Setting Sail on the Portuguese Presidency

Table of contents

INTERVIEW WITH EPP MEP JOSÉ MANUEL FERNANDES 4­7

PRIORITIES OF THE Portuguese PRESIDENCY 8­9

POLITICAL CALENDAR FOR THE NExT SIx MONTHS 10­11

wHAT ABOUT Portugal? 12 INTERVIEW WITH EPP MEP JOSÉ MANUEL FERNANDES EPP Coordinator in the Committee on Budgets Chair of the Delegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil Member of the Committee on Budgetary Control Substitute in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

Regarding the 2021-2027 EU budget and the Covid-19 economic recovery plan, which are the mainhot topics at the moment, clear discrepancies were noted regarding the levels of ambition between the EU Member States and the European Parliament on key policies which are of particular importance for citizens (fight against pandemics, support for R&D, Erasmus+, etc.).

Today, we are faced with a blockage coming from Poland and Hungary, which oppose to the rule of law conditionality. José MANUEL FERNANDES Do you consider that the process of adopting the European budget - which German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a real requires Member States unanimity - is still and the only EU leader, that tries to push adequate in relation to the objectives of the others in the right direction. the EU and its development today? This selfishness is notably due to the fact The problem is not the process, it is the way that 85% of the EU budget comes from the Council (i.e. Member States) looks at the national budgets. And thus, states look for EU budget. their fare return. ¨I want my money back¨ is the thought. With the UK’s withdrawal, The Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) France and Germany are together focuses on the upcoming 7 years, from 2021 responsible for 43% of the budget. They to 2027 and thus, gives an exceptional also feel like they have to have all the power predictability that has to be aligned with the in regard to the budget. European policy priorities and the definition of the supporting programs. In fact, only 6,5% of the MFF goes to operating and administrative expenses: In order for the MFF to be adopted, we meaning that almost 94% goes to direct need unanimity in the Council and majority investment in concrete projects at the EU in the Parliament. Unfortunately, we see that and Member States levels. However, the at the Council level, we have the sum of 27 latter still try to cut the budget and if the egoistic nations which should instead have a budget was not spent, there would be some real European spirit. Fortunately, we have happy states. And that is the main problem. Nations do not say to citizens how much that will benefit all states. The new own they benefit from the EU. The UK only said resources should be enough to pay the debt how much they had to pay, but everyone and avoid cuts in future EU programs and wins with the EU and what is curious is that funds. the countries that benefit most from the EU are the ones that critize it the most. The UK We just want to make sure that those had to leave to understand all the benefits benefiting from the internal market pay their the EU had. fair share for the benefits.

The EU budget is only 1% of national GDP, Own resources have to help the EU to reach but we do so much with it. And no one its objectives, specifically regarding the fight knows that more than 93% goes to against climate change. The Carbon Border investment. Therefore, I don’t understand Adjustment Mechanism is an invitation to why governments attack the budget when companies to respect the environment. We they benefit so much and do not inform the are inviting them not to relocate their citizens. activities outside the EU, because if they do, they will have to pay a fee to send products It is said that the Parliament is too to Europe. With this, we have the creation of ambitious, that it asks for too much money. resources and at the same time we reinforce No, the truth is that we are realists. What is the competitivity of our companies. not realistic is to try to reach very ambitious However, we still have to work on this, and it EU objectives with lack of means. has to be balanced.

