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THE EUROPEAN UNION |
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POLGEN 219 |
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The future Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies |
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Coreper/Council |
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Subject : |
Delegations will
find attached the draft 18 month programme of the Council, prepared by the
future Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies.
______________
GENERAL AFFAIRS -
HORIZONTAL ISSUES. 15
The post-2010
Lisbon Strategy (EU 2020) 15
Climate change /
energy security. 16
The mid-term
review of the financial framework / next financial perspective. 17
Cohesion policy,
territorial cohesion and urban development 18
Integrated
maritime policy. 19
ECONOMIC AND
FINANCIAL AFFAIRS. 21
Economic policy
coordination. 21
Financial markets
and services 22
Competitiveness
aspects and industrial policy. 29
Innovation and
intellectual property. 30
Research &
Development & Innovation. 31
EMPLOYMENT, SOCIAL
POLICY, HEALTH AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS. 35
European
Employment Strategy. 36
The European
Social Agenda. 37
Social inclusion
and social protection. 37
Equality between
women and men and non-discrimination. 38
TRANSPORT,
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ENERGY.. 42
Overarching
priority: Greening the policies 47
Sustainable
consumption and production /sustainable use of natural resources 50
Better instruments
for environmental policy. 51
EDUCATION,
TRAINING, YOUTH, SPORT, CULTURE AND AUDIOVISUAL POLICY.. 53
The Education and
Training 2020 Strategic Framework. 53
Social dimension
of education and training. 54
Schools for the
21st century. 54
Vocational
education and training - the Copenhagen process 54
Modernising higher
education. 55
Mid-term review of
the life-long learning programme. 56
Reform of the
Common Agriculture Policy beyond 2013. 60
Quality of
agricultural products 60
Agri-food industry
competitiveness 60
Animal health and
animal welfare. 62
Reform of the
Common Fisheries Policy. 64
Reform of the
Common organisation of the markets in fishery and aquaculture products 64
Implementation of
the aquaculture strategy. 64
Multi-annual
management and recovery plans 65
Integration of
Third Country Nationals 67
Cooperation with
third countries in the framework of the EU Global Approach. 69
Internal Security
Strategy. 69
Fight against
trafficking in human beings 70
Police and Customs
cooperation. 70
Crime Prevention
and Fight against serious and organised crime. 71
Practical
Cooperation in judicial matters 73
Judicial
Cooperation in Criminal matters 75
Judicial
Cooperation in Civil law matters 76
External relations
in the area of Freedom Security and Justice. 77
Non-proliferation,
disarmament 79
European Consular
Cooperation and the Protection of the European Citizen. 80
Human rights and
rule of law.. 81
Neighbourhood :
Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean. 84
Latin America and
the Caribbean. 89
This document sets
out the combined programme of the Spanish, Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies
covering the period January 2010 to June 2011. It is presented in two parts.
The first part contains the strategic framework for the
programme, setting it in a wider context, and specifically within the
perspective of more long-term objectives running into the subsequent three
Presidencies. For this reason, in accordance with the Council's rules of procedure,
the future Polish, Danish and Cypriot Presidencies have been consulted on this
section. The second part constitutes the operational programme
setting out the issues which are expected to be covered during the 18 month
period.
The three
Presidencies will exercise their respective functions on the basis of the new
Treaty which entered into force on 1 December 2009. They will make every effort
to ensure a smooth functioning of the new rules and provisions. This implies
very close cooperation between the three Presidencies and between them and the
new President of the European Council and the HR who will chair the Foreign
Affairs Council. At the same time, the Presidencies will rely very much on the
input provided by the new Commission on the basis of the political guidelines
set out by its President in September 2009 and its work programme. They will
also work very closely together with the European Parliament, whose role has
been greatly enhanced by the Treaty of Lisbon.
In a rapidly
changing world, we are confronted with a number of unprecedented challenges
that need to be addressed collectively and with determination. Only by acting
together within the framework of our European Union will we be able to play a
leading role and exercise a significant influence on major issues at the global
level.
We need to work
towards a Union closer to its citizens and their concerns. We will therefore
promote targeted policies that directly benefit citizens. In doing so, we can
build upon the achievements of the past as well as on the economic, social and
cultural resources including cultural diversity, which are unique to Europe.
The coming 18
months will be decisive for laying the ground for a fully sustainable growth
model which responds effectively to current and future challenges. The Treaty of
Lisbon will improve the Union's capacity to address these challenges in a more
efficient way.
The task ahead of
us is to build a more united and a more integrated Europe, a Europe capable of facing
global challenges.
°
° °
The revision of
the Lisbon Strategy is a major priority. Our
ambition is to launch a new strategic policy framework in order to build a
Europe capable of mastering the crisis, promoting sustainable growth and
employment as well as innovation and competitiveness, strengthening social,
economic and territorial cohesion, fighting climate change and enhancing energy
security.
The development of a new Strategy will take full
account of the progress reports on the European and national recovery plans. It
will feed into the implementation of the European Employment Strategy in the
light of demographic and environmental challenges. The post-2010 Lisbon Strategy
must respond to the diversity of the EU. In particular, it should be better
articulated with a strong cohesion policy and contribute to the catching-up of
disadvantaged territorial units and social groups. One of the key objectives of
the new Strategy must be to tackle the negative economic and social effects of
the financial crisis.
Research&Development&Innovation
should continue to play a key role in this respect, on the basis of the
provisions of the Treaty of Lisbon. Full use should also be made of a strong
and well functioning Single Market, including the full implementation of the
four freedoms. Europe needs a strengthened industrial base, a modernised
service sector and a thriving rural economy.
The new Strategy
should set realistic common targets for the next ten years, laying special
emphasis on growth and jobs. It should also include a review of all
implementation mechanisms in order to ensure more coherent and effective
policymaking. In particular, we need to ensure a strengthened involvement of
relevant stakeholders, including at the local and regional levels, in order to
best deliver growth and jobs. The three Presidencies would be fully prepared to
examine possible new initiatives by the Commission and welcome in particular
the announced "EU 2020 Strategy" and a possible quality framework on
services of general interest.
The financial crisis has demonstrated weaknesses in the
economic and financial system. Financial markets
must be better regulated and supervised. In particular, it is important rapidly
to finalise work on the legislative proposals setting up the European Systemic
Risk Board and the European Supervisory Authorities so that these are up and
running by the end of 2010.
Work will need to be swiftly completed on important
issues such as transparency, including improved methods for asset valuation and
improved financial decision-making, strengthening the prudential framework
(capital requirements and provisions), including countercyclical elements; and
strengthening of the infrastructure of capital markets. The three presidencies
will carry on with the strengthening of the single market in financial
services.
Appropriate coordinated and country-specific exit
strategies from both monetary and fiscal stimulus will need to be carefully
devised, implemented and monitored to ensure the right conditions for a return
to strong growth, sustainable public finances, a supportive economic and
financial environment, employment and improved social cohesion.
On all of these issues, the EU must continue to develop
coordinated positions and play a leading role on the global scene, in
particular within the G20 and at the International Monetary Fund and the World
Bank. Special attention should be given to the role and responsibility of the
Euro-zone.
On the basis of the Commission's assessment of progress to date as well
as a broad consultation process with Member States, social partners and civil
society, the three Presidencies will have a fresh look at the renewed social
agenda dated July 2008. Future social
action should have a wide remit, including the commitments undertaken within
the European Youth Pact and the Youth Strategy, the European Pact for Gender
Equality and the European Pact for the Family.
Particular attention should be given to the implementation of the EU
Health Strategy for 2008-2013.
2010 will be the European Year for Combating Poverty
and Social Exclusion. The fight against poverty and social marginalization will
constitute a major objective, with particular attention being paid to the
unemployed, children in poverty, the working poor and one-parent families. The
European Year for Voluntary Activities 2011 will also play an important role.
Fighting discrimination and promoting integration are shared basic
values throughout the European Union. Gender equality is a key concern and will
be mainstreamed throughout the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy. A new Plan for the
equality of women and men will be launched. Priority will be given to the
question of violence against women and the follow-up of the implementation of
the European Pact on Gender Equality. Other key social issues concern the mainstreaming
of policies for people with disabilities, taking into account the application
of universal accessibility in order to achieve their full participation; the
fight against social and fiscal fraud; the social and economic integration of the
Roma; the promotion of the European social model within
the framework of multilateral and bilateral external relations; and the
implementation of the Decent Work Agenda promoted by the ILO.
°
° °
The implementation and possible review of
the energy and climate package is a top priority
for the three Presidencies. The EU will have to maintain its leadership role in
international negotiations on climate change, in the light of the outcome
reached at the Copenhagen Conference (COP 15). This outcome will be assessed
early in 2010, paying special attention to its effects on the European industry
and economy and on the citizens.
A new 2010-2014 Energy Action Plan for Europe will be
elaborated with a view to its adoption at the Spring 2010 European Council. The
new Energy Plan will be the framework within which European energy policy will
continue to be developed and strengthened. Special attention will be given to
territorial and social cohesion as far as access to energy supply is concerned.
The three Presidencies will promote and intensify actions to improve and
promote renewable energy, the energy efficiency of buildings, energy
infrastructures, eco-friendly means of transport and products.
Energy security
will remain a key issue. A new EU Energy Security and Infrastructure Instrument
will be adopted, focusing on the diversification of energy sources, origins of
supply and transit routes, as well as on identifying and promoting the
development of interconnection projects. Particular attention must be given to
a higher degree of solidarity between Member States in the case of an
emergency. Regional or bilateral solidarity arrangements addressing disruption
of supplies must be enhanced. Given the importance of energy efficiency in
strengthening energy security and tackling climate change, an ambitious renewed
Energy Efficiency Action Plan will be adopted.
In the context of the evaluation of the common transport policy, eco-friendly means of transport and the improvement of
intermodality will be pursued. Moreover, priority will be given to the revision
of the Transeuropean Transport Networks.
The halt of loss of biodiversity, including the protection of forests against natural hazards, remains
a priority that will lead to the elaboration of a comprehensive European
Biodiversity Strategy for the period beyond 2010. Another emerging important
theme will be the development of a sustainable use of natural resources, in
particular of sustainable water management, essential in providing universal
access to clean and safe water both to the European population and the
ecosystems.
The cohesion policy
remains an EU solidarity instrument in order to help the convergence of Member
States and regions, alleviate structural difficulties, strengthen
competitiveness. Future cohesion policy will continue to contribute to the
basic objectives laid down in the Treaty.
In this context, the launching and implementation of
the EU strategy for the Danube region will be of
exemplary importance. The three Presidencies are in favour of developing and
applying a new strategy for the Outermost Regions.
Agriculture is a strategic sector that has crucial importance for
the functioning of other economic sectors and serves as a basis for the economic
and social development of rural areas. The upcoming discussions on the Common
Agricultural Policy after 2013 will be decisive.
Reinforcing both pillars of the Common Agricultural Policy and promoting food
security, safety, sustainability and innovation, as well as responding to
global challenges will be core concerns of the future reform.
Marine resources must be used and exploited in a sustainable manner.
Therefore, the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy will be key to the survival of this economic sector. Its main
purpose will be the management of fishing activities in order to ensure its
economic, social and environmental viability, keeping in mind that the most
important negative factors are over-fishing and overcapacity of the fleet.
°
° °
The three Presidencies will focus on the effective implementation of
the new multi-annual programme for the development of the area of Freedom,
Security and Justice (Stockholm Programme.) The
challenge will be to ensure respect for fundamental freedoms and privacy, while
enjoying the highest possible level of protection and security in Europe.
Striking the right balance between law enforcement measures and measures to
safeguard individual rights, the rule of law and international protection rules
will be of paramount importance. The achievement of a European area of Justice will be further consolidated. Priority will be given to mechanisms that facilitate people’s access to the courts, ensuring
fair and simple access by all to justice. Special attention will be paid to the
application of the overarching principle of mutual recognition and to the
harmonization and consolidation of legislation. Further deepening and, on the
basis of the agreed criteria, enlargement of the Schengen area will be pursued.
The development of a forward looking and comprehensive European Immigration
and Asylum policy will remain a key objective of
the European Union. The European Pact on Immigration and Asylum will be the
basis for further developments in this field as well as the actions planned for
the implementation of the Global Approach to Migration.
Improving the security in the Union
and protecting the lives and safety of European citizens remains a top
priority. The fight against terrorism, organized and cross-border crime,
trafficking in human beings and drug trafficking, will be further pursued
through more effective cooperation between Member States, the EU institutions
and competent agencies. Lastly, the external dimension of these policies will
be further enhanced.
°
° °
The enlargement process will continue
in the context of the renewed consensus on enlargement. The conclusion of the
Accession negotiations with Croatia and the signature and ratification of the
Accession Treaty will be high on the Agenda. Efforts will be made to create the
conditions that will enable more sustained and visible progress in the
accession negotiations with Turkey. The accession application by fYROM will be
followed-up. The Presidencies will address the three applications for
membership by Albania, Iceland and Montenegro according to the provisions of
the Treaty.
