European Factbook 2013: The European People's Party and Centre-Right Politics by Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies

European Factbook 2013 The European Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party and Centre-Right Politics

EUROPEAN FACTBOOK 2013 The European People’s Party and Centre-Right Politics

Editor-in-Chief: Kostas Sasmatzoglou Assistant Editors: Bernada Cunj, John Lageson Additional Research and Editing: Brenda Furniere, Sara Pini, Panos Tasiopoulos, Óscar Sánchez Benítez, Margarita Kaimaklioti and Boyan Tanev Cover, Type & Design: Andreas Neuhaus Printed in Germany by Druckhaus Süd Brussels, November/December 2013 Centre for European Studies Rue du Commerce 20 Brussels, B-1000 The Centre for European Studies (CES) is the political foundation of the European People’s Party (EPP), dedicated to the promotion of Christian Democrat, conservative and like-minded political values. For more information please visit: www.thinkingeurope.eu ISSN 2031-0196

The European Parliament and the publishers assume no responsibility for the data and/or opinions in this publication and any use that may be made of the information therein.

Wilfried Martens devoted his entire life to politics: as student leader, youth activist, President of the Flemish Christian Democrats, Prime Minister of Belgium, President of the European People‘s Party and European statesman. · Prime Minister of Belgium, 1979-1981, 1981-1992 · President of the European People‘s Party, 1990-2013 · President of the Centre for European Studies, 2007-2013

Wilfried Martens 1936 – 2013

“Wilfried Martens was a man of strong convictions – European convictions. He was a man of character. He was a man with a high sense of duty. He was a real and great European. We will all miss him.” Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council “Europe has lost a man of strong convictions and solid values. He will always remain in our memories for having brought people together to forge consensus, both in his country and in Europe.” José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission “I personally have lost a closely trusted, political friend. I can tell you we will do everything we can, in the spirit of Wilfried Martens, to continue his and our common political work in the European People’s Party and for our shared Europe.” Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany “His entire life [...] Wilfried Martens committed himself to emancipating Flanders, in a reformed country, to European integration as a guarantee for peace and prosperity, and for the democratic and political anchoring of personalism from the North Sea to the Urals.” Yves Leterme, former Prime Minister of Belgium “Better than anyone, he espoused the conviction that ‘Europe is the solution.’ ” Joseph Daul, EPP President “You were a great statesman. I am proud to have worked by your side for more than forty years. And grateful for the trust and the opportunities that you gave me. We will continue your work.” Jean-Luc Dehaene, former Prime Minister of Belgium

Table of Contents SECTION 1 | THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY Introduction - the EPP today

History

Chronology

EPP Structure - Presidency, Political Assembly and Congress

Who is Who in the EPP EPP Working Groups · European Policy · Economic and Social Policy · EPP Membership · Ad Hoc | Climate Change and Energy · Campaign Managers Meeting · EPP Cyber Security Advisory Board and Task Force on Respectful Internet Freedoms · Expert Group on Foreign Affairs

EPP in the European Council - EPP Summit · President of the European Council · EU Heads of State and Government · Non-EU Heads of State and Government

EPP in the Council of the EU - EPP Ministerial Meetings · Economic and Financial Affairs · Home Affairs · Justice · Foreign Affairs · Environment · Agriculture · Energy · Defence · Employment and Social Affairs · Competitiveness · General Affairs

EPP in the European Commission · President of the European Commission · Vice-Presidents of the European Commission · Members

EPP in the European Parliament 20 · Vice-Presidents of the European Parliament · Quaestors of the European Parliament · Presidency of the EPP Group · Secretary General · Heads of national delegations · Chairs in the parliamentary committees · Members EPP in the Committee of the Regions 32 · The Presidency · The Bureau · Presidents of CoR Commissions · Other CoR Bureau Members · List of Representatives EPP in the Council of Europe · List of Representatives EPP in the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe · OSCE-PA Vice-Presidents · OSCE-PA Committee Officers · List of Representatives EPP in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation · Bureau of the Assembly · Committees and Subcommittees

43 50

EPP Associations 58 · European Democrat Students (EDS) · European Senior Citizen’s Union (ESCU) · European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) · Small and Medium Entrepreneurs of Europe (SME EUROPE) · Women of the European People’s Party (EPP Women) · Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP) SECTION 2a | EU COUNTRIES European Union · European People’s Party | EPP

Austria · Österreichische Volkspartei | ÖVP

Belgium · Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams | CD&V · Centre Démocrate Humaniste | cdH

Cyprus · Dimokratikos Synagermos | DISY

Czech Republic · TOP 09 · Křesťanská a Demokratická Unie – Československá Strana Lidová | KDU-ČSL

Denmark · Det Konservative Folkeparti | C · Kristendemokraterne | KD

Estonia · Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit | IRL

Finland · Kansallinen Kokoomus | KOK · Kristillisdemokraatit | KD

France · Union pour un Mouvement Populaire | UMP

Germany · Christlich Demokratische Union | CDU · Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern | CSU

Greece · Nea Demokratia | ND

102

Hungary · Fidesz- Magyar Polgári Szövetség | FIDESZ · Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt | KDNP

104

Ireland · Fine Gael | FG

108

Italy · Il Popolo della Libertà | PdL · Unione di Centro | UDC · Popolari UDEUR | UDEUR · Südtiroler Volkspartei | SVP

110

Latvia · Vienotība | V

116

Lithuania · Tėvynės Sąjunga - Lietuvos Krikščionys Demokratai | TS-LKD Luxembourg · Chrëschtlech Sozial Vollekspartei | CSV

118

Malta · Partit Nazzjonalista | PN

122

Netherlands · Christen Democratisch Appèl | CDA

124

Poland · Platforma Obywatelska | PO · Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe | PSL

126

Portugal · Partido Social Democrata | PSD · Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular | CDS-PP

130

Romania · Partidul Democrat Liberal | PDL · Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România / Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség | UDMR · Partidul Naţional Ţărănesc Creştin Democrat | PNŢCD

134

Slovakia · Kresťanskodemokratické Hnutie | KDH · Slovenská Demokratická a Kresťanská Únia – Demokratická Strana | SDKÚ-DS · Most-Híd | MH · Strana Maďarskej Koalície / Magyar Koalíció Pártja | MKP

138

Slovenia · Slovenska Demokratska Stranka | SDS · Slovenska Ljudska Stranka | SLS · Nova Slovenija - Krščanski demokrati | NSi

144

Spain · Partido Popular | PP · Unió Democràtica de Catalunya | UDC

148

Sweden · Moderaterna | M · Kristdemokraterna | KD

152

120

SECTION 2b | NON-EU COUNTRIES Albania · Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë | PD

156

Armenia · Hayastani Hanrapetakan Kusaktsutyun | HHK · Orinats Erkir | OEK · Zharangutyun | Z

158

Belarus · Biełaruski Narodny Front | BPF · Abjadnanaja Hramadzianskaja Partyja Biełarusi | UCP

162

Bosnia and Herzegovina · Stranka Demokratske Akcije | SDA · Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica Bosne i Hercegovine | HDZBiH · Partija Demokratskog Progresa | PDP

166

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia · Vnatrešna Makedonska Revolucionerne Organizacija Demokratska Partija za Makedonsko Nacionalno Edinstvo | VMRO-DPMNE

170

Georgia · Ertiani Natsionaluri Modzraoba | ENM

172

Kosovo(*) · Lidhja Demokratike e Kosovës | LDK

174

Moldova 176 · Partidul Liberal Democrat din Moldova | PLDM Norway 178 · Høyre | H · Kristelig Folkeparti | KrF San Marino · Partito Democratico Cristiano Sammarinese | PDCS

182

Serbia · Ujedinjeni regioni Srbije | URS · Savez Vojvođanskih Mađara / Vajdasági Magyar Szövetség | SVM

184

* The EPP does not have a position on the legal status of Kosovo.

Switzerland · Christlich Demokratische Volkspartei | CVP / PPD / PDC / PCD

188

Ukraine · Batkivshchyna · Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform | UDAR · Narodnyi Rukh Ukraïny | NRU

190

SECTION 3 | POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS Centre for European Studies and its member foundations: EU | Centre for European Studies

196

Austria | Political Academy of the Austrian People’s Party, PolAk

202

Belgium | CEDER Study Centre of CD&V

205

Bosnia and Herzegovina | New Initiatives Centre

207

Bulgaria | Association Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria Croatia | Croatian Statehood Foundation, ZHDZ

209

Cyprus | Glafcos Clerides Institute

213

Czech Republic | European Academy for Democracy

216

Czech Republic | TOPAZ

218

220

Finland | Toivo Think Tank

222

Germany | Hanns Seidel Foundation, HSS

224

Germany | Konrad Adenauer Foundation, KAS

227

Greece | Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy

229

Hungary | Foundation for a Civic Hungary, PMA Italy | De Gasperi Foundation

232

Italy | Luigi Sturzo Institute

237

Lithuania | Institute of Democratic Politics

239

Estonia | Pro Patria Institute

Malta | Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment, AZAD

211

234

241

Netherlands | CDA Research Institute

243

Portugal | Amaro da Costa Institute

245

Romania | Institute for Popular Studies, ISP

248

Romania | Kós Károly Academy Foundation

251

Slovakia | Institute for Modern Slovakia, IPMS

254

Slovakia | Anton Tunega Foundation

256

Slovenia | Institute Dr. Janez Evangelist Krek, IJEK

258

Slovenia | Dr. Jože Pučnik Institute, IJP

260

Spain | Foundation for Social Research and Analysis, FAES

262

Spain | Institute for Humanistic Studies Miquel Coll and Alentorn, INEHCA

266

Sweden | Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation, JHS

268

Other Political Foundations and Think Tanks · European Ideas Network · The Robert Schuman Institute · The Robert Schuman Foundation

271

SECTION 4 | APPENDICES Appendix I Platform of the European People‘s Party 276 Appendix II By-laws and Internal Regulations of the 317 European People’s Party Appendix III

By-laws and Internal Regulations of the Centre for European Studies

Appendix IV

2003 EU Regulation governing political parties 362 at European level and the rules regarding their funding

Appendix V

2007 Revised EU Regulation governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding

370

Appendix VI

Commission Recommendation of 12 March 2013 on enhancing the democratic and efficient conduct of the elections to the European Parliament

378

344

Appendix VII

European Parliament resolution of 6 April 2011 on the application of Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding (2010/2201(INI))

Appendix VIII

European Parliament resolution of 22 November 2012 393 on the elections to the European Parliament in 2014

Appendix IX

European Parliament resolution of 4 July 2013 on improving the practical arrangements for the holding of the European elections in 2014

395

Appendix X

Rules of Procedure of the EPP Group in the European Parliament

400

385

Appendix XI Rules of Procedure of the EPP Group in the 411 Committee of the Regions Appendix XII Rules of Procedure of the EPP Group in the 416 Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Appendix XIII Rules of Procedure of the EPP Group in the 421 OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

Section THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 01

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 02

The EPP today The European People’s Party (EPP) is the political family of the centre right, whose roots run deep in the history and civilisation of the European continent, and which has pioneered the European project from its inception. Tracing back its roots to Europe’s Founding Fathers – Robert SCHUMAN, Alcide DE GASPERI, and Konrad ADENAUER - the EPP is committed to a strong Europe, based on a federal model that relies on the principle of subsidiarity. Founded in 1976, the EPP is a party of values, based on the Christian view of mankind and the Christian Democratic concept of society. The EPP strives for a democratic, transparent and efficient Europe that is close to its citizens. The EPP aspires to achieve a prosperous Europe through the promotion of the social market economy, and is committed to a federal Europe. The EPP is the largest political party in Europe with 74 member parties from 39 countries, 17 heads of state and government (12 EU and 5 nonEU), 13 European Commissioners, and the largest group in the European Parliament with 273 members.

The EPP leads the European Commission with José Manuel BARROSO and the European Council with Herman VAN ROMPUY, who was re-elected on 1st March 2012 for another 2½ year mandate. The EPP is governed under the 2003 “EU Regulation on political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding“. In late 2007, this Regulation was revised in order to allow European-level political parties to campaign for the European Parliament elections. As a result of this mandate, the EPP ran its first campaign for the June 2009 elections and reinforced its leading position in the European Parliament. For the next European elections, which will take place from 22-25 May 2014, the EPP will embark on a major EU-wide campaign. These elections will mark an especially historic achievement in European integration, as they will be the first to take place under the rules of the Lisbon Treaty, which stipulates that the President of the European Commission be elected while taking into account the outcome of the European elections. Therefore, by putting forward presidencial candidates to lead the respective campaigns of the European political parties, these elections will make the European Union more democratic, transparent and bring it closer to the citizens. – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 03

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 04

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 05

America contributed to the establishment of the intercontinental network.

EPP History Political formations of the centre-right can be traced back to the early 1920s. Unlike the case of the Socialists, Christian Democratic and conservative pan-European cooperation was the child of national parties and derived from a federal tradition. The experiences of the First World War and the threat of fascism led to the conviction among leaders that overcoming nationalism was a precondition for preserving peace. The first attempt at cooperation between like-minded Christian Democrats was made in 1926, when the International Secretariat of Democratic Parties of Christian Inspiration (Secrétariat international des partis démocratiques d’inspiration chrétienne, SIPDIC) was founded. However, fascism increased tensions between European governments, and the spirit of revenge and the dictators’ obsession with power all eventually brought to an end cooperation among the Christian Democratic parties and finally led to the outbreak of the Second World War. The lessons and experiences of cooperation between 1925 and 1939 were key when leaders of the re-established or newly founded Christian Democratic parties in Europe formed the Nouvelles équipes internationales (NEI) in 1946. The ecumenical elements were decisive: reconstruction and reconciliation were born amidst the ruins of the nation states, as was the vision of a united continent in the future. Christian Democratic parties were banned in Central and Eastern Europe once communist rule was imposed. In July 1950, the exiled representatives of these parties established the Christian Democratic Union of Central Europe (CDUCE). Their political, journalistic and lobbying activity was focused mainly on fighting Communism, opposing the Soviet Union and eventually liberating and democratising their countries. Moreover, political refugees in Latin

From the middle of the 1950s onwards the NEI lost its relevance. With the European Coal and Steel Community and the establishment of the European Economic Community (EEC), practical cooperation among Christian Democrats gradually shifted in favour of the framework presented by the Common Assembly and the European Parliament. The organisation revitalised itself by changing its name to the European Union of Christian Democrats (EUCD) and revising the key aims of the organisation. The EUCD forged a closer relationship with the parliamentary group of European Christian Democrats and national member parties, and steadily grew more ambitious in its vision for Europe. With the decision to organise direct elections for the European Parliament in 1979, the need for a truly European party became evident. The formal establishment of the European People’s Party (EPP) took place in 1976 in Luxembourg, with member parties from the following EEC countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. The platform was the result of considerable consensus and expressed a common intention to promote integration in the context of the European Community, leading to a political union equipped with federal and democratic institutions. Once the EPP was founded, pressure to establish formal links between Christian Democratic and conservative forces was exerted by EUCD parties in countries that were not European Community members. Yet the EPP’s strong insistence on the federal model of European integration led to the formation of the European Democratic Union (EDU), a broader pan-European organisation. Thus, three parallel political organisations of Christian Democrats and conservatives were now in place. However, the EPP soon politically outweighed the EUCD, and the members who also belonged to the EPP concentrated more and more

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 06

on the work of the latter organisation. The issue of merging the two organisations resurfaced when Spain and Portugal joined the European Community in 1986, but the revolutionary events which took place in Moscow and in other Eastern European capitals delayed the idea of a “big” EPP. Moreover, the EUCD’s loose framework was better suited to deal with totalitarianism in Eastern Europe; in fact, the organisation played an important role in supporting democratic activism and shaping the political landscape in the post-communist countries. The political upheavals in 1989 meant that previous positions taken by the EPP had to be rethought and reformulated. The international context had been altered with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the ideological conflict between East and West. And it was clear that the population of the German Democratic Republic wanted unification with the Federal Republic, as well as democracy. At the same time public opinion had shifted: the change enshrined in the Maastricht Treaty meant a political redefinition of Europe.

the inclusion of centre-right parties from accession countries in Central and Eastern Europe proved to be particularly successful. The new members brought an additional political dimension to the EPP and consolidated it as the pre-eminent force of the centre-right in Europe. More recently, the EPP has continued to expand successfully to include new members in Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries.

Chronology 1925 – 1975 1925 First international congress of Christian (Catholic) people’s parties (December, Paris). It was agreed to hold further meetings and to establish the “Secrétariat international des partis démocratiques d‘inspiration chrétienne” (SIPDIC) in Paris; the Secretariat continued to exist until 1939. Parties from Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Spain, Portugal and Lithuania were involved in its activities.

In April 1991, party and government leaders of the EPP decided that, while the Party would be open to the British and Nordic conservative parties, Christian Democracy would be preserved as the cornerstone of the EPP‘s identity. The EPP needed to integrate like-minded forces in order to achieve the majority needed to make its policies a reality. Although Greece’s Nea Demokratia had already been admitted in 1983, in the early 1990s like-minded parties from Spain and the Nordic countries were included under the committed leadership of EPP President Wilfried Martens.

1946 Following the Second World War, cooperation between political parties at a European level was renewed. An initiative by the Swiss Christian Democrats led to the establishment of the “Nouvelles équipes internationales” (NEI).

With the prospect of Central and Eastern European countries joining the European Union (EU), the previous arguments for preserving the EUCD membership lost relevance – this led to the merger of the EUCD with the EPP in 1999. And since the EPP had accepted most European Conservative parties from the EU and beyond, the EDU also lost relevance, leading to its merger with the EPP in 2002. The enlargement of the EPP reflected that of the EU itself;

1948 As an active element of the European movement, the NEI participated in the preparations for the organisation of the famous “Congress of Europe” in The Hague.

1947 Constituent Congress of the NEI in Chaudfontaine (Belgium). The NEI pledged to cooperate actively in the reshaping of Europe at state, social and economic levels for peaceful coexistence and respect for human rights, liberty and social progress.

1953 The Christian Democrat members of parliament of the six member states founded the first European Group of Christian Democrats within the parliamentary assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 07

1965 The NEI became the European Union of Christian Democrats (EUCD). Mariano Rumor (DC) was elected President. Leo Tindemans (CVP) was appointed Secretary-General. 1970 Establishment of a permanent conference within the EUCD of the Presidents and Secretaries-General of the Christian Democratic Parties of the Member States of the European Communities.

1980 Congress III of the EPP in Cologne. 1981 As a result of the accession of Greece to the European Community, the number of seats in the European Parliament increased to 434. The EPP Group’s share was 109 seats. 1982 Following the elections in Greece in June 1982, the number of MEPs in the EPP increased to 117. Congress IV of the EPP in Paris.

1972 Establishment of the “Political Committee” of the Christian Democratic Parties of the European Community with the aim of improving the coordination of European policy and cooperation.

1983 Merger of the EUCD Secretariat (hitherto in Rome) and the EPP Secretariat in Brussels. Thomas Jansen appointed Secretary-General of the EPP and EUCD. Greece’s Nea Demokratia joins the EPP.

1973–1974 Change of leadership in the EUCD: Kai-Uwe von Hassel (CDU) appointed President and Arnaldo Forlani (DC) Secretary General.

1984 Congress V of the EPP in Rome adopted an action programme for the second electoral term of the European Parliament. The EPP won 110 seats at the second direct elections to the European Parliament.

1975 Establishment of a “European Party” working group with the task of drawing up a draft Statute for a European union of parties. Wilfried Martens, Chairman of the CVP, and Hans-August Lücker, Chairman of the Christian Democratic Group in the European Parliament, were appointed as rapporteurs.

1976 – 2003 1976 The “Political Committee” unanimously approved the statutes of the European People’s Party (EPP) on 8 July in Luxembourg. Leo Tindemans was elected President of the EPP. The following parties were the founding members: CDU and CSU (Germany), PSC and CVP (Belgium), CDS (France), Fine Gael (Ireland), DC (Italy), CSV (Luxembourg), KPV, CHU, and ARP (Netherlands). 1978 Congress I in Brussels adopted the political programme of the EPP. 1979 Congress II decided on the electoral platform for the first direct elections to the European Parliament. The EPP won 107 of the 419 seats in the elections.

1985 Piet Bukman (CDA) elected President. Thomas Jansen elected Secretary-General. 1986 Congress VI of the EPP at The Hague. As a result of the accession of Spain and Portugal, the number of seats in the European Parliament increased to a total of 518. The Portuguese CDS, the Spanish PDP (later renamed Democracia Cristiana), the Catalan UDC and the Basque PNV join the EPP. The size of the EPP Group increases by nine MEPs to 119. 1987 Jacques Santer elected President. Thomas Jansen re-elected Secretary General for a second term. 1988 EPP Congress VII in Luxembourg. Adoption of the working programme “On the People’s Side”. 1989 After the third direct election for the European Parliament, the Spanish MEPs of the Partido Popular join the EPP Group. 1990 Wilfried Martens elected President. Thomas Jansen re-elected Secretary-General for a third term. EPP Congress VIII in Dublin: adoption of the EPP programme for the European Union.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 08

1991 The Spanish Partido Popular joins the EPP. Christian Democrat parties from Austria (ÖVP), Sweden (KDS) and Malta (PN) are admitted as associate members of the EPP. 1992 The British and Danish Conservative MEPs (together with some French UDF MEPs) join the EPP Group as allied members, bringing the total to 162 Members. The EPP Basic Programme is adopted at the EPP Congress IX in Athens. 1993 Nordic conservative parties are admitted to the EPP as permanent observers. The CDS of Portugal is expelled. Wilfried Martens re-elected President and Thomas Jansen re-elected Secretary-General for a fourth term. The EPP Congress X meeting in Brussels adopts the Action Programme “Europe 2000 – Unity in diversity” for the fourth parliamentary term of the European Parliament. 1994 Following the establishment of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) as a new consultative body of the European Union, the EPP Group was formed in the CoR with approximately 85 members under the chairmanship of Jos Chabert, (CVP-B). The Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei (CVP) of Switzerland and the Democratic Rally (DISY) of Cyprus are admitted to the EPP as associate members. The EPP member-parties win 125 seats in the fourth European elections in June. The incorporation of like-minded MEPs (British and Danish conservatives and French liberals) bring the total number of EPP MEPs to 157. Klaus Welle is elected Secretary General of the EPP. 1995 The MEPs of the Kristdemokratiska Samhällspartiet and Moderata Samling (Sweden), Kansallinen Kokoomus (Finland) and the Österreichische Volkspartei (Austria) join the EPP Group. Kansallinen Kokoomus (Finland), Moderata Samlingspartiet and Kristdemokratiska Samhällspartiet (Sweden), Det Konservative Folkeparti (Denmark) and the Österreichische Volkspartei (Austria) become full members of the EPP. Høyre (Norway) accorded associate member status. Centro Cristiano Democratico (CCD) and Cristiani Democratici Uniti (CDU)

become full members of the EPP. Congress XI in Madrid “EPP- Force of the Union”. Wilfried Martens re-elected President, Klaus Welle reelected Secretary-General. Foundation of the European Senior Citizens Union (ESCU). 1996 Foundation of the Small and Medium Enterprises Union of the EPP or SME-Union. In February seven parties in the prospective member-countries in Central and Eastern Europe are candidates for EPP observer status: KDU/ČSL and ODS (Czech Republic), KDH and MKDM (Slovakia), KDNP and MDF (Hungary), PNŢCD (Romania). 1997 EPP Congress XII in Toulouse – “We are all Part of One World”. EPP‘s youth organisation YEPP is established. 1999 Congress XIII in Brussels – 1999-2004 Action Programme – “On the Way to the TwentyFirst Century”. The congress re-elects President Wilfried Martens for another term and elects Alejandro Agag as Secretary-General, succeeding Klaus Welle who, in turn, is appointed Secretary-General of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament. Merger of the EUCD in the EPP formally concluded – EPP recognised as a regional organisation of the Christian Democrat International (CDI). 2000 EPP associate member status awarded to Tautas Partija (Latvia), SMK-MKP (Slovakia), US (Czech Republic), FKGP and FIDESZ – MPP (Hungary). Merger of the Secretariat of the European Democrat Union (EDU, until then in Vienna) with the EPP secretariat in Brussels. 2001 EPP Congress XIV in Berlin. Basic document approved: “A Union of Values”. EPP associate member status awarded to MDF, Hungary. Full member status awarded to UDEUR, Italy and RPR, France. 2002 Political Bureau accepted, by acclamation, a proposal to replace Secretary General Alejandro Agag with Antonio López Istúriz. EPP Convention Group established, following an initiative by President Martens. EPP associate member status awarded to EVP (Switzerland)

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 09

and KDH (Slovakia). EPP observer member status awarded to SDKU of (Slovakia). October: Congress XV in Estoril, Portugal. Congress approves “A Constitution for a Strong Europe”. Merger of the EDU in the EPP formally concluded.

ves. US Senator John McCain addresses an EPP event in Brussels on transatlantic relations. Two Belarusian parties are granted observer membership – the Belarusan Popular Front and the United Civil Party. Romanian PD is upgraded from observer to associate member.

2003 – 2013

2007 With the accession of Romania and Bulgaria, the respective parties are upgraded to full member status: PD, RMDSZ and PNŢCD (Romania) and DSB, UDF, BANU-PU and DP (Bulgaria). The Hungarian KDNP becomes a full member, and the VMRO-DPMNE from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), becomes an observer. HSS of Croatia upgraded from observer to associate member. Amendment of the “EU Regulation governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding”, mandates the EPP and all European parties to campaign for the European elections. It also allows the creation of political foundations linked to political parties. The Centre for European Studies (CES) is established as the official think tank/foundation of the EPP.

2003 In November, the EPP, as well as other European level parties, receive formal recognition by the European institutions, following the approval of “EU Regulation governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding”. 2004 XVI Congress in Brussels where the “Action Programme 2004–2009” for the June 2004 elections is approved. Following the accession of ten new EU Member States, all EPP associate member-parties from these countries become full members. In the first European elections, the EPP is victorious. The EPP-ED Group is, once again, the largest in the European Parliament with 268 MEPs. As a result of this victory, the EPP succeeds in the nomination of José Manuel Barroso by the European Council as the new President of the European Commission. HDZ of Croatia is upgraded from observer to associate member. Observer membership is granted to three Bosnian parties: the PDP, the SDA, and the HDZ BiH. 2005 Observer membership granted to the Turkish AK Party, and to Ukraine’s “Our Ukraine” bloc. EPP President Wilfried Martens receives from the former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl the “Helmut-Kohl-Ehrennadel in Gold” distinction (Helmut-Kohl-honorary golden needle) for his exceptional services to Europe. EPP launches its academic journal European View. Observer membership is granted to PD Romania. 2006 XVII Congress in Rome on 30th and 31st March – EPP adopts manifesto “The Citizens and Europe: Clear Priorities for a Better Europe”. President Wilfried Martens and Secretary General Antonio López Istúriz are re-elected. In September, the EPP moved to its new headquarters, which better suit the Party’s needs and objecti-

2008 GERB of Bulgaria becomes a full member, Batkivshchyna of Ukraine becomes an observer member. EPP recognised as a regional union by the International Democrat Union (IDU). UNM Georgia accepted as observer member. 2009 XVIII Congress in Warsaw adopted the Manifesto “Strong for the People“. EPP emerged as the strongest political party after the European Parliament elections. José Manuel Barroso is re-elected for a second term as Commission President. CDS-PP Portugal and PdL Italy became full members. MDF Hungary membership suspended. XIX Congress in Bonn approved the document “The Social Market Economy in a globalised world“ and re-elected Wilfried Martens as President and Antonio López-Istúriz as Secretary General. 2010 On 1st January former Belgian Prime Minister and EPP candidate, Herman Van Rompuy, becomes the first President of the European Council. Civic Union of Latvia is granted full membership. VMRO-DPMNE upgraded to associate member.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 10

2011 In February, the TOP09 party from the Czech Republic is granted full membership and Moldova’s PLDM party granted observer membership. In April, Marietta Giannakou’s Report on improving the legal status of EUlevel political parties is approved in the European Parliament. On the sidelines of the June EPP Summit, the EPP hosted a special event to celebrate its 35th anniversary and to pay tribute to Wilfried Martens for his 20 years as EPP President. The XX Congress in Marseille approved the document “Moving Europe Forward“.

· BUCKMAN, Piet

1985-1987

· SANTER, Jacques

1987-1990

2012 On 4th February EPP Honorary President Sauli Niinistö is elected President of Finland. In February three Armenian parties, the Republican Party, Rule of Law and Heritage are granted observer member status. On 1st March Herman Van Rompuy is re-elected President of the European Council for another 2½ year mandate. On 16th -18th October the EPP holds its XXI Congress in Bucharest, Romania, where it adopts a new party platform and political Manifesto. Wilfried Martens is re-elected President and Antonio López-Istúriz is re-elected Secretary General.

· TINDEMANS, Leo

2013 In June the EPP Political Assembly selects Dublin, Ireland as the site of the EPP Congress to be held in March 2014. EPP member party Fine Gael will host the Congress, which will launch the EPP’s campaign for the 2014 European elections and mark the nomination of the EPP’s candidate for President of the European Commission. Croatian parties HDZ and HSS become full member parties of the EPP upon Croatia’s accession to the EU on 1 July. In September Ukrainian party UDAR is granted observer member status. In October President Wilfried Martens passes away. Joseph Daul, Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, is elected as the new EPP President in November. The Most-Híd party from Slovakia is granted full member status.

EPP Presidents · TINDEMANS, Leo

1976-1985

· MARTENS, Wilfried 1990-2013 · DAUL, Joseph

2013-

Honorary Presidents · NIINISTÖ, Sauli

EPP Congresses 1978 Congress I held in Brussels adopted the EPP’s political programme. 1979 Congress II also in Brussels, decided the electoral platform for the first direct elections to the European Parliament. 1980 Congress III in Cologne discussed the overall theme “The Christian democrats in the Eighties – Securing Freedom and Peace Completing Europe”. 1982 Congress IV took place in Paris under the slogan “Preserve Peace – Create Peace – Unite Europe”. 1984 Congress V in Rome formulated the EPP Action Programme. 1986 Congress VI in the Hague focused on Economic Development and Environmental Problems. 1988 Congress VII in Luxembourg prepared for another European election and approved the document “On the Side of the Citizens”. 1990 Congress VIII in Dublin faced a new political landscape and published “A Federal Constitution for the European Union”.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 11

1992 Congress IX in Athens discussed and approved the EPP “Basic Programme“. 1993 Congress X was held in Brussels and adopted the action program, “Europe 2000: Unity in Diversity”. 1995 Congress XI in Madrid was hosted under the thematic slogan “EPP- Force of the Union“. 1997 Congress XII in Toulouse approved the document “We are all Part of One World“. 1999 Congress XIII in Brussels outlined its new vision for Europe, “On the Way to the 21st Century“. EUCD formally merged with EPP. 2001 Congress XIV in Berlin revisited its roots, and adopted the working document “A Union of Values“. 2002 Congress XV in Estoril prepared for the Constitution process, and declared that the EU needed “A Constitution for a Strong Europe“. EDU fomally merged with EPP. 2004 Congress XVI in Brussels where the main objective was to prepare for the European Elections. The “Action Program 2004-2009“ was approved. 2006 Congress XVII in Rome approved the “Rome Manifesto” document. 2009 Congress XVIII in Warsaw approved the “Strong for the People“ EPP Election Manifesto. 2009 Congress XIX in Bonn approved the document “The Social Market Economy in a Globalised World“. 2011 Congress XX in Marseille approved the document “Moving Europe Forward“. 2012 Congress XXI in Bucharest, Romania adopted a new party Platform and political Manifesto. 2014 Congress XXII will be held in Dublin, Ireland on 6th-7th March.

EPP Structure Presidency, Political Assembly and Congress The EPP is led by President Joseph DAUL, the Secretary General, 10 Vice Presidents and the Treasurer. The Secretary General Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ runs the day to day operations of the Party. The EPP has three levels of decision-making: Presidency, Political Assembly and Congress. EPP heads of state and government can give policy recommendations at the level of the EPP Summit, whereas EPP Working Groups perform preparatory political work. The Presidency decides on the general political guidelines and presides over the Political Assembly. The Presidency is composed of the President, the Secretary General, 10 Vice-Presidents, and the Treasurer. The Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament is ex officio Vice President of the EPP. The Presidents of the European Commission and European Council are also ex officio members of the EPP Presidency, as they are also members of EPP member parties. The Political Assembly defines the political positions of the Party between Congresses, decides on membership applications and final political guidelines. The Political Assembly also decides on the budget and safeguards the political presence of the EPP between the Congress meetings. The Political Assembly is composed of the designated delegates of the EPP member-parties, associated member-parties, parliamentary groups and member-associations of the EPP. The number of delegates for each party is linked to the election result in the last European elections so that parties are weighted according to their strength. This allows for taking decisions by majority. The Political Assembly meets three to four times a year. The Political Assembly defi-

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 12

nes the mandate of the Working Groups which prepare the Party’s policy documents and recommendations. All member-parties and associated member-parties and members of the EPP Group in the European Parliament can participate in the Working Groups.

Treasurer

The Congress is the highest decision-making body of the Party. It is composed of delegates from EPP member-parties, observer memberparties, member associations, and parliamentary groups. The EPP Congress meets at least once every three years. It elects the EPP Presidency and decides on the main policy documents, electoral programmes and hosts the EPP heads of state and government and party leaders.

Secretary General

For more information on the EPP, please visit: www.epp.eu

· VANDEPUTTE, Luc lvandeputte@epp.eu

· FRIEDRICH, Ingo

EPP SECRETARIAT

· LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ, Antonio alopez@epp.eu

Deputies Secretary General · KREMER, Christian ckremer@epp.eu

Spokesman

Who is Who in the EPP EPP PRESIDENCY President · DAUL, Joseph

Secretary General · LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ, Antonio

Vice Presidents · BARNIER, Michel · BILLSTRÖM, Tobias · BOAGIU, Anca · CREIGHTON, Lucinda · DAVID, Mário · HAHN, Johannes · HINTZE, Peter · SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Jacek · TAJANI, Antonio · WORTMANN-KOOL, Corien · BARROSO, José Manuel (e.o.) · VAN ROMPUY, Herman (e.o.)

· SASMATZOGLOU, Kostas spokesman@epp.eu

Officials and Personnel · FURNIERE, Brenda Head of the President‘s Office, bfurniere@epp.eu · CURRELI, Giuseppina Head of the Secretary General‘s Cabinet, gcurreli@epp.eu · BRIEC, Nicolas Senior Adviser for External Relations nbriec@epp.eu · JIMENEZ, Javier Director for Press and Communications, jjimenez@epp.eu · FOMENCHENKO, Galina Political Adviser, gfomenchenko@epp.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 13

· MAGAZ, Juan Political Adviser, jmagaz@epp.eu

· TORRES, Yelba Assistant for Ministerial Meetings and Working Groups, ytorres@epp.eu

· MURESAN, Siegfried Political Adviser, smuresan@epp.eu

· PAEME, Sophie Reception and general administration, spaeme@epp.eu

· PALACKOVA, Eva Political Adviser, epalackova@epp.eu

· SANCHEZ-BENITEZ, Oscar Social Media Manager, osanchezbenitez@epp.eu

· DE ANTA, Beatriz Political Adviser, bdeanta@epp.eu

· LAGESON, John Publications Manager, jlageson@epp.eu

· MILHEIRO, Karine Press and Communications Officer, kmilheiro@epp.eu

· McNAMARA , Enda Assistant to the President‘s office emcnamara@epp.eu

· GEIDEL, Solenn Assistant to Secretary General Antonio López-Istúriz, sgeidel@epp.eu

· FRIZBERG, Charlotte Assistant Event Management spaeme@epp.eu

· CAJVAN, Claudia Assistant to Deputy Secretary General Christian Kremer, ccajvan@epp.eu · LAMAL, Daphné Assistant to Deputy Secretary General Luc Vandeputte, dlamal@epp.eu

· RAPOSO CARRIÇO, Gonçalo IT Administrator, gcarrico@epp.eu

EPP Working Groups

· KAIMAKLIOTI, Margarita Assistant to Spokesman Kostas Sasmatzoglou, mkaimaklioti@epp.eu · HEYMANS-ŠPAČKOVÁ, Pavlína Assistant for Ministerial Meetings, Archives pheymans@epp.eu · ZALUTSKAJA, Julia Assistant for External Relations jzalutskaja@epp.eu

· VOLCKAERT, Guy Manager of Informatics & Internet, gvolckaert@epp.eu

Working Groups are the backbone of the EPP’s political work, where high-profile representatives from the EPP member-parties develop common positions and strategies on major policy areas and submit specific recommendations to the Political Assembly for final approval. A Working Group can be given a specific mandate for preparatory work for EPP Summits and the EPP Congress. Working Groups are also responsible for organising conferences, roundtable discussions and other events.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 14

European Policy Chaired by EPP Vice President Peter HINTZE, the Working Group has the task of preparing the EPP’s most vital policy papers and Congress documents.

Economic and Social Policy The working group, co-chaired by Gunnar HÖKMARK, MEP and Johannes HAHN, EPP Vice-President, is focused on responding to the current economic and financial crisis, the Lisbon process, demographic issues, and research and development.

EPP Membership Chaired by Corien WORTMANN-KOOL, EPP Vice President, this Working Group is responsible for promoting, facilitating and incorporating new EPP members, associate members, and observers throughout the continent. When a party is accepted into the EPP, its elected representatives automatically join the EPP Group in the European Parliament, and all EPP Groups in other organisations.

Ad-Hoc Working Group: Climate Change and Energy Co-chaired by MEP Karl-Heinz FLORENZ and Portuguese Minister of Environment, Territorial Planning and Energy Jorge MOREIRA DA SILVA, this Working Group was re-established in 2013 to update the previous EPP political paper on climate change adopted in 2008. In light of the new scientific finding as well as developments in EU policy and in international climate negotiations, the EPP will work with nominated experts from member parties over the course of the year to finalise the new document by the end of 2013.

Campaign Managers Meeting The coordination of the persons responsible for campaigning from the headquarters of member parties is the main task of this Committee. The exchange of experiences in recent election campaigns as well as the long-term

preparation of European issues and the campaign for the European Parliament elections bring added value to the member parties and to the EPP.

EPP Cyber Security Advisory Board and EPP Task Force on Respectful Internet Freedoms In 2012 these two very important meetings were set up within the EPP framework to deal with Cyber Security, Data Protection, Net Neutrality, and Copy Rights in the internet. The EPP is bringing politicians and experts together with a legal, academic or technical background. The goal is to formulate the EPP´s positions in these very complex but increasingly pertinent fields.

Expert Group on Foreign Affairs The EPP launched the Expert Group on Foreign Affairs in 2012. This group, chaired by Franco FRATTINI, former Italian Foreign Minister and former Vice President of the European Commission, and Mário DAVID, MEP and EPP Vice President, is composed of members of the European Parliament and national parliaments that deal with foreign affairs, as well as former Foreign Ministers. The main objective of this group is to contribute to the shaping of EPP policy on foreign affairs focusing mainly on the Eastern Partnership, the Middle East and North Africa, the Western Balkans, the transatlantic dimension, relations with the BRIC countries and all other major international issues.

EPP in the European Council – EPP Summit At the Summit of the EPP, heads of state and government, party leaders in coalition governments and in opposition, the EPP Presidency and the Presidents of the European Council and Commission, meet regularly prior to the European Council Summit. These important sessions

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 15

offer EPP leaders - in an informal and confidential setting - the opportunity to air differences and seek consensus within the EPP family in an effort to formulate common positions at the European Council.

· KATAINEN, Jyrki Finland, KOK

The EPP has 12 out of the 28 heads of state and government in the European Council as well as 5 non-EU heads of state and government that participate as guests at the enlarged EPP Summit. It also has five heads of state and government who originate from EPP member-parties and do not normally take part in the European Council: János ÁDER (Hungary, Fidesz), Aníbal CAVACO SILVA (Portugal, PSD), Bronislaw KOMOROWSKI (Poland, PO), Sauli NIINISTÖ (Finland, KOK), Rosen PLEVNELIEV (Bulgaria, GERB).

· MERKEL, Angela Germany, CDU

On the 19th November 2009 the European Council decided unanimously to appoint the then Belgian Prime Minister Herman VAN ROMPUY as the first ever President of the European Council. He was re-elected on 1st March 2012.

· REINFELDT, Fredrik Sweden, M

President of the European Council · VAN ROMPUY, Herman | Belgium, CD&V

· KENNY, Enda Ireland, FG

· ORBÁN, Viktor Hungary, FIDESZ · PASSOS COELHO, Pedro Portugal, PSD · RAJOY, Mariano Spain, PP

· SAMARAS, Antonis Greece, ND · TUSK, Donald Poland, PO

Non-EU Heads of State and Government

EU Heads of State and Government

· GRUEVSKI, Nikola Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia , VMRO-DPMNE

· ANASTASIADES, Nicos Cyprus, DISY

· IZETBEGOVIĆ, Bakir Bosnia and Herzegovina, SDA

· BĂSESCU, Traian Romania

· LEANCĂ, Iurie Moldova, PLDM

· DOMBROVSKIS, Valdis Latvia, JL

· SOLBERG, Erna Norway, Høyre

· JUNCKER, Jean-Claude (*) Luxembourg, CSV

· SAAKASHVILI, Mikheil (*) Georgia, UNM

* Resignation in December 2013 following the formation of an

* Resignation in November 2013 after two terms in office

anti-CSV coalition led by the Democratic Party

· SARGSYAN, Serzh Armenia, HHK – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 16

EPP in the Council of the EU – EPP Ministerial Meetings The European People’s Party organises and coordinates a total of eleven Ministerial meetings ahead of the Council meetings from its Brussels headquarters. The EPP Ministerial meetings underpin the horizontal activity of the Party with all the main EU institutions including the Council of the EU.

Economic and Financial Affairs (ECOFIN) Since it was first held in February of 2008, this political coordination meeting has quickly become a valuable discussion forum for our EPP Ministers, especially in view of the difficult decisions that were needed in the eurozone member countries in response to the financial crisis. Throughout the economic crisis, the ministers have discussed measures to safeguard financial stability in the euro area, the establishment of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the legislative package on strengthened economic governance (“Sixpack”), the Fiscal Compact and the Compact for Growth and Jobs. In 2013, the ECOFIN EPP ministerial meetings were chaired by Luc FRIEDEN (Luxembourg) and Anders BORG (Sweden). The most recent meetings have focused on completing the banking union and the future development of the economic and monetary union.

Home Affairs In 2013, the EPP Ministerial meetings on Home Affairs were chaired by the German Minister of Interior Hans-Peter FRIEDRICH, and Manfred WEBER, MEP. The EPP Ministers have coordinated their positions with the European Parliament and the European Commission on the European disaster response, data protection reform, asylum, Schengen, EU PNR and the

fight against terrorism, and finally, visa regimes with third countries. Security for citizens of the EU was a common position approved by the EPP Congress in Bucharest

Justice The EPP Justice Ministers meetings are chaired by the Vice President of the European Commission, Viviane REDING. During these meetings the Ministers have adopted positions on the European Public Prosecutors Office, on data protection and Justice for Growth, adopted at our Congress in Bucharest. The meetings also involved deep debates on matrimonial property regimes and the property consequences of registered partnerships; the European investigation order; mutual recognition and the European investigation order; Schengen governance; and access to a lawyer, among other issues.

Foreign Affairs EPP Foreign Ministers convene on a regular basis ahead of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting and discuss issues such as the Western Balkans, the Eastern Partnership, Mediterranean Union, and Middle East, as well as the different international crises such as Libya, Mali, Syria, etc. Under the co-chairmanships of Elmar BROK, MEP and Chairman of the AFET Committee, and Radek SIKORSKI, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs, the EPP also organises seminars with its Foreign Ministers and with the participation of EPP and like-minded non-EU Foreign Ministers. The EPP Foreign Ministers also contribute in shaping the EPP Foreign Policy by adopting resolutions and position papers on various international topics.

Environment The EPP Environment Ministers meeting is chaired by the Irish Minister Phil HOGAN. The focus of these meetings in 2013 has been the state of the European carbon market and the future of the EU Emission Trading System. Other

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 17

important topics have included the future EU energy and climate change polices after 2020 as well as the Global Climate Change negotiations.

Agriculture In 2013, the EPP Agriculture Ministers meetings were chaired by Austrian Minister of Agriculture Niki BERLAKOVICH and Irish Minister Simon COVENEY. Over the last year, the Agriculture Ministers have had a very dynamic and constructive debate on the reform of the Common Agriculture Policy, which was concluded during Irish Presidency in June of 2013. The EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dacian CIOLOŞ, actively participated at the EPP meetings.

Energy The EPP Energy Ministers meeting is chaired by EPP Vice-President, MEP, Jacek SARYUSZWOLSKI, and EU Commissioner for Energy Günter OETTINGER. During the February 2013 meeting, Ministers discussed the development of energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and the future of NABUCCO project. The June meeting was dominated by the main concerns of high energy prices and the lack of the competitiveness. Ministers stressed the need to have a balanced climate/energy policy.

Defence The EPP Defence Ministers meeting, chaired by Belgian Minister of Defence Pieter DE CREM, is an important venue for discussing the military operations the EU or its Member States are engaged in (e.g. Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, etc.). The Ministers are also able to use this meeting to concentrate on pooling and sharing expertise in the field of military capabilities and developing better synergies between ESDP and NATO.

Employment and Social Affairs As a reaction to the economic and social effects of the financial crisis in Europe, the Ministers of Employment and Social Affairs of the EPP member parties first met in March 2010 under the chairmanship of Enda KENNY (Ireland) and Maurizio SACCONI (Italy). Throughout 2011, as unemployment levels in Europe continued to rise in many countries, the EPP Ministers focused their discussions on the EU2020 Strategy for growth and employment, on the preparations of the social agenda of the G-20, and on the Working Time Directive and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund. In September 2011, Xavier BERTRAND (France) took over the leadership and during the French G-20 Presidency organised a meeting with EPP and like-minded Employment Ministers in Paris. Moreover, the EPP Employment Ministers drafted a resolution titled “Job Creation: A Priority for Growth Policies”, which was approved in Marseille during the EPP Political Assembly in December 2011. In 2012 and 2013, the meetings were chaired by Ursula von der LEYEN (Germany). Currently the top priority of these meetings is the fight against youth unemployment and the creation of high-quality jobs for Europe’s youth.

Competitiveness Under the co-chairmanship of Antonio TAJANI, Vice President of the European Commission and of the EPP, and Richard BRUTON, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and TD (Ireland), the Ministers work to find common solutions on topics such as the current competitiveness levels of industrial output across the EU and how to increase them. They have also focused on the mid-term review of the Small Business Act in order to improve conditions for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Europe. They have had extensive exchanges of views on the Annual Growth Survey and the Europe 2020 Strategy, assessing the contribution of the industrial sector to the EU Semester. Most recently, Ministers are playing a key role in elaborating the EPP’s priorities in order to establish a digital

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 18

single market in EU, which should lead to more growth and better jobs.

General Affairs The EPP General Affairs Ministers meetings are co-chaired by Iñigo MÉNDEZ DE VIGO, Secretary of State for the European Union (Spain), and Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, EPP Vice President and MEP (Poland). This Ministerial meeting provides a platform for EPP Ministers to discuss the issues considered by the EU General Affairs Council, formulate priorities and develop a common EPP approach. This meeting is especially important, as the General Affairs Council provides a holistic approach to discussing the most important topics from all Council configurations, and it directly influences the focus of the meetings of the European Council. Finally, the EPP General Affairs meetings play a significant role in shaping EPP Summits, which prepare EPP heads of state and government for upcoming meetings of the European Council.

EPP in the European Commission The European People’s Party has always played an important role in the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU that implements the Union‘s policies. With José Manuel BARROSO – a long-standing leader of the EPP family – at the helm, the Barroso II Commission brings vitality and dynamism to EU policy making. The Commission has a total of 13 Members that are affiliated to the EPP. The EPP Commissioners meet on an ad hoc basis in the Party headquarters and many Commissioners participate regularly in the EPP Ministerial meetings. President José Manuel BARROSO, an ex officio member of the EPP Presidency, also participates at the EPP Summit meetings.

President · BARROSO, José Manuel | Portugal, PSD jose-manuel.barroso@ec.europa.eu

Vice Presidents · REDING, Viviane | Luxembourg, CSV Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship viviane.reding@ec.europa.eu · TAJANI, Antonio | Italy, PdL Industry and Entrepreneurship antonio.tajani@ec.europa.eu

Members · BARNIER, Michel | France, UMP Internal Market and Services michel.barnier@ec.europa.eu · CIOLOŞ, Dacian | Romania Agriculture and Rural Development dacian.ciolos@ec.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 19

· BORG, Tonio | Malta, PN Health and Consumer Policy tonio.borg@ec.europa.eu

EPP in the European Parliament

· HAHN, Johannes | Austria, ÖVP Regional Policy johannes.hahn@ec.europa.eu · HEDEGAARD, Connie | Denmark, C Climate Action connie.hedegaard@ec.europa.eu · GEORGIEVA, Kristalina | Bulgaria International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response kristalina.georgieva@ec.europa.eu · LEWANDOWSKI, Janusz | Poland, PO Budget and Financial Programming janusz.lewandowski@ec.europa.eu · OETTINGER, Günther | Germany, CDU Energy gunther.oettinger@ec.europa.eu · PIEBALGS, Andris | Latvia Development andris.piebalgs@ec.europa.eu · ŠEMETA, Algirdas | Lithuania, TS-LKD Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud algirdas.semeta@ec.europa.eu

For more information on the European Commission, please visit: www.ec.europa.eu

The EPP Group has been the largest political group in the European Parliament since July 1999. 273 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) sit in the EPP Group, representing some 36 per cent of the total. The Group is led by French politician Joseph DAUL, who was also elected President of the EPP following the passing of President Wilfried MARTENS in October 2013. The Group strives to advance the goal of a more competitive and democratic Europe, closer to its citizens and to resist the political priorities of the left. Originally founded in June 1953 as the Christian Democrat Group in the embryonic Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (comprised of nominated members of national parliaments), the EPP Group has been involved at every stage in the history of the European Union, from its earliest beginnings until the present. As the largest political group in the European Parliament, the EPP Group is in a stronger position than any other to set that body‘s political agenda and to win its most critical votes. In seeking to maximise its influence, the EPP Group has been able to draw on the fact that the European Parliament has become increasingly influential within the European Union. In July 2009 the European Parliament overwhelmingly elected as its President the former Polish Prime Minister and EPP candidate Jerzy Buzek for a 2½ year term. He completed his term in January 2012.

