AGENDA/06/21
Brussels, 9th June 2006
Top News from the European Commission
12 June – 2 July
Background notes from the Spokesperson’s group FAO journalists
Mon 12th – Tue 13th June : Regions for economic change – Innovating
through EU Regional Policy
The news :
- This is the first of a series of three conferences under the headline “Regions for
economic change” and is organised by the Regional Policy directorate general.
- The conferences aim to send the message that research and innovation
generate growth and create jobs and therefore they need to feature more
strongly in the investments co-financed by the instruments of EU cohesion
policy: the Structural Funds.
- This conference will examine best practices as regards fostering knowledge
transfer, innovation and clusters, with a particular focus on success stories in
less prosperous regions.
- In particular, the conference will focus on:
- • how to create the right environment for innovation,
- • how to strengthen collaboration between public and private stakeholders,
- • how to establish partnerships and synergies.
- There will be three sessions of workshops bringing together policy makers,
expert advisers and practitioners. An exhibition of innovative projects from
across the EU, stands with information on relevant Community programmes and
advisory booths will be available for participants.
The event :
Commission President, José Manuel Barroso, Vice-president Günter Verheugen,
Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner and Commissioner for
Employment and Social Affairs Vladimir Špidla will deliver key-note speeches.
The sources :
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/regional_policy/conferences/innovating_june06/home_en.cfm
The contacts :
Ana-Paula Laissy + 32 2 295 3258 ; Constantina Avraam + 32 2 295 9667
Editor Alain Bloëdt
+ 32 2 295 56 04
SPP Co-ordination and Planning Unit
Tuesday 13th June : EU Public Finances 2006 report
The news :
- Every year, as part of its budgetary surveillance responsibilities, the
Commission adopts a report on public finances in the European Union. The
2006 edition of Public Finances in EMU (Economic and Monetary Union) will
focus on the first year of the reformed Stability and Growth Pact, which will be
the subject of a separate Communication to be sent to the Council and the
Parliament.
- The average government deficit in 2005 decreased to 2.3% in the EU as a
whole and 2.4% in the euro area compared with 2.6% and 2.8%, respectively, in
2004. However, despite this general improvement, there are currently 12
countries under the Excessive Deficit Procedure – which is started when a
country exceeds the 3% budget deficit ceiling set in the EU Treaty. According to
the Commission’s spring economic forecasts, the government deficit figures will
remain unchanged in 2006 while declining further by 0.1 percentage point in
both areas in 2007.
- The seventh report on Public Finances in EMU, as usual, looks not only at the
correction of excessive deficits, when they exist, but also at progress to achieve
and maintain sound budgetary finances in the medium term – the so-called
preventive arm of the SGP – as well as to answer the challenge posed by an
ageing population in the longer term. In this context, the report broadens on the
lessons already drawn from the examination of the 2005 vintage of Stability and
Convergence Programmes.
- Two analytical sections also focus on relevant issues in the current fiscal policy
debate. Firstly, the role of national numerical fiscal rules and institutions to help
Member States run sound public finances. There is growing consensus that
expenditure ceilings, ‘national pacts’ or other fiscal policy rules at national level
can usefully supplement those of the Stability and Growth Pact. Secondly, fiscal
policy in "good times". Recent developments and the Commission’s spring 2006
forecast confirm that an economic recovery is under way in the euro area and in
the EU. Member States need to avoid the errors of the past and make good use
of good times to step up budgetary consolidation efforts.
The event :
Press conference by Commissioner Almunia at 16.00 in the press room of the
European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Video coverage by Ebs
The sources :
- STAT/06/48
- IP/05/645
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/european_economy/forecasts_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/about/activities/sgp/scp_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/publications/publicfinance_en.htm
The contacts :
Amelia Torres + 32 2 295 4629 ; Marisa González + 32 2 295 1925
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Mon 19th June – Wed 21st June : Aerodays marking advancements in
research
The news :
- The fifth Community Aeronautics Days event is to take place in Vienna. With up
to 1,000 participants expected, this is a key event for European research and
technology in the fields of aeronautics and transport.
- The aim of the three day event is to allow for top-level exchanges on
advancements in the field of aeronautics research. A series of conferences,
excursions and exhibitions will offer an insight into planned and on-going
projects of the European Research Framework Programmes (FP5 and FP6) and
national and international aeronautics research.
- Environmental issues, safety and security of passengers and the future of air
transport in a time of ever-increasing worldwide mobility, as well as strategies
for working towards the co-ordinated implementation of the Strategic Research
Agenda developed by the Aeronautics Council for Aeronautics Research in
Europe (ACARE) will be identified.
- The seventh Research Framework Programme (FP7) is in its final stages and
EC representatives will be outlining the current state of play in relation to the
programme. Aerodays will play an important role for stakeholders to contribute
to the direction European-funded research in aeronautics will take in the next
seven years. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also be part of
the discussions, taking into account the vital role they play in the supply chain of
this industry.
