AGENDA/10/30
Brussels, Friday 24 September 2010
Top News from the European Commission
27 September to 24 October 2010
Background notes from the Spokespersons' service for journalists.
The European Commission reserves the right to make changes
Monday 27 September 2010:
European Tourism Day and European Destinations of Excellence Awards
2
Monday 27 - Wednesday 29 September 2010:
ICT 2010 - Digitally Driven: Europe's biggest forum for research and innovation in
Information and Communication Technologies
4
Tuesday 28 September 2010:
Energy labelling for televisions, washing machines, dishwashers and refrigerators
6
Wednesday 29 September 2010:
Economic governance legislative proposals
7
Saturday 2 October 2010: Brussels:
Job Days 2010 at the Berlaymont
8
Monday 4 – Thursday 7 October 2010:
OPEN DAYS –the European Week of Cities and Regions
10
Tuesday 5 October 2010:
Commissioner Piebalgs attends the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
Pledging Conference
12
Wednesday 6 October 2010:
Innovation Union
13
Tuesday 12 October 2010:
Conference on the role of authorities in regulating gambling organised by the Belgian
Presidency of the EU together with the European Commission
14
Thursday 21 October 2010:
European Green Capitals winners for 2012 and 2013 to be announced at Stockholm
conference
16
Editor Michael Karnitschnig
+32 2 299 60 66
SPP Coordination and Planning
Monday 27 September 2010: European Tourism Day and European
Destinations of Excellence Awards
The news:
The 2010 European Tourism Day event will be entitled "The role of European Heritage and
cultural itineraries in the renewed European tourism policy" and will be held on 27
September 2010, on the occasion of World Tourism Day. The conference will feature a
number of ministers, Members of the European Parliament and high-level policy makers, as
well as many other actors in tourism. The event will mainly be devoted to the promotion and
valorisation of European citizenship and cultural and historical heritage and itineraries.
Twenty five tourist destinations from across Europe will be awarded the title of ‘2010
European Destination of Excellence in Aquatic Tourism’ in Brussels. Scenic waterside
locations in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Slovenia and Turkey will receive the
European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) award due to the innovative approaches and
sustainable manner in which they managed and promoted their tourism offer.
The background:
The theme of cultural itineraries stems from the new communication entitled "Europe, the
world's No 1 tourist destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe" adopted
on the 30 June 2010, where the need of promoting cultural itineraries is specifically
mentioned.
EDEN is enhancing the visibility of emerging and less known destinations in the EU and
candidate countries. Moreover the initiative spreads the message of sustainable practices
in tourism, promotes under-visited locations and thereby helps to decongest over visited
destinations.
The event:
09h00: Opening speech by Vice-President Antonio Tajani at Conference "The role of
European Heritage and cultural itineraries in the renewed European tourism policy",
Charlemagne Building, Brussels
13h30: Press conference on cultural tourism to be held by Vice-President Antonio Tajani
joined by Italian Tourism Minister Vittoria Brambilla, Spanish State Secretary for Tourism
and Trade Joan Mesquida and French Tourism Minister Hervé Novelli in the Berlaymont
Press Room, Brussels
Official launch by Vice President Tajani and Commissioner Vassiliou of a photo exhibition
on the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe, to which belongs the "Via Francigena"
(literally, pathway of the Franks), Berlaymont, Brussels
EDEN Awards Ceremony at The Event Lounge, 16F Bld Général Wahis, 1030 Brussels
Available on EbS:
IPs and MEMOs will also be published on the day
The sources:
European Commission Communication on Tourism: "Europe, the world's No 1 tourist
destination – a new political framework for tourism in Europe":
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/_getdocument.cfm?doc_id=5936
IP/10/858 - Tourism: keeping Europe the world's top destination
MEMO/10/289 - Tourism: keeping Europe the world's top destination
2
Website of DG Enterprise and Industry dedicated to the event:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/itemlongdetail.cfm?item_id=4326&lang=en
For further information on the EDEN project and previous recipients of the awards:
http://ec.europa.eu/eden
Website of Vice-President Tajani:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/tajani/index_en.htm
I-066335 – Stockshots: Tourism Policy
The contacts:
Fabio Pirotta:
Andrea Maresi:
3
+32 2 296 72 84
+32 2 299 04 03
fabio.pirota@ec.europa.eu
andrea.maresi@ec.europa.eu
Monday 27 - Wednesday 29 September 2010: ICT 2010 - Digitally
Driven: Europe's biggest forum for research and innovation in
Information and Communication Technologies
The news:
From 27th to 29th September, more than 5000 European researchers, business people,
investors, and high-level policy makers will gather at Brussels Expo for Europe's largest
forum for ICT research and innovation, "ICT 2010 – Digitally Driven". ICTs are the nervous
system of our society - they make smart phones, smart houses and smart cars run and are
integrated in most of our daily activities which is why research and innovation are key policy
areas of the Digital Agenda for Europe.