If we were to follow the Council’s logic, we For their part, the digital giants do not have would divide the budgets allocated to a specific territory and benefit enormously R&D&I activities and give it to each Member from the internal market but do not pay for State. But we have more impact when we it. We need a common tax base at least. create common European programs. These are some examples in which this Fortunately, we have managed to reinforce resource basket should be enough to pay the EU budget and some of its flagship the debt, while showing a real solidarity programs with 16 billion euros. These between Member States. programs have strong benefits, and if we invested even more, we could benefit even Switching to international relations, do more. you believe that the exit of the United Kingdom, without an agreement for the To remedy this situation, should the EU moment, can have a real destabilizing not be able to benefit from its own effect on the EU? In terms of the budget, financial resources? Do you think there is do you believe that the fact that France a chance that new resources such as a and Germany have recovered a large part “digital tax” or a “Carbon Border of the weight can have a positive or Adjustment Mechanism” could be negative effect? implemented in the near future? The first two contributors to the EU where With the Council, we have a legally binding already Germany and France, but the exit of agreement in favor of working for the the United Kingdom is bad for everyone. In implementation of new financial own the first place for the UK as more than 40% resources. of the exports of the UK go to the EU (while only 7% of the EU exports are going to the Those resources will be essential to be able UK). to repay the loans made by the European Commission, on behalf of the EU, as part of In second place, it is bad for the 27 Member the Covid-19 economic recovery plan and States and the EU as a whole. With the UK, 5 I am confused about how a country like the U.S. could choose Trump as the Republican candidate. Now Joe Biden is the President- elect and I hope he will be a leader. Indeed, otherwise we are going to have a problem, and no one is talking about this issue: we have currently only one leader at the global level, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and she is leaving soon. She is the one pushing the Economic Recovery Plan; the fact that Greece is still in the Monetary Union, it’s all thanks to her. I do not know if Joe Bien is going to be a leader, but I truly hope so. I am almost certain he is going to be better than Trump, but this doesn’t take away my concerns. For we are almost at the US’s economic level, in its part, the EU has to do its work. We terms of GDP. We also lose in terms of cannot always be waiting for the U.S. With geopolitics and in terms of defense. this I am not saying that the U.S. and the EU do not have to strengthen their relationship, Finally, it is also the world who loses. The EU their commercial agreements, because they has to maintain its values. For this reason, have to. We also have to fight the climate the protection of the rule of law is essential. change together. That’s why, going back to The EU has to have ambitions in terms of the Paris Agreement is key. climate mitigation that have to be an example to the rest of the world. The EU For instance, and in relation to the should be the reference. It should export its forthcoming Portuguese Presidency, Africa values and its ambitions, especially in has to be a priority. We know that and we, climate issues. as Portuguese, know Africa well. Portugal has a long historical relationship with Africa However, I am sure we are going to find and strong cultural ties. In 2030, the ways of cooperation. However, it will not be continent will double in terms of inhabitants. the same. The UK wants to be in the The EU has to understand that this is a Erasmus+ Programme, in Horizon Europe, in priority, and it has to be done. At the global the EU Space Programme, but it will have to level, Europe is the one that gives more to pay to benefit from them. Africa in terms of humanitarian aid and development assistance. I think that today, most of the British people have understood the importance of the EU Humanitarian aid is of course needed, but it and to belonging to it. Their exit is a sad is more important to help in development moment, but it resulted in citizens from so that the humanitarian aid is no longer other Member States now understanding needed. In order to do so, there is a need to that we are stronger if we are together. understand Africa, to respect Africans and to ensure that the fundamental rights of the Still on the international aspect - the African people are respected. This is also a arrival of the newly elected president of key point for the Portuguese Presidency. the United States. There has been a certain willingness by the EU to We also should be concerned about the reconnect, create a new partnership and oceans, and we are not. There is so much new discussions with the U.S. How do you that is needed to do: in terms of research, see the arrival of Biden and how do you investment, protection of the nature, see this relationship evolving? biodiversity, elimination of plastic, etc. There are Member States that do not have direct It has to be well used, but in order to do so access to oceans, but this does not mean we need to set objectives. Competitivity that it should be of lesser importance to and productivity are not incompatible with them. inclusion; territorial, economic and social cohesion. We need social rights, and the The following question focuses on Social state needs to be there to help. However, I Europe and the European Pillar of Social prefer a state that tries to reinforce skills. Rights that was announced by the This means massive investment in terms of Juncker Commission in 2017. We have research, skills and so on. seen that the Portuguese Presidency aimed at putting the issue of Social Rights A final and more cultural question: is high in its priorities. In addition, a there a tradition or a festival that is very dedicated Summit in Porto will take place peculiar and that you would like to be in 2021. According to you, are social able to make known to non-Portuguese issues really a priority for the EU? people?

