Instituce (1. 1. – 15. 1. 2015)
1. Instituce, agentury a orgány
Evropská Komise
a. Parlameter survey 2014: citizens cheer Parliament’s role in Juncker election
(http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/newsroom/content/20150213IPR24006/html/Parlameter-survey-2014-citizens-cheerParliament%E2%80%99s-role-in-Juncker-election)
 13/2/2015, Press release, 1 strana
A majority of European citizens cheered the role that the European Parliament played in
the election of the new Commission President, says the 2014 Parlameter survey,
published on Friday. More Europeans now feel that their voice counts in EU-level
decision making. Over half the respondents said that EU membership is a good thing.
2. TT´s a NGO´s
European Liberal Forum
a. Democratic Deficit In the EU: The Real Problem of the EU?
(http://www.liberalforum.eu/tl_files/userdata/downloads/publications/2015/Bacovsky%20%20Democratic%20Deficit%20in%20the%20EU.pdf)
 3/2/2015, 6 p., working paper by Vaclav Bacovsky
 People in Europe do not understand its institutional design. Their trust in the EU
institutions and the support for EU membership is declining (2009-2013). The only
directly elected institution is the European Parliament (EP), but EP elections are defined
by low turn-out and voting behaviour based on the actions of national governments,
hence missing the direct link with the agenda of the EU. EU citizens have witnessed a rise
of EU-phobic parties gaining significant support in many countries. While it is difficult, if
not plain impossible, to find one leading reason for all this, democratic deficit is
mentioned so often that it seemingly aspires to be the diagnosis of the current malaise in
the EU. The EU remains distant to its citizens and it is questionable if any institutional
change may change the level of popular engagement given that people are more
attracted to domestic policies which are more salient to them.
European Parliamentary Research System
a. ‘Monti’ Group’s first assessment of EU own resources
(http://epthinktank.eu/2015/02/06/monti-groups-first-assessment-of-eu-own-resources/)
 06/2/2015, 7 pages, policy brief by Alessandro D’Alfonso
 The 'own resources' system, which ensures the financing of EU policies, has advantages
such as reliability in providing the necessary resources, but has also attracted a number of
criticisms, not least for its complexity and lack of real financial autonomy. The European
Parliament (EP), which has little say in the design of the system, has long pushed for its
reform. The aim is not to increase the size of the EU budget, but to focus it on issues of
European common interest and to tap its full economic potential. However, the relevant
decision-making process (unanimity and ratification by all Member States) represents a
significant obstacle to reform.
Open Europe
a. Will the populist wave help EU reform?
(http://openeurope.org.uk/blog/will-populist-wave-help-eu-reform/)