The EU will continue strengthening the European perspective of the Western
Balkans, through the Stabilization and Association
Process and the Thessaloniki Agenda. Using all the instruments at its disposal,
the EU will help the region’s stability and prosperity.
The security, stability and
prosperity of Europe will also be promoted through the full implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy with a view to facilitating sustainable economic development and
stability in the area. Both the Eastern Partnership and the Union for the
Mediterranean will be enhanced in a coordinated and balanced manner.
The EU will strive to improve the effectiveness, coherence, and
visibility of the external action of the EU in
order to enhance the development of an authentic, effective multilateral
system. This will be done taking into account the EU’s interests and projecting
the set of inalienable values on which the EU’s shared project and security are
based. The creation of the new post of High Representative and the setting up
of the European External Action Service will allow to strengthen the EU's role
on the global scene. The EU’s relations with its most important bilateral
and regional partners will continue to be
developed, in particular through the organisation of meetings at the highest
political level.
The Common Commercial policy remains
an important aspect of the EU’s multilateral action. The EU will continue
pursuing a double track approach, working towards a global, comprehensive and
balanced agreement on the Doha Round, while at the same time continuing to
pursue regional and bilateral trade agreements and pushing for further
improvement of market access.
The protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental
freedoms and their full integration in all EU
policies will continue to be a priority for the EU in external relations.
The EU is the world’s larger donor and trading partner and as such
it will continue to encourage the achievement of international commitments on
quantity and quality of aid as well as strategic partnership with developing
countries, particularly with regard to the Millennium Development Goals. Special attention will be paid to the needs of developing
countries in the context of global financial and economic crisis. Their
adaptation capacity to climate change and the means they devote to biodiversity
conservation, food security and sustainable development should be strengthened.
The development of civil and military capabilities will be further pursued. The European Union should be in a position
further to contribute to crisis management and the stabilization and resolution
of conflicts through the use of the above-mentioned capabilities. The EU will
continue to cooperate closely with the United Nations, NATO, OSCE, AU and other
regional organizations in the area of crisis management.
The three Presidencies will support the development of
consular protection for all European citizens, not only outside of the
territory of the European Union but also during their circulation and residency
in other Member States.
°
° °
The challenges and objectives listed above can only be tackled if
the EU has the necessary tools to implement its ambitions.
The budget review offers the opportunity to discuss how to adapt the
Union's financial means to its ambitions, so as to design a budget that is
driven by common policies and reflects the Union's new challenges.
In order to prepare the next financial perspective the three
Presidencies, in cooperation with the Commission, will debate both the future
of the Union's resources and of EU policies such as cohesion, agriculture,
energy, environment and research & development & innovation, as well as
EU external action, in line with the provisions of the Treaties and the
conclusions of the European Council of December 2005.
The Treaty
of Lisbon which entered into force on 1 December
2009 will allow the Union to function more effectively and more democratically,
thanks notably to streamlined decision-making procedures and the new legal
bases it offers. The three Presidencies will continue the necessary work to
ensure that the Treaty is fully and comprehensively implemented.
***
**
*
The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty has given to the Union a
new legal framework for its action. The preparatory work in view of its
implementation allowed for the smooth entry into force. A certain number of
provisions still need to be implemented or finalised. The President of the
European Council, the three Presidencies, the Commission, and the High
Representative will therefore continue this work as a matter of urgency.
The possibilities provided by the new treaty, notably as regards the
right of initiatives of the citizens, the accession of the EU to the European
Convention of Human rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the new role given to
the national parliaments should be fully used.
The revision of the existing Lisbon Strategy will be a key priority for the three Presidencies. On the basis of
the Commission’s proposals for the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy, and taking into
account the work of the Reflection Group headed by Felipe González as well as
the contribution of the European Parliament and the consultative bodies (EESC,
CoR), the three Presidencies will work on a framework in order to deliver on
the challenges that matter most to Europe’s citizens.
This policy framework will address the future economic, employment,
social, environmental challenges and the issue of targets for the post-2010 Lisbon
Strategy with special attention to growth and jobs. In terms of governance, the
European Council itself will continue to play a central role in guiding the
process.
The revision of the existing Lisbon Strategy will address all
aspects of the implementation mechanisms, including governance and the
involvement of different stakeholders.
In the wake of the financial, economic and employment crisis the new
Strategy will certainly take into account the results of the first assessments
of the impact of the European and national recovery plans. Other components and
elements to be considered in the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy will be elaborated
in more detail under the respective headings.
The proper functioning and deepening of the internal market is
essential. It is our common goal to accomplish a fully integrated internal
market where the four freedoms are properly ensured.
The fight against climate change requires
the transformation of the present development model into one of low carbon
emissions, creating a reduction in dependence on fossil fuels. This will
increase energy security and contribute to strengthening new areas of economic
activity. The necessary mitigation of GHG emissions and adaptation to climate
change are mutually inclusive, and bearing this in mind it is vital to design
an appropriate action plan that is coordinated and effective. In this way,
actions to cope with climate change present an opportunity to strengthen the
sustainable dimension of sectoral policies, of which the most important are
Energy Policy, Transport Policy, Research&Developemtn&Innovation Policy,
Cohesion Policy, Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Common Fisheries Policy
(CFP), as well as migration policy and the resulting financial implications.
The EU should also continue its active role in strengthening international
cooperation.
The three Presidencies will devote their utmost attention to the
follow-up to the Copenhagen Conference.
In order to strengthen energy security, that is also important for the EU's economic development, efforts
for interconnection and diversification of energy suppliers, sources and supply
routes must intensify. With a view to addressing supply disruptions, further
flexible, efficient and transparent crisis response mechanisms for oil and gas
supplies should be developed. Energy efficiency, including the revision of the
Energy Efficiency Action Plan, is one of the key means towards strengthening
energy security. It is vital to identify and remove barriers to investments in
interconnection projects, renewable energies and the sustainable use of fossil
fuels. External relations in the energy field play a very important role.
Diversification of ways and means should be developed. Therefore the Union should
"speak with one voice" on external energy issues in their dialogues
with supplier, transit and consumer countries.
The three Presidencies will pay full attention to the EU Budget and
Policies review process currently under way. This process constitutes an
opportunity to discuss how the European budget should adapt to the challenges
which must be addressed by all Member States. The result must be a budget that
is driven by common policies and reflects the Union’s new challenges.
In that context and with a view to preparing the next financial
framework, the three Presidencies, in cooperation with the Commission, will
debate the future of own resources and EU's 2020 strategy objectives and
spending common policies, such as Research & Development & Innovation,
energy, environment, external assistance, cohesion policy and agriculture. This
will be done in line with the provisions of the Treaties and of the conclusions
of the European Council 2005.
Furthermore the three Presidencies will concentrate their efforts on
ensuring that the discussion on EU own resources and expenditures will be held
simultaneously, respecting the principles of sufficiency, graduality, equity
and solidarity while the balance of reforms and stability in expenditure must
be kept.
Cohesion Policy
aims at helping reduce disparities between the levels of development of the
various regions - thereby laying the ground for the balanced and sustainable
economic, social and territorial development. This remains important for the
future. At the same time, it is also an important tool for the implementation
of the single market and the single currency.
The three
Presidencies will strive to develop a wide-ranging and in-depth debate on
regional policy after 2014. This will provide an opportunity to analyse and
thoroughly discuss the Strategic Report 2010 and the 5th Cohesion Report.
The Presidencies
will take forward work on the future of the policy with special regard to its
structure and the simplification of its rules and procedures. They will act
together in order to evaluate and revise the aspects of the territorial dimension
of the Cohesion Policy and the territorial agenda to be adopted in 2011.
In terms of urban
development, the three Presidencies will continue work on the implementation of
the Leipzig Charter. Priority topics will include integrated urban
regeneration, urban dimension of climate change, economic crisis and demography
challenges.
Concerning housing
policies, especially in urban areas, the Presidencies will focus on the issues
of social cohesion, quality of housing and energy efficiency of buildings,
especially on urban regeneration programmes.
The European
Council invited the Commission in June 2009 to present an EU strategy for
the Danube region before the end of 2010. The three
Presidencies will take forward this initiative which corresponds well with the
goals of sustainable development. The specific challenges should be dealt with
in an integrated approach, whilst respecting the individual circumstances of
each Member State involved. Environmental, transport, socio-economic and
cultural development aspects of this region as well as the external
dimension of this Strategy will certainly be addressed in this context, covering
the States participating in the Danube Co-operation process. They should be
complementary to already existing EU policies for the region.
The three Presidencies consider it necessary to explore the
opportunity of a new EU strategy for the Outermost Regions, in accordance with the parameters established in the Commission’s
Communication ‘The Outermost Regions: an advantage for Europe’ of 17 October
2008. In this regard they look forward to the adoption of proposals by the
Commission.
The three Presidencies will take forward the work towards the
establishment of an EU integrated maritime policy and will take up work on any proposals and initiatives outlined in
the Blue Book submitted by the Commission.
The three
Presidencies will take forward the work on enlargement in line with the
December 2006 European Council conclusions.
In case the
accession negotiations with Croatia are
concluded, the Presidencies will ensure a rapid finalisation of the Accession
Treaty and a smooth integration of the new Member State. The accession
negotiations with Turkey will actively be taken
forward in line with relevant Council Conclusions, and the accession
application by fYROM will be followed-up.
The three applications for membership by Albania, Iceland and
Montenegro will be examined according to the
provisions of the Treaty.
As the recovery takes hold after the
financial crisis and the ensuing recession, the Council will need to pay close
attention to ensuring a coherent and coordinated approach to restoring the
conditions for robust and sustained growth. This approach will need to address
structural weaknesses in the economy and enhance potential growth rates,
building on a solid foundation of macroeconomic stability, through a
comprehensive strategy of structural improvements. In particular, the three
Presidencies will focus on the follow up of the European Economic Recovery
Plan, including financial rescue plans, appropriate exit from state support
measures, budgetary policies and structural reforms. Special attention should
be paid to economic policy coordination, to generate synergies, tackling
persistent distortions to the Single Market and ensure an adequate effective
level-playing field; single market aspects are very important.
The three Presidencies will ensure that the
Stability and Growth Pact continues to be applied in a economically sound
manner, contributing to the progressive re-orientation of fiscal policies
towards sustainability. Additional steps need to be taken to lay the foundation
for more balanced sustainable growth. In this context, the three Presidencies
will put particular emphasis on exit strategies aimed at facilitating the
return to normal conditions in the markets and avoiding a reversal of the
progress made in stabilising the financial sector. These strategies will ensure
consistency between short term measures meant to support and sustain the
economic recovery, and the key requirements to enhance the quality of public
finance and to make adequate provisions for the costs of an ageing population. They
should be implemented in a coordinated manner, taking into account the specific
situations of individual countries.
The focus of the sector will in the
immediate future be on the coordination of financial sector support packages
and exit strategies in order to take into account potential spill-over effects.
The EU has already taken unprecedented
measures to restore stability to financial markets and to get credit flowing
again. These must be matched by an extensive reform of financial services
regulation to prevent a repeat of the crisis and to rebuild trust in the
financial industry. The emphasis will be on measures to promote propriety,
integrity and transparency and to safeguard against system-wide threats and
excessive risk-taking.
A new European framework for macro- and
micro-prudential supervision is of paramount importance. At the micro-prudential
level it is urgent to set up the European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) for
banking, insurance and securities. At the macro-prudential level, the European
Systemic Risk Board will monitor and assess potential threats to financial
stability. The new body should be fully operational by the end of 2010. International
macroeconomic coordination based upon a close cooperation of the IMF, the FSB
and the supervisory authorities, should be a priority in order to avoid a
repetition of the crisis.
In the longer term perspective, work should
concentrate on correcting the weaknesses in financial services regulation, made
apparent by the financial crisis. In order to ensure a level-playing field for
operators in the financial markets and services, the EU must make its best to
ensure that the introduction of any new measures in financial markets and
services are well coordinated with other key players in the market and do not
lead to unfair competition, in order to promote globally stable and competitive
markets.
The follow-up
to the agreement on climate change (Copenhagen UNFCC Conference) will have to
be ensured.
The EIB
external mandate Mid Term Review will be followed up in 2010.
The three Presidencies will closely follow and
coordinate EU positions in the ongoing G20 process, at the level of Finance
Ministers as well as at the highest level, so as to follow up and ensure the
implementation of the agreements reached at the Washington, London and
Pittsburgh meetings of G20 Leaders. The Presidency will be a proactive player
in the process by helping shape EU positions to be taken in G20 meetings and by
presenting and defending EU interests. Building on the strong EU track record
in implementing the G20 action plan agreed in November 2008, the three Presidencies
will do their utmost to ensure that the EU remains at the forefront of
implementation of G20 measures.
Financial issues
will also be looked at in international fora such as ASEM and Union for the
Mediterranean.
In the area of indirect taxation the three
Presidencies will give priority to the modernisation of the rules on the common
system of value added tax and on combating tax fraud. As regards the VAT system,
work on the treatment of insurance and financial services, on the invoicing
rules and on the VAT treatment of postal services might be further pursued. The
Presidencies intend to return to the VAT regime for travel agencies proposal.