Vice-Presidents of the EP · VIDAL-QUADRAS, Alejo alejo.vidal-quadras@europarl.europa.eu · PAPASTAMKOS, Georgios georgios.papastamkos@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 20

· ANGELILLI, Roberta roberta.angelilli@europarl.europa.eu

· OLBRYCHT, Jan jan.olbrycht@europarl.europa.eu

· KARAS, Othmar othmar.karas@europarl.europa.eu

· RANGEL, Paulo paulo.rangel@europarl.europa.eu

· WIELAND, Rainer rainer.wieland@europarl.europa.eu

· SZÁJER, József jozsef.szajer@europarl.europa.eu

· PROTASIEWICZ, Jacek jacek.protasiewicz@europarl.europa.eu

· WEBER, Manfred manfred.weber@europarl.europa.eu

· SURJÁN, László laszlo.surjan@europarl.europa.eu

· WORTMANN-KOOL, Corien corien.wortmann@europarl.europa.eu

Quaestors of the EP

Secretary General

· LULLING, Astrid astrid.lulling@europarl.europa.eu

The staff of the EPP Group is led by Secretary General · KAMP, Martin martin.kamp@europarl.europa.eu

· HIGGINS, Jim jim.higgins@europarl.europa.eu

For more information on the EPP Group in the European Parliament, please visit: www.eppgroup.eu

Presidency of the EPP Group Heads of national delegations

Chairman: · DAUL, Joseph joseph.daul@europarl.europa.eu

· KARAS, Othmar (AUSTRIA) othmar.karas@europarl.europa.eu

Vice-Chairmen: · BONSIGNORE, Vito vito.bonsignore@europarl.europa.eu

· THYSSEN, Marianne (BELGIUM) marianne.thyssen@europarl.europa.eu

· HÖKMARK, Gunnar gunnar.hokmark@europarl.europa.eu

· KOVATCHEV, Andrey (BULGARIA) andrey.kovatchev@europarl.europa.eu

· MARINESCU, Marian-Jean marian-jean.marinescu@europarl.europa.eu

· ŠUICA, Drubravka (CROATIA) dubravka.suica@europarl.europa.eu

· MAYOR OREJA, Jaime jaime.mayororeja@europarl.europa.eu

· THEOCHAROUS, Eleni (CYPRUS) eleni.theocharous@europarl.europa.eu

· McGUINNESS, Mairead mairead.mcguinness@europarl.europa.eu

· ROITHOVÁ, Zuzana (CZECH REPUBLIC) zuzana.roithova@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 21

· BENDTSEN, Bendt (DENMARK) bendt.bendtsen@europarl.europa.eu

· MELO, Nuno (PORTUGAL) nuno.melo@europarl.europa.eu

· KELAM, Tunne (ESTONIA) tunne.kelam@europarl.europa.eu

· RANGEL, Paulo (PORTUGAL) paulo.rangel@europarl.europa.eu

· KORHOLA, Eija-Riitta (FINLAND) eija-riitta.korhola@europarl.europa.eu

· STOLOJAN, Theodor Dimitru (ROMANIA) theodordimitru.stolojan@europarl.europa.eu

· AUDY, Jean-Pierre (FRANCE) jean-pierre.audy@europarl.europa.eu

· ZÁBORSKÁ, Anna (SLOVAKIA) anna.zaborska@europarl.europa.eu

· FERBER, Markus (GERMANY) markus.ferber@europarl.europa.eu

· ZVER, Milan (SLOVENIA) milan.zver@europarl.europa.eu

· REUL, Herbert (GERMANY) herbert.reul@europarl.europa.eu

· MAYOR OREJA, Jaime (SPAIN) jaime.mayororeja@europarl.europa.eu

· GIANNAKOU, Marietta (GREECE) marietta.giannakou@europarl.europa.eu

· HÖKMARK, Gunnar (SWEDEN) gunnar.hokmark@europarl.europa.eu

· GYÜRK, András (HUNGARY) andras.gyurk@europarl.europa.eu · MITCHELL, Gay (IRELAND) gay.mitchell@europarl.europa.eu · GARGANI, Giuseppe (ITALY) giuseppe.gargani@europarl.europa.eu · LA VIA, Giovanni (ITALY) giovanni.lavia@europarl.europa.eu · KARIŅŠ, Krišjānis (LATVIA) krisjanis.karins@europarl.europa.eu · LANDSBERGIS, Vytautas (LITHUANIA) vytautas.landsbergis@europarl.europa.eu · ENGEL, Frank (LUXEMBOURG) frank.engel@europarl.europa.eu · CASA, David (MALTA) david.casa@europarl.europa.eu · VAN DE CAMP, Wim (NETHERLANDS) wim.vandecamp@europarl.europa.eu · PROTASIEWICZ, Jacek (POLAND) jacek.protasiewicz@europarl.europa.eu – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 22

EPP Group chairs

Members

in the parliamentary committees · BROK, Elmar Committee on Foreign Affairs elmar.brok@europarl.europa.eu

AUSTRIA · BECKER, Heinz K. heinzk.becker@europarl.europa.eu · KARAS, Othmar othmar.karas@europarl.europa.eu

· CASINI, Carlo Committee on Constitutional Affairs carlo.casini@europarl.europa.eu

· KÖSTINGER, Elisabeth elisabeth.koestinger@europarl.europa.eu

· DANJEAN, Arnaud Subcommittee on Security and Defence arnaud.danjean@europarl.europa.eu · HÜBNER, Danuta Maria Committee on Regional Development danuta.huebner@europarl.europa.eu · LAMASSOURE, Alain Committee on Budgets alain.lamassoure@europarl.europa.eu · LEHNE, Klaus-Heiner Committee on Legal Affairs klaus-heiner.lehne@europarl.europa.eu

· PIRKER, Hubert hubert.pirker@europarl.europa.eu · RÜBIG, Paul paul.ruebig@europarl.europa.eu · SEEBER, Richard richard.seeber@europarl.europa.eu

BELGIUM · BELET, Ivo ivo.belet@europarl.europa.eu · DEHAENE, Jean-Luc jean-luc.dehaene@europarl.europa.eu

· MATO ADROVER, Gabriel Committee on Fisheries gabriel.mato@europarl.europa.eu · MAZZONI, Erminia Committee on Petitions erminia.mazzoni@europarl.europa.eu · PACK, Doris Committee on Culture and Education doris.pack@europarl.europa.eu · SARTORI, Amalia Committee on Industry, Research and Energy amalia.sartori@europarl.europa.eu

· DELVAUX, Anne anne.delvaux@europarl.europa.eu · GROSCH, Mathieu mathieu.grosch@europarl.europa.eu · THYSSEN, Marianne marianne.thyssen@europarl.europa.eu

BULGARIA · BORISSOV, Preslav preslav.borissov@europarl.europa.eu · GABRIEL, Mariya mariya.gabriel@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 23

· KOVATCHEV, Andrey andrey.kovatchev@europarl.europa.eu · MALINOV, Svetoslav Hristov svetoslav.malinov@europarl.europa.eu · NEYNSKY, Nadezhda Nadezhda.Neynsky@europarl.europa.eu · PANAYATOVA, Monika monika.panayatova@europarl.europa.eu · URUTCHEV, Vladimir vladimir.urutchev@europarl.europa.eu

DENMARK · BENDTSEN, Bendt bendt.bendtsen@europarl.europa.eu

ESTONIA · KELAM, Tunne tunne.kelam@europarl.europa.eu

FINLAND · ESSAYAH, Sari sari.essayah@europarl.europa.eu

CROATIA

· KORHOLA, Eija-Riitta eija-riitta.korhola@europarl.europa.eu

· BUŠIĆ, Zdravka zdravka.busic@europarl.europa.eu

· PIETIKÄINEN, Sirpa sirpa.pietikainen@europarl.europa.eu

· MALETIĆ, Ivana ivana.maletic@europarl.europa.eu · PLENKOVIĆ, Andrej andrej.plenkovic@europarl.europa.eu

· SARVAMAA, Petri petri.sarvamaa@europarl.europa.eu

FRANCE

· STIER, Davor Ivo davor.stier@europarl.europa.eu

· AUCONIE, Sophie sophie.auconie@europarl.europa.eu

· ŠUICA, Dubravka dubravka.suica@europarl.europa.eu

· AUDY, Jean-Pierre jean-pierre.audy@europarl.europa.eu

CYPRUS · PITSILLIDES, Andreas andreas.pitsillides@europarl.europa.eu · THEOCHAROUS, Eleni eleni.theocharous@europarl.europa.eu

· BERRA, Nora nora.berra@europarl.europa.eu · BOULLAND, Philippe philippe.boulland@europarl.europa.eu · CADEC, Alain alain.cadec@europarl.europa.eu

CZECH REPUBLIC

· CAVADA, Jean-Marie jean-marie.cavada@europarl.europa.eu

· BŘEZINA, Jan jan.brezina@europarl.europa.eu · ROITHOVÁ, Zuzana zuzana.roithova@europarl.europa.eu

· DANJEAN, Arnaud arnaud.danjean@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 24

· DANTIN, Michel michel.dantin@europarl.europa.eu

· RIQUET, Dominique dominique.riquet@europarl.europa.eu

· DATI, Rachida rachida.dati@europarl.europa.eu

· ROATTA, Jean jean.roatta@europarl.europa.eu

· DAUL, Joseph joseph.daul@europarl.europa.eu

· SAÏFI, Tokia tokia.saifi@europarl.europa.eu

· DE VEYRAC, Christine christine.deveyrac@europarl.europa.eu

· SANCHEZ-SCHMID, Marie-Thérèse marie-therese.sanchez-schmid@europarl.europa.eu

· FRANCO, Gaston gaston.franco@europarl.europa.eu

· STRIFFLER, Michèle michele.striffler@europarl.europa.eu

· GALLO, Marielle marielle.gallo@europarl.europa.eu

· VLASTO, Dominique dominique.vlasto@europarl.europa.eu

· GAUZÈS, Jean-Paul jean-paul.gauzes@europarl.europa.eu

GERMANY

· GROSSETÊTE, Françoise francoise.grossetete@europarl.europa.eu

· BALZ, Burkhard burkhard.balz@europarl.europa.eu

· HORTEFEUX, Brice brice.hortefeux@europarl.europa.eu

· BÖGE, Reimer reimer.boege@europarl.europa.eu

· JUVIN, Philippe philippe.juvin@europarl.europa.eu

· BROK, Elmar elmar.brok@europarl.europa.eu

· LAMASSOURE, Alain alain.lamassoure@europarl.europa.eu

· CASPARY, Daniel daniel.caspary@europarl.europa.eu

· LE BRUN, Agnès agnes.lebrun@europarl.europa.eu

· COLLIN-LANGEN, Birgit birgit.collin-langen@europarl.europa.eu

· LE GRIP, Constance constance.legrip@europarl.europa.eu

· DESS, Albert albert.dess@europarl.europa.eu

· MATHIEU-HOUILLON, Véronique veronique.mathieuhouillon@europarl.europa.eu

· EHLER, Christian christian.ehler@europarl.europa.eu

· MORIN-CHARTIER, Elisabeth elisabeth.morinchartier@europarl.europa.eu

· FERBER, Markus markus.ferber@europarl.europa.eu

· PONGA, Maurice maurice.ponga@europarl.europa.eu

· FLORENZ, Karl-Heinz karl-heinz.florenz@europarl.europa.eu

· PROUST, Franck franck.proust@europarl.europa.eu

· GAHLER, Michael michael.gahler@europarl.europa.eu – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 25

· GRÄSSLE, Ingeborg ingeborg.graessle@europarl.europa.eu

· POSSELT, Bernd bernd.posselt@europarl.europa.eu

· HOHLMEIER, Monika monika.hohlmeier@europarl.europa.eu

· QUISTHOUDT-ROWOHL, Godelieve godelieve.quisthoudt-rowohl@europarl.europa.eu

· JAHR, Peter peter.jahr@europarl.europa.eu

· REUL, Herbert herbert.reul@europarl.europa.eu

· JEGGLE, Elisabeth elisabeth.jeggle@europarl.europa.eu

· SCHNELLHARDT, Horst horst.schnellhardt@europarl.europa.eu

· KASTLER, Martin martin.kastler@europarl.europa.eu

· SCHNIEBER-JASTRAM, Birgit birgit.schnieber-jastram@europarl.europa.eu

· KLASS, Christa christa.klass@europarl.europa.eu

· SCHWAB, Andreas andreas.schwab@europarl.europa.eu

· KOCH, Dieter-Lebrecht dieter-lebrecht.koch@europarl.europa.eu

· SOMMER, Renate renate.sommer@europarl.europa.eu

· KUHN, Werner werner.kuhn@europarl.europa.eu

· ULMER, Thomas thomas.ulmer@europarl.europa.eu

· LANGEN, Werner werner.langen@europarl.europa.eu

· VERHEYEN, Sabine sabine.verheyen@europarl.europa.eu

· LEHNE, Klaus-Heiner klaus-heiner.lehne@europarl.europa.eu

· VOSS, Axel axel.voss@europarl.europa.eu

· LIESE, Peter peter.liese@europarl.europa.eu

· WEBER, Manfred manfred.weber@europarl.europa.eu

· MANN, Thomas thomas.mann@europarl.europa.eu

· WEISGERBER, Anja anja.weisgerber@europarl.europa.eu

· MAYER, Hans-Peter hans-peter.mayer@europarl.europa.eu

· WIELAND, Rainer rainer.wieland@europarl.europa.eu

· NIEBLER, Angelika angelika.niebler@europarl.europa.eu

· WINKLER, Hermann hermann.winkler@europarl.europa.eu

· PACK, Doris doris.pack@europarl.europa.eu

· ZELLER, Joachim joachim.zeller@europarl.europa.eu

· PIEPER, Markus markus.pieper@europarl.europa.eu

GREECE

· PÖTTERING, Hans-Gert hans-gert.poettering@europarl.europa.eu

· GIANNAKOU, Marietta marietta.giannakou@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 26

· KOUMOUTSAKOS, Georgios georgios.koumoutsakos@europarl.europa.eu

· ŐRY, Csaba csaba.ory@europarl.europa.eu

· KRATSA-TSAGAROPOULOU, Rodi rodi.kratsa-tsagaropoulou@europarl.europa.eu

· SCHÖPFLIN, György gyorgy.schopflin@europarl.europa.eu

· PAPANIKOLAOU, Georgios georgios.papanikolaou@europarl.europa.eu

· SURJÁN, László laszlo.surjan@europarl.europa.eu

· PAPASTAMKOS, Georgios georgios.papastamkos@europarl.europa.eu

· SZÁJER, József jozsef.szajer@europarl.europa.eu

· POUPAKIS, Konstantinos konstantinos.poupakis@europarl.europa.eu

IRELAND

· TSOUKALAS, Ioannis A. ioannis.tsoukalas@europarl.europa.eu

· HIGGINS, Jim jim.higgins@europarl.europa.eu

HUNGARY

· KELLY, Seán sean.kelly@europarl.europa.eu

· BAGÓ, Zoltán zoltan.bago@europarl.europa.eu

· McGUINNESS, Mairead mairead.mcguinness@europarl.europa.eu

· BÁNKI, Erik erik.banki@europarl.europa.eu

· MITCHELL, Gay gay.mitchell@europarl.europa.eu

· DEUTSCH, Tamás tamas.deutsch@europarl.europa.eu

ITALY

· GÁL, Kinga kinga.gal@europarl.europa.eu

· ANGELILLI, Roberta roberta.angelilli@europarl.europa.eu

· GÁLL-PELCZ, Ildikó ildiko.gall-pelcz@europarl.europa.eu

· ANTINORO, Antonello antonello.antinoro@europarl.europa.eu

· GLATTFELDER, Béla bela.glattfelder@europarl.europa.eu

· ANTONIOZZI, Alfredo alfredo.antoniozzi@europarl.europa.eu

· GYÜRK, András andras.gyurk@europarl.europa.eu

· BALDASSARRE, Raffaele raffaele.baldassarre@europarl.europa.eu

· HANKISS, Ágnes agnes.hankiss@europarl.europa.eu

· BARTOLOZZI, Paolo paolo.bartolozzi@europarl.europa.eu

· JÁRÓKA, Lívia livia.jaroka@europarl.europa.eu

· BERLATO, Sergio sergio.berlato@europarl.europa.eu

· KÓSA, Ádám adam.kosa@europarl.europa.eu

· BERTOT, Fabrizio fabrizio.bertot@europarl.europa.eu – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 27

· BONSIGNORE, Vito vito.bonsignore@europarl.europa.eu

· RIVELLINI, Crescenzio crescenzio.rivellini@europarl.europa.eu

· CANCIAN, Antonio antonio.cancian@europarl.europa.eu

· RONZULLI, Licia licia.ronzulli@europarl.europa.eu

· CASINI, Carlo carlo.casini@europarl.europa.eu

· ROSSI, Oreste oreste.rossi@europarl.europa.eu

· COMI, Lara lara.comi@europarl.europa.eu

· SALATTO, Potito potito.salatto@europarl.europa.eu

· DE MITA, Luigi Ciriaco luigiciriaco.demita@europarl.europa.eu

· SARTORI, Amalia amalia.sartori@europarl.europa.eu

· DORFMANN, Herbert herbert.dorfmann@europarl.europa.eu

· SCURRIA, Marco marco.scurria@europarl.europa.eu

· FIDANZA, Carlo carlo.fidanza@europarl.europa.eu

· SILVESTRIS, Sergio Paolo Francesco sergio.silvestris@europarl.europa.eu

· GARDINI, Elisabetta elisabetta.gardini@europarl.europa.eu

· TATARELLA, Salvatore salvatore.tatarella@europarl.europa.eu

· GARGANI, Giuseppe giuseppe.gargani@europarl.europa.eu

·TREMATERRA, Gino gino.trematerra@europarl.europa.eu

· IACOLINO, Salvatore salvatore.iacolino@europarl.europa.eu

· ZANICCHI, Iva iva.zanicchi@europarl.europa.eu

· LA VIA, Giovanni giovanni.lavia@europarl.europa.eu

LATVIA

· MASTELLA, Clemente clemente.mastella@europarl.europa.eu

· KALNIETE, Sandra sandra.kalniete@europarl.europa.eu

· MATERA, Barbara barbara.matera@europarl.europa.eu

· KARIŅŠ, Arturs Krišjānis krisjanis.karins@europarl.europa.eu

· MAZZONI, Erminia erminia.mazzoni@europarl.europa.eu

· ŠADURSKIS, Kārlis karlis.sadurskis@europarl.europa.eu

· MOTTI, Tiziano tiziano.motti@europarl.europa.eu

· VAIDERE, Inese inese.vaidere@europarl.europa.eu

· PALLONE, Alfredo alfredo.pallone@europarl.europa.eu

LITHUANIA

· PATRICIELLO, Aldo aldo.patriciello@europarl.europa.eu

· ANDRIKIENĖ, Laima Liucija laimaliucija.andrikiene@europarl.europa.eu – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 28

· LANDSBERGIS, Vytautas vytautas.landsbergis@europarl.europa.eu · MORKŪNAITĖ-MIKULĖNIENĖ, Radvilė radvile.morkunaite-mikuleniene@europarl.europa.eu · SAUDARGAS, Algirdas algirdas.saudargas@europarl.europa.eu

POLAND · BORYS, Piotr piotr.borys@europarl.europa.eu · BRATKOWSKI, Arkadiusz Tomasz arkadiusztomasz.bratkowski@europarl.europa.eu · BUZEK, Jerzy jerzy.buzek@europarl.europa.eu

LUXEMBOURG

· GRZYB, Andrzej andrzej.grzyb@europarl.europa.eu

· BACH, Georges georges.bach@europarl.europa.eu

· HANDZLIK, Małgorzata malgorzata.handzlik@europarl.europa.eu

· ENGEL, Frank frank.engel@europarl.europa.eu

· HIBNER, Jolanta Emilia jolantaemilia.hibner@europarl.europa.eu

· LULLING, Astrid astrid.lulling@europarl.europa.eu

· HÜBNER, Danuta Maria danuta.huebner@europarl.europa.eu

MALTA

· JAZŁOWIECKA, Danuta danuta.jazlowiecka@europarl.europa.eu

· CASA, David david.casa@europarl.europa.eu · METSOLA, Roberta roberta.metsola@europarl.europa.eu

· JĘDRZEJEWSKA, Sidonia Elżbieta sidonia.jedrzejewska@europarl.europa.eu · KACZMAREK, Filip filip.kaczmarek@europarl.europa.eu

NETHERLANDS · van de CAMP, Wim wim.vandecamp@europarl.europa.eu

· KALINOWSKI, Jarosław jarosaw.kalinowski@europarl.europa.eu · KOLARSKA-BOBIŃSKA, Lena lena.kolarska-bobinska@europarl.europa.eu

· de LANGE, Esther esther.delange@europarl.europa.eu · van NISTELROOIJ, Lambert lambert.vannistelrooij@europarl.europa.eu · OOMEN-RUIJTEN, Ria ria.oomen-ruijten@europarl.europa.eu · WORTMANN-KOOL, Corien corien.wortmann@europarl.europa.eu

· KOZŁOWSKI, Jan jan.kozlowski@europarl.europa.eu · LISEK, Krzysztof krzysztof.lisek@europarl.europa.eu · ŁUKACIJEWSKA, Elżbieta Katarzyna elzbieta.lukacijewska@europarl.europa.eu · MARCINKIEWICZ, Bogdan Kazimierz bogdan.marcinkiewicz@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 29

· NITRAS, Sławomir Witold slawomir.nitras@europarl.europa.eu

· DAVID, Mário mario.david@europarl.europa.eu

· OLBRYCHT, Jan jan.olbrycht@europarl.europa.eu

· FEIO, Diogo diogo.feio@europarl.europa.eu

· PROTASIEWICZ, Jacek jacek.protasiewicz@europarl.europa.eu

· FERNANDES, José Manuel josemanuel.fernandes@europarl.europa.eu

· SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Jacek jacek.saryusz-wolski@europarl.europa.eu

· MELO, Nuno nuno.melo@europarl.europa.eu

· SIEKIERSKI, Czesław Adam czeslaw.siekierski@europarl.europa.eu

· PATRÃO NEVES, Maria do Céu mariadoceu.patraoneves@europarl.europa.eu

· SKRZYDLEWSKA, Joanna Katarzyna joanna.skrzydlewska@europarl.europa.eu

· RANGEL, Paulo paulo.rangel@europarl.europa.eu

· SONIK, Bogusław boguslaw.sonik@europarl.europa.eu

· TEIXEIRA, Nuno nuno.teixeira@europarl.europa.eu

· THUN UND HOHENSTEIN, Róża, Gräfin von roza.thun@europarl.europa.eu

ROMANIA

· TRZASKOWSKI, Rafał rafal.trzaskowski@europarl.europa.eu

· ANTONESCU, Elena Oana elenaoana.antonescu@europarl.europa.eu

· WAŁĘSA, Jarosław Leszek jaroslaw.walesa@europarl.europa.eu

· BĂSESCU, Elena elena.basescu@europarl.europa.eu

· ZALEWSKI, Paweł pavel.zalewski@europarl.europa.eu

· BODU, Sebastian Valentin sebastianvalentin.bodu@europarl.europa.eu

· ZASADA, Artur artur.zasada@europarl.europa.eu

· LUHAN, Petru Constantin petru.luhan@europarl.europa.eu

· ZWIEFKA, Tadeusz tadeusz.zwiefka@europarl.europa.eu

· MACOVEI, Monica Luisa monica.macovei@europarl.europa.eu

PORTUGAL

· MARINESCU, Marian-Jean marian-jean.marinescu@europarl.europa.eu

· BASTOS, Regina regina.bastos@europarl.europa.eu

· MATULA, Iosif iosif.matula@europarl.europa.eu

· CARVALHO, Maria Da Graça mariadagraca.carvalho@europarl.europa.eu

· NICULESCU, Rareş-Lucian rares-lucian.niculescu@europarl.europa.eu

· COELHO, Carlos carlos.coelho@europarl.europa.eu

· PREDA, Cristian Dan cristiandan.preda@europarl.europa.eu – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 30

SPAIN

· SÓGOR, Csaba csaba.sogor@europarl.europa.eu · STOLOJAN, Theodor Dumitru theodordumitru.stolojan@europarl.europa.eu

· AYUSO, Pilar pilar.ayuso@europarl.europa.eu

· TŐKÉS, László laszlo.tokes@europarl.europa.eu · UNGUREANU, Traian traian.ungureanu@europarl.europa.eu

· CORREA ZAMORA, María Auxiliadora mariaauxiliadora.correazamora@europarl.europa.eu

SLOVAKIA

· ESTARÀS FERRAGUT, Rosa rosa.estaras@europarl.europa.eu

· BAUER, Edit edit.bauer@europarl.europa.eu

· FISAS AYXELA, Santiago santiago.fisasayxela@europarl.europa.eu

· KUKAN, Eduard eduard.kukan@europarl.europa.eu · MÉSZÁROS, Alajos alajos.meszaros@europarl.europa.eu · MIKOLÁŠIK, Miroslav miroslav.mikolasik@europarl.europa.eu

· FRAGA ESTÉVEZ, Carmen carmen.fragaestevez@europarl.europa.eu · GARRIGA POLLEDO, Salvador salvador.garrigapolledo@europarl.europa.eu · de GRANDES PASCUAL, Luis luis.degrandespascual@europarl.europa.eu

· ŠŤASTNÝ, Peter peter.stastny@europarl.europa.eu

· GUTIÉRREZ CORTINES, Cristina cristina.gutierrez-cortines@europarl.europa.eu

· ZÁBORSKÁ, Anna anna.zaborska@europarl.europa.eu

· HERRANZ GARCÍA, Esther esther.herranzgarcia@europarl.europa.eu

SLOVENIA

· ITURGAIZ ANGULO, Carlos José carlos.iturgaizangulo@europarl.europa.eu

· JORDAN, Romana romana.jordan@europarl.europa.eu · MAZEJ KUKOVIČ, Zofija zofija.mazejkukovic@europarl.europa.eu

· ZVER, Milan milan.zver@europarl.europa.eu

· del CASTILLO VERA, Pilar pilar.delcastillo@europarl.europa.eu · DÍAZ DE MERA GARCÍA CONSUEGRA, Agustín agustin.diazdemera@europarl.europa.eu

· WINKLER, Iuliu iuliu.winkler@europarl.europa.eu

· PETERLE, Alojz alojz.peterle@europarl.europa.eu

· ARIAS ECHEVERRÍA, Pablo pablo.ariasecheverria@europarl.europa.eu

· JIMÉNEZ-BECERRIL BARRIO, Teresa teresa.jimenez-becerril@europarl.europa.eu · LOPE FONTAGNÉ, Veronica veronica.lopefontagne@europarl.europa.eu · LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Antonio antonio.lopezisturiz@europarl.europa.eu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 31

· MATO ADROVER, Gabriel gabriel.mato@europarl.europa.eu · MAYOR OREJA, Jaime jaime.mayororeja@europarl.europa.eu · MILLÁN MON, Francisco francisco.millanmon@europarl.europa.eu · NARANJO ESCOBAR, Juan Andrés juan.naranjoescobar@europarl.europa.eu · ORTIZ VILELLA, Eva eva.ortizvilella@europarl.europa.eu · SALAFRANCA SÁNCHEZ-NEYRA, José Ignacio joseignacio.salafranca@europarl.europa.eu · SEDÓ i ALABART, Salvador salvador.sedo@europarl.europa.eu · VIDAL-QUADRAS, Alejo alejo.vidal-quadras@europarl.europa.eu

EPP in the Committee of the Regions The EPP is the dominant force in the Committee of the Regions (CoR), the political assembly that provides local and regional authorities with a voice at the heart of the European Union, under the leadership of President Ramón Luis VALCÁRCEL SISO, who began his 2½ year mandate in 2012. The EPP Group within the assembly is led by President Michael SCHNEIDER and plays the leading role in strengthening and increasing the influence of local and regional authorities in the EU decision-making process. The EPP Group in the CoR cooperates closely with the European Commission, the European Parliament, most notably the Committee for Regional Affairs, and local and regional interests in Europe.

· ZALBA BIDEGAIN, Pablo pablo.zalbabidegain@europarl.europa.eu

The Presidency

SWEDEN · CORAZZA BILDT, Anna Maria annamaria.corazzabildt@europarl.europa.eu · FJELLNER, Christofer christofer.fjellner@europarl.europa.eu · HÖKMARK, Gunnar gunnar.hokmark@europarl.europa.eu · IBRIŠAGIĆ, Anna anna.ibrisagic@europarl.europa.eu · SVENSSON, Alf alf.svensson@europarl.europa.eu

The Presidency is made up of the President and Vice-Presidents. It‘s responible for the implementation of the duties designated by the Group Bureau, it represents the Group inside and outside the CoR, it supports the President on Group matters, and in the event of an emergency, it is responsible for taking decisions on behalf of the competent bodies. Currently, the Presidency is composed of the following Members: · SCHNEIDER, Michael (President) State Secretary - Representative of the land Saxony Anhalt to the Federal Government michael.schneider@lv.stk.sachsen-anhalt.de · LEBRUN, Michel (1st Vice-President) Member of the Regional Parliament of Wallonia mlebrun@skynet.be

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 32

· ABRAMAVIČIUS, Arnoldas Mayor of Zarasai District Municipality and Member of the Municipal Council meras@zarazai.lt · HANNIFFY, Constance Member of Offaly County Council, Midland and West Regional Authority connieh@iol.ie · KNAPE, Anders Councillor of Karlstad Municipality anders.knape@skl.se · LOUCAIDES, Eleni Town Councillor of Lefkosia eloucaidou@logosnet.cy.net · PELLA, Roberto Member of the Council of Valdengo robertopella@libero.it · SCHAUSBERGER, Franz Delegate of the Region of Salzburg schausberger@salzburg.gv.at · WOZNIAK, Marek Marshall of the Wielkpolskie Region marszalek@umww.pl

The Bureau The Group Bureau is responsible for preparing Group decisions on all political, administrative and financial matters and it monitors their implementation, together with the work of the Secretariat. It meets prior to each of the CoR‘s ordinary bureau meetings. It is comprised of: · the Group President · the eight Group Vice-Presidents, one of whom acts as treasurer · the CoR President, first Vice-President of the CoR, and CoR Bureau members, Presidents of Commissions and/or the heads of national delegations, as long as they are Group Members For more information on the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, please visit: www.cor.europa.eu/eppweb

Presidents of CoR Commissions · WOZNIAK, Marek Marshal of the Wielkpolskie Region Chairman of the COTER Commission · CAPPELLACCI, Ugo (PdL-Italy) President of Region Sardinia Chairman of the ENVE Commission · ROMBOUTS, Anton (CDA) Mayor of the City of ’s Hertogenbosch Chairman of the EDUC Commission

Other CoR Bureau Members · BELICA, Milan (IND-Slovak Republic) President of the Nitra self-governing Region · BLANC, Jacques (UMP-France) / (Ex-officio) Mayor of Canourgue · COPPOLA, Marialuisa (PdL-Italy) Councillor of the Veneto Region · HAIJANEN, Pauliina (KOK-Finland) Member of the Executive Board of Laitila City Council – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 33

· JAHN, Helmut Max (CDU-Germany) District Executive of the Hohenlohe District Assembly

· VAN STAA, Herwig (ÖVP-Austria) President of the Tirol Regional Assembly

· JARDIM, Alberto João (PSD-Portugal) President of the Regional Government of Madeira

· ŽAGAR, Ivan (SLS-Slovenia) Mayor of Slovenska Bistrica

· KALOGEROPOULOS, Dimitros (ND-Greece) Municipial Councillor of Egaleo · KISSIOV, Vladimir (UDF-Bulgaria) Chair of Sofia Municipal Council

List of Representatives AUSTRIA

· LAMERS, Cor C.H.J. (CDA-Netherlands) Mayor of Schiedam · LEHMANN, Heinz (CDU-Germany) Member of Saxony State Assembly

· BUCHMANN, Christian christian.buchmann@stmk.gv.at · LINHART, Markus (Alternate) buergermeister@bregenz.at

· LÍNEK, Roman (KDU-ČSL-Czech Rep.) Deputy President of Pardubice Region · MOHR, Erwin (ÖVP-Austria) Member of the local Council of Wolfurt · MONAGO TERRAZA, José Antonio (PP-Spain) President of the Junta of Extremadura · NAGY, Sandor (FIDESZ-Hungary) Mayor of Kistelek

· MOHR, Erwin erwin.mohr@wolfurt.at · NUßBAUMER, Gabriele (Alternate) gabriele.nussbaumer@vorarlberg.at · PEINSTEINER, Johannes (Alternate) gemeindeamt@st-wolfgang.ooe.gv.at · PLATTER, Günther (Alternate) buero.lh.platter@tirol.gv.at

· NUÑEZ FEIJOO, Alberto (PP-Spain) President of the Autonomous Community of Galicia · ORAVEC, Ján (Slovakia) Major of the city of Štúrovo

· PRÖLL, Erwin landeshauptmann.proell@noel.gv.at · SCHAUSBERGER, Franz schausberger@salzburg.gv.at

· POULSEN, Søren Pape (KDF-Denmark) Mayor of Viborg Municipality · STRUZIK, Adam (PSL-Poland) Marshall of the Mazowsze Region

· SCHWARZ, Barbara (Alternate) buero.Schwarz@noel.gv.at · SIGL, Viktor (Alternate) lr.sigl@ooe.gv.at

· VAN DE DONK W.B.H.J., Wim (CDA-Netherlands) Her Majesty‘s Governor in the Province of NoordBrabant

· STRUGL, Michael lr.strugl@ooe.gv.at

· VAN DEN BRANDE, Luc (CD&V-Belgium) / (Ex-officio) Chairman of the Flemish-European Liason Agency

· VAN STAA, Herwig lh.vanstaa@tirol.gv.at

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 34

· WALLNER, Markus markus.wallner@vorarlberg.at

· MOLAYSSENOV, Fahri (Alternate) madan@unacs.bg

BELGIUM

· NIKOLOVA, Detelina dobrich@dobrich.org

· CALUWE, Ludwig (Alternate) ludwig@caluwe.be

· SLAVOV, Georgi Ivanov (Alternate) kmet@obshtinayambol.org

· de LAMOTTE, Michel (Alternate) mdelamotte@skynet.be

· TODOROV, Zhivko mayor@starazagora.bg

· GROUWELS, Brigitte (Alternate) bgrouwels@grouwels.irisnet.be

· ZHIVKOV, Zlatko montana@net-surf.net

· LEBRUN, Michel mlebrun@skynet.be

CROATIA

· POLEYN, Sabine (Alternate) sabine.poleyn@vlaamsparlement.be

· BARIČEVIĆ, Martin (Alternate) baricevic.martin@gmail.com

· SAUWENS, Johan johan.sauwens@bilzen.be

· ČAČIJA, Miroslav (Alternate) miroslav.cacija@bbz.hr

· VAN DEN BRANDE, Luc luc.vandenbrande@pandora.be

· DOBROSLAVIĆ, Nikola zupan@dubrovnik-neretva.hr

BULGARIA

· HRANIĆ, Bruno nacelink@vidovec.hr

· ALEKSIEV, Ivan (Alternate) mayor@pomorie.org

· MARUŠIĆ, Danijel zupan@bpz.hr

· BLAGOV, Stanislav (Alternate) blagov@svishtov.bg

· RIMAC, Josipa (Alternate) gradonacelnica-knin@vip.hr

· EDREVA LAZAROVA, Malina (Alternate) edreva.malina@gmail.com

CYPRUS

· HRISTOVA, Tanya t.hristova@gabrovo.bg

· HADJIKAKOU, Costas (Alternate) haccos@cytanet.com.cy

· KAMBITOV, Atanas (Alternate) blg@blgmun.com

· IAKOVOU, Georgios (Alternate) trimithi@cytanet.com.cy

· KISSIOV, Vladimir vkissiov@sofia.bg

· KATTIRTZI, Christodoulos cuc@cytanet.com.cy

· MARINOVA, Kornelia (Alternate) nellimar@abv.bg

· KOUMENIDES, Louis louiskoumenides@netscape.net – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 35

FINLAND

· LOUCAIDES, Eleni eloucaides@logosnet.cy.net · YIANGOU, Dimos enosikinotitonkerynias@cytanet.com.cy

CZECH REPUBLIC · BENEŠĺK, Ondřej starosda@strani.cz · ČERMÁKOVÁ, Jana (Alternate) jana.cermakova@ouprobostov.cz · KOVÁČIKOVÁ, Sylva (Alternate) sylva.kovacikova@seznam.cz · LÍNEK, Roman Ing. roman.linek@pardubickykraj.cz · NOVOTNÝ, Václav (Alternate) Vaclav.Novotny@praha.eu

DENMARK · PETERSEN, Lasse Krull (Alternate) cor6@regioner.dk · POULSEN, Søren Pape pape@viborg.dk

ESTONIA · JUHKAMI, Mihkel (Alternate) Mihkel.Juhkami@mail.ee · LINKOV, Georg georg@kardla.ee · MÜÜRSEPP, Kurmet kurmetster@gmail.com · TILLEMANN, Kadri (Alternate) kadri.tillemann@keilavald.ee

· HAIJANEN, Pauliina pauliina@haijanen.fi · HERTELL, Sipra sirpa.hertell@vihreat.fi · LINDHOLM, Gun-Mari gun-mari.lindholm@regeringen.ax · LUUKKAINEN, Hannele (Alternate) hannele.luukkainen@clarinet.fi · MARKKULA, Markku markku.markkula@aautouniversity.fi · SAKSALA, Antero (Alternate) antero.saksala@gmail.com · VALVE, Wille (Alternate) wvalve@gmail.com

FRANCE · BERTRAND, Pierre (Alternate) pierre.bertrand@cg67.fr · BLANC, Jacques jacques.blanc21@wanadoo.fr · BOEGLIN, Danièle daniele.boeglin@cg10.fr · BOURG-BROC, Bruno cabinet.mairie@chalons-en-champagne.net · COLIN-OESTERLE, Nathalie (Alternate) nathalie.colin-oesterle@lorraine.eu · COMMEINHES, Françoise f.commeinhes@ville-sete.fr · DARNAUD, Mathieu (Alternate) f.commeinhes@ville-sete.fr · DECOSTER, François francois.decoster@nordpasdecalais.fr

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 36

· DINDAR, Nassimah (Alternate) dgs@cg974.fr

· MÄNNLE, Ursula (Alternate) mail@ursula-maennle.de

· DUGLERY, Daniel (Alternate) d.duglery@cr-auvergne.fr

· MÜLLER, Emilia adr@stk.bayern.de

· FLORIAN, Nicolas (Alternate) florian.nicolas@mairie-villenavedornon.fr

· OROSZ, Helma (Alternate) oberbuergermeisterin@dresden.de

· HUGON, Pierre cabinet@cg48.fr

· REINHART, Wolfgang nicola.schelling@stm.bwl.de

· MANGIN, Didier pascal.mangin@region-alsace.eu

· SCHNEIDER, Michael michael.schneider@lv.stk.sachsen-anhalt.de

· PAGÈS, Yves (Alternate) mairie-saint.georges@info82.com

· SCHOWTKA, Peter (Alternate) Peter.Schowtka@gmx.de

· PAILLARD, Rachel (Alternate) mairie-bouzy@wanadoo.fr

· TEXTER, Andreas (Alternate) doris.junewitz@stk.mv-regierung.de

· ROBERT, Didier sec.president@cr-reunion.fr

· VOGEL, Hans-Josef buergermeister@arnsberg.de

· ROSSIGNOL, Stéphan srossignol@lagrandemotte.fr

· WEINMEISTER, Mark (Alternate) Mark.Weinmeister@hmuelv.hessen.de

GERMANY

GREECE

· BERGEMANN, Gustav (Alternate) gustav.bergemann@t-online.de

· DRAKOS, Dimitrios (Alternate) info@ddrakos.gr

· DUPPRÉ, Hans-Jörg h.duppre@lksuedwestpfalz.de

· KALOGEROPOULOS, Dimitrios dimitroskalogeropoulos@yahoo.com

· KARTMANN, Norbert adr@ltg.hessen.de

· KOTRONIAS, Georgios grdrh@lamia-city.gr

· KRÖMER, Bernd (Alternate) AdR3@senatskanzlei.berlin.de

· MARAVELIAS, Dimitris (Alternate) chaidari2@yahoo.gr

· KUHN-THEIS, Helma bve-adr@europa.saarland.de

· PETROVITS, Dimitrios (Alternate) petrovdim@otenet.gr

· LEHMANN, Heinz heinz.lehmann@slt.sachsen.de

· PREVEZANOS, Dimitris (Alternate) diprev@in.gr

· LEHNERT, Peter (Alternate) peter-lehnert@kabelmail.de

· SPYRIDON, Spyros sspyridon@gmail.com – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 37

· ZAFIROPOULOS, Grigorios info@gzafiropoulos.gr

· VÉCSEY, László (Alternate) polgarmester@szada.hu

HUNGARY

IRELAND

· BÓKA, István polgarmester@balatonfured.com

· BREEN, Gerry gerry.breen@dublincity.ie

· GÉMESI, Gyorgy gemesi@godollo.hu

· BYRNE, Maria (Alternate) mbyrne@cllr.limerickcity.ie

· HORVÁTH, Zoltán (Alternate) horvath.zoltan@baranya.hu

· HANNIFFY, Constance connieh@iol.ie

· KISS, Attila polgarmester@hajduboszormeny.hu

· MCGREAL, Michael (Alternate) mcgrealm@eircom.net

· KOVÁCS, Ferenc (Alternate) kovacsferenc@vasmegye.hu

· SHEAHAN, John jsheahan@limerickcoco.ie

· KOVÁCS, Sándor jnszm.elnok@jnszm.hu

· YORE, Catherine (Alternate) catherineeannyore@hotmail.com

· MANNINGER, Jenő elnok@nydrft.hu

ITALY

· MOLNÁR, Árpád (Alternate) molnararpad@hotmail.com

· ANCISI, Alvaro (Alternate) grulistara@comune.ra.it

· NAGY, Sándor polgarmester@kistelek.hu

· BALDINI, Samuele (Alternate) bsamuele@hotmail.it

· RIBÁNYI, József polgarmester@tamasi.hu

· CALDORO, Stefano (Alternate) seg.presidenza@regione.campania.it

· SZAKÁCS, Imre (Alternate) iszakacs@gymsmo.hu

· CAPPELLACCI, Ugo presidenza@regione.sardegna.it

· TEMERINI, Ferenc (Alternate) temerini@vadkert.net

· CASILE, Carmela (Alternate) carmelacasile@ica-net.it

· TILKI, Attila (Alternate) attila.tilki@fehergyarmat.hu

· CHIODI, Giovanni giovanni.chiodi@regione.abruzzo.it

· VÁNTSA, Botond (Alternate) vantsa.botond@fidelitas.hu

· COPPOLA, Maria Luisa ass.bilancio@regione.veneto.it

· VARGHA, Tamás (Alternate) vargha.tamas@fejer.hu

· D‘ATTIS, Mauro mdattis@yahoo.it – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 38

LUXEMBOURG

· DURNWALDER, Luis Presidente@provincia.bz.it

· KAES, Ali akaes@chd.lu

· LIBERTINO, Lucia (Alternate) lucialibertino@gmail.com

· MERGEN, Martine (Alternate) mmergen@chd.lu

· OPPUS, Umberto (Alternate) umbertoppus@hotmail.com

· ROTH, Gilles groth@chd.lu

· PELLA, Roberto robertopella@libero.it

· WIES, Pierre (Alternate) pwies@pt.lu

· RUOCCO, Roberto ruocco2010@katamail.com

MALTA

· SCOPELLITI, Giuseppe am.comito@regcal.it

· AZZOPARDI, Samuel samuel.azzopardi@gmail.com

· SILVESTRI, Fiorenzo (Alternate) fiore.silve@gmail.com

· BONELLO, Peter bonellopeter@gmail.com

· TARSI, Mattia (Alternate) mattia.tarsi@gmail.com

· BUTTIGIEG, Paul (Alternate) paul.buttigieg@gov.mt

· TESTA, Guerino presidenza@provincia.pescara.it

· MIFSUD, Anthony (Alternate) anthonymifsud@gmail.com

LATVIA

NETHERLANDS

· GINTERE, Ligita (Alternate) ligita.gintere@jaunpils.lv

· BOVENS, Th.J.F.M. (Theo) (Alternate) dlsecgouv@prvlimburg.nl

LITHUANIA

· GROOT, Jan Willem (Alternate) c.w.l.koster@amstelveen.nl

· ABRAMAVIČIUS, Arnoldas meras@zarasai.lt

· JANSSEN J.F.M., Hans hans.janssen@oisterwijk.nl

· KUPČINSKAS, Andrius andrius.kupcinskas@kaunas.lt

· LAMERS, Cor secretariaatbestuur@houten.nl

· TROFIMOVAS, Viktoras (Alternate) tslkdpanevezys@gmail.com · VRUBLIAUSKAS, Algirdas (Alternate) sekretore@arsa.lt

· MAIJ W.H., Hester wh.maij@overijssel.nl · POEPJES, S.A.E. (Sietske) (Alternate) s.poepjes@fryslan.nl

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 39

· ROMBOUTS, Anton dinl@s.hertogenbosch.nl

· SEBESTA, Józef marszalek@umwo.opole.pl

· VAN DE DONK W.B.H.J., Wim hdmug@brabant.nl

· SOWA, Marek msow@malopolska.mw.gov.pl

POLAND

· STEPIEŃ, Witold marszalek@lodzkie.pl

· ADAMOWICZ, Pawel prezydent@gdansk.gda.pl

· STRUK, Mieczysław m.struk@woj-pomorskie.pl

· CAŁBECKI, Piotr (Alternate) marszalek@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl

· STRUZIK, Adam a.struzik@mazovia.pl

· DWORZAŃSKI, Jarosław (Alternate) dejar1955@gmail.com

· TRUSKOLASKI, Tadeusz prezydent@um.bialystok.pl

· DYJUK, Bogdan (Alternate) bdyjuk@ace.pol.pl

· WĘGRZYN, Ludwik Kajetan starosta.kbc@powiatypolskie.pl

· DYMARSKI, Lech (Alternate) lech.dymarski@umww.pl

· WOŹNIAK, Marek marszalek@umww.pl

· GEBLEWICZ, Olgierd marszalek@wzp.pl

· ZDANOWSKA, Hanna (Alternate) prezydent@uml.lodz.pl

· GODLEWSKI, Arkadiusz (Alternate) poczta@arkadiuszgodlewski.pl

PORTUGAL

· HETMAN, Krzysztof marszalek@lubelskie.pl

· AMARO, Álvaro (Alternate) presidente@cm-gouveia.pt

· JARUBAS, Adam Sebastian marszalek@sejmik.kielce.pl

· CUNHA E SILVA, João (Alternate) vicepresidencia@gov-madeira.pt

· JAWORSKI, Lech ljaworski@warszawa.um.gov.pl

· FREXES, Manuel Joaquim manuelfrexes@netvisao.pt

· KARALUS, Michał (Alternate) sekretarz@pleszew.starostwo.gov.pl

· JARDIM, Alberto João gabimprensa.presidencia@gov-madeira.pt

· KUBAS HUL, Teresa (Alternate) t.kubas@podkarpackie.pl

· MACÁRIO CORREIA, José presidente@cm-faro.pt

· PROTAS, Jacek marszalek@wzp.pl

· MARTA, Carlos (Alternate) cmtondela@mail.telepac.pt

· RUSIELEWICZ, Elżbieta (Alternate) erusielewicz@wp.pl

· MORAIS, Isaura (Alternate) isaura.morais@cm-riomaior.pt – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 40

· NUNES, António Jorge (Alternate) presidente@cm-braganca.pt

· MIKUŠ, Tibor (Alternate) predseda@trnava-vuc.sk

· PINTO, Carlos Alberto info@cm-covillia.pt

· ORAVEC, Ján primator@sturovo.sk

· RIO DA SILVIA, Rui Fernando dmri@cm-porto.pt

· SLAFKOVSKÝ, Alexander (Alternate) alexander.slafkovsky@mikulas.sk

· RUAS CARVALHO, Fernando presidencia@cm-viseu.pt

· ZACHARIAŠ, István Zacharias.istvan@moldava.sk

· SOARES, Jaime (Alternate) jaime.marta.soares@mail.telepac.pt

SLOVENIA

ROMANIA

· FURLAN, Ladislava (Alternate) ladka.furlan@t-z.net

· BORBOLY, Csaba info@borbolycsaba.ro

· KOKALJ, Anton (Alternate) anton.kokalj@gmail.com

· DRĂGAN, Alexandru (Alternate) alexandre_dragan@yahoo.fr

· LEDINEK, Branko (Alternate) branko.ledinek@race-fram.si

· ENACHE, Dumitru (Alternate) enachedumitru1964@yahoo.com

· MILAVEC, Blaž (Alternate) blazmilavec@gmail.com

· FALCĂ, Gheorghe gfalca@yahoo.com

· ROKAVEC, Franci franci.rokavec@litijo.si

· FERENC, Péter (Alternate) pferenc@szovata.ro

· SMRDELJ, Robert zupan@pivka.si

· IOȚCU, Petru Nicolae (Alternate) consiliu@cjarad.ro

· ŠTIHEC, Antón (Alternate) urad.zupana@murska-sobota.si

· PONORAN, Silviu (Alternate) adppc@primariazlatna.ro

· VINDIŠ FURMAN, Tanja (Alternate) tanja.vindisfurman@jmss-mb.si

· SCRIPCARU, George (Alternate) scripcaru@brasovcity.ro

· ŽAGAR, Ivan ivan.zagar@slov-bistrica.si

SLOVAKIA

SPAIN

· BELICA, Milan predseda@unsk.sk

· BARBERÁ NOLLA, Rita alcaldia@ayto-valencia.es

· FREŠO, Pavol bratislavskykraj@region-bsk.sk

· BARCINA ANGULO, María Yolanda secretarias.presidenta@navarra.es – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 41

· BARRASA SÁNCHEZ, Enrique (Alternate) dgiyae.presidencia@gobex.es

· MONAGO TERRAZA, José Antonio secretaria.presidente@juntaex.es

· BAUZA DÍAZ, José Ramón president@caib.es

· NÚÑEZ FEIJOÓ, Alberto ravial@fundaciongaliciaeuropa.eu

· BERMÚDEZ DE CASTRO MUR, Roberto Pablo (Alternate) rpbermudez@aragon.es

· PALAU TÁRREGA, María Victoria (Alternate) dgre@gva.es

· COROMINAS FISAS, Borja (Alternate) borja.corominas@madrid.org

· RUDI ÚBEDA, Luisa Fernanda presidenta@aragon.es

· DE COSPEDAL GARCÍA, María Dolores marivi.alonso@jccm.es

· SÁNCHEZ DE MUNIÁIN LACASIA, Juan Luís (Alternate) gabineteportavoz@navarra.es

· de DIEGO DURANTEZ, María (Alternate) diedurma@jcyl.es

· SANDOVAL SÁNCHEZ, Carmen (Alternate) carmenm.sandoval@carm.es

· DEL RÍO SANZ, Emilio (Alternate) consejero.presidencia@larioja.org

· SANZ ALONSO, Pedro presidente@larioja.org

· ESPAÑA MARTÍ, María del Mar (Alternate) viceconsejeria.presidencia@jccm.es

· SERNA HERNÁIZ, Iñigo de la mherraiz@femp.es

· FABRA PART, Alberto silvestre_mis@gva.es

·VALCÁRCEL SISO, Ramon Luis presidente@carm.es

· GAMALLO ALLER, Jesús (Alternate) sunioneu@xunta.es

· VALENCIA BAYÓN, Inmaculada (Alternate) inma.valencia@cantabria.be

· GONZÁLEZ GONZÁLES, Ignacio isabel.lobato@madrid.org

SWEDEN

· HERRERA CAMPO, Juan Vicente hersagma@jcyl.es

· ANDREASSON, Martin (Alternate) martin.andreasson@vgregion.se

· LEÓN DE LA RIVA, Francisco Javier (Alternate) spa@ava.es

· DRENJANIN, Jelena jelena.drenjanin@moderat.se

· MARTÍNEZ MAILLO, Fernando (Alternate) ana.mayor@zamoradipu.es

· GRAF, Carl Fredrik (Alternate) carlfredrik.graf@halmstad.se

· MAS PORTELL, Esteban (Alternate) emas@dgri.caib.es

· KNAPE, Anders Anders.Knape@skl.se

· MAZAS PÉREZ OLEAGA, Cristina mazas_c@cantabria.es

· LINDQUIST, Paul paul.lindquist@lidingo.se

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 42

· SÄLLRYD, Rolf (Alternate) rs@kristdemokraterna.se

EPP in the Council of Europe

· SEGERSTEN LARSSON, Catarina catarina.segersten.larsson@moderat.se · SONESSON, Carl Johan (Alternate) carljohan.sonesson@moderat.se

The EPP is committed to its involvement in the Council of Europe, an organisation that promotes the principles of the rule of law and on the values of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Through their actions within the Council of Europe and in their national parliaments, more than 200 members of the Group of the European People’s Party (EPP/CD Group) have committed themselves to consolidating and stabilising freedom and democracy, human rights, peace, prosperity, solidarity and social cohesion throughout the European continent and in the wider world. The members of the EPP/CD Group defend freedom of expression and information, as well as freedom of movement of ideas and of religious tolerance. Moreover, the EPP/CD Group works to promote respect for the principle of subsidiary and local autonomy, as well as the defense of national, social and other minorities. The EPP/CD Group is led by Chairman Pedro AGRAMUNT. The incumbent president of the PACE is Jean-Claude MIGNON. For more information please visit: www.epp-cd.eu

List of Representatives ALBANIA · RUSMALI, Ilirjan ilir_rusmali@yahoo.com · TRASHANI, Arenca atrashani@parlement.al

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 43

ARMENIA · HOVHANNISYAN, Arpine n/a · KARAPETYAN, Naira n/a · POSTANJYAN, Zaruhi postanjyan@mail.ru

AUSTRIA · DONABAUER, Karl karl.donabauer@parlament.gv.at · HAKL, Karin karin.hakl@parlament.gv.at · MAYER, Edgar edgar.mayer@parlament.gv.at · NEUGEBAUER, Fritz fritz.neugebauer@goed.at

AZERBAIJAN · RZAYEV, Rovshan international@meclis.gov.ase · SULEYMANOV, Elkhan international@meclis.gov.ase

BELGIUM · DESEYN, Roel roel.deseyn@dekamer.be · FRANSSEN, Cindy cfranssen@senaat.cdenv.be

BULGARIA · GROZDANOVA, Dzhema j_Grozdanova@abv.bg

· IVANOV, Stanislav stanislav.ivanov@parliament.bg · KOLEVA, Yuliana yuliana.koleva@parliament.bg · MINCHEV, Krasimir minchev@triada.bg · NENKOV, Aleksandar al_nenkov@gerb.bg · SOKOLOVA, Irena n/a

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA · DERVOZ, Ismeta ismeta.dervoz@parlament.ba · IVANIĆ, Mladen mladen.ivanic@parlament.ba · KAPETANOVIĆ, Nermina nermina.kapetanovic@parlament.ba · KRIŠTO, Borjana borjana.kristo@parlament.ba · ŠEPIĆ, Senad senad.sepic@parlament.ba

CROATIA · KALMETA, Božidar bozidar.kalmeta@sabor.hr · MATUŠIĆ, Frano frano.matusic@sabor.hr · MILOŠEVIĆ, Domagoj Ivan n/a

CYPRUS · KYRIAKIDOU, Stella skyriakidou@parliament.cy – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 44

CZECH REPUBLIC · KOSTŘICA, Rom kostricar@psp.cz · KREJČA, Miroslav n/a · KUBATA, Václav kubatav@psp.cz

DENMARK · MØLLER, Per Stig per.stig.moller@ft.dk

ESTONIA · HERKEL, Andres andres.herkel@riigikogu.ee

FINLAND · PELKONEN, Jaana jaana.pelkonen@parliament.fi · SASI, Kimmo kimmo.sasi@eduskunta.fi · VIROLAINEN, Anne-Mari anne-mari.virolainen@parliament.fi

FRANCE · BOCKEL, Jean Marie jm.bockel@senat.fr · FORT, Marie-Louise n/a · FOURNIER, Bernard b.fournier@senat.fr · GROSSKOST, Arlette depute.grosskost@wanadoo.fr

· JACQUAT, Denis djacquat@wanadoo.fr · LEGENDRE, Jacques jacques.legendre@wanadoo.fr · MARIANI, Thierry tmariani@assemblee-nationale.fr · MARLAND-MILITELLO, Muriel mmarland@assemblee-nationale.fr · MIGNON, Jean-Claude jcmignon@assemblee-nationale.fr · NACHBAR, Phillippe p.nachbar@senat.fr · POZZO DI BORGO, Yves y.pozzodiborgo@senat.fr · REISS, Frédéric reiss.depute@wanadoo.fr · ROCHEBLOINE, Françoise frochebloine@assemblee-nationale.fr · SALLES, Rudi rsalles@assemblee-nationale.fr · SCHNEIDER, André aschneider@assemblee-nationale.fr ZIMMERMANN, Marie-Jo mjzimmermann@assemblee-nationale.fr

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA · ALIU, Imen n/a · NIKOLOSKI, Aleksandar alaksandarnikoloski@yahoo.com · SPASENOVSKI, Alexandar n/a

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 45

GEORGIA

· WADEPHUL, Johann johann.wadepuhl@bundestag.de

· BAKRADZE, David n/a

· WELLMANN, Karl-Georg karl-georg.wellmann@bundestag.de

· BOKUCHAVA, Tinatin n/a

GREECE

· KANDELAKI, Giuiorgui gkandelaki@parliament.ge

· BAKOYANNIS, Theodora gram@dorabak.gr

GERMANY

· PIPILI, Foteini fpipili@gmail.com

· CONNEMANN, Gitta gitta.connemann@bundestag.de

· RAPTI, Elena e.rapti@parliament.gr

· FEIST, Thomas thomas.feist@bundestag.de

· TALIADOUROS, Spiridon sptaliad@otenet.gr

· FISCHER, Axel E. axel.fischer@bundestag.de

HUNGARY

· FRANKENHAUSER, Herbert herbert.frankenhauser@bundestag.de · FRITZ, Erich Georg erich.fritz@bundestag.de · GLOS, Michael michael.glos@bundestag.de · HENNRICH, Michael michael.hennrich@bundestag.de · HÖRSTER, Joachim joachim.hoerster@bundestag.de · HÜBINGER, Anette anette.huebinger@bundestag.de · RÖRING, Johannes johannes.roering@bundestag.de · SIEBERT, Bernd bernd.siebert@bundestag.de · STRENZ, Karin karin.strenz@bundestag.de

· BRAUN, Márton marton.braun@parlament.hu · CSÖBÖR, Katalin n/a · GRUBER, Attila attila.gruber@parlament.hu · GULYÁS, Gerely n/a · HOPPÁL, Péter peter.hoppal@parlament.hu · KALMÁR, Ferenc ferenc.kalmar@parlament.hu · KOSZORÜS, László laszlo.koszorus@parlament.hu · MIHALOVICS, Péter peter.mihalovics@parlament.hu · NAGY, Gábor Tamás gabor.nagy@parlament.hu

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 46

· VEJKEY, Imre imre.vejkey@parlament.hu

IRELAND · CLUNE, Deirdre deirdre.clune@oireachtas.ie · FLANAGAN, Terence terence.flanagan@oireachtas.ie · O‘REILLY, Joseph joe.oreilly@oireachtas.ie · PHELAN, John Paul john-paul.phelan@oireachtas.ie

ITALY · AMORUSO, Francesco Maria n/a · BERGAMINI, Deborah deborah.bergamini@gmail.com · BERNINI, Anna Maria n/a · CENTEMERO, Elena n/a · CESA, Lorenzo n/a · GIRO, Francesco Maria n/a

LATVIA · ČIGĀNE, Lolita lolita.cigane@saeima.lv · LĪBIŊA-EGNERE, Inese inese.libina-egnere@saeima.lv

LITHUANIA · VAREIKIS, Egidijus egvare@lrs.lt · ZINGERIS, Emanuelis emanuelis.zingeris@lrs.lt

LUXEMBOURG · BODEN, Fernand fboden@chd.lu · HAUPERT, Norbert nhaupert@chd.lu · MERGEN, Martine n/a

MALTA · BONNICI, Charlò n/a · FENECH ADAMI, Joseph bfc@wddonet.net.mt

MOLDOVA · GHILETCHI, Valeriu valeriuga@yahoo.com · PALIHOVICI, Liliana liliana.palihovici@parlament.md

MONACO · ALLAVENA, Jean-Charles n/a · FRESKO-ROLFO, Béatrice n/a

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 47

NETHERLANDS · FRANKEN, Hans h.franken@eerstekamer.nl · OMTZIGT, Pieter p.omtzigt@tweedekamer.nl

NORWAY · GRAHAM, Sylvi sylvi.graham@stortinget.no · SCHOU, Ingjerd ingjerd.schou@stortinget.no

POLAND · GÓRCZYŃSKI, Jarosław jaroslaw.gorczynski@sejm.pl · HALICKI, Andrzej andrzej.halicki@sejm.pl · HUSKOWSKI, Stanisław stanislaw.huskowski@platforma.org · KAZMIERCZAK, Jan jan.kazmierczak@polsl.pl · KLICH, Bogdan n/a · KRZAKALA, Marek n/a · NYKIEL, Miroslawa mnykiel@promarket.biz · OLSZEWSKI, Pawel pavel.olszewski@sejm.pl · ORZECHOWSKI, Maciej maciej.orzechowski@sejm.pl · RADZISZEWSKA, Elzbieta elzbieta.radziszewska@sejm.pl