More than 100 exhibits will be showcased of the latest advances in EU-funded ICT
research. For examples, visitors will be invited to meet intelligent robots able to detect and
adapt to their emotions, step into a green home that analyses and alerts them to their
energy consumption or ride a safe motorbike that reduces the risk of accidents.
Major themes of the conference will be research for sustainable growth in a low-carbon
economy, the constructive impact of ICTs in everyday life and the importance of public
funding and support in ICT research and innovation. Conference keynote speakers include:
Yves Leterme Prime Minister of Belgium
Neelie Kroes European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda
Jim Hagemann-Snabe Co-CEO of SAP
Jan Zadak Managing Director of Hewlett-Packard
Hans Vestberg CEO of Ericsson
Prof. Henry Markram Blue Brain Project
The background:
ICT research is crucial to driving economic productivity and growth, improving quality of life
and meeting social challenges. Today's high-tech world is the result of bright scientists who
converted ideas into innovative technologies with financial support from the public and
private sector. That is why improving and developing research and innovation in ICT is a
key objective of the Digital Agenda for Europe.
The EU has contributed more than €20 billion to ICT research funding in the past 25 years.
But to be competitive in the 21st century means leading in ICT and making the right
investments at the right time. Europe lags behind in investment to produce the growth
needed for the future and spends just 40% as much as the US in ICT research. The Digital
Agenda for Europe seeks a doubling of public spending on ICT research in the EU by 2020.
The event:
ICT 2010 will take place at Brussels Expo from 27 to 29 September 2010 in halls 7, 10, and
11. It is organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the Belgian Presidency
of the European Union. ICT in Belgium will also be on display. More than 30 exhibits will put
the spotlight on innovative digital solutions 'made in Belgium'. Commission Vice President
for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes will make her speech during the opening plenary which
starts at 9.45 am on 27 September in the Auditorium 2000. At 12.30 pm, a VIP tour of the
exhibition will take place with H.R.H. Prince Philippe of Belgium and Vice President Kroes,
followed by a lunch break for journalists and a press tour of the exhibits starting around
1.15 pm from the European Commission stand.
Journalists are invited to register online free of charge via
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/ict/2010/registration/index_en.htm
Pre-registration is required for the press tour of exhibits via INFSO-press@ec.europa.eu
Journalists wishing to interview some of the conference keynote speakers and VIPs should
contact INFSO-press@ec.europa.eu
4
A press room will be available in hall 11on the 2nd floor.
ICT 2010 Media Centre:
http://ec.europa.eu//information_society/events/ict/2010/media-center/index_en.htm?utm_campaign=ict10&utm_medium=topnews
ICT 2010 website:
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/events/ict/2010/index_en.htm?utm_campaign=ict10&utm_medium=topnews
The sources:
IP/10/966 - €6.4 billion for smart growth and jobs – Europe's biggest ever investment in
research and innovation
MEMO/10/339 - Europe’s biggest ever package of research and innovation investment
IP/10/581 - Digital Agenda: Commission outlines action plan to boost Europe's prosperity
and well-being
MEMO/10/199 - Digital Agenda for Europe: what would it do for me?
MEMO/10/200 - Digital Agenda for Europe: key initiatives
Digital Agenda for Europe website:
http://ec.europa.eu/ digital-agenda
Commissioner Kroes' website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/kroes/index_en.htm
I-061097 – Stockshots: Future and emerging technologies
I-065546 – Stockshots: Digital Agenda
The contacts:
Jonathan Todd
Linda Cain
5
+32 2 299 41 07
+32 2 299 90 19
Jonathan.Todd@ec.europa.eu
Linda.Cain@ec.europa.eu
Tuesday 28 September 2010: Energy labelling for televisions, washing
machines, dishwashers and refrigerators
The news:
The European Commissioner will propose four new energy labels for televisions, washing
machines, dishwashers and refrigerators. This first energy label for TVs will allow
consumers to identify and select highly energy efficient TVs. In addition, the Commission
will update already existing energy labels for washing machines, dishwashers and
refrigerators.