As regards the issue of combating tax fraud further discussions will be
undertaken on the introduction of a reverse charge mechanism to prevent fraud
with GHG emission rights. Work on the recast of the regulation on
administrative cooperation in the field of VAT will be actively taken forward.
Particular efforts will also be made in the revision of the Directive on energy
taxation, once the Commission proposal is received.
As regards direct taxation the three
Presidencies will continue the work on the proposal to improve the functioning
of the savings taxation mechanism within the EU and with the third countries.
They will also strive to finalize the new directives on administrative
cooperation in tax assessment and mutual assistance in recovery of taxes. The
three Presidencies will endeavour to reach an agreement with third countries on
cooperation and information exchange in direct tax matters as well as to
achieve a widespread acceptance of the principles of good governance in the tax
area. The three Presidencies will continue to foster the work of the Code of
Conduct Group on rolling back harmful tax competition measures and to advance
the issues of its Work Package, in particular anti-abuse, links to third
countries, transparency and exchange of information in transfer pricing and
administrative practises. Finally, the work on better coordination of national
tax systems could continue.
The renewal of the Lisbon strategy is a comprehensive task involving
many Council formations and stretching over the three Presidencies. The renewed
Strategy will build on the assessment of the current Lisbon Strategy, and
should take into account the consequences of and the challenges related to the
current global financial and economic crises and serve the longer term
objectives of the Union.
A strong core economic policy strategy remains essential if the EU is to
maintain levels of potential growth and ensure sustainable prosperity. The
crisis, along with the ageing of our populations, makes a broad-ranging and
serious economic reform programme even more crucial now than in the decade of
the previous Lisbon strategy.
Member States will emerge from the crisis with differing budgetary and
structural situations, so the process of defining guidelines will need to be
flexible enough to meet individual Member States' needs, while remaining
committed to the overarching global objectives of increasing competitiveness,
sustainability and prosperity in the long-term.
The three Presidencies will devote
particular attention to the EU Budget review as soon as the Commission presents its Communication.
Work on the revision of the Financial Regulation will be launched as
soon as the Commission will submit its proposal. Preparatory work on the next
financial perspective may be initiated towards the end of the 18 month period. Upon
presentation by the Commission of the Multi-annual Financial Framework
Regulation and other issues related to the new budgetary procedure the
Presidencies will launch work on this important issue. The “own resources” decision on the basis of a
report by the Commission will be examined.
The three
Presidencies will promote the implementation of the European Code of Practice,
in particular, the quality improvement, reliability and transparency of the
statistical production.
In line with the
objective of reducing up to 25% the administrative burden of businesses by
2012, the three Presidencies will encourage policies with the objective to
reduce the burden on the respondents and improve the cost-benefit balance,
while meeting the statistical information requests from statistical users. To
achieve this goal, such policies should focus on an increased use of
information and communication technology tools. In this context, it is
specially relevant to promote enterprise data collection systems and the use of
electronic exchange systems for statistical data.
The internal
market remains the core piece of European integration and therefore deserves
continuous attention from all the actors at EU level. The three Presidencies
will therefore spare no effort to take any initiative or conduct work which aim
at protecting, strengthening and completing the internal market and improving
its functioning.
The three
Presidencies will work on the ongoing Single Market Review promoting the free movement of the four freedoms. Making full use
of the potential of the internal market is an essential tool for the recovery
of economic growth for the benefit of both businesses and consumers. The
possibility of revoking the transitional periods limiting the free movement of
workers from the new Member States will be examined.
The implementation
of the Services Directive is a key element in
completing the internal market in services as well as improving competitiveness
across Europe. The Presidencies will therefore promote an effective and
transparent mutual evaluation process provided for in article 39 of the
Directive, which will allow for evidence-based policy conclusions, help ensure
high quality implementation across Member States and result in a summary report
by the Commission in December 2010, accompanied where appropriate by proposals
for additional initiatives.
Better
Regulation is an
ongoing concern and will accordingly be high on
the agenda of the three Presidencies. The improvement of the regulatory
environment in Europe remains a pivotal objective. Efforts must be pursued in
order to guarantee the achievement of the objective of a 25% reduction of
administrative burdens for European enterprises by
2012. E-government aiming at decreasing administrative burdens will be
important in this context. The Presidencies will make an extended use of
comprehensive impact assessments in
decision-making and will aim at improving this instrument where necessary, e.g.
through evaluation of impact assessments and improving the consultation
process.
The three
Presidencies consider it also important to improve the current simplification
programme. Furthermore, they will promote the
exchange of experience and best practice between public administrations of
Member States, especially as regards methods, means and ways of reducing
administrative burdens at national level. The three Presidencies are looking
forward to possible new Commission initiatives on better regulation
("smart regulation") and will continue to produce progress reports or
conclusions.
In the area of
competition, as a follow-up to the “White Paper on
damages actions for breach of the EC antitrust rules”, a legislative proposal
is expected to be submitted by the Commission in the first semester of 2010,
and thus, substantive work on this initiative will be initiated.
Further to the
Commission report of April 2009 on the functioning of Regulation 1/2003, a
possible revision could be carried out during the term of the three Presidencies.
Also, further to
the mandate given by the Council authorizing the Commission to open
negotiations with Canada for an agreement on co-operation and the exchange of
information in competition investigations, the three Presidencies will do their
outmost to reach agreement and to have the cooperation agreement with Canada
signed before the end of their term.
The implementation
of the New Legislative Framework (Goods package)
is one of the key elements which can improve the potential of the Internal
Market. The ongoing work in connection with industrial products will be
continued by the three Presidencies.
Furthermore the promotion of ICT tools, an improved access of SMEs to the
internal market, the creation of a more dynamic business environment, the
improvement of the competitiveness of the EU and public procurement, including
the green and innovative public procurement, will be promoted by the
Presidencies.
In the field of company
law, special attention will be paid to
simplification proposals. The Commission is expected to submit a proposal on
the simplification of the 4th and 7th Company Law (Accounting) Directives.
Also, as both the
take-over Directive and the SE Regulation are to be reviewed in the near
future, the three Presidencies await the Commission's reports on these two
matters with a view to start consultations and, if appropriate, follow-up work
on these matters. Finally, should discussions on the proposal on a regulation
on a European Private Company Statute not be finalised before, the three
Presidencies will do their outmost to reach agreement on the proposal.
The post-2010 Lisbon Strategy will be the
key priority of the three Presidencies. The objective will be to make a constructive
contribution to this debate regarding the strategic priorities and the
programmatic preparation. The three Presidencies will build on the various
mid-term reviews which will be available at the beginning of 2010, and it will
also be necessary to take stock of the recovery plans, of the European
initiatives in particular, to draw the lessons for future policies and
Financial Perspective.
In that context, and taking into
consideration the challenges posed by globalisation, the external dimension of
competitiveness will require a special attention. Being of transversal nature,
this theme will be treated in close linkage with the different thematic
priorities of the three Presidencies. The objective is to enable European
companies to seize opportunities rising from globalisation and the opening of
external markets, but also to answer to the threats in terms of competitiveness
which are linked to these evolutions.
The follow-up of the Commission communication
on the access to the raw materials will also be given a high priority.
The Presidencies' aim will be to make
concrete contributions as regards sustainable industrial policy initiatives, to
promote eco-innovation and the development of a competitive green economy, in
particular with a view to the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy and the recovery of the
European economy, such as promoting green cars and electricity powered cars.
The Presidencies will be particularly
attentive to the competitiveness challenges linked to environmental and climate
policies. In that context, avoiding the risk of carbon leakage and the positioning
of the highly energy intensive industries will receive special attention.
The three Presidencies will give high
priority to the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the Small
Business Act and its Action Plan with a view to contributing to the debate on
the post-2010 SME’s policy. The aim is to further develop SMEs' policies, and to
take them duly into account within the framework of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy.
Challenges like globalisation, access to finance, improving skills, sustainable
development, transmission of businesses, networking, innovation,
entrepreneurship, will be at the heart of our reflections.
In close linkage with the reflection on the
post-2010 Lisbon Strategy, the future industrial and R&D&I policies, and
building on the coming Commission proposals, the three Presidencies will also
contribute to the debate about the future European Innovation policy, and its instruments,
with a special focus on clustering policies (international dimension,
interfacing businesses, R&D&I and training, monitoring and evaluation),
lead markets, standardisation, fight against counterfeiting and piracy.
European standardisation is important for
innovation and for the competitiveness of our industry.
In the intellectual and industrial property
field, strengthening IPR protection, inter alia through the development of a
Counterfeiting and Piracy Observatory, will be one of the major priorities.
Furthermore, the three Presidencies will spare no effort in order to reach a
comprehensive agreement on the establishment of a Unified patent litigation
system and an EU Patent Regulation. They also await with great interest the
Commission review of the EU trade mark. Finally, they will pay special
attention to the awaited Commission proposals in the field of copyright aimed
at establishing a European framework which fosters digitisation of
copyright-protected material while fully respecting authors' rights. In that
context, the Presidencies are looking forward to commencing work on the
announced Commission initiatives regarding protection of orphan works.
The three Presidencies will take full
account of the importance of Research & Development & Innovation in the
renewal of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy.
The full development and consolidation of the European Research Area
(ERA) through a close interaction between Higher Education, Research and
Innovation policy will remain a priority aim with a view to promoting Europe's
competitiveness and addressing the major societal and technological challenges.
Therefore the Presidencies will work on the design of
future target(s) and/or political objectives, with a view to coordinating EU
and Member States policy efforts for the post-2010 period. They will support
the development and implementation of a set of indicators to monitor
progress towards full realisation of the ERA. The importance of the ERA for
developing a sustainable economy and society will be emphasized.
The Presidencies will promote an enhanced Governance of ERA
enabling a more effective coordination of European, national and regional
policies and programmes, notably the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework
Programme (CIP) and the Research and Technological Development Framework
Programme (RTD), allowing for more efficient and more effective
investments in research and innovation in Europe. In this context they
will further develop steps leading to an evaluation culture, including
foresight studies and impact assessments, in particular ex-post impact
assessments, covering all relevant key research policy measures in the ERA.
In addition, specific attention will be given to the analysis of the
mid-term review of the Seventh Research Framework Programme and discussions on the design and ex ante impact assessment of the
future Framework Programme will be taken forward. Moreover, the review of the
structure and mechanisms of the European Research Council and Joint Undertakings (IMI,
ARTEMIS, ENIAC CLEAN SKY) will be carried out. Specific attention will be given
to the involvement of industry, especially the SMEs in the context of the aim
to achieve at least 15% SME participation and to simplifying the administrative
and financial control procedures.
Public Private Partnerships (PPP), in particular in the areas of
energy, efficient building, factories of the future, green cars and future
internet will be an important instrument, based on a set of common framework
rules.
As part of further coordination of European, national and
regional policies, particular attention will be
given to the implementation of the joint programming through selection and
implementation of a first list of themes and the detailed arrangements for
cooperation and for the coordination of cross-border financing.
An important horizontal theme is the role of the regions in the
fields of research and European scientific policy. The three Presidencies will
emphasize the importance of the regional dimension in the development, implementation and follow-up of the innovation
and research policies, in particular those where complementarities are possible
with initiatives co-financed by the Structural Funds.
The effective implementation of the free movement of knowledge in
ERA (the fifth freedom) is vital. Further steps building
on the European partnership will be taken to accelerate progress in making
research careers in Europe more attractive and to attract the world's best
brains to European research institutes and universities.
The three Presidencies will closely
follow the implementation of the knowledge triangle, including the first knowledge and innovation communities (KICs) of
the European Institute for Technology and
Innovation (EIT). In addition they will pay
great attention to the implementation and follow-up of the initiatives taken
within the framework of the new European innovation plan.
The three Presidencies will closely
monitor the progress of the realisation of the pan-European research
infrastructures listed on the ESFRI-roadmap and promote the development of
medium-sized and networked research infrastructures.
The preparation and discussion of the
8th EURATOM Framework Programme with special attention to the ITER project will
be on the agenda.
The three Presidencies support the
development of the EU space policy.
Negotiations
on a Protocol to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on illicit trade
in tobacco products will continue in 2010 and results can be expected under the
three Presidencies.
In the area of control of drug precursors, negotiations on an agreement with
Russia have just started and are likely to be finalised within 2010.
The
facilitation of trade and the reinforcement of supply chain security will
remain at the centre of attention of the three
Presidencies. Negotiations at bilateral and
international levels on mutual recognition of trade programs will continue.
In the area
of the protection of intellectual property rights, the three
Presidencies will monitor the implementation
of the action plan for community customs 2009-2010 (intellectual property
rights) and deal with the revision of the counterfeit regulation. Negotiations
on a pluri-lateral Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), in particular
the border control measures, will continue (a first round is scheduled in
January 2010 in Mexico). In the framework of the review of Council Regulation
(EC) No 1383/2003 of 22 July 2003 concerning customs action against goods
suspected of infringing certain intellectual property rights and the measures
to be taken against goods found to have infringed such rights, a draft amending
Regulation to could also be tabled.