· ROTNICKA, Jadwiga biuro@jadwigarotnicka.pl · WACH, Piotr wach@po.opole.pl

PORTUGAL · BARATA LOPES, Joana jrlopes@psd.parlamento.pt · COSTA NEVES, Carlos ccostaneves@psd.parlamento.pt · GONÇALVES, Carlos Alberto carlosgoncalves@psd.parlamento.pt · LEITE RAMOS, Luís lramos@psd.parlamento.pt · MEIRINHO, Manuel meirinho@ psd.parlamento.pt · MENDES BOTA, José mendesbota@psd.parlamento.pt · MOTA AMARAL, João Bosco mota.amaral@ar.parlamento.pt

ROMANIA · BADEA, Viorel Riceard viorel.badea@senat.ro · KELEMEN, Atilla Bela equi-can@cdep.ro ·KORODI, Attila n/a · PREDA, Cezar-Florin pace@cdep.ro

SAN MARINO · STEFANELLI, Lorella n/a – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 48

SERBIA

· BENEYTO PÉREZ, José María jose.beneyto@congreso.es

·DJUROVIĆ, Aleksandra n/a

· CONDE BAJÉN, Agustin augustin.conde@congreso.es

· ILIĆ, Vladimir n/a

· MORENO-BUSTOS, Ramón ramon.moreno@congreso.es

· JOKSIMOVIĆ, Jadranka n/a

· MORENO PALANQUES, Rubén n/a

· KOVÁCS, Elvira elvira_kovac@yahoo.com

· PALACIOS ZUASTI, José Ignacio n/a

· RAKIĆ, Katarina n/a

· PARERA, Eva eva.parera@senado.es

SLOVAKIA

· PINTADO BARBANOJ, Angel angel.pintado@senado.es

· DZURINDA, Mikuláš mikulas_dzurinda@nrsr.sk

· PUCHE RODRÍGUEZ-ACOSTA, Gabino gabino.puche@congreso.es

· FRONC, Martin martin.fronc@nrsr.sk

· QUINTANILLA BARBA, María del Carmen carmen.quintanilla@congreso.es

· NAGY, József n/a

· SANÍN NARANJO, Luz Elena luzelena.sanin@senado.es

SLOVENIA

· SANZ CABELLO, Antonio n/a

· DIMIC, Iva n/a

· VERA PRÓ, Juan Carlos juan.vera@congreso.es

· PRESEČNIK, Jakob jakob.presecnik@dz-rs.si

SWITZERLAND

· TOMC, Romana n/a

· PFISTER, Gerhard gerhard.pfister@parl.ch

SPAIN

· SCHNEIDER-SCHNEITER, Elisabeth elisabeth.schneider@parl.ch

· AGRAMUNT FONT DE MORA, Pedro pedro.agramunt@senado.es

· SCHWALLER, Urs urs.schwaller@parl.ch

· BARREIRO FERNÁNDEZ, José Manuel jmanuel.barreiro@senado.es

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 49

SWEDEN

EPP in the OSCE

· CEDERBRATT, Mikael mikael.cederbratt@riksdagen.se · KARLSSON, Ulrika n/a · OSKARSSON, Mikael mikael.oskarsson@riksdagen.se · POURBAIX-LUNDIN de, Marietta marietta.de.pourbaix-lundin@riksdagen.se

UKRAINE · ARIEV, Volodymyr n/a · DZHEMILIEV, Mustafa n/a

In recent years, the EPP has become particularly active in the parliamentary assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and has formed a dynamic political Group. For example, the Member of the “EPP and Like-Minded Group” participate on a regular basis in election monitoring missions of the OSCE and are engaged in reinforcing the democratic transitions countries. The EPP and Like-Minded Group in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is chaired by Walburga HABSBURG DOUGLAS (MOD, SE) and she was re-elected in this position together with 4 vice-presidents: · Lord Peter BOWNESS (Conservative, UK), · Vilija Aleknaitė ABRAMIKIENĖ (TS-LKD, LT), · Pedro GÓMEZ DE LA SERNA (PP, ES), · George TSERETELI (UNM, GE) and · (Vacant)

· GERASHCHENKO, Iryna n/a

For more information please contact: Email: osce@epp.eu Twitter: @JuanEPP

· KONDRATIUK, Olena n/a

OSCE-PA Vice-Presidents:

· OROBETS, Lesia n/a

· ABRAMIKIENĖ, Vilija Aleknaitė (Lithuania) · KANERVA, Ilkka (Finland) · ONEM, Emir (Turkey) · HABSBURG DOUGLAS, Walburga (Sweden) · ADERHOLT, Robert (United States)

· RYABIKIN, Pavol n/a · SHEVCHENKO, Andriy n/a · SOBOLEV, Serhiy sobolev.serhii@rada.gov.ua; ref.ord@com.ua

OSCE-PA Committee Officers: First General Committee on Political Affairs and Security: · VORIDIS, Makis (Greece), Chair · GULIYEV, Azay (Azerbaijan), Vice-Chair · KAUMA, Pia (Finland), Rapporteur

Second General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment: · AKNAZAROVA, Roza (Kyrgyzstan), Chair · SENA, Nilza (Portugal), Vice-Chair · ALISON, Dean (Canada), Rapporteur – THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 50

Third General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions:

CZECH REP. (Full Members)

n/a

· SARAPATKA, Borivoj sarapatkab@psp.cz

List of Representatives

DENMARK (Full Members)

AUSTRIA (Full Members)

· BARFOED, Lars lars.barfoed@ft.dk

· GROSSRUCK, Wolfgang wolfgang.grossruck@ooe-oevp.or.at

· ESPERSEN, Lene lene.espersen@ft.dk

BELGIUM (Full Members)

ESTONIA (Full Members)

· DESEYN, Roel roel.deseyn@dekamer.be

· PAKOSTA, Liisa-Ly Liisa.Pakosta@riigikogu.ee

· LANJRI, Nahima nahima.lanjri@dekamer.be

· RAID, Juku-Kalle juku-kalle.Raid@riigikogu.ee

BULGARIA (Full Members)

FINLAND (Full Members)

· AVRAMOV, Dimitar dimitar.avramov@parliament.bg

· KANERVA, Ilkka ikka.kanerva@parliament.fi

· FIDOSOVA, Iskra dnakova@parliament.bg · TANCHEV, Svetlin dnakova@parliament.bg

· KAUMA, Pia pia.kauma@parliament.fi · ORPO, Petteri petteri.orpo@parliament.fi

· VANOV, Lutchezar dnakova@parliament.bg

FRANCE (Full Members)

CROATIA (Full Members)

· BIZET, Jean j.bizet@senat.fr

· JANDROKOVIĆ, Gordan gordan.jandrokovic@sabor.hr

· MARIANI, Thierry tmariani@assemblee-nationale.fr

CYPRUS (Full Members)

· TEISSIER, Guy gteissier@assemblee-nationale.fr

· KYRIAKOU-HADJIYIANNI, Kyriakos internal-relations@parliament.cy

· VOISIN, Michel mvoisin@assemblee-nationale.fr

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 51

GERMANY (Full Members)

HUNGARY (Full Members)

· GRUND, Manfred manfred.grund@bundestag.de

· GYOPAROS, Alpar alpar.gyoparos@parlament.hu

· HOERSTER, Joachim joachim.hoerster@bundestag.de

· NAGY, Andor andor.nagy@parlament.hu

· KARL, Alois karl.alois@bundestag.de

IRELAND (Full Members)

· KLIMKE, Jürgen juergen.klimke@bundestag.de

· HUMPHREYS, Heather heather.humphreys@oireachtas.ie

· MISSFELDER, Philipp philipp.missfelder@bundestag.de

· MURPHY, Eoghan eoghan.murphy@oireachtas.ie

· PFEIFFER, Sybille sybille.pfeiffer@bundestag.de

ITALY (Full Members)

· SCHIPANSKI, Tankred tankred.schipanski@bundestag.de

· COMPAGNA, Luigi luigi.compagna@senato.it

· SILBERHORN, Thomas thomas.silberhorn@bundestag.de

· PICCHI, Guglielmo picchi_g@camera.it

· WANDERWITZ, Marco marco.wanderwitz@bundestag.de

LITHUANIA (Full Members)

· WELLMANN, Karl-Georg karl-georg.wellman@bundestag.de

· ABRAMIKIENĖ, Villija Aleknaitė vilija.abramikiene@lrs.lt

GREECE (Full Members)

LUXEMBOURG (Full Members)

· ANDRIANOS, Ioannis jandrianos@parliament.gr

· MOSAR, Laurent lmosar@chd.lu

· PLAKIOTAKIS, Ioannis plakiotakisgiannis@gmail.com

· MELLINA, Pierre pmellina@chd.lu

· PSYCHARIS, Andreas a.psycharis@parliament.gr

· WEYDERT, Raymond rweydert@chd.lu

· VORIDIS, Makis voridis@parliament.gr

MALTA (Full Members) · AZZOPARDI, Frederick azzopardi.frederick@parlament.mt

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 52

· AZZOPARDI, Jason jason.azzopardi@parliament.mt

· SENA, Nilza nsena@psd.parlamento.pt

NETHERLANDS (Full Members)

· SILVA, Adão adaosilva@psd.parlamento.pt

· FRANKEN, Hans h.franken@xs4all.nl

ROMANIA (Full Members)

POLAND (Full Members)

· MOVILA, Petru petru.movila@cdep.com

· BORYS-DAMIECKA, Barbara gegniewi@nw.senat.gov.pl

· UNGUREANU, Mihai-Razvan mru@senat.ro; mru@forta-civica.ro

· BUBLEWICZ, Beata annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

SLOVENIA (Full Members)

· GRAD, Mariusz annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

· GRIMS, Branko brane.grims@dz-rs.si

· KLEINA, Kazimierez kazimierez.kleina@sejm.pl

· OPEC, Jasmina jasmine.opec@dz-rs.si

· LENZ, Tomasz annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

SPAIN (Full Members)

· RULEWSKY, Jan gegniewi@nw.senat.gov.pl

· BENITEZ DE LUGO, Borja borjadelugo@gmail.com · GOMEZ DE LA SERNA, Pedro R. pedro.gomezdelaserna@congreso.es

· SMOLARZ, Henryk annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

· GONZALEZ, Sebastian n/a

· SZCZERBA, Michal annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

· LANZUELA, Santiago consejo.europa@congreso.es

PORTUGAL (Full Members)

· LOPEZ, Santiago n/a

· CAEIRO, Teresa tcaeiro@cds.parlamento.pt

SWEDEN (Full Members)

· CAMPOS FERREIRA, Luis luiscf@psd.parlamento.pt

· BLIX, Gustav gustav.blix@riksdagen.se

· SANTOS, Miguel miguelsantos@psd.parlamento.pt

· CEDERFELT, Margareta margareta.cederfelt@riksdagen.se

· KLUZIK-ROSTKOWSKA, Joanna annetta.kosieradzka@sejm.gov.pl

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 53

NORWAY (Associated/Observer Members)

· FORSELL, Johan johan.forsell@riksdagen.se · HABSBURG DOUGLAS, Walburga walburga.habsburg.douglas@riksdagen.se

· BEKKEVOLD, Geir Joergen geir-jorgen.bekkevold@stortinget.no · GITMARK, Peter Skovholt peter.gitmark@stortinget.no

· HOLM, Christian christian.holm@riksdagen.se

· HELLELAND, Trond trond.helleland@stortinget.no

ALBANIA (Observer Members)

SAN MARINO (Observer Members)

· DODA, Mesila mesilad@hotmail.com

· MINA, Oscar omina@alice.sm

· XHEPA, Selami selamixhepa@yahoo.com

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

SWITZERLAND (Associated Members) · GLANZMANN-HUNKELER, Ida oszepv.aposce@parl.admin.ch · NIEDERBERGER, Paul oszepv.aposce@parl.admin.ch

(Observer Members) · ČOVIĆ, Dragan dragan.covic@parlament.ba

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (Associate Members)

TURKEY (Like Minded)

· GJORCEV, Vladimir vgjorcev@yahoo.com

· ACBA, Sait sait.acba@tbmm.gov.tr

· STEVANANDZIJA, Dimitar stevanangija@yahoo.com

· AÇIKGÖZ, Ruhi ruhi.acikgoz@tbmm.gov.tr

GEORGIA (Observer Members)

· AYALAN, Sükrü sukru.ayalan@tbmm.gov.tr

· TSERETELI, George gtsereteli@hotmail.com

· ÖNEN, Abdulkadir Emin emin.onen@tbmm.gov.tr

· MINASHVILI, Akaki a.minashvili@parliament.ge

UKRAINE (Observer Members)

MOLDOVA (Observer Members)

· KATERYNCHUK, Mykola n/a

· FURDUI, Simion simion.furdui@parlament.md

· DENISOVA, Liudmyla n/a

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 54

ARMENIA (Observer Members)

· BOWNESS, Lord Peter bownessp@parliament.uk

· HARUTYUNYAN, Khachik khachik.harutyunyan@parliament.am

AZERBAIJAN (Like Minded)

· De BOIS, Nick nick.debois.mp@parliament.uk · GLENTORAN, Lord Robin Dixon glentoranr@parliament.uk

· ASLANOVA, Rabiyyat international@meclis.gov.az

· GUMMER, Ben ben.gummer.mp@parliament.uk

· GULIYEV, Azay A. azay@azdata.net; q_azay@yahoo.com · IBRAHIMOV, Eldar R. international@meclis.gov.az

· KAWCZYNSKI, Daniel kawczynskid@parliament.uk · REEVELL, Simon simon.reevell.mp@parliament.uk

· MURADOVA, Bahar A. international@meclis.gov.az

· STEWART, Bob bob.stewart.mp@parliament.uk

· VALIYEV, Agalar azeragrartikinti@mail.ru

· STEWART, Rory rory.stewart.mp@parliament.uk

CANADA (Like Minded)

UNITED STATES (Like Minded)

· ALLISON, Dean dean.allison@parl.gc.ca

· ADERHOLT, Robert bob.hand@mail.house.gov

· MALTAIS, Ghislain maltag@sen.parl.gc.ca

· COLE, Tom bob.hand@mail.house.gov

· McCOLEMAN, Phil phil.mccoleman@parl.gc.ca

· CRAPO, Mike bob.hand@mail.house.gov · HASTINGS, Doc bob.hand@mail.house.gov

· MILLER, Larry larry.miller@parl.gc.ca

KYRGYZSTAN (Like Minded)

· SMITH, Christopher chrissmith4nj@yahoo.com

· AKNAZAROVA, Roza n/a

· WICKER, Roger F. bob.hand@mail.house.gov

UNITED KINGDOM (Like Minded) · BOTTOMLEY, Sir Peter bottomleyp@parliament.uk

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 55

Committees and Subcommittees

EPP in NATO Following the EPP by-laws our party is also present in the NATO-PA with a group called “EPP and associated members”. It is an active political group with a strong engagement of Karl A. LAMERS. For more information please contact: Email: nato@epp.eu

Bureau of the Assembly President · LAMERS, Karl A. (Germany, CDU) Vice President · GALLANT, Cheryl (Canada, Conservative Party) Vice President · AMELINE, Nicole (France, UMP) Treasurer · NOLIN, Pierre Claude (Canada, Conservative Party)

Committee on the Civil Dimension of Security (CDS)

Chairperson · JOPLING, Lord Michael (United Kingdom, Conservative) Vice Chairpersons · BIANCO, Enzo (Italy, PdL) Vice Chairperson · EMERSON, Jo Ann (United States, Republican)

Sub Committee on Democratic Governance (CDSDG) Vice-Chairperson · Garriaud-Maylam, Joëlle (France, UMP)

Defence and Security Committee (DSC) Vice Chairperson · TURNER, Michael (United States, Republican)

Sub Committee on Future Security and Defence Capabilities (DSCFC) Chairperson · KNOPS, Raymond (Netherlands, CDA) Rapporteur · PINTAT, Xavier (France, UMP)

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 56

Sub Committee on Transatlantic Defense and Security Co operation (DSCTC)

General Rapporteur · AGOV, Assen (Bulgaria, DSB)

Chairperson · STANLEY, John (United Kingdom, Conservative)

Sub Committee on NATO Partnerships (PCNP)

Vice Chairperson · MILLER, Jeff (United States, Republican)

Vice Chairperson · RODRIGUEZ SALMONES, Beatriz (Spain, PP)

Rapporteur · AMELINE, Nicole (France, UMP)

Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Relations (PCTR)

Economics and Security Committee (ESC)

Sub-Committee on Transatlantic Economic Relations (ESCTER) Chairperson · BENOIT, Leon (Canada, Conservative Party)

Rapporteur · BALDWIN, Harriett (United Kingdom, Conservative)

Chairperson · ANDREYCHUK, Raynell (Canada, Conservative Party) Vice Chairperson · BISHOP, Rob (United States, Republican)

· DÍAZ-BALART, Mario (United States, Republican) Rapporteur · ZAKRZEWSKA, Jadwiga (Poland, PO)

Science and Technology Committee (STC)

Vice Chairpersons · BILIRAKIS, Gus (United States, Republican)

Political Committee (PC)

· DIMITROV, Dobroslav (Bulgaria, GERB)

Vice Chairperson · REITZER, Jean-Luc (France, UMP)

Vice Chairpersons · VOINESCU-COTOI, Server (Romania, PDL)

Special rapporteur on Unmanned Military Systems · NOLIN, Pierre Claude (Canada, Conservative Party)

Sub Committee on Energy and Environmental Security (STCEES) Chairperson · VITEL, Philippe (France, UMP) Vice Chairperson · DINENAGE, Caroline (United Kingdom, Conservative)

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 57

Rapporteur · ASKIN BAK, Osman (Turkey, AKP)

“Bullseye” magazine four times a year and campaigns, through various forms, for the interests of young people.

For more information please visit: www.edsnet.eu

Mediterranean and Middle East Special Group (GSM) Vice Chairpersons · ALABOYUN, Ali Riza (Turkey, AKP)

European Senior Citizen’s Union (ESCU)

Rapporteur · ANDREYCHUK, Raynell (Canada, Conservative Party)

EPP Associations European Democrat Students (EDS) EDS is the official students’ organisation of the EPP. Since it was founded in 1961, EDS brings together students and young political leaders from all over Europe to promote a political pro-European exchange. Although being a students’ organisation, and therefore taking a special interest in topics like the Bologna Process, the organisation is especially aware of the importance of promoting values like freedom, democracy and human rights. Led by its Chairwoman Eva MAJEWSKI, EDS has 42 member organisations from 35 countries, representing over 1,600,000 students and youngsters, including non-EU member countries like Israel, Belarus and Georgia. EDS is not a centralised organisation; it is an “organisation of organisations”, a networking structure whose general aim is to bundle the power of the various members in order to give young people and students a strong voice. Every year the organisation hosts summer and winter universities and several seminars, publishes the

Founded in Madrid in 1995 and led by its President An HERMANS, ESCU is the largest political senior citizens’ organisation in Europe. The ESCU is represented in 27 states with 41 organisations and about 1,269,000 members. The ESCU is dedicated to the advancement of rights of European senior citizens and their engagement in society. The aims of the ESCU are the promotion of the role of the elderly in ageing European societies, the fight against discrimination of the elderly, the European pension systems, seniors and volunteering, intergenerational relationship and participation. For more information please visit: www.eu-seniorunion.info

European Union of Christian Democratic Workers (EUCDW) The EUCDW is the workers’ organisation of the EPP with 22 member organisations from 17 different countries. As the officially recognised EPP association of workers, the EUCDW is led by its President Elmar BROK, MEP, and has the following aims: to press for the political unification of a democratic Europe; to promote the development of the EPP on the basis of Christian social teaching; to represent and defend worker interests in European policy; to work for the achievement of Christian social principles and policies in the European workers’ movements; to step up co-operation with the workers and their representatives to realise step by step the European Social Model. Therefore, in the last years, the EUCDW has spent a lot of effort in influencing employment policy and defending an undivided Europe of social justice.

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 58

For more information please visit: www.eucdw.org

Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP)

Small and Medium Entrepreneurs of Europe (SME Europe)

YEPP, led by President Konstantinos KYRANAKIS, is the EPP’s official youth organisation, self-governed by its own statutes, political program and elected representatives. YEPP’s members are national party-political youth organisations. The purpose of all 57 member organizations as well as for YEPP is to provide young people a channel in order to influence the shaping of their societies with democratic means and centre-right, Christian Democratic and conservative ideas. Through its member organisations YEPP brings together between 1 and 2 million young people in 39 countries of Europe. This makes YEPP the largest party-political youth organisation in Europe.

SME Europe is the EPP organisation for Small and Medium Entrepreneurs. It is led by Nadezhda NEYNSKY, MEP. Its purpose is to shape EU policies in a more SME friendly way. SMEs are the backbone of the European economy as it is especially them that create sustainable jobs, growth and prosperity. As a pro-active organisation within the political networks of Christian-Democrats and Conservatives, SME Europe wants to bring a new spirit and a fresh entrepreneurial wind into the political debate. The interests of SMEs are best served when market mechanisms can freely make an impact. It is about time to contain the role of governments, so we need to have less and smarter state intervention. This provides the best framework conditions for SMEs to grow.

For more information please visit: www.youthepp.eu

For more information please visit: www.sme-union.eu

Women of the European People’s Party (EPP Women) EPP Women is recognised by the EPP as the official association of women from all likeminded political parties of Europe. EPP Women have over 40 member organisations from countries across the European Union and beyond. All member organisations are women’s organizations from political parties which are members of the EPP. EPP Women, led by its President Doris PACK, MEP, is dedicated to the advancement of women‘s political participation throughout Europe and to the promotion of important women-related issues. For more information please visit: www.epp-women.org

– THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY – 59

Section EU and NON-EU COUNTRIES

– EU-COUNTRIES – 61

EUROPEAN UNION

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

4 381 376 sq km

Population:

503 678 862

Seat:

Brussels (primary) / Strasbourg / Luxembourg

Political system:

Hybrid intergovernmental and supranational entity

GDP:

€12,945.40 trillion

Member States:

28: Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Italy and Germany (founding members); Denmark, Ireland and United Kingdom (1973); Greece (1981); Portugal and Spain (1986); Austria, Finland and Sweden (1995); Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004); Bulgaria and Romania (2007), Croatia (2013)

Established:

9 May 1950 originally as the European Coal and Steel Community

European day:

Europe Day 9 May (1950), the day that Robert SCHUMAN proposed the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community

Legislative branch:

The European Parliament (751 members allocated to Member States in relative proportionality, according to the Lisbon Treaty, but currently with 766 members until next elections as part of a transitional provision. Members are elected for five-year terms by direct universal suffrage.) Elections: last held on 4-7 June 2009 (next to be held from 22-25 May 2014). Election results: percent of vote for Europarties and alliances and seats (out of 736 at the time)- EPP 36%, PES 25%, ELDR 11.4%, Greens/EFA 7.5%, AECR 7.3%, GUE/NGL 4.8%, EFD 4.3%, independents 3.7%; current seats for each Group - EPP 264, S&D (PES+) 185, ALDE (ELDR+) 85, Greens/EFA 56, ECR 56, GUE/NGL 34, EFD 27, non-attached 29.

– EU-COUNTRIES – 62

European People’s Party | EPP

DAUL, Joseph · Founding date: · President of the Party:

8 July 1976 DAUL, Joseph | president@epp.eu

· Secretary General:

LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ, Antonio | alopez@epp.eu

· Vice-Presidents:

BARNIER, Michel; BILLSTRÖM, Tobias; BOAGIU, Anca; CREIGHTON, Lucinda; DÁVID, Mario; HAHN, Johannes; HINTZE, Peter; SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Jacek; TAJANI, Antonio; WORTMANN-KOOL, Corien; BARROSO, José Manuel (e.o.); VAN ROMPUY, Herman (e.o.);

· Treasurer:

FRIEDRICH, Ingo

· Deputy Secretaries General:

KREMER, Christian; VANDEPUTTE, Luc ckremer@epp.eu; lvandeputte@epp.eu

· Spokesman:

SASMATZOGLOU, Kostas | spokesman@epp.eu

· EPP Members in the European Commission:

13 / 28

· EPP Members in the European Council:

12 / 28

· EPP Group Members in the European Parliament:

273 / 766

· EPP Group Members in the Committee of the Regions:

127 / 353

· EPP Group Members in the Council of Europe:

177

· EPP Group Members in the OSCE:

151

· International Affiliation:

Centrist Democrat International, Internation Democrat Union

– EU-COUNTRIES – 63

AUSTRIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

82 444 sq km

Population:

8 488 511 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Vienna

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1995

Date of entry in Euro Zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 307.00 billion (2012 est.)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

9 states

Independence:

12 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

26 October (1955)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1920; revised in 1929; abolished in 1934; reinstated in 1945

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament, consists of an upper house, the Federal Council – Bundesrat - (variable membership, currently 62 seats; members chosen by state parliaments with each state receiving 3 to 12 members in proportion to its population; members serve five- or six-year terms) and a lower house, the National Council - Nationalrat (183 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: National Council - last held on 29 September 2013 (next to be held by September 2018). Election results: National Council - percent of vote by party - SPÖ 27.1%, ÖVP 23.8%, FPÖ 21.4%, Greens 11.5%, FRANK 5.8%, Other 10.4%

Election results – EU elections 2009: ÖVP 29.98%, SPÖ 23.74%, Independent list Dr. Martin 17,67%, FPÖ 12,71%, Greens 9,93%, BZÖ 4.58%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 64

Österreichische Volkspartei | ÖVP In English: Austrian People‘s Party

SPINDELEGGER, Michael · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1991 Full Member

· President of the Party:

SPINDELEGGER, Michael michael.spindelegger@oevp.at

· Secretary General:

BLÜMEL, Gernot gernot.bluemel@oevp.at

· International Secretary:

VOLLER, Patrick patrick.voller@oevp.at

· Government status: · Seats in national Parliament:

In government as a junior coalition partner Lower House: 47/183; Upper House: 28/62

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional information:

Michael Spindelegger is Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Finance of Austria.

Johannes Hahn is the European Commissioner for Regional Policy.

Contact Details: Lichtenfelsgasse 7, 1010 Wien Phone: +43.1.401.260 | Fax: +43.1.401.26109 | email@oevp.at | www.oevp.at | epp.eu/oevp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 65

BELGIUM

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

30 278 sq km

Population:

11 183 350 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Brussels

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 376.23 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

3 regions and 3 linguistic communities | note: as a result of the 1993 constitutional revision that furthered devolution into a federal state, there are now three levels of government (federal, regional, and linguistic community) with a complex division of responsibilities; this reality leaves six governments, each with its own legislative assembly.

Independence:

21 July 1831 (King LEOPOLD I ascended to the throne)

National holiday:

21 July (1831)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1831; revised in 1993 to create a federal state; amended several times

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house the Senate - Senaat / Senat - (71 seats; 40 members directly elected by popular vote, 31 indirectly elected; members serve fouryear terms) and a lower house the Chamber of Deputies - Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers / Chambre des Representants - (150 seats; members directly elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms). Elections: last held on 13 June 2010 (next to be held in May 2014). Election results: Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - N-VA 17.4%, PS 13.7%, CD&V 10.9%, MR 9.3%, sp.a 9.2%, Open VLD 8.6%, VB 7.8%, cdH 5.5%, Ecolo 4.8%, Groen! 4.4%, other 8.4%. Senate - percent of vote by party - N-VA 19.6%, PS 13.6%, CD&V 10%, sp.a 9.5%, MR 9.3%, Open VLD 8.2%, VB 7.6%, Ecolo 5.5%, cdH 5.1% Groen! 3.9%, other 7.7%;

Election results – EU elections 2009: CD&V 14.43%, Open VLD 12,75%, PS 10.88%, VB 9.85%, MR 9.74%, ECOLO 8.55%, sp.a 8.21%, N-VA 6.13%, cdH 4.99%, Groen! 4.9%, LDD 4.51%, CSP 0.19%.

– EU-COUNTRIES – 66

Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams | CD&V In English: Christian-Democratic and Flemish

BEKE, Wouter · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1976 (2001 CD&V) Full Member

· President of the Party:

BEKE, Wouter voorzitter@cdenv.be

· Secretary General:

CARDOEN, Jonathan jcardoen@cdenv.be

· International Secretary:

GIJSELS, Peter pgijsels@cdenv.be

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 17 / 150; Upper House 7 / 71

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

Herman Van Rompuy is the President of the European Council. Pieter De Crem is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

Contact Details: Wetstraat 89, 1040 Brussels Phone: +32.2.238.38.11 | Fax: +32.2.230.43.60, +32.2.238.01.29 | info@cdenv.be | www.cdenv.be | epp.eu/cdenv

– EU-COUNTRIES – 67

Centre Démocrate Humaniste | cdH In English: Humanist Democratic Centre

LUTGEN, Benoît · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1976 (2002 cdH) Full Member

· President of the Party:

LUTGEN, Benoît presidence@lecdh.be

· Secretary General:

PONCIN, Eric poncin@lecdh.be

· International Secretary:

DALLEMAGNE, Georges dallemagne@lecdh.be

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 9 /150; Upper House 4 / 71

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Joëlle Milquet is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Employment and Equal Opportunities of Belgium.

Contact Details: Rue des Deux Eglises 41, 1040 Brussels Phone: +32.2.238.0111 | Fax: +32.2.238.0129 | info@lecdh.be | www.lecdh.be | epp.eu/cdh

– EU-COUNTRIES – 68

– EU-COUNTRIES – 69

BULGARIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

110 910 sq km

Population:

7 282 041 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Sofia

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2007

Currency:

1.96 Bulgarian leva (BGN) = 1 Euro

GDP:

€ 39.7 billion (2012 est.)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

28 provinces

Independence:

3 March 1878: from the Ottoman Empire

National holiday:

3 March (1878)

Constitution:

Effective since 1991

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament, the National Assembly - Narodno Sabranie (240 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms). Elections: last held on 12 May 2013 (next to be held in 2017) Election results: percent of vote by party - GERB 30.5%, BSP 26.6%, MRF 11.3%, ATAKA 7.3%, DSB 2.9%, UDF 1.4%, other 10.0%.

Election results – EU elections 2009: GERB 24.36%, BSP 18.5%, DPS 14.14%, ATAKA 11.96%, NDSV 7.96%, UDF-DSB 7.95%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 70

Graždani za Evropeĭsko Razvitie na Bălgarija | GERB In English: Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria

BORISOV, Boyko · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2008 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BORISOV, Boyko boyko.borisov@gerb.bg

· Secretary General:

PAUNOV, Tsvetomir paunov@gerb.bg

· International Secretary:

PANAYOTOVA, Monika international@gerb.bg

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

97 / 240

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

Rosen Plevneliev is the President of Bulgaria.

Contact Details: Pl. Bulgaria1, NDK Administrativna sgrada, et. 17, 1000 Sofia Phone: +359.884.800.005 | Fax: +359.2.490.09.51 | international@gerb.bg | www.gerb.bg | epp.eu/gerb

– EU-COUNTRIES – 71

Săjuz Na Demokratičnite Sili | UDF In English: Union of Democratic Forces

LUKARSKI, Bozidar · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1998 Full Member

· President of the Party: · Secretary General: · International Secretary:

LUKARSKI, Bozidar

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 240

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional information:

–

KIREV, Philip fkirev@sds.bg ANDREEV, Kalin international@sds.bg

Contact Details: 134 Rakovski Street, 1000 Sofia Phone: +359.2.930.6128 | Fax: +359.2.981.0119 | www.sds.bg | epp.eu/udf

– EU-COUNTRIES – 72

Demokrati za Silna Bălgarija | DSB In English: Democrats for a Strong Bulgaria

KANEV, Radan · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2006 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KANEV, Radan

· Secretary General:

ATANASSOV, Atanas a_at@abv.bg

· International Secretary:

STANIMIROV, Boris bstanimirov@dsb.bg

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 240

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

–

Contact Details: 18 Vitosha Blvd. (Karnigradska Str. Entrance), 1000 Sofia Phone: +359.2.400.9921 | Fax: +359.2.980.5334 | dsb@dsb.bg | www.dsb.bg | epp.eu/dsb

– EU-COUNTRIES – 73

Zemedelski Naroden Sajuz | ZNS In English: Agrarian People‘s Union

IONTCHEV, Roumen · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1998 Full Member

· President of the Party: · Secretary General:

IONTCHEV, Roumen

· International Secretary:

CANKOV, Stefan scankov@maritsa.org

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

1 / 240

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

–

GENCHEV, Hranimir hranimir.genchev@abz.bg

Contact Details: Nikola Vapcarov 23, 1000 Sofia Phone: +359.2.987.0577 | Fax: +359.2.987.0577 | office@zns.bg | www.zns.bg | epp.eu/zns

– EU-COUNTRIES – 74

Demokratičeska Partija | DP In English: Democratic Party

PRAMATARSKI, Alexander · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1998 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PRAMATARSKI, Alexander a.pramatarski@parti.eu

· Secretary General:

IVANOVA, Lili liliivanova@abz.bg

· International Secretary:

GENCHEV, Demitrov

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 240

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

–

Contact Details: 61 Hristo Botev Bld, 1113 Sofia Phone: +359.2.930.8030 | Fax: +359.2.930.8031 | www.demparty.eu | epp.eu/dp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 75

CROATIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

56 542 sq km

Population:

4 290 612 (Census, Mar. 2011)

Capital:

Zagreb

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of Entry into the EU

1 July 2013

Currency:

7.58 kuna (HRK) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 43.90 billion

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

21 counties, including the capital city

Independence:

25 June 1991

National holiday:

8 October (1991)

Constitution:

Effective since 1990; amended four times, last one in 2011

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the Assembly - Hrvatski Sabor (may have a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 160 members, currently has 151 seats; members elected from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms. Most representatives come from the Croatian mainland counties, but there are also guaranteed minority and Diaspora seats). Elections: Last held on 4 December 2011. Next to be held by the end of 2015. Election results: Percent of the vote by party/coalition – Kukuriku coalition 41.08%;

HDZ, HGS, DC 23.5%; HL 5.22%; HDSSB 2.96%; HSS 3.03%; IGL 2.84%; HSP, HČSP 2.81%

Election results – EU elections 2013: HDZ and allies 32.86%; SDP of Croatia and allies 32.07%; Croatian Labourists – Labour Party 5.77%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 76

Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica | HDZ In English: Croatian Democratic Union

KARAMARKO, Tomislav · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2002 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KARAMARKO, Tomislav ured-predsjednika@hdz.hr

· Secretary General:

BRKIĆ, Miljan tajnistvo@hdz.hr

· International Secretary:

STIER, Davor davor.stier@hdz.hr

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

47 / 151

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Trg žrtava fašizma 4, 10000 Zagreb Phone: +385.1.4553.000 | Fax: +385.1.4614.555 | hdz@hdz.hr | www.hdz.hr | epp.eu/hdz

– EU-COUNTRIES – 77

Hrvatska Seljačka Stranka | HSS In English: Croatian Peasant Party

HRG, Branko · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2002 Full Member

· President of the Party:

HRG, Branko hss@hss.hr

· Secretary General:

ĆORIĆ, Ilija ilija@hss.hr

· International Secretary:

PUKŠEC, Ivana puksec.ivana@hss.hr

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

1 / 151

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Ulica kralja Zvonimira 17, 10000 Zagreb Phone: +385.1.4553.624;-627 | Fax: +385.1.4553.631 | hss@hss.hr | www.hss.hr | epp.eu/hss

– EU-COUNTRIES – 78

– EU-COUNTRIES – 79

CYPRUS

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

9 250 sq km

Population:

862 001 (2012 est.)

Capital:

Nicosia

Political system:

Presidential

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2008

GDP:

€ 17.9 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

6 districts

Independence:

16 August 1960: from the UK

National holiday:

1 October (1960)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1960

Legislative branch:

House of Representatives - Vouli ton Antiprosópon - 56 seats; last held on 22 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2016) Election results: House of Representatives - percent of vote by party DISY 34.28%, AKEL 32.67%, DIKO 15.76%, EDEK 8.93%, EVROKO 3,88%, ECOLO 2,21%

Election results – EU elections 2009: DISY 35.65%, AKEL 34.9%, DIKO 12.28%, EDEK 9.85%, EVROKO 4.12%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 80

Dimokratikos Synagermos | DISY In English: Democratic Rally

NEOFYTOU, Averof

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1994 Full Member

· President of the Party:

NEOFYTOU, Averof

· Director:

STYLIANOU, Dimitris

· International Secretary:

SINKA, Alexandros a.sinka@btinternet.com

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

20 / 56

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

Nicos Anastasiades is the President of Cyprus.

Contact Details: Pindarou 25, P.O. Box 25305, 1308 Nicosia Phone: +357.22.883.000, +357.22.883.171 | Fax: +357.22.753.821 disy@disy.org.cy; epikinonia@disy.org.cy | www.disy.org.cy | epp.eu/disy

– EU-COUNTRIES – 81

CZECH REPUBLIC

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

78 876 sq km

Population:

10 516 125 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Prague

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Currency:

25.82 koruny (CZK) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 152.8 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

13 regions and 1 capital city

Independence:

1 January 1993: split of Czechoslovakia

National holiday:

28 October (1918)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1993; amended five times

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house the Senate - Senat (81 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms; one-third elected every two years) and a lower house the Chamber of Deputies - Poslanecká sněmovna - (200 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Senate - last held in two rounds on 12-13 and 19-20 October 2012 (next to be held in October 2014); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 25-26 October 2013 (next to be held in 2017) Election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - CSSD 20.5%, ANO 2011 18.7%, KSCM 14.9%, TOP 09 12.0%, ODS 7.7%, UPD 6.9%, KDU-CSL 6.8%.

Election results – EU elections 2009: ODS 31.45%, CSSD 22.38%, KSCM 14.18%, KDU-ČSL 7.64%.

– EU-COUNTRIES – 82

TOP 09 In English: TOP 09

SCHWARZENBERG, Karel

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2011 Full Member

· President of the Party:

SCHWARZENBERG, Karel schwarzenberg@top09.cz

· Secretary General:

SEVERA, Pavel pavel.severa@top09.cz

· International Secretary:

KOUDELKOVÁ, Lenka international@top09.cz

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 26 / 200; Upper House 3 / 81

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

– EU-COUNTRIES – 83

Křesťanská a Demokratická Unie – Československá Strana Lidová | KDU-ČSL In English: The Christian and Democratic Union-Czechoslovak People’s Party

BĚLOBRÁDEK, Pavel · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1996 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BĚLOBRÁDEK, Pavel predseda@kdu.cz

· Secretary General:

HOŘAVA, Pavel gs@kdu.cz

· International Secretary:

ČIŽINSKÝ, Jan cizinsky@kdu.cz

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner (TBC)

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 14 / 200; Upper House 5 / 81

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Karlovo náměstí 5, 12801 Prague 2 Phone: +420.226.205.340 | Fax: +420.226.205.100 | inter@kdu.cz | www.kdu.cz | epp.eu/kdu

– EU-COUNTRIES – 84

– EU-COUNTRIES – 85

DENMARK

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

43 094 sq km

Population:

5 602 628 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Copenhagen

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1973

Currency:

7.46 kroner (DKK) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 244.5 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

5 regions. Besides the self-governing territories of Greenland and the Faroe Islands, which hold different status towards the EU.

Independence:

First organised as a unified state in 10th century; in 1849 became a constitutional monarchy

National holiday:

None designated; Constitution Day, 5 June (1849) is generally viewed as the National Day

Constitution:

Came into force in 1849; amended four times, last time in 1953

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament, the People‘s Assembly - Folketing - (179 seats, including 2 from Greenland and 2 from the Faroe Islands; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held on 15 September 2011. (Next to be held in September 2015 the latest) Election results: Percent of vote by party – Venstre 26,7%; SD 24,8%; DF 12,3%; Radikale Venstre 9,5%; SF 9,2%; Enhl 6,7%; Ny Alliance 5,0%; DKF 4,9%

Election results – EU elections 2009: SD 21,5%; Venstre 20,2%; SF 15,9%; DF 15,3%; DKF 12,7%; N 7,2%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 86

Det Konservative Folkeparti | C In English: Conservative People‘s Party

BARFOED, Lars · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1993 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BARFOED, Lars

· Secretary General:

DAHL, Martin md@konservative.dk

· International Secretary:

RUGE-ANDERSEN, Ida kfidra@ft.dk

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

8 / 179

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Connie Hedegaard is the European Commissioner for Climate Action.

Contact Details: Christiansborg, 1240 Copenhagen K Phone: +45.33.374.344 | Fax: +45.33.374.310 info@konservative.dk | www.konservative.dk | epp.eu/dkf

– EU-COUNTRIES – 87

Kristendemokraterne | KD In English: Christian Democrats

GRENOV, Stig · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1993 Full Member

· President of the Party:

GRENOV, Stig

· Secretary General:

HANSEN, Bent bent.hansen@kd.dk

· International Secretary:

HØST, Peter pethest@hotmail.com

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 179

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Skindergade dale, 24/1, 1159 Copenhagen Phone: +45.33.277.810 | kd@kd.dk | www.kd.dk | epp.eu/kd-dk

– EU-COUNTRIES – 88

– EU-COUNTRIES – 89

ESTONIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

45 226 sq km

Population:

1 286 479 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Tallinn

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Date of entry in the Euro zone:

2011

GDP:

€ 17.0 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

15 counties

Independence:

24 February 1918 (independence from Soviet Russia); 20 August 1991 (independence from Soviet Union)

National holiday:

24 February (1918)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1992

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament – Riigikogu – (101 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 6 March 2011 (next to be held in March 2015) Election results: percent of vote by party - ER 28.6%, KE 23.3%, IRL 20.5%, SDE 17.1%

Election results – EU elections 2009: KE 26.07%, I. Tarand (Ind) 25.81%, ER 15.34%, IRL 12.21%, SDE 8.7%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 90

Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit | IRL In English: Pro Patria and Res Publica Union

REINSALU, Urmas · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Full Member

· President of the Party:

REINSALU, Urmas urmas.reinsalu@ riigikogu.ee

· Secretary General:

RIISALO, Tiit tiit.riisalo@irl.ee

· International Secretary:

LUKMANN, Veiko veikolukmann@gmail.com

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

23 / 101

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Paldiski mnt. 13, 10137 Tallin Phones: +372.624.0400 , +372.555.146.00 | Fax: +372.669.1071 | info@irl.ee | www.irl.ee | epp.eu/irl

– EU-COUNTRIES – 91

FINLAND

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

338 145 sq km

Population:

5 426 674 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Helsinki

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1995

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 194.5 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

18 regions. (+ Åland)

Independence:

6 December 1917

National holiday:

6 December (1917)

Constitution:

Effective since 2000

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Eduskunta - (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on a proportional basis to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 17 April 2011 (next to be held by April 2015) Election results: percent of vote by party - KOK 20.4%, SDP 19.1%, True Finns 19.0%, KESK 15.8%, VAS 8.1%, VIHR 7.2%, SFP 4.3%, KD 4.0%, + Åland 1 representative

Election results – EU elections 2009: KOK 23.2%, KESK 19%, SDP 17.5%, KD-PS 14%, VIHR 12.4%, SFP (RKP) 6.1%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 92

Kansallinen Kokoomus | KOK In English: The National Coalition Party

KATAINEN, Jyrki · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1995 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KATAINEN, Jyrki jyrki.katainen@kokoomus.fi

· Secretary General:

TUJUNEN, Taru taru.tajunen@kokoomus.fi

· International Secretary:

ISKANIUS, Anniina anniina.iskanius@eduskunta.fi

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

44 / 200

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional information:

Sauli Niinistö is the President of Finland and EPP Honorary President. Jyrki Katainen is the Prime Minister of Finland.

Contact Details: Kansallinen Kokoomus, Kansakoulukuja 3a, Fin-00100 Helsinki Phone: +358.207.488.488 | Fax: +358.207.488.505 | info@kokoomus.fi | www.kokoomus.fi epp.eu/kokoomus – EU-COUNTRIES – 93

Kristillisdemokraatit | KD In English: Christian Democrats

RÄSÄNEN, Päivi

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2001 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

RÄSÄNEN, Päivi paivi.rasanen@kd.fi

· Secretary General:

MAANSELKÄ, Asmo asmo.maanselka@kd.fi

· International Secretary:

ÖSTMAN, Peter peter.ostman@kd.fi

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

6 / 200

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non-voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

Päivi Räsänen is the Minister of Interior of Finland.

Contact Details: Karjalankatu 2C7 krs, 00520 Helsinki Phone: +358.9.3488.2200 | Fax: +358.9.3488.2228 | kd@kd.fi | www.kd.fi | epp.eu/kd-fi

– EU-COUNTRIES – 94

– EU-COUNTRIES – 95

FRANCE

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

643 427 sq kms

Population:

65 633 194 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Paris

Political system:

Semi-presidential

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 2,028.2 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

22 metropolitan regions and 5 overseas regions for a total of 27. Besides there are several territories and collectivities with different status.

Independence:

486 (Frankish tribes unified); 843 (Western Francia established from the division of the Carolingian Empire); 5 October 1958 Fifth Republic constitution

National holiday:

14 July (1790)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1958; amended several times

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament – Parlement – consists of an upper house, the Senate – Senat (348 members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve six-year terms; one half elected every three years); and a lower house, the National Assembly – Assemblée nationale – 577 members elected by popular vote under a single-member majority system to serve five-year terms Elections: Senate – last held on 25 September 2011 for half of the seats. Next to be held in September 2014. National Assembly – last held on 10 and 17 June 2012. Next to be held in 2017. Election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; National Assembly - percent of vote by party - PS 48.53% , UMP 33.62%

Election results – EU elections 2009: UMP 27.8%, PS 16.48%, Europe ecologie 16.28%, MoDem 8.4%, FN 6.3%, FG 6%, NPA 4.9%, Libertas (MPF-CPTN) 4.6%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 96

Union pour un Mouvement Populaire | UMP In English: Union for a Popular Movement

COPÉ, Jean-François · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1999 (2002 UMP) Full Member

· President: · Secretary General:

COPÉ, Jean-François

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 199 / 577, Upper House 131 / 348

TABAROT, Michèle mtabarot@u-m-p.org

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

24 (plus 6 allied members elected on UMP list)

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional information:

Joseph Daul is President of the EPP and Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament. Michel Barnier is the European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, and EPP Vice President.

Contact Details: 238, rue de Vaugirard, 75015 Paris | Phone: +33.1.40.766.000 | Fax: +33.1.49.556.406 ump@u-m-p.org | www.lemouvementpopulaire.fr | epp.eu/ump

– EU-COUNTRIES – 97

GERMANY

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

357 021 sq km

Population:

82 020 688 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Berlin

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 2,643.9 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

16 states Note: Bavaria, Saxony, and Thuringia refer to themselves as Free states.

Independence:

West Germany and East Germany unified 3 October 1990

National holiday:

3 October (1990)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1949; amended many times including in 1990 as part of the reunification process

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house the Federal Council - Bundesrat - (69 votes; representatives of state governments sit in the Council; each has three to six votes in proportion to population and are required to vote as a block) and a lower house the Federal Assembly - Bundestag - (630 seats; members elected by popular vote for a four-year term under a system of personalised proportional representation). Elections: Bundestag - last held on 22 September 2013 (next to be held no later than autumn 2017); note - there are no elections for the Bundesrat; composition is determined by the composition of the state-level governments, and has the potential to change any time one of the 16 states holds an election. Election results: Bundestag - percent of vote by party - CDU/CSU 41.5%, SPD 25.7%, Left 8.6%, Greens 8.4%, FDP 4.8%, AfD 4.7%

Election results – EU elections 2009: CDU 30.7%, SPD 20.8%, Greens 12.1%, FDP 11%, Left 7.5%, CSU 7.2%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 98

Christlich Demokratische Union | CDU In English: Christian Democratic Union

MERKEL, Angela · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1976 Full Member

· President of the Party:

MERKEL, Angela angela.merkel@cdu.de

· Secretary General:

TAUBER, Peter peter.tauber@cdu.de

· International Secretary:

WENGER, Bertil bab@cdu.de

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

255 / 631

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional information:

Angela Merkel is the Chancellor of Germany. Günther Oettinger is the European Commissioner for Energy. Peter Hintze is EPP Vice President.

– EU-COUNTRIES – 99

Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern | CSU In English: Christian-Social Union of Bavaria

SEEHOFER, Horst · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1976 Full Member

· President of the Party:

SEEHOFER, Horst horst.seehofer@csu-bayern.de

· Secretary General:

SCHEUER, Andreas andreas.scheuer@csu-bayern.de

· International Secretary:

KATTNER, Christian christian.kattner@csu-bayern.de

· Government status:

In federal government as a coalition partner In government in Bavaria

· Seats in national Parliament: · Seats in Bavarian Parliament:

56 / 631 101 / 187

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional information:

Horst Seehofer is the Minister-President of Bavaria. Ingo Friedrich is EPP Treasurer.

Contact Details:

Nymphenburger Str. 64, 80335 Munich Phone: +49.89.1243.0 | Fax: +49.89.1243.299 | landesleitung@csu-bayern.de | www.csu.de | epp.eu/csu

– EU-COUNTRIES – 100

– EU-COUNTRIES – 101

GREECE

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

131.940 sq km

Population:

11 290 067 (2012)

Capital:

Athens

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1981

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2001

GDP:

€ 193.7 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

7 decentralised administrations besides the self-governing territory of Mount Athos

Independence:

25 March 1821

National holiday:

25 March (1821)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1975; revised three times, last time in 2008

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Vouli ton Ellinon - (300 seats; members elected by direct popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held in June 2012. Election results: percent of vote by party - ND 29.66%, SYRIZA 26.89%, PASOK 12.28%, ANEL 7.51%, Golden Dawn 6.92%, DIMAR 6.25%, KKE 4.5%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PASOK 36.65%, ND 32.29%, KKE 8.35%, LAOS 7.15%, SYRIZA 4.7%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 102

Nea Demokratia | ND In English: New Democracy

SAMARAS, Antonis · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1983 Full Member

· President of the Party:

SAMARAS, Antonis

· Secretary General:

PAPAMIMIKOS, Andreas

· International Secretary:

SMYRLIS, Yannis ir@nd.gr

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

126 / 300

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

Antonis Samaras is Prime Minister of Greece.

Contact Details: Leoforos Syngrou 340, Kallithea 17673 Phone: +30.210.944.4000 | Fax: +30.210.723.6017 | ir@nd.gr | www.nd.gr | epp.eu/nd

– EU-COUNTRIES – 103

HUNGARY

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

89 608 sq km

Population:

9 906 000 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Budapest

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Currency:

298.92 forint (HUF) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 97.8 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

19 counties, 23 urban counties and 1 capital city

Independence:

25 December 1000 (crowning of King STEPHEN I, traditional founding date)

National holiday:

20 August / 15 March (1848) / 23 October (1956)

Constitution:

Effective since 2012

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the National Assembly - Országgyűlés (386 seats; members elected by popular vote under a system of proportional and direct representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 11 and 25 April 2010 (next to be held in April 2014) Election results: percent of vote by party - FIDESZ-KDNP 52.7%, MSZP 19.3%, JOBBIK 16.67%, LMP 7.47%

Election results – EU elections 2009: FIDESZ-KDNP 56.36%, MSZP 17.37%, JOBBIK 14.77%, MDF 5.31%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 104

Fidesz- Magyar Polgári Szövetség | FIDESZ In English: Fidesz-Hungarian Civic Union

ORBÁN, Viktor · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1996 Full Member

· President of the Party:

ORBÁN, Viktor orbanviktor@orbanviktor.hu

· Secretary General:

KUBATOV, Gábor fidesz@fidesz.hu

· International Secretary:

DOBOS, Gábor gabor.dobos@parlament.hu

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in the national Parliament:

224 / 386

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional information:

Viktor Orbán is the Prime Minister of Hungary.

– EU-COUNTRIES – 105

Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt | KDNP In English: Christian Democratic People’s Party

SEMJÉN, Zsolt · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2007 Full Member

· President of the Party:

SEMJÉN, Zsolt zsolt.semjen@me.gov.hu

· Secretary General:

CSORBA, Béla bela.csorba@gmail.com

· International Secretary: · Government status:

NAGY, Andor andor.nagy@parlament.hu

· Seats in national Parliament:

36 / 386 (elected on a coalition list with Fidesz)

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

1 (elected on a coalition list with Fidesz)

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

Zsolt Semjén is the Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary.

In goverment as a junior coalition partner

Contact Details: Bazsaróza u. 69, 1144 Budapest Phone: +36.1.489.0880 | Fax: +36.1.489.0879 | www.kdnp.hu | epp.eu/kdnp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 106

– EU-COUNTRIES – 107

IRELAND

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

70 280 sq km

Population:

4 598 418 (2013)

Capital:

Dublin

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1973

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 163.6 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

29 counties and 5 cities

Independence:

6 December 1921

National holiday:

17 March

Constitution:

Came into force in 1937; revised several times

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament - Oireachtas - consists of an upper house the Senate - Seanad Éireann - (60 seats; 49 members elected by the universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the Taoiseach; members serve five-year terms) and a lower house the House of Representatives - Dáil Éireann - (166 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms) Elections: Senate - last held in 2011 (next to be held in 2016); House of Representatives - last held on 25 February 2011 (next to be held by May 2016) Election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - NA; House of Representatives percent of vote by party - FG 36.1%, Lab. 20.5%, FF 15.1%, SF 10.1%, Independents 15.5%

Election results – EU elections 2009: FG 29.13%, FF 24.08%, Lab. 13.92%, SF 11.24%, M. Harkin (Ind) 4.63%, SP 2.76%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 108

Fine Gael | FG In English: Family of the Irish

KENNY, Enda · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1976 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KENNY, Enda taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie

· Secretary General:

CURRAN, Tom tom@finegael.com

· International Secretary:

KENNELLY, Mark mark.kennelly@taoiseach.gov.ie

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 69 / 166; Upper House 18 / 60

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Enda Kenny is the Taoiseach of Ireland.

Contact Details: 51, Upper Mount Street, Dublin 2 Phone: +353.1.619.8444 | Fax: +353.1.662.5046 | finegael@finegael.com | www.finegael.ie | epp.eu/fg

– EU-COUNTRIES – 109

ITALY

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

301 230 sq km

Population:

59 394 207 (2012)

Capital:

Rome

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 1,565.9 billion

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

15 regions and 5 autonomous regions

Independence:

17 March 1861 (Kingdom of Italy proclaimed; Italy was not finally unified until 1870)

National holiday:

25 April (1945) / 2 June (1946)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1948; amended many times, last one in 2007

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament -Parlamento - consists of an upper house the Senate - Senato della Repubblica - (315 seats; members elected by proportional vote with the winning coalition in each region receiving 55% of seats from that region; members to serve five-year terms; and up to 5 senators for life appointed by the president of the Republic; and former Presidents of the Republic) and a lower house the Chamber of Deputies - Camera dei Deputati - (630 seats; members elected by popular vote with the winning national coalition receiving 54% of chamber seats; members to serve five-year terms). Elections: Senate - last held on 24-25 February 2013; Chamber of Deputies - last held on 24-25 February 2013. Election results: Senate - percent of vote by party - Bersani coalition 31.63%, Berlusconi coalition 30.71%, Five Star Movement 23.79%, Monti coalition 9.13% Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by party - Bersani coalition 29.54%, Berlusconi coalition 29.18%, Five Star Movement 25.55%, Monti coalition 10.56%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PdL 35.26%, PD 26.13%, LN 10.2%, IdV- Lista Di Pietro 8%, UDC 6.51%, SVP 0.46%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 110

Popolo della Libertá | PdL In English: People of Freedom

BERLUSCONI, Silvio · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1999 (2008 PdL) Full Member

· President of the Party:

BERLUSCONI, Silvio berlusconi_s@camera.it

· Secretary General:

ALFANO, Angelino alfano_a@camera.it

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 97 / 630; Upper House 91 / 315

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

Antonio Tajani is European Commission Vice President, responsible for Industry and Enterpreneurship, and EPP Vice President. Angelino Alfano is Deputy Prime Minister of Italy.

