Yearbook 2008 of The Epp-Ed Group I N T H e e U R o P e A N Pa R L I A M e N T

YEARBOOK OF THE EPP-ED GROUP
Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

and European Democrats in the European Parliament
YEARBOOK
OF THE EPP-ED GROUP
2008
2008
I N T H E E U R O P E A N PA R L I A M E N T
Published by: EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Editor: Presidency Service - Publications
Head of Service: Antoine RIPOLL, Deputy Secretary General
Coordinator: Angela Kaladjis

angela.kaladjis@europarl.europa.eu
Internet: http://www.epp-ed.eu
©: EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, 2008

Foreword by the Chairman 11
I. The EPP-ED Group

1. Group’s Structure 15
> The Presidency 19
> Heads of National Delegations 20
> EPP-ED Members in the Bureau of the European Parliament 23
2008
2008
> EPP-ED Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees 24
> EPP-ED Coordinators in the Parliamentary Committees 25
yearbook of the epp-ed group -

> EPP-ED Chairmen of EU Joint Parliamentary Assemblies,
Joint Parliamentary Committees and Interparliamentary Delegations 27
2. EPP-ED Members of the European Commission 29
3. The 288 Members of the Group 30
> Contents 4. The General Secretariat of the Group 35
II. Events and meetings in Brussels

and in Strasbourg
10/01/2008: Hearing on Cultural diversity, religions and dialogue 37
16/01/2008: Exchange of views with the Grand Mufti of Syria 38
22/01/2008: United Europe, United History Conference 39
12/02/2008: 4th Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Lisbon Strategy 40
13/02/2008: Hearing on Animal Health Strategy and Vaccine Technologies 42
2 13/02/2008: Hearing on Energy Legislative Package 43 3
14/02/2008: Conference on a European Social Model for the Future 44
20/02/2008: Exchange of views with François Fillon, Prime Minister of France 46
04/03/2008: Presentation of the Priorities of the Group for 2008-2009 47
05/03/2008: Hearing on Telecom Package 49
06/03/2008: Hearing on European fishery policy on sharks 50
06/03/2008: Hearing on Higher Education 51
11/03/2008: Exchange of views with Alexander Milinkevich,
Leader of the Democratic Opposition in Belarus 52
12/03/2008: Celebration of 50 years of the European Parliament 53
02/04/2008: Hearing on Climate Change 54
04/04/2008: Conference on Torture 55
15/04/2008: 8th Summit of Chairmen of EPP-ED parliamentary groups
of the EU-27 56
16/04/2008: Conference on Scarcity of water resources 65
04/05/2008: Open Days in the European Parliament in Strasbourg 66
13/05/2008: Conference on Syria in Transition 67
13-14/05/2008: Conference Quo Vadis, Cuba 68 04/12/2008: Visit of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama to the European Parliament 116
15/05/2008: Study Day on Russia 69 11/12/2008: Public Hearing on Stem Cells 117
15/05/2008: Hearing on Desertification 70 11/12/2008: Hearing on European Values, Regional Identity
15/05/2008: Celebration of the International Day of the Family 72 and Intercultural Dialogue 118
20/05/2008: European Maritime Day 73 17/12/2008: Exchange of views with H.Em. Cardinal Ennio Antonelli,
20/05/2008: Exchange of views with Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner 74 President of the Pontifical Council for the Family 119
26/05/2008: Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Western Balkans 75
03/06/2008: Hearing on Supervision of the Structural Funds Management 77 III. External meetings
2008
2008
04/06/2008: Conference on Religious Monuments
in the Prefecture of Xanthi, Greece 78 1. Bureau meetings
05/06/2008: Hearing on CO2 emissions and the Automotive Industry 79

07-08/02/2008: EPP-ED Group Bureau meeting in Nicosia, Cyprus
07/06/2008: Open Days in the European Parliament in Brussels 80 Conclusions 121
11/06/2008: Hearing on Christian Assyrians in Iraq 81
12/06/2008: Hearing on Galileo/Egnos applications and services 82 17-18/04/2008: EPP-ED Group Bureau meeting in Portorož, Slovenia
12/06/2008: Hearing on Chances for the healthy development of children 83 Conclusions 127
12/06/2008: Hearing on Fight Against Piracy: In Search of Consensus 84
12/06/2008: Hearing on European Defence Equipment Market 85 2. Study Days
12/06/2008: Hearing on Herbicides on Railway Tracks 86 02-04/07/2008: EPP-ED Group Study Days in Paris, France
17/06/2008: Exchange of views with José Manuel Durão Barroso,
Conclusions 135
President of the European Commission 87
23/06/2008: Hearing on the Revision of the Toys Directive 88 3. Other meetings
24/06/2008: Hearing on EMU 89 22/01/2008: The Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in Bulgaria 143
25/06/2008: Hearing on Great Lakes 90
28/08/2008: Hearing on food labelling 91 24-25/01/2008: EPP-ED Presidency in Ljubljana, Slovenia 144
17/09/2008: EPP-ED Group receives His Beatitude Theophilos III,
Patriarch of Jerusalem 92 06/02/2008: Middle East: First official visit by the EPP-ED Group 146
18/09/2008: Hearing on General and business aviation 93
4 18/09/2008: Hearing on Youth Policies 94 17-18/03/2008: 1st Regional Dialogue between the Orthodox Church 5
24/09/2008: His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the EPP-ED Group in Tbilisi, Georgia 148
with delegation in the European Parliament 95
08/10/2008: Exchange of views with Alexander Milinkevich, 17-20/03/2008: 15th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly in Ljubljana, Slovenia 150
Leader of the Democratic Opposition in Belarus 96
08/10/2008: Round Table on «Christian Communities in the Muslim World» 97 27-28/03/2008: Plenary Session of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary
08/10/2008: EPP-ED Winners of Parliament Magazine MEP Awards 2008 98 Assembly in Athens, Greece 151
08/10/2008: Official visit of Mrs Ingrid Betancourt to the European Parliament 99
13-14/10/2008: 9th Summit of Chairmen of EPP-ED parliamentary groups 01/05/2008: 10th Windhoek Dialogue, Namibia 153
of national parliaments in the EU-27 100
20/10/2008: Meeting with Xavier Bertrand, 30/05/2008: EPP-ED Presidency in Paris, France 154
French Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Solidarity 109
01/11/2008: The EPP-ED Group and the National Parliaments 110 18/07/2008: Visit of the Presidency of the EPP-ED Group to Washington DC, USA 156
13/11/2008: Hearing on Teacher Quality: Does it really matter? 112
13/11/2008: Hearing on Women and Spirituality 113 24/07/2008: II. Regional Dialogue between the Orthodox Church
13/11/2008: Hearing on Perspectives of a European Roma Strategy 114 and the EPP-ED Group in Kiev, Ukraine 158
03/12/2008: Annual Meeting with the Arab League 115
28-29/08/2008: EPP-ED Group Presidency with Heads of National Delegations > Iraq 223
in Munich, Germany > EU-US Relations 225
Conclusions 160 > Russia 227
> China 230
18-20/09/2008: EIN Summer University in Fiuggi, Italy
Conclusions 163 > European Security and Defence Policy including EU military/police missions 232
11-13/10/2008: Working Group B
EMPA Extraordinary Session in Dead Sea, Jordan 166 > Telecom package 236
2008
2008
> Energy Package 241
16-17/10/2008: 11th Regional Dialogue with Religions and Cultures in Iasi, Romania170

> - Information and consultation of workers
- European Works Council Directive 245
27/10/2008: EPP-ED Presidency meeting in La Réunion, France 172 > Bologna process 247
> Media pluralism 249
13-14/11/2008: EPP-ED Presidency in Prague, Czech Republic 175 > Tackling the pay gap between women and men 250
21/11/2008: EPP-ED Group International Conference on South Eastern Europe Working Group C
students’ mobility in the framework of the Bologna Process - Zagreb, Croatia 176 > New Regulation on OLAF 255
> Fourth cohesion report 258
24-28/11/2008: Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly > Health Check 261
in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 177 > The future for young farmers under the ongoing reform of the CAP 264
> Protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems 267
IV. Parliamentary Work > Fisheries and aquaculture in the context of integrated
coastal zone management in Europe 269
Important issues in 2008
by the Parliamentary Work Service Working Group D
> Environmental Criminal Law 271
6 > Introduction 179 > Comitology packages 273 7
> Political Strategy 180 > Hedge funds 275
> Co-decision procedure and conciliation 193 > Common Frame of Reference 276
> Return directive 277
Working Group A > Visa Code 279
The Parliamentary Assemblies > Common Consular Instructions 280
> EU/ACP including Windhoek Dialogue &EPP-ED Development Charter 195 > Baltic Sea Pipeline 281
> EUROMED 199 > Lobbyists 282
> EUROLAT 202 > The Lisbon Treaty 284
> Human Rights, Democracy and good Governance 204
Working Group E
Interparliamentary Delegations: > Report combating HIV/AIDS within the EU and in neighbouring countries 287
> General Overview 210 > Car pollution progress package 289
> The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) 212 > Establishment of residue limits of pharmacologically active substances
> Croatia 213 in foodstuffs of animal origin (MRLs) 295
> Western Balkans 215 > Organ donation and transplantation: Policy actions at EU level 297
> Afghanistan 220
> Towards a sustainable European transport policy taking into account
VIII. Contents of the CD-ROM 407 - 408
the environment, the energy and urban mobility aspects 300
1. External Publications by the Presidency Service
> Enhanced rights for European railway passengers 302
> Financial services integration in the context of the crisis 305 > Yearbook 2008 (EN, FR, DE)
> ECB in the context of the credit crisis 308 > Booklet on Euro-Mediterranean relations and the Group (EN, FR, IT, ES, EL and in arabic)
> Goods Package 310 > Booklet on the Dialogues between the Orthodox Church and the Group (EN, FR, DE, EL)
> Timeshare Directive 312 > Brochure on the Public Hearing on Cultural Diversity, Religions and Dialogues (EN, FR, DE)
> Firearms Directive 314 > Brochure on the Public Hearing on A New Regional Policy (EN, FR, DE, PL)
> Brochure on the Public Hearing on Desertification (EN, FR, DE, ES)
2008
2008
> Brochure on EPP-ED Development Charter (EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, PL, PT)
V. EPP-ED Reports on the Plenary Sessions

of the European Parliament by the Press Service 2. Internal Publications
January 2008 317 > NEWSLETTERS and brochures by the Relations with National Parliaments Service (EN)
February 2008 323 > NEWSLETTERS by the Interparliamentary Delegations Unit (EN)
March 2008 328 > NEWSLETTERS by the Neighbourhood Policy and Intercultural Activities Service (EN)
April 2008 332
May 2008 337
June 2008 342
July 2008 347
September I 2008 352
September II 2008 358
October 2008 362
November 2008 367
December 2008 372
VI. EPP-ED Publications in 2008

1. External Publications by the Presidency Service 380
8 9
2. Other Publications 386
VII. The European People’s Party (EPP)

> EPP Structure 391
> EPP Presidency 395
> Leadership of EPP Groups 395
> EPP Government Leaders 396
> EPP General Secretariat 397
> Summit in Brussels, Belgium 13/03/2008 399
Foreword by the Chairman
Dear readers,
Once again the time has come to take stock of the work done over the year
by our parliamentary group, the largest and most influential group in the
2008
2008
European Parliament, with 288 MEPs from the 27 EU Member States.

This publication looks back at most of the actions, initiatives and speeches
by MEPs from our group, whom I would like to thank for their political
commitment in the service of their countries and of Europe, but most
importantly in the service of every one of Europe’s nearly 500 million
citizens.
> Foreword by the Chairman Beyond these specific activities, it is our values and the role of these values
in an uncertain world that motivate us.
Over the course of the months we debate and take decisions on topics
as varied as terrorism and security, competitiveness and innovation,
employment and human capital, the e-economy, monetary, economic and
fiscal policy, demographic change and immigration, the common foreign
and security policy.
10 11
We deal with energy and the environment, the geographical limits of the
Union and the reform of public services, or with European governance and
food security.
There are so many topics and so many issues facing society on which our
political family has things to say, a message it wants to get across, and
reforms it wants to introduce while ensuring that these are accepted by our
fellow citizens.
There are so many issues on which the political weight that we represent as
the centre-right has values to promote and principles to apply.
It is trendy to say that globalisation means that our countries are With the surge in extremism and terrorism and the emergence of powers
condemned to a single way of thinking, to following a single policy, to whose priorities are economic and financial rather than humanistic, the
having to play a waiting game, or even to paralysis. question is what role can our values play in the face of all these different
threats?
It is politically correct to say that our governments are condemned to
impotence and discouragement and that they should give in to the law of What use are our values when faced with a global financial crisis, in a period
the strongest. where economic instability and demographic change are threatening our
2008
2008
social and societal models?
It is commonplace to hear that politicians are the prisoners of Brussels or

Wall Street and that they have almost no room for manoeuvre. Are our values still relevant in today’s world? How can we find a balance
between defending and promoting these values and defending our
Our political family, however, takes pride in defending the contrary position,
economic interests in the world?
which we prove by having the courage to set up far-reaching reforms in all
the many countries where citizens have placed their trust in us. I hope that reading this work will show you that your centre-right MEPs,
whilst every day faced with questions, just as you are, are also trying to
As the centre-right we are convinced that, by taking courageous, deliberate
provide answers.
action, by affirming our values and our ideals unashamedly but without
arrogance and by introducing innovative and ambitious reforms for which We want these answers to be bold, perceptive and, above all, honest and
we have the political will, we can help our societies develop in the right that they will help build a sustainable future for our societies.
direction.
Thank you for your interest in our work, and here’s to next year!
We believe strongly that by constantly focusing on the human element,
social (but no socialist) values and respect for the individual, the countries
12 we come from can both benefit from the opportunities offered by 13
globalisation and strengthen their social cohesion.
These values which we hold so dear are of course our strength and our
roots, but they can also be our weakness. Joseph Daul MEP,
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
In a democracy, freedom of expression is an absolute right which we in the European Parliament
recognise even for those who oppose that very democracy.
Our states are not police states. It is much easier for us to become targets
for terrorism than it is for non-democratic states.
I I. The EPP-ED Group
1. The Group’s structure

Founded as the Christian-Democratic Group on 23 June 1953 as a faction in the Common Assembly
of the European Coal and Steel Community, the Group changed its name to the «Group of the
European People’s Party» (Christian-Democratic Group) in July 1979, just after the first direct
elections to the European Parliament, and to «Group of the European People’s Party (Christian
2008
2008
Democrats) and European Democrats» (EPP-ED) in July 1999. It has always played a leading role
in the construction of Europe.

The 288 members of the EPP-ED Group come from the 27 Member States of the European Union.
The Group is currently the largest in Parliament.
Its membership is made up of:
49 members from Germany
27 members from the United Kingdom
24 members from Italy
24 members from Spain
I > The EPP-ED Group

18 members from Romania
18 members from France
15 members from Poland
14 members from the Czech Republic
13 members from Hungary
11 members from Greece
9 members from Portugal
8 members from the Slovak Republic
7 members from the Netherlands
6 members from Austria
6 members from Belgium
6 members from Sweden
5 members from Ireland
14 5 members from Bulgaria 15
4 members from Finland
4 members from Slovenia
3 members from Luxembourg
3 members from Cyprus
3 members from Latvia
2 members from Lithuania
2 members from Malta
1 member from Denmark
1 member from Estonia
I The Presidency

Working Group E
- Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs
Joseph Daul presides over the Group. He is assisted by 10 Vice-Chairmen, including the Treasurer, - Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
who have different areas of responsibility within the framework of the Group’s activities. The - Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection
Presidency meets at regular intervals with the heads of national delegations to discuss key - Committee on Transport and Tourism
guidelines and to prepare decisions of major importance for the strategy of the Group. Chairwoman: Marianne Thyssen
The Bureau How we work

The EPP-ED Bureau consists of: the Presidency, the President and Vice-Presidents of the Parliament The 785 Members of the European Parliament form political groups. With its 288 MEPs,
2008
2008
belonging to the Group, the heads of national delegations, the Chairmen of Parliamentary the EPP-ED Group is the largest in the European Parliament. The Members of the EPP-ED Group
Committees belonging to the Group and the Group’s Coordinators of Parliamentary Committees participate actively in the plenary sessions of the European Parliament which take place one week

and one co-opted Member for every 10 Members of a national delegation. The President and the a month in Strasbourg, as well as the so-called ‘mini-sessions’ held in Brussels.
Secretary-General of the EPP if they are Members of the European Parliament. Each MEP from the EPP-ED Group sits at least on one of the 20 parliamentary committees and is
a substitute member of a second committee. These committees conduct in-depth debates into all
The Permanent Working Groups of the reports drawn up by Parliament before their final adoption in plenary.
EPP-ED Group meetings: In accordance with the EPP-ED Group’s Rules of Procedure, the bodies
The parliamentary work of the Group takes place within the framework of five permanent Working of the Group (the Group Assembly, Presidency, Bureau and five Permanent Working Groups) meet
Groups which prepare business before consideration by the Group. Each Working Group is chaired before each plenary session of the European Parliament to prepare the work scheduled on the
by one of the Group’s Vice-Chairmen and brings together the Group’s representatives from a session agenda.
number of committees.
All reports and amendments thereto, together with other items on the agenda (oral questions,
Working Group A motions for resolution and so forth), are considered first of all by EPP-ED working groups, and then
- Committee on Foreign Affairs by the Group’s Plenary Assembly, which establishes the Group’s final position.
- Subcommittee on Security and Defence
- Subcommittee on Human Rights
- Committee on Development Our political position
- Committee on International Trade
Chairman: João de Deus Pinheiro The Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats in
the European Parliament (EPP-ED Group) is a major political force in the European Union; it is
Working Group B the direct heir of the tradition established in the 1950s by Robert Schuman, Konrad Adenauer and
- Committee on Employment and Social Affairs Alcide De Gasperi.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy
16 - Committee on Culture and Education The EPP-ED Group has worked consistently and successfully to consolidate the European Union 17
- Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality on the bases of the primacy of law and respect for fundamental rights, on the application of the
Chairman: Gunnar Hökmark principle of subsidiarity and an efficient sharing out of power, and on independent democratic
institutions, in order to ensure that future progress serves the common interest of all Europeans.
Working Group C As members of the EPP-ED Group, we believe in a Europe of values, united, open, more humane
- Committee on Budgets and embracing diversity.
- Committee on Regional Development
- Committee on Agriculture We want a Europe which creates opportunity and wealth within a single market, competitive at
- Committee on Fisheries world level, and which at the same time promotes the wellbeing of everybody, not only in Europe,
- Committee on Budgetary Control but also in the rest of the world, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development
Chairman: Struan Stevenson enshrined in the EU Treaty as one of the European Community’s aims.
Working Group D We wish to see the Union develop a consistent and effective common foreign and security policy
- Committee on Legal Affairs and to carry out the institutional reforms necessary to make enlargement a success.
- Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
The EPP-ED Group comprises Christian Democrats and similar parties, as well as Conservatives,
- Committee on Constitutional Affairs
from the 27 Member States of the European Union. Moderation and dialogue are the tools our
- Committee on Petitions
Group deploys. Using them, all our work as members of the EPP-ED Group reflects our unstinting
Chairman: József Szájer
commitment to building a Europe of opportunity, a better Europe for all.
I EPP-ED Group: The Presidency
The major political force in the European Parliament
100 43
43
2008
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22

217 288
31 Joseph Daul Marianne Thyssen Othmar Karas
Chairman First Vice-Chairwoman Vice-Chairman,
Chairwoman Working Group E Treasurer. External meetings
Relations with EPP-ED staff Professional Training (CET)
41
Struan Stevenson Jaime Mayor Oreja Vito Bonsignore

EPP-ED (Group of the European People’s Party Vice-Chairman Vice-Chairman Vice Chairman
Chairman Working Group C Political Strategy Relations with National Parliaments
(Christian Democrats) and European Democrats) European Ideas Network (EIN) Neighbourhood Policy
Relations with the Arab World
PES (Socialist Group in the European Parliament)
18 ALDE (Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) 19
UEN (Union for Europe of the Nations Group)
Greens/ALE (Group of the Greens / European Free Alliance) Gunnar Hökmark József Szájer Hartmut Nassauer
Vice-Chairman Vice-Chairman Vice-Chairman
Chairman Working Group B Chairman Working Group D Parliamentary Work
Internet and Information Technologies Constitutional Process
GUE/NGL (Confederal Group of the European United Left - Nordic Green Left)
IND/DEM (Independence/Democracy Group)
NI (Non-attached Members)
Situation: 28.11.2008
João de Deus Pinheiro Marian-Jean Marinescu

Vice-Chairman Vice Chairman
Chairman Working Group A Neighbourhood Policy
Interparliamentary Delegations Dialogue with the Christian Churches
I Heads of National Delegations Heads of National Delegations
Germany Germany United Kingdom Hungary Greece Portugal

2008
2008

Werner Langen Markus Ferber Timothy Kirkhope Pál Schmitt Ioannis Varvitsiotis Carlos Coelho
Italy Italy Spain Portugal Slovakia The Netherlands
Stefano Zappala’ Iles Braghetto Jaime Mayor Oreja Luís Queiró Peter Šťastný Maria Martens
Spain France Romania Austria Austria Belgium
20 21
Gerardo Galeote-Quecedo Margie Sudre Theodor Dumitru Stolojan Othmar Karas Reinhard Rack Mathieu Grosch
Poland Czech Republic Hungary Sweden Sweden Ireland
Jacek Saryusz-Wolski Jan Zahradil József Szájer Gunnar Hökmark Charlotte Cederschiöld Avril Doyle
I Heads of National Delegations EPP-ED Members in the Bureau of the European Parliament
Bulgaria Finland Slovenia

2008
2008

Rumiana Jeleva Ville Itälä Mihael Brejc Hans-Gert Poettering Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou
President of the European Parliament First Vice-President
of the European Parliament
Luxembourg Cyprus Latvia
Jean Spautz Panayiotis Demetriou Valdis Dombrovskis Alejo Vidal-Quadras Edward McMillan-Scott Mario Mauro
Vice-President Vice-President Vice-President
of the European Parliament of the European Parliament of the European Parliament
Lithuania Malta Denmark
22 23
Vytautas Landsbergis Simon Busuttil Christian Foldberg Rovsing James Nicholson Astrid Lulling Ingo Friedrich
Quaestor of the European Parliament Quaestor of the European Parliament Quaestor of the European Parliament
Estonia
Tunne Kelam
I
EPP-ED Chairmen of Parliamentary Committees EPP-ED Coordinators
in the Parliamentary Committees
2008
2008

Jacek Saryusz-Wolski Reimer Böge Miroslav Ouzký José Ignacio Salafranca Maria Martens Nirj Deva
Committee on Foreign Affairs Committee on Budgets Committee on the Environment, Sánchez-Neyra Committee on Development Committee on Development
Public Health and Food Safety Committee on Foreign Affairs
Angelika Niebler Gerardo Galeote-Quecedo Neil Parish Robert Sturdy Salvador Garriga-Polledo Ingeborg Grässle
Committee on Industry, Committee on Regional Development Committee on Agriculture Committee on International Trade Committee on Budgets Committee on Budgetary Control
Research and Energy
24 25
Giuseppe Gargani Anna Záborská Karl von Wogau Jean-Paul Gauzès Philip Bushill-Matthews John Bowis
Committee on Legal Affairs Committee on Women’s Rights Subcommittee on Security & Defence Committee on Economic Committee on Employment Committee on the Environment,
and Gender Equality and Monetary Affairs and Social Affairs Public Health and Food Safety
Giles Chichester Malcolm Harbour Georg Jarzembowski

Committee on Industry, Committee on Internal Market Committee on Transport and Tourism
Research and Energy and Consumer Protection
I
EPP-ED Coordinators EPP-ED Chairmen of EU Joint Parliamentary Assemblies,
in the Parliamentary Committees Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC),
and Interparliamentary Delegations
2008
2008

Lambert van Nistelrooij Lutz Goepel Carmen Fraga Estévez Pál Schmitt Antonios Trakatellis Ria Oomen-Ruijten
Committee on Regional Development Committee on Agriculture Committee on Fisheries Delegation to the EU-Croatia JPC Delegation to the EU-Fyrom JPC Delegation to the EU-Russia
Parliamentary Cooperation Committee (PCC)
Doris Pack Klaus-Heiner Lehne Edit Bauer Doris Pack Jana Hybášková Carlos Iturgaiz Angulo
Committee on Culture and Education Committee on Legal Affairs Committee on Women’s Rights Delegation for relations with the Delegation for relations with Israel Delegation for relations
and Gender Equality countries of South East Europe with the Maghreb countries
26 27
Sir Robert Atkins Manfred Weber Íñigo Mendez de Vigo Jonathan Evans Georg Jarzembowski Hartmut Nassauer
Committee on Petitions Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice Committee on Constitutional Affairs Delegation for relations Delegation for relations with Japan Delegation for relations with the countries
and Home Affairs with the United States of Southeast Asia and the Association of
South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Stefano Zappala’ Laima Liucija Andrikienė Romana Jordan Cizelj Hubert Pirker Guido Podestà Giles Chichester
Subcommittee on Security and Defence Subcommittee on Human Rights Temporary Committee Delegation for relations Delegation for relations with Delegation for relations with Australia
on Climate Change with the Korean Peninsula Afghanistan and New Zealand
I
EPP-ED Chairmen of EU Joint Parliamentary Assemblies, 2. EPP-ED Members of the European Commission
Joint Parliamentary Committees (JPC)
and Interparliamentary Delegations
2008
2008

José Manuel Durão Barroso Jacques Barrot Antonio Tajani
President of the European Commission Vice-President of the European Vice-President of the European
Commission Commission
(Justice, Freedom and Security) (Transport)
José Ignacio Salafranca Hans-Gert Poettering Tokia Saïfi

Sánchez-Neyra Delegation to the Euro-Mediterranean Chairwoman of the Political Committee
Delegation for relations with the Euro- Parliamentary Assembly of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary
Latin American Parliamentary Assembly Assembly
Joe Borg Stavros Dimas Ján Figeľ

(Fisheries and Maritime Affairs) (Environment) (Education, Culture, Training and Youth)
Pál Schmitt Jacek Protasiewicz

Delegation for relations with Croatia Delegation for relations with Belarus
28 29
Benita Ferrero-Waldner Andris Piebalgs Viviane Reding

(External Relations (Energy) (Information Society and Media)
and European Neighbourhood Policy)
I GAWRONSKI, Jas GAUZÈS, Jean-Paul
3. The 288 members of the EPP-ED Group LO CURTO, Eleonora
MAURO, Mario
GROSSETÊTE, Françoise
GUELLEC, Ambroise
PATRICIELLO, Aldo LAMASSOURE, Alain
GERMANY (49) WEBER, Manfred PODESTÀ, Guido MATHIEU, Véronique
WEISGERBER, Anja SANZARELLO, Sebastiano MORIN, Elisabeth
BEREND, Rolf WIELAND, Rainer SARTORI, Amalia SAÏFI, Tokia
BÖGE, Reimer VENETO, Armando SUDRE, Margie
BROK, Elmar VENTRE, Riccardo TOUBON, Jacques
UNITED KINGDOM (27)
CASPARY, Daniel VERNOLA, Marcello VATANEN, Ari
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2008
DESS, Albert ZANICCHI, Iva VLASTO, Dominique
ASHWORTH, Richard James
EHLER, Christian ZAPPALA’, Stefano
ATKINS, Sir Robert
FERBER, Markus ROMANIA (18)

BEAZLEY, Christopher
FLORENZ, Karl-Heinz BOWIS, John SPAIN (24)
FRIEDRICH, Ingo BRADBOURN, Philip BODU, Sebastian Valentin
GAHLER, Michael BUSHILL-MATTHEWS, Philip AYUSO, Pilar BULZESC, Nicodim
GEWALT, Roland CALLANAN, Martin de GRANDES PASCUAL, Luis CHIRIŢĂ, Călin Cătălin
GOEPEL, Lutz CHICHESTER, Giles del CASTILLO VERA, Pilar DAVID, Dragoş Florin
GOMOLKA, Alfred DEVA, Nirj DÍAZ DE MERA GARCÍA-CONSUEGRA, DUMITRIU, Constantin
GRÄSSLE, Ingeborg DOVER, Den Agustín FUNERIU, Daniel Petru
HIERONYMI, Ruth ELLES, James FERNÁNDEZ MARTÍN, Fernando MANOLE, Adrian
HOPPENSTEDT, Karsten Friedrich EVANS, Jonathan FRAGA ESTÉVEZ, Carmen MARINESCU, Marian-Jean
JARZEMBOWSKI, Georg HARBOUR, Malcolm GALEOTE, Gerardo MATULA, Iosif
JEGGLE, Elisabeth HEATON-HARRIS, Christopher GARCIA-MARGALLO Y MARFIL, NAZARE, Alexandru
KASTLER, Martin JACKSON, Caroline José Manuel NICULESCU, Rareş-Lucian
KLAMT, Ewa KAMALL, Syed GARRIGA POLLEDO, Salvador PETRE, Maria
KLASS, Christa KARIM, Sajjad GUTIÉRREZ-CORTINES, Cristina POPA, Nicolae Vlad
KOCH, Dieter-Lebrecht KIRKHOPE, Timothy HERRANZ GARCÍA, Esther RUS, Flaviu Călin
KONRAD, Christoph McMILLAN-SCOTT, Edward HERRERO-TEJEDOR, Luis SÓGOR, Csaba
LANGEN, Werner NICHOLSON, James ITURGAÍZ ANGULO, Carlos José STOLOJAN, Theodor Dumitru
LAUK, Kurt Joachim PARISH, Neil LUQUE AGUILAR, Florencio WINKLER, Iuliu
LECHNER, Kurt PURVIS, John LÓPEZ ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Antonio ZLOTEA, Marian
LEHNE, Klaus-Heiner STEVENSON, Struan MAYOR OREJA, Jaime
LIESE, Peter STURDY, Robert MÉNDEZ DE VIGO, Íñigo
30 MANN, Thomas
POLAND (15) 31
SUMBERG, David MILLÁN MON, Francisco José
MAYER, Hans-Peter TANNOCK, Charles NARANJO ESCOBAR, Juan Andrés BUZEK, Jerzy
NASSAUER, Hartmut Van ORDEN, Geoffrey POMÉS RUIZ, José Javier CHMIELEWSKI, Zdzisław Kazimierz
NIEBLER, Angelika SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA, GACEK, Urszula
PACK, Doris José Ignacio
ITALY (24) HANDZLIK, Małgorzata
PIEPER, Markus SANZ PALACIO, Salvador Domingo HOŁOWCZYC, Krzysztof
PÖTTERING, Hans-Gert VARELA SUANZES-CARPEGNA, Daniel
ALBERTINI, Gabriele JAŁOWIECKI, Stanisław
POSDORF, Horst VIDAL-QUADRAS, Alejo
ANTONIOZZI, Alfredo KACZMAREK, Filip
POSSELT, Bernd
BARTOLOZZI, Paolo LEWANDOWSKI, Janusz
QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Godelieve
BONSIGNORE, Vito FRANCE (18) OLBRYCHT, Jan
REUL, Herbert
BRAGHETTO, Iles PROTASIEWICZ, Jacek
SCHNELLHARDT, Horst
CALIA, Maddalena AUDY, Jean-Pierre SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Jacek
SCHRÖDER, Jürgen
CAROLLO, Giorgio DAUL, Joseph SIEKIERSKI, Czesław Adam
SCHWAB, Andreas
CASINI, Carlo DESCAMPS, Marie-Hélène SONIK, Bogusław
SOMMER, Renate
EBNER, Michl De VEYRAC, Christine ZALESKI, Zbigniew
STAUNER, Gabriele
FATUZZO, Carlo FONTAINE, Nicole ZWIEFKA, Tadeusz
ULMER, Thomas
GARDINI, Elisabetta FOURÉ, Brigitte
von WOGAU, Karl
GARGANI, Giuseppe GAUBERT, Patrick
I CZECH REPUBLIC (14) FREITAS, Duarte
GRAÇA MOURA, Vasco
HÖKMARK, Gunnar
IBRISAGIC, Anna
LATVIA (3)
BŘEZINA, Jan MARQUES, Sérgio WIJKMAN, Anders DOMBROVSKIS, Valdis

CABRNOCH, Milan PINHEIRO, João de Deus WOHLIN, Lars KUŠĶIS, Aldis
DUCHOŇ, Petr QUEIRÓ, Luís PĪKS, Rihards
FAJMON, Hynek RIBEIRO E CASTRO, José IRLAND (5)
HYBÁŠKOVÁ, Jana SILVA PENEDA, José Albino LITHUANIA (2)
OUZKÝ, Miroslav BURKE, Colm
ROITHOVÁ, Zuzana SLOVAK REPUBLIC (8) DOYLE, Avril ANDRIKIENĖ, Laima Liucija
ŠKOTTOVÁ, Nina HIGGINS, Jim LANDSBERGIS, Vytautas
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2008
STREJČEK, Ivo BAUER, Edit McGUINNESS, Mairead
VLASÁK, Oldřich DUKA-ZÓLYOMI, Árpád MITCHELL, Gay
ZAHRADIL, Jan MALTA (2)
GAĽA, Milan

ZATLOUKAL, Tomáš HUDACKÝ, Ján
ZIELENIEC, Josef BULGARIEN (5) BUSUTTIL, Simon
MIKOLÁŠIK, Miroslav CASA, David
ZVĚŘINA, Jaroslav PLEŠTINSKÁ, Zita JELEVA, Rumiana
ŠŤASTNÝ, Peter MLADENOV, Nickolay
HUNGARY (13) ZÁBORSKÁ, Anna DENMARK (1)
STAVREVA, Petya
URUTCHEV, Vladimir ROVSING, Christian
BARSI-PATAKY, Etelka THE NETHERLANDS (7) ZDRAVKOVA, Dushana
BECSEY, Zsolt László
DE BLASIO, Antonio DOORN, Bert ESTONIA (1)
GÁL, Kinga FINLAND (4)
de LANGE, Esther
GLATTFELDER, Béla MARTENS, Maria KELAM, Tunne
GYÜRK, András ITÄLÄ, Ville
van NISTELROOIJ, Lambert KORHOLA, Eija-Riitta
JÁRÓKA, Lívia OOMEN RUIJTEN, Ria
OLAJOS, Péter PIETIKÄINEN, Sirpa
VISSER, Cornelis SIITONEN, Eva-Riitta
ŐRY, Csaba WORTMANN-KOOL, Corien
SCHMITT, Pál
SCHÖPFLIN, György SLOVENIA (4)
SURJÁN, László AUSTRIA (6)
SZÁJER, József BREJC, Mihael
KARAS, Othmar JORDAN CIZELJ, Romana
PIRKER, Hubert NOVAK, Ljudmila
32 GREECE (11) RACK, Reinhard 33
PETERLE, Alojz
RÜBIG, Paul
ANGELAKAS, Emmanouil SCHIERHUBER, Agnes
DIMITRAKOPOULOS, Giorgos SEEBER, Richard LUXEMBOURG (3)
GKLAVAKIS, Ioannis
KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU, Rodi HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES, Erna
MAVROMMATIS, Manolis BELGIUM (6) LULLING, Astrid
PANAYOTOPOULOS-CASSIOTOU, SPAUTZ, Jean
Marie BELET, Ivo
PAPASTAMKOS, Giorgos BREPOELS, Frieda
DEHAENE, Jean-Luc CYPRUS (3)
SCHINAS Margaritis
TRAKATELLIS, Antonios GROSCH, Mathieu
LANGENDRIES, Raymond DEMETRIOU, Panayiotis
VAKALIS, Nikolaos
THYSSEN, Marianne KASOULIDES, Ioannis
VARVITSIOTIS, Ioannis
MATSIS, Ioannis,
PORTUGAL (9) SWEDEN (6)
COELHO, Carlos CEDERSCHIÖLD, Charlotte

ESTEVES, Maria da Assunção FJELLNER, Christofer
05.01.2009
I 4. The General Secretariat of the Group
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Martin Kamp John Biesmans Miguel Papi-Boucher
Secretary-General Deputy Secretary-General Deputy Secretary-General
Head of the Internal Head of the Parliamentary Work Service
Organisation Service
Paolo Licandro Antoine Ripoll Robert Fitzhenry

Deputy Secretary-General Deputy Secretary-General Head of the Press
Head of the Neighbourhood Policy Head of the Presidency Service and Communication Service
and Intercultural Activities Service
34 35
Arthur Hildebrandt Beatrice Scarascia-Mugnozza Pascal Fontaine

Head of the International Head of the Relations Special Adviser
Relations Service with National Parliaments Service
II II. Events and meetings in Brussels and Strasbourg
10/01/2008:
Cultural diversity, religions and dialogue
Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP (EPP-ED, Luxembourg), European Parliament rapporteur on the

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2008
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, organised a hearing on Cultural Diversity, Religions
and Dialogue.

The hearing was opened by the Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Gunnar Hökmark MEP
(EPP-ED, Sweden) and Ján Figel´, EU Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth.
The hearing took place on 10 January 2008. The first session was entitled ‘Respect for EU Values
- Living Together’, and the second ‘Europe facing Religious Pluralism’.
Rapporteur of the European Parliament’s report on the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue
2008 is Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP. Academics from Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy,
II > Events and meetings Czech Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina participated in the hearing.
in Brussels and Strasbourg
36 37
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
Dr Bérengère Massignon, Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, Paris and Groupe
de Sociologie des Religions et de la Laïcité, Edmond Israel, Asia-Europe Foundation
and ASEF Governor for Luxembourg, Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman
of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Véronique Donck, EPP-ED Adviser,
Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP, rapporteur on the European year of Intercultural dialogue
2008, and Ján Figeľ, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth
II 16/01/2008: 22/01/2008:
Exchange of views with the Grand Mufti of Syria United Europe, United History Conference
2008
2008

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament F R O M R I G H T T O L E F T:
(3rd from left), (l-r) John Purvis MEP, Ahmad Badr Al-Din Hassoun, the Grand Mufti
György Schöpflin MEP, Wojciech Roszkowski MEP, Christopher Beazley MEP,
of Syria, Mario Mauro MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament,
38 Bishop Antoine Odo, President of the Chaldean Bishops of Syria,
Tunne Kelam MEP, Vytautas Landsbergis MEP, Ģirts Valdis Kristovskis MEP, 39
Marcin Libicki MEP and Valdis Dombrovskis MEP
Syed Kamall MEP, Member of the EPP-ED Working Group on Islam,
and Antonio Tajani MEP, Head of the Italian Delegation (FI) of the EPP-ED Group
II 12/02/2008:
4th Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Lisbon Strategy
The European Parliament today concluded its two-day Fourth Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the
Lisbon Strategy in Brussels, aimed at enhancing the dialogue between the European Parliament
and the national parliaments of the 27 EU Member States on the implementation and future of
the Lisbon Strategy.
The session opened with a plenary meeting co-chaired by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, First
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Vice-President of the European Parliament, and France Cukjati, the President of the Slovenian
National Assembly.

Cukjati expressed his confidence in the working of the Lisbon Strategy, but warned that «the
Strategy needs new impetus. We also need to establish an efficient system for supervision. It is
important to increase investment into research and development as well as into a more flexible
concept of social security.»
MEPs and MPs engaged in a stimulating and interesting debate and were united in their opinion
that a successful implementation of the second cycle of the Lisbon Strategy is needed. Positive
results of the first cycle, which ends during the Slovenian Presidency, were presented: efforts have
resulted in a high growth rate and the creation of 6.5 million new jobs in the past two years.
Ms Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou said: «It gives us great pleasure to see that significant progress has
been made towards the targets we set by relaunching the Lisbon Strategy. There is a need for these Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible
priorities and common objectives to respect and promote balance between economic growth for the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (in the middle),
and social development. This joint meeting, between the European Parliament and national José Manuel Durão Barosso, President of the European Commission (left of Mrs Kratsa),
parliaments allows us to define better involvement with all partners on a European, national (r-l) Franc Horvat, Slovenian MP, Ilda Figueiredo MEP, Malcolm Harbour MEP,
and regional level, as a new challenge and to share together with them the responsibilities of the France Cukjati, President of the Slovenian National Assembly, Žiga Turk, Slovenian Minister
implementation of the Lisbon Strategy. for Growth, and two members of the Slovenian Presidency Secretariat
In the presentation of reports of the working groups, which followed, Malcom Harbour, who
chaired the WG on Internal Market and Strategies, explained: «It is essential to complete the
single market and push for more competitiveness. Small and medium enterprises have the best
ability to create growth and jobs and therefore we welcome the Small Business Act proposed by
40 the Commission.» 41
José Manuael Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, and Žiga Turk, Minister in
the Government Office for Growth, spoke on behalf of the Slovenian Council Presidency and the
European Commission, followed by the general debate. The two speakers presented the guidelines
for the coming new cycle of the Lisbon strategy 2008-2010, which will be adopted in the March
Council Summit and will include a creative and innovative Europe - a Europe that takes care of its
people and the environment.
II 13/02/2008: 13/02/2008:
Hearing on Animal Health Strategy and Vaccine Technologies Hearing on Energy Legislative Package
Avril Doyle MEP hosted an EPP-ED Hearing on Animal Health Strategy and Vaccine Technologies The Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Gunnar Hökmark MEP hosted an EPP-ED Hearing on the
on Wednesday 13 February in the European Parliament in Brussels. The hearing looked at how EU third Energy Package on electricity and gas markets, including the proposal to create a cooperation
policies can respond to the threat of infectious animal diseases. agency between energy regulators in the EU.
Speakers representing the European Institutions, the animal health sector and the scientific and The meeting took place in the European Parliament. Among the speakers wiere Stavros Dimas,
farming communities, presented European and global trends in the growing threat from infectious European Commissioner responsible for Environment Policy and Andris Piebalgs, European
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animal diseases. They also focused on the potential impacts on European agriculture and how Commissioner responsible for Energy Policy as well as other representatives of Research and
European animal health policy will respond. Industry organisations.

As a fundamental element of any response is vaccination, leading scientists present ed the latest Other participants included MEPs Alejo Vidal-Quadras Roca, Vice-President of the European
cutting-edge developments in vaccine production technology, as solutions to meet the goals of the Parliament, Renato Brunetta, Herbert Reul, Jerzy Buzek and Giles Chichester.
Community Animal Health Strategy.
The hearing gathered views from food and feed chain stakeholders and the scientific community on
the possible impact of the Community Animal Health Strategy and ways of maximising its impact
and successfully implementing its recommendations.
Discussions focused on the optimum balance among animal health concerns, trade issues and
economic growth, all key elements to the success of the strategy.
42 43
Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
(2nd from left), (l-r) Renato Brunetta MEP, Klaus-Peter Schultz, Head of the Energy
Regulation Department BNetzA, Germany, and Sue Harrison, Representative
of the UK Government Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform,
Head of European Energy Market
II 14/02/2008:
Conference on a European Social Model for the Future
On the initiative of José Albino Silva Peneda MEP (Portugal), the EPP-ED Group organised a
conference entitled «A European Social Model for the Future» in the European Parliament on
14 February.
Fear of the effects of globalisation, coupled with the continuing high level of unemployment and
negative population growth, is increasing the number of sceptical voices among the general
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public regarding the point of the European Social Model at a time when people fear the loss of the
protection afforded them by the welfare state against illness, old age, unemployment and poverty
and feel that their living standards are being unreasonably eroded.

At the core of the European Social Model are measures to harness the economic powers of the
free market in a regulatory system designed not only to prevent abuses but also to guarantee the
satisfaction of basic social needs and social security, a system that combines freedom and civil
equality before the law with social justice, solidarity and compensation.
José Silva Peneda is co-rapporteur of Parliament’s report on the future European Social Model.
Parliament has already adopted a Resolution on the subject, urging the Commission to take further
initiatives to fully implement the internal market, while avoiding any «race to the bottom» effect, in
terms of environmental, consumer or social standards.
Among the participants were European Commissioner Vladimír Špidla, Professor Detlev Albers José Albino Silva Peneda MEP, Co-Rapporteur of the report ‘European Social Model
(Universitaet Bremen), Professor Stephen Haseler (London Metropolitan University) and Professor for the Future’, Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs
Marco Ricceri (EURISPES, Rome). With increasing trends towards demographic change and and Equal Opportunities (on the right), and Professor Marco Ricceri, EURISPES, Rome
globalisation, the main goal of the hearing was to promote a deep and open discussion on the
future developments of the European Social Model.
44 45
II 20/02/2008: 04/03/2008:
Echange of views with François Fillon, Presentation of the Priorities of the EPP-ED Group
Prime Minister of France for 2008-2009
Presenting the ‘Décalogue’ - a strategy document of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
- to partners of the Group and the media this evening at a ‘European Evening’ in Brussels, the
Chairman Joseph Daul MEP underlined that other than the daily activities of his 288 Members, the
political work of the most influential group in the European Parliament concentrates on four major
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priorities: a Europe of values; a Europe of growth, a Europe of security, and a Europe of solidarity.
«All of us here this evening should be proud of the heritage of Europe’s Founding Fathers, who

showed great political courage. We must, at the same time, measure the positive impact of the
reforms that we advocate each day to the advantage of our fellow Europeans. But we also have
the great responsibility of asserting our values. We should have high principles. We should never
hide our ideals.»
Speaking alongside some of the main political players of the EPP-ED family, Hans-Gert Poettering,
President of the European Parliament, José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European
Commission, and Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP, Joseph Daul outlined the four major
themes of his Group’s strategy document.
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
(in the middle), François Fillon, Prime Minister of France (on the left),
and Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group
46 47
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission,
Hans-Gert Poettering MEP, President of the European Parliament,
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP,
and Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
Françoise Grossetête MEP, Jean-Pierre Audy MEP,
Tokia Saïfi MEP, François Fillon, Prime Minister of France,
Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
in the European Parliament, Ari Vatanen MEP and Dominique Vlasto MEP
II 05/03/2008:
Hearing on Telecom Package
On Wednesday 5 March, the EPP-ED Group organised a public hearing on the Telecom Package in
the European Parliament in Brussels.
The hearing consisted of three panels. Angelika Niebler MEP (Germany), Chairwoman of the
Committee on Industry, Research and Energy chaired the first: Consolidation of the EU Internal
Market of Telecom. Experts from the telecom industry discussed with
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2008
Members whether functional separation is the appropriate tool for effective competition, as well
as the impact on consumer rights.

Malcolm Harbour MEP (United Kingdom), EPP-ED spokesperson on the Internal Market and
Consumer Protection chaired the second on the Telecom Authority and examined whether it
adds value to national regulatory agencies, and Giles Chichester MEP (United Kingdom), EPP-
ED spokeperson on Industry, Research and Energy moderated the last session on Spectrum
Management, which examined how new rules of management could benefit consumers and reduce
digital dividend.
Mart Laar, Chairman of Pro Patria and Res Publica Union,

Tõnu Pihelgas, Pro Patria and Res Publica Union,
Peeter Luksep, Pro Patria and Res Publica Union
48 49
F R O M R I G H T T O L E F T:
Giles Chichester MEP and Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information
Society and Media
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, First Vice-President of the European Parliament,

Bogusław Sonik MEP and Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group
II 06/03/2008: 06/03/2008:
Hearing on European fishery policy on sharks Hearing on Higher Education: From the Bologna Process
to Educational Governance in the EU?
On Thursday 6 March, EPP-ED spokesperson on the Committee on Fisheries Carmen Fraga
Estévez (Spain) and Portuguese Member Duarte Freitas organised a hearing on the European
On Thursday 6 March, EPP-ED Spokesperson for the Committee on Culture and Education
fishery policy on sharks. Stakeholders, scientific experts, Commission officials and Members
Doris Pack MEP (Germany), chaired a hearing on the Bologna Process, the aim of which is to
discussed the preservation of sharks’ role in the ecosystem and whether they are currently over-
create a European area of higher education by 2010.
fished in EU territory.
This mechanism facilitates students in choosing courses across national borders and enables
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This initiative was taken after the announcement made by the European Commission on the future
different qualifications to be recognised according to a single system. Experts and MEPs assessed
publication of a Community Action Plan for shark fisheries, and in view of the campaigns that
the impact of the Bologna Process so far across the EU. Ján Figeľ, the European Commissioner for
some organisations started months ago accusing EU fleets of being responsible for the decrease

Education, Training, and Youth, also participated in the hearing.
of stocks.
The Bologna process has three priorities: the introduction of the three cycle system (bachelor/
master/doctorate), quality assurance and recognition of qualifications and periods of study.
50 51
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
Duarte Freitas MEP and Carmen Fraga MEP, EPP-ED Coordinator on the Committee Doris Pack MEP, Chairwoman of the hearing, and Ján Figeľ, European Commissioner
on Fisheries for Education, Training, Culture and Youth
II 11/03/2008: 12/03/2008:
Exchange of views with Alexander Milinkevich, Celebration 50 years of the European Parliament
Leader of the Democratic Opposition in Belarus
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2008

52 Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament 53
(in the middle), (l-r) Lutz Goepel MEP, Alaksander Milinkevich, Leader of the United
Democratic Opposition, Belarus, Robert Fitzhenry, Head of the EPP-ED Group Press Service,
and Antoine Ripoll, Chairman Daul’s Spokesman
II 02/04/2008: 04/04/2008:
Hearing on Climate Change Conference on Torture in the context of the ‘War on terror’
Looking into cooperation with the developing countries in the fight against climate change, the Carlos Coelho MEP (Portugal) hosted a conference organised by the International Rehabilitation
Committee on Development held a public hearing chaired by Anders Wijkman MEP (Sweden), Council for Torture Victims and the Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme
on ‘Building a Global Climate Change Alliance between the EU and the Developing Countries’ on on Friday 4 April in the European Parliament in Brussels.
Wednesday 2nd April.
The conference discussed the use of torture in the context of the war on terrorism. The debate
Climate change has an indiscriminately adverse effect across the globe. Not all countries have the focused on the changing nature of torture in democratic societies and the challenges facing
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same resources available to them to be able to deal with these effects. journalists reporting on torture and other human rights violations in this difficult and often
dangerous setting: What are the key problems, and what can be done to address them? The
event was part of the project Preventing Torture within the Fight against Terrorism, which aims to

promote respect for the absolute prohibition against torture and ill-treatment.
54 55
Nirj Deva MEP and Alessandro Battilocchio MEP
Carlos Coelho MEP (second from the left), (l-r) Christian Pross, Member of the International
Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, Brita Sydhoff, Secretary-General of IRCT,
Geraldine van Bueren, Professor of International Human Rights Law at Queen Mary
University of London, Dick Marty, Member of the Council of Europe, and Stevens Everts,
Council of the European Union
II 15/04/2008:
8th Summit of Chairmen of EPP-ED Parliamentary Groups
of the EU-27
The EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament held its 8th Summit of the Chairmen of the national
parliamentary groups belonging to the EPP-ED family on 15 April. The Lisbon Treaty will give the
European Parliament legislative powers in the field of freedom, security and justice on the same
footing as the European Council. MEPs and MPs debated the consequences of this, led by Franco
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2008
Frattini, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for matters concerning freedom,
security and justice, and Jean-François Copé, Chairman of the French National Assembly.

Vice-President Frattini said: «A balance needs to be struck between security and personal liberty.
Also, the right of citizens to move freely between Member States needs to be reconciled with the
protection of the external borders of the EU. Our long-term goal should be to have a real European
external border police corps. We also need a clear set of EU rules for immigration and integration,
while respecting the autonomy of the Member States. Furthermore, the area of freedom, security
and justice needs a strong international dimension. In this regard, permanent consultation
between the Home Affairs Council and the External Affairs Council is vital.»
Mr Copé underlined that freedom, security and justice will be high on the agenda of the French
Council Presidency in the second half of 2008. «Citizens are very demanding on the issue of
security. It is very positive that the Lisbon Treaty strengthens the powers of the European Parliament Íñigo Méndez de Vigo MEP, Jean-Luc Dehaene MEP (EPP-ED),
in the field of freedom, security and justice, but the national parliaments also have an important former Prime Minister of Belgium, Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg,
role to play: they should facilitate the link between the European Union and the European citizens, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
and explain the benefits of a common EU approach.» Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Vito Bonsignore MEP,
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, and Beatrice Scarascia-Mugnozza,
Head of the Relations with National Parliaments Service
56 57
Íñigo Méndez de Vigo MEP, Jean-Luc Dehaene MEP (EPP-ED), former Prime Minister
of Belgium, Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Joseph Daul MEP, Marianne Thyssen MEP, Vice-Chairperson of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Martin Kamp, Secretary-General Jean-François Copé, Chairman of UMP parliamentary group in the French National
of the EPP-ED Group, and Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Assembly, and Íñigo Méndez de Vigo MEP
II
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Iles Braghetto, Head of the Italian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Timothy Kirkhope, Head of the UK Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
58 59
F R O M T H E L E F T:
Mihael Brejc, Head of the Slovenian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group

and Carlos Coelho, Head of the Portuguese Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
2nd row: Simon Busuttil, Head of the Maltese Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Charlotte Cederschiöld, Head of the Swedish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
II
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2008

Werner Langen, Chairman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European Parliament,

Ioannis Varvitsiotis, Head of the Greek Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
Carlos Coelho, Head of the Portuguese Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Avril Doyle, Head of the Irish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
60 61
r-l: Mihael Brejc MEP (Slovenia), Panayiotis Demetriou MEP (Cyprus),

Valdis Dombrovskis MEP (Latvia), Jean Spautz MEP (Luxembourg),
and Simon Busuttil MEP (Malta), all Heads of their national delegations
of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Markus Ferber, Co-Chairman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European Parliament
II
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O N T H E L E F T:
Gerardo Galeote, Head of the Spanish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Gunnar Hökmark, Head of the Swedish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
62 63
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Mathieu Grosch, Head of the Belgian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group and Ville Itälä MEP, Head of the Finnish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
II 16/04/2008:
Conference on Scarcity of water resources
Cristina Gutierrez-Cortines MEP (Spain) cohosted a conference on the scarcity of water resources
in the context of global warming on Wednesday 16th April.
Like many other challenges facing the world today, water doesn’t stop at national borders, which is
why action is needed on a global level to tackle water scarcity.
Together with government experts and academics in the fields of environment and agriculture, best
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practices and new techniques in Europe, Africa, and the Near East were discussed with MEPs.

Among the issues discussed were the feasibility of creating a future Water Community in the
Near East as a catalyst for peace, using the model of Peace in Europe through Coal and Steel
integration.
The conference took place in the European Parliament.
Antonio López-Istúriz White MEP, Secretary-General of the EPP,

Rumania Jeleva MEP, Head of the Bulgarian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
and Boyko Borissov, Leader of the GERB Party, Bulgaria, and Mayor of Sofia
64 65
Wolfgang Schüssel, former Chancellor of Austria, Chairman of the Austrian People’s Party,
and Othmar Karas MEP, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer of the EPP-ED Group in the European
Parliament, Head of the Austrian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
II 04/05/2008: 13/05/2008:
Open Days in the European Parliament in Strasbourg Conference on Syria in Transition
Jana Hybášková MEP (EPP-ED, (Czech Republic) co-organised a conference on ‘Syria in Transition’
in the European Parliament. The conference was organised by the members of the Damascus
Declaration.
The conference considered the current situation in Syria, the National Council of the Damascus
Declaration and the Implications for EU Policy - whether to engage or confront Syria.
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Syria is one of key countries of the Middle East. As such, it is an inevitable part of the process
which will lead to peace, stability and democracy in the region. Syria is also an important country

for the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean and European neighbourhood policy in
general. The conference followed an EPP-ED Public Hearing EU-Syria relations: What Future for
the Association Agreement?» organised in 2007.
66 67
Jana Hybášková MEP, host of the conference (in the middle),

(l-r) Ablahad Astepho, Assyrian Institute of Europe, an interpreter,
Ausama Monajed, Movement for Justice and Development,
and Kamiran Hajabdo, Kurdish Democratic Unity Party YEKITI
II 13-14/05/2008: 15/05/2008:
Conference Quo Vadis, Cuba EPP-ED Group Study Day on Russia
A joint conference of the Robert Schuman Foundation and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation on the
future of Cuba was hosted by Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP (Spain)
on 13 and 14 May in Brussels.
In the view of all the different speakers, there is nothing happening now in Cuba that allows the
European Union to consider that democracy will be achieved. The recent passing of power from
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Fidel Castro to his brother Raúl and the announcement that Cubans can now buy laptops or rent
hotel rooms are considered only cosmetic changes.

The conference included participation by representatives of movements working for democracy
inside and outside Cuba, the US Department of State, Christian Democrats politicians from several
Latin America countries and organisations, MEPs, experts from the European Commission and the
Vice-President of the Centrist Democrat International, former Mexico president, Vicente Fox.
João de Deus Pinheiro MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
and Jacek Saryusz-Wolski MEP, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee
68 of the European Parliament
69
José Ribeiro e Castro MEP (in the middle),

Blanca Reyes, wife of exiled journalist Raúl Rivero and founder of the ‘Damas de Blanco’,
Sakharov Prize Winners, and Arnold Vaatz MP, Konrad Adenauer Foundation
II 15/05/2008:
Hearing on Desertification
As climate change, food security and environmental degradation climb to the top of the global
political agenda, the focus of the conference organised by the EPP-ED Group on 15 May 2008 was
on the relationship between science and policy-making to ensure better governance, new research
and the tools that can be used to combat drought and famine.
The hearing took place in the European Parliament and was chaired by Struan Stevenson, Vice-
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Chairman of the EPP-ED Group and Chairman of the Working Group C of the EPP-ED (Committees
on Budgets, Budgetary Control, Regional policies, Agriculture and Fisheries).

The hearing took place one month ahead of the UN World Day to combat desertification. Last
autumn, MEPs adopted a Resolution on the subject calling for a strategic l0-year plan to implement
the UN Convention to combat desertification. On the initiative of EPP-ED Vice-Chairman Struan
Stevenson, the Group is focusing on the socio-economic, agricultural and forestry impacts of this
phenomenon, as well as their political consequences.
Among the participants of the conference were MEPs, European Union and independent experts
from Europe and Asia.
Struan Stevenson MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
and Carlos San Juan Mesonada, Chairman of European DesertNet, Madrid University
70 71
Werner Krögel, Head of the Working Group C of the EPP-ED Group,
and Luca Marmo, Agriculture, Forests
II 15/05/2008: 20/05/2008:
Celebration of the International Day of the Family European Maritime Day
On Tuesday 20 May, on the occasion of ‘European Maritime Day’, the European Parliament
debated the Union’s Maritime Policy.
Europe has almost 70,000 km of coastline, and the maritime regions of the EU represent some
40% of both its population and its economy. The sea, the maritime sectors and marine resources
are essential for Europe’s prosperity.
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The decision for a European Maritime Day, was the result of an initiative undertaken by the first
Vice-President of the European Parliament and Member of the Committee on Transport and

Tourism, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP (Greece), an initiative supported by a great number of
MEPs from different political groups and countries.
EPP-ED spokesperson Georg Jarzembowski MEP (Germany), is calling for a sound management
of the seas, which requires more coordination in the management of coastal areas. To reduce
emissions from ships, Parliament is calling for a Directive on clean marine fuel. Land-based
electricity for ships in port should be extended to reduce air-pollution in port towns. More effort
should be put into exploiting the seas as a source of renewable energy.
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Chairwoman of the Family and Protection

of Childhood Intergroup (in the middle), (r-l) Anna Záborská MEP, Chairwoman
of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality of the European Parliament,
72 Stéphane Buffetaut, European Economic and Social Committee,
73
Ljubica Salinger, Representative of the Slovenian Ministry for the Family,
and Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment,
Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities
II 20/05/2008: 26/05/2008:
Exchange of views with Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Western Balkans
A Joint Parliamentary Meeting on the Western Balkans took place in Brussels on Monday 26 and
Tuesday 27 May. The main topic of the meeting was «Achieving the European Perspective for South
East Europe».
The role of parliaments in the integration of the Western Balkans to the European Union, economic
development, as well as immigration and visa policies, are the central themes of the meeting. EPP-
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ED Group Chairman Joseph Daul will present the Group’s position on the European perspective
for the region to the participants. Doris Pack, Chairwoman of the Delegation for relations with the
countries of South East Europe, will welcome participants from the EPP-ED Group’s political family

and will chair one of the three working groups. Keynote speakers include: Hans-Gert Poettering,
President of the European Parliament, José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European
Commission, and the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Janez Janša, whose country currently holds the
EU Presidency of the Council.
and Benita Ferrero-Waldner, European Commissioner for External Relations
and European Neighbourhood Policy
74 75
Hans-Gert Poettering MEP, President of the European Parliament (on the left),
and France Cukjati, President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia
II 03/06/2008:
Hearing on Supervision of the Structural Funds Management
Ingeborg Gräßle MEP (EPP-ED, Germany) organised a public hearing on the ‘Role and functioning
of supervisory and control systems for structural operations’ in the Committee on Budgetary
Control on Tuesday 3 June.
The public hearing focused on the supervision and control of EU funds spent on regional
operations. The main question is whether the new Regulations for the period 2007-2013 are
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sufficient to improve weaknesses in management, certification and audit functions as discovered
previously.

The Rapporteur inquires whether the gap between the subsidiarity principle and the Commission’s
final responsibility for implementation can be closed?
Speakers included Mr Brian Gray, Accounting officer of the European Commission; Louis Vervloet,
Ministry of the Flemish Community, Belgium; Dimitrios Sousounis, Ministry of Economy and
Finance, Greece and Susanna Rafalzik, Federal Chancellery, Austria.
Doris Pack MEP, Chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations
with the Countries of South-East Europe, and Krzysztof Bernacki, Head of Unit, Multilateral
Relations, DG Presidency of the European Parliament
76 77
II 04/06/2008: 05/06/2008:
Conference on Religious Monuments in the Prefecture Hearing on CO2 emissions and the Automotive Industry
of Xanthi, Greece
EPP-ED Group organised a public hearing on CO2 emissions and the Automotive Industry in the
European Parliament on 5 June. The event was chaired by EPP-ED Vice-Chairman Gunnar Hökmark
MEP (EPP-ED, Sweden).
Subjects such as incentives, innovations along with fines and credits were covered by experts
representing both the European Car Industry and science.
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Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,
Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, 1st Vice-President of the European Parliament,
HE Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi
78 79
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
Martin Callanan MEP, and Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, 1st Vice-President of the European Parliament,
and HE Metropolitan Panteleimon of Xanthi and the Mufti of Xanthi
II 07/06/2008: 11/06/2008:
Open Days in the European Parliament in Brussels Hearing on Christian Assyrians in Iraq
Esther de Lange MEP (EPP-ED, Netherlands) organised a conference on the situation of the
Assyrian minority in Iraq on Wednesday 11 June. The event was prepared in collaboration with the
Assyria Council of Europe.
According to figures from UNHCR, more than one million Christian Assyrians are internally
displaced persons in Iraq. Others have fled to other countries. Representatives of UNHCR and the
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European Commission as well as the ambassador of Iraq to the EU, Mr Mohammed Al-Doreky and
several MEPs gave their views on the situation. The event took place on Wednesday 11 June in room
A5E2 of the European Parliament.

80 81
Esther de Lange MEP and Giorgos Dimitrakopoulos MEP

II 12/06/2008: 12/06/2008:
Hearing on Galileo/Egnos applications and services Hearing on Chances for the healthy development of children
The EPP-ED Group hold a hearing on Thursday 12th June on the application of the Galileo/EGNOS «Chances for the healthy development of children - a European Challenge» is the topic of the
navigation system. hearing organised by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP and Chairwoman of the Committee
on Industry, Research, and Energy, Angelika Niebler MEP (Germany) on Thursday 12 June 2008 in
The event was chaired by Slovakian MEP Ján Hudacký MEP. the European Parliament.
MEPs from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, as well as Commission representatives Over 200 million children in the world suffer from disabilities. Renowned medical experts,
and satellite navigation experts discussed the future of the applications and services provided by
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researchers and the Commission representatives will exchange views on how to better address
Galileo. The project was given the green light by Parliament in April of this year, paving the way for the problems of children with disabilities, in particular through the development of early diagnosis
the first common European infrastructure. techniques and further research activities, and ensure their full social and later professional

integration.
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Ján Hudacký MEP (2nd from left), Etelka Barsi-Pataky MEP (in the middle) F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
(l-r) Edgar Thielmann, DG TREN, European Commission, Pedro Pedreira, Executive Director,
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP, Angelika Niebler MEP, both organisers
GSA, and Raymond Rosso, French Galileo Inter-ministerial Coordination
of the hearing, and Professor Dr Theodor Hellbrügge, Munich, Germany
II 12/06/2008: 12/06/2008:
Hearing on Fight Against Piracy: In Search of Consensus Hearing on European Defence Equipment Market
EPP-ED Members Jacques Toubon (France) and Ruth Hieronymi (Germany) hosted a hearing on Several EPP-ED MEPs have organised an EPP-ED Group Hearing on the Commission’s Defence
‘Creative Content Online’ - piracy of creative online content. The protection of intellectual property Package - ‘Building a European Defence Equipment Market’ in the European Parliament on
is more difficult than ever in the internet age. Thursday 12 June.
The hearing took place on Thursday 12 June from 16.00 to 19.00 hrs in the European Parliament The event took place in the European Parliament Room ASP 3E2. It was introduced by Charlotte
Room ASP 3E2. The threefold thematic panel had been prepared in cooperation with ADAMI, Cederschiöld MEP (Sweden), EPP-ED Spokesperson on public procurement and Shadow
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the French society for the collective administration of performers’ rights. Rapporteur, Karl von Wogau MEP (Germany), Chairman of the Sub-committee on Security and
Defence, Andreas Schwab MEP (Germany), Internal Market Committee Vice-Coordinator, Jacques
Toubon MEP (France) and Nickolay Mladenov MEP (Bulgaria) participated at the hearing, as well

as representatives of industry and academia.
The event focused on developing policies that ensure fair and efficient work-sharing arrangements
as well as cross border co-operation at the industrial level.
The defence package is viewed as a great step forward in terms of achieving the Single Market,
and preserving and improving the competitiveness of the European defence industry.
84 85
Ruth Hieronymi MEP, Jacques Toubon MEP and Philippe Ogouz, Chairman of ADAMI
Nickolay Mladenov MEP, Karl von Wogau MEP, Charlotte Cederschiöld MEP,
Andreas Schwab MEP and Andrew James, Manchester Business School
II 12/06/2008: 17/06/2008:
Conference on Herbicides on Railway Tracks Exchange of views with José Manuel Durão Barroso,
President of the European Commission
An EPP-ED conference on the herbicides used around railway tracks took place in the European
Parliament on 12 June.
The event was hosted by MEPs Zsolt Becsey (Hungary), John Bowis (United Kingdom),
Georg Jarzembowski (Germany) and Timothy Kirkhope (United Kingdom) on Thursday 12 June in
the room ASP 5E2 from 09.30 to 13.00 hrs.
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It was supported by CER - the Community of European Railway and Infrastructure Companies -
which brings together 70 railway undertakings and infrastructure companies from the European

Union, the accession countries (Croatia, FYROM and Turkey) as well as from the Western Balkan
countries, Norway, and Switzerland.
The herbicides used for keeping the railway tracks clean might leak into ground water and
drinking water in the vicinity of railway tracks, and are usually much stronger than those used
in agriculture.
(on the right), and José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission
86 87
II 23/06/2008: 24/06/2008:
Revision of the Toys Directive EMU: 10 years of the Economic and Monetary Union
The Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection of the European Parliament hold On Tuesday 24 June, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs organised a hearing on
a hearing on Monday 23rd June on toy safety. 10 years of the Economic and Monetary Union and future challenges. One of the issues of this
discussion was the international role of the Euro.
EPP-ED Vice-Chairwoman Marianne Thyssen MEP (Belgium) is rapporteur of Parliament’s
report on the toys directive. Industry representatives, regulators, and consumer interest groups Speakers included Theodor Waigel, former German Minister of Finance, Yves-Thibault de Silguy,
participated in the hearing, which examined the revision from both the industry and consumer former Commissioner on Economic and Monetary Affairs, and Lorenzo Bini Smaghi from the
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point of view, as well as enforcement issues. European Central Bank, as well as co-rapporteur Werner Langen MEP (Germany).
Mrs Thyssen has said that consumer protection tops the political agenda of the EPP-ED Group, The hearing took place in the European Parliament in Brussels.

and that recent problems on the toy market show that despite existing consumer protection
legislation, the need still exists to revise the Toys Directive.
88 89
II 25/06/2008: 28/08/2008:
Hearing on Great Lakes Hearing on food labelling
A public hearing on the situation on the African Great lakes took place on Wednesday 25th June German MEP Renate Sommer organised a hearing on the future of food labelling regulation in the
with Jürgen Schröder MEP (Germany) leading the discussion. EU on Thursday 28th June in the European Parliament in Brussels.
The area is one of the most densely populated regions of the world (about 107 million people) and Parliament’s rapporteur on the proposed Regulation on «Food Information to Consumers» hosted
covers the region of Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo. The hearing will focus on the state the hearing, which included presentations from experts in the field from the institutions, European
of affairs in this region, which has in recent decades been marred by civil war and conflict. consumer representative organisations, and small business associations.
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The hearing took place in the European Parliament in Brussels. The rapporteur emphasised that over-regulation in this sector should be avoided.

90 91
Renate Sommer MEP, Rapporteur on the proposed Regulation on ‘Food Information

to Consumers’, Roseline Lecourt, Representative of the French Presidency of the European
Council, and Jose-Maria Espuny Moyano, ECOSOC
II 17/09/2008: 18/09/2008:
EPP-ED Group receives His Beatitude Theophilos III, Hearing on General and Business Aviation
Patriarch of Jerusalem
British EPP-ED Member Timothy Kirkhope hosted a hearing on general and business aviation,
in cooperation with MEPs Luís Queiró) and Marian-Jean Marinescu, and the Commission’s
Directorate-General for Energy and Transport, on Thursday 18 September in room A3E2 of the
European Parliament in Brussels.
The hearing focused on better aviation regulation, airports’ perspectives, as well as air traffic
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management, and the Single European Sky. Representatives from the aviation industry, as well as
Commission experts participated.

92 93
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, F R O M R I G H T T O L E F T:
and His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European
Parliament, Bo Redeborn, Director ATM Strategies, Eurocontrol,
Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director of Aviation, DG TREN, European Commission,
and Mikolaj Ratajczyk, DG TREN, European Commission
II 18/09/2008: 24/09/2008:
Hearing on ‘Youth Policies: How to improve the situation His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
of young people in the labour market’ with delegation in the European Parliament
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F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: The President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Poettering
and the First EP Vice-President Mrs Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou
Florent Barel, Vice-President, European Confederation of Junior Enterprises (JADE),
welcome His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with delegation
94 Ines Prainsack, Bureau Member, European Youth Forum, Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou 95
in the European Parliament
MEP, co-host of the hearing, Yannis Smirlis, President, Youth of the European People’s Party
(YEPP), Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament
and co-host of the hearing, Marie-Claire Petit-Perrin, Adviser, Higher Education Cooperation,
French Permanent Representation to the EU, and Sylvie Vlandas, Youth Policy,
European Commission
II 08/10/2008: 08/10/2008:
Exchange of views with Alexander Milinkevich, Round Table on «Christian Communities
Leader of the Democratic Opposition in Belarus in the Muslim World: Iraq»
EPP-ED Vice-Chairman Vito Bonsignore hosted, in the framework of the EPP-ED Working Group on
Islam, the first round table on “Christian Communities in the Muslim World: Iraq», on Wednesday
8th October in the European Parliament in Brussels.
The event is part of the EPP-ED Islam Dialogue strategy which includes an exhaustive discussion
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about Christianity in the Arab World and the principles of mutual integration, non-discrimination
and tolerance in a situation where in some countries, members of the Christian minority are

fighting for survival. This first round table on Iraq represents a cornerstone of future Group
initiatives.
Alexander Milinkevich, leader of the Belarus Democratic Opposition,

96 Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EP-ED Group in the European Parliament, 97
Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,
and Hartmut Nassauer MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Vito Bonsignore MEP,
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, and Mgr Krzysztof Nitkiewicz, Under Secretary
of the Congregation of Oriental Churches, the Vatican
II 08/10/2008: 08/10/2008:
EPP-ED Winners of Parliament Magazine MEP Awards 2008 Official visit of Mrs Ingrid Betancourt
to the European Parliament
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, has congratulated the EPP-ED winners of The
Parliament Magazine MEP Awards 2008. Daul said that this is international acknowledgement of
the EPP-ED Group’s political work.
Six members of the EPP-ED Group were honoured with an award in several categories: Kinga Gál
(Justice and Civil Liberties), Alojz Peterle (Health and Food Safety), Neil Parish (Agriculture and
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Fisheries), Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou (Employment and Social Affairs), Alejo Vidal-Quadras
(Energy), and Paul Rübig (Research and Innovation).