2. 2., Mats Persson, Commentary, 2 pages
The push-back against EU policies in various forms – EU-mandated austerity,
bailouts, immigration – and plummeting trust in Brussels, suggest change to
reconnect the EU and national electorates is desperately needed. At the same time,
many of these parties – whether Syriza on the left or Front National on the “right” –
are outright opposed to Cameron’s vision of an economically liberal, outwardlooking EU.
How the populist wave could impact some key issues? EU reform, EU treaty change,
economic competitiveness, strenghtening national parliaments
b. ECB finally leaves politics to politicians
(http://openeurope.org.uk/blog/ecb-finally-leaves-politics-politicians/)
 6th week (February), Mats Persson, Commentary, 2 pages
 This week, the ECB decided to stop accepting Greek junk debt as collateral in return for
funding Greek banks. Viewed from Frankfurt, the SYRIZA government’s promise to
renegotiate Greece’s bailout deal means the funding arrangement is off – the ECB’s
decision to bend its rules to accept Greek junk debt in the first place was always
predicated on the country sticking to reforms agreed under the bailout (details here).
Immediately, the Twittersphere was flooded with accusations of the ECB’s ‘shameless’
and ‘politically-motivated’ timing.
Robert Schuman Foundation
a. Does the European Court of Human Rights threaten democracy?
(http://www.robert-schuman.eu/en/european-issues/0342-does-the-european-court-ofhuman-rights-threaten-democracy)
 2. 2., Jean-Claude Mignon a René Roquet, Opinion paper, 4 pages
 If we are to believe the press and Britain's leaders the answer is undeniably, yes. In
France various recent judgments in sensitive areas like unions in the army, surrogacy
and Somali pirates have led some to wonder whether there was not cause for France
to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, and return later, once
the Convention has been renegotiated.
 We can understand the irritation, even the indignation that some decisions might
cause. We understand it, but we do not feel the same, because on the one hand, it
seems exaggerated and on the other it could be a serious threat to the rule of law in
Europe. In all events the method retained is not the right one to rectify any possible
problems.
LSE European Politics and Policy Blog
a. There has been a substantial drop in EU legislative output since 2010
(http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2015/02/03/there-has-been-a-substantial-drop-in-eulegislative-output-since-2010/)
 3/2/2015, 2 pages, blog article by Renaud Dehousse a Olivier Rozenberg
 A common argument made against the European Union by Eurosceptic politicians is
that the EU creates a burden on citizens and businesses by producing too much
legislation. But how much legislation does the EU actually produce? Renaud Dehousse
and Olivier Rozenberg present data on both the raw number of EU acts adopted since
1996, and a measure of the burden produced by this legislation. They note that
contrary to expectations, there has been a substantial fall in the EU’s legislative output
since 2010, raising questions over the motivations underpinning the European
Commission’s legislative agenda.
b. National officials working for the Commission display a surprising amount of independence
from their own governments
(http://blogs.lse.ac.uk/europpblog/2015/02/12/national-officials-working-for-thecommission-display-a-surprising-amount-of-independence-from-their-own-governments/)
 12/2/2015, 3 pages, blog article by Jarle Trondal, Zuzana Murdoch a Benny Geys
 When national officials are appointed to international administrations such as the
European Commission, how can we ensure that they act independently, rather than
merely in the interest of their own national government? Jarle Trondal, Zuzana Murdoch
and Benny Geys present findings from a survey of national officials who have been
‘seconded’ to the Commission for a specific period of time. Their research shows that
even though there should arguably be an incentive for such individuals to retain loyalty
to their national government, there is greater attachment to the Commission than might
be expected, particularly when national officials feel they are being treated in the same
manner as permanent Commission staff.
Notre Europe – Jacques Delors Institute
a. The EU needs a fresh boost...fast!
(http://www.delorsinstitute.eu/011-20804-The-EU-Needs-a-Fresh-Boost-Fast.html)
 5/2/2015, 2 pages, tribune by Jacques Delors, Pascal Lamy, António Vitorino, Yves
Bertoncini and Comité Européen d'Orientation
 The European authorities appointed in the wake of the elections in May 2014 have a
historic task ahead of them. Faced with the pressure being brought by eurosceptics and
Europhobes, it falls to them to urgently impart a fresh thrust to European construction.
The participants of our 2014 European Steering Committee call them in their common
declaration to face three main challenges – Europeans looking out at the world; making
better use of the opportunities that the EU offers; the EU as an answer to threats
Centre for European Reform
a. Juncker’s three steps to improve the Commissionn’s standing in the EU
(http://www.cer.org.uk/insights/junckers-three-steps-improve-commissions-standing-eu)
 11/2/2015, 1.p, briefing paper by Agata Gostyńska
 When Jean-Claude Juncker became European Commission president he pledged to do his
best to restore citizens’ trust in the European project. Juncker thinks that improving the
Commission’s standing in the EU is pivotal to delivering on this promise. In his first
hundred days in office he has taken three important steps to strengthen the
Commission’s hand but he still has to prove that he can avoid repeating the mistakes of
his predecessor, José Manuel Barroso.
LEUVEN CENTRE FOR GLOBAL GOVERNANCE STUDIES
a. A Giant Step Backwards? Opinion 2/13 on the EU´s accession to the European Convention
on Human Rights
(http://ghum.kuleuven.be/ggs/wp150-odermatt.pdf)
 2/2015, 17 pages, working paper by Jed Odermatt
 On 18 December 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union delivered Opinion 2/13
on whether the Draft Agreement on the EU´s Accession to the European Convention on
Human Rights Is compatible with EU law. The Court found that the Agreement did not
sufficiently take into account the specific nature of the EU, and that it in many ways
violated the “autonomy” of the EU legal order. This Working Paper examines the Court´s
findings and the reason why it rejected the draft Accession Agreement and it concludes
by looking at the next steps that could be taken in order for the EU to accede to the
Convention.
3. Zpravodajství
1)
Euobserver
a. Eurogroup, Greece fail to agree on bailout extensit
(https://euobserver.com/economic/127601)
 A first meeting between the new Greek finance minister and his eurozone peers
ended on Wednesday (11 February) without a joint statement, as Athens is still
refusing to accept an extension of its bailout programme.
b. 100 days of Juncker: €315bn, LuxLeaks, Greece
(https://euobserver.com/political/127539)
 Tax scandals, a fizzled-out investment plan and brinkmanship about Greece have
marked the first 100 days of the Juncker commission.
c. EU parliament downgrades 'LuxLeaks' probe
(https://euobserver.com/political/127520)
 Leaders of big political groups in the EP have downgraded plans to set up an inquiry
committee on tax avoidance by multinationals.
d. ECB ratchets up pressure on Greece
(https://euobserver.com/political/127501)
 In a surprise move, the ECB on Wednesday said it will no longer accept Greek bonds
as collateral for loans, giving Athens one week to agree with creditors or face
cashflow problems.
e. Germany: No need to get rid of troika
(https://euobserver.com/political/127469)
 Germany sees no need to put an end to the 'troika' of international creditors in
Greece, in a snub to EU commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker.
f.
MEP fears 'blood on carpet' in EU tax inquiry
(https://euobserver.com/political/127466)
 A proposed MEPs' inquiry into tax avoidance is said to be rattling key figures in the
parliament.
g. EU breaks taboo on 'Russian forces in Ukraine'
(https://euobserver.com/foreign/127667)
 The EU has broken its taboo on referring to Russian forces in east Ukraine in its
official documents.
h. EU warns of more sanctions if Russia flouts ceasefire
(https://euobserver.com/foreign/127630)
 EU leaders gave a “cautious” welcome to the Ukraine ceasefire deal on Thursday (12
February) but warned of further sanctions if it isn’t implemented.
i.
EU delays Russia blacklist by one week
(https://euobserver.com/foreign/127557)
 EU foreign ministers have delayed Russia sanctions for one week, in order not to
disrupt peace talks in Minsk on Wednesday.
j.
EU urges member states to meet aid targets
(https://euobserver.com/news/127531)
 The EU has called on governments to finally meet their promise of spending at least
0.7 percent of their income on development aid.
k. EU commission hopes global standard will end tax evasion
(https://euobserver.com/economic/127553)
 The European Commission is hoping that a new global reporting standard will
eradicate tax evasion and tax fraud in the wake of the latest revelations in
Switzerland.
l.
Eurozone needs further reform, Juncker paper says
(https://euobserver.com/news/127639)