Contact Details: Via dell‘Umilà 36, 00187 Rome Phone: +39.06.67311 | Fax: +39.06.699.413.92 | www.ilpopolodellaliberta.it | epp.eu/pdl-it

– EU-COUNTRIES – 111

Unione di Centro | UDC In English: Union of the Centre

BUTTIGLIONE, Rocco · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1976 (2002 UDC) Full Member

· President of the National Party:

BUTTIGLIONE, Rocco buttoglione_r@udc-italia.it

· Secretary General:

CESA, Lorenzo lorenzo.cesa@udc-italia.it

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 10 / 630; Upper House 3 / 315

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

Pier Ferdinando Casini is the President of CDI.

Contact Details: Via Due Macelli 66, 00187 Rome Phone: +39.06.6979.1001 | Fax: +39.06.6791.574 | udcitalia@gmail.com | www.udc-italia.it | epp.eu/udc

– EU-COUNTRIES – 112

Popolari UDEUR | UDEUR In English: UDEUR Populars

MASTELLA, Clemente · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2001 Full Member

· President of the Party:

MASTELLA, Clemente clemente.mastella@europarl.europa.eu

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

–

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

1 (elected on PdL list)

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

–

Contact Details: Phone: +39 06.58300 208 r.a. | Fax: +39 06 5881 538 info@popolariudeur.it | www.popolariudeur.it | epp.eu/udeur

– EU-COUNTRIES – 113

Südtiroler Volkspartei | SVP In English: South Tyrolean People‘s Party

THEINER, Richard · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1993 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

THEINER, Richard richard.theiner@svp.eu

· Secretary General:

ACHAMMER, Philipp info@svp.eu

· International Secretary:

WIDMANN, Thomas thomas.widmann@svp.eu

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 4 / 630; Upper House 3 / 315

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

–

Contact Details: Brennerstrasse 7/A, 39100 Bolzano Phone: +39.0471.304.000 | Fax: +39.0471.981.473 | info@svp.eu | www.svp.eu | epp.eu/svp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 114

– EU-COUNTRIES – 115

LATVIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

64 589 sq km

Population:

2 017 526 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Riga

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Currency:

0.70 lati (LVL) = 1 euro (Latvia will join the Eurozone in Jan. 2014)

GDP:

€ 22.3 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

110 municipalities and 9 republican cities

Independence:

18 November 1918 (independent from Soviet Russia); 21 August 1991 (independence from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

18 November (1918)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1922; abolished only de facto in 1934; reinforced in 1993; amended in several occasions, last time in 2009

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Saeima - (100 seats; members elected by proportional representation from party lists by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held on 17 September 2011. Next to be held in 2015 at the latest. Election results: Percent of vote by party/coalition – SC 28,4%; ZRP 20,8%; Vienotība 18,8%; LNNK 13,9%; ZSS 12,2%; LPP/LC 2,41%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PS 24.32%, SC 19.57%, PCTVL 9.66%, LPP/LC 7.49%, TB/LNKK 7.45%, JL 6.66%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 116

Vienotība | V In English: Unity

ĀBOLTIŅA, Solvita · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

2003 (2011 Vienotība) Full Member

· President of the Party:

ĀBOLTIŅA, Solvita solvita.aboltina@saeima.lv

· Secretary General:

KAMPARS, Artis artis.kampars@vienotiba.lv

· International Secretary:

KRISTOVSKIS, Ģirts Valdis girts.kristovskis@vienotiba.lv

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

19 / 100

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional information:

Valdis Dombrovskis is the Prime Minister of Latvia.

Contact Details: Blvd. Meierovica 12, 1050 Riga Phone: +371.67.205.472 | Fax: +371.67.205.473 | birojs@vienotiba.lv | sekretare@vienotiba.lv www.vienotiba.lv | epp.eu/v

– EU-COUNTRIES – 117

LITHUANIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

65 200 sq km

Population:

2 971 905 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Vilnius

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Currency:

3.45 litai (LTL) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 32.6 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

10 counties

Independence:

16 February 1918 (independence from Soviet Russia); 6 September 1991 (independence from the Soviet Union)

National holiday:

16 February (1918)

Constitution:

Effective since 1992; amended in 2004

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament – Seimas – (141 seats; 71 members elected by plurality in singlemember constituencies and 70 elected by proportional representation; members to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 14 and 28 October 2012 (next to be held in 2016) Election results: percent of vote by party - DP 19.82%, LSDP 18.37%, TS-LKD 15.08%, LS 8.57%, DK 7.99%, TT 7.31%, AWPL 5.83%

Election results – EU elections 2009: TS-LKD 26.86%, LSDP 18.61%, TT 12.22%, DP 8.79%, LLRA (AWPL) 8.42%, LRLS 7.36%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 118

Tėvynės Sąjunga – Lietuvos Krikščionys Demokratai | TS-LKD In English: Homeland Union - Lithuanian Christian Democrats

KUBILIUS, Andrius · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1996 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KUBILIUS, Andrius andrius.kubilius@lrs.lt

· Secretary General:

NAVICKIENĖ, Monika monika.navickiene@gmail.com

· International Secretary:

NARKEVIČIŪTĖ, Gintarė gintare.narkeviciute@tslkd.lt

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in the Parliament:

33 / 141

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional information:

Algirdas Šemeta is the European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union, Audit and Anti-Fraud.

Contact Details: L. Stuokos-Gucevičiaus Str. 11, 01122, Vilnius Phone: +370.5.212.1657 | Fax: +370.5.278.4722 | sekretoriatas@tsajunga.lt | www.tsajunga.lt | epp.eu/ ts-lkd – EU-COUNTRIES – 119

LUXEMBOURG

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

2 586 sq km

Population:

537 039 (2012)

Capital:

Luxembourg

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 44.4 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

3 districts

Independence:

1839

National holiday:

23 June

Constitution:

Came into force 1868; amended many times

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies – Chambre des députés / Abgeordnetenkammer – (60 members elected by popular vote under proportional representation to serve five year terms) Elections: last held on 20 October 2013. The next elections will be held by 2018. Election results: percent of vote by party - CSV 33.7%, LSAP 21.5%, DP 18.3%, Green Party 10.1%, ADR 6.6%, The Left 4.9%. note: there is also a Council of State that serves as an advisory body to the Chamber of Deputies; the Council of State has 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke on the advice of the prime minister

Election results – EU elections 2009: CSV 31.33%, LSAP 19.42%, DP 18.71%, Green Party 16.84%, ADR 7.37%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 120

Chrëschtlech Sozial Vollekspartei | CSV In English: Christian Social People‘s Party

WOLTER, Michel · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership Status:

1976 Full Member

· President of the Party:

WOLTER, Michel | csv@csv.lu

· Secretary General:

ZEIMET, Laurent | csv@csv.lu

· International Secretary:

ENGEL, Frank | frank.engel@europarl.europa.eu

· Government status:

In opposition (as of December 2013)

· Seats in national Parliament:

23 / 60

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional information:

Jean-Claude Juncker was the Prime Minister of Luxembourg.

*Resignation in December 2013 following the formation of an anti-CSV coalition led by the Democratic Party.

Viviane Reding is Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship.

Contact Details: 4, rue de l‘Eau, P.B. 826 L-2018, 1449 Luxembourg Phone: +352.225.73.11 | Fax: +352.472.716 | csv@csv.lu | www.csv.lu | epp.eu/csv

– EU-COUNTRIES – 121

MALTA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

316 sq km

Population:

421 230 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Valletta

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2008

GDP:

€ 6.8 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

68 local councils

Independence:

21 September 1964

National holiday:

21 September (1964) / 13 December (1974)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1964; amended several times

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the House of Representatives - Kamra tad-Deputati - (normally 65 seats; members are elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms; note - the Parliament elected in 2013 is composed of 69 seats; when the political party winning the plurality of votes does not win a majority of seats, the constitution provides that a sufficient number of seats will be added to Parliament to ensure that the party that won the elections has a majority in Parliament) Elections: last held on 9 March 2013 (next to be held by 2018) Election results: percent of vote by party - PL 54.83%, PN 43.34%, other 1.83%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PL (MLP) 54.77%, PN 40.49%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 122

Partit Nazzjonalista | PN In English: Nationalist Party

BUSUTTIL, Simon · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BUSUTTIL, Simon

· Secretary General:

SAID, Chris chris.said@parlament.mt

· International Secretary:

DE GIORGIO, Trevor tdegiorgio@pn.org.mt

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

29 / 69

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

Tonio Borg is the European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy.

Contact Details: Triq Herbert Ganado, Pieta‘ PTA 1450 Phone: +356.2124.3641 | Fax: +356.2124.3640 | communications@pn.org.mt | www.pn.org.mt | epp.eu/pn

– EU-COUNTRIES – 123

NETHERLANDS

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

41 526 sq km

Population:

16 779 575 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Amsterdam

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1957-founding member

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 600.6 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

12 provinces

Independence:

23 January 1579 (the northern provinces of the Low Countries conclude the Union of Utrecht breaking with Spain; on 26 July 1581 they formally declared their independence with an Act of Abjuration)

National holiday:

30 April

Constitution:

Came into force in 1815; important revisions in 1843 and 1983; amended in other occcasions

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament the Staten Generaal consists of an upper house the Eerste Kamer (75 seats; members indirectly elected by the country‘s 12 provincial councils to serve four-year terms) and a lower house the Tweede Kamer (150 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: Eerste Kamer - last held 23 May 2011 (next to be held in May 2015); Tweede Kamer - last held on 12 September 2012 (next to be held by September 2016) Election results: Eerste Kamer - percent of vote by party – NA; Tweede Kamer - percent of vote by party - VVD 26.6%, PvdA 24.8%, PVV 10.1%, SP 9.7%, CDA 8.5%, D66 8.0%, CU 3.1, GL 2.3%, SGP 2.1%.

Election results – EU elections 2009: CDA 20.05%, PVV 16.97%, PvdA 12.05%, VVD 11.39%, D66 11.32%, GroenLinks 8.87%, SP 7.1%, ChristenUnie-SGP 6.82%, PvdD 3.46%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 124

Christen Democratisch Appèl | CDA In English: Christian Democratic Appeal

PEETOOM, Ruth · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1976 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PEETOOM, Ruth

· Secretary General:

VAN GEEL, Pieter pietervangeel@vangeelconsultancy.eu

· International Secretary:

POT, Bronne pot@cda.nl

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 13 / 150 ; Upper House 11 / 75

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Corien Wortmann-Kool is EPP Vice President.

Contact Details: Buitenom 18, Postbus 30453, 2500 GL The Hague Phone: +31.70.3424.888 | Fax: +31.70.3643.417 | leden@cda.nl | www.cda.nl | epp.eu/cda

– EU-COUNTRIES – 125

POLAND

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

312 685 sq km

Population:

38 533 299 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Warsaw

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Currency:

4.25 złoty (PLN) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 361.20 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

16 provinces

Independence:

11 November 1918 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

3 May (1791)

Constitution:

Effective since 1997

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house, the Senate – Senat - (100 seats; members elected by a majority vote on a provincial basis to serve four-year terms), and a lower house, the Sejm (460 seats; members elected under a complex system of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); the designation of National Assembly - Zgromadzenie Narodowe - is only used on those rare occasions when the two houses meet jointly. Elections: Last held on 9 October 2011. Next to be held by 2015 the latest. Election results: Percent of vote by party –PO 39,2%; PiS 29,3%; RP 10%; PSL 8,4%; SLD 8,2%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PO 44.43%, PiS 27.4%, SLD-UP 12.34%, PSL 7.01%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 126

Platforma Obywatelska | PO In English: Civic Platform

TUSK, Donald · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2003 Full Member

· President of the Party:

TUSK, Donald dtusk@platforma.org

· Secretary General:

WYROBIEC, Andrzej andrzej.wyrobiec@platforma.org

· International Secretary:

SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Jacek jacek.saryusz-wolski@europarl.europa.eu

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 206 / 460; Upper House 62 / 100

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

Bronisław Komorowski is the President of Poland. Donald Tusk is the Prime Minister of Poland. Janusz Lewandowski is the European Commissioner for Budget and Financial Programming. Jacek Saryusz-Wolski is EPP Vice President.

Contact Details: ul. Andersa 21, 00-159 Warsaw | Phone: +48.22.635.7879 | Fax: +48.22.635.7641 foreigndesk@platforma.org | www.platforma.org | epp.eu/po – EU-COUNTRIES – 127

Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe | PSL In English: Polish People‘s Party

PIECHOCIŃSKI, Janusz

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PIECHOCIŃSKI, Janusz

· Secretary Office Director:

KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ, Władysław wkosiniakkamysz@gmail.com

· International Secretary:

JARECKA-GOMEZ, Joanna joanna.jarecka@europarl.europa.eu

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 29 / 460; Upper House 2 / 100

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

Janusz Piechociński is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Poland.

Contact Details: ul. Kopernika 36/40, 00-924 Warsaw Phone: +48.22.620.6020 | Fax: +48.22.654.3583 | biuronkw@psl.org.pl | www.psl.pl | epp.eu/psl

– EU-COUNTRIES – 128

– EU-COUNTRIES – 129

PORTUGAL

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

92 391 sq km

Population:

10 487 289 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Lisbon

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

1986

Date of entry in Euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 165.4 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

18 districts and 2 autonomous regions

Independence:

1143 (Kingdom of Portugal recognised); 5 October 1910 (republic proclaimed)

National holiday:

10 June (1580)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1976; revised in 1982 and 1989

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the Assembly of the Republic - Assembleia da República - (230 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 5 June 2011 (next to be held in fall 2015) Election results: percent of vote by party - PSD 38.6%, PS 28%, CDS-PP 11.7%, PCPPEV 7.9%, BE 5.2%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PSD 31.71%, PS 26.53%, BE 10.72%, CDU (PCP-PEV) 10.64%, CDS-PP 8.26%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 130

Partido Social Democrata | PSD In English: Social Democratic Party

PASSOS COELHO, Pedro · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1996 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PASSOS COELHO, Pedro | presidente@psd.pt

· Secretary General:

MATOS ROSA, José | secretariogeral@psd.pt

· International Secretary:

BRAGA DE MACEDO, Jorge | international@psd.pt

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

108 / 230

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Aníbal Cavaco Silva is the President of Portugal.

José Manuel Durão Barroso is the President of the European Commission.

Mário David is EPP Vice President.

Pedro Passos Coelho is the Prime Minister of Portugal.

Contact Details: 9 Rue de São Caetano, 1249-089 Lisbon Phone: +351.213.918.500 | Fax: +351.213.976.967 | psd@psd.pt | www.psd.pt | epp.eu/psd – EU-COUNTRIES – 131

Centro Democrático e Social - Partido Popular | CDS-PP In English: Democratic and Social Centre - People´s Party

PORTAS, Paulo · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2009 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PORTAS, Paulo

· Secretary General:

MONTEIRO, António Carlos secretaria-geral@cds.pt

· International Secretary:

QUEIRO, Luis lqueiro@netcabo.pt

· Government status:

In government as the junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

24 / 230

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Paulo Portas is Deputy Prime Minister of Portugal.

Contact Details: Largo Adelino Amaro da Costa 5, 1149-063 Lisbon Phone: +351.218.814.700 | Fax: +351.218.860.454 | cds-pp@cds.pt | www.cds.pt | epp.eu/cds

– EU-COUNTRIES – 132

– EU-COUNTRIES – 133

ROMANIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

237 500 sq km

Population:

21 305 097 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Bucharest

Political system:

Semi-presidential

Date of entry in EU:

2007

Currency:

4.44 lei (RON) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 131.7 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

41 counties and 1 municipality

Independence:

9 May 1877

National holiday:

1 December (1918)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1991; revised in 2003

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament - Parlamentul României - consists of an upper house the Senate - Senatul - (176 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) and a lower house the Chamber of Deputies - Camera Deputaţilor (412 seats; members elected by popular vote in a mixed electoral system to serve four-year terms) Elections: Senate - last held on 9 December 2012 (next expected to be held in 2016); Chamber of Deputies - last held on 9 December 2012 (next expected to be held in 2016) Election results: Senate - percent of vote by alliance/party - USL 60.07%, ARD (PDL, FC, PNŢCD) 16.72%, PP 14.6%, RMDSZ 5.25%; Chamber of Deputies - percent of vote by alliance/party - USL 58.61%, ARD (PDL, FC, PNŢCD) 16.52%, PP 13.89%, RMDSZ 5.15%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PSD-PC 31.07%, PD-L 29.71%, PNL 14.52%, RMDSZ 8.92%, PRM 8.65%, Băsescu E. 4.22%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 134

Partidul Democrat Liberal | PDL In English: Democratic Liberal Party

BLAGA, Vasile

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2005 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BLAGA, Vasile

· Secretary General:

FLUTUR, Gheorghe sg@pd.ro

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 52 / 412; Upper House 22 / 176

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Anca Boagiu is EPP Vice President.

Contact Details: Modrogan nr. 1, 011825 Bucharest Sector 1 Phone: +40.21.230.37.01 | Fax: +40.21.230.16.25; +40.21.230.22.62 | www.pdl.org.ro | epp.eu/pdl

– EU-COUNTRIES – 135

Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România / Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség | UDMR In English: Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania

KELEMEN, Hunor · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1998 Full Member

· President of the Party:

KELEMEN, Hunor international@rmdsz.ro

· Secretary General:

KOVÁCS, Péter international@rmdsz.ro

· International Secretary:

VINCZE, Lorant vincze@rmdsz.ro ; internationalsecretary@rmdsz.ro

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 18 / 412; Upper House 9 / 176

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Contact Details: Alexander Pushkin 5, sect. 1, 011995 Bucharest Phone/Fax: +40.21.314.6849, +40.21.314.4583, +40.21.314.4356 international@rmdsz.ro | www.rmdsz.ro | epp.eu/udmr

– EU-COUNTRIES – 136

Partidul Naţional Ţărănesc Creştin Democrat | PNŢCD In English: Christian-Democratic National Peasants‘ Party

PAVELESCU, Aurelian

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1996 Full Member

· President of the Party:

PAVELESCU, Aurelian

· Secretary General: · International Secretary:

NASTASIE, Bogdan

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 1 / 412; Upper House 0 / 176

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

NEACSU, Nelu nelu_neacsu@yahoo.com

Contact Details: Bd. Carol I nr 24, Sector 2, 20921 Bucharest Phone: +40.31.100.5560 | www.pntcd.ro | epp.eu/pntcd

– EU-COUNTRIES – 137

SLOVAKIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

48 845 sq km

Population:

5 410 836 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Bratislava

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2009

GDP:

€ 71.5 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

8 regions

Independence:

1 January 1993 (Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia)

National holiday:

1 September (1993)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1992 (some parts in 1993); amended five times, last one in 2004

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the National Council of the Slovak Republic - Národná rada Slovenskej republiky - (150 seats; members elected on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held on 10 March 2012. Election results: percent of vote by party - Smer-SD 44.4%, KDH 8.8%, OĽaNO 8,5%, Most-Híd 6.8%, SDKÚ-DS 6.1%, SaS 5.8%

Election results – EU elections 2009: Smer 32.02%, SDKÚ-DS 16.99%, SMK-MPK 11.34%, KDH 10.87%, LS-HZDS 8.98%, SNS 5.56%, SAS 4.72%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 138

Kresťanskodemokratické Hnutie | KDH In English: Christian Democratic Movement

FIGEL‘, Ján · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2002 Full Member

· President of the Party:

FIGEL‘, Ján predseda@kdh.sk

· Secretary General:

MUCHA, Emil tajomnik@kdh.sk

· International Secretary:

KOSSEY, Pavol international@kdh.sk

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

13 / 150

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Bajkalska‘ 25, 82101 Bratislava Phone: +421.2.5057.4001 | Fax: +421.2.5057.4048 | international@kdh.sk | www.kdh.sk | epp.eu/kdh

– EU-COUNTRIES – 139

Slovenská Demokratická a Kresťanská Únia – Demokratická Strana | SDKÚ-DS In English: Slovak Democratic and Christian Union - Democratic Party

FREŠO, Pavol · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2003 Full Member

· President of the Party:

FREŠO, Pavol

· Secretary General:

KUŽMA, Štefan

· International Secretary:

JURKOVIČOVÁ, Tatiana tatiana.jurkovicova@sdkuonline.sk

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

11 / 150

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Mikuláš Dzurinda is President of the CES.

Contact Details: Ružinovská 28, 82735 Bratislava Phone: +421.2.4341.4102 (-05) | Fax: +421.2.4341.4106 | www.sdku-ds.sk | epp.eu/sdku

– EU-COUNTRIES – 140

Most-Híd | MH In English: Bridge

BUGÁR, Béla · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2013 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BUGÁR, Béla

· Secretary General:

–

· International Secretary:

NÁDAŠSKÁ, L’ubica lubica.nadasska@most-hid.sk

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

13 / 150

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Trnavská Cesta 37, 83104 Bratislava Phone: +421.2.4911.4555 | Fax: +421.2.4911.4500 | www.most-hid.sk | epp.eu/mh

– EU-COUNTRIES – 141

Strana Maďarskej Koalície / Magyar Koalíció Pártja | SMK-MKP In English: Party of the Hungarian Community

BERÉNYI, József · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2000 Full Member

· President of the Party:

BERÉNYI, József jozsef_berenyi@nrsr.sk

· Secretary General:

PECZÁR, Károly smk@smk.sk

· International Secretary:

LANCZ, Attila lanczati@gmail.com

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 150

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Čajakova 8, 81105 Bratislava Phone: +421.2.524.95164 | Fax: +421.2.524.95264 | smk@smk.sk | www.mkp.sk | epp.eu/mkp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 142

– EU-COUNTRIES – 143

SLOVENIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

20 273 sq km

Population:

2 058 821 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Ljubljana

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Date of entry in EU:

2004

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2007

GDP:

€ 35.11 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

211 municipalities of which 11 have urban status

Independence:

25 June 1991

National holiday:

25 June (1991)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1991; amended four times, last one in 2004

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house the National Council - Državni Svet (40 seats; members indirectly elected by an electoral college to serve five-year terms; note - this is primarily an advisory body with limited legislative powers; it may propose laws, ask to review any National Assembly decision, and call national referenda) and a lower house the National Assembly - Državni Zbor (90 members; 88 elected on a proportional basis and two for national minorities; members serve four-year terms) Elections: Last held on 4 December 2011. Next to be held by December 2015. Election results: Percent of vote by party ZJL-PS 28,51%; SDS 26,19%; SD 10,52%; LGV 8,37%; DeSUS 6,97%; SLS 6,83%; NSi 4,88%

Election results – EU elections 2009: SDS 26.92%, SD 18.45%, N.Si 16.33%, LDS 11.52%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 144

Slovenska Demokratska Stranka | SDS In English: Slovenian Democratic Party

JANŠA, Janez · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2001 Full Member

· President of the Party:

JANŠA, Janez janez.jansa@sds.si

· Secretary General:

BAH-ŽIBERT, Anja anja.bah.zibert@sds.si

· International Secretary:

ŠUHEL, Peter peter.suhel@sds.si

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

26 / 90

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Trstenjakova 8, 1000 Ljubljana Phone: +386.1.4345.450 | Fax: +386.1.4345.452 | tajnistvo@sds.si | www.sds.si | epp.eu/sds

– EU-COUNTRIES – 145

Slovenska Ljudska Stranka | SLS In English: Slovenian People‘s Party

BOGOVIČ, Franc · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2001 Full Member

· President of the Party: · Executive Officer:

BOGOVIČ, Franc franc.bogovic@sls.si

· International Secretary:

JOVANOVIĆ, Aleksandar international.office@sls.si

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

6 / 90

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

JAGODIČ, Mateja mateja.jagodic@sls.si

Contact Details: Beethovnova 4, 1000 Ljubljana Phone: +386.1.241.8820 | Fax: +386.1.251.1741 | tajnistvo@sls.si | www.sls.si | epp.eu/sls

– EU-COUNTRIES – 146

Nova Slovenija – krščanska ljudska stranka | NSi In English: New Slovenia – Christian People‘s Party

NOVAK, Ljudmila · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2001 Full Member

· President of the Party:

NOVAK, Ljudmila ljudmila.novak@nsi.si

· Secretary General:

ILC, Robert robert.ilc@nsi.si

· International Secretary:

LONGAR, Matjaž matjaz.longar@nsi.si

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

4 / 90

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Cankarjeva cesta 11, 1000 Ljubljana Phone: +386.1.241.6650 | Fax: +386.1.241.6670 | tajnistvo@nsi.si | www.nsi.si | epp.eu/nsi

– EU-COUNTRIES – 147

SPAIN

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

504 782 sq km

Population:

46 006 414 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Madrid

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1986

Date of entry in Euro zone:

2002

GDP:

€ 1,049.5 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

17 autonomous communities and 2 autonomous cities

Independence:

1492; the unification of several kingdoms is traditionally considered the forging of present-day Spain

National holiday:

12 October (1492)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1978; reformed twice, last time in 2011

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament the General Courts - Las Cortes Generales- consists of an upper house the Senate - Senado - (265 seats as of 2011; 208 members directly elected by popular vote and the other 58 - as of 2011 - appointed by the regional legislatures; members to serve four-year terms) and a lower house the Congress of Deputies - Congreso de los Diputados - (350 seats; each of the 50 electoral provinces fills a minimum of two seats and the North African enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla fill one seat each with members serving a four-year term; the other 248 members are determined by proportional representation based on popular vote on block lists who serve four-year terms). Elections: Last held on 20 November 2011. Next to be held by November 2015 the latest. Election results: Congress of Deputies – percent of vote by party –PP 44,63%; PSOE 28,76%; IU 6,92%; UPyD 4,70%; CiU (UDC is part of coalition) 4,17%

Election results – EU elections 2009: PP 42.23%, PSOE 38,51%, CpE 5.12%, IU-ICV-EUIA-Ba 3.73%, UPyD 2.87%, EdP-V 2.5%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 148

Partido Popular | PP In English: People’s Party

RAJOY, Mariano · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1991 Full Member

· President of the Party:

RAJOY, Mariano presidencia@pp.es

· Secretary General:

de COSPEDAL GARCÍA, María Dolores

· International Secretary:

GARCÍA-HERNÁNDEZ, José Ramón internacionalpp@pp.es

· Government status:

Single party government

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 185 / 350 ; Upper House 161 / 265

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

Mariano Rajoy is the Prime Minister of Spain.

Antonio López-Istúriz is EPP Secretary General.

Contact Details: Calle Genova 13, 28004 Madrid Phone: +34.91.557.7329 | Fax: +34.91.308.7017 | internacionalpp@pp.es | www.pp.es | epp.eu/pp

– EU-COUNTRIES – 149

Unió Democràtica de Catalunya | UDC In English: Democratic Union of Catalonia

DURAN i LLEIDA, Josep A. · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1986 Full Member

· President of the Party:

DURAN i LLEIDA, Josep A. duran-lleida@unio.cat

· Secretary General:

PELEGRI, Josep Maria jmp@unio.cat

· International Secretary:

SEDO i ALABART, Salvador ssedo@unio.cat

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 6 / 350; Senate 2 / 265

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: C/Napoles 35-39, Local, 08018 Barcelona Phone: +34.93.240.2200 | Fax: +34.93.240.2206 | www.unio.org | epp.eu/unio

– EU-COUNTRIES – 150

– EU-COUNTRIES – 151

SWEDEN

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

449 964 sq km

Population:

9 555 893 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Stockholm

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Date of entry in EU:

1995

Currency:

8.69 kronor (SEK) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 408.5 billion (2012)

Seats in European Parliament:

Administrative divisions:

21 counties

Independence:

6 June 1523

National holiday:

6 June (1523)

Constitution:

Effective since 1975

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Riksdag - (349 seats; members are elected by popular vote on a proportional representation basis to serve four-year terms). Elections: last held on 19 September 2010 (next to be held in September 2014). Election results: percent of vote by party - Social Democrats (S) 30.7%, Moderates (M) 30.1%, Greens 7.3%, Liberal People‘s Party (FP)7.1%, Center Party (C) 6.6%, Sweden Democrats 5.7%, Christian Democrats (KD) 5.6%, Left Party 5.6%

Election results – EU elections 2009: S 24.41%, M 18.83%, FP 13.58%, MP 11.02%, PP 7.13%, V 5.66%, C 5.47%, KD 4.68%

– EU-COUNTRIES – 152

Moderaterna | M In English: Moderate Party

REINFELDT, Fredrik · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1995 Full Member

· President of the Party: · Secretary General:

REINFELDT, Fredrik

· International Secretary:

GUSTAVSSON, Eva eva.gustavsson@moderat.se

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

107 / 349

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Fredrik Reinfeldt is the Prime Minister of Sweden. Tobias Billström is the Minister for Migration and Asylum Policy of Sweden and EPP Vice President.

PERSSON, Kent kent.persson@moderat.se

Contact Details: Box 2080, 10312 Stockholm Phone: +46.8.676.8000 | Fax: +46.8.676.8086 | info@moderat.se | www.moderat.se | epp.eu/mod

– EU-COUNTRIES – 153

Kristdemokraterna | KD In English: Christian Democrats

HÄGGLUND, Göran · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1995 Full Member

· President of the Party:

HÄGGLUND, Göran goran.hagglund@kristdemokraterna.se

· Secretary General:

JOHANSSON ANKARBERG, Acko acko@kristdemokraterna.se

· International Secretary:

DAMM, Sofia sofia.damm@kristdemokraterna.se

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

19 / 349

· Members in the EPP Group in the European Parliament:

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Göran Hägglund is the Minister of Health and Social Affairs of Sweden.

Contact Details: Box 2373, 10318 Stockholm Phone: +46.8.723.2500 | Fax: +46.8.723.2510 info@kristdemokraterna.se | www.kristdemokraterna.se | epp.eu/kd-se

– EU-COUNTRIES – 154

– EU-COUNTRIES – 155

ALBANIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

28 758 sq km

Population:

3 002 859 (July 2012 est.)

Capital:

Tirana

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

Albania signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU in 2006

Albania has submitted the application for candidate status to the EU in 2009.

Currency:

139.89 lekë (ALL) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 9.80 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

12 counties

Independence:

28 November 1912

National holiday:

28 November (1912)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1998

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament Assembly - Kuvendi i Shqipërisë (140 seats; 100 members elected by direct popular vote and 40 by proportional vote to serve four-year terms). Elections: last held on 23 June 2013 (next to be held by 2017). Election results: percent of vote by party - PS 41.4%, PD 30.5%, LSI 10.4%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 156

Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë | PD In English: Democratic Party of Albania

BASHA, Lulzim · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2003 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

BASHA, Lulzim

· Secretary General:

BODE, Ridvan

· International Secretary:

BOGDANI, Gerti gbogdani@gmail.com

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

49 / 140

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

Bujar Nishani is the President of Albania.

Contact Details:

Rr. Punëtorët e Rilindjes Nr. 1 Tiranë, 1001 Phone: +355.4.228.091 | Fax: +355.4.223.525 | www.pd.al | epp.eu/pd

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 157

ARMENIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

29 743 sq km

Population:

2 970 495 (Jul. 2012 est.)

Capital:

Yerevan

Political system:

Presidential Republic

Relations with the EU:

ENP Action Plan signed in 2006

Currency:

547.02 dram (AMD) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 7.4 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

10 provinces and 1 special administrative division: the capital Yerevan.

Independence:

21 September 1991

National holiday:

28 August 1918

Constitution:

Effective since 1995; amended in 2005

Legislative branch:

National Assembly – Azgayin Zhoghov – Consists of 131 members elected for five-year terms: 41 elected in single-seat constituencies and 90 under proportional representation. Elections: Last held on 6 May 2012. Next to be held in 2017. Election results: Percent of vote by party – HHK 44.02%; BHK 30.12%; ANC 7.08%; Zharangutyun 5.76%; ARF 5.67%; OEK 5.51%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 158

Hayastani Hanrapetakan Kusaktsuyun | HHK In English: Republican Party of Armenia

SARGSYAN, Serzh · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2012 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

SARGSYAN, Serzh ssargsyan@hhk.am

· Secretary General:

–

· International Secretary:

ASHOTYAN, Armen ashotyan@gmail.com

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

69 / 131

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

Serzh Sargsyan is the President of Armenia.

Tigran Sargsyan is the Prime Minister of Armenia.

Contact Details:

Melik-Adamyan Str. 2, Yerevan Phone: +374.10.580.031 ; +374.10.564.297 | Fax: +374.10.581.259 info@hhk.am | www.hhk.am | epp.eu/hhk

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 159

Orinats Erkir | OEK In English: Rule of Law

BAGHDASARYAN, Artur · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2012 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

BAGHDASARYAN, Artur info@oek.am

· Secretary General:

GHUKASYAN, Artur info@oek.am

· International Secretary:

SHAHGELDYAN, Mher mher.shahgeldyan@yahoo.com

· Government status:

In government as a junior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

6 / 131

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details:

Abovyan Str. 43, Yerevan Phone: +374.10.569.969 | Fax: +374.10.569.969 info@oek.am | www.oek.am | epp.eu/oek

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 160

Zharangutyun | Z In English: Heritage

HOVANNISIAN, Raffi K. · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2012 Observer Member

· President of the Party: · Secretary General:

HOVANNISIAN, Raffi K.

· International Secretary:

SAFARYAN, Styopa styopa.safaryan@yerevan.am

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

5 / 131

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details:

Moscovian Str. 31, Yerevan Phone: +374.10.536.913 | Fax: +374.10.532.697 office@heritage.am | www.heritage.am | epp.eu/z

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 161

BELARUS

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

207 600 sq km

Population:

9 643 566 (Jul. 2012 est.)

Capital:

Minsk

Political system:

Authoritarianism

Relations with the EU:

–

Currency:

11,895.55 rubles (BYR) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 47.26 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

6 provinces and the capital city

Independence:

25 August 1991

National holiday:

3 July (1944)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1994; amended twice, last time in 2004

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament the National Assembly - Natsionalnoye Sobraniye - consists of an upper house the Council of the Republic - Sovet Respubliki - (64 seats; 56 members elected by regional and Minsk city councils and 8 members appointed by the president, to serve four-year terms) and a lower house the Chamber of Representatives - Palata Predstaviteley - (110 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms). Elections: Last held on 23 September 2012 Election results: Sovet Respubliki - percent of vote by party - NA; Palata Predstaviteley - percent of vote by party - NA

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 162

Biełaruski Narodny Front | BPF In English: Belarusan Popular Front

YANUKEVITCH, Aleksey · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2006 Observer Member

· Chairman of the Party:

YANUKEVICH, Aleksey yanukevich@yahoo.com

· Secretary General:

LALKOU, Igar lalkou@gmail.com

· International Secretary/ 1st Deputy Chairman:

MARKOUSKAJA, Kaciaryna katjona@gmail.com

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 110

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI, IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Charnysheuskaga Street 3-39, 220012 Minsk Phone: +375.17.284.5012 | narodny@narodny.org www.narodny.org | epp.eu/bnf

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 163

Abjadnanaja Hramadzianskaja Partyja Biełarusi | UCP In English: United Civil Party of Belarus

LEBEDKO Anatoly · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2006 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

LEBEDKO Anatoly

· Secretary General:

MARGOLIN, Lev ucpb@ucpb.org

· International Secretary:

YAHORAVA, Hanna yahorava@ucpb.org

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 110

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: V.Khoruzhey 22 – 1701, 220123 Minsk Phone: +375.17.289.5009 | Fax: +375.17.289.5009 ucpb@ucpb.org | www.ucpb.org | epp.eu/ucp

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 164

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 165

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

51 129 sq km

Population:

3 835 645 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Sarajevo

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

Bosnia and Herzegovina signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA)

with the EU in June 2008

Currency:

1.95 marks (BAM) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 12.64 billion

Administrative divisions:

2 first-order administrative divisions – entities – and 1 internationally supervised district

Independence:

1 March 1992

National holiday:

25 November (1943)

Constitution:

The Dayton Peace Accords, signed on 14 December 1995 in Paris, included a constitution; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution.

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Parliament the Assembly - Skupština consists of an upper house the House of Peoples - Dom Naroda - (15 seats, 5 Bosniak, 5 Croat, 5 Serb; members elected by the Bosniak/Croat Federation‘s House of Representatives and the Republika Srpska‘s National Assembly to serve four-year terms); and a lower house the state-level House of Representatives - Predstavnički Dom (42 seats, 28 seats allocated for the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and 14 seats for the Republika Srpska; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms); note - Bosnia and Herzegovina‘s election law specifies four-year terms for the state and entity legislatures Elections: Parliamentary elections last held on 3 October 2010 (next to be held by October 2014) Election results: House of Peoples - percent of vote by party/coalition - NA; Predstavnički Dom - percent of vote by party/coalition – SDP 20%, SNSD 19.5%, SDA 15.1%, SDS 9.7%, SBB 9.2%, HDZBIH 8%, SBIH 6.1%, HDZ1990 3.5%, NS 3%, PDP 2,8%, DNS 2.1%, DNZ 1%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 166

Stranka Demokratske Akcije | SDA In English: Party of Democratic Action

TIHIĆ, Sulejman · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

TIHIĆ, Sulejman sehada.kolenovic@gmail.com

· Secretary General:

ZUKIĆ, Amir sda@sda.ba

· International Secretary:

JURIŠIĆ, Josip josip.bracojurisic@hotmail.com

· Government status:

In government as a coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

7 / 42

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Bakir Izetbegović is the Bosniak member of the 3-member Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Contact Details: Ul. Mehmeda Spahe 14, 71000 Sarajevo Phone: +387.33.216.906 | Fax: +387.33.225.363 | sda@sda.ba | www.sda.ba | epp.eu/sda

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 167

Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica Bosne i Hercegovine | HDZBiH In English: Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina

ČOVIĆ, Dragan · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

ČOVIĆ, Dragan milja@hdzbih.org

· Secretary General:

DŽOIĆ, Vlado gt@hdzbih.org

· International Secretary:

ZOVKO, Željana zeljana.zovko@gmail.com

· Government status:

In government as a coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

3 / 42

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

Vjekoslav Bevanda is the Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Contact Details: Knez Domagoja bb, 88000 Mostar Phone: +387.36.310.701; +387.36.314.686 | Fax: +387.36.322.799 hdzbih@hdzbih.org | www.hdzbih.org | epp.eu/hdzbih

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 168

Partija Demokratskog Progresa | PDP In English: Party of Democratic Progress

IVANIĆ, Mladen · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2004 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

IVANIĆ, Mladen pdp@blic.net

· Secretary General:

CRNADAK, Igor igor.crnadak@gmail.com

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

0 / 42

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Prvog Krajiškog Korpusa 130, 78000 Banja Luka Phone: +387 51 346 210; 51 346 230 | Fax: +387 51 300 956 pdp@blic.net | www.pdpinfo.net | epp.eu/pdp

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 169

FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

25 333 sq km

Population:

2 062 294 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Skopje

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

Candidate since 2005

Currency:

62.07 denari (MKD) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 7.48 billion

Administrative divisions:

84 municipalities

Independence:

8 September 1991

National holiday:

2 August (1903)

Constitution:

Effective since 17 November 1991; amended many times, last one in 2001

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament, the Assembly - Sobranie - (123 seats; members elected by popular vote from party lists based on the percentage of the overall vote the parties gain in each of seven electoral districts; members serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 5 June 2011 (next to be held by July 2015) Election results: percent of vote by party - VMRO-DPMNE-led block 39%, SDSM-led block 32.8%, BDI/DUI 10.2%, PDSh/DPA 5.9%, RDK 2.7%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 170

Vnatrešna Makedonska Revolucionerne OrganizacijaDemokratska Partija za Makedonsko Nacionalno Edinstvo | VMRO-DPMNE In English: ”Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organisation – Democratic Party for Macedonian National Unity“

GRUEVSKI, Nikola · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2007 Associate Member

· President of the Party:

GRUEVSKI, Nikola cabinet@primeminister.gov.mk

· Secretary General:

DIMITRIEV, Emil e.dimitriev@yahoo.com

· International Secretary:

GJORČEV, Vladimir vgjorcev@yahoo.com

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

47 / 120

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Gjorge Ivanov is the President of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Nikola Gruevski is the Prime Minister of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Contact Details: ul. Makedonija 17a, 1000 Skopje Phone: + 389.2.3215.550 | Fax: +389.2.3290.663 | www.vmro-dpmne.org.mk | epp.eu/vmro-dpmne – NON EU-COUNTRIES – 171

GEORGIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

69700 sq km

Population:

4 555 911 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Tbilisi

Political system:

Semi-presidential

Relations with the EU:

Georgia initialed an Association Agreement with the EU at the Eastern Partnership

Summit in Vilnius on 28 November 2013

Currency:

2.22 lari (GEL) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 11.82 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

9 regions, 2 autonomous republics and the capital city

Independence:

9 April 1991

National holiday:

26 May (1918)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1995; amended twice, last time in 2010

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Sakartvelos parlamenti - (150 seats; 77 members elected by proportional representation, 73 from single-seat constituencies; members to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 1 October 2012 (next to be held in 2016) Election results: percent of vote by party - Georgian Dream (a six-party bloc) 54.97%; UNM 40.34%; other 4.69%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 172

Ertiani Natsionaluri Modzraoba | ENM In English: United National Movement

SAAKASHVILI, Mikheil · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2008 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

SAAKASHVILI, Mikheil

· Secretary General:

MERABISHVILI, Ivan

· International Secretary:

BOKERIA, Giorgi international@unm.ge

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

51 / 150

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: 45a, Kakheti Highway, 0151 Tbilisi Phone: +995.32.292.3084 | Fax: +995.32.292.3091 international@unm.ge | www.unm.ge | epp.eu/unm

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 173

KOSOVO

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

10 908 sq km

Population:

1 815 606 (December 2012 est.)

Capital:

Pristina

Political system:

Parliamentary democracy

Relations with the EU:

The EU is engaged in Kosovo through a variety of programmes in the framework of

the European Partnership for Kosovo.

Currency:

“euro (not a member of the eurozone)”

GDP:

€ 4.94 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

38 municipalities

Independence:

Declared in February 2008 (24 out of 28 EU Member States have recognised Kosovo‘s independence)

National holiday:

17 February (2008)

Constitution:

Adopted in June 2008

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliamentary Assembly- Kuvendi i Kosovës (120 seats; members elected for four-year terms). Elections: last held on 12 December 2010 (next to be held by 2014). Election results: percent of vote by party - PDK 32.1%, LDK 24.7%, Self-Determination 12.7%, AK 11.0%

The EPP does not have a position on the legal status of Kosovo.

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 174

Lidhja Demokratike e Kosovës | LDK In English: Democratic League of Kosovo

MUSTAFA, Isa · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2012 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

MUSTAFA, Isa

· Secretary General:

BEQIRI, Ismet ismetbeqiri@live.com

· International Secretary:

HALIMI, Valon vhalimi@gmail.com

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

27 / 120

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details:

Kompleksi ‘Qafa’ pa numër, 10000 Prishtinë Phone: +381 38 242 242 | Fax: +381 38 242 242/111 | www.ldk-ks.eu

The EPP does not have a position on the legal status of Kosovo.

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 175

MOLDOVA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

33 843 sq km

Population:

3 656 843 (Jul. 2012 est.)

Capital:

Chisinau

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

Moldova initialed an Association Agreement with the EU at the Eastern Partnership Summit in Vilnius on 28 November 2013.

Currency:

16.87 lei (MDL) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 5.42 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

32 districts, 3 municipalities, 1 autonomous territorial unit and 1 territorial unit

Independence:

27 August 1991

National holiday:

27 August (1991)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1994

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament - Parlamentul - (101 seats; members elected on an at-large basis by popular vote to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 28 November 2010 (next to be held in 2014) Election results: percent of vote by party - PCRM 39.3%, PLDM 29.4%, PDM 12.7%, PL 10%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 176

Partidul Liberal Democrat din Moldova | PLDM In English: Liberal Democratic Party of Moldova

FILAT, Vlad · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2011 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

FILAT, Vlad vlad.filat@gmail.com

· Secretary General:

ROSCA, Victor secretar.general.pldm@gmail.com

· International Secretary:

AZIZOV, Nighina nighinaa@gmail.com

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

32 / 101

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

Iurie Leancă is the Prime Minister of Moldova.

Contact Details: Str. Bucuresti 88, MD-2012 Chisinau Phone: +373.22.815.154 | Fax: +373.22.815.163 info@pldm.md | www.pldm.md | epp.eu/pldm

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 177

NORWAY

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

323 802 sq km

Population:

5 051 275 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Oslo

Political system:

Parliamentary Monarchy

Relations with the EU:

EEA Agreement entered into force in 1994 in addition to various bilateral agreements; Member of the Schengen Area

Currency:

7.87 kroner (NOK) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 388.96 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

19 counties

Independence:

7 June 1905

National holiday:

17 May (1814)

Constitution:

Effective since 1814; amended several times

Legislative branch:

Modified unicameral Parliament - Storting - (169 seats; members elected by popular vote by proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 9 September 2013 (next to be held in September 2017) Election results: percent of vote by party - Ap 30.8%; H 26.8%; FrP 16.3%; SV 4.1%; Sp 5.5%; KrF 5.6%; V 5.2%; other 5.7%. Seats by party - Ap 55; H 48; FrP 29; Sp 10; KrF 10; V 9; SV 7. Note: for certain purposes, the parliament divides itself into two chambers and elects one-fourth of its membership in the Lagting and three-fourths of its membership in the Odelsting.

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 178

Høyre | H In English: Conservative Party

SOLBERG, Erna · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1995 Associate Member

· President of the Party:

SOLBERG, Erna erna.solberg@hoyre.no

· Secretary General:

RYSSDAL, Lars Arne lar@hoyre.no

· International Secretary:

BERGESEN, Tord tord.bergesen@stortinget.no

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

48 / 169

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

Erna Solberg is the Prime Minister of Norway.

Contact Details: Stortingsgt. 20, Pb. 1536 Vika, 0117 Oslo Phone: +47.22.829.000 | Fax: +47.22.829.080 | politikk@hoyre.no | www.hoyre.no | epp.eu/hoyre

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 179

Kristelig Folkeparti | KrF In English: Christian Democratic Party

HAREIDE, Knut Arild · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1999 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

HAREIDE, Knut Arild krf@krf.no

· Secretary General:

JAHR, Knut H. knut.h.jahr@krf.no

· International Secretary:

LØLAND, Andreas alo@krf.no

· Government status:

–

· Seats in national Parliament:

10 / 169

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Slottsgate 18-20, 0154 Oslo ; Postal address: Postboks 478 Sentrum, 0105 Oslo Phone: +47.23.102.800 | Fax: +47.23.102.810 | krf@krf.no | www.krf.no | epp.eu/krf

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 180

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 181

SAN MARINO

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

61.2 sq km

Population:

32 140 (Jul. 2012 est.)

Capital:

San Marino

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

The establishment of official relations between the Republic of San Marino and the

European Community dates back to February 1983.

Date of entry in the euro zone:

1999

GDP:

€ 1.42 Billion (2012 est.)

Administrative divisions:

9 municipalities

Independence:

3 September (301)

National holiday:

Founding of the Republic, 3 September (301)

Constitution:

Composed of two documents: the Statutes of 1600 and the Declaration of Citizen Rights of 1974; the latest amended in 2002

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the Grand and General Council - Consiglio Grande e Generale (60 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) Elections: last held on 11 November 2012 (next to be held by 2017) Election results: percent of vote by party - San Marino Common Good coalition 50.7% (PDCS 29.47%; PSD 14.32%; AP 6.67%; direct votes for coalition 0.25%); Agreement for Country coalition 22.28% (PS 12.1%; UPR 8.35; USDM 1.72%; direct votes for coalition 0.12%); SU 9.14%; Civic10 6.7%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 182

Partito Democratico Cristiano Sammarinese | PDCS In English: Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party

GATTI, Marco · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1993 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

GATTI, Marco

· Secretary General:

MINA, Oscar

· Government status:

In government as the senior coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

21 / 60

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Antonella Mularoni is one of the two Captain Regents of San Marino.

Contact Details: Via delle Scalette n.6, 47890 Città di San Marino Phone: +378.0549.991.193 | Fax: +378.0549.992.694 pdcs@omniway.sm | info@ pdcs.sm | www.pdcs.sm | epp.eu/pdcs

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 183

SERBIA

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

88 361 sq km

Population:

7 241 295 (2012 est.)

Capital:

Belgrade

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

EU candidate since March 2012

Currency:

114.01 dinara (RSD) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 29.93 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

150 municipalities, 24 cities and two autonomous provinces, one of which (Kosovo) unilaterally declared independence in 2008. The legitimacy of this process remains disputed.

Independence:

13 July 1878

National holiday:

15 February (1835)

Constitution:

Came into force in 2006

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament the National Assembly – Narodna Skupština Republike Srbije - (250 seats; deputies elected according to party lists to serve four-year terms) Elections: last held on 6 May 2012 (next to be held by May 2016) Election results: percent of vote by coalitions or parties - Let‘s get Serbia moving coalition 24.04%; Choice for a better life coalition 22.06%; Ivica Dačić list 14.51%; DSS 6.99%; Turnover 6.53%; URS 5.51%; SVM 1.75%; PDA Sandžak 0.74%; All toghether coalition 0,67%; None of the above 0.61%; Albanian coalition from Preševo Valley 0.36%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 184

Ujedinjeni regioni Srbije | URS In English: United Regions of Serbia

DINKIĆ, Mlađan · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2003 Associate Member

· President of the Party:

DINKIĆ, Mlađan office@ujedinjeniregionisrbije.rs

· Executive Director:

TBD

· International Secretary:

GRUBJEŠIĆ, Suzana office@ujedinjeniregionisrbije.rs

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

16 / 250

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

IDU

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Trg Republike 5/IV, 11000 Belgrade Phone: +381.11.3210.355 | Fax: +381.11.3284.054 office@ujedinjeniregionisrbije.rs | www.ujedinjeniregionisrbije.rs | epp.eu/urs

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 185

Savez Vojvođanskih Mađara / Vajdasági Magyar Szövetség | SVM In English: Alliance of Hungarians in Vojvodina

PÁSZTOR, István · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2007 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

PÁSZTOR, István paszto@tippnet.rs

· Secretary General: · International secretary:

PÁL, Károly office@vmsz.org.rs

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

5 / 250

· Members of the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

DÉVAVÁRI, Zoltán office@vmsz.org.rs

Contact Details: Age Mamužića 11/1, 24000 Subotica Phone / Fax: + 381.24.553.801 | office@vmsz.org.rs | www.vmsz.org.rs | epp.eu/svm

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 186

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 187

SWITZERLAND

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

41 290 sq km

Population:

8 036 917 (Jan. 2013 est.)

Capital:

Bern

Political system:

Parliamentary Republic

Relations with the EU:

The EC-Switzerland Agreement of 1972 and 16 additional agreements form the basis of the bilateral relations; Member of the Schengen Area

Currency:

1.23 francs (CHF) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 490.42 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

26 cantons note: 6 of the cantons are styled half cantons because they elect only one member to the Council of States and, in popular referendums where a majority of popular votes and a majority of cantonal votes are required, these six cantons only have a half vote

Independence:

1 August 1291

National holiday:

1 August (1291)

Constitution:

Came into force in 2000

Legislative branch:

Bicameral Federal Assembly - Bundesversammlung / L‘Assemblée fédérale / Assemblea Federale consists of an upper house the Council of States - Ständerat / Le Conseil des États / Consiglio degli Stati (46 seats; membership consists of 2 representatives from each canton and 1 from each half canton; members to serve four-year terms) and a lower house the National Council - Nationalrat / Conseil National / Consiglio Nazionale (200 seats; members elected by popular vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve four-year terms) Elections: Council of States – Last held between October, November and December of 2011 (each canton determines when the next election will be held); National Council – Last held on 23 October 2011. Next to be held by October 2015 Election results: Council of States – percent of vote by party – NA; National Council – percent of vote by party – Swiss People’s Party (SVP/UDC) 26,6%; Social Democratic Party (SPS/PSS) 18,7%; The Liberals (FDP/PLR) 15,1%; Christian Democratic People’s Party (CVP/PDC) 12,3%; Grenn Party (GPS/PES) 8,4%; Green Liberal Party (GLP/PVL) 5,4%; Conservative Democratic Party (BDP/PBD) 5,4%; Evangelical People’s Party (EVP/PEV) 2,0%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 188

Christlich Demokratische Volkspartei |

CVP/PDC/PPD/PCD

In English: Christian Democratic People‘s Party

DARBELLAY, Christophe · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

1994 Associate Member

· President of the Party:

DARBELLAY, Christophe

· Secretary General:

WERTLI, Béatrice wertli@cvp.ch

· International Secretary:

EIGENMANN, Sibyl eigenmann@cvp.ch

· Government status:

In government as a coalition partner

· Seats in national Parliament:

Lower House 28 / 200; Upper House 13 / 46

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

· International Affiliation:

CDI

· Additional Information:

Doris Leuthard is a Member of the Federal Council of Switzerland.

Contact Details: Klaraweg 6, Postfach 5835, 3001 Bern Phone: +41.31.357.3333 | Fax: +41.31.352.2430 info@cvp.ch | www.cvp.ch | epp.eu/cvp

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 189

UKRAINE

QUICK FACTS: Land Area:

603 700 sq km

Population:

44 854 065 (Jul. 2012 est.)

Capital:

Kyiv

Political system:

Semi-presidential

Relations with the EU:

Signed the European Neighbourhood Action Plan in 2005.