I am completely in favor of strengthening I play an instrument that is similar to the people’s skills and assets. It has to be a accordion, it has the same shape but is priority, and so do social rights. However, different, called “Concertina”. It is only some believe, mainly those from the left, played in Portugal and comes from my that in order to solve social rights problems, region, Minho. I am a beginner, but it is an we need to invest money and the problem amazing tradition. When I was the mayor of is solved. But problems are not solved like my village, we managed to set the record of that. We cannot have social rights if there is most people playing the Concertina not a strong economy that is competitive together. It was even published in the and productive. We cannot have social Guinness Book of World Records. rights if the individual does not have the needed competences (notably digital There are other traditions. For instance, the literacy) and manages to climb the social emancipation of Portuguese women in my ladder. region. They wrote love letters on a sort of scarf for their lovers or the man they liked. In I don’t want an assistance-based world parties, if someone asked for their scarf and where poverty reproduces itself. I want that they agreed, this would mean commitment. every citizen, independently from where This means that women were the ones they come from can reach as far as they aim choosing the man they wanted to be with. to. This vision, I believe, is key. And by no These scarfs are handmade and a unique means is it in contradiction with social artisan tradition. Today, the patterns and rights. designs are notably used in paintings and by high fashion. Which are the objectives that we want to reach at the EU level? Which are the Finally, there is also green wine, which also objectives to reduce poverty? What about comes from my region, Minho. homeless people? Education? What is the point of talking about social rights when we cannot set any concrete objectives? Talking about social rights without talking about objectives and common strategies, and even common definitions, doesn’t make sense. I want it to be effective.

For example, every region receives financial support from the the European Social Fund. 7 Priorities of the Portuguese Presidency

Like the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Portugal’s Presidency must face the COVID-pandemic and adapt to new working methods, so that the European Union emerges stronger from the crisis.

Within this context, Portugal has set five priorities for the upcoming six months:

1 Towards Resilience

Following the negotiations held during the German Presidency, Portugal wishes to revive the economy by implementing the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and the European Recovery Fund, Next Generation EU.

These measures will lead towards the creation of new jobs, while a total of 30% of the EU budget will be allocated to green activities and 20% to the digital transition.

2 Social Justice Values

These major current developments should not be at odds with European values of social justice.

The Portuguese Presidency will continue to defend the principles of the rule of law and democracy, as well as citizens' freedoms.

This new Presidency will thus be focused on social objectives and will seek to reinforce solidarity and to fight poverty, social exclusion and inequalities, while guaranteeing intra-European cohesion.

To this end, the new Presidency proposes the organization of a Social Summit to discuss the social dimension in the recovery and development of the European economy, as well as in the digital and climatic transition, and to encourage the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. 3 Sustainability

To make Europe greener, the Presidency is convinced that it is important to implement the European Green Pact in European policies and to further legislate on climate in order to achieve the climate neutrality objectives by 2050.

Concretely, the Portuguese Presidency wishes to:

• Articulate the European Union's 2030 Biodiversity Strategy with the new European Union Strategy for Forests; • Focus on the sustainable use of maritime resources; • Continue promoting the development of sustainable energy and transport policies.

4 Digitalization and Innovation

One of the key priorities set by the upcoming Presidency of the EU Council is an inclusive and fair digital transition. Indeed, this it considers this as a necessary means to relaunch European competitiveness and to position Europe as a leader in new technologies and innovation. However, this digital transition must leave no one behind and make it possible to strengthen social inclusion and overcome inequalities.

It is therefore non-negligible for the Presidency to bring about digital cooperation and to develop the concept of "Digital Democracy".

5 European sovereignty on a global scale

Finally, the European Union needs to strengthen its sovereignty on a global scale through greater multilateralism and international cooperation, in particular regarding:

• Its partnership with Africa • Strategic relations with India • A new partnership with the United Kingdom • A new impetus in transatlantic relations