The eurozone requires further reform to ensure that it escapes a pattern of low
growth and high unemployment, Jean-Claude Juncker has told EU leaders.
m. No new mandate for EU intelligence centre
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127532)
 EU efforts to better co-ordinate intelligence and police operations in the wake of the
Charlie Hebdo killings will not result in a new mandate for IntCen, the EU's intelsharing bureau, for the time being.
n. EU leaders want tighter border controls
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127636)
 EU leaders at a summit on Thursday agreed that there should be tighter controls at
the EU's borders and urged MEPs to move forward on an air passenger information
bill.
o. MEPs break deadlock on airline passenger bill
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127592)
 Police are a step closer to gaining broad access to the personal details of anyone
flying in or out of Europe after EU lawmakers on Wednesday agreed to break a
deadlock on a stalled EU bill.
p. EU set to spend €1bn in aid to counter Islamic State
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127573)
 The EU commission wants to invest another €1 billion of aid in Iraq and Syria over
the next two years as part of a broader effort to counter Islamic State.
q. EU to tighten borders after counter-terrorism summit
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127519)
 EU leaders meeting next week aim to tighten border crossings and crack down on
inflammatory online content in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo murders.
r.
2)
French minister lobbies MEPs on EU passenger bill
(https://euobserver.com/justice/127498)
 MEPs in the civil liberties committee are resisting pressure to sign off on an EU-wide
bill to fight terrorism, but cracks appear to be emerging.
Euroskop
a. Europoslanci píší dopisy pro Putinova vězně
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8955/25279/clanek/europoslanci-pisi-dopisy-pro-putinovavezne/)
 Každý den dostává nyní ruský velvyslanec při Evropské unii Vladimir Čižov dopis z
europarlamentu, v němž některý z europoslanců žádá propuštění ukrajinské pilotky
Naděždy Savčenkové, vězněné v Rusku.
b. Euroskupina: Příští středu schůzka k Řecku
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8959/25281/clanek/euroskupina-pristi-stredu-schuzka-k-recku/)
 Ministři financí zemí platících eurem se v Bruselu mimořádně sejdou příští středu,
den před summitem EU. Hlavním tématem bude podle diplomatických zdrojů situace
kolem snahy nové levicové řecké vlády o zmírnění dluhové zátěže Řecka. Konání
schůzky dnes na Twitteru potvrdil i šéf Euroskupiny, nizozemský ministr financí
Jeroen Dijsselbloem.
c. Mogheriniová pro větší pomoc Ukrajině
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8956/25284/clanek/mogheriniova-pro-vetsi-pomoc-ukrajine/)
 Šéfka evropské diplomacie Federica Mogheriniová vyzvala svět k poskytnutí větší
finanční pomoci Ukrajině. Podle ní je to nutné k tomu, aby se podařilo zajistit
fungování státu. Tento úkol je podle ní stejně důležitý jako vyřešení konfliktu mezi
ukrajinskou armádou a proruskými povstalci na východě země.
d. Ministři zahraničí EU potvrdí rozšíření sankcí
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8956/25286/clanek/ministri-zahranici-eu-potvrdi-rozsirenisankci/)
 Ministři zahraničí Evropské unie dnes v Bruselu formálně potvrdí rozšíření sankčního
seznamu EU kvůli ukrajinské krizi. Podle diplomatů by měl být soupis doplněn o 19
jmen konkrétních lidí, kterým unie kvůli jejich podílu na narušování územní celistvosti
Ukrajiny zmrazí majetek a zakáže vstup, a zřejmě také o devět firem.
e. Další sankce EU kvůli Ukrajině o týden odloženy
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8956/25296/clanek/dalsi-sankce-eu-kvuli-ukrajine-o-tydenodlozeny/)
 Šéfka evropské diplomacie Federica Mogheriniová navrhla, aby bylo rozšíření
sankčního seznamu vůči Rusku o týden odloženo. Připomněla ovšem, že jde o
"evropské rozhodnutí". Ministři zahraničí EU schválili, že další sankce by mohly přijít v
týdnu od 16. února. Cílem odkladu je poskytnout prostor pro případný úspěch
nových vyjednávání, které vede německá kancléřka Angela Merkelová a francouzský
prezident Francois Hollande.
f.
EU chce bojovat proti terorismu zlepšením stávajících
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8953/25305/clanek/eu-chce-bojovat-proti-terorismu-zlepsenimstavajicich-pravidel/)
 EU chce pomocí lepšího využívání stájících protiteroristických opatření účinněji
bojovat proti terorismu. "Velmi často se stávalo, že pravidel na papíře bylo hodně a
nikdo je nevyužíval", řekl státní tajemník pro evropské záležitosti Tomáš Prouza v
rozhovoru pro ČTK a Český rozhlas.
g. ECB rozšířila nouzové financování pro řecké banky
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8959/25315/clanek/ecb-rozsirila-nouzove-financovani-pro-reckebanky/)