Currency:

10.84 hryven (UAH) = 1 euro

GDP:

€ 131.69 billion (2012)

Administrative divisions:

24 provinces (oblasti), 1 autonomous republic and 2 municipalities with oblast status

Independence:

24 August 1991

National holiday:

24 August (1991)

Constitution:

Came into force in 1996; amendments adopted in 2004 overturned by the Constitutional Court in 2010

Legislative branch:

Unicameral Parliament, the Supreme Council - Verkhovna Rada - (450 seats; members allocated on a proportional basis to those parties that gain 3% or more of the national electoral vote; members to serve five-year terms) Elections: Last held on 28 October 2012. Next to be held in 2017. Election results: percent of vote by party/bloc - Party of Regions 30.0%, All-Ukrainian Union “Fatherland“ 25.6%; UDAR 14.0%; CPU 13.2%; All-Ukrainian Union “Svoboda“ 10.5%; other parties 6.9%

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 190

Batkivschyna In English: Fatherland

TYMOSHENKO, Yulia · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2008 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

TYMOSHENKO, Yulia

· Secretary General:

TURCHYNOV, Oleksandr

· International Secretary:

NEMYRIA, Hryhoriy h.nemyria@byut.com.ua

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

99 / 450

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Turivska Str.15 , 04080 Kyiv, Ukraine Phone: +380.44.393.2052/53 | Fax: +380.44.393.3561 nlysova@byut.com.ua | y.dudchak@byut.com.ua batkivshchyna.com.ua | www.tymoshenko.ua | epp.eu/batkivshchyna

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 191

UDAR In English: Ukrainian Democratic Alliance for Reform

KLITSCHKO, Vitali · Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2013 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

KLITSCHKO, Vitali

· Secretary General:

KOVALCHUK, Vitali cvk.udar@gmail.com

· International Secretary:

IONOVA, Mariia ionova.mariia@gmail.com

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

42 / 450

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: Hor‘koho Street, 5a | 01004, Kyiv Phone: +380.44.481.22.12 press.klichko@gmail.com | http://klichko.org/ | epp.eu/udar

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 192

Narodnyi Rukh Ukraïny | NRU In English: People‘s Movement of Ukraine

KUYBIDA, Vasyl

· Date of Entry in the EPP: · Membership status:

2005 Observer Member

· President of the Party:

KUYBIDA, Vasyl

· Secretary General:

SUSHKO, Roman rs@nru.org.ua

· International Secretary:

GRINEVYCH, Maria mariartym@gmail.com

· Government status:

In opposition

· Seats in national Parliament:

–

· Members in the EPP Group in the Council of Europe:

–

· Delegates in the EPP Political Assembly:

2 (Non Voting)

· International Affiliation:

–

· Additional Information:

–

Contact Details: O. Honchara Str. 33 | 01034 Kyiv Phone: +380.44.246.4767 | Fax: +380.44.531.3042 info@nru.org.ua | www.nru.org.ua | epp.eu/nru

– NON EU-COUNTRIES – 193

194

Section POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 195

CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES

· Country:

EU (registered in Belgium)

· President:

Mikuláš Dzurinda

· Director:

Tomi Huhtanen

· Year of establishment: 2007 · Party affiliation:

EPP

Contact Details: 20, rue du commerce, 1000 Brussels Phone: +32.2.300.80.04 | Fax : +32.2.300.80.11 | info@thinkingeurope.eu | www.thinkingeurope.eu Director:

Project Team:

· Tomi Huhtanen th@thinkingeurope.eu

· Panos Tasiopoulos Project Manager pt@thinkingeurope.eu

Research Team: · Roland Freudenstein Deputy Director, Head of Research rf@thinkingeurope.eu · Vít Novotný Senior Research Officer vn@thinkingeurope.eu

· Sara Pini Project Officer spi@thinkingeurope.eu Administration: · Bernada Cunj Administrator bc@thinkingeurope.eu

· Ingrid Habets Research Officer ih@thinkingeurope.eu

· Irina Roventa Financial Administrator ir@thinkingeurope.eu

Communication Team: · José Luis Fontalba Communication and Marketing Manager jlf@thinkingeurope.eu · Ioana Lung Communication and Marketing Officer il@thinkingeurope.eu

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 196

Executive Board The Executive Board of the Centre for European Studies is composed of a maximum of eight members - including the President and the Secretary-Treasurer - elected by the General Assembly. The Executive Board manages the Centre, has all the competences which are not attributed to the General Assembly and has to convene at least twice a year. President: · Mikuláš Dzurinda

the General Assembly, after recommendation of the EPP Presidency to the Executive Board. These individuals represent the interests of the EPP and its member-parties. In order for a political foundation/think-tank to become an ordinary member of the Centre, it must be recognized by its respective EPP member party and be engaged in promoting political information and debate and facilitating EU integration. Additionally, the Centre can accept supporting members as non-voting members. All members have to be committed to supporting the objectives and aims of the Centre. Individual Members: · Kristóf Altusz · Timothy Beyer Helm · João Marques de Almeida · Jacob Lund Nielsen · Baron Charles Ferdinand Nothomb · Miguel Papi-Boucher · Nicolas Pascual de la Parte · Kostas Sasmatzoglou · Filippo Terruso · Marianne Thyssen · Antti Timonen

Secretary Treasurer: · Antonio López-Istúriz Members: · Joseph Daul · Olof Ehrenkrona · Raymond H.J.M. Gradus · György Granasztói · Hans-Gert Pöttering · Yannis Valinakis Permanent Guest:

Foundations

· Werner Fasslabend

General Assembly The General Assembly is composed of all the ordinary members of the Centre. Every new ordinary member has the right to vote (one vote per member). The President of the Centre can invite guests as observers at the General Assembly meeting. Ordinary members of the Centre are individuals and political foundations/ think-tanks, and can number between three and seventy. Currently the Centre has ordinary members, made up of individuals and foundations/think-tanks. Individuals are accepted as ordinary members by a simple majority vote in

Political Academy of the ÖVP · Austria CEDER Study Centre of CD&V · Belgium New Initiatives Centre · Bosnia and Herzegovina Association Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria · Bulgaria Croatian Statehood Foundation · Croatia Glafcos Clerides Institute · Cyprus

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 197

TOPAZ · Czech Republic

Anton Tunega Foundation · Slovakia Institute for Modern Slovakia · Slovakia

Pro Patria Training Centre · Estonia

Institute Dr. Janez Evangelist Krek · Slovenia

Toivo Think Tank · Finland Hanns Seidel Foundation · Germany Konrad Adenauer Foundation · Germany Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy · Greece

Dr. Jože Pučnik Institute · Slovenia

European Academy for Democracy · Czech Republic

Foundation for a Civic Hungary · Hungary De Gasperi Foundation · Italy Luigi Sturzo Institute · Italy Institute of Democratic Politics · Lithuania Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment · Malta CDA Research Institute · Netherlands

Foundation for Social Research and Analysis · Spain Institute for Humanistic Studies Miquel Coll and Alentorn · Spain Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation · Sweden

Academic Council In order to increase the academic scope of the Centre for European Studies and oversee the scientific standards of the research and studies, the Executive Board can nominate esteemed academics and researchers as members of the Academic Council. Overseeing the scientific standards of the research and studies of the Academic Council will specifically include:

· enhancing the standing and the academic credibility of the Centre for European Studies in academic sphere

· contributing expertise, advice and ideas to ensure the Centre is always pursuing cuttingedge research

Amaro da Costa Institute · Portugal Institute for Popular Studies · Romania Kós Károly Academy Foundation · Romania

· proposing new and innovative research projects to the Centre

· implementing the highest standard of peer review for the research of the Centre

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 198

· ensuring that all documents are technically

correct and conform to conventions of structure and referencing

· active involvement and participation in research projects and the communication of their results

Members: · Werner Fasslabend, Chairman · Konstantina Botsiou · Bruno Aguilera Barchet · John Bruton · Olof Ehrenkrona · Jos J.A.M. van Gennip · Mart Laar · Žiga Turk · Paweł Śpiewak

· History:

The CES was established in 2007 as the political foundation of the EPP. Like other European political foundations, the CES is governed by the Regulation 1524/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding. Following this Regulation, the CES underpins and complements the objectives of the EPP by performing the following tasks: · observing, analysing and contributing to the debate on European public policy issues and on the process of European integration, · developing activities linked to European public policy issues, such as organising and supporting seminars, training, conferences and studies on such issues between relevant stakeholders, including youth organisations and other representatives of civil society, and · serving as a framework for national political foundations, academics, and other relevant actors to work together at European level. The CES has 29 member foundations from 22 EU countries and 15 individual members. Each CES member foundation or think-tank is officially recognised by an EPP member party. After the passing of CES President Wilfried Martens in October 2013, the CES General Assembly elected in December 2013 Mikulaš Dzurinda as the new CES President.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 199

· Activities:

The CES embodies a pan-European mindset, promoting Christian Democrat, conservative and like-minded political values. It facilitates cooperation between EPP member parties and associations. It takes part in the preparation of EPP political platforms and programmes and contributes to EPP working groups. It hosts discussions and seminars at EPP congresses. The CES contributes to the formulation of EU and national public policies. Through its papers, conferences, authors’ dinners and website, the CES offers a platform for discussion among experts, politicians, policymakers and the European public. These events are organised either solely by the CES, or in collaboration with its member foundations and other partners in Europe. The CES also organises seminars on EU policies and on the process of European integration. The annual Economic Ideas Forum hosts politicians, policy makers and experts and provides a focus for debates on current economic issues. The 2012 Economic Ideas Forum took place in Dublin. The CES engages in training. It contributes to different training programmes, for example to courses for young political leaders organised by the Robert Schuman Institute in Budapest. The CES organises an annual Economic Ideas Forum (EIF) in which political and business leaders debate current economic issues. In June 2013, a highly successful EIF took place in Helsinki, Finland, entitled From Reform to Growth: A Roadmap for Europe. A Transatlantic Think Tank Conference between the CES and its US partners takes place, either in Brussels or in Washington. The CES plays roles in congresses of the EPP, organising discussion on policy topics with EPP leaders. The CES also plays a substantial role in the preparation of EPP programmes and policy documents.

· Publications:

The CES creates a wide range of publications. Research papers and policy briefs are produced within six clusters: · · · · · ·

party structures and EU institutions, economic and social policies, EU foreign policy, environment and energy, values and religion, and new societal challenges (including population ageing, immigration and integration, and the Internet and politics).

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 200

Recent CES research papers and policy briefs include: Lucia Vesnic-Alujevic: ‘Members of the European Parliament Online: The Use of Social Media in Political Marketing’ (2013) Marc-Michael Blum: ‘Rethinking the Bomb. Europe and Nuclear Weapons in the Twenty-First Century’ (2013) Henna Hopia: ‘Breaking Down the Walls: Improving EU-NATO Relations’ (2013) Elias Papaioannou: ‘Trust(ing) in Europe? How Increased Social Capital Can Contribute to Economic Development’ (2013) Galina Kolev and Jürgen Matthes: ‘Smart Fiscal Consolidation: A Strategy for Achieving Sustainable Public Finances and Growth’ (2013) Lorenzo Vidino: ‘The Muslim Brotherhood after The Arab Spring: Tactics, Challenges And Future Scenarios’ (2013) In 2013, the CES published, in cooperation with its member foundations, the book From Reform to Growth: Managing the Economic Crisis in Europe. This study assesses national and EU-level responses to the current economic and financial crisis, and offers policy recommendations for the EU and its Member States. In the same year, the CES published, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation the book Exposing the Demagogues: Right-wing and National Populist Parties in Europe. This book analyses the reasons behind the advance of Europe’s populist parties and discusses possible response strategies. Numerous other books and papers were published in collaboration with the CES member foundations. The twice-yearly European View is an intellectual platform for politicians, opinion-makers and academics. It tackles contemporary themes of European politics, focusing on one specific theme in each issue. What makes the European View unique is its hybrid nature: it involves academics, experts, as well as high level politicians and decision makers. The December 2012 issue covered ‘Values in the Twenty-first Century’. The June 2013 issue was entitled ‘Campaigning and Parties’.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 201

CES Member Foundation:

Politische Akademie der ÖVP In English: Political Academy of the Austrian People’s Party, PolAk

· Country:

AUSTRIA

· Chair:

Werner Fasslabend

· Executive Director:

Dietmar Halper

· Year of establishment: 1972 · EPP m/p affiliation:

ÖVP

Contact Details: Tivoligasse 73, 1120 Vienna Phone: +43.1.814.200 | akademie@polak.at | www.polak.at

· History:

The Politische Akademie (Political Academy of the Austrian People‘s Party) in the Viennese district of Meidling consists of three buildings: the historical Springer- Schlößl, built in the 19th century, the half-timbered house which now accommodates the Julius Raab-Stiftung, and the hotel, built in 1975. The Springer-Schlößl (which was named after Baron Springer) is now a training and research centre for the Austrian People‘s Party (ÖVP). Five modern classrooms are located on the ground floor. The offices of the Political Academy are housed on the first floor. The archive of the Karl von Vogelsang-Institut and a large research library are situated in the basement. With the ”Anschluß“ in 1938 began a period of misfortune for the SpringerSchlößl until in 1953 the whole estate was given back to the original owners. Since that time, the local ÖVP has been organising events and seminars. In 1975, the Political Academy was founded. In only 90 days the building was reconstructed, and the Politische Akademie started its work on 11 October 1975, in the rooms of the Springer-Schlößl. In the spring of 1977, the new hotel building was opened.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 202

· Activities:

The Political Academy is the leading conservative think tank in Austria. The Academy tries to define, through a theoretical approach, what neo-conservative policies stand for. A wide field of macroeconomic and philosophical topics are discussed on an academic level. Empirical political studies support the efficiency of everyday party politics. Hence, the Political Academy is developing tools to improve the impact of political campaigns. Through concrete project work, the Academy puts its concepts into practice. Within the field of international activities, the European Union and the countries of Southeastern Europe are main focus of the Political Academy. The Political Academy is an institution of political education and research. It applies itself to political and strategic research and project work. Training and the further education of trainers as well as coaching are as much a part of the activities of the Political Academy as is the extensive supply of information, which it offers concerning current political events. In addition to this, the Academy also provides for the training and further education of political representatives, MPs, functionaries and party workers. The Political Academy is committed to fulfilling the role of a meeting place and discourse medium for both national and international experts and representatives from various fields of policy-making, politics, science and research and diplomacy. A dense programme of activities such as panel discussions, work shops, conferences and public lectures as well as regular publications is aimed at informing and involving the public.

· Publications:

· Woschnagg, Gregor / Mück, Werner / Payrleitner, Alfred (Hg.) Hinter den Kulissen der EU Österreichs EU-Vorsitz und die Zukunft Europas · Karner, Stefan / Duffek, Karl (Hg.) Widerstand in Österreich 1938 – 1945 · Burkert-Dottolo, Günther/ Moser, Christian Sebastian (Hg.) Stichwortgeber für die Politik Band I · Danich, Peter/ Moser, Christian Sebastian (Hg.) Stichwortgeber für die Politik Band II · Burkert-Dottolo, Günther R. und Moser, Christian Sebastian (Hrsg.) Zukunftsmodell Liberalkonservativ Perspektiven für die ÖVP (Reihe: Aktuelle Fragen der Politik)

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 203

· Moser, Christian Sebastian / Freudenstein, Roland Konservative Korrekturen

The Political Academy also publishes many reports & analyses including: · The US Primary Elections · Reader: Social Fairness · Reader: Kosovo · Reader: Internet & Politics · Reader: Compassionate Conservatism · The Benes-Decrees · Reader: Freedom & Security · Fasslabend, Werner / Pröll, Josef The European People‘s Party: Success and Future Challenges With Portraits of Selected Countries · Khol, Andreas / Ofner, Günther / Karner, Stefan / Halper, Dietmar: Österreichisches Jahrbuch für Politik 2012

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 204

CES Member Foundation:

CEDER Studiecentrum CD&V In English: CEDER Study Centre of CD&V

· Country:

BELGIUM

· Director:

Niko Gobbin

· Year of establishment:

2001

· EPP m/p affiliation:

CD&V

Contact Details: Wetstraat 89, 1040 Brussel Phone: +32 (0)2 238 38 87 | Fax: +32 (0)2 238 38 80 | ceder@cdenv.be | ceder.cdenv.be

CEDER was established in 2001. It is the Flemish heir of the former national party study centre CEPESS. · History:

Governmental Negotiations: · Activities:

Jan – Mar 2008: Negotiations for the new federal government under the leadership of CD&V Prime Minister Yves Leterme; 2008: Negotiations at the Federal and Regional level (‘Gemeenschapsdialoog’) for state reform; June 2009: Negotiations for the establishment of a new Flemish government under the leadership of CD&V Minister-President Kris Peeters. June 2010 – December 2011: Negotiations for the new federal government (Di Rupo I) and the 6th institutional reform of Belgium.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 205

Party Congress ‘Ready for the world’ on different globalisation themes: Preparation in different CEDER working groups of an ideological party congress on globalisation ‘Ready for the world’ with a focus on five themes: migration and education, accessibility of energy, poverty with focus on single families, flexicurity on the labour market and quality work in international cooperation;

Public Events: Ceder dialogues (2011-2012) · “New Industrial Policy” – Flemish Minister-President Kris Peeters and Caroline Ven (head of the employers federation VKW) · “The (future) role of musea within the cultural policy” – Flemish Minister of Culture Joke Schauvliege and Jan Hoet (founder of the City Museum for Contemporary Art in Ghent) · “How can municipalities deal with crime?” – Former Minister of Justice Stefaan De Clerck and Tom Meeuws (head of “Living Together”, Antwerp)

“Applied Christian Democracy: the Rhineland Model“ (publication in partnership with CES) · Publications:

“The catholic church: Present and future” (Welke kerk? Vandaag en morgen, Davidsfonds publishing) book published by CEDER collaborator Jürgen Mettepenningen “Public finances in Europe anno 2010” chapter by CEDER collaborator Niko Gobbin in “Glocal policy in Europe” (Glokaal Beleid in Europa, Acco publishing – ed. Marc De Clercq) Belgian chapter in “Opening the door” (publication of CES) by CEDER collaborator Paolo De Francesco

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 206

CES Member Foundation:

Fondacija Centar za nove inicijative In English: New Initiatives Centre Foundation, CNI

· Country:

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

· Head of the Board:

Igor Crnadak

· Director:

Amer Obradović

· Year of establishment:

2011

· EPP m/p affiliation:

SDA, PDP

Contact Details: UNITIC, Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1, 71000 Sarajevo Phone: +387 33 296 306 | info@cni.ba | www.cni.ba

· History:

The New Initiatives Centre is registered at Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 16 March 2011 as a foundation according the Law on Associations and Foundations of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 2011 the New Initiatives Centre founders and staff have been organising political training for different target groups, aiming to promote political participation and inter-ethnic and inter-party dialogue and cooperation. With the support of eminent European and American foundations and think-tanks, young leaders and women have had the chance to take part in numerous skills-based seminars and trainings with topics ranging from practical politics to strategic-planning in political organisations. As a result a network of young aspiring politicians, as well as female politicians, from SDA, PDP, HDZ BiH (EPP observer party from Bosnia and Herzegovina) and HDZ 1990 has been created with the goal of promoting progressive and reformist policies, as well as constructive dialogue that goes beyond ethnic and partisan lines

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 207

· Activities:

Since 2011 the NIC has organised over 70 seminars and workshops for young aspiring politicians, civil society actors, women in politics and elected officials. Over 700 people have taken part in these programs and some 50 have been attending international programs in Europe. We were engaged in promoting political information and debate and facilitating EU integration by observing, analysing and contributing to the debate on public policy issues at level of Bosnia and Herzegovina and at European level. Our think-tank is also serving as framework for national experts, politicians and academics to work together at national or at European level. The Center’s programs are especially aimed at those who are underrepresented in public life and politics, namely young people and women. Intensive seminars and trainings have been organized on topics such as: political communication, leadership trainings, public speaking, strategic planning, practical politics, EU integration, policy development, campaigning and political branding. The multiethnic character of the programs was especially important, as they contributed to establishing dialogue and communication between young people from the two entities.

· Publications:

The web portal www.noveinicijative.ba is designed to provide new information about European issues, as well as the issues of the EU integration process in BiH and social-economic challenges. We also contribute to the promotion of the values and principles of the European Union and the EPP policies.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 208

CES Member Foundation:

Sdruženie "GERB" In English: Association Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria

· Country:

BULGARIA

· Chair:

Yordanka Fandakova

· Year of establishment:

2006

· EPP m/p affiliation:

GERB

Contact Details: Adam Mitskevich Street 4, Vrabnitsa, 1360 Sofia Contact person: Monika Aleksandrova | Phone: +359 884 800293 | office@gerb-bg.org

· History:

The GERB Association was founded in early 2006 by the Mayor of Sofia (at that time) Mr. Boyko Borissov with the aim of promoting European values, ideas and the principles of civil society within the context of Bulgaria’s European integration process. Later, the Association paved the way for the creation of Political Party GERB and ever since then it has always been a crucial actor in promoting European democratic values and principles of governance in Bulgaria.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 209

· Activities:

Since its establishment in 2006, every year the Association GERB organises round tables, events and initiatives on different crucial topics in support of its main goals. Those activities have established the Association GERB as a major factor which fosters the development of civil society in Bulgaria and promotes the European perspective for the country. The international recognition received by the Association GERB and the smooth cooperation with international governmental and nongovernmental organisations confirm its added value to the center-right family of European NGOs. In the last years the scope of the initiatives has expanded slightly from the general objective of developing and supporting the creation of a strong civil society in Bulgaria and promoting European values among Bulgarian citizens to the more specific policy issues with the EU dimension in mind - such as education, entrepreneurship and youth, European energy policy, social policies, defence, fight against organized crime and corruption, EU funds management and control, environment, culture and tourism. Special priority was given to initiatives, trainings and events launched by the Youth Organisation of GERB (MGERB). This prioritisation was based on the understanding that young people are the engine of changes in society and should have an important role in shaping the European future of Bulgaria.

· Publications:

During the years, since its establishment until present, GERB Association has published a variety of information leaflets for MGERB local and national initiatives, as well as their Annual Reports.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 210

CES Member Foundation:

Zaklada Hrvatskog Državnog Zavjeta In English: Croatian Statehood Foundation, ZHDZ

· Country:

CROATIA

· Chairman:

Srećko Prusina

· Year of establishment: 1995 · EPP m/p affiliation:

HDZ

Contact Details: Gundulićeva 21a, 10000 Zagreb Phone: +385.1.4854.555 | Fax: +385.1.4854.439 zaklada.hdz@zg.t-com.hr | srecko.prusina@zhdz.hr | www.zhdz.hr

· History:

The Croatian Statehood Foundation was established in October 1995, and it started operating in April 1996. As such, it is the first political foundation of this type in Croatia. The Foundation’s Trustee is the Croatian Democratic Union, and the Trustee is represented by the Central Committee of the Croatian Democratic Union. The Croatian Statehood Foundation has its registered head office in Zagreb, and it is administered, based on the Trustee’s decision, by the Foundation Board and the Chairman of the Foundation Management Board. The Foundation’s Chairman of the Management Board, according to a decision made by the Founder on 16 May 2006, is Srećko Pusina.

· Activities:

The Foundation’s mission is to become a centre of excellence for political education and political consultation, operating on the basis of Christian democratic principles. Since the political doctrine of Christian democracy largely centres on Christian social teaching, the Foundation‘s principles focus on the individual and the dignity of all individuals. With reference to Christian social teaching, the fundamental values of the Croatian Statehood Foundation rest – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 211

on social justice for the political community, which ultimately exists on behalf of the greater good, so the Foundation’s core task is to engender political education with a commitment to peace, freedom and justice both at home and abroad. The Foundation’s objective is to contribute to strengthening political culture, the culture of dialogue, and to support the development and enhancement of democratic society and the rule of law, and a socially-conscious market economy so that democracy may be reinforced, since democracy underpins human dignity and freedom. The Foundation works towards the achievement of its objectives by organising seminars, round table lectures and conferences. In this regard, the Foundation has held seminars dealing with political communication, EU accession and a number of economic themes. The Foundation also dedicates particular attention to the youth, and their role in Croatia’s future.

· Publications:

· Bemporad, Jack, Shevack, Michael, Our era: Historical and new era of Christian – Jewish mutual understanding, 1999 · Milardović, dr. Anđelko, Overview of the political and state work activity of Franjo Tuđman 1989 – 1999, 2000 · Soave, Antonio J., My beloved Croatia: a moment in the life of Franjo Tuđman and the country he helped to establish, 2002 · Milardović, dr. Anđelko, Franjo Tuđman – speeches and lectures 1998 – 1999, 2007 · CES / ZHDZ: Croatia in the European Union, Brussels 2009

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 212

CES Member Foundation:

Institouto Glafcos Clerides In English: Glafcos Clerides Institute

· Country:

CYPRUS

· President:

Katherine Clerides

· Executive Director:

Michalis Sophocleous

· Year of establishment:

1999

· EPP m/p affiliation:

DISY

Contact Details: 25 Pindarou street, PO Box 25305, 1308 Nicosia Phone +357.22.883.115 | Fax +357.22.752.751 | info@clerides.org | www.clerides.org

· History:

The Glafcos Clerides Institute was established in 1999 as the official political foundation of the Democratic Rally Party of Cyprus. It serves as a think tank and centre for social, economic and political research. The Glafcos Clerides Institute has its registered head office in Nicosia. The Institute also supports the work of the ‘Middle East Observatory’, an EPPsponsored initiative hosted by the Democratic Rally, inaugurated by the late EPP President Wilfried Martens in Nicosia in July 2007.

· Activities:

It aims to encourage discussion on developments of the European Union and the international sphere by hosting a number of conferences, seminars and lectures in association with similar institutions, particularly within the European Union. Notable activities include: ”Privatisation of Public Service Industries“. Keynote speaker: Kostas Karamanlis, President New Democracy party, Greece. (1999) ”New Prospects and Challenges for the European Union“. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 213

Keynote speaker: EU Commissioner Hans van den Broek. (2001) ”Path to the Future: Prospects and Challenges“. Keynote speaker: Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister of Israel. (2001) Since 2002, the Institute has opted to organise smaller-sized seminars and roundtable discussions on a wide-range of policy-oriented topics. Open Discussion on ”The European Union after the Lisbon Treaty“. Speaker: Dora Bakoyannis, Foreign Minister of Greece (06.2008) Open Discussion on ”Transatlantic Relations in the age of Obama“. (11.2008) Series of 4 Round Table Discussions on ”Turkey in the 21st Century: Prospects and Challenges“. Topics covered: EU- Turkish Relations, the democratisation process, Kemalism, Islam and democracy, and Turkish Foreign policy under Davutoglu. (2008-2009) Public Debate on ”The European Parliament and the importance of the June '09 Elections“. (11.2009) Presentation of the book “I struggle, I overcome” by Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP (05.2010). Training courses for members of Democratic Rally in EPP Philosophy and European Union Political, Social, Economic policies organized by the Institute for Eurodemocracy Glafcos Clerides, the Centre for European Studies and the School for Political Education of Democratic Rally (02. – 05.2010) Seminar on ‘ Rethinking Democracy, Justice and Education in the Age of Obama’ (06.2009) International Seminar ‘From conflict to partnership, The environment of reconstruction’ (10.2010). Discussion on ‘Building the foundation for the a peaceful future: A review of truth and reconciliation in peace process’ (11.2010).

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 214

Lecture on ‘The course of International Negotiations on Climate Change’ (11.2010). Conference on ‘The International Migration System: Challenges and Opportunities’ (Migration Policy Institute, 03.2011). International workshop ‘Cyprus: Bridging the Divide, EU Foreign policy, conflict Resolution and negotiation skills’ (04.2011). Co-organised with CES and YEPP a Summer School Session on ‘Common Foreign and Security Policy’ (07.2011). ‘Building the Future of Cyprus, a multi stakeholder strategic planning forum’ (02-03.12.2011). Hosted in Larnaca the ‘Seminar on Cooperation and Planning between CES and its member foundations‘ (23–25.05.2013) Hosted in Nicosia the workshop on ‘Hydrocarbons and Sustainable Development in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean Region‘, with the CES, the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF), and the University of Nicosia (24–25.09.2013)

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 215

CES Member Foundation:

Evropská Akademie pro Democracii In English: European Academy for Democracy

· Country:

CZECH REPUBLIC

· President:

Jan Kasal

· Director:

Jaroslav Hulák

· Year of establishment: 1991 · EPP m/p affiliation:

KDU-ČSL

Contact Details: Karlovo nám. 5, 128 00 Praha 2 Tel. +420.724.138.914 | akademie@ead.cz | www.ead.cz

· History:

· Activities:

The European Academy for Democracy is a non-profit civic association. Established in 1991, the European Academy for Democracy has been promoting centre-right and Christian Democratic values, and working toward improving relations between countries and nations of Europe.

The European Academy for Democracy organises seminars on political and cultural topics and provides consultancy services to regional and local governments in the Czech Republic. It provides courses and workshops for politicians and civil servants from municipal and regional governments, MPs and senators, leaders of the Christian and Democratic Union – Czechoslovak People’s Party (KDU-ČSL) as well as new KDU-ČSL members. Some educational activities are organised in collaboration with the Young Christian Democrats, the Association of KDU-ČSL Women, and the Association of Christian Seniors. Since 2010, educational activities have been organised under the title Christian Democratic Academy’ (Lidovecká akademie), a project approved by the KDU-ČSL Congress and Board. Some recent workshop topics include: – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 216

ethics and society, media literacy, the pension reform, the economic and social reforms in the Czech Republic and the social teaching of the Church, and the social market economy. Educational activities for the wider public are organised under the title ‘Evening dialogues’; leading politicians, Church leaders, theologians and scientists are invited as speakers. Overall, the educational activities attract some 1,000 participants a year. The European Academy for Democracy closely cooperates with partners in Austria, Germany and Slovakia. In addition to its membership in the CES, the European Academy for Democracy is a member of the European Network of Political Foundations (ENoP).

· Publications:

Until 2009: Obzory (Horizonts) magazine that covered political and cultural topics from the Christian Democratic and conservative viewpoints. 2007: M. Pehr et al., Cestami křesťanské politiky: Biografický slovník k dějinám křesťanských stran v českých zemích [Christian Politics: A Biographical Dictionary for the History of Christian Parties in the Czech Lands] (Praha: Evropská akademie pro demokracii a Nakladatelství Akropolis, 2007).

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 217

CES Member Foundation:

TOPAZ In English: TOPAZ

· Country:

CZECH REPUBLIC

· President:

Karel Schwarzenberg

· Chair of the Board:

Dr. Marek Ženíšek

· Executive Director:

Ondřej Kolář

· Year of establishment: 2012 · EPP m/p affiliation:

TOP 09

Contact Details: Újezd 450/40, 118 00 Praha 1 Tel. +420.255.790.919 | info@top-az.eu | www.top-az.eu

· History:

TOPAZ was founded in 2012 by the Czech conservative party TOP 09 and took on the role of its educational committee. Furthermore, it started to serve as a platform for organising conferences and seminar for a broader public in order to present ideas and information related to conservative thinking. TOPAZ is fully party-based. It is presided by Karel Schwarzenberg, the TOP 09 Chair and the institute‘s board consists of TOP 09 officials.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 218

· Activities:

During a year and a half of its existence, TOPAZ has organised numerous seminars targeted on educating party members and officials as well as a number of public conferences, where the audience had the opportunity to debate with domestic and foreign personalities on current topics. TOPAZ also supplies its home party with publications, such as manuals, reports and policy briefs.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 219

CES Member Foundation:

Pro Patria Koolituskeskus In English: Pro Patria Institute

· Country:

ESTONIA

· Executive Director:

Kaja Villem

· Year of establishment: 1995 · EPP m/p affiliation:

IRL

Contact Details: Kivisilla 4-9, 10145 Tallinn Tel. +372.773.42.01 | Mobile: +372.534.589.01 | Fax +372.773.42.07 | kaja.villem@irl.ee

· History:

· Activities:

The Pro Patria Institute of the Pro Patria and Res Publica Union (IRL) was founded in 1995 as a non-profit voluntary organization that provides political, economic and general cultural education based on centre-right thinking. The main aim of the Pro Patria Institute is to disseminate and promote centre-right ideology, the principles of the social market economy, and a united Europe.

- Conferences, seminars, round tables and discussions for the public which promote and introduce centre-right political ideas and party program, as well as discussions on general political issues. - Training sessions for party staff, members of the party, election candidates, for new party members (ABC training program), for the members of local governments, for students and schoolchildren (Konrad Club). - Surveys, analysis, consultancy - Social initiatives and campaigns: in 2011 “Ronald Reagan 100”, in 2013 multimedia project “Share Your World/ Põranda all” – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 220

- Publishing, producing and collecting training materials - Co-operation with different organisations on the national and international level

Practical handbooks: · Publications:

Public relations (1997) Christian Democracy and local politics (1999) How to survive in daily political life (2001) A Christian democratic party in action (2001) Books about ideology: Soft-spoken inspiration (2004) Education freedom (2005) The Many Faces of Conservatism. The essence, history and future of the conservative thought (2011) Conservative foreign and security policy (2012)

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 221

CES Member Foundation:

Suomen Toivo Ajatuspaja In English: Toivo Think Tank

· Country:

FINLAND

· Chair:

Taru Tujunen

· Executive Director: Markku Pyykkölä · Year of establishment: 1938 · EPP m/p affiliation:

KOK

Contact Details: Runeberginkatu 5.b.7.krs, 00100 Helsinki Phone +358.500.442.761 | markku.pyykkola@toivoajatuspaja.fi | maria-elena.cowell@conexio.fi www.toivoajatuspaja.fi

· History:

The Toivo Think Tank is a non-profit foundation under Finnish law and is a separate legal entity from the National Coalition Party. Toivo Think Tank was founded in 1938 and has operated ever since (under the name of Kansallinen Kulttuurisäätiö until 2007). Toivo Think Tank is a foundation without individual members or member associations and is run by a board of six members from the National Coalition Party, universities and media.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 222

Research: · Activities:

· Publications:

Toivo Think Tank is responsible for organizing the research activities of the party. The yearly research program includes a member satisfaction survey, individual research studies ordered by party or parliamentary group and a joint research of the five largest parties on government success, citizens concerns, image of the party leaders and demographics of support for different political parties. The financial basis for political think tanks in Finland is going to be based on legislation which is in the making at the moment.

Toivo Think Tank publishes annually two to four research reports and several other policy papers and expert articles in the website on topics described in the annual action plan approved by the ministry of education and culture. Planning processes of publications usually contain work shops and conferences to release the results.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 223

CES Member Foundation:

Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung In English: Hanns Seidel Foundation, HSS

· Country:

GERMANY

· Chairman:

Prof. Dr. h. c. mult. Hans Zehetmair

· Chief Executive Officer: Dr. Peter Witterauf · Year of establishment: 1967 · EPP m/p affiliation:

CSU

Contact Details: Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung, Lazarettstraße 33, 80636 Munich Phone: +49.89.1258.0 | Fax: +49.89.1258.356 | info@hss.de | www.hss.de

· History:

The Hanns Seidel Foundation was founded in Munich in 1967. It is named after Dr. Hanns Seidel (12 October 1901 – 5 August 1961), Minister President of Bavaria from 1957 to 1960 and Party Chairman of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU) from 1955 to 1961.

Mission and Scope of Activities · Activities:

The Hanns Seidel Foundation has been committed to its fundamental philosophy of ”serving democracy, peace and development“ since 1967. It fulfils its mission in a true Christian spirit in currently more than 60 countries worldwide. Altogether 281 employees work for the Hanns Seidel Foundation in Germany and abroad. They are spread out over the Headquarters in Munich, about 100 joint development projects, the Banz Monastery and Wildbad Kreuth Training Centres, the Munich Conference Centre, the Berlin Office and Liaison Bureaus in Brussels, Athens, Moscow, and Washington. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 224

The Hanns Seidel Foundation is a registered association dedicated exclusively and directly to public interests. The mission and commitment of the association are: • to promote democratic and civic education of the German population on the basis of Christian values, • to promote education, popular and vocational training including the support of students in particular by giving individuals with appropriate talents and character values access to scientific and research training, • to promote science, in particular by conducting scientific studies and research, • to promote an international spirit and communication among nations as well as the unification of Europe, in particular by inviting foreign groups and supporting travel abroad, • to promote cultural interests, in particular by supporting the maintenance of works of culture and supporting the preservation of monuments, • to promote foreign aid and development. The various objectives are implemented by: The Academy for Politics and Current Affairs offers practice-oriented political advisory services. Fundamental data and information for political decisions are compiled on a scientific basis, just as the Academy organises conferences and publishes various studies, reports and other informative material. The Institute for Political Education promotes democratic and civic education among broad groups of the population. Its primary objective is to enhance the political involvement of citizens. The Institute for Scholarship Programmes promotes the further education of scholars. Other activities are media politics and the promotion of young journalists. Its primary mission is to offer young, university and college graduates specific support and promotion. The Institute for International Cooperation promotes international cooperation in development projects, focusing on vocational training, the strengthening of administrative systems, consultation and advice for parties and governments, improvement of the infrastructure etc. The Office for Foreign Relations cultivates long-standing contacts with political friends of the Hanns Seidel Foundation around the world and carefully assesses potential new partners. The work of the Office concentrates mainly on the analysis of European and extra-European political party landscapes, in particular upon Christian-Democratic and Conservative parties. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 225

The Liaison Bureaus in Washington, Brussels, Athens, Moscow/International Conferences have the task of promoting the understanding of nations and European unification through international debates and conferences.

Publications & Archives · Publications:

The journal Politische Studien (Political Studies) is being published as a bi-monthly periodical producing numerous documents relating to the activities and research interests. Further pubishing projects are the series ”Statements and Materials on Contemporary History“, ”Current Analyses“ and ”Reports and Studies“. The Archives for Christian-Social Politics are responsible for collecting and preserving material of the Christian Social Union regarding organizational and administrative structures, leading party figures, elected officials and parliamentary groups.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 226

CES Member Foundation:

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung In English: Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation, KAS

· Country:

GERMANY

· Chair:

Dr. Hans-Gert Pöttering

· Secretary General:

Michael Thielen

· Year of establishment: 1952 (renamed in 1964) · EPP m/p affiliation:

CDU

Contact Details: Klingelhöferstraße 23, 10785 Berlin Phone: +49.30.269.960 | zentrale-berlin@kas.de | www.kas.de

· History:

Konrad Adenauer and his principles form the guidelines, the basis of the mission and engagement of KAS. The Foundation took on the name of the first Federal Chancellor in 1964. It was originally established in 1955 as the Society for Christian-Democratic Civic Education. The Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation is a political foundation with a strong presence throughout Germany thanks to two conference centres and 16 regional offices. The foreign offices oversee 200 programmes in 100 countries. The headquarters are Sankt Augustin near Bonn and Berlin.

· Activities:

Through civic education programmes both at home and abroad the KonradAdenauer-Foundation promotes freedom, peace and justice. The Foundation‘s most important goals are strengthening democracy, furthering European unification, improving transatlantic relations and deepening development cooperation. KAS develops practical, solution-oriented concepts to address current issues in the fields of domestic policy, social policy, economic policy – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 227

and foreign policy. The academy, located in Berlin, is a forum for dialogue on issues crucial for the future – from politics and the economy to religion, society and science. Conferences and events bring together people who “have something to say”. In Germany alone, KAS offers more than 2,500 events each year, which attract over 145,000 participants. The Foundation provides moral and material support to intellectually talented young people from Germany and abroad, during their undergraduate and graduate studies. KAS stays in close contact with more than 10,000 alumni. Exhibitions, readings and awards are also distinctive elements of the Foundation‘s work. It promotes young artists and awards every year the prestigious Literature Prize. The Foundation also supports young journalists with specific programmes. Since 1980, KAS awards an annual prize for excellent local journalism. The Social Market Economy Prize has recognised since 2002 distinguished personalities who have particularly supported and encouraged the development of the Social Market Economy. For the past eight years, the Denkt@g competition has awarded an annual prize to websites where young people confront issues surrounding the Nazi dictatorship and the Holocaust, as well as right-wing extremism, xenophobia, intolerance and violence.

· Publications:

The Archive of Christian Democratic Politics researches and explores the history of Christian democracy in Germany and Europe. Users have access to a comprehensive body of documents, state-of-the-art media and a specialised library with about 176,000 volumes of books on history and politics.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 228

CES Member Foundation:

Institouto Dimokratias Konstantinos Karamanlis In English: Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy

· Country:

GREECE

· Chair:

Constantinos Tasoulas

· Director General:

Mariana Pirgioti

· Year of establishment: 1998 · EPP m/p affiliation:

Contact Details: 340 Syngrou Avenue, 176 73 Kalithea Phone: +30.210.725.7495 | Fax: +30.210.725.7510 info@idkaramanlis.gr | www.idkaramanlis.gr

Goal and Objectives · History:

A non-profit organization, the Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy was established in Athens in January 1998. Its mission is to promote democracy, a balanced mix of economic development and social cohesion, good governance and European integration through policy proposals that are based on the study of political, economic and social issues. The Institute’s activities include research projects, publications, public events, education and training about a wide range of issues: state and society, economy and development, education science and culture, politics and ideology.

International Cooperation · Activities:

The Institute participates in all major networks of like-minded European and international political foundations. It is a founding member of the Centre for – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 229

European Studies, the official think-tank of the EPP, and active member of the European Ideas Network, which formulates policy positions on European issues for the EPP. Furthermore, the Institute participates in the European Network of Political Foundations that aims to promote democracy and development in third countries. On a bilateral basis, the Institute cooperates with several international organizations for conferences, policy seminars and research projects. Working Groups • International Relations, Foreign Policy and Defence • Economy • Welfare State • Institutions and Public Administration The intention is of formulating documented and responsible political proposals, in order to face key contemporary issues. Staffed by distinguished scientists, experts, analysts, specialist researchers and professionals distinguished in the areas of their expertise, all of whom study and analyze specific areas of relevance. The studies and the subsequent papers (policy papers) provide an invaluable source of ideas and concepts. Research The Institute for Democracy conducts primary scientific research in political, economic and social issues in collaboration with the Institute’s Working Groups and other experts. In order to serve these aims, the Institute participates in research programmes of the European Union as well as of other Greek and international institutions, while at the same time it systematically updates its databases. Political Academy The Political Academy was established in 2002 in order to offer special training through the organisation of thematic seminars. Since then it has provided political training to over 500 policy-makers, journalists, professionals and members of youth organisations, from all regions of Greece. The seminars of the Political Academy are instructed by prominent political analysts, academics and other highly-skilled professionals with extensive working experience in both the private and public sector. Links with Institutes of Higher Education Since 2002 the Institute for Democracy has taken part in vocational training programmes involving university students. It has accepted over 60 students from the University of Athens, Panteion University and the University of Peloponnese. Based on their individual areas of study, the students under training have the opportunity to get involved in a relative sector of the Institute for Democracy, thus cultivating abilities and knowledge in relevant and cutting edge subjects.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 230

Events The Institute for Democracy organises events, seminars, lectures, workshops and conferences on a yearly basis, independently, or in collaboration with other institutions in Greece and abroad. Like-minded institutes, university and research foundations, national organisations, political agencies, local government and NGOs, are included in the general co-operational network. Since the founding of the Institute for Democracy in 1998, over three hundred events have been organised in Greece and abroad.

· Publications:

Covering a wide range of political and scientific agenda, and based on the analysis of respected and recognised scientists and experts in their relative fields, emphasis is given to current and latest research. The main aim of the Institute for Democracy is to present advances in scientific research in tandem with up to date analysis of the current political scene, thus stimulating dialogue of a theoretical nature and of policies and ideas that may influence the shaping of political agenda. Included in the said publications are: • Liberal Emphasis, a quarterly journal, providing well-proven analysis of established researchers and articles by renowned intellects, figures from the political, scientific, literary and arts world. • The Monograph series, which report on research carried out by Greek and foreign scientists alike. • Studies on Politics, Economy and Diplomacy, a series concerning specialised subjects. • The Working Papers series, concerning events organised by the Institute for Democracy. • Albums, publications with a wealth of pictorial material. • The e-publications, presenting different viewpoints on current issues of political interest. • The Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy Yearbook, presenting selected political and scholarly analysis, and The Konstantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy Series on European and International Affairs, analyzing current international politics.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 231

CES Member Foundation:

Polgári Magyarországért Alapítvány In English: Foundation for a Civic Hungary, PMA

· Country:

HUNGARY

· President:

Zoltán Balog

· Year of establishment: 2003 · EPP m/p affiliation:

FIDESZ

Contact Details: Pauler u. 11, 1013 Budapest Phone: +36.1.391.4880 | Fax: +36.1.391.4889 | alapitvany@szpma.hu | www.szpma.hu

· History:

By Act XLVII of 2003, the National Assembly authorised the parliamentary parties to establish foundations for the purposes of disseminating knowledge, supporting research and initiating educational projects that help their activities. Accordingly, Fidesz established the Foundation for a Civic Hungary in November 2003, which defines itself as follows: ”The moral basis of our Union is constituted by the perceptions and recognitions arising from the fallibility of human nature. We profess that there exists a moral order that is above human will. The truth is cognisable and can be turned into the starting point of public activity. Following decades of dehumanising events in the 20th century leading to moral uncertainty, we are inevitably in need of spiritual and intellectual renewal.“ Equally important is to educate representatives of parties representing a centreright, Christian, patriotic set of values, the strengthening of their background institutions, as well as providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Ever wider publicity is necessary for ideas and public behaviour based on Christian humanity, the democracy of free citizens and a social market economy.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 232

· Activities:

The Foundation launches and supports research projects focusing on the development of Hungarian social and locality structure and issues central to the European integration of Hungary. It is also the Foundation‘s objective to collect and gather existing information in this domain. Also, the Foundation intends to process findings and research results so that they enhance the quality of the work done by Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union and its parliamentary group. Furthermore the Foundation for Civic Hungary undertakes the following: · Collection and compilation of documents related to the history and the origins of Fidesz - Hungarian Civic Union and the Hungarian centre-right for the archives and for academic research purposes; · Organising and supporting the education of citizens who express a need for information and training; · Supporting talent by promoting the education of Hungarian youth in Hungary and in the neighbouring countries.

· Publications:

The Foundation‘s objective is to increase the coherence of those professing centre right values, so that they pursue their tasks in a coordinated and professionally well-founded manner. To this end the Foundation supports research projects, publications and dialogues which enhance the authentic, effective and professional representation of Civic Hungary‘s interests. This is in an effort to introduce to Hungary the mindset of European and Euro-Atlantic Christian democrats, conservatives and peoples parties and construct relationships with like-minded organisations and professional workshops. The Foundation also initiated dialogue and cooperation with representatives of the foundations assisting other political parties.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 233

CES Member Foundation:

Fondazione De Gasperi In English: De Gasperi Foundation

· Country:

ITALY

· Chair:

Angelino Alfano

· Year of establishment: 1982 · EPP m/p affiliation:

PDL

Contact Details: Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 26, 00186 Rome Phone: +39. (0)6.683.35.92 | fondazione@fondazionedegasperi.it | www.fondazionedegasperi.it

· History:

The De Gasperi Foundation (Fondazione De Gasperi) is the political foundation of the Popolo della Libertà (“People of Freedom”), the main centre-right political party in Italy. Located in Rome, the Foundation was established in 1982 as a political-cultural institution based on the values of European popularism and aimed at strengthening democracy, promoting freedom and advancing studies on European integration and international relations. The decision to name the Foundation after the great European statesman Alcide De Gasperi stems from a specific intention to renew De Gasperi’s vision and moral and political teachings. He was the father of Italy’s post-war democratic reconstruction, universally recognized as one of the European Union Founding Fathers. In 1985 the Foundation was granted legal status under a decree by the President of the Italian Republic. This enabled the Foundation to launch a series of programs either as individual initiatives or co-financed by other foundations or international study organisations. In 2011 the De Gasperi Foundation became the political think tank of the People of Freedom party and entered the CES. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 234

· Activities:

As cultural-political think tank identifying itself with the values of European popularism, the De Gasperi Foundation operates at national and international level to foster democracy and freedom, and to spread the knowledge of European culture with a view of complete integration and to contribute to the discussion of New European governance. To achieve this purpose, the De Gasperi Foundation organizes activities designed to monitor developments effecting European unity and encourage the continuous growth of the socio-political-economic structure of Italy and Europe. Conferences, seminars, research projects are carried out either individually or by collaborating in partnership with national and international institutions. Scientific publications in the field of history, sociology, politics, economics are also produced by individuals or in collaboration with similar partners.

· Publications:

“50 years of Europe: Europe year zero?” Online publication of the international Conference organized in collaboration with the Municipalità of Rome (Campidoglio, Aula Giulio Cesare, 23-24 March 2007) “Europe’s Political Union” Review “Affari Esteri”: publication of the report of the International Seminar (Rivista Affari Esteri – Anno XL – N. 158 – Primavera 2008) “The Lisbon Treaty and the future of Europe” (Rivista Affari Esteri – N. 162 – Primavera 2009). “Alcide de Gasperi - A European from the future” by Maria Romana De Gasperi and Pierluigi Ballini (Rubbettino Editore, 2007-2011) “Alcide De Gasperi, scientific biography” by Pier Luigi Ballini, Alfredo Canavero, Francesco Malgeri, Paolo Pombeni, Giovanni Battista Re and Giorgio Vecchio, published by the Alcide De Gasperi Foundation in three volumes in 2009 (Rubbettino Editore, 2009) I Trattati di Roma a two-tomes volume: Tome I “I partiti, le associazioni di categoria e sindacali e i Trattati di Roma”; Tome II “La Chiesa cattolica e le altre chiese cristiane di fronte al processo di integrazione europea” by Pier Luigi Ballini (Rubbettino Editore, 2010). “Le Autonomie Locali in Lombardia e in Toscana” Dalla Resistenza alla I° Legislatura della Repubblica – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 235

“Le Autonomie Locali” Dalla Resistenza alla I° Legislatura della Repubblica by Pier Luigi Ballini (Rubbettino Editore, 2010) “I, II, III and IV volume of the Quaderni Degasperiani” new collection of the Alcide De Gasperi Foundation by Pier Luigi Ballini “Alcide De Gasperi. Cristiano, Democratico, Europeo” by Prof. Alfredo Canavero “Alcide de Gasperi: Partecipare alla ricostruzione del mondo” by Remo Roncati (Agosto 2012)

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 236

CES Member Foundation:

Istituto Luigi Sturzo In English: Luigi Sturzo Institute

· Country:

ITALY

· President:

Roberto Mazzotta

· Secretary General:

Giuseppe Sangiorgi

· Year of establishment: 1951 · EPP m/p affiliation:

UDC

Contact Details: Via delle Coppelle 35, 00186 Rome Phone: +39.06. 68.40.421 | infopoint@sturzo.it | www.sturzo.it

· History:

· Activities:

The Luigi Sturzo Institute, established in 1951, is a cultural foundation based in Rome. The Institute is located in Palazzo Baldassini, edifice built by the architect Antonio da Sangallo between 1515 and 1518. Fresco paintings, by Raffaello’s school artists, cover the ceilings and walls of the inside rooms. The Institute is committed to the preservation and valorisation of cultural heritage, and carries out training activities and research in historical, sociological, political and economic fields. The Institute collaborates with many national and international institutions. The Library is specialized in social sciences, modern and contemporary history focusing mainly on political history and sociological philosophy, and on the history of political parties. It is continuously updated with the most recent Italian and foreign publications and holds about 130,000 volumes. The Journals section includes about 600 journals focused on sociological matters, although historical and political journals are also present. The Library of the Luigi Sturzo institute has been a member of the National Librarian Service since 1990. Lately the Library published the Luigi Sturzo’s Opera Omnia on the web. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 237

The Historical Archive Area holds over 10.000 envelopes of documents, which have been recognised by the State to be of considerable historical interest. It specialises in retrieval and awareness-raising initiatives, studies and publications, concerning sources for the history of the Catholic movement carried out by researchers and intellectuals. The Archive holds writings and documents that are indispensable to better appreciate the history of Italy and of the Catholic movements from the crisis of the Liberal State up to the coming of Fascism. Moreover it holds documents related to the lives of anti-fascist exiles, the establishment of the Republic and the promulgation of the Constitutional Charter. More specifically, it holds writings and papers by Luigi Sturzo, Giovanni Gronchi, Filippo Meda, Flaminio Piccoli, Mario Scelba, Piero Malvestiti, Giuseppe Spataro, Maria Eletta Martini, Tina Anselmi, Giulio Andreotti and, furthermore the Democrazia Cristiana records. In addition the Historical Archive holds iconographic, photographic and audio-visual materials representing an innovative methodology for historical research: one hundred thousand pictures coming from Il Popolo, the Democrazia Cristiana’s newspaper, published from 1943 to 2004; one thousand and five hundred propaganda posters and three hundred propaganda films produced by Democrazia Cristiana’s cinema office, from 1944 to 1975. The Research and Studies Area designs projects in social science topics. The investigation method is related to the social structures and political institutions knowledge. The study of social sciences is relevant to the understanding of Italy’s political, social and economic situation. The main research guidelines concern Italian history between XIX and XX century (mostly oriented to the Italian monarchy, post-unification and republican age, to the history of the Catholic Church, to the history of national and European public institutions, to globalisation processes, to cultural, social and economic changes). The Training Area develops integrated training systems distinguished by a territorial and sectorial character. The cultural and heritage field is the primary area of interest (systems of life long learning for employees of cultural organisations and courses to promote young people’s employability). The Training Area carries out training activities oriented at improving the cultural heritage accessibility and fruition; it designs research projects detecting new professional profile skills needed in the labour market; it manages projects concerning the definition of credits calculating systems and outlines training programmes. The Digital Laboratory focuses its activity on innovative digital technologies applied on bibliographic and archival research. The laboratory’s activities started on 2005 and developed new methods of digital cataloguing to preserve iconographic, photographic and audio-visual materials. The records, uploaded on digital databases, are accessible on-line. A recent acquisition of audiovisual and photograph materials encouraged training programmes to enhance the competences in the management of non-traditional resources extensively used, at present, in the historical, sociological, political and cultural research.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 238

CES Member Foundation:

Demokratinès Politikos institutas In English: Institute of Democratic Politics

· Country:

LITHUANIA

· Executive Director:

Tomas Kazulènas

· Secretary General:

Flavia Piccoli Nardelli

· Year of establishment: 1999 · EPP m/p affiliation:

TS-LKD

Contact Details: Vašingtono a. 1, 01108 Vilnius Phone: +370.5.261.54.24 or +370.626.74.148 | Fax: +370.5.278.49.14 | info@dpi.lt | www.dpi.lt

· History:

· Activities:

Institute of Democratic Politics was founded in 1999 by a group of Conservative and Christian Democratic politicians, analysts, essayists, and scholars, and from the outset its principal concerns have been the strengthening of the centre-right ideology and public defense of conservative values in Lithuania. The Institute of Democratic Politics (IDP) is a West-oriented association of political experts established following the patterns of European and American think tanks.

IDP is the official think-tank of the Homeland Union-Lithuanian Christian Democrats, a centre-right political party in Lithuania. IDP aims to accelerate the political and civic maturity of the Lithuanian society and to promote democracy and development in the European neighbourhood, seeking to contribute to security and stability in the region. Since its foundation the Institute of Democratic Politics has been organizing national and international conferences, seminars, round table discussions on political – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 239

culture, evolution of the political ideas, party system, EU and NATO, development of social capital and social economy. Think-tank focusing on the issues of security and stability in post-Soviet area (especially Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine), international security (esp. nonconventional threats), NATO transformation and enlargement, and international migration. The Institute has been active in drafting strategic and policy documents, producing research publications and analytical dossiers, establishing efficient communication and assistance networks with the Belarussian opposition organizations, producing the first national rating of the Lithuanian universities, and maintaining an analytical website Politika.lt. The Institute belongs to the European Ideas Network at the EPP Group; its long-standing cooperation partners include Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, Robert Schuman Foundation, International Republican Institute, and National Endowment for Democracy. Activities of the Institute were recognized by the President of Lithuania, for the best Scenario of the Future of Lithuania 2010-2020, prepared by the action group of the IDP and presented for the national competition in 2002.

• “The program of transformation for a democratic Belarus” · Publications:

• “Ideas, Values, Personalities. For the Future of Lithuania” • Strategic document “Global Lithuania” • “National Rating of the Lithuanian High Schools” • Libertas & Pietas. Lithuanian Conservatism. Anthology 1993-2010.” • “Conservative Education Reform in the UK. Analysis and Relevance for Lithuania” • “The Analysis of the Instilment and Contents of the Information Technologies in the Lithuanian Education Policy” • “Reviews of Strategic Scenarios of Development of the World”

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 240

CES Member Foundation:

Akkademja ghall-Izvilupp ta’ Ambjent Demokratiku In English: Academy for the Development of a Democratic Environment, AZAD

· Country:

MALTA

· Chair:

Dr. David Griscti

· Year of establishment: 1976 · EPP m/p affiliation:

Contact Details: Casa Pererra 224, Republic Street, Valletta Phone: +356.21.247.515; +356.21.234.884 | Fax: +356.21.220.496 info@azad-malta.com | admin@azad-malta.com

· History:

AZAD (Foundation for the development of a democratic environment) was established in 1976, at a time when democracy in Malta was approaching the brink. AZAD was founded as an academy with the aim of being an autonomous think-tank and centre of adult education, inspired by Christian Democrat principles. In Malta it took a lead in promoting the ideal of European integration, a dialogue society and the rights of future generations. The Academy and its associates have wide interests but AZAD is currently focused on Euro- Mediterranean issues and maritime affairs. Among its past chairmen and board members, there feature four future Presidents of the Republic, a future prime minister and two future ministers of foreign affairs, a future Speaker of the House of Representatives and a future judge on the European Court of Human Rights. AZAD is a member of the following organizations and networks: European Centre for Workers’ Questions (EZA), European Network of Political Foundations (ENOP, founding member), the European Ideas Network and EPP‘s Centre for European Studies.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 241

· Activities:

As a think tank, AZAD organizes policy roundtable discussions with Maltese and international leaders in the public and private sector, and public lectures, debates and discussions. As a centre for adult education, AZAD organizes some 20-25 courses per year, embracing a variety of subjects to do with politics, culture and civilization, and personal skills. AZAD sees these courses as preparing for, and contributing to, a globalised, multicultural society of life-long learning. As a cultural centre, AZAD’s activities have had a very popular following over the years since its inception. It’s most notable success in recent years has been the establishment of a festival of satire as an annual event that plays to full houses. Cooperation: In the past, AZAD organised several initiatives together with renouned political foundations in Europe. Amongst there, there were: Karamanlis Institute for Democracy, Foundation Pour l’Innovation Politique, the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, the Hanns Seidel Stiftung, FAES, EZA and the Centre for European Studies (CES). Today: AZAD is today a fully fledged Christian Democrat think-tank, which was reinstituted as a foundation after former PN leader Lawrence Gonzi signed the new statute. In a symbolic ceremony, a public deed established AZAD – the centre for political studies - as a foundation at law. The ceremony took place at the newly refurbished premises at Casa Pereira in Republic Street, Valletta. Board of Directors: PN leader Simon Busuttil is the President of AZAD whereas the board is composed of Pierre Attard; Noel Buttigieg Scicluna (who serves as Executive Director); Richard Cachia Caruana; Alan Camilleri; Gordon Cordina; Alan Deidun; Ann Fenech; Josef Lauri; Alex Perici Calascione; RoseMarie Privitelli; Anika Psaila Savona; Franco Valletta and David Zahra. Max Ganado serves as an external consultant to the board.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 242

CES Member Foundation:

Wetenschappelijk Instituut voor het CDA In English: CDA Research Institute

· Country:

THE NETHERLANDS

· President:

Drs. Th.J.F.M. Bovens

· Year of establishment: 1981 · EPP m/p affiliation:

CDA

Contact Details: Buitenom 18, Postbus 30453, 2500 GL Den Haag Phone: +31.70.342. 4874 | wi@cda.nl | www.wi.cda.nl

· History:

The Research Institute for CDA was founded in 1977, as a result of the merger of the Catholic KVP, the Protestant CHU and the Reformed ARP into the Christian Democratic Party CDA. Former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende started his career at the Research Institute. Former Minister Ab Klink was the director of the Research Institute before he accepted his post as Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport in 2007. Since 1 January 2008 Raymond Gradus has been the head of the Research Institute.

