer, Press Service, Commissioners Representing the EU ECOFIN Council Chairman. The Chair [email protected] Member States of the Budgets Committee, Reimer Böge, 31 March-1 April, Prague and two European Parliament rapporteurs Other events on the 2010 EU Budget, Lászlo Surjan Workshop on the implementation of and Vladimir Maňka, will hold an informal the Services Directive meeting with the Czech government 10:30-12:30 Brussels, JAN 6Q2 European representatives on current budgetary A Workshop on the implementation of the issues. Services Directive will take place on 31 Commission Contact: Cezary Lewanowicz, Press March. Travel and visits Service, [email protected] The Service Directive is due to be n Ms Meglena Kuneva participates at a implemented in Member States by the end Seminar ‘EU Consumer Policy’ hosted Public hearings of this year. Certain surveys and analysis by Stiftung Marktwirtschaft and Friedrich Situation in Tibet following the conducted have shown that there is an Naumann Foundation (EP) breakdown of negotiations with uneven pace in the transposition processes n Mr José Manuel Durão Barroso receives China in individual Member States. The aim of Nothern Ireland leaders 12:30-18:30 Brussels, JAN 4Q2 the Workshop is to invite representatives n Mr Antonio Tajani receives the Chinese Committee on Foreign Affairs from a selection of Member States to Minister of Transport, Mr Li Shenglin The Foreign Affairs Committee will discuss present the state of play of the national n Mrs Viviane Reding receives Mr Ivan with invited experts the situation in Tibet implementation. Langer, Czech Home Affairs Minister following the breakdown in late 2008 in Contact: Cezary Lewanowicz, Press n Mr Stavros Dimas receives Ms Theresa negotiations between the Chinese authorities Service, [email protected] Villiers, Member of Parliament and Shadow and representatives of the Dalai Lama. Secretary of State for Transport, to discuss air Speakers at the hearing will include quality and Heathrow airport Dr Katia Buffetrille, ethnologist and n Mr Stavros Dimas visits the Executive tibetologist, Kelsang Gyaltsen, envoy Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation of the Dalai Lama, and Dr Michael C. (EACI) upon invitation by Mr Patrick van Walt van Praag, adviser to the Dalai Lambert, Director of EACI Lama’s office and the Central Tibetan n Ms Danuta Hübner attends the OECD
Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language www.europolitics.info 22 Tuesday 31 March 2009 N° 3725 EUROPOLITICS
meeting in Paris (France): gives a speech on 1)-Abuse of a dominant position-Collection Scope of the judicial protection of a pregnant ‘Investing for Growth: Building Innovative and recovery system for packaging put into worker who has been dismissed-Compatibility Regions’ and attends a meeting at ministerial circulation in Germany and carrying the Der with the abovementioned directives of level of the Territorial Development Policy Grüne Punkt logo. Advocate General : Bot national rules making an action brought by Committee (TDPC) of the OECD (9:30); n Hearing C-555/07 Kücükdeveci a pregnant worker who has been dismissed gives a press conference (13.00) Social policy. Reference for a preliminary subject to short time-limits, fixed in advance, n Mr Ján Figel’ attends the opening of the ruling-Landesarbeitsgericht Düsseldorf of 8 or 15 days and limiting the scope of the conference ‘Der Landessportbünde’ (Germany)-Interpretation of the principle action to the continued employment in the n Mr Ján Figel’ meets with a group of of non-discrimination on the ground of undertaking, or the re-employment there, of academics and businessmen and with Mr age, and of Council Directive 2000/78/ the worker who has been dismissed, to the Eoin Rzan, MEP EC of 27 November 2000 establishing a exclusion of an award of damages. Advocate n Mr Olli Rehn speaks at the European general framework for equal treatment in General : Trstenjak Policy Centre on ‘EU enlargement-Five years employment and occupation (OJ 2000 L on’ (EPC) 303, p. 16)-National legislation relating n General conclusions by Mr László Kovács to dismissals establishing notice periods at the Brussels Tax Forum 2009 (Charl) which increase with length of service but in Conferences and n Opening speech of Mariann