Evropská centrální banka zvýšila celkovou částku, kterou je v rámci programu
nouzového financování ELA možné poskytnout řeckým bankám.
h. EU obnoví jednání o dodávkách plynu Ukrajině
(https://www.euroskop.cz/8956/25317/clanek/eu-obnovi-jednani-o-dodavkach-plynuukrajine/)
 Evropská komise po dohodě o příměří z Minsku obnoví trojstranná jednání s Ruskem
a Ukrajinou o dodávkách plynu pro Ukrajinu.
i.
ECB přitvrdila. Už nebude zdrojem likvidity pro řecké
(https://www.euroskop.cz/46/25270/clanek/ecb-pritvrdila-uz-nebude-zdrojem-likvidity-prorecke-banky/)
 Rada guvernérů Evropské centrální banky (ECB) na večerním zasedání překvapivě
rozhodla, že ECB již nebude akceptovat dluhopisy řecké vlády jako zástavu za úvěry
komerčním bankám. Řecké banky tento krok připraví o jeden ze zdrojů financování.
j.
Energetická unie se vzdaluje Tuskově vizi
(https://www.euroskop.cz/46/25297/clanek/energeticka-unie-se-vzdaluje-tuskove-vizi/)
 Není to ještě ani rok, co tehdejší polský premiér Donald Tusk, navrhl v článku pro
Financial Times vznik energetické unie, která měla zabezpečit evropským zemím
stabilní dodávky energetických surovin.
k. Evropská rada chce evidenci pasažérů
(https://www.euroskop.cz/46/25320/clanek/evropska-rada-chce-evidenci-pasazeru/)
 „Budeme čelit tomuto nebezpečí ne s emocemi a přehnaně, ale s klidem a
rozhodností," řekl šéf Evropské rady Donald Tusk. Myslel tím společnou reakci EU na
hrozbu terorismu, která byla jedním z hlavních témat čtvrtečního summitu.
3) Euractiv
a) MEPs push for alcohol strategy on the EU´s health agenda
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/meps-push-alcohol-strategy-eus-healthagenda-311708)