The Parliament Magazine, devoted to issues concerning the European Union, held its annual
awards ceremony for 2008 on 8 October. The nominations were made by European non-
governmental organisations and the final decisions were made
Ingrid Betancourt, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group

98 in the European Parliament, and Brigitte Fouré MEP 99
Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou MEP (on the left), Employment & Social Affairs Award,
Kinga Gál MEP (2nd from left), Justice & Civil Liberties Award, Paul Rübig MEP
(3rd from left), Research & Innovation Award, Alojz Peterle MEP, (4th from left),
Health & Food Safety Award, and Neil Parish MEP, Chairman of the Committee
on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament (front row, 2nd from right),
Agriculture & Fisheries Award
II 13-14/10/2008:
9th Summit of Chairmen of EPP-ED parliamentary groups
of national parliaments in the EU-27
At the opening of the 9th Summit of the EPP-ED Parliamentary Groups in the EU, Joseph Daul,
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, welcomed participants and underlined the importance of joint
European action in times of financial and economic crisis.
José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission, reminded participants that
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the Commission has always been an advocate of the parliamentary dimension of the European
Union and that more than ever the national and European levels need to cooperate. «This meeting

takes place at a crucial moment,» Mr Barroso continued, «We have just had an important meeting
with Eurozone leaders which signalled our clear commitment to act together as member states
to restore confidence. We have also agreed on a toolbox of measures, which allow us to deal with
these exceptional circumstances without undercutting the internal market rules. In just two days
we have a European Council meeting which I am confident will provide further means for joint
action to solve the current crisis and minimize its economic impact.»
Joseph Daul underlined that all responsible institutions and professional organisations need
to cooperate to make sure that the impact of the current crisis on Europe’s small and medium
enterprises is minimised.
Iñigo Mendez de Vigo MEP, Pierre Lequiller, Chairman of the National Assembly Delegation
In response to the question of Wolfgang Schüssel, Chairman of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP)
to the EU, José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission,
parliamentary group in the Austrian national parliament, as to whether more flexibility is needed
as regards the implementation of the European climate and energy package, Mr Barroso was firm:
Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, and Vito Bonsignore MEP,
«A cleaner, greener economy and a more competitive European economy is possible. Promoting
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
renewables is vital to guarantee our energy security. Moreover, we are not taking unilateral action,
but are asking other world economies to follow our lead towards a more sustainable economic
system.»
Vito Bonsignore, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group responsible for relations with national
parliaments, concluded the introductory discussion on the financial crisis: «As members of the
national and European parliaments we need to contribute to a solution to the financial crisis and
100 hold parallel debates in all 27 national parliaments and the European parliament. Only if each of us 101
takes ownership, can we come to a truly European solution. In fact, the signal of cohesion Eurozone
leaders gave last weekend had an immediate and positive impact on financial markets.»
and Pierre Lequiller, Chairman of the French National Assembly Delegation to the EU
II
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Piia-Noora Kauppi MEP and Jacek Saryusz-Wolski, Head of the Polish Delegation
of the EPP-ED Group Vytautas Landsbergis, Head of the Lithuanian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
102 103
Tunne Kelam, Head of the Estonian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Werner Langen, Chairman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European Parliament
II
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Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Luís Queiró, Head of the Portuguese Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
with Maria Martens, Head of the Dutch Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
104 105
Jaime Mayor Oreja, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group

and Head of the Spanish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Reinhard Rack, Head of the Austrian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
II
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O N T H E R I G H T: Margie Sudre, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
Christian Foldberg Rovsing, Head of the Danish Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
106 107
József Szájer, Vice-Chairman of EPP-ED Group,

Peter Štastný MEP, Head of the Slovak Delegation of the EPP-ED Group Head of the Hungarian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
II 20/10/2008:
Meeting with Xavier Bertrand,
French Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Solidarity
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Jan Zahradil, Head of the Czech Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
(on the left), and Xavier Bertrand, French Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Solidarity
108 109
Stefano Zappala’, Head of the Italian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group

II 01/11/2008: In 2008, the Service for the Relations with National Parliaments attended COSAC meetings and
meetings of Chairpersons held in February and May in Slovenia and in July and November in
EPP-ED Parliamentary Group and the National Parliaments Paris.
On 15 April the Eighth Summit of the Chairmen of the EPP-ED Parliamentary Groups in the EU
In November 2007 the Group Presidency decided to set up a new Service for the Relations with was held in Brussels to discuss the ratification process and the implementation of the Treaty of
National Parliaments. It is a small flexible structure made of administrators, assistants, a press Lisbon and the new borders for the area of freedom, security and justice in Europe. Mr JUNKER
officer and a Member responsible for internal coordination within the secretariat depending on the and Mr FRATTINI spoke.
matters to be considered at the various meetings.
The Ninth Summit of the Chairmen of the EPP-ED Parliamentary Groups in the EU was held in
The Bureau has designated Mr Vito Bonsignore to fulfil this task, which has become increasingly Brussels on 13 and 14 October 2008. During the meeting proposals were discussed for an electoral
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important over the past few years. campaign focused on the same issues in the 27 Member States, together with a common external
energy policy. The Summit also focused on the topical issues arising from the current financial
Since 1984, the EPP-ED Group has been in regular contact with homologous groups in the national crisis and its economic implications, adopting a number of specific occlusions.

parliaments. These contacts have been stepped up over the last few years in the form of initiatives
at national parliamentary group level and in the context of the European Parliament’s formal In 2008, the European Parliament organised four joint meetings with the national parliaments:
contacts with the national parliaments.
> 11 and 12 February on the Lisbon Strategy;
The Group’s intention was for the service to focus on two aspects of parliamentary activity:
> 26 and 27 May on the Western Balkans;
1. Attendance at formal events involving the EP (parliamentary meetings, COSAC (Conference
> 10 and 11 September on Migration and Integration;
of Community and European Affairs Committees of Parliaments of the European Union)
Chairpersons, meetings of homologous committees, etc.). > 20 and 21 November in Strasbourg on Energy and Sustainable Development.
2. Organisation of activities together with homologous parliamentary groups (biannual All these parliamentary meetings were preceded by a meeting of the political family attended by
summit meetings, network meetings, Young Members’ Network meetings, fact-finding members and senators from the national parliaments and the European Parliament, co-chaired by
visits, seminars, etc.). an MEP and a member of parliament of the country holding the Union Presidency.
1. The Service regularly follows COSAC meetings, assisting the Vice-President responsible, On 11 and 12 September a meeting of the Young Parliamentary Network was held in Toulouse
currently Mr McMillan-Scott, on behalf of the EPP-ED, organising meetings within the political chaired by Mr SCHWAB and Mr DOMBROWSKY concerning the European Pact on Immigration
family and attending COSAC preparatory Chairpersons meetings. and Asylum and the challenges currently facing the European Union at international level.
At parliamentary meetings, the Service organises meetings of the political family and assistance It is hoped that it will be possible to widen the activities of the Service in the coming months,
for the Co-Chairman and rapporteur, at working group and plenary level, and produces a definitive particularly with a view to the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty.
record of these meetings.
2. Twice a year the EPP-ED Group organises a one-day summit meeting of all EPP-ED parliamentary Beatrice Scarascia Mugnozza
110 group chairmen from the 27 national parliaments in Brussels, to deliberate on our political Head of the «Relations with National Parliaments» Service 111
priorities and on topical European issues.
In addition to the meeting of Chairmen, a number of network meetings are held throughout the
year one of them with members of the national parliaments responsible for European issues in the
various parliamentary groups and the other concerning members of national parliaments below
the age of 35 meeting in Brussels or elsewhere to discuss specific issues in greater detail.
Records are published of all our activities, including observations by guests and all other
speakers.
We have also devoted a specific section of the Group’s site to relations with the national
parliaments, containing a record of all our activities, press releases, major documents and basic
legal texts. Since January we have also been issuing a newsletter reporting on our activities, seven
issues having appeared to date.
Three records of parliamentary meetings have also been published concerning: ‘The Lisbon
Strategy’, the ‘Western Balkans’ and the ‘Eighth Summit of the Chairmen of the EPP-ED
Parliamentary Groups in the EU. A further four leaflets have been drafted and are expected to be
published before the end of the year.
II 13/11/2008: 13/11/2008:
Hearing on Teacher Quality: Does it really matter? Hearing on Women and Spirituality
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l-r: Florian Colceag, IRSCA Gifted Education, Romania, Johannes De Gruyter, Leuven
Catholic University, Belgium, Professor Silvano Marseglia, President AEDE, Italy, Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP, host of the conference, and Mag Katerina Karkala-Zorba,
Andrea Cepova-Fourtoy, Adviser, Nicodim Bulzesc MEP, Professor Roger Beard,
112 Author of the study ‘Content and Quality of Teacher Education across the European Union’,
Member of the Executive Committee of the Church and Society Commission and Member 113
of the Special Commission on Women’s Issues of the Church of Greece
United Kingdom, Heinz Wagner, teacher of German, history, Catholic religion
and social science, and Adam Pokorny, Directorate-General for Education and Culture,
European Commission
II 13/11/2008: 03/12/2008:
Hearing on Perspectives of a European Roma Strategy Annual Meeting with the Arab League
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Speech by Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
114 115
Lívia Járóka MEP, host of the hearing, and Viktor Orbán, Leader of the Fidesz Party
and former Prime Minister of Hungary
II 04/12/2008: 11/12/2008:
Visit of His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama Public Hearing on Stem Cells
to the European Parliament
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His Holiness the XIVth Dalai Lama, Hans-Gert Poettering MEP, President of the European Alojz Peterle MEP) (in the middle), (l-r) Professor Rob Koremans, Jean-Marie Le Méné,
116 Parliament (both on the left), Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Président, Fondation Jérôme Lejeune, Elizabeth Montfort, ancien MEP, Professor Colin 117
in the European Parliament (on the right), and Mario Mauro MEP, Vice-President McGuckin, Professor Lorenza Lazzari, Senior and Professor Christof Stamm
of the European Parliament (2nd from right)
II 11/12/2008: 17/12/2008:
Hearing on European Values, Regional Identity Exchange of views with H.Em. Cardinal Ennio Antonelli,
and Intercultural Dialogue President of the Pontifical Council for the Family
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F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: HE Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, President of the Pontifical Council for the Family
118 Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP, Lambert van Nistelrooij MEP 119
and Ján Figel’, European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth
III III. External meetings
1. Bureau Meetings
07-08 /02/2008:
Meeting of the Bureau in Nicosia, Cyprus
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Conclusions

The EPP-ED Group Bureau met in Nicosia (Cyprus) on 7 and 8 February 2008 to discuss the EU’s
Mediterranean Policy and its prospects, the role of the United Nations in Cyprus, the settlement of
the Cyprus question and the Middle East peace process
Options for the EU’s future Mediterranean Policy

III > External meetings The south and east Mediterranean and the Middle East make up an area of vital strategic
importance. The EPP-ED Group is playing a major role in making the Mediterranean region the top
priority in the EU’s external relations.
The Mediterranean countries have a future to share, bonds of solidarity to forge and specific
projects to carry out.
It is proving difficult to put these ideas into practice, however. None of the political, economic and
cultural initiatives launched in the 1990s – the Barcelona Process, the 5+5 dialogue, the European
Neighbourhood Policy, the Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership, and
the Euro-Mediterranean Energy Forum – has succeeded in correcting the persistent imbalances
affecting the countries on the southern side of the Mediterranean.
120 These countries feel abandoned by a Europe which they think is more concerned with integrating 121
the former eastern bloc countries institutionally and politically. They do not have the impression
that they are being treated as equals in the Euro-Mediterranean process, which has produced no
more than modest results.
For the EPP-ED Group, opening up to the south is just as important a challenge for the EU as
opening up to the east was.
The challenges in the Mediterranean are considerable: the growing disparities in the standard of
living between the northern and southern sides of the Mediterranean are increasing migratory
pressures, with dramatic human consequences. Growing youth unemployment, the lack of
prospects for improvement, and frustration arising from the Middle East conflict are all creating a
breeding ground for extremism.
Today’s international geopolitical and geoeconomic developments mean that we need to think
about how to make the Mediterranean a link rather than a barrier, and to make it an area of both
economic and human peace, stability and progress.
During its meeting in Nicosia, the EPP-ED Group Bureau put forward four proposals aimed at
finally establishing an area of shared peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean:
III
The stumbling block for creating a genuine Euro-Mediterranean area is the lack of a resolution
to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. If we are determined to contribute towards peace, the main
The division of the island is an anachronism that has to end. The Cyprus question must be settled
in a way that is accepted by both Turkish and Greek Cypriots.
emphasis must be on creating a Palestinian State in the near future.
Since the events of 1974, the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) has been
The revitalised Partnership must undertake to provide greater support for local enterprises on the island to monitor the ceasefire lines and the buffer zone and to carry out humanitarian
and direct investment in the Mediterranean partner countries (MPCs), which are a source of work.
development and jobs. Strong support must be given to the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean
financial institution along the lines of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Since 1974 the situation in Cyprus has remained calm, with both sides generally observing the
(EBRD), which should improve projects and give investors more confidence. ceasefire and the military status quo.
The EuroMed project has up to now been a project for governments and markets. In order to However, this continuing calm should not blind us to the fact that what Cyprus has is a ceasefire,
not peace. The status quo is not an acceptable solution.
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promote a genuine partnership, the EPP-ED Group wants civil society to be more involved, in
order to encourage and stimulate the values of tolerance, education and understanding between The United Nations has tried to come up with a formula that is acceptable to both Greek and
nations. Turkish Cypriots by promoting a series of talks. After a two-year gap following the Greek Cypriots’

There must be a proper communication campaign to give the EuroMed Partnership a higher profile rejection of the Annan Plan in 2004, the talks restarted in 2006. Despite its long-term presence
among the public, and to ensure that they see it as a fundamental factor in their own country’s in Cyprus, however, the United Nations has still not managed to find a solution to the Cyprus
economic competitiveness, jobs and incomes in the years to come. problem.
Although there is help from the United Nations and the European Union, it is clear that the Cyprus
problem must be resolved first and foremost by the Cypriots themselves.
The Barcelona Process needs to be given fresh impetus. Cyprus must not just rely on the international community but must itself take the necessary steps
to put an end to 40 years of mistrust. The process will not succeed unless both communities share
The European Neighbourhood Policy, which covers extremely different countries from Ukraine to a desire to live together.
Libya and aims to bring them closer together in a wide variety of fields such as human rights or the With this in mind, the United Nations is working very hard to try to reconcile the two communities,
harmonisation of technical standards, does not have a clear approach or objectives. particularly through the Committee on Missing Persons, which is tasked with finding the remains
Enhanced cooperation around the Mediterranean is not just in the interest of the North African of those who have disappeared, whether from the Greek or Turkish community.
countries, but is also of vital interest to the people of Europe. The EPP-ED Group supports this initiative, because if families can mourn their loved ones this
Whichever path is chosen, the Barcelona Process and the European Neighbourhood Policy must could contribute to a reconciliation between the two communities and hence to a solution of the
remain central to the partnership between the EU as a whole and its Mediterranean partners. Cypriot problem.
The Barcelona approach and the Neighbourhood Policy provide an essential Community framework The EPP-ED Group urges this Committee to work more quickly, because eye-witnesses are growing
which will be instrumental in the conduct of this policy. old. The European Parliament must help to ensure that the EU provides greater financial and moral
support for this project, which is welcomed by all Cypriots.
What the Mediterranean needs, however, is a major regeneration project. If an area of shared peace
122 and prosperity is at last to be created in the Mediterranean, all political input is welcome. Today Cyprus is a member of the EU and Turkey has started accession negotiations. It is therefore 123
right that the EU should monitor and support the negotiations conducted under the aegis
The EPP-ED Group therefore feels that President Sarkozy’s initiative for a Mediterranean Union of the UN.
dealing with specific projects such as water management, cleaning up the Mediterranean
and energy efficiency deserves to be given consideration, provided that it is a supplementary The EU has reaffirmed its desire to ensure that the people of Cyprus soon fulfil their common
programme, that it does not undermine the EU’s Euro-Mediterranean institutions, and that it destiny as citizens of a united Cyprus within the EU by focusing on economic integration and
keeps within the framework of the financial perspective adopted by the European Parliament for improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU.
the period up to 2013. The High Level Contact Group for relations with the Turkish-Cypriot community in the northern
As far as the EPP-ED Group is concerned, the EU, as the main donor of funding to the region, must part of the island was set up in response to the pressing need to strengthen ties with the Turkish-
involve itself more closely if it is to become a genuine political player promoting greater security, Cypriot community following Cyprus’ accession in 2004.
stability and prosperity in this strategic region. The Contact Group can thus play a useful role not just by facilitating contacts with the EU
institutions, but also by promoting meetings between the communities and supporting the UN
measures.
Settling the Cyprus question The EPP-ED Group stresses the need to create a favourable climate for an overall solution to the
Cyprus question within the UN framework, which will require genuine political will from each of
On the subject of the Cyprus question, the EPP-ED Group has always been in favour of the the parties involved.
withdrawal of Turkish and foreign troops, so that in a reunified Cyprus which respects the EU’s
principles and values, Turkish and Greek Cypriots can live in peace and harmony and can all enjoy
its benefits.
III The European Union: A key partner in promoting secure
and lasting peace in the Eastern Mediterranean
The Mediterranean region is currently facing disturbing developments: as well as the Palestinian
question and the political and humanitarian crisis in Gaza there is also a worrying degree of
instability in Iraq, Iran’s growing aspirations to become a nuclear power, war and political instability
in Lebanon, the spread of terrorism and arms proliferation, and uncertainty over energy security.
Against this uncertain and highly dangerous background, if there is to be a resolution to the Middle
East conflict, Israel will need guarantees about its security, but there must also be an economically
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viable Palestinian State. Both Palestinians and Israelis want to find a solution, but both states are
too weak to impose this on their political classes.

The Middle East conflict cannot be resolved solely under the aegis of the UN. The EU, through
the Quartet, must be able to play a bigger role because it is the only international player seen
as credible by the parties to the conflict. Up to now, however, the EU has not been prepared for
the work involved in building, preserving and consolidating peace because it does not have the
institutions it needs to conduct its foreign policy and speak with one voice.
While the EU may be by far the biggest donor to the region, this funding effort has not been
accompanied by an appropriate political presence.
Once the Lisbon Treaty comes into force it should offer new opportunities and enable the EU to
become a genuine political player in the region. Guaranteeing peace and stability in the region
Othmar Karas MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Ioannis Kasoulides MEP
is proving strategically necessary for the EU, which must become both a ‘key payer’ and a ‘key
(EPP-ED), former Cypriot Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP,
player’.
Vice-President of the European Parliament responsible for the Euro-Mediterranean
Parliamentary Assembly, Walid Fares, Assistant to the President and Political Bureau In order to make an effective contribution to resolving the conflict in the region and promoting a
Member of the Kataëb Parti, Maroun Karam, Representative of the Maronites, Lebanon, number of objectives, the EU should be able to inspire and also cooperate with the other players
Elmar Brok MEP and Andreas Theofanous, Professor, Director of the Cyprus Center in the region (UN, USA, Russia, China).
for European and International Affairs, University of Nicosia
The EU must define its interests and its political objectives more clearly. It needs a figure like a
Foreign Minister to ensure that its Member States’ foreign policy is better coordinated.
It is not realistic to hope to resolve the issue by the end of 2008, as planned at Annapolis; it will
take more time and effort. The Quartet’s Roadmap offers a first step towards resolving the conflict
124 in the Middle East. Israel must be given greater guarantees about its security. On the other hand, 125
a Palestinian State will not be economically viable without launching economic development
programmes and projects to support SMEs, and without reducing border security controls, which
are preventing both workers and goods from moving around. A ‘patchwork’ economy will not
work.
Without economic development in the region people will have no future prospects and there is a
risk that radicals could come to power in the next elections in 2010, which would throw everything
into chaos.
It is vital to focus support on socioeconomic development programmes and promoting European
values such as the market economy, tolerance, religious freedom, growth and economic
development in the region.
The Republic of Cyprus is the EU’s outpost in the south-eastern Mediterranean. Because of this
geographical proximity and the ties that it has long developed with all of its neighbours, Cyprus has
a key role to play in political areas such as economic and social development and the promotion
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: of peace and stability in the Middle East.
Panayiotis Demetriou MEP, Head of the Cypriot Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
Nicos Anastasiades, Chairman of the Democratic Rally (DISY),
III 17-18/04/ 2008:
Meeting of the Bureau in Portorož, Slovenia
Conclusions
The Bureau of the EPP-ED Group, which met in Portorož (Slovenia) on 17 and 18 April 2008,
focused on the issue of strengthening the identity and values of the European Union and on the
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European Union’s response to the challenges of climate change.

The values of the European Union
strengthening European Identity and Values
As a community of values in the 21st century, the European Union remains the means of
guaranteeing peace, freedom and democracy for 492 million European citizens.
The values defended today by the European Union are the result of Europe’s cultural history. With
the influence of ancient times, giving priority to the individual, and the Age of Enlightenment,
having a strong influence on European development, Christianity is now an essential component
Alain Le Roy, French Ambassador for the ‘Union for the Mediterranean’ Initiative, of the European identity.
Ioannis Varvitsiotis MEP, Head of the Greek Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
Heavily influenced by the Christian image of Man, the European Union of the 21st century presents
Franck Debié, Abdl Ahad Gamal el Din, Head of the Parliamentary Committee
itself as a community of values guided by the respect for human rights, tolerance, individual
of the National Democratic Party (NDP) in the Egyptian Assembly,
responsibility, freedom, subsidiarity and solidarity.
and Panayiotis Demetriou MEP, Head of the Cypriot Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
Our political family has had a considerable influence on this historical development.
Nonetheless, in a period characterised by general wellbeing, values and ethics seem to be less and
less relevant to the day-to-day concerns of society.
It is now time for our politicians to restore the values and beliefs to their rightful place.
126 127
The preamble to the Lisbon Treaty emphasises the importance of ‘the cultural, religious and
humanist inheritance of Europe, from which have developed the universal values of the inviolable
and inalienable rights of the human person, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law’.
Similarly, the ‘Rome Manifesto’ adopted by the EPP Congress in Rome on 30 31 March 2006
stipulates that the EPP family is united by a core set of values and principles: ‘dignity of the human
person, freedom and responsibility, fundamental equality, justice, subsidiarity and solidarity’.
These values are common to Member States’ societies, in which democratic pluralism, the rule
of law, non-discrimination, tolerance, and private property, based on the social market economy,
prevail.
For the EPP-ED Group, its values are inseparable. These universal values have allowed Europe to
be built. The European Union must defend them if it does not want to lose is identity.
The EPP-ED Group, which was the key player in the drafting of the Charter of Fundamental Rights,
welcomes its signing and its entry into force.
Although the United States has a culture based on the same universal values, it places greater
emphasis on the concept of freedom, while the European Union gives priority to the concept of
human dignity.
III
As God created Man in his own image, each human being thus possesses an individual dignity. The question of minorities and, in particular, the question of the rights of the Roma, should not
be dealt with solely at local level. The 167 minorities in Europe deserve a genuine common policy
As far as the EPP-ED Group is concerned, the principle according to which Man is a value in in this area.
himself must notably govern the debate on the justification for bioethics.
The EPP-ED Group defends the central position of the individual, contrary to the communist and
national-socialist doctrines in which the individual only plays a secondary role, priority being given
to classes or races as groups. The contribution of Intercultural Dialogue to the European
Faced with the new trends of socio-cultural life in the Western world, the EPP-ED Group takes its Union’s main strategic priorities
inspiration primarily from these values and traditions, which also encompass respect for family,
minorities and religions. Recognising the intrinsic value of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the EPP-ED Group reaffirms
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its political commitment to the founding principle of the EU: ‘united in diversity’.
For the EPP-ED Group, the defence of the family, as a group that enables core values to be
learned, is a key element of society. It is impossible to truly defend the values without defending Plurality gives rise to dialogue: dialogue between cultures and religions, based on respect,

the family. understanding and the desire to learn about and recognise one another.
In a period of social crisis, Europe must defend solidarity. Solidarity must become the cement of The essential values of freedom, responsibility and tolerance fuel this dialogue: as Angela Merkel
European society: solidarity with the least developed countries and regions in Europe; solidarity said recently, tolerance is the soul of Europe.
with the poorest regions in the world; but also, in the context of an ageing society, solidarity For the EPP-ED Group, dialogue between cultures is a precondition for the implementation of
between generations. its political priorities: it engenders an ethical responsibility and helps to raise awareness of the
The Union must prove, beyond its borders, that it is genuinely committed to protecting humanist European identity.
values. It is essential to give concrete expression to the values in day-to-day life: the EU is ready to commit
The values that are defended by the European Union and so dear to our political family, notably to ‘the union of the European people’, which the founding fathers so desired.
respect for democracy and human rights, are based on a moral and ethical commitment. At a time when the EU is promoting a society of knowledge, intangible values, culture and
Unfortunately, there is still a considerable gap between declaration of intent and rhetoric on the one spirituality are giving citizens a greater sense of responsibility when it comes to the choices they
hand and practice on the other when it comes to foreign policy, and the difficulty of reconciling the make.
interests and values is often evident. Intercultural dialogue is an element of integration at a European but also at a national and local
The EPP-ED Group has always striven to reduce this gap. We have constantly denounced the most level. It is a fundamental factor of active and responsible citizenship.
flagrant human rights violations and we have urged the European Union to use the instruments The EU must take the lead in showing solidarity and respect for cultures.
in its possession to promote freedom and respect for the individual throughout the world.
Democracy, individual freedom, human rights, minority rights, the right to practice one’s religion, Rather than the fact of having shared a common past, it should be the awareness of sharing a
and the right not to have any religious beliefs, as well as the rule of law are, as far as we are common future that is the driving force behind political action.
concerned, objectives in themselves.
128 Conscious of the fact that the ‘21st century will have to reintegrate the gods’ and, at a time when 129
Values and interests come together in the long term: we must reject the sterile contrast between the East and the West live side by side in Europe, we must establish the instruments needed to
realism and idealism. History has shown that sacrificing values in the name of short-term interests maintain social peace for the next millennium.
or apparent stability only leads to frustration, despair and violence.
Intra-cultural and intra-religious dialogue comes after intercultural and inter-religious dialogue.
The fact that China and Russia are major powers does not mean that we must refrain from This dialogue enables the links (family, religious, political or cultural) that unite individuals to be
denouncing human rights violations in those countries. maintained: tolerance could be surpassed in favour of a move towards acceptance of others.
When it comes to foreign policy the European Union must not give precedence to protecting its The EPP-ED Group is making a firm commitment that this year of intercultural dialogue will be
interests over defending morals and values. marked by actions and initiatives that focus on our everyday lives, and it must define and promote
their framework, values and nature in order to ensure continuity, while respecting pluralism.
In its international strategy, Europe establishes an inseparable link between democracy and
European integration. Accession is dependent upon respect for the Copenhagen criteria
concerning, in particular, democracy and respect for human rights and minorities.
As regards respect for the rights of minorities, it is nevertheless important to note that this
restrictive requirement for the new Member States is not imposed on the old Member States.
The EPP-ED Group regrets this policy of ‘double standards’ and calls for the establishment of a
European agency for fundamental rights underpinned by better cooperation within the European
Union for the protection of these rights.
III
Responding to climate change These real problems require real solutions. The future of the planet is not the monopoly of the
Greens. Leaving the political aspect of environmental issues to the Greens and the Left alone would
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. The transition to a only worsen the situation. The bureaucratic approach based on shortages and restrictions is not
‘low-carbon’ society is not just an environmental problem but also a development issue. the only alternative. We need to move from a dogmatic approach to a pragmatic approach.
The fight against climate change is also a question of ethics and morals because the people most It is therefore up to the EPP-ED Group to tackle these challenges by advocating a balanced
affected will be the most vulnerable, who contribute least to global warming. approach that takes account of environmental requirements but also the requirements linked to
the protection of the industrial sector and market mechanisms, always keeping in mind the defence
The year 2007 was of particular note in this area. The influence of the Stern Review on the of employment and the risks of energy dependence.
Economics of Climate Change and the publication of the IPCC report put Man’s influence at the
centre of the debate and highlighted the fact that the costs of implementing appropriate mitigating We must take into consideration the scientific analyses of climate change in order to respect the
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actions were lower than the economic consequences of a lack of action. environment and offer concrete solutions to provide effective and sustainable responses to the
challenges inherent in climate change.
After the Bali Conference held last December, it is now essential to continue along the same path

by reaching an agreement at the Copenhagen Conference in December 2009. Given that energy is the driving force behind the economy, it is thus vital to ensure sustainable
production and a reliable supply. Yet how can we reduce energy consumption? Therein lays the
To that end, all countries must be involved: not only the United States and the European Union but challenge. Research into new technologies requires the training of researchers in order to meet
also emerging and developing countries. the 20/20/20 target (20% reduction in carbon emissions compared with 1990 levels and 20% of
Our societies are facing a double challenge: on the one hand, the severe effects of climate change energy use through renewables by 2020).
can only be combated through drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions; on the other hand, It is important to identify the questions that are still outstanding in relation to the energy/
given that climate change is already a reality, there is an obvious need to implement adjustment climate package presented by the European Commission on 23 January. Is GDP a criterion for
measures that limit its consequences. Action in this area has become an unavoidable and the distribution of tasks? What are the sustainable criteria to be applied to biofuels? What is the
necessary complement to the policy of mitigation. situation regarding per capita emissions or regarding carbon leaks?
A European approach is necessary in order to ensure coordinated, effective policies to combat The reduction and management of greenhouse gas emissions must be the core objective of all
climate change. Adjustment and mitigating measures must follow the same logic and give them policies. Nevertheless, for the Commission’s ambitious goals to be achieved, the EPP-ED Group
the same importance. stresses that it is essential to avoid placing too many requirements on the industrial sector and to
Given their complexity and their unpredictable nature, it is very difficult to assess the costs and take account of the international context.
benefits of policies on climate change. In the field of energy efficiency, there is a paradox in Europe between the vast energy efficiency
The European Union’s current budget has neither an integrated approach nor a clearly defined potential linked to the new technologies that currently exist and that can be further enhanced, and
budget line. In that respect, it would be interesting to examine the financial resources to be made the fact that, in spite of the Commission’s Green Paper and the action plan for 2020, the results
available and how to increase the visibility of the actions carried out by the European Union. are still disappointing. Actions in these areas must be stepped up.
The EPP-ED Group therefore hopes that the Commission will undertake an analysis of the financial The EPP-ED Group recognises the role of renewable energies. Carbon capture and nuclear energy
instruments and their use in the implementation of the measures to adjust to climate change could also be keys to the problem.
130 131
within their original scope. As regards trade in emission quotas (ETS), the main objective must be to conclude a good
Adjusting to climate change is a global challenge and the external dimension of adjustment international agreement in December 2009 at the Copenhagen Conference.
measures must also be examined. In this context, the EPP-ED Group considers that particular The EPP-ED Group believes that the European Union and the US, the two largest economic blocs
attention must be paid to the poorest and the most vulnerable. in the world, should reach agreement on effective carbon management, while working together to
Moreover, a form of low-carbon economy could create new jobs. The alternative option would establish an economy with low greenhouse gas emissions.
jeopardise international security, with the influx into Europe of ‘climate refugees’. The transport sector contributes significantly to air pollution. In an environmentally-friendly
approach, priority should be given to reducing vehicle emissions and energy consumption. Efforts
must also focus on road quality and traffic management.
Managing the climate change strategies and options Transport policy must respect four principles that are vital for sustainable development: cost
efficiency, society, environment and ethics. The problem cannot be left to future generations. We
The effects and repercussions of climate change must be studied in minute detail with a view to need to establish a sustainable transport system that encompasses all forms of transport. In this
establishing the most effective strategies and determining the most effective options to respond respect, Galileo is the European Union’s most ambitious technological challenge. It is important to
to them. encourage the manufacture of ‘green vehicles’, which would help to reduce their current cost.
The increase in air traffic and the development of low-cost airlines are aggravating the negative
impact on the environment, which is why air transport should be included in the Directive on the
ETS (Emission Trading Scheme).
III
In the field of agriculture, climate change has a significant impact on the nature of plant and animal
production. The European Union will have to adopt new policies to help the rural world to adapt
to these new challenges.
The CAP health check and the Commission’s legislative proposals will have to give priority to
training, research, launching new technologies, enhancing sectoral capacity and strengthening
international cooperation. The goal should be to promote an increase in European agricultural
production in order to preserve the EU’s food independence and deal with the risks of a global
food shortage.
The area of health must also be at the heart of the debate on the repercussions of climate
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change.
As well as managing the direct effects (storms, cyclones, floods), we will have to establish

strategies to manage the indirect effects of global warming, which in the long term will result in
changes to ecological systems, with numerous repercussions (new distribution of tropical insects
that spread diseases, pollen diffusion, rise in viral vectors that are surviving the increasingly mild
winters, more frequent occurrences of the 2003 heat-wave that was directly responsible for the
deaths of 70 000 people, etc.).
It is already possible to measure the current effects and to anticipate the future impact of climate
change on health. A recent study estimates that global warming will be responsible for 200 000
additional deaths every year from now until 2030.
Europe and the world in general will have to tackle numerous new challenges in the area of health.
Although health policy may be the preserve of the Member States, the impact of climate change
can only be dealt with by Europe or the international community. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
The EPP-ED Group takes the threat of climate change extremely seriously and hopes to respond Andrej Bajuk, President of New Slovenia - Christian People’s Party, and Martin Kamp,
to it in a pragmatic manner. Secretary General of the EPP-ED Group
It is impossible to respect the planet without respecting what scientists tell us. It is only by taking
account of science that we can be sure of fulfilling our role as effective and pragmatic politicians.
It is in this spirit that the EPP-ED Group is committed to playing a key role in the fight against
climate change as a contribution to stability at a global level.
132 133
Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Andrej Bajuk, President of the New
Slovenia-Christian People’s Party, Mihael Brejc MEP, Head of the Slovenian Delegation
of the EPP-ED Group, and Ljudmila Novak MEP
III 2. Study Days
02-04/07/2008:
EPP-ED Group Study Days in Paris, France
Conclusions
Opening the EPP-ED Group Study Days in Paris, Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the biggest
2008
2008
political group in the European Parliament, said: «Our Study Days are dedicated to the
construction of a Europe which protects, without being protectionist; which is proud of its social

model, without being arrogant; and which thinks of everyone’s welfare, especially the most needy,
without abandoning the reforms which will make Europe the most powerful force in the world.»
Chairman Daul highlighted the importance of human values to the Centre and Centre-Right, such
as freedom and responsibility. He also praised the political courage needed to address the truth to
citizens, particularly in the face of major challenges, and to carry out reforms where necessary.
«The EPP-ED Group is confident in the capacity and creativity of each individual. We have chosen a
movement and reform which reflect our commitment to our countries and to Europe», concluded
Daul.
r-l: Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Patrick Devedjian, Secretary-General of the French UMP Party, welcomed the EPP-ED Group to
Andrej Bajuk, President of New Slovenia - Christian People’s Party, and Mihael Brejc MEP, the French capital just 24 hours after France took over the Presidency of the EU: «Your choice is a
Head of the Slovenian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group strong signal, and we honour your choice. We feel the need for a strong Presidency.
Devedjian broached the subject of the European Elections in 2009 which will require coordinated
cooperation between the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament and the EPP Party. «It is vital
to offer a European choice and to create a trans-national political awareness. This time round, the
UMP won’t ask its citizens to vote UMP. We will ask our citizens to vote for the EPP», concluded
Devedjian.
Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group, expressed her wish for
the completion of the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. «Europe is an opportunity for us all. If we
134 want to convince our citizens of this, we have to come up with tangible solutions in the areas which 135
trouble them», she said.
Alain Lamassoure MEP, National Secretary of the UMP responsible for Europe, stressed the
importance of deadlines in 2009 which will arise in an unprecedented way. «While the leaders of
the three European Institutions (Commission, Council and Parliament) are from the EPP family,
and assuming that the Lisbon Treaty is put in place as soon as possible - despite the obstacles we
have encountered - for the first time, the European Elections will be a real issue. We, the EPP, have
an objective: we will nominate a candidate for the post of President of the European Commission
at a congress next April. If we win the European Elections, citizens can rest assured of our support
for the highest European posts and we will explain the legislative programme to them. We will win
in this crucial era of the European Union», concluded Lamassoure.
III
EU needs a political role in fight against terrorism Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, underlined the importance of such
an integrated strategy explicitly including the use of nuclear power and the establishment of a
EPP-ED Vice-Chairman, Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, called for a political role for the European functioning internal market for energy. The Swedish MEP also rejected growing demands for higher
Institutions in the fight against terrorism because «if Europeans do not feel that their safety is oil production to lower prices as this would automatically be connected to higher CO2 emissions.
being protected, they won’t believe in Europe.» Angelika Niebler MEP, said that the potential for higher energy efficiency and more energy savings
«How many terrorist attacks must we suffer before we give a role to the EU institutions to play in must be fully exploited. This would also mean additional efforts in Research and Development
the fight against terrorism?», he asked during the first session of the EPP-ED Study Days in Paris, amounting to €2.4 billion at present. The German MEP stressed the danger that politics must not
focussing on this subject. In his view, the EU has a role to play in the exchange of information, over-regulate markets and citizens. Instead, an adequate balance between recommendations and
intelligence data, and police and justice co-operation to show the Europeans that «we are taking regulations in the energy sector has to be found.
care of their safety and acting against one of the first threats that could ruin their lives», the EPP-
2008
2008
In her conclusions, Finnish MEP Eija Riitta Korhola, Member of the Temporary Committee on
ED Vice-Chairman said. Climate Change, stated that clean, independent and competitive energy cannot work without the
Jaime Mayor Oreja explained that the fight against terrorism means to combat a concrete necessary fiscal instruments. The Emission Trading System, which is currently under revision,

organisation «with a perverse political project and a more or less important social support» and must thus balance climate needs with job needs to avoid that the polluter pays principle becomes
«we must fight with all the means provided by the rule of law». He also said we must not be afraid a polluter wins principle outside the EU.
to name the terrorists: «To say that the Jihadist terrorists are the main threat that we face doesn’t
mean that we are attacking Islam», he stated.
This view was shared by several EPP-ED MEPs participating in the debate. British MEP Timothy Rising food prices - a global responsibility for Europe
Kirhope said that a terrorist attack in any EU country should be regarded as an attack to all, so «at
the end of the day, we should share the information to fight against the terrorists». Hubert Pirker The third and final day of the EPP-ED Study Days in Paris centred around food security and
MEP called for the creation of a legal base in the Treaties to require everybody to co-operate and food safety. Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, led the debate. Michel Barnier, French
put together all the information available. And finally, Agustín Díaz de Mera MEP highlighted the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, kicked off discussions with an overview of the priorities of
waste of time and efforts created by the «five or six different structures that the EU institutions have the French Presidency of the Council of Europe in the field of agriculture and food production.
with some kind of competences to fight against terrorism» because «they are making competition Barnier underlined the need for moving agriculture high up the political agenda: whereas in the
between themselves instead of sharing the information.» past it was enough for the European Union to be self-sufficient, Europe now needs to play a greater
EPP-ED Vice-Chairman József Szájer MEP, closed the debate saying that the EPP-ED Group role in worldwide food supply.
should work to keep the balance between freedom and security, which is not respected by other Developing countries in turn need to move away from production for export to production
political Groups, and drive its action always having in mind that the fight against terrorism means for own use and export. According to Barnier, two instruments need to be created to increase
protection of the values that we believe in. investments in agriculture. The first tool is a high level political discussion group which jointly
Walid Phares from the European Foundation for Democracy, William Shapccott, Director of the Joint addresses challenges in food supply and energy supply. This global discussion group would
Situation Centre (SITCEN) of Council of the EU, and the EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator, Gilles comprise representatives from the World Bank, the EU and the Food and Agriculture Organisation
de Kerchove, also spoke during the session on different aspects of the fight against terrorism. of the United Nations (FAO). Secondly, Barnier announced that during the French Presidency,
136 together with the European Commission, he will try and set up regional agricultural cooperation in 137
developing countries: «African and South-American countries cannot be left alone in their struggle
against the effects of globalisation. Enhanced cooperation is vital in a globalised world,» Barnier
said.
A coherent energy policy for Europe
Franz Fischler, President of Rural Investment Support for Europe (RISE) and former EU
The EPP-ED-Group discussed pending opportunities and challenges for a common European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, tackled the issue of food supply
strategy for energy, under the chairmanship of Hartmut Nassauer MEP (CDU/D), Vice-Chairman in relation to the fight against climate change. Mr Fischler underlined that migration in developing
of the EPP-ED Group, at its Study Days in Paris. countries, with an ageing population and 1 billion people moving from rural to urban areas in
Prof Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, the coming years, puts a higher responsibility on Europe’s shoulders to contribute to global food
pointed out the scenario of an unchanged energy policy which could lead to global warming of up production: «Europe has a global responsibility in terms of the food challenge and the climate
to five degrees Celsius before the end of this century. This would mean e.g. increasing rainfall and challenge. If we want to achieve the objective of an increase of 50% in food production in the next
floods in Northern Europe and rapid desertification in Southern Europe. It could also result in a 20 years, developed countries need to contribute substantially to food production.»
global loss of up to 40 percent in global GDP if world energy policy remained unchanged. Hafez Ghanem, Assistant Director-General of the Economic and Social Development Department
Peter Boot, Director of the Long Term Cooperation and Policy Analysis Office of the International of the FAO, emphasised that the soaring food prices are here to stay. The demand for food products
Energy Agency added that a further increase of 55 percent in energy consumption can be expected, will only increase in years to come and it is estimated that an additional 50 million people will suffer
out of which 84 percent would be fossil fuels. He therefore called for an integrated approach from food shortage. Mr Ghanem said urgent international action is needed to increase investments
of energy savings as well as the use of renewables, nuclear energy and clean coal for energy in agriculture in developing countries and to coordinate food and agricultural policies.
production.
III
Mathilde Lemoine, Director of Economic Studies of HSBC France, discussed the role of speculation
in rising food prices. The increase in money liquidity has strongly influenced the global demand
of primary agricultural products, while at the same time the weak dollar has contributed to high
prices for primary products and oil. The central question Europe needs to address, according to Ms
Lemoine, is how to put an end to speculation of food prices without endangering food supply.
In the debate following the presentations, several MEPs underlined the need for a radical turnover
of the Common Agricultural Policy: instead of discouraging production, incentives are now
needed to increase agricultural production. Michel Barnier concluded by saying that the current
crisis situation should be seized as an opportunity to change the energy model of agricultural
production: farmers need to move away from petrol to alternative energy sources. For Barnier, the
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2008
much-contested biofuels have their place in the energy mix, but food production should remain
the absolute priority.

with Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic of France and President-in-Office
of the European Council
138 139
Speech by Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the Republic of France

© Service photo Elysée - Photographe Arnaud Roiné
III
2008
2008

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
(in the middle), (l-r) Patrick Devedjian, Secretary-General of the UMP, (4th from right), (r-l) Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group, John Biesmans, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,
Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the
and John Biesmans, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group, Patrick Devedjian, Secretary-General of the UMP,
Alain Lamassoure MEP, and Gilles de Kerchove, EU Counter-Terrorism Coordinator
140 141
(2nd from right), (l-r) Franz Fischler, President of the RISE Foundation (Rural Investment
Support for Europe) and former European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural
Development and Fisheries, Michel Barnier, French Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries,
III 3. Other meetings
22/01/2008:
The Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in Bulgaria
2008
2008

Gunnar Hökmark MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
(speaking), (l-r) Eija-Riitta Korhola MEP, Angelika Niebler MEP, Chairwoman
of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy of the EP, Pieter Boot, Director
of the Long Term Cooperation and Policy Analysis Office, International Energy Agency,
Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Research (PIK), Hartmut Nassauer MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, (3rd from left, with interpreter), (l-r) Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,
and Miguel Papi-Boucher, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group Rumania Jeleva MEP, Head of the Bulgarian Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
Dimitar Nikolov, Mayor of Bourgas, Dimitar Boichev, GERB Party Coordinator
for South-East Bulgaria, and Nikolay Grozev, Mayor of Nova Zagora
142 143
(on the left), and Boyko Borissov, Mayor of Sofia, offically opening the European
Information Centre in Sofia
III
24-25/01/2008:
EPP-ED Presidency in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Following a meeting in Ljubljana with Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia and President-in-
Office of the European Council, and with several of his Ministers, the EPP-ED Group Presidency
has declared that the energy/climate package, which is going in the right direction, should be
linked to the strategy of growth and innovation in Europe (the Lisbon Strategy) to give it a new
dynamic.
2008
2008
According to Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group: «Following the review by Parliament and
Council, this package must be adopted before the current mandates of the European Parliament

and the European Commission end. This process should be accompanied by tough negotiations
with our global partners so that Europe and its trading partners can share the burden of the fight
against global warming, and not sacrifice our workforces.»
The exchanges between the Slovenian Presidency and the Presidency of the Group, the most
influential group in the European Parliament, also focused on the Reform Treaty. Everyone hopes
that as many countries as possible will ratify the Treaty in the first six months of this year in order
to create a new impetus which is necessary if Europe is to address the current difficult economic
situation and associated social measures.
The meeting also focused on the situation in the Western Balkans and in particular on the
European Union’s approach to the management of the Kosovo issue.
Finally, Joseph Daul firmly supported the initiative of the Slovenian Minister for Health, Mrs
Kukovič, for her ambitious policy for the prevention of cancer, knowing that not all Europeans
receive equal treatment against this disease. «Our group will support Slovenia in its wish to create
European centres of excellence in order to catch up with the United States. We also ask the Barroso
Commission to present its proposals on health so that we can have a real public debate in Europe
on this concrete issue.»
Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament

with Janez Janša, Prime Minister of Slovenia
144 145
III
06/02/2008:
Middle East: First official visit by the EPP-ED Group
«The EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament has come to Israel and the Palestinian Territories
with two messages: we must help the moderate parties to convince the population to make
peace, despite the vast security and economic and social problems, and to achieve this, we need
concrete gestures of reconciliation on both sides so that the Annapolis process has a real chance of
success», declared Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group of the European Parliament,
2008
2008
during a 3-day visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank.
The delegation, led by Joseph Daul, met with Israeli Parliamentarians from moderate parties in

Jerusalem, and in particular from Prime Minister Olmert’s party, Kadima, with which a decision in
principle to create an agreement on political support and mutual cooperation was taken.
«In a region where insecurity and the frustrations caused by the major economic and social
hardship play into the hands of extremist parties, the duty of our political family, the largest
in Europe, is to give the moderate parties of the centre and centre-right as much political and
organisational backing as they need. These parties have made the only worthwhile political choice:
that of dialogue and peace. It is a brave choice, but electorally difficult. We will support them in F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
this direction», said Daul who was accompanied by Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the
EPP-ED Group in charge of the Euro-Mediterranean Policy, Jana Hybášková MEP, Chairwoman of Shimon Peres, President of the State of Israel, Joseph Daul MEP,
the EP Delegation for Relations with Israel, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-President of the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Antoine Ripoll, Chairman
European Parliament responsible for the Euro-Mediterranean Policy, Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman Daul’s Spokesman, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, 1st Vice-President of the European
of the Committee on Political Security and Human Rights of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Parliament responsible for the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly,
Assembly, as well as Elmar Brok MEP and José Ignacio Salafranca MEP, EPP-ED Group Coordinator and Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on Political Security and Human Rights
in the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament. of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly
The EPP-ED delegation also had a long exchange of views with several Members of the Government
and with the President of Israel, Shimon Peres.
At the West Bank, Joseph Daul noted with satisfaction the real willingness of the Palestinian
Members, but also of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and President Mahmoud Abbas to go back to
the negotiating table as stipulated in the Annapolis Agreement, and to do whatever it takes to try
146 and find a just and workable compromise by the end of the year. 147
«All our high-level delegates, be they Israeli or Palestinian, assured us of their determination to
seize the historic opportunity of Annapolis and the Donors’ Conference in Paris. They expressed
their acknowledgement of the solidarity conveyed by the international community, particularly
the European Union which has, together with its Member States, provided more than half of the
budgetary aid», Joseph Daul emphasised.
«We have received the message loud and clear from our delegates that Europe must assert its
influence more, not only economically and financially, but also politically, especially with the US
and the Quartet.»
«We will pass this message on to the European and national leaders of our political family. In our
European Parliamentary Group we will multiply our support for our moderate partners. In addition
to our decisive action in the budget, the first gesture on our part will be to hold a meeting in the
European Parliament with young moderate politicians from Israel and Palestine. We are convinced
that the Middle East problem is also a question of mentality and of generation», concluded the
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group.
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the Palestinian National Authority,

Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
and Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group
III
17-18/03/2008:
1st Regional Dialogue between the Orthodox Church
and the EPP-ED Group in Tbilisi, Georgia
Press Release
For the first time, a two-day regional dialogue has been taking place between the Orthodox
Churches and the EPP-ED Group on Monday and Tuesday (17-18 March 2008) in Tbilisi (Georgia).
2008
2008
The meeting is co-chaired by Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED
Group in the European Parliament, HE Metropolitan Emmanuel, Archbishop of France, and the

representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch to the European Union. The dialogue was organised
with the support of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
Ilia II, the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, opened the conference by emphasising the
tremendous role of churches in education and social welfare in the societies of the region.
Members of the EPP-ED Group and the representatives of the Georgian Orthodox, Armenian
Apostolic, Catholic, and Lutheran Churches, Muslim and Jewish communities, as well as political
representatives from Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, discussed the political situation in the F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
region, the role of spiritual leadership in society and regional cooperation. After listening to the
Panayiotis Demetriou MEP, Eija-Riitta Korhola MEP, Doris Pack MEP,
speeches of high-ranking government and party representatives, it was emphasised that religious
Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European
pluralism could be a spiritual guideline for developing strong political pluralism in the region.
Parliament, His Beatitude Ilia II, Catholicos and Patriarch of All Georgia,
Dialogue between churches and the religious communities can make a significant contribution to HE Metropolitan Emmanuel, Archbishop of France, HE Metropolitan Gerasim
the stability and development of the region. Sharashenidze, Director of Foreign Affairs Department, Patriarchate of Georgia,
and Urszula Gacek MEP
As Mr Marinescu outlined in his final speech, an open dialogue with churches and religious
communities should be an integral part of the European Neighbourhood Policy. HE Archbishop
Emmanuel, summing up the speeches, concluded that such regional meetings keep the high level
of mutual trust and long-term cooperation between the EPP-ED Group and the Orthodox Church
going.
148 149
Katja Christina Plate, Head of KAS office (Konrad Adenauer Foundation) for South
l-r: HE Bishop Vaske, HE Bishop Markos, and Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Caucasus, HE Metropolitan Emmanuel, Archbishop of France, Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP,
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
III
17-20/03/20082008: 27-28/03/2008:
15th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Plenary Session of the Euro-Mediterranean
in Ljubljana, Slovenia Parliamentary Assembly in Athens, Greece
The 15th Joint Parliamentary Assembly for countries of the ACP (states of Africa, the Caribbean, The Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly held a plenary session on Thursday 27 and
and the Pacific) has opened a four-day meeting in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The EPP-ED delegation Friday 28 March 2008. This was the first plenary session since the European Council approved the
at the meeting is being lead by the Group’s two spokespersons, Nirj Deva MEP and Maria principle of a Union for the Mediterranean which will include the Member States of the EU and
Martens MEP. the non-EU Mediterranean coastal states. The Assembly reviewed its work of the first four years
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2008
of operations and discussed the perspective for Euro-Mediterranean Cooperation in the field of
Main topics of the meeting are urgent debates on the situation in Kenya and Chad, and decisions energy and environment.

on reports from the Assembly’s three permanent committees on Regional Integration (Rapporteur:
Filip Kaczmarek MEP), Food Security (EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur: Robert Sturdy MEP) and The Euromed Assembly has several important functions: to develop political dialogue, to
Structural Adjustment (Rapporteur: Gay Mitchell MEP). promote economical and cultural exchanges and to discuss parliamentary issues like democratic
development, checks and balances through legislation and the involvement of civil societies and
Moreover, the EPP-ED Group has taken the initiative of introducing EU and ACP delegates to political parties.
the revolutionary ‘One laptop per child’ initiative, run by an independent fund, with the aim of
providing small, rugged, sun-powered laptop computers to children in the developing world, with
the aim of providing school book material and educational programmes to them.
150 151
F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T: F R O M R I G H T T O L E F T:
Mario Mauro MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament, Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament,
Matt Keller, Director of Europe, Middle East and Africa for ‘One Laptop per Child’ (OLPC), Karolos Papoulias, President of the Hellenic Republic,
Maria Martens MEP, EPP-ED Group Coordinator of the Development Committee and Dimitrios Sioufas, President of the Hellenic Parliament
of the European Parliament, Mr Walter De Brouwer, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
(MIT), Nirj Deva MEP, EPP-ED Group Coordinator of the Development Committee
of the European Parliament, and Alojz Peterle MEP
III 01/05/2008:
10th Windhoek Dialogue, Namibia
2008
2008

Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on Political Security and Human Rights
of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly (2nd from right), (l-r) Majalli Whbee,
Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Political Security and Human Rights of the EMPA,
Philippe Kamaris and Kristin Arp, Members of the European Parliament secretariat
Members of the Union of African Parties for Democracy and Development (UAPDD),
Members of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, and members
of the EPP-ED Group Secretariat
Windhoek (Namibia), 01 May 2008
152 153
Speech by Dimitrios Sioufas, President of the Hellenic Parliament

III
30/05/2008:
EPP-ED Group Presidency in Paris, France
The first Group from the European Parliament to be received in the Matignon by the French Prime
Minister François Fillon and Members of his Government engaged in the French Presidency of
the Council of the European Union, the EPP-ED Group (centre-right) called in Paris for a «Europe
that protects».
For its Chairman Joseph Daul, «Europeans expect rapid decisions and responses to their every day
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2008
concerns from the EU: insecurity, rising energy and food prices, the challenges of globalisation.
France must, throughout its Presidency during the 2nd half of 2008, be both ambitious and play

as a team on all these fronts.»
With the leaders of the UMP Delegation in the European Parliament, Margie Sudre and Alain
Lamassoure, the Chairman and Vice-Chairmen of the most influential group in the European
Parliament held detailed discussions with Prime Minister Fillon and his Ministers Ms Lagarde,
Mr Borloo, Hortefeux, Kouchner, Barnier, Bertrand and Jouyet, on the four main priorities of
France for the last half of 2008: energy and climate, defence, immigration and food safety. They
also discussed the situation of fishermen in Europe, the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and
Mediterranean policy. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
(in the middle), (l-r) Othmar Karas MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
The French Prime Minister assured the EPP-ED Group of the willingness of France to be a «team François Fillon, Prime Minister of France, Margie Sudre MEP, József Szájer MEP,
player» during its Presidency and to do everything possible to advance the interests of the 27, so Hartmut Nassauer MEP, and Vito Bonsignore MEP, all three Vice-Chairmen
that both political and practical solutions can be provided to meet the day to day problems facing of the EPP-ED Group
500 million European citizens.
154 155
Vito Bonsignore MEP and Hartmut Nassauer MEP, Vice-Chairmen of the EPP-ED Group,
Othmar Karas MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Jaime Mayor Oreja, Vice-Chairman
of the EPP-ED Group, Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group,
József Szájer MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
III
18/07/2008:
Visit of the Presidency of the EPP-ED Group
to Washington DC, USA
«The European Union and the United States share the same values and many common goals:
we must strengthen the political and parliamentary dimension of transatlantic relations», said
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, during a visit of the Presidency of the EPP-ED
Group in the European Parliament to Washington DC.
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2008
In talks with several key members of the Congress and the Senate, the leaders of the most

influential parliamentary Group in the European Parliament dealt with Euro-American relations
in detail, particularly their commercial aspect, the fight against organised crime, relations with
Russia, Iran and Iraq, global warming and energy policy, food security, the economic crisis and the
preparation of the American elections.
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Jaime Mayor Oreja, responsible for the Group’s strategy,
emphasised the promotion of common values shared by Europeans and Americans alike: freedom,
tolerance and social cohesion. «The European Union has to become less virtual and more real
by deepening its political and security dimension. Transatlantic relations have to change: they no
longer represent foreign policy, but domestic policy», said Jaime Mayor Oreja during an exchange
of views with the US Deputy Secretary of State, John Negroponte.
Another Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, stressed the need for
the convergence of European and American perspectives to promote growth and stability in the
Western Balkans, and on security in neighbouring European countries.
During the meetings with the Members of Congress and the Senate, the White House and the
European-American Business Council, Chairman Daul insisted on the need for strengthened
economic integration and a genuine transatlantic market, similar to the large European market.
He appealed for closer cooperation for geostrategic problems, for example a Transatlantic Council
comprising American and European Presidents, together with the Presidents of central banks.
156 The EPP-ED Group Presidency trusts that in the autumn, the next Administration and the new 157
Parliament will maintain and strengthen the relationship with Europe in the framework of a
multilateral approach.
Marian-Jean Marinescu, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,

Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
Jaime Mayor Oreja, Vice-Chairman of teh EPP-ED Group
III
24/07/2008:
II. Regional Dialogue between
the Orthodox Church and the EPP-ED Group
in the European Parliament in Kiev, Ukraine
The second Regional Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Group of the European
People’s Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats in the European Parliament took
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2008
place in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine.
The EPP-ED Group has been organising the Dialogues with the Orthodox Church and other

religious communities since 1996, with the first meeting taking place in Istanbul. Other meetings
have taken place in Thessaloniki, Crete, Bucharest, Brussels, Bratislava, Slovakia and Tbilisi.
158 159
Marian-Jean Marinescu, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,

HE Metropolitan Emmanuel, Archbishop of France and Representative
of the Ecumenical Patriarch to the EU, and Viktor Yushchenko, President of the Ukraine
EPP-ED Chairman Joseph Daul MEP with Viktor Yushchenko, President of the Ukraine
III
28-29/08/2008:
EPP-ED Group Presidency Meeting with Heads
of National Delegations in Munich, Germany
The EU legislation on CO2 emissions from cars has to be fair and realistic. The liberalisation of
the energy market must take the rising energy demand into account. And the reform of the EU
Agricultural Policy has to ensure high-quality food and the sustainability of European farming.
Those are the conclusions of the EPP-ED Presidency and Heads of National Delegations meeting
2008
2008
in Munich.

On Thursday, the future EU legislation on CO2 emissions from cars was the focus of the agenda.
The French Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo highlighted the determination of the French
Presidency to conclude the dossier by the end of the year. Werner Langen MEP, Rapporteur in the
Industry and Energy Committee, and Martin Callanan MEP, EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur in the
Environment Committee, stressed the need for a phase-in approach between 2012 and 2015: «If
we can get such a solution underway, the EU will have a practical piece of legislation which could
serve as a model for other regions in the world», they said.
The liberalisation of the energy market formed the first part of Friday’s session. Government officials
and representatives from business and the regulatory bodies stated that regulatory reality in the
Member States was still too different. Angelika Niebler MEP, Chairwoman of the EP’s Industry and Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Energy Committee, stressed the need for new power stations. «We are facing the hard task to raise (2nd from right) (r-l) Hartmut Nassauer MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
citizens’ acceptance. But the fact is that energy demand worldwide will rise by 30 percent over the Günther Beckstein MdL (Member of the Regional Parliament), Minister-President
next 20 years. New, and much more efficient power stations are necessary.” Herbert Reul MEP put of Bavaria, Markus Ferber MEP, Co-Chairman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European
the focus on the security of supply. Giles Chichester MEP, EPP-ED Spokesman on the Industry and Parliament, and Ingo Friedrich MEP, Quaestor of the European Parliament
Energy Committee, said that nuclear power had to play a greater role in the EU’s energy mix.
The second session on Friday was devoted to the reform of the EU Agricultural Policy (Health
Check). EPP-ED Vice-Chairman, Struan Stevenson MEP, emphasised the challenge of rising
food prices and the need to ensure the security of food supply: «850 million people in the world
suffer from hunger, and any discussion on the health check has to bear this in mind.» The French
Minister for Agriculture, Michel Barnier, was hoping to find an agreement on the Health Check
160 by November. Key points where a solution is needed include the question of the future of milk 161
quotas as well as modulation, and the transfer of direct payments for farmers into projects for
rural development. Elisabeth Jeggle MEP and Neil Parish MEP, Chairman of the Committee on
Agriculture, said: «We need to take up the needs of farmers.»
Group Chairman, Joseph Daul MEP, thanked the host, CSU Group leader Markus Ferber MEP, for
an excellent conference: «I wish our Bavarian friends an excellent result for the regional elections
in Bavaria on 28 September.»
(in the middle), (l-r) Erwin Huber MdL (Member of the Regional Parliament), Chairman
of the CSU Party, Jean-Louis Borloo, French Minister of State for Ecology, Sustainable
Planning and Development, Martin Kamp, Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group,
and Markus Ferber MEP, Co-Chairman of the CDU/CSU Group in the European Parliament
III 18-20/09/2008:
EIN Summer University, Fiuggi, Italy
EPP-ED Chairman Joseph Daul MEP opened this year’s European Ideas Network (EIN) Conference
in Fiuggi, Italy, together with François Fillon, Prime Minister of France, José Manuel Durão
Barroso, President of the European Commission, Hans-Gert Poettering, President of the European
Parliament, Wilfred Martens, President of the EPP, and the Chairman of the EIN, Jaime Mayor
Oreja MEP.
2008
2008
The title of the conference, ‘The World in 2025: The Place for Values in an Uncertain World’
suggests that we are living in an unstable world and that the values that have inspired us since the

inception of the European Communities will guide us in the challenges we are facing today.
Stefano Zappala’ MEP and Iles Braghetto MEP, Heads of the Italian Delegation (FI and UDC
respectively), welcomed everyone to Fiuggi. Mr Zappala’ remarked that the Lazio region is the
cradle of Christianity and that it was in Lazio that Europe was first formed.
Mr Barroso called for a stronger Europe in the aftermath of the Georgian crises and in such an
unstable financial climate: «In today’s global world, we need leadership and a common political
will and this warrants more Europe, not less Europe», he declared.
(in the middle), (r-l) Jerzy Buzek MEP, Former Prime Minister of Poland,
Werner Langen MEP, Head of the German Delegation (CDU) of the EPP-ED Group, Mr Poettering said that to overcome these challenges, we need to know who we are first and then
Othmar Karas MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Markus Ferber MEP, follow the ideals that have always enlightened us. He listed the values that have inspired us in the
Head of the German Delegation (CSU) of the EPP-ED Group, Martin Kamp, past; human dignity, human rights, democracy, peace, solidarity and subsidiarity. «These values»,
Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group, Günther Beckstein MdL (Member of the Regional he said, «enhance our self-confidence without being arrogant». He praised the French Presidency
Parliament), Minister-President of Bavaria, Erwin Huber MdL, Chairman of the CSU Party, for the sense of leadership it has shown in the Caucasian crises.
Jean-Louis Borloo, French Minister of State for Ecology, Sustainable Planning
François Fillon gave an overview of the work underway of the French Presidency. In the light of the
and Development, and Dagmar Wöhrl, German Parliamentary State Secretary
upcoming 2009 European elections, Mr Fillon commented: «The citizens will judge Europe in the
to the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Technology
way it deals with the issues that touch them most. The absence of political will not be excused by
Munich, 28 August 2008 our citizens», he said.
Joseph Daul ended the welcoming speeches by stating that the «European citizens want a safer and
a protective Europe but not a protectionist Europe. This is what the EPP-ED believes in and this is
162 what distinguishes us from the other political groups», concluded Mr Daul. 163
EIN: Political will is vital to achieving a strong foreign policy

On the second day of the European Ideas Network’s Summer University, João de Deus Pinheiro
MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, chaired a much-attended and very lively debate on the
way forward to achieve a strong European foreign policy.
Günter Burghardt, former European Union Ambassador to the Unites States, emphasised that
more efficient institutional mechanisms are necessary for a strong foreign policy, but that more
institutional capability is useless if not accompanied by political will and authoritative personalities.
The successful Council Presidencies of Angela Merkel and Nicolas Sarkozy have shown how much
strong-willed personalities can impact European foreign policy.
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT
Krzystof Lisek, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Sejm, Poland, raised some
Angelika Niebler MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy controversy by stating that a strategic partnership with Russia is a fiction because Europe and
of the European Parliament, Herbert Reul MEP and Johannes Kindler, Vice-President Russia do not share the same set of values.
of the Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway
Munich, 29 August 2008
III
Ivan Bábá of the Foundation for a Civic Hungary and Member of the EIN Think-Tank Force on
Russia, added that the only right answer to Russian imperialism is European unity. «Only a united
Europe has serious bargaining power. Therefore the EU should urgently adopt a common energy
policy and discuss the matter of energy supply from Russia to the EU en bloque.»
Claudio Azzolini, Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, underlined the
importance of a strong transatlantic relationship throughout the history of the European Union:
«There is no perspective to worldwide peace if there are no strong ties between the US and Europe
and strong ties with the US are vital to the political identity of the EPP.»
Patrick Child, Head of Cabinet of European Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner, picked up on the point
2008
2008
that was made earlier on the discussion: the Lisbon Treaty is vital in providing the instruments for
a stronger European foreign policy, but the fact that it hasn’t been ratified yet should not serve as
an excuse for the EU to remain paralysed in the face of foreign policy challenges.

Alberto Carnero, Director of International Relations of FAES, added that Europe needs to become
far more proactive in its foreign policy: «We often only notice change after it has happened. The
Georgian-Russian crisis is only the most recent example of Europe running behind the facts.»
Roland Freudenstein, Head of Research of the Centre of European Studies, summed up the points
made by the panellists and opened the floor for discussion by raising the question of how to
engage Russia as a partner in common challenges, such as the proliferation in Iran.
Struan Stevenson MEP and Vito Bonsignore MEP,
both Vice-Chairmen of the EPP-ED Group
164 165
François Fillon, Prime Minister of France (at the podium)

Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group responsible for Political Struan Stevenson MEP, João de Deus Pinheiro MEP, both Vice-Chairmen
Strategy and the European Ideas Network, and Stefano Zappala’ MEP, Head of the Italian of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Doris Pack MEP
Delegation of the EPP-ED Group and José Ignacio Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra MEP
III
11-13/10/2008:
EMPA Extraordinary Session in Dead Sea, Jordan
2008
2008

Tokia Saïfi MEP, Chairwoman of the Committee on Political Security and Human Rights
of the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly
and Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, First Vice-President of the European Parliament
166 167
O N T H E R I G H T:
Ioannis Varvitsiotis MEP, Head of the Greek Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
III
Decisions of the EMPA Plenary B) Presentation of the draft Declaration of the Bureau
on the Middle East Peace Process
A) Decision on the draft Recommendation on the role The President of the EMPA and the EP, Hans-Gert Poettering, reiterated the importance of moving
the peace process forward:
of the EMPA as a Parliamentary expression
‘Without liberty, there can be no democracy;
of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean Without democracy, there can be no liberty’.
2008
2008
The President of the EMPA and of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, informed the The report by the EMPA’s POL COM on the Middle East Peace Process was presented by Mrs
members of the Bureau’s decision on the draft Recommendation. He underlined the democratic Tokia Saïfi. To follow on from this report, a draft Declaration addressed to the Conference of

legitimacy of the EMPA, the only body in which the Palestinian and Israeli delegations sat together. Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Barcelona Process: Union for the Mediterranean was presented
The EMPA was an experienced body that was calling for a further commitment to a parliament with for adoption.
more tasks and a stronger role.
Mrs Saïfi stressed that the EMPA unconditionally supported the negotiations that were currently
taking place between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
According to Mr Mansouri, Vice-President of the EMPA and President of the Moroccan House of
Representatives, any initiative concerning the Mediterranean clearly required: A lively debate was held on the content of the Declaration, which was adopted, with a number of
consensual amendments, by a very broad majority (2 delegations against).
> resolution of the Israeli-Arab conflict;
> a conception of the parties from the North and South of the Mediterranean on an equal footing,
with as much weight for the European side as for the Southern Mediterranean side.
Other business
The representative of the French Presidency of the EU Council stressed its desire to give fresh > Albania and Mauritania had asked to become full members of the EMPA. Mauritania had
impetus to the Barcelona Process and enter a new phase of the Union for the Mediterranean as previously held observer status. President Pöttering stated that a decision on this matter should
envisaged in the Paris Declaration of 13 July 2008. Three elements needed to be established: be taken at the next Plenary Session, which would be held in Brussels in March 2009.
> Secretariat > The Plenary had granted permanent EMPA observer status to the EU’s Committee of the Regions
and to the Council of Europe.
> Co-presidency
> Summits every two years.
168 169
The Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers would meet on 3 and 4 November 2008 in Marseille to
give new momentum to the Union for the Mediterranean: Barcelona Process.
Mrs Tokia Saïfi emphasised the success of the Paris Declaration of July 2008. Fresh impetus
was needed for the EMPA through the creation of an adequate institutional framework with an
autonomous legal status, a co-presidency with authority, a strong secretariat and financial tools
that could respond to the challenges in the region.
With some additions proposed by the members and subsequently accepted, the Recommendation
was adopted by the EMPA Plenary with just one vote against.
III
16-17/10/2008:
11th Regional Dialogue with Religions and Cultures
in Iasi, Romania
Representatives of the Orthodox Church, Islam and Judaism and EPP-ED Members, explored
the potential of religion and inter-religious dialogue as a tool to resolve conflicts within the the
XI Orthodox Dialogue Conference between the Orthodox Church and the EPP-ED Group in Iasi,
2008
2008
Romania. They also discussed the future direction of the Dialogue, how to maintain peace and
prosperity in Europe, and how common values can be used as an instrument of reconciliation.

Opening the Dialogue, Marian-Jean Marinescu, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group and
Coordinator of Dialogue with the Orthodox church, underlined the key messages of the meeting:
«Common values have to contribute to peace, prosperity and resolving of conflicts».
The participants of the meeting expressed their deep concern about the recent conflict in Georgia
and the unresolved tensions that currently affect the country. Furthermore, they welcomed the
European Council conclusions of 16 October 2008, which called for an examination of proposals
for a future «Eastern Partnership» of the European Union. This initiative has the potential to offer F R O M R I G H T T O L E F T:
significant support to Eastern EU neighbours such as Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to achieve
economic modernisation, democratisation and ultimately, peace and prosperity. Struan Stevenson MEP and Jaime Mayor Oreja MEP, both Vice-Chairmen of the EPP-ED
Group in the European Parliament, Ján Figeľ, EU Commissioner for Education, Training,
Recent events in Georgia also highlighted the need to ensure the security of citizens. This issue is Culture and Youth, HE Teofan, Archbishop and Metropolitan, the Metropolitanate
of the utmost importance in the multicultural and strategically significant Black Sea area. Tensions of Moldavia and Bucovina, Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED
in this region must not be tackled with an emphasis on ethnicity, but rather on common values, Group and Coordinator of the Dialogue, HE Metropolitan Emmanuel, Archbishop of France,
open dialogue and mutual understanding. The Black Sea area must be an example of how shared Representative of the Ecumenical Patriarch to the EU, and Paolo Licandro, Deputy Secretary-
beliefs and respect for differences can be an effective tool for prosperity and peace. General of the EPP-ED Group
«When dialogue prevails, we bring cooperation, understanding, added-value and integration»,
said European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Jan Figel`. The culture
of dialogue, including inter-religious dialogue is essential. He also stressed the importance of
religious communities for social inclusion, integration, protection of environment and social
responsibility. Furthermore, churches can support the European Union in protecting human rights
170 and promoting human dignity. 171
Speaking at the conference, Jaime Mayor Oreja, EPP-ED Vice-Chairman, stressed that a crisis of
values existed possibly as a result of the current world wide economic crisis. He stresses that we
need to combat this type of crisis by defending Christian and family values - by considering others
and not just oneself.
The Dialogue has an important ethical value and serves practical political objectives said MEP
Margaritis Schinas. Since its conception, the Dialogue promoted understanding between politics
and religion. At the same time it highlighted the very significant contribution that orthodox
Christianity can make in today’s Europe, and globalised world.
This process is also essential in enabling the Group to sustain its role as the leading political force
for integrating the people of South East Europe in the European Project. It also demonstrates to
European citizens that the EPP-ED Group both defends and pursues their fundamental freedoms
and values. F R O M L E F T T O R I G H T:
The Dialogue took place in Iasi, Romania, a city where multi-ethnic and multi-religious Romanian Doris Pack MEP, Chairwoman of the EP Delegation for relations with the countries
traditions co-exist. Iasi is the symbol of the Romanian spirituality - it is a mixture of history, culture of South-East Europe, Emil Boc, Chairman of Democrat-Liberal Party, Romania,
and art, filled with many places of worship, many of which provide good examples of Romanian Iosif Pop, Metropolitan for Western and Meridional Europe, Patriarchate
monastic art, attracting many pilgrims and tourists every year. of Romania, Marian-Jean Marinescu MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
in the European Parliament and Coordinator of the Dialogue,
and HE Metropolitan Michael of Austria
III
27/10/2008:
EPP-ED Presidency meeting in La Réunion, France
Outermost Regions: Reinforcing European solidarity

On the initiative of Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group
(centre-right) and representative of French outermost regions, the Presidency of the most
influential group in the European Parliament, meeting in La Réunion, has debated the importance
2008
2008
of a better consideration of the specificity of outermost regions in Europe.
Introducing the sessions, the Chairman of the Group, Joseph Daul MEP, said: «This meeting is a

chance for our parliamentary group to better understand the human and cultural richness of the
outermost regions.»
«The European Union must be more aware of the specificity of these regions and help them more
for the sake of solidarity and stability. At the same time, continental Europe has a lot to learn from
the peoples from these regions because they assume their ethnic and cultural diversity and are an
example of harmony and solidarity. During these difficult times, Europe can certainly learn from
what is happening here», declared Daul.
Margie Sudre emphasised the importance of the solidarity of the European Union for La Réunion,
and for all the outermost regions. «Thanks to European efforts, unemployment has fallen
substantially, transport infrastructures have improved, and the island’s general economy has taken
a great leap forward.»
«This effort of solidarity must be continued, taking more account of the specificity of these remote
islands of the European continent», concluded Sudre. Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
The EPP-ED Group Presidency debated with religious authorities and political and social
representatives of the island on issues such as the exemplary reputation La Réunion has in the area
of cultural dialogue, especially during this European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Of the 700,000
inhabitants of the island, 35% are of African or Malagasy origin, 25% white Europeans, 25% Hindus,
8% Comoros & Mayotte, 4% Chinese and 3% Indian Muslims.
172 In addition to field visits, two more topics up for debate are on 28 and 29 October: the European 173
civil protection force in the Indian Ocean and the challenges of the fishing industry.
Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group and
III 13-14/11/2008:
EPP-ED Presidency in Prague, Czech Republic
«The wish of the centre-right political family is that in the first half of 2009, the Czech Presidency
follows in the footsteps of previous presidencies», declared Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the
EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, in Prague today.
«I note with satisfaction the willingness of Mirek Topolánek’s government to continue driving
Europe both ambitiously and determined on its three priorities: the economy, energy and external
2008
2008
relations», underlined Daul.
Meeting Czech Government Ministers, and notably the Deputy Prime Minister for European

Affairs, Alexander Vondra, the Presidency of the most influential group in the European Parliament
appealed for Europe to be united and determined to make its mark in areas such as the
management of the financial crisis, the question of energy dependence and the diversification of
our energy resources, the development of relations between the European Union and Russia, as
with the future Obama Administration.
The Chairman of the Group, Joseph Daul, emphasised the importance for the country taking up
the EU Presidency to lead by example on the Treaty of Lisbon by making a final decision on its
ratification, like Sweden, who will take over the Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2009,
which will do so at the end of this month.
Addressing the Czech Government, Joseph Daul insisted on the fact that whichever Treaty applies
in 2009, every European Institution should be treated equally: «If the Treaty of Nice continues
to apply, Member States will have to choose which of them will be deprived of a European
Commissioner
174 175
Margie Sudre MEP, Head of the French Delegation of the EPP-ED Group and Václav Klaus, President of the Czech Republic, Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
Vito Bonsignore MEP, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Martin Kamp, Secretary General of the EPP-ED Group
III
21/11/2008: 24-28/11/2008:
EPP-ED Group International Conference on South Session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
Eastern Europe students’ mobility in the framework in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
of the Bologna Process - Zagreb, Croatia
2008
2008

Dr Dragan Primorac, Croatian Minister for Science, Education and Sports, Doris Pack MEP,
Chairwoman of the Delegation for relations with the countries of South-East Europe
Back row, r-l: EPP-ED MEPs Armando Veneto, Nirj Deva and Maria Martens,
both Development Spokespersons of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament,
Zuzana Roithová, Margie Sudre, John Bowis, Michael Gahler, Vice-Chairman
of the Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly,
176 Jean-Pierre Audy, Rainer Wieland, and Riccardo Ventre
177
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 25 November 2008
Vedrana Ligutić, Task Manager, Education in the EC Delegation in Croatia,

Manolis Mavrommatis MEP, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Education
of the European Parliament Dumitru Oprea MEP, and Tomislav Čengić, President
of the Student Council, Croatia
IV IV. Parliamentary Work
Introduction
The 288 Members of the EPP-ED Group are full members at least of one of the 20 parliamentary
committees and alternate members of another.
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2008
Under the authority of the Coordinator and the Deputy-Coordinator the members of the EPP-ED
from each committee form a working group that prepares the common positions of our Group

within the parliamentary committee concerned.
The work of parliamentary committees mainly consists of debating and then voting on the various
reports that are submitted to each committee and then, subsequently, to the plenary sessions of
the European Parliament.
Drawing up parliamentary reports and amendments therefore constitutes the main part of the
work of an MEP.
IV > Parliamentary Work Head of Service: Miguel Papi Boucher, Deputy Secretary General
178 179
IV Political Strategy The conclusions of the Horizontal Working Groups 2008
In November 2007, the EPP-ED Group Presidency decided to form four new Horizontal Working
Groups picking up the four key priorities of the ‘Decalogue’ (Values, Prosperity, Security,
Political Strategy Unit: Activities in 2008 Solidarity).
The main objectives of the Political Strategy Unit are twofold: on the one hand, supporting the These four Horizontal Working Groups had the task of developing the ‘Decalogue’s’ 10 points in
Group Members’ parliamentary work by anticipating the legislative debates and, on the other hand, order to formulate clear options and to contribute to preparing the 2009 election campaign.
highlighting the Group’s political identity by increasing the number of forums for debate. In 2008,
the main areas of action in support of the Group’s strategic focus have been the following:
Horizontal Working Group I: CREATING A EUROPE OF VALUES
2008
2008
> Monthly Bureau meetings
Chairman: József Szájer
> Defining the EPP-ED Group Priorities
1. Upholding strong values

> Meetings of the External Offices
Coordinator: Jan Olbrycht
> Study Days
2. Developing a firm and deeply-rooted transatlantic relationship
> The work of the - European Ideas Network
Coordinator: Timothy Kirkhope
3. Developing and deepening the Neighbourhood Policy and continuing
to pursue the Enlargement Policy
The Group Bureau Coordinator: Ioannis Varvitsiotis
In the context of preparing for the 2009 European elections, the Group Presidency has expanded
the role of the Group Bureau, which now encompasses the key issues relating to the Group’s Horizontal Working Group II: FOR A EUROPE OF GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
political strategy, parliamentary activities and legislative coordination. This development further
enhances the EPP-ED Group’s essential ability to analyse the fundamental political choices and Chairman: Marianne Thyssen
difficulties facing the European Union. 4. The Lisbon Strategy and achieving the Internal Market – key factors
The Bureau meets at regular intervals in Brussels during the week before the Strasbourg plenary for promoting job creation and economic growth
sessions. These meetings, under the Group’s Rules of Procedure, bring together a range of Coordinator: Malcolm Harbour
the Group’s key actors – the Group Presidency, the EPP-ED Vice-Presidents of the European
Parliament, the EPP-ED Chairmen of parliamentary committees, the Group coordinators on these 5. The reform of the European Union budget and the defence
committees, the Heads of the Group’s National Delegations and several other members. of budgetary stability and monetary independence
180 Coordinator: Alain Lamassoure 181
EPP-ED Group Priorities Horizontal Working Group III: MAKING EUROPE A SAFER PLACE
The Ten Priorities for the EPP-ED Group Chairman: Gunnar Hökmark
The EPP-ED Group, with its 288 MEPs, has committed itself to shaping a Europe for our future that 6. Stepping up the fight against terrorism and protecting the public from organised crime
responds to the major concerns of the half a billion European citizens. Coordinator: Gunnar Hökmark
The European Union has to face a number of challenges on behalf of its citizens in today’s 7. Developing a coherent policy in the context of measures to combat climate change
globalised world, including major issues concerning security, employment, competitiveness and and achieving sustainable development
solidarity, energy and food supplies, the environment and climate change. The EPP-ED must
make itself heard on all these subjects and must exert all its influence for its proposals to be Coordinator: Alejo Vidal-Quadras
implemented. In this regard, and in order to prepare for the 2009 European elections, the EPP- 8. Ensuring food safety and security
ED Group has set out ten priorities for a better future, grouped around four themes: a Europe of
values; a Europe of prosperity; a Europe of safety and a Europe of solidarity. Coordinator: Renate Sommer
The EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament officially launched its Ten Priorities for the coming 9. Developing a joint immigration policy
period at a ‘European Evening’ held on Tuesday 4 March 2008.
Coordinator: Simon Busuttil
IV Horizontal Working Group IV: ACHIEVING GREATER SOLIDARITY IN EUROPE The fight against organised crime is one of the EU’s priorities. The EPP-ED Group nevertheless
believes that today we should go much further in order to build stronger European institutions to
Chairman: João de Deus Pinheiro
combat crime.
10. Measures to sustain the cohesion policy and uphold the values of the European Social Model
In this regard, the EPP family highlights the need to ratify the Treaty of Lisbon, which removes
Coordinators: Ria Oomen-Ruijten and Lambert van Nistelrooij police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters from the intergovernmental method and
enables the EU to develop actions and policies that meet citizens’ expectations in terms of security
and justice.
Their conclusions were amended and debated within the Group’s different bodies and were
adopted by the Group Plenary on 20 October 2008.
European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP): Facing up to new threats
2008
2008
The conclusions were sent to the EPP Party in order to coordinate, with its Working Group I, the
development of a campaign programme with the same priorities for all 27 Member States.
The European Union must equip itself with civil and military resources to strengthen European

security and defence policy and assume its responsibilities in the world.
The EPP-ED Group is pleased to note that today there is a genuine consensus over the will to inject
External meetings in 2008 fresh momentum into a ‘Europe of defence’.
The Group’s strategic approaches as outlined in the ‘Decalogue’ served as a basis for developing The notion of purely national security interests in Europe is obsolete. It is only by clearly defining
the Group’s initiatives and for preparing its calendar of events and external meetings. its common interests (the security of its neighbouring countries, protection of external borders and
critical infrastructure, security of energy supply and trade routes, etc.), that the EU will be able to
make its common policies more consistent and effective.
The EPP-ED Group welcomes France’s decision to participate in the renewal of the Atlantic Alliance
> EPP-ED Group Study Days/ Paris, 2-4 July (NATO), which will enable us to make even swifter progress in the establishment of a ‘Europe
‘Together for a Safer Europe’ of defence’. Existing cooperation between the EU and NATO must be enhanced, especially for
operations such as those in Afghanistan.
Under the slogan ‘Together for a safer Europe’, these Study Days focused on four topics: combating
terrorism and organised crime, promoting a common defence for Europe, the new challenges
relating to energy supply, and food safety and security.
European Strategy for Energy: Opportunities and Challenges
Global warming is one of the most important issues we have to face today. The influence of human
beings on climate change is now scientifically proven. Unless something is done to stabilise the rise
Combating terrorism and organised crime in temperature on the planet’s surface, the consequences may be catastrophic and irreversible. To
offset such disastrous forecasts, the Commission has submitted a range of proposals concerning
182 Stepping up the fight against terrorism: democracy’s worst enemy energy and climate change, setting new ambitious targets for 2020 (to reduce greenhouse gas 183
emissions by 20%; to save 20% of energy thanks to improved energy efficiency; to raise the share
Today, there is no risk of a major conflict among Europeans, since democracy has become
of renewable energies to 20%).
established throughout almost the whole of the continent. Nevertheless, the European Union must
protect its citizens from a recent phenomenon: the emergence of a new terrorist threat that seeks The EPP-ED Group stresses the fact that the current generation is the last one that will be able to
to undermine the foundations and values of our societies by conveying fear and uncertainty. reverse the trend of climate change; successive generations will only be able to attempt to limit the
damage. Aware of this responsibility, the EPP-ED Group is taking action to ensure that this energy/
To be effective, we have to be aware that the target is not a widespread international terrorist
climate package is adopted and is doing its utmost to support the third industrial revolution based
phenomenon but a specific terrorist organisation, which must be properly identified.
on alternative, low CO2 energies.
In the EPP-ED Group’s view, it must not be considered an attack against Islam to say that Jihadist
terrorism is the main threat, as it concerns only a marginal fundamentalist fringe of which the
A European energy policy to promote low-CO2 energy sources.
Muslim community is the main victim.
Future energy use scenarios all show that the share of coal and other fossil fuels in energy
The EPP-ED Group stresses the need to combat terrorism in order to protect values, but also the
production continues to grow considerably.
need to strike a balance between security and freedom.
This trend must be reversed by improving energy efficiency to reduce the use of fossil fuels and
develop renewable energies (solar, wind and biomass), relying as far as possible on nuclear
Fight against organised crime, the need for an urgent response
energy.
International organised crime, one of the key threats against security, has evolved in parallel
New technological solutions must be made available before fossil fuels run out. In the EPP-ED
with the development of globalisation and the expansion of international trade. The range of its
Group’s view, it is vital that we double the funding for energy research.
activities has now greatly extended and become much more diversified.
IV The European Union must ensure the rapid development of some commercially viable alternatives,
such as: biofuels, biomass, wind energy, solar and photovoltaic energy.
Food safety: providing healthy food for all in a globalised world
For consumers, it is vital to be able to enjoy healthy food. The crises in the 1990s shattered public
The EPP-ED Group also stresses the important role to be played in this race against CO2 emissions confidence in the ability of the food industry and public authorities to ensure that food was safe.
by citizens (e.g. through insulation, replacing traditional light-bulbs, cleaner fuels in car engines, The EPP-ED Group has made food safety one of its top priorities.
transport alternatives) and by the public authorities (schools, administrations, etc.).
The White Paper on Food Safety, adopted by the EU in 2000, seeks to ensure a high level of food
safety within the EU by means of consistent measures, from the stable to the table. The EPP-ED
A common foreign policy to secure energy supplies Group nevertheless regrets the insufficiency of the resources earmarked for this issue. The EPP-
ED Group also stresses the risk of malnutrition. If we add the number of people suffering from
Despite the measures taken to reduce its energy expenditure by 2020, the EU will still have to obesity to those suffering from hunger in the world and those suffering from nutrient or mineral
import more than 50% of its energy in various forms, particularly hydrocarbons, in 2020. Russia
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deficiencies, altogether nearly half the world population is affected by malnutrition.
is currently, and will remain, the EU’s top energy partner, alongside Norway, the Middle East and
Africa.