· Activities:

The Institute‘s goal is to conduct scientific research for the CDA based on the foundations of the CDA and its program of principles. The Institute gives documented advice about the out-lines of policy, either by its own initiative or upon request of the CDA and/or its members in representative bodies.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 243

• Canon of Dutch Christian Democracy | December 2012 · Publications:

• “Reforms to Limit Increases in Health Care Expenditures. With Special Attention to the Netherlands.” | March 2012 • “Health Care Reforms in an Ageing European Society. With a focus on the Netherlands.” | January 2011 • “Flat but fair. A Proposal for a socially conscious Flat Rate Tax.” | June 2009 • “Crossing bridges. Democratization in the Middle East and a Christian Democratic Approach.” | September 2008 • “Man, where are you?. An exploration of the Christian Democratic portrayal of mankind.” | June 2008

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 244

CES Member Foundation:

Instituto Amaro da Costa In English: Amaro da Costa Institute

· Country:

PORTUGAL

· President: Luis Gouveia Fernandes · Year of establishment: 1975 · EPP m/p affiliation:

CDS-PP

Contact Details: Rua do Patrocínio 128 - A, 1350-232 Lisbon Phone: +351.21.3461449 | lgf@idl.pt | www.idl.pt

IDL - Instituto Amaro da Costa (IDL) is a Portuguese independent, non-profit, political association, with its public utility status recognized since 1982. · History:

IDL was constituted by public decree in the 10th Notary Public of Lisbon, on October 6th, 1975, having granted as founders leaders of the party CDS, Adelino Amaro da Costa, Basílio Horta, Emídio Pinheiro, Eugénio Anacoreta Correia, José Manuel Macedo Pereira, Pedro Pestana de Vasconcelos and Victor Sá Machado. The purpose of IDL is the research of cultural, social and political phenomena, crucial to the free exercise of democracy in Portugal, in particular regarding Christian democracy. Since Adelino Amaro da Costa‘s death in 1980, IDL has also aimed to preserve, develop and promote his human, social and political legacy. IDL is the oldest Portuguese institution for political education, having promoted in 1975 and 1976 several seminars and conferences with nearly eight hundred participants. But it wasn‘t until 1977 that its action evolved and was systematized; between 1977 and 1992 a total of 924 initiatives took place, with special relevance given to the ones related to municipalities. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 245

The quick development of IDL‘s activities led to a decentralisation of its organisation and several inaugurations took place in the following years: in 1976 the Oporto Delegation, to work with the northern districts of the country, followed by the Lisbon Delegation in 1979, to work with the central and southern regions, and in 1980 the Funchal Delegation, which covered the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Each delegation was to promote political education, leaving editorial and investigation activities to the IDL Central Services. In addition to the educational program, IDL played a very important part in promoting free unionist movements, family defence, and associations representing humanist teachers and authors. It also developed educational programs for high school and university student associations; youth organisations; commercial, industrial and agricultural associations; parental and women associations, and so on. Many of these programs focused on the subject of Portugal joining the EEC in order to clarify the public opinion on a matter of such high national interest. During his founder‘s lifetime IDL established, within the scope of its activity, a special relationship of cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, followed by equivalent relationships of cooperation with similar institutions in France, Italy, United Kingdom, Austria and Spain. Concerning editorial activity, IDL has played a very important role, counting on the collaboration of relevant Portuguese personalities such as the President of the Republic, Ministers and other important members of different Portuguese governments and democratic parties, as well as people from academic and cultural strands. Due to the variety and high quality of its publications, amongst which “Democracia e Liberdade“ magazine, “Coleção de Textos de Apoio“ and “Coleção de Estudos e Ensaios“, IDL has become a reference in quality, openness and dialogue in the national political scenario. IDL has been mentioned several times by the Portuguese press and also in political investigation papers and university theses. Among the several subjects divulged by IDL we can mention Human Rights, Portugal and Europe, Family, Public Administration, Regional Development, and Constitutional Revision. IDL has sponsored investigation projects, assigned to qualified personalities on a wide range of themes, such as Pedagogical Skills in Political Education, Cultural and Personalist Intervention in Modern Society, Political and Social Analysis of Azores and Madeira Islands, Economy and Public Administration. Special mention should be given to the study on “Portuguese Decolonisation“ considered the most serious and complete work on this controversial subject. It has been requested by several foreign universities and even today, after thirty years, it is often requested for consultation.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 246

IDL also published numerous papers dedicated to the “Joining the EEC“ subject, compiled in “Cadernos Europeus“. In what concerns cooperation, IDL created a department targeting the study and debate of cultural, social, economical and political issues related to the relationship between Portugal and countries outside Europe, namely the PALOP (African Countries of Portuguese Official Language.)

· Activities:

As an NGO, IDL has developed several projects on cooperation matters, from which special mention is given to: the Built Heritage Inventory of S. Tomé and Príncipe; Cities and Development; EDF and Development Cooperation; Northern Portugal and Cooperation; Management Educational Program in S. Tomé and Principe; International Conference on Agriculture and Desertification; Education for Development in the PALOP (African Countries of Portuguese Official Language). On May 10th, 2012, IDL was admitted as member of the Centre for European Studies, operating from Brussels as a platform for the national think-tanks linked to European People’s Party.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 247

CES Member Foundation:

Institutul de Studii Populare In English: Institute for Popular Studies, ISP

· Country:

ROMANIA

· Director:

Cristina Trailă

· Year of establishment: 2008 · EPP m/p affiliation:

PDL

Contact Details: Str. Alecu Russo nr. 13-19 Ap. 3, Sector 2, Bucharest Phone: +40.31.107.6645 office@isp.org.ro | www.isp.org.ro

· History:

The Institute for Popular Studies was established in 2008 by a group of intellectuals, members and supporters of the Democrat Liberal Party (PDL) of Romania. ISP is the think tank of PDL, its role and mission being specifically expressed in the statutes of the party. ISP has its registered head office in Bucharest. ISP started as a policy think tank of PDL, working in its first years to bring together political forces and personalities under one roof, opposing the political left. As such, ISP sees itself a catalyst for the political right, as a host for people and political projects that share the values of Christian democracy, conservatism, and liberalism: freedom, justice, a free market, the rule of law, etc.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 248

· Activities:

ISP is the main supplier of training programs for PDL and its main organisations, especially the women’s organisation and the youth organisation. With the support of its main partners, ISP has organised and hosted a large number of lectures, training schools, courses and seminars on current affairs, public administration, public policies, electoral and constitutional law. Also, the Institute hosts public debates on a regular basis, on topics that range from current affairs to specific public policies, in Bucharest and other municipalities. ISP also operates as an interface between PDL and the civil society; as such, the Institute maintains contact with other NGOs and public intellectuals, engaging them in dialogue and criticism on topics of interest. The Institute for Popular Studies staunchly supports a deeper European integration for Romania and as such works to promote the European agenda, as well as to strengthen ties to partner organisations across the Atlantic. Among the main objectives of ISP are: • organising educational programs meant to promote the values, ideas and practices of the political right, promoting transparency, dialogue and responsibility, as well as equal opportunity and solidarity among citizens; • drafting and assessing social and economic expertise programs, as well as providing consultancy services; • exchanging information and opinions on topics of common interest with local or foreign partner organisations; • organising public events (seminars, workshops, conferences) on subjects deriving from the core goals of ISP; • professional media monitoring and analysis; • public opinion polling; • publishing various works (from public policy proposals to social and economics studies)

“Centre Right – A New School of Thought” · Publications:

“Opening the Door? Immigration and Integration in the European Union” (Romanian contribution to the CES reader) “Wilfried Martens – Europe: I Struggle, I Overcome” (Romanian edition, jointly published with CES) – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 249

“100 Questions and Answers Regarding the Popular Doctrine” “Romanian Right Wing Intellectual Highlights” “Fiscal Measures Needed for Growth in Romania” (jointly published with CES) “Principles for Reforming the Medical System in Romania” (jointly published with CES) “The true political science” (Romanian translation of Pierre Manent’s Le regard politique , Cristian Preda) “EU, EPP and the common values of centre-right parties” (audio CD, jointly produced with CES) Weekly “22 Magazine” thematic supplements for the development and promotion of the popular doctrine in Romania

Partners The Institute for Popular Studies has on-going partnerships with some of the most prestigious political think-tanks in Europe and the United States. ISP collaborates with its partners in multiple ways: from joint publication of books and policy papers and co-organizing debates and training sessions for the target audience of the institution, to experts exchanges between Romania and partner countries. · Centre for European Studies · Konrad Adenauer Stiftung · Hanns Seidel Stiftung · The International Republican Institute · European Ideas Network · Fundación para el Análisis y los Estudios Sociales · Politischen Akademie der ÖVP · Grupul pentru Dialog Social

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 250

CES Member Foundation:

Kós Károly Akadémia Alapítvány In English: Kós Károly Academy Foundation

· Country:

ROMANIA

· President:

Béla Marcó

· Director:

Péter Kovács

· Year of establishment: 2010 · EPP m/p affiliation:

RMDSZ

Contact Details: 540099 Targu Mures, str. Ulciorului nr. Phone/Fax: +40.265.210.020 | koskarolyakademia@gmail.com | www.koskarolyakademia.ro

· History:

Kós Károly (December 16, 1883 - August 25, 1977) was a Hungrian architect, writer, illustrator, ethnologist and politician of Austria-Hungary and Romania. The Kós Károly Academy Foundation (Kós Károly Akadémia Alapítvány - KKA) was founded on 14.01.2010 by the decision of the Civil Law court of the 5th District in Bucharest. This decision was based on the regulation of the Romanian Government, nr. 26/2000, concerning societies and foundations, and nr. 13/1954, concerning individuals and legal people. In the year 2010 he RMDSZ (Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania) and the KKA signed an agreement, in which they convened that the RMDSZ financially contributes to the projects and activities of the KKA with the purposes of fulfill the goals form its statute, to support the doctrinal modernisation, to strengthen and develop democracy in Romania, to protect the national minorities, to implement the equality of chances, to fight against intolerance, to organise activities in the field of education, to improve human resources and other activities.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 251

· Activities:

The founding document of the Academy includes the types of activities that KKA can perform. These are the following: • to elaborate and coordinate programmes of scientific research designed to contribute to the achievement of the RMDSZ‘s political program; • to elaborate, coordinate and evaluate programs of socio-economic expertise and consulting; • to sustain communication, exchange of information and opinion in themes of common interest, between Romanian and foreign associations and foundations with the same field of activity; • to organise scientific reunions (seminars, symposiums, conferences) dedicated to topics which are closely linked to the political program of the RMDSZ; • to sustain the national minorities in Romania in their struggle for defending, observing and developing their national identity; • to elaborate and implement strategies concerning a legislative framework for the protection of individual and collective rights of the national minorities; • to organise, coordinate and support different educational programs, with the aim of strengthening democratic ideas and practices, tolerance, balanced interethnic relations, dialogue and solidarity among citizens; • to elaborate and sustain doctrinal programmes concerning the modernisation of Romania as well as the problems of contemporary society; • to monitor and analyse the information (in written and electronic press on local and national level); • to organise, coordinate and evaluate opinion polls; • to organise activities of public relation, with the purpose of fulfilling the political programme of the RMDSZ; • to edit brochures, flyers, books, magazines; • to organise common programmes with universities and different institutions.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 252

· Publications:

“Census 2011. - The Hungarian population in Transylvania in the first decade of the 20th century.“ The publication is the result of a collaboration between the National Institute for Minority Research and the Kós Károly Academy Foundation. “This is how Markó Béla works“ This is the title of the first e-book in Transylvania and it is a volume of interviews with the head of the Kós Károly Academy Foundation. The Kós Károly Academy Foundation is the intellectual owner of the “Erdélyi Riport“ weekly paper, written in Hungarian.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 253

CES Member Foundation:

Inštitút pre moderné Slovensko – odvaha, vzdelanosť, zodpovednosť In English: Institute for Modern Slovakia – Courage, Knowledge, Responsibility, IPMS

· Country:

SLOVAKIA

· Executive Director:

Jana Kviečinská

· Year of establishment:

2007

· EPP m/p affiliation:

SDKÚ-DS

Contact Details: Šancova ul. 70, 81105 Bratislava Phone: + 421.2.572.04.620 | jana.kviecinska@ipms.sk | www.ipms.sk

· History:

The idea to establish an institute, an educational support and service agency for party members and wide centre right oriented public, occurred at the SDKÚ Party Congress in November 2002 and the need was re-confirmed at Party Congress in 2006. The Institute for Modern Slovakia was established as a civic association in March 2007 targeted to create a space for further education, lifelong enhancement of knowledge and skills of centre right-wing oriented people, whose views, opinions and attitudes are close to SDKÚ-DS, with a special focus on education for party members. The objectives and aims of the Institute are to support educational activities for individuals, the versatile preparation of publicly active persons, the free exchange of experience and knowledge at the domestic and European levels, breaking through the barriers between political, academic, entrepreneurial, media and civil spheres as well as among various groups of society. Last but not least, the mission of the Institute is also aimed at evoking lively interest in public issues, both at the national and European levels and popularising centre right thinking and policies. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 254

· Activities:

1. Space for participation: · Conferences and forums: a series of forums on different topics for the wider public (covering the whole of Slovakia) to present alternatives towards existing policies and to enable the public to express their views and support an open discussion. · Commemorative actions: Milan Hodža Commemorative Day (in Martin), 17 November: the Day of Fight for Freedom and Democracy (in Bratislava) 2. Space for personal growth: · Seminars and trainings for local and regional counsellors, mayors (on day-today political management, political marketing and anti-corruption strategies) · Training for the MPs, their assistants and employees of the Central Office of the SDKÚ-DS and its regional offices (on interpersonal relations and intra-organisational communication and team-building skills) · Seminars for young political activists, leaders, members of the New Generation, a youth organisation of the SDKÚ-DS (on theories, methods and practice of public policy, both national and European, public administration with special focus on educational, environmental and welfare issues) 3. Space for ideas: · Course Art in politics – Art of politics for an artists, scholars and all those who are interested in creating a space for further development, refinement and clarification of values constituting and connecting art and politics · Round tables on the impact of the financial crisis for representatives of all parties gathered in the EPP and influential NGO’s aimed at provoking discussion on the expert level of what solutions and actions are to be taken at the national level which has led to the creation of the program ”The plan for Slovakia in crisis: how to help economy, how to help people.“ · Round table on the state of justice, judiciary system, reinforcing the law and anti-corruption strategies in Slovakia for representatives of all parties gathered in EPP and influential NGO’s, lawyers, judges and journalists

· Publications:

· Dialogues without Boundaries Miloš Zeman, Mikuláš Dzurinda: · Oľga Gyárfášová: Voters of Centre Right Parties in Slovakia and the EU Membership · Shaping Slovakia: Where are we coming from, who we are, where we are standing now Public view in the final stage of 2nd decade of state independence Author of study: doc. PhDr. Oľga Gyárfášová, PhD. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 255

CES Member Foundation:

Nadácia Antona Tunegu In English: Anton Tunega Foundation, NAT

· Country:

SLOVAKIA

· Chairman:

Ján Figeľ

· Executive Director:

Marek Degro

· Year of establishment:

1992

· EPP m/p affiliation:

KDH

Contact Details: Bajkalská 25, 82101 Bratislava Phone: +421.908.334.344 | info@tunega.sk | www.tunega.sk

· History:

Anton Tunega Foundation (NAT) was founded in 1992 as a political academy for, in that times new, political party – Christian Democratic Movement (KDH). Since that time we have organized hundreds of various kinds of trainings, seminars and conferences. During the first years our activities were mostly focused on protection of our young and fragile democracy, to make it stable and to promote its advantages to public. After 40 years of socialist leadership and no freedom, it was one of first organizations that offered support for young democratic politicians to learn, how to lead country, how to govern, how to communicate, write legislation proposals, etc. In that times foundation cooperated mostly with German (KAS, HSS), Dutch (EF CDA), British, and US political academies. Step by step were trained our own trainers, who later overtake the responsibility for education process.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 256

· Activities:

In first decade we lead a fight in protecting the fragile democracy in Slovakia. Our best success was, when during 2000-2006 we held supportive campaigns for Slovak efforts to become a member of EU and NATO. Nowadays, as we have defended our democracy and become part of EU structures, our main goal is to develop country to modern and innovative, with good conditions for job creation. We act as promoter of the values of Christian democracy, and as database of international experiences in doing politics according with the values that KDH represents and respect. NAT organizes every year dozen of trainings, seminars, conferences and publishes books, focused on building and strengthening the position of Christian democracy in Slovakia. We cooperate with Slovak and European partners on common goals. Our target group is represented by young future leaders with interest on public matters, representatives of regional governments, and political actors at national level, seniors, etc. We prepare Slovak EPP candidates for the elections to the European parliament, other candidates for national elections to the National Council and also to regional self-governments. We are preparing for them several training programmes, printed manuals and booklets. On the other hand, we organize national and international conferences, reflecting actual topics in Slovakia or in Europe. Panelists are usually high ranking people from political life and professionals. Output is widely used by media and promoted.

· Publications:

· Katolík v politike, translation from Italian origin, 2013 Giampaolo Crepaldi · Príručka volebnej kampane / Campaing manual for regional elections, 1997 Team of authors

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 257

CES Member Foundation:

Inštitut dr. Janeza Evangelista Kreka In English: Institute Dr. Janez Evangelist Krek, IJEK

· Country:

SLOVENIA

· President:

Janez Dular

· Director: Rok Prešern · Year of establishment: 2009 · EPP m/p affiliation:

NSI

Contact Details: Cankarjeva cesta 11, 1000 Ljubljana Phone: +386.1.241.66.50 | info@ijek.si | www.ijek.si

· History:

In 2008 the party leaders of New Slovenia – Christian People‘s Party (NSi) considered the establishment of a political party foundation, which would be systematicly involved with civic and political education, and would act as a think-tank for social, economic and political research. This foundation would represent Christian Democratic values, strengthen the Christian Democracy within civil society and help the party to develop further. The foundation “Inštitut dr. Janeza Evangelista Kreka” (Institute dr. Janez Evangelist Krek) was established in August 2009 by the party leaders. The institute is formally indepedent.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 258

The purposes of the institute are: · · · · ·

development of a democratic culture and political dialogue, civic and political education, support to European integration through international dialogue, bases of a political action through research and consultancy, development of new methods for democratic implementation of political interests, · support to science and scientific research, · support to arts and culture.

· Activities:

The aim is to become the leading foundation with Christian Democratic values in Slovenia, covering the fields of democracy and democratic culture, political dialogue, civic and political education, research and science, politics and policymaking, arts and culture. Within its work it also promotes freedom, individual responsibility, rule of law and (social) market economy. The institute serves as a training and a research centre for the party New Slovenia – NSI, Christian People‘s Party. It organizes seminars, conferences and discussion round tables, publish books. It strives to create a meeting space for academics, professionals, party leaders and members and representatives of civil society.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 259

CES Member Foundation:

Inštitut dr. Jožeta Pučnika In English: Dr. Jože Pučnik Institute, IJP

· Country:

SLOVENIA

· President:

Bernard Brščič

· Director:

Mateja Jančar

· Year of establishment: 2006 · EPP m/p affiliation:

SDS

Contact Details: Institute dr. Jože Pučnik, Hribarjevo nabrežje 13, 1000 Ljubljana Tel.: +386 1 425 30 87 | Fax: +386 1 425 3089 | info@ijpucnik.si | www.ijpucnik.si

· History:

The Jože Pučnik Institute (IJP) was founded in 2006 as a think-tank of scientists, policymakers and experts from various fields with the goal of enhancing political culture in Slovenia. With its activities the IJP wishes to encourage and support the free exchange of opinions on topical questions in society which are important for development of democratic thought. In accordance with political thinking and the work of Dr. Jože Pučnik the IJP strives for implementation of high standards of the European political culture in Slovenia, democratic and open society, a society of Slovenian and European values, tolerance and understanding in public life, enhancement of plural cultural and scientific creativity, stabilisation of Europe with the enlargement of the European Union and with the support of democratic forces in the accession process, for cooperation with the political, cultural and scientific groups and individuals in Europe and around the world joined together by the principles of the society of democracy, openness and solidarity.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 260

· Activities:

· Publications:

The main activities of the Institute are: organisation of public debates and other forms of exchange of opinion, providing expertise on topical political and social issues, supporting scientific and cultural creativity, encouraging political dialogue of various opinions on relevant themes at public events, in various publications and in media, international connections and exchanges.

The Institute published two books and nine publications with the collections of conference papers, three of them in English: · Where are the limits of the EU?, 2009 – a collection of conference papers from the event ”Where are the limits of EU?“, which was organised in December 2008 with CES. · Matej Avbelj: European common market and human rights, 2009 – In 2009 ”Perspektive“, a new research series of young Slovenian intellectuals and researchers was launched. · The Role of National Parliaments in the EU Decision-Making Processes, 2008 - The book is dedicated to political, legal and theoretical aspects of the relationships between national parliaments and the EU as well as to possible solutions and suggestions for better cooperation.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 261

CES Member Foundation:

Fundacion para el Análisis y los Estudios Sociales In English: Foundation for Social Research and Analysis, FAES

· Country:

SPAIN

· Chair:

José María Aznar

· General Secretary:

Javier Zarzalejos

· Year of establishment: 1989 · EPP m/p affiliation:

Contact Details: C/ María de Molina 40 - 6ª planta, 28006 Madrid Phone: +34.91.576.6857 | fundacionfaes@fundacionfaes.org | www.fundacionfaes.org

FAES, Foundation for Social Studies and Analysis, is a private non-profit organisation that works in the sphere of ideas and political proposals. · History:

Linked to the Partido Popular since its creation in 1989, FAES Foundation is presided over by José María Aznar. FAES is a leading think tank committed to nurturing the political ideas and activities of the liberal and reformist centre. At the service of Spain and all its citizens, FAES seeks to reinforce the values of Western freedom, democracy and humanism. Its aim is to create, promote and spread ideas which are based on political, intellectual and economic freedom - ideas capable of offering political alternatives to socialism and ways of thinking that are different and which can be adopted and turned into programmes of political activity by those in positions of political responsibility.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 262

The instruments FAES uses to achieve these aims include discussion groups, seminars, lectures, summer conferences (FAES Campus), and training courses. FAES issues electronic publications, a magazine (Cuadernos de pensamiento politico), reports called FAES Papers, and books published by its publishing house Gota a Gota. The Foundation also undertakes a considerable amount of activities in the field of international relations with other foundations and think tanks in Europe, the United States, and Latin America, as well as with experts and scholars all over the world.

What does FAES do? · Activities:

FAES works in four different areas. It generates ideas, disseminates them, educates those wanting to become involved in political activity and sets up and plays an active role in similar networks. • Generating ideas Seminars. FAES organises seminars for a restricted number of people — whether experts, professors, businessmen or politicians — which take place behind closed doors. One speaker introduces a topic which is discussed by the people present. Their conclusions are then used by the Foundation, which sometimes publishes them electronically or on paper. Research. FAES commissions specialists to write monographic research reports on different subjects of interest. Their conclusions are sometimes published by the Foundation. Sometimes, research is carried out in collaboration with other important think tanks from both sides of the Atlantic. FAES Economic Observatory. The aim of this forum is to analyse Spanish economy, its situation, outlook, and its economic policies. The experts comprising this Observatory meet on a regular basis. The Observatory group includes academics and highly reputed professionals from the field of economics. The Economic Observatory is presided by Juan Velarde, Prince of Asturias for Social Sciences laureate and Trustee of the Foundation. FAES Centre for Latin American Studies. This centre, which has its origin in the work carried out by the Foundation on Latin America, functions like an observatory. The work of this centre is supported by the principles defended by the Foundation. FAES believes that common values establish Latin America as an essential part of the Western community and that democracy, political and economic freedom and the rule of law pave the only legitimate road to accomplish the full development of Latin American nations.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 263

• Promotion of ideas · Publications:

Conferences and launches. FAES organises public sessions with one or several speakers with the purpose of presenting a particular piece of work or of declaring a position regarding a specific matter. Books. FAES publishes books on different topics, in some cases reflecting the contributions made during conferences or seminars. Strategic Reports. FAES writes strategic reports on key matters for a better future. Many of these are also translated into English and other languages. FAES has recently published the following reports: A Case for an Open Atlantic Prosperity Area; Latin America: An Agenda for Freedom; Europe: Proposals for Freedom; The Reform of the International Financial System; and NATO: An Alliance for Freedom. Gota a Gota. FAES’ publishing house. Gota a Gota regularly publishes books of a political, economic, historical or sociological nature, available in bookshops. Our books study the new ideas and vicissitudes taking place in Spain today, the changes that are happening around the world, and the meaning and definition of classical liberalism in the history of Spain. Gota a Gota has its own website where its books can be purchased online. Cuadernos de Pensamiento Político. This is a quarterly journal published in Spanish with a meticulous presentation, featuring substantial articles written by Spanish and foreign experts covering a wide range of political, economic, social and cultural topics. You can subscribe to our journal here. FAES Papers. FAES regularly issues and distributes by email and conventional mail a concise publication which reflects a specific thesis on a particular matter – usually a current affairs issue. Thousands of people already receive FAES Papers by email. Documentation Centre. FAES has a library which includes an extensive collection of books and documents on philosophy, political theory, economics and various social issues as well as on the Partido Popular and many of its activities. Access to this documentation is available, under certain conditions, to all those wishing to consult it. • Training programmes Training for political action. FAES organises training courses addressed to people who are engaged in political careers. These courses mainly focus on training for political action as well as on improving communication skills.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 264

FAES Campus. Main reference forum focusing on the discussion of ideas and arguments over the summer. The FAES Campus lasts ten days and brings together several first-rate leading experts from Spain and abroad who contribute new approaches and ideas on issues related to the present and future of Spain and the Western world. The sessions, open to the media, are attended by hundreds of mostly young people. FAES internships. Every year FAES selects a group of interns, each specialising in a different field, who wish to complete their training and work for one year at the Foundation.

• Creating Networks International relations. FAES plays an active role in different networks of European and American think tanks, and maintains close ties with Latin American organisations. It also organises joint seminars with foreign foundations with which it has collaboration agreements. Latin American visitors programme. Every year, fifty young people selected by their outstanding political profiles and coming from different countries of Latin America come and take part in a two-week programme for the exchange of ideas in Madrid and Brussels. This programme has generated a network that spreads the values of freedom and democracy advocated by FAES in Latin America. This programme also helps to develop tighter bonds with similar Latin American institutions. The Foundation has also arranged several Campuses in Latin American countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Chile, in co-operation with academic and political counterparts.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 265

CES Member Foundation:

Institut d´Estudis Humanístics Miquel Coll i Alentorn In English: Institute for Humanistic Studies Miquel Coll and Alentorn, INEHCA

· Country:

SPAIN

· President:

Llibert Cuatrecasas i Membrado

· Director:

Francesc de Paula Gambús i Millet

· Year of establishment: 1993 · EPP m/p affiliation:

UDC

Contact Details: Carrer de Nàpols 35-39, 08018 Barcelona Phone: +34.934.869.754 | Fax: +34.934.864.192 | secretaria@inehca.cat | www.inehca.cat

· History:

INEHCA was established in 1993 as a think tank with strong links to the Unió Democràtica de Catalunya, the steering committee of which appoints the board of the Foundation. The objective of the Foundation is the dissemination, both direct and indirect, of each of the democratic values inspired by the Christian humanistic tradition and with special consideration of Catalan society and people, as well as its development and application on a local, Catalan, national and international level. The aim of INEHCA is to be an open space for dialogue, where everybody can express their ideas, their convictions, their reflections freely, in order to gradually move forward in the development of individual and collective human rights, for the good of humanity and world peace.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 266

· Activities:

INEHCA organises various activities, including seminars, conferences and courses, as well as the compilation and publication of books and magazines, with the intention of offering a wide vision of the ideas of Christian Democratic values which underpin the philosophy of UDC. The seminars that INEHCA organises are offered to the members of UDC and all interested persons and entities. They are structured with the purpose of propagating and reflecting on the importance of historic and current topics seen from different approaches, with the participation of recognised experts and academics as well as institutions. The Institute also carries out every year its Summer School, a two-day meeting that focuses on the members of UDC. The Summer School allows the participants to pause from their daily political activities and analyse topics related to the ideas and values of the organisation and other relevant current affairs. INEHCA courses are focused on strengthening the skills of specific groups inside the organisation, such as young people and theme leaders, in specific aspects like oratory development, delegation and time management, and communication strategies.

· Publications:

Since 1998, INEHCA publishes the quarterly magazine ”Diàlegs“ which offers a platform for debate for different approaches on social and political issues related to UDC‘s ideological foundations. In 2012 INEHCA has launched the first number of a yearly magazine “Diàlegs d‘Economia Social de Mercat” which aims to open a plataform for debate about economic issues under the perspective of the Social Market Economy. The Institute also supports the publication of books and papers on related topics of interest.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 267

CES Member Foundation:

Jarl Hjalmarson Stiftelsen In English: Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation, JHS

· Country:

SWEDEN

· Chair:

Göran Lennmarker

· Managing Director: Eva Gustavsson · Year of establishment: 1994 · EPP m/p affiliation:

Contact Details: Stora Nygata 30, Box 2080, 10312 Stockholm Phone: +46.8.676.8000 | Fax: +46.8.676.8086 info@hjalmarsonstiftelsen.se | www.hjalmarsonstiftelsen.se

· History:

The Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation was founded in Stockholm, Sweden in 1994. The Foundation aims to promote development and European co-operation and integration, on the basis of freedom, democracy and market economy. This goal is achieved by activities intended to promote the development of democracy, such as lectures and seminars arranged in cooperation with political parties and organisations. During its first years the Foundation centred its activities on countries in the Baltic region: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the St Petersburg area. With the entry into the EU of ten new member states, the Foundation‘s work there was done; thus today its activities are centred on states that are the neighbours of the expanded Union, i.e. Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia and Ukraine. Projects are also organized in the Balkans and Turkey as well as Africa and Latin America. The Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation is an independent entity with close ties to the Moderate Party of Sweden. It is a small organisation assisted by a number of dedicated volunteer lecturers that offer their time and expertise to the Foundation. – POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 268

· Activities:

Activities aimed at politically active women, youth and students are prioritised in the countries in which the Foundation operates. This is an efficient way of reaching those who in the future will occupy important political positions in their home countries. The activities are principally funded through the Swedish International Development Authority. The main objective of the development aid, carried out by the Swedish politically affiliated organisations, is according to the government’s guidelines: to facilitate the emergence of a well functioning party system in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the developing world. The ultimate aim is to promote a democratic and representative form of government in those countries. The projects initiated by the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation are designed to reach these goals. It is the Foundation‘s intention to consolidate the partner organisations by helping them build strong and democratic internal structures. The Foundation also seeks to develop the capabilities of individuals to participate in the political debate and thus to influence the political development and to further the development of democracy. In addition, the Foundation arranges seminars on the principles and functioning of democracy and European integration. All these activities are mainly aimed at political parties. The cooperation with party organisations follows a four-point programme that has proven highly successful: · · · ·

· Publications:

Providing support in setting up organisational structures. Teaching communication, campaigning and media handling skills. Offering ideological training. Giving advice on practical politics.

The book Principles for a Free Society explains the fundamental principles and values essential for a free, democratic and open society. Words such as democracy, freedom and equality are frequently used but rarely correctly understood. Principles for a Free Society examines twelve central ideas, demonstrates why they are necessary for a free society and applies them to political controversies. Readers are given the intellectual tools to contribute to the debate about the future of their country and the world. This book has been used as a study guide at almost a hundred seminars arranged by the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation. A couple of thousand participants have been able to study the Principles for a Free Society since the book was first published in 1999. The book has been translated into eight languages and is currently available in English, Lithuanian, Spanish, Russian, Azerbaijani (Azeri), Serbian, Swedish, Arabic and Turkish.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 269

The anthology Triumph of Democracy was published 20 years after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Six authors tell their stories and give analyses of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. What happened and why? The book Communism in the Baltic States was published the first time in 1999. It is still one of the most extensive documentations of the crimes against human rights in the Baltic States committed by the Soviet communists. The book was written by Andres Küng, author, debater and entrepreneur. Diaries of Dissidents is a collection of 15 diaries written by political prisoners in Belarus prisons. The foreword is written by Vytautas Landsbergis, Head of state of Lithuania after its independence and today Member of the European Parliament. In the anthology Balkan Blend – the Road to Renewal eight diverse stories are told how the Balkan countries are dealing with the legacy of Communist Yugoslavia as well as the regional wars and demands of the EU –to become EU members. In addition to written publications, the Jarl Hjalmarson Foundation features three independent webpages providing news and analysis on the political situation in Azerbaijan, Belarus and Cuba as well as a webpage about Internet freedom. The aim is both to provide information for political activists in these countries, but also to put the international spotlight on the abuses by authoritarian regimes.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 270

Other Political Foundations and Think Tanks: European Ideas Network The European Ideas Network is a pan-European process designed to promote new thinking on the key policy challenges facing the European Union and its Member States. Launched in 2002 by the then EPP-ED Group with the active support of the EPP, the network has rapidly emerged as an important meeting point and intellectual cross-roads for the centre-right in European Politics. With an active membership of around 600 policy makers and opinion-shapers across the EU, the EIN brings together politicians, businessmen, academics, policy advisors, think tankers, journalists as well as outside non-party experts and commentators interested in the issues being addressed. The EIN currently has 12 working groups, addressing key domestic and international questions. Operating on an annual cycle, they undertake research and develop new thinking, to prepare in-puts into the annual summer university. They attract prominent policy experts as chairmen and rapporteurs. The EIN is chaired by Jaime MAYOR OREJA. For more on the EIN, please visit: www.ein.eu

The Robert Schuman Institute The Union of the Robert Schuman Institute for Developing Democracy in Central and Eastern Europe (RSI) has been operating under the auspices of the EPP with an extended scope of activities since 1995. RSI organises international courses for potential young leaders, party members and officials of the EPP sister and co-operating parties of the developing democracies in the region receiving both theoretical and practical training. The EU accession of the CEE countries in 2004/2007 triggered an important shift in the target countries of RSI’s activities. The mission of the Institute, however, has been uninterrupted and consistent for countries of the Western Balkans and the Eastern Partnership.

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 271

RSI is also well-experienced in organising educational activities in a European framework. A large number of trainings were organised before the EU enlargements of 2004/2007 for politicians from the candidate states such as potential members of the European Parliament/EPP Group, parliamentary officials and parliamentary assistants. After 2007 political education was further provided for the students from member states, (potential) accession countries as well as Eastern Partnership states. The President of the Institute is Othmar KARAS, the Director is Kinga SZABÓ. For more information, please visit: www.schuman-institute.eu

The Robert Schuman Foundation The Robert Schuman Foundation for Cooperation among Christian Democrats in Europe, founded in 1989, is an entity of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, registered in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Since its establishment, the Foundation has provided one month internships in the European Parliament for more than 500 young people, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe, but also from Latin America, Russia and the southern Caucasus. Every two years the Foundation organises meetings of former interns in the form of political seminars. The Foundation is chaired by Jacques SANTER. For more on the Robert Schuman Foundation, please visit: www.schumanfoundation.eu

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 272

– POLITICAL FOUNDATIONS AND THINK-TANKS – 273

274

Section APPENDICES

– APPENDICES – 275

APPENDIX I

Platform of the European People’s Party EPP Statutory Congress | 17 – 18 October 2012 | Bucharest, Romania

INDEX Preamble

270

Part I: Values · The Concept of the Human Being · Freedom and Responsibility · Dignity and Fundamental Equality · Justice · Solidarity · Respect for the Integrity of the Earth and the Created World · Subsidiarity and Diversity · Our Vision of Society · The Social Market Economy · Religion and Politics

273 273 274 275 275 277 277 277 278 278 279

Part II: New Challenges for our Societies · Global Challenges · Society and Culture · Family and Demography · Education and Youth · Immigration and Integration · Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion · Deepening the Ethical Debate · The Role of Political Parties · Safeguarding National Minorities · The Importance of the Regions · Freedom in the Era of the Internet

280 280 282 283 283 284 285 286 286 287 288 288

– APPENDICES – 276

Part III: The European Union · The EU – A Union of Values · Europe in a Globalised World · What can Europe do Better? Subsidiarity and Capability to Act · Economy, Labour Markets, Innovation · Education and Research · Enlargement · Environment, Climate Change and Energy · Immigration and Integration · Demographic Change · Closer to the Citizens – The Future of the EU Institutions · Citizens in the Forefront · Economic and Monetary Union

289 289 290 296 297 299 300 300 301 301 301 303 306

Conclusion

308

– APPENDICES – 277

Platform of the European People’s Party EPP Statutory Congress | 17 – 18 October 2012 | Bucharest, Romania

PREAMBLE 001. The European Union and its Member States are confronted with a series of severe and unprecedented challenges. On the other hand, they also face important new opportunities. If the challenges remain unanswered and the opportunities unused, Europe risks permanent crisis, stagnation and decline. But if we rise to the challenge and make good use of our potential, we can leave the crisis behind and lead Europe to greater strength and prosperity. 002. Our political family is the driving force of European integration. The European Christian Democrats founded in 1976 - as the first European party – the European People’s Party. It has become the party of the centre and the centre right. After the end of the Cold War two decades ago, we helped to lay the foundations for a Europe truly whole and free. The 1990s turned out to be a decade marked by solidifying integration and preparing rapid enlargement of the Euro Atlantic institutions. That decade was governed by a sense of optimism about the global spread of liberal democracy and the social market economy. The EPP was at the forefront of these developments. Consequently, our 1992 Athens programme on basic principles reflects that spirit; just like the 2001 Berlin declaration “A Union of Values” reflects the enlarged EPP family on the eve of the accession of Central and Eastern Europe’s democracies to the Union. 003. All over the world the challenges of fighting against poverty, violence, the disregard for human dignity and for human rights remain. Moreover, in the decade since 2000, new challenges have emerged. Globally, the West finds itself in an unprecedented and intensifying global competition with emerging economic powers. While democratic ideas are spreading in some parts of the world, disguised authoritarian rule and fundamentalist, anti-Western thinking have become more acute elsewhere. This situation calls for an even closer transatlantic partnership. Climate change, environmental degradation, the de– APPENDICES – 278

pletion of natural resources, waves of migration, global market volatility, failing states, terrorism and transnational criminal networks requires better cooperation at the global level.

004. The European Union, having reformed its structures in a long and complex process, now faces the necessity of fundamentally improving its economic and political governance. It must also regain competitiveness and sustainable and inclusive growth as well as continue efforts to increase the confidence of its citizens in EU institutions and the European project. While confronted with multiple demographic challenges, the EU and its Member States are now envisaging an age of debt reduction of unprecedented scope. Among such challenges are ageing populations, the necessity of integrating a large number of immigrants more effectively and rapidly, often with technology-driven changes, into society, and providing younger generations with opportunities. Civil society and civil society organisations will become more important than ever. 005. All these challenges, global and European, collective and individual, can

only be successfully addressed on the basis of fundamental values. These values have remained the same over the last two decades. The EPP has nearly doubled the number of its member parties since 2000. Especially from Central and Eastern Europe, centre and centre-right parties have joined the EPP, increasing the political scope of our family, and enriching it with fresh ideas originating in their historical experiences. Having contributed to the liberation of their countries from Communism, they are fully aware, more so than others, that freedom and human rights cannot be taken for granted and must be protected every day. Together in a political family which is now broader than ever, we reaffirm our commitment, therefore, to the common core values of the EPP.

006. These values are: the dignity of human life in every stage of its existence,

freedom and responsibility, equality and justice, truth, solidarity and subsidiarity. The Christian image of Man is their point of departure. Achieving the Common Good is their final objective. For their implementation, a strong civil society is indispensable. In its pursuit we are guided by the use of reason and historical experience. Our political and societal choices are inspired by the constant need for change and the proper use of instruments to achieve this change, as well as a respect for history and for the way our values have been recognised and their interpretation developed.

007. We are convinced that without a stronger European Union at this point

in time, the Common Good cannot be achieved and our core values cannot be implemented. For this Union, liberal democracy and the social market economy are the defining characteristics. A stronger European Union demands more cooperation and in some issues maintaining and extending the use of the community method in EU decision making. The support of our citizens for the European project will be crucial to its future success. As younger generations often take peace, prosperity and security for granted, we need to explain â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 279

more effectively that the peace and prosperity we are now enjoying, to the greatest extent since the end of the Second World War, are the result of wise and courageous policies, policies that have given birth to the European Union and have sustained it throughout its further development. We need to explain, equally, that the economic benefits stemming from European integration greatly outweigh the costs.

008. In their combination, these core values and instruments form a coherent whole that distinguishes us from all our political competitors. Socialism and radical environmentalism do not give the same priority to freedom, personal responsibility and subsidiarity. Libertarianism neglects solidarity and inherent values. Populism and radical environmentalism are at odds with progress, democracy and the Social Market Economy. Populism, nationalism and euroscepticism are incompatible with a strong and efficient European Union capable of tackling the challenges of the future. 009. The European Union has faced a severe economic crisis which has its

roots in decades of overspending, the lack of competitiveness of some Member States, faulty practices and the lack of regulation in financial markets and inadequate mechanisms to address fundamental problems in Member States and at the European level. In order to return to sustainable economic growth and secure a prosperous future across the entire Union, we will have to get more people to work and work longer. This is only possible based on the values our political family holds dear. We will have to further develop the Economic and Monetary Union, strengthen economic governance and develop better and more efficient coordination instruments in fiscal and cross-border social policies. And we will have to constantly work on increasing our competitiveness in the globalised markets, as well as liberating unused growth potentials and protectionist and fragmented markets from over-regulation and bureaucracy. We know all this will not come easy, but if our political family does not tackle these challenges, no one else will.

010. Twenty years ago, Europe was triumphant. In the meantime, new risks have accumulated, but enormous progress has been made in making Europe more stable and prosperous. Our political family has played, and will continue to play, the leading role in this process. We have been and will be able to do so by adhering to our core values while adapting our strategies to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our tasks ahead are to strengthen Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sense of purpose and direction and to reaffirm these values, apply them to the challenges and opportunities facing us, and develop from these values the political strategies that will help the European Union to overcome this critical moment in time. Together, we can build a Europe that is stable, free and prosperous, safe for our children and good for the world.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 280

PART 1:

VALUES

The Concept of the Human Being 101. We, the member parties of the EPP, affirm the inalienable dignity of every

human being from the beginning and in every phase of its existence. We regard man as the subject and not the object of history. Acknowledging JudaeoChristian values and Hellenic-Roman heritage as our foundations, we regard every man and every woman as a unique human being who is, as a person, irreplaceable, totally irreducible, free by nature, and open to transcendence. In particular, we affirm that all men and all women have the same natural dignity and importance and are therefore equal by their nature. They share the same rights and obligations.

102. We strongly value a proper balance between tradition and modernity; in fact they complement each other. On the one hand, we respect the defining institutions and values of European history and the stability and cohesion of its society. On the other hand, we are guided by the two fundamental concepts at the root of modernity: Progress, the idea that we can and must work for a better tomorrow through constant change and European Enlightenment in its appeal to use reason to free ourselves from all self-induced dependency. 103. Because people are free, responsible and interdependent, they are taking

part in the construction and improvement of society.

104. Freedom is inherent in the nature of man. It means that every person has the right and the duty to be fully responsible for their acts and to share responsibility vis-Ă -vis their neighbour and the Earth for the integrity of the created world. 105. Progress is the result of multiple attempts to achieve the common good via different paths, through trials, errors and dialogue. Truth is not automatically accessible to man and man is by nature fallible. Consequently, we acknowledge that it is impossible for anyone to conceive of, not to mention construct, a perfect society free of all pain or conflict. We reject any form of totalitarianism based on such an aspiration. Every human being is capable of holding, pursuing and revising his or her own concept of good. The democratic polity treats with equal respect and concern people with different concepts of good, provided they are expressed in accordance with the values of tolerance and are democratic. 106. The thought and political action of the EPP are based on fundamental, interdependent, equally important and universally applicable values: freedom and responsibility, fundamental equality, justice, truth and solidarity, as well as â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 281

subsidiarity. We consider these values universal, not exclusively Western, although they historically emerged in the West and developed in dialogue with other cultures. This, in particular, refers to the equality between women and men, the separation between state authorities and religious institutions, the separation of powers, democracy and the rule of law.

Freedom and Responsibility 107. For more than two decades, we have lived in a Europe more united and freer than ever before. This is partly due to a process of European Integration, which has been successful beyond all expectations. But this is also due to the liberation of Central and Eastern Europe from totalitarian Communism and of parts of Southern Europe from authoritarian rule. The experience of getting rid of totalitarianism and dictatorship, and of being deprived of basic individual and political rights and of struggling for freedom, putting personal well-being and sometimes lives at risk, has enriched the whole of Europe. In our political family it has consolidated an irreversible commitment to human freedom and a steadfast rejection of totalitarian and authoritarian rule. Even after 20 years, the efforts of these parties working in former Communist countries to implement and sustain democratic values could (and should) not relax because of embedded and persistent autocratic traditions or due to a feigned conversion to European standards by the successors of former Communist parties. 108. We believe that genuine freedom means autonomy and responsibility, not irresponsible independence. True justice and solidarity cannot exist unless the existence of freedom is accepted by everyone as an essential prerequisite. 109. According to this concept, everyone shares responsibility vis-Ă -vis the integrity of the created world. Persons, groups, communities, peoples, nations and states are, therefore, answerable for their actions to each living and future human being, all of them being unique parts of the created world. 110. That is why the EPP seeks to enable everyone to enjoy, in their daily exis-

tence, the inalienable rights recognised as belonging to everyone. This involves both the right to develop and use their gifts, talents and abilities fully and, on the other hand, the obligation to offer these in service to the community and to seek at all times to apply the values of justice and solidarity in relationships with others.

111. Authorities derive their legitimacy from the requirement to establish the appropriate conditions for the personal development of everyone, individually as well as in the context of communities. Any authority, whether public or private and at whatever level it operates, must therefore protect the general interest and the common good of mankind with specific attention paid to the poorest and the most vulnerable under all circumstances. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 282

112. The common good must not be confused with the sum of individual interests. However, these interests must always be compatible with a proper respect for the rights of each person: individual, civil and political, economic and social, religious, cultural and collective. 113. The right of peoples to self-determination and the free exercise of their

legitimate rights cannot be invoked to deny any one person the exercise and enjoyment of his or her fundamental rights or to lead the people on a path of violence.

114. This respect for others’ freedom and equality should, in the opinion of the EPP, also be recognised in the way we deal, discuss and communicate with each other, notably in public debates, irrespective of the opinion and conviction of others, and in the way we refer to other groups, their convictions, minorities and institutions. 115. We consider that it is necessary to respect the right of conscientious objection. Dignity and Fundamental Equality 116. All human beings enjoy equal rights because they are endowed with the same dignity based on human nature. In relationships with others, each person‘s freedom is, therefore, limited by a respect for others‘ freedom and dignity deriving from the recognition of that fundamental equality. Notwithstanding their differences in terms of gifts, talents and abilities, each person must be able to achieve personal development in freedom and equality regardless of his or her origin, sex, age, race, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, conviction, social status or state of health. Justice 117. From the concept of justice follows that the necessary conditions for individuals and also their communities, depending on their nature and objectives, to exercise their freedom, must be guaranteed at all times. It is the characteristic of justice to attribute to each individual his dues and to actively strive for greater equality of opportunity and a life in society based on mutual respect. It is the responsibility of the state, social partners and civil society through legislation, partnership and participation at all levels – private, national and international – to ensure social justice. 118. One dimension of justice is respect for the law and its impartial applica-

tion. Citizens must be equal before the law. Laws are constantly evolving in tune with the dynamics of civilisation and technical progress but they must always respect human dignity and human rights and they have to be freely accepted by people and their communities. – APPENDICES – 283

119. Laws must evolve on the basis of universal respect for manâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s fundamental and undeniable rights, as defined in the 1948 Universal Declaration of the Rights of Man, the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union as confirmed in the Lisbon Treaty of 2009. 120. Justice cannot be arbitrary or confused with the dictatorship of the majority. It requires respect for the minority, to whom no majority can deny the free exercise of its rights, and it requires renouncing the imposition of measures and policies which are not compatible with basic human rights. Solidarity 121. Justice and solidarity are indissolubly linked to one another. Since anything that happens to one person has repercussions for others, solidarity means an awareness of the interdependence and interrelatedness of people. It also means practical action, sharing, effective aid, and rights and duties in relation to individuals and their communities.

122. Solidarity is a joint responsibility: the strong should help those in need

who in turn have to make an effort themselves to improve their situation according to their abilities.

123. In affirming the unity of mankind in space and time, we see solidarity as not only horizontal between human beings of all generations and all places but also vertical; referring to the legitimate interests of future generations and including respect for the created world. 124. Solidarity starts at home, in the family, and is indispensable for the com-

mon good of communities, nations and the EU as a whole. The principle of subsidiarity requires that solidarity is always balanced with the concepts of individual responsibility and selfrealisation. In the age of globalisation solidarity and the rejection of greed is the expression of the recognition of the global Common Good. The interdependence and common political destiny of the EU Member States call for European solidarity. Institutionalised solidarity between European Member States should, however, require Member States to assume their legal responsibilities.

Respect for the Integrity of the Earth and the Created World 125. We oppose the unreflected and unjust exploitation of the earth, without respect for the limited self-regenerating potential of nature. Our concept of man calls for responsible management of the earth with a view to satisfying the just needs of all and improving the living conditions and quality of life of â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 284

everyone, whilst also ensuring sustainable development to protect the legitimate interests of future generations. This implies abstaining from those policies and practices whose future consequences we cannot oversee, according to the precautionary principle. We encourage new technology, research and innovation since they are key to sustainable development. The EU has to play a leading role in this area.

126. Therefore, we should fully exercise our personal, national and European responsibility in dealing with the problem of climate change and we should work at all levels to mitigate this deterioration and to adapt to its consequences. 127. High environmental and social standards are prerequisites for good living conditions. We believe in the sound judgement of the people themselves. Laws should create the appropriate framework for an informed and reasoned decision. Subsidiarity and Diversity 128. We consider that democracy is a vital condition for the lives of human beings as citizens and for prospering societies. Democracy is always based on rule of law, a separation of powers and free elections. Citizens’ participation in public life and in decisions that concern everyone represents an essential element of democracy. We consider citizens’ participation at all levels as an indispensable means to achieving a true democracy. 129. The principle of subsidiarity means that power must be exercised at the

level where it is both most effective and closest to the citizen provided it can be effectively exercised at that level. Policies, measures and regulatory frameworks that are most effective at the European level should be transferred to the European Union, while tasks that can be performed in an adequate manner at a lower level must not be transferred to a higher level. All levels of governance in the EU must cooperate with transparency in completing these tasks.

130. The limits imposed by the principle of subsidiarity also contribute to a specific separation of powers by preventing their concentration. We envisage a strong bottom-up system, reaching from empowered individuals and families and their organisations, local communities, cities, regions and Member States up to the level of the European Union. 131. If governments violate fundamental human rights, the international com-

munity of states has the responsibility to take protective measures on the basis of treaties, conventions, agreements and other texts, and even by codifying an obligation to intervene using gradually more and more severe but proportionate means to stop the violations, subject to strict international, democratic control. – APPENDICES – 285

132. The raison d‘être of the sovereignty of states is to enable them to ensure the common good, the well-being and development of their people, and to defend and reinstate international judicial order respecting human dignity. This also means, however, that states must share their sovereignty in supranational and international organisations whenever they cannot take effective action individually; they should combine their capabilities in international and global partnerships and conventions.

Our Vision of Society 133. Our values should guide the political order as well as the economic, social and cultural spheres. 134. Economic development, based on the contributions of each and every

person, cannot foster wellbeing and peace unless its fruits are shared with the aim of improving the living conditions of each person and his or her personal development. It is for this reason that we are in favour of the social market economy and must support and develop sustainable systems of solidarity and responsibility.

135. It is necessary to remain vigilant with regard to the danger that the misuse of economic power results in the inhibition of freedom, in inequality or injustice. It is therefore important to safeguard competition between market forces as well as to promote solidarity and social justice.

136. Subsidiarity expresses itself not only vertically in the political system but also horizontally in society, based on the premise that society can be constructed in freedom. The public authorities must, therefore, respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, recognise and support the relative autonomy of social groups and not take the place of private initiative unless the latter is weak or non-existent. In this same spirit, the European People‘s Party encourages a vibrant civil society through the activities of nongovernmental organisations and the creation of associations. We also believe the EU should foster direct relations with associations of producers, consumers, trade unions, economic chambers and other socio-economic and societal actors.

The Social Market Economy 137. The social market economy as a concept was developed in Europe’s darkest hour, in the 1930s and 1940s, as an antidote to crisis, totalitarianism and war. It built further on concepts and policies which were developed in the nineteenth century and the first decades thereafter by societal organisations and churches. The social market economy is, above all, a deeply political concept to safeguard human freedom through the preservation and development of the market. It has found its clearest expression in the policies of Christian Democrats in the first decades of post-war Europe and it represents a basic – APPENDICES – 286

principle of our political family. It constitutes an economic and social order, anchored in the treaties and which reconciles personal freedom, private property rights and free and market competition with social rights, public interest, and sustainable development. Our political family must re-emphasise the ethics of work and entrepreneurship, which allows for everyone to earn their own living. The EPP is in favour of a strong social dialogue and recognises the important role of social partners.

138. The weakest members of our society deserve solidarity as long as they cannot support themselves. However, this policy should never be in contradiction to the basic principle of personal responsibility in a competitive market environment. After the experience of a severe worldwide financial and economic crisis, the promotion and strengthening of the principles of the social market economy at European and global level in an ever more connected global economy must be our top priority. Markets must work as freely as possible and unfair practices and protectionist measures against free competition and free trade need to be done away with.

139. A social market economy at European and global level has to be based on the principle of environmental sustainability. That implies an ever greater attention to renewable energy sources, phasing out unsustainable energy production, energy efficiency, the preservation of biodiversity, the conservation and regeneration of natural resources (water, air and land). It also means that economic growth should support those factors which increase the citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; quality of life. Religion and Politics 140. We, the member parties of the EPP, reaffirm the link that exists between

Christian values based on the Gospel and Christian cultural heritage and the democratic ideals of freedom, fundamental equality between all human beings, social justice and solidarity. At the same time we emphasise the separation between church and state and the need to distinguish between the roles of the church and the state in society, as well as between religion and politics. The Gospel is not a political platform. But, the above distinction should never justify the exclusion of churches from the public domain or lead to devaluing the need for constant dialogue and interaction between the political and the religious spheres. This dialogue should be strengthened. The EPP welcomes Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and considers it as a key tool, for example, when dealing with the issue of the persecution of Christians and other religious groups in the world. The freedom of religion, including the right to conversion or to hold no religion, is on an equal level with other basic human rights.