Fischer Boel which any period of employment before the at the ‘Forum Berglandwirtschaft’ organised employee reaches the age of 25 is disregarded seminars by the Bavarian representation (Brussels) 31 March, Brussels, 13:00 n Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner participates in Second Chamber-9:30 n The European Union at risk? Lisbon the International Conference on Afghanistan n Opinion C-269/07 Commission v Treaty, EP Elections, Financial Crisis (The Hague) Germany. Freedom of movement for 11th CIFE Lunchtime Debate with Elmar n Mr Charlie McCreevy receives Ms Sheri persons. Failure of Member State to fulfil Brok, Member of the European Parliament S. McCoy, Worldwide Chairman of J&J obligations-Infringement of Articles 12 EC, Organisers: Centre International de (Johnson and Johnson) Pharmaceuticals 18 EC and 39 EC, and of Article 7 of Council Formation Européenne (CIFE) n Mr Charlie McCreevy receives Northern Regulation (EEC) No 1612/68 of 15 October Contact: [email protected] Ireland’s First Minister, Mr Peter Robinson, 1968 on freedom of movement for workers Venue: at the University Foundation, Rue and Northern Ireland’s Deputy First minister, within the Community (OJ, English Special d’Egmont 11-1000 Bruxelles Mr Martin McGuinness Edition I 1968(II), p. 475)-National legislation www.cife.eu n Ms Meglena Kuneva delivers a keynote concerning incentive allowances for savings speech at the Round table ‘Online Data pensions, the grant of which is conditional 31 March, Brussels Collecting, Targeting and Profiling upon full liability to taxation in the Member n Social Norms Forum: A conference on for Commercial Purposes in Online State, providing for the repayment of the addressing high-risk and underage drinking Environments’ (Hotel Renaissance) allowance on termination of such liability among populations at risk n Ms Meglena Kuneva attends a lecture and prohibiting the use of capital accrued Subject: Anheuser-Busch InBev is organising delivered by Mr Hans-Gert Pöttering, in accordance with such a scheme for the a Social Norms Forum in the framework President of the European Parliament (Cercle acquisition of residential property occupied of the EU Alcohol Related Harm Strategy. Royal Gaulois Artistique) by the owner unless the property is situated Robert Madelin, Director General for Health n Mrs Androulla Vassiliou addresses the EU within the territory of that Member State. and Consumer Protection, will be delivering Food Law Annual Conference Advocate General : Mazák the opening remarks to this conference, n Mrs Androulla Vassiliou meets with Young which aims to share experience in social Gasteiners Third Chamber-9:30 norms theory and implementation to address n Opinion C-63/08 Pontin. Social policy high-risk and underage drinking among Reference for a preliminary ruling-Tribunal populations at risk. du Travail, Esch-sur-Alzette (Grand Duchy www.socialnormsforum.eu Court of Justice of Luxembourg-Interpretation of Articles Venue: Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Rue du Grand Chamber-9:30 10 and 12 of Council Directive 92/85/EEC Parnasse 19-(8:00-17:00) n Opinion C-385/07 P Duales System of 19 October 1992 on the introduction of Deutschland v Commission. Competition measures to encourage improvements in the Appeal against the judgment of the Court safety and health at work of pregnant workers of First Instance (First Chamber) of 24 and workers who have recently given birth or Economic and Social May 2007 in Case T-151/01 Duales System are breastfeeding (OJ 1992 L 348, p. 1) and Deutschland v Commission, by which Article 2 of Council Directive 76/207/EEC Committee the Court dismissed the action seeking of 9 February 1976 on the implementation 31 March, EESC annulment of Commission Decision of the principle of equal treatment for men n 4th meeting of the Lisbon Strategy 2001/463/EC of 20 April 2001 relating to a and women as regards access to employment, Observatory proceeding pursuant to Article 82 EC (Case vocational training and promotion, and COMP D3/34493-DSD) (OJ 2001 L 166, p. working conditions (OJ 1976 L 39, p. 40)- www.europolitics.info Sold by subscription only © reproduction strictly prohibited in any language YOUR VIEWS CAN SHAPE EUROPE! 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