The EPP-ED Group stresses the need to secure European energy supplies by means of a genuine
energy diplomacy, which should be part of the European security strategy. > EPP-ED Group Bureau / Nicosia, 7-8 February 2008
This common policy should be based on four principles: the diversification of sources of supply; ‘Euro-Mediterranean Policy’
unity in defending the EU’s interests; solidarity between Member States and enhanced cooperation
between partners.
The EPP-ED Group Bureau met in Nicosia in February 2008 to discuss the EU’s Mediterranean
The EPP family points out that the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon and the institutional Policy and its prospects, the settlement of the Cyprus question, and the Middle East peace
reforms it involves are essential in order to be able to move towards a common external energy process.
policy.
Options for the EU’s future Mediterranean Policy

Food Safety and Food Security
The south and east Mediterranean and the Middle East are an area of vital strategic importance.
Food security: high prices and volatility of agricultural products The EPP-ED Group is playing a major role in making the Mediterranean region the top priority in
New challenges for the CAP the EU’s external relations.
Sharply increasing global demand combined with a stagnation of supply; new non food uses for The challenges in the Mediterranean are considerable: the growing disparities in the standard of
agricultural products; the increase in oil prices; climate events which have reduced harvests; and living between the northern and southern sides of the Mediterranean are increasing migratory
speculation, have all contributed to the rising prices of primary agricultural products at the farm pressures. Growing youth unemployment, the lack of prospects for improvement, and frustration
gate. arising from the Middle East conflict are all creating a breeding ground for extremism.
184 Today’s international geopolitical and geoeconomic developments mean that we need to think
185
The EPP-ED Group warns of an imminent humanitarian crisis due to a world food shortage and
reduced access to foodstuffs for the most vulnerable people on the planet. According to estimates, about how to make the Mediterranean a link rather than a barrier, and to make it an area of peace,
by the year 2050 there will be 9 billion individuals on this earth. To meet this food challenge, stability and progress, both on the economic and human level.
agriculture will have to double its production in 30 years. We will have to produce more and During its meeting in Nicosia, the EPP-ED Group Bureau put forward four proposals aimed at
produce better. finally establishing an area of shared peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean:
This intensification of agricultural production must not be to the detriment of the environment and > If we are determined to contribute towards peace, the main emphasis must be on resolving the
must meet environmental challenges: availability of fresh water, soil degradation and increased Israeli-Palestinian conflict and creating a Palestinian State in the near future.
frequency of severe climate abnormalities.
> The revitalised Partnership must undertake to provide greater support for local enterprises
In order to meet those challenges, the EPP-ED Group supports the CAP ‘health check’, which seeks and direct investment in the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs), which are a source of
to maintain and adapt the common agricultural policy. In order to take up the food challenge in development and jobs. The creation of a Euro-Mediterranean financial institution along the lines
the world, investments should be re-channelled to agriculture as a matter of priority. One euro of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) should improve projects and
invested in agriculture is the most effective way of fighting poverty. The model on which the give investors more confidence.
poorest countries have based their agricultural economy should also be changed, by helping
African countries to produce in order to eat, and not only to export. We have to prevent the food
price increases from causing conflicts stemming from the limited nature of available resources
and increased displacements of people. The European security strategy should take account of
this new threat.
IV > The EuroMed project has up to now been a project for governments and markets. In order to
promote a genuine partnership, the EPP-ED Group wants civil society to be more involved, in
While the EU may be by far the biggest donor to the region, this funding effort has not been
accompanied by an appropriate political presence. The Middle East conflict cannot be resolved
order to encourage and stimulate the values of tolerance, education and understanding between solely under the aegis of the UN. The EU, through the Quartet, must be able to play a bigger role
nations. because it is the only international player seen as credible by the parties to the conflict.
> There must be a proper communication campaign to give the EuroMed Partnership a higher At present, the EU is not prepared for the work involved in building, preserving and consolidating
profile among the public, and to ensure that they see it as a fundamental factor in their own peace because it does not have the institutions it needs to conduct its foreign policy and speak with
country’s economic competitiveness, jobs and incomes in the years to come. one voice. Once the Lisbon Treaty comes into force it should offer new opportunities and enable
the EU to become a genuine political player in the region.
The Barcelona Process needs to be given fresh impetus. Furthermore, without economic development in the region people will have no future prospects and
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there is a risk that radicals could come to power in the next elections in 2010, which would throw
The European Neighbourhood Policy, which covers extremely different countries (from Ukraine to everything into chaos. It is vital to focus support on socio-economic development programmes and
Libya) and a wide variety of fields (from human rights to the harmonisation of technical standards), promoting European values such as the market economy, tolerance, religious freedom, growth and

does not have a clear approach or objectives. economic development in the region.
Enhanced cooperation around the Mediterranean is not just in the interest of the North African
countries, but is also of vital interest to the people of Europe.
The EPP-ED Group therefore feels that President Sarkozy’s initiative for a Mediterranean Union
dealing with specific projects such as water management, cleaning up the Mediterranean,
> EPP-ED Group Bureau/ Portorož, 17-18 April 2008
and energy efficiency, deserves to be given consideration, provided that it is a supplementary ‘Europe of Values’ and ‘Climate Change’
programme, that it does not undermine the EU’s Euro-Mediterranean institutions, and that it
keeps within the framework of the financial perspective adopted by the European Parliament for The Bureau of the EPP-ED Group, which met in Portorož (Slovenia) in April 2008, focused on the
the period up to 2013. issue of strengthening the identity and values of the European Union and on the European Union’s
response to the challenges of climate change.
Settling the Cyprus question

The Values of the European Union
The division of the island of Cyprus is an anachronism that has to end. The EPP-ED Group has
always been in favour of the withdrawal of Turkish and foreign troops in order to achieve a reunified Strengthening European Identity and Values
Cyprus that respects the EU’s principles and values, where Turkish and Greek Cypriots can live in
peace and harmony. The values defended today by the European Union are the result of Europe’s cultural history.
Today, Cyprus is a member of the EU and Turkey has started accession negotiations. It is therefore Heavily influenced by the Christian image of Man, the European Union of the 21st century
right that the EU should monitor and support the negotiations conducted under the aegis of the presents itself as a community of values guided by respect for human rights, tolerance, individual
186 UN. responsibility, freedom, subsidiarity and solidarity. 187
The EPP-ED Group stresses the need to create a favourable climate for an overall solution to the Nonetheless, in a period characterised by general wellbeing, values and ethics seem to be less and
Cyprus question, which will require genuine political will from each of the parties involved. less relevant to the day-to-day concerns of society.
In the EPP-ED Group’s view, the European Union must defend these universal values if it does not
want to lose its identity.
The European Union: a key partner in promoting secure and lasting peace
in the Eastern Mediterranean
The contribution of Intercultural Dialogue to the European Union’s
The Mediterranean region is currently facing disturbing developments: as well as the Palestinian main strategic priorities
question and the political and humanitarian crisis in Gaza there is also a worrying degree of
instability in Iraq, Iran’s growing aspirations to become a nuclear power, war and political instability Recognising the intrinsic value of the Charter of Fundamental Rights, the EPP-ED Group reaffirms
in Lebanon, the spread of terrorism and arms proliferation, and uncertainty over energy security. its political commitment to the founding principle of the EU: ‘united in diversity’.
Against this uncertain and highly dangerous background, if there is to be a resolution to the Middle Plurality gives rise to dialogue: dialogue between cultures and religions, based on respect,
East conflict Israel will need guarantees about its security, but there must also be an economically- understanding and the desire to learn about and recognise one another. The essential values of
viable Palestinian State. freedom, responsibility and tolerance fuel this dialogue.
For the EPP-ED Group, dialogue between cultures is a precondition for the implementation of
its political priorities: it engenders an ethical responsibility and helps to raise awareness of the
European identity.
IV Responding to Climate Change > Meeting of the EPP-ED Group Presidency
with the heads of the National Delegations/
Adapting to Climate Change: the EU’s response
Munich, 28-29 August 2008
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.
The Presidency and the heads of delegations of the EPP-ED Group met in Munich in August
A European approach is necessary in order to ensure coordinated, effective policies to combat 2008.
climate change.
This meeting focused on three key European topics on which major progress was expected during
Adjusting to climate change is a global challenge and the external dimension of adjustment the French Presidency of the European Union:
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measures must also be examined. In this context, the EPP-ED Group considers that particular
> European action regarding the future regulation of CO2 emissions in the motor industry;
attention must be paid to the poorest and the most vulnerable.
> liberalisation of the energy market in Europe;

> the CAP health check.
Managing the Climate Change Strategies and Options
The effects and repercussions of climate change must be studied in minute detail with a view to Towards a low-carbon future:
establishing the most effective strategies and determining the most effective options to respond realising the Political Vision in the Motor Industry
to them.
These real problems require real solutions. Leaving the political aspect of environmental issues The EPP-ED Group recalled the worrying scientific forecasts concerning climate change and the
to the Greens and the Left alone would only worsen the situation. The bureaucratic approach importance of the next United Nations conferences in Poznan in December 2008 and then in
based on shortages and restrictions is not the only alternative. We need to move from a dogmatic Copenhagen in December 2009, in order to try to reach an international agreement to reduce
approach to a pragmatic approach. emissions.
It is therefore up to the EPP-ED Group to tackle these challenges by advocating a balanced In this regard, the Strategic Energy Technology Plan (SET Plan) and a European energy technology
approach that takes account of the environmental requirements, but also the requirements linked policy with a sufficient capital base was paramount in order to meet the EU energy and climate
to protecting the industrial sector and market mechanisms, always keeping in mind the defence of change targets by 2020.
employment and the risks of energy dependence. The development and deployment of low-cost and low-carbon innovative technologies, energy
The EPP-ED Group stresses the importance of developing research and training researchers in efficiency and renewable energies were the key to reducing emissions and creating new markets
order to respond to the need to reduce energy consumption and promote energy efficiency. for EU industry. In order to achieve those objectives, it was essential to reduce the costs of clean
energy and to improve innovation in the energy sector.
Reducing and managing greenhouse gas emissions must be the core objective of all policies.
Nevertheless, the EPP-ED Group stresses that, for the ambitious goals to be achieved, it is The Commission proposal1 setting emission performance standards for new passenger cars aimed
188 essential to avoid placing too many requirements on the industrial sector and to take account of to reduce average car emissions to 120 g CO2/km by 2012. At present average emissions from the 189
the international context. EU car fleet were 145-150 g CO2/km.
The EPP-ED Group recognises the role of renewable energies. Carbon capture and nuclear energy The EPP-ED Group supported this proposal but was proposing a phase-in period between 2012
could also be key technologies in responding to the issue. and 2015 that would allow manufacturers to increase their compliance with the target gradually,
to reach 100% in 2015.
In the field of agriculture, the European Union will have to adopt new policies to help the rural
world to adapt to these new challenges. The CAP health check and the Commission’s legislative Technological progress was crucial with a view to seriously reducing the CO2 emissions of cars
proposals will have to give priority to training, research, launching new technologies, enhancing whilst at the same time protecting the future economic competitiveness of the EU motor industry.
sectoral capacity and strengthening international cooperation. Incentives had to be established for industry to invest in R&D.
The area of health must also be at the heart of the debate on the repercussions of climate change.
Although health policy may be the preserve of the Member States, the impact of climate change The liberalisation of the European Energy Market
can only be dealt with by Europe or the international community.
The liberalisation of the European electricity and gas markets has not delivered the results expected
The EPP-ED Group takes the threat of climate change extremely seriously and hopes to respond to
from the 2nd energy package: throughout Europe, electricity and gas are still more expensive than
it in a pragmatic manner. It is impossible to respect the planet without respecting what scientists
necessary and infrastructure construction (generation, networks and interconnectors) has failed to
tell us.
make sufficient progress.
It is in this spirit that the EPP-ED Group is committed to playing a key role in the fight against
climate change as a global factor of stability.
1. Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council setting emission performance
standards for new passenger cars as part of the Community’s integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions
from light-duty vehicles - COM/2007/0856 final.
IV The Commission’s 3rd energy package and Energy Action plan are necessary. However, further
discussion and revisions are needed concerning ownership unbundling and the division of powers
The European Ideas Network
between the Commission, the Agency and the ENTSOs.
In the EPP-ED Group’s view, the liberalisation of the energy market must take into account energy The EIN is an initiative of the EPP-ED to bring a range of actors into the generation of policy ideas
demand, which will rise by 30% by 2030. The emphasis must be on the security of supply. New for the European centre-right. It is a network of over 600 policy-makers and opinion-shapers from
power plants would improve the situation as they have a higher efficiency than current plants. nearly 30 countries to discuss the future policy direction of the European Union and its member
states. Members come from diverse backgrounds: elected political office, research institutes,
EU regulation would be wrong if it led to a standstill in investment in networks and power plants. political foundations, academia, business, and non-governmental organisations inter alia.
The public have long been aware of the threats of climate change and CO2 emissions, and will not
now immediately accept the need for new power plants. Public opinion will need to be prepared It organises a number of different types of activity to create a dynamic and lively centre for debate
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2008
psychologically to accept such investment. to stimulate fresh thinking and positive response to the challenges faced in a rapidly changing
world. Summaries of its meetings are published on its website www.ein.eu. along with the papers
and presentations which formed the basis for its discussions.

The Health Check of the CAP Reform
The EPP-ED Group emphasises the challenge of rising food prices and the need to ensure the
security of food supply. 850 million people in the world suffer from hunger: the CAP health check
Breakfast meetings
must take account of the increased global demand.
The EIN has organised an active programme of breakfast meetings in the European Parliament
The future of European agriculture is a priority issue for the EPP-ED Group. to offer a forum for both elected policy makers and political researchers in Brussels to discuss
subjects of topical interest stimulated by opening remarks by leaders in their field. Speakers this
The reform of the EU agricultural policy must guarantee high-quality food and the sustainability of year have included:
European farming, and the EPP-ED Group wishes to see the CAP refocus on the needs of farmers.
The inherent conflict between rising costs and tighter cross-compliance rules for farmers, and > Jim CLOOS, Director, Directorate for General Political Questions, Council of the EU on the
consumer demand for cheap, healthy and environmentally friendly foodstuffs, must be resolved. subject of European Governance;
> Walid PHARES, Senior Fellow & Director for Future Terrorism Project, Foundation for the Defence
of Democracies, Washington; author «Future Jihad», «The War of Ideas» & «The Confrontation»
Christine Detourbet, on Terrorism and Security;
Head of the Political Strategy Unit
> Riel MILLER, International Consultant, Xperidox Futures Consulting on The Future of
Education;
Tim Beyer Helm,
Adviser > Jamie SHEA, Director, Policy Planning, NATO on Challenges in a Multi-Polar World;
> Gérard-François DUMONT, Professor, University Paris-Sorbonne on Demography &
190 Immigration 191
Working group seminars

During the course of 2008 the EIN has organised several events outside Brussels in cooperation
with local think tanks to reach new audiences and extend the network. The following meetings
were organised:
> LONDON: a joint meeting with Conservative Parliamentary Mainstream on Terrorism &
Security;
> MADRID: the EIN organised a seminar at the EPP Convention on Climate Change;
> PARIS: a meeting in conjunction with the Fondation pour l’Innovation Politique, Institut Robert
Schuman, and the Institut Montaigne on Competitiveness and Innovation and on Foreign Policy
Challenges;
> WASHINGTON: a meeting with Republicans and members of Congress on Terrorism and
Security;
IV > STRESA: a seminar covered three subjects: Competitiveness & Innovation and future reforms,
Energy and Environment Policy covering possible alternatives to Kyoto; and Economic, Monetary
Codecision procedure
and Fiscal Policy in the light of the ongonig financial crisis;
> BROCKET HALL, ENGLAND: a conference with the London office of the Konrad Adenauer The codecision procedure - as the most important legislative procedure - is based on Article 251 of
Stirftung focused on Transatlantic relations; the EC Treaty. In this procedure the European Parliament and the Council seek to reach agreement
so the legislative process can be brought to a successful conclusion.
> BUDAPEST: a meeting held in the context of the working group on Foreign Policy Challenges
considered the case of Russia; Since its introduction in 1993, the importance of codecision has progressively increased, currently
being applied to 44 areas of community activity. If the Reform Treaty enters into force it is expected
> MADRID: a seminar organised in conjunction with FAES considered two questions - foreign to double the number of legal bases subject to this ‘ordinary legislative procedure’ further
policy issues relating to the United States, and the institutional role of the European Central
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strengthening Parliament’s co-legislative power. It would extend the codecision procedure to areas
Bank where Parliament does not yet act jointly with the Council, such as the EU’s agricultural policy,
research policy and regional and social development policy.

In 2008 from a total number of 102 codecision files 78 had been finished in first reading, 11 in
second reading and 1 file reached third reading -conciliation.
Summer University
In September 2008 the Conference of Presidents approved a code of conduct for negotiating
The climax to the annual programme of the EIN is the Summer University. This year’s event took codecision files. The aim of this code is to increase transparency and democratic legitimacy within
place in Fiuggi, Italy building on the work of the network’s past conferences in Oxford, Madrid, Parliament when committees decide to enter into informal negotiations with the other institutions
Berlin, Lisbon, Lyon and Warsaw. in view of reaching agreement at an early stage of the procedure. It is complementary to the «Joint
The theme for this Year’s event was: The World in 2025: The Place for Values in an Uncertain Declaration on practical arrangements for the codecision procedure» agreed between Parliament,
World. Key speakers included François Fillon, Prime Minister of France; Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Council and the Commission in June 2007 which focuses more on the relationship between these
Minister of Italy; Wilfred Martens, President of the EPP and former Prime Minister of Belgium; institutions. As a general rule, Parliament shall make use of all possibilities offered at all stages
Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament; José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the codecision procedure. The decision to seek to achieve an agreement early in the legislative
of the European Commission; Rodrigo Rato, Former Director General, International Monetary process shall be a case-by-case decision, taking account of the distinctive characteristics of each
Fund; Kevin Andrews MP, Former Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Australia; individual file.
Franz Fischler, Former EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural development; Chairman, Rise The principles laid down in this code of conduct shall also be applicable for the conciliation
Foundation, Brussels; and Franco Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Italy; and Antonio Tajani, procedure, with the European Parliament’s delegation as main responsible body.
European Commissioner for Transport.
The event marked another opportunity to extend the international reach of the Summer University
with speakers and participants from China, Japan, India, Jordan, Nigeria, Colombia and the United Conciliation procedure and the EPP-ED Group
States joining European colleagues for the discussions.
The conciliation procedure, as the third and final phase of the codecision procedure, always applies
192 Two special plenary sessions focused on subjects of particularly topical interest: The Global if the Council does not approve all the amendments adopted by the European Parliament at second 193
Economy and its Future and European Values or Universal Values? Nine Roundtables gave reading.2
participants the opportunity to deepen the debate in some vital areas of public policy: Employment,
Skills and Human Capital; Competitiveness and Innovation; The Digital Economy; Demographic The Conciliation Committee consists of twenty-seven members of the Council or their representatives
Change and Immigration; Foreign Policy Challenges; Sustainable Farming and Food Security; and an equal number of representatives from Parliament who make up the EP delegation. Inside
Terrorism and Security; Energy and Environment; and Reform of Public Services. the European Parliament the 27 members of the EP delegation in the Conciliation Committee are
appointed for each individual conciliation procedure by the political groups. The composition of
the delegations reflects Parliament’s overall political balance.3
Stephen Woodard, The confidence that the majority of European citizens have shown in the EPP-ED Group, reflected
Adviser in the results of the last European Parliamentary elections in the enlarged EU, means that
our group is the driving force of the European Parliament. Accordingly, and on account of its
2. The Conciliation Committee has to be convened within six weeks, which may be extended by two weeks on the
initiative of either institution, after the Council’s second reading. The Committee has six or eight weeks to draw up
a ‘joint text’ from the date of its first meeting. Again within a period of six or eight weeks, the joint text is submitted
by the chairpersons of the EP and Council delegations for approval by the Parliament and the Council, without any
possibility of amendment. If, on the other hand, the Conciliation Committee does not reach an agreement or if the
‘joint text’ is not approved by the Parliament or the Council, the act is deemed not to have been adopted.
3. The political composition of the EP delegation corresponds to the composition of Parliament by political
groups EPP-ED has 11 seats, PSE 9, ALDE 4, UEN 1, Greens 1 and GUE 1)
IV numerical strength, our group has 11 seats out of 27 in the conciliation committees. This reflects
how important the EPP-ED Group is when the final decision on a legislative act in the European
The Parliamentary Assemblies
Union is adopted. Furthermore, besides having two of the EP’s three Vice-Presidents in charge of
conciliations; Mrs. Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou and Mr. Alejo Vidal-Quadras, our Group quite often
secures the rapporteurship and/or the chair of the conciliation committee as well.
The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly
Mr. Hartmut Nassauer, Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, is responsible for the Group’s
coordination service at the conciliation stage of the codecision procedure. The Vice-Chairman
takes the necessary measures in respect of the EPP-ED members of the conciliation committees to
The Joint Parliamentary Assembly: a Unique Institution
ensure that the Group obtains the results in these committees that best reflect its position.
The ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly brings together the elected representatives of the
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2008
European Community - the Members of the European Parliament - and the elected representatives
of 78 African, Caribbean and Pacific states («ACP countries») that have signed the Cotonou
Conciliation files in 2008 Agreement: it is the only international assembly in which the representatives of various countries

sit together regularly with the aim of promoting North- South dialogue and interdependence.
Civil aviation security
Significantly, a substantial part of the work of the JPA is directed towards promoting human rights,
Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules in the field democracy, the rule of law and good governance in ACP countries, and the EPP-ED Group in the
of civil aviation security has been in force since January 2003. The Commission has therefore EP has always been at the forefront in defending these fundamental principles.
proposed a revision of this Regulation in order to clarify, simplify and harmonise further the legal
requirements with the aim of enhancing the overall security in civil aviation. Harmonising rules in
line with the principle of «one-stop-security» means, that transfer- and transit passenger’s bags
and cargo need not be re-screened, as basic levels of security will have been met at the original
Successes of the EPP-ED Group in the JPA
point of departure. However, Member States will be free to impose stricter security measures than in the period under consideration
those provided for in the Regulation. Finally, the act enables the Community to legislate in future
on in-flight security measures. i) the 14th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly took place in Kigali (Rwanda) from
17 to 22 November 2007
Maritime Package
The EPP-ED Group continued to play the leading role on the EU side, thus securing a number of
This package includes provisions on flag states’ obligations, the inspection regime in EU ports, successes:
places of refuge for ships in distress, passenger protection standards, insurance obligations,
classification societies and civil liability issues. It aims to create healthy and sustainable i) The successful adoption, unanimous and without amendments, of the report by Ms Betty
competitive conditions for those operators which comply with international rules. The six dossiers AMONGI (UGANDA) and Mr Miguel Angel MARTÍNEZ MARTÍNEZ on Elections and electoral
of the third Maritime Package are structured around improved accident and pollution prevention processes in ACP-EU countries (Committee on Political Affairs) (Shadow rapporteur Filip
and dealing with the aftermath of accidents. KACZMAREK);
ii) The almost unanimous adoption with 4 abstentions of the report by Ms Astrid LULLING and
194 Mr Timothy HARRIS (St Kitts and Nevis) on the Impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the 195
Botond Török-Illyés,
Adviser ACP States (Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Trade);
iii) The successful amending and unanimous adoption of the report by Mr Martin MAGGA
(Solomon Islands) and Mr John BOWIS on Access to healthcare and medicines, with a
particular focus on neglected diseases (Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment);
iv) The successful negotiation and unanimous adoption of the Urgent resolution on natural
disasters in ACP States (EPP-ED negotiators Rolf BEREND and John BOWIS);
v) The successful negotiation and unanimous adoption of the Urgent resolution on the situation
in the DRC (EPP-ED negotiators Juergen SCHROEDER and Mario MANTOVANI);
vi) The successful negotiation and adoption by acclamation of the Kigali Declaration on Trade
(EPP-ED negotiator Michael GAHLER).
IV ii) the 15th session of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly took place in Ljubljana (Slovenia)
from 15 to 20 March 2008
10th Windhoek Dialogue
The EPP-ED Group continued to play the leading role on the EU side, thus securing a number of
successes: The Windhoek Dialogue, the EPP-ED Group African development policy initiative, with clear
objectives of developing a network of cooperation with and among its African partners met in May
i) The successful adoption, unanimous and with only one amendment, of the report on Experiences this year, in Windhoek, Namibia.
from the European regional integration process relevant to ACP countries, Co-rapporteurs Mr.
Bornito De Sousa (Angola) and Mr. Filip KACZMAREK (Committee on Political Affairs); The main purpose of this meeting was to follow up on the Berlin Declaration on Free and Fair
Elections in Africa, adopted by UAPDD on 7 May 2007, and to use this Declaration as a basis for
ii) The almost unanimous adoption, with four amendments, of the report on Food security discussions on recent and forthcoming African elections.
issues in ACP countries and the role of ACP-EU cooperation, Co-rapporteurs Mr Mohamed Ali
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2008
(Ethiopia) and Mr Alain Hutchinson (PSE) (Committee on Economic Development, Finance and Reports were given on recent elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Togo, all
Trade) (EPP-ED shadow rapporteur Robert STURDY); of which showed that a number of code of conduct criteria for free and fair elections, defined in the

Berlin Declaration, were not upheld. These shortcomings ranged from a lack of adequate civil and
iii) The unanimous adoption, with four amendments, of the report on Social and environmental voter education to the misuse of official media and orchestrated intimidation and violence.
consequences of structural adjustment programmes, Co-rapporteurs Mr Alma Oumarou
(Niger) and Mr Gay MITCHELL (Committee on Social Affairs and the Environment); The political strength of the Windhoek Dialogue was shown in the clear language of its final
declaration on elections in Zimbabwe, spelling out that «the situation leading to these elections
iv) The successful negotiation and unanimous adoption of the Urgent resolution on the situation was not conducive to the holding of free and fair elections in view of the incontrovertible evidence
in Kenya (EPP-ED negotiator Valdis DOMBROVSKIS); of gross intimidation, torture and violence against opposition and civil society organisations».
v) The successful launching of the One Laptop Per Child initiative by EPP-ED Coordinators The EPP-ED Members participating in this meeting included Martin Callanan, UK, Filip Kaczmarek,
Nirj DEVA and Maria MARTENS. Poland, José Ribeiro E Castro, Portugal and Armando Veneto, Italy, coordinated by Michael Gahler,
Germany.
Carlo Palassof,
Adviser Angola Conference 15-16 August 2008
In preparation of Angola parliamentary elections scheduled 5 September 2008, Dr. Isaias Samakuva,
the Union of African Parties for Democracy and Development (UAPDD) Federal President who is
also UNITA - Angola President, invited the Southern Africa Region of UAPDD to hold a conference
with its partners of the EPP-ED Group in the EP, in order to discuss the ingredients of democracy
and social justice as essential foundations for peace in Angola after civil war, and to give impetus
and show support to ongoing efforts to strengthen the Angolan democracy and governance
through free, fair, regular and democratic electoral processes.
196 197
Participants, that included Mr. Michael Gahler, Vice- President of the EU-ACP Joint Parliamentary
Assembly and responsible for the Windhoek Dialogue and Mr. José Ribeiro E Castro, reviewed
the various aspects of democratic development in Angola, the electoral process and the desired
future prospects after the long years of civil war. In a concluding declaration, they appealed to the
Angolan government and to the relevant electoral authorities to guarantee to all parties running
in the September 2008 elections full freedom of political activities, expression, equal access to
the State-owned media and complete freedom of movement to the national and international
observers as stipulated by Law.
Unfortunately final election results did not reflect the expectations of our UNITA friends, but they
stand a chance to reorganise themselves and develop a democratic culture within Angola for the
next time round. Now that Angola civil war is behind their back and the desire for stability is the
norm.
Josef Lukyamuzi
IV EPP-ED Development Charter Euromed
The soaring food prices are hitting the populations of the developing countries like a «a silent The EPP-ED Group’s EUROMED working party, under the chairmanship of the Group’s vice-chair
tsunami», in the words of Josette Sheeran, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, Vito Bonsignore meets once a month with the aim of deepening our political relations with the
and are pushing some 100 million people deeper into poverty. Europe is the world’s largest parties and groupings of the southern Mediterranean countries. The working party has two parts,
donor of development aid, but the results are far from satisfactory. The 78 countries in Africa, the which shows the very strong commitment of the EPP-ED Group to giving a large political impetus
Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) that have received the bulk of EU development aid over the years to Euro-Mediterranean relations. The EUROMED WP follows the work of the Euro-Mediterranean
still account for only 2 % of world trade, and 40 of the world’s 50 Least Developed Countries are Parliamentary Assembly (EMPA) and at the same time reinforces political contacts on a bilateral
ACP countries. and multilateral level, with the aim of having a more active presence and forming a political
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network in the Mediterranean, allowing the development of a common strategy in most political,
In the face of such figures, the EPP-ED Group, acknowledging that traditional development aid economic and social domains, including the Middle East peace process. Other priority political
has not delivered on all its promises, has adopted a Charter which shows dedication of the group objectives are stability, the fight against terrorism, security, mutual understanding and respect for

to a more effective development policy. It stresses that a sustainable development can only occur human rights.
in countries where peace, democracy and human rights are protected and nourished. Even then,
traditional aid is not the remedy. For development cooperation to effectively combat poverty, it In terms of developing these objectives, it is important to emphasise the presence and very active
must stimulate growth, help attract foreign investment and promote international trade, so that the involvement of members of the EPP-ED Group in the work in committee and in the plenary of the
developing world can gradually take the place it deserves in the global economy. EMPA, as well as their political activity. Our members have visited several Mediterranean countries,
which has enabled us to strengthen our political links and to tackle the key issues which concern
both sides of the Mediterranean.
The development policy of the EPP-ED Group is based on three major commitments:
From the economic point of view, our Group has worked hard for the process of trade liberalisation,
> Creating conditions for a sustainable economic, social and environmental development, which should entail bringing the rules of the European Union single market and those of the
> Defending the pre-requisites to development: safeguarding human life, democracy, human Mediterranean countries more closely into line, in order to achieve the creation of a free trade
rights, good governance, peace and security zone in 2010. The measures to be taken are expected to take shape within the plans for developing
association agreements with the Mediterranean countries.
> Creating better policy results and increased visibility
Flows of migration, the religious dimension, problems related to environmental protection, as
«In June 2009, millions of Europeans will elect the European Parliament. They will expect their new well as the significant challenges of education and training, are also priorities for our Group, as
MEPs to play a prominent role in achieving solutions to problems and challenges in their everyday are participation by women in economic, political and social life, and micro-credit programmes,
lives, but also to provide leadership on the international scene, in particular when it comes to boost especially aimed at women and young people.
prosperity and growth for developing countries.»
With regard to the Middle East peace process, the EPP-ED Group has always supported the efforts
These are the words of EPP-ED Chairman Joseph Daul, in a foreword to the Charter. With this for peace and the Annapolis Process. And it is to this end that our members have worked within
Charter, the EPP-ED Group has created a solid basis for the work that lies ahead, in the coming the EMPA’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Mrs Tokia Saïfi.
198 election period 2009-2014. 199
Our Group has strongly supported the Union for the Mediterranean project launched by the
Or as described by the EPP-ED Coordinators in the Development Committee, Nirj Deva and Maria President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. This project will bring huge political, economic,
Martens: social and cultural benefits for all partners involved, and will open up new areas for cooperation
«The Charter is a distillation of what we believe are the essential factors that are needed for between countries on either side of the Mediterranean.
the developing countries to increase in prosperity. The very ideas have been taken from a long One important challenge our members have to face is ensuring economic development
collaborative study by EPP-ED Members into those very concepts that allowed the countries of the and environmental protection in the Euro-Mediterranean region on the basis of sustainable
West, after enduring through the poverty of the medieval period, to accelerate the wealth of their development. Our Group has set very ambitious objectives: a free trade area by 2010, extensive
citizens dramatically in just a few decades. We hope we have identified the yeast that makes the economic partnership activities, a plan to rid the Mediterranean of pollution by the year 2020, the
bread rise.» use of natural resources and renewable energies and action to improve the urban environment
and water management.
Jesper Haglund, Our Group supports the European Neighbourhood Policy launched in 2004 by the European
Adviser Commission. Our primary objectives are to contribute to increased stability, security and prosperity
for our neighbours in the East and the South, in particular by offering the countries in question
an increasingly close relationship with the European Union, to prevent the emergence of new
dividing lines. The Neighbourhood Policy is founded on values which the EPP-ED Group has always
defended: democracy, the rule of law, good governance, respect for human rights, the principles
of market economy, of free trade and of sustainable development. In addition, by means of the
IV Neighbourhood Policy we can avoid the emergence of security risks such as illegal immigration,
the disruption of energy imports, environmental degradation, major inflows of refugees, incursions
In conclusion, the members of our Group hope that the new momentum of the EMPA will translate
into parliamentary input and support for the strengthening and development of the Union for the
of organised crime and terrorism. Mediterranean. The EMPA should likewise issue opinions on all questions relating to the Euro-
Mediterranean partnership and to the European Neighbourhood Policy, including association
Our Group is in favour of a greater reinforcement of this neighbourhood policy, concluding that its agreements and plans of action.
credibility and impact needed to be enhanced and put into practice with even more far-reaching
and comprehensive free trade and association agreements.
Jorge Soutullo,
The Union for the Mediterranean will be able to combine political, economic and social activities Adviser
of this kind with intensified efforts to secure peace in the Middle East and turn this region into
a source of stability. The Annapolis Process must be strongly supported by the European Union,
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which must become a leading player in that region and bring increasing influence to bear.
The Union for the Mediterranean will benefit from the achievements of the Barcelona Process,

notably the EMPA as the democratic framework for parliamentary action. In this context, a
fresh boost must be given to the partnership process with regard to the existing institutions by
complementing them and further expanding their content and field of operation. The project will
create major investments in terms of policies and financial resources on a regional and inter-
regional level, which will form the added value of the Barcelona Process.
So the Union for the Mediterranean project offers an opportunity to inject new life into the
Barcelona Process. The EPP-ED Group has always been in favour of enhancing the EMPA’s role and
has initiated several European Parliament resolutions with that end in view.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs is drawing up an own-initiative report
on relations between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries. Mr Méndez de Vigo
is drawing up an opinion for the Committee on Constitutional Affairs which takes account of the
institutional possibilities of the EMPA.
Our Group considers that it is important to deepen the relationship between the European Union
and the Mediterranean countries on the basis of existing structures such as the EMPA, the only
assembly which brings together the 27 Member States of the Union and all the Mediterranean
countries, including all the parties involved in the Middle East peace process.
In order to ensure a coherent institutional framework, it is important not to duplicate existing
instruments, particularly the EMPA, which is the legitimate parliamentary embodiment of the
Union for the Mediterranean process.
200 201
Our Group proposes that the EMPA should become the mandatory consultative body for all issues
and matters that will ultimately be the subject of discussion in the Council of Ministers of the Union
for the Mediterranean. The Council and the Commission of the European Union should be involved
and present at the heart of the EMPA. Furthermore, the EMPA should be closely involved with the
preparation of the biannual summits of the Heads of State as well as at the annual meetings of the
Foreign Affairs Ministers of the member states of the Union for the Mediterranean.
At the same time, action must be taken to strengthen the EMPA’s rules of procedure and establish
more comprehensive and precise operational rules for it, as well as a strengthened permanent
secretariat. A further ambitious project would be to set up political families within the EMPA, as
in the EP: all the members of the EMPA will be able to organise themselves into political groups
in line with the existing political families (rather than the current division into Mediterranean
parliaments - European Parliament - parliaments of the EU Member States), which would allow
better integration and efficiency.
IV Eurolat On both occasions, the Assembly offered its services should they be required.
During the second half of the year, Eurolat’s activities have basically focused on preparing the
meetings of the three permanent parliamentary committees, scheduled to meet in Brussels on 5
In 2008, the normal work of the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly4 has continued. and 6 November, in order to deliberate on three issues of particular topical interest.
A meeting of the bureau was held in Santo Domingo on 17 and 18 March to prepare for the Second A Bureau meeting was held on 24 September with the goal, not only of preparing for the
Plenary Sitting which was held in Lima from 29 April to 1 May 2008. This was the first time that the Committee’s work, but also to exchange views on the so-called ‘Returns Directive’ that is being
Eurolat Plenary Assembly had met in Latin America, and prior to the Summit of EU, Latin American adopted by the Parliament and Council of the EU, which had caused so much argument and
and Caribbean Heads of State and of Government, who were to meet on 16 and 17 May in Lima. concern on the Latin American side.
The high turnout of Members of Parliament from both sides of the Atlantic, the level of the A working group was also set up to adjust the Rules of Procedure to the Assembly’s new needs:
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work carried out, and the quality of the documents adopted at this interparliamentary meeting
demonstrated the success of the Eurolat Assembly, as was highlighted by the two co-presidents, it was expected to complete its work in Spring 2009. This working party on revising the Rules of
Procedure will have to tackle such issues as the increase of the number of members from 120 to

Jose Ignacio Salafranca (EP-EPP) and the Chilean Senator and Parlatino President, Senator Jorge
Pizarro. 150 (a decision endorsed by the EP in plenary and by the Conference of Presidents of the political
groups), the incorporation of the members of the recently-established Mercosur Parliament
The Lima meeting adopted three working documents, one for each of the permanent committees (Parlasur), the blemishes and shortcomings identified over the last two and a half years of
that comprise the Eurolat Assembly (Political Affairs, Economic, Financial and Commercial Affairs, operation, and the thorny matter of Europeans and Latin Americans voting in separate colleges.
Social and Environmental Affairs).
Finally, three reports were the subject of debate at the parliamentary committee meetings of 5 and
The three resolutions adopted concerned highly topical issues which were undoubtedly going to be 6 November in Brussels:
on the agenda for the ensuing Summit, namely:
> a Latin American Charter for Peace and Security (adopted unanimously),
> Energy policies in Latin America and the EU;
> the relationship between Trade and Climate Change (adopted without problem),
> Challenges and opportunities of the Doha Round;
> the use of water in the context of EU-Latin American relations (rejected by the college of the EP
> Poverty and social exclusion. delegation and consequently not adopted).
Winding up the work done at Lima, the Euro Latin American Members of Parliament sent a The next (third) Plenary Sitting will be held in Europe (location to be decided) in Spring 2009,
message to the Summit which, in addition to reiterating the shared principles and values on which preceded by a Bureau meeting in Antigua, Guatemala, in February 2009, to prepare for the plenary,
the bi-regional partnership rests, they called for a prompt conclusion of the ongoing negotiations of which will be the last held by the Eurolat Assembly before the June 2009 European elections.
the association agreements with Central America and the Andean Community. They also expressed
their wishes in favour of new impetus to be given to the negotiation of an association agreement
with Mercosur. Juan Salafranca,
202 Miriam Orsagova, 203
Recommendations, contained in the reports adopted, were included, particularly with regard to Advisers
social insertion, combating poverty, inequalities, sustainable development and the fight against
climate change. The parliamentarians’ agenda also included the food crisis and the high price of
raw materials, and the issue of immigration, particularly the fight against illegal immigration and
the mafias which encourage and profit from it.
The Eurolat Assembly – in the press releases issued by its respective Co-Presidents and ratified
by the Bureau and the Plenary – has responded to and has been issuing statements on crisis
situations and emergencies which have occurred in Latin America, e.g. the crisis between Columbia
and Ecuador as a result of the Colombian military operation which killed the FARC terrorist leader,
Raul Reyes, on Ecuadorian territory, and more recently, the Bolivian domestic crisis. In both cases,
the Eurolat Assembly called for calm, peace, moderation, dialogue and understanding as the only
way to resolve the differences between the parties.
4. The Eurolat Assembly currently comprises 120 members, 60 from the European Parliament and 60 from the
Latin American integration parliaments (the Central American Parliament, the Andean Parliament, the Latin
American Parliament and the Chilean and Mexican Parliaments). To accommodate the members of the recently-
established Mercosur (Parlasur) it was suggested that the number of Members be raised to 150 (75 apiece) and
this was ratified by the EP in plenary and has just been ratified by the Conference of Presidents of the political
groups. The Eurolat plenary has just to adapt its rules.
IV Human Rights, Democracy and good Governance In order to promote democracy and the respect of human rights throughout the world, the EPP-ED
Group has been working on several countries and supporting that the EU focuses constantly on it
in its relations with third countries:
The EPP-ED Group is engaged consistently and actively in this area, and encourages a policy which
aims to guarantee the respect of human rights, religious freedom and democracy building in the
world, because the Group recognizes that human rights and democracy are universal, fundamental Belarus
and indivisible. Therefore, the Group takes initiatives to put this issue on the agenda inside and
outside the European Parliament (EP). The EPP-ED Group has strongly condemned the unjustified and politically-motivated sentences
for 9 participants of the Entrepreneurs’ Rally which was held on 10 January 2007 in Minsk and has
In order to promote “the development and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law, and
called upon the government of Belarus for the immediate release of all political prisoners including
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of respect of all human rights and fundamental freedoms in third countries worldwide”, the
Belarusian citizens who were peacefully expressing their commitment to the values of democracy.
EU established a financial instrument in 2006, the European Instrument for Democracy and
The Group recalled that this unacceptable violation of the fundamental values such as freedom of
Human Rights (EIDHR), which provides financial aid for activities supporting these goals, not
expression and freedom of assembly, contradicts the possibility for Belarus of a full partnership

only as a complement to the EC programmes and to the EU’s CFSP objectives, but also as an
offered by the EU in the framework of the European Neighbourhood Policy.
independent financial instrument which can be granted directly without the agreement of states
and governments. The former fund of this instrument, the European Initiative for Democracy
and Human Rights, was founded in 1994 by an initiative of a Member of our Group, Mr Edward
McMillan-Scott, MEP. Darfur
A number of projects have benefited from the EIDHR so far. For example, the EIDHR gave support The EP has adopted 2 Resolutions co-supported by the EPP-ED Group for a strong advocate of
to 68 anti-torture macro-projects between contracting years 2001 to 2007. The EIDHR funded definitive action against the violence. The Group demands tougher EU sanctions on Khartoum
centres for the rehabilitation of torture victims from early 1994 and proposed focusing more regime. Another major achievement of the Group was, by our Members Mr Jose Ribeiro e Castro
attention on torture prevention, for example through human rights education of potential agents and Mr Jurgen Schroeder, the nomination of Mr Salih Mahmoud Osman for the 2007 Sakharov
of torture, like the police. Since then, it has funded more and more projects in the field of torture Prize Laureate, human rights lawyer who denounced the Sudanese civil war and the human rights
prevention. abuses in the conflict;
The EP has adopted several Resolutions concerning the EIDHR, for instance “Human rights in
the world 2006 and the EU’s policy on the matter” (April 2007) and “Human rights dialogues and
consultations on human rights with third countries” (September 2007), and also has been working Chechnya
on it with reports such as “Annual Report on Human Eights in the World 2007 and the European
Union’s policy on the matter” (April 2008) and “Report on the evaluation of EU sanctions as part The EPP-ED Group with its Member Mr Patrick Gaubert, Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee
of the EU’s actions and policies in the area of human rights” (July 2008). The EPP-ED Group on Human Rights, stressed in several occasions its support for the human rights situation in
promoted and supported them. Chechnya. Impunity and torture should stop in Chechnya; the EU therefore calls on Russia to
respect human rights there.
The EPP-ED Group, as a founder of the EIDHR, pays attention to the areas which need the EIDHR,
204 helps this instrument finance work for local key role players with flexibility (not only for global 205
projects but also for Country-based Support Schemes and specific themes) and truly hopes that
this financial instrument will be useful and helpful to develop the situation on human rights and China
democracy worldwide.
The EPP-ED Group is disappointed with the human rights situation in China. It has not been
Human rights and Democracy building are then the core of the external EU political actions of improved despite Olympic Games. The arrest of the Chinese dissident Hu Jia showed how
the EPP-ED Group. Actually, the Group remains concerned about crimes involving genocide and little respect of human rights China has had. Furthermore, the Chinese government should
ethnic cleansing, mass expulsions for political reasons, attacks against the civilian population in have refrained from any violence against Tibetan demonstrators and respect their rights and
conflicts, a rise in fanaticism and denial of freedom of expression, disregard for minority rights fundamental freedoms. Consequently, the EP must use all diplomatic possibilities to improve
and the growing importance of problems of exclusion and marginalisation. The Group believes the situation and the EPP-ED Group strongly supports all policies taken by the EP and the EU for
that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a key vehicle for bringing war criminals to justice and the improvement of the situation of human rights and democracy in China. «The EU must do its
supported its establishment. utmost for the protection of Tibetans’ human rights and fundamental freedom» stressed several
Since 1988, in the spirit of Andrei Sakharov, the EP has awarded the annual Sakharov Prize for times Ms Laima Liucija Andrikienė, Coordinator of the Subcommittee on Human Rights, during
Freedom of Thought in order to honour individuals or organisations for their efforts on behalf of several meetings and in EP resolutions on China and Tibet.
human rights and fundamental freedoms and against oppression and injustice. The EPP-ED Group
has contributed to nominate candidates and appoint winners for the Prize: Oswaldo Payá (2002),
United Nations (2003), Belarusian Association of Journalists (2004), Ladies in White (2005),
Alaksandr Milinkevich (2006), Salih Mahmoud Osman (2007).
IV Burma Regarding democratic management of resources, it is essential to improve financial planning,
develop a system of own resources and ensure the necessary budgetary flexibility. In this respect,
The EPP-ED Group supports the Council and the Commission in their stance against the the Group proposes to increase openness, transparency and accountability in budget procedure,
ongoing human rights and democracy violations in Burma and the EU’s commitment to attain consolidate the EP’s rights and protect the EU’s financial interests without increasing fiscal pressure
the establishment of a legitimate, democratically elected civilian government. After the Burmese on European citizens. Budgetary management should be comprehensible to the citizens.
Junta of September 2007, the situation has remained the same and the objectives have not been
In order to expand the EU’s contribution to develop democracy and good governance throughout
achieved in spite of the visit of the UN Special Envoy, Mr Ibrahim Gambari. It is essential to show
the world, namely its contribution to global governance, the Group reiterates that the EU should
our solidarity with the pro-democracy movement and the Group urges the international community
improve political dialogue with third countries and effectively utilize instruments such as
to continue applying pressure on Burmese regime. The Group not only condemns the acts of the
neighbourhood policy and the EIDHR. The Group strongly supports every democratic improvement
government, but also demands the release of all political prisoners and Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi,
and anticipates achieving the ultimate goal of promoting peace, stability, democracy, prosperity,
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Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Sakharov Prize Laureate of 1990.
good governance and respect for human rights in all countries.

Good Governance Giuseppe Luigi Mazza,
Adviser
The Commission adopted a White Paper on European Governance in 2001 to establish more
democratic governance at all levels – global, European, national, regional and local, and defined
governance as “the rules, processes and practices that affect how powers are exercised at the
European level” and good governance as governance underpinned by “openness, participation,
accountability, effectiveness and coherence.” The EP has on one hand reaffirmed its democratic
role in the EU, on the other hand expressed concerns about the new forms proposed in the
White Paper which might increase democratic deficit and weaken the role of the EP as an organ
which represents European citizens, reflects democracy the most and plays an important role for
governance by the people.
If the EP is the only European Institution which represents the citizens and democracy, political
groups play a decisive role as obligatory intermediary between the Institutions and its citizens. In
this respect, trans-national political group, the EPP-ED Group, can represent the citizens better
than any other political groups, because the Group is the only one of the seven political groups in
the EP to contain MEPs from all 27 Member States.
Taking account of the principles of good governance and the role of the EP as democratic
participation and legitimacy, the Group believes that the EU should be comprehensible, closer
and open to the citizens. It is essential to have an effective information strategy to enhance
206 communication between the citizens and the Institutions, so that the Group is convinced that 207
national political parties, political groups, social partners and representatives of civil society have
responsibility to play an active role, by contributing to the opinion-making process at European
level and by expanding all forms of dialogue and debate with the citizens. Furthermore, a
coordinated and joint approach by political group and organizations of civil society will be able to
reinforce public support for the EU among the citizens.
The Group also believes that future public information campaigns should be more focused, policy-
oriented and targeted to the specific issues, which our citizens expect to be solved by the EU. The
Group will re-orient the focus of its media strategy to the fundamental political issues dealt by the
Institutions and make effective interventions for the benefit of Europeans.
The ongoing process of European integration clearly demands the strengthening of transparent
and democratic participation in the European decision-making process. The Group has been
always stressing the necessity of accompanying the enlargement of the EU with reforms for
more democratic and transparent decision-making processes, and more simplified and flexible
mechanisms that would keep the enlarged EU capable of action. All Institutions should work out
proposals for reforming their procedures, making them less bureaucratic and more accessible to
the citizens.
IV Human rights, democracy and good governance At the end of the debate on Zimbabwe the Commissioner, Mrs Androulla Vassiliou, stressed: «the
situation in Zimbabwe, notably following the 29 March elections, is a major preoccupation...». She
confirmed: «the Commission’s willingness to continue to make use of any opportunity for dialogue
in order to find a solution to the Zimbabwe crisis.»
Debates on cases of breaches of human rights,
democracy and the rule of law The Parliament will continue to follow the developments in these and other countries. Mr
Poettering once said: «if we are serious about human rights and human dignity, then we must also
defend them throughout the world.»5
On the 18th June 2008, the President of the European Parliament, Mr Hans-Gert Poettering, spoke
at the presentation of the Charles V European Prize 2008 to Simone Veil. On this occasion he Jan-Willem Vlasman
stated: «we need to intensify our work for peace, human rights and developments in the years to
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come.» Mr Poettering also stressed: «we need to commit ourselves in defending the rule of law
and democracy in our neighbourhood and beyond.»

The European Parliament has always played an important role in defending human rights,
democracy and the rule of law. In 2008, the Parliament has not only adopted resolutions on the
developments in particular countries like Armenia and Burma, but also on certain specific topics.
For example, a resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and rape as
a war crime and a resolution on executions in Iran.
The European Parliament strongly condemns the use of rape as a weapon of war and urges,
in particular, that the perpetrators of sexual violence against women be reported, identified,
prosecuted and punished. It calls on the EU to allocate substantial funds to providing medical,
legal and social support for victims of sexual abuse. The Parliament is profoundly saddened at
the execution of several juvenile offenders in Iran and strongly condemns the growing number of
executions and urges the Iranian authorities to establish a moratorium on the use of the death
penalty with a view to its abolition.
Several debates on human rights, democracy and the rule of law have been initiated by the EPP-ED
Group. This has been the case with the debates on Belarus in February and Zimbabwe in April. In
its resolution on Belarus the Parliament expresses solidarity with the united democratic opposition
and the leader of that movement, Aleksander Milinkevich and all Belarusian citizens who strive for
an independent, open and democratic Belarus based on the rule of law.
The Parliament adopted a resolution on Zimbabwe in which it insists that the democratic wishes
of the Zimbabwean people be respected and urges all those who wish to participate in the future
208 of Zimbabwe to cooperate with the forces of democratic change. These resolutions are not only 209
addressed to the Governments and Parliaments of these countries, but also to the Commission
and the Council. They will need to consider the points raised by the Parliament in its resolutions.
This becomes clear, when listening to the debates. During the debate on Belarus the Commissioner,
Mrs Meglena Kuneva, stated: «there cannot be a full partnership with Belarus until Belarus takes
convincing steps towards democratisation, and respect for human rights and the rule of law.» Mrs
Kuneva indicated that the Commission will be closely watching the parliamentary elections. The
Commissioner underlined: «the organisation of free and fair elections would be seen as a decisive
step on the part of the Belarusian authorities.»
5. Osnabrück Dialogue for Peace, 3rd October 2007

IV Interparliamentary Delegations Asia was the setting for some important inter parliamentary meetings in the first six months of the
year, including the EP-ASEAN Delegation’s visit to Cambodia before the elections there this year.
During meetings with members of the Cambodian government and representatives of different
political parties, the Delegation was able to assess economic and political progress achieved and
General Overview to make on the spot visits to projects financed by the European Union. The European Parliament
delegation was actively involved in the 5th Asia Europe Parliamentary Partnership Meeting held
The interparliamentary delegations are one of the European Parliament’s special external action in Beijing in June and contributed significantly to the final Declaration. The 26th EU China Inter
instruments, tasked with maintaining and developing the parliamentary dimension in our contacts parliamentary Meeting should also be mentioned. This was held in Brussels in June and a whole
with non Community countries. range of subjects was discussed, including questions on respect for human rights, with particular
reference to Tibet.
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The delegations’ activities contribute to enriching and improving our knowledge of the situation
in partner countries on the one hand, and to promoting those values dear to our political family Our Group also made its voice heard in Africa, notably during the 10th Windhoek Dialogue, which
– democracy, human rights, a culture of dialogue and cooperation – on the other. The former is in May 2008 drew together representatives from nine African countries in Namibia and was

the result of expertise acquired in direct on the spot experience arising from interparliamentary followed by the Conference in Luanda in August, in preparation for the elections in Angola. The
dialogue with our partners and with representatives from civil society. Delegation for relations with South Africa, for its part, went to Cape Town in February to meet their
counterparts in the South African Parliament who were in turn welcomed in the EP for the 12th
The Members of our Group, fourteen of whom are chairmen of delegations, play a substantial Interparliamentary delegation meeting EP-South Africa in July.
part in this external aspect of our political work, displaying a strong sense of commitment and
initiative that highlights the role played in external relations by the delegations and optimises its Despite the geographical distance, interparliamentary links and exchanges with the Latin American
added value. countries are very strong, thanks in particular to the work of the delegations covering this region
(inter alia the delegations to JPC EU-Mexico, EU Chile, and the delegations EU-Mercosur, and the
No one can doubt that the work of the interparliamentary delegations is heavily influenced by delegation EU-Andean Community, etc.). These strong connections were further strengthened after
political events across the world. 2008 was particularly noteworthy in this sense, and indisputably the establishment of the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly, which held its second plenary session
this affected the work of the delegations on all the continents. Some were confronted with in Lima, Peru, at the end of April 2008.
momentous political changes and events (e.g. the independence of Kosovo, the conflict between
Russia and Georgia, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the elections in the United States) that In addition, the number of working parties set up within delegations, to provide a more immediate
called for particular responsibilities and special attention and monitoring so as to find a response and rapid response to requests for information and dialogue, has been greater this year than
to the complexity of the situation that was right for each region with its own special features. during previous years. This was notably the case in the Delegation to Russia, the Delegation for
relations with the countries of south east Europe, the Delegation to ASEAN and the Delegation for
Our members visited different parts of the world in their work for the joint parliamentary relations with the countries of Central America, as well as in many others.
committees (especially with candidate countries such as Turkey, Croatia and FYROM (former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), the parliamentary cooperation committees (e.g. with Russia, It should be mentioned that the role and running of interparliamentary delegations was the
Ukraine and South Caucasus), that were particularly active during the conflict in Georgia, the subject of a study by the Working Party on Reform within the European Parliament, which echoed
parliamentary assemblies (ACP, EMPA, EUROLAT) and the interparliamentary delegations to non the suggestions made by Members of our Group and its Secretariat. In general, the reforms
Community countries. proposed for the delegations’ work are based around the added value their contribution brings
to parliamentary work through optimal use of their expertise, their capacity to react rapidly
210 The work of our members in delegations in conflict regions (Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan) merits
211
to political events in the world and the consistency of our political message. A whole series
special mention. The Permanent ad hoc Delegation for relations with Iraq was set up last February. of recommendations have emerged, touching in particular on better coordinating the work
The first EP-Afghanistan Inter parliamentary Meeting was held this year in April in Kabul, allowing done by delegations and parliamentary committees, and raising the delegations’ visibility. The
us to explore on the spot this particularly complex situation, especially as regards security. Interparliamentary Delegations Unit set up in our Group’s Secretariat is trying to help with this,
notably by updating the ‘intranet’ and ‘Internet’ websites with news on progress achieved in the
The activities of the Delegation for relations with the countries of south east Europe (in particular
different delegations, with ad hoc briefings and newsletters, giving a brief run down on the most
the 10th EP Bosnia Herzegovina Inter parliamentary Meeting) continue to be marked by our
important or significant meetings and setting out the political position held by our Members
Group’s firm commitment to the Balkan region and our support for the reforms needed if these
during Inter parliamentary Delegation Meetings.
countries’ European ambitions are to succeed. It should be noted that the first EP Kosovo Inter-
Parliamentary Meeting was held this year in Brussels on 28 - 29 May, at which there was a lively Efforts to strengthen the synergies between the interparliamentary delegations and the Parliament
exchange of views on the challenges facing Kosovo in the wake of its independence. committees concerned – the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Development and
the Committee on International Trade in particular – need to continue to ensure consistency in
Through the Delegation for relations with the United States and the Transatlantic Legislators’
external aspects of the Group’s political work.
Dialogue (TLD), our members were able to follow the presidential campaign very closely. Some
even had the opportunity to attend the actual nomination of the two presidential candidates by
their respective parties. Joanna Jarecka-Gomez,
Head of the Interparliamentary Delegations Unit
IV The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Croatia: Active work by EPP-ED Group contributes
(FYROM) to roadmap to conclude Croatian EU accession
negotiations
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) is an important actor of the European
Neighbourhood Policy of the European Union (EU). The EPP-ED Group strongly supports the
European Commission’s policy of which objectives are to share the benefits of the EU’s 2004 2008 has been a crucial year for Croatian EU aspirations. The country finishes the year with a
enlargement with neighbouring countries and strengthen stability, security and well-being for all conditional roadmap and an indicative timetable that envisages the closure of EU accession
concerned.Our commitment as Christian Democrats in the European Parliament (EP) is to work negotiations in 2009.
2008
2008
for a privileged relationship with our neighbouring countries built on common values, principally On 5 November, the European Commission unveiled the annual Croatia Progress Report and the
within the fields of the rule of law, good governance, the respect for human rights, including 2008 Enlargement Strategy paper stating that «in the light of the overall progress to date, it should
minority rights, and the principles of market economy and sustainable development.

be possible to reach the final stage of accession negotiations with Croatia by the end of 2009,
Since the establishment of the FYROM Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) in 2004,Chairmen provided that Croatia fulfils all the necessary conditions.»
of the Delegation to the FYROM JPC have been nominated from our Group: Mr Georgios The roadmap is also a result of the consistent engagement of the EPP-ED Group in formulating
PAPASTAMKOS MEP(2004-2006) and Mr Antonios TRAKATELLIS MEP (2007-). It shows that the European Parliament’s position as regards Croatia. This engagement was reflected in both
the Group has been deeply involved in the EP’s policy towards the FYROM, such as Resolution meetings of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) EU-Croatia that took place in 2008. The
adopted on 23 April 2008 on the 2007 Progress report on the FYROM and Protocol to the JPC comprises members from both the European Parliament and the Hrvatski Sabor (Croatian
EC-FYROM Stabilisation and Association Agreement adopted in plenary on 23 April 2008. Parliament). It is co-chaired by Pál Schmitt MEP (EPP-ED, HU) from the side of the European
The Group welcomes that the commitment of the government of the FYROM for the implementation Parliament, and Mario Zubović from the side of the Croatian Parliament. The Committee meets
of the Ohrid Framework Agreement which is an instrument for promoting transnational confidence- twice a year in order to evaluate the state of play in EU-Croatia relations and to take regular note
building and a key to stability in the region is still very strong; the adoption of the Law on the use of developments in Croatia.
of the Albanian language, which has been a complicated issue for quite some time, is a clear sign The first meeting in 2008 took place in Opatija, Croatia, on 29-30 April, a month after the Croatian
of that commitment. Parliament’s decision to suspend the application of the Protected Ecological and Fisheries Zone
Regarding the EU accession negotiations, the Group favoured an opening of negotiations by the (ZERP) to EU Member States until a solution is found in a European spirit. The suspension of the
end of the year in a resolution adopted in April. The Group believes that the Commission must ZERP lead to the so-called ‘Barroso conditions’ which offered the prospect of a roadmap for Croatia
recognise achievements made and recommend to Member States the start of negotiations. Ms providing progress was made in:
Anna IBRISAGIC MEP, Member of the AFET and EPP-ED Spokesperson on FYROM, welcomes a) complying with the legal obligations of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement;
the new government of the FYROM has maintained EU and NATO integration as its top priority,
reiterates the EP’s view that the opening of negotiations should not be delayed by the name issue, b) improving the management of EU financial assistance;
and also appeals to MPs to find a mutually acceptable solution that will clear the way for the rapid
c) fulfilling all opening benchmarks in negotiating chapters (benchmarks are reforms a country
beginning of the accession negotiations.
212 should undertake in order to advance a step in the negotiating process - a novelty in accession 213
Furthermore, the Group considers that good neighbourly relationships are an essential part of negotiations, designed to encourage the country to pass reforms at an early stage).
the process of moving towards the EU and that renewed efforts are needed with a constructive
In the final Declaration adopted at the Opatija meeting, JPC Members expressed their conviction
approach, especially regarding relations with Greece. Ms Doris PACK MEP of our Group,
that the negotiations would be «conducted at an accelerated pace» in 2008. The negotiating
Chairwoman of the Delegation for relations with the Countries of South-East Europe, plays
partners were advised to keep up the pressure on the negotiating process so that negotiations
an important role to construct and develop relationship through parliamentary diplomacy at
could be completed by the target date of 2009. A specific appeal was made to the Commission
comprehensive regional level, namely between the EU and the Western Balkans including the
in this regard to produce a schedule of work in the autumn detailing the individual stages for
FYROM. The Group recognizes the importance of political support to this region, so that we would
reaching this target. Particularly relevant to the future composition of the European Parliament,
like to contribute as much as possible to the co-operation at the level of political parties so as to
the final Declaration stated that Croatia had the ability to fulfil all the preconditions still pending
stabilise the region and promote the integration of the region in the EU.
for the opening of the remaining negotiating chapters so that the EP could therefore be welcoming
observers from Croatia to its ranks in 2009.
Giuseppe Luigi Mazza,
Members from both sides were in agreement regarding the analysis of the particular challenges still
Adviser
to be resolved by the target date, namely judiciary, the fight against corruption and the restructuring
of Croatia’s shipyards.
The second meeting of the JPC in 2008 took place in Brussels on 6-7 October. Amidst expectation
of the announced roadmap, Members acknowledged progress made by Croatia since the Opatija
meeting and evaluated that Croatia’s achievements were considerable and we were now at a stage
where negotiations should proceed more smoothly and at an accelerated pace. They reiterated their
IV position that with efforts on the part of Croatia and the continuing support of the EU institutions,
accession negotiations should be concluded in 2009, before the end of the mandate of the current
Western Balkans
European Commission.
As regards the EPP-ED Group, the timely accession of Croatia will set an example or an incentive European future fot South -East Europe
for other countries hoping to join, and constitute an affirmation of the EU’s enlargement policy.
Croatia’s progress in accession negotiations is subject to the pace of reforms which, in the three
years since the beginning of accession negotiations, has been substantial and accelerated. As The preparation of the countries of the Western Balkans for future integration into European
a candidate country, Croatia is being judged on the basis of its own achievements which are structures is a major priority of the European Union. These countries should have a clear perspective
evaluated and appropriately acknowledged by the relevant institutions of the European Union, of joining the European Union when they have satisfied all the necessary criteria. The functioning
which increasingly detect progress in the country’s preparedness to assume the obligations of EU and performance of the parliaments of the countries of the Western Balkans are regularly assessed
2008
2008
membership. by the European Commission in the framework of the so-called ‘political criteria’ which are used to
evaluate the state of preparation and progress of candidate and potential candidate countries in the
So far, Croatia has opened 21 chapters and provisionally closed four of them. The conditional context of the Stabilisation and Association Process and for accession to the EU.

roadmap for the conclusion of accession negotiations contains foresees the following future
developments: The implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreements (SAA) with the EU, the
adoption of the ‘acquis communautaire’ in the framework of accession negotiations, the current
a) negotiations dynamic: the accession conference should make every effort to open the state of development of EU legislation and the new prerogatives for national parliaments foreseen
outstanding chapters by the end of 2008, if made possible by Croatia’s meeting of the necessary in the Lisbon Treaty, render it necessary for parliaments in the region to «specialise» more and
conditions, and any remaining ones early in 2009; in order to reach the final phase of the more. The EPP-ED Group, through the active work of the Chairwoman for the Delegation for
accession negotiations by the end of 2009, it would be necessary for Croatia to complete its South East Europe, Doris Pack MEP, contributed to the formulation of the European Parliament’s
work on the closing benchmarks sufficiently in time so as to allow for the closure of all chapters position for the countries of South East Europe. According to the latest developments, the situation
by that target date; of the countries of the region is the following:
b) financial aspect of Croatian accession: subject to Croatia maintaining overall progress in its
preparations, the Commission will present a Communication in the course of 2009 on a
financial package for the accession of Croatia, which would coincide with the mid-term review Albania
of the EU budget;
The country ratified the Stabilisation and Association Agreement on 12 June 2006. The Albanian
c) working party to draw up the Accession Treaty: the Council set up the ad-hoc technical working main political forces showed a consensus on the need to achieve some progress towards broad
party for the drafting of the Accession Treaty, on the basis of texts prepared by the Commission. judicial reform. Albania has continued to make progress on consolidating democracy and the rule
This group may work in parallel to the negotiations and could therefore start its work during of law. Key judicial and electoral reforms have made headway, based on cross-party consensus.
the first half of 2009. Efforts to strengthen the rule of law have intensified. Albania has continued to play a constructive
role in maintaining regional stability and fostering good relations with other Western Balkan and
Lada Jurica, neighbouring EU countries. Despite improved public perception, corruption remains a serious
Adviser problem in Albania against which the High State Audit is acting and some criminal suits have
214 been file. On organised crime, the provisions adopted and action taken to crack down on it - and
215
in particular on trafficking in human beings and drug smuggling - is a positive note but specific
attention is needed to continue judicial reform. Also, the Albanian public administration should
improve the quality of service offered to the citizens. The complex legislative framework relating
to property restitution and compensation creates concern for the potential lack of coordination
in respect of legislation on legalisation. The Albanian economy made further progress towards
becoming a functioning market economy. Albania’s fast economic growth was accompanied by
a widening trade gap, which is weakening the country’s external financing position. Albania was
successful in containing inflation.
Bosnia and Herzegovina

Following progress in four key areas set out by the EU in 2005 (implementation of police reform
in compliance with the October 2005 agreement on police restructuring, full co-operation with the
International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), adoption and implementation
of all necessary public broadcasting legislation and the development of the legislative framework
and administrative capacity to allow for proper implementation of the SAA), the Stabilisation
and Association Agreement was signed in June 2008. However, the lack of consensus on the
main features of state building, frequent challenges to the Dayton/Paris Peace Agreement and
IV inflammatory rhetoric have adversely affected the functioning of institutions, have continued to
slow down reforms and have put the achievements made so far at risk. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s
Montenegro
economy has continued to expand rapidly and the country made some, albeit uneven, progress Montenegro signed an SAA with the EU on 15 October 2007. The Interim Agreement on trade and
towards becoming a functioning market economy. Despite a favourable economic climate trade-related matters, which entered into force on 1 January 2008, is being smoothly implemented,
and positive macroeconomic developments, the country remains affected by worrying high while the SAA ratification is ongoing. Montenegro has made progress in addressing the political
unemployment and rigidities, such as low labour mobility, fiscal burden, unsustainable current criteria, in improving its legal framework and in strengthening its institutional infrastructure.
account deficit, which seriously affect people’s quality of life and jeopardise the perspectives for Implementation of the new constitution adopted in October 2007 proceeded and the government
youth. Nevertheless, the European Parliament voted a Resolution urging Bosnia’s leaders to move has continued to adapt to the requirements created by the country’s independence, including
on with key reforms. The report drafted by Doris Pack is concerned about the lack of progress in strengthening public administration and playing an active and constructive role in international
refugees and IDP’s returns, for example, in the region of Posavina located in the Republika Srpska. and regional cooperation. Concern has been expressed that a new electoral law has still not been
2008
2008
Local authorities should be more involved and adequate housing infrastructure and employment adopted, resulting in a potential threat to minority rights. In this context, there is a need to do more
in the areas of origin should be provided. for the protection and support of minorities, especially the Roma, in order to ensure better access
to schools, health services and financial aid. During the last inter-parliamentary meeting between