141. In recognition of the Greco-Roman and Judaeo-Christian roots of our civilisation and the Enlightenment as sources of inspiration we want to position â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 287

ourselves as essentially a party of values without confessional bindings. This is valid both for those of us who believe in God as the source of truth, justice, good and beauty, and who believe that humankind is called upon to contribute to God‘s work of creation and freedom, as well as those who do not share this faith but who respect the same universal values as arising from other sources.

142. If it rejects, forgets, neglects or dilutes its values, the European People‘s

Party will be no more than an instrument of power, without soul or future, whilst also forfeiting the universal and original nature of its message, which is based on a global appreciation of the irreducible complexity of every human being and of life in society.

PART 2:

NEW CHALLENGES FOR OUR SOCIETIES

201. The European Project, for which the member parties of the EPP were the pioneers and the driving force, remains yet to be completed. Post-war Europe has been reconstructed, war has become a distant threat, the move towards totalitarianism has been reversed; the continent has been almost united and has become peaceful and more prosperous than ever. But there is no reason for complacency. 202. The 21st century offers not only dramatic new opportunities but also po-

ses challenges and threats. Globalisation demands a multifaceted answer but it must be a strong and coherent European response. The enormous power shifts in economics and geo-politics demand a new common effort towards innovation and competence based on values and long-term vision and strategies. The demographic evolution, climate change, threats to food security, the shrinking of biodiversity and new scarcities make far reaching changes inevitable.

203. We believe that global developments of the last decades have reaffirmed

the basic principles of the European social model as well as the necessity of developing it further in order to maintain competitiveness.

Global Challenges 204. After overcoming totalitarianism and creating the conditions for reconciliation and the prevention of war in Europe, we are now confronted with a dramatic shift in power relations worldwide and the emergence of a new global landscape. This goes hand in hand with farreaching demographic and economic changes. Moreover cultural and financial constraints limit the readiness of Europe to assume stronger geo-political responsibilities. The end of the Cold – APPENDICES – 288

War and the successful struggle against poverty and underdevelopment in many countries create new possibilities for peaceful international cooperation and the strengthening of global governance. But on the other hand there are increasing threats stemming from regional insecurities, failing states, the quest for natural resources, unsettled territorial disputes, terrorism and new and old weapons of mass destruction in the hands of state and non-state actors. In this new political landscape, Europe must be aware that it can easily lose its hitherto still significant impact on world affairs also in view of the shift of attention of its most important ally, the United States, to others parts of the world. These opportunities and threats in the domain of international and foreign policies will demand a far-sighted, committed, strong, and creative answer from the Union. They provide a new justification for continuing and intensifying European integration itself.

205. Globalisation and the information society increase the dependencies and contagion risks among countries and among economic regions and can, therefore, lead to negative economic developments in a much shorter time than in the past. Globalisation and growing interdependence have also created imminent threats to, and great opportunities for, the European economy. The increasing purchasing power in many parts of the globe and expanding world trade have given new chances to Europe’s export of goods and services, whilst at the same time the worldwide division of labour has lowered the cost of many basic products for European consumers. Millions of new jobs have been created. On the other hand, the same new division of labour has caused severe losses of jobs on our continent. Moreover, Europe’s global competitiveness is being challenged on an unprecedented scale, especially concerning our demographic structure, education, research and development patterns and lack of geographic mobility. On top of that, it has become painfully clear that our current patterns of excessive public and private spending based on credit and lending are unsustainable not only in the perspective of future generations but even in the short run. The creation of the euro has certainly boosted the economies of the participating states, and is therefore irreversible or can be undone only at the price of dramatic and uncontrollable consequences. The central question for citizens and politics is whether we are ready and willing to draw the full economic, financial and institutional consequences of having one currency. We as the EPP are, therefore, facing the threefold challenge of an intense and broad reform and modernisation of our economies in adaptation to the exigencies’ of the global competition on the one hand, the rebalancing of our public and private incomes at with our spending without causing economic downturn and mass unemployment on the other hand, and the bringing about of institutional reforms which are essential for the preservation of a common currency. Saving the European Project in the face of these challenges will demand vision and expertise. 206. The industrial revolution, population growth, technological capabili-

ties and above all the enormous increase in production and consumption are confronted with the limits of what the Earth can reproduce and absorb, and have, in a number of cases, exceeded their capacity. Restoring this balance is – APPENDICES – 289

no less than a matter of survival of mankind and a central challenge of this and future generations. Moreover, our economies already feel the constraints of upcoming scarcities, notably in the area of energy. Drastic changes in our patterns of production and consumption are unavoidable and global warming will make them more urgent. On the other hand, existing technologies and the development of new ones can not only create alternatives to unsustainable trends in our economies and lifestyles, but also provide promising new perspectives of change, innovation, employment and growth. The greening of our economies provides chances – nationally, regionally and globally – for new entrepreneurship and for bold solutions to scarcities. It can be a new source of income for modern and hitherto less developed societies alike. This third overarching challenge is at the same time an indispensable new ground for European cooperation: environmental challenges demand solutions, which surpass national boundaries. Most of them demand a global approach in which the advocacy of the visions and interests of Europe will not be effective without strong, unified and far-sighted policies and practices.

Society and Culture 207. Europe has always been a place of culture, rationality, progress, knowledge and Humanism. We, as the EPP, believe that there is a common European culture distinct in the context of globalisation. Therefore, we are in favour of strengthening a structure of society in which there is room for families, local communities, citizen’s associations, regions and nations. We attach strong value to citizens’ personal responsibility, to a balance between commercial and non-profit initiatives including cultural activities, and between paid and voluntary engagement. Public policy should support this. 208. Fostering a strong sense of European identity, as an indispensable precondition to a dynamic Union, must be based on the social, cultural and spiritual diversity of our continent. This diversity also includes the contribution of other religions than Judaism and Christianity such as Islam. 209. We need, at the same time, the protection and promotion of official local

and regional languages and the right to education in the mother tongue in an appropriate number of schools on the one hand and, on the other hand, multilingual education, which permits the citizens of Europe to communicate easily with one another.

210. We see a strong need for the protection and fostering of values detached from purely commercial interests and for the development of contemporary cultural expressions in the area of media; including new media, architecture and spatial planning, arts, literature and the preservation of our cultural heritage and its enrichment through the promotion of cultural exchange and mobility.

– APPENDICES – 290

Family and Demography 211. As laid down in Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the state. Family is irreplaceable as the core institution where love and charity, sympathy, and human solidarity are cherished and instilled, thereby uniting different generations. It is the place where parents and children take responsibility and practise solidarity for each other. Strong families are also a precondition for better demographic development. 212. We are aware of the need for new balances in our societies between paid

and professional work, on the one hand, and family care on the other, in order to strengthen solidarity between generations. At the same time, our demographic challenges require lengthier participation in the labour process and more scope for the care and education of children, also in the form of provision of day care facilities and other social services and in the form of an arrangement of work organisation, which takes into account the reconciliation between private life and professional life. We emphasise the need to recognise the work of parents as educators within the framework of social policies. We believe that fiscal policies should support families and solidarity between generations.

213. The EPP refuses to consider abortion as a method for family planning. We promote supporting programmes and initiatives to help parents and families to welcome every child, in particular when difficulties or unforeseen pregnancies occur. No social pressure should be exerted on parents who decide to accept a child with a handicap. 214. The fact that the life expectancy of Europeans is increasing, due to technological and medical progress and healthier lifestyles, is in itself a positive achievement. But it has consequences for the pension and health insurance systems that need to be addressed. The ratio between the working population and those in retirement is bound to become more precarious. Higher productivity can only partly offset this development and therefore the average total working time within the lifespan of a person needs to be increased. There is an ever increasing need to promote healthier lifestyles and preventive health care. Keeping people healthy and active for longer will have a positive impact on productivity and competitiveness. At the same time, Europe must invest more in education and training, including in the areas of language, labour mobility and entrepreneurship for young people. Education and Youth 215. Education and knowledge are fundamental to Europe but are not yet fully realised. In recent years Europe is facing the challenge of building itself as a knowledge-based economy and society. The goals of competitiveness and scientific potential face the brain drain trends as well as the financial crises. At â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 291

the same time education is a corner stone for making the individual a successful and developing professional.

216. We believe that education and training have turned into a lifestyle and a resource, and thus we in Europe have never been more dependent on it. In a world of rapid changes, young people have the specific responsibility of shaping the future of Europe. A greater challenge is to give them a good start through education.

Immigration and Integration 217. Mobility within the EU and immigration from outside Europe are realities. They have enriched Europe for centuries. The European economy is interested in attracting highly qualified employees from all over the world, but immigration should not be promoted as the sole answer to demographic challenges. A “brain-drain” should be prevented. The competence for decisions regarding access to national labour market rests with the Member States. Besides, it will always be necessary to provide asylum for people who are persecuted. Immigrants and refugees must be treated on the basis of respect for human rights. 218. We believe it is imperative to also discuss the problems that have arisen

as the result of a lack of integration and because of illegal immigration, particularly with the emergence of “parallel societies” of immigrants in which the core values enshrined in our constitutions are disregarded, such as individual freedoms and the equality of men and women before the law. Human rights, freedom and tolerance must be respected within any cultural or religious community in Europe. Across the Union there should be no room for sanctuaries for sectarian judiciary systems.

219. Immigrants should be in command of, or learn the languages of, the re-

ceiving countries, as well as the history and characteristics of their new environment, abide by the law and respect its cultural heritage and underlying values, and participate in the civic rights and duties of their respective local and national community. This is, above all, to empower all individual immigrants to enjoy their full rights. On the other hand, the EPP will fight against all kinds of discrimination against immigrants. People have the right to exercise their religion and culture as long as the law is respected. The emergence of ghettos of ethnic groups should be addressed. Having the chance to work is an important aspect of becoming integrated in a society. Facilities of cooperation and for encounters between immigrants and their families and their fellow citizens from the host countries should be promoted.

220. Creating a common asylum policy is a goal that all EU Member States have subscribed to. However, any such common policy must be built upon existing rules in the area of EU asylum policy. This policy should also show solidarity – APPENDICES – 292

with Member States which are facing specific and disproportionate pressures on their national asylum systems, in particular due to their geographic location or their demographic situation. In cases of war or manmade and natural disasters, the EU and its Member States should facilitate the reception of those in need of international protection in the EU. We need to encourage their return once conditions on the ground allow.

Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion 221. One of the defining features of the European Union is cohesion, whether

socially, territorially or economically. It is the translation into practice of the principle of solidarity and of the conviction that social peace is not sustainable with too big of a divide or lasting divides. Fostering cohesion means bridging divides between countries, enhancing crossborder and territorial cooperation and between regions within countries, but also overcoming differences within our societies, whether in the context of class, ethnicity, national origin or age. This is severely challenged today by rising inequality and poverty, which are often combined with increasing unemployment, especially among young people.

222. Now the challenges are mostly on a national level in stopping the emergence of a new underclass. Social cohesion within our societies is threatened most when unemployment, a lack of education and immigrant populations are concentrated in a neighbourhood, which all too often leads to a pauperisation of their living environment, radicalisation, drug addiction, violence and criminality. Moreover, phenomena like poverty even among those who work and among the elderly require increased attention by governments and social partners. While it is primarily the national governments and local authorities which are responsible, and are assisted by civil society initiatives and self-help movements, the EU can assist in tackling these problems by creating conditions for employment and economic growth, and by utilising its coordinating competences in the area of fighting crime and drugs. 223. The third dimension of cohesion, alongside economic and social, is territorial. Territorial cohesion underpins the improvement of competitiveness among countries and regions. 224. The EPP intends to also pay more attention to the drop out problem and lack of education within the younger generation. Here the EU has an important but subsidiary role to the Member State and should, for instance, support programmes of education, mobility and lifelong learning. 225. The EPP reaffirms its efforts to promote the human right of education and parental freedom of educational choice.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 293

Deepening the Ethical Debate 226. Technology plays an increasing role especially at the beginning and the end of human life. The moral consequences of our decisions add new dimensions to our political, societal and individual choices. At the same time, new capacities to measure the implications of our behaviour and decisions for generations to come demand an unprecedented weighing of current versus future consequences. 227. The EPP confirms the position of the human person, human life and the created world as described in our 1992 Athens basic programme and in our 2001 Berlin Declaration „A Union of Values“. On the other hand, not all areas of technological development and ethical challenges have been mentioned in these documents. That it is why, based on the principles outlined in these documents, new technologies need to be continued to be assessed. We need to continue to have a systematic underpinning ethical debate to accompany technical innovations in these areas. The EU should not make funds available for those technologies which are clearly contrary to the values outlined in the abovementioned documents, and in other sensitive areas EU funding should be accompanied by research on related ethical aspects.

228. Human life should be protected from its beginning until its natural end. Genetic intervention at the beginning of human life should be restricted to interventions in order to heal its diseases. Artificial creation and the selection of human embryos for reasons of research or commercialisation should be forbidden across the Union. Advertisements for abortion or euthanasia should be banned. The Role of Political Parties 229. Political parties are an indispensable institution of representative demo-

cracy. They play a decisive role in representing the general, particular and diffuse interests of people, holding governing institutions accountable, integrating people into the political process and promoting democratic ideals. Therefore, political parties should promote equality between women and men, as well as diversity on all their election lists and in all their internal organs. Political parties at the national and European levels must be organised and function in conformity with the rules of internal democracy. In addition, they must remain vigilant about ideologies and groupings aiming to destroy the legacy of peaceful political cooperation and democracy achieved in Europe.

230. Political parties play a key role in bringing together citizens and govern-

ments. Representative democracy is the bridge between citizens and governments. At the European level too, they are indispensable to bringing the Union and its citizens closer to one another and to linking the European process of decision making to grass roots participation. On the basis of a mix of voluntary – APPENDICES – 294

contributions and of Union financing, these European parties should have the means to do their own research via detached think tanks, to conduct European electoral campaigns and to get access to the media.

231. With the growing importance of decision making at the European level the integrity, transparency and independence of European decision makers and parliamentarians should be controlled and enhanced. Financial contributions should, in all cases, be transparent. 232. The EPP itself will engage in a permanent process of strengthening and gaining trust from the citizens by dialogue, presence, transparency and accountability. The EPP aspires to a deeper integration with its member parties on the basis of subsidiarity, whilst aiming to realise the full potential of the institutional decision making of the Union. At the same time, taking advantage of the changes in EuropeÂ´s neighbourhood, the EPP should continue to strengthen those political forces in its neighbourhood that share its basic values. 233. The EPP promotes and supports the action of its parliamentary groups in every European organisation, in the European Union, Council of Europe, OSCE and NATO. Safeguarding National Minorities 234. Autochthonous national minorities and traditional minorities in this

sense are groups which have been residents in the same area for generations while national borders have shifted. Their rights and efforts to preserve distinct cultural traditions and speak their own languages must be respected and fostered by the nation states, as much as the minorities must respect the constitutional order of their countries. The European Union, with clear commitments to cooperative problem solving, by minorities as well as national governments, should help to answer to this complex question, which has often been at the root of conflicts in European history.

235. We believe that the European Union can gradually develop a set of legally binding community standards and norms for the protection of persons and communities belonging to minorities, whilst encouraging positive measures and policy tools to be implemented for the purpose of protecting minority persons and groups. The principle of the sharing of best practices underlies a concrete and efficient EU strategy for autochthonous national minorities and traditional minorities.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 295

The Importance of the Regions 236. The EPP supports the contribution of the Committee of the Regions as a political assembly and as an institutional body of the European Union that defends the interests of regions and cities. The Treaty of Lisbon has reinforced the role of the regions and the local authorities in the European Union and strengthened the institutional role of the Committee of the Regions throughout the legislative process. The EPP favours and fosters a strong position of the regions as a key component of the European Union to respond to the vital need for reducing the democratic deficit of the EU. They play important economic, cultural and social roles, sometimes transcending the borders of the respective Member States. We see the promotion of the regions and the local authorities and their cooperation in many aspects as an added value in the process of European integration. Freedom in the Era of the Internet 237. The recent progress in information and communication technologies,

especially concerning social media on the internet, has begun to change our lives and societies in an unprecedented way. This has contributed to the emergence of a global civil society and increased our capacities for economic growth through innovation and the development of a Digital Single Market, for freedom of expression, and for uninhibited access to information. At the same time, new threats have emerged to intellectual property, individual privacy and personal integrity. The EPP stands for a reasonable balance between individual freedom and maximal creativity and regulation to fight cybercrime and all misuse of the digital technologies, including infringements of intellectual property rights, whilst strongly promoting the development of new business models in the digital environment. Human rights must be respected on the internet too. That includes the individual right to data security. The protection of individual data in the Internet can be infringed upon only in cases involving criminal activity.

238. Technological developments are having a profound impact on the political process. Combined with societal developments, this has contributed to an unprecedented acceleration of political developments, to decreasing long term party loyalties by voters and, therefore, a higher volatility and unpredictability as well as a weakening of large peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parties. The EPP and its member parties will have to take this into account and constantly improve their abilities to make use of technology while maintaining personal communication with voters and bringing politics closer to the citizens. The communication should be two-way, and especially the possibility of communicating from grass-root levels to the top of party hierarchy should be enhanced. At the same time, nothing can replace multi-party electoral democracy based on the rule of law. The EPP will encourage its members to make full use of the potential of the internet as a tool to open up the political process and reach out to citizens previously uninvolved. Social media have a role to play in this. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 296

PART 3:

THE EUROPEAN UNION

The EU – A Union of Values 301. Over many centuries Europe’s peoples have evolved into distinct and self-

confident nations. Despite their national differences, they have preserved their shared cultural heritage, rooted in Hebrew prophecy, Greek philosophy and Roman law, as they have been harmonised and enriched by the Christian message and Judeo-Christian values. The concept of the nation state has remained intact throughout the different phases of cultural development: the Renaissance, the Enlightenment and modernity. The nation state as a form of political organisation and a way of life has become a model for the whole world.

302. We are currently facing major transcending challenges that require solutions on a European level. The European project, an ever closer union of united nation states, is not to destroy the nation states of Europe, but is a prerequisite to avoiding nationalism, which has done so much harm to our citizens, and restoring to them the real capacity to fulfil their key responsibilities. European integration is a prerequisite for the solution of the fundamental problems our nations face and as such, the decisive breakthrough in the history of our continent. Built on the ruins of the Second World War and emerging from totalitarianism, European integration has given its citizens enduring peace, freedom, stability and prosperity. We, the Europeans, can be proud of having achieved this common approach in our recent history. 303. Moreover, the European way of peaceful cooperation and integration has

developed into a model for other regions in the world. This provides a basis for us to promote the longstanding values, which characterise the European societies: peace, freedom, democracy, equality between women and men, the rule of law, tolerance, and private property based on the social market economy. The EU and its Member States must, together with our transatlantic partners and other international actors with whom we share common values, continue to fight for those values, which form the basis of our societies and which have contributed to democracy and human rights, as well as the rule of law around the world. We should step up our efforts to help democrats in need across the globe and to counter authoritarian and fundamentalist ideologies.

304. In the future, the European Union will continue to be successful if all EU Member States and the Union’s institutions share a focused and cohesive vision of the future. For the EPP, the promotion of the European model will be crucial if we want European values to have an impact in a rapidly changing world. The EPP remains committed to the vision of political integration of the European Union. This vision is the result of history; today it remains the best response to the challenges of the future, such as globalisation, migration, new security threats, climate change, and energy security. It is now our task to adapt the Eu– APPENDICES – 297

ropean Union to the realities and needs of the 21st century by setting the right priorities and by bringing the European Union closer to the citizens.

Europe in a Globalised World 305. It follows from the increasing interconnectedness of our societies and

economies that European action is needed not only in order to create an internal market and a community of law but also to strengthen freedom, equal opportunities, solidarity and sustainability where the nation state alone is not able to fully secure that anymore. But the European Union must also restrict itself, according to the principle of subsidiarity, to those tasks which cannot be adequately dealt with at lower levels and which can at the same time be better dealt with at European level. A lean European Union is built on self-governance by local and regional authorities and the identity and the role of the nation states. The European Union is not a state but works with instruments of a federal union in those policy fields in which it has received the competences of its Member States.

306. In line with the commitment to Europe, which the Christian Democrats have shown since the very beginning, the EPP calls for gradual – but resolute– progress towards a genuine political union following the basic lines defined by the 1992 Athens Programme and the subsequent congresses. We want a European Political Union. The EU will, over the coming years, have to be fundamentally reformed. The Union and the Member States will exercise more powers jointly. 307. The institutional setup of the European Union must be developed further

around its basic principles. It requires the EU institutions to give equal attention to all citizens and Member States. It needs democratically representative institutions, including a more effective European Commission, and a mechanism to ensure better economic governance at the heart of the Union. The codecision procedure between the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament has to become more transparent. The Council of Ministers, as second chamber, should therefore decide publicly on legislation. It must adopt more participatory democracy, which implies new forms of direct interaction between citizens and the European institutions, like the citizens‘ initiative. The direct election of the President of the European Commission is one of our goals. This would reduce the perceived democratic deficit of the Union and foster a greater shared identity among EU citizens.

308. Having served as the world model of reconciliation and prosperity for the entire European continent for more than half a century; the EU must naturally be involved in shaping the rules and norms of the new international system. Both our citizens and our global partners expect Europe to embrace the challenges of the 21st century, play a prominent and proactive role in international negotiations, come up with viable innovative proposals, take responsibility, – APPENDICES – 298

and promote European values across the world. But in order to respond effectively and on time to its new vocation and the global challenges it entails, Europe must be able to speak with one voice and act as a single entity.

309. A globalised world requires global governance. Therefore, strengthening

international organisations and making them more responsive to worldwide power shifts are imperative, in particular with regard to the UN, as it has the strongest legitimacy in addressing and solving global problems. The IMF should also be reinforced as it contributes to more stability and security in international financial markets. Strengthening the WTO is of fundamental importance for global prosperity and helps to defuse conflicts based on diverse national economic interests. The removal of barriers and enhanced market access worldwide should be accompanied by decisive efforts for a more effective international regulatory cooperation.

310. New global realities also require the reform of existing and/or the creation of new institutions. Flexible ones, such as the G20, will grow in importance, highlighting the increased weight of emerging economies in Asia, Latin America and Africa. 311. In order to enhance our economies and, as a result, build up our international appeal and establish Europe as a strong global actor, better coordination and integration of national economic and budgetary policies is required. This will encourage a revival of European economic activity and job creation. A period of economic difficulties cannot be overcome without decisive steps forward in European integration. This is important in order to secure growth but also the stability of the euro. The Common Market and the common currency can best be supported by a common political decision. 312. We consider economic dynamism in Europe not only as compatible with

social responsibility but in fact as a precondition for it. There will be no social cohesion and political stability without sustainable economic development and a robust response to fraud, tax evasion and money laundering. The achievement of the goals of the economic and political integration of Europe benefits all European citizens. It should be done under the existing European treaties respecting EU rules, the equality principle, the Community approach and active support of the citizens.

313. A stronger involvement of the EU in international crisis prevention, support of democratic development, suppression of fundamentalist terrorism and conflict solution is of utmost importance. Europe must be able to contribute balanced and viable diplomatic solutions.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 299

314. The EU requires an improved ability to set and pursue political priorities and it should globally continue to engage in situations where it can play a useful role. We also believe that the EU must take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Lisbon Treaty to strengthen its foreign and security policies. The strengthening of the Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as the Security and Defence Policy, complementary to the transatlantic alliance, and also the active and concerted defence of human rights and fighting poverty on a global level in international relations, will be crucial for the further development of the European Union. The European Union must also have better operational capabilities in the area of defence policy. It is a key objective to forge a particularly close form of cooperation between the EU and NATO. This shall not prejudice the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States. 315. Although the threat of a conventional attack against European territory is low, the EU has to remain vigilant and strengthen its efforts in the field of nonproliferation of weapons of mass-destruction, terrorism, and organised crime as well as regional conflicts.Therefore, the EU must cooperate with partners and promote agreements that will secure regional balances. At the same time the EU needs to increase its efforts to reduce the risks of energy dependency, climate change, piracy and uncontrolled trade of conventional weapons. 316. In order to enhance the EU’s diplomacy and determination to maintain peace in the continent and safeguard stability and democracy around the world, effective military capabilities at the disposal of the EU and its Member States are required. The EU also needs to step up its efforts at common procurement, specialisation, research and development, and training in order to enhance the efficiency of its military capabilities. The financial and economic crisis forces us to radically improve budgetary efficiency and realise the positive effects of civilian and military synergies as well as pooling and sharing of military and civilian resources. This is also important in view of the new responsibilities in the field of peacekeeping, crisis management and counter-terrorism; as well as threats to our conventional means of transport and communication. Strengthening our defence against cyber threats through enhanced cooperation on the European level is of particular importance, complementing already existing NATO capabilities in this field. 317. The EU also has a strong interest in and responsibility for its closest geo-

graphical neighbours. The European Neighbourhood Policy covers countries from the Mediterranean to the Black Sea region and the Caucasus but also respects the uniqueness of each country. The process of stabilisation and democratisation in the neighbouring countries has a high priority and contributes to strengthening their and the EU´s stability, security and welfare. In view of the uprisings against authoritarian rule and dire economic conditions in North Africa and the Middle East, the EU must strengthen its instruments to support the transition to democracy and social market economy in order to broaden the area of stability and security around it, whilst also paying attention to the – APPENDICES – 300

state of democracy and economy in the Eastern neighbourhood. That includes political dialogue, trade, development assistance and support for civil society. Special attention in that regard has to be given to the youth of that region through EU exchange programmes and educational facilities. Our support for the freedom movements in the Middle East and North Africa goes hand in hand with a firm commitment to a special partnership between the EU and Israel. The European Union must pursue the stabilisation of peace in the Mediterranean area. We have to pursue a policy of dialogue in view of improving the respect of fundamental human rights, reinforcing the Euro-Mediterranean community.

318. Therefore, the EU Neighbourhood Policy, in the interests of the EU and our neighbouring countries, has been strengthened with tailor-made approaches adjusted to the specific situation of each partner country. We are convinced that a more effective EU cooperation with these countries, focussing more clearly than before on human rights, religious and other fundamental freedoms, democracy, the rule of law as well as good neighbourly relations based on clear conditionality, would also broaden the area of stability and security around it. The EPP recognises the contribution that the EU‘s Neighbourhood Policy can bring to the countries that are experiencing an influx of immigrants from conflict areas in the close EU neighbourhood. 319. The Eastern Partnership of the European Union deserves special attention. We should refine our instruments for promoting democracy and human rights, putting more emphasis on good governance, anti-corruption measures and the rule of law. Historically, the Eastern Partnership countries have always had very strong ties to the rest of Europe, sharing our democratic values and cultural heritage. The difficult history of this region, too often having to struggle for independence, requires a special commitment from us to assist those countries in a precise and practical way. This assistance should not only contribute to the reinforcement of the European values but also towards building up functioning democratic structures in the EaP countries and bringing their economies to a higher level. In a strategic perspective, it will also help them reaffirm their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and reassert their independence from their stronger neighbours, be it of a political or economic nature. Moreover, in the longer run, strengthening their ties with the EU will become beneficial to the EU countries. We continue to support the principle of „more for more“ in the delivery of financial assistance and reward progress. 320. The Arctic region is increasingly important economically but also in view of the need to increase cooperation in using newly opened sea lanes, in protection of the environment and many other important issues. Therefore, the EU needs to form a coherent Arctic policy. 321. Albeit increasingly challenged by new power centres in Asia and Latin America, the transatlantic relationship will, according to most criteria, remain – APPENDICES – 301

one of the most powerful pillars of a multilateral system. The framework of the EU-US relations will remain the cornerstone of our external policy; steps should be taken to strengthen them and to find ways in which the transatlantic partnership will tackle the new global challenges based on our shared values and beliefs. The creation of a barrier-free transatlantic market would provide such a basis for a reinforced transatlantic partnership and would create economic growth and jobs.

322. With Russia, the EU‘s biggest neighbouring country in the east, it is im-

portant to develop close and wide-ranging relations in order to cooperate on issues of common interest such as stability beyond the EU’s eastern borders, energy security and international affairs. Therefore, an open and realistic dialogue should be conducted with Russia over priority issues. Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms should continue to figure prominently on the agenda. Therefore, in designing its policy towards Russia, the EU should take into account the situation of countries in our common neighbourhood. The EU should resist any attempts to divide Europe into spheres of influence or zones of unequal sovereignty and security while continuing to work on a broad agenda to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law that will also enhance economic attractiveness and attract foreign investment.

323. Europe is a global actor and should engage in an open and constructive manner with the emerging economic powers but, at the same time, it must scrutinise all of their actions on the international stage. Europe must continue to foster privileged relations with those countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa that share our values. Moreover, the EU must develop strategic partnerships with emerging powers, which have to accept their growing global responsibilities. 324. It is essential that Europe reconstruct its security strategy in order to integrate energy policy in its foreign policy approach to third countries with the aim of building a strategic external policy with key partner countries. It has to enhance and develop an approach to climate and energy policy that will increase the EU’s energy security including access to natural resources and raw materials whilst simultaneously advancing its competitiveness and internal energy market. The completion of Trans European Energy Network and development of new sources and routes should be a priority for the EU´s energy security. We are committed to efficiently managing our natural resources and transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy. Moreover, the EU possesses increased negotiating experience, power, when speaking with one voice and technological know-how, and it should continue its leading role in combating climate change and global warming but also in coping with their effects. We should constantly adapt our patterns of production and consumption and shape our international and diplomatic agenda accordingly.

– APPENDICES – 302

325. Increased irregular migration, illicit arms, drug trade and human traf-

ficking, as well as international terrorism are challenges of the globalised world. Europe needs to protect its borders and find a balance between minimising the threat of crimes and maximising ease and convenience for travellers. The EU is an area of freedom, justice and safety. This needs clear structures in support of crime victims and their rights. As crime now can move freely across the internal borders, it is important that the EU play an active role in coordinating tasks among the Member States in order to take advantage of victims’ rights. Strengthening external border security by enhancing Frontex and stepping up joint operations between Member States is an urgent necessity together with the creation of a European Coast Guard. The EU must also effectively cooperate with external countries’ border security authorities, especially countries that are identified as a source or transit route of irregular migration. In order not to unduly increase the number of refugees in EU Member States, the EU must increase humanitarian aid to those local communities in third countries, which welcome refugees and aim at combating poverty and instability at their roots.

326. It is unacceptable in our times that one and a half billion people across

the world are starving and living below the poverty line. Europe must continue to play a leading role in intensifying global development cooperation and to fight poverty and support economic and social development in Africa, as well as in the less-developed countries elsewhere. The lack of democracy and human rights is a major obstacle for economic and social development in several regions. The EU must continue to put democracy dialogue and assistance among the top priorities in its relations with third countries. Fostering agriculture and food production should be a priority in our common actions. Environmental and health policies, as well as policies for better education and the development of physical infrastructure, are all areas where the EU could make substantial contributions to reaching the Millennium Development Goals and therefore to a better world. The EU partnership with our neighbouring continent Africa should be strengthened and become more effective. In case of the finalisation of the existing agreements between ACP and the EU we should take care that their central elements are included in new separate cooperation mechanisms with Africa, the Pacific and the Caribbean. The EPP is convinced that the application of the principles of the social market economy best serve the development of poorer and emerging economies. Assistance to these developments should give ample room to entrepreneurship and investment, to cooperatives and non-governmental organisations and it should reward combining personal responsibility and solidarity.

327. The EU should continue to develop its relationships with the countries of

Latin America and their people, reaching beyond the former donor-recipient dependency. Now that many of them are becoming self sufficient and even prosperous, we should, on the basis of our common values and mutual bounds, cooperate in areas of mutual strategic interest. The European Union and both Americas should aim for a strategic partnership in the new global order. We are in favour of a humane globalisation process. – APPENDICES – 303

328. We are convinced of a strong need for a far-reaching reform of efforts

to combat global poverty. Their effectiveness will not only be determined by the quantity of our contributions including the ambition to spend 0.7% GDP, the coherence of our overall development policies, and by coordination and specialisation between individual Member States and the Commission. In all EU agreements with third countries, the EU must take care that a substantial “democratic and human rights clause”, including a “religious freedom clause” be inserted and effectively implemented. Global respect for freedom of religion must be fully implemented in all parts of the world and conditionality must play an important role in foreign relations.

What can Europe do Better? Subsidiarity and Capability to Act 329. European integration has been an enormous success. We are committed

to solving the EU’s problems especially in times of an economic and financial crisis in which the foundations of the European Union were heavily challenged. So far these foundations have proven to be solid and resilient, but as a political force we have to guarantee that they also continue to be so in the future.

330. For all these challenges ahead of us, it is decisive that we respond to the concerns of our citizens and that we manage to fully involve and engage them in the process. Solidarity and social, economic and territorial cohesion are important objectives of European integration. The success of the whole project depends on the support of all EU citizens. 331. The EPP is convinced that a clear majority of people all over Europe also want a strong European Union that deals with problems effectively at the European level: those problems, and only those, which cannot be sufficiently addressed by the Member States on their own. 332. Our political methods, based on subsidiarity and solidarity, should be the guiding principles of our societies. A clearer distribution of competences between European, national and sub-national levels, solidarity and personalism, as well as the strengthening of European unity and speaking with one voice, will be of decisive importance. Only then will we be able to give the best answers to global, European, national, regional and local challenges. 333. Many of these challenges are urgent problems in all of our societies, like the threat of terrorism, trans-border criminal networks, irregular migration, human trafficking, organised crime and large scale political corruption. Some are clearly common challenges, such as economical revival, the support to research and training, energy policy or common infrastructure projects, and can, therefore, only be dealt with efficiently if we manage to act together.

– APPENDICES – 304

Economy, Labour Markets, Innovation 334. The economy should serve the people and not the other way around. Europe needs a steady, coherent, ambitious, growth-oriented and long-term economic and financial perspective in times of crisis and beyond, rather than a collection of individual and ad-hoc solutions. The creation of jobs and maintaining high employment must remain a main focus of this long-term economic perspective.

335. We lay high priority on the creation and preservation of high-quality jobs,

based on higher qualification of our population. In this respect, we will continuously stimulate Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship as a source for jobs and growth. It is essential to target key industries with increasing job creation potentials (such as green economy, health and social care sector, digital economy). Competition should remain socially sustainable, precluding harmful competition between European workers. Social dialogue should remain an important mechanism to strengthen cohesion in times of structural reform. We need to strengthen our efforts to improve the relevance of our education and training systems to the future needs of the labour markets. The role of practical skills should be strengthened in secondary and higher education. We also place emphasis on the transition from school to a qualitative job for our young workforce as measures to prevent youth unemployment.

336. The Single Market is the backbone of the Union and its good functioning

is the basis and framework for economic recovery in Europe. We have, therefore, to commit ourselves to properly enforcing the Single Market legislation by strengthening its governance, whilst also taking into account its social dimension. Strong leadership on the part of the European institutions and political ownership on the part of the Member States is still required to lift the remaining restrictions on the single market freedoms: the project is not complete as long as citizens and businesses have not yet fully benefited from its potential. Labour mobility is of high importance in this context. The European single market also requires a European Patent law. Completing the Single Market will be of particular significance to the digital economy. A well functioning Single Market depends on the joint effort of the Member States on the one hand, which have to make sure that Single Market legislation is fully and timely transposed and implemented, and the EU on the other, which has to make it easier for the Member States to comply with the legal framework.

337. SMEs are the backbone of our Social Market Economy because their job creating capacity is the biggest contributor to the European labour market. The European economy needs healthy SMEs, and SMEs need a stable framework ensuring a level playing field in which market failures are addressed as well as strong competition policies. Our political family has to push for creating an environment in which SMEâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s are able to grow and to innovate and in which individuals, in particular young people and women, are keen to establish their â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 305

own business. Achieving this requires a significant and continuous reduction of administrative burdens in particular for micro businesses. SMEs will achieve their growth potential through the promotion of access to finance, and of market access within the Single Market as well as internationally. In order to reap their innovation potential, SMEs have to have support in building creative partnerships between industry and academics, as synergies are significant for creativity and for future growth. Thus, entrepreneurship will become the catalyst for innovation and sustainable development in Europe.

338. Facing global competition, Europe must openly support and encourage

its youth, its creative individuals, its hard working employers and employees, its inventors, its companies, and it must again become a favoured location for all new job-creating activities.

339. Economic policies should lead to stable public finances. Today‘s generations should create the foundation for a prosperous and stable economy for future generations. We must safeguard the public finances and make the European Union prepared for future challenges. That is why we say no to promises that would lead to unfunded spending. The economic policies should consist of demands on surplus, demands on a balanced budget, reducing public debt to under 60% of GDP according to the Stability and Growth Pact, more free trade and competition within the EU. All parts of society must share the burden involved in a fair and balanced way. 340. Know-how is central to economic growth and job creation, so we must create the best conditions for transforming our society into a knowledge society. To reach this fundamental objective, investments in education and research and innovation are an essential element. The future success of the European economy will be determined by the appropriate financial commitments to these sectors. 341. The EU is still the biggest economic power in the world and there is no reason why Europe should not lead the world in innovation and science. To maintain high standards of living, the EU must stay ahead of the others. In general, spending on higher education and science should be tilted towards the bestperforming institutions. Closer coordination between national and EU-level policies in this area would be advisable, especially with regard to those policies aiming to strengthen public spending as a lever to boost R&D. It is clear that we in Europe need a more innovation-friendly environment; this means less bureaucracy, more flexibility in making work and family life compatible and more crossborder cooperation in the field of research and development. 342. Only if we accept the interdependence between the ‘preconditions for more employment’ and ‘high social standards’ will we be able to safeguard social cohesion. We also have to promote mobility through investment in educa– APPENDICES – 306

tion and training, notably in linguistic skills and particularly for young people. At the same time, Europe needs better incentives for talented people in order to diminish the brain drain across the Atlantic.

Education and Research 343. It is our belief that higher education must be regarded as a key policy at

EU level. That will be the only way for us to establish a knowledge-based economy and to achieve competitiveness globally. A key priority is to constantly develop higher education and research policy, and to encourage the process of modernisation among the Member States in the field.

344. The EU needs to encourage the steady and wise investment in higher

education and research systems. We should look forward to a further and stable harmonisation process among the various higher education and research systems across Europe. The EU must foster and coordinate reforms in the systems of higher education, research and innovation. We believe there should be a stronger relationship between business and higher education, on the one hand, and scientific research and higher education, on the other.

Enlargement 345. Enlargement has been one of the most successful European policies and has largely proven the attractiveness of the European model. EU enlargement remains an important answer to the double challenge of consolidating the global role of Europe and stabilising its neighbourhood. EU enlargement has been an effective tool for promoting freedom, democracy, peace, stability and economic development, as well as human rights and the rule of law, across the whole of Europe. 346. The European Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Party has been a supporter of strong ties with all

countries of the European continent. Our aim is to form a truly united Europe through membership or strategic partnership. Stronger ties will serve countries inspired by the European achievements to share the common European values. Candidate countries will have to fully meet all specific criteria and requirements before joining whilst at the same time the integration capacity of the Union to integrate new states has to be respected. Furthermore, European countries, which cannot or do not want to become members of the European Union should be offered a strategic partnership with the EU. This concept should be developed more concretely in order to represent a real alternative to full membership. Conceivable options could be multilateral agreements covering participation in the single market and close cooperation in the field of the foreign and security policy. An appropriate balance should thus be achieved between enlarging the EU and strengthening its identity and capacity to act efficiently. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 307

Environment, Climate Change and Energy 347. Climate Change is another important global challenge with a significant impact on future generations. Increasing natural disasters around the world, as well as the rise in gas and oil prices, show the need for a rapid and courageous move toward the most modern and efficient technologies. Concrete and farsighted steps towards renewable and low carbon energy sources will we be able to avoid the adverse effects of climate change and at the same time reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels. The European Union should continue to be the frontrunner in this area because the protection of the environment cannot be done by individual states alone. In the same way, the European Union also needs to tackle water supply challenges and stop environmental degradation in general and especially the loss of biodiversity and contribute to the conservation and to the regeneration of natural resources (air, water, ground). 348. The dependence on fossil fuel from politically unstable regions is another major reason to increase energy efficiency and to promote low carbon energy sources and to diversify energy supply sources and routes. The continuing global increase in demand for energy will, together with declining reserves, make energy more expensive. Therefore, new ways are needed to guarantee energy security for our citizens and a competitive and stable environment for European industries. Transportation is important both for people and goods. The global trade is increasing and that can lead to growth. Therefore, the transport sector needs a rapid decrease in the use of fossil fuels and a major cut in production of green house gases. Immigration and Integration 349. The feeling of “belonging together” and sharing the same values and principles must be exemplified and strengthened, in order not to lose public support for the European project. We must be careful not to give in to fear, hate and violence, and to strengthen cooperation and solidarity with the moderate voices of different cultures. 350. The EU will require an immigration policy that responds to increasing pressure from migration flows, on the one hand, and the need to meet the challenge of its own demographic situation on the other. The need for a common policy for controlled, targeted immigration, for the prevention of illegal immigration, for more effective border control, for the enforcement of readmission agreements, and for integrating legal migrants into broader society, is evident from the point of view of efficient control of immigration as well as the basic requirement of conformity and solidarity between Member States. 351. A growing divergence between the degrees of population growth in the developed and developing nations as well as climate change are likely to spur – APPENDICES – 308

more intense southnorth migration pressure which may lead to social tension if it results in a substantial drop of living standards due to a massive loss of talents and skills.

Demographic Change 352. We also have to be aware that there are few economies in the world with

a similar demographic profile; coping with ageing populations must become a top EU priority. One of the ways to do so is to complement our labour force at different levels of skill.

353. This would also entail provisions such as extending the effective retire-

ment age and incentives for older citizens to remain active in the labour market. Within a more transparent and better regulated financial infrastructure, private pension funds should be established as a supplement to public ones and clearly defined contributions should be promoted through favourable taxation systems.

354. Further measures have to be taken to increase the employment rate, especially in those population groups whose potential is essential to meet future challenges of the labour market: older workers, young people and women in general. Special measures have to be taken to foster the integration of people with disabilities into the labour market. 355. It will also be necessary to strengthen the compatibility of work and family life. While clearly honouring the importance of the family for raising children, pro-family policies should also focus on instruments with have proven their positive impact on the demographic trends such as the availability of child care and support for the family in the first years after birth. Closer to the Citizens â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Future of the EU Institutions 356. The ongoing process of European integration demands the strengthe-

ning of democratic participation in the European decision-making process. Democratic procedures need to be applied in those areas where the Member States have conferred competences to the EU. In this respect, it is nevertheless necessary to reinforce the links between the European institutions, especially the European Parliament, and the national parliaments. The Lisbon Treaty paves the way for national parliaments to safeguard the principle of subsidiarity in the decision making process. Solidarity and social, economic and territorial cohesion are important objectives of European integration.

357. The European Parliament is today the only democratically elected EU institution and has become a central decision making institution of the European â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 309

Union. The low turnout in the European parliamentary elections proves that there is a lack of necessary public engagement in European politics. The elections to the European Parliament must develop into genuine European elections in the sense of having more real European issues debated because we take the democratic rights of European voters seriously. We need to increase awareness of voters for the relevance of their participation in these elections for the legitimacy of the European Project.

358. Therefore, we also need to further develop our pan-European political party and enforce a greater European focus in the debate. The European process must feature more prominently in the political debate. We, therefore, have to further develop a more democratic, transparent and efficient Europe. EU citizens feel that they have no influence on EU decision-making, turn their back on community projects and seek national identification. The EU institutions, therefore, in close partnership with the Member States, must ensure that the citizens can have confidence in the effectiveness, efficiency and real added value of Union programmes. As such, citizens must have access to all decisions and information provided by the European Union in their national language. The EPP, considering this is an essential element of reconciliation between the Union and its citizens, strongly supports multilingualism. 359. The future of the EU will depend, above all else, on its actual ability to anticipate, address and resolve the specific problems of concern to the citizens. For this challenge to be met, the Union requires at all its levels democratically accountable, transparent, efficient and effective governance. It needs an efficient framework bridging the interests of its Member States and satisfying the needs of its citizens on the basis of freedom, democracy, responsibility, equality, justice, solidarity and subsidiarity. 360. The Union has to simplify and clarify the scope and responsibilities of its institutions. In addition, a simplification of the law and the introduction of a hierarchy of legislation that will advance the transparency and consistency of the community legal system will improve the citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; understanding of the EU. 361. Strengthening the EU institutions and the community methods of decision making and responsibilities are a requisite in order to achieve, and also improve, transparency, efficiency, democratic accountability and the capability to act in unity, all in order to cope with the enormous challenges ahead. In effect, it is a necessary, though not sufficient, condition for the success of its future enlargement. 362. The Union must be consolidated by remaining capable of achieving its objectives even in the event of the accession of new Member States. Therefore, it is decisive that major institutional changes be concluded before accession negotiations. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 310

Economic and Monetary Union 363. The euro is irreversible and we support those actions by Member States and EU institutions needed to enhance public and market confidence in the stability of the currency. The EPP views the Euro as one of the most profound expressions of the European integration process. The benefits of the Euro, as our single currency, outweigh the costs by far. The opportunities for citizens, businesses and economies outweigh the risks but more economic and fiscal integration are needed to ensure this outcome. In order to provide citizens, companies and investors with a stable economic environment, we need more discipline from all Member States, more convergence on the basis of best practices and better coordination among national fiscal policies. 364. The fulfilment of responsibilities by both Member States and EU insti-

tutions is the fundamental condition for good economic governance in the European Union. The EPP is ready to address the constraints that derive from a common monetary policy and separate, sometimes divergent, fiscal policies at national level. In view of the necessity of developing common economic policies, the membership in a Monetary Union implies responsibility and solidarity for the single currency. This requires sound policies, fiscal discipline and continuous economic reform. It also requires a significant proportion of fiscal resources to be channeled through the EU budget.

365. Growing interdependence among our European economies sharing a single market and single currency requires the further strengthening of economic governance. We need the tools and the institutions capable of implementing our convergent economic objectives. We are determined to be the driving force for adjusting the EU institutions, its policies and instruments, in such way that future economic crises can be prevented and the future of our single currency, the Euro, can be safeguarded. Credible economic governance supposes establishing concrete goals and commitments. The European Commission shall formulate such objectives and monitor their implementation. In this respect, the Commission shall execute a system of recommendations, corrections and sanctions. The Council shall only be entitled to suspend or reject such decisions by a qualified majority. 366. Given commitments made by most Member States to joining the common currency once they fulfil the criteria, we are aware of the need for greater convergence between the EU and the eurozone. On this basis, we favour the inclusion of non-eurozone Member States into decision making processes, which impact their economic and monetary issues. We view this as an instrument to evaluate the impact of eurozone decisions on all EU Member States, and as a tool to strengthening the coordination between current and future Eurozone Members. We are convinced that every Member State should stick to fiscal discipline. Given financial, economic and political risks, we oppose every call to exclude any Member State from the eurozone. This would be a danger for the stability of the Euro and a setback for the process of European integration. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 311

367. We are fully committed to the independence of the European Central Bank and its primary objective of providing price stability for the eurozone. The low inflation rates provided by the ECB enable a stable purchase power for our citizens. We welcome any measure taken by the European Central Bank within the limits of its statute to enable the stability of the European financial system as a whole. 368. High levels of public and private debt create macroeconomic and finan-

cial vulnerabilities, as they limit the governments’ options to provide sound answers to unpredicted economic developments, and increase market dependence. Highly indebted countries face additional challenges for enabling economic growth. Prudent fiscal policies should be conducted so that the markets’ confidence is assured and provisions are created for unforeseen events. We must ensure the stability of the eurozone in such a way that it is credible for investors, and provides them with a stable and predictable business environment. Maintaining the confidence of investors shall always be a priority during decision making processes. This can best be realised through reforms and maintaining the no bailout-principle of the Treaty and this does not exclude mutual solidarity between the Member States.

369. We are aware of the risks that derive from unsustainable debt, and stron-

gly oppose the accumulation of private and public debt that goes beyond sustainability levels. Excessive public debt levels place unreasonable burdens on future generations, and are therefore unacceptable. Our policies shall always be consistent with the goals of the social market economy and sustainable economic objectives. We also recognise that large scale fraud, tax evasion and corruption contributed to the economic and financial crisis and, therefore, all financial and assistance packages must be coupled with measures to prevent and combat such crimes.

370. We promote the reform of Europe’s economy in such way that stability,

social welfare and prosperity are assured. This implies measures to reform inefficient social security systems and labour market regulations in a way that stimulates secure employment and growth. Structural reform should also rely on concrete actions to stimulate employment and social inclusion. Sound fiscal policies are, undoubtedly, a source for growth and jobs in the long run. Fiscal consolidation should always take into account the effect which budgetary measures have upon our job market.

371. The EPP is of the opinion that competitiveness and economic convergence towards the levels of the best-performing Member States are key factors for the long-term success of our single currency. Reducing discrepancies and imbalances between EU Member States should be a long-term goal for EU-wide economic policy coordination. We will continue to be a strong advocate for structural reforms as a generator of growth. In this respect, we believe in the correlation of wages to productivity levels and in sustaining economic growth – APPENDICES – 312

through market competition in a fully completed Single Economic Market. We are aware of the need to increase the effective time of work in Europe in order to assure competitiveness and the sustainability of our pension systems.

372. The EPP recognises the necessity of financing investment for future growth more effectively. In this respect, we shall further improve the effectiveness of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and better use its expertise to improve business access to credit. 373. For the good of the social well-being of human beings it is important that in the society there is one common working-free day in a week. For centuries in Europe there has been such a day the Sunday. It is important also for preserving the cultural roots of Europe to defend Sunday as a common panEuropean working-free day. 374. The EPP underlines the necessity to reform the global banking and financial system. Banks need to return to their primary function, which is serving the real economy, stimulating entrepreneurship and economic development. Banks need to be an enabler for economic growth and job creation. A reliable banking system is key to our prosperity. Financial services shall help economic actors to manage and minimise risks for their economic activity, and not of encouraging speculation. It is important that EU Member States are enabled to decide their own level of financial regulation, i.e. through capital requirements in banks. EU-regulation should be seen as a minimum standard. Our objective is to have a financial sector with an improved ability to absorb shocks arising from financial and economic stress. We are aware that stronger, safer banks may be less profitable in short term but are of the opinion that the stability of the returns, and that of the banking system as a whole, outweighs both microeconomic and macroeconomic costs. We are as well determined to secure that the reform of the global financial system will not lead to a competitive disadvantage for European banks, and should, by no means, pose any additional burdens for the financing of economic activities in Europe.

375. The EPP views the continuous improvements in productivity and com-

petitiveness as a primary solution to combat the economic shortcomings we are facing and as a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth in the long term. The EU Structural Funds should be allocated in such way that they serve their initial purpose of improving the competitiveness of our less competitive regions The European Commission must, therefore ensure that these funds are used both effectively and in a sustainable way.

376. The Institutions of the Union and the Member States should stay ready to

help any EU Member State in economic difficulty, on the grounds of the principles of solidarity and reciprocity and upon strict conditionality. Authorities in recipient countries should respect their European and international commitâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 313

ments and implement structural reforms at national level, which should improve the future perspectives of their economies, regain the trust of investors and return to sustainability of their public finances.

Citizens in the Forefront 377. Europe has to face the new challenges and meet its high goals. Demogra-

phic developments and the ageing of our populations pose major opportunities, as well as major challenges that have a profound implication for our societies. Europe must guarantee the reorganisation of our societies to reflect the need for practical expressions of solidarity between generations and concerns for our senior citizens, without disturbing the rights of the next generations. It should promote the portability of social rights, mobility, and the wellbeing of an ageing population in order to enable them to experience their retirement as a period of well-being, as opposed to one of pain and isolation.

378. Diseases and epidemics, which do not stop at national boundaries, as

well as possible deliberate health threats (bioterrorism), pose new challenges for public health. Europe has to strengthen cross border healthcare in order to provide the citizens with the highest possible level of protection.

379. The EPP believes that the European citizens deserve the highest possible

standards in their living patterns and an efficient protection of their rights as consumers. At the community level, essential common rules and practices in the area of consumer protection must be agreed and combined with the necessary uniform enforcement of these rules. In order to ensure these rights it is vital that the distribution of accessible and relevant information is guaranteed to enable consumers to make independent, informed choices.

380. Europe is well-known across the world for its high quality agricultural

products which are the base of our gastronomic heritage. We need to maintain this quality and even improve it where possible. Therefore, strict standards are required to be set for the production of safe and healthy food and to promote organic products even further. This food safety, as well as food security and a steady and secure supply of products, are indispensable elements of our vision of a modern agricultural policy. At the same time, the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU, already having been modernised in past decades, will have to be further reformed to foster a sustainable model of farming, taking into account food scarcities as a consequence of population growth and climate change as well as the economic role of the countryside.

381. This reform should take into account the new and sharply increasing global need for agricultural products (food and non-food) caused by a growing world population, a substantial change in nutritional patterns (more meat conâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 314

sumption) and the use of biofuels. At the same time, we have to take into account the decreasing capacity of agricultural production in some areas outside of Europe because of climate change and scarcity of water. In light of this perspective, the continuous development and adaptation of Europe’s agricultural capacities should be facilitated.

382. In order to safeguard the legal rights of European citizens, access to the justice system must be made less costly and complicated, as well as more timely but without becoming overloaded. Therefore, it is necessary to promote alternative systems of resolving disputes, such as arbitration or mediation, which are faster and give less burdensome solutions without undermining the national public order. At the same time improvements to the effectiveness, with regards to cross-border disputes through the systems of legal assistance that already exist in all the Member States, are required. The EPP is also in favour of creating a common framework for police and judicial cooperation, which fully respects the principle of subsidiarity. An evaluation of all law enforcement and judicial systems and exchanges of good practices are vital for strengthening this cooperation and respond timely and efficiently to transnational crime. 383. The Charter of Fundamental Rights, which has been incorporated into

EU law, provides citizens with additional protection, even against their own member-states. The expected accession of the EU to the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) will further reinforce this protection. It concerns the citizens as consumers, workers, retired people, patients, students, civil servants, but also as subjects of the Union, with respect to the European administration and its agents. The EPP wants the safety of citizens to be taken care of in everyday life through the provision of better health care, high quality food, high environmental standards and an efficient protection of their rights as consumers.