Council conclusions on customs controls will be
adopted on the basis of the Commission report announced in the Council
conclusions on the strategy to follow for the development of the Customs Union.
On the basis of the new treaty, the
Presidencies will support coordinated action on policies and EU measures
regarding the tourism sector and tourism activities. To this end, they will
encourage the creation of a comprehensive tourism policy framework with
adequate financial instruments for EU actions in the field of tourism.
The Presidencies acknowledge the horizontal
importance of tourism as a sector of the economy which contributes
significantly to job creation and growth. They will promote the inclusion of
tourism aspects in other relevant EU policies and, more specifically, they will
address training, employment and social affairs regarding tourism, tourism’s
role in quality of life, tourism innovation, environmental sustainability and
tourism, consumer protection, economy and taxation in tourism sector, tourist
visas and security, transport and tourism mobility.
The Presidencies will promote a Socially
Responsible and Solidarity European Tourism Model, as well as a set of
conditions and principles or codes of good practices, so as to make tourism
development compatible with economic, social and environmental sustainability
in line with the aims set out in the Commission Communication about an “Agenda
for a sustainable and competitive European tourism”.
With the European
economy on the recovery track, there is a need to ensure that growth will be
sustainable and benefit all. The impact of the recession on employment and the
social situation needs to be addressed and structural reforms must be achieved
in this process.
The response of the European Union to these challenges
will be based on the following key priorities : promoting employment and
entrepreneurship; combating structural and
long-term unemployment; promoting social inclusion with a focus on the most vulnerable; ensuring a high level of social
protection systems; working towards equal
opportunities and combating all forms of discrimination as well as reinforcing social
dialogue at all levels.
The three
Presidencies will give priority attention to Social Europe. Fundamental
strategies will be discussed, coordinated and launched during their term. The
post-2010 Lisbon Strategy will take full account of the European Employment
Strategy and the European Social Agenda as well as forthcoming initiatives such
as the new Roadmap for equality between women and men (2011-2015), the
follow-up of the European Pact on Gender Equality, the New Strategy for persons
with disabilities (2010-2017), and the mid-term review of the Community
Strategy for Health and Safety at Work (2007-2012).
As regards
the social dimension of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy, the focus will be placed
on employment and social cohesion, with due regard to gender equality.
In the wake of the financial crisis, the effectiveness
of the European financial instruments (European Social Fund, European Globalisation Adjustment
Fund), which are available for pursuing employment and social goals, will be evaluated.
The finalisation and the launch of the post-2010
Lisbon Strategy requires a good coordination between the various configurations
of the Council.
An active role of the social partners is crucial for achieving the overarching
objectives of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy. Thus the three Presidencies aim at
enhancing the role and visibility of the Tripartite Social Summit.
Based on the
European Employment Strategy (EES), action should simultaneously respond to the
short term challenges such as the increasing unemployment and the labour market
imbalances brought about by the recession, and to the long term challenges such
as globalisation, the ageing of the population, the consequences of climate
change and the increasing importance of skills and innovation.
Key objectives include
full employment (more jobs), quality employment (better jobs) and efficient
governance principles. In this context a coherent methodology needs to be
developed with a view to adopting common guidelines and recommendations on
employment policies of the Member States as well as promoting mutual learning.
Beyond
working on the overall policy framework, the three Presidencies will address
the following key issues: improving anticipation and matching of skills with
labour market needs; promoting the development
of green jobs; facilitating the practical and
balanced implementation of the common principles of flexicurity; enhancing the labour market participation, in particular of women, the youth and the labour market entrants,
of the elderly people and of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups;
addressing undeclared work, illegal work and black economy as well as improving
the conditions for self-employment.
As regards the quality of employment, the
mid-term review of the Community Strategy for Health
and Safety at Work (2007-2012) will be examined.
Specific EU initiatives concerning i.a. the muscle-skeletal risks, infections
via needle-stick injuries and the ban on tobacco at the work place will be
important issues in this context.
The coming 18 months will be a crucial
period as regards promoting social progress in the Union. Attention will be
paid to ensuring that the Social Agenda is a fully integrated part of the post-2010
Lisbon Strategy.
The Social Agenda should be implemented
through hard as well as soft law, to be determined in close cooperation with
the Commission.
In the legislative area, the three
Presidencies will take work forward on the revision of the Directives on the transfer of undertakings, on information and
consultation of workers, on collective redundancies, on the proposal improving
the implementation of the Post workers Directive and on the proposal amending
the Working Time Directive.
The three Presidencies will also pay
special attention to the external dimension of the European Social Model. In this regard, they will work towards reinforcing the
social dimension in external multilateral and bilateral relations, by promoting
the Decent Work Agenda of the ILO, the fundamental labour and social rights and
a global social framework compatible with the European Social Model.
Corporate social responsibility is
important with a view to ensuring sustainable European competitiveness.
Tackling the social implications of the
recession will be high on the political agenda. In this context the three
Presidencies will use the European Year for Combating
Poverty and Social Exclusion in 2010 to
highlight the importance of these concerns.
The three Presidencies will promote
reinforcing the Open Method of Coordination and its different processes
(targets, indicators as policy tools, recommendations, social impact
assessment, peer review and benchmarking).
A comprehensive approach to preventing and fighting poverty, in
particular women's and children's poverty, will be pursued. In this context,
assistance of the most vulnerable groups and communities,
like people with disabilities, migrant workers and their families, homeless
persons, the Roma population and minorities are of utmost importance.
Furthermore, the three Presidencies will
focus on supporting various initiatives in the context of the ageing society,
and thus conduct preparatory work with a view to the European Year on Active
Ageing and Intergenerational Solidarity in 2012. In this context the
modernisation, sustainability and adequacy of the pension systems is of vital
importance.
In the
field of the coordination of social security systems, the work on the
implementation and the adaptation of the Regulation 883/04 will be pursued. Work
on the coordination of the Social Security Chapters of the Association Agreements, in particular those with Maghreb countries and Eastern
European countries will be launched.
The work on the social services of general
interest will continue.
In line with
Article 19 of the Treaty, the promotion of gender equality and the strengthening
of protection from all forms of discrimination continue to deserve special attention.
The three Presidencies intend to give new political impetus in the areas of
gender equality and non-discrimination.
The three
Presidencies will push forward the gender
equality agenda, by giving high priority to gender mainstreaming in the context
of the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy. They will follow-up the Commission’s
evaluation of the current Roadmap for Equality between Women and Men
(2006-2010) and
work on a new Roadmap for the period 2011-2015. The follow-up of the
implementation of the European Pact on Gender Equality on the occasion of the
fifth anniversary of its adoption by the European Council and the continued
work on the monitoring and implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action
will be high on the agenda of the three Presidencies.
Furthermore, the
three Presidencies will focus on combating gender violence, addressing the pay
gap between men and women, combating gender-based stereotypes and promoting women's
entrepreneurship as well as the reconciliation
of professional, private and family life.
In order to
promote equal treatment in all areas, they will continue the work on the
proposal of the Directive on equal treatment
(former Article 13).
In the field of public health,
the three Presidencies will promote action to improve the health of EU citizens
in line with the Statement of 2006 on common values and principles in European
Union Health Systems and the EU health strategy for 2008-2013. Special
attention will be paid to integrate health aspects and health determinants into
other EU policies.
Concerning the
sustainability of healthcare systems and the protection of health , the
exchange of experiences and good practices will be promoted. While fully
respecting the principle of subsidiarity, work will be undertaken in the field
of social determinants of health and the reduction of inequalities; an
important concern for the Presidencies will be the promotion of healthy
lifestyles, including healthy nutritional habits. Measures against obesity and
prevention of addictions (e.g. smoking, alcohol drinking, drugs etc.) as well
as special health needs of children, adolescents and vulnerable groups will
also be addressed.
Pandemic preparedness and
response will be a permanent concern of the three Presidencies. Attention will also be paid to health security and in particular to
the health impact of climate and environmental change and to the international
collaboration with third countries in this field.
Furthermore,
the three Presidencies will address issues such as innovation in healthcare, in
particular in the context of an ageing population. This covers inter alia quality and safety of healthcare, the future approach to chronic
diseases, e-health and the issues related to the EU health professionals.
Work
on the legislative proposals on donation and transplantation of organs and
tissues will be taken forward as a priority.
The three
Presidencies will support possible initiatives aimed at securing an adequate
supply of radio-isotopes.
Work will be
conducted on issues such as the safety and the quality of pharmaceuticals,
antimicrobial resistance, rational use of antibiotics, pharmaco-vigilance and
counterfeit drugs and cross-border healthcare.
In the area of
consumer protection, priority will be given to the proposed Directive on
consumer rights. In view of the complexity of
this proposal, work may stretch over the period covered by the three Presidencies.
In the framework
of the review of the consumer acquis, work on
the revision of the Directive on package travel, package holiday and package
tours will be pursued in 2010.
In the field of
international co-operation on protection and promotion of consumer rights, two
co-operation agreements between the European Union and the United States of
America, namely on the enforcement of consumer
protection laws and on cooperation and
information exchange in the area of consumer
product safety will be negotiated and concluded.
The mid-term
evaluation of the EU action in the field of consumer policy (2007-2013) will be
carried out in 2010. The Commission may also come forward with a proposal on consumer’s
collective redress.
The three Presidencies will be attentive to the integration of
consumer protection aspects in other policies.
The three
Presidencies will take forward work on various legislative proposals currently
under discussion or under preparation. This concerns in particular the
Regulation on the provision of food information to consumers ('food labelling')
the adoption of which will be a priority for the three Presidencies.
As concerns food
safety, the three Presidencies will take forward the discussions on the new
regulatory framework for novel foods and work towards a new legislation on food
intended for particular nutritional uses (dietetic food).
Sustainability,
innovation, safety and security will be the key concepts inspiring the action
of the three Presidencies in the field of transport.
Concerning sustainable
and competitive transport, discussions concerning the internalization of
external costs will be extended to all modes of transport. In the context of
the implementation of the Action Plan for Logistics and the Action Plan for
Urban Mobility, the Commission may come forward with proposals.
With a view to the
future of transport in the EU after 2010, the policies implemented in
accordance with the 2001 White Paper will be analysed and the forthcoming “New
White Paper” will be examined.
In the area of land transport,
particular attention will be given to the implementation and revision of the
first railway package which aims at achieving an efficient and competitive rail
market. Concerning road safety, the Presidencies will continue the work on cross-border
enforcement of penalties and will launch the work on a new Road Safety
Programme. Special attention will also be given to a global review (2010)
regarding the existing scheme for fatality reduction in the last decade. Work
on greening transport, in particular related to Eurovignette, will also be
carried forward.
In the field of aviation, the Presidencies will seek reaching agreement on the new airport
security charges Directive and on the revised code of conduct for computer
reservation systems. They will also work towards a successful outcome of the
negotiations on air transport agreements with third countries. Regarding air
transport safety, particular attention will be given to reaching an agreement
on the Regulation on investigation and prevention of accidents and incidents in
civil aviation. Moreover, particular attention will be given to the
implementation of the Single European Sky II Package (SES II). Finally, the
three Presidencies will also have special focus on the agreement on the 2nd Phase
of the Air Transport Agreement between the EU and the United States of America.
In the area of maritime transport,
the revision of the Regulation establishing the European Maritime Safety Agency
(EMSA), which aims at clarifying EMSA's status and competences, will be a
priority as well as the work on the “ European Maritime Transport Space
without barriers”, which aims at improving the efficiency in ports and maritime
transport. Special attention will be given to reviewing the development of the
motorways of the sea and the progress made up to date.
The revised
proposal for new orientations for Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T)
will be considered a priority. In this context, particular attention will be
given to the proposed new approaches on environment, modal shift,
multimodality, better infrastructure management and financing.
The three
Presidencies will take forward the EU initiatives for promoting actions in the
different transport modes and provide significant input for the use of intelligent
transport systems (ITS), especially in road
transport, but also in air transport (SESAR, GALILEO). The Action Plan for the
deployment of ITS and the Directive on ITS will be given special consideration.
The three
Presidencies will also focus on the implementation of the European GNSS (Global
Navigation Satellite System) programme in all its aspects, in particular the
preparation for the post-2013 exploitation of Galileo and EGNOS, application
and service, the international cooperation strategy and bilateral cooperation
agreements.
The inland
navigation (NAIADES) initiative will be followed up and work will be initiated
on implementing actions to be proposed by the Commission.
The
Presidencies will launch work on the new scope of the universal service in electronic communications and on the incorporation of the
broadband in the scope of universal service on the basis of a Commission
communication.
The
approval of the New Strategy 2010-2015 for the
promotion of the Information Society (i2010) will be a main priority.
The three Presidencies will foster the deployment of next generation
networks, both in infrastructure and services, on the basis of the forthcoming
Commission Recommendation.
Work
on network security, electronic commerce and protection
of intellectual property in Internet and the fight against piracy will be
promoted.
The
extended mandate of the European Network and Information Security Agency
(ENISA) will expire in March 2012. Taking into account the outcome of the
review of the regulatory framework for electronic communications, the
Presidencies will initiate discussions on the future of the ENISA.