9 Political calendar for the next six months

and digital transition, and the changing 01 | January global competitive landscape in the post- COVID context. The program will be co- • 1st – Brexit created by the European Commission If the transition period is not extended, and industrial stakeholders and it will the UK will then begin its new provide important input for the update of relationship with the EU, either the EU industrial strategy announced by withdrawing from the EU without a trade European Commission President Ursula deal or beginning the new trading von der Leyen. relationship agreed during the transition period. Even if there is no trade deal, the Withdrawal Agreement and its protections for citizens' rights will stand 03 | march as a treaty. • 1st-2nd – 15th European Nuclear • 24th – Portuguese Presidential Energy Forum elections The European Commission is organizing, The incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo together with Slovakia as hosting country, de Sousa (Social Democratic Party, PSD) the 15th European Nuclear Energy Forum who was elected in 2016, is leading the (ENEF) in Bratislava. race in the presidential elections over his rivals Andre Claro Amaral Ventura • Revision of Regional Aid Guidelines (nationalist-populist, CHEGA), Ana The European Commission objective by Gomes (Independent List) and Tiago the end of the first quarter 2021 is to Mayan Gonçalves (Liberal Initiatives, LI). revise the regional State aid guidelines that were to expire at the end of 2020, and are prolonged until 31 December 2021, in order to promote the economic 02 | february development of certain disadvantaged areas within the European Union. • European Council Extraordinary Summit • 15th-17th – House of Representatives European leaders will meet to discuss of the Netherlands election health, European security and defence. A back-to-back meeting with the Eastern • 25th-26th – European Council Summit Partnership is planned. EU heads of state and government will meet to discuss digital topics, including th th • 22 -25 – EU Industry Week 2021 digital taxation, the Single Market and The fourth edition of EU Industry Days EU industrial policy, and External will focus on the accelerated twin green relations (Russia) represent them on the London Assembly 04 | april as the South West Constituency Assembly Member, and who they want to • 25th – Portugal Freedom Day represent them as London-wide The Portuguese population will Assembly Members. commemorate the “Revolução dos Scottish regional elections: 129 Members Cravos”, namely the overthrow in 1974 of of the Scottish Parliament will be elected the dictatorial Estado Novo (New State) in the sixth election since the Parliament fascist government. was devolved to Holyrood in 1999.

05 | may 06 | june • 7th-8th – Informal European Council • Revision of the Machinery Directive meeting in Portugal 2006/42/EC European leaders will meet in Portugal to The Commission will pursue a legislative discuss about the social impact of the initiative proceeding by the end of the digital and green transformation as well presidency in order to address the risks as an exchange of views with political stemming from new technologies while leaders from India. allowing for technical progress, improve the legal clarity of some major concepts and definitions in the current text of the • 31th May – 4th June : EU Green Week Directive and simplify the The European Green Week 2021 will be documentation’s requirements. dedicated to the ‘zero pollution ambition’. It will also look at other • 10th – Day of Portugal relevant European Green Deal initiatives, Portugal Day, officially known as Dia de such the climate initiatives, the upcoming Camões, de Portugal e das Chemicals Strategy, as well as initiatives Comunidades Portuguesas ('Day of in the field of energy, industry, mobility, Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese agriculture, fisheries, health and Communities'), commemorates the biodiversity. death of Luís de Camões on June 10th, EU Green Week 2021 will be an 1580. It is Portugal's National Day. opportunity to engage with all stakeholders and interested citizens on • 24th-25th – European Council Summit how we can work together to make the A meeting with the heads of state will ambition for a zero pollution and toxic- take place to discuss about the future of free environment a reality. Schengen agreement and the external • 6th – UK local and regional elections relations with the United Kingdom. City of London elections: The Mayor of London and London Assembly elections will take place on Thursday 6 May 2021. Voters in London Borough of Hounslow will choose who they want to be the Mayor of London, who they want to 11 What about Portugal? • Portugal shares the Iberian Peninsula with its Eastern neighbour (and only neighbouring country), Spain. • The geography of the country is quite diversified, with a mountainous landscape on the North as well as dreamy beaches in the South. The Azores and Madeira archipelagos also offer nice holiday destinations. • Portugal’s population is approximately 10 million, with almost 2 million located in or around Lisbon, its capital. Otherwise, people mostly live by the country’s coast rather than in the inland regions. • Portugal is famous for its navigation and exploration, mostly in the 15th and 16th century. Thanks to Prince Henry “The Navigator”, the Portuguese helped exploring and mapping the world – Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, to name a few. • The main colours on Portugal’s flag represent the blood of those who died defending the country (red) and the hope of the nation (green). The flag has undergone many transformations throughout the years but the current one has been in place since 1911.