The Croatian-Muslim federation is an example of the urgent need for reform because its division
the European Parliament and Montenegro, the participants were surprised to realise, from the
into municipalities, ten districts and a federal government have proven to be unfeasible. «Instead,
European Commission Progress Reports and the Enlargement Strategy Paper of 5 November 2008,
the different levels of decision-making must be reduced and put to the citizens as closely as
that the Commission only mentioned a possible date for acquiring candidate status in respect of
possible. Otherwise it will not be possible to fulfil the preconditions for the SAA as a preliminary
one country of the region of the Western Balkans. According to the economic situation, economic
stage for full EU membership», said Mrs Pack. However, ongoing rivalry between politicians of
growth remains strong in Montenegro but problematic factors continue to be observed such as
different entities does not contribute to this stabilisation, but provokes fear and distrust between
structural unemployment, important current account deficit and some signals of an overheating
the ethnic groups. As a consequence, ethnic separation is further deepened. Instead of tackling, for
economy, such as net wage growth, especially in public administration, and very important growth
example, common energy supply, creating a common market, improving the general educational
of loans to households which potentially lead to more inflation. Corruption, including political
system and attracting investors by reliable conditions, the political situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina
corruption, continues to be a widespread problem in Montenegro as is the presence of trafficking
is dominated by distrust and conflict. The Chairwoman therefore proposed to transform as quickly
activities and therefore the competent authorities have to strengthen their activities on prevention
as possible the current High Representative to the Special Envoy of the European Union as this
of ill-treatment and the fight against impunity, as well as to focus on the improvement of the
could lead to a higher degree of responsibility of politicians in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
functioning of institutions and mechanisms intended to ensure the respect of the rule of law.
It is worth mentioning that the leaders of Bosnia’s three key political parties (HDZ BiH, SNSD
and SDA) came to an agreement in Bosnia: Sulejman Tihić, Milorad Dodik and Dragan Čović,
representing respectively the country’s Muslim, Serb and Croat communities, agreed to reform Kosovo
Bosnia’s constitution through a series of amendments rather than adopting a completely new
constitution. In a joint statement, they said they would seek to bring the constitution in line with Kosovo declared independence in February and adopted a constitution, which came into force
the European Convention on Human Rights and to streamline state-level institutions as well as on 15 June. The EU established an ESDP rule of law mission ‘EULEX’ and appointed a Special
tackling the territorial organisation of the key middle level of government. They also agreed to Representative. The UNSG has started reconfiguring the United Nations Mission in Kosovo
hold a census by 2011, as required by the EU, which needs to have up-to-date data on which it can (UNMIK). UNSCR 1244/1999 continues to be the international legal framework for the UN’s
base its policies for Bosnia. Croat and Muslim Members of Parliament had earlier rejected a Serb mandate in Kosovo. The European Council of December 2007 and February 2008 started the
216 initiative to conduct a census that would include questions related to ethnic identity, claiming this 217
EU’s readiness to assist Kosovo’s economic and political development through a clear European
would cement the results of ethnic cleansing during the 1992-1995 war. But Tihić, Dodik and Čović perspective, in line with the European perspective of the region. Kosovo’s politics have been largely
say they have now struck a deal under which such questions would be included in the census, determined by issues related to Kosovo’s declaration of independence. Following the declaration,
but, in exchange, the distribution of posts at all levels of government would continue to reflect the the security situation remained relatively calm, with the exception of two serious incidents in
results of the last pre-war census in 1991 until 2014. Northern Kosovo. Overall stability has been maintained. Kosovo has continued to cooperate
The three leaders also agreed to settle the so far contentious issue of state property, proposing with the international community. The constitution adopted by Kosovo is in line with European
a principle that would see most property that is not privately owned registered as the property of standards. A considerable amount of key legislation was adopted. However, the government
those levels of government that use it. Real estate belonging to the military but no longer in use needs to ensure administrative capacity, sufficient means and determination to enable effective
would become the property of Bosnia’s two autonomous entities. Doris Pack welcomed this joint and efficient implementation and enforcement. Strengthening the rule of law, anti-corruption
statement, but asked for its implementation as soon as possible. policy, the fight against organised crime and enhancing dialogue and reconciliation between the
communities are major political challenges. Kosovo’s economy has grown at a somewhat higher
The EPP-ED Group believes that the existence of Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be questioned. Its rate than in previous years, but Kosovo has made very limited and uneven progress towards
entities have no right to secession nor can they be unilaterally abolished. BiH is an internationally establishing a functioning market economy. Macroeconomic performance was marked by weak
recognised State whose territorial integrity is guaranteed by the Dayton Peace Agreement. budget implementation, growing inflation, very high unemployment and external imbalances. On
the positive side, economic activity is increasingly driven by private sector dynamism. Unreliable
energy supply, a mis-match of skills and poor physical infrastructure are major constraints to
development. Unemployment remains very high. Continued reform and sizeable investment are
necessary to enable Kosovo to cope in the long term with competitive pressure and market forces
IV within the EU. It is worth mentioning that there was a visit of the delegation in Kosovo which was
followed by the 1st inter-parliamentary meeting which took place in Brussels on 28 and 29 of May.
generally protected. However, they were affected by the climate in the period immediately following
the declaration of independence of Kosovo. It is also worth mentioning that during the meeting of
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Joint Statement. Doris Pack MEP expressed her the Delegation for Relations with South East Europe with representatives of the national Assembly
satisfaction at the outcome of this first meeting which comes at a particularly delicate moment of the Republic of Serbia, the participants (Doris Pack MEP, Chairwoman of the Delegation, and
for the region. Kosovo’s institutions should resolutely head towards ownership of political representatives of the Serbian Assembly, Speaker Oliver Dulić, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs
responsibility and implementation of standards for a functioning multi-ethnic and democratic Committee, Dragoljub Mićunović, and Chairman of the Committee on European Integration, Milos
European society, which is the only thing that can allow Kosovo to obtain self-sustainability and Jevtić), agreed on a joint statement which highlights that the current, particularly delicate, political
European integration. EU presence in Kosovo is also a guarantee that minority rights will be fully situation in Serbia requires and justifies a reinforced political commitment and involvement of
respected and their living conditions improved, although the main responsibility for meeting these the European Union in Serbia”. As regards the Kosovo issue, Dulić underlined the importance of
targets is with the Kosovo institutions and citizens. the EULEX mission and the continuation of dialogue with the Albanians. He also stressed that
2008
2008
EU accession and the Kosovo issue are two different subjects. Doris Pack MEP said that all 27
Member States of the EU agreed to the EULEX mission which will help to diffuse the situation.
Serbia “EULEX is not against Serbia but wants to help the Serbs in Kosovo”, she added. Together with

Mr. Dulić, Jacek Saryusz-Wolski (EPP-ED,PL), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the
Serbia experienced a turbulent first half of 2008 with government resignation and early Parliamentary European Parliament, visited The Hague and met with the Dutch Government and the Foreign
elections in May. Serbs went to the polls in a hastily-called election after the government of former Affairs Committee of the Dutch Parliament and discussed the political situation in Serbia and the
Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica, in coalition with President Tadić’s democrats, collapsed due other SEE countries.
to insurmountable differences. The collapse came shortly after the Southern province Kosovo The EPP-ED Group strongly believes that it is important to maintain peace and stability in the
declared independence from Serbia in February. The previous Kostunica governments (2004-2007 region. This can best be achieved by further enhancing the EU perspective and by making it as
and 2007-2008) placed Kosovo as a top political priority. Kostunica governments turned the country visible and tangible as possible for all the peoples of the region. It also requires the constructive
towards Russia, relying on its political support in denying Kosovo independence. Kostunica also engagement of political leaders throughout the region. Public opinion in the Western Balkans is
stood for cutting all ties with western countries that recognised the newly-created country. Tadić’s largely favourable to EU integration. All governments have committed themselves to this objective
democrats stood for continued links with the West and particularly with the EU. Serbia now has and are implementing reforms. However, societies remain divided on a number of key issues related
a pro-European coalition government made of former arch enemies, the Democrats of President to the co-existence and integration of different communities and, in some cases, constitutional
Boris Tadić, and the socialists of late leader Slobodan Milosevic. The future development of the reform. Further efforts are needed to achieve consensus on such issues, to avoid harmful displays
country depends on the decision made by this party which has been blamed for the wars, isolation of nationalism, and to press on with the necessary political and economic reforms. It is in the
and poverty caused by Milosevic’s aggressive nationalism in the 1990s. The Socialists seem to interest of the European Union, and of Europe as a whole, that the region should go ahead as
have gone through a radical development. Instead of post-communist nationalism bordering on rapidly as possible with political and economic reform, reconciliation among people. The European
the extreme right represented by the Radicals, they fell towards social democratic values. This parliament and its political groups have conducted their activities in the countries and parliaments
transformation, which was in political isolation for a long time without the possibility of actively of the region, to strengthen political ties in order to help them on their way to the EU.
influencing the governmental policy in the case of the Socialist Party, is illustrated by the entry into
pro-European coalition. However, the so-called ‘conciliation paper’ between these two parties was
not positively received in the EPP because it will artificially close a chapter which has not yet really Theo Georgitsopoulos,
been discussed, and there is no acceptance of guilt on the side of Milosevic’s party. Adviser
218 219
Serbia signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and an Interim Agreement covering
trade-related matters on 29 April 2008.The Council however decided that the implementation
of the Interim Agreement and the ratification of the SAA are subject to Serbia fully cooperating
with the ICTY. In the latest release of progress reports on countries aspiring to EU membership,
the Commission held out hope for Serbia, with enlargement Commissioner Oli Rehn saying that
“under the best possible scenario, Serbia may still be able to obtain candidate status in 2009.”
However, any such move would depend on Belgrade’s ability to prove that it is doing its utmost
to catch the last remaining war-crime suspects, he stressed. Issues relating to Kosovo and EU
integration dominated political discussions. Since the Presidential and legislative elections, there
has been increased stability in government and greater consensus on European integration. Serbia
made significant progress in cooperation with the ICTY, including the arrests of Radovan Karadzic
and Stojan Zupljanin. The parliament ratified the SAA in September 2008 and began work on a
package of laws. Serbia has a good capacity in its public administration. European integration
structures were strengthened and the National Programme for EU Integration was adopted.
Regulatory bodies performed well under difficult conditions. However, greater determination needs
to be shown by the Serbian authorities to empower regulatory bodies. Further efforts need to be
made to ensure the independence, accountability and efficiency of the judicial system. Corruption
remains widespread and constitutes a serious problem. Civil and political rights in Serbia are
IV EP-Afghanistan Delegation In addition, a European Parliament delegation – the first of its kind – with nine members visited
Kabul from 25 April to 1 May 2008. The delegation included two PPE DE members, Nickolay
MLADENOV (Bulgaria), who is also a member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and of the Sub
Improving the effectiveness of European aid; contributing to reinforcing the dialogue. Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE), and Véronique MATHIEU (France), rapporteur for the
Committee on Budgetary Control on the use of Community funds in Afghanistan.
The Interparliamentary Delegation between the European Parliament and the Afghan Parliament
was established very recently, in April 2007. It enables its members to better monitor the evolution The delegation held talks with President Hamid KARZAI, the Presidents of the two chambers of the
of the situation in a region which is crucial to the world’s future, and to contribute both to Afghan Parliament, Mr Yunus QANOONI (Wolesi Jirga) and Sibghatullah MOJADDEDI (Meshrano
improving the coordination and effectiveness of European aid to Afghanistan and to reinforcing the Jirga), Vice Minister for Justice Mr Mohammed Qasim HASHIMZAI, President of the Supreme
dialogue between the parties involved in order to seek solutions to the conflict. Court Mr Abdul Salam AZIMI, and high level diplomats from the EU, NATO and the United
Nations, and representatives of NGOs.
2008
2008
With Guido PODESTÀ (EPP-ED/Italy) as its president, the delegation has 24 members, 9 of whom
are from the EPP-ED6. The two vice presidents are Philippe Morillon (ALDE/France) and Nicole The delegation was in Kabul on Sunday, 27 April, when there was an attempt to assassinate
President Karzai at a military parade. It sent a telegram of condolence to the Afghan authorities on

FONTAINE (EPP-ED/ France).
the death of Fazlulrahman Samkanai, a member of the Afghan Parliament, who was killed in the
Although this is a recently formed delegation, Parliament’s interest in Afghanistan is certainly attack and had been a member of the delegation to the EP in November 2007.
not recent. When Nicole FONTAINE was President of the European Parliament, she invited
Commander Massoud, historic leader of the Afghan resistance to the Soviet occupation and then This delegation visit took place a few weeks before the June Paris Conference which was charged
to the Taliban regime, to Strasbourg in April 2001. Some of Commander Massoud’s statements with assessing the implementation of the Afghanistan Compact signed in London in 2006 and
made in press conferences at the time on the situation in his country proved all too prescient. He launching the Afghan national Development Strategy.
was assassinated on 9 September 2001 in Khwadja Bahauddin, two days before the attack on the Another delegation from the Afghan Parliament is expected to visit Brussels in December 2008
Twin Towers, by two Tunisians with forged Belgium passports who posed as journalists and used or January 2009.
a booby trapped camera.
The increasing deterioration in security conditions, not only in the south of the country but also
In May 2001, Nicole FONTAINE also chaired a joint meeting in Brussels of the Committees on in the west (Herat), in Kabul (attacks in 2008 on the Serena Hotel and the Indian Embassy)
Foreign Affairs and Women’s Rights of the European Parliament in which young Afghan women, and even in the north (Kunduz and Mazari Sharif), until now considered to be a relatively quiet
dressed in chadors to preserve their anonymity and ensure their security, revealed the daily tragedy region; the increase in suicide bombings and attacks on foreign and Afghan members of NGOs;
of women’s lives in their country under the Taliban regime. military advances by the Taliban and other organised forces; concerns expressed by westerners
The European Parliament regularly held debates and passed resolutions on the development of (for example, at the recent NATO summit in Budapest) at the sharply escalating production of
the situation in Afghanistan. opium (8 000 tonnes in 2007, or nearly 93% of world production) and heroin, now refined within
Afghanistan as a result of the importing of chemical precursors; discussions on possible talks
Since it was set up in spring 2007, the Interparliamentary Delegation has embarked on an between the Afghan authorities and certain Taliban leaders who have said they would agree to stop
ambitious programme of close, continuous contacts with the two chambers of the Afghan the use of weapons; the presidential elections planned for 2009 (general elections are planned for
Parliament, the Wolesi Jirga (lower chamber) and the Meshrano Jirga (upper chamber). General 2010); the worrying deterioration in the situation in Pakistan and the evolution of international
elections took place in 2005. A European Parliament observation mission headed by Ignacio terrorism: these should all provide a broad range of issues for the parties to discuss.
220 Sanchez SALAFRANCA monitored the elections. 221
The European Parliament also adopted, in July 2008, the report by the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Female parliamentarians make up 28% and 21%, respectively, of the membership of the two on the ‘Stabilisation of Afghanistan: challenges for the EU and the international community’; an
chambers, thanks to positive discrimination measures. This places Afghanistan 27th in the opinion for this was drawn up in the Committee on Development by Jürgen SCHRÖDER (EPP-ED/
world ranking, just behind Portugal, in terms of female participation in parliament (source: Inter Germany).
Parliamentary Union).
The problems concerning the effectiveness of the use of aid from Europe – which remains the
In spite of the worsening security problems in Afghanistan, a delegation from the Afghan largest provider of funds for Afghanistan – were to be studied at the end of 2007 in the framework
Parliament, chaired by Mr Mohammed Arif NOORZAI, Vice President of the Wolesi Jirga, and of some report and opinions: MATHIEU report considered in the Committee on Budgetary Control,
comprising 9 members, had talks in Brussels with the European Parliament Delegation from 27 MLADENOV opinion in the Committee on Foreign Affairs, CSABA (EPP-ED/Hungary) opinion in
to 29 November 2007. The joint declaration which was published following the visit regretted that the Committee on Development and ANDRIKIENĖ (EPP-ED/Lithuania) opinion in the Committee
the effect on the economy and the situation of the people of the large amounts of international on Budget.
aid which had been provided to Afghanistan for five years was ‘so imperceptible’. It recommended
setting up a ‘joint body, to include the European Commission, charged with monitoring the On the initiative of Guido PODESTÀ, Nicole FONTAINE et Nickolay MLADENOV, the European
management of funds provided by the European Union for international assistance’. Parliament also adopted, on 13 March 2008, an urgent resolution on the fate of the young journalist
Perwez Kambakhsh, who was sentenced to death on 22 January 2008 by a court in the Balkh region
(north) after being accused of blasphemy for disseminating documents on the situation of Afghan
women from an Iranian website. On 21 October the journalist’s sentence was reduced, following
an appeal, to 20 years in prison by a court in Kabul.
6. EPP-ED members of the Delegation: Guido PODESTÁ, President; Nicole FONTAINE, Vice President; Urszula
GACEK (Poland), Günnar HÖKMARK (Sweden), Eleonora LO CURTO (Italy), Members; Ester de LANGE
(the Netherlands), Nickolay MLADENOV (Bulgaria), José Ignacio SALAFRANCA (Spain), Jürgen SCHRÖDER
(Germany), Geoffrey Van ORDEN (UK), alternate members.
IV It should be remembered that some 70 000 men are on active duty in Afghanistan, either as part
of the military operation led by the United States (‘Operation Enduring Freedom’), which was
EP- Iraq Interparliamentary Delegation
begun in Afghanistan on 7 October 2001, or as part of the International Security and Assistance
Force (ISAF), which is controlled by NATO and has taken its mandate from UN Security Council The Permanent ad hoc delegation for relations with Iraq is the youngest of the European
resolutions since 20 December 2001. Parliament’s interparliamentary delegations. However, it has already achieved several successes,
Afghanistan has occupied a key geo strategic position in Central Asia since ancient times, one especially thanks to its EPP-ED Members. It was established in accordance with a decision of the
which became even more crucial when huge gas and oil deposits were discovered in neighbouring Conference of Presidents as a permanent ad hoc delegation in February 2008. Its workings will not
countries in the region. be reviewed until after the end of the current legislature.
During the Taliban era, Afghanistan served as a base for international terrorism and Al Qaida, The delegation fosters interparliamentary ties with the Iraqi Council of Representatives (Iraqi
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2008
and Osama Bin Laden found refuge there until the end of 2001. Many terrorists from the Middle Parliament) elected on 15 December 2005. It is since then, having adopted a constitution by
East, the Maghreb, Uzbekistan, some Asian countries and also countries in the European Union referendum, that Iraq has laid the foundations for a federal state and begun the delicate process of
underwent military training there. building up democratic institutions. The delegation supports initiatives to strengthen the capacity

of Iraq’s elected officials to fulfil their constitutional role and establish democracy.
The endeavours of the international community in the period since the 2001 Bonn Conference and
the 2006 Pact for Afghanistan have not achieved the desired success. Inadequate coordination of There are three EPP-ED MEPs active in the delegation (there are thirteen MEPs altogether).
projects started, the level of corruption, the deterioration of security conditions, the seriousness Nickolay Mladenov MEP (Bulgaria) is the first Vice-Chairman of the delegation and travelled
of the situation which was left after more than 30 years of war with the USSR and civil war, the several times to Iraq during 2008, Jana Hybášková MEP (Czech republic) and Tunne Kelam MEP
burden of large numbers of refugees returning from Pakistan and Iran, extremely difficult climatic (Estonia) are regular Members.
conditions (drought and exceptional cold spells): all these factors have put an end to the great The first meeting of the delegation took place on 13 February 2008. Baroness Nicholson of
hopes which followed the fall of the Taliban. Yet there were definite successes in the early years: an Winterbourne MEP (ALDE, United Kingdom) was elected the Chair of the delegation with the
improvement in the health situation, and especially in infant mortality; children – including girls – support of the EPP-ED Group. There were eight other meetings of the delegation, several of
going to school; various major infrastructure projects being carried out (a ring road, hydroelectric them held jointly with the European Parliament’s committees on Foreign Affairs, Development
plants); the adoption of the Constitution in 2003, and the organisation of presidential and general and Women’s Rights and Gender Equality, until November 2008. The MEPs met with the Prime
elections. Minister of Iraq, Mr Nouri al-Maliki on 16 April and had a lively exchange of views with him. The
The countries of the European Union are also trying to reinforce the Afghan national army and delegations of the Iraqi Council of representatives Committees on Security and Defence and on
reorganise the police and the judicial system, with a view to the future ‘afghanisation’ of missions Women, Children and Family also visited the European Parliament in 2008. During the European
currently staffed by the international community. Parliament Arab Week, the delegation met with Sheikh Khalid al-Atiyyah, First Deputy Speaker of
Iraqi Parliament, and Chairmen of the Iraqi Parliament education and women’s committees.
Anne Vahl, One of the most important points of the work of the Delegation was the contribution to the Report
Adviser with a proposal for a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on the European
Union’s role in Iraq (2007/2181(INI)). The report was adopted in the Committee on Foreign
Affairs with 62 votes for, 2 abstentions, 0 against and finally by the European Parliament with an
222 overwhelming majority on 13 March 2008. Jana Hybášková MEP (Czech Republic) was the shadow 223
rapporteur and it is thanks to her and her EPP-ED colleagues’ efforts, that the report represents
a cross-party joint effort to overcome the divisions on Iraq which were very strong within Europe
in the recent past.
The report formulated a strategy on how to build a robust democratic Iraqi state that respects
human rights and the country’s rich ethnic and confessional make-up. It acknowledges that
Iraq needs Europe to help build upon the recent security improvements that will go a long
way in encouraging investment and increased NGO involvement in reconstructing the country.
In particular, the European Parliament’s role is in technical advice and assistance to the Iraqi
Parliament, which is establishing the tradition of parliamentarism in a country and region, where
this tradition has no previous examples in its ancient and long history. The European Parliament
has supported the European Commission’s financial support to Iraq (€829m from 2003-2007,
distributed mainly for assurance of basic services, human development, capacity building and
political process). The European Union has an interest in a stable and secure Iraq and the report’s
recommendations recognised this, encouraging the EU Member States to establish or re-establish
in a mutual cooperation their diplomatic representations in Baghdad.
IV Among other activities the Delegation and the EPP-ED Group have closely followed is the cause of
Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons in Iraq. Their return and assurance of their safety
EU-US Relations
and security is mostly recommended.
The EPP-ED Group is also close to the issue of the Christian communities in Iraq. Dutch MEP The EPP-ED Group and EU-US Relations in 2008
Esther de Lange organised a hearing on the situation of the Christian Assyrian minority in Iraq on
11 June 2008 and the EPP-ED Working Group on Islam, chaired by the EPP-ED Vice-Chairman Vito
Bonsignore, has hosted a round table on «Christian Communities in Iraq» on 10 October. The Transatlantic Economic Council
EPP-ED MEPs, especially the first Vice-Chairman of the delegation, Nickolay Mladenov, maintain The European Union and the United States share a long standing relationship, with the first
close contacts with the Iraqi representatives thanks to the frequent visits to Iraq. The EPP-ED delegation of the EU to the US being opened in 1954. Together the two economies generate 57% of
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2008
Group values the nascent democracy of the crucially important Mesopotamian heart of the Middle the world’s economic output and around 33% of world trade in goods and 42% of world trade in
East and understands that there is a need to support its institutions and administration so that it services. With exchanges worth some €1.7 billion a day, and investment flows creating 14 million
may provide the Iraqi people with good services and thus lead to stability, security and prosperity jobs, it makes this the largest bilateral economic relationship in the world. Since 1990 regular

of the area. Presidential summits have been held and the relationship is framed by the 1995 «New Transatlantic
Agreement» which set out 150 specific actions both side are committed to implementing.
Eduard Hulicius The April 2007 Summit saw an important step being taken by the establishment of a «Transatlantic
Economic Council» (TEC), whose role is to make transatlantic cooperation more transparent and
provides a channel for stakeholders to make their views known.
The TEC met for a second time in May 2008 in Brussels and reported on its activities at the
EU-US Summit held in Slovenia on 10 June 2008. The EU delegation was chaired by European
Commission Vice President Günter Verheugen and included EU Commissioners Peter Mandelson
(Trade), László Kovács (Taxation and Customs Union), Meglena Kuneva (Consumer Protection)
and Charlie McCreevy (Internal Market and Services). US Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer,
Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao and Ambassador Susan Schwab (US Trade Representative) were
among the members of the US delegation. Dan Price, Assistant to President George Bush for
International Economic Affairs, lead the US delegation
The TEC is supported by three advisory bodies: the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue, the
Transatlantic Business Dialogue and the Transatlantic Consumers Dialogue. In May 2008 the
Chairman of the US Delegation, Jonathan Evans (EPP-ED), attended the second meeting of the
Transatlantic Economic Council as a member of the advisory board.
The Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue:

224 225
The origins of interparliamentary relations between the European Parliament and the United States
Congress date back to 1972 when a US Congress delegation visited the European Parliament
in Brussels and Luxembourg for the first time. The delegation with the EU, is one of only three
official delegations of the US Congress, along those with Canada and Mexico. At the 50th
interparliamentary meeting on 15-16 January 1999 in Strasbourg, both delegations decided to
launch the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue (TLD) as a platform for Congressmen and MEP’s to
meet on a regular basis to exchange views on upcoming events.
The EPP-ED Group has always put a priority on its relationship with the United States, and has
actively participated in the TLD which meets twice a year. Ten EPP-ED members participated in the
64th TLD meeting held in Ljubljana on 24-26 May 2008. During the sessions the TLD had an in
depth discussion on a wide series of foreign policy issues such as Afghanistan, the Middle East
Peace Process, Iraq and the Iranian nuclear programme. The TLD also discussed the future of
Kosovo and the political developments in Russia.
A long discussion was held on the issue of extending the Visa Waiver programme to all 27 member
states of the European Union, and the possible impact of US legislation dealing with container and
port security on transatlantic trade.
IV The TLD took stock of the Transatlantic Economic Council meeting of 13 May and noted that
its participation in the framework of the «advisory group» of the two TEC Chairman should be
EU - Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee
continued.
The TLD identified several items from the TEC agenda which both legislatures could consider - 1. The work of the EU-Russia Delegation following
notably the import of US poultry, and equal treatment for US producers of cosmetics under the new the conflict in Georgia
REACH regulation. The TLD also called for further progress on the lighthouse projects identified by
the TEC. The 65th TLD meeting is scheduled for December 7-9, 2008 in Miami.
Core points of the European Parliament resolution of 3 September 2008:
Group activities in 2008: > Condemnation of all those who resorted to force and violence;
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2008
Two resolutions were passed by Parliament in 2008 on Transatlantic Relations - one resolution, > condemnation of the unacceptable and disproportionate military action by Russia and its deep
which passed in May, dealt specifically with the Transatlantic Economic Council. The second incursion into Georgia;

resolution was passed prior to the EU-US summit in June. Both resolutions were supported by the
Group and passed by overwhelming majorities. > call on Russia to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia;
In July 2008, as part of its annual visit to the US Congress, the Presidency of the Group held a > condemnation of the recognition by the Russian Federation of the independence of the
series of high level meetings in Washington which included a meeting in the White House with breakaway Georgian regions;
the Principal Advisor to President Bush, Barry Jackson; a meeting with Deputy Secretary John
> demand that an independent international investigation be carried out;
Negroponte at the State Department;, a meeting with Ambassador John Veroneau, the Deputy
Trade Representative; as well as meetings with Senators, Congressmen, and other senior political > call on the Council and the Commission to review their policy towards Russia should Russia not
leaders, notably with the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Governor Howard fulfil its commitments.
Dean.
During its visit, the Presidency discussed on-going EU-US relations with a special focus on Following the conflict in Georgia the European Parliament Delegation to the EU-Russia Parliamentary
Lebanon, Russia, energy security, trade, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the fight against Cooperation Committee met three times in September 2008. In line with the European Parliament
terrorism, as well as issues related to the visa waiver regime and the US elections. resolution of 3 September and the Conclusions of the extraordinary European Council meeting on 1
September the delegation decided to follow a twofold approach: while Members agreed there could
In August and September, a number of MEP’s, including Vice President Struan Stevenson and the
be no «business as usual» pending the fulfilment of the Sarkozy-Medvedev six-point plan, it was
co-Chairman of the Transatlantic Legislators Dialogue, Jonathan Evans, were invited to take part
agreed that dialogue with the Russian counterparts needed to be maintained.
in the Republican National Convention in St Paul’s and in the Democratic National Convention
in Denver, where they had the chance to observe the nomination of the two parties candidates for In the third extraordinary Delegation meeting on 23 September Members met the Russian
President and Vice-President Co-Chairs, Mr Klimov and Mr Gorbunov. At this meeting the EP’s Co-Chair (Mrs Oomen-Ruijten)
pointed out to the Russian guests that many in the European Parliament had lost their trust in
In September the first staff exchange was held in collaboration with the International Republican
Russia, underlining that it would take a long time to restore this confidence which had grown only
Institute. The Group arranged meetings in Paris and Brussels for five senior Republican staffers,
226 very slowly over the past years. She pointed out that the formal recognition of the two Georgian 227
and a return visit was organized for colleagues of the EPP-ED secretariat which allowed them to
regions by Russia and the deployment of additional Russian troops had «poured more oil on the
meet counterparts on Capitol Hill.
fire» and strongly criticised these decisions. She also stated that the extension of the crisis to
The Group plans to hold a ‘study day’ on EU-US relations on Thursday, 11 December which will Abkhazia had been a serious mistake. The Chair stressed that in its resolution of 3 September the
enable members to have a longer discussion on transatlantic relations after the November 4th Parliament had condemned all those who resorted to violence. Looking ahead, the Chair called
Presidential elections. for an independent international enquiry into the conflict in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and
asked for the unhindered access of observers to the whole region. In this regard she voiced her
disappointment about the break-up of talks within the OSCE.
Marek Evison,
Adviser
2. A new architecture of power taking shape

The Kremlin party «United Russia» won 64 per cent in the parliamentary election on 2 December
2007. In the presidential elections on 2 March 2008 the chosen successor of former President
Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Medvedev, won an equally overwhelming victory (just over 70 per cent of
the vote). After becoming President of «United Russia» on 15 April 2008 former President Vladimir
Putin was confirmed as Russia’s new prime minister on 8 May 2008, one day after Mr Medvedev
was sworn in as President.
IV Both the conduct of the parliamentary elections on 2 December 2007 and – to a lesser extent – the
presidential elections on 2 March were strongly criticised by observers from OSCE/ODIHR and
law makes foreign investment in 42 sectors of the economy (including energy, television, telecoms
and aviation) subject to government (= Mr Putin’s) approval. Whereas the general threshold is 25
the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). According to a PACE report «the per cent, investments in the energy sector need government permission for a share as low as 10 per
State Duma elections in the Russian Federation were not fair and failed to meet many OSCE and cent. The wording of the law is problematic as it contains deliberately open and vague definitions.
Council of Europe commitments and standards for democratic elections». Ahead of the Russian The restrictions do not affect investments made in the past but it remains to be seen whether
presidential elections OSCE/ODIHR saw itself left with no choice but to cancel its election investment deals which have not yet been concluded fall under the scope of this new regime.
observation mission. Contrary to OSCE rules the Russian authorities had denied the observers
permission to start their work some weeks ahead of the elections to allow for long-term election This new economic policy saw its climax following the financial crisis. Seizing the opportunity,
observation. Russian state funds (such as the Bank for External Commerce and Development (VEB), whose
supervisory committee is chaired by the Prime Minister) have intensified their efforts to gain
Mr Putin has made several big appointments, transferring many of his old subordinates from control over key business sectors by buying up companies and shares from oligarchs. While the
2008
2008
the Kremlin to the “White House”. Mr Putin has also shaken up the Siloviki, the clan of security private sector is in desperate need of financing, the government and its funds have accumulated
and military chiefs who served alongside him in the KGB to which also Sergei Ivanov fell victim, unprecedented sums – a tool that allows the government to pursue its course.

a top KGB man and defence minister who was a candidate for the presidency and cut a more
independent figure than Mr Medvedev. One explanation for reining in the Siloviki is that they had Russia and the EU are mutually reliant, in particular in the energy sector. 43 per cent of the EU’s gas
become too powerful for Mr Putin’s liking. Most of Mr Medvedev’s presidential staff served under imports come from Russia. At the same time 75 per cent of direct investment in Russia comes from
Mr Putin. Even his chief of staff, Sergei Naryshkin, a former deputy prime minister with presumed the EU. Russia’s reliance on foreign know-how and capital is often ignored. Without it the country
KGB links, will be as much a vigilante as an aide. will be unable to fully exploit its oil and gas fields. The need for new capital has been estimated at
between €560 and €900 billion over the period to 2020. Experts state that Russia will otherwise
not be in a position to meet domestic and foreign demand and that existing infrastructure could
break down. It is therefore in the EU’s interest to build stable relations with Russia based on
trust, reciprocity, transparency and a level playing-field. This can only be achieved in a rules-based
3. Russia’s economic situation system. There are four complementary and interlinked approaches the EU is pursuing to that end:
a) the Energy Charter, b) the new EU - Russia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA);
Private businesses in Russia have been strongly affected by the crisis in financial markets. In
c) Russian WTO Accession and d) EU Internal Energy Market Legislation (the so-called «Third
one year the Russian stock market index has fallen by 60 per cent. The war in Georgia and the
Country Clause»).
decreasing oil price have further worsened the situation. Facing this problem the Duma has
approved an anti-crisis package in a fast-track procedure targeting the corporate sector, the Finally, it should be borne in mind that the current boom in the Russian economy is based on high
banking sector, the stock market, private banking investors and systemic banks. The approved oil and gas prices. Even though it seems unlikely that there will be any substantial fall in the price
package costs 2.45 trillion RUR, or 5.5 per cent of Russia’s GDP, and if the Finance Ministry’s and of oil, the past has shown that countries which rely too heavily on energy exports are vulnerable.
the Central Bank’s instruments for boosting liquidity in the banking sector of 2.3 trillion RUR are Diversification is thus of vital importance both to the Russian economy and to EU-Russia trade
included, the total price of the anti-crisis measures might exceed 10 per cent of Russia’s GDP – a relations.
much higher percentage of GDP than the US rescue package comprised.
Although the financial crisis will have an impact on Russia’s economic boom, many observers Kai Wynands,
expect it to be limited given the robust growth of the Russian economy in recent years. Prior to Adviser
228 the events mentioned above the Russian economy was forecast to grow at an annual average of
229
6.8 per cent in 2008/09. Despite problems in the overall business environment, ample market
opportunities have led to large inflows of foreign direct investment (FDI). It is expected that FDI
inflows will remain buoyant, but even by 2012 the stock of inward FDI will still be equal to just 13
per cent of GDP. Inflationary pressures remain high.
Key economic indicators 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Real GDP growth (%) 8.1 7.2 6.4 6.0 5.3 5.0
Consumer price inflation
(average %) 9.2 13.5 10.9 8.8 7.6 7.0
Budget balance (% of GDP) 5.4 3.5 2.9 2.0 1.5 1.0
Source: Economist intelligence unit
The Russian economy is marked by a mix of market-oriented policies and state intervention. The
most visible recent manifestation of it was the adoption of the law on strategic sectors, the aim of
which is to concentrate power in state-controlled holdings. This put the final touch to Mr Putin’s
new economic policy as he signed it two days before leaving office. Taking effect on 7 May 2008, the
IV China: Andante Mosso The relations with China in the year 2008 were dominated by several major events: particularly
the riots and protests in Tibet in March, the severe earthquake with 7.8 magnitude which struck
southwest China in May 2008 and the Olympic Games in Beijing in August 2008.
Relations between the EU and China have reached a point where they should mature into a The Interparliamentary Meetings (IPM) between the European Parliament and the Chinese
coherent and comprehensive partnership. There is a need for both sides to explore possibilities of National Peoples’ Congress came together twice in 2008, the first time in Brussels in June and the
working together in order for the relationship to develop into its full potential in addressing global second in China in November.
challenges.
The 26th Interparliamentary meeting (IPM) took place between the EU and China in Brussels on
The Group believes that China has to take responsibility in its international dealings in proportion June 2 and 3. It showed to be a success. The meeting was very timely, given the events in Tibet
to its political and economic influence and the international rights and obligations that it has in March, followed by the disastrous earth quake that hit China on 12th May 2008. Members of
2008
2008
willingly taken on. In order to debate how to engage China in a comprehensive dialogue to achieve the EP delegation EU-China and members of the National People’s Congress exchanged their
these goals, the Group organized the EPP-ED Study Day on 18 October 2007 “Opportunities and views on these topics as well as several others. During the first part of the meeting, politically
Challenges in EU-China relations”. sensitive issues were discussed concerning the situation in Tibet, Taiwan, Myanmar, and China’s

However, any such partnership should keep in mind that it includes both an economic and a policy towards Africa and the Olympic Games. Regarding the Olympic Games, Mr Manolis
political dimension. Trade relations between the EU and China are an area of great opportunity, MAVROMMATIS insisted in his introduction on the importance of allowing free access to the
but they require reciprocal market access based on WTO rules and on fair competition. Although international press free to travel and report during the games and asked for a guarantee from the
a WTO member, China does not adequately apply obligations arising from its membership, Chinese representatives.
particularly those relating to the protection of intellectual property, national treatment and The second part of the Interparliamentary meeting consisted of in-depth discussions on
transparency. economic and financial issues, where essential recent global developments were addressed. In
The Group considers China for being responsible for the counterfeit products shipped from China his presentation, Mr Cornelis VISSER stressed that since China has become the biggest emitter
and invading the European market. This actually damage European enterprises and job creation, of green house gas emissions worldwide, it is crucial for the country to take its responsibility in
discourage investment in innovation, research and development, and deprive governments of tax the Copenhagen summit in 2009. The Chinese Members, from there side, insisted that China had
revenue; therefore calls on the Commission to take measures to reduce the EU trade deficit with started to take environmental measures. Mr VISSER also answered questions from the Chinese
China and to fulfil China’s obligations with the commercial agreements with the EU. Members about Europe’s response to the sub prime crisis in the USA, where he argued that
fortunately, due to the Basel II agreement on banking laws and regulations, the effects on Europe
The development of trade relations with China must go hand in hand with the development of would be limited for the moment.
a genuine, fruitful and effective political dialogue based on respect for democracy, human rights
and the rule of law. The Group considers that, despite significant economic reforms, political Mr Struan STEVENSON addressed the effects of the global food crisis on the EU. He elaborated
and human rights concerns still persist regarding such matters as political imprisonment, forced on the causes of the crisis (increasing demand from emerging economies, climate change and the
labour, freedom of expression and religion, rights of religious and ethnic minorities, the Laogai global diversion to bio fuels) and explained the current Health Check of our Common Agriculture
camp system, allegations of organ harvesting and death penalty. Policy. The meeting took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere. Both China and the EU
expressed their sincere commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership and showed great
The Group expresses its disappointment with the human rights situation in China despite the willingness to cooperate closer together in the future on many issues, such as international trade.
Olympic Games and calls on China to release political prisoners, reform the judiciary, guarantee
230 freedom of expression, association and religion. After the JPM sessions, a special meeting was organised between the EPP-ED Members of 231
European Parliament and Members of the Chinese People’s Congress, chaired by Mr DEHAENE.
Regarding Tibet, the Group urges development in the dialogue between the Dalai Lama and
Beijing. The lack of progress in the bilateral talk concerns very much our Group. The Tibet
Intergroup leaded by Thomas Mann believes that only with a round up initiative of all the principal Giuseppe Luigi Mazza & Adriaan Bastiaansen,
actors who supports the Tibetan cause we may reach a substantive dialogue and push China to Advisers
be more willing to compromise with Tibet. Our goal is to make the “most important refugee” to
return home, in Lhasa.
Regarding climate change, the EU regards energy security and the protection of the environment as
the highest priorities in its relations with China and the Group strongly supports it. Cooperation in
these fields should be intensified, with a view to creating a stable, secure, efficient and clean energy
environment and to promoting open and competitive energy markets.
EP-China
The EPP-ED, with its 15 members, plays an active role in the EP Interparliamentary «Delegation
for Relations with the People’s Republic of China». Mr Jean-Luc DEHAENE is the delegations’ first
Vice-President.
IV European Security and Defence Policy including > September 2005 to December 2006: EU observation mission to Aceh/Indonesia (with the
participation of a number of ASEAN countries). At the request of both parties to the conflict, the
EU military/police missions EU supervised the implementation of the peace agreement between the Indonesian Government
and separatists in Aceh province in northern Sumatra. The focus of the observation mission
was to oversee the surrender and destruction of weapons belonging to fighters of the Free Aceh
If the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is judged solely according to the number Movement (GAM), to reintegrate GAM fighters in civil society, to oversee the withdrawal of
and scope of EU crisis management operations carried out so far or also currently under way – Indonesian troops and police units from the region and to observe the human rights situation.
operations which have all enjoyed the full support of the EPP part of the group – then its success
> since November 2005: EU border observation mission at the Rafah/Gaza Strip border crossing
can hardly be called into question. The following list of operations carried out since 2003 reads like
(EU BAM Rafah). On 15 November 2005 Israel and the Palestinians Authority reached an
a success story fit to silence any lingering doubts:
agreement which provides, inter alia, for the opening of the Rafah international border crossing
2008
2008
> since January 2003: EUPM police mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support local police between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Some 70 EU observers are monitoring the Palestinian border
forces in setting up police structures and combating organised crime and corruption. and customs controls at Rafah border crossing. The mission is an important contribution to the

Middle East peace process.
> March to December 2003: CONCORDIA military operation to stabilise the situation in the
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia drawing on NATO assets and capabilities. > since December 2005: an EU monitoring mission at the Ukrainian/Moldavan border (Border
Assistance Mission/BAM). Over a period of two years it is intended to improve border
> June to September 2003: ARTEMIS military operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo under cooperation between Moldava and Ukraine by means of spot checks by EU observers who now
French command to stabilise the security situation and improve the humanitarian situation in number over 100 along the Ukrainian/Moldavan border.
the district of Ituri.
> since January 2006: police mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). The mission
> December 2003 to December 2005: EUPOL PROXIMA police mission to establish a professional is helping to set up a viable and effective police force with Palestinians taking responsibility. EU
police service in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. experts provide advice for Palestinian police officers.
> July 2004 to July 2005: EUJUST THEMIS Rule of Law Mission in Georgia to strengthen rule of law > January to June 2006: a EUPAT team of police advisers in the Former Yugoslav Republic of
structures and to provide advice in reforming the criminal justice system. Macedonia. After the end of EUPOL PROXIMA, the transitional mission EUPAT (EU Police
> since September 2005: civil border support mission in Georgia to support Georgian border Advisory Team) continued providing advice for the Macedonian police in modified form, thereby
guards and other relevant institutions. preparing the way for the Commission to take over support activities.
> since December 2004: EUFOR ALTHEA military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, drawing > July to November 2006: EU military operation to ensure the elections in the Democratic Republic
on NATO assets and capabilities. Follow-up operation to the previously NATO-led SFOR of Congo (EUFOR RD Congo). European military forces under German operational command
operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The largest EU crisis management operation so far with supported the Congolese security forces for the period of the elections at the request of the
initially 7000, now 2500 soldiers. United Nations.
> since April 2005: police advisory mission EUPOL KINSHASA in the Democratic Republic of > since June 2007: EUPOL police mission Afghanistan to support the Afghan government in setting
Congo. European police experts provide Congolese police forces with advice - in particular a up a police force operating independently, enjoying the trust of citizens and adhering to the
232 specially trained police unit to protect Congolese government institutions. principles of the rule of law. EUPOL Afghanistan is intended to support the further development 233
and implementation of a coherent and comprehensive police reform strategy,
> since May 2005: EUSEC CONGO security sector mission. European experts are assisting the
process of security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo. > since January 2008: EUFOR military operation in Chad and in the Central African Republic. In
September the mission reached its full strength of 3400 soldiers from 25 European countries.
> since July 2005: EUJUST LEX rule of law mission. Advising high-level representatives of the It sees itself as a bridging operation to be relieved by a UN force on 15 March 2009. The main
Iraqi justice and police system in the construction of a modern legal system based on the rule task of the mission is to protect civilians and in particular refugees in eastern Chad and in the
of law. north-eastern part of the Central African Republic.
> since July 2005: support for the African Union’s AMIS operation (AU) to pacify the province > since February 2008: EULEX rule of law mission in Kosovo. The aim of what is the largest civil
of Darfur in Sudan. The EU supports the AU in both the military and in the police sector (for EU operation so far, which should involve almost 2000 people after the conclusion of the start-
example, transport of AU peace-keeping forces to the theatre of operations; the provision of up phase, is to support the country’s authorities as regards the rule of law and in particular the
advice and training for AU police by EU police advisors). police, the judicial system and the customs authorities.
> since October 2008: EUMM observer mission in Georgia. More than 200 civilian observers
from 22 EU countries ensure stabilisation and normalisation in the buffer zone evacuated by the
Russian army and carry out confidence-building measures.
IV If, on the other hand, one were to judge the success of ESDP not only in the light of this impressive
list of EU crisis operations, but also in the light of the goals set in 1998 at the memorable Anglo-
The conclusion from the year under review is that the hammer of world history clearly still has to
smash the last political taboos – from the formulation of independent European security interests
French summit meeting in Saint-Malo, namely to endow the EU with ‘the capacity for autonomous to the creation of a genuine common market in defence equipment and the funding of European
action, backed up by credible military forces’, then one could easily come to the conclusion that defence efforts from the EU budget – before Europeans will summon up the resolve to draw up
10 years after the Saint-Malo meeting, these goals have dissolved in the Channel fog. European a European Security and Defence Policy which not only generates an endless number of foreign
defence continues to be characterised by the fragmentation of efforts, the duplication of resources operations abroad, but also provides a credible military backup for EU foreign policy.
and the inadequacy of financial appropriations. There is still no permanent planning and command
structure in Brussels or a genuine common market in defence equipment. As far as the ESDP’s
showcase achievement is concerned – the ‘Helsinki Headline Goal’ decided by the European Andreas-Renatus Hartmann,
Council in 1999, i.e. the establishment of a rapid reaction force of 60 000 soldiers, even this central Adviser
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goal has been quietly laid to rest.
It was not therefore without good cause that on 8 October 2008 Karl von Wogau, the chair of the

European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Josselin de Rohan, the chair of the
French Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and the Armed Forces, and Guy Tessier,
the chair of the French National Assembly’s Committee on Defence and Armed Forces, called on
the EU Heads of State and Government to revive the process of constructing a Europe of defence
and security in the political and military arena and, on the basis of a ‘Saint-Malo II declaration’ to
move towards a ‘European Security and Defence Union’, the establishment of which the European
Parliament and in particular the EPP part of the Group have been demanding for years.
The French Presidency of the Council which took over from the Slovenian Council Presidency,
whose performance in the field of ESDP has been lacklustre, on 1 July 2008 attracted high
expectations in this connection. Numerous proposals from the reports by Helmut Kuhne (PSE)
on ESDP, Karl von Wogau (EPP-ED) on European security strategy and Ari Vatanen (EPP-ED) on
EU-NATO relations were adopted in the programme of the new Council Presidency which covers
a whole range of issues: the updating of European security strategy, the upgrading of civil and
military crisis management capabilities, the development of ESDP instruments and the extension
of security partnerships with NATO, the UN, the African Union and Russia. Some parts of this
programme have already been implemented.
8 July 2008 saw the adoption of the plan submitted by the European Defence Agency to further
develop the EU’s military capabilities, which should lead to significant progress in defence
cooperation, especially as regards the common use of resources and an improved division of
labour. Progress was also made at the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers on 1 and 2
234 October 2008 in Deauville, where a readiness to overcome the serious capability deficits, especially 235
as regards helicopters, strategic air transport and intelligence systems was announced, unity
achieved on an EU naval operation against pirates off the coast of Somalia and support promised
for the launch of a military Erasmus programme.
At the same time, when the subcommittee visited Paris on 16 October 2008 it noted an
unmistakable sense of frustration among its French partners. According to our interlocutors, a
lot of money and energy had been invested, for instance in rapid reaction battle groups, without
these groups ever becoming operational. Comparable efforts had also been made to establish
an EU permanent planning and command structure in Brussels, which is still being blocked by
the UK. There was also disappointment at the lack of interest taken at EU level in the Eurocorps.
Over 1000 men had been waiting for years in Strasbourg for their first EU operation, but in vain.
Hervé Morin, the French Minister of Defence, concluded that what Europe lacked was not only the
political will further to develop the mechanisms for a successful common defence policy, but also
the determination actually to use existing resources.
IV Telecom Package With the adoption of the Harbour report (EPP-ED), the European Parliament supports the general
approach to improve the consumer rights and the privacy protection in particular through:
> Clearer information about contracts and bills;
1. Background
> Easier access to legal information online;
On November 2007, the European Commission adopted the so-called «Telecom Package» as a
> Clearer and comparable information on tariffs;
review of the Electronic Communications Regulatory Framework, pursuing further liberalisation
of the telecom market. After the implementation of the 2002 review, the lack of a single market > Information on costs of terminating a contract to facilitate switch of operators;
for electronic communications and the increasing divergences of regulatory approaches were still
remaining, despite an improved competition. > Easier access to Europe-wide 112 emergency number;
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The «Telecom Package» measures can be grouped under three pillars: > Easier access to handicapped and elderly people over internet;
> Better protection for personal data (right to privacy, confidentiality and security of information

> completing the single market by reinforcing competition between telecoms operators; promoting
investment into new communication infrastructures and making communication networks more technology);
reliable and more secure; > More Public Interest Information (relating to copyright, child pornography, viruses, risks to
> better regulation by the creation of a new European Telecom Market Authority supporting the personal security) through better cooperation between NRA’s and operators and those interested
European Commission and National Regulators Authorities (NRA’s) in ensuring that market & in the promotion of lawful content;
consumer rules are applied consistently and independently; > More Protection against spam and cyber-attacks.
> connecting with citizens and protecting consumers through better and cheaper communication
services and the strengthen of consumer rights.
3.2 The Better Regulation
The «Telecom Package» aims to modernise the existing Framework, Authorisation and Access
2. The adoption of the Package Directives by:
> Reducing ex-ante regulation where market developments allow and when regulation remains
The «Telecom Package» integrates 4 main proposals:
necessary, to ensure more efficiency both for operators and for NRAs;
> a Directive amending the Framework, Access and Authorisation Directives («Better Regulation
> Improving the consistency of the application of EU rules in order to complete the internal market
Directive»);
for electronic communications;
> a Regulation establishing the European Electronic Communications Market Authority («EECMA
> Moving towards a more efficient management of spectrum, to facilitate access to spectrum for
Regulation»);
operators with a more market-oriented allocation of spectrum;
236 > a Directive amending the Directives on universal service and users’ rights and on the processing 237
> Developing next generation networks by promoting investment, securing competition and
of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector («Citizens
consumer’s choice, and fostering its rapid territorial deployment.
Rights Directive»);
> a Communication on reaping the benefits of the Digital Dividend.
The European Parliament concluded the 1st reading in September 2008. The Council Common 3.2.1 Refocused regulation on remaining market competition problems
Position reached by the Telecom Council of 27 November. The second reading is however expected
for early 2009 to be concluded still under the current legislature. The «Telecom Package» introduces the «functional separation» (forced separation of activities
without divestiture of assets) as a possible remedy for NRAs to tackle competition problems but
subject to approval by the European Commission. In addition, the list of relevant markets where
ex-ante regulation applies is reduced from 18 to 7 markets.
3. The key question of the package The European Parliament diverges from this approach and sees the «functional separation» as
an exceptional measure. NRA’s may only use this new tool in cases of important and persisting
3.1. The Privacy & the Consumer Protection competition problems or market failures on wholesale markets, where any other regulatory tools
have failed to achieve effective competition and if there is little prospect of future infrastructure-
One of the aims of the «Telecom Package» is both to strengthen consumer protection and user based competition. In such cases, the separate business unit would then provide all network user
rights and to enhance the privacy and personal data in the sector. The proposed reform is affecting firms with access products and services on the same timescale and equal terms regarding price
the Universal Services and Users´ Rights Directive, the E-Privacy Directive, and the Consumer and service levels.
Protection Cooperation Regulation.
IV Moreover, the European Parliament stresses that any ex-ante, sector-specific regulation should be
progressively reduced as competition develops and that the telecoms market should eventually
3.2.4 Developing Next generation networks
be governed by competition law only. No later than three years after the revised electronic As the fibre networks offer much higher capacities than other telecommunications transport
communications framework takes effect, the Commission should review whether ex-ante technologies, the «Telecom Package» reviews and adapts the current electronic communications
regulation is still needed. regulation.
The European Parliament has backed this approach but insists that infrastructure providers should
be able to make a reliable return on next generation access investments in return for allowing non-
3.2.2 Consolidating the internal market and improving consistency discriminatory access to them. The infrastructure competition should be pursued as a primary
goal. If not feasible, the open network approach mandating non-discriminatory access should
The «Telecom Package» is aiming to increase the NRA’s independence, limiting influences of other be implemented. Moreover, shared investments and risk-bearing by all stakeholders should be
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public bodies on the NRA’s management, having own independent budget and sufficient human favoured.
resources. Moreover, it sets out a stronger control role for the European Commission in remedies
imposed by NRAs.

If the European Parliament has backed the principle that the European Commission and NRA’s 3.3 The European Electronic Communications Market Authority (EECMA)
should cooperate more closely on market regulation, a new «co-regulation» procedure is proposed
which requires NRA’s to consult the European Commission and the new Body of European The «Telecom Package» sets up the EECMA to improve the cooperation between NRA’s and to
Regulators in Telecommunications (BERT) before taking regulatory decisions. If the European strengthen their independence from operators and governments to guarantee fair regulation in
Commission believes that the measure a NRA intends to impose could create a barrier to the the interest of consumers. EECMA is intended to replace the current ERG (European Regulation
single market and BERT also shares that view, the Commission may oblige the NRA to amend the Group), the advisory body to the European Commission. The EECMA is in charge of advising
proposed measure. The European Parliament asks NRA’s to support market-driven investment and the European Commission on its oversight of NRA’s measures, spectrum management and
innovation in new and enhanced infrastructures, for example by encouraging investment sharing pan-European services. In addition, EECMA provides assistance in the markets analysis. Finally,
and by ensuring appropriate risk-sharing among the investor and firms wanting access to new the EECMA takes over the responsibilities for network information and security issues, currently
facilities. performed by ENISA (European Network and Information Security Agency), that will be merged
with the EECMA structure.
The European Parliament has fully followed the rapporteur, Del Castillo Vera (EPP-ED) and
3.2.3 Reforming spectrum management considered the EECMA as a disproportionate tool to tackle the inconsistencies of the telecom
markets, leading to hinder the EU competitiveness and adding further red-tape with a new large EU
The «Telecom Package» is aiming to remove unnecessary restrictions on spectrum use by bureaucratic body. Moreover, doubts were raised about the respect of the subsidiarity principle as
strengthening the principles of technological neutrality (freedom to use any technology in a the EECMA is taking power away from Member States and NRA’s. Finally, the merger of the ENISA
spectrum band) and service neutrality (freedom to use spectrum for any electronic communications within the structure of EECMA is dubious as ENISA has been experiencing structural problems (lack
service). The access to spectrum is improved by allowing more unlicensed use of spectrum and of human resources, location and organisation of its work). Therefore, the European Parliament
the transfer of exclusive usage rights in agreed bands (spectrum trading). The Package sets up has rejected the EECMA structure and suggested several substantial amendments such as:
a more efficient procedure for cross-European services and a more coordinated system for their
238 239
authorisation. > the creation of the BERT (Body of European Regulators in Telecom) instead of the EECMA. This
simplified and lighter body is an improved version of the current ERG, with extended power and
The European Parliament shares the same concerns but enhanced the need for more cooperation duties. BERT will be an independent expert adviser in relation to the European Commission
between Member States and with the European Commission in the strategic planning, and national governments but will be accountable to the European Parliament. The BERT will
co-ordination and harmonisation of radio spectrum use. This cooperation will allow a more enhance the coordination and improve the cooperation role of the NRA’s. The BERT will be
efficient use of the spectrum to boost modern wireless technologies and services (broadband subject to a mixed-financing (National and European contributions);
internet, mobile telephony and broadcasting, Bluetooth, satellite navigation systems, air traffic
control, weather forecasting, etc). > the exclusion of ENISA from the scope of BERT;
The European Parliament has backed the general approach of the «service and technology > the exclusion of the spectrum-related tasks from the scope of BERT.
neutrality» as binding principles. Thus, a band which is now used for broadcasting could, for
instance, be switched to provide wireless broadband services in the future. However, the spectrum
The Council rejected the EECMA. However, The Council is still considering which form this
allocation must nevertheless comply with national frequency allocation plans and with the
regulator should have, a merely private body or an entity close to the BERT.
International Telecommunication Union’s Radio Regulations.
Only general interest aims (safety of life, social, regional or territorial cohesion, cultural and
linguistic diversity and media pluralism) can justify measures which require a service to be 3.4 The Digital Dividend in Europe
supplied in a specific frequency band.
With the switchover from analogue to digital terrestrial TV by the end of 2012, an unprecedented
amount of spectrum in Europe will be free, known as the “digital dividend”. The «Telecom Package»
is therefore integrating a Communication with the purpose to coordinate action at EU level to
IV ensure optimal use of the dividend to meet the fast growing demand for wireless communications
services (additional TV programs, mobile broadband, radio-frequency identification (RFID)
Third Internal Energy Market Package
applications such as road charge collection or biometric passports, road safety and new e-services
such as e-government or e-health).
1. Background
The European Parliament has backed this approach but is calling for concrete measures for
better coordinating the use of the digital dividend at EU level. Moreover, Member States, together Adopted in 2003, the implementation of the second Energy Package has not fully achieved the
with the European Commission, should identify common spectrum sub-bands of the digital expectable benefits. Structural failings, discrimination against new energy suppliers, lack of
dividend for different application clusters that could be harmonized on a technology-neutral transparency in the price and the choice of the suppliers, lack of independence of the national
basis. The European Parliament has supported the idea of dividing the Ultra High Frequency regulators are still remaining and justify a set of new rules.
(UHF) spectrum into clusters for uni-directional services such as fixed or mobile broadcasting
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The aim of this «third Package» is therefore to complete the process of liberalization of the Internal
and other mobile multimedia services and for bi-directional services such as wireless broadband. Energy Market in the EU, focussing to make the internal gas and electricity markets work for all
While acknowledging the right of Member States to determine the use of the digital dividend, The consumers and to help the EU achieve the objective of a more secure, competitive and sustainable

European Parliament stresses that the coordinated approach at EU level is the only way to avoid energy supply, as stated at the European Council (March 2007).
harmful interference between Member States and with third countries.
This is done through the introduction of more effective unbundling between generation and
transmission of energy, more effective regulatory oversight and cooperation (to reduce regulatory
Alfredo Sousa de Jesus, gaps which hinder cross border investments) and cooperation between network operators, with a
Adviser view to investment planning.
2. The adoption of the Package

On 19th of September 2007, the European Commission adopted the so-called «Third Energy
Package», composed by five legislative proposals:
> a Regulation establishing a EU Agency for cooperation of National Energy Regulators;
> an Electricity Directive amending the Electricity Directive 2003/54;
> a Gas Directive amending the Gas Directive 2003/55;
> an Electricity Regulation amending the Electricity Regulation 1228/03;
> a Gas Regulation amending the Gas Regulation 1775/05
240 The European Parliament adopted the first-reading at June 2008 (electricity & ACER) and July 241
2008 (Gas) Plenary Sessions. The second reading is expected for early 2009 to be concluded still
under the current legislature. A broad agreement had been reached at the Energy Council in June
2008 (Slovenian Presidency) followed by the political agreement in October 2008 Energy Council
(French Presidency).
3. The key questions of the Package

3.1. The Ownership Unbundling
Ownership unbundling has been since the beginning the most controversial issue. In its Energy
Package, the European Commission clearly favoured the «ownership unbundling» (OU) (one
company can’t own both transmission networks and produce/supply energy) as the way to foster
competition and to encourage companies to invest in new infrastructure, inter-connection capacity
and new generation capacity, avoiding black-outs and price surges.
IV In addition, the European Commission proposed a second option, the «Independent System
Operator» (ISO) which allows existing vertically integrated companies to retain network ownership,
> oblige the NRA’s, when carrying out their tasks, to act in close cooperation with other authorities,
such as competition ones, and without prejudice to their competence;
but provided that the entire operation, maintenance and investment in the network are ensured
by another independent company. This option was presented as a «B Plan» for the companies > grant additional powers to NRA’s with a view to the specificities of ISO and ITO options.
reluctant to sell their network assets but has never really been considered credible both by the
European Parliament and the Council of Ministers.
3.3. The Agency for the Cooperation of National Energy Regulators (ACER)
In January 2008, 8 Member States (FR, DE, LUX, SK, LV, AU, GR, BG) proposed an alternative
option to ownership unbundling («so-called 3rd Option»), ensuring a more effective and efficient The Package sets up the ACER, as an independent EU body, aiming to improve the coordination of
unbundling but without interfering with property rights, specially in the case where undertakings NRA’s and TSOs, assuming therefore an important role for the effective functioning of the internal
belong to or are controlled by the public sector. This option has been criticized by the Commission,
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market. ACER will complement at EU level the regulatory tasks performed at national level by the
the remaining Members States and the European Parliament (1st reading). NRA’s by:
In May 2008, the European Commission has tabled in a non-paper a fourth option known as the

> Providing a framework for NRAs to cooperate by improving cross-border exchanges and
Independent Transmission Operator («ITO») option, allowing for vertical integration if already in promoting regional cooperation;
place on entry into force of the directive while ensuring effective unbundling, and applicable to gas
and electricity. This option would allow companies to retain ownership of transmission system on > Providing regulatory oversight of the cooperation between TSOs, by monitoring and reviewing
condition that they are managed by an independent transmission operator. This option includes the activities of the ENTSOs particularly, being involved in the drafting of guidelines and the
adequate elements guaranteeing the network operator’s independent decision making power as codes;
regards investment decisions and management of the grid. This option has been overwhelmingly
> Setting of priorities, in the review of their 10-year investment plan and in the preparation of
accepted by the European Parliament in first reading but only for the gas field and rejected for the
technical and market codes;
electricity.
> Taking Individual Decision on Exemption requests, on the Regulatory Regime for infrastructure
This ITO has been endorsed by the Energy Council in October 2008 within the Common Position as
connecting at least two Member States and, where appropriate, on Technical issues provided for
a credible alternative to the Ownership Unbundling for both electricity and gas sectors. According
in the guidelines under the Directives and the Regulations;
to this approach, the text agreed contemplated the prohibition for energy producers from buying
up the transmission businesses of energy companies in Member States where full unbundling > Having a General Advisory Role vis-à-vis the EC as regards market regulation, exchange of best
has been already introduced. This provision allowed those Member States to take proportionate, practice among NRAs and the application of Guidelines by the NRAs.
non-discriminatory and transparent measures to ensure a «level playing field», to be overseen by
the European Commission. The European Commission will conduct a specific review of the ITO- With a permanent staff about 40/50 people and an annual budget of € 6/7 millions, the Agency
related provisions and using effective and efficient unbundling as a benchmark, to be conducted 2 is composed by a Administrative Board (representatives of the Member States and the EC) and a
years after implementation on the basis of objective criteria (competition, development of network Regulatory Board (composed by national regulators and the EC).
and infrastructure, security of supply), leading, where appropriate, no later than 3 years after The ACER most controversial issue is the increased decision making powers, that raised some
implementation to proposals to ensure fully effective independence of the TSO. difficulties with respect to the Meroni case-law (degree of discretionary power conferred on the
Agency) and the weight of each Member State (same voting weight for the Member States).
242 243
3.2. The role of the National Regulators Authorities (NRA)
3.4. The European Network for Transmission System Operators (ENTSO)
The package proposes measures to guarantee and improve the independence of NRA from
industry and the governments. Measures are also issued to strengthen and better define the The package proposes a new European Network for Transmission System Operators (TSO -
powers and duties of the NRA, responsible for ensuring effective and non-discriminatory access to operators transporting gas and electricity over long distance), known as ENTSO to promote cross
the transmission and distribution networks, and for controlling tariffs and securing network. border collaboration and investment, bearing in mind that the main purposes of this package are
There is a large consensus to: to encourage investment in energy infrastructures by a better coordination of investment at EU
level. EU level operators would cooperate and develop common commercial, safety and technical
> support the enhancement of NRA’s independence and powers to ensure the effective functioning rules under the European Commission and Agency scrutiny, and coordinate the investments
of the internal market; needed at EU level. This would also ease cross border trade and create a more level playing field
for operators.
> balance the NRA’s independence with the requirement for motivated decisions and the creation
of adequate mechanisms to appeal; There is a general support for the bottom-up approach proposed, starting from the individual
TSOs investment plan, to regional plans where regional fora are in place, and culminating with
> set up general objectives of the NRA’s within the Directives, which means for instance that
the EU-wide 10-year plan to be developed by ENTSOs with its scope focusing on cross-border
responsibilities dealing, inter alia, with security of supply, energy efficiency or research however
infrastructures and investment. ENTSO will ensure the consistency between these three levels of
important in their own right should not be attributes of NRA’s;
investment planning through regulatory checks, preferably ex ante.
IV 3.5. The third country clause - Information and consultation of workers
The Package sets up safeguards to ensure that third countries’ companies active in the EU market - European Works Council Directive
are complying with the same unbundling requirements as European companies. Therefore, non-
EU companies cannot own a controlling stake in an EU network unless through an international
agreement. Seen as protectionist and discriminatory against companies from third countries, Information, consultation and participation of employees in undertakings or establishments has
the package nevertheless incentives international investments, having no other restrictions on long been a central issue for Europe since the adoption by the Council of the First Social Action
investments in generation, production of supply activities. Programme in 1974. The Social Charter also stresses the desirability of increasing employee
participation, while the prompt information and consultation of employees in undertakings is
This question should be seen in the broad context of the regional cooperation, the energy solidarity implicit in the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights (Article 27).
principle and the EU energy supply dependence.
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The relevant Community directives are noteworthy insofar as they establish the right of workers
to information and consultation on a number of major issues effecting the development of
Alfredo Sousa de Jesus,

the undertaking or their own interests. However, they contain no provisions ensuring genuine
Adviser participation:
> Council Directive 92/56/EC of 29 June 1992 on the approximation of the laws of the Member
States relating to collective redundancies, requiring employers to negotiate with employees in
respect of collective redundancies,
> Council Directive 77/187/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating
to the safeguarding of employees’ rights in the event of transfers of undertakings, requiring
employees to be informed of the reasons and consequences of the transfer,
> Council Directive 78/855/EC of 9 October 1978 concerning mergers of public limited liability
companies, requiring the same protection for the employees of merged undertakings as those
provided under the directive on transfers of undertakings,
> Council Directive 94/45/EC of 22 September 1994 on the establishment of the European Works
Council. This directive contains general provisions concerning the protection, information and
consultation of employees in Community scale undertakings and Community scale groups of
undertakings. For the purposes of this directive, a Community scale undertaking means any
undertaking with at least 1000 employees within the Member States with at least 150 employees
in at least two Member States. The competence of the European Works Council is limited to
matters which concern the Community-scale undertaking or at least two of its establishments,
244 > Directive 2004/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 March 2002, 245
establishing a general framework for informing and consulting employees in the European
Community. According to the choice made by Member States, the Directive applies to
undertakings with at least 50 employees or establishments with at least 20 employees in a
Member State. It concerns the right of employees to information concerning the most recent and
the anticipated central developments affecting the activity of an undertaking or establishment,
the economic situation and developments effecting employment, together with decisions which
could lead to major organisational changes,
> Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/2001 on the Statute for a European Company and
> Council Regulation (EC) No 1435/2003 of 22 July 2003 on the Statute for a European Cooperative
Society.
At the same time, provisions concerning the European Works Council are by and large incorporated,
together with provisions concerning employee participation on the supervisory or administrative
boards. The level of participation is freely negotiated by the companies involved and the employee
representatives in a special negotiating body. Any reduction in the level of participation requires a
qualified majority of 2/3 of the members of the negotiating body. Reduction in participation rights
means a proportion of employee representatives lower than the highest proportion existing with
the participating company.
IV The Commission has now proposed a new version of the European Works Council Directive which
was adopted 14 years ago, seeking to overcome problems regarding its practical implementation.
Bologna process
In the meantime, around 820 European Works Councils have been set up, representing 14.5
million workers. However, restructuring measures in the automobile and IT sectors have revealed After asking studies on student mobility on Member States achievements in the framework of
that employees are not being sufficiently informed and consulted under the provisions of the the Bologna process, the purpose of the EPP-ED Group was to draw up a report on the Bologna
existing directive. This is being compounded by legal uncertainty regarding the relationship process, especially on issues relating to the Member States progress towards implementing it and
between national and transnational levels of consultation and with regard to mergers or takeovers. its impact on student mobility in terms of added value.
Problems are also arising regarding forwarding the information to the European Works Council.
The Bologna Process launched in Bologna in June 1999, aims to establish a European Area of
Employee representatives must be capable of taking a wider view of their tasks, adapting to changes higher education by 2010. The objectives include higher education reform and the elimination of
within the undertaking and developing a genuine cross-border social dialogue. The Commission
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remaining barriers to mobility of students and teachers.
proposal accordingly seeks to guarantee that the right of employees to cross-border information
and consultation is guaranteed in practice. It also seeks to provide greater legal certainty and Central to the process is the structural reform of academic programmes (curricula reform) and

bring existing directives on the information and consultation of employees more closely into line their delivery, in order to facilitate student mobility in tertiary-level education.
with each other. The proposal accordingly gives a closer and more specific definition of the terms
In her report, Doris Pack (EPP-ED, DE) stresses that, in order to achieve student mobility, actions
‘information and consultation’, restricts the remit of the European Works Council to cross-border
must be taken across different policy areas, so that mobility can go beyond the scope of higher
issues, clarifies details regarding the tasks and training of worker representatives and regarding
education and concern the scope of social affairs, finance, and immigration and visa policies.
trade unions, establishes responsibility for briefings prior to the commencement of negotiations
and details the procedures to be followed by the European Works Council in response to structural The aim is to improve the quality, attractiveness and competitiveness in this ‘united’ and
changes within an undertaking or group of undertakings. ‘converged’ European Higher Education Area the Bologna process should be an added value in
terms of: efficiency of students mobility, higher education reform and restructuring, flexibility and
However, Parliament’s recommendation contained in its report on the implementation of the
modernisation of universities, funding and investments in education, quality and full recognition
European Works Council Directive (Menrad Report, 04.09.2001) seeking a reduction in the staff
of diplomas, respect and guarantee of the social dimension in implementation of this process in
threshold to 500 employees in order to increase the number of Works Councils in cross-border
all countries concerned.
undertakings was rejected. Parliament took the view that the advantages of prompt information
and consultation of employees with a view to overcoming their reticence regarding changes
to undertakings outweighed the drawbacks and costs thereof. Information and consultation of Among the political priorities:
employees at an early stage provides the necessary ex ante incentives, eliminates or reduces
inefficiencies in ex post negotiations with staff and enhances the status of the workforce and > The need for comparable and reliable statistics on student mobility and the socio-economic
hence the extent to which it identifies with the undertaking, resulting in advantages possibly of profile of students, such as common indicators, criteria and benchmarks, in order to overcome
macroeconomic nature where more stable employment figures and pay structures can be achieved, the current lack of data and promote the exchange of good practices;
making it possible to absorb short-term market fluctuations. In microeconomic terms, however, a > The importance of monitoring for the social, cultural and linguistic integration of incoming
more powerful Works Council could mean unproductive posts being maintained for longer. Since students as well as the real need to improve their command of languages;
the social partners have rejected the recommended threshold adjustment, Parliament will not
continue to press the point in the forthcoming negotiations on the recasting of the directive. > An innovative, far-reaching and methodical curricular reform of European universities: an
246 ambitious and high quality content and organisation restructuring is crucial for student 247
mobility and for greater flexibility; a «mobility study period » should be introduced in all degree
Klaus Kellersmann, programmes to enable students to go abroad;
Adviser
> The creation of a framework for a European doctorate and for all efforts to me made to promote
the quality and excellence teaching;
> A guarantee of an equal and universal access to mobility by simple, flexible and transparent grant
awarding procedures and additional financial support for high cost destinations an for those
students who need it;
> The introduction of a single European Student Identification Card, in order to facilitate mobility
and to enable students to get discounts for accommodation and subsistence;
> European universities to cooperate with the private sector in order to find new effective
mechanisms of co-financing student mobility at each cycle (bachelor-masters-doctorate);
> The three-cycle degree (Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree and Doctorate) could become more
flexible especially by using a «4+1» instead of «3+2» system for the first and second cycles
(that for some studies this could be more appropriate in order to enable greater mobility and
employability of graduates);
IV > The urgency of implementing the comprehensive, unified and effective credit transfer system
ECTS: students and scholars qualifications should be easily transferable throughout Europe
Media pluralism landscape
thanks to a single common framework.
A hearing organised by the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament (Brussels, 6 March 2008) The EPP-ED Group has always been fully committed to media pluralism and freedom of the press.
was held on the topics «Higher Education: From the Bologna process to Educational Governance We strongly believe that media pluralism constitutes an essential pillar of the right to information
in the EU» and with the participation and contributions of eminent professors and representatives and freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights. Media
of the university world, including European students’ representatives, the Commissioner Figel, and pluralism remains a fundamental base for democracy, civic pluralism and cultural diversity, and the
representative of the Slovenian and French presidency. free access of all citizens to a diverse press is one of our political priorities.
In the last year, the European Parliament considered a report on the subject: «Media concentration
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Véronique Donck, and pluralism in the European Union». The report’s purpose is to provide an overview of the
Adviser current media landscape in an enlarged Europe. It reacts to the development of new technologies
and new communications and information services. It focuses on the role and financing of public

and private broadcasters, the creation of a charter for media freedom, media literacy of users and
weblogs.
The EPP-ED Group appreciates the ambitious approach to rapidly address a changing media
environment. However, the Group has serious concerns about some of its content, which runs
counter to our political principles, especially when it comes to the principle of subsidiarity:
We are convinced that above all, Member States should be able to organise their media markets
and to commit themselves to promoting a stable legal framework with a guaranteed high standard
of protection of pluralism and cultural diversity. It is the responsibility of national governments, on
the basis of subsidiary, to decide whether to create an independent media ombudsman or not.
In our view the two pillar arrangement for private and public audiovisual media services has proved
its value in consolidating media pluralism and should be further developed. It is essential to
maintain the European audiovisual model based on a balance between a strong and independent
public service and a dynamic commercial sector.
Weblogs represent in our view an important new contribution to freedom of expression and
are increasingly common medium for self-expression by both media professionals and private
persons. We encourage open discussion on all issues relating to the status of weblogs.
Ahead of the plenary vote and following a new parliamentary procedure for own-initiative reports,
we conducted negotiations in order to reach agreement. However our proposal was rejected by
248 the rapporteur. The EPP-ED Group therefore decided to vote against the joint resolution on media 249
pluralism in plenary, which was drafted by the PES, the ALDE and the Greens/EFA (a revised version
of the original socialist version) and present our position in the EPP-ED alternative resolution.
The EPP-ED Group deals with the issue of media pluralism with a steady determination and
perseverance based on facts, analysis and our political principles. The EPP-ED Group remains a key
force in promoting media pluralism in Europe so that it can deserve the trust of its citizens.
Andrea Cepova-Fourtoy,
Adviser
IV Tackling the pay gap between women and men The European legislation was so brought in line with the International Labour Convention
N° 100.33.
Shortly after the enactment of the Equal Pay Directive, some cases brought in the Member States
The Gender Pay gap: From article 119 in the Rome Treaty until the 2007 Commission communication were referred to the European Court of Justice by the national labour. The Defrenne judgment in
«tackling the pay gap between men and women»: many legislative texts, very slow progresses. particular became famous.
As far as 1957, the Treaty of Rome had a provision, in its article 119 (which became later article
141), stipulating that «Each Member State shall ensure that the principle of equal pay for male and
female workers for equal work is applied». The 2006 «Recast» Directive
That was long before the so called «Women liberation movement» and the public debates about
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The so-called «recast» Directive adopted in July 2006 brought together in a single text the
equal treatment of men and women.
main provisions existing concerning the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities
At the time there was only one Member State in which workers were entitled by law to equal pay. and equal treatment of men and women in matters of employment and occupation in various