The
Presidencies will further contribute to the development of the Internet of the Future.
New challenges such as the extension of the universal service, network
neutrality, broadband on mobile, convergence of fixed and mobile networks and
the development of the internet of things will be examined.
Special attention will be given to the development of the European
Action Plan for eGovernment for 2010-2015 and the electronic rights of citizens
to interact with government and with businesses.
The Presidencies will coordinate and prepare for the upcoming World
Radiocommunications Conference in 2011 (WRC-11) in a way to ensure consistency with the Union's policies
and principles.
As regards postal services, the Presidencies will coordinate the EU position at the UPU Strategic Conference (Nairobi,
21 to 25 September 2010).
Ensuring a
thorough review of the Action Plan “Energy Policy for Europe” at the 2010
Spring European Council will be the main political challenge for the three
Presidencies in the energy field.
In the field of
energy security of supply, a number of important activities and measures will
fall within the next 18 months. The existing TEN-E instrument is to be replaced
by a new “EU Energy Security and Infrastructure” instrument. The TEN-E
financial regulation and TEN-E guidelines will be revised according to the
outcome of the discussions on the Green paper ”Towards secure, sustainable and
competitive European energy networks”.
Further work will
be carried out on the six priority infrastructure actions (as outlined in the
2nd Strategic Energy Review): the Southern gas corridor; a diverse and adequate
LNG supply for Europe; the effective interconnection of the Baltic region; the
Mediterranean Energy Ring; adequate North-South gas and electricity
interconnections within Central and South-East Europe and the North Sea and the
North West Offshore grid. Barriers to investment will be identified and possible
solutions explored, including by means of streamlining of planning and
consultation procedures or in particular for projects which improve
interconnection.
The current EU
monitoring system of investment in the energy sector at EU level will be
up-dated and an efficient methodology to analyse investment trends with a view
to matching the future demand and EU policy objectives will be developed.
The work on the
Security of Gas Supply Regulation will be finalised and gas diversification
will be promoted.
In the area of the
internal energy market, the main concern will be to make the Agency for the
Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) fully operational.
In the field of
sustainable energy and energy efficiency, the
Presidencies will take up the energy-climate challenges, taking into account
the results of the Copenhagen Climate Conference. Special attention will go to
the use of biomass for energy protection, including the implementation of
sustainable criteria.
The three
Presidencies will ensure the final adoption of the efficiency legislative
package. They will work on the revision of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan
(EEAP).
The Presidencies
will attach importance to the implementation of the Strategic Energy Technology
Plan and will pay due regard to the European energy industrial initiatives in full
cooperation with the private sector.
In line with the
above, an agreement will be sought as to investing in the development of low
carbon technologies in order to stimulate and facilitate the use of clean
technologies in line with EU competitiveness and economic recovery.
The Presidencies
will contribute to developing a vision towards an energy policy in 2050, which
will identify actions which allow for a low carbon energy generation by 2050.
In the nuclear
energy field, the Presidencies will pay particular attention to the development
of instruments for the safe and sustainable management of radio-active waste
and the review of the Basic Safety Standards Directive.
External Relations
in the energy field will play a very important role. The Presidencies will
ensure strengthening cooperation with major suppliers, transit countries and
key partners of the EU and within multilateral organisations and frameworks.
The EU and its
Member States are at a turning point. The economic crisis and rapidly changing
global and European economic processes are bringing new challenges. A high
level of protection of the environment is not only an objective in itself. In
the context of sustainable development it is also an important factor for
long-term economic growth as it contributes to a more efficient use of
resources. Grasping growth opportunities for tomorrow requires fostering
comprehensive sustainability for all EU policies and eco-innovation and by
setting standards; creating new jobs; rethinking public investments; continuing
to adapt our mobility and energy patterns; exercise international leadership.
Renewed emphasis on sustainable development and the greening of policies will
be overarching priorities of the three Presidencies.
Synergy between
the Post Lisbon-strategy and the EU Sustainable Development Strategy as well as
the integration of environment in the post-2010 Lisbon strategy will be ensured.
The Presidencies
will pursue endeavours to better integrate environment in relevant other
policies, such as transport, energy and agriculture.
The three
Presidencies will aim to strengthen the substance of, and coherence between,
the CSD process, the Millennium Development Goals, the International Environmental
Governance and the follow-up to the Rio and Johannesburg Conferences in
general.
The three
Presidencies will pay continued attention to the implementation of the Climate
and Energy Package (including some important decisions to be taken under
comitology[1])
and will, in this context, take work forward on the Regulation on CO2 emissions
labelling for vehicles, the Regulation on CO2 emissions reduction from light
commercial vehicles and the forthcoming communication on CO2 emissions from
shipping. The issue of passing to a EU 30% of green-house gas emissions
reduction will be examined in the light of the outcome of the Copenhagen Conference.
The three
Presidencies will start paving the way for the implementation of the 2013 EU
Adaptation Strategy and address the measures
already needed ahead of this strategy.
At multilateral
level, the three Presidencies will ensure the follow-up to the outcome of the
COP 15 of the UNFCCC. The preparation of the COP-UNFCCC 16 will be a priority.
The three Presidencies will devote substantial efforts to develop a
post 2010 Action Plan, aiming at a significant improvement of the status of
Biodiversity in the EU. Special attention will also be paid to new threats such
as invasive alien species, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity
and natural resources.
Special attention
will be paid to the Green Paper on Forests. The protection of forests against
fire, storms and droughts, also in the context of climate change and
environment protection, will be of great importance to the Presidencies.
The UN General
Assembly on Biodiversity will be one of the key moments of the 2010 International
Year of Biodiversity.
The COP 10 of the Convention on Biological Diversity will finalise
the negotiations on access and benefit sharing. It will discuss the strategic
planning for a new post 2010 objective, the protection of marine biodiversity
in protected areas and the synergy between climate and biodiversity.
The conclusion of the liability and redress regime will be one of
the major issues on the agenda of MOP 5 of the Biosafety Protocol.
The three Presidencies will aim to strengthen an effective
biodiversity protection through CITES and the conclusion from COP 15.
The three Presidencies will also give attention to the follow-up of
the Council Conclusions on GMOs of December 2008 and to the envisaged
Guidelines on the evaluation of GMO’s.
In order to reach
the EU objectives on air quality, the Presidencies will take forward work on
the revision of the national emissions ceilings for the main atmospheric
pollutants (NOx, SOx, VOC, NH3, PM) as well as on the Industrial Emissions
Directive.
The Second
Environment and Health Action Plan ends in 2010. The three Presidencies will
take the necessary steps to prepare its successor. A Green Paper on in-door
pollution is expected with a view to harmonising methodologies in order to
decrease the sources of pollutants.
A communication on
nanotechnologies, focusing on the impacts and benefits of these new
technologies, in particular with regard to the environment, is expected.
The three
Presidencies will seek to finalise the work on the Biocides Directive.
Up-dates are
expected within the framework of the Long-Range Trans-boundary Air Pollution
Convention (LRTAP) and its Protocols, the Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions
and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management ((SAICM) and
the mercury negotiations.
For the LRTAP
UNECE Convention and its Protocols, a revision of the Goteborg Protocol to
Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-Level Ozone is foreseen (in the
light of the revision of the EU NEC directive) as well as the revision of the
Aarhus Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) with a view to adding a
number of new substances to the existing obligations. The UNECE POPs protocol
will probably be revised in parallel to the revision of the UNEP Stockholm
Convention on POPs. The negotiation of the global mercury convention which will
start in the first half of 2010 will require due attention.
The three
Presidencies will pay due attention to the Joint Action Plan on Sustainable
Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy and to its
coherence with other plans, such as the Environmental Technologies Action Plan
(ETAP). Measures related to green public procurement, fight against illegal
wood imports are expected. Emphasis will also be put on eco-conception and on
sustainability criteria for biomass.
Action in this
field will focus on transportation, waste, chemicals and mining and in
particular on the ten-year framework for programmes on sustainable consumption
and production (10YFP). The framework should strengthen international
cooperation and increase exchange of information and best practices to
facilitate the implementation of national and regional programmes to promote
sustainable consumption and production. The Marrakech process is a global
effort to promote progress on the implementation of Sustainable Consumption and
Production and the elaboration of the 10YFP through global and regional meetings
and the Marrakech Task Forces.
The Green Paper on
bio-waste will possibly be followed-up with a proposal for a Directive on
bio-waste. In the context of the revision of the Thematic Strategy on Waste, it
will be important to clarify concepts such as the definitions, coherence with
existing legislations and monitoring of targets.
The protection of
soil merits effective and full implementation of the EU strategy. The three
Presidencies will in particular seek to reach agreement on the proposed soil Directive.
The three
Presidencies will develop an integrated approach to a sustainable water policy.
The Presidencies
will focus on the evolving strategy for water scarcity and droughts envisaged
for 2012 and on the revision of the drinking water Directive. Steps will also
be taken to promote the assessment and management of critical water-related
problems such as extreme events (flood, excess water, water scarcity and
accidental water pollution), climate change, endangered ecosystems etc. The
evaluation of the experiences made with the first series of river basin
management plans will also be an important step in this context. As regards the
external dimension of EU water policy, the three Presidencies will foster a
higher level of European involvement and the development of a financial
framework for international co-operation.
The Marine
Strategy Framework Directive will have to be transposed by July 2010. With a
view to the implementation of the obligations of the Directive, technical and
scientific exchange among Member States is crucial for the coherence of
environmental objectives and the achievement of good environmental status. The
three Presidencies will help ensure the coordination in this area.
The three
Presidencies will ensure the follow-up to the evaluation of the results of the
6th Environmental Action Programme and its thematic strategies. This work will
be conducted in connection with the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy and the Sustainable
Development Strategy.
The three
Presidencies will proceed with the better regulation agenda, by seeking to
further simplify the acquis communautaire (waste), to improve the
implementation and enforcement of the EU legislation (harmonisation of the
environmental inspection criteria ) as well as to elaborate new and better
tools to facilitate this implementation (e.g. reporting trough the Shared
Environmental Information System).
Measures with a
view to addressing environmentally harmful subsidies, to « greening »
fiscal instruments and to promoting resource- and energy-efficient products are
being prepared.
°
° °
The above themes
are likely to constitute the policy tools needed for the greening of policies.
The setting-up of the 7th Environment Action Programme will be of
utmost importance to underpin these priority policy areas. Together with the
evaluation and revision of the Lisbon Strategy as well as the evaluation and
development of the Sustainable Development Strategy, it offers a unique
opportunity to give the necessary direction to these developments.
Education and
training are key drivers for the achievement and improvement of employability,
competitiveness, innovation, cultural development, social inclusion and
consequently for the attainment of greater economic welfare. They have made a
substantial contribution towards achieving the long-term goals of the Lisbon
strategy for growth and jobs and will undoubtedly continue to play a key role
in the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy.
The three
Presidencies will contribute to defining and strengthening the link between the
new strategic framework for European cooperation in education and training
(E&T 2020) and the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy, while fully taking into
account those aspects of education and training that are not directly linked to
growth and jobs. This adjustment will take into account the results of the 2010
evaluation of the progress made, the Commission’s proposals for possible
benchmarks in the areas of mobility and employability (by the end of 2010) and
the Commission’s report (also by the end of 2010) on the coherent framework of
indicators and benchmarks adopted by the Council in May 2007.
Evidence based
education and training policies should be underpinned by sound data. Special
attention should therefore be given to the contribution of international
evaluation studies (PISA, PIRLS, etc.).
The Open Method of
Coordination (indicators, benchmarks, peer-learning and exchange of good
practices) will be pursued with regard to the four strategic objectives
(lifelong learning and mobility; quality and efficiency; equity, social
cohesion and active citizenship; innovation and creativity).
As regards
lifelong learning the implementation of the
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) will be closely followed and more
flexible learning pathways and greater openness towards non-formal learning
will be examined.
Synergies between
the Bologna Process for higher education, the Copenhagen Process for Vocational
Education and Training and the framework for European cooperation in education
and training need to be further strengthened.
The three
Presidencies will give special consideration to promoting equity, social
cohesion and active citizenship. They will address the issues of ensuring
equitable access to early childhood education, combating early school leaving and promoting inclusive education policies for learners from
disadvantaged groups.
2010 has been
designated the European Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and 2011
will be the European Year of Voluntary Activities. Both topics are of high
relevance for education and training.
School education
plays a key role in the implementation of the above-mentioned issues.
Implementation of the agenda for schools in the 21st century will be carried
forward by the three Presidencies, particularly with regard to issues such as
school governance and leadership, the improvement of teacher training, the
development of key competences and the promotion of innovation-friendly
institutions.
Vocational
Education and Training (VET) is as much a key factor for socio-economic
development, as it is for the progress of society in general.
Reviewing,
renewing and implementing common European policy priorities for VET remain
valid objectives. In this context the recently adopted European Credit System
for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and the European Quality
Assurance Reference Framework for VET (EQARF) are of utmost importance. In
addition, particular attention will be paid to promoting adult learning, to
anticipating and matching labour market needs and skills to improving the
quality of guidance systems and to institutional governance, as well as to
enhancing cooperation between education and training institutions, on the one
hand, and business and industry, on the other.