The background:
The electricity used by televisions accounts for a significant share of total household
electricity demand in the Union and televisions with equivalent functionality have a wide
disparity in terms of energy efficiency. The energy efficiency of televisions can be
significantly improved.
The recast Energy Labelling Directive provides a mandate for the Commission to adopt
delegated acts for the indication by labelling and standard product information of the
consumption of energy and other resources by energy-related products during use.
It requires the Commission to adopt such measures for products which have a significant
potential for saving energy, and, where relevant, other resources, and a wide disparity of
relevant performance levels for equivalent functionality.
The publication in the official journal and entry into force of the four regulations is subject to
the right of objection of the European Parliament and Council.
The event:
IP, Memo and technical briefing on the day
The sources:
Website of DG Energy:
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/efficiency/labelling/labelling_en.htm
Commissioner Oettinger's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/oettinger/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Marlene Holzner
Nicole Bockstaller
6
+32 2 296 01 96
+32 2 295 25 89
Marlene.Holzner@ec.europa.eu
Nicole.Bockstaller@ec.europa.eu
Wednesday 29 September 2010: Economic governance legislative
proposals
The news:
European Commission presents legislative proposals (1 Directive, 5 Regulations) in the
area of economic governance to follow up the proposals in the 30 June Communication on
“Enhancing economic policy coordination for stability, growth and jobs”.
The background:
First steps were taken in the spring with the strengthening of Eurostat's audit powers to
ensure accuracy and reliability of the Member States' public accounts. The strategic
elements of stronger economic governance were outlined in the Communication in May and
the concrete roadmap in the Communication in June.
The first European Economic Semester will be introduced as of January 2011. The
Commission will adopt on 29 September a package of legislative proposals transforming
the most urgent policy proposals into concrete legal instruments.
The European Semester brings together all elements of economic surveillance: the fiscal
discipline of the SGP, the structural reforms of Europe 2020 and a new mechanism to
prevent macro-imbalances which will be fully embedded in the surveillance cycle. The
semester aims at prior policy guidance and preventive budgetary surveillance, with the
crucial role of European and national parliaments.
As part of the legislative package, a new “toolbox” of sanctions will be proposed and
incentives for compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). Strengthened
enforcement mechanisms for fiscal rules are a central element of the proposals.
The event:
12h30: Press Conference by President José Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Olli Rehn
at the Berlaymont Press room in Brussels.
IP and the Communication on the day
Video and photo coverage by EbS
The sources:
Website of DG ECFIN:
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/index_en.htm
Website of Commissioner Rehn:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/rehn/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Amadeu Altafaj
Catherine Bunyan
7
+ 32 2 295 2658
+ 32 2 299 6512
amadeu.altafaj-tardio@ec.europa.eu
catherine.bunyan@ec.europa.eu
Saturday 2 October 2010: Brussels: Job Days 2010 at the Berlaymont
The news:
October 2010 will see more than 500 events such as job fairs, seminars, lectures,
workshops and cultural events all aimed at improving labour mobility in Europe. Under the
banner of “European Job Days 2010”, a wide range of organisations such as local
businesses, public and private employment services, social partner organisations,
universities, learning and training centres and chambers of commerce will be taking part.
The 2010 European Job Days are part of the EU’s commitment to providing more and
better jobs for Europe’s citizens. The main focus is on providing a forum for employers and
jobseekers to meet each other, exchange information and – most importantly – promote onsite recruitment. For many young workers, attending an event may be the first step towards
their own mobility experience.
More than 200 European cities have signed up to participate in the 2010 European Job
Days, including in Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, UK, Sweden.
Job Days 2010 at the Berlaymont
A specific Job Day event will take place in the European Commission's Berlaymont building
in Brussels on 2 October. The Brussels Job Day will be an excellent opportunity for job
seekers to meet with 40 employers from all over Europe. Employers will have first contact
with interested candidates on the spot. Participants will also be able to meet EURES
advisers from 21 countries and consult the million vacancies accessible from the EURES
portal. Information on mobility practices and opportunities will be presented on the stands of
the participating organisations.
The background:
Job Days are designed to explain the benefits of job mobility within the EU to both
employers and employees, and give them the opportunity to meet and talk to each other.