This Member State was afraid about the risks of gender «social dumping» in other Member States Directives, including the 1975 Directive.
and insisted on the implementation of «equal pay for equal work» for both men and women in all
The Article 1 of this Directive stipulated that its purpose was to ensure the implementation of the
Member States.
principle of equal treatment in relation to, among others, working conditions, including pay.
Member States were required to enact their own legislation by January 1962. Compliance was
In Article 2, «pay» is defined as «the ordinary basic or minimum wage or salary and any other
extended to the end of 1964. Even with the extension, not all Member States complied. Infringement
consideration, whether in cash or in kind, which the worker receives directly or indirectly».
proceedings were eventually instituted against all Member States that failed to comply.
The article 4 refers specifically to equal pay:
It states that «for the same work or for work to which equal value is attributed, direct and indirect
The 1975 Equal Pay Directive discrimination on grounds of sex with regard to all aspects and conditions of remuneration shall
be eliminated.
By the beginning of the 70ies, the Gender pay gap was still quite important in all Member States.
In particular, where a job classification system is used for determining pay, it shall be based on
In 1975 the Council adopted the Directive on the «Approximation of the laws of the Member States the same criterion a for both men and women and so drawn up as to exclude any discrimination
relating to the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women». It made Member on grounds of sex».
States’ obligations under article 119 more specific.
The articles 17 to 22 have provisions concerning the defence of rights, the compensation or
The Directive stressed that it was primarily the responsibility of the Member States to ensure reparation, the burden of proof, the equality bodies, social dialogue and Dialogue with non
the application of this principle by mean of appropriate laws, regulations and administrative governmental organisations. Article 25 concerns penalties.
provisions.
Member States are expected to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions
Its article 1 stated that «the principle of equal pay for men and women outlined in Article 119 of the necessary to comply with this Directive by August 2008 at the latest or ensure, by that date, that
250 Treaty, hereinafter called «principle of equal pay» means, for the same work of for work to which management and labour introduce the requisite provisions by way of agreement. 251
equal value is attributed, the elimination of all discrimination on ground of sex with regards to all
aspects and conditions of remuneration». The Gender Pay Gap to-day in the 27 Member States and the 2007 Commission communication on
« Tackling the pay gap between women and men»
The Directive also required that a «job classification system» be non discriminatory.
The Gender pay gap is still around 15 pc in the 27 Member States: it goes from 4 pc in Malta to 25
Member States were required to introduce into their national legal systems the necessary measures pc in Cyprus and Estonia (see Eurostat statistics in annex).
to enable all employees who consider themselves wronged by failure to apply the principle of
equal pay to pursue their claims by judicial process after possible recourse to other competent The Commission communication (COM (2007) 424) says that the «pay gap measures the relative
authorities (article 2). difference in the average gross hourly earning of women and men within the economy as a whole. It
is one of the structural indicators used to monitor the European Strategy for Growth and Jobs».
Member States were also required to take the necessary measures to ensure that provisions
appearing in collective agreements, wage scales, wage agreements or individual contracts of It stresses that to a large extent, the gap cannot be attributed to objective criteria. Women achieve
employment which are contrary to the principle of equal pay shall be, or may be declared, null and a higher pass-rate at school than men in all the EU Member States and account for the majority
void or may be amended (article 4). of graduates. It comments that no modern and competitive economy can afford a situation of this
kind, particularly in view of the challenges posed by demographic change and the expected decline
The Directive required protection for employees that had lodged a complaint based on the Equal in the working population».
Pay Directive (article 5).
It also indicates that in most of the countries in which the female employment rate is low (for
Member States were required to take care that the provisions adopted pursuant to this Directive example Malta, Italy, Greece, Poland), the pay gap is lower than average. A high pay gap is
were brought to the attention of employees by all appropriate means, for example at their place of also characteristic of countries where a significant proportion of women are working part time
employment (article 7). (Germany, UK or Netherlands for example).
IV The Bauer report on the Commission Communication Statistics on the pay gap and the situation of women on the labour market
Annex 1 – Gender pay gap in the EU, 2005 (%) (1)

Mrs Edit BAUER (Slovakia) has been appointed rapporteur on the Commission Communication.
Due to the change of the Rule of Procedure on initiative reports which came into force in September
2008, it had been decided that the report would be drafted according to article 39 of the Rules of
Procedure («pre-legislative» report).
This made the report more difficult to draft because not all solutions to the gender pay gap are
legislative and deadline for the transposition of the «recast» directive was set for August 2008.
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The Bauer report requests in its resolution the Commission to submit by 31 December 2009, on
the basis of article 141, a legislative proposal on the revision of the existing legislation relating to
the application of the principle of equal pay for men and women. It stresses the need to respect

the principle of subsidiarity. It also asks for a better implementation of the Directive 2006/54/EC
(recast).
The recommendations in annexes concern in particular definitions, job classification, equality
bodies, social dialogue, prevention of discrimination and possibilities of sanctions.
The Bauer report has been adopted by the plenary session in Strasbourg on 18 November by 590
votes in favour against 23 and 46 abstentions.
Source: Eurostat.
Administrative data are used for LU, Labour Force Survey for FR and MT. Provisional results of EU-SILC (Statistics
on Income and Living Conditions) are used for BE, EL, ES, IE, IT, AT, PT, and UK. All other sources are national
surveys. EU-27 estimates are population weighted-averages of the latest available values.
(1) The gender pay gap in unadjusted form is a structural indicator adopted for the follow-up of the European
Strategy for growth and employment. It is defined as the difference between average gross hourly earnings of
male paid employees and of female paid employees as a percentage of average gross hourly earnings of male
252 paid employees. The population consists of all paid employees aged 16-64 that are at work 15+ hours per week. 253
IV Annex 2 – Gender pay gap (%) in the EU
New Regulation on OLAF
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
EU-27 (1) 17 17 16 17 16 16 16 16 15 15 15 The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was set up in 1999, to protect the Community’s financial
interests. Its tasks are to fight fraud affecting the EU-budget, as well as corruption and any other
BE 12 10 10 9 11 13 12 : : 6 (2) 7
irregular activity, including misconduct, within the European Institutions, in an accountable,
BG : : : : : : 22 21 18 16 16 transparent and cost-effective manner.
CZ : 21 21 25 22 22 20 19 19 19 19 The EPP-ED Group has long attached a high priority to ensuring that European taxpayers’ money is
DK 15 15 13 12 14 15 15 18 (2) 18 17 18
spent as effectively and as efficiently as possible, with proper value for every euro spent and without
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2008
risk of misappropriation or fraud. The very existence of OLAF can be traced to political initiatives
DE 21 21 21 22 19 21 21 22 (2) 23 23 22 launched by the Group over several decades, using the Parliament as a vehicle to advocate and
secure institutional reform for better financial management. This role is performed primarily

EE 27 27 28 26 26 25 24 24 24 24 25
through the EP’s Committee on Budgetary Control, which oversees the work of the European
EL 17 15 13 12 13 15 18 17 11 (2) 10 9 (3) Anti-Fraud Office, and considers legislative proposals to improve mechanisms for financial control
ES 13 14 14 16 14 15 17 21 (2) 18 15 13 (3) within the EU institutions.
FR 13 13 12 12 12 13 14 13 12 (2) 12 12 The European Anti-Fraud Office achieves its mission by conducting internal and external
investigations. It also organizes close and regular co-operation between the competent authorities
IE 20 21 19 20 22 19 17 : 14 (2) 11(3) 9 (3)
of the Member States in order to co-ordinate their activities. OLAF supplies Member States
IT 8 8 7 7 8 6 6 : : 7 (3) 9 with the necessary support and technical know-how to help them in their anti-fraud activities. It
contributes to the design of the anti-fraud strategy of the European Union and takes the necessary
CY 29 28 27 26 27 26 26 25 25 25 25
initiatives to strengthen the relevant legislation. It is an administrative investigative body. It has no
LV : : : 20 20 20 16 16 16 15 17 judicial or disciplinary powers and it cannot oblige national prosecutors to act.
LT 27 22 23 22 16 16 16 16 17 16 15 The volume of information received by the Office has constantly increased from 529 new items in
LU 19 19 19 18 17 15 16 17 15 14 14
2002 to a new high of 886 in 2007. At the end of the year OLAF was investigating a total of 408
cases. As far as irregularities within the European institutions themselves and in other bodies like
HU 22 23 24 23 21 21 20 16 12 14 11 EU agencies are concerned, OLAF was investigating a total of 70 internal cases at the end of 2007,
MT : : : : : 11 9 6 (2) 4 4 4
representing 17 percent of all its cases under investigation at that time.
NL 23 23 22 21 21 21 19 19 18 19 18 The financial benefit of OLAF actions for the EU taxpayer is considerable. While the preventive
effect of the Office’s work cannot be measured in figures, in 2007 a sum exceeding 200 million
AT 22 20 22 21 21 20 20 : 17 (2) 18 18 (3)
Euros was recorded as recovered following closed OLAF cases. At the same time the Office’s
PL : : : : 15 : 12 11 11 10 10 operational costs were around 50 million Euros.
254 The EPP-ED Group has taken the lead in identifying new ways of tackling fraud and misappropriation,
255
PT 5 6 7 6 5 8 10 8 9 5 (2) 9
and also increasing financial accountability, in the EU institutions. The Group has encouraged the
RO 21 24 24 20 17 17 18 17 18 14 (2) 13
Commission and Member states to focus more on identifying in advance projects or contracts
SI 14 15 14 11 14 12 11 9 : 8 (3) 8 (3) potentially subject to fraud. By focussing early on high-risk spending, arrangements can be made
to minimise the chances of fraud. The EPP-ED Group has argued strongly that much greater
SK : : : : 23 22 23 27 23 24 24
attention be given to instances of fraud in the collection of its own resources (EU revenue) within
FI : 17 18 19 19 17 17 20 (2) 20 20 20 the Member States. Among key EPP-ED Group objectives being put into effect, was the conversion
of the Commission’s anti-fraud unit into a more independent European Anti-Fraud Office, which
SE 15 17 17 18 17 18 18 17 16 17 16
is making active use of its extensive powers to investigate suspected cases of fraud or misconduct
UK 26 24 21 24 22 21 21 23 (2) 22 22 20 (3) within the European institutions.
Source: Eurostat, Structural Indicators. Regulation 1073/1999 is one out of three main legal documents governing the European Anti-Fraud
(1) Estimate. (2) Break in series (3) Provisional value. Office’s operations. This particular legal basis governs the conduct of investigations, exchange of
information with Member States and EU-Institutions and finally OLAF’s governance structures.
Anne Vahl, The Regulation therefore is crucial for the Office’s operations. Since its inception the regulation
Adviser has proven contradictive in several points, giving rise to friction losses and inefficiencies which
were critically remarked upon by judiciary. Contradictions inherent to the legal basis had to be
eliminated.
IV Since its formation in 1999, the Commission has proposed two drafts in which it suggested
amendments to the legal basis in line with the experience gained by the Office; following a hearing
It was clear that the fight against fraud needed more consideration within the EU Institutions. In the
European Parliament, and in particular in the Committee on Budgetary Control, the fight against
in the Committee on Budgetary Control, the Commission withdrew the first draft. The second fraud and corruption is a top priority. But too often it is very difficult to draw other institutions’
draft, which – in parts – is effectively out-dated already, dates back to 2006; it provides the basis attention on this issue. That’s why the rapporteur provided for a “concertation procedure” where
for Parliament’s amendments. the three institutions, i.e. the European Parliament, the Commission and the Council, will have
to meet together to discuss problems of the fight against EU fraud and corruption, including
The EPP-ED Group has played a prominent role in advocating strengthened legal safeguards problems which arise from cooperation with Member States.
against misuse of EU funds. The adoption of Ingeborg Grässle’s (EPP-ED) report on the reform
of OLAF is a big step forward in strengthening the fight against Community fraud. The report
incorporates more than a hundred amendments adopted by large majorities, often by unanimity. Balázs Széchy,
By consultation and through a number of discussions, Mrs Grässle built a broad coalition across Adviser
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2008
the Parliamentary groups in favour of this important reform. The main concern and objective of
the rapporteur was to identify current problems and to find practical solutions to reinforce the fight

against fraud and corruption against the EU budget.
Indeed, several problems had been detected and detailed in her nine working documents, which
preceded the drafting of the report. The Commission proposal was insufficiently focused on solving
urgent problems. One relevant problem detected by the rapporteur was the lack of cooperation
from the competent national authorities, which have to coordinate their efforts with OLAF. Her
amendment, introducing an obligation for the national authorities to make “progress reporting”
on the follow-up of OLAF investigations, is thus aimed at improving the fight against fraud at EU
and national level. And it is aimed also at strengthening the efficiency of the investigative efforts
in this field.
Another problem detected was the insufficient reinforcement of the procedural guarantees and the
protection of the fundamental rights of the person under investigation. It was a very difficult thing
to deal with, since the rapporteur wanted on the one hand to strengthen individual rights, and
on the other side to improve the efficiency of OLAF investigations. Moreover, EU officials and EU
citizens are treated in an equal manner, when procedural guarantees are at stake.
One amendment introduces a real and transparent review of the legality of OLAF investigations,
and a mechanism about the filing of complaints with a review advisor by the persons under
investigations. As far as investigative procedures are concerned, it is worth mentioning the
obligation to adopt a procedural code, to be published in the Official Journal. This point is of vital
importance: EU citizens, and not only the people who can be affected by Community investigations,
are now put in the position to read this procedural code, as it is foreseen in all the national legal
256 257
systems. As a result, OLAF may thus become a proper investigative office, with clear powers and
transparent rules to be followed. The rapporteur has also sought to strengthen the independence
of OLAF by reinforcing the role of the Supervisory Committee, whose mission is to ensure the
independence of OLAF, which is an office within the administrative structure of the Commission.
Another problem detected was the lack of provision for ensuring cooperation with third countries.
The EU Commission is the biggest donor in the field of external aid, including humanitarian aid:
this is why it was absolutely urgent to provide for measures which tackle international cooperation,
with third countries, in the fight against fraud and corruption.
IV Fourth report on Economic and Social Cohesion: chaired by the EPP-ED spokesperson on regional policy, Mr Lambert van NISTELROOIJ. Dr Michael
SCHNEIDER, Chair of the COTER Committee in the Committee of the Regions, also presented his
Parliament adopts a strong position on the future ideas in this hearing.
reform of EU cohesion policy The success of this event was incontestable. This is not only because it managed to attract a very
large audience, including - among others - Members of the European Parliament, Members of
the Commission on Territorial Cohesion in the Committee of the Regions, European Commission
At a time when the new Operational Programmes for the period 2007-2013 have just started to and Council officials, representatives of different organisations and regional offices, which actually
be implemented in the 27 Member States of the EU, a broad debate on the future reform of EU corresponds to the great interest that all stakeholders in the field have already attached to this
structural funds after 2013 has already been launched. The European Commission called for a wide public debate. Its success can mainly be attributed to the quality of the presentations made by
public consultation in September 2007, on the basis of the conclusions and questions raised in six prestigious experts, who managed to respond to the main challenge presented to them: to
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2008
its Fourth report on Economic and Social Cohesion. Acknowledging the need for the European bring forward their visions and stir up a very lively debate with some strong -and sometimes
Parliament to make a significant first contribution to this debate, the EPP-ED requested this report controversial - arguments and positions.

and appointed Ambroise GUELLEC (EPP-ED, FR) as rapporteur. Many of the ideas and proposals debated during this hearing were later included in the Guellec
report and were endorsed by the European Parliament.
Background
Parliament’s response to the Fourth Cohesion Report
According to the EC Treaty, the European Commission is required to produce a report on economic
and social cohesion every three years (Article 159 TEC). The Commission adopted its fourth such The Guellec report was adopted by an overwhelming majority both in the Committee on Regional
report on 30 May 2007. This report provided the economic, social and territorial situation of the Development and the plenary of the European Parliament (February 2008). The EPP-ED was
enlarged Union of 27 Member States and 268 regions, as well as a detailed analysis of the position successful in promoting all of its key positions in this report. The central messages of this report
of regions in terms of GDP, productivity and employment. It identified a series of challenges with could be summarised in the following points:
which Member States and regions will be confronted in the future, provides a first assessment
of the impact of European cohesion policy in the 2000-2006 programming period, as well as a 1. Lack of harmonious development in the EU - The report concludes that even if disparities in
preliminary evaluation of the preparation for the current period 2007-2013. Most importantly, the income and employment have narrowed over the past decade, the development has not been
Commission’s report included 10 basic questions with the purpose of kicking off the public debate harmonious, and that the impact of cohesion policy significantly varies across the EU.
on the future reform of regional policy after 2013.
2. No “renationalisation” of cohesion policy - The Parliament calls for a strong cohesion policy that
should continue to carry out its ambitious tasks as a single, united community policy, also in the
post-2013 period. Therefore, any attempt to renationalise this policy must be rejected.
A public debate on the future of EU cohesion policy:
3. Adequate financial framework - Sufficient financial resources need to be made available at
shaping the EPP-ED position Community level, in order to ensure that cohesion policy is both effective and credible. Moreover,
other alternatives should also be envisaged, like the reutilisation of unspent appropriations (lost
258 The EPP-ED, as the largest political group in the European Parliament, is determined to play a key 259
due to the N+2/N+3 rule) within the community cohesion budget.
role in this debate. Our political group believes that it is not too early to participate in this debate
and come forward with some new ideas about the shape and form that cohesion policy should 4. A reinforced cohesion policy as a response to the new territorial challenges - The Union will
take at the next reform. It is actually widely expected that we will soon be on the threshold of a new be increasingly faced with a number of new challenges with a strong territorial impact, such as
era regarding EU cohesion policy. Therefore, the European Parliament should not just be confined demographic ageing, climate change, energy supply or urban concentration. For that reason,
to responding to the changes proposed by the European Commission in 2011 for the next set of the Parliament calls for increased financial resources to be guaranteed in the future, in order to
Structural Funds Regulations, but to be instrumental in their formulation. The fact that, subject to ensure that a reinforced cohesion will give an adequate response to these challenges, as well as
the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the European Parliament will have co-decision power over the the increasing need for convergence in the Union.
adoption of this next legislative package, is another reason to make its views and positions clear
at an early stage. The EPP-ED plans to be the driving force behind Parliament’s involvement and 5. Territorial Cohesion - The new concept of «territorial cohesion», which has recently been
contribution to the reform. enshrined in the Treaty of Lisbon, should be central to the development of this community policy.
The Parliament calls for an integrated approach that will place the territorial dimension in the
The Parliament’s response to the Fourth Cohesion Report became, therefore, a political priority for centre of all EU and public policies that have an impact on regional development, including the
the EPP-ED Members in the Committee on Regional Development. A number of initiatives were Lisbon Strategy.
taken in the direction of preparing and consolidating the EPP-ED position in this field, notably
the organization of a large EPP-ED public hearing with the title “A new regional policy: innovative 6. Cohesion Policy versus Lisbon Strategy – In the programming period 2007-2013, and for the first
ideas for the post-2013 reform”. The hearing consisted of two parts: the first part was dedicated time, an earmarking system has been introduced with the aim of steering an important part of
exclusively to the Fourth Report on Economic and Social Cohesion, chaired by the Parliament’s the cohesion resources towards achieving the goals of the Lisbon agenda. The report calls for
rapporteur, Mr Ambroise GUELLEC. The second part focused precisely on the preparation of new an evaluation of this new system, while stressing that the scope of cohesion policy cannot be
innovative ideas that could be considered for the future reform of cohesion policy. This panel was confined to meeting the Lisbon strategy objectives. Cohesion policy needs first and foremost to
serve its traditional role of ensuring convergence for all EU regions, while its priorities should
IV be even more closely linked to those of the Lisbon agenda. The report makes strongly the point
that convergence is a pre-condition for long-term competitiveness of the regions, and that the
Health Check
two policies should only be treated as complementary in the future. The Review of the Common Agriculture Policy
A follow-up to the Parliament’s report: an EPP-ED publication During the last 15 years, the common agricultural policy (CAP) changed radically in response
to pressures from European society and its evolving economy. The 2003/2004 reforms marked
on regional policy a new phase in this process, introducing decoupled direct payments via the Single Payment
Scheme (SPS) in most sectors of the first pillar of the CAP and strengthening Rural Development
The EPP-ED decided to make another step in the direction of consolidating its strategic positions
(RD) policy as its second pillar. As a consequence, the support to producer is now almost fully
on the future of cohesion policy. Following the success of its public hearing, but also the significant
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2008
decoupled from production decisions, allowing EU farmers to make their choices in response to
work done on the Parliament’s report, our Group decided to proceed with the preparation of an
market signals.
EPP-ED publication on regional policy. It was officially launched in a press conference during the

Open Days 2008 (October 2008) and was made available in four languages (English, French, The 2003 Reform represented only a first step in shaping the CAP for the 21st century, as a
German, Polish). This publication brings forward the basic vision of the Group on the future shape compromise on all aspects of the this reform could not be agreed. It has therefore been decided
and form of ‘a new regional policy’. It also includes scientific articles all six experts that participated that the 2003 Reform will be reviewed, where a number of review clauses as already foreseen in the
in the EPP-ED hearing. The positions of the Group –as expressed in this publication- will represent final agreement will be discussed. This review has been coined «Health Check», without implying
the basis for any future debate in this field. a fundamental reform of the existing policies.
Fani Zarifopoulou, The Commission’s Proposals

Adviser
After an initial communication from the EU Commission to the Health Check in November 2007,
the European Parliament drafted a report to counter the proposals of the Commission, which was
adopted in plenary in March 2008. Following that vote and taking some of the suggestions from
the European Parliament on board, the EU Commission published the legislative report on the
Health Check in May 2008.
The European Parliament adopted its response to the legislative report in plenary on 19 November
2008. However, the Health Check does not constitute a reform of the CAP as such, but rather an
exercise to continue and finish the reform mandate of 2003. The main elements addressed within
the Health Check are direct payments, a reform of the CMOs, simplification and cross-compliance,
safety net, modulation, rural development, and new challenges. With regards to the budget of the
CAP little attention has been paid to this, as it is fixed until 2013.
260 261
Direct Payments
It is clear to the Parliament that direct payments remain vitally necessary in the future as a
basic income guarantee in the event of market failures and as a compensation for Europe´s
environmental, animal welfare protection, food safety, traceability and social standards, which are
extremely high in international comparison.
In addition, the Parliament advocates a separation of direct payments from historical reference
values. Payments based on historical values are not justifiable anymore and a movement towards a
flatter and/or an area-based regional ore national single premium should be envisaged, potentially
on a voluntary basis.
The Parliament also supports the Commission in its proposals for decoupling and underlines that
a further decoupling is pivotal. Full decoupling is especially important for plant products, because
it has essentially proved its worth, given the increased effect on income and greater autonomy
in decision-making on the part of farmers and the associated simplification of the CAP. Animal
production on the other hand, still needs to be partly coupled to ensure continuation of animal
production, especially in mountainous and disadvantaged areas. This is in particular true for milk
production, which is a key sector in many disadvantaged and mountainous regions.
IV Another aspect related to direct payments and covered by the Parliament is the issue of Article 68
(formerly Art. 69). The Parliament supports an increased use (on a voluntary basis) of this Article,
New Challenges
as it could be used to channel support to certain regions or sectors. This is also an important tool
to support any livestock framers who do not have any land, i.e. goat and certain sheep producers. The Parliament agrees in principle with the Commission of creating a thorough safety net to
In contrast to a modulation, Art. 68 is not co-financed and hence it is a suitable tool for Member counter any variation in the market. An anticipated increase in environmental and climate dangers
States that do not have to the means of co-financing. Any funds from Art. 68 would go back to and the risk of epidemics and risk prevention merit a safety net. Despite this, it is also clear that,
100% to the Member States in where they accrue. in principle, responsibility for appropriate risk prevention lies with farmers. However, private sector
insurance schemes may not be sufficient and hence a mixed insurance scheme must be developed,
with public contributions to financing.
Modulation The Parliament shares the Commission’s view that the 2nd Pillar should be strengthened and that
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2008
financing of the CAP post-2013 should be dealt with soon. It also asked to strengthen the promotion
The Parliament rejects the proposal from the Commission on modulation in its present form of agricultural products inside and outside the EU and to strengthen producer organisations and
(an increase of additional 17% in modulation), as this discriminates against certain farms and quality assurance schemes.

could lead to a break of agriculture structure. So far there has been no clear link between the
The European Parliament broadly supports the new four challenges proposed by the EU
size and wealth of a farm. The Parliament favours a moderate increase in the basis modulation
Commission, such as biodiversity, climate change, renewable energy and water management.
(an additional 5%) and also came forward with a ´progressive modulation´, meaning that a 1%
However, it does not support the idea by the Commission that this is entirely financed through
increase (in addition to the existing 5%) for each EUR 100 000. This means that farms between
modulation and hence through a significant amount of the co-financed means. Moreover, the
EUR 10 000 and EUR 100 000 will be modulated with 6%, farms between EUR 100 000 and EUR
European Parliament would like to add a fifth new challenge ´milk quota exit programmes´ to it.
200 000 with 7% till farms over EUR 300 000 with 9%.
The funds from the progressive modulation are to be distributed according to the prevailing rules
Andreas Schneider,
governing modulation funds and to remain in the regions or Member States in which they accrue.
Adviser
Common Market Organisation

As a first step the Parliament advocates for a drastic simplification of the CAP. It calls therefore,
after a gradual phasing-out period, for an integration of production-based payment schemes, which
are smaller and therefore very cumbersome to administer (dried fodder, hemp, flax, potato starch)
into the single area payment scheme.
It has been also agreed to significantly reduce (in some case to abolish) intervention and private
storage. Intervention that is to be maintained should be opened during the last three month of
the financial year.
262 263
The Parliament also supports the immediate abolition of set-aside and a gradual abolition of the
energy crop premium in the course of a phasing-out period. The set-aside instrument, as a volume
control instrument, has lost its significance in a decoupled direct payment system and is extremely
cumbersome to administer. The energy premium, on the other hand, has no little or no policy
advantages in the current market environment.
Cross-compliance is to be considered as an important element and should be maintained, because
any direct payments without cross-compliance can no longer be justified. However, the scope of
cross-compliance should not be widened, in view of reductions of direct payments, as long as there
is no substantial progress in monitoring and simplifying monitoring rules and a clear assessment
of the costs to farmers. An over-burden of cross-compliance can have negative aspects.
On milk, the Parliament calls for accompanying measures until 2015 to ensure a soft transition
period (soft-landing). Presently, the European Parliament has not yet a unified line with regards to
an increase in quotas on a voluntary basis. The impact of the pre-Health Check increase in milk
quota of 2% in April 2008 into the national reserve should be first analysed (in 2009), before
further measures are being considered. However, a moderate quota increase is favoured, coupled
with a report on the situation within the milk sector. Furthermore, The European Parliament
advocates for a special support (e.g. milk fund) for mountainous and disadvantaged areas,
financed via Art. 68 or through 2nd Pillar measures. Also, investment support to milk producers
without an accompanying quota is favoured.
IV The future for young farmers under the ongoing Looking to the future, it is clear that young farmers are highly dynamic and have a natural tendency
to innovate. Accordingly, they can achieve greater competitiveness if they are given priority access
reform of the CAP to promotion and dissemination programmes. In addition, quality policies can help improve highly
specialised products’ share of the markets. At the same time, young farmers can participate in
campaigns to promote the benefits of environmentally friendly production methods, traditional
The EPP-ED Group has always been a staunch supporter of European agriculture. The common products and eating certain health-promoting foods.
agricultural policy has undergone several reforms and has had to adapt to new situations. As
Such action on the part of young farmers could have the dual benefit of producing healthy
the farming industry is highly dynamic, young farmers are a fundamental pillar for the future of
agricultural products and fostering healthy eating whilst promoting a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
European agriculture.
Food education that addresses this issue needs to be promoted and disseminated by the European
The common agricultural policy is based on a multifunctional model which strives towards greater Union. This task could be entrusted to young farmers who, with their appropriate expertise and
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competitiveness in response to the challenges of the third millennium. Agriculture is therefore detailed understanding of production techniques, would be well placed to promote specific features
being asked to play a wide variety of roles: produce quality food, ensure food safety, protect of a given agricultural product in order to foster sound food and environmental education.

the environment (including soil and water conservation), contribute to regional planning and
Our Group supports vocational training for young farmers and the promotion of measures to
maintaining the landscape, and stabilise population levels in the countryside by stemming the rural
encourage the dissemination of knowledge and practices with a view to preparing farmers for a new
exodus and preserving and passing on local cultural traditions.
focus on product quality. Such training is vital for young farmers. European agriculture is no longer
In the context of the European multifunctional agricultural model, the EPP-ED Group is more a self-contained entity but is faced with the prospect of a greater opening up of markets around
particularly interested in the situation of young farmers and the challenges that they face. As the world. In this context, young farmers are, by definition, responsible for the future of European
a result of these challenges, new holdings will have access to more open world markets and agriculture and need to address the challenges posed by high-quality agricultural production in
will share a responsibility to combat climate change, whose effects on the countryside and the tomorrow’s Europe and by the protection of the environment and the European rural landscape.
environment are becoming increasingly apparent.
The EPP-ED Group has also sought to establish guidelines for the setting up of young farmers
For some years now, there has been a trend towards the depopulation of rural areas in the in the context of support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Farms run by young
European Union. This abandonment of farmland is particularly marked in remote rural areas. At people are more profitable, and young farmers are more willing to adopt innovative solutions,
the same time, the past few years have seen a steady ageing of the rural population. As a result, use environmentally friendly farming methods and adjust to market requirements. However, our
more than half of holdings in the European Union are run by farmers over the age of 55. The Group believes that policies focusing more on quality should be implemented in order to make
situation is particularly severe in the countries of southern Europe. promotion and marketing schemes more dynamic. In addition, start-up incentives should be
targeted primarily at new holdings run mainly by women. Closer links between research and the
With a view to combating this rural exodus and the ageing of the farming population in the agricultural sector and the strengthening of vocational training will better prepare young farmers
European Union, our Group is acutely aware of the need to give priority to measures for young to compete in global agricultural markets.
farmers. The main goal would be to make it easier for young people to enter the agricultural
and agri-food sector and renew the generations in order to make the sector more modern and
dynamic.
Report on young farmers (2008)
Our Group believes that support for young people wishing to set up or continue working within
264 the agri-food sector must be provided under EU legislation through specific measures aimed at On 5 June 2008, the own-initiative report on young farmers was adopted in plenary (571 votes 265
potential beneficiaries under 40 years of age. This start-up aid for young farmers has been widely in favour, 31 against and 39 abstentions). The policy line taken by the EPP-ED Group was largely
discussed in the European Parliament. Our Group’s position is that aid should be granted through endorsed, and the amendments tabled by members of the EPP-ED Group, led by Esther de Lange
start-up support as well as through interest rate subsidies for loans taken out by young farmers to (NL, EPP-ED), were all adopted. These amendments, tabled by our Group in the Committee on
cover start-up costs. Agriculture and Rural Development and in plenary, are as follows:
The most critical issue is the high start-up costs with which young farmers are faced. More > A young and dynamic farming industry is an essential element for achieving the objectives laid
specifically, there continue to be barriers to obtaining loans and difficulties in providing the down by the Lisbon Strategy for growth, competitiveness and employment. The setting up or
guarantees required by financial institutions. These difficulties are compounded by the different taking over of farm holdings by young people is a major asset to the enlarged EU.
conditions applying to farm loans in the 27 Member States. European legislation is therefore
required in order to guard against the high rate of indebtedness of young farmers which cancels out > The new CAP must seek to remove the barriers currently facing young people wishing to set up
the beneficial effects of start-up support and minimises the impact that may be achieved through in farming by making generational change one of its priorities.
state aid, which is available in some Member States. > The aid for young farmers provided for in the legislation on rural development should figure
Such measures also need to be stepped up when drawing up rural development programmes in among the compulsory measures included in the plans drawn up by the Member States,
which the provision of start-up incentives should be made compulsory with a view to giving priority which should also be accompanied by an increase in the amount of start-up support. Many
to measures in support of holdings managed by young farmers. young farmers regard investment support and interest subsidies as the most effective means
of encouraging their entrepreneurship and improving their competitive position. At the same
time, suitable policy measures are necessary in order to reduce excesses and distortions of
competition.
IV > By providing nutrition education for the benefit of human health and society in general, young
farmers contribute to the promotion of good eating habits, which goes beyond teaching
Protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems
schoolchildren the basic principles of healthy eating. In so doing, they provide all possible
support, as representatives of the agricultural industry, in this educational task.
1. Committee on Fisheries
> The European Commission should negotiate a WTO agreement which would give farmers enough
scope to be able to continue to compete with third countries and which would thus guarantee a Report on the protection of vulnerable marine ecosystems
future for young farmers. The inclusion of non-trade concerns is of crucial importance.
in the high seas
> Our Group has proposed the formulation of a pilot project to facilitate an exchange programme
between young farmers in developing countries and young farmers in the EU to enable them In adopting the report by Mr Duarte Freitas (A6-0183/2008) by 529 votes to 35 with 13 abstentions,
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to gain understanding of the functioning of their respective markets, of their respective use of the European Parliament, and in particular the EPP-ED Group, stressed that European values and
technology and their methods of adapting to the prevailing climatic conditions. EU objectives place us at the forefront of environmental protection efforts not only in Europe but
in the world at large.

Jorge Soutullo, The Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable Development, held in September 2002, laid down a
Adviser worldwide goal of ‘reducing the rate of loss of biodiversity by 2010’. One of the basic demands of
this strategy was ‘the elimination of destructive fishing practices’.
Although knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems is still limited, we know that some of them are
important and extremely sensitive and vulnerable centres of marine biodiversity. Their low growth
and regeneration rate illustrates how vulnerable they are to external erosive agents. Cold-water
corals (sponges, coelenterates, etc.) are examples of unique structures (in some cases three
metres high and over 300 years old) which can be destroyed, often irreversibly, by mechanical
erosion.
The collapse of a large proportion of traditional fishery resources has caused fishery operations to
transfer to these habitats with the help of the new technologies available to the fisheries sector.
In international waters, the protection of the marine environment is generally laid down by regional
maritime conventions, where these exist, while the adoption of measures for the protection and
management of marine living resources and the regulation of the impact of fishing on vulnerable
ecosystems comes under the responsibility of Regional Fisheries Management Organisations
(RFMO).
The European Union is aware that it will need to fully incorporate, within the protection and
management arrangements established with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), all the fishing
266 activities of its vessels operating in areas not covered by an RFMO or in which no RFMO has 267
adopted relevant management measures. It thus wishes to ensure that the proposed regulation
implements the recommendations of the UN General Assembly.
The EPP-ED Group welcomes this proposal for a regulation and considers that the Johannesburg
undertaking places the problem of destructive fishing practices in a global context and makes it
into a worldwide challenge
While a specific approach can and must be taken to this problem in the fisheries sector, the EPP-
ED Group considers that the threat to deep-sea ecosystems goes well beyond fisheries. That being
so, the EPP-ED Group considers that the European Union should promote concerted action in
its areas of responsibility other than those relating to fisheries to protect vulnerable ecosystems,
tackling the problem in an integrated fashion in the light of the conclusions of the Green Paper on
European maritime policy.
IV The rapporteur considers that clarifications and improvements should be made to this proposal
for a regulation on a number of points, including the depth limit (Members opposed the banning
2. Report on Fisheries and Aquaculture in the context of
of bottom gears at depths below 1000 which the Commission had proposed); the scope of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Europe
regulation; the unforeseen discovery of vulnerable marine ecosystems; definitions (the definition of
‘vulnerable marine ecosystem’ and ‘bottom gear’ were clarified); scientific observers (the number
of observers aboard should be proportionate to the number of vessels from each Member State to The report by Mr Ioannis Gklavakis (A6-0286/2008) was adopted by 652 votes to 14, with 25
which a special permit has been issued); and information and reporting (the reports sent by the abstentions.
Member States must contain information on the impact of fishing activities, in accordance with This own-initiative report stresses that Integrated Coastal Zone Management is of great importance
the conditions for issuance of the permit). for fishing for three basic reasons. Firstly, fishing is a coastal activity par excellence and, as a result,
Finally, the report draws the Commission’s attention to the fact that the that the scientific studies is affected by changes in the local environment. Fish stocks in coastal waters form the basis of
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required by the proposal could prove too costly for shipowners, and asks the Commission to many catches and many species caught offshore hatch and grow in coastal waters.
reconsider the arrangements for the funding thereof. Secondly, fishing is not a source of pollution, but rather suffers the consequences of pollution

caused by other activities pursued in coastal zones.
Mauro Belardinelli, Thirdly, 80% of the Community fishing activity takes place in coastal regions which are heavily
Adviser dependent upon it. These are regions with fragile economies which cannot provide their inhabitants
with alternative activities and are for the most part disadvantaged. In 2003, some 63% of fishermen
were to be found in less-favoured regions dependent on the fishing industry.
At all events, the most important element in ensuring the successful incorporation of fishing
in ICZM is to involve fishing organisations in the planning stage. Using the experience of local
fishermen will help identify the real problems and thereby ensure that coastal fishing communities
remain and co-exist with other activities pursued in coastal zones.
Aquaculture is also an activity principally pursued in coastal zones. In an environment in which
fisheries resources are becoming scarce and in which world demand for fish and shellfish is
steadily rising, aquaculture is becoming increasingly important.
European aquaculture could therefore benefit from this trend and exploit its comparative
advantages. These include the following: the EU is the largest market for fish products, has a long
tradition of shellfish farming and fish farming in fresh and sea water, it has a dynamic, cutting-edge
research capacity and modern technology, qualified and experienced fish farmers, suitable climatic
conditions and ideal sites for the varieties farmed.
The EPP-ED Group considers that the strategy for ICZM may form a suitable framework for the
268 sustainable exploitation of coastal areas and the viable development of the activities carried on in 269
these areas
The EPP-ED Group maintains that the first priority is long-term planning involving representatives
from all sectors operating in coastal areas. Next, it is essential to achieve effective coordination
among the operators involved in managing these areas. Should a forthcoming assessment report
on the implementation of the ICZM conclude that no coordination in this area is possible, it would
be sensible to look again at establishing a body for that purpose.
Coordination must be based on appropriate information. Accordingly, data collection should be
improved with a view to carrying out studies on the management of coastal areas. These data
should also take into account aspects of biodiversity in coastal areas, including fishery resources.
The provision of information and exchange of data should take place at regional level and with
third countries, since regional cooperation is of vital importance in responding to the cross-border
issues facing coastal areas.
As regards funding, the EPP-ED Group considers that the EFF can help link aquaculture with ICZM,
since it provides the possibility of collecting qualitative data so as to draw up Integrated Coastal
Zone Management Plans. Furthermore, EFF priority axis II supports the development of methods
to reduce any impact of production on the marine environment.
IV Finally, the rapporteur takes the view that, after consulting Member States, the Commission
should, after consulting Member States, draw up a clear timetable for examining progress in
Environmental Criminal Law
implementing Integrated Coastal Zone Management in the European Union.
Criminal protection for the European environment
Mauro Belardinelli,
Adviser
A major milestone was achieved in European legislation with the adoption of the directive on
environmental criminal law, whose parliamentary rapporteur was Hartmut Nassauer (EPP-ED).
There has been no dispute among the Institutions about the fact that grave environmental crime
should be punished. The question to be addressed was how far the Community could go in
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legislating in this field.
The European Court of Justice decided the above mentioned debate with two judgments.

In its judgment of 13 September 2005 (C- 176/03, Commission vs. Council), the European Court
of Justice decided that the Community had competence to adopt criminal law measures for the
protection of the environment if these were necessary for ensuring the efficient implementation
of environmental policy. As a general rule, criminal matters do not fall within Community
competence, but this «... does not prevent the Community legislature, when the application of
effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties by the competent national authorities is
an essential measure for combating serious environmental offences, from taking measures which
relate to the criminal law of the Member States which it considers necessary in order to ensure that
the rules which it lays down on environmental protection are fully effective.»
For the first time, the Court of Justice recognised the possibility for imposing criminal sanctions in
the first pillar if they are essential for the efficient implementation of the community law.
Following the Court judgment which annulled the Council framework decision in this question,
the Commission proposal of 9 February 2007 for a directive on the protection of the environment
through criminal law defined the minimum list of crimes severely damaging the environment
which must be considered a criminal act in all Member States in the case of deliberate or at least
seriously negligent commission. The proposal specifically determines the upper and lower limit of
the imposable deprivation of liberty in the case of natural persons and that of the applicable fine
in the case of legal persons.
In the ruling that it handed down on 23 October 2007 in Case C-440/05 (Commission v Council:
270 Council Framework Decision to strengthen the criminal-law framework for the enforcement of the
271
law against ship-source pollution), the Court of Justice explicitly stipulated for the first time that
determining the type and level of criminal penalties to be applied is not a matter falling within the
Community’s sphere of competence. As a consequence the Commission proposal ran counter to
that ruling and had therefore to be corrected as and where necessary.
The Court ruling restricts the criminal law competence of the Community legislature to ‘the
application of effective, proportionate and dissuasive criminal penalties by the competent national
authorities, and it has to be reflected in the articles in questions. Given that, according to the ruling,
it is not for the Community to determine the type and level of criminal penalties to be applied,
those paragraphs should have been deleted in both instances.
Following intensive negotiations with the Council, a first reading agreement had been found where
the position of Parliament’s delegation was fully reflected and the report was adopted in May II
plenary in 2008.
The compromise found ensures legal certainty in criminal matters. It states clearly that unlawful
behaviour can only be punished if it is clearly indicated in the annex where the criminal offences
are set out. Moreover, it is clear that only unlawful behaviour can be punishable. Minor offences
should be taken out of the scope of the directive.
IV The above mentioned two court judgments decided a long discussion between the Commission,
Parliament and the Council. The Commission and Parliament were of the opinion that the
Comitology - New parliamentary rights of control
European Community had the right to legislate in the field of criminal law. However, one should
not forget that criminal law touches the basic rights of citizens and Member States have different For many years the European Parliament (EP) has called for improved powers to scrutinise the
cultural traditions and criminal law counts as one of the core areas of national sovereignty. so-called «comitology» procedure, because of a perceived lack of transparency and democratic
These concerns were well reflected in the report, which was adopted. It ensures legal certainty accountability. Parliament’s right of scrutiny was limited to expressing a view on whether
where it says that explicitly indicated criminal offences can be punishable. The principle of the Commission was exceeding implementing powers. With the so-called «droit de regard»,
proportionality is respected with the exclusion of minor offences and since it is up to the Member Parliament gained more rights of control, but these still remained rather limited.
States to determine the type and level of criminal penalties, it complies with the subsidiarity Article 5a of 2006/512 Council Decision (amended Council decision 1999/468) established a new
principle. We need to remember that the Community has an implicit criminal law competence only
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regulatory «Procedure with Scrutiny» (hereinafter RPS) which allowed the Parliament to oppose
for the enforcement of Community law. It does not have the option of requiring criminal sanctions the adoption of some comitology measures envisaged by the Commission. This was in addition
for infringements of national law. These can therefore give rise to Community sanctions only when to the existing comitology procedures (advisory, management, and regulatory), which continued

Community law is transposed into national law. to apply as before. For the scope of the RPS to apply, certain conditions need to be met: the basic
legal acts have to be adopted under the codecision procedure, and the procedure must be used to
Bólya Boglárka, adopt measures of general scope that are designed to amend non-essential elements of the basic
Adviser legal act including by deleting some of these elements or by supplementing the basic act.
For the first time, Parliament has the right to control and block implementing measures. The
Commission is also obliged to provide all language versions before the time limit for examining
draft measures can begin - however exceptions for urgencies are foreseen. Once Parliament blocks
an implementing measure, the Commission may either present a new proposal for comitology
measures, or table draft legislation under the co-decision procedure.
The adaptation of the existing acquis to the new procedure was another priority of the negotiators
of the new comitology decision of 2006.
The Commission adopted a package of 27 legislative proposals for priority alignment at the
beginning of 2007, in which four parliamentary committees were involved. (ECON, ENVI, JURI,
LIBE) All the 27 priority acts were adopted in agreement with Council in 1st reading, so this exercise
is now concluded.
Although Council only agreed on the adoption of the existing acquis for the 27 priority acts, the
Commission committed itself to examine all other acts adopted under codecision in order to
determine whether these needed to be amended and adjusted to RPS.
272 The Commission identified 255 legislative acts which need to be aligned to new procedure. It 273
decided to group them into 4 packages, the so-called omnibus proposals. The four packages
have already arrived in the European Parliament. It is in the interest of the Parliament to adopt
the omnibus package proposals before the Lisbon Treaty enters into force. The main reason is
that the Lisbon Treaty, with its new system of delegated acts, brings in a completely new situation
which would complicate and delay the adaptation to the new legal framework. The Legal Affairs
Committee (JURI) was appointed as the lead committee and was responsible for coordinating the
alignment in close cooperation with the relevant legislative committees.
The Rapporteur József Szájer (EPP-ED) emphasised form the beginning that while the Treaty of
the Lisbon established new parliamentary rights, it was very important to adopt the alignment
packages quickly in order for apply the new procedure with the control of the European Parliament
as soon as possible.
Following intensive negotiations with Council, first reading agreement was already reached on
Omnibus I, II and III and these reports were adopted in June and September 2008. The adoption
of Omnibus IV is also foreseen during 2008.
IV The Rapporteur also tabled a legislative initiative report in order to ask Commission to make a
legislative proposal to supplement the present alignment. Appropriate references should be made
Hedge funds
where the EP was not satisfied by the adopted Omnibus proposals, and it should be clearly stated
that the present adaptation should not be considered as a precedent to define the scope of the Transparency of institutional investors and the alternative financial investment vehicles.Report by
delegated acts. The report was adopted in September 2008. Following the request of the Parliament Klaus-Heiner Lehne (EPP-ED, DE)
for additional legislative proposals Commission envisages coming forward with Omnibus V.
The past few years have seen a remarkable broadening and deepening of financial markets.
The revised bilateral agreement came into force May 2008. The main aspects are the comitology However, recent developments have revealed that some part of the financial growth was built on
register, an early warning system for RPS and droit de regard, the language regime and taking into shaky foundations.
account the calendar of parliamentary work.
Whilst the situation on financial markets in connection with hedge funds and private equity has
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All legislative acts adopted after the 2006 new decision are subject to new provisions. For this been discussed for several months at the highest political levels, the European Commission has
reason, all comitology provisions of new codecision proposals, along with legislative procedures been reluctant to move towards any closer scrutiny of this complex issue. Thus, the political
underway have been and should be scrutinised and, where appropriate adapted to the new rules.

debate opened in the in the European Parliament with the legislative initiative report by Mr Lehne
Where acts are being adopted in codecision and the criteria for applicability of the PRS are met, the in the Legal Affairs Committee (and in the parallel report by Mr Rasmussen in the Economic and
use of RPS is compulsory and not a matter for political negotiation. Monetary Affairs Committee) on transparency of institutional investors using alternative financial
The new procedure of RPS guarantees democratic control of implementing measures by putting investment vehicles (hedge funds and private equity), which also marked the start of the legislative
both co- legislators, Parliament and Council, on an equal footing and brings an end to one of the debate on this topic in the EU.
most serious aspects of democratic deficit in the Union. The report by Klaus Heiner Lehne asks the European Commission to submit the appropriate
Parliament’s new rights of control are the result of long and hard negotiations. The new veto right legislative proposals by way of review of the existing acquis communautaire affecting the
on implementing measures is the appropriate instrument for the Members of Parliament to reduce various types of investors and counterparties, together with an impact assessment and with the
bureaucracy, to ensure democratic control and the balance of the institutions. involvement of the industries concerned. It proposes to adapt or establish rules providing for the
clear disclosure and timely communication of relevant and material information so as to facilitate
high-quality decision-making and transparent communication between investors, company
Boglárka Bólya, management and other counterparties. Such rules would be useful, as long as they were not
Adviser too restrictive for the operational freedom of financial enterprises. Further, the report invites the
Commission to explore ways of enhancing the visibility and understanding of risk. Of course the
legislator cannot eliminate risk from the market, but it would be appropriate to make risk more
foreseeable and to mitigate its potential negative consequences. Regarding the voluntary codes of
conduct the report points out that they can serve the legislator very well as a model, but cannot
be a full substitute for legislation to deal with cases of poor conduct. Appropriate legislation can
support the work of those hedge funds and private equity managers, which are already complying
voluntarily with the rules of due commercial diligence.
274 It is somewhat ironic that the adoption of the Lehne report (and Rasmussen report) at the 275
September 2008 Plenary Session coincided with the financial crisis.
As the voting result shows, the reports gained cross-party support and carry strong political
weight. The European Parliament has given a clear signal of intent. It is in this overall context
that the European Commission is requested to propose adequate legislative measures to improve
regulation of financial markets for alternative investment vehicles, and also to take measures to
deal with some of the causes of the ongoing financial turmoil.
Andrea Laskavá,
Adviser
IV Common Frame of Reference Return directive
European contract law / Common Frame of Reference (Working Group on European Contract Law. In its Communication of 15 November 2001 on a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration the
Chairman – Klaus Heiner Lehne, EPP-ED, DE) Commission pointed out that the return policy is an integral and crucial part of the fight against
illegal immigration. The Green Paper on a Community Return Policy was published in April 2002.
Finally “The Hague Programme”, adopted in November 2004 by the European Council, resumed
It is widely acknowledged that there is a need for more coherence in EU legislative projects to the issue and expressly asked for the establishment of common standards for persons to be
decrease the danger that law will become unsystematic and unpredictable for both citizens and returned in a human manner and with full respect for their human rights and dignity. It called for
the business sectors. In this respect, the creation of the Common Frame of Reference (CFR) for the submission of a Commission proposal in early 2005.
European contract law7 is one of the most significant pre-legislative undertakings.
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The proposal (2005) 0391 is the Commission’s response to this call and tries to provide for
The work on CFR dates back to 2003 when it was defined as one of the follow-up measures to the clear, transparent and fair common rules concerning return, removal, use of coercive measures,

Action Plan entitled “A more coherent European contract law”. However, it was only at the end temporary custody and re-entry, and takes fully into account the respect for human rights and
of 2007 when the academic Draft Common Frame of Reference was submitted to the European fundamental freedoms of the persons concerned. The proposal seeks to achieve these aims as
Commission. Subsequently, the Commission announced launching of a selection process with the follows:
aim of identifying which parts of the draft CFR would be integrated into a forthcoming White Paper
of the Commission on a Common Frame of Reference. 1. Establishing a rule that illegal stay should be ended through a fair and transparent procedure.
The European Parliament reacted to these recent developments in CFR in its Resolution of 2. Promoting the principle of voluntary return.
September 2008.
3. Establishing a harmonised two-step procedure: involving a return decision as a first step and – if
Adopted by a large majority of members, the Resolution pointed out that the draft CFR was necessary – the issuing of a removal order as a second step.
produced by legal scholars and had yet to be debated politically. The Parliament insisted that it
should be fully consulted and involved in the selection process carried out by the Commission 4. Addressing the situation of persons who are staying illegally but who cannot (as yet) be
since the resulting document would be the basis for a crucial political decision on the future removed.
purpose of the CFR - its content and legal effect - ranging from a non-binding legislative tool to the 5. Providing for a minimum set of procedural safeguards.
foundation for an optional instrument in European contract law.
6. Limiting the use of coercive measures, binding it to the principle of proportionality and
Accordingly, the Commission has been asked to present a precise and transparent plan on how this establishing minimum safeguards for the conduct of forced return.
selection process is organised and coordinated on the inter-institutional level, with the interested
stakeholders, and in particular, internally within the Commission (among all Directorates-General 7. Giving a European dimension to the effects of national return measures by establishing a re-entry
involved). ban valid throughout the EU.
The goal is to get a broad policy discussion on going about the future of the European private 8. Rewarding good compliance (including an option to withdraw any re-entry ban) and penalising
law. The Parliament wants to achieve that the widest possible public is involved in this debate. In non-compliance (including an option to extend any re-entry ban).
276 order for that to happen, the CFR must be made available in EU official languages (currently only 9. Protecting the interests of the state in cases of serious threat to national and public security
277
available in English). (including an option to extend any re-entry ban).
All this shows that the CFR is taking us into uncharted territory in the field of European contract 10. Limiting the use of temporary custody and binding it to the principle of proportionality.
law. The European Parliament, the Commission and the Council need to make a clear commitment
to this project, which is likely to be the most important initiative for the next parliamentary term. It 11. Establishing minimum safeguards for the conduct of temporary custody.
aims to enhance the coherence and quality of the Community private law - a project that can offer
12. Addressing situations where a third-country national who is the subject of a removal order or
benefits and greater legal certainty for everyone.
return decision issued by a Member State is apprehended in the territory of another Member
State
Andrea Laskavá,
Adviser
Key questions:
> Art. 2, Scope of the directive: EPP-ED wants to exclude transit zones and cases dealt with under
the EU Border Code.
> Art. 6, Return decision: According to the principle of subsidiarity EPP-ED claims for adjusting
the principle of a harmonised two-step procedure, taking into account the existing systems in
Member States.
7. In parallel to the CFR for European contract law, the review of the consumer acquis is taking place. The future
Framework Directive as result of the Review of the consumer contract law acquis is not dependent on the
outcome of the CFR which is a longer term project and run separately.
IV > Art. 9, Re-entry ban: EPP-ED sees in this tool the main European added value of this directive.
Visa Code
> Art. 14, Temporary Custody: EPP-ED expanded the scope of this article to include cases of «threat
to public order and/or public security».
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament
The left side of the EP came forward with extremely left-wing amendments which - under the
German Presidency - put the whole directive at risk, as the positions seemed to be absolutely and of the Council establishing a Community Code on Visas
incompatible.
In tough and numerous Shadow Rapporteur meetings, the Rapporteur Manfred Weber finally The proposal establishing a Community Code on Visas seeks to incorporate all legal instruments
managed in the LIBE voting to put through the above mentioned points by giving to the left side governing decisions in relation to visas into a single code while taking account of recent
some more safeguards on issues like: developments in this area (biometric data). In future, visas will be issued in all Member States
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in accordance with uniform and common procedures in order to prevent visa shopping and the
> Art. 5 Family relationships
misuse of visas.

> Art. 13 Safeguards pending return
The proposal seeks to establish the conditions and procedures for the processing of visa
> Art. 15 Conditions of temporary custody applications for a maximum of three months per six-month period and contains special provisions
regarding:
Trilogues began in November 2007 which, after lengthy negotiations in which Parliament was able
to a very large extent to assert its position successfully, led to the conclusion of the dossier in first > Acceptance and processing of visa applications, including biometric identifiers
reading with the Council under the Slovenian Presidency.
> representation arrangements between the Member States and cooperation in processing visa
applications (for example, cooperation with external service providers)
Mercedes Alvargonzález & Michael Alexander Speiser
> grounds for rejecting visa applications and
Advisers
> provisions governing consular cooperation in situ.
The rapporteur, Henrik Lax (ALDE), was concerned to ensure maximum transparency from the
outset, consulting shadow rapporteurs from other groups promptly and on a regular basis by
means of working meetings with MEPs and staff. Prior to the vote on the report by Henrik Lax it
was thus possible to reach a sustainable agreement on 35 compromise amendments, which was
endorsed by all European Parliament groups at the vote in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice
and Home Affairs, officially empowering Henrik Lax to enter into tripartite negotiations with the
Council of Ministers.
Ewa Klamt, shadow rapporteur for the EPP-ED Group, successfully secured the adoption of
a number of points to which the group attached great importance, including the principle of
278 applications being made in person to the authorities issuing visas, the adoption of specific 279
rules governing areas of competence and visa application processing fees, less cumbersome
application procedures, fee exemptions for certain categories and simplified procedures for
frequent travellers.
While we agree with the six-year age limit for children recommended by the Commission with
regard to biometric data, we were unable to secure adoption of this provision. The EPP-ED group
took the view that the age-limit for biometric data should be linked to that established elsewhere
(for example, in the CCI report by Sarah Ludford). However, the majority within the committee
opted for a 12-year age limit for children.
Michael Alexander Speiser,

Adviser
IV Common Consular Instructions Baltic Sea Pipeline
Within the closer Schengen cooperation, a common visa policy was identified as a fundamental
Petitions Committee
component of the creation of a common area without internal border controls. The Treaty of
In 2007, the European Parliament received petitions supported by almost 30000 EU citizens,
Amsterdam (1997) made visa policy a full part of Community law. The Hague Programme (2004)
mainly from the Baltic States, expressing concern at the planned construction of a gas pipeline,
called inter alia for the further development of the visa policy system.
called the Nord Stream project, from Russia to Germany passing under the Baltic Sea.
Going beyond the proposal on the Visa Information System (VIS), the Member States are to (have
In response to the large number of petitioners, the Committee on Petitions decided to draft a
the power to) collect additional biometric data (photo and fingerprints) for visa applications with a
report on the possible impact of the planned gas pipeline. It also was decided to organize a hearing
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view to reliably identifying the applicant. Accordingly this proposal amends the Common Consular
on the subject, which took place on 29th January 2008 in the presence of all the interested parties.
Instructions (CCI).
The hearing was addressed by Commissioners Piebalgs and Dimas, by academics and specialists

The Commission’s proposal aims to identify applicants reliably, and thus prevent visa shopping. as well as by representatives of Nordstream
This is to be achieved by collecting photographs and fingerprints from visa applicants. Children Mr LIBICKI, the Chairman of the committee was appointed rapporteur on 7 June 2007, whereas Mr
under the age of 6 and persons for whom it is ‘physically impossible’ to collect data, are exempted BEAZLEY, who was the draftsman for an Opinion on behalf of the Foreign Affairs Committee, was
(Article 1(2), subpoint 1.2. b of the proposal). also the shadow rapporteur for the report on behalf of the EPP-ED Group.
The ALDE rapporteur Sarah Ludford tabled (as usual) a very critical report, for the usual data After having examined the various opinions and assessments and after having heard the
protection reasons, raising the usual questions: ‘From what age are biometric data to be participants in the public hearing, Members were convinced that the European Union must treat
collected?’, ‘At what intervals will biometric data be collected?’, ‘What biometric data are to be the Nordstream project both with caution and concern, given the vulnerable environment of the
collected?’, ‘Who does the collecting, and who has access?’, ‘To what extent is data exchanged, and Baltic Sea basin, and given the fact that eight EU states are affected, namely Germany, Sweden,
with whom?’, ‘May data collection be outsourced?’ etc. Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Denmark and Poland.
The EPP-ED Group, however, while also understanding and in some cases sharing the concerns The report considered the Nord Stream project as an energy infrastructure project with a wide
about the questions and problems raised, took a much more constructive attitude to this dossier political and strategic dimension for both the EU and Russia, particularly with regard to the security
from the outset, seeing it in the broader context as an important element of the VIS and Visa Code of energy supply. Taking into consideration the increasing dependence of the EU on a limited
complex. number of energy sources, suppliers and transport routes, diversification should be supported.
Member States must speak with one voice in the framework of a common European foreign policy
At regular shadow meetings the above-mentioned problem areas were identified and resolved on energy issues.
into seven compromise amendments at the instigation of the EPP-ED Group. The only unresolved
issue is the question from what age biometric data should be collected (PPE: 6 years; rapporteur: In this respect, the report regrets the rather marginal role played by the EU in the project, even
14 years). Following a vote in the LIBE committee, an informal trialogue took place, but it was not though in the latest guidelines on Trans-European Energy Networks, adopted in September 2006,
possible to reach a conclusion on this dossier. the project has been labelled as a project of European interest. The Council, the Commission and
the Member States are called upon to ensure that the construction of the Nordstream gas pipeline
280 Following the first reading in plenary, it now remains to be seen whether an agreement with the fully complies with EU legislation on environmental impact assessments and other international 281
Council can be reached at second reading. conventions ( Directives 85/337/EEC, 97/11/EC, and 79/209/EEC, and the Aarhus, Espoo and
Helsinki Conventions ).
Mercedes Alvargonzalez & Michael Alexander Speiser With regard to the environmental impact of the Nordstream project, the developer is called upon
Advisers to include in its draft environmental impact assessment report comprehensive terms of reference
by providing a clear description of the current marine and geomorphic conditions of the Baltic Sea.
The Report called upon the Commission to ensure that the Environmental Impact Assessment be
scrupulously objective and independent from the commercial interests of Nordstream. The Report
also called for the full involvement of all interested littoral Baltic countries, both in the evaluation
of the project and in the supervision of construction and maintenance were the pipeline to be
approved. Profound concern is raised by the possible use of a highly toxic compound (glutaric
aldehyde) for the maintenance of the pipeline, as well as by the existence of approximately 80
000 tonnes of munitions with toxic substances dumped in the Baltic after the Second World
War. Serious threats would also be posed to a number of Natura 2000 areas, situated near to the
proposed construction zone.
The European Parliament adopted the report on 8 July 2008 by 542 votes in favour, 60 against,
with 38 abstentions.
Leo Cox
IV Lobbyists The third question was, whether such a register of interest groups should be voluntary or
mandatory. The Parliament’s legal service considers the Parliament’s present register as de facto
mandatory, because registration is linked to physical access to the Parliament premises. To lobby
Lobbying in the European Union regularly in the Parliament, you need a badge. In order to get a badge, you have to register. This is
also why the Commission urges for a common register. The badge is a strong incentive to register.
Transparency of political institutions is a prerequisite for legitimacy. It should be easy to scrutinize A legislative act on lobbying would be a lengthy process and should not therefore be pursued at
how decisions are made, what the influences behind them are and finally how resources, this stage. The success of the Commission’s register will be evaluated after one year. The Treaty of
i.e. taxpayer’s money, are allocated. Therefore, rules for lobbying are ultimately a question of Lisbon, if ratified, will provide a clearer legal basis for a legislative act on lobbying.
legitimacy.
The fourth question was to what extent there should be financial disclosure. According to
At the moment it is estimated that there are about 15000 lobbyists and 2500 lobby organisations the Commission, financial information is indicative on the influence of interest groups. The
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in Brussels. Counting permanent visitors’ badges and “express”-badges there are approximately Commission has concluded that it is necessary and proportionate to request registrants to declare
5000 lobbyists operating in the European Parliament. relevant budget figures and an aggregate breakdown on major clients and/or funding sources.

The main objective of this information is to ensure that decision makers and the general public
The Commission has opened discussions on lobbying with its European Transparency Initiative
can identify and assess the strength of the most important driving forces behind a given lobbying
(ETI). The main idea of this proposal is to lay out more openly the actors and influence channels
activity. However, financial figures are not always the best way to give information on the scale of
operating when legislative acts are prepared and adopted by the EU institutions. The Commission
lobbying activity.
proposes a voluntary register and a code of conduct for lobbyists. The Parliament already has a de
facto mandatory register. The fifth and final question was, whether there should be a «legislative footprint». A member of
the European Parliament may use on a voluntary basis a «legislative footprint», i.e. an indicative
Lobbying traditions in the 27 Member States are diverse. In the majority of Member States there
list (attached to Parliament’s reports) of interest representatives who were consulted during the
are no provisions at all for dealing with these groups at the parliamentary or governmental level.
preparation of the report. Nevertheless, it is even more important for the Commission to attach
On the other hand, in the US, a lobbyist needs to read through a manual of almost 600 pages to
such «legislative footprint» to its legislative initiatives.
get everything right. The European Parliament was the first European institution to address the
phenomenon of an increasing number of interest groups at European level, and especially the
consequences of this evolution for the legislative process. Rupert Krietemeyer,
Adviser
Alexander Stubb, a former EPP-ED MEP, started with his report on «activities of interest
representatives (lobbyist) in the European institutions» in 2007. On several occasions, the
Committee on Constitutional Affairs discussed the issue. When Alexander Stubb was appointed for
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in spring 2008, Ingo Friedrich MEP from the EPP-ED Group
took over the rapporteurship. The AFCO committee adopted the Stubb/Friedrich report with a large
majority on 1 April 2008, and the plenary voted the report on 8 May 2008.
In this European Parliament’s report, five main issues were addressed:
282 The first question was, how to define a lobbyist. The Commission defines lobbying as “activities 283
carried out with the objective of influencing the policy formulation and decision-making processes
of the European institutions”. This is in line with article 9(4) in the Rules of Procedure of the
European Parliament, defining lobbyists as «persons who wish to enter Parliament’s premises
frequently with a view to supplying information to Members within the framework of their
parliamentary mandate in their own interests or those of third parties». There are no essential
differences to be made according to whether industrialists or environmentalists are approaching
the Parliament, whether producers’ or consumers’ interests are represented or whether private or
public actors are engaged in a dialogue with MEPs. In addition, when law firms are engaged in
influencing future law, not representing court cases, they are to be considered as lobbyists. During
the vote in plenary, the EPP-ED Group won the important key point not to include «churches,
philisophical and non-confessional organisations» into the group of lobbyist, an amendment to
the report by the left and liberal groups in the house.
The second question was, whether the European Parliament should have a common register
with the Commission. The EPP-ED rapporteurs considered that from the public point-of-view, the
institutions are often seen as one. Also the Commission has called for a common register with the
European Parliament, and all stakeholders wish to have a “one-stop-shop”. However, the European
institutions have essential differences and might end up with different requirements for lobbyists.
Therefore, Alexander Stubb proposed a joint working group of officials of the Commission and the
European Parliament to consider the implications of a common register.
IV The Treaty of Lisbon By strengthening the Institutions, the new Treaty enables them to carry out their tasks more
effectively thanks to the following:
> the areas in which the Council decides by qualified majority vote rather than unanimity will be
The Treaty of Lisbon, modifying the Treaty on European Union and the Treaty establishing greatly increased;
the European Community was signed in Lisbon on 13 December 2007, following a brief
intergovernmental conference which had concluded its deliberations on 18 October 2007. > a new system of double majority voting will facilitate decision-making within the Council;
Since then, the ratification process has been commenced in the 27 Member States: 25 Member > the European Council will become a fully-fledged Institution with the six-month rotating
States have already ratified the Treaty, Ireland rejected it in the referendum of 12 June 2008, in the presidency replaced by a system under which a President is elected by members to hold office
Czech Republic, the process began following a decision by the Constitutional Court. Because of for a period of two-and-a-half years;
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the crisis triggered by the Irish rejection, it will not be possible for the Treaty to enter into force on
> from 2014 the number of Commissioners will be reduced to two-thirds the number of the
1 January 2009.
Member States;

However, the EP has expressed the wish repeatedly confirmed in its resolutions, for solutions to be
> the pillar structure will be abandoned, facilitating concerted action in various fields of EU
found so that the Treaty can enter into force prior to the European elections in June 2009.
activity.
The Treaty of Lisbon, as indicated in the EP opinion adopted on 20 February 2008 (report by
Mendez de Vigo (EPP-ED) and Corbett (PSE), is a substantial improvement over the existing
This is of course a compromise involving what the EP regards as the regrettable abandonment
Treaties, giving the Union greater democratic responsibility while increasing its decision-making
of certain elements contained in the draft constitution and the delayed entry into force of certain
powers (by enhancing the role of the EP and national parliaments) and the rights of European
specific provisions and measures introduced in response to requests by certain Member States.
Union citizens by improving the effective functioning of the Union institutions.
However, it was necessary to find political solutions to the crisis afflicting the Union following
rejection in the French and Dutch referendums. We have now returned to the traditional method of
The work of the Union will be monitored more closely as a result of the following improvements: treaty revision involving amendments to the existing Treaties which signifies abandonment of the
Constitution as the only consolidated Treaty which could replace all the present Treaties.
> the adoption of all European Union legislation will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny involving
a twin-track approval procedure in which equal weight is given to the Council and the European While the Treaty of Lisbon will provide a stable framework for future progress by the Union, it is
Parliament, as well as preliminary scrutiny by national parliaments under the principle of obvious that an amending treaty will inevitably be less clear and legible than a codified treaty. For
subsidiarity; this reason, a codified treaty was called for and has been drawn up rapidly. Naturally, the EP asks
that every effort be made to provide clear and objective information for the citizens of Europe
> the Commission President will be elected by the European parliament on a recommendation regarding the content thereof.
from the European Council;
> the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy will be appointed by both In its opinion, the EP examined in detail a number of chapters of the Treaty of Lisbon:
the European Council and the Commission President and required to go through the same
investiture procedure before Parliament as any other Member of the Commission; > greater democratic responsibility;
284 > a simpler and more democratic budgetary procedure will be followed involving a single reading; > clearly defined values, greater rights for citizens and greater clarity; 285
> the approval of the European Parliament will be necessary for the adoption of a wide range of > greater effectiveness.
international agreements.
The EP report raises a number of concerns, particularly following the widely felt disappointment at
The rights of EU citizens will also be strengthened under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the outcome of the referendums in France and the Netherlands, making it necessary to abandon
which will become legally binding and contain an exhaustive list of civil, economic, political and the constitutional approach and a number of its characteristics such as:
social rights.
> the idea of a Union based on the will of its citizens and it’s Member States;
With the application for accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights,
> a new single and structured text;
the Union will be subject to the same procedures as the Member States regarding external scrutiny
and the requirement to respect the rights of its citizens. > clearer terminology to designate legislative instruments;
The introduction of a European Citizens Initiative will enable citizens to table proposals on matters > incorporation of symbols in the Treaty and use of the title of ‘Minister for Foreign Affairs’ instead
for which they consider an EU legal instrument to be necessary. of ‘High Representative’.
The Treaty also establishes in a clear and visible manner the values common to all the Member
States, on which the Union is founded, together with its objectives and the principles governing its It was also necessary to include in the Treaty measures specifically relating to certain individual
actions and its relations with the Member States. Member States (for example extension of the opt-in arrangements regarding police and penal law
cooperation for two Member States; the protocol limiting the implications of the charter regarding
the internal law of two member States and an additional seat given to one Member State).
IV In the Treaty of Lisbon, the wording of several sections of the Treaty or of the protocols and
declarations has been modified, resulting in negative overtones conducive to a feeling of mistrust
Report combating HIV/AIDS within
regarding the Union and its Institutions. the EU and in Neighbouring Countries
During the plenary debate Inigo Mendez de Vigo pointed out that the Treaty enabled progress to be
made in improving the life of Europeans and that, after the difficulties with the draft constitution,
The EPP-ED Group has consistently led in the field of health and has provided the impetus for
the Treaty of Lisbon represented a political solution. However, it was not a constitutional treaty,
action in health related issues at EU level, promoting the wellbeing of its citizens. A silent plague
since many of our ambitions had to be left by the wayside while every effort was made to preserve
of our time is HIV and its alarming and rising rate of infections within the European Union and,
what was essential. Support for the Treaty of Lisbon means concerted action towards a common
particularly, in the neighbouring countries. In some States the estimated number of infected people
goal.
is nearly three times higher than the official numbers and almost one quarter of all new HIV
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The Chairman, Mr Daul, pointed out that, after two years of institutional doubt and deadlock, the infections affect young people under the age of 25. Within the EU, there are over 600.000 people
European Union had acquired the tools necessary for effective operation. In the opinion of the EPP, who live with HIV and AIDS and, surprisingly, a large number of people are ignorant of the fact they
the Treaty confers greater democracy and visibility on the Union, thereby increasing its influence are infected and only discover it when they have been diagnosed with HIV related illnesses.

both internally and at international level. The Treaty of Lisbon signifies a political turning point in
On the one hand it is true that within the European Union access to affordable anti-retroviral
Europe.
therapy seems to be fairly good and HIV/AIDS treatments have considerably progressed resulting
On 15 April 2008, during the eighth Summit of Chairmen of the EPP-ED parliamentary groups, in in a much longer life expectancy and a better quality of life than in the past. On the other hand it is
the EP and national parliaments, the EPP-ED Group, considered the progress made in ratifying the a fact that there is a general decline in prevention. This is extremely worrying, as prevention is the
Treaty of Lisbon in the context of a wider debate thereon, calling on Mr Junker, Mr Dehaene and key to tackling HIV/AIDS and the first weapon in the battle against the spread of the virus.
Mr Mendez de Vigo to hold talks on the implementation of the Treaty.
The spread of HIV is not only due to unsafe sexual behaviour; it affects injecting drug users and,
especially in some Eastern European countries, people who have received blood transfusions.
Beatrice Scarascia-Mugnozza, Furthermore, the virus is more likely to attack specific groups of society who are especially
Head of the Relations with National Parliaments Service vulnerable, such as young people, women, prisoners and migrant populations.
A major concern is, therefore, to restore the focus on prevention. Responding to a Communication
of the Commission on combating HIV/AIDS within the European Union and in the Neighbouring
Countries for the period 2006-2009, the EPP-ED Group proposed an initiative report which has
been adopted practically unanimously by the European Parliament on 24 April 2007. The purpose
is to turn the existing commitments into results and to provide citizens with better and more
effective tools for combating HIV/AIDS, such as prevention programmes, including education,
increased access to information, treatment and drug rehabilitation.
As John Bowis, (EPP-ED coordinator in the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and
Food Safety) underlines, the first thing to do in order to be effective is to have a clear view on the so
286 called «vulnerable groups» which exist in the European Union and in the neighbouring countries: 287
this is because the number and category of people living with AIDS, as well as the clusters which
are considered most vulnerable, differ in each State. The EPP-ED coordinator has explicitly asked
the Commission to specify, according to national data provided by the Member States, the most
vulnerable groups in each society and to establish a comprehensive list in order to facilitate the
possibility of addressing and reaching them efficiently. The EPP-ED Group underlines the necessity
to use all available instruments, such as the Neighbourhood Policy and the Northern Dimension
Instruments, to reach those vulnerable population especially in the neighbouring countries, with
particular attention to the Kaliningrad area of Russia and it has also asked for the situation in
Bulgaria and Romania to be monitored as a matter of urgency and to find rapidly measures to
bridge the financial gap.
Another essential point that has been stressed by John Bowis is the urgency to break those social
and psychological barriers which affect HIV positive people who need to be supported against
the stigma and discrimination that they often have to face. This, together with the burden of the
illness, frequently leads to isolation and depression, which need to find an adequate response
with early diagnosis, treat and care. And on this very last point, the EPP-ED co-ordinator recalls
that also palliative care has an important part to play and he urges its development and expansion
throughout the European Union.
IV Another aspect which has been tackled by the EPP-ED shadow rapporteur, Professor Trakatellis, is
the need to support the ongoing research in order to develop new drugs which are essential and
Car pollution progress package
also vaccines.
Two new steps towards less-polluting cars and HGVs
With the adopted initiative report, the EPP-ED Group wants to highlight the fact that, to
fight against HIV/AIDS, a global approach is fundamental and that not only a joint action at The European Parliament and Council Regulations on type approval of motor vehicles with
EU/European level is needed, but also an increased collaboration between Member States, respect to emissions and access to vehicle repair information, also entitled ‘Euro V and Euro VI’,
International Organisations and Members of civil Society. Adequate funding, access to cheaper form part of the Auto-Oil programme, a process launched in 1998 and aiming to reduce vehicle
drugs and harm prevention programmes are essential. The EU has a significant role to play for its emissions.
own citizens and for those of the neighbouring countries in the global fight against the disease.
The EPP-ED Group is convinced that HIV/AIDS strategies are closely linked to strengthening the The limits on emissions under Euro IV came into force in January 2005 for cars and in November
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general European values on human security and the protection of human rights. That is why the 2006 for goods vehicles and buses, for new registrations. The Euro V limits apply from 1 October
fight against HIV/AIDS is, today, a major plank of its political platform. 2008 for new type approvals in both cases.