The next of the
two-yearly meetings to follow up the Copenhagen process will take place under
Belgian Presidency, which offers the opportunity to discuss the results of the
review of the Copenhagen Process.
A Ministerial
meeting to assess the progress made so far in the framework of the Bologna
Process will be held in Budapest and Vienna on 11-12 March 2010.
The Bologna
Follow-up Group will be entrusted with the task of adjusting the 2009-2012 work
programme in line with the results of the independent assessment presented
earlier in Budapest and Vienna. In order to ensure synergies between higher
education, research and innovation, emphasis will also be placed on the coherence
between the Bologna Process and the new strategic framework for European
cooperation in education and training.
The three
Presidencies will work on the modernisation agenda for European higher
education so as to enhance its visibility and to enable it to play the role of
a catalyst role in the knowledge triangle (higher
education-research-innovation).
Finally, in a
context of growing internationalisation, university cooperation will be
promoted beyond the borders of the Union.
The current action
programme in the field of lifelong learning will expire in 2013. In the context
of the mid-term review in the course of 2010, the outline for the succeeding
programme will be discussed.
Mobility is an essential element of lifelong learning and an
important means for enhancing employability and flexibility. Learners' and
teachers' mobility will thus remain high on the agenda.
The Presidencies
will follow up the Council Resolution establishing a renewed framework for
European cooperation in the youth field, by developing initiatives in line with
the Commission's communication of April 2009 on an EU Strategy for Youth
– Investing and Empowering. The worthiness of
the Open Method of Coordination in this area will be emphasised and priority
will be given to initiatives which facilitate the cultural and personal
development, social inclusion, employment and participation of young people.
In implementing
the above Council Resolution, the Presidencies will seek to adopt a series of
conclusions in the specific fields of action outlined in the new framework for
cooperation (i.a. education, employment, creativity, entrepreneurship, health
and well-being, participation, social inclusion, voluntary activities and youth
and the world). The youth dimension will also be discussed in the context of
the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy. Finally, the Presidencies see a link between
youth issues and the upcoming "European Years", which in 2010 will
focus on the fight against poverty and social exclusion and in 2011 on
voluntary activities.
Culture is a key
factor for promoting tolerance, dialogue and mutual understanding.
The adoption of a
European Agenda for Culture by the Council in November 2007 was an important
step towards further developing cooperation in the cultural field and
increasing the coherence and visibility of European action in this field. It
helped shape a new, strategic and horizontal approach to culture and helps promote
cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue. Culture is also a catalyst for
creativity and innovation and cultural and creative industries are important
elements of the response to be given to the global economic and financial
crisis.
The three
Presidencies will continue to implement the Council’s work plan for culture
2008-2010 and conduct work on its assessment with a view to developing a new
work plan for the subsequent years. Special regard will be given to the
evaluation of the results of the work conducted in the framework of the Open
Method of Coordination.
Cultural and
creative industries, including SMEs, contribute
significantly to growth and employment, as well as to local and regional
development. The role of cultural and creative industries should therefore be
addressed in the post-2010 Lisbon Strategy.
The cultural
heritage of Europe is particularly rich and contributes to the economic
attractiveness and sustainable development of the regions, in particular
through cultural tourism. It also contributes to the development of European
citizenship. The three Presidencies will therefore promote the implementation
of the « European heritage label » initiative and finalise work on the
corresponding legislative instrument.
In preparation of
the next financial perspective, the three Presidencies will pay attention to
the preparation of the next phase of the culture-related EU programmes. They will also take into
consideration the aims of the European Years 2010 and 2011 in the framework of
the activities.
In the area of film
policy, the three Presidencies will pay attention to the review of the “Cinema
Communication” of the Commission of 2001 and to the follow-up of the
recommendation of the European Parliament and the Council of 2005 on film heritage
and the competitiveness of related industrial activities, while taking into
account the necessity to encourage the circulation of European film works.
The content creative
online initiatives of the European Union are a solid basis for further actions
aiming at strengthening the European audiovisual and on-line industry. The
three Presidencies will specifically focus on the development of the
audiovisual content industry and its positive effects on the whole economy. The
safeguarding of the interests of right-holders and alternative methods of
distribution of audiovisual works (digital distribution, e-cinema) as well as
digital cultural and creative content will also be addressed.
The three
Presidencies will also address the progress report and development perspectives
of the European digital library EUROPEANA and the problem of the long term
preservation of European digital cultural heritage. They will therefore
encourage further cooperation at European level in order to raise awareness of
this threat and to find appropriate actions to address it.
The three
Presidencies will focus on the societal role of sport which is well described
in the Commission White Paper on Sport. Within this framework, they will
address the health benefits of physical activity, taking into account the “EU
Physical Activity Guidelines” endorsed by EU Sport Ministers in November 2008.
Another important
aspect will be to promote joint action between Member States in the fight
against doping.
In the context of
the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010 and the Year
of Voluntary Activities 2011, the three Presidencies will promote the
acknowledgement of the potential of sport for social inclusion and integration,
for combating poverty and for volunteering.
The next step will
be to start defining the strategic principles, objectives and criteria of the
future Sport Programme, based on the White Paper on Sport and taking into
account the specific characteristics of sport, as well as to promote its
positive contribution to the improvement of the mental and physical health of
the population, to social cohesion as well as to the economy.
On the basis of the health check conclusions on the existing CAP and
with a view to the debate on the next financial perspectives , the discussions
on the goals and new challenges of the future CAP will be intensified,
particularly on the basis of the Commission Communication expected in 2010
aimed at launching a public debate.
Special attention will be paid to natural resources management, in
particular water, in the perspective of its strategic importance for
agricultural production and its relation to climate change.
The
situation in the diary market will remain a major concern throughout the terms
of the three Presidencies. Against this background, they will attach special
attention to the Commission report regarding the evolution of the market
situation and the consequent conditions for a smooth phasing out of the milk
quota system, which will be possibly accompanied by appropriate proposals. Due
attention will be given to the discussions on the medium and long term
perspectives to be held in the High Level Group set up by the Commission.
The Presidencies will work towards reaching agreement on the
legislative proposals regarding product standards, farming requirements and
quality schemes for agricultural products.
Another priority
of the three Presidencies will be to promote and take forward the initiatives
to improve the competitiveness of the European Agri-food Industry.
Concerning
the new delimitation of Less Favoured Areas (LFA), the three Presidencies will
follow-up the relevant communication and start work on a legislative proposal
which is foreseen to be submitted in the second half of 2010.
In
accordance with the first Action Programme for the implementation of the
territorial agenda, work needs to be done in relation to the mandatory on the
degree of implementation of said Programme in the course of 2010.
The Presidencies will seek to reach
agreement on the proposal for a Regulation laying
down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the
market.
The three Presidencies will pay a continued attention to the process
of further simplification of EU legislation. Particular attention will be given
to cross-compliance and to benefiting not only the European and
national/regional authorities, but also and especially the producers
themselves.
In their work, the
Presidencies will attach importance to ensuring coherence and synergy between
environmental policy and the CAP, in particular with reference to
the Health Check “new challenges”, between the
territorial policy and the CAP as well as between research, development,
innovation policy and the CAP. Furthermore they will seek to fully integrate
the strategic objectives of rural development in the CAP.
The three
Presidencies will closely monitor the evolution of these negotiations, with
special attention for the agricultural part, for which a possible final
agreement should remain within the CAP Reform 2003-framework, should be
balanced and respect the interest of EU farmers.
The Presidencies
will also undertake the work on the revision of those Regulations that need to
be amended in the light of the eventual outcome of the DDA.
The Commission is expected to present a report on the operation of
the POSEI Regulation, possibly accompanied by legislative proposals. The
Presidencies will undertake the examination of said report and launch the work
on possible legislative proposals.
The
three Presidencies envisage a follow up on the Animal Health Strategy Action
Plan 2007-2013. The work on the proposal on the unique Animal Health Law will
be initiated.
Work
will be taken forward on the proposal on the protection of animals during
transport. The Presidencies will possibly initiate work on a legislative
proposal concerning labelling of welfare indicators on foodstuffs.
The three Presidencies welcome the initiative to review the
plant-health framework. An evaluation report on the existing legislation will
be the basis for future discussions.
The Presidencies will ensure the follow-up discussions on the report
on socio-economic implications of placing on the market of GMO´s which will be
presented by the Commission by June 2010.
Currently an external review on the operation of both pieces of
legislation on GMOs (Regulation 1829/2003 and Directive 2001/18) is under way
and its results are expected for mid 2010. This external review could be
followed by legislative proposals.
The
report on the effectiveness and consistency of sanitary and phyto-sanitary
controls on imports of food, feed, animals and plants will be examined and work
will be initiated on possible ensuing legislative proposals.
For several sub-groups of the Potsdam working party, the three
Presidencies have decided to appoint one chairperson for the whole 18-month-
period.
The current legislation on imports of live animals and products of animal
origin will be reviewed. In this context the Presidencies are also looking
forward to a report from the Commission concerning the application of EU rules
on the production of imported products, and in particular the verification of
the fulfilment by producers in third countries of EU animal health, public
health and animal welfare requirements.
The three Presidencies will attach high priority to the Reform of
the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). A number of crucial steps in the reform
process (impact assessment, Council conclusions, first legislative proposals)
will take place during the 18 month period.
The Presidencies will initiate and advance work on the reform of the
Common Market Organisation for which the Commission intends to present its
proposal in parallel with the reform of the CFP.
Following the Council conclusions on the sustainable development of
EU aquaculture, the Presidencies will work on a revision of the strategy.
The setting of the TACs and quotas are an annual exercise to which
the three Presidencies attach great importance. Bilateral and multilateral
negotiations (including the agreement with Norway) which are of eminent
importance for the EU fisheries sector will also be high on the agenda in the
final months of 2010.
The three Presidencies will pay special attention to a number of
multi-annual management and recovery plans, including the evaluation of the
management plan for fisheries exploiting stocks of plaice and sole in the North
Sea.
Following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, a Standing
Committee on Operational Cooperation on Internal Security will be set up within
the Council. The three Presidencies will ensure that the structure and the work
of this new body will contribute effectively to enhancing internal security
within the EU.
In this context, the three Presidencies will do their utmost to
ensure the implementation of the Stockholm Programme and all efforts will be
undertaken for the adoption of the Action Plan in the first semester of 2010.
The European Council will hold an annual debate on immigration and
asylum policies in order to review implementation of the European Pact on
Immigration and Asylum, as well as related aspects of the Stockholm Programme,
and to provide ongoing strategic guidance for work in this field.
The facilitation of well-managed legal migration and the promotion
of an effective match of labour market demand with supply, based on the needs
of the labour markets of destination, will be further pursued. Synergies
between migration and development need to be established.
Work will therefore be
taken forward on the outstanding aspects of the Policy Plan on Legal Migration
- the Single Permit, seasonal workers, intra-corporate trainees - and the
implementation of existing directives evaluated.
The EU has made commitments at the highest political level to pursue
the fight against illegal immigration and trafficking in human beings. These
commitments will be taken forward by reference to all relevant policy areas,
the development of the integrated management of the external borders including
through exploring the possibilities offered by new technologies, the
strengthening of the role of FRONTEX, further development of an effective and
sustainable policy on return and readmission, with full respect to human
rights, and combating illegal employment. In addition, new ways of maximizing
the effectiveness of the existing EU instruments will be explored in order to
reinforce operational cooperation and to develop synergies in the framework of
an integrated EU internal security strategy.
Special attention will also be paid to unaccompanied minors, within
a global approach comprising of preventive and protection measure, as well as
the sustainable return to the country of origin, taking into account the best
interest of the child.
The further strengthening and extension, in line with existing
criteria, of the Schengen area will not only increase the area's security, but
will allow more European citizens to profit from the benefits of free movement
of persons. The completion and successful launch of the new generation of the
Schengen Information System is indispensable in this respect. Work on the
improvement of the Schengen Evaluation procedure will continue.
Work on the legislative measures directed to the establishment of
the second phase of the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), which has as its
objective the establishment of a common asylum procedure and a uniform and
ambitious status for those granted international protection, will continue to
be prioritised. Particular emphasis will also be put on reinforcing practical
cooperation, including through the establishment of the European Asylum Office.
Solidarity in the management of the protection systems, both among Member
States and towards third countries, remains a pillar of the CEAS while
respecting the principle of voluntary participation.
The Global Approach to Migration offers the possibility for new
forms of dialogue and cooperation with third countries in this field and to
promote synergies between migration and development. The EU will continue to
seek effective and balanced implementation and the further development of its
three components. In this context, the implementation of the Global Approach to
the South, to the East and the South-East of the EU will continue. The EU will
also pursue an enhanced, structured and comprehensive dialogue with Latin
America and the Caribbean region on migratory issues.