- Finally, Europe’s role as a major player in research and technology along side
America, Asia and Africa will also be discussed at the various planned events.
There is a specific media programme, with briefings on topics such as safe and
secure skies; cleaner and greener air transport; and increasing efficiency. There
will also be trips arranged to local aeronautic research facilities.
The event :
Aeronautics Days 2006 will be held under the Austrian Presidency at the Exhibition
& Congress Center in Vienna. Press lunch with European Research Commissioner
Janez Potočnik , Austrian Vice-Chancellor Hubert Gorbach and Members of the
European Parliament. Journalists interested in attending the event can find all the
relevant information to register at : http://www.aerodays2006.org/index2.php
The sources :
- Aerodays website :
http://www.aerodays2006.org/
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/research/aeronautics/index_en.html
The contacts :
Antonia Mochan + 32 2 296 9921 ; Marilyn Carruthers + 32 2 299 9451
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Wednesday 21st June : EU-US Summit in Vienna
The news :
- President Barroso and President George Bush along with the Austrian
Chancellor Schüssel, Commissioners Benita Ferrero-Waldner and Mandelson,
Austrian Foreign Minister Plassnik and the Secretary of State, Condoleza Rice
will meet at the EU – US summit in Vienna.
- The four issues likely to be discussed at the Summit will be foreign policy cooperation, energy security, economy and trade, and global challenges. In the
area of foreign policy relations with Iran, the Middle East and the promotion
democracy are expected to dominate the agenda.
- Leaders are expected to adopt a very substantial Summit Declaration, and to
endorse political and economic progress reports on achievements made since
the last Summit in 2005.
The event :
Leaders of both sides of the Atlantic will meet for a working session in the morning
of June 21st followed by a working lunch.
A Press conference by Commission President José Manuel Barroso, Austrian
Chancellor and EU President in office Wolfgang Schüssel and US President Geroge
W. Bush is planned for June 21st at 14.30.
The renewed EU-US Agreement on Higher Education and Training by
Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Austrian Foreign Minister and Council
President in office Ursula Plassnik and US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is
scheduled to be signed at a ceremony on June 21st at 10.30.
Coverage by EbS
The sources :
- European Commission websites :
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/external_relations/us/intro/summit.htm
http://europa.eu/press_room/presspacks/us20050222/index_en.htm
The contacts :
Johannes Laitenberger + 32 2296 5745 ; Emma Udwin + 32 2 295 9577
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Thursday 22nd June : A transport policy for Europe’s citizens
The news :
- The Commission adopted the White Paper "European Transport Policy for 2010
: Time to Decide" on September 12th 2001.
- In this White Paper, the Commission proposed a plan of action for the
improvement of the quality and efficiency of European transport. One of the
aims of the paper, was to increase ten-fold the progressive rise in mobility and
of economic growth, in order to reduce the pressure being put on the
environment, all while maintaining the economic competitiveness of the
European Union.
- The Commission thus proposed almost sixty measures for developing a
transport policy for European transport.
- In the Communication, which is to be adopted on June 22nd, the Commission will
make a mid-term assessment of the implementation of these measures.
The event :
Press conference by Vice-president Jacques Barrot in the Berlaymont press room at
1.00 (tbc).
The sources :
- IP/01/1263
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/white_paper/index_en.htm
The contacts :
Stefaan De Rynck + 32 2 299 9279 ; Marja Quillinan-Meiland + 32 2 299 4014
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Thursday 22nd June : Reform of the European wine sector
The news :
- The European Commission will adopt a Communication setting out four different
options for the future of the European Union’s Common Market Organisation for
wine.
- Europe is by far the biggest producer (world production: 270 million hl - EU part:
6O%) and exporter (world exports: 67 million hl - EU part: more than 60%) of
wine.
- But while EU exports are still growing, ‘New World’ exports are increasing much
faster, especially to those European countries where consumers are drinking
more wine.
- Europe is also left with large quantities of wine for which there is no outlet. As a
result, we spend too much money - around half a billion euros a year – on
measures to dispose of, store and distil wine surpluses into alcohol.
- This money could be more usefully spent on improving market balance,
boosting quality and promoting sales of European wines.
- EU winegrowers are also hamstrung by over-complex rules on wine-making
practices and labelling, which also confuse consumers.
- The reform must:
 Increase the competitiveness of the EU’s wine producers, strengthen the
reputation of EU quality wine as the best in the world, recover old markets and win
new ones in the EU and worldwide;
 Create a wine regime that operates through clear, simple rules - effective rules
that ensure balance between supply and demand;
 Create a wine regime that preserves the best traditions of EU wine production
and reinforces the social and environmental fabric of many rural areas.