The members of the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public
Health and Food Safety (ENVI) on Thursday (29 January) voted on a draft motion for
a resolution on the EU's alcohol strategy.
b) EU, US negotiators mull concrete steps for TTIP
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/eu-us-negotiators-mull-concrete-steps-ttip311720)

EU and US negotiators are meeting this week in Brussels for a new round of talks,
and promise concrete steps will be taken to advance the Transatlantic Trade and
Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.
c) EUFORES interviews MPs and MEPs
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/eufores-interviews-mps-and-meps-311732)

EUFORES interviews with MPs and MEPs show how important the exchange is among
parliamentarians from different EU Member States.
d) Making the EFSI a solution for investments in Europe
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/making-efsi-solution-investments-europe311742)

The Juncker investment plan will struggle to attract investment in the regions where
it is most needed, argues Siegfried Mureșan, unless certain clear ground rules are
established.
e) Commission faces maladministration probe over TTIP secrecy
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/trade-society/commission-faces-maladministration-probeover-ttip-secrecy-311749)

f)
EXCLUSIVE: The European Commission is facing a likely maladministration
investigation after refusing five non-governmental organisations (NGOs) access to
secret Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) documents.
Commission wants to fund Greek media
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/commission-wants-fund-greek-media311772)

The European Commission has proposed to help 1,633 media workers in Greece in
sectors such as publishing, programming and broadcasting who have been made
redundant, via the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF).
g) Timmermans´ wise decision to bin EU recycling target
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/timmermans-wise-decision-bin-eurecycling-target-311769)

The EU’s goal to collect and recycle 70% of household waste is unattainable and
should be scrapped, write Elbert Dijkgraaf and Raymond Gradus.
h) Juncker „takes note“ of appointment of African Union chairman Mugabe
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/development-policy/juncker-takes-note-appointmentafrican-union-chairman-mugabe-311776)

It is doubtful that Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will send a message of
congratulations to the recently appointed chairman of the African Union (AU),
Robert Mugabe. But the EU executive has “taken note” of the choice of the
controversial leader by African heads of state and government.
i)
Juncker ignored chief scientific advisor´s meeting request
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/science-policymaking/juncker-ignored-chief-scientificadvisors-meeting-requests-311790)

j)
The incoming Juncker Commission snubbed Anne Glover’s requests to meet and
discuss her role as chief scientific advisor to the executive, she revealed in an
interview aired yesterday (2 February).
Hedegard: „We have to be careful about what we label as a red tape“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/hedegaard-we-have-be-careful-about-whatwe-label-red-tape-311784)

The European Commission's drive to cut down EU legislation may sound like a good
idea. But it can also do more harm than good, by reinstating borders in the single
market, warns Connie Hedegaard.
k) Hedegaard: World should stay below 2 degrees global temperature increase
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/hedegaard-world-should-stay-below-2-degrees-globaltemperature-increase-311789)
l)
Hedegaard: National media should be more interested in EU
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/hedegaard-national-media-should-be-more-interested-eu311771)
m) Former Commissioners back strategy for EU media
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/former-commissioners-back-strategy-eu-media311781)

The EU should help encourage a better business environment for pan-European
media and help it develop new technology pilots, former Commissioners told
an event on sustainable media staged in the Parliament last week (29 January).
n) Lawmakers fail EU plans to split up large banks
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/lawmakers-fail-eu-plans-split-large-banks311778)