The three Presidencies will work on a multidimensional EU
sustainable strategy on internal security which will reflect the state of play,
future challenges and strategic action of the EU in this field. This strategy
will cover the main priority policy areas in the EU law enforcement
cooperation. One priority concrete action will be the development of the
European Criminal Intelligence Model (ECIM).
The objective of countering terrorism in all its forms, while
respecting human rights and international law in all international counter
terrorism work, remains a top priority for the EU. The three Presidencies will
focus on the implementation of the EU Strategy and Action Plan to Combat
Terrorism, as well as on the development of the multidisciplinary response to
terrorism, the operational co-operation between the law enforcement authorities
of the Member States, the co-operation among European agencies such as Europol
and Eurojust, and the co-operation with key third countries. Special attention
will be paid to the phenomena of radicalisation and recruitment, based on the
EU Strategy and Action Plan. The three Presidencies’ objectives will also
include actions on the countering of the misuse of the internet for terrorist
purposes, enhancing the security of explosives and the coordination of exchange
and analysis of information and intelligence on terrorism.
The three Presidencies will continue the implementation of the EU
Action Plan on Drugs for 2009-2012. The three Presidencies reiterate the
importance of a multidisciplinary, comprehensive and well-balanced approach,
focusing on the prevention as well as on the fight against precursors and the
illicit production and trafficking of drugs. In addition, the three
Presidencies will explore new possibilities for a more effective and
co-ordinated law enforcement co-operation with a view to fight against drugs
trafficking.
The three Presidencies will enhance the operational co-operation
between the law enforcement authorities and European agencies, such as Europol.
In this context, all efforts will be undertaken to ensure the smooth adaptation
of Europol’s working methods within its new legal framework.
The three Presidencies will explore the possibilities for enhancing
the current EU legal framework for law enforcement co-operation, especially for
co-operation in the border regions. The development of the practical
co-operation on the basis of the Prüm Decisions will be promoted. Experiences
and best practices in working with Police and Customs Co-operation Centres
should be further exchanged and minimal standards for their functioning could
be developed. In this line, the three Presidencies will seek to enhance the
interoperability between law enforcement radio communication systems. The
European Network for Internal Security Technology Departments will be fully
utilised.
The promotion of common police training and the development of a
European police culture will remain an objective and in this context the
efficient functioning and organisation of CEPOL’s core business will be further
pursued.
In the field of security at football matches with an international
dimension, the three Presidencies will evaluate the current working program and
will prepare a new one for the period 2011-2013. They will also work towards
the enhancement of co-operation between the authorities responsible for the
private security sector in the Member States, the establishment of measures to
improve the co-operation on the protection of public figures, and the identification
of best practices among the networks of European liaison officers.
The implementation of the EU Strategy for Customs Co-operation in
the area of Freedom, Security and Justice, will continue by presenting a new
Customs Co-operation Action Plan.
The three Presidencies are committed to continue the co-operation in
the field of crime prevention.
Special attention will be paid to prevent and fight against
gender-based violence. Further emphasis will be put on the promotion of methods
of non-violent conflict management to prevent violence and/or restore
relationships. Special
consideration should be given to the implementation of the Directive on the
protection of the environment through criminal law.
The fight against serious and organised crime requires a
multidisciplinary, intelligence-led approach in order to provide more effective
and long-term results. In this context, added value of the Organised Crime
Threat Assessment (OCTA) will be sought, including by developing its regional
approach.
The three Presidencies will
continue to implement the Concerted Work Strategy and the Practical Measures
against Cybercrime. Special attention will be paid to combat any form of sexual
abuse of children on the Internet.
Identification and recovery
of criminal assets and the fight against money laundering will remain a key
priority. The issue of identity fraud will be given particular attention and in
this context, initiatives will be launched with regard to the verification of
the authenticity of identity documents at the European level. Lastly, a
reflection on the new socio-economic spheres where organised crime has gained
influence and which have a significant impact on the everyday life of our
citizens, will be launched.
The development of a global and coherent long-term EU policy on law
enforcement information exchange, with full respect of data protection, will be
further pursued. Efforts will be made to come to a more efficient use of the
existing national and European law enforcement information systems, in order to
avoid overlaps and to optimise costs and potentials for the final users. The
establishment of an Agency to manage large scale IT systems is considered a
priority.
The three Presidencies will seek to launch and implement an
operational SIS II within the agreed n time schedule and will work on the
implementation of the “Swedish” Framework Decision and the Prüm Decisions, with
a view to starting with the EU-wide automated sharing of data, at the latest in
August 2011.
The three
Presidencies will continue the work on improving EU response capacities in the
face of disasters and crises, both within EU-borders as well as in third countries
and with a sufficient balance between prevention, preparedness and response. In
this respect, the three Presidencies will follow up on the two Commission
Communications on Reinforcing the Union’s Disaster Response Capacity and on an EU
approach on the prevention of natural and man-made disasters.
All initiatives
regarding training will be pursued thoroughly and particular attention will be
paid to the implementation and development of the Civil Protection Modules and
to the reinforcement of the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) within the
Civil Protection Mechanism framework. The three Presidencies will also carry
out work with regard to prevention. In addition, the Presidency will pay
specific attention to the evaluation of the Civil Protection Mechanism and
Financial Instrument, which will start during the term of the next three
Presidencies.
In this context,
cooperation with the United Nations will be continued. The progress of the
elements of the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection
(EPCIP) will be followed-up during the three Presidencies and special
consideration will be given to CBRN-related risks and forest fires prevention.
Regarding the horizontal issues in the field of justice, the three Presidencies will put an accent on the protection and
promotion of fundamental rights, the protection
of personal data, E-Justice and the training of judges, prosecutors and
judicial staff.
The promotion of fundamental rights
and liberties within the EU and in its external relations represents a hallmark
of the Union. The three Presidencies will contribute to this aim by promoting
close cooperation with the European Parliament and the Commission. The Three
Presidencies will also strive to improve the cooperation mechanisms between the
Fundamental Rights Agency and the EU Institutions. The prompt accession of the EU to the European Convention of
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms is a priority for the three Presidencies.
The EU should develop a proactive and consistent approach on the protection
of personal data, in particular when developing a
global strategy on information systems in the field of internal security.
Recognising the significance of the use of the information and
communication technologies in the field of justice, the three Presidencies are
determined to push forward the projects included in the E-Justice Action Plan 2009-2013 and, taking into account its open nature, may
launch additional ones. An assessment of the implementation structure’s
activities should take place before June 2011. Consequently, projects such as
the interconnection of registers of wills and the training of legal
practitioners will be launched. Work should start on the service of judicial
and extrajudicial decisions in civil and commercial matters, on legal aid, on
the European order for payment as well as on the small claims procedure.
Furthermore, attention will also be paid to the horizontal issue of translation
and interpretation.
The three presidencies will encourage the implementation of the
general guidelines as accepted by the Member States in the resolution
concerning the training of judges, prosecutors and staff of the Administration
of Justice. In particular, the three Presidencies aim at developing efficient
cooperation between the European Judicial Training Network (EJTN) and the
relevant national training centres.
The principle of mutual recognition
of judicial decisions in criminal matters is the cornerstone of judicial
cooperation between Member States. In this regard special emphasis will be
placed on the improvement of direct judicial cooperation, in particular,
through the strengthening of the application of the principle of mutual
recognition in the field of evidence in criminal proceedings, the feasibility
of achieving a general instrument replacing the European evidence warrant
(possibly called “European Investigation Order”) or accepting the evidences
gathered in another Member State.
In addition, the three Presidencies will also focus on the
enhancement of the application of the principle of mutual recognition to the
exchange of information on criminal records, the approximation of procedural
law, the cooperation between judicial authorities concerning the conduct of
proceedings, and the protection of the vulnerable persons and assistance to
victims.
With a view to facilitating judicial cooperation between Member
States, the three Presidencies will aim at strengthening the exchange of
information on criminal records through the establishment of a European Index
of convicted third country nationals and will examine the possibilities of
exchanging information on supervisory measures adopted in ongoing criminal
proceedings and on non final judgments.
The three Presidencies will also pursue the
approximation of procedural legislation which is a key element for increasing
mutual trust and facilitating mutual recognition. Work should be focused on
improving the legal framework, through the adoption of legal instruments in
view of setting common minimum standards as to procedural rights and guarantees
for individuals in criminal proceedings, as well as the revision of the Council
Framework Decision of 15 March 2001 on the standing of victims in criminal
proceedings (2001/220/JHA).
The three Presidencies will continue work in view of
establishing common rules on the ne bis in idem principle
in light of the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice.
The three Presidencies will work on a new legal framework to allow
the transfer of criminal proceedings from one Member State to another.
The three Presidencies will aim at improving the legal framework for
the protection of children and will launch an Action Plan against sexual exploitation
of children and child pornography.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the assistance to victims, inter
alia, victims of terrorism as well as victims of
gender-based and domestic violence. To this end, work will be pursued towards a
European legal framework, to remove any obstacle to an effective implementation
of protection measures in the whole territory of the EU, in order for victims
under threat to receive the necessary protection regardless of their residence.
In line with the Stockholm Programme, the three Presidencies will take work
further on a European Protection order.
The three Presidencies will focus on family law, a crucial area
affecting the everyday lives of EU citizens. Work will continue on the
harmonization of rules on conflicts of jurisdiction and laws. Work will also
focus on other aspects of family law, notably the adoption of a Regulation
relating to matrimonial property regimes and a regulation on applicable law and
jurisdiction on divorce matters.
Work will be advanced on the Regulation on succession and wills.
In addition, work on further developing the principle of mutual
recognition will be further pursued. In this context, the revision of
Regulation 44/2001/EC will be a priority of the three Presidencies, with
special regard to the abolishment of exequatur for the judgments in civil and
commercial matters. Lastly, the Presidencies will work on improvement of
cross-border enforcement of the judgements given in a Member State in another
one, in particular through an analysis of mechanisms for the attachment of bank
accounts.
The three Presidencies will aim at fostering the external dimension
of the area of Freedom, Security and Justice.
As far as thematic priorities are
concerned, the three Presidencies are committed to carry on the efforts of the
previous Presidencies in the field of immigration, counter-terrorism, the fight
against organized crime, criminal and civil judicial cooperation and the
strengthening and protection of fundamental rights. The cooperation between
Europol, Eurojust and third countries will also be strengthened.
Regarding the geographical priorities,
particular attention will be paid to the cooperation with candidate countries,
Western Balkan countries and countries participating in the European
Neighbourhood Policy and in the Eastern Partnership. The EU-US strategic
dialogue, the partnership with Russia, the dialogue and cooperation with
Africa, the enhanced, structured and comprehensive dialogue with the Latin
America and Caribbean region, as well as the cooperation with Asian countries,
will remain priorities for the three Presidencies.
The three Presidencies will seek to enhance coordination
of the EU position within all international organisations.
The creation of the new post of a HR and the setting up of the
European External Action Service will greatly enhance the external action of
the EU. It will be of crucial importance to reach agreement early in 2010 on
the Decision concerning the organization and functioning of the EEAS.
The Union will
continue to work in the framework of the European Security Strategy, with
particular emphasis on new threats such as those associated with climate change
and energy security.
The EU will
continue to reinforce CSDP in all its components in order to enhance the role
of the Union as a global and autonomous actor in the field of conflict
prevention, crisis response, crisis management and post-conflict stabilization
with a special focus on civil-military synergy. With a view to improving the
effectiveness of crisis management, new ways of cooperation will be encouraged,
including multinational solutions, such as pooling of resources, training and
logistics, as well as new possibilities provided under the Lisbon Treaty.
Special
attention will be paid to implementing the civilian and military Headline Goals
and enhancing the EU’s rapid response capabilities will be a priority. New
possibilities for the development of civilian capabilities will be further
explored and the activities of the European Defence Agency for developing
capabilities further developed.
The
EU will strive to develop close cooperation with UN, NATO, OSCE, the AU and
other international and regional organizations. Special attention will be given
to further improving relations with NATO at the political strategic level,
including with respect to the development of capabilities.
The
Presidencies will take stock of a decade’s progress in the field of crisis
prevention and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the
EU Programme for the Prevention of Violent Conflicts (Gothenburg Programme)
will propose further steps.
Priority will be given to improving the planning and operational
conduct of both military and civilian operations. With due regard to the
financial situation, priority will be given to making sufficient financial
means available for the EU’s expanding crisis management role.
On
the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the UNSC Resolution
1325 (2000) on Women Peace and Security, the Presidencies will promote human
rights and gender mainstreaming in the planning and conduct of ESDP
missions/operations.
The
Presidencies will promote the European security and defence culture and will
continue to strengthen the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
The
implementation of the EU Strategy against the proliferation of Weapons of Mass
Destruction will continue. To this end, the potential of international meetings
scheduled during the period of the three Presidencies, such as, the meeting for
the review of the NPT, will be further exploited. Furthermore the EU will actively
participate in the implementation of the provisions of the UNSC Resolution 1887
of 2009, in cooperation with third countries.
Work
on the EU's strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of small
arms and light weapons and their ammunition will continue, as well as active
engagement in the negotiations for an Arms Trade Treaty.