These regulations aim to establish harmonised rules for the type approval of motor vehicles
Amarylli Gersony, and spare parts such as replacement catalytic converters, with regard to their emissions. The
Adviser main feature of these regulations is that they require further tightening of vehicle emission limits
for particulate matter and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The proposals also aim to further simplify
Community legislation by incorporating into the regulations the requirements of other directives
which will thus be repealed.
All vehicles are covered by the initial regulation adopted in 2006. Cars are subject to the standards
set by the two stages, Euro V and VI. Standards for heavy goods vehicles are only covered by the
first stage, Euro V. The second stage, Euro VI, for them is covered by a new regulation currently
being considered by Parliament.
With regard to cars, the Socialist rapporteur proposed introducing a second stage, Euro VI, with
restricted emissions limits, particularly for nitrogen oxides, in order to stimulate technological
research and enable the sector to prepare itself for other emission reductions. He also proposed
reducing some limit values from the first stage, Euro V, as set out by the Commission in its
proposal, in order to simplify the existing legislation, to draw a clear distinction between legislation
on light utility vehicles and legislation on heavy goods vehicles, and finally to clarify and improve
the proposed text.
On behalf of the EPP-ED Group the shadow rapporteur, Martin Callanan, did not entirely agree
288 with the point of view of the rapporteur, which he considered unrealistic in view of the proposed 289
timetable and the technological constraints on the industry. He tabled a total of nine amendments
on emission limits for heavy passenger vehicles, the definition of such vehicles and extension of
the durability period.
After a long and difficult process of negotiation, a compromise package was reached between the
PSE rapporteur, Martin Callanan on behalf of the EPP-ED and ALDE (the Greens, GUE, UEN and
Ind-Dem did not sign the package), based on six amendments dealing with:
> The definition and the exemption of ‘social needs vehicles’ (heavy passenger cars);
> the durability period;
> the implementation timetable for Euro V and Euro VI limit values;
> the emissions limit values for Euro V and Euro VI (tables).
IV The whole package of compromise amendments was adopted in the ENVI Committee (the
Greens, GUE and Ind-Dem voted against). On this basis, negotiations were able to begin with
It introduces world-wide harmonised requirements relating to use of world-wide harmonised
driving cycles for the evaluation of pollutant emissions, emissions testing and measurement
the Finnish Presidency with a view to reaching a first reading agreement. methodology, and world-wide harmonised on-board diagnostic systems.
After five trialogues a first reading agreement was concluded with the Council. Requirements for type-approval of exhaust after-treatment components (such as catalytic
converters and diesel particulate filters) are also introduced.
The Finnish Presidency spared no effort to find a compromise position, both within the Council
and with the Members of Parliament. Thanks to its balanced and well-argued positions, the EPP-ED Financial incentives apply to all new vehicles put on the market in the Member States which comply
Group played an essential role in this. The positions of both sides were brought closer together with the regulation and will cease to apply by 2014.
and a balanced package was concluded in time to be adopted at first reading during the December
part- session.
The EPP-ED Group, led by its shadow rapporteur Anja Weisgerber, advocated a number of
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The final agreement incorporates the main elements considered key points by the EPP-ED Group amendments aiming to:
during the negotiation process.
> extend the timetables (date of application),

The timetable for implementation of Euro V and Euro VI, 2009 and 2014 respectively, is ambitious
but realistic in view of the state of available technologies and the need to give the automobile > prevent delays in the adoption of implementing provisions by drawing lessons from the Euro VI
industry prospects for medium-term investment. The limit values set at 60/180 mg/km for Euro V experience with cars,
and 60/80 for Euro VI will enable real progress to be made in terms of reducing emissions by 2009 > clarify the provisions for heavy vehicles with regard to access to information on repairs,
and of technological challenges for the second stage in 2014.
> increase the limit value for NOx from 400 to 500 mg/kWh.
On behalf of the EPP-ED Group, Martin Callanan called for measures under the comitology
procedure to be limited and for future measures on emissions of additional pollutants, methane
and ammonia emissions and emissions linked to cold starts to be adopted under the codecision The Greens also tabled some amendments to tighten up the timetables unrealistically. These were
procedure. rejected thanks to the action of Mrs Weisgerber.
He also managed to obtain a clear definition of the limited exemptions, particularly for M1 The new emissions standards are to come into force 36 months (or 48 months for new vehicle
vehicles. models) after entry into force of the regulation’s implementing provisions, which should be
adopted by December 2009. This deadline should enable manufacturers to make all the necessary
It will also be possible to use financial incentives: from 2009 to 2011 incentives based on technical technical modifications to new vehicles.
costs can be used for ‘Euro V’ and ‘Euro VI’ vehicles; from 2011 to 2014 incentives can be used
only for ‘Euro VI’ vehicles. The result of the vote in the ENVI Committee is fully in line with EPP-ED Group action. The text
was adopted unopposed with 51 votes in favour and one abstention. On this basis, negotiations are
This compromise package was adopted in its entirety by 537 votes to 88, with 12 abstentions, in under way with the Council with a view to reaching a first reading agreement. The EPP-ED Group
December 2006. The outcome of the vote was entirely in line with the wishes of the EPP-ED Group, is in favour of this text being adopted rapidly, thus effectively completing Community legislation
which worked effectively for the adoption of a realistic text. on emissions standards for heavy goods vehicles, as these are still an essential means of transport
but also a major source of air pollution within the EU.
290 291
As with cars, the regulation on Euro VI standards for heavy goods vehicles requires further
tightening of vehicle emission limits for particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx), to be applied by
2014. Combating CO2 emissions from cars
A reduction of 66% in the mass of particulate emissions for diesel vehicles will be required; this Road transport is responsible for about 1/5 of CO2 emissions in the EU, and about 12% comes
will be achieved through the introduction of diesel particulate filters. This emissions limit can be from private cars. Although automobile technology has made great progress in recent years,
met by open or closed filters. Closed filters have the benefit of reducing the ultra-fine particles particularly with regard to energy efficiency, which results in lower CO2 emissions, these
that are considered most harmful to health. Therefore it is planned to introduce at a later stage improvements have not been enough to counterbalance the increase in traffic and in the size
a new standard limiting the number of particles that can be emitted (research is still being of vehicles. Although the 25-member EU has managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
conducted in the UN/ECE working party). by almost 5% between 1990 and 2004, CO2 emissions from road transport have increased by
A reduction of 80% in NOx is planned for diesel vehicles. To comply with this emission limit, 26%.
internal engines measures and after-treatment devices will be needed. The admissible level of NO2 The Commission adopted a strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from cars in 1995.
(nitrogen dioxide) component in the NOx limit value should be defined at a later stage under the
comitology procedure. In 2007 it submitted two communications: ‘CARS 21’ and the ‘Community Strategy to reduce CO2
emissions from passenger cars’ (COM(2007)19). The latter provided the basis for exchanges of
The proposal includes also a requirement for on-board diagnostic (OBD) information and vehicle views with other European institutions and all the interested parties on the implementation of
repair and maintenance information to be notified in a standardised format (OASIS format). the next stage of the Community strategy on reducing CO2 emissions and improving the energy
efficiency of light vehicles in the EU, with a view to achieving the objective set by the European
Council in May 2007, which was 120g CO2/km by 2012. This objective is made up of 130g CO2/
km to be achieved by improving the engine technology of motor vehicles together with an
IV additional reduction of 10g of CO2/km through other technological improvements and greater
use of biofuels.
CO2 emissions. It should therefore be left up to the industry to decide on the best way to cut CO2
emissions, without being steered towards a particular course of action or technological solution,
which is why it is important to allow plenty of room for future eco-innovations.
In the light of the conclusions drawn from these discussions and the resolution adopted by
Parliament in October 2007 (Davies report), the Commission proposed a legislative framework to
achieve this objective. 265 amendments were tabled in the ENVI Committee. They tackle technical and political questions,
mainly focusing on:
The proposed regulation, which is currently being considered by Parliament under the codecision > progressive application of the objectives (in volumes) and the penalties system,
procedure, aims to ensure the smooth functioning of the internal market in private cars by
introducing harmonised rules to limit average CO2 emissions from new cars in the EU to 130g of > introduction of eco-innovations,
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CO2/km by 2012. Without harmonisation, there is a risk that the internal market would be affected > the premium, super credit and incentive mechanisms for low-emission vehicles,
by decisions by Member States seeking to take unilateral action to improve fuel consumption
of private cars and reduce their CO2 emissions. At the same time it pursues the objective of > an exemption threshold (units or percentage) for small and ‘niche’ manufacturers.

improving air quality, particularly in major urban areas where traffic is most dense. The main
objective is therefore part of the integrated approach that should be completed by measures to On 16 July this Committee considered these amendments at length. The EPP-ED Group stressed
guarantee a further reduction of 10g of CO2/km to achieve 120g of CO2 /km. the need for the ENVI Committee and the other committees involved to adopt a balanced approach
At this stage of the procedure and in order to maintain the basic balance of the proposal, the so that Parliament could adopt a consistent position to enable it if necessary to negotiate with the
EPP-ED Group decided not to amend certain key points of the Commission proposal, such as the Council.
way to distribute efforts amongst all European car manufacturers (60% slope for the limit value On 25 September the ENVI Committee voted on all the amendments and on a package of
curve). Martin Callanan, shadow rapporteur for the EPP-ED Group, has indeed often pointed out compromise amendments.
the importance of the curve slope. A 30% slope would favour manufacturers of small and light cars,
while manufacturers of heavier and larger cars would be favoured by an 80% slope. The solution Eco-innovation is key to the debates. It is essential that technologies make progress if CO2
of 60% proposed by the Commission therefore seems balanced because it would not put one of emissions from motor vehicles are to be reduced substantially and if at the same time the
the parties at an unfair advantage, and would reduce to the minimum the total cost borne by the economic competitiveness of the European automobile industry is to be protected. Measures
sector while taking account of the impact on the various classes of vehicle. must be adopted to encourage the sector to invest in research and development of ecological
innovations which will genuinely and effectively reduce CO2 emissions (on the basis of a CO2
With regard to the utility parameter, the shadow rapporteur underlines that opting for the mass efficiency certification procedure). The measures adopted are based on technologies enabling a
parameter reduces the burden on the sector. What is more, there is data on mass but not yet genuine reduction in CO2 emissions. The associated credits will not exceed 75% of the real value
sufficient data on footprint. The EPP-ED Group therefore favours obtaining data on footprint to of reductions. This amendment was considered a fall-back position for the EPP-ED Group. For our
remedy this lack, so that the parameter can be examined again at an appropriate time. Group, it was essential to include eco-innovation in the Commission proposal. The adoption of this
On 8 April 2008 the rapporteur for the ENVI committee outlined his overall vision, and he amendment is therefore a step in the right direction.
submitted his report during the month of May. His approach was based on the resolution (Davies An exemption mechanism enabling highly specialised manufacturers producing small volumes
report) as approved by Parliament in October 2007 and concentrates on a long-term objective and (less than 10.000 units per year) to survive while contributing proportionately to the effort to
292 a closed market system together with financial penalties (premiums) against the ‘poor performers’ 293
reduce CO2 emissions was adopted.
among automobile manufacturers, as against credits (bonus) for the better performers.
To give the sector time to prepare and invest in innovations, it is necessary to set a long-term
A manufacturer who does not comply with the target values will have to pay an excess emissions objective of 95 g/km from 2020. This objective should feature in a new Commission proposal
premium each year. On behalf of the EPP-ED Group, Martin Callanan points out that it is nevertheless expected by December 2014. This proposal will be based on an evaluation of the impact on the
very unlikely that manufacturers will take the risk of tarnishing their image by not complying with the automobile sector and on a precise cost-benefit analysis.
objectives, thus exposing themselves to penalties. If the proposal is implemented correctly there will
be no penalties and the sanctions manufacturers face are therefore not a fundamental issue, so that, The amendment introducing a super credit for vehicles with low or zero emissions was adopted.
even if these premiums are introduced, it is impossible to estimate the return they might provide. It proposes a definition of a vehicle with ultra-low carbon production (less than 50g/km) and a
It is therefore very difficult to take a view on creating an R&D fund or on devising a formula (that method of calculation based on a multiplier to establish the average specific emissions during
might be described as super credit) that would push manufacturers to produce vehicles with results the transitional period (2012 to 2015): multiplying by 4 for 2012 to 2013; by 3 for 2014 and by 2 for
that would be even better than the thresholds that are set. 2015.
The key elements in the eyes of the EPP-ED Group members, led by their shadow rapporteur Martin With the support of the rapporteur, the EPP-ED Group suggested progressive introduction of a
Callanan, are as follows. Setting a long-term objective from 2020, giving the sector guarantees and limit value based on volume (2012 and 2013: 70%, 2014: 80%, and 100% from 2015) and a single
time to plan its investments, should be allied with a review clause based on an evaluation of the penalty (euro 50) obtained from two ways of calculating excess emissions premiums: one for the
general impact and economic, environmental and social consequences. The system of penalties transitional period 2012-2015, the other for after 2015. No amendments on these two questions
should go hand-in-hand with measures to stimulate eco-innovation in particular, to make further were adopted. The Commission proposal will therefore not change. The financial penalty remains
emissions reductions. The product of any premiums charged on excess emissions should then be euro 20 in 2012, 35 in 2013, 60 in 2014 and 95 from 2015. However, in line with the wishes of the
used to support research on these new technologies. In view of the environmental challenges and EPP-ED Group, any product of these premiums will be invested in research and development of
sectoral and economic interests they generate, an open-minded attitude should prevail (for the innovative technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from vehicles.
post 2014 period), and possibly the sector should be given a free choice on how best to reduce
IV Thanks to the EPP-ED Group’s action, the unrealistic amendments by the Greens and the European
United Left, which went further than the Commission’s initial proposal, were all rejected.
Community procedures for the establishment
The result of the vote is not entirely satisfactory, particularly because of the rejection of the of residue limits of pharmacologicallyactive
proposal on progressive introduction of the objective by volume, which was one of the Group’s
priorities. Nevertheless, some good proposals were approved, and the EPP-ED Group shadow
substances in foodstuffs of animal origin
rapporteur, Martin Callanan, now hopes that negotiations with the Council during the autumn will
make it possible to come back to some more balanced proposals before the vote on the text in
the plenary. Background
Crucial issues are at stake in this text, both with regard to combating climate change, since
Veterinary medicinal products used for the therapeutic treatment and the welfare of animals, which
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reducing CO2 emissions from traffic is a major challenge, and for the competitiveness and future
are destined for human consumption, may give rise to residues of such products in food-producing
of the European automobile industry in the world market.
animals. In order to ensure public health and consumer safety, a risk assessment of the safety limit

of residues of all pharmacologically active substances contained in veterinary products has to be
Géraldine Philibert, carried out. Existing Council Regulation 2377/90 lays down that maximum residue limits (MRLs)
Adviser be established for all such active substances, where appropriate.
The Commission’s proposal to repeal Regulation 2377/90 sought to resolve the difficulties
encountered in the application of this existing legislation. It proposed much needed alternative
ways to achieve a high level of consumer protection, coupled with the continued availability and
development of veterinary medicinal products for the European market and good functioning of
the intra- and extra- Community trade in food of animal origin. As the ultimate goal was human
health protection, a more consistent approach was required for the risk analysis and control
of residues of pharmacologically active substances, which may appear in food produced in or
imported into the European Union.
Existing problems
The existing legislation led to a serious decrease in veterinary medicines «to an extent that creates
adverse effects for public and animal health and animal welfare». The Committee for Medicinal
Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), agreed that
there are an insufficient number of medicinal products available for the therapeutic treatment and
welfare of animals. This was particularly alarming for certain minor use and minor species such
294 as sheep and horses, bees and fish. As a result of this, there was a major deficiency of authorised 295
medicines and the «off-label» use of products was increasing, jeopardising effective residue
control with serious implications for consumer safety. There was also serious concern within
the veterinary profession at the increasing therapeutic void resulting from the loss of essential
substances with the added risks for animal health and welfare, which also compromised the safe
supply of animal protein for the human food chain.
Proposed solutions
The EPP-ED’s Rapporteur Avril DOYLE supported the following solutions:
> Make the assessment of possibilities for extrapolation a compulsory part of the overall scientific
assessment and create a legal basis for the Commission to lay down the principles for applying
extrapolation. This will encourage the development of drugs to cover minor food-producing
animals and thereby diminish the risk to public health from «off-label» use of drugs. It will also
reduce the development costs of new drugs without changing the existing high safety margins
for public health.
> Introduce an obligation to adapt Community legislation to include MRLs set at Codex Alimentarius
with the support of the EU, thus reducing additional and unnecessary assessments.
IV > Create a specific legal framework to set MRLs for pharmacologically active substances not
intended to be authorised as veterinary medicines, in particular for control purposes and for
Organ donation and transplantation:
imported food. To achieve this, the proposal ensures Minimum Required Performance limits Policy actions at EU level
(MRPLs) (control tools based on expert advice that are used as reference points for action at
border inspection) are based on a sounder legal footing thus improving consumer protection
and the functioning of the Single Market. Organ donation and transplantation is a complex and sensitive issue. Differences in Member States
are significant, due to a number of factors. This does however not exclude that good practices of
> Rearrange the sequence of articles in order to create a logical structure, differentiating in
some successful national models (e.g. Spain, Belgium, and Austria) can provide a source of
particular risk assessment from risk management provisions, to comply with the objective of
inspiration so that more citizens are willing to become donors. The EPP-ED is convinced that
«Better Regulation.»
Members States are prepared to learn from each other and to exchange existing good practices.
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> Integrate into this proposed regulation the rules (MRLs, conditions of use, prohibitions) relating
to individual substances, which are currently in 4 annexes of the current Regulation - again part
of Better Regulation and simplification. Quote BREPOELS

«Organ donation saves more than thousand lives a year in the European Union»
Outcome
The EPP-ED Group and its Rapporteur were successful first in securing the support of the other What are the main challenges the European Union is facing in organ donations today?
Groups in Committee and at Plenary. Second, on the basis of a strong Parliamentary position the
Rapporteur was able to negotiate an early second reading agreement with the French Presidency 1. O
rgan shortages: around 40.000 patients are waiting for an organ transplant. These waiting
despite the dossier not initially being a political priority. lists have terrible consequences: for 15 to 30% of the patients waiting for a heart, liver or lung,
donation comes too late. In absolute numbers, this means 10 European citizens die each day.
The result is an EPP-ED led legislative success which will ensure a greater availability of veterinary
medicinal products leading not only to improved animal welfare but also greater legal protection 2. Transplant risks: the risk of diseases being transmitted to the recipients such as HIV, hepatitis B
for veterinary practitioners. The legislation will, of course, also improve consumer safety ensure and C, bacteria, fungi, parasites and different types of cancers.
higher levels of public health. 3. Organ trafficking: as a consequence of the lack of availability of donors, organ tourism and illegal
trafficking in human organs gain importance, but luckily current estimations indicate that organ
Simon Meehan, trafficking remains still relatively modest in Europe. The issue is nevertheless of serious political
Adviser and ethical concern.
As for the above stated reasons the European Commission’s Political Initiative focused mainly
on:
296 > Increasing
organ availability: Member States co-operation shall be increased to allow for
297
the exchange of experience and best practices with a view of establishing the most efficient
systems.
> Making transplantation systems more efficient and accessible: Initiatives in this area focus
on identifying the most efficient systems, sharing experience and promoting best practices in
accordance with local needs. Member States, whose transplant systems have to reach their full
potential, could be supported and guided in their efforts to improve patient care.
> Action plan on strengthened co-operation between the Member States: Analysis of organ
transplantations in the EU reveals large differences in the organ donor rate within the EU. Also
differences in transplantation activities have been identified showing that some models are
performing better than others.
> Improving safety and quality
IV As the Commissions proposal still left questions open, the European Parliament -mainly on
the initiative of EPP-ED Members under the leadership of our spokesperson Mrs. BREPOELS -
> using well-known personalities in media campaigns;
> promotion of a World Donor Day; and finally
improved the Commission proposal in the following areas:
> education and training of health professionals (numbers show that whereas one out of four
> organ donation must stay “strictly non-commercial” and should be made altruistically and families initially refuses to agree on organ donation, this is only 7% after a conversation with
voluntarily, ruling out payments between donors and recipients. Compensation should a professional).
be possible only to make good expenses and inconveniences related to the donation. Any
commercial exploitation of organs is unethical and inconsistent with the most basic human Quote Brepoels:
values.
«I am extremely satisfied that a European action on organ donation and transplantation is being
> organ trafficking undermines the credibility of the system for potential voluntary and unpaid
prepared. The European Parliament with the high input of EPP-ED Members has voiced a clear and
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donors, therefore the Commission and Member States are asked to take measures to prevent
concrete point of view to the Commission and Member States.»
«transplant tourism», including drawing up guidelines to protect the poorest and most
vulnerable donors from being victims of organ trafficking. Member States could amend their The European Parliament is now looking forward to the Commission’s proposal for a «Directive

criminal codes to sanction people involved in organ trafficking. This includes considering setting requirements to assure the quality and safety for organ donation across the EU» (expected
criminal liability of medical staff and citizens who have purchased organs inside or outside at the end of 2008). However, the forthcoming legislative framework should not create an
the EU. Moreover, Member States should take the necessary measures to prevent insurance additional administrative burden nor should it jeopardize the use of existing good practices or lead
companies reimbursing costs incurred in obtaining illegal organ transplantation and should to a decrease in the number of potential and actual donors.
pressure the European Commission and Europol to take their responsibility and better monitor
cases of organ trading and selling in Europe.
Harald Kandolf,
> cooperation between Member States leading to increased organ sharing between EU Member Adviser
States is needed. Different European initiatives could be set up creating regional platforms,
which can be defined as donor banks. Three initiatives already exist: Eurotransplant (with the
Benelux countries and Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia), Scandiatransplant and the
European Transplantation Network. Member States can learn from each other by exchanging
best practices.
> establishing well-structured operational systems and promoting successful models in and
between Member States and at international level is of utmost importance to fight organ
shortage more effectively. The European Parliament asked to sensitize medical and paramedical
staff and to support hospitals financially to engage in house transplant coordinators to actively
identify donors and approach their families. Furthermore research in biotechnology should be
promoted, which in the future, may offer the possibility for researchers to grow organs from
existing tissues and cells, either from the patients themselves or from other tissue donors.
298 > the anonymity of deceased donors and living donors not genetically or emotionally linked to 299
recipients, is preserved, where national legislation permits such donations. A point of high
importance for the EPP-ED Group is, that living donation only can be seen complementary to
post mortem donation. Living donation always entails a risk for the donor. Moreover, living
donors should occur on a voluntary and unpaid basis. Compensation should be limited to
make good the expenses and inconveniences related to donation. The European Parliament
therefore endorsed measures to protect living donors, e.g. by ensuring that living donors are
not discriminated by insurance companies and that they get reimbursement of social security
costs.
> a European donor card, complementary to existing national systems should be introduced.
Additionally, Member States should make it possible to appoint a legal representative who can
decide on donations after one’s death. This already exists in the countries with an opt-in system,
but would be rewarding for opt-out systems as well.
> increasing organ availability by providing more information to the public and raising public
awareness: The EPP-ED proposed some measure to increase public awareness, which were
supported by the whole Parliament:
> a transplant «hotline» with a single telephone number managed by a national transplantation
organization and manned 24 hours/day, which can rapidly provide relevant and accurate
information should be established;
IV Towards a sustainable European transport policy Figures show that 40% of CO2 emissions and 70% of other polluting emissions produced by motor
vehicles are due to urban traffic. Other statistics show that road congestion, mainly concentrated
taking into account the environment, the energy in metropolitan areas, cost the European Union about 1% of its GDP.
and urban mobility aspects It is true that urban mobility is an area where the EU has limited competence; however, the role
that Europe could play constitutes added value, given that urban transport is influenced by a large
number of Community policies.
2008 was marked by the adoption by a very large majority of two major Parliamentary reports: For example, just having reliable and comparable data available on all aspects of urban mobility
the report by Mr Gabriele Albertini on sustainable European transport policy, taking into account could be useful to the regional and local authorities in their decision-making about future strategies
European energy and environment policies, and the report by Mr Reinhard Rack on a new culture and economic, logistical and fiscal initiatives with regard to sustainable urban mobility.
for urban mobility.
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The EPP-ED Group attaches very great importance to a sustainable transport policy contributing
These reports are the result of sustained work by the two authors, members of the EPP-ED to the EU’s competitiveness objectives and at the same time taking more account of the interests

Group, who throughout the process were able to rely on the support of numerous experts, on of European citizens.
exchanges of views with the Transport Commissioner and on detailed internal discussions. These
two resolutions therefore reflect the position of the EPP-ED Group with regard to a sustainable Infrastructures that are accessible to all, competitive and safe transport, a healthier environment,
transport policy. a greater choice, better logistical integration of all forms of transport, by air, sea, river, rail or
road – these are all important objectives for our Group. The members of the EPP-ED Group in the
The transport sector represents about 7% of European GDP and currently faces many challenges, European Parliament are working on them every day with rigour and passion.
the main one being how to combine constantly increasing demand, economic factors and the
imperatives of the environment, pollution, energy supply and road and urban congestion.
Stefano Guccione,
While there has been a noticeable reduction in harmful emissions from road transport in recent Adviser
years, particularly in terms of CO2 per km, these results are offset by the demand for transport,
which is increasing faster than expected and more than the GDP.
In view of the EU’s objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% by 2020 in
relation to 1990, it would seem to be a priority to develop a fair balance between the many interest
groups by combining different policies and actions to make transport more sustainable, taking
account of:
> technological progress;
> market mechanisms;
> accompanying measures.
300 With regard to technological progress, European car manufacturers have made an undeniable 301
effort. Starting from the principle that fossil fuels will still predominate in the near future despite
some progress in other energy sectors, the engines of today are more and more environmentally-
friendly and less greedy for fuel.
However, the imbalance between the various modes of transport, which is weighted towards road
transport, requires the adoption of a new model to evaluate the external costs (those linked to the
use of infrastructures, air pollution, noise, congestion, etc) engendered by all modes of transport.
This new model, based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle and on a tariff mechanism that better
reflects the true cost of transport, should in the long term help to rebalance the current situation
which very much favours roads.
In addition, the Member States must make a financial effort to build the infrastructures and
complete the major TEN-T projects to put in place an interconnected and interoperable trans-
European network, making better use of modes of transport which are underused today and often
less polluting.
This approach, also aiming to promote ‘intelligent’ and combined transport (co-modality), also
means that the aspects linked to urban mobility must be duly taken into consideration.
IV Enhanced rights for European railway passengers (a) ticket offices or selling machines,
(b) telephone, the Internet or any other widely available information technology,
In recent years, EPP-ED politicians with an interest in transport policies have made increasingly (c) on board trains.
strenuous efforts to improve the rights of users of all forms of transport.
In order to provide the information and to issue the tickets referred to in the regulation, railway
In the last legislative period, Mr Giorgio LISI, a member of our Group, produced a widely-reported undertakings and ticket vendors are obliged to make use of CIRSRT (computerised information
and well-received report about establishing common rules on compensation and assistance for and reservation system for rail transport).
passengers in the event of denied boarding and of cancellation or long delay of flights. At that
The regulation also contains new rules on the liability of railway undertakings in respect of
time, members of the EPP-ED Group called on the relevant member of the Commission, Loyola
passengers and their luggage.
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De PALACIO, to draw up a similar proposal to strengthen the rights of railway passengers. The
Commission responded to that request by incorporating such a proposal in its third package of The Commission has to submit to the European Parliament and the Council a report on the setting
measures on rail transport, which it adopted in March 20048. of a minimum amount of insurance for railway undertakings by 3 December 2010. If appropriate,

the report may be accompanied by suitable proposals or recommendations.
Although the rapporteur on the subject of the rights and obligations of passengers in international
rail transport was not a member of the EPP-ED Group, our shadow rapporteur, the Austrian Without losing the right of transport, a passenger may request compensation for delays from the
MEP Reinhard RACK, enabled the Group to make its mark on the report and ensure important railway undertaking. The minimum compensation for delays will be 25% of the ticket price for
requirements were incorporated into it. delays of 60 to 119 minutes and 50% of the ticket price for delays of 120 minutes or more.
The following summary recapitulates the most important points of the regulation (Regulation Passengers who hold a travel pass or season ticket and who encounter recurrent delays or
(EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2007 on rail cancellations during its period of validity may request adequate compensation in accordance with
passengers’ rights and obligations), which enters into force on 3 December 2009 and has taken the railway undertaking’s compensation arrangements.
over three and a half years to be finally adopted.
The compensation of the ticket price must be paid within one month after the submission of the
The regulation applies throughout the Community to all rail transport and services, and is not request for a refund. The compensation may be paid in vouchers and/or services. It may be paid
restricted, as originally proposed, to passengers using international services. Parliament was able in money at the request of the passenger.
to gain Council acceptance of this point.
In the case of delays of more than 60 minutes, passengers must be offered, free of charge:
As it might be difficult for the railway undertakings in some Member States to implement all
the provisions of the regulation from the moment it enters into force, Member States may, on a (a) meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time,
transparent and non-discriminatory basis, grant an exemption for a period no longer than five years, (b) hotel or other accommodation and transport between the railway station and place of
which may be renewed twice for a maximum period of five years (up to 2014), from the application accommodation in cases where a stay of one or more nights becomes necessary or an
of the provisions of the regulation to domestic rail passenger services. Furthermore, Member States additional stay becomes necessary.
may exempt urban, suburban and regional rail passenger services for an unlimited period.
Spurred on by the EPP-ED Group, Parliament succeeded in introducing significantly improved
The regulation obliges railway undertakings and ticket vendors to provide passengers with basic provisions in relation to people with disabilities or restricted mobility (such as elderly people, small
302 information before and during the journey concerning: general conditions applicable to the children or women with children in pushchairs). 303
contract, time schedules and conditions for the fastest trip, time schedules and conditions for
the lowest fares, accessibility, access conditions and availability on board of facilities for disabled Railway undertakings and station managers must apply non-discriminatory access rules for the
persons and persons with reduced mobility, accessibility and access conditions for passengers transport of disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility.
with bicycles, availability of seats in smoking and non-smoking, first and second class as well Reservations and tickets must be offered to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility at
as couchettes and sleeping carriages, any activities likely to disrupt or delay services, availability no additional cost. A railway undertaking, ticket vendor or tour operator may not refuse to accept a
of on-board services, procedures for reclaiming lost baggage, procedures for the submission of reservation from, or issue a ticket to, a disabled person or a person with reduced mobility or require
complaints and (while journeys are in progress) on-board services, the next station, delays, main that such a person be accompanied by another person, unless this is strictly necessary.
connecting services and security and safety issues.
Railway undertakings and station managers must ensure that the station, platforms, rolling stock
The regulation also requires railway undertakings to enable passengers to bring bicycles on to the and other facilities are accessible to disabled persons and persons with reduced mobility.
train, where appropriate for a fee, if they are easy to handle, if this does not adversely affect the
specific rail service and if the rolling stock so permits. In the absence of accompanying staff on board a train or staff at a station, railway undertakings
and station managers must make all reasonable efforts to enable disabled persons or persons with
Railway undertakings and ticket vendors are also required to offer, where available, tickets, through reduced mobility to have access to travel by rail.
tickets and reservations. They must distribute tickets to passengers at least in one of the following
points of sale: The regulation also contains provisions to ensure that assistance is available at stations and on
board trains. The station manager must provide assistance free of charge in such a way that the
person is able to board the departing service, or to disembark from the arriving service, for which
he or she purchased a ticket.
8. The other proposals in the package dealt with access to the international rail transport market, the introduction
of a European train driver’s licence and the quality of rail freight services. The latter proposal was, however,
rejected by Parliament.
IV Railway undertakings are also required to set up a system to deal with complaints relating to the
rights and obligations covered by the regulation.
Financial services integration in the context
The railway undertaking must publish in its annual report the number and categories of of the crisis
received complaints, processed complaints, response times and possible improvement actions
undertaken.
Background to the crisis
Finally, railway undertakings, station managers and tour operators must inform passengers of their
rights and obligations under the regulation. In order to comply with this information requirement,
railway undertakings, station managers and tour operators may use a summary of the provisions The financial crisis started in the US, where banks and other mortgage lenders lent large amounts
of the regulation prepared by the Commission in all official languages of the European Union of money whose ultimate recipients were house buyers who proved unable to repay the loans (the
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institutions and made available to them. so-called «subprime» market).The lenders themselves had often borrowed very large amounts of
money to make these loans – in other words they were heavily «leveraged».
The EPP-ED members of the Committee on Transport also repeatedly urged the previous

Commissioner, Jacques BARROT, and his successor Antonio TAJANI to ensure that the Commission Many banks and other institutional investors bought, often in complex packages and again using
submits proposals as rapidly as possible to the Council and Parliament to improve the rights of leverage (borrowed money), so-called collateralised debt obligations (CDOs) or other financial
passengers taking long-distance coach trips or travelling by ship and ferry. instruments based on those bad loans. These instruments carried, on the face of it, higher interest
rates than competing investments and were therefore attractive. But they were dependent for
Our Group will regard this issue as one of its priorities in the coming months. their value on sub-prime loans being repaid – which in many cases did not happen as defaults
spiralled.
Romain Strasser, When defaults on sub-prime loans started to increase in 2007, and as the value of the CDOs
Adviser plunged as a result, both mortgage lenders themselves and financial institutions which had bought
CDOs feared becoming unable to repay their own creditors – usually other financial institutions.
The complexity of the CDOs was also in many cases such that even calculating the losses and
identifying where they lay was extremely difficult.
Excessive optimism and in some cases irresponsible risk taking, partly based on the previous
period of sustained growth and low interest rates and inflation, was then quickly replaced by a rapid
downward spiral in confidence – and by a strong aversion to risk, with banks restricting credit to
each other and to other businesses and consumers.
This loss of confidence was significantly exacerbated when high profile institutions such as Freddie
Mac and Fannie May, Lehman Brothers and AIG got into trouble in mid-2008.
Among the results worldwide have been that the lending which usually oils the working of financial
markets has seized up and share prices have plunged - thus cutting still further the capital available
304 to financial institutions to lend to each other and to other businesses and to consumers. 305
In other words, a particularly vicious circle has been operating. Excessive optimism in the markets
has turned to fear and to extreme pessimism. And in market terms, extreme pessimism is a self-
fulfilling prophecy. This has threatened the viability of more and more financial institutions. That is
why governments have stepped in to support them.
Why has Europe been so badly affected?

First, CDOs were traded world wide and financial institutions all over the world, including many in
Europe, became exposed to them and to other instruments whose value directly or indirectly fell
as a result of the sub-prime loan defaults in the US.
Second, although there has been very little real «sub-prime» lending in Europe, some Member
States have also seen significant downturns in their own housing markets.
Third, given that financial markets are global and financial institutions trade with each other
worldwide, EU financial institutions are directly affected when US institutions get into trouble.
Sentiment also plays an important part - the extreme crisis of confidence in the US financial markets
in recent weeks immediately spread elsewhere – as is always the case in such circumstances.
IV Fourth, all this has coincided with other global shocks, particularly soaring oil and commodity
prices, resulting in rising inflation, and with exchange rate volatility. Those factors too have led
The report on the Green Paper on retail financiual services (KARAS report) sets out the European
Parliament objectives vis-à-vis the retail financial services market and presents, in greater detail,
to an economic downturn everywhere and have also had a negative affect on stock markets and the kind of actions that may be needed if consumers are to benefit from an integrated EU market.
therefore on the amount of capital available to banks to resist the current pressures. Only when the The EPP-Ed group believes that integration in EU retail financial services markets can be further
crisis turned into recession inflation has been reduced and deflation is the threat. developed by bringing down prices and increasing choice for consumers. Appropriate action must
be taken, be it through enforcement of competition law or robust infringement policies, where
there appears to be a practice of not applying or respecting Community legislation.The Single Euro
Integration of EU financial markets Payments Area (GAUZES report ) which will be a reality by 2010 will increase consumer choice
and will represent a major step on the integration of retail EU financial markets in the benefit of
The Financial Services Action Plan 1999-2005 (FSAP) laid the foundations for a stronger financial consumers and SMEs.
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market in the EU, efforts have continued since then. The EPP-Ed group stressesd during 2008 the need at developing financial literacy to improve the
The European Parliament is co-legislator concerning financial markets integration. The EPP-ED quality of information provided to consumers in sectors such as consumer credit, mortgage credit,

Group Members have focused on strengthening the EU prudential framework. Work on the investment funds (UCITS) and payment services.
revision of the Capital Requirements Directive (KARAS report) addresses some of the failures The current crisis of confidence in the financial markets showed that also the current standards of
identified on banking legislation. The Commission Solvency II Directive which aims at streamlining deposit guarantee are not considered as sufficient. The Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes
the way that insurance groups are supervised, ensuring that group-wide risks are not overlooked, has been amended at the end of 2008 (EHLER report) regarding payout deadlines, the amount
and improving greater cooperation between supervisors from different Member States will increase covered, the scope of cover of deposit guarantee, cost sharing, and cross-border cooperation.
the soundness of the EU insurance sector.
The Economic crisis requires response in many fields of our economy. This paper has been focused
The EPP-ED Group has in all areas of financial services tried to clarify and optimise the division on the response given on the financial services legislation field. The EU and the Member States
of responsibilities between «home» Member State and «host» Member State supervisors and to have been working in other key areas to respond to this crisis such as monetary policy, budgetary
stimulate the development of a pan-European supervisory culture. The «level three» committees policy and structural reforms.
that were established in the Lamfalussy system did a lot of practical work on fostering supervisory
cooperation in the banking, insurance and securities fields and at the moment this paper is
written (end November 2007) proposals are under preparation to improve the functioning of these Jose Botella,
Committees. Adviser
Since January 2005 publicly traded EU companies have been obliged to use international
accounting standards for their consolidated financial statements. These international accounting
standards are developed by an independent private organisation (International Accounting
Standards Board -IASB-) based in London. The standards are incorporated into EU law by means
of an endorsement mechanism, (Comitology). The Parliament made proposals (RADWAN report)
to improve governance and accountability of IASB. The EPP-ED Group stressed the need for more
representatives with a European background within the international standard-setting bodies. The
306 report notes the importance of the establishment of global standards and recognises that global 307
convergence of accounting standards is proceeding at an ever-increasing pace.
Given the turbulence in financial markets, the European Parliament will continue to closely monitor
all accounting issues that could impact on the stability of financial institutions and financial
markets. The EPP-Ed group also considers that an in depth reflection is needed on fair value
accounting, including possible procyclicality effects.
On securities and investment funds, the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID) have
been implemented and amendments presented to the UCITS legislative framework will be adopted
by the beginning of 2009. The implementation of the MIFID s directive will improve the decision
making process of investors to avoid excessive risk taking.
As for trading and post-trading infrastructures the Parliament, Commission, Member States,
infrastructure providers and users have been working together to enable a more efficient and safe
post-trading market in the EU. This has resulted in the Code of Conduct on clearing and settlement.
The EPP-ED is monitoring the proper application of this Code of Conduct
IV ECB in the context of the credit crisis At the moment this is being written (November 2008) it seems that all these measures effectively
prevented the world’s financial markets from collapsing. What couldn’t be avoided is a general
economic downturn that will last through 2009 at least. The ECB’s difficult task is now to manage
The celebration of the euro at 10 fell mostly flat due to the tsunami unleashed by the U.S. sub- interest rates in such a way that the rebound of growth expected for 2010 isn’t choked and at the
prime crisis which morphed into a full-blown banking crisis with dire consequences for the real same time ensuring that medium and long term inflation stays under, but close to two percent.
economy. This may, however, turn out to have been the euro´s finest hour. Ironically, it was the The Stability and Growth Pact (SGP), a major element of EMU meant to underpin the ECB’s
advantage least celebrated when introducing the common currency which really began to shine: the monetary policy, is under strain too. The government interventions weigh heavily on state
stabilisation of European and international financial markets in times of crisis. coffers, often preventing further budget consolidation. The finance ministers of all 27 Member
Before the euro even mild turbulences generally sent the Deutsche Mark up, the Italian Lire down, states including the chairman of the Eurogroup, as well as the Commissioner responsible for
economic affairs, agreed on using all the flexibility allowed for by the revised SGP, but insisted
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and the French Franc on a roller coaster. Panic, as well as speculation against generally predictable
political interventions into the currency markets, was at the core of monetary destabilisation in that overshooting the 3% threshold for budget deficits would only be allowed for short periods
Europe. With the introduction of a common currency these times are over. The unexpected side of and will have to stay well clear of the 4 % mark. There is unanimity that going further than that or

the euro is its capacity to stabilise markets outside the eurozone, both in Europe and with other amending the pact is completely out of question. It is interesting to note that those Member states
major currencies. There is now a second major currency alongside the U.S. dollar, and speculation that have done best to consolidate their budgets also have the greatest leeway for taking measures
against currency areas of that volume is difficult if not impossible, especially as the setting of the in the present crisis.
exchange rates is left to the markets. The financial sector architecture will be rewritten. Accounting principles like mark to market and
There are many reasons for the present crisis. An essential element is the over- abundance fair value are being questioned, structured financial products will become simpler, essential factors
of liquidity following lax monetary policy. This was the case in the United States, where Alan such as capital requirements will be reconsidered, a bonus system that includes an amount of risk
Greenspan tried to soften the impact of the bursting dotcom bubble by reducing interest rates for management would be of great help, and financial supervision will undergo a major overhaul. This
too long, creating new bubbles which are now bursting. The first and most visible one concerned last point might also concern the ECB. It is not sure yet to what extent the co-ordination between
the housing market. Bad loans long hidden in excessively complex financial products triggered the national supervisors will be increased, and what the ECB’s relation to the new structures will
a major banking crisis. Interbank lending came to an almost complete standstill, threatening to be.
trigger a major meltdown of the banking sector. The internationalisation of the banking system, the Undoubtedly the crisis has also uncovered a number of positive points. For the world markets the
use of computer based trading and the world-wide simultaneous availability of news (mostly bad size of the eurozone proved to be a substantial stabilizing factor. It clearly showed the advantages
in this case) rapidly spread the crisis beyond U-S. borders. of creating a large European currency area for the stability of the economic system. The first ones
The first central bank to identify the scale of the problem and to act accordingly was the European to profit from that are the euro countries, and positive external effects for EU countries outside
Central Bank. The ECB started providing short term liquidity at particularly favourable conditions the eurozone abound. This has led to a re-thinking in a number of Member states that were slow
to banks in order to substitute for the dried-up interbank lending. Most of these credits concerned to adopt the euro. Many have now discovered the safety offered by being inside the eurozone.
the extreme short-term, such as 24 hours as well as one-week loans. The Fed, now under the helm In Denmark public opinion is swinging towards the euro, and the government is considering a
of Ben Bernanke, followed suit one day later. Since, every single central bank will have done the referendum on its introduction. The independence of the bank and its impressive track record
same. are anchors of confidence for citizens and markets. At his appearance before the Economic and
Monetary Affairs Committee ECB President Jean Claude Trichet had warned of the possibility of
308 At that stage a clear distinction could be made between the mid-to-long-term aim of the ECB, which such a crisis well before it started and gave hints on how to avoid it. Perhaps in future people will 309
is to maintain price stability through an adequate level of interest rates, and the short-term aim of listen a bit more to what comes from the ECB.
preventing a full-fledged banking crisis. At the beginning the Bank could both keep interest rates
unchanged and provide more liquidity. Relatively high interest rates were necessary to counter
world-wide inflationary tendencies, one of the origins of the crisis. But with time the downturn Christian Scheinert,
spread to the real economy, reducing growth and increasing unemployment. A welcome side effect Adviser
was the easing of inflationary pressure, which allowed the ECB to reduce its interest rates, in order
to help the economy to recover.
On 8 October 2008 major central banks stunned the world by acting in a simultaneous and
co-ordinated matter. In an unprecedented move the Bank of Canada, the Bank of England, the
ECB, the Federal Reserve, the Sveriges Riksbank and the Schweizerische Nationalbank all cut their
rates. Major damage had been done in the U.S. when it had been decided to let the traditional and
once powerful bank Lehmann Brothers go bust instead of applying the ‘too large to fail’ principle.
Panic ensued and the markets went spiralling down. Providing short-term facilities wasn’t enough
anymore. Governments started to massively plan for emergencies, to create funds to help banks
in need, to increase deposit guarantees schemes and to buy some of the banks´ most dubious
assets from those banks that couldn’t write them off without seriously threatening their own future.
In some cases the aid to banks amounted to their nationalisation. In order to restore confidence
in the economy the central banks added their weight to these measures with their co-ordinated
move.
IV Goods Package companies were obliged to make expensive and often unnecessary adjustments to their products
which meant that they became more expensive for consumers.
It was of fundamental importance to the EPP-ED Group that many of these technical obstacles
At the beginning of 2007, the Commission launched a proposal called «The Goods Package», were eliminated to allow companies to market their goods in other Member States. A national
which was made up of three documents aimed at boosting the trade of goods within the EU. When technical rule can no longer prevent a product already lawfully marketed in one Member State to
it was launched, the Commission promoted it as one step further towards the completion of the be sold on the market of another Member State. For this reason, MEPs agreed to shift the burden
single market for goods, with products freely traded around Europe and consumers reassured. of proof from the economic operator to the Member State. When the dossier was completed and
When the package was completed in February 2008, after major roles were played by the EPP-ED these targets were achieved, Mr Stubb said: «From now on, when a Member State intends to refuse
MEPs involved - Alexander Stubb, Andreas Schwab and Zita Plestinska - it had made effective market access, it will have to give the importing company the opportunity to react before a final
improvements to European companies, large and small, and to consumers’ confidence and trust decision can be taken».
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2008
in the market.
Another breakthrough has been the establishment of Product Contact Points in all Member States.
The package strengthens and modernises the conditions for a wide range of manufactured They will provide information on national technical rules, so that enterprises, in particular SMEs,

products on the EU market by introducing better rules on market surveillance to protect both can obtain reliable and precise information about the law in force in the Member States where they
consumers and professionals from unsafe products, including those from third world countries. intend to sell their products. This measure is the last link needed to improve the functioning of
It enhances confidence and improves the quality of product conformity assessments through the single market for goods.
reinforced and clear rules on the requirements for notification of conformity assessment bodies,
including the increased use of accreditation. It also enhances the credibility and clarifies the Now the consumers have more choice, SMEs will face less red tape and easier market access and
definition of CE marking, which is now protected as a Community collective trademark, providing the increase in trade will bring growth to European economy. These elements can confirm that the
authorities with additional means to take legal action against manufacturers caught abusing it. And EPP-ED Group remains a major contributor to the pursuit of a true internal market that will benefit
finally, it establishes a common legal framework for manufactured products in the form of a toolbox our economy, our businesses and our consumers.
of measures for use in future legislation. This sets out simple common definitions and procedures
which will allow future sectoral legislation to become more consistent and easier to implement.
Teresa Pinto de Rezende
The EPP-ED Group has contributed decisively to this dossier to reduce red tape for SMEs and to
simultaneously reinforce the legal protection of CE marking, by informing consumers about it and
penalising its improper use. Notwithstanding these achievements, all political groups involved in
the debate considered that CE marking needed clarification, and therefore asked the Commission
to carry out a study where the deficiencies of the CE mark would be identified and proposals to
improve it would be made. This study, according to the Commission’s services, will be finished by
November 2008.
Having in mind the need to clarify and improve the entire system of trading goods within the EU,
the EPP-ED Members also played a substantial role in amending the regulation for accreditation
and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products. Market surveillance systems for
310 manufactured products are now strengthened and aligned with import controls. Accreditation 311
may now be used to ensure that conformity assessment bodies provide the high quality services
that manufacturers require and expect. This will reinforce the role and the credibility of the CE
marking.
Ms Plestinska and Mr Schwab, EPP-ED Shadows responsible for the two dossiers on the
harmonised issues, made similar comments to what is achieved in the texts. They consider that,
by creating clear and common rules for the marketing of the products produced in the EU or
imported, this legislation will give clear responsibility to manufacturers, importers, distributors and
economic operators to guarantee the protection of consumers and a better functioning market.
They also believe that Member States will now take more responsibility for product safety and the
smooth operating of the entire trade chain.
At the same time, the internal market of a wide range of other products, which are not subject to EU
harmonisation, has also been reinforced, thanks to the work of the EPP-ED rapporteur, Alex Stubb.
These products represent more than 15% of intra EU trade in goods and they are very often subject
to many different national rules which lay down the requirements that they should meet. As EPP-ED
MEPs highlighted on several occasions, the differences between the rules in many Member States
discouraged companies, in particular small and medium enterprises, from venturing outside
domestic markets. They had to prove that their products, which were legally sold in one Member
State, complied with the technical rules in other Member States. Examples have shown that some
IV New Timeshare Directive: Boost for tourism > Ancillary contract: MEPs agreed on a definition, which provides that an ancillary contract is based
on arrangement between the two traders. As a consequence, if the consumer refers its case to
and better protection for consumers. a Court, a national judge will decide if there has been an arrangement between the two traders
and thus if the contract in consideration is an ancillary one. The ban on advance payments is
provided for the main and the exchange contracts. Further still, if the consumer withdraws from
The new Timeshare Directive is a major achievement for consumers buying timeshare, long-term the contract for timeshare or long-term holiday product, any exchange or any other ancillary
holiday products and exchange contracts as well as those legitimate traders and businesses in contract is automatically terminated.
the timeshare industry. It represents a major opportunity for both EU tourism as well as the fast-
> Length of withdrawal period: IMCO stepped down from the Committee voted 21 days of
growing timeshare industry.
withdrawal to accept the proposal on 14 days, which reflects the Commission proposal for the
After Mrs Rudi Ubeda, the original EPP-ED shadow, was elected an MP in Spain, Malcolm Harbour, horizontal instrument.
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2008
coordinator of the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, took up the role of
> Consumer information and out-of-court redress: MEPs highlighted the importance of drawing
Shadow Rapporteur.
up of codes of conducts by professional bodies at European level, aimed at facilitating the

The new Timeshare directive responds to the needs of consumers and businesses in today’s Single implementation of this Directive. Member States have also been encouraged to set up effective
Market by replacing a directive made back in 1994. Its scope is enlarged to timeshare and long- out-of-court complaints and redress procedures for the settlement of consumer disputes.
term holiday products (including products such as discount holiday clubs), as well as exchange
> The European Parliament also managed to secure the provision that the Directive could be
and resale. Besides, the proposed definition will no longer be exclusively linked to immovable
revised after three years. This makes sure that if there are further consumer problems with
property, e.g. contracts for accommodation in canal boats, caravans or cruise ships will be also
timeshare, further safeguards could be made.
covered. Multi-annual reservations of a hotel room are not regulated.
One of the key objectives EPP-ED Members set within this directive is to achieve a high level of
Mina Dermendjieva,
consumer protection by harmonising the relevant laws, regulations and administrative provisions
Adviser
of the Member States. Consumers will be better informed before committing to contracts and
thus less exposed to rogue operators. Many consumers have been reluctant to buy timeshare or
timeshare-related products given their cross-border nature, and traders have faced legal uncertainty
selling timeshare, given differing national legislations. This directive will ensure that consumers are
given more protection, and both traders and their customers will be more confident when they buy
and sell timeshare or long-term holiday products.
Consumers will also have access to, and traders will be obliged to provide, comprehensive pre-
contractual information, in the form of standard information forms, ensuring consumers are fully
informed before signing the contract. EPP-ED Members ensured that provisions for comprehensive
precontractural information were included in the Directive and must be written in the language of
the Member State where the consumer is either resident or a national.
312 Furthermore, consumers’ rights have been further reinforced through the extension of the right of 313
withdrawal. The consumer has 14 days to withdraw free of charge as well as a further three months
if there had been missing information and an extended 12 months if the trader had not informed
the consumer of their right of withdrawal. There is also a total ban on advance payment across the
EU, further enhancing consumer protection.
On the basis of a key amendment tabled by the EPP-ED Group, a compromise was reached
on specific provisions relating to long-term holiday product contracts for a staggered payment
schedule. This means that the consumer has the possibility to withdraw before each instalment
payment.
Five months after the vote in IMCO, the Parliament, the Council and the Commission were
involved in several Informal Trialogues which led to a compromise between the three institutions.
The major issues were:
> Degree of harmonisation: The Council supported the Parliament’s position of full
harmonisation.
> The right of withdrawal: Member States, the Commission and the European Parliament agreed
an exceptional extension of the right of withdrawal for this Directive, mentioned above.
IV Firearms Directive The Council adopted the proposal as amended by the Parliament without a formal vote.
Compromise amendments have been subsequently presented, allowing for them to be signed
by the IMCO chair and representatives of political groups and tabled in time for NOV II plenary.
Control of the acquisition and possession of weapons Broad support for the report has already been created and all the amendments tabled for the
Rapporteur: Gisela Kallenbach (Greens-EFA/DE) plenary outside the compromise package have eventually been withdrawn. The debate in plenary
EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur: Mr Guido Podesta (IT) has reflected importance of the aforementioned key issues, with several speakers underlining
EP reference number: A6-0276/2007 / P6-TA-(2007)0559 importance of the report (the Group has clearly outnumbered all others). There have been two
Date of adoption: 29 Nov. 2007 roll call votes: on compromise amendments - all have been adopted with 567 votes to 11 and 12
abstentions - and on the entire legislative resolution.
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2008
The dossier in question refers to various aspects of legal arms in the internal market. Objective
of the Commission proposal was to align the existing Directive of the Council 91/477/EEC to the Pawel Kaleta,
United Nations Protocol 55/255. The rapporteur, however, has intended to broaden the scope Adviser

of this dossier towards a general opening of a wide variety of questions - i.a. classification of
weapons (with harmonisation proposed at the level of two categories), reform of the marking
system and definitions, introduction of criminal measures and data protection provisions - tabling
41 amendments in total (being supplemented by further 59 from other members, as well as 25
from LIBE committee - including a few accepted without a vote under enhanced co-operation
procedure).
Some of these proposals merited support of the Group, while others turned out to be problematic.
Thus, in the negotiation process that lasted for a year, a series of compromises has been hammered
out - expressed in 19 compromise amendments as well as joint support for some others - allowing
for a more moderate approach to be followed on a number of issues, incl. on the classification.
Establishment of the aforementioned compromises has allowed for emergence - notwithstanding
justified critical remarks - of broad support for the proposal among political groups during the
Committee vote on 28th June 2007. In the few more partisan votes that occurred the established
Group line has been successful. The text as amended and the draft legislative resolution were
therefore adopted in the final vote by an overwhelming (uncounted) majority. The shadow
rapporteur has supported proposal as amended by the Committee.
The series of informal first reading trialogues (July-November 2007) has brought a compromise
along the following lines:
> Classification of weapons into four categories (A-D) has been retained, with a special light
314 registration regime for category D (deliberately vague expression of being ‘permitted to possess
315
them in accordance with national law’ in order to include Member States providing for holders
of e.g. hunting or sport-shooting licence holders) to be phased-in until the end of 2014; Member
States however remain entitled to retain the number of categories they perceive as appropriate;
> definitions of illicit manufacturing and trafficking of weapons have been maintained in line with
the UN Protocol;
> explicit obligation of marking and traceability of firearms has been put forward; at the request of
the shadow rapporteur, the idea to suggest the Comite Internationale Permanente (CIP) system
as a model has been adopted;
> computerised data filing system of registration (one of priorities for the shadow rapporteur) was
to be phased-in in a form allowing for its both centralised and decentralised construction;
> European Firearms Pass has formally been introduced as a principal document required in order
to travel in Europe with weapons although, in accordance with the subsidiarity principle, further
documents may still be requested;
> measures were put forward for deactivation of weapons, including convertible.
V V. EPP-ED Reports on the Plenary Sessions
of the European Parliament
By the Press Service
EPP-ED Report
Issue 1 / January 2008
2008
2008

The future of the European car industry
By Greet Gysen
The first European Parliament plenary session of 2008 opened with a debate on a report concerning
the future of the automobile industry.
The European automotive industry currently faces tough international competition, fast
technological change, as well as growing demands in terms of the environment and road safety.
V > Session Reports To respond to these challenges, the Commission has created CARS 21, a high-level group of
stakeholders to reflect on the future of the European car industry.
With its report, the European Parliament responds to the priorities set out by the CARS 21 reflection
group. Nicole Fontaine (F), led the debate for the EPP-ED Group, emphasised the economic
importance of the European automobile industry as it produces 19 million vehicles yearly and
provides 2.3 million direct and a further 10 million indirect jobs.
One of the main priorities for the future of the European car industry, according to the Parliament,
is the increase of research and development efforts, especially with regard to the development of
eco-friendly cars. If the European car industry is to meet the binding CO2 targets proposed by the
European Commission, more research and greater research funding is vital.
Nicole Fontaine reminded the hemicycle that industry needs sufficient time to prepare for the
316 317
production of cars with a lower CO2 emission. As the development of new types of passenger cars
takes about five to seven years, MEPs urge the Commission not to set any final mandatory targets
for CO2 emissions for any date before 2015. From then on, however, an average target of 125g/km
of CO2 emissions for new passenger cars should be achievable.
Airport charges in the EU

By György Hölvényi
New rules on airport charges will be enforced after the adoption of the relative Directive by the
European Parliament. The EPP-ED Group welcomes the new Directive which provides community-
wide rules in order to have a well-functioning, non-discriminatory, transparent and comprehensive
procedure for calculating charges. The Directive aims to prevent any abuse of a dominant position
in the market by individual airports, and it also seeks to contribute to a balanced development of
the European air transport sector.
V There are three main points in this proposal. First of all, it paves the way for further investment
in airports. If the airport managing body informs the airport users five years before a new airport
Slovenian Presidency Programme
By Klemen Žumer
infrastructure becomes operational, the airport may assert its interest through pre-financing when
airport charges are set. This week marked the official presentation of the programme and priorities of the Slovenian
Presidency. Slovenia is in office for the first half of 2008 and is the first former communist Member
Secondly, airlines and airport service providers should conclude a general service agreement,
State to have taken over the Presidency of the European Union. EPP-ED Chairman Joseph Daul (F)
establishing quality standards for the service offered to passengers.
expressed his confidence that Slovenia’s great economic drive will be an asset for the 27 member
Last but not least, a threshold is set for the airports which are included in the scope of the Directive: countries of the Union.
these are airports that have at least 5 million passengers per year, or more than 15% of the total
Daul called on Member States to pursue and complete the ratification process of the new Reform
number of passengers per year in the Member State concerned.
Treaty, as well as expressed satisfaction that the Slovenian Presidency will focus on five priority
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2008
Zsolt Becsey (HU), Member of the Transport and Tourism Committee and Shadow Rapporter said: areas: the timely implementation of the Reform Treaty, a successful launch of the new Lisbon
«The new Directive is a good compromise.» During his speech in the plenary session he also Strategy cycle, a step forward in climate change and energy, underscoring the European perspective

pointed out that «it is right that the Transport Committee was focusing only on those principals of the Western Balkans and Intercultural dialogue.
that are really necessary for not having different practices in the Member States regarding different
President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Poettering (D) praised Slovenia on the progress
price-fixing systems. Transparency will be the biggest benefit of the new Directive, reinforcing the
and expressed the wish of the European Parliament for a very successful presidency. Commission
trust of the citizens», concluded Becsey.
President José Durão Manuel Barroso pointed out that Slovenia is a great example of success and
that Slovenia and Slovenians are ‘symbols of the struggle for freedom’. He stated that this enforces
his ‘full belief that [the 2004] enlargement is indeed one of the greatest achievements of the EU.’
Parliament adopts Consumer Credit Directive
Many EPP-ED Members participated in the debate recognising the importance of all the presented
By Knut Goelz
priorities for the European Union.
The main purpose of the Consumer Credit Directive is to create easier access to cross-border
consumer credit. At present, such credit accounts for less than one percent of private loans in
the European Union. The Parliament, Council and Commission agreed that more and better Cross-border loss relief - an important step towards a working home market
information is needed so that consumers can benefit from the internal market in the financial By Antti Timonen
sector as well.
The European Parliament has adopted - with a clear majority - Piia-Noora Kauppi’s (FI) report
EP Rapporteur Kurt Lechner (D), however, rejects new red tape and higher credits costs due to
on off-setting cross-border losses of companies and called on the Commission to propose such
over-regulation. Safeguards such as information rights should therefore remain limited to the core
legislation.
aspects consumers and banks must know about: «Consumers must be able to judge and compare
credit offers in the European Union. Banks must be able to ensure that the consumer can pay back Currently, the tax treatment of a group of companies operating within a single Member State
his loan. Then the Consumer Credit Directive serves consumer protection.» is heavily preferential compared to a cross-border situation. Within a single Member State, a
318 company can usually off-set losses incurred by its branches and subsidiaries in the taxation of the 319
The European Parliament has achieved substantive improvements of the first draft of the Consumer
parent company. However, in the case of branches and subsidiaries in other Member States, the
Credit Directive. It could negotiate a number of simplifications and it could cut back red tape and
national legislations vary considerably. In most cases, if consolidation of losses for tax purposes
bureaucracy. It was also possible to leave Member States more freedom with regard to premature
within the same group is possible, it may occur with considerable delays.
repayment of loans. While the Council compromise wanted to limit compensation for early
repayment to one percent, Member States will now be allowed to foresee a higher compensation. The discrepancies have grave consequences for the proper functioning of the internal market by
On the other hand, repayments of up to €10.000 per year will be exempt from any compensation. distorting investment decisions and constituting barriers to entering some markets, while tending
Additional positive results are a common modus to calculate costs and interest in the European to unfairly favour larger markets, where losses can more easily be absorbed. The current situation
Union as well as harmonised legal provisions for consumer credits. particularly hampers SMEs’ capacity to expand, as they frequently incur start-up losses which they
are not able to off-set to the parent company. The existence of differing Member State legislation
obviously also increases compliance costs, ill-afforded by SMEs and conducive to tax engineering
with larger companies. The adopted report calls for the possibility to off-set losses of the cross-
border subsidiaries within the same tax year.
The EPP-ED Group supports the view that the tax domain is one where there is still work to be done
to make the most of the internal market. This does not imply harmonising tax rates; rather, the
Group views tax competition as a healthy feature of the economy. However, it does imply legislating
to facilitate cross-border business and establishing a level playing field where investments are
based on undistorted economic benefits. In the same report, the Parliament decided to encourage
the Commission to push ahead with the Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base as a longer
term solution.
V Enhanced regional co-operation in the Black Sea region
By Delia Vlase
Social security of migrant workers in the EU
By Živilė Didžgalvienė
The report on Black Sea co-operation authored by Roberta Anastase MEP (RO) is a European The European Parliament has adopted a report by Csaba Őry (HU) updating the Regulation on the
Parliament initiative to bring a new approach to regional policy and to ask the European application of the social security schemes of workers moving within the Community. The legislative
Commission for measures and action. act takes into account the changes in the social security legislation in some EU States such as
Ireland, Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands and Austria and ensures the efficient coordination
«With the accession of Bulgaria and Romania to the EU, the Black Sea has become a European sea. among the different countries on social security benefits.
Opportunities for co-operation with the region and within the region have increased. In my report, I call
for a coherent and effective regional policy approach targeted at key priority areas such as enhancing the «The modernisation and constant development of social security coordination is a key issue in the
security and stability situation in the region, promoting effective democracy and co-operation in fields of European Union, all the more since it has a direct impact on the lives of many citizens moving
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energy, transport, trade and education», stated the Rapporteur Roberta Anastase. between the Member States and looking for new jobs», emphasised Őry.
The report - adopted with a large majority - welcomes the Commission’s Communication entitled The Regulation plays an important role in the realisation of one of the fundamental freedoms of

‘Black Sea Synergy - A New Regional Co-operation Initiative’ and the aim of enhancing co-operation the EU - the free movement of people - and enables EU citizens moving from one Member State to
with and within the Black Sea region by a new regional approach. The report states that the new another to enjoy their social security benefits granted by the country of origin.
regional approach should be targeted at a number of priority areas for which the Commission
should provide a detailed Action Plan envisaging concrete, objective benchmarks and follow-up «The role of the European institutions consists of granting legal certainty to migrant workers within
and constituting a basis for enhancing the EU’s relations with the region as well as inter-regional a constantly changing world. For this reason, small details can become of the utmost importance
co-operation. It finally stresses that the objectives specified in the report should represent an and have to be taken care of. This is one of the essential legislative tasks the European Parliament
integral and coherent part of the broader EU foreign policy towards the neighbouring countries and has to assume», concluded Őry.
countries participating in the Black Sea regional strategy.
Broad majority for action programme on lifelong learning

Improved rules on export of chemicals By Knut Goelz
By Gunnar Larsson
The importance of adult education will increase further as a result of demographic change in
Renewed and improved - this describes a piece of legislation passed by Parliament for the second the European Union. This was pointed out by Doris Pack (D), EPP-ED Rapporteur on the action
time round. A Regulation on the export and import of dangerous chemicals previously adopted was programme on ‘Lifelong Learning’: «Economic and social change in the European Union requires
rejected by the Court of Justice, which ruled there should have been a dual legal basis. the constant development of qualifications and skills in professional life. Therefore, ensuring
employability through lifelong learning and improving people’s motivation to participate in adult
Along with the European Commission, Frieda Brepoels (B), Member of the Committee on the education must be made a particular priority.»
Environment, Public Health and Food Safety and Shadow Rapporteur, grasped the opportunity
given by this second round to improve the Regulation. The plenary of the European Parliament approved this own-initiative report on lifelong learning
320 by a large majority thus acknowledging the fact that education is an important factor also for 321
Previously, exporting European countries had to ask importing countries for permission before personal development, social integration and cross-cultural dialogue. Further important aspects
selling certain substances. This procedure of «explicit consent» has been costly and bureaucratic. are a better work-life balance as well as between cultures and generations. There is, for instance,
Now, export without explicit consent will be possible. also a substantial need for action regarding working times, flexible time accounts or the transfer of
knowledge and skills. The special needs of migrants must also be taken into account in this overall
«I am convinced that in some cases, a greater flexibility has been achieved not only to secure action plan. Learning the language of the host country is of particular importance to migrants,
European export, but also to guarantee the best possible protection of the environment and public whereas all other citizens should get the chance to learn the language of a neighbouring country
health. Certain hazardous chemicals will be possible to export without explicit permission or and at least one international language.
consent, but under very strict conditions», Brepoels said.
«I think the wording in the agreement guaranteeing the safe export of substances has even been
strengthened. This was achieved by deleting part of the Commission’s original text.»
«As Shadow Rapporteur, I am convinced we have reached a balanced and workable compromise
together with the Council and Commission», Brepoels said.
Avril Doyle (IE), also a Member of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food
Safety, called for tidier legislation and voiced her concern about uncertainty regarding legal bases
and the trouble some legislation seemed to cause the Parliament.
V European Parliament adopts report on EU strategy on rights of the child
By Atilla Agárdi
EPP-ED Report
Issue 2 / February 2008
Edit Bauer (SK), Shadow Rapporteur for the EPP-ED Group on the report on the EU Strategy on the
Rights of Child, has expressed her satisfaction at the adoption of the report.
The Shadow Rapporteur has highlighted some urgent issues that have to be solved. The EU has a common strategy on Kosovo
demographic crisis revaluates every child’s life. The rate of child poverty continues to be appalling. By Knut Goelz
The report stresses that the European Communities cannot overlook the growing phenomena
of child trafficking either, especially the situation of thousands of street children and homeless Following Kosovo’s recent declaration of independence, the European Parliament has reached
children across the Member States.
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a broad consensus on how to develop relations between the EU and this new European state.
While the European Community has no internal legal act to ensure the rights of the child, the Bernd Posselt MEP (D), EPP-ED rapporteur on Kosovo, has warmly welcomed this decision
responsibility of the Community to observe the rights of the youngest generation is indisputable. pointing out that the European Parliament had already endorsed the Athisaari Plan on «controlled

independence» by a two-thirds majority.
According to the Lisbon Treaty, children’s rights are guaranteed by Article 24 of the Charter of
Fundamental Rights. This report is the first step by the EU institutions, including the EP together Doris Pack MEP (D), Chairwoman of the EP’s Delegation to South-Eastern Europe, also called
with Member States, to take serious steps towards the improvement of the situation of children. on all parties involved to accept reality as it is. It was therefore «no surprise» that Kosovo aimed
Edit Bauer also stresses the importance of stepping up efforts by Member States in order to launch for independence following the atrocities committed by the Milošević regime in Kosovo between
the unique European children’s helpline 11600. 1989 and 1999. Both MEPs agreed that there was no split in the European Union on Kosovo as
European institutions and Member States had reacted quickly to this new situation and decided
unanimously to dispatch the EULEX mission to guarantee a controlled and stable transition into
independence.
It was, however, regrettable that no negotiation solution could be found on Kosovo with the
participation of Serbia since everyone would have supported such a solution. Nevertheless, the
declaration of independence was not an attack on Serbia, but necessary for the Serbs in Kosovo to
make sure that the Athisaari Plan is met without reservation. This plan provides for the protection
of Serb’s minority laws, the respect of borders and the rule of law.
The responsible politicians in Kosovo should now organise the new state entity with determination.
The struggle against unemployment can only be won on the basis of the rule of law. A consistent
fight against criminality has first priority, if necessary with the support of EULEX. Kosovo is,
however, no precedent, but a unique case. Its independence is the final stage of Yugoslavia’s
disintegration, provoked by Milošević in Kosovo in 1989 which now has to be borne by his
democratic successors. «Serbia should avoid going back to isolation and relying only on Russia.
322 We thus hope that Serbian politicians will use all their might to help Serbia find its way into the 323
European Union», concluded Doris Pack and Bernd Posselt.
French Presidency priorities

By Ioannis Zografos
The EPP-ED Group welcomed the Prime Minister of France to its meeting in Strasbourg this week.
François Fillon outlined the priorities of the French Presidency of the Union which France will take
up in July. The French Government has already worked out its priorities.
François Fillon unveiled an ambitious project to the EPP-ED Group Members and promised to
co-operate closely with the European Parliament in order to succeed.
«First of all, is the fight against global warming. We want Europe to set in legislation the objective
to which we are all committed; to reduce gas emissions by 20%.
V Secondly, is the issue of immigration and asylum rights. We will push for the harmonisation
of the legislation on the matter, for better controls at the Union’s borders and for an efficient
The Euro is in good shape
By Ioannis Zografos
development policy.
Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker, speaking at the EPP-ED Group meeting,
The third priority is European defence. Europe needs autonomous defence as it receives a lot of
praised the successes of the common currency by emphasising that without the Euro, European
demands for peace-keeping missions, but the Union does not possesses the appropriate means.
economies would have suffered during major crises like the ones in Russia, Mexico and Argentina,
The fourth priority is a check-up on the Common Agricultural Policy in order to reflect on its while the French and Dutch currencies would have been threatened - if they existed - after the
future». respective negative results of their referenda on the European Constitution.
François Fillon promised MEPs that his government will work closely with them. The Chairman of the Euro-Group also said that during the nine years of the existence of the Euro,
17 million jobs have been created compared to only three million during the nine years previous to
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the Euro. This is an obvious sign of the healthy status of the European economy.
He also warned about the problems and challenges lying ahead, such as excessive national budget