Deep divisions between political groups in the European Parliament are set to sink
reforms aimed at preventing banks from being “too big to fail”, a key political
objective following the 2008 financial crisis.
o) Conservative EU lawmakers mount censure motion against „extremist“ Greek cabinet
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/conservative-eu-lawmakers-mountcensure-motion-against-extremist-greek)

Conservatives in the European Parliament want the Assembly to vote next week to
condemn a right-wing party in Greece's new leftist-led coalition government,
comparing it to an EU rebuke to Austria 15 years ago. But opposition on the left may
thwart any resolution.
p) Juncker and Tsipras hold hands in Brussels
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/juncker-and-tsipras-hold-hands-brussels-311825)
q) Ševčovič: Turkish Stream „will not work“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/sefcovic-turkish-stream-will-not-work-311836)

Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič said today (4 February) that the Russian
plan for a pipeline named “Turkish Stream” was not viable. It also became clear that
the Commission is organising a secretive ministerial meeting in Sofia on 9 February,
to discuss alternatives to the supply of Russian gas to the region.
r) The EU is right to act on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/europes-east/eu-right-act-humanitarian-crisis-ukraine311843)

Today, the Foreign Affairs Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Ukraine. The
EU humanitarian aid package will be on the table for discussion; and hopefully the
Council will propose to increase it, writes Andrij Waskowycz.
s) Let me prove you worng on Circular Economy, Timmermans tells Greens
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/let-me-prove-you-wrong-circular-economytimmermans-tells-greens-311846)

First Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans last night (4 February) asked
Green MEPs to give him a chance to prove them wrong and demonstrate his
commitment to environmental and social laws.
t) Single supervisor mooted for Energy Union, as Ševčovič pushes „holistic“ approach
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/single-supervisor-mooted-energy-union-sefcovicpushes-holistic-approach-311844)

Further details about the European Commission’s plans for Energy Union emerged
Wednesday (4 February) after a senior EU advisor predicted the creation of a single
European supervisor for energy.
u) Team Juncker EU hits 100-day mark, gets passing grade
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/junckerteameu-hits-100-day-mark-getspassing-grade-311847)

Beginning his mandate with a promise to deliver a new start for Europe, the
President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, gets a mixed review
after his first 100 days in office.
v) Brussels unlocks funds for Youth Employment Inititative
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/social-europe-jobs/brussels-unlocks-funds-youthemployment-initiative-311827)

The European Commission is proposing to make €1 billion from the Youth
Employment Initiative (YEI) available earlier and increase the pre-financing rate by up
to 30 times for eligible member states in order to boost youth employment.
w) ECB sends warning message to Athens
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/ecb-sends-warning-message-athens-311857)

The European Central Bank abruptly cancelled its acceptance of Greek bonds in
return for funding on Wednesday (4 February), shifting the burden onto Athens'
central bank to finance its lenders and isolating Greece unless it strikes a new reform
deal.
x) Wrap-up: first 100 day of Team Juncker EU
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/teamjunckereu-first-100-days-309296)

EurActiv looks back at the first 100 days of the new European Commission led by
Jean-Claude Juncker, showing how the new team progressed.
y) Commission unveils its position on global development after 2015
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/development-policy/commission-reveals-its-position-globaldevelopment-after-2015-311872)

The European Commission published priorities for a sustainable development
agenda on Thursday (5 February), ahead of negotiations for the post-2015
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
z) Moscovici: EU´s economic forecast a little brighter
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/moscovici-eus-economic-forecast-little-brighter-311884)

The European Commission said on Thursday that the economies of all EU Member
States are expected to grow again in 2015, the first time since 2007.
aa) Parliament shuns committee of inquiry into Luxleaks
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/parliament-shuns-committee-inquiry-luxleaks311886)

The all-powerful Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament decided on
Thursday (5 February) that there would be no committee of inquiry into the Luxleaks
scandal, giving it less clout in ongoing investigations of tax avoidance at the European
level.
bb) EU countries must honour foreign aid pledge, says Commissioner
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/development-policy/eu-countries-must-honour-foreign-aidpledge-says-commissioner-311898)