Países de Conquistadores

• Portugal is a Republic since 1910. Before that, it had been a monarchy since 1143, when King Alfonso I became the first King of Portugal. • In the 15th century, Prince Henry “the Navigator” founded the famous sailing school in Sagres, from where several sea expeditions were launched. This marked the beginning of Portugal’s worldwide discoveries of the Azores, Madeira, Africa, the Americas, India… Portuguese sailor Bartolomeu Dias became the first European to sail all the way around the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope). The route was later used by fellow sailor Vasco de Gama to travel all the way to India. • During its many years, the country had to defend itself against the attacks of its close neighbours, including the Moors, in the 8th century, the Spanish, with the Iberian Union between 1580 and 1640, and the French invasion of 1807 led by Napoleon. • Portugal joined the EU in 1986. It will hold the Council’s Presidency for the 4th time since its accession. The last time was between June and December 2007, when the members signed the Treaty of Lisbon (13 December 2007). 13 The hilly, coastal capital of Portugal hosts the imposing São Jorge Castle which Lisbon overlooks a variety of pastel-colored buildings, the Tagus Estuary and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. Just outside Lisbon there is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.

The city that provided a nation with a name and a fortified wine known Porto worldwide as port. The second largest city in the country renowned for its commercial enterprise. The Cais da Ribeira riverfront is the center of the city center and the most picturesque part of Porto.

Located in the South of Portugal, the wonderful city of Albufeira and the region’s capital Faro, remain nearly the same as they were in the 18th century, with their charming

Algarve seaside and landscapes.

An archipelago in the mid-Atlantic and autonomous region of Portugal. The Azores All the islands have volcanic origins and are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages and green pastures. Perched on a hill overlooking the Rio Mondego and country’s former historic and political capital from 1139 to 1385, Coimbra is home to a Coimbr preserved medieval old town.

TravelEat, Drink and SeeTips

Bacalhau: The traditional bacalhau is dried and salted cod dish. There are many ways to cook bacalhau, for example: bacalhau à brás (a mound of tiny fried potatoes, cod, onions and scrambled eggs); bacalhau com todo (a plate of boiled cod and vegetables and sliced hard-boiled eggs).

Sardinha assada: The grilled sardines are a traditional dish of Portuguese cuisine and are one of the 7 Wonders of Gastronomy of Portugal. In Portugal, it is customary to make this dish during popular festivals. A meal of grilled sardines is often referred to as a "sardine".

Feijoada: is a bean Pastéis de nata: The stew made with most popular pastry beef or pork, where in Portugal, the beans play the pastéis de nata is musical chairs based a pint-size egg on the region. custard tart. Puff pastry is jammed with a yellow custard whisked with egg Port wine: There are yolks, sugar, cream several styles of Port, and a dash of lemon including red, white, rosé, zest and baked until and an aged style called golden. Tawny Port. 15 Fun & Sport Facts

The country’s name derives from its second- largest city, Porto, which was previously known as Portuguese-British relationship “Cale”. The Romans added a port and named While different in regard to their it Portus Cales, which culture, both countries share the later turned into world’s oldest diplomatic Portugal. alliance, which was signed in 1373 and is still in place. James Bond’s birthplace

Ian Fleming, the “father” of Francesinha was introduced in 1953 James Bond, was inspired by by Daniel da Silva in the city of Duško Popov, a Serbian Porto. A returned emigrant from triple agent who lived in from France and Belgium tried to Portugal in creating the adapt the French sandwich croque- world-famous secret agent. monsieur into something more appealing for the Portuguese taste. Like a croque-monsieur, a francesinha is usually accompanied by a mountain of fries.

Choose carefully your son or daughter’s name! In Portugal, parents are not free to name their babies as they please. The country has introduced a law protecting the child from abuse. Naming a child is considered a responsibility, not a right. So when in doubt, do not forget to check out the government’s 80-pages guide of approved and rejected names.

The Portuguese are fatalists: the traditional Fado music from Portugal, ‘fateful’ music, is a UNESCO world cultural heritage. At the heart of Fado there is “saudade”, an untranslatable word from the original Portuguese, which broadly refers to a sense of sorrow and nostalgia. The soulful heart-touching music is generally based on common themes such as the sea or living in poverty. Football is the most popular sport in Portugal. It can even be considered as the second-largest religion. The country has a renowned tradition and produced footballers who became known worldwide such as Eusébio, Luís Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo – all Balon d’Or winners.