A clear «yes» to the Lisbon Treaty
By Pedro López de Pablo deficits, inflation and differential levels of development among the common currency members.
This week, the European Parliament approved the Lisbon Treaty by a large and clear majority,
clearing the way for the ratification of the text in all the 27 parliaments of the Member States. Five Free movement of goods becomes reality
of them - Hungary, Slovenia, Malta, Romania and France - have already ratified it, the rest have the By Antti Timonen
compromise to do it before the end of this year.
The plenary voted with 525 in favour, 115 against and 29 abstentions on the recommendation tabled The European Parliament adopted the most extensive legislative package on the free movement
by EPP-ED Spokesman in the Constitutional Affairs Committee, Iñigo Méndez de Vigo (E), which of goods since the 1992 Single Market Project. Alexander Stubb MEP (FI), Rapporteur on the
claimed support for the Lisbon Treaty as it provides the EU with «the tools to be more democratic Regulation on Mutual Recognition of Goods, is pleased with the final outcome:
and more efficient in the years ahead» as well as «the opportunity to continue building policies
«All European companies, large and small, must realise that they should from now on be able to
that are an added value for all Europeans.»
sell their products from one EU country to another, without any red tape», he noted.
«Europe should provide answers to the citizens’ expectations. Europe cannot hide itself and do
The Regulation is based on the ‘Cassis de Dijon’ court ruling of 1979 which stated that if a product
ostrich policies. Europe should speak in the world with one voice, should have a presence and
is accepted in one country, it should be accepted in other Member States as well. Despite this
should resolve today’s problems like climate change, the fight against illegal immigration and
ruling, the principle of mutual recognition has not worked properly in practice. Member States
nuclear proliferation. We need to face these problems and the new Treaty gives us the necessary
have come up with an array of protectionist measures to prevent the free entry of goods to their
tools and the strength to do it», Méndez de Vigo said.
territory.
The great winners of the new Treaty are both the European Parliament and European citizens as
To tackle the problem, the new EU Regulation which will apply in nine months, shifts the burden
the extension of decisions by majority voting means more powers to the Parliament and more
of proof from the economic operator to the Member State.
324 democratic accountability to the Union in subjects like the environment, immigration, energy, 325
sport or protection of consumers: «Policies that matter in citizens’ everyday lives and that’s what «The effects of this are threefold: firstly, consumers will have more choice. Secondly, SMEs will
counts», he underlined. face less red tape and an easier market access. Thirdly, through increasing trade, we expect
higher growth. The cost of the non-application of mutual recognition is estimated at €150 billion
The European Parliament was more ambitious and wanted to go further but recognises that even
annually», said Stubb.
if the new text is not the former Constitutional Treaty, it safeguards its essential achievements at
the same time resolving the problem of the rejection in two countries of the constitutional project. «Now a company should not be afraid of entering any other EU country’s market. If the product
This may be the reason why the new text collected more votes in favour in the plenary than the is accepted somewhere in Europe, it cannot be denied in another Member State unless the
Constitutional Treaty three years ago. authorities can provide evidence that the application of a national technical rule is justified. The
number of such cases should now be reduced to a minimum», he added.
The increase of European Parliament powers, a bigger role in the decision-making process for the
national parliaments, the binding nature of the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the new shape
of the EU’s institutions, which improves the Union’s ability to act, will be a reality once the Lisbon
Treaty is fully implemented.
V Prime Minister with a vision for Europe
By Gunnar Larsson
Fight Against Fraud
By Atilla Agárdi
Recalling how, as a young politician, he visited the European Parliament, dreaming his country The Plenary of the European Parliament has adopted a report on the Protection of the Communities’
would one day become a part of the European Union, Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt Financial Interests and the Fight Against Fraud Annual Reports 2005-2006. Francesco Musotto
took to the floor of the Parliament’s debating chamber in Strasbourg. Now, at 42, a fairly young MEP (IT), Rapporteur for the EPP-ED Group on the report, expressed his satisfaction on its
politician, Reinfeldt was invited to take part in a debate on the future of Europe. adoption.
«We have to ask the essential questions. Where do we want to go and how do we get there?», The Rapporteur highlighted that the implementation of the structural funds, which represent
Reinfeldt said, underlining the need for a clear vision for Europe. «We should not be afraid of a almost one third of the Community’s budget, remains ridden with irregularities and that hardly any
strong Europe, we should be afraid of a weak Europe.» progress can be noted. The main cause of this situation is the fact that, according to the European
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Court of Auditors, the supervisory and control systems in the Member States were ineffective and
«The Lisbon Treaty will give us the means to create an open, an efficient and a dynamic Europe», the Commission maintained only a moderately effective supervision in their functioning.
Reinfeldt said. «We will be able to deal with future challenges, such as the climate, energy, jobs,

economic growth, demography, migration and Europe’s role in the world.» Mr Musotto requested that information on how Member States have improved their fight against
irregularities be integrated in the Commission’s next annual report:
Joseph Daul (F), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, agreeing on the opportunities given by the Treaty,
called for a continued ratification process at «a steady pace», to shape the future of Europe, «to > What administrative and policy structures in Member States are involved?
give substance to the aspirations of its citizens».
> How do Member States cooperate among themselves and with the Commission services?
Asked several questions about the future role of the rotating Presidency, which will pass to Sweden
next year, Reinfeldt said he believes in a Union strongly linked to Europe’s different parts; «I believe > What databases do Member States and Commission services share?
the rotating Presidency will also have a clear role to play in the future. The Councils will still be In addition, the Rapporteur criticised Member States for apparently ignoring the so-called Missing
chaired by national Ministers and they will answer to their Prime Ministers», he said. Trader Fraud.
The British House of Lords estimated the loss to the national income due to Missing Trader Fraud
in 2005/2006 at £4.75 billion in the United Kingdom alone.
Oral question on product safety
By Knut Goelz
The European Parliament has underlined the importance of a common and sustainable system
of product safety markings in the European Union. Leading the debate, Andreas Schwab (D),
Deputy Co-ordinator on the Internal Market Committee, welcomed the decision to keep both the
CE marking and the national signs until further notice. However, there was broad consensus in
Parliament that a study shall be carried out by the Commission on the efficiency of the present
326 system and possible improvements. 327
There is also a growing need for Member States to punish offences and counterfeits of products
and safety markings more quickly and more effectively: «Consumers need more transparency and
information with regard to the existing markings. We therefore urge the Commission to carry out
this study within the next 12 months.» Parliament expects to gain more information on what the
CE marking really means to consumers. The same goes for the national markings such as the
German ‘GS-sign’.
Parliament’s goal remains to enable consumers to easily judge whether a product was examined
for its security without imposing additional costs and bureaucracy on the industry. To boost
the present market volume of €1.5 trillion, the principle of mutual recognition should also be
considered for the safety markings.
V EPP-ED Report The Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement on the financing of Galileo and
the EIT, with €309m earmarked for the EIT for the period 2008-2013.
Issue 3 / March 2008
«Now is the time to act. It is time for the fast and efficient implementation of the agreed
measures», Mrs Jordan Cizeli added.
With their vote, MEPs expressed strong support for the EIT, concluding the long-term negotiations
Passenger-friendly airport security
on this topic.
By Thomas Bickl
Parliament has adopted a new, passenger-friendly Regulation to improve aviation security. The
Parliament approves review of EU Common Agricultural Policy
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current EU Regulation, dating from the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, had to be updated.
By Knut Goelz
This revised Regulation provides an increased level of security and convenience for flight

passengers.
The European Parliament has approved a report by German MEP Lutz Goepel by a clear majority
Inconvenient multiple security checks, common to connecting flights, will be scrapped. In future, a to review the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). «With its support for this
single security check will be standard procedure. The so-called ‘One-Stop Security’ applies to flights so-called ‘health check’, Parliament has proved that it is united behind this important legislative
within the EU and flights to and from safe third countries. Additional security checks can be done package which will eventually undergo the co-decision procedure», said Goepel.
away with. This is a major improvement in convenience for flight passengers.
However, this review is not intended to become a fundamental reform of the CAP. Instead, based
The costs for security measures may be divided between the airlines, airports and Member on the 2003 reform, the health check should modernise the existing policy further and adapt it
States. EPP-ED Group Spokesman Phillip Bradbourn (UK) explained how such a scheme could to changing circumstances, including world markets. The Commission should therefore take
be managed. Parliament’s opinion into account because it could serve as a good basis for further negotiations.
«Whilst we have been unable to reach an agreement with the Council on the issue of financing The aim of this review should be to take the CAP in the direction of increased responsibility and
these security measures, the Commission has agreed to come forward with a separate proposal market orientation, without endangering aspects such as food safety, social and environmental
on financing these measures within the next few months. I hope that this will be sooner rather responsibility and agricultural markets. Thus, more flexibility should be provided for Member
than later. Passenger safety and security is of paramount importance and, as such, I hope that the States without disrupting the whole system as agricultural structures in Europe are very diverse.
Commission’s forthcoming proposal will reflect our strong stance.» Not all problems can therefore be solved by using only one tool. Instead, Parliament would like to
introduce a new flexibility instrument to promote local sectors and to establish basic safeguards
Security measures may also include the placing of ‘Sky Marshalls’ onboard aircraft, provided that and risk management in the event of a crisis.
both the countries of departure and arrival agree to it. The armed security officers must also be
members of a national civil service. Farmers must also be allowed to expect planning reliability. It is inappropriate to discuss further
cuts in direct payments leading to less income only four years after the last CAP reform. Such a step
would destroy confidence, especially since the bulk of the cuts proposed by the Commission target
certain Member States such as Germany and in particular Eastern Germany. This would not only
328 Implementation of the European Institute of Technology be unsocial, but could also affect the preservation of competitive structures. As a consequence, 329
By Klemen Žumer CAP should focus on quality production and sustainability with this report delivering valuable
information on the procedure.
The idea of the creation of a European Institute of Technology (EIT) was launched by the President
of the European Commission, José Manuel Durão Barroso, in February 2005. After a long
consultation process, the Commission presented a legislative proposal a year later.
Lisbon Agenda renewed and improved
The aim of the European Institute of Technology is to better link the three key areas of the By Peter Adler
economy - education, research and innovation (or the ‘knowledge triangle’) to tackle Europe’s main
weakness: lack of innovation. The instruments to reach this aim are the Knowledge and Innovation The Parliament debated the preparation of the EU Spring Summit of 13-14 March which is mainly
Communities (KICs). As opposed to the original proposal, this legislative text foresees a more devoted to the assessment of the Lisbon Agenda, re-launched by the European Commission in
decentralised ‘network’ structure for the EIT. 2005, and decisions for new actions in this field.
The EPP-ED Group supports the text and Shadow Rapporteur Romana Jordan Cizelj (SL) is In his speech during the debate in the plenary in Strasbourg, the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
satisfied that following two readings, Parliament has substantially improved the original proposal, Joseph Daul (F), welcomed the re-launching of the Lisbon Strategy while calling for more ambitious
thanks to the efforts of the EPP-ED Group. measures to achieve its aims.
«Innovation is at the heart of the EIT. The EIT represents excellence and the recognition of «For our Group, it is crucial to provide the Union with all its opportunities in the context of
European quality. Its network structure, together with independent communities of knowledge and globalisation, and to reform it, as proposed very actively by the European Commission since
innovation, is a big achievement.» 2005, under the Presidency of José Manuel Durão Barroso. This strategy is the best tool to face
the challenges ahead of us: globalisation, demographic change and climate change. For each
challenge, the Lisbon Strategy proposes an appropriate response», said the EPP-ED Chairman.
V Speaking on behalf of his Group, Mr Daul also reiterated that it is important to fully exploit the
potential of globalisation, but within a well-regulated framework.
Dialogue to end crisis
By Gunnar Larsson
«We will never accept unbridled free-trade. We must protect the interests of the most vulnerable
Reacting to the ongoing and escalating crisis in the Middle East, Parliament’s March Session
and promote our social model. But we must also accept that Europe will only be competitive if
opened with a debate on the situation in Gaza and continuous attacks on Israel originating from
its products offer an added value in terms of quality and innovation. This is why I call on Member
the unruly Palestinian enclave. Israeli incursions in Gaza, Palestinian rockets fired at Israeli towns
States to invest heavily in research and innovation.»
and the recent attack by a Palestinian gunman on a Jewish seminary in Jerusalem, killing eight
«The second great challenge for Europe is demographic change. An ageing population will students, were the focus of the debate.
generate a deficiency in the labour force and put pressure on the social system. We must also
The President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Poettering, had been asked by the Chairmen
review our immigration policy which must serve all of Europe and attract skills and know-how. The
of the political groups to make a statement of his own. «We, as Europeans, must once again ask
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proposal for a ‘blue card’ to live and work in Europe must be developed.»
ourselves the question; what can we do? How should we react to the cycle of violence, again setting
«The third and last challenge is climate change. We must implement a policy framework adapted the Middle East on fire, right before our eyes», Poettering said. «The only answer is continued and

to a practical and environmentally-friendly economy, which means respecting reduction goals of accelerated peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.»
20% for greenhouse gas emissions. But if we lead by example, our partners must do the same.
Joseph Daul (F), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, agreed and underlined the importance of bringing
The green policy must be accompanied by a foreign trade policy which is not protectionist, but
the signatories of the Annapolis Agreement to reason. He talked of a recent visit to Jerusalem and
demanding», concluded Daul.
Ramallah, as head of an EPP-ED delegation, and the lessons he had learned there. «We need to do
more and we need to do better», he said. «We must provide incentives for the moderate parties in
Israel and among Palestinians, and assure them of our full political support.»
European Parliament calls for an EU strategy in support of a federal Iraq
«They, and they alone, hold the key to a peaceful and lasting solution in that region», Daul said,
By Marek Hannibal
calling for continued dialogue in accordance with the roadmap set in Annapolis.
The European Parliament has adopted a Resolution on the European Union’s role in Iraq. The
Resolution marks a new consensus of the European Parliament on the future of EU-Iraq relations.
It goes beyond the differences of the past and looks at the real issues that should shape EU policy Belarusian Week
in support of Iraq’s future. By Marzena Rogalska
The importance of the report on this controversial theme is illustrated by the widespread support
This week in Strasbourg, the EPP-ED Group celebrated the Belarusian week in the European
it received. It was adopted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament with
Parliament, particularly the 90th anniversary of the Belarus Democratic Republic. On the invitation
62 in favour, 0 against and 2 abstentions. The report was adopted by the European Parliament with
of Jacek Protasiewicz MEP (PL), Chairman of the EP Delegation for Relations with Belarus, the
506 in favour, 25 against and 26 abstentions.
Leader of the Belarus Democratic Opposition Aleksandr Milinkevich, as well as representatives of
The consensus was achieved thanks to the active involvement of the Shadow Rapporteur Jana various democratic forces, came to Strasbourg to meet European political leaders.
Hybášková MEP (CS) and the First Vice-Chairman of the newly-established Delegation of the
330 The celebrations were inaugurated by an exhibition of paintings by Belarusian artists. The 331
European Parliament for Relations with Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov MEP (BG), both of whom are
inauguration address was delivered by the President of the European Parliament, Hans- Gert
widely experienced in Iraq issues. The EPP-ED Group has succeeded in achieving its objectives,
Poettering, who, in his speech, made a formal and strong appeal for the liberation of the imprisoned
calling on the Council and Commission to adopt a new strategy in support of building a stable,
Opposition Leader Alexander Kazoulin, who has been in prison for three years for daring to stand
unified, and democratic Iraq that upholds human and minority rights and promotes inter-ethnic
up against the authoritarian rule of President Lukashenko in the country’s presidential election.
tolerance.
The inauguration was followed by the welcoming words of the EPP-ED Group’s Chairman Joseph
The report notes that Iraq is in need of technical assistance and capacity building, particularly
Daul who expressed his wish to soon see Belorussia joining the democratic European family.
in institution building. The report reaffirms the European Parliament’s commitment to support
Among the guest speakers were the European Commissioner for External Relations and European
the development of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and to promote bilateral exchanges and
Neighbourhood Policy, Benita Ferrero-Waldner, and the Chairman of the European Parliament’s
transfer of experience through its new Delegation for Relations with Iraq. It also encourages
Foreign Affairs Committee, Jaceck Saryusz-Wolski MEP (PL), who stressed the importance of both
Member States to step up their diplomatic relations with Iraq.
freedom and independence for Belarus.
The aim of the visit was to convince Belarusian Partners of the significance of unity among the
opposition, especially in view of the upcoming Parliamentary elections. «Belarusians need to see
that on one side there is Aleksandr Lukashenko with his eastern pro-Russian course, and on the
other, the alternative for the current regime: the united opposition.
V EPP-ED Report Galileo’s deployment phase shall be fully publicly funded, while its exploitation phase could be
funded privately. The deployment phase, which costs €3.4 billion, runs until 2013 and will be
Issue 4 / April 2008 entirely funded by the EU. During the exploitation phase, the programme is promoting a balanced
participation of SMEs across the 27 Member States.
«The programme shall be based on the principal of a strict division of responsibilities. The
Food Crisis European Commission acts as ‘Programme Manager’ and will be helped by the Committee on the
By Ioannis Zografos GNSS Programme (which includes Galileo and EGNOS). The ESA is the ‘prime contractor’, and the
GSA will manage the security accreditation and the operation of the Galileo security centre.»
The problem of rising food prices has spread around the world, jeopardising political stability in Due to the newly-invented Galileo Inter-institutional Panel, the Council, the Commission and the
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many countries. This issue was the heart of the debate in the European Parliament. The question European Parliament will closely follow the progress of the implementation of the programme and
is how best Europe can deal with the issue and in particular, how it can help developing countries the effectiveness of the governance arrangements.
to stave off potential famine.

Galileo is based on a constellation of 30 satellites and a group of ground stations providing
Since the beginning of 2008, wheat prices have gone up by 300%, corn 200%, and at the same information concerning the positioning of users in many sectors. GIOVE-A, the first European
time, demand has risen. Many developing countries and non-EU European countries have navigation satellite, was launched in 2005. The second satellite, GIOVE-B, has a similar mission
imposed restrictions on food exports. but has greatly improved signal generation hardware. This satellite is scheduled to be launched
It is widely accepted that the world is facing a potentially serious food supply shortage and that the on 27 April.
era of cheap food is well and truly over. In addition, if the situation continues, urgent food aid to
developing countries just won’t be enough to solve the problem.
Speaking in the plenary, Group Chairman Joseph Daul (F) said that the EPP-ED Group is extremely Illegal Immigration
concerned by this development and emphasised that the agricultural sector must undergo more By David Stellini
in-depth reforms to resolve the crisis in a sustainable manner.
During a debate in the European Parliament on illegal immigration and the Frontex Agency, Simon
«The emergency measures will only be a temporary solution to the problem. Agriculture, the Busuttil (MT), EPP-ED Group Spokesman on Frontex, called on EU countries to avoid a repetition
world over, must be subject to in-depth, structural reforms. We have to promote agricultural of incidents that took place last year where immigrants caught in difficulty in Libya’s search and
development, also in emerging economies, because the main challenge is that of food self- rescue maritime region were left clinging to a tuna-pen, with Libya doing nothing and EU countries
sufficiency for poor countries.» pointing at each other over who should take the immigrants. The debate discussed the level of
According to the Chairman of the most influential group in the European Parliament, the CAP preparedness of EU countries in the face of another immigration season.
health check is the perfect opportunity to launch the debate on agriculture and food policy in On Frontex, Busuttil stated that this will be a test year for the agency and that the European
Europe, even if solutions have to be found worldwide: Parliament will be closely observing its work and expects it to be more effective. Even more so, after
«The solution to the food problem can only be seen as a global responsibility; Europe must find its budget has been doubled and it has been given more and better means to operate, including the
solutions in close cooperation with international bodies such as the World Bank, the IMF and, of setting-up of a Rapid Border Intervention Team to deal with emergency situations.
332 333
course, the WTO. We must also find a way to limit the adverse effects of financial speculation. «If Frontex wants our support it must demonstrate that it truly deserves it», Busuttil said. However,
Some people are starving while certain countries boast large reserves, although still limiting he acknowledged that Frontex was only part of the solution and that the solution had to include a
exports. Global speculators are playing with people’s lives - we must do everything in our power to serious discussion on burden-sharing. He criticised EU governments for avoiding this discussion.
break these trends and make the market more transparent». «Stop the hypocrisy of being scandalised at the loss of lives in the Mediterranean and then leaving
Southern EU countries to carry the burden on their own», he said.
In the Mediterranean Sea, the need for burden-sharing could not be starker since serious
Galileo Satellite Radio Navigation System incidents have taken place in international waters which did not fall under the responsibility of
By György Hölvényi EU countries.
The Galileo satellite radio navigation system is an initiative launched by the European Union and «I ask the Commission and the Council: What will they do this year? There is no doubt that
the European Space Agency (ESA), and is one of the most important aspects of the Lisbon Strategy. everyone has an obligation to save lives. But who will assume the responsibility for immigrants
This system will be the first infrastructure in Europe that is commonly built and jointly owned, and who are saved? Is there one single country that should carry this on its own or is this a burden that
will be compatible with the current GPS system. should be shared by all?», Busuttil asked.
The European Parliament has always maintained that it is a strategic project and should be The time has come for the Commission and EU governments to pluck up enough courage to
managed as a political priority. answer these questions.
In her speech in the plenary, Etelka Barsi-Pataky (HU), Rapporteur of the Galileo Report, stressed:
«A realistic time schedule is crucial in order to secure the commercial advantage of Galileo, to
make it possible to avoid any further delay.»
V Reinforced European cooperation to tackle donor organ shortage
By Greet Gysen
EPP-ED calls for freedom of all hostages in Colombia
By Pedro López de Pablo
The European Parliament has adopted a report entitled ‘Organ donation and transplantation: The European Parliament has approved a Resolution asking the Heads of State and Government
policy actions at EU level’ proposing a range of measures to tackle problems such as organ that will meet at the next Euro-Latin American Summit to call for the «immediate and unconditional
shortage, transplantation risks and organ trafficking. release of all hostages in Colombia».
In the EU-27, there is an overall shortage of organs and a long waiting list of ten thousand patients The Resolution, tabled by Co-Chairman of the Eurolat Parliamentary Assembly, José Ignacio
with a high mortality rate. To increase the number of available organs in a safe way, the report Salafranca Sánchez-Neyra (ES), demands that the political leaders present at the Lima Summit
proposes an integral approach based on three pillars: reinforced cooperation between Member next 16 and 17 May make this call to the «FARC or any other organisation holding hostages».
States, a Directive for the quality and safety of organ donation and transplantation, and measures The release should be by the unilateral decision of these organisations or failing that, under an
2008
2008
to fight the trafficking of organs. emergency humanitarian exchange agreement, with priority given to those who are sick.
Frieda Brepoels MEP (B), Rapporteur for the EPP-ED Group, underlined the importance of «We wanted to show our solidarity once again with all the hostages in Colombia, including,

exchanging best practices among Member States: «Worldwide, Spain has the highest number of obviously, the former candidate for the Colombian Presidency, Ingrid Bethancourt», Salafranca
donors: more than 35 per million citizens in 2007. A visit to Spain showed us that the organisation said.
of the donation system is crucial to this success. The GIFT Project, currently running in Belgium,
is based on the Spanish model and yields excellent results. In 2007, Belgium saw an increase of But the Lima Summit should also be the opportunity to move Euro-Latin American relations from
6% in donors (from 27.3 to 29.1 donors per million citizens). Based on these successful examples, words to facts. This is why the Resolution proposed a number of concrete measures to increase
the European Parliament asks that hospitals dedicate enough staff to identify potential donors and association with these countries, especially in the items that will come up at the Summit such as
generate enough public attention for the positive results of transplantations.» the fight against poverty, social exclusion and the protection of the environment, and the fight
against climate change.
In addition, the Parliament stresses that the Directive for quality and safety which the Commission
will shortly publish needs to be flexible: the availability of organs should not be hampered and red «Latin America is an area with 600 million people. That contributes up to 10% of the World’s GDP.
tape for Member States should not increase. It also has 40% of the vegetable species of the planet and it is exceptionally rich in terms of human
resources», explained Salafranca. This is reason enough for the EU not to consider Latin American
Finally, the European Parliament asks the Commission and Europol to better combat organ donation countries only as a market but as a partner to build a real strategic and regional association, with a
and transplant tourism. Organ donation must stay strictly non-commercial and voluntary. soul, based on the common values such as freedom, democracy, respect for human rights and the
rule of law - which seem to be strengthening with efforts, but not everywhere», he said.
The Resolution also expressed the need in Lima to push for the earliest conclusion of the
Passenger Name Records negotiations of the inter-regional partnership agreements with Mercosur, the Andean Community
By Marzena Rogalska and Central America. «This will be the only way for the European Parliament to approve these
agreements in time before the end of its current term before the next European elections are held
In the framework of the debate in the European Parliament on the Commission statement on the in June 2009», Salafranca concluded.
334 ongoing negotiations on bilateral agreements between the USA and certain EU Member States 335
with regard to visas and passenger name records, Urszula Gacek MEP (PL), on behalf of the EPP-
ED Group, has welcomed the initiative of the Council and the Commission. Parliament against International Accounting Standards for SMEs
She expressed her strong conviction that this initiative will lead to setting clear and transparent By Knut Goelz
guidelines for bilateral agreements on visa waiver between EU Member States and the US. At the
beginning of this year, some impatient countries started their own negotiations without regard to The European Parliament has clearly refused to establish International Accounting Standards
EU Directives. Others, however, decided to wait for the framework to be agreed within the EU first, (IFRS) which would also heavily affect Small and Medium-Sized-Enterprises (SMEs). «European
in the knowledge that their negotiating position vis-á-vis the United States would be strengthened. SMEs do not need such complex standards and must therefore not be forced to use them»,
She has stressed that through this debate a clear signal has been sent to the United States that they said EP Rapporteur Alexander Radwan (D). The plenary also followed Radwan’s criticism on the
cannot exert pressure on individual nations to break EU guidelines, especially in the sensitive areas organisational structure of the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASCF)
such as revealing passenger information in greater detail than the EU allows. and its attempt to impose such standards.
She has appealed to the United States to give serious thought to the criteria which form the basis «It is important that the IFRS Organisation adapts to the necessary changes», continued Radwan,
of granting visas to citizens from the Eastern part of the EU. She has underlined that making visa EPP-ED Spokesman on Economic Affairs. The proposal to establish a monitoring group to meet
requirements for all citizens of Europe a thing of the past is also in the interests of the United growing criticism by gathering high-ranking politicians to better control the Board’s work is
States of America. however deemed to be insufficient, as these representatives could only approve but not really
influence decisions of the organisation.
V The question whether SMEs should also be subject to new International Accounting Standards had
been subject to long and controversial discussions as this would have meant that such companies
EPP-ED Report
were to draw a balance under much more complicated premises. At the same time, such extensive Issue 5 / May 2008
data is not necessary for small and medium-sized enterprises, which do not refinance themselves
at capital markets.
In his report, the German MEP therefore suggests to develop specific standards for small and Fighting global warming a top priority for the EU
medium-sized companies if the need arises. However, at this point, the European Parliament and By Thomas Bickl
the Commission would be responsible but not the private IFRS Board in London.
The worldwide reduction of CO2 is the greatest challenge in the years ahead. This is the main gist
2008
2008
of the European Parliament’s Interim Report on Climate Change which was drafted by EPP-ED
Member Karl-Heinz Florenz (D).

Greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 25% to 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 if the rise
in global warming is to be limited to two degrees Celsius.
Karl-Heinz Florenz highlighted the challenge: «What is our main task? It is all about Europe
being powerful and inventing a new, third industrial revolution. And it is about sustainability:
sustainability of products, of the social sphere and, of course, the economy. This is not a burden,
but a great opportunity which we need to build further on.»
The report calls for practical steps in everyday life to fight climate change. For example, CO2
labelling of consumer products could help raise awareness.
EPP-ED Group Chairman Joseph Daul (F) pointed out the main victims of climate change: «The
regions most affected by climate change are the development countries in Africa, Asia and Central
and Latin America. We can see the environmental impact coming. The effects of climate change
could become stronger and stronger and that could lead to a new kind of refugee - not political
refugees or economic migrants, but climatic refugees.»
The Temporary Committee on Climate Change will continue its work and come up with practical
proposals in a final report by the end of the year.
Reforms needed in 2008 in Turkey. Ria Oomen-Ruijten MEP

336 By Eduard Slootweg 337
The European Parliament has adopted its Resolution on Turkey’s 2007 Progress Report by an
overwhelming majority with 467 in favour, 62 against and 61 abstentions. The Rapporteur, Ria
Oomen-Ruijten (NL), is happy with this broad consensus: «This sends a strong signal to Turkey
and the Council», she said. «2008 must be the year of reforms. The Turkish Government must
make use of its strong parliamentary majority to resolutely pursue further reforms that are crucial
to Turkey’s transformation into a modern, democratic and prosperous society. Further delays will
seriously affect the pace of negotiations.»
The adopted changes to Article 301 of the Penal Code by the Turkish Parliament are considered as
a first step towards a fundamental reform. Parliament looks forward to further moves and stresses
that progress has to be achieved.
Ria Oomen-Ruijten said: «A total repeal of Article 301 and other articles of the Penal Code would be
the best solution in order to ensure that Turkey fully guarantees freedom of expression and press
freedom in line with the European Convention on Human Rights.»
V She is concerned about the implications of the AK Party closure case and expects the Turkish
Constitutional Court to respect the principles of the rule of law, European standards and the Venice
simple and straightforward definition is the only way to ensure legal certainty and administrative
simplification, while at the same time increasing the efficiency of transport trips.» From 2014
Commission guidelines on the prohibition of political parties. The Turkish Parliament is asked onwards, any limitations as regards cabotage should be abandoned.
to bring the constitution in line with these standards. Mrs Oomen-Ruijten stressed that broad
involvement of civil society is needed in this constitutive process in order to achieve a consensus As regards access to the profession of transport operator, the European Parliament voted in favour
on Turkey’s constitutional future embracing political parties, ethnic and religious minorities and of improving the exchange of information between Member States. Grosch continued: «If serious
social partners. infringements are committed by, or fall under the responsibility of transport managers, these
managers will be disqualified and will not be able to work as a transport manager anywhere within
Mrs Oomen-Ruijten emphasised that only a society which is guided by respect for human rights the EU.»
and fundamental freedoms and which is based on democracy, rule of law and a socially-oriented
market economy can develop into a peaceful, stable and prosperous society. A second report by Mathieu Grosch on the international carriage of passengers by coach and bus
2008
2008
was postponed as the social partners in the transport sector did not reach a timely agreement
as regards the reintroduction of the so-called ‘12-day rule’, which the Rapporteur is in favour of.
This rule allows drivers to accumulate their compulsory weekly leave and take it only after twelve

Protecting our seas consecutive working days. For the tourism sector, the reintroduction of this rule is vital, as it allows
By Lasse Boehm for longer international holiday tours with one and the same driver.
Europe needs to do more to protect its seas. A large majority of Members of the European
Parliament have voted in favour of a new European Maritime Policy and have urged the Parliament sets minimum standards on criminal law in environment
Commission to take the initiative. By Knut Goelz
The new maritime policy has to include measures to protect the environment and raise awareness
for the significance of maritime policy, for example by establishing an annual Maritime Day. The European Parliament has for the first time ever approved minimum standards in criminal law
relating to the protection of the environment. It voted in favour of a respective Directive.
EPP-ED Spokesman in the Transport Committee, Georg Jarzembowski (D), welcomes the report,
but regrets that some of the proposed measures are not detailed enough, especially regarding air «Criminal law remains a core competence of the Member States. To make the implementation of
pollution from ships. environment protection in the European Union more effective, it was however necessary to define
common standards for punishment in this area», said EP Rapporteur Hartmut Nassauer (D).
He said: «Concrete measures are missing. It is unclear which actors - such as ship-owners - have
to contribute to the fight against climate change, and how they will be able to survive global There was a broad consensus between Parliament, Council and the Commission that a better
competition. This includes measures to reduce sulphur and nitrogen oxides at sea, as well as implementation of punishments was necessary to avoid «environment protection tourism»
measures in ports such as the use of land energy. To be honest, I am a little disappointed. If the looking for the lowest possible denominator. Controversy remained, however, about the question
Commission says it will table proposals this autumn, then we will not be able to implement those how a better observance of existing EU legislation in this field could be achieved.
before the end of this legislature.»
This question has been solved by a decision of the European Court of Justice. It stated that criminal
The report, which was approved by 587 votes in favour with only 20 against, also calls for better law remains in principle within the responsibility of the Member States, while the European Union
338 coordination in the protection of fishing and merchant vessels in international waters. These has the right to call for effective punishments in those areas where it has a legal competence such 339
should be better protected by naval vessels against the risk of piracy. as environment protection.
The new Directive shall now be put into force within the next 24 months. It defines the offences
that shall be pursued in all 27 Member States while clearly limiting them to environment law.
Revised rules for the international road transport market «This fully complies with the principles of proportionality and certainty. Environment protection
By Greet Gysen law in the European Union has not been fully harmonised but minimum standards have been
set to provide for an effective, deterrent and proportionate punishment of serious offences», the
The European Parliament has adopted a package on road transport with a large majority. This Rapporteur concluded.
package includes proposals aimed at modernising the rules governing access to the market of
transport by road and admission to the profession of road transport operators.
As regards the transport of goods, Rapporteur Mathieu Grosch (BE) welcomed the fact that
Parliament established a clear and simple definition of ‘cabotage’ (i.e. delivering a transport
service between two Member States of which none is the country of establishment of the transport
company). Mathieu Grosch said: «Cabotage aims at avoiding empty transport trips and is therefore
important from an environmental point of view. At the same time, it is feared that mostly transport
companies from low wage countries will use cabotage, which would lead to social dumping. At
the moment, there are 27 different sets of rules with regard to cabotage, which is inefficient,
leads to abuses and makes controls impossible. To put an end to this economic disadvantage,
the European Parliament has decided that in a first instance, cabotage should be limited to three
trips carried out on international routes within a delay of maximum seven consecutive days. This
V EU Consumer Policy Strategy
By Majella O Doherty
Jordan Cizelj especially stressed that climate change is an opportunity and not a threat to the
European economy.
Among other priorities, the MEP emphasised sustainable supply and treatment of raw materials
The European Parliament has voted on a report on the EU Consumer Policy Strategy (2007-2013),
as well as the development of a more stimulating environment for the functioning of small and
however the EPP-ED Group did not support the final Resolution.
medium-size enterprises and the need for the removal of red tape as well as the protection of
The report commends the Commission’s efforts to strengthen co-operation in the area of product intellectual property.
safety at international level, in particular with the Chinese and US authorities. Continued dialogue
Finally, Jordan Cizelj MEP pointed out the need for encouragement of equal industrial development
and information-sharing on product safety is in the interest of all parties and is central to building
within the EU as well as coordination and cooperation amongst the institutions of knowledge,
consumer confidence.
research and innovation.
2008
2008
However, the EPP-ED Group was forced to vote against the final vote on the overall report given
the persistence of some political groups within Parliament to call for the premature introduction
of a system of collective redress in the EU.

Prosperity for outermost regions
«I strongly support easy and effective access to redress for all consumers in the EU. We know By Gunnar Larsson
that non-judicial forms of redress are the preferred solution of most consumers as they serve
consumers’ interests most rapidly at the lowest possible cost. As Rapporteur on the Strategy for the Outermost Regions, Margie Sudre (F), Member of the
Committee on Regional Development, welcomed in plenary the Commission’s public consultation
«I have stated since the outset of discussions that I do not support the calls for legislative action
on the future of the Union’s strategy towards these regions, but, she said: «Even if the chosen
to introduce an ill-thought-out system of collective redress in the EU», said Colm Burke MEP (IE),
topics are unavoidable, such as climate change, demographic trends, migration, agriculture and
who was EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur on the report.
maritime policies, they do not cover all the major concerns of our regions.» She expressed regret
The EPP-ED Group’s Spokesman on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee, that Article 299, paragraph 2, of the Treaty, where the recognition of these regions is stated, was
Malcolm Harbour MEP (UK), said: «The EPP-ED Group strongly supports a comprehensive not included in the Commission’s agenda for discussions, which would have given them the legal,
programme of actions to inform and empower consumers in Europe’s Single Market. We want institutional and political weight required.
consumers to take maximum benefits from the choice, diversity and innovation available in a
«The importance of public services for the economic, social and territorial cohesion of outermost
thriving market of nearly 500 million consumers, the largest retail market in the world.
regions, the issue of state aid, continued differential tax regimes, persistent unemployment and
«We also want consumers to be able to enjoy their rights of redress quickly and effectively if they inequality, means to overcome the small size of local markets, integration into the European
run into problems. We support easy and effective access to justice especially through non-judicial Research Area, participation in European policies for innovation, the issue of the digital divide and
means, backed as a last resort by judicial remedies.» joint funding for co-operation between neighbouring countries, appear to me today as unavoidable
subjects for discussion», she said.
«I would like to emphasise the objectives of my report: ensured conditions for economic
Mid-term review of industrial policy: a contribution to the EU’s Growth and Jobs Strategy development of the outermost regions thereby guaranteeing people in these regions prosperity,
By Klemen Žumer strengthened competitiveness, and convincing them that the future of Europe also depends on
340 territories far away», Sudre concluded. 341
Slovenian MEP Romana Jordan Cizelj has stressed the significance of the renewed Lisbon Strategy
as well as the importance of an integrated approach towards industrial policy in her report
which was adopted by a large majority in the European Parliament: «Industry is supporting the
development of a society of knowledge, research, development and innovation. At the same time,
it is also making use of these services», said the MEP and pointed out that EU industry represents
more than 80% of the private sector for research and development, whereas innovative products
make up approximately 75% of EU exports.
According to Jordan Cizelj, climate change and sustainable development are amongst the
priorities: «Commitments to the significant reduction of greenhouse gas emissions do not only
apply to the fields of energy and transport. They also strongly apply to the field of industry, without
which, a development of a low-carbon society would not be possible. We must ask ourselves what
encouragement industry needs to be able to develop cleaner technologies and use more efficient
technologies in such a way that competitiveness and the consumers’ ability to choose would not
be put at risk.»
V EPP-ED Report the European Commission’s proposal to be discussed by EU fisheries ministers next week. Some
others will need further debate, but as Carmen Fraga said, we are now on the right path to helping
Issue 6 / June 2008 the sector.
Lisbon Treaty - ratification must go on As good as it gets - Waste Directive

By Ioannis Zografos By Gunnar Larsson
Does the Irish ‘No’ to the Lisbon Treaty stop the process of European integration? How should By revising the EU Waste Framework Directive, Parliament has decided that Member States should
take necessary measures to achieve an overall recycling rate of 50 percent by 2020 for paper, metal,
2008
2008
those Member States which have already ratified it proceed? The key debate in Parliament’s plenary
shed some light on the issue. plastic and glass from household and similar waste. In addition, 70 percent of construction and
demolition waste will be recycled by the same year.

Joseph Daul (FR), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, the largest political group in the European
Parliament, pointed out that it is equally important to respect the decision of the 19 Member States This significant step forward in recycling is the result of tough negotiations between EPP-ED
that have already ratified the Treaty, as it is to respect the result of the Irish referendum. Freedom Rapporteur Caroline Jackson, Member of the Committee on the Environment, and the Council.
of expression is a fundamental value upon which Europe was built.
«I have to say, the mood in the Council was very bleak, possibly mirroring our economic times.
«Because we are democrats, we wish that all Member States express their opinion on the We found them very resistant to what we wanted to do and they drove a very hard bargain, but
ratification of the Treaty. It is only at the end of this process that the European Council should our achievements come first; we have added recycling targets to the text. That is a very significant
decide the way forward. In other words, neither Ireland nor any other Member State can deny the achievement since these were not in the original proposal, and this is the first time that recycling
others to freely express their stance». targets for household waste have appeared in EU legislation. It is entirely due to Parliament that
they are there», Jackson said.
The President of the European Commission explained that the Irish vote defines the Irish position
and not that of the 19 Member States which have adopted the Treaty. He also called on the Total waste production will be stabilised by 2012. Member States will establish waste prevention
remaining Member States to continue the ratification process and show solidarity with each programmes and should also determine appropriate specific targets to achieve the 2012 target and
other. further significant reductions in waste generation by 2020.
He also briefed the members of the EPP-ED Group on the five major priorities of the European Commissioner Stavros Dimas congratulated Jackson for her excellent report and praised its merits;
Commission for next year and discussed how best to implement them. They refer to growth and «With this Directive, the Union is taking a substantial step towards a society of recycling. It is
development, coping with the fuel crisis, combating climate change, establishing common rules introducing a modern conception of managing waste and considers waste a useful raw material.
on illegal immigration and consolidating Europe as a global partner. The Directive has clearer definitions, simplified rules and comprises new ambitious objectives.»
Crisis in the fisheries sector Repatriation of illegal immigrants

342 By Pedro López de Pablo By Thomas Bickl 343
Demonstrations across Europe in recent weeks have illustrated the pressure the fishing industry The EU is stepping up its efforts to fight illegal immigration. This week, Parliament adopted a new
is under due to rocketing fuel prices and huge imports. EPP-ED Group Spokeswoman Carmen Directive on common standards on how to send back third-country nationals which lack a legal
Fraga Esteves (ES) has proposed a package of measures to alleviate the situation for fishermen status.
in the EU.
Illegal immigrants are persons whose visa or residence permits have expired or who have crossed
In the last five years, the price of petrol for fishermen has increased by 300% while the prices of the EU external borders illegally. «This Directive is all about the millions of people who live in
most fisheries products are at the same level as they were 20 years ago. In some cases, they have Europe illegally. And we want to get them out of that illegal status», said EPP-ED Member Manfred
even dropped due to massive imports, mostly from illegal fishing. The combination of these two Weber (D), who is the European Parliament Rapporteur on the Directive.
factors has plunged the European fisheries sector into its biggest ever crisis.
The new standards include measures such as a ban on re-entry. This is to make sure that illegal
«Our institution cannot remain unconcerned with this crisis. We know today that we, in this residents in the EU, who have been brought back to their home country from one EU Member
House, were right, as the European Commission has just proposed a package of measures along State, will not be able to enter the EU via another Member State. For the first time, the Directive
the general lines of what we were asking for.» also introduces joint humanitarian standards. A maximum detention period will apply. This is a
major improvement as in some EU countries, for the time being, there is no time limit for the
The EPP-ED Group proposes to increase the minimal aid for each ship up to €100,000, reductions detention of illegal residents.
of social burdens for companies and new aids for the modernisation of the fleet, as well as more
control on imports, labelling and the fight against illegal fishing. Most of them are now part of
V Energy Markets Liberalisation
By Thomas Bickl
awareness of poverty and exclusion in Europe as well as conveying the message that poverty
and exclusion are disruptive to social and economic development. Therefore the purpose of this
proposal is to designate 2010 as the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion.
The liberalisation of the EU’s energy market will continue. Parliament has adopted a draft Directive
After the positive outcome of the vote, Mrs Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou said: «Thanks to the
on the electricity market at first reading. The adoption of new standards for the gas market is
agreement between the EU institutions, we have achieved the goal of directly planning the
scheduled for July.
European Year’s activities. The EPP-ED Group, retaining solidarity as one of its main goals, is
Parliament endorsed the Commission proposals to separate the production of energy from the always encouraging adequate measures in order to promote more social cohesion.»
distribution networks. The so-called ‘legal unbundling’ is supposed to enhance competition in the
It is also worth mentioning that in 2006, 16% (78m) of the total EU-25 population lived under the
market. The issue of unbundling, however, is hotly debated both in Parliament and in Council.
poverty threshold. In 2000, within the EU-25, about 40m people (9% of the total) were confronted
2008
2008
Alejo Vidal Quadras MEP and Giles Chichester MEP cover the dossiers for the EPP-ED Group. with persistent poverty. In 2005, within the EU-25 19%, (19m) children were at risk of poverty.
«We are hoping for an agreement between Parliament and Council before the end of the year. Although in most Member States the gender gap is decreasing, the gender gap is about 2 percent
Consumers must be given a choice. They are fed up with oligopolies and rising energy prices. We as regards poverty and persistent poverty (figures from 2006).

need to deliver and make the common market for energy in Europe a reality.»
Slovakia’s Euro changeover

Serious lack of availability of veterinary medicines By David Stellini
By Majella O Doherty
This week, the European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of David Casa’s (MT) report
The European Parliament voted on Wednesday in favour of a report by Avril Doyle (IE) on maximum on Slovakia’s bid to adopt the Euro in January 2009.
residue levels of veterinary medicines in foodstuffs of animal origin (MRLs).
Casa’s report finds Slovakia fit to adopt the Euro and details how it fulfils all the Maastricht criteria
The MEP said the availability of an adequate range of veterinary medicines to treat the wide variety as laid down in the Treaty. The report was adopted by 579 votes to 17 with 86 abstentions.
of animal species in the EU has been a growing challenge over the last two decades. The proposal
The European Parliament’s favourable vote came after the stamp of approval by EU Finance
on MRLs sets out to achieve a high level of consumer protection, coupled with the continued
Ministers on Slovakia’s efforts to converge to its Euro adoption obligations. They also urged
availability and development of veterinary medicinal products for the European market and good
Slovakia to fight inflation with tight fiscal policies.
functioning of the intra- and extra- Community trade in food of animal origin. As the ultimate
goal is human health protection, a more consistent approach is required for the risk analysis and Slovakia will become the fourth of the 12 new Member States to adopt the Euro after Slovenia’s
control of residues of pharmacologically active substances, which may appear in food produced in adoption in January 2007 and the Malta-Cyprus adoption in January 2008.
or imported into the European Union.
Bigger countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary are expected to join the Euro-zone
Speaking after the vote, Avril Doyle said: «The proposal on MRLs is much-needed as the current after 2010.
residue control legislation has led to a serious decrease in authorised veterinary medicines to an
extent that creates adverse effects for public and animal health and welfare.» EU Heads of States are expected to give their approval on Slovakia’s Euro adoption at the
344 summit on 19-20 June. In early July, EU Finance Ministers will give their final blessing to the 345
«There are an insufficient number of authorised medicinal products available for the therapeutic ex-Communist state where they will set the final exchange rate between the Slovak Crown and the
treatment and welfare of animals. This is particularly alarming for certain minor use and minor single currency.
species such as sheep and horses, bees and fish. As a result of this, there is a major deficiency of
authorised medicines and the ‘off-label’ use of products is increasing, which jeopardises effective The report had the consensus of all the major groups in the European Parliament.
residue control with serious implications for consumer safety», she said.
New European Commissioners congratulated by EPP-ED Group

Combating poverty and social exclusion By Antoine Ripoll
By Theo Georgitsopoulos
Following the European Parliament’s confirmation on 18 June in Strasbourg of the nomination of
The majority of the European Parliament adopted a report by Marie Panayotopoulos-Cassiotou Jacques Barrot as Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Freedom
(GR) at first reading on ‘2010, the European Year for combating poverty and social exclusion’. The and Security, and Antonio Tajani as European Commissioner responsible for Transport, the
allocated budget - €17m - represents the highest budget ever granted to a European Year, thus Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, Joseph Daul (FR), warmly congratulated them.
demonstrating its high political importance. «Throughout his political career in France and in the European Union, Jacques Barrot has always
The aim of the European Year is to reaffirm the Union’s commitment to solidarity, social justice, shown a great sense of State and wholehearted European enthusiasm. I am sure that in his new
greater cohesion, and to promote consistency as well as boosting support for the overarching responsibilities, he will show the same courage and commitment which he has already shown by
objectives of the Union, by making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty. Currently in taking up the position of Italian Minister Franco Frattini», said Daul.
the EU, almost 78m people are living at risk of poverty. The European Year should raise public
V «I express the same wish for success for Antonio Tajani, the new European Commissioner for
Transport. An Italian and convinced European, Antonio Tajani was an MEP as active as he was
EPP-ED Report
appreciated, and I think I can talk for the whole European Parliament in saying that I have no Issue 7 / July 2008
doubt whatsoever in his capacities to take on the huge challenge awaiting him at the European
Commission», concluded Joseph Daul.
French Presidency wants progress in Europe

By Ioannis Zografos
Six months may seem a short period of time to both agree upon and implement EU policies.
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However, French President Nicolas Sarkozy came to Strasbourg determined to resolve the
institutional impasse and to make progress in Europe in critical areas such as immigration,
European security and the protection of citizens from organised crime and terrorism.

Sarkozy, who flew directly from the G8 meeting in Japan to Strasbourg, expressed his commitment
to achieving these objectives. The top priority is to take Europe out of the institutional imbroglio
following the Irish ‘No’ to the Lisbon Treaty. He said that Europe has to find a solution before next
year’s European elections and underlined that it would be difficult to envisage a new enlargement
without the new institutions foreseen in the Lisbon Treaty.
«For my first trip as President of the Council, I will go to Ireland to listen, discuss and try to find a
solution. The French Presidency will propose a method and, I hope, a solution, in agreement with
the Irish Government either in October or in December.
We owe it to our citizens to tell them on which basis the European elections will be organised.
The basis will be either the Treaty of Lisbon or the Treaty of Nice. There will not be another
Intergovernmental Conference.
It must be clear: if we want enlargement - and we do want enlargement - we need new
institutions».
The Chairman of the EPP-ED Group Joseph Daul (F) congratulated the French President for his
political determination to make Europe progress and offered his Group’s support.
«Along with the French Presidency, the EPP Members of our Group wish that all Member States
who have not already done so, ratify this Treaty. We expect that after a period of reflection, Ireland,
346 as was the case for France and the Netherlands, will offer its 26 partners a way out of the current 347
impasse. We are asking each Member State to avoid any negative escalation and instead to show
a spirit of responsibility. Our Group wants us to finally come out of this institutional debate, and it
has confidence in the French Presidency in working towards this objective.»
The French President defended the idea of European solidarity and rejected the idea of a two-speed
Europe.
«Unfortunately, maybe one day we will be forced to accept a two-speed Europe. But this has to be
the absolute ultimate solution. Europe has paid a high price for its division with a shameful wall.
Europe has paid a high price for a dictatorship imposed on 80 million Europeans. Let’s reflect more
before we leave some countries behind.»
V Aviation Emission Trading Agreed
By Thomas Bickl
Cheaper and greener energy
By Gunnar Larsson
The European Union is the first actor on the world stage to introduce emission trading for air travel. The third Energy Package will complete the process of the liberalisation of Europe’s energy
This week, the European Parliament endorsed a new EU Directive. «We are taking action in the markets. It deals with still-existing structural problems and discrimination against new energy
fight against climate change. The EU has developed a sophisticated system which will hopefully suppliers. There have been some tough discussions in Parliament on the issue of so-called
lead to an international agreement», said EP Rapporteur Peter Liese MEP (D). ownership unbundling, which means separation of transmission networks and energy supply.
Strasbourg saw yet another debate on the issue. EPP-ED Group Spokesman Herbert Reul (D),
As from 2012, airlines will be forced to either reduce their greenhouse gas emissions or buy Member of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, was pleased that Parliament had
emission allowances on the market. The emission permits will be allocated through a harmonised taken steps forward, but still had some doubts.
set of criteria to secure a level playing field. 85 percent of the allowances will be allocated for free
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with the remaining 15 percent available for purchase through auctioning. «I have once again experienced the danger in politics to rely on a one-cure-for-all, which is pushed
through with force and promises people it will be the solution to all their problems. I really hope
The aviation Emission Trading Scheme will include both domestic EU flights and international

we will solve the current problems. The question is how do we get more investment and lower
flights with take-off or landing in the EU. «It is a revolution that we include flights from and to prices, and how do we accomplish supply security within the European energy sector? We read in
third countries. It is necessary for environmental reasons as two thirds of the emissions covered the newspapers about these concerns and we hear about them on TV. Do we resolve the problems
by the EU trading scheme stem from intercontinental flights. And we must take on board third in these debates? I have my doubts», he said.
countries for reasons of competitiveness. We are convinced that our trading scheme is in line with
international law, such as the Chicago Convention», said Liese. Continued liberalisation of energy markets will benefit European customers, but what about the
environment? New technologies will be crucial to fight climate change and to reach Europe’s
The new trading system will stop the increase of emissions from air travel which have doubled targets on greenhouse gas emissions. A Strategic Energy Technology Plan adopted by Parliament
since 1990. The new scheme introduces a reduction mechanism of five percent a year up to 2020. aims at making better use of the potential of the European Research and Innovation Area and fully
This week’s plenary vote on the agreement with Council just requires its formal consent before the exploiting possibilities created by the Internal Market.
Directive comes into force.
EPP-ED Group Spokesman Jerzy Buzek (PL), also a Member of the Committee on Industry,
Research and Energy, took part in the plenary debate: «The proposal presented by the European
Commission on a strategic programme for energy technologies is, in my opinion, the best answer
A new enlargement strategy takes shape to the challenges of the European economy. It is about reducing energy costs. The EU offers
By Knut Goelz assistance for non-emission and low-emission technologies. For the first time, different ways
of protecting both the climate and energy security have been presented. Nuclear energy is also
Parliament has approved by a large majority a report by German MEP Elmar Brok on the future included.»
enlargement strategy of the European Union. «The previous enlargements have been a large
political and economic success», said Brok. However, a consolidation phase should take place
now in the EU after almost doubling the number of its Member States. Its enlargement strategy
has therefore to be reconsidered and provided with new instruments. Enlargement must not Green light for new fisheries agreement with Mauritania
348 become an automatism. The Commission is asked to prepare a solution between enlargement and By Pedro López de Pablo 349
European neighbourhood policy such as the European Economic Area Plus.
The European Parliament has adopted a new fisheries agreement with Mauritania, but the motion
Furthermore, the report stresses that ongoing accession negotiations have to be continued, drafted by EPP-ED Spokeswoman in the Fisheries Committee, Carmen Fraga MEP (ES), brought
without challenging a candidate status already established. The European Union should thus not some criticism to the final result of negotiations as the protocol reduces fishing opportunities for
become a free trade area but a politically-acting unit. This means that its internal reform ability the EU fleet and contains some very restricted technical measures.
is in the same way a precondition for future enlargements as the accession capability of new
members. The European Union is an area of peace, democracy, freedom and prosperity. It must The new protocol will start on 1 August and end in 2012. The EU fleet will reduce catches in
find a way apart from full membership which allows neighbouring countries to participate. Very Mauritanian waters from 440.000 tonnes to 250.000 tonnes and the financial compensation to
close relationships with these countries can be developed without full EU membership. Thereby Mauritania will fall from €86m to €76m a year.
the stability of the entire EU and its neighbours would be strengthened.
Despite these cuts in fishing opportunities, Carmen Fraga recommended the approval of the
The provisions of the Lisbon Treaty had already been the precondition for the last enlargement agreement as it is important for the EU fleet and reinforces the economic integration of the
round. As a consequence, those who are against the Lisbon Treaty are also against enlargement, Mauritanian fisheries sector. Nevertheless, the report warns the European Commission to
since size by itself does not necessarily mean power. inform the European Parliament on the result of the technical details of the negotiations, such as
biological rest periods, as they were agreed at the very last minute without proper scientific advice
and without listening to the opinion of the sector.
V Fisheries Emergency Measures Adopted
By Pedro López de Pablo
Use of Sovereign Wealth Funds Questioned
By Knut Goelz
The plenary approved by a large majority the emergency package of measures to tackle the fuel On behalf of the Economic Affairs Committee, the European Parliament has discussed an oral
crisis in the fisheries sector. The EPP-ED Group supported the measures proposed but called on question on the future role of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWF). Such government-owned investment
the European Commission to launch a «second phase» of the plan to assure the future profitability vehicles that invest surplus state funds are growing rapidly. However, this also means more
of the sector, and on EU Governments to implement the package immediately. political controversy and higher risks. The so-called ‘sub-prime crisis’ revealed these risks and their
consequences, such as the rescue of major banks.
Carmen Fraga (ES) welcomed the measures as the European Parliament has been fighting for them
since 2005 and also welcomed the fact that the European Commission had taken her suggestion Parliament therefore discussed the question if the various current national initiatives would not
into account to include the first six months of 2008 in the reference period in requests for aid from create a need for EU coordination to safeguard a true level playing field. The EPP-ED Group is of the
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the European Fisheries Fund, as this period registered the highest increases of fuel prices. opinion that possible regulation of these funds might be useful but must not lead to disadvantages
for the European financial industry. «It is therefore deemed necessary to find global solutions to
But Fraga questioned the Commission on the calendar for the supplementary measures as changes

the open questions around these financial instruments», underlined Alexander Radwan (D), EPP-
to the so-called ‘de minimis’ aids to fisheries companies, and rules to decrease social security ED Spokesman on Economic Affairs. In this context, the question was also important as to which
contributions and to opt for additional public funds for small fleets, are only mentioned in the extent Art. 58 of the EU Treaty is in need of clarification to guarantee compatibility with EU interests
Commission’s proposal without a delay to be implemented. and the full functioning of the internal market. Another key aspect is promoting best practices and
In addition, the EPP-ED Group will now push the European Commission to launch a second phase the reciprocity of market openness, if a global approach to SWF is found.
of this plan, based on commercial measures to stop price decreases of fisheries products due
to massive imports, to increase the controls on these imports and information campaigns for
consumers. «The sooner these measures are approved, the better. Otherwise we will only have a
generous operation to reduce the EU fleet but not a safeguard of the profitability of the sector to
take it out of the crisis», Daniel Varela (ES) said during the debate.
Better Coordination of Social Security

By Eduard Slootweg
On Wednesday, the European Parliament voted on new legislation concerning the coordination
of social security systems of the EU Member States. The aim of this legislation is not only to
guarantee the social security of citizens who, for example, work in one country and live in another,
or are travelling in another EU country. It also covers all other persons covered by national social
security systems such as pensioners living abroad in another EU Member State. It concerns
350 matters such as cross-border social security payments, recovery and settlement of disagreements, 351
prior authorisation of treatments etc. The new Regulation will also allow people to aggregate the
periods they have lived or worked in another Member State in order to calculate their state pension
or other rights.
The EPP-ED Spokeswoman, Gabriele Stauner (D), said: «Social security systems are very much
organised on a national level. The competence of the EU is limited in this area. In this respect,
the EPP-ED Group is against the plan to set up a central European database in order to facilitate
a swift and smooth payment system. EU citizens should not seek advice by looking in a far away
Brussels-based database, but should go to a government office in their own town to seek help. This
is a more simple and citizen-friendly approach.»
V EPP-ED Report Daul called for an increased application of ‘flexicurity’ in Europe. «The concept of flexicurity has
demonstrated its efficiency where it has been introduced», he claimed. «It provides businesses
Issue 8 / September I 2008 with the flexibility needed to be competitive in the global marketplace, while protecting workers.»
Philip Bushill-Matthews (UK), Member of the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and
Rapporteur on the European Works Council Directive, which is part of the social package, also
EU-Russia relations dominate plenary emphasised the importance of job creation.
By Ioannis Zografos
«We respect the importance of the rights of workers, but my political group would also highlight
the rights of non-workers - those people who currently do not have a job, who have been frozen
The crisis in Georgia and the future of EU-Russia relations have dominated the European out of the job market for whatever reason, and who want to have a job», he said. He concluded:
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Parliament’s plenary session in Brussels. Immediately after the extraordinary EU summit, French «They are increasingly important, especially in these difficult times of a global credit crunch
Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner presented its conclusions to Parliament. where unemployment is likely to get worse before it gets better. So we have to make certain that
everything that we do helps the creation of jobs and helps more individuals into those jobs.»

He said that the European Council has asked its President to pursue discussions to ensure the
full application of the Six-Point Agreement. The President of the Council, along with the President
of the Commission and the EU’s High Representative, will visit Moscow on the 8th of September.
«The bilateral negotiations on the partnership agreement will be postponed until Russian troops More rights for consumers and a European Body to regulate telecom markets
have been withdrawn», he added. By Pedro López de Pablo
MEPs welcomed the decision - they have asked the Council and the Commission to show
determination in negotiating with Moscow and to make it clear that Russia has to respect The European Parliament this week debated the reform of the rules governing telecom markets
international law. since 2002 to take account of new technologies - wireless, mobile, digital TV - and to boost the
growth potential of a sector with 500 million consumers, which already represents 3% of EU GDP
«Russia has the same rights and duties of all states in the international community. One of these and accounts for 25% of overall economic growth.
duties is to respect the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally-recognised
borders. But by invading and occupying Georgian territory and recognising the independence of Increasing the benefits and rights of consumers and assuring fair competition by the creation of
the secessionist Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the Russian authorities have a Body of European Regulators in Telecom (BERT), have been the two top priorities for the new
systematically violated each of these three fundamental principles of international law.» regulatory framework supported by the EPP-ED Group.
Elmar Brok MEP (DE) called for calm in dealing with Russia, and also asked for support for Malcolm Harbour (UK), responsible for the Directive which will regulate users’ rights, explained
Georgia’s reconstruction. that the aim of the reform was to provide consumers with better information on their rights
because electronic communications offers are now more complex and diverse than before.
«It is important to make it clear that we do not accept certain things, but - in order to avoid an escalation
- at the same time, we must make it clear that we should remain on speaking terms with all parties «We want empowered, well-informed consumers to make their choices on the basis of maximum
involved. We need to strengthen ourselves and this means strengthening our friends», he said. information on price, on what is included in the service, on whether there are any restrictions and
on whether the cost of a handset is included if they take a longer contract. We want them to be
352 able to shop easily and to be able to transfer their number quickly. We also want them to be able 353
to study the length of the contract and for the length of the contract not to be used as a restriction
Social Europe - job creation is the key to future progress when they try to move», he said.
By Gunnar Larsson
The new Directive will also check consumers’ entitlements, for example, to data security, security
Two months ago, the Commission unveiled its social package, based on consultation with European and availability of networks, good quality of universal emergency services or equivalent access to
social partners. This package was the main topic of the key debate during the Parliament’s plenary communications for disabled people.
session. Joseph Daul (F), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, welcomed the Commission’s proposals, The other main point of the new legislation is the Body of European Regulators in Telecom (BERT)
but was not entirely satisfied. «My Group would like to see the Commission go further, with more to improve a ‘co-regulation’ system between national regulators and the European Commission.
concrete measures. The fight against poverty, the integration into labour markets of those now Pilar del Castillo (ES), author of the proposal, said that rather than the creation of a new authority
excluded, the promotion of worker mobility and improvement of workers’ training, are areas which with a big bureaucratic structure and a heavy budget, BERT will be a most «coherent and
require clear, concrete measures and a strong commitment from the European Union and its consistent» solution because what the markets need now is to share responsibility to develop
Member States», he said. competition.
«We believe the most effective tool we have is economic growth», Daul continued. «We are
convinced that to achieve the Lisbon goals, we have to promote entrepreneurship, because
only businesses can create jobs. We must improve the image of the European entrepreneur and
convince young people to start businesses. We must also promote a competitive environment for
our businesses and in particular we must support small and medium-sized companies, which are
the key to job creation.»
V Parliament supports ban on animal clones for food
By Eimear O’Mahony
New Coastal Zone Policy can yield €660m gain for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Europe
MEPs have massively voted for a ban on animal cloning for the purposes of supplying food. The vast majority of the European Parliament adopted a report by Ioannis Gklavakis (GR) on
Fisheries and Aquaculture in the context of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Europe.
Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, Neil Parish MEP (UK), asked
the Commission on Tuesday to clarify its position on animal cloning, specifically whether or not The idea of Integrated Coastal Zone Management was first mooted in 1994, when a Council
it finds cloning animals and their offspring for food production ethically justified. Mr Parish went Resolution stressed the need for a Community strategy for coastal zones based on the principles
on to ask the Commission what steps it had taken to prevent the import of cloned animals, and of sustainable development. The coastal areas are today the most intensively exploited regions and
whether any new proposals were in the pipeline to prohibit this practice. have up to 50% more population from continental regions. At the same time, they have strategic
importance for the EU’s economy because they constitute a basic source of food and raw material.
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The European Commissioner for Health said the Commission was evaluating what steps to take
Furthermore, they play a vital role in transport and trade, they include rich ecosystems and they
following an opinion by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) adopted in July, which highlights
constitute a preferred destination for entertainment. According to an evaluation of a European
uncertainties regarding the health and welfare of animal clones.

Committee, the implementation of the new policy will make a profit of between €130-€660m per
The Commissioner added that although efficiency of animal cloning had improved, mortality year. The main aspects of the report are:
rates and adverse health effects were still higher in clones than in sexually reproduced animals,
> Long-term planning involving representatives of all sectors in coastal zones
and that the European Group on Ethics in Science and New Technologies (EGE) had found in a
report published in January 2008 that there were no convincing arguments to clone animals for > Effective coordination of the competent authorities in managing these zones
food supply. The results of a Eurobarometer survey, examining the public’s opinion on the issue,
are soon to be published. > Regional cooperation including third countries
Parliament’s Resolution, tabled by the Chairman on behalf of the Agriculture Committee, was > The establishment of a supporting body if the coordination shortcomings continue
adopted on Wednesday by an overwhelming majority. Mr Gklavakis stressed that the Integrated Coastal Zone Management constitutes a suitable
framework for the sustainable development of coastal zones and the viable development of
activities pursued in these zones, emphasising fisheries and aquaculture.
Visa Information System: EPP-ED supports safe and quick crossings of the Schengen border
By Klemen Žumer
New classification of chemicals to improve safety
At their first plenary meeting in Brussels after the summer recess, Members of the European By Thomas Bickl
Parliament discussed a report by Mihael Brejc (SL) on the use of the Visa Information System (VIS)
under the Schengen Borders Code. The classification and labelling of chemicals in the EU will follow international rules by 2011. This
Brejc expressed his satisfaction with the final text: «This arrangement will be helpful for EU citizens week, the European Parliament adopted a Directive on the implementation of the so-called Globally
and third-country nationals requiring a visa to enter the European Union. It will reduce queues at Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling (GHS). The aim of the GHS is the international
354 border crossings while also ensuring security at the EU external borders.» harmonisation of classification and labelling systems, for example for transport, protection 355
of consumers and the environment. An agreement on the Directive was reached between the
Mr Brejc presented the chronology of the development of this report and stressed key issues Parliament and Council before the vote. «The new labelling leads to a better understanding and
regarding the use of the Visa Information System (VIS) as proposed by the European Commission. more transparency for consumers. Warning symbols for substances used in households will be
The initial proposal suggested systematic checks of each visa number and taking fingerprints from the same throughout the world», said Amalia Sartori (IT), who is the European Parliament’s
all third-country nationals every time they cross the Schengen border. «Such systematic checks Rapporteur.
by consulting the VIS for third-country nationals holding a visa every time they cross an external
border will largely increase waiting times at border crossings, particularly in the tourist season and The new classifications have already been incorporated in the new EU chemicals policy REACH.
at the beginning and end of public holidays», said Brejc. «That would harm not only visa holders, However, GHS provides for new warning symbols. The new pictogrammes take the form of an
but EU citizens as well.» octothorpe with a red margin and a black symbol on a white background. They replace the current
symbols with a yellow-orange background. For substances, the new GHS standards will be binding
After several consultations with the Commission and the Council, Mihael Brejc MEP put forward a as from 2011. For blends, the new provisions apply as from June 2015. Parliament negotiated
compromise solution whereby systematic checks by consulting the VIS for third-country nationals testing on animals to be reduced.
holding a visa will be at times of intense traffic on a random basis.
The new Visa Information System (VIS) allows Member States’ authorities, such as police and
customs, to instantly check on the validity of visas. VIS helps avoid the multiple granting of visas,
avoids illegal entry at borders and accelerates the repatriation of third-country nationals whose
visas have expired.
V Parliament wants better market access for hydrogen vehicles
By Knut Goelz
Decisive influence of environmental factors and climate change on health
The plenary of the European Parliament has almost unanimously adopted a report by German MEP The new health threats caused by climate change and the emission of electromagnetic radiation
Anja Weisgerber regarding type approvals of hydrogen-powered motor vehicles: «Hydrogen power will be taken into consideration in the European Environment and Health Action Plan 2004-2010.
is an alternative to conventional engines. However, up to now there was no functioning internal Shadow Rapporteur Antonios Trakatellis (GR) added amendments to the Mid-Term Review of the
market for hydrogen-powered vehicles in the EU. Parliament has therefore paved the way for this plan which was voted at the plenary session of the European Parliament in Brussels.
new technology by establishing EU-wide minimum standards and licensing criteria in the European
Union», she said. Mr Trakatellis worked closely with the Rapporteur and included in the amendments:
Together with biofuels and electrical drives, hydrogen power can provide a substantial contribution > the recognition that climate change will play a critical role in the increased appearance of certain
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to reduce dependence on oil, to lower air pollution and to reach CO2 aims in the traffic sector. diseases, due to the changes in the nature of the ecosystems as well as the changes in the
There are already manufacturers with practical experience regarding hydrogen-powered cars. temperature and humidity of animals, plants, insects, protozoans, germs and viruses

With the adoption of EU-wide criteria, the European Union can establish itself ahead of global > the continuous accumulation of scientific data which provides evidence for the fact that some
research and ensure investment security for market access of this future technology. By setting types of cancer, such as cancer of the bladder, bone cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, breast
minimum standards, the European Union could now also provide guidance for global licensing cancer and others, are attributed to the effect of chemical substances, radiation, particles that
in this sector. exist in the air, but also to the effect of other environmental factors
Furthermore, research and development of hydrogen power is an example of how the European > the necessity to take into account, regarding the impact of environmental factors on human
Union can set basic conditions for new technologies. «Here, we are setting an example by showing health as the main starting point, the vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, newborns,
how the European Union strengthens the economy by the promotion of new technologies and thus children and elderly people.
provides jobs», the Rapporteur underlined. Car manufacturers are willing and innovative enough
to invest in new technologies. Thus the economy is also ready to take part in a public partnership > the need to epidemiologically register the number of persons who become ill due to the effects
for the promotion of the European hydrogen economy adding up to €940m. of the environment in order to provide a clear picture of the diseases that are merely attributed
to environmental factors
> Calls on the Council to amend its Recommendation 1999/519/EC in order to take into account
Towards a more efficient and sustainable European freight transport the Member States’ best practices and thus to set stricter exposure limits for all equipment which
By Greet Gysen emit electromagnetic waves in the frequencies between 0.1 MHz and 300 GHz
Mr Trakatellis criticised the insufficiency of the forecast budget, pointing out that the profits of an
The first plenary session of the European Parliament after the summer break concluded with an effective European strategy in the sector of environmental health will be multiple and diffused in
own-initiative report on European freight transport. With this report, Parliament gave its input to all sectors.
three Commission documents aimed at boosting the efficiency, integration and sustainability of
freight transport. Shadow Rapporteur Mathieu Grosch (BE) underlined that a more sustainable and
efficient freight transport is the key to coping with global economic competition, to increasing road
356 safety and meeting the EU’s objectives as regards climate change and energy saving. 357
Mathieu Grosch stressed that all modes of transport need to be used in an optimal way: «We have
to strive to choose the most appropriate and most efficient mode of transport for each load and
improve compatibility between different modes of transport. High-speed railway lines, for example,
constitute a valuable and eco-friendly alternative to air transport for light transport during the
night.»
A more efficient freight transport requires further standardisation, Grosch underlined. «We need to
achieve standard information flows and make sure that data is interoperable. For the same reason,
we also support the creation of a single international intermodal transport document.»
Grosch stressed that transport is an important source of employment and that Member States
should invest in the logistics education delivered by their universities.
The transport sector is responsible for almost 30% of CO2 emissions in Europe and freight
transport is expected to grow by 50% in tonne-kilometres between 2000 and 2020.
V EPP-ED Report EU needs to step up its actions in combating terrorism
By Eva Mitsopoulou
Issue 9 / September II 2008
«Terrorism threatens the fundamental freedoms and principles on which the EU is founded», said
Panayiotis Demetriou (GR), Spokesman on the report on combating terrorism, after the report was
voted by the plenary of the European Parliament on Tuesday.
EP votes for EU-wide minimum standards in financial sector
By Per Heister «In recent years, the threat of terrorism has grown and therefore the need to hamper the
recruitment and training of terrorists, as well as curtailing public incitement to commit terrorist
The European Parliament this week voted in favour of EU-wide minimum standards in the financial offences, is higher than ever before», Demetriou continued.
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sector that covers all financial market actors and instruments. Openness, transparency and liability Mr Demetriou expressed his satisfaction with the final text saying that it is important to have a
are the keywords. The current financial crisis doesn’t surprise the European Parliament, where consensus on the issue because Europe should speak with one voice to combat this increasing
preparations for stricter rules have been in the making since last year. threat. He underlined that the package of measures presented by the Commission constitutes a

Despite the long preparation, German MEP Klaus-Heiner Lehne found that the financial turmoil key tool in the fight against terrorism by intending to harmonise national provisions on public
of recent weeks has added arguments in favour of the proposed Regulation: We are all appalled incitement to commit a terrorist offence, recruitment for terrorism and training for terrorism. As
by the events of the past few weeks; the public, politicians and the economic sector. It is a serious regards the development of information and communication technologies, these three new forms
problem that in the inevitable practical solutions of the moment, profits have been privatised while of criminal offences will therefore also be punishable when committed through the internet (cyber
losses have been socialised. «Money knows few borders and Regulations have to follow suit,» terrorism) in the EU. Furthermore, the system of penalties, liability of legal persons, jurisdiction
argued Lehne. and prosecution applicable to terrorist offences will also apply to such criminal offences in order
to respond more effectively to modern terrorism.
It is true that the companies in the financial sector are ruled by national legislation, sometimes
strong and sometimes not so strong, in accordance with national traditions. But it has become «The EU needs to prevent new forms of terrorism and this report on combating terrorism
obvious that we also need harmonisation and closer co-operation on a European level to make guarantees a real balance between the protection of fundamental freedom, particularly the freedom
sure that these companies, that together create a critical financial mass, will not put the markets of expression, and a greater effectiveness in the fight against terrorism», Panayiotis Demetriou
at risk. concluded.
Kurt Joachim Lauk (D) was equally concerned in his contribution to the debate on behalf of the
EPP-ED Group. The ongoing crisis of the banking sector shows that we can no longer rely on US
standards, particularly since the American control systems partly failed. As a consequence, the Consumers’ rights boosted by new EU telecom sector rules
European Union must create its own protection and control mechanisms. By Pedro López de Pablo
Lauk lists proposals such as risk evaluation, risk-based capital requirements, more transparency
The European Parliament this week adopted new legislative proposals by a large majority to
of financial instruments and an appropriate participation of responsible managers, not only in
regulate the telecom sector to take into account technological developments since the 2002
profits, but also in losses.
Regulation came into force and to enhance the rights of consumers.
358 The openness and transparency required by the Parliament will thus make salaries and 359
The legislation includes draft proposals for a Framework Directive to regulate electronic
remunerations for management available to the public.
communications networks and services, the creation of a Body of European Regulators in
So far, rating institutions such as Standard & Poor and Moody’s have been unregulated but Kurt Telecommunications (BERT) and a new Users’ Rights Directive which covers all forms of electronic
Joachim Lauk is now asking for them to be included in future Regulations: «We ought to hold communications including telephones, both fixed line and mobile, fax, internet, cable, and
the rating agencies liable for their evaluations following the example of the existing rules for satellite.
auditors.»
«This is a really important piece of legislation to boost a sector with high growth expectations and
The European Commissioner responsible for the Internal Market agreed: «As I said earlier, the for 500 million consumers», said Pilar del Castillo MEP after the vote, calling on the EU Council to
market turmoil exposed failings in the risk management of large financial institutions. It also reach an agreement on the new rules before the end of this parliamentary term in June 2009. «It
highlighted a number of areas of regulatory weakness. It is on these areas that regulatory attention is very important to respect this deadline if we want to safeguard the European sector as a leader
must now be focused.» in the world market, as we should have a clear framework to attract investors for the development
of new services and new networks», she added.
The will of the Parliament has been to set out a «co-regulation» system in which national
authorities have to consult the Commission and BERT before taking regulatory measures and are
empowered to demand changes if the measure is considered inappropriate. BERT will be the basic
pillar to ensure fair market competition and high quality telecom services across Europe and it will
be funded jointly by the EU and national regulatory authorities.
One of the most important parts of the legislative package deals with consumers’ rights. Malcolm
Harbour MEP, who was responsible for this report, thinks the new rules will provide users with
much clearer mobile phone contracts, price plans and more information about restrictions to
V particular services on their handset, such as Skype, before agreeing to a contract. Communications
contracts will be a maximum of 24 months to avoid consumers being locked into long contracts, a
Mr Bowis said there will be a number of questions that the Parliament must find answers to when
it debates the Directive. For example, how a patient can determine if they qualify for treatment
measure that should encourage operators to improve their services and keep prices down. abroad, what happens if there are complications, whether a patient must get prior authorisation
from their local health provider. The Parliament must also tackle the issue of reimbursement - will
Furthermore, the new rules will mean that consumers will be able to keep their phone number the patient have to stump up the cash before the treatment, or can the EU facilitate a central
when switching to another network operator in just one working day, avoiding a process that takes clearing house arrangement?
up to 30 days in some EU countries. Disabled users will also benefit from the new rules, which will
ensure they receive equivalent access to communications as able-bodied people. Mr Bowis said: «It is patients who are at the centre of this - patients, not lawyers - and it is for all
patients, not just for a few.»
«We have significantly enhanced the initial proposal and we hope that national governments will
now back our line, as this package will empower consumers to shop around as providers are
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encouraged to offer better deals and ultimately, this will improve the service they receive on the
internet and on their telephones», Harbour said. Concentration and pluralism in the media in the European Union
By Krizsta Kovacs

New safety measures for sea transport The EPP-ED Group is fully committed to media pluralism and freedom of the press and strongly
By Thomas Bickl believes that the media plays a predominant role in preserving democracy, which was the goal of
the Mikko Report, although, the Group rejected the Estonian Socialist Rapporteur’s Resolution for
other reasons. Pál Schmitt (HU), EPP-ED Group Spokesman on this subject, said that the Group
EPP-ED MEPs have called on EU Transport Ministers to speed up negotiations and reach an tried to reach an agreement, but it was rejected by the Rapporteur. Without this consensus, there
agreement with the European Parliament on the measures for maritime safety as soon as was no room to influence the content of the report.
possible.
«The new rules just introduced in the current plenary session of the European Parliament do not
EPP-ED Transport Spokesman Georg Jarzembowski (D) explained the lack of commitment on the allow amendments to be tabled to the report, and they don’t even allow our group to express
part of the Council: «It is plain to see that Member States are afraid to accept binding obligations an opinion in an open debate», said Pál Schmitt. «The only way to express our opinion was by
and the implementation of standards. This is all the more astonishing, as they repeatedly say rejecting the report and proposing an alternative. The reason for that is that there were some
they are in favour of safety at sea, safety for seamen and passengers and the protection of the unacceptable paragraphs in the report which are against our political priorities which needed to
environment.» be left out.»
Dominique Vlasto (F) highlighted why it is time to deliver before a new catastrophe occurs: «We Pál Schmitt underlined that the most important disagreement between the Rapporteur and the
cannot wait for another major accident to happen at sea before we are sure that maritime safety EPP-ED Group was pointing out one Member State where freedom of expression and information
is a major priority for us. It is also indispensable for the people who are fed up seeing their coasts is supposed to have been violated. The group believes that an EP Resolution should not single out
polluted. These accidents are a catastrophe for the environment and also end up in financial any Member State and should respect how each Member State organises its own media market.
disaster.»
The EPP-ED Group believes that Member States should be able to decide how to ensure media
The Third Maritime Package includes eight legislative measures to enhance maritime and vessel pluralism and it should therefore be up to them whether they want to create an independent media
360 safety. The new standards include provisions on emergency ports for vessels in distress, joint ombudsman or not, which was suggested as a mandatory institution in the original report. The 361
independent investigations after an accident and the inspection of vessels in and around ports. For EPP-ED Group rejected the report which asked the Commission to draw up a Directive to ensure
example, ships which have repeatedly failed safety standard inspections are to be excluded from media diversity, whereas the group believes a Recommendation to the Member States would
any port access altogether. suffice at this stage.
In view of the importance of the topic, the group would like to suggest that the Commission
engages in this subject and drives an exhaustive discussion on the need for EU action to ensure
Patients should be main focus of Social Package media pluralism in Member States.
By James Holtum
John Bowis (UK) led the debate for the EPP-ED Group on the second half of the Social Package - the
health aspects. Mr Bowis, who has recently been appointed the Parliament’s Rapporteur on the
Cross-border Healthcare Directive, pointed out that jurisprudence of the European Court of Justice
already allows a patient to seek treatment in another Member State if they face ‘undue delay’. But
Mr Bowis warned that allowing lawyers rather than politicians to set a framework was creating a
lack of legal certainty surrounding patient mobility in the EU, and patients, government and health
practitioners must be made aware of their rights and responsibilities.
V EPP-ED Report «The European Union should give a clear answer to its citizens. The new proposal gives a clear
and comprehensive legal framework in matrimonial matters in order to ensure adequate solutions
Issue 10 / October 2008 for citizens in terms of legal certainty, predictability, flexibility and access to court in case of divorce
and legal separation», Demetriou continued.
Panayiotis Demetriou regrets the fact that the Council did not agree on the proposal and only some
Emission cuts despite financial crisis Member States wish to have an EU Regulation on the law applicable to matrimonial matters and
By Gunnar Larsson supports the idea of an enhanced cooperation as the only available solution which would enable
them to go ahead on their own.
Not surprisingly, the topic of this week’s key debate in Parliament was the Brussels Summit and «The report is a strong political signal to the Council in order to push the Member States to adopt
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its conclusions. French President Nicolas Sarkozy travelled from Paris to Strasbourg to address an EU instrument on the matter», Panayiotis Demetriou concluded.
the Parliament and answer MEPs’ questions on a wide range of issues, but naturally, foremost,
the economy.