Work will continue on the external aspects of the implementation of
the EU's counter-terrorism strategy and the fight against radicalization and
recruitment.
The Union will
continue to support the process of UN reform with particular emphasis on
enhancing coherence and strengthening the institutional system, through the
balanced development of the three pillars, namely, peace and security,
sustainable development and human rights. The EU's financial contribution must
be properly reflected in the activities of the organization.
Advancing EU-UN
co-operation in the field of peace and security and improving the effectiveness
of UN peacekeeping operations will remain of key importance.
The three
Presidencies will work towards the improvement of consular protection of
EU-citizens within and outside of the European Union, as far as assistance to
and protection of travellers and citizens residing abroad is concerned.
Work on the
minimum levels of consular assistance to be offered to citizens of the Member
States outside EU territory will be advanced.
Coordination in
crisis situations outside the territory of the Union needs to be further
developed.
Special attention
will be paid to an evaluation of the “lead state” framework and enhanced
consular cooperation through ‘mutualisation’ of consular resources. Priority
will be given in this respect to training of consular staff in order to improve
cooperation in crisis situations and knowledge of EU law.
Consular help offered to European citizens will be promoted throughout the territory of the European Union. Promotion of diplomatic assistance in the handling of Rogatory Commissions in third countries will also receive due attention.
The Union will
concentrate on further strengthening the promotion and protection of all human
rights and fundamental freedoms and the promotion of their universality. The
abolition of the death penalty will remain high on the EU's international
agenda.
Special emphasis
will be given to mainstreaming human rights and gender in all EU policies,
including in ESDP, in particular by integrating human rights in political
discussions and dialogues with third countries. Particular emphasis will be put
on the international prevention of genocide and mass atrocities.
The Union will
also strengthen its work in promoting the Rule of Law. Fighting impunity will
remain one of the cornerstones of the EU's approach to building and maintaining
lasting peace. The EU's support to the International Criminal Court (ICC) will
remain strong and in this context the EU should strive to achieve universality
and full implementation of the Rome Statute of the ICC. The Review Conference
of the Rome Statute which will take place in the course of 2010, will offer an
opportunity to further express broad support for the continued development of
international criminal law.
The first global economic contraction for
over 50 years has fundamentally changed the operating environment of the
Union’s commercial policy. The EU will continue making the case for openness
and engagement rather than isolation and retreat. In this context, the
conclusions of an ambitious, balanced and comprehensive Doha Round will remain
an EU priority. In parallel, the EU will continue to pursue bilateral and
regional trade agreements with key trade partners.
In the framework of the EU Market Access
Strategy, the three Presidencies will support initiatives that enhance exports
of goods and services from European companies, particularly SME to third
countries, using all the available instruments. Concerted actions to remove
non-tariff barriers, to open up government procurement markets and to increase
protection for intellectual property rights remain of particular
importance.
The EU recognises the need to maintain all the commitments made at
the Monterrey and Doha meetings. To this end, the EU will continue to monitor
closely compliance with the EU's ODA commitments as established in the European
Consensus on Development, in particular the EU's intermediate collective target
of 0.56% of GNI by 2010. The EU will pay special attention to the needs of
Least Developed Countries while continuing to support all developing countries,
including both low income and middle -income countries, to achieve a more
balanced global development.
The EU will continue to promote aid
effectiveness, as agreed in the Accra Agenda for Action. With a view to the
High level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (Seoul 2011), it will continue its active
implementation, taking into account the specificity of countries in fragile
situations.
The EU will also monitor and act upon the
achievement of the MDG's. Spain, Belgium and Hungary will closely collaborate
on preparing the High Level Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General
Assembly (September 2010) to mark the 10th anniversary of the
Millennium Declaration. In this context, attention will be given to food
security and the fight against hunger and poverty by enhancing sustainable
rural development, agricultural production systems and management of water and
forests. The strengthening of health systems and the preparation of the EU
Gender Equality and Woman Empowerment Action Plan for European development
policies will be supported. Furthermore, the implementation of the EU
commitments on environment made at relevant conferences will be promoted.
With respect to relations with African,
Caribbean, Pacific (ACP) countries, the EU will ensure the conclusion of the
second revision of the Cotonou Agreement, work on the conclusion and follow-up
of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) guaranteeing regional integration
and development for ACP countries and also encourage the implementation of EPAs
and other regional integration, including through Aid for Trade packages.
Strengthening the transatlantic partnership on
development cooperation and promoting cooperation with emerging donors (China,
Brazil, India) will also be a priority.
Lastly, the three Presidencies will promote
awareness among European citizens of the need to maintain solidarity efforts
with countries in need, which suffer more severely from the consequences of the
current economic situation.
The EU will further
develop the cooperation with the three EEA countries, Norway, Iceland and
Liechtenstein and will intensify cooperation with Switzerland, possibly through
conclusion of a new framework agreement. The EU will also enhance cooperation
in anti-fraud and tax matters with Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco and San
Marino and Switzerland by concluding new or updating existing agreements.
The
European perspective of the countries of the Western Balkans will be further
advanced, in line with the renewed consensus on enlargement of December 2006.
The Stabilization and Association Process, in line with the Thessaloniki
Agenda, will remain the most important tool in this respect. The EU will
continue to assist the Western Balkan countries in their political, economic
and institutional reform processes and continued support will be provided for
regional cooperation among the Western Balkan countries. Particular attention
will be paid to the full implementation of the Stabilization and Association
Agreements concluded with partner countries as well as the fulfilment of the
SAP criteria. Work will also continue with a view to concluding the
Stabilization and Association Agreement with Bosnia-Herzegovina (and ratifying
and implementing the agreement with Serbia). The implementation of the visa
liberalization road-maps will also be taken forward.
The Union will
continue to enhance the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) as a single and
coherent policy framework, paying equal attention to its eastern and southern
dimension.
As regards the
Eastern dimension, promoting stability, good governance and economic
development in its Eastern neighbourhood remains of strategic importance for
the European Union. In this context, the Union will continue the implementation
of the Eastern Partnership, through deeper bilateral engagement and with a view
to a new multilateral framework involving the EU, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine which will aim at accelerating
reforms, legislative approximation and further economic integration. In
addition, negotiations for deep and comprehensive free trade agreements with
partners that are members of the WTO and ready to comply with their commitments
will be pursued during the next 18 months. Further steps will be taken towards
visa liberalization, on a case by case basis, as a long term goal provided that
conditions for well managed and secure mobility are in place. The second
Eastern Partnership Summit will be held in the first half of 2011.
Regarding
the Southern dimension, the Union for the Mediterranean will be reinvigorated
through the 2nd UfM Summit in the first half of 2010 and the
adoption of the first UfM Work Programme for 2010-2012. The effective and
efficient functioning of the Secretariat to be established in Barcelona will be
another priority.
On the bilateral
track, close attention will be paid to the bilateral framework of relations
with Morocco, Israel, Tunisia, Egypt and Jordan, while continuing developing
relations with Algeria, Lebanon, and the Palestinian Authority. The signature
of the agreement with Syria will be pursued as well as negotiations on an
agreement with Libya will be pursued. The first EU-Morocco Summit will be
organised in the first semester of 2010.
The EU will also
further implement the European regional strategies, such as the Northern Dimension, the Black Sea Synergy, ensuring
complementarity with the ENP and other regional EU initiatives.
The Union will
further develop the strategic partnership with Russia on the basis of common
interests and values. Efforts will continue to progress in the negotiations for
a new EU-Russia agreement and also for the implementation of the road maps for
the four common spaces. The Union will urge Russia to complete its WTO
accession which will open the prospects for a bilateral free trade agreement
and to work towards the resolution of other outstanding issues. The Union will
also ensure coherence and continuity among the consecutive Summits to be held
with Russia.
During the 18-month
period, the EU will pursue the implementation of its Central Asia Strategy in
its seven main areas: human rights, rule of law, good governance and
democratisation, education, economic development, trade and investment, energy
and transport, environment and water, common threats and challenges and
intercultural dialogue. Moreover it will examine the possibilities for
strengthening cooperation with countries in Central Asia.
The Union will
continue to support all efforts to reach comprehensive peace in the Middle
East, based on the two State solution, in cooperation with regional and
international partners. The Union will continue playing an active role and will
work towards enhanced relations with the countries of the region, including by exploring
ways and formulating proposals for supporting the implementation of a peace
agreement.
The Union will
continue to follow closely the developments in Iran and will continue to
contribute to a long-term negotiated solution to the nuclear issue as part of a
broader agenda with Iran.
The Union will
continue its support to a secure, stable, democratic prosperous and unified
Iraq and will pursue the conclusion of negotiations on a Cooperation and Trade
agreement with this country. The finalization of the FTA negotiations with the
Gulf Cooperation Council remains a key objective for the EU.
Transatlantic
relations will remain a key priority on the EU's agenda. Efforts will be made
to continue strengthening the EU-US strategic partnership with particular
attention on key multilateral issues, namely climate change, energy, the
economic and financial crisis, crisis management and development cooperation.
In the field of Energy, all efforts will be undertaken to effectively use the EU-US
Energy Council. Efforts will continue on the implementation of the 2007
programme for economic cooperation as well as regulatory dialogue, in
particular through the work of the Transatlantic Economic Council. A renewed
political agenda will include enhanced dialogue and possibly joint action on
regional issues, non proliferation and disarmament, and security. Further
cooperation in the field of freedom, security and justice as well as
counter-terrorism will also be explored.
The close
relations with Canada will be developed further and work will continue on the
new Comprehensive Economic Agreement as well as other areas.
The EU will
continue to focus on implementation of the joint EU-Africa Strategy and the
Action Plan. Special emphasis needs to be put on actions in the fields of peace
and security, energy, climate change, trade, the respect of human rights,
democracy and the rule of law as well on issues of migration. The EU and Africa
will co-organize the third EU-Africa Summit during the second semester of 2010.
The
promotion of peace and security on the continent remains one of the key
objectives of the EU's policy in Africa. The EU will continue cooperating with
the African Union (AU) to enable it to play a major role in conflict prevention
and resolution of conflicts across the continent. The EU will continue
supporting crisis prevention, stabilization and reconciliation processes and
will continue contributing to capacity building, especially as concerns the
planning and conduct by the AU of peace keeping missions.
The EU will continue to monitor developments in crisis-prone
areas such as the Great Lakes Region, the Sahel Region and the Horn of Africa
(in particular Sudan and Somalia), and will engage in stabilization and
conflict resolution efforts with regional and international partners.
The Union will
place particular attention to developing and strengthening its relations with
its Asian partners. In this context, the ASEM8 Summit, to be held in the second
half of 2010, will be an opportunity to promote the political and economic
objectives of the EU and to further enhance relations with Asia.
Relations with individual South Eastern
Asian countries will also be strengthened through the conclusion and
implementation of the bilateral Partnership and Cooperation Agreements and if
possible, a free trade agreement with ASEAN. The EU should pursue its accession
to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation which reflects the EU's strong support
for and contribution to regional, peace, security and cooperation as well as
its willingness for greater constructive engagement in regional integration
processes.
New contractual
relations with China, South Korea, India, will also be pursued. As regards
China the EU will continue the efforts aimed at broadening economic relations
and strengthening political contacts with this important partner. The human
rights dialogue will continue to be an important part of relations with China.
The next logical step in the EU-India relations would be the negotiations of a
PCA; the EU will continue exploring ways of engaging India in this respect.
The EU will also continue to monitor
closely developments in the Korean Peninsula, to promote stability. Once the
new legal framework is in force, the EU will pursue the upgrade of the
relationship with Republic of Korea to a strategic partnership.
The EU will
actively follow developments in Myanmar/Burma and support regional and UN’s
efforts aimed at helping the transition to democracy, in particular in the
context of the planned 2010 elections.
The EU will remain
actively engaged in Afghanistan and Pakistan, pursuing the implementation of
the Plan for Strengthened EU action in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while taking
into account the regional dimension. The EU is committed to engaging with the
new Afghan government to assist the country in meeting the challenges it faces.
Relations
with Latin America will be further developed. The 6th EU-LAC Summit,
to take place in the first half of 2010, will ensure the follow-up to the
Action Plan and will set up the EU-LAC Foundation. The Summit with Mexico and
the fourth EU-Brazil Summit will take place, respectively, in the first and
second semester of 2010. Work will also continue on the follow-up of the
Strategic Partnerships and Action Plans concluded with Mexico and Brazil.
Relations
with individual countries or groups of countries will also be nurtured and to
this end the regular bilateral Summits with Chile, Central America, Andean
Community, Cariforum and Mercosur will be organized in the course of the 18
months.
Strong
emphasis will be placed on the conclusion and signature of the Association
Agreements with the Central American and the signature of the Multilateral
Agreement with the Andean Community countries, as well as on the resumption and
advancement of negotiations for the Association Agreement with Mercosur.
==================
[1] Regulation
on auctioning (comitology by 30/6/2010); implementing measures for allocating
free allowances (comitology by 31/12/2010); situation of the sectors exposed to
carbon leakage (report + proposals in codecision by COM by 30/6/2010).