EU member states must finally make good on their pledge to spend 0.7% of gross
national income on foreign aid as the world prepares to agree the development
agenda for the next 15 years, a European Commissioner has warned.
cc) Commission opens inquiry into Danish „fax tax“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/commission-opens-inquiry-danish-fat-tax311890)

The European Commission suspects that Denmark's so-called 'fat tax', introduced in
2011 but scrapped a year later, could be considered illegal state aid.
dd) Ševčovič sees three sources of gas for Central Europe
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/sefcovic-sees-three-sources-gas-central-europe311966)

Central and Southeastern European countries, largely dependent on Russian gas
supplies, are starting work on a plan to build gas infrastructure, and should count on
having at least three different sources of gas, the EU's energy chief said on Monday
(9 February).
ee) Parliament divided over meat labels
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/parliament-divided-over-meat-labels311982)

Most of the parties in the European Parliament want to see stricter labeling of the
meat used in ready meals, but the implementation costs remain uncertain.
ff) Ministers want Circular Economy saved but back Commission´s better regulation push
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/sustainable-dev/ministers-want-circular-economy-savedback-commissions-better-regulation)

EU foreign and European affairs ministers said they do not want the European
Commission to axe its proposed Circular Economy package but still backed a decision
on Tuesday (10 February) to do just that.
gg) Commission: New CAP will be „fairer, not simpler, but maybe greener“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/commission-new-cap-will-be-fairer-notsimpler-maybe-greener-311981)

Eighteen months after EU institutions agreed on a reform of the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP), there is still much uncertainty about the actual changes the
new policy will bring compared to previous ones.
hh) Monti: Time to limit chaos in EU budget negotiations
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/monti-time-limit-chaos-eu-budgetnegotiations-311991)

EU leaders should avoid horse trading over the budget. Such chaotic negotiating
damages the image of the European Union, said Mario Monti, in an interview
with EurActiv Italy.
ii) Sandys: „Eurosceptics are not patriotirc, they are defeatist“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/uk-europe/sandys-eurospectics-are-not-patriotic-they-aredefeatist-312020)

Laura Sandys is a rare thing in British politics - a vocally pro-European Tory. After
being elected in 2010, Sandys is stepping down as an MP to take over as the Chair of
the European Movement UK, founded by her father.
jj) Parliament despondent after failure of Luxleaks committee
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/parliament-despondent-after-failure-luxleakscommittee-312022)

The European Parliament’s refusal to launch a committee of inquiry on tax evasion
has been a hard pill to swallow for many MEPs, who have been left questioning the
role of their institution alongside the new Commission.
kk) MEPs back data sharing to punish bad driving
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/transport/meps-back-data-sharing-punish-bad-driving312019)

Member states will be able to identify and fine foreign drivers committing traffic
offences after the European Parliament approved today (11 February) a law allowing
them to share information on car registries.
ll) EU leaders look to corner Tsipras over Greek debt deal
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/eu-leaders-look-corner-tsipras-over-greekdebt-deal-312031)

mm)
Alexis Tsipras arrives in Brussels for his first EU summit tomorrow (12 February) with
a demand to cancel Greece’s EU/IMF bailout when it expires at the end of February,
and a request for more time to negotiate a new debt settlement.
Parliament´s alliance against passenger data provisions crumbles
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/parliaments-alliance-against-passenger-dataprovisions-crumbles-312046)

Parliament’s alliance set against adopting the controversial Passenger Name Record
(PNR) proposal fragmented yesterday in Strasbourg (11 February) as Socialists and
Liberals signaled they would agree to the package with conditions, leaving only the
Greens opposed as a group.
nn) Eurogroup, Greece fail to reach debt deal
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/eurogroup-greece-fail-reach-debt-deal-312056)

On Wednesday, eurozone finance ministers failed to reach an agreement on a way
forward for Greece's bailout programme.
oo) European Parliament calls for Chilcot Report publication
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/uk-europe/european-parliament-calls-chilcot-reportpublication-312057)

The European Parliament has called for the Chilcot Report into the Iraq war to be
published “without further delay”.
pp) Tusk after Ukraine ceasefire agreement: „We have to be cautious“
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/tusk-after-ukraine-ceasefire-agreement-we-have-be-cautious312060)

European Council President Donald Tusk said on Thursday that Europe must be
'cautious', after the leaders of France, Germany, Ukraine and Russia agreed to a
ceasefire, in order to put an end to months of violence in eastern Ukraine.
qq) Juncker: Minsk agreement „excellent news“
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/juncker-minsk-agreement-excellent-news-312079)