Sarkozy, who has played a leading role in tackling the financial crisis, did not want to play the Safe internet for children: Raise society’s awareness, impose tough sanctions on abusers
blame game: «It serves no purpose to appoint blame to someone. We should simply find ways By Delia Vlase
and means to prevent it from happening again.» He continued: «I would specifically like to point
out that Europe should have a say in global governance of the twenty-first century. We should not
As new technologies become more widespread and computer literacy increases, children are
be surprised it does not work. We live in the twenty-first century, but we have the institutions of
being exposed to the risks of illegal content and harmful behaviour such as harassment, child
the twentieth.»
pornography, online grooming, bullying, dissemination of racist ideas, incitement to self-harm,
EPP-ED Group Chairman Joseph Daul (F) called for stricter rules and tougher enforcement of anorexia or suicide. MEPs are calling for a programme to promote and educate parents and
existing rules: «The financial crisis is not behind us, but it is in situations of crisis that we can children about the safe use of the internet and other communication technologies, as well as an
adopt rules for the future and we must adopt rules for the future. I hear now and then that we are effective response to illegal content and harmful conduct online.
now assisting in the collapse of capitalism, that everything is the fault of the free market. In reality,
The EPP-ED Group is committed to speeding up the process of the application of the new
the free market has proved it needs to be accompanied by rules. Apparently, existing rules have not
programme ‘Safer Internet Plus’ from January 2009. MEPs are calling for a safer online
been sufficient or not been applied firmly enough. We must work together with central banks and
environment by combating illegal content and countering internet abuse.
with the entire international community.»
«The most important part of the programme is to establish a knowledge base by bringing together
Following demands from several European countries to ease cuts in carbon dioxide emissions,
researchers engaged in child safety online at European level, and cooperation between Member
Nicolas Sarkozy also addressed the intended pet project of the French EU Presidency: «Nothing
States to facilitate information exchange as illegal content can be uploaded in one country and
indicates the world is better off from an environmental point of view just because there has been
viewed in another. Raising awareness is a vital part of the programme, which is why 48% of the
a financial crisis. When we decided to launch the Energy and Climate Package, we were aware of
budget will be used for this purpose», said the EPP-ED Group’s Shadow Rapporteur on the report
our responsibilities towards our children and the future of the planet.» He did, however, express
‘Protecting children using the internet and other communication technologies’, Csaba Sógor
understanding for those countries concerned about the economic impact of curbs in emissions:
(HU).
362 «Certain economies are 95 percent based on coal. We cannot ask of them measures that would 363
force them to their knees, with problems which are already immense. We will have to find ways The new programme provides for €55m in funding for the period 2009-2013, to protect children
and flexible means.» using the internet and new technologies. It will be based on four main lines of action, including
ensuring public awareness. The second task will be to fight illegal content and tackle harmful
conduct online. In addition, measures should be taken to protect a safe online environment. Lastly,
a knowledge base should be established to encourage cooperation and exchanges of good practice
Increased choice of jurisdiction for increasing number of ‘international’ divorces
at international level.
By Eva Mitsopoulou
The plenary of the European Parliament adopted a report on Tuesday on applicable law in
matrimonial matters. Panayiotis Demetriou (CY), EPP-ED Spokesman on the issue, supported Medicinal products: quicker access to better medicine for patients
the proposed Regulation for providing a clear and comprehensive legal framework, covering both By Marion Jeanne
jurisdiction as well as applicable law rules in matrimonial matters.
The plenary of the European Parliament has approved Françoise Grossetête’s (F) report on
«The increasing number of ‘international’ couples divorcing each year in the EU should be able to
«variations to the terms of marketing authorisations for medicinal products».
choose the Member State where they wish to divorce, if they have links with it, such as nationality
or the place of marriage. At the same time, the two parties need to be informed of their rights», Those who market medicinal products must report all changes made to those medicinal products
said Demetriou after the vote. during their life cycle to the relevant authorities. The regulatory requirements for changing
marketing authorisations are currently not harmonised between the Member States. This poses an
administrative burden for pharmaceutical industries and has negative repercussions for patients
because it can cause delays in improving the effectiveness of medicine.
V The new legislation will simplify the regulatory system for marketing authorisations for medicinal
products and harmonise the evaluation, approval and administrative processing criteria applied
Furthermore, border protection and internal security shall also be promoted by a joint European
effort. With regard to the lack of sufficient money in category 4 (The European Union as a global
when changes are made to medicinal products. Thus, modifications regarding manufacturing partner) a multi-annual approach in this sector is also needed. Parliament thus wants to focus
methods, the introduction of a new therapeutic indication, new safety information or updating negotiations on effective aid for Kosovo, Palestine, Afghanistan and Georgia, Common Foreign and
of notices will be subject to rules made simpler and harmonised for all types of medicine. The Security Policy as well as a new food aid programme called for by the Council.
improvement in the system will be to the benefit of patients who will have access to better
medicinal products in a shorter period and will reduce red tape for laboratories. After the first reading, the amended budget now amounts to approximately €136 billion in
commitments and €124 billion in payments. This corresponds to 1.048% and 0.96% of the
European Union’s gross national income. There is also a broad consensus that the Council
continues to develop and propose additional budget obligations e.g. in development policy
Stability and Association Agreement with Bosnia-Herzegovina creating international obligations for the EU but which does not sufficiently provide the necessary
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By Knut Goelz financial means.

The European Parliament has voted in favour of the conclusion of a Stabilisation and Association
Agreement (SAA) between the European Union and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Doris Pack (D), New Timeshare Directive to ensure tourists are not tripped up by rogue traders
Chairwoman of the European Parliament’s South Eastern Europe Delegation, welcomed the By Gareth Goldsmith
outcome of the vote but reminded politicians in Bosnia-Herzegovina at the same time of their
special responsibility to the country’s unity: «Bosnia-Herzegovina can only exist as a common
state if all responsible politicians recognise reality and accept that changes are only possible after «The Timeshare Directive passed by MEPs this week will make European holiday-makers better
agreement between all three ethnic groups.» informed and less exposed to rogue traders», said Malcolm Harbour (UK), EPP-ED Spokesman on
the internal market and consumer protection.
Doris Pack also called for a quick constitutional reform as the current division of powers between
municipalities, districts and the federation government are not proving manageable. Instead, the The new Directive better reflects the market structure of tourism, covering, as well as timeshare,
different levels of decision-making should be reorganised under full participation of the country’s long-term holiday products (such as discount holiday clubs) as well as resale and exchange
Parliament and its civil society. Otherwise it will not be possible to fulfil the preconditions for the contracts. It has also been extended to include canal boats, caravans and cruise ships.
SAA as a preliminary stage to full EU membership. Ongoing rivalry between politicians of the Traders will be obliged to provide prospective purchasers with comprehensive pre-contractual
different entities does not contribute to stabilisation, but provokes fear and distrust between the information, in the form of standard forms, ensuring consumers are fully informed before signing
ethnic groups. the contract. Honest operators will no longer have to face unfair competition from fraudsters.
As a consequence, ethnic separation is deepened further. Instead of tackling, for example, common Consumers will have a standard period of 14 days to withdraw free of charge from the contract as
energy supply, creating a common market, improving the general education system and attracting well as a total ban on advance payments to ensure equal consumer protection Europe-wide.
investors by reliable conditions, the political class in Bosnia-Herzegovina is dominated by distrust The Parliament’s strong support for the Directive means it is likely to be passed at first reading.
and conflict. The Chairwoman therefore proposed to replace the current High Representative by Mr Harbour said: «Many people make significant investments in timeshare or holiday clubs, yet far
a special envoy from the European Union, as this could also lead to a higher degree of political too often they fall foul of mis-selling or poor information. This new Directive will give consumers
responsibility in Bosnia-Herzegovina. more confidence and better protection before they sign a contract, and it enables them to withdraw
364 if they have any concerns. This law will be good for consumers, and for the many legitimate 365
timeshare and holiday club businesses in Europe.»
Budget 2009: Parliament votes for substantial changes at first reading
By Knut Goelz
Collective Agreements - protecting workers’ rights and the free provision of services
Parliament has accepted the priorities suggested by the Budget Committee with an overwhelming By Marzena Rogalska
majority and concluded its first reading of the Budget 2009. Reimer Böge (D), Chairman of the
Committee, Janusz Lewandowski (PL), Rapporteur on the draft general budget, and László Surján The aim of Parliament’s report on challenges to collective agreements in the EU is to ensure the
(H), Shadow Rapporteur on the Commission’s Budget, agreed that the plenary has put forward a right balance between the protection of workers’ rights and the right of business establishment
very concrete proposal for the future. The changes made by the European Parliament will now have and the free provision of services. The report stipulates that the first step to achieving this aim is
to be negotiated with the Council starting in November. to correct and fully implement the Directive for posted workers.
It is therefore fully in line with the current economic situation that more money should be spent Jacek Protasiewicz (PL), the EPP-ED Group Shadow Rapporteur, emphasised that every year,
for programmes of European added value such as growth and employment. Additional means for around 1 million workers quite successfully provide employment in the context of so-called posting.
research and innovation, small and medium-sized enterprises, lifelong learning, Transeuropean Only a few cases of the proper functioning of the freedom of services in the context of the Posted
Networks as well as first budgetary commitments for climate protection should also be part of the Workers Directive needed a ruling or interpretation by the European Court of Justice.
European Union’s contribution.
V According to the Rapporteur, the current legislation is good and the problem is not with the content
but rather in its implementation in individual countries. The Directive guarantees the minimum
EPP-ED Report
at the same time allowing for more beneficial conditions for workers resulting, for example, Issue 11 / November 2008
from Collective Agreements. The Directive is a guarantee of a balance between posted workers’
protection and the freedom of work provision, therefore there is no need for any radical changes
in the current legislation and the report merely suggests that the Commission should take a closer
look at its implementation. No revisions are necessary. Social market economy - a role model
By Gunnar Larsson
Will the Washington financial Summit with leaders of 20 of the world’s richest economies and
emerging economic powers reshape the world economy? In a Parliament debate following the
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Summit, Joseph Daul (F), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, called it a «symbolic and historic
event». «The Summit led to concrete steps that our Group strongly supports. The G20 has indeed
identified the causes of the problem, defined a strategy and provided a timetable», he said.

Daul did not agree with those who portray the economic crisis as the end of market economy as we
know it. «It is rather the result of a political mistake, the lack of rules and controls on the quality
of financial products across the Atlantic since the 90s», he said. «It follows from lack of market
transparency and the absence of an effective supervision of financial markets.»
The European centre-right has never been in favour of a financial system without rules or
arbitration, Daul said, seeing European-style social market economy as a role model for the world
economy. «In these difficult times, our focus is primarily on the situation of people working and
saving, and on entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, who take risks
every day to create growth and jobs.»
John Purvis, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, saw a danger in
rushing to excessive, misguided regulation, with unintended consequences, such as a proposed 5
percent retention of securitisation proceeds in the new Capital Requirements Directive. «This will
only clog up credit creation», he said. «Lack of securitisation possibilities is the principal reason
that credit has dried up now. We need the banks to lend but this misguided principle, which lacks
an impact assessment, will prevent a restart of securitisation and the credit which our business
and industry so badly needs. Ask the motor car industry how it will prosper if securitisation is
snuffed out.»
366 367
Common Agricultural Policy: EP wants cautious reform
By Knut Goelz
The plenary of the European Parliament has adopted the reports on the ‘Health Check’ of the
Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with a clear majority. EPP-ED Rapporteur Lutz Goepel (D)
welcomed the outcome of the vote which is a compromise between the financial cuts proposed by
the Commission and the necessary reforms in the agricultural sector. Parliament’s position could
therefore serve as a basis for agreement in the Council. The actual goal of the so-called ‘Health
Check’ shall be maintained, namely in terms of competitive, sustainable, social, multifunctional
and comprehensive agriculture. «Additionally, the Commission’s original demand for complete
abolition of direct payments until 2013, is no longer an issue», said the German MEP.
Parliament instead advocated the reduction of direct payments by a maximum of five percent in
2012, as proposed by its Agricultural Committee. This cutback shall be carried out in accordance
with the size of the businesses. Free resources could then be re-dedicated to rural development
ensuring equal treatment of all farms irrespective of their size and legal status. Re-nationalisation
of the CAP, as demanded by the EU Budget Commissioner and contrary to the Treaties, could then
also be excluded.
V In principle, the system change sought for by the Commission towards higher flexibility of Member
States, including the introduction of further decoupling and the abolition of historical reference
«MONUC cannot perform its tasks if it is not equipped with the necessary means. I therefore
support a reinforcement of the UN peace troops in Congo. In order to stabilise the situation in the
values, is welcomed. However, this must not endanger planning reliability for farmers and safety meantime, the European Union should send a temporary force into the region, until MONUC can
of food supply in the European Union. For this reason, Parliament’s proposal aims for a more perform its tasks», stressed the German MEP.
careful approach with regard to breeding premiums as well as smaller market regulations in the
plant sector. Furthermore, new measures are envisaged for protection against plant and epidemic
diseases, which will increase due to climate change and global interdependence of agricultural
markets. Eurozone must provide stability in current economic crisis
By Knut Goelz
Parliament has approved a report on the tenth anniversary of the European Monetary Union by a
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Blue Card and single application for work and residence permit large majority. «The Euro proved to be a success and is a key element for stability in the current
By Marion Jeanne financial crisis», said Rapporteur Werner Langen (D). Nevertheless, he also pointed out that

the Euro now has to face new challenges due to the scope of the crisis. As there is a centralised
The European Parliament has adopted two reports on the admission of migrant workers to monetary policy but a decentralised financial policy, the importance of the Stability and Growth
European countries by a large majority. The report drafted by Ewa Klamt (D) was adopted in plenary Pact as a link is even more important.
by 388 votes in favour, 56 against and 124 abstentions.
It is thus necessary that the stability pact is respected by all Member States while at the same
With this vote, MEPs have clarified eligibility requirements for the Blue Card: an applicant must time offering enough flexibility to master the crisis. Only in very extreme cases, exceptions on a
have found a job in the EU, and have at least five years’ experience in the sector concerned or a temporary basis to its rules shall be acceptable, but there will be no general suspension of the pact.
university qualification recognised by the Member State. The applicant’s contract must guarantee The report also calls for a better and more visible representation which should be assured by the
an income of at least 1.7 times the average gross salary in the Member State of residence. President of Eurogroup. With regard to the necessary process of financial markets, there should
also be a better and more effective co-ordination of national policies but no centralised ‘economic
Patrick Gaubert’s (F) report on the single work and residence permit application was also adopted government’. Parliament must be fully included in this process to improve the legal framework of
by a large majority (442 in favour, 77 against, 42 abstentions). It aims at reducing bureaucratic financial markets.
procedures and simplifying administrative steps for the individuals concerned. What is more, it
grants a common set of fundamental social rights to third-country nationals working legally in a
Member State and to new arrivals.
Gender Pay Gap Report adopted by European Parliament
These decisions will contribute to improving the integration of immigrants. They prove Europe’s
By Atilla Agárdi
capacity to put in place concrete instruments to deal with economic migration flows in a
coordinated manner and to undertake an immigration policy that is dignified, firm and open.
The European Parliament adopted a report drafted by Edit Bauer (SK), on the application of the
principle of equal pay for men and women. In addition to the Treaty of Rome, Directive No 117 from
1975 also prohibits discrimination against women in remuneration.
European Union should send a temporary force to Congo
368 By Knut Goelz According to Eurostat, the differences of hourly wages decreased from 17 percent to 15 percent 369
between 1995 and 2006 despite the fact that more than half of university graduates are now
women. If the differences in earnings decrease by the same rate as during the above-mentioned
Due to the deteriorating situation in Congo, Parliament has debated and voted a Resolution calling period, they will not be equal for another 70 years.
on all parties to cease hostilities and demanding more efforts from the international community to
re-establish peace in the region. Jürgen Schröder (D), former participant in observer missions to According to the Rapporteur, the reasons for the differences in pay are diverse. They are of structural
Congo and Rwanda criticised the fact that the industrialised countries had not kept their promise and individual character. The terms of reconciliation of work and family life and stereotypes, among
to provide 0.7 percent of their Gross National Income to the developing countries which might others, also play an important role in the persistence of differences in pay.
have made this conflict obsolete.
«The question today is what the European Parliament can do to solve this problem», highlighted
As things stand at present, swift reaction from the international community is necessary to prevent Mrs Bauer in the debate in Plenary. «On one hand, there is the persistent problem, on the other
a new humanitarian catastrophe in the Eastern Congolese province of Kivu with 250,000 additional hand, powerless legislation. However, the European Parliament has only one tool - legislation.
refugees and rising numbers of people dying from war and spreading diseases. While the United Everyone involved therefore has a responsibility in this matter - ours is to send out a definite signal
Nations had tried to fulfil its responsibility via the detachment of the peace-keeping force MONUC, that we want better and more effective legislation in order to achieve fairer trade conditions on the
it has become clear that this force does not have the necessary means to protect civilians in the labour market», concluded Edit Bauer.
region. Even though MONUC is the largest force ever dispatched under chapter VII of the UN
charter, it disposes of only 6000 soldiers in contrast to 15,000 fully equipped and well-trained
military personnel in Kosovo (KFOR).
V Electronic company registers: reduction of red tape Free distribution of fruit in schools
By Antti Timonen By Delia Vlase
A report by Piia-Noora Kauppi MEP on the publication and translation obligations of certain types MEPs voted on a draft report by the Agriculture Committee which urges the expansion of the EU
of companies has been adopted by the European Parliament. The aim of the proposal is to diminish programme for distributing fruit and vegetables in schools. The aim is to encourage healthier
administrative burdens and to lower costs for companies as part of a wider exercise to reduce red eating habits in children and to combat the obesity epidemic.
tape. «It is necessary to reduce the administrative burdens of European companies and to ensure
their competitiveness in the global business environment», Kauppi said after the adoption. «We have voted for an increased budget, for the use of fresh seasonal fruits that are cultivated in an
ecological manner and are also locally-produced. The programme helps those parents who cannot
According to the proposal, Member States should adopt an electronic platform to which always afford to provide fresh fruit for their children», said the EPP-ED Group Shadow Rapporteur
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companies submit the required information for stakeholders. This would be a cost-effective and an Maria Petre (RO).
easily accessible way to provide all the necessary company information. «The electronic platform
is a major improvement for registering company information. It will make it easier for users to The €90m per year suggested by the European Commission for financing this programme will not

actually get the information through this platform, no matter which Member State they are in», suffice and the European Parliament voted for an increase in funding of €500m per year.
stated Kauppi. «I strongly support a co-funding scheme that does not rely on contributions from parents. The
The adopted report introduces a single fee, set by the Member States, which would cover all costs subsidiarity principle should allow Member States some flexibility in determining their target
related to the publication and administration requirements. Although the Member States are groups under this programme, in order to allow as many people as possible to benefit from it.
allowed to maintain additional publication obligations, such as national gazettes, the single fee The programme will be beneficial to European children in more ways than one, by teaching them
would also cover these. to appreciate high quality food and also by combating child poverty, especially in the new Member
States», stated Petre.
The proposal also covers the translation requirements for documents that are to be filed in the
registers of company branches. The objective is to reduce the translation and certification costs In the European Union, around 22 million children are overweight and more than 5 million are
to a minimum, benefiting companies by achieving cost reductions and at the same time ensuring obese, mainly as a result of a diet that is too heavily based on foods with a high fat, sugar and salt
the reliability of translations. content. The World Health Organisation recommends the consumption of at least 400g of fruit
and vegetables per day for children under the age of 11.
370 371
V EPP-ED Report Climate Change and Energy Package
Issue 12 / December 2008 By Thomas Bickl
At the EU Summit last week, EU Heads of State and Government agreed on an ambitious package
to reduce CO2 emissions and to increase the use of renewable energies. The agreement approved
EU acts against climate change and economic crisis by the European Parliament will enter into force now.
By Pedro Lopéz de Pablo
Parliament finally adopted the EU Climate Change and Energy Package this week. The measures
will implement the greenhouse gas reduction goals set at the EU Summit in spring 2007. EU
The European Parliament this week welcomed two main decisions adopted by the last EU Heads of State and Government had agreed on a binding 20% reduction target by the year 2020
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Summit during the French Presidency on the new measures to fight climate change and tackle the compared to 1990 levels. The implementing legislation includes a reform of the current EU
consequences of the economic crisis. Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and a Directive on renewable energies.

The EPP-ED Chairman Joseph Daul (F) congratulated French President Nicolas Sarkozy as these The reform of the ETS is the cornerstone of the package. Industry will have to buy emission
decisions, as well as the action he has taken over the last six months, «have shown that Europe is certificates through auctioning as from 2013. The total number of emission rights will decrease
able to act together and in solidarity.» over time and contribute to the 2020 reduction target.
«Recent months have shown us that only a united and strong Europe can provide answers to a Avril Doyle (IE), the European Parliament Rapporteur, said: «The cost of reducing carbon emissions
challenge such as the financial and economic crisis and also that only our model of society, the and decoupling our economies from our fossil fuel dependency will be about one percent of GDP if
social market economy, can ensure a proper balance between employees and employers, and we act decisively over the next years. If we postpone the decisions that we as politicians have been
ensure true solidarity. It is this model of society that we, the political family of the centre-right, told by peer review scientists are essential to reach the 2° maximum increase in global temperature,
intend to continue building», Daul said. the cost will be at least 10% of GDP by 2020 and increase steeply as environmental tipping points
For the EPP-ED Group, EU leaders have proved that it is possible to have rapid agreements by will be tracked by financial ones.»
unanimity between the 27 Member States even on complex issues like the so-called climate change- At the same time, the EU is going to increase the share of renewable energies to 20% of total
energy package. They have also spoken with one voice to reform the global financial architecture to energy output. The share of renewables in the transport sector is to reach 10%. Member States
stimulate a capitalism of entrepreneurs rather than a capitalism of speculators. have to ensure that they meet the binding targets.
Thanks to these decisions, the EU has been able to maintain the lead on the international The EPP-ED Group is in favour of the roadmap to greener energy production. Werner Langen (D),
negotiations to reform the global financial architecture and actions to stop climate change. the Group’s Spokesman on the issue, said: «We fully support the deal reached between Parliament
«Now we should ask our commercial partners, including emerging countries, to assume their and Council because it opens up a range of opportunities to use all kinds of renewable energies.
responsibilities and we also expect action from the new US administration», Daul said during his Commissioner Dimas has encouraged us to vote in favour even if we didn’t like everything that’s
speech at the plenary. in it. The proposal from Commissioner Piebalgs, however, provided a solid basis and there wasn’t
The EPP-ED Chairman also addressed a message in favour of ending the ratification of the Lisbon that much we had to improve.»
Treaty. Despite the importance of the decisions taken during the last six months, the EU needs The EU is the first global player to introduce binding legislation to fight climate change. So it can
372 more political stability and more effective decision-taking and the Lisbon Treaty offers «the tools help shape a successful Post-Kyoto Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.
373
to finish the job», he concluded.
V Toys - New European child safety rules Working Time Directive
By Miguel Seabra
By Greet Gysen
The EPP-ED Group’s position on the Working Time Directive was decisive in assuring the qualified
The European Parliament adopted the revised Toy Safety Directive with a large majority during majority necessary in the European Parliament to impose a conciliation procedure.
this month’s plenary session. The new European rules for safer toys are a great success for
the European Parliament as the European Commission and the European Council supported In the conciliation process, the EPP-ED expects to see the Group’s core values enshrined in a
draftswoman Marianne Thyssen (BE), Vice-Chairwoman of the EPP-ED Group, on all fundamental social market economy, including the reinforcement of social dialogue and a better reconciliation
issues. of family life and working life.
Marianne Thyssen said: «We cannot compromise when it comes to the safety of toys. Therefore, The Directive on the organisation of working time lays down basic principles on the basis of
2008
2008
we have worked together in a very constructive manner, without giving in on any of the crucial workers’ safety and health, concerning maximum weekly working hours, daily rest time, breaks,
points, so as to reach a very high level of consumer protection. For my political group, consumer weekly rest time, annual holidays and the duration of night work.
protection has always been high on the agenda; as these new rules concern children, the smallest

and most vulnerable consumers, we have been all the more thorough.» Some articles of the Directive were due to be reviewed after ten years. In accordance, the
Commission put forward a proposal in September 2004 to amend the Directive. Parliament voted
After several major recalls of unsafe toys in 2007, the European Parliament expressly asked at first reading in May 2005. After three years of deadlock, the Council reached an agreement in
for a revision of the Toy Safety Directive. At the beginning of 2008, the European Commission June 2008.
presented a proposal for an entirely new Directive. Under the lead of Marianne Thyssen, this
proposal was steered through the European Parliament in only ten months. Moreover, a very José Silva Peneda MEP reiterated his satisfaction with the fact that the European Parliament
satisfactory agreement was reached with the Commission and the Council on what the European has now amended the Council’s position, and is optimistic about the results of the conciliation
Commissioner for Enterprise and Industry, Günter Verheugen, called «the strictest consumer procedure which will take place next year.
safety legislation worldwide».
The most important innovations of the new Directive are: Budget 2009: Parliament approves next year’s Community budget
By Katarzyna Klaus
> A total ban on the use of chemical substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for
reproduction; Parliament has adopted the 2009 Budget at second reading by endorsing the agreement concluded
> Completely new rules on allergenic fragrances; with the Council on the level of payments (€116.1 bn) while increasing some expenditure on the
EP’s priorities (growth, cohesion, employment) above the level of the preliminary draft budget.
> New very strict rules as regards heavy metals; Janusz Lewandowski (PL), Rapporteur on the general budget, agreed that some good results have
been achieved.
> Stricter rules as regards sounds produced by toys.
The Parliament succeeded in establishing financial resources for a special food aid facility for
developing countries which shall be provided with €1 billion until 2010. Additionally, the budgetary
374 authorities agreed to accelerate the implementation of structural and cohesion funds and to 375
provide appropriate financing to respond to the economic crisis.
The Frontex Agency has been reinforced by increasing its operational expenditure. More resources
will be directed to research the Galileo Programme. An extra budgetary line has been added to cover
the Baltic Sea strategy actions and a fund for the reconstruction of Georgia has been set up.
In terms of next year’s budget for the EP, it foresees only a minimal increase in expenditure. This
is the result of the entry into force of a new statute for Members of the European Parliament and
a new statute for accredited assistants in the EP, approved just recently.
The level of payments agreed upon is €116.096 billion which amounts to 0.894 percent of the
European Union’s GNI. The level of commitments has been set at €133.845 billion, which is 1.03
percent EU’s GNI.
V Better Bank Deposit Guarantee Schemes
By Knut Goelz
Frontex Agency mandate to be extended
By David Stellini
Parliament has approved a revision of the Directive on Deposit Guarantee Schemes in the EU At this month’s plenary session in Strasbourg, the European Parliament extended the mandate of
banking sector. EP Rapporteur Christian Ehler (D) has welcomed the outcome of the vote: «The the EU’s External Borders Agency, Frontex, and made it more effective.
minimum amounts for guaranteed deposits will be raised to €50,000 in 2009 and €100,000 in
2010. In the future, 90 percent of the savings in the European Union will therefore be safe». Currently, the agency operates a number of missions across Europe’s external borders, including
three major maritime missions in the Atlantic (Hera), in the central Mediterranean region
Furthermore, private investors will no longer be made liable for losses caused by third parties, as (Nautilus) and in the Western Mediterranean area (Poseidon). These missions are set to become
Parliament has abolished this provision. It also introduced the inclusion of small and medium- permanent.
sized enterprises (SMEs) into the revised scheme after the original draft text of the Commission
2008
2008
only covered private but not commercial deposits. «Parliament corrected this provision especially The agency is facing two challenges in order to be effective:
with regard to SMEs. Otherwise, this would have been a fatal signal to financial markets», stressed The first is to ensure that Member States who offered assets for the agency’s missions truly live up

the German MEP. to their commitments. This is not yet being done to a satisfactory level and if the situation persists,
Nevertheless there remained considerable criticism with regard to the negotiation procedure on the only other option is that the agency procures its own assets.
this key legislative dossier which also has strong financial repercussions: The Commission had The second is to intensify co-operation with third countries, be they countries of origin or of
submitted its proposal in October 2008 as a reaction to the financial crisis. In order to restore transit, for immigration. During a recent delegation visit to Senegal, MEPs saw how this country
investor confidence, Parliament co-operated quickly and constructively. This was necessary, but it has embarked on fruitful co-operation with Spain to stop illegal immigration. This co-operation
also meant that the negotiations with the Council and the Commission on this very complex topic has led to a significant reduction in the number of immigrants arriving in the Canary Islands. This
had to be conducted in a very unconventional way. However, it was secured that the harmonisation co-operation also needs to be emulated with other third countries.
of EU deposit guarantee schemes do not lead to distortions of competition. Institutional bank
guarantees covering 100 percent of all deposits will remain untouched. The EPP-ED Group heavily influenced this report with a number of key amendments and has
consistently supported Frontex since its inception.
Vocational Education and Training Improvement

By Marion Jeanne
The European Parliament adopted a report on the proposal for the Establishment of a European
Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training by an overwhelming
majority at this month’s plenary session in Strasbourg. The agreement, at first reading, was
reached under the lead of the EPP-ED Shadow Rapporteur Elisabeth Morin (F).
Across the EU, vocational training is organised at national and regional levels with different
376 standards. The aim of the Framework is to have common points of reference to ensure quality of 377
Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems.
The Framework should serve as a reference instrument to help Member States to promote
and monitor continuous improvement of their VET systems. The Framework develops quality
criteria, indicative descriptors and reference indicators to be used by the stakeholders in order to
further improve, reform and develop their VET systems, support lifelong learning strategies, the
implementation of the EQF and promote a culture of quality improvement at all levels.
The framework should be implemented in accordance with national legislation and practice. It is
therefore not intended to replace existing national systems and it does not require the creation of
new structures.
A review of the implementation process should be undertaken every four years.
V Securities Settlement Systems
By Antti Timonen
The European Parliament voted with an overwhelming majority on a report by Piia-Noora Kauppi
(FI) concerning the renewal of two Directives: the Directive on settlement finality in payment
and securities settlement systems (SFD), and the Directive on financial collateral arrangements
(FCD).
The aim of the legislation is to update the Directives in line with the latest market and regulatory
developments.
2008
2008
The SFD extends the protection of the Directive also to night time settlement and to settlement
between linked systems, which is important since the amount of links and need for interoperability
have increased immensely lately. Because of MiFID, the Directive on markets in financial

instruments, and the European Code of Conduct, clearing and settlement systems are expected to
become increasingly linked and interoperable.
The FCD accepts credit claims as financial collateral, which is an important step forward. The
Parliament also wanted to extend the scope of what is accepted as collateral to interbank credit
claims. The credit for microenterprises was left outside of the FCD as were consumer credits.
The establishment of a harmonised legal framework for the use of credit claims as collateral in
cross-border transactions helps enhance market liquidity and ensures the proper functioning of
settlement systems in rapidly evolving markets.
Several simplifications and clarifications in definitions are also introduced in the new Directive.
These solutions make an important contribution to strengthening the tools for managing
instability in financial markets.
As Mrs Kauppi will be leaving the Parliament at the end of the year, this was her last legislative
act.
378 379
VI VI. EPP-ED Publications in 2008
> Yearbook 2008 (EN, FR, DE)

2008
2008
> CD-ROM 2008: EPP-ED activities and publications
> Book on «A European Policy on Sports» (EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, EL)

> Book on «Euro- Mediterranean relations and the Group»
(EN, FR, ES, IT, EL, Arabic)
> Book on Dialogues between the Orthodox Church and the Group
(EN, FR, DE, EL IT, RO)
> Brochure on Culture, Diversity, Religions an Dialogue (EN, FR, DE)
VI > EPP-ED Publications in 2008 > Brochure on «A New Regional Policy» (EN, FR, DE, PL)
> Brochure on Desertification (EN, FR, DE, ES)
> Brochure on Lisbon Treaty by Ioannis Varvitsiotis MEP (EL)
>E
uropean articles by Erna Hennicot MEP (FR)
>P
resentation leaflet of the EPP-ED Group
380 (EN, FR, DE, IT, ES, NL, EL, PL, CZ, HU, BG, RO, Arabic) 381
EPP-ED Presidency Service

Contact: angela.kaladjis@europarl.europa.eu
VI External Publications by the Presidency Service External Publications by the Presidency Service
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@ E K ? < < L I F G < 8 E G8 I C @ 8 D < E K mac-pc-adobe acrobat 7.0 file in pdf
2004 - 2008
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(EN, FR, DE)

EUROMED.indd 1 8/05/08 12:30:48
(EN, FR, DE) (EN, FR, ES, IT, EL, Arabic)
382 383
A EUROPEAN POLICY ON SPORTS

by Manolis Mavrommatis, Member of the European Parliament
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
RELIGIONS AND DIALOGUE
CHAIRED BY ERNA HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES MEP,
RAPPORTEUR ON THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE 2008
WITH JÁN FIGEĽ EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING,
CULTURE AND YOUTH

PUBLIC HEARING
Sports_240x270.indd 1 13/11/08 11:56:44 Hearings_Hennicot.indd 1 3/04/08 17:14:20
(EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, EL) (EN, FR, DE, EL) (EN, FR, DE)
VI External Publications by the Presidency Service External Publications by the Presidency Service
A NEW REGIONAL POLICY &EUILLETONSEUROPmENS

INNOVATIVE IDEAS DE-ME%RNA(%..)#/4 3#(/%0'%3
FOR THE POST - 2013 REFORM -EMBREDU0ARLEMENTEUROPmEN
2008
2008

DESERTIFICATION
Socio economic, agricultural and forestry impacts and their political consequences
/EUVREDUSCULPTEUR-ANUEL$ONATO$IEZ
PUBLIC HEARING
Chaired by Struan Stevenson MEP,
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS)

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(EN, FR, DE, PL) (EN, FR, DE, ES) (FR)
EPP-ED
DEVELOPMENT Ιωάννης Μ. Βαρβιτσιώτης
CHARTER ΕΝΑ ΝΕΟ ΞΕΚΙΝΗΜΑ ΓΙΑ ΤΗΝ ΕΥΡΩΠΗ

100 points for a better world
384 Η Συνθήκη της Λισαβόνας 385
GROWTH
Κοινοβουλευτική Ομάδα του Ευρωπαϊκού Λαϊκού Κόμματος (Χριστιανοδημοκράτες)

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(EN, FR, DE, ES, IT, PL, PT) (EL) (EN, FR, DE, IT, ES, NL, (Arabic)
EL, PL, CZ, HU, BG, RO)
VI
2. Other Publications Internal Publications
Internal Publications
Issue N°7
2008
2008
N°6
Delegation to Central America problems with regard to wealth redistribution, corruption, and
the poverty of indigenous peoples.
October 2008 9th Summit of Chairmen capitalize distressed banks, flexibility EPP-ED Members: I. Mendez de Vigo, J.M.Garcia Margallo, P.
of EPP-ED Parliamentary measures on accounting rules and Ayuso and A. Diaz de Mera took part in the Central America Meetings with civil society and the Panamanian and the
Groups in the EU enhanced cooperation procedures.
delegation visit to Guatemala and Panama on the 27-31 Guatemalan Ambassadors to the EU completed the overview
Welcome These measures allow us to deal
Just two days ahead of the gathering with the exceptional circumstances October. The interparliamentary meeting between the of the situation in the country.

of government leaders and heads of without undercutting the internal European Parliament and Central American parliamentarians Miriam Orsagova
state for the EU Summit, the Chairmen market rules.” Barroso also mentioned began with the opening speech of the new PARLACEN
of national EPP-ED Parliamentary
EU-Mexico
that the French Presidency planned president, Gloria Guadalupe Oqueli from Honduras.
Groups also assembled in Brussels a “World Summit” of all industrialized
The association process The delegation visit, which included 6 members of the EPP-
for the 9th Summit of the EPP-ED countries to discuss binding rules
Parliamentary Groups in the EU in the between Central ED Group (C. Klass, F. Fernandez Martin, L. Herrero-Tejedor,
for the global financial market.
European Parliament (13-14 October). America and the EU C. Iturgaiz Angulo, J. Naranjo Escobar and S. Marques), took
should be completed in place in the Federal Congress of the Republic of Mexico from
The start of the meeting was dominated 2009. This is a 2 year/10 the 27th to the 31st of October.
by a discussion on the financial rounds negotiation The 7th Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting focussed on
crisis and the results achieved by process. The 5th round
the meeting of Eurozone leaders the the implementation of the EU-Mexico association agreement
was concluded in and questions related to the regional integration process
previous weekend. Joseph Daul,
October in Guatemala. in Latin America. The parliamentarians debated important
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group,
Europe is living in times of great underlined, in his opening address, the It consists of 3 main topics such as
financial turmoil and European importance of joint European action in pillars: political dialogue, cooperation and commerce. migration and the
citizens are fearing the impact times of financial and economic crisis: A common Declaration by EP/PARLACEN on relations between the return directive -
this will have on our economy in “European citizens have been able to which is interpreted
EU and Central America association agreement was endorsed.
the coming months. More than see that Europe, in times of upheaval, differently in Latin
ever Europe’s leaders need can stand at the forefront of the issues. President Alvaro Colom received the EP delegation and set America. They also
to stand together, if we want They have seen it with the Georgian Joseph Daul insisted on not out the priorities of his administration: fight against insecurity
to find a long-term solution to crisis, and they are seeing it now with forgetting that the increase in liquidity discussed national
(which is the main problem faced by Guatemala’s society) strategies, climate
this complex international crisis the financial crisis.” Daul continued: should mainly be in favour of SMEs and
poverty, social cohesion of indigenous peoples, the fight
and restore the confidence of “Europe must base its action on the the holders of small bank deposits. The change, renewable
consumers and entrepreneurs. SMEs, as the backbone of European against drug trafficking, and fiscal reforms. energies and the
concept of a social market economy.
The 9th Summit of the EPP-ED We have to restore confidence to industry and main creators of European The International Committee against Impunity in Guatemala fight against organised crime. In this connection, the EU
Parliamentary Group Chairmen small savers and enable entrepreneurs jobs, as well as the European citizens established by the UN in 2007, and headed by Carlos delegation strongly supported Mexico in its fight against
we held in Brussels was an to finance their activities, which are should be at the centre of political Castresana, is committed to dealing with the causes of drug trafficking and corruption.
excellent occasion to come to a the instruments of growth and jobs.” activity.
criminal infiltration in government institutions in the country.
better mutual understanding of the Besides participating in the plenary session, the delegation
impact of the crisis in the different On the question from Wolfgang It has released a set of recommendations and proposals on took part in various other activities. Among them, a seminar
José Manuel Barroso,
member states. At the same President of the European Schüssel, Chairman of the ÖVP legal reforms to the judicial system which will be be brought on the financial crisis in the presence of the Governor of the
time, it allowed us to come to an Commission, reminded participants parliamentary group in the before the Congress of Guatemala. Mr. Castresana explained Central Bank of Mexico, an audience with Foreign Minister
agreement on the path to follow. that the Commission had always been Austrian national parliament, to the Delegation the difficulties he faces, for example, the Patricia Espinoza, and a seminar on the food crisis.
The joint declaration adopted an advocate of the parliamentary whether more flexibility is needed as problems with establishing cooperation with Guatemalan
by the EPP-ED Parliamentary dimension of the European Union and regards the implementation of the institutions such as the Public Prosecutor. At the end of the JPC meeting both delegations adopted a
Group Chairmen expresses said that more than ever the national and European climate and energy package, joint declaration that stressed the strategic and privileged
our commitment to joint action Europeanlevelsneedtocooperate.“This Mr Barroso was firm: “A cleaner, In Panama, the EP delegation held meetings with representatives character of EU-Mexico relations and the commitment of
and brought our meeting to a meeting takes place at a crucial greener economy and a more of the Government and Parliament discussing, in particular, both sides to further develop the potential offered by the
successful conclusion. moment,” Mr Barroso said. “The meeting competitive European economy is questions of regional integration through the Central American Association Agreement.
with Eurozone leaders signalled our possible. Promoting renewables is Integration System (SICA) and the association agreement
Vito Bonsignore, Vice- clear commitment to act together as vital to guarantee our energy security. with the EU. The Delegation was informed about Panama’s Juan Salafranca
Chairman of the EPP-ED member states to restore confidence. Moreover, we are not taking unilateral
Group responsible for We have also agreed on a toolbox of action, but are asking other world
relations with national measures, consisting of possibilities economies to follow our lead towards
parliaments to ensure liquidities for banks, to re- a more sustainable economic system.”
NEWSLETTERS by the Relations with NEWSLETTERS by the Interparlia- Political Strategy Unit NEWSLETTERS by the Neighbourhood
National Paliaments Service (EN) mentary Delegations Unit (EN) (EN, FR, DE, IT, ES, NL) Policy and Intercultural Activities Service
EPP-ED Report
Issue 11 / November 2008
386 Social market economy - a role model outcome of congo
17 - 21 nov ‘08
third-country
387
G20 summit Debate on Wednesday workers
Debate on Tuesday Parliament will debate Debate on Wednesday
By Gunnar Larsson the situation in the The Parliament will vote
Parliament will debate
the financial crisis, the Democratic Republic on the report by EPP-ED
of Congo after hearing
Will the Washington financial Summit with leaders of 20 of the world's richest economies outcome of the European
statements from Council and Commis-
Member Patrick Gaubert
and emerging economic powers reshape the world economy? In a Parliament debate Council, the G20 Summit in Washington on the establishment of a single applica-
DC and the Commission’s legislative sion. It will also vote on the resolution tion procedure for third country nation-
following the Summit, Joseph Daul (F), Chairman of the EPP-ED Group, called it a and working plan for 2009. EPP-ED calling for all parties involved to stop als to reside and work in the territory
the violence and to come back to the
"symbolic and historic event". "The Summit led to concrete steps that our Group strongly Chairman, Joseph Daul, will make a
negotiation table. Jürgen Schröder will
of a Member State. This Directive aims
supports. The G20 has indeed identified the causes of the problem, defined a strategy statement on the financial crisis. to reduce bureaucratic procedures and
lead the debate on behalf of the EPP- simplify the administrative steps for the
and provided a timetable", he said. Joseph Daul MEP ED Group. individuals concerned. It grants a com-
tel: +33-3-881-75525
Antoine Ripoll, tel: +32-475-856290 Jürgen Schröder MEP mon set of fundamental social rights to
Daul did not agree with those who portray the economic crisis as the end of market tel: +33-3-881-75560 third-country nationals working legally
Knut Goelz, tel: +32-479-972144 in a Member State and to new arrivals,
economy as we know it. "It is rather the result of a political mistake, the lack of rules and cap needs particularly in areas connected with em-
controls on the quality of financial products across the Atlantic since the 90s", he said. "It stability blue card ployment, where equal treatment with
follows from lack of market transparency and the absence of an effective supervision of Debate on Tuesday Debate on Wednesday EU citizens must be guaranteed.
financial markets." The plenary will vote on The EU is stepping up its Patrick Gaubert MEP
Wednesday 19 Novem- efforts to become more tel.: +33-3-881-75156
ber on this key report for attractive to highly-qual- Marion Jeanne, tel: +32-479-840293
The European centre-right has never been in favour of a financial system without rules the future of the EU farming sector. The ified employees from
or arbitration, Daul said, seeing European-style social market economy as a role model report finds compromise with neces- third countries. Parliament is adopting emu: positive
sary adjustments due to the reform of a report by EPP-ED Member Ewa Klamt
for the world economy. "In these difficult times, our focus is primarily on the situation of the Common Agricultural Policy and the which favours five-year work experi-
balance
people working and saving, and on entrepreneurs, particularly small and medium-sized need to preserve European agriculture. ence as an equivalent to a university Debate on Monday
enterprises, who take risks every day to create growth and jobs." As the financial cuts proposed by the degree. To get a temporary permit, the Parliament will vote on a
Commission are too high, the EPP-ED so-called Blue Card, applicants should report on the 10th anni-
Rapporteur Lutz Goepel has therefore have a salary of at least 1.7 times the versary of the Economic
John Purvis, Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, saw a made a number of proposals to limit EU average. After 24 months, highly- and Monetary Union (EMU). The EPP-
danger in rushing to excessive, misguided regulation, with unintended consequences, them and to assure planning stability qualified immigrants should also have ED Co-Rapporteur is Werner Langen.
for farmers until at least 2013. the right to apply for a job in another There is a broad consensus that the
such as a proposed 5 percent retention of securitisation proceeds in the new Capital EU member state. Euro has become the most visible
Lutz Goepel MEP
Requirements Directive. "This will only clog up credit creation", he said. "Lack of tel: +33-3-881-77760
symbol of European integration. EMU
Ewa Klamt MEP and the common currency have also
securitisation possibilities is the principal reason that credit has dried up now. We need Knut Goelz, tel: +32-479-972144 tel: + 33-3-881-75971 provided a relatively safe haven in the
the banks to lend but this misguided principle, which lacks an impact assessment, will Thomas Bickl, tel.: +32-478-215372
current financial crisis. The independ-
prevent a restart of securitisation and the credit which our business and industry so ence of the European Central Bank,
badly needs. Ask the motor car industry how it will prosper if securitisation is snuffed
out." press conferences Head of EPP-ED Press Service: Robert Fitzhenry, tel.:+32-475-493356
Editor: Kaja Sorg (tel.: +32-476-541013)
Tuesday @11.00: EPP-ED Group Chairman Joseph Daul will give the regular EPP-ED briefing
Tuesday @ 14.00: John Bowis on European Antibiotic Awareness Day
Tuesday @ 15.00: Stefano Zappala on Europe and telephone interceptions
Wednesday@10.00: Avril Doyle on climate change
Wednesday@11.00: Peter Liese on Aviation Emission Trading
Wednesday@14.30: Pilar del Castillo, Malcolm Harbour and others on telecom package
Wednesday@ 15.00: John Bowis, in the presence of Carlos Sastre, Tour de France Winner, on World Diabetes Day 2008
Wednesday@16.00: Elmar Brok on the 2nd edition of the book “EU-KOMMENTAR”, a commentary on the EU/EC-treaty,
the Lisbon treaty and the Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Thursday@11.00: Maria del Pilar Ayuso Gonzalez on oil quality and renewable energies
Press Service (EN, FR, DE) Press Service (EN) Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit
(FR, EN) (EN)
VI
Internal Publications Internal Publications
2008
2008

Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit
(FR, EN) (EN) (FR, EN) (FR, EN)
388 389
Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit Political Strategy Unit NEWSLETTERS by the IT Unit
(EN) (EN) (FR, EN, DE)
VII VII. The European People’s Party (EPP)
The European People’s Party is organized according to strict democratic principles.
The Congress, the main EPP democratic forum, holds its statutory meeting every three years in
order to elect the Party leadership and to review and establish its policies.
The Political Bureau, together with the Council, is the main decision-making body of the EPP and
convienes regularly.
2008
2008
The Working Groups are mandated by the Party in order to develop and promote all major EPP
policies.

The President, Secretary General and Presidency are responsible for the coordination and
implementation of EPP policies. Ultimately,the overriding direction of EPP policy-making is
established by the Summit, held on the eve of every European Council meeting.
PRESIDENCY
The Presidency, headed by President and former Prime Minister of Belgium Wifried Martens, is
responsible for the coordination and implementation of all major EPP policies. It is elected by the
VII > The European People’s Party EPP statutory Congress every three years and includes, apart from the President, 10 Vice Presidents
and the Treasurer. It also includes the Secretary General and the Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in
the European Parliament as ex officio members.
POLITICAL BUREAU
The EPP Political Bureau is the Party’s Executive office, composed of delegates from EPP
member parties and associations, and decides on all key strategic party decisions (policy papers,
resolutions, admission of new member-parties, budget etc.). The Political Bureau meets at regural
intervals during the year.
WORKING GROUPS
390 391
High-profile representatives from EPP member parties develop common positions and strategies
on major policy areas and submit specific recommendations to the Political Bureau for
final approval. Working Groups are also responsible for organizing Conferences, Roundtable
discussions, and other important events.
WG1. European Policy

Chairmen: Wilfried Martens, EPP President & Peter HINTZE, EPP Vice President
Responsible for the development and organization of European election campaigns. This also
includes the drafting of election campaign programmes and the co-ordination of campaigning at
the national level.
WG2. Economic & Social Policy

Chairpersons: Ria OOMEN-RUIJTEN & Peter JUNGEN
Focuses on the fundamental developments regarding Economic and Social policy at the European
level. Particular emphasis is placed on the Lisbon Process, demographic issues, and research and
development.
VII WG3. EPP Membership EUCDW (European Union of Christian Democratic Workers)
Chairman: Camiel EURLINGS, EPP Vice President The EUCDW is the workers’ organisation of the EPP with 23 member organisations from 16
countries. As the officially recognised representative EPP association of the wage-earners, the
This Working Group mandated to promote, facilitate and incorporate new EPP members, associate EUCDW promotes all related work of the EPP and its affiliated democratic trade union forces.
members, and observers throughout the continent. When a party is accepted in the EPP, its elected
representatives automatically join the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, and all other EPP The EUCDW, led by its President Mr Elmar BROK, MEP, has the following aims: to unite Christian-
Groups and organizations. social workers and to press for the political unification of a democratic Europe; to promote the
theoretical and organisational development of the EPP on the basis of Christian-social teaching;
to represent and defend worker interests in the EPP, the European Parliament and at all political
WG. Campaign Management (ad hoc) and trade union levels in Europe; to work for the achievement of Christian-social principles and
2008
2008
Chairman: Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ, EPP Secretary General policies in the European workers’ movements; to step up co-operation with the workers and their
organisations, particularly those, in Europe and elsewhere, with a Christian outlook; to spread
The meetings of this working group is particularly important for the exchange of ideas, practices Christian-social ideas through, inter alia, its own publications; to promote the establishment of

and methodologies on how to conduct successful election campaigns and to learn for campaign national and regional associations of Christian-social workers.
failures.
EPP WOMEN
THE EPP CONGRESS
EPP WOMEN is recognised by the EPP as the official association of women from all like-minded
The EPP Congress meets every three years and establishes - similarly to national party Congresses political parties of Europe. EPP WOMEN have over 20 member organisations from countries of
-all major policies and programmes. As the main democratic forum of the EPP, it also elects the the European Union as well as outside of it. All member organisations are women’s organisations
Presidency. Moreover, the EPP holds its election campaign Convention 6 months prior to the from political parties which are members of the EPP.
scheduled European Parliament elections.
EPP WOMEN, led by its President, Ms Doris PACK, MEP, is dedicated to the advancement of
women’s political emancipation throughout Europe and the promotion of important women-
CONGRESS MEETINGS related issues such as equal opportunities between men and women, «harmful traditional
The most recent Statutory Congress took take place in Rome on the 30th and 31st of March 2006, practices», human trafficking, the fight against prostitution, etc.
which coincided with the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the EPP. The next Congress will take
place in 2009. ESU (European Seniors Citizens Union)
The ESU is the largest political senior citizens’ organisation in Europe. The ESU is dedicated to the
SUMMIT advancement of the rights of European senior citizens and the promotion of issues such as the
As a prelude to European Council Summits, EPP heads of government, party leaders in coalition role of the elderly in ageing European societies, discrimination of the elderly, European pension
governments, the EPP Presidency, and EPP Presidents of the Commission and Parliament, meet systems, seniors and volunteering, etc. The work of the ESU is based on three firm principles: 1. the
to prepare the impending EU Council. These important sessions offer an informal, personal, and Christian conception of man, 2. the call of mankind to freedom and solidarity, 3. ethical, economic
392 and social demands are not in conflict, but in accord with each other. 393
confidential atmosphere, in which differences can be aired and consensus seeked, in an effort to
develop common positions. The ESU, led by its President, Dr Bernhard WORMS, believes in the active participation of senior
citizens in the work, the decisions and the responsibility in European societies. Thus, the ESU is in
ASSOCIATIONS favour of subsidiary structures, based on voluntarily agreed rules, and the re-orientation of values,
which are in-line with the Christian conception of man and are linked to the value order.
SME UNION (Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Union)
The SME UNION of the EPP is the network of pro-business Christian-Democrat, Conservative and EDS (European Democrat Students)
Liberal politicians and political organizations. Its main objective is to help in shaping EU policy in
a more SME friendly way. The importance of the work of the SME UNION can be seen in the fact European Democrat Students was established by students from various European countries in
that SMEs are considered as the key for sustainable jobs, growth and prosperity. the early sixties. The aim was to promote the exchange among students from different countries,
with different political and cultural backgrounds. Quite early, the founders of EDS realized that it
Its top priority is to reform the legal framework for SMEs all over Europe and to promote and often makes more sense to cooperate across borders and countries in order to fight for common
support the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises which - due to their willingness to aims, which were at that time primary the fight for human rights and against the antidemocratic
take risks and responsibility - are the engine of the European economy. attitudes of the socialistic regimes in big parts of Europe. These first steps led to the biggest
political student organisation in Europe, nowadays representing about 400.000 students from
In June 2005, President of Eurochambres and President of the Austrian Federal Economic
more than 30 countries.
Chamber, Christoph LEITL, was elected President of the SME UNION.
VII Today EDS is officially associated with the European Peoples Party which makes it an important
political player on European level. But not only there: Due to its long lasting history EDS has also
EPP Presidency
an excellent standing in many of the national centre-right parties which contributes to the aim of
being a lobbyist for students and youth interests. President
A primary focus is presently given to the Bologna Process. However EDS is also aware of its history Wilfried MARTENS
connected to the fight for human rights and democracy.
EDS is led by its chairwoman Ana Filipa Janine. Furthermore, the bureau consists of eight Vice- EPP Secretary General
Chairman from different countries / member organisations and six working group chairmen.
The day-to-day business is organised by the Secretary General, Elisabeth Torkildsen and an Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ MEP
2008
2008
administrator.
EDS is represented in more than 30 countries, including countries like Belarus and Georgia. EDS Vice-Presidents

is not a centralized organisation. As an “organisation of organisations” EDS describes itself as
Michel BARNIER
a networking structure. The general aim is to bundle the power of the various organisations in
order to give young people and students a strong voice. If necessary the resources of the network Mario DAVID MP
are used to help out single members, as it was done when undertaking several actions in Belarus Peter HINTZE MP
during the last years. Additionally, since the European level has become more and more important
Jyrki KATAINEN MP
throughout the years, EDS acts as an interface between the political structures in Brussels and its
national member organisations. Enda KENNY MP
Corien WORTMANN-KOOL MEP
YEPP (Youth of the European People’s Party) Viktor ORBAN
Alojz PETERLE MEP
YEPP, EPP’s official youth organisation, has very clear ambitions throughout all its activities. YEPP
aspires to influence common European policy-making, to have stronger youth participation in Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI MEP
party-politics and transparent democracy in all parts of Europe. YEPP is comprised of young party- Antonio TAJANI MEP
political activists that want to take part in the shaping of Europe. This is the reason behind having
an all- European youth organisation.
Treasurer
YEPP, led by its President, Yannis SMYRLIS, has more than 50 national, political party youth
organisations from 35 different European states. In each of these countries, national member Ingo FRIEDRICH MEP,
organisations pursue YEPP’s goals. Thus, YEPP brings together more than 1 million youngsters Quaestor of the European Parliament
with ambition to take part in shaping their societies.
394 Leadership of EPP Groups 395
European Parliament
Joseph DAUL, MEP
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Committee of the Regions

Isidoro GOTTARDO, President of the EPP Group
Council of Europe
Luc VAN DE BRANDE, Chairman of the EPP/CD Group of the Parliamentary Assembly
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Walburga HABSBURG DOUGLAS, Chairwoman of the EPP Group in the OSCE-PA
EPP Group, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (Sweden, MOD)
VII EPP Government leaders EPP General Secretariat
The European People’s Party, as the leading political force of Europe, is represented by a number
of Heads of Governments (EU and other), Members of the European Commission, the EPP-
ED Group in the European Parliament, its Group in the Committee of the Regions, as well as Secretary General
its Groups and representatives in the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ MEP
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and
the Western European Union.
Deputy Secretaries General
2008
2008
Christian KREMER
EU Heads of Government Luc VANDEPUTTE

BELGIUM: Herman VAN ROMPUY, Prime Minister
CZECH REPUBLIK: Mirek TOPOLANEK, Prime Minister External Relations
FRANCE: Nicolas SARKOZY, President Kostas SASMATZOGLOU
FRANCE: François FILLON, Prime Minister
GERMANY: Angela MERKEL, Chancellor Press Officer
GREECE: Kostas KARAMANLIS, Prime Minister Javier JIMÉNEZ
ITALY: Silvio BERLUSCONI, Prime Minister
LUXEMBOURG: Jean-Claude JUNCKER, Prime Minister
MALTA: Lawrence GONZI, Prime Minister
POLAND: Donald TUSK, Prime Minister
ROMANIA: Train BĂSESCU, President
SLOVENIA: Janez JANSA, Prime Minister
SWEDEN: Fredrik REINFELDT, Prime Minister
396 THE NETHERLANDS: Jan-Peter BALKENENDE, Prime Minister 397
Other Heads of Government

ALBANIA: Sali BERISHA, Prime Minister
CROATIA: Ivo SANADER, Prime Minister
TURKEY: Recep Tayip ERDOGAN, Prime Minister
UKRAINE: Viktor YUSHCHENKO, President
Address:
UKRAINE: Yulia TYMOSHENKO, Prime Minister EPP
Rue du Commerce 10
1000 Bruxelles
Tel.: + 32 285 4140
E-mail: info@epp.eu
VII Summits 13/03/2008:
As a prelude to European Council Summits, EPP Heads of government, Party leaders in coalition EPP Summit in Brussels
governments, the EPP Presidency, and EPP Presidents of the Commission and Parliament, meet
to prepare the impending EU Council. These important sessions offer an informal, personal, and
confidential atmosphere, in which differences can be aired and consensus seeked, in an effort to The EPP Heads of State and Government along with the three Presidents of the European Union -
develop common positions Janez JANSA of the European Council, Jose Manuel Durão BARROSO of the European Commission,
and Hans-Gert POETTERING of the European Parliament - met on 13 March in Brussels.
EPP Heads of State and Government further include Angela MERKEL (Germany), Jan-Peter
BALKENENDE (The Netherlands), François FILLON (France), Kostas KARAMANLIS (Greece),
2008
2008
Jean-Claude JUNCKER (Luxembourg), Fredrik REINFELDT (Sweden), Lawrence GONZI (Malta),
Donald TUSK (Poland) and Traian BASESCU (Romania), Mikheil Saakashvili (Georgia), Viktor

Yushchenko (Ukraine), Sali Berisha (Albania), Nikola Gruevski (FYROM) and Ivo Sanader
(Croatia).
EPP Opposition Leaders and international guests participated in the Summit. The Summit was
chaired by the President of the EPP, Wilfried MARTENS, and attended by the Secretary General of
the EPP, Antonio LOPEZ – ISTURIZ.
398 399
l-r: Michel Barnier, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, France, Joseph Daul MEP,
Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, Wilfried Martens, President
of the EPP, and Antonio López-Istúriz White MEP, Secretary-General of the EPP
VII 19/06/2008:
EPP Summit in Brussels
The leaders of the EPP agreed today that the European Union (EU) should continue the ratification
of the Lisbon Treaty.
During a Summit held in Brussels, they also underlined the necessity of avoiding any blockage of
the EU by the current situation. In particular, they expressed support for the process of accession
of Croatia.
2008
2008
The EPP leaders, along with the President of the European Commission, the President of the
European Parliament and chairmen of the EPP member parties, debated the economic situation,

especially rising food and oil prices.
Furthermore, they debated the political relationship of the EU with Cuba.
Twelve Heads of State and Government of the EU participated today in the EPP Summit: Angela
MERKEL (Germany), Janez JANSA (Slovenia), Jan-Peter BALKENENDE (The Netherlands),
François FILLON (France), Kostas KARAMANLIS (Greece), Jean-Claude JUNCKER (Luxembourg),
Silvio BERLUSCONI (Italy), Yves LETERME (Belgium), Fredrik REINFELDT (Sweden), Lawrence
GONZI (Malta), Donald TUSK (Poland) and Traian BASESCU (Romania).
There were also four Heads of Government from non-EU member states: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI
(Georgia), Yulia TYMOSHENKO (Ukraine), Nikola GRUEVSKI (FYROM) and Ivo SANADER
(Croatia). l-r: Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy, Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany,
and Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of the Ukraine
400 401
Kostas Karamanlis, Prime Minister of Greece (on the right), Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
and Antonio López-Istúriz White MEP, Secretary-General of the EPP (on the right), and Alain Lamassoure MEP
VII 15/10/2008:
The EPP Heads of State and Government along with the leaders of the EPP Member parties called
on the EU Member States to reach an agreement on tackling the economic crisis in a coordinated
and efficient way.
During a meeting held prior to the European Council, the EPP leaders agreed on the necessity for
the whole of the EU to share and implement the measures taken last Sunday by the Member States
2008
2008
belonging to the Eurozone.
The EPP leaders underlined that coordinated action is the only way to guarantee jobs, growth and

stability.
“The EPP, along with the current President of the EU, Nicolas Sarkozy, has been extremely engaged
in finding a fast solution for the economic slowdown and we will keep doing so on several levels, in
cooperation with the Ministers for Economic and Foreign Affairs. Indeed, the economy, including
its social aspects, will be one of the priorities for the EPP for the European elections of 2009,” said
EPP President, Wilfried Martens.
The EPP leaders further discussed the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the situation in Georgia and
the Ukraine and the accession of Croatia to the EU.
The participants in today’s EPP Summit also supported the initiative of the French Presidency to l-r: François Fillon, Prime Minister of France,
pass the climate and energy package before the end of the year. and Jean-Claude Juncker, Prime Minister of Luxembourg
402 403
l-r: Alain Lamassoure MEP, Luc Vandeputte, Deputy Secretary-General of the EPP,
l-r: Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP, and Michel Barnier, French Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Vice-Chairman
Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, of the EPP and former EU Commissioner
and Antonio Tajani, European Commissioner for Transport
VII 11/12/2008:
2008
2008

Joseph Daul MEP, Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament Angela Merkel, Federal Chancellor of Germany,
(2nd on the right), l-r: Pier Ferdinando Casini, Chairman of the Italian Parliamentary and José Manuel Durão Barroso, President of the European Commission
Group ‘Unione di Centro’, Enda Kenny, Leader of the Fine Gael Party (Ireland),
and Antonio Tajani, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Transport
404 405
VIII VIII. Contents of the CD-ROM

2008
2008
> Yearbook 2008 (EN, FR, DE)

> Booklet on Euro-Mediterranean relations and the Group
(EN, FR, IT, ES, EL and in arabic)
> Booklet on the Dialogues between the Orthodox Church and the Group
(EN, FR, DE, EL, IT, RO)
> Brochure on the Public Hearing on Cultural Diversity, Religions

VIII. Contents of the CD-ROM and Dialogues (EN, FR, DE)
> Brochure on the Public Hearing on A New Regional Policy

(EN, FR, DE, PL)
> Brochure on the Public Hearing on Desertification (EN, FR, DE, ES)
406 2. Internal Publications 407
> NEWSLETTERS and brochures by the Relations

with National Parliaments Service (EN)
> NEWSLETTERS by the Interparliamentary Delegations Unit (EN)
> NEWSLETTERS by the Neighbourhood Policy

and Intercultural Activities Service (EN)
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EPP-ED
A NEW REGIONAL POLICY DEVELOPMENT
INNOVATIVE IDEAS CHARTER
FOR THE POST - 2013 REFORM 100 points for a better world
CULTURAL DIVERSITY DESERTIFICATION GROWTH

RELIGIONS AND DIALOGUE Socio economic, agricultural and forestry impacts and their political consequences
CHAIRED BY ERNA HENNICOT-SCHOEPGES MEP,

RAPPORTEUR ON THE EUROPEAN YEAR OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE 2008
PUBLIC HEARING
WITH JÁN FIGEĽ EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER FOR EDUCATION, TRAINING,
CULTURE AND YOUTH Chaired by Struan Stevenson MEP,
Vice-Chairman of the EPP-ED Group
408
PUBLIC HEARING GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS)
AND EUROPEAN DEMOCRATS IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)
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Assembly (29 November-1 December) to meet their for the traditional economic structures of the different Pacific
counterparts in the Pacific region. The topics discussed states with their considerable diversity were also highlighted.
served as a basis for a joint ACP-EU communiqué, the Port Moreover, the capacity and infrastructure constraints of the
region should be taken into account.”
The Members also discussed elections, human rights and

democracy in the region. They expressed concern at the
delay in restoring democracy in Fiji and called for the
European Commission to continue the dialogue with the
interim Government of Fiji within the context of Articles 8
and 96 of the Cotonou Agreement to find a lasting solution,
and for the role of the Pacific Islands Forum in political Issue N°8
dialogue to be supported.
Climate change is a real threat to the socio-economic

N°6 and EU-China: on human rights, of another country. They expressed strong disapproval
Tibet and the economy of the EP’s decision to award the Sakharov Prize to Hu Jia,
environmental fabric of Pacific ACP countries (PACP), already
who, according to Chinese law, was charged with “inciting
causing accelerated erosion, saline intrusion, deforestation,
October 2008 9th Summit of Chairmen capitalize distressed banks, flexibility
flooding and increased stress on reef systems. Increased The 27th EU-China Interparliamentary Meeting took place on violence and threatening the country’s peace and stability”.
of EPP-ED Parliamentary
Vila Communiqué, which covers a number of high priority
measures on accounting rules and
intensity of cyclones, reduced fish catches, increased vector- 24–28 November 2008 in Beijing, Hangzhou and Shanghai.
Groups in theborne EU diseases such enhanced cooperation procedures. EPP-ED Members Laima Andrikiené, Karsten Hoppenstedt, Concerning the Tibetan issue, the Chinese explained that
Welcome
topics for the region and for the relations between the EU as malaria and dengue fever are other
These measures allow us to deal they found the Dalai Lama’s stance contradictory and
and the Pacific; likely consequences. In this regard, it was pointed out that Neil Parish, Rihards Piks, Boguslaw Sonik, Cornelis Visser
Just two days ahead of the gathering with the exceptional circumstances believed that he had not given up his “separatist” activities,
urgent action and Corien Wortmann-Kool participated in the meeting.
of government leaders and heads of bywithout
the international community was needed
undercutting the internal including violence. They warned that the Tibetan issue
The most important current topic of ACP-EU The Delegation had opportunities to discuss with Mr Wu
staterelations
for the EUis the to Chairmen
Summit, the assist the Pacific ACP countries
market to put inalso
rules.” Barroso place appropriate
mentioned is not a religious issue but, in essence, one of sovereignty,
EU-ACP Economic Partnership Agreements of (EPAs). OnlyEPP-ED
national Fiji adaptation measures.
Parliamentary Hongbo, Deputy Foreign Minister, Mr Jiang Shusheng,
that the French Presidency planned national unity and integrity which Europe should approach
and Papua New Guinea have concluded interim,
Groupsgoodsalso only,
assembled in Brussels a “World Summit” of all industrialized Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the NPC, Mr
Zhang Zhijun, Vice-Minister, Communist Party of China, in a cautious manner and try to understand its sensitivity
agreement so far. The Communiqué underlines
for the that
9th “aSummit
full of theTo find out morecountries
EPP-ED about the activities of the binding
to discuss EPP-ED Members
rules
International Department as well as other Chinese officials. and complexity. The EP, however, welcomed the Dalai
EPA could bring economic benefits to the countries of Groups
Parliamentary the in EU
in the the inEU-ACP
the forJoint the
Parliamentary
global Assembly
financial and in the
market. Lama’s speech in plenary on 4 December, and continued
region, by further integrating them into European
international trade,
Parliament (13-14Development
October). Committee, please consult the group website: to support the Dalai Lama’s position considering him an
but that negotiations should be characterised by greater http://www.epp-ed.eu/policies/deve/default_en.asp.
important “advocate of dialogue.” “The EP recognizes the
flexibility on the part of the European Commission.
The start ofThe
therisks
meeting was dominated Peter Adler and Jesper Haglund
territorial integrity of China, which includes Tibet. However
by a discussion on the financial
we will always defend the right of the Tibetan people to their
crisis and the results achieved by
cultural and religious identity”, said EP President Poettering
the
Forthcoming delegation activities for themeeting
months of Eurozone
of January leaders
and the2009:
February in his welcome speech to the Dalai Lama.
previous weekend. Joseph Daul,
Outgoing: Chairman
9th EU-Croatia JPC, 23-24 of the
February 2009, EPP-ED Group,
Zagreb
Europe is living in times of great IPM, 23-27
underlined, in 2009,
his opening address, the On the current economic situation and the international
32nd EU-Australia February Canberra and regions financial and monetary situation, the Chinese government is
financial turmoil and European
EU-Indonesia IPM, 23-27importance of joint
February 2009, European
Jakarta action in
- to be confirmed
citizens are fearingEU-Costa
the impact times ofNicaragua
financial -and being proactive in dealing with the financial crisis and plans
Rica IPM (and possibly tbc),economic crisis:2009
23-27 February to invest EUR 461billion (4 trillion Yuan-RMB) to mitigate
this will have on our economy in “European citizens have been able to
the coming months. More than see that Europe, in times of upheaval, the negative impacts on Chinese society, create jobs and
Incoming: 25th EU-Norway IPM, the morning of 20 January 2009, Brussels prosperity and develop the infrastructure and economic
ever Europe’s leaders need can stand at the forefront of the issues.
to stand together, 11th if weEP-Bosnia and Herzegovina IPM, 21-22 January 2009, Brussels Joseph Daul insisted on not
want They have seen it with the Georgian activity of the country. However, Ms Wortmann-Kool pointed
to find a long-term7thsolution
EU-Mongolia
to IPM, 18-19 February 2009, Brussels
crisis, and they are seeing it now with forgetting that the increase in liquidity Working sessions were chaired by Mr. Dirk Sterckx, MEP/ out that when it comes to EU-China trade issue, there
2nd EU-West
this complex international Nordic Council Interparliamentary Meeting, 24 Februaryshould
crisis 2009, Brussels
mainly be in favour of SMEs and was discrimination against European companies. Chinese
the financial crisis.” Daul continued: ALDE, Chairman of the EP Delegation and Mr Zha Peixin,
and restore the confi Meeting of the
dence ofStanding“Europe
Committee of Parliamentarians
must base its actionofon thethe
Arctic the
Region, 25 February
holders of small2009,
bank Brussels
deposits. The government protects key sectors and their interests in
Meeting of the Extendedconcept
Standing of
Committee Member of the Standing Committee of the 11th National
consumers and entrepreneurs. a socialofmarket
the Balticeconomy.
Sea Parliamentary
SMEs,Conference, 25 Februaryof2009,
as the backbone Brussels
European People’s Congress (NPC), Vice-Chairman of NPC Foreign certain areas. Therefore, the new China Anti-Monopoly Law
The 9th Summit of FirsttheNorthern
EPP-ED DimensionWeParliamentary
have toForum to beconfi
restore helddence
in the European Parliament,
to industry and 25-26 February 2009,
main creators Brussels
of European Affairs Committee and, since March 2008, Chairman of the should set up a legal framework complying with the basic
Parliamentary Group Chairmen small savers and enable entrepreneurs jobs, as well as the European citizens NPC-European Parliament Relations Group. WTO principles of non-discriminatory treatment.
we held in Brussels was an to finance their activities, which are should be at the centre of political Other discussed topics were: energy and climate change,
excellent occasion to come to a the instruments of growth and jobs.” activity. food and product safety, global and regional security issues,
The Interparliamentary Delegations Unit
Regarding Human rights, Ms Andrikiené mentioned that it
better mutual understanding of the was important to adopt the Universal standards of human social security issues and Chinese law practices.
impact of the crisis in the different José Manuel Barroso, On the question from Wolfgang rights and asked the Chinese representatives to inform the G. Luigi Mazza
member states. At the same President of the European Schüssel, Chairman of the ÖVP
time, it allowed us to come to an
agreement on the path to follow. wishes you a
Commission, reminded participants parliamentary group in the
that the Commission had always been Austrian national parliament,
MEPs about the ongoing situation regarding Hu Jia, who
was invited by the President of the EP to participate in the 11th EU-Republic of Korea
The joint declaration adopted an advocate of the parliamentary whether more flexibility is needed as
ceremony where he would be awarded the 2008 Sakharov Interparliamentary meeting
Prize for Freedom of Thought. Concerns about the protection
by the EPP-ED Parliamentary dimension of the European Union and regards the implementation of the
of human rights and the protection of Tibetan culture were From 26 - 31 October 2008 the EP Delegation for relations with
Group Chairmen expresses said that more than ever the national and European climate and energy package,
our commitment to joint action Europeanlevelsneedtocooperate.“This Mr Barroso was firm: “A cleaner, also expressed. The Chinese replied saying that they are the “Korean Peninsula” under the leadership of Austrian MEP,
and brought our meeting to a meeting takes place at a crucial greener economy and a more committed to the protection of human rights, stressed Hubert Pirker paid a visit to South Korea (Seoul, Daejeon and
moment,” Mr Barroso said. “The meeting competitive European economy is that China had a different definition on human rights and Pusan). The EPP-ED was also represented by Petya Stavreva
successful conclusion.
with Eurozone leaders signalled our possible. Promoting renewables is that no country should interfere with the internal affairs
Vito Bonsignore, Vice- clear commitment to act together as vital to guarantee our energy security.
Chairman of the EPP-ED member states to restore confidence. Moreover, we are not taking unilateral
Group responsible for We have also agreed on a toolbox of action, but are asking other world
relations with national measures, consisting of possibilities economies to follow our lead towards
parliaments to ensure liquidities for banks, to re- a more sustainable economic system.”
YEARBOOK OF THE EPP-ED GROUP
YEARBOOK
OF THE EPP-ED GROUP
2008
2008
I N T H E E U R O P E A N PA R L I A M E N T
Published by: EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament
Editor: Presidency Service - Publications
Coordinator: Angela Kaladjis

angela.kaladjis@europarl.europa.eu
Internet: http://www.epp-ed.eu
©: EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, 2008


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YEARBOOK OF THE EPP-ED GROUP

Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

Coordinator: Angela Kaladjis

©: EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, 2008

I. The EPP-ED Group

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

> Contents 4. The General Secretariat of the Group  35

II. Events and meetings in Brussels

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

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VI. EPP-ED Publications in 2008 

VII. The European People’s Party (EPP)

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yearbook of the epp-ed group -

1. The Group’s structure

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

I > The EPP-ED Group

The Bureau How we work

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

Struan Stevenson Jaime Mayor Oreja Vito Bonsignore

PES (Socialist Group in the European Parliament)

18 ALDE (Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe) 19

UEN (Union for Europe of the Nations Group)

IND/DEM (Independence/Democracy Group)

João de Deus Pinheiro Marian-Jean Marinescu

Germany Germany United Kingdom Hungary Greece Portugal

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

Italy Italy Spain Portugal Slovakia The Netherlands

Spain France Romania Austria Austria Belgium

Poland Czech Republic Hungary Sweden Sweden Ireland

Bulgaria Finland Slovenia

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Luxembourg Cyprus Latvia

Lithuania Malta Denmark

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Giles Chichester Malcolm Harbour Georg Jarzembowski

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José Ignacio Salafranca Hans-Gert Poettering Tokia Saïfi

Joe Borg Stavros Dimas Ján Figeľ

Pál Schmitt Jacek Protasiewicz

Benita Ferrero-Waldner Andris Piebalgs Viviane Reding

yearbook of the epp-ed group -

BŘEZINA, Jan MARQUES, Sérgio WIJKMAN, Anders DOMBROVSKIS, Valdis

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PORTUGAL (9) SWEDEN (6)

COELHO, Carlos CEDERSCHIÖLD, Charlotte

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Paolo Licandro Antoine Ripoll Robert Fitzhenry

Arthur Hildebrandt Beatrice Scarascia-Mugnozza Pascal Fontaine

Erna Hennicot-Schoepges MEP (EPP-ED, Luxembourg), European Parliament rapporteur on the

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in Brussels and Strasbourg

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Mart Laar, Chairman of Pro Patria and Res Publica Union,

Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou MEP, First Vice-President of the European Parliament,

I. The EPP-ED Group

> Contents 4. The General Secretariat of the Group 35

II. Events and meetings in Brussels

VI. EPP-ED Publications in 2008

VII. The European People’s Party (EPP)

I > The EPP-ED Group