Job Days also provide factual and unbiased information about moving to work in other
countries in Europe. More than 200,000 people took part in Job Days in 2009, including
10,000 at the Brussels event in the Berlaymont.
The events are being organised in co-operation with EURES, the Europe-wide employment
service, and its network of more than 700 EURES advisers. EURES enables every
European citizen to access in his/her language an average of almost one million jobs online
every day. Jobseekers can post their CVs directly on-line (currently more than 480,000) to
be searched by the over 21,000 registered employers.
The event:
Saturday 2 October, European Job Days 2010 in Belgium: Berlaymont building, Brussels
attended by MrLászló Andor, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.
10h30: Press opportunity with Mr Andor in Berlaymont
Available on EbS
The sources:
The European Job Mobility Portal EURES:
http://eures.europa.eu
EURES event calendar:
http://europa.eu.int/eures/main.jsp?lang=en&acro=calendar&eventCalendar=init
Brussels Jobday 2010:
http://jobdays.eu
8
Website of Commissioner Andor:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/andor/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Cristina Arigho
Maria Javorova
9
+32 2 298 53 99
+32 2 299 89 03
cristina.arigho@ec.europa.eu
maria.javorova@ec.europa.eu
Monday 4 – Thursday 7 October 2010: OPEN DAYS –the European
Week of Cities and Regions
The news:
Organised by the European Commission's Regional Policy Department and the Committee
of the Regions, the 8th annual "Open Days – the European Week of Cities and Regions"
takes place on 4-7 October under the heading “Europe 2020: competitiveness, cooperation and cohesion for all regions”. More than 130 seminars will be organised,
presenting good practice from EU-funded regional development programmes.
Competitiveness day (5 October): focus on innovation, regional development and green
economic growth in Europe's cities and regions;
Cooperation day (6 October): focus on interregional, cross-border and macro-regional
cooperation;
Cohesion day (7 October): focus on territorial and social cohesion and how to better
integrate different policies at local and regional level.
The background:
One of the biggest events of its kind, Open Days brings together regional and local
stakeholders from across Europe to share good practice and exchange ideas. Over 6 000
European, national and regional policy-makers and representatives of academia, business
and civil society will be taking part. On the eve of the debate on the future EU budget,
OPEN DAYS will provide an ideal forum for sharing ideas on the shape of the post-2013
European cohesion policy and on the role of Europe's cities and regions in delivering the
Europe 2020 strategy.
The event:
Selected highlights:
4 October at 15.00 - 17.00: Opening Session in the European Parliament's Hemicycle.
Keynote speakers will include: José Manuel Barroso, President of the European
Commission; Rudy Demotte, Minister-President of the Walloon Region; Johannes Hahn,
EU Commissioner for Regional Policy; Mercedes Bresso, President of the Committee of
the Regions; Danuta Hübner, Chair of the European's Parliament's Committee on
Regional Development; Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou, Vice-President of the European
Parliament, and; Philippe Maystadt, President of the European Investment Bank.
5 October 12.30-13.00: Press Panel on the "EU Strategy for the Danube Region" in the
Schuman room, Berlaymont building, European Commission
5 October 14.30-16.00: "How do EU funds deliver in your country" (meetings with
Commission experts arranged upon registration) in the European Commission, Directorate
General for Regional Policy, Avenue de Tervuren 41
6 October 12:30-13:00: Press panel on "cohesion policy uniting divided communities: the
experience of football" in the Schuman room, Berlaymont building, European Commission,
Rue de la Loi 200
6 October 16:00-18:30: Special plenary on "Promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive
growth: a challenge for all Europe's regions" in the Charlemagne building, European
Commission, Rue de la Loi 170
Available on EbS
The sources:
See the Open Days website for the full Open Days and media programme:
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/od2010/index.cfm?nmenu=1&sub=10
10
For accreditation: press@open-days.eu
Website of Commissioner Hahn:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/hahn/index_en.cfm
The contacts:
Ton Van Lierop
Malgorzata Miazek
11
+32 2 29 66565
+32 2 29 84449
Ton.van-Lierop@ec.europa.eu
Malgorzata.Miazek@ext.ec.europa.eu
Tuesday 5 October 2010: Commissioner Piebalgs attends the Global
Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Pledging Conference
The news:
The European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs will take part in the pledging
session of the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Third Voluntary
Replenishment Conference. Participants of the UN High-level Plenary Meeting on
Millennium Development Goals have just committed to accelerate progress to achieve
MDG6 – Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases by providing adequate funding
among others to the Global Fund. Commissioner Piebalgs will confirm the full support of the
European Union to the work of the Global Fund, recognising its results, and welcoming its
ability to adapt to a changing environment both at global and local level.