Speaking to journalists on his arrival to the European Council meeting on Thursday,
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker described the Ukrainian
ceasefire agreement as 'excellent news'.
rr) European Council mulls stability pact leniency
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/investment-regions/european-council-mulls-stability-pactleniency-312086)
The European Council is mulling the idea of allowing member states to offset money
designated for co-financing projects, using structural funds from their annual budgets
under the stability and growth pact, EurActiv has learned.
ss) MEPs highlight weakness of EU cholesterol strategy
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/health-consumers/meps-highlight-weakness-eu-cholesterolstrategy-312077)

Two MEPs have questioned the European Commission over the lack of information
available about bad cholesterol, which now affects 54% of Europeans.
tt) EIB Vice-President: „We are ready to release funds before the Juncker plan is operational“
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/eib-vice-president-we-are-ready-releasefunds-juncker-plan-operational)

The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Philippe de Fontaine Vive,
told EurActiv France he plans to start financing Juncker plan projects even before the
legal framework is finalised.
uu) Juncker sparks debate about a core eurozone union
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/juncker-sparks-debate-about-coreeurozone-union-312093)

At the EU summit Thursday (12 February) Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker
presented ideas for a core eurozone union, a concept viewed with apprehension
from numerous quarters.
vv) EU Community launches new tool for relevant experts
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/eu-community-launches-new-tool-relevant-experts-312100)
ww)
EU leaders give „cautious support“ to Ukraine peace plan
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/eu-leaders-give-cautious-support-ukraines-peace-plan-312103)
xx) Wrap-up: EU leaders discuss terrorism, Ukraine, and the euro
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/live-eu-leaders-discuss-terrorism-ukraineand-euro-311954)

EU heads of state held an informal meeting in Brussels on 12 February. Ukraine, the
Greek debt crisis, the euro, and terrorism topped the summit's agenda.
yy) Ševčovič gives his blessing to Southern Gas Corridor
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/sefcovic-gives-his-blessing-southern-gas-corridor312105)

Vice-President for Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič attended the first founding meeting
of the Advisory Council on the Southern Gas Corridor in Baku yesterday (11
February), a project to bring gas from Azerbaijan to Europe by 2019-2020.
zz) Alternatives worse than EU membershio, seys new report
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/uk-europe/alternatives-worse-eu-membership-says-newreport-312116)

aaa)
None of the proposed alternatives to UK membership of the EU would return the
same level of benefits and influence, according to a new report.
EU Summit: Merkel ready to compromise on Greek debt
(http://www.euractiv.com/video/eu-summit-merkel-ready-compromise-greek-debt-312114)

bbb)
The Greek question would certainly be raised at the Council summit, “if only in a
minor way,” the German Chancellor Angela Merkel told journalists ahead of
Thursday’s informal Council meeting in Brussels.
EU politicians edge towards 2018 start date for carbon reform
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/eu-politicians-edge-towards-2018-start-date-carbonreform-312121)

EU politicians are expected to agree on a compromise 2018 start date for reforms to
the Emissions Trading System (ETS) to try to bridge divisions over efforts to prop up
the world's biggest carbon market, sources said on Friday (13 February).
ccc) Parliament resists pressure on passanger data ahead of EU summit
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/infosociety/parliament-resists-pressure-passenger-dataahead-eu-summit-311939)

ddd)
Green and Liberal MEPs are resisting the proposal for a pan-European Passenger
Name Records (PNR) database in the face of mounting political pressure before a
summit this week in which heads of state will press them to adopt the measure
urgently.
EU to exert maximum pressure in seeking emissions cuts
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/eu-exert-maximum-pressure-seeking-emissionscuts-311953)

eee)
The European Union will exert "maximum pressure" to extract by June at the latest
pledges from major economies to cut greenhouse-gas emissions, a document seen
by Reuters says.
Commission fleshes out energy strategy for Southeast Europe
(http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/commission-mulls-energy-strategy-south-easterneurope-311951)

As energy ministers of eight countries from Southeast Europe meet in Sofia today (9
February) to discuss the countries’ needs and ambitions, a leaked paper has
shed light on the European Commission’s plans to help the region overcome its
various problems.