The Derby de Lisboa is the most important football derby match in Portugal and it is played between the two Lisbon clubs Benfica and Sporting.

Oh and last but not least: Portugal is Europe’s crown champion thanks to its 2016 Euro title. We will have to wait until Summer 2021 to see if they can make it two in a row …

Porco preto In Farsi and certain Arabic Black Iberian pigs, languages, the words for raised on a diet of Portugal and oranges are acorns, are a common the same. No one knows domestic pig endemic why! to the central and southern regions of Portugal and Spain. Portuguese is the 5th most spoken eu te language in the world: It is the official amo language of Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe. Additionally, it is also one of the official languages of East Timor, Equatorial Guinea and Macau. It has approximately 215 to 220 million native speakers and 250 million total speakers.

Portuguese missionaries invented the Japanese tempura which is a dish of battered, deep-fried In October 2011, the vegetables and seafood. The Hawaiian surfer Garrett Portuguese also introduced Piri Piri, McNamara caught the chilli, pepper, potatoes and biggest wave (30 meter) tomatoes to India and Thailand. ever surfed to date at Praia do Norte, near the town of Nazaré, in Portugal is one of the world's top surf spots: the country has central Portugal. a coastline that spans over 800 kilometers. The best surf spots in Portugal are located in Nazaré, Cascais, Figueira da Foz and Peniche. October 2011, the Hawaiian surfer Garrett McNamara caught the biggest wave (30 meter) ever surfed to date at Praia do Norte, near the town of Nazaré, in central Portugal.

17 Some useful words

Hello – Ola Good Day - Bom dia Thank you – Obrigado Pleased to meet you - Muito prazer em conhecê-lo I would like to eat some cod – Eu gostaria de comer um pouco de bacalhau Where are the best pasteis de nata? - Onde estão os melhores pasteis de nata? Goodbye – Adeus

A Portuguese does not do something “to show off,” he does it “so the English can see it.” - Para inglês ver

A Portuguese does not “work a lot,” he “gets water up his beard.” - Água pela barba

A Portuguese does not “give up,” he “takes his little horse away from the rain.” - Tirar o cavalinho da chuva.

A Portuguese does not “have a problem,” he “is done to the beef.” - Estou feito ao bife! Setting Sail on the Portuguese Presidency

Throughout its history, Portugal has always looked outwards – towards the oceans and toward new horizons. Indeed, the Portuguese were the first navigators to round the Cape of Good Hope, to circumnavigate the globe, and by some accounts, Portuguese fishermen may have arrived in North America decades before Columbus in 1492. As a result of these international achievements, Portugal ushered in new eras of international interconnectedness and globalism, bringing together the different corners of the globe and leading to new innovation and ideas. So too will the Portuguese Presidency be at the forefront of a new era. Following the US elections, the Portuguese Presidency will strive to develop new partnerships with its North American friends, while continuing discussions with South America to conclude the Mercosur Free Trade Agreement and organizing EU-Africa and EU-India Summits, cementing the role of the EU as a global partner and ally. Portugal’s historic links with the sea cannot be sufficiently underscored. At the vanguard of the environmental transition, Portugal will have to man the rudder in advancing efforts to decarbonize maritime transport while begin setting in motion policies to increase clean offshore energy production. Following the difficult year that was 2020, the start of the Portuguese Presidency will, much like explorer Bartolomeu Dias’ exploits in South Africa, usher in an era of new hope. Brussels office Rue de Trèves 55-57 - B / 1040 Brussels Tel. : +32 (0)2 289 67 20 Paris office 10 bis avenue de la Grande Armée - 75017 Paris Tel. : +33 (0)1 56 88 52 10 Berlin office Turmstrasse 33 - 10551 Berlin Tel. : +49 (0)30 201 438 213 Marseille office 9, Quai Rive Neuve, Vieux Port - F / 13001 Marseille Tel. : +33 (0)4 91 90 14 52 www.arcturus­group.com