The background:
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM) is a financing
mechanism and global partnership established in 2001 as part of the international response
to the global emergency caused by the three communicable diseases. From 2002 to 2009,
the Global Fund has committed $19.3 billion for 572 grants in 144 countries and had
disbursed $10.3 billion to grant recipients (53%). It has put over 2.5 million people on
HIV/AIDS treatment, 6 million people on anti tuberculosis treatment and distributed 104
million insecticide-treated bed nets for malaria prevention.
The European Commission is a founding member of the Global Fund and has been
providing strong political and financial support to the Global Fund since 2002. From 2002 to
2010, the European Commission has provided a total contribution of €972.5 million
representing the fifth donor to the fund (after the USA, France, Italy and Japan). Over the
same period, the donors of the European Union have contributed more than $9 billion or
52% of the GFATM resources.
The event:
The Third Voluntary Replenishment (2011-2013) Conference of the Global Fund to fight
AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria will take place from 4 – 5 October 2010 in New York. The
pledging session of the Conference (Tuesday, 5 October, in the morning) will be chaired by
Mr Ban Ki Moon, the UN Secretary General. Commissioner Piebalgs will address the
conference as a speaker on 5 October.
Press Release and MEMO ahead of the visit.
The sources:
Website of the DG Development on combating HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria:
http://ec.europa.eu/development/policies/9interventionareas/humandev/humandevhealth3_en.cfm
Website of Commissioner Piebalgs:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/piebalgs/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Catherine Ray
Wojtek Talko
12
+32 2 29 69921
+32 2 29 78551
catherine.ray@ec.europa.eu
wojtek.talko@ec.europa.eu
Wednesday 6 October 2010: Innovation Union
The news:
Innovation speeds up and improves the way we conceive, develop, produce and access
new products and services. It enables economies to create more jobs, improve people's
lives and build better and greener societies. Boosting our research and innovation
performance is the only way for Europe to create good and well-paid jobs that will withstand
the pressures of globalisation and support sustainable growth.
The Innovation Union is key to achieving the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy. It aims to
transform Europe into a truly world-class science performer and remove bottlenecks that
prevent innovation, by using targeted public investment and intervention to release private
sector potential.
The Commission's policy document will cover areas such as intellectual property, access to
finance, innovative public procurement and removing barriers to the free movement of
researchers and their ideas. It will present a broad concept of innovation, which is not only
technological, but also in business models, design, branding and services. Social
innovation will be a strong theme. Examples of social innovation include citizen participation
in public budget decisions, social networks to provide community-based support to the
elderly, and ethical financial products.
An important and groundbreaking aspect of the Innovation Union will be European
Innovation partnerships. These partnerships will provide a framework for pooling resources
and bringing together key actors, European and national, public and private. Each
partnership will focus on a specific issue key to tackling major societal challenges such as
climate change, energy and food security, health or an ageing population.
The Innovation Union will also include a new innovation indicator, allowing better
comparisons between Member States and with third countries.
The background:
Europe 2020 is a 10-year strategy proposed by the European Commission in March 2010
for reviving the European economy. It aims at "smart, sustainable, inclusive growth" with
greater coordination of national and European policy. The "Innovation Union" is one of the
seven flagship initiatives described by the Europe 2020 Strategy.
The event:
Joint press conference by Vice-President Antonio Tajani and Commissioner Máire
Geoghegan-Quinn
Available on EbS
The sources:
Website of Vice-President Tajani:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/tajani/index_en.htm
Website of Commissioner Geoghegan-Quinn:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/geoghegan-quinn/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Mark English
Fabio Pirotta
13
+32 2 296 24 10
+32 2 296 72 84
mark.english@ec.europa.eu
fabio.pirotta@ec.europa.eu
Tuesday 12 October 2010: Conference on the role of authorities in
regulating gambling organised by the Belgian Presidency of the EU
together with the European Commission
The news:
On 12 October 2010, the Belgian Presidency of the EU, in cooperation with the European
Commission and the Belgian Gaming Commission will organise a conference on the role
that authorities can play in regulating gambling. This conference aims to advance the
debate on the role of regulatory authorities, the prevention of illegal gambling, and the
problems and solutions surrounding the social impact of gambling.