- The Commission is not advocating reducing the annual budget for wine –
around 1.2 billion euros – but using it more intelligently.
- Following a thorough debate on the Communication, the Commission will
publish legislative proposals in December or January.
The event :
Adoption of the Communication by the College. Presentation to the European
Parliament. Press conference by Commissioner Fischer Boel. An IP, a memo, an
information pack and a video presentation will be issued.
Available on EbS
The sources :
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/comm/agriculture/capreform/wine/index_en.htm
Infoclip on EbS (M. Fischer Boel in Italy and Spain)
Available on EbS (Images from Hungary and Languedoc)
The contacts :
Michael Mann + 32 2 299 9780 ; Johan Reyniers + 32 2 295 6728
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Wednesday 28th June : Evaluation of the Hague Programme
The news :
- In response to the December 2004 European Council request to the
Commission to report in 2006 "to the European Council on the progress made
and to propose the necessary additions to the Hague Programme" in 2006, the
Commission will now adopt three Communications.
- The three Communications are entitled :
- “Implementing The Hague Programme: a first policy review ;
- "Strengthening Freedom, Security and Justice in the European Union: report
on the implementation of The Hague Programme for the year 2005” ;
- "The Evaluation of EU Policies on Freedom, Security and Justice" constitute the
answer to the call made by the European Council.
- The Hague Programme "Strengthening Freedom, Security and Justice in the
European Union" was adopted by the European Council in November 2004 and
fixed the priorities of the Commission in the area of freedom, security and justice
for the five years that were to follow. The Commission then presented an Action
Plan to the Council in which the aims and priorities of the Hague Programme
were translated into concrete actions
- Those priorities included : fundamental rights and citizenship, The fight against
terrorism, migration management, internal borders, external borders and visas,
a common asylum area, the impact of migration on our society and economy,
privacy and security in sharing information, the fight against organised crime,
civil and criminal justice, sharing responsibility and solidarity in the field of
Freedom, Security and Justice.
- Since the end of 2004, the Member States and the EU Institutions have worked
to ensure the implementation of the programme in accordance with the Council
and Commission Action Plan adopted in June 2005.
- In the absence of the entry into force of the Constitutional Treaty, it is still
necessary to draw up a first political assessment of progress made in
implementing the Hague Programme and to propose the necessary
adjustments.
- The aim of this comprehensive package is thus not to identify new priorities
compared to those set out by the Hague Programme but mainly (1) to take stock
of the progress made, (2) to assess the level of implementation at EU and
national level and (3) to propose a thorough evaluation of results.
The event :
Press conference (tbc).
The sources :
- IP/05/546 MEMO/05/153
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/justice_home/index_en.htm
Available on EbS - I-047220 Police Cooperation; I-047744 Judicial
Cooperation ; I- 047743 Asylum Immigration 2005; I-051273 Personal data
protection 2006; I-042167 Enlargement of the Northern Borders ; I-043207
Enlargement of the Southern Borders
The contacts :
Friso Roscam Abbing + 32 2 296 67 46 ; Riccardo Mosca + 32 2 29 61 404
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Thursday 29th June : Risk capital to unleash the full potential of European
SMEs
The news :
- The EU needs to become more innovative and innovation through the
introduction of new products or improved production methods is neccessary to
stay competitive. Closely related to a willingness to take risks and test out new
ideas on the market, the availability of venture capital is crucial for innovation.
- The success of Skype is one striking example of how access to finance at the
early stages can lead to a major success for a new business. In the case of
Skype, success was made possible by the European Commission's start up
scheme “European Technology Facility” (ETF). However, access to risk capital
continues to hold back European innovators. European financial
markets/institutions do not fully satisfy the financial needs of SMEs in particular
when they are at their early growth stages.
- The lack of an equity investment culture, informational problems and market
volatility are amongst the main reasons for this market breakdown. Financing
innovative SMEs is considered by many finance providers as a risky activity due
to high transaction costs and low returns, predominantly in short-term scale
- On May 29th the Commission will come forward with a new approach which will
set out a number of specific actions to create favourable conditions for more
early-stage investments in innovative firms.
- Europe needs a more open-orientated regulatory environment for venture
capital investments and more bank finance for innovation. This Commissions
action is set within the general framework of the Lisbon Agenda for Growth and
Jobs and will encourage sharing best practices with the EU.
The event :
Press conference Vice President Verheugen and CEO of a company which has
benefited from financial support. IP and memo.
Available on EbS
The sources :
- IP/06/21
- MEMO/06/5
- European Commission website :
http://ec.europa.eu/growthandjobs/areas/fiche06_en.htm
The contacts :
Gregor Kreuzhuber + 32 2 29 665 65 ; Catherine Bunyan + 32 2 29 965 12
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