The conference will include keynote addresses (see below) and discussions amongst
participants from all sides (policy-makers, regulators and industry experts) which will
provide valuable input on the following agenda items:

Results of the French, Swedish and Spanish Presidencies on the social impact of
gambling and on illegal gambling

Legal aspects of gambling

Regulatory perspective and European developments on gambling

Political approach to gambling.
The keynote speeches will be given by:

Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services

Carl Devlies, Secretary of State for the Co-ordnation of the fight against fraud,
Belgium

Malcolm Harbour MEP, Chair of the European Parliament Committee on Internal
Market and Consumer protection
The background:
The regulatory situation for gambling differs significantly between Member States. While
some Member States restrict or even ban the offer of games of chance, others have more
open markets. Many Member States have also recently reviewed their gambling legislation
or are in the process of doing so in view of the development of on-line gambling services.
The economic significance of the on-line gambling sector with a cross-border dimension is
growing. In 2008, on-line gambling services accounted for annual revenues in excess of
€ 6.16 billion, 7.5% of the overall gambling market. This on-line market is the fastest
growing segment and is expected to double in size in five years. The increasing importance
of the on-line sector and the cross-border nature of this activity pose new challenges for
regulators. A common understanding of the key issues and close cooperation between
Member States is crucial to mastering these challenges.
Later this year, the Commission intends to launch a broad consultation on the complex
issues arising from the development of online gambling. The consultation will look at issues
such as prevention of fraud, consumer information, prevention of problem gambling,
protection of minors and enforcement. The consultation will help determine the potential
responses that may be considered at European level.
The event:
8h30-17h00: Conference at the ALBERT BORSCHETTE Conference Centre, Salle 0A, Rue
Froissart 36, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
To attend, prior registration is needed by sending an e-mail to Mrs Marjolein de Paepe
(marjolein.depaepe@just.fgov.be )
14
The sources:
European Commission, Internal Market and Services Directorate General website:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/services/gambling_en.htm
Commissioner Barnier's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/barnier/index_en.htm
The contacts:
Chantal Hughes
Carmel Dunne
15
+32 2 296 44 50
+32 2 299 88 94
chantal.hughes@ec.europa.eu
carmel.dunne@ec.europa.eu
Thursday 21 October 2010: European Green Capitals winners for 2012
and 2013 to be announced at Stockholm conference
The news:
The two cities that will become European Green Capital in 2012 and 2013 will be named
during the first European Green Capital Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, from 20-22
October 2010. EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik will announce the winning
cities at an award ceremony on 21 October. The winners will be selected from the six
finalists: Barcelona (Spain); Malmö (Sweden); Nantes (France); Nuremberg (Germany);
Reykjavík (Iceland); Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain).
The background:
The European Green Capital competition is an annual award that was set up in 2010.
Stockholm and Hamburg were the first cities to win the title; Stockholm for 2010 and
Hamburg for 2011.
The award stems from an initiative taken by 15 European cities and the Association of
Estonian cities in 2006. The six finalists have been selected from 17 candidates by an
international panel on the basis of a dozen environmental criteria. The award has three
main objectives: to recognise cities that have a strong environmental record; to encourage
cities to adopt ambitious long-term environmental and sustainable development goals; and
to offer role models that can help promote exchange of best practices and experiences.
Four out of five people in Europe now live in towns and cities. Considering that cities across
Europe differ enormously in their size, priorities, resources and challenges, sharing
concrete examples of visionary environmental initiatives can help raise standards across
the continent.
The event:
On 21 October 2010, in Stockholm, the European Commissioner for the Environment,
Janez Potočnik, will announce the two winning cities that will hold the title in 2012 and
2013.
The sources:
Website of DG Environment:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/index_en.htm
Website of Commissioner Potočnik:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_2010-2014/potocnik/index_en.htm
More information on the European Green Capitals:
http://international.stockholm.se/-/web-in-web/Stadsledningskontoret/Welcome-to-Stockholm-and-the-first-European-Green-Capital-Conference/
The contacts:
Joe Hennon
Monica Westeren
16
+32 2 295 35 93
+32 2 299 18 30
Joseph.Hennon@ec.europa.eu
monica.westeren@ext.ec.europa.eu