– APPENDICES – 315

CONCLUSION 401. We, the member parties of the European People’s Party, are determined to maintain and expand the leading role of our party family in the development of the European Union. Remaining faithful to our values and open to change, we will do our best to face the challenges of our time and work out solutions for a better European Union. 402. A better European Union is, above all, a stronger and more efficient Union, providing our citizens with the freedom, security, sustainability and prosperity, which nation states alone cannot provide now and in the future. It is a Union, which regains its economic dynamism and global competitiveness through the completion of the Single Market and which secures its economic future not only through a common currency, but also through common economic governance. 403. A better European Union is a Union open to the world, contributing to the spread of human rights and pluralist democracy, helping and defending democrats and human rights defenders across the globe, committed to peace and sustainability, and actively participating in global governance through strong international institutions. It is a Union with strong instruments for an effective common foreign, security and development policy and the political will to bring these instruments to bear, for the benefit of Europe as well as mankind as a whole. 404. A better European Union is also a Union closer to the citizens and responsive to their concerns, firmly rooted in the principle of subsidiarity and ready to strengthen democratic participation. This presupposes strong European parties, capable of acting constructively in the European Parliament as well as in the emerging European public sphere, and bridging the gap between citizens, national parties and national governments on the one hand, and the institutions of the European Union on the other. 405. We want to strengthen our position as Europe’s strongest party. That means working on expansion as well as cohesion. We will strive to adapt to local conditions whilst sharpening our overall profile and reaching out beyond the borders of the Union through stable networks of dialogue and cooperation. We will continuously modernise our party structures and institutions. But above all, we will continue to develop our policies based on the solid foundation of our core values. Just like in the second half of the past century, we are strongly committed to strengthening the position of the EPP as the defining force to enable Europe to respond to the dramatic new challenges and opportunities in this century as well. – APPENDICES – 316

APPENDIX II

Amended by the EPP Congress on 7th December 2011, Marseille, France

BY-LAWS OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (international non-profit association) PREAMBLE “Political parties at European level are important as a factor for integration within the European Union. They contribute to forming a European awareness and to expressing the political will of the citizens of the Union.“ (Article 191 of the Treaty establishing the European Community). On the basis - of the Christian view of mankind and the Christian Democratic concept of society, - of their joint will to create a federal European Union as a Union of free peoples and citizens conscious of their own responsibilities, the Christian Democrat, Centrist and like-minded parties of the European People’s Party as heirs of Europe‘s Founding Fathers accept these responsibilities and create an international non-profit association. This association will be a member of the Christian /Centrist Democrat International (CDI), a worldwide organisation of Christian Democrats and like-minded political parties and the International Democrat Union (IDU), a worldwide organisation of Conservative, Christian Democrat and like-minded political parties of the centre and centre right. Therefore, 1) – the “Christen Democratisch Appèl (CDA)”, having the legal personality according to dutch law of an association with full legal competence (Verening met volledige rechtsbevoegdheid), with registered office in 2512 XA Den Haag, Buitenom 18, represented by Wilfried Martens, lawyer, domiciled in 1050 Ixelles (Brussels), place Marie-José 14/10, having the power of attorney to participate in the constitution of the international non-profit association “Parti Populaire Européen, in short PPE/EVP/EPP”; – APPENDICES – 317

2) – the “Partido Popular (PP)”, having the legal personality according to spanish law of an association with full legal competency (enregistered in the Register of Political Parties (Ministery of Interior Affairs), with registered office in 28004 Madrid, Calle Génova n° 13, represented by Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ, Avda Menendes Pelayo 27, Madrid, Spain, lawyer, having the power of attorney to participate in the constitution of the international non-profit association “Parti Populaire Européen, in short PPE/EVP/EPP”; agree to create an international non-profit association according to Belgian law and determine its by-laws as follows:

NAME – OFFICE – PURPOSE - DURATION

Article 1 The association, an alliance of political parties at European level, is named “Parti populaire européen / Europese Volkspartij / Europäische Volkspartei / European People’s Party”, abbreviated as “PPE/EVP/EPP”). This name must always be preceded or followed by the words “association internationale sans but lucratif / internationale vereniging zonder winstoogmerk” or the abbreviation AISBL / IVZW. The association is governed by title III of the law of 27 June 1921 on the nonprofit associations, the foundations and the international non-profit associations. Article 2 The registered office of the association is established at rue du Commerce 10, 1000 Brussels, in the Brussels judicial district. The Presidency is authorised to transfer the registered office of the association to another location within this judicial district and to establish other offices and/or subsidiaries within or outside this judicial district. Article 3 The purpose of the association is to: - promote and foster close and ongoing collaboration among its members for the purpose of implementing their common policy at European level; - encourage and organise unanimous action by its members at European level; - work (i) to achieve free and pluralistic democracy, (ii) for respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law on the basis of a common programme; - promote the process of unification and federal integration in Europe as a constituent element of the European Union. – APPENDICES – 318

In order to realise this purpose and in order to establish, develop, implement and promote its policies, the association organises several discussion and decision forums, major events and fact finding missions according to strict democratic principles and issues publications of all sorts. The association is also authorised to execute all legal instruments (including real estate transactions) directly or indirectly useful or necessary for the promotion and achievement of the above-mentioned aims. Through their national policies the member parties of the association support positions taken by the association in the context of the European Union. In the context of national responsibilities, they shall maintain their own name, their identity and their freedom of action. The association is represented in the European Parliament by the Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) (Group of the EPP in the European Parliament). Member parties oblige parliamentarians elected to the European Parliament on their list, and/or sent to the Committee of the Regions, or the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO, to join the EPP Groups therein. Article 4 The association is incorporated for an indefinite duration.

II.

MEMBERSHIP

Article 5 The number of members is unlimited, but may not be less than two. Requests for membership shall be submitted to the Presidency in writing. They shall comprise a statement on the adoption of the Political programme and by-laws and internal regulations of the association, in addition to a copy of the by-laws of the applicant party and information on the background and organisation of said applicant. The Presidency will transmit the application to the Political Assembly. Without prejudice to article 6 and subject to what follows, the Political Assembly is authorised to grant, at its own discretion, the applicant one of the following member status in the EPP: Ordinary Member Party, Associated Member Party, Member Association or Individual Member (as defined here below). - Ordinary Member Parties The Political Assembly is authorised to grant member status in the association to any Christian Democrat or like-minded party, based in the European Union, which subscribes to the association’s political programme and accepts its by-laws and internal regulations (hereinafter referred to as “Ordinary Member Parties”). – APPENDICES – 319

- Associated Member Parties The Political Assembly is also authorised to grant member status to any political party of Christian Democrat or like-minded orientation, based outside the European Union, from states whose applications for membership of the European Union have been introduced and / or states belonging to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), which subscribe to the objectives referred to in article 3 of the by-laws and to the association’s political programme, and which accept its by-laws and internal regulations (hereinafter referred to as “Associated Member Parties”). They shall not participate in decisions involving the policies and structure of the European Union nor of its institutional system. If the state in which the Associated Member Party is established effectively becomes a member of the European Union, such Associated Member Party shall automatically become an Ordinary Member Party as from the date of the adherence of such state to the European Union. - Member Associations The status of Member Association can be granted to any Member Association within the meaning of article 26 of the by-laws and section XI of the internal regulations and which subscribes to the association‘s political programme and accepts its by-laws and internal regulations (hereinafter referred to as “Member Associations”). - Individual Members In addition, all members of the EPP Group in the European Parliament elected on a list of a member party are also members ex officio of the association (hereinafter referred to as “Individual Members”). Other members of the European Parliament can become Individual Members of the association by decision of the Political Assembly on the proposal of the Presidency of the association. The speaking and voting rights of the Individual Members within the organs of the association are personal and inalienable. If a candidate for membership in the association is a legal person within the meaning of the law applicable to it, it must name in its application for membership a natural person who will represent it in the association. The same provision applies if the candidate does not have legal personality under the law applicable to it. It shall then designate a natural person who will act on behalf of all members of the candidate member without legal personality, as its representative. In case of a change of representation, the President of the association is immediately informed in writing. In the transitional provisions, exception to these provisions is made for granting member status to the Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties, Observer Member Parties and Individual Members joining the association immediately after its incorporation, before the first meeting of the Political Assembly.

– APPENDICES – 320

Article 6 Parties close to the EPP, from (i) European Union Member States, (ii) states which have applied for European Union membership as well as from (iii) European states that are members of the Council of Europe, may be granted observer status by the Political Assembly, on the proposal of the Presidency, except for the parties granted observer status immediately after the incorporation of the association and before the first meeting of the Political Assembly, in accordance with the transitional provisions. This category of members is called “Observer Member Parties”. Article 7 Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties, Member Associations and Observer Member Parties individually pay annual dues of no more than 500.000 (five hundred thousand) euros. The amount of the dues is determined annually by the Political Assembly. Dues are payable within two weeks of having been set and communicated by the Political Assembly to the members. Article 8 The Presidency keeps a membership register at the registered office of the association. This register lists the surname, first name, place of residence, date and place of birth of members or, in the case of legal persons or de facto associations, the name, legal form, address of the registered office, identity of the representative and, where applicable, the registration number in accordance with existing legislation and/or regulations. All members may consult this register at the registered office of the association. The EPP Membership is strictly exclusive. In no case may an EPP member as defined under Articles 5 and 6 Section II of the EPP Statutes also be member of any other Political Party at European Level recognised under Regulation (EC) N° 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 laying down the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding. An EPP member that is found to be also member of another Political Party at European Level will be automatically excluded according to Article XIV of the EPP Internal Regulations. Article 9 Any member may resign from the association at any time. The member gives notice to the Presidency of the decision to resign by registered letter. Members that resign are obliged to fulfil their financial obligations toward the association for the year during which the resignation is submitted and for all previous years. The suspension and the exclusion of a member may only be decided by the – APPENDICES – 321

Political Assembly. It is not obliged to disclose its reasons. A proposal for the exclusion of a member may only be submitted by the Presidency, or seven Ordinary or Associated Member Parties from five different countries. The Presidency may hear the member concerned. A proposal for the exclusion of an Individual Member may only be submitted by the Presidency of the EPP Group in the European Parliament. If a Member Party is not any more a viable political force in its respective country and, in particular, has not been represented in regional or national or European Parliament(s) for two consecutive parliamentary terms, the EPP Presidency can recommend to the Political Assembly its suspension or exclusion, according to the procedures stated in the previous paragraph. A member’s affiliation ceases automatically upon death, disqualification, liquidation or in cases of temporary administration, court-ordered settlement or insolvency. The affiliation of an individual member ends automatically when this member is no longer a member of the European Parliament and the affiliation of a Member Association ends automatically when this member does no longer fulfil the criteria that were necessary for its preliminary recognition as a Member Association and which are set out in the internal regulations. Members that resigned or were excluded and the legal successors of such members or of deceased members have no claims on the assets of the association and may never be reimbursed for dues paid, contributions or any other payments made to the association, unless otherwise expressly provided for in the by-laws. In no case may a member that resigned or was excluded demand the communication of or a copy of the accounts, the placing of official seals on the property of the association or the drawing up of an inventory.

III.

ORGANS OF THE ASSOCIATION

Article 10 The organs of the association are: (i) (ii) (iii)

The Presidency The Political Assembly The Congress.

The EPP strives towards equal participation of women and men in all its organs.

– APPENDICES – 322

IV.

PRESIDENCY

Article 11 The association is managed by the Presidency, the executive organ. The Presidency is composed of: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii)

the President of the EPP; the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative on Foreign and Security Policy, the President of the European Parliament (to the extent that these persons are affiliated to the EPP); the Chairman of the EPP Group in the European Parliament; the Honorary President(s); ten Vice-Presidents; the Treasurer; and the Secretary General.

Except for the Honorary President(s) who are elected by the Political Assembly, and for the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, the High Representative on Foreign and Security Policy, the President of the European Parliament, the Chairman of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament, who are ex officio members of the Presidency, the members of the Presidency are elected by the Congress by secret ballot and by separate vote, for a renewable term of three years, exception made for the first nomination of the members of the Presidency immediately after the incorporation of the association, which will be carried out in accordance with the transitional provisions. The Congress elects first the President who, subsequently, proposes to the Congress a Secretary General to be elected. Only representatives of Ordinary and Associated Member Parties are eligible for these functions. Candidates who obtain a simple majority of the valid votes cast are elected. Abstentions are not considered valid votes. Candidates for the functions of President, Vice-Presidents and Treasurer must be nominated, in writing, to the Secretariat General, seven days prior to the date of the election. Presidents and Secretaries General are entitled, on behalf of Ordinary and Associated Member Parties and on behalf of Member Associations, to propose candidates provided that all candidates are member of an Ordinary or Associated Member Party. All Ordinary and Associated Member Parties and all Member Associations shall be informed of the names of the candidates not less than three days prior to the elections. The members of the Presidency may resign at any time, by giving notice to the Presidency of the decision to resign by registered letter. Their mandate is at any time revocable by the Congress. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 323

If a mandate falls vacant, the Political Assembly may, in accordance with the previous paragraphs of this article, elect a replacement. At the following Congress, confirmation of this election is requested and the Congress determines the duration of the term of office. Members of the Presidency may be re-elected. Members of the Presidency whose terms of office are coming to an end must, before expiry of the term, call a Congress for the purpose of electing new members of the Presidency. If they fail to do so, they are obliged to remain in office until such time as a replacement can be found, without prejudice to their responsibility for any damage caused by their omission. On the proposal of the President, and in accordance with the requirements of the agenda, the following persons may be invited to attend meetings of the Presidency: - members of the European Commission who are member of a Member Party - the President of the EPP Group at the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO as well as in the Committee of the Regions The following persons are permanently invited:

- the Deputy Secretary(ies)-General of the EPP - The Secretary-General of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

The EPP President and/or Secretary General can attend, at will, any meetings of any organs of EPP Groups and Associations. The members of the Presidency are not remunerated for the exercise of their mandate, unless decided otherwise by the Political Assembly. In case the President would be prevented to fulfil his powers, as attributed to him by these by-laws and the internal regulations, he will delegate one of the Vice-Presidents as his representative. Article 12 The Presidency has the powers attributed to it by the law, these By-laws and the Internal Regulations. Its competences consist inter alia of:

- ensuring the implementation of decisions taken by the Political Assembly; - preparing the annual accounts and budget; - ensuring the permanent political presence of the EPP; - monitoring the work of the General Secretariat, and more in particular the budget management; - issuing statements on behalf of the EPP in the framework of its political program further to a decision of the Political Assembly; - proposing candidates for the function of Deputy Secretary(ies) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 324

General to the Political Assembly in agreement with the Secretary General; - proposing candidates for nomination as Honorary President to the Political Assembly.

Article 13 The members of the Presidency shall meet at least eight times annually, upon convocation by the President, by letter, fax or email at the latest two weeks in advance, unless in case of urgency. The meetings take place on the day and at the time and place stated in the convocation notice. The notice also contains the agenda, which is fixed by the President. The Presidency may only debate the items on the agenda, unless all the members are present and unanimously agree to deliberate and to approve the agenda set at that time. The Presidency shall validly deliberate if a majority of its members are present. In case of failure to achieve this quorum, a second meeting shall be convened with the same agenda, which can validly deliberate, regardless of the attendance quorum. Decisions shall be taken by an absolute majority of the votes cast. All members of the Presidency shall have one vote. In case of a tie, the President has the casting vote. The meetings are chaired by the President. The Secretary General or a Deputy Secretary General shall draw up the minutes of the meetings, which shall be kept at the registered office of the association. Membership of the Presidency is strictly personal. A representative of a member of the Presidency will not be admitted to meetings. The mandate of the members of the Presidency will automatically expire if, during the course of the year, a member has not participated in at least half of the meetings. On the proposal of the President, the Presidency may share work between its members or mandate certain members for specific tasks and delegate specific powers to one or more of its members. Article 14 If the President considers it advisable, the Presidency may approve a proposal by having all members of the Presidency sign for approval a circular setting out the proposal. In this case, the Presidency is not required to call a meeting. The circular must include the following information:

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 325

- a statement that the text is a proposal for a decision of the Presidency; - a statement that the decision shall only be approved if signed by all the members of the Presidency; - a statement that the decision may not be amended and that no reservations may be expressed by members of the Presidency; - a statement that all the members of the Presidency must return the document signed and with the handwritten words “read and approved”; - a statement that the signed circular must be returned within ten days to the association.

The meetings of the Presidency may also be organised by video- or teleconference.

POLITICAL ASSEMBLY

Article 15 The Political Assembly is the strategic organ of the association. It is composed of: a. members ex officio:

- members of the Presidency; - members of the Presidency of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament; - Presidents of Ordinary or Associated Member Parties, Member Associations or their mandated representatives; - Presidents of national delegations of member parties of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament; - Members of the Presidency of the European Parliament, of the European Commission and of the Presidency of the Committee of the Regions, provided they belong to an Ordinary Member Party; - Presidents of the EPP Groups in the Committee of the Regions and in the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO, provided that they are member of an Ordinary Member Party or Associate Member Party.

The mandate of these members of the Political Assembly ends when they loose the capacity in which they became member of the Political Assembly. b. delegated members:

- Representatives of Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties.

The Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties shall nominate their delegates together with an equivalent number of substitutes. – APPENDICES – 326

- The delegates and voting rights of Ordinary Member Parties are assigned proportionally to the number of Individual Members of the association; - The delegates and voting rights of the Associated Member Parties are assigned by the Presidency.

The mandate of these members of the Political Assembly ends when the delegation by which they became member of the Political Assembly comes to an end. The composition of the Political Assembly is calculated by the Secretary General twice in a legislature of the European Parliament (i): at the beginning and (ii) half-way through the European parliament legislature (any delay in these calculations is limited to a maximum of six months). This calculation must be approved by the Political Assembly. c. non voting members

- The deputy Secretary(ies) General of the Association; - The Secretary General of the EPP Group in the European Parliament, and Secretaries General of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions and in the parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO; - Two delegates of each Observer Member Party.

On the proposal of the President, the Political Assembly may invite certain personalities to give advice. Article 16 The Political Assembly has the powers attributed to it by the law, these by-laws and the Internal Regulations. Its competences consist inter alia of:

- ensuring unity of action by the EPP and influencing the achievment of European policy in the spirit of its program; - electing the Deputy Secretary(ies) General on the proposal of the Presidency; - stimulating and organising systematic relations between national parliamentary groups and member parties in agreement with the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament; - adopting the annual accounts and the budget; - deciding on the applications for membership as well as on the recognition of Member Associations; - deciding on the exclusion of members and revoking the recognition of Member Associations; - deciding on the amount of annual dues to be paid by the members; - formulating recommendations to the Congress as to modifications of the by-laws; - adopting the Internal Regulations; - electing the Honorary President(s) on the proposal of the Presidency, except for the first Honorary President(s) elected before the first meeting of the Political Assembly in accordance with the â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 327

transitional provisions; - appointing the statutory auditor.

The Political Assembly may establish standing commissions and ad hoc working groups to study specific problems, and decide to dissolve them after having heard the president of the commission or working group. Article 17 On the invitation of the President, the Political Assembly meets at least four times annually, whenever the object or the interest of the association so requires; an extraordinary meeting can be held at the request of either one-third of the Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties, or of the Presidency of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament. The Political Assembly shall validly deliberate if it is convened regularly, i.e. by letter, fax or email at the latest two weeks in advance, unless in case of urgency, and if a majority of its members are present. Failure to achieve this quorum can only be established on the basis of a formal proposal, at the request of the delegations of at least seven Ordinary Member Parties or Associated Member Parties. If a second meeting has been convened with the same agenda, within at least two weeks and at most two months after the establishing of the failure to achieve the quorum, this second meeting can validly deliberate, regardless of the quorum. The convocation notice sets out the agenda. Meetings are held at the registered office of the association or at the place stated in the notice of the meeting. For an item not listed on the agenda to be validly put to the vote, at least two thirds of members present must consent. All votes and election procedures shall be made by absolute majority of the members present. In case of a tie, the President has the casting vote. The meetings are chaired by the President. The Secretary General or a Deputy Secretary General shall draw up the minutes of the meetings, which shall be kept at the registered office of the association. All members will receive copies of these minutes within four weeks of each meeting. The Political Assembly normally meets ”in camera”. On the request of the Presidency or of one tenth of the delegates, the Political Assembly may decide, by simple majority, to admit the public to the meeting.

– APPENDICES – 328

VI.

CONGRESS

Article 18 The Congress has the following competences: - deciding on the political program of the EPP; - deciding on modifications of the by-laws; - electing the President, Vice-Presidents, the Secretary General and the Treasurer; - deciding on the dissolution of the association. The composition and the functioning of the Congress are regulated in the Internal Regulations.

VII.

SECRETARY GENERAL

Article 19 Exception made for the first nomination of the Secretary General immediately after the incorporation of the association, which will be carried out in accordance with the transitional provisions, the Congress elects, on the proposal of the President, a Secretary General, in charge of the day-to-day management of the association, including the representation of the association within the limits of the day-to-day management. This day to day management includes inter alia (i) the management of the General Secretariat and exercise of the decisions taken by the organs, (ii) the supervision of the cooperation between Ordinary Member Party, Associated Member Party and Member Association, General Secretariats, Member Associations, and the General Secretariat of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament, (iii) the drawing up, in agreement with the President, of agendas for meetings of organs, the supervision of the convening of meetings, their preparation, and the writing of minutes, (iv) the responsibility to the Presidency and the Political Assembly for proper and adequate budgetary management, and (v) the drawing up of a report of the activities of the General Secretariat and organisational perspectives to the Political Assembly at the beginning of each year. The Secretary General is also entitled to implement decisions of the Presidency and in particular to authorise an attorney at law to represent the association in judicial proceedings either as applicant or defendant. On the proposal of the Presidency and in agreement with the Secretary General, the Political Assembly, following the election of the Presidency, elects the Deputy Secretary (ies) General for a period of three years.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 329

VIII.

REPRESENTATION

Article 20 All legal acts on behalf of the association not falling within the scope of the day-to-day management or of a special delegation of powers, must be signed by the President or by two members of the Presidency.

IX.

MODIFICATIONS OF THE BY-LAWS

Article 21 Proposals for modifications of the by-laws may be introduced by the Presidency, Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties or Member Associations and by the EPP Group at the European Parliament and the Presidents of the EPP Groups in the Committee of the Regions, the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO provided that they are member of an Ordinary Member Party or Associated Member Party. Proposals must be presented in writing to the Secretary General who will transmit them to the Members of the Political Assembly for deliberation at least four weeks prior to the meeting at which the Political Assembly will deliberate on those proposals. Proposals shall be presented to the Congress for adoption only if they have obtained a two-thirds majority in the Political Assembly. Approval of modifications to the by-laws presented by the Political Assembly requires a simple majority of the members of Congress present. The Congress may by a twothirds majority of the members present overrule the proposals of the Political Assembly.

CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES

Article 22 The Centre for European Studies (CES) is the official European political foundation of the European People‘s Party. The CES will function as the sole and official think-tank of the EPP and shall, in particular, serve as a common European framework for national foundations/think-tanks recognised by EPP member-parties.

– APPENDICES – 330

XI.

FINANCIAL YEAR – ANNUAL ACCOUNTS AND BUDGET – STATUTORY AUDITOR

Article 23 Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties, Member Associations and Observer Member Parties contribute to the financing of the association. The conditions are strictly defined in the Internal Regulations. Article 24 The association’s financial year runs from 1 January to 31 December. At the end of each financial year, the Presidency closes the accounts for the year ended and establishes the budget for the following financial year in accordance with the applicable legal provisions; the annual accounts are submitted to the Political Assembly for approval. The Treasurer will assist the Presidency in drawing up the accounts and the budget. He controls the budgetary management of the General Secretary and reports to the Presidency. He is responsible in particular for the financing of the association and its activities, by means of membership fees, donations or otherwise. The surplus is added to the association’s assets and in no case may be paid to members in the form of dividends. Article 25 Exception made for the first appointment of the statutory auditor immediately after the incorporation of the association, which will be carried out in accordance with the transitional provisions, the Political Assembly appoints one or more statutory auditors assigned with auditing the accounts submitted by the Presidency and presenting a report on the accounts. The auditor is appointed for a renewable term of three years. The Political Assembly fixes his remuneration. His mandate may be revoked at any time by the Presidency. In the absence of an auditor or if the auditor is unable to fulfil his functions, the President convenes within one month a meeting of the Political Assembly for the purpose of appointing an auditor or replacing the auditor. The auditor appointed to replace an auditor who has resigned in the course of his term of office completes the latter’s term.

– APPENDICES – 331

XII.

DISSOLUTION

Article 26 The association is not dissolved as a result of the death, dissolution or resignation of a member, provided the number of members is not less than two. The association may be dissolved voluntarily by a decision of the Congress with a three-quarters majority of the members present, in accordance with the rules applicable to its functioning, as set out in the Internal Regulations. In the event of voluntary dissolution, the Congress elects the liquidator(s). In the absence of liquidator(s), the members of the Presidency will act as liquidators. In the event of dissolution, the Political Assembly decides on the disposal of the assets. Such disposal must serve a not-for-profit purpose.

XIII.

INTERNAL REGULATIONS

Article 27 At the proposal of the Presidency, the Political Assembly decides on the Internal Regulations in which issues of internal order and of financial order not mentioned in these by-laws shall be set out. In the Internal Regulations, some additional bodies will be created, such as the EPP Summit and the notions of “Member Associations” and “Supporting Member” will be defined. Proposals for amendments to the Internal Regulations may be submitted by the Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties and Member Associations and by the Presidency. Said proposals must be submitted in writing to the Secretary General four weeks prior to the meeting of the Political Assembly at which they will be considered and they must be notified to the members.

– APPENDICES – 332

Approved by the EPP Political Assembly on 7th November 2011, Brussels

INTERNAL REGULATIONS OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (international non-profit association) By and under supervision of the Political Assembly, the following additional bodies with decision-making powers will be established and function within the association. The rules regarding the functioning and composition of these bodies, as well as other rules relating to the functioning of the international association which are not set out in the by-laws, will be set out in these Internal Regulations.

CONGRESS

Composition

The members of Congress are:

- Members of the EPP Presidency; - Presidents of Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties and Member Associations; - Delegates of Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties and Member Associations; - Heads of State and of Government of Member States of the European Union, who are members of an Ordinary Member Party; - The President of the European Council provided he is member of an Ordinary Member Party; - Individual Members of the Association (cf. article 5, alinea 4 of the By-laws) ; - Members of the European Commission provided they are members of an Ordinary Member Party; - Presidents of the EPP Groups at the Committee of the Regions, and at the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO, provided that they are a member of an Ordinary Member Party or an Associated Member Party; - Delegates of the EPP Groups in the Committee of the Regions and in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, provided that they are member of an Ordinary Member Party or Associated Member Party.

The overall number of delegates shall be decided upon by the Political Assembly prior to convening the Congress. – APPENDICES – 333

Delegates of Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Parties, Member Associations, the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions and in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe respectively form delegations. They must, in the composition of their delegation, give priority to their representatives at the Political Assembly. The number of delegates from each Ordinary Member Party, Associated Member Party and Member Association is calculated in accordance with the number of delegate members of the Political Assembly. Members ex officio are not taken into account. Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties are entitled to a minimum of three delegates. Member Associations and the Groups of the EPP in the Committee of the Regions and in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe are entitled to six delegates. The following are invited to the Congress as guests:

- three representatives of each Observer Member Party, in accordance with article 6 of the by-laws; - members of the Presidency of the EPP Groups at the Committee of the Regions and at the Parliamentary Assemblies of the Council of Europe, at, the OSCE and NATO; - parliamentarians of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament who are not Individual Members of the association; - all former Presidents and Secretaries-General of the party; - Supporting Members.

The President has the right to invite other personalities to the meetings of the Congress. b.

Functioning

The Congress meets at least every three years. It is convened by a decision of the Political Assembly which determines the venue, date, agenda and regulations of the Congress. Convening of the Congress is the responsibility of the President on behalf of the Political Assembly. The Political Assembly debates and approves the draft EPP Congress document. Notice shall be made in writing and contain the venue, date and proposed agenda. It must be dispatched, together with a copy of the regulations of the Congress, four weeks prior to the Congress. Organisations that have delegates are responsible for informing them. The venue and date of an ordinary Congress, as well as the number of delegates per delegation, must be communicated at least two months in advance.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 334

The Political Assembly can decide to convene an extraordinary Congress. At the request of the Group of the EPP in the European Parliament or at least one-third of the Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties, the Political Assembly shall convene an Extraordinary Congress. The time period set out in the previous paragraphs shall be reduced to minimum three weeks. The Congress can validly take decisions if it has been correctly convened and if the majority of its members are present. Failure to reach a quorum must be established by a formal motion. A motion preventing valid deliberation may be introduced by:

- the presidency of the Congress; - at least seven Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties from five different countries; - the Presidency of the EPP Group in the European Parliament.

If the Congress is unable to make a valid deliberation, the President shall, after consultation with the EPP Presidency, determine the date and agenda of an extraordinary Congress. The stipulations concerning the notice and notice period shall not apply. This extraordinary Congress may nonetheless validly deliberate. This must be mentioned in the invitation. Decisions shall be taken by an absolute majority of the votes cast. Decisions on modifications to the by-laws are governed by article 21 of the By-laws. Each member of Congress has one vote. The Congress normally meets in public. On the request of the Congress Presidency, the Congress may decide, by simple majority, to meet “in camera”.

II.

POLITICAL ASSEMBLY

Following Article 15 b) of the EPP By-laws, the number of the delegates and voting rights of the Associated Member Parties and Member Associations are assigned by the Presidency. The number of delegates shall be limited to a maximum of 2 besides the Party Chairman.

III.

EPP SUMMIT

Competences

The EPP Summit prepares the position to be taken by the EPP Heads of State and of Government at the European Council and issues recommendations on the strategy and political orientation of the association.

– APPENDICES – 335

Composition

The EPP Summit is composed of: - the members of the EPP Presidency; - the members of the European Council (Heads of State and of Government), the President of the European Parliament and the President of the European Commission or a Vice-President to represent members of the European Commission, as far as they are a member of an EPP Ordinary Member Party; - Presidents of parties in coalition governments in EU Member States in cases where the Head of Government is not a member of an EPP Ordinary Member Party; - the President of the largest opposition party in each Member State of the European Union in the event that no EPP Ordinary Member Party is part of the government. Where EPP Ordinary Member Parties candidate only in complementary regions, the President of each party is invited. The President has the right to invite other personalities to the meetings of the EPP Summit. The President will report to the Political Assembly on the outcome and general direction of the EPP Summit.

IV.

INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIES STEERING COMMITTEE

The Secretary General chairs the ‘International Secretaries Steering Committee’, an ad hoc consultative body that will assist, when necessary, the work of the institutional bodies of the EPP. All international, external or related Secretaries have the right to participate in this Committee.

EPP MINISTERIAL MEETINGS

The EPP organises on a regular basis EU Ministerial Meetings of Foreign Ministers and ECOFIN Minsters in order to improve political coordination and policy synergy in the Council. Ministerial Meetings will be organised in relevant EU policy sectors. At the recommendation of the EPP President, EPP Vice-Presidents or other outstanding EPP political personalities may chair such meetings if they have relevant policy experience and expertise.

VI.

WORKING GROUP CHAIRMEN

The Members of the Presidency should commit themselves in the bodies of the party, e.g. working groups, fora, ad-hoc committees. In case of vacancies, the Presidency together with the Secretary General will appoint a high profile EPP personality to Chair a working Group. In case of poor performance by an appointed working Group Chairperson, the Presidency and the Secretary General have the right to replace the Chairperson with a new appointment. – APPENDICES – 336

Member Parties who do not participate in two consecutive meetings of the Working Group Meetings, will not be able to present and/or vote amendments to EPP Working Group documents or resolutions in the two following Working Group Meetings, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant Working Group.

VII.

BILATERAL AGREEMENTS

The EPP has the right to establish Bilateral Agreements with parties, organisations, think tanks, NGOs, etc., as an instrument to develop broader relations. The specific terms of the Agreement have to be accepted by the Presidency and approved by the Political Assembly. At the proposal of the Presidency, the Political Assembly has the right to revoke a Bilateral Agreement if the terms of the Agreement have been breached.

VIII. SECRETARY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS EPP’s bilateral and multilateral relations with like-minded political parties and organisations beyond the EU and in other continents shall be coordinated by the Secretary of External Relations. The Secretary of External Relations will perform his task under the monitoring of the Secretary General and the Deputy Secretary General (responsible for political affairs). Adopting the same nomination and election procedure of the Statutes/By-laws stated in Article 12 (point 6, Article 16 (point 2) and Article 19 (last paragraph), the Secretary for External Relations is elected for a period of three years.

IX.

SPOKESPERSON

EPP‘s Press and Communication department will be headed by the Spokesperson. The Spokesperson is responsible for promoting the profile and work of the EPP and the members of the EPP Presidency in all media and related public fora. The Spokesperson performs his/her tasks under the direction of the President and Secretary General, and receives guidelines from the Presidency. Adopting the same nomination and election procedure on the Statutes/By-laws stated in Article 12 (point6), Article 16 (point 2), and Article 19 (last paragraph), the Spokesperson is elected for a period of three years.

MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

Associations eligible to become Member Associations

Recognition as an Association presupposes that:

- national sections, linked to an Ordinary Member Party of the EPP, exist in at least half the Member States of the EU; – APPENDICES – 337

- their activities are performed on the basis of by-laws governing their responsibilities and the right of representation; - their activities and the positions taken are in line with the EPP Program and the partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political directives.

The EPP Member Associations must clearly indicate in their name their relationship to the EPP. As a general rule, the Member Associations must accept the participation of the corresponding national associations of the Ordinary Member Parties and Associated Member Parties. b.

Admission as a Member Association

Associations wishing to be recognised should apply to the Presidency in writing. The application must include:

- the program of the association; - the by-laws of the association; - and information concerning the organization and the number of members; - evidence that the recognition requirements set forth in section X, a) are satisfied.

The Presidency must submit the application to the members of the Political Assembly at least one month prior to its examination. The Political Assembly may decide to hear representatives of an applicant association. On the proposal of the Presidency, and after having heard the association concerned, the Political Assembly may revoke its recognition of an association. c.

Relationship between Member Associations and third parties

The EPP Member Associations are autonomous organisations and should act as separate legal entities through their own bodies. The Member Associations clearly indicate in their name their relationship to the EPP in a way that no confusion is created over the fact that the Member Association is a separate legal entity operating independently from the EPP. The Member Associations should give due consideration to the interests of the EPP and other Member Associations. The Member Associations should observe the guidelines which the Political Assembly has adopted to increase transparency as to the relationship between the EPP and the Member Associations and to contribute to the good governance of the EPP and the Member Associations. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 338

Transitional Provision

As a transitional measure, Member Associations that were admitted as a Member Association as at 1 September 2010 and which did not have legal personality at that time, can continue to operate as an association without legal personality until September 2011.

XI.

BUDGET AND ACCOUNTS

At the first meeting of each odd-numbered year, the Political Assembly elects four Internal Auditors who may not be members of the EPP Presidency. Their mandate lasts two years.

XII.

MEMBERSHIP ADMISSION

During its preliminary examination of the membership application as mentioned in article 5 of the By-Laws, the Political Assembly may decide to hear a representative of the applicant party. After its preliminary examination, the Political Assembly transmits the application for advice to the EPP Working Group on ‘EPP Membership‘. The Political Assembly will take a decision on the application on one of its next meetings following the receipt of the advice of the EPP Working Group on ‘EPP Membership‘.

XIII. MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION The suspension of a member as defined in article 9 of the By-Laws may only be decided by the Political Assembly after hearing the member concerned. If the member fails to turn up for the hearing, the Political Assembly is authorised to decide on the suspension of the member. Suspended members lose their speaking and/or voting rights within the organs and bodies of the association as well as their right to propose candidates for positions within the association, until the Political Assembly has lifted the suspension, it being understood that they have to continue to comply with their membership obligations during the whole time of the suspension.

XIV.

MEMBERSHIP EXCLUSION

The exclusion of a member as defined in article 9 of the By-Laws may only be decided by the Political Assembly after hearing the member concerned. If the member fails to turn up for the hearing, the Political Assembly is authorised to decide on the exclusion of the member.

– APPENDICES – 339

XV.

SUPPORTING MEMBERS

The Presidency may also grant the title of Supporting Member to other persons or associations. They do not enjoy the same rights as the members mentioned in article 5 of the by-laws but may be invited by the President to attend meetings of certain organs or bodies of the association.

XVI. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS a.

Membership Fees of EPP Ordinary Member Parties

The annual Membership Fees of the EPP Ordinary Member Parties is based on: a) a basic sum calculated on the basis of the votes obtained by that party in the last European Elections b) a basic sum per member of that party in the EPP Group in the European Parliament The basic calculation is made for the first budget following European Elections, on the proposal of the Treasurer and the Secretary General and after approval of the Political Assembly. When a modification in Membership Fees is necessary, it is possible to vote for either a modification of basic sum a) or for a modification of basic sum b) or for a modification of both sums. b.

Membership Fees for Associated Member Parties and Observer Member Parties

On the proposal of the Treasurer and Secretary General, the Membership Fees of EPP Associated Member Parties, is calculated by the Political Assembly on the basis of the votes obtained by these Associated Member parties during the last national elections. The Associated Member Parties will start paying Membership Fees immediately after their admission as an Associated Member Party, pro rata temporis. The same procedure is for 50 % applied to Observer Member Parties. c.

Membership Fees for Member Associations

The Membership Fees of EPP Member Associations are determined by the Political Assembly upon proposal of the Treasurer and Secretary General.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 340

Contribution of Supporting Members

Supporting Members can contribute to the financing of the EPP. The Supporting Member Contribution is at least 20 euro. e.

General Stipulations

Membership Fees are fixed in euro; they are payable without deduction of incurred costs. Membership Fees are adjusted annually in line with Belgian inflation levels. f.

Arrears

Ordinary Member Parties, Associated Member Partiers and Observer Member Parties which accumulate arrears in the payment of their annual Membership Fee lose their speaking and/or voting rights within the organs and bodies of the association as well as their right to propose candidates for positions within the association, until they have paid off their arrears. The Presidency will propose to the Political Assembly to exclude Ordinary, Associated and Observer Member Parties which accumulated arrears for two years. Interest, equivalent to double the relevant year’s annual inflation rate in Belgium, will be added to the amount of the arrears. A list outlining the current Membership Fees’ situation will be distributed at each meeting of the EPP Political Assembly. g.

Subventions to Member Associations

1. The EPP in so far as possible supports the activities of its Member Associations. The nature and conditions of this support is determined by the EPP authorities responsible for the budget. 2. Each Member Association submits its budget at the beginning of the budgetary year (by 1 February at the latest) to the Political Assembly. It also furnishes its accounts and balance sheet of the year prior to the previous budgetary year. The balance sheet and accounts are to be accompanied by the report of the financial auditors and the minutes of the meeting at which this report was approved. 3. Each Member Association must present an activity report of the previous 12 month period to the EPP Political Assembly at the very latest at the time of the final adoption of the EPP budget. 4. Each Member Association must present a draft Activity Programme for the year to come to the EPP General Secretariat at the latest on November 1. – APPENDICES – 341

5. Following this, each Member Association receives (following the approval of the EPP budget) a subvention for its normal administrative costs (“office costs”). This subvention will be maximum 30% of the total amount of financial means put at the disposal of the Member Associations by the EPP. 6. Furthermore, each Member Association receives a credit line (following the approval of the EPP budget) for the realisation of the activities as mentioned in point 4 and enlisted in the EPP Grant Application to the European Parliament as ‘co-productions’. This credit line is allocated in part or in whole on a case by case basis following an agreement with the EPP General Secretariat. 7. For the granting of such subventions, the following provisions must be ensured: On all invitations to the activities and on all publications concerning the activities of the Member Associations as mentioned in point 4, the EPP logo must be present and clearly identified. This is a necessary prerequisite for every single use (in part or in whole) of the credit line. h.

Financial support to related organisations

Should the EPP Political Assembly decide to give annual financial support to other related organisations, these organisations should follow the same procedure as described above, in section g. i.

Administration of Resources

The EPP Treasurer and Secretary General are entrusted by the EPP Presidency and Political Assembly with the proper administration and use of the financial resources of the association. j.

Financial Year – Annual Accounts and Budget – Statutory Auditor

In accordance with Article 12 and Article 24 of the By-laws, any member of the EPP Presidency who is a Member of the European Commission or President of the European Parliament does not take part in the decision-making process regarding the annual accounts and budget of the association. These persons cannot be appointed as Statutory Auditor according to Article 25 of the By-laws.

– APPENDICES – 342

XVII. EPP MERIT AWARD The EPP Presidency has the right to grant an “EPP Merit Award” to individuals that have made an outstanding contribution in promoting the EPP. The EPP Presidency will receive nominations and examine them on a case-by-case basis before granting the Award.

– APPENDICES – 343

APPENDIX III

BY-LAWS OF THE CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES (international non-profit association) Brussels, 13th September 2007 (Amended 2nd May 2010)

The following individuals, representing the interests of the European People’s Party (EPP) and its member-parties: · Wilfried Martens, lawyer, domiciled in 1050 Ixelles (Brussels), place MarieJosé 14/10, Born in Sleidinge on 19.04.1936; · Antonio López-Istúriz White, lawyer, domiciled in Ronda de la Sacedilla 13.1 BAJO B, 28221 Madrid, Spain, Born in Pamplona on 1.04.1970; and the following organisations which are national political foundations/thinktanks linked to EPP member-parties: · Constantinos Karamanlis Institute for Democracy, scientific non-profit company, 10, Vas.Sofias Ave., 10674 Athens, represented by Skilas, Pantelis, Head of the international cooperation department; · Fundación para el análisis y los estudios sociales, foundation, calle Juan Bravo nro 3-C, 7th floor, Madrid, represented by Magaz van Nes, Juan Alejandro, Lawyer; · Hanns-Seidel-Stiftung e.v., registered association, Lazarettstrasse 33, D-80636 München represented by Luther, Susanne, Head of the Office for Foreign Relations; · Jarl Hjalmarson Stiftelsen, foundation, Stora Nyagatan 30, Old Town, Stockholm, Box 2080, SE-103 12 Stockholm, Sweden, represented by Gustavsson, Eva, Managing Director; · Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung e.V., registered association, Rathausallee 12, D-53757 Sankt Augustin, Germany represented by Weilemann, Peter , Director; · Politische Akademie der ÖVP, registered association, Tivoligasse 73, 1120 Vienna, represented by Kroiher, Erik, Head of the International Office of – APPENDICES – 344

Political Academy and International Secretary of ÖVP; · Stichting Wetenschappelijk Instituut voor het CDA, foundation, Buitenom 18, 2512 XA Den Haag / The Hague, The Netherlands, represented by Van Asselt Evert-Jan, Deputy Director; · Szövetség A Polgári Magyarországért Alapítvány, foundation, 1062 Budapest, Lendvay utca 28, Hungary, represented by Balog, Zoltán, Chairman of the Executive Board. have agreed to incorporate a Belgian non-profit organisation (“Association sans but lucratif/Vereniging zonder winstoogmerk”) pursuant to the Belgian law of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non-profit associations and foundations, the By-laws of which are as follows: TITLE I – NAME, REGISTERED OFFICE, PURPOSE, DURATION Article 1. Name The name of the non-profit association is: “Centre for European Studies ASBL”, abbreviated as “CES”, referred to here below as the “Centre”. Article 2. Registered office 2.1. The registered office of the Centre is located at 1000 Brussels, Rue du Commerce, 10, in the judicial district (“arrondissement judiciaire/gerechtelijk arrondissement”) of Brussels. 2.2. The registered office can be transferred to any other place in Belgium by a decision of the General Assembly complying with the linguistic legislation in Belgium. 2.3. By decision of the General Assembly – according to the provisions of the Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding - the Centre has the right to re-register its office in any other Member State of the European Union. Article 3. Object and Purpose 3.1. The Centre shall constitute the official think-tank of the European People’s Party (EPP) and shall, in particular, serve as a common European framework for national foundations/think-tanks recognised by EPP memberparties.

– APPENDICES – 345

In this respect, the Centre, as a non-profit entity, shall amongst others: · monitor, analyse and contribute to the debate of the policy priorities of the European Union; · organise and support seminars, training, conferences and publications on important European themes; · collaborate with high-profile academics, journalists, experts and opinionmakers, as well as with independent centres and institutes. · use all possible means to disseminate the results of its activities. 3.2. The Centre will realise these objectives in close cooperation with its members. It can undertake any action directly or indirectly related to the above-mentioned purposes or to facilitate the development or achievement thereof. 3.3. The Centre is affiliated to the EPP and will function as its sole European political foundation in accordance with the Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding. Article 4. Duration The Centre has an unlimited duration and can only be dissolved by judicial decision or a decision of the General Assembly pursuant to Article 26.

TITLE II – MEMBERSHIP Article 5. Minimum Number of Members 5.1. The Centre has at least three ordinary members. The number of ordinary members is limited to seventy (70). Additionally, the Centre can accept supporting members as non-voting members. All members have to be committed to support the objectives and aims of the Centre. 5.2. An ordinary members‘ registry is kept updated at the registered office of the Centre and a copy thereof is filed with the Clerk‘s office of the Commercial Court. The ordinary members are entitled to consult the member‘s registry at the registered office of the Centre. Article 6. Admission of Members 6.1. Ordinary members of the Centre are individuals and political foundations/think-tanks. Every ordinary member has the right to vote. Up to 35 of the – APPENDICES – 346

number of the ordinary members will represent political foundations/think-tanks. 6.2. Individuals are accepted as ordinary members by a simple majority vote in the General Assembly, after recommendation of the EPP Presidency to the Executive Board. These individuals represent the interests of the EPP and its member-parties. The EPP Presidency must submit to the Executive Board a written proposal, at least 14 days prior to a General Assembly meeting. Individuals have a mandate of three years. The EPP Presidency will be requested to review CES Individual Memberships every 3 years and present its recommendations for Individual Members, to be accepted by the General Assembly. 6.3. In order for a political foundation/think-tank to become a ordinary member of the Centre, it must be recognised by its respective EPP memberparty and be engaged in promoting political information and debate and facilitating EU integration, for instance, by: · observing, analysing and contributing to the debate on public policy issues at national or at European level; · supporting seminars, training, conferences, publications or studies on such issues; · serving as framework for national experts, politicians and academics to work together at national or at European level. A political foundation/think-tank must have staff, demonstrate regular activity and issue regular financial reports. 6.4. In order to consider a new political foundation/think-tank for membership, an application must be submitted to the Executive Board. The application must be accompanied by a letter of recognition from an EPP member-party, signed by the President or Secretary General of the respective EPP memberparty confirming that: (1) the applicant is considered as the official political foundation/think-tank of the respective EPP member-party, and (2) the political foundation/think-tank fulfills the criteria of Article 6.3. Only one endorsement of a foundation/thinktank per EPP member-party shall be accepted. 6.5. The General Assembly, after considering the recommendations of the Executive Board on membership applications of political foundations/thinktanks, approves their admission as ordinary members by a simple majority of the votes cast. 6.6. The Executive Board can recommend to the General Assembly the acceptance of supporting members. Supporting members can be individuals representing academic institutions or other relevant organisations. Supporting members do not have the right to vote. The supporting members have the right to participate in the meetings of the General Assembly as observers. – APPENDICES – 347

6.7. Apart from the rights and obligations that are specified in these Bylaws and in the relevant provisions of the Belgian law, members do not have any additional obligations towards the Centre. Article 7. Resignation and Expulsion of Members 7.1. A member can terminate its membership in the Centre by giving the Executive Board written notice of resignation with immediate effect. 7.2. The expulsion of members from the Centre can be proposed to the General Assembly by the Executive Board if there is sufficient evidence that the member in question has violated the by-laws of the Centre or if a member does not participate in 2 consecutive meetings of the General Assembly. The Executive Board notifies to the member its proposal to the General Assembly to expel it. The member will automatically be suspended between the date of such notification and the date of the General Assembly. The expulsion of a member requires a vote with a special majority of 2/3 of the votes cast by the General Assembly. TITLE III – ORGANS SUBTITLE I - GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 8. Statutory and Non-Statutory Organs 8.1. The Statutory organs of the Centre are the ‘General Assembly’, and the ‘Executive Board’. 8.2. The Non-Statutory organs are the ‘Honorary Board’ and the ‘Academic Council’. SUBTITLE II - GENERAL ASSEMBLY Article 9. Composition 9.1. The General Assembly is composed by all the ordinary members of the Centre. Every new ordinary member has the right to vote (one vote per member). The President of the Centre can invite guests as observers at the General Assembly meeting. 9.2. The General Assembly is chaired by the President or in his absence and in agreement with the Executive Board, the most senior member of the Executive Board. 9.3. Individual ordinary members cannot be represented in the General Assembly by proxy. A political foundation/think-tank ordinary member can – APPENDICES – 348

only be represented in the General Assembly according to its own organisational rules. Article 10. Competences The competences of the General Assembly are: · amendment of the By-laws of the Centre; · admission (upon recommendation of the Executive Board) and exclusion of members of the Centre; · appointment and dismissal of the members of the Executive Board; · appointment and dismissal of the statutory auditor, if any, and determination of its remuneration if the mandate is remunerated; · grant of discharge to the members of the Executive Board and to the statutory auditor, if any; · approval of the budget and the annual accounts; · approval of the annual program; · dissolution of the Centre; · conversion of the Centre into a “société à finalité sociale/vennootschap met een sociaal oogmerk“ Article 11. Meetings 11.1. The General Assembly meets at least once a year and is convened by the Executive Board or upon request of at least 1/5 of the ordinary members. In any case, an statutory General Assembly meeting shall be held at latest on 31 May of each year, in order to deliberate on the approval of the annual accounts of the preceding accounting year and on the discharge of the members of the Executive Board and the statutory auditor, if any, as well as on the budget for the next accounting year. 11.2. Ordinary members are convened in writing (by mail and/or e-mail), at least 28 days in advance. The convocation letter shall include date, time and location of the General Assembly meeting, as well as the agenda thereof. Each agenda item proposal, signed by 1/20 of the ordinary members, shall be added to the agenda. Such a proposal has to be sent to the Executive Board at least 14 days prior to the date of the General Assembly meeting.

– APPENDICES – 349

Article 12. Decisions 12.1. Each ordinary member is entitled to one vote. 12.2. Unless otherwise stated in the By-laws or in the relevant provisions of the Belgian Law, General Assembly decisions are validly taken by a simple majority of the votes cast. 12.3. In the event of a tie vote, the vote of the President shall be decisive. Article 13. Minutes 13.1. Minutes of the General Assembly shall be signed by the President and by the ordinary members wishing to do so. 13.2. The minutes shall be recorded in a special register to be kept at the registered office of the Centre. 13.3. Copies or extracts of the minutes to be produced in court or elsewhere shall be signed by two members of the Executive Board. SUBTITLE III – EXECUTIVE BOARD Article 14. Composition 14.1. The Executive Board of the Centre is composed by a total maximum of eight members - including President and Secretary-Treasurer - and is elected by the General Assembly. 14.2. The members of the Executive Board are elected by the General Assembly as follows: · following the recommendation of the EPP Presidency, elect maximum three individual ordinary members, as members of the Executive Board. · elect maximum three political foundation/think-tank ordinary members, as members of the Executive Board. All resolutions of appointment must specify the identity of the natural person who will be entitled to represent, on a permanent basis, the political foundation/think-tank within the Executive Board for the entire duration of the elected term; · additionally, elect maximum two individual ordinary members, as members of the Executive Board. The normal duration of the term of the Executive Board is 3 years. 14.3. The Director has a standing invitation to attend the meetings of the Executive Board without the right to vote. – APPENDICES – 350

14.4. Political foundation/think-tank members of the Executive Board must represent the interests of all political foundations/think-tanks that are members of the General Assembly. 14.5. If a member of the Executive Board fails to attend 3 consecutive meetings, the Executive Board may recommend to the General Assembly the replacement of this member with the election of a new member, in accordance and in the spirit of the provisions of Article 14.2. Article 15. Competences The Executive Board manages the Centre and has all the competences which are not attributed to the General Assembly, including: · ensuring the implementation of the decisions taken by the General Assembly; · ensuring the general management of the Centre; · drafting the annual program; · preparing the annual accounts and the budget; · monitoring the work of the Director and staff; · the legal representation of the Centre; · the appointment of external auditors, e.g. accountants; · the proposal of admission and exclusion of the members of the General Assembly; · the supervision and control of the activities and the assets of the Centre. Article 16. Meetings 16.1. The Executive Board has to convene at least twice a year. The President shall announce meetings of the Executive Board no later than 28 days prior to such meeting. 16.2. In addition, meetings of the Executive Board shall be convened if at least two members make a written request. This request must addressed to the President. 16.3. Members of the Executive Board shall be convened by invitation (mail or email), at least 14 days in advance. The invitation shall include the date, time and location of the Board meeting, as well as the agenda thereof. 16.4. Every member of the Executive Board has one vote each. The decisions of the Executive Board are taken by simple majority. In the event of a tie vote, the vote of the President is decisive. The Executive Board cannot validly deliberate – APPENDICES – 351

unless the majority of the members are present. There shall be no voting by proxy. Article 17. Minutes 17.1. Minutes of the Executive Board shall be signed by the President and the members of the Executive Board who wish to do so. 17.2. The minutes shall be recorded in a special register to be kept at the registered office of the Centre. SUBTITLE IV - PRESIDENT, SECRETARY-TREASURER Article 18. President The President is elected by the General Assembly following the recommendation of the EPP Presidency. The President chairs the Executive Board. Article 19. Secretary-Treasurer The Secretary-Treasurer is elected by the General Assembly following the recommendation of the EPP Presidency. The Secretary-Treasurer oversees the administrative and financial management of the Centre. SUBTITLE V - DIRECTOR Article 20. Director The Director is elected by the General Assembly for a three-year term which can be renewed, following the recommendation of the EPP Presidency. The General Assembly can dismiss the Director at any time. The Director is responsible for the daily management and the implementation of the activities of the Centre and accordingly, reports to the Executive Board. The Executive Board can delegate specific responsibilities and competences to the Director. SUBTITLE VI – NON-STATUTORY ORGANS Article 21. Honorary Board For the purpose of enhancing the profile of the Centre, the Executive Board can nominate high-profile personalities as members of the Honorary Board. Article 22. Academic Council For the purpose of enhancing the academic scope of the Centre and oversee the scientific standards of the research and studies, the Executive Board can – APPENDICES – 352

nominate esteemed academics and researchers as members of the Academic Council. SUBTITLE VII – REPRESENTATION Article 23. Representation The Centre is validly represented by the President or the Secretary-Treasurer, acting solely or alternatively, two members of the Executive Board acting jointly. With regard to the daily management, the Centre is validly represented by the Director acting solely. TITLE IV – FINANCES Article 24. Finances The activities and projects of the Centre shall be financed by subventions as specified in the budget of the European Union, fundraising activities and voluntary contributions. Members are not obliged to submit financial contributions. Article 25. Accounting year and annual accounts 25.1. The accounting year of the Centre begins on the first of January and ends on the thirty-first of December of each year. 25.2. Should the Centre meet at least two of the three criteria set out in Article 17 §3 of the Law of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non-profit associations and foundations, then the General Assembly must appoint a statutory auditor and determine its/his/her remuneration, if any. TITLE V – DISSOLUTION Article 26. Dissolution 26.1. Any proposal for the dissolution of the Centre shall be addressed by registered letter to the ordinary members so that they receive it at least two months prior to the meeting of the General Assembly when the proposal for a decision is submitted for a vote. 26.2. The Centre can be dissolved by a decision taken by a four fifths majority of the votes cast in the General Assembly where two thirds of the ordinary members are present or represented. Should this last quorum not be met at the first meeting, then a second meeting will be convened which will be allowed to deliberate regardless of the number of ordinary members present or represented. 26.3. The General Assembly or the liquidators will decide on the allocation of the net assets of the Centre. – APPENDICES – 353

TITLE VI – INTERNAL REGULATIONS Article 27. Internal Regulations Internal regulations of the Centre shall be adopted and, if applicable amended, by the General Assembly upon proposal of the Executive Board. Internal Regulations regulate issues of internal order not mentioned in these By-laws. Also, the way of functioning of the non-statutory organs will be further detailed. TITLE VII – FINAL PROVISION Article 28. Final Provision Matters not expressly referred to in these By-laws are subject to the provisions of the Law of 27 June 1921 on non-profit associations, international non-profit associations and foundations. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS The first members of the Executive Board of the Centre will be, as a transitional measure and subject to confirmation by the next General Assembly: Wilfried Martens, lawyer, domiciled in 1050 Ixelles (Brussels), place Marie-José 14/10, Born in Sleidinge on 19.04.1936; Antonio López-Istúriz White, lawyer, domiciled in Ronda de la Sacedilla 13.1 BAJO B, 28221 Madrid, Spain, Born in Pamplona on 1.04.1970; Joseph Daul, farmer, domiciled in 2, rue de Berstett, F - 67370 Pfettisheim, Born in Strasbourg on 13.04.1947: Peter Weilemann, Director, domiciled in Jägerweg 33, D - 53177 Bonn, Born in Kaiserslautern (Germany) on 6.8.1949. The first Director of the Center will be Tomi Huhtanen, Avenue Albert Lancaster 9, b6, B-1180 Uccle (Brussels), Born in Helsinki on 20.10.1972. The first accounting year of the Centre will end on 31 December 2007. Therefore the first statutory General Assembly will be held in 2008.

Done in Brussels in 2 originals copies on 13 September 2007.

– APPENDICES – 354

INTERNAL REGULATIONS OF THE CENTRE FOR EUROPEAN STUDIES (international non-profit association) Amended by the CES General Assembly on 10 May 2012

Part 1 | GENERAL REGULATIONS 1. OBJECTIVE OF THE INTERNAL REGULATIONS 1.1

The objective of the Internal Regulation is to establish specific guidelines for the daily operations of the Centre.

1.2

In case of conflicts of interpretation between an article in the Statutes and one in the internal regulations, the interpretation given to the article in the Statutes prevails.

2. LANGUAGE OF THE CENTRE 2.1

The working language of the Centre is English.

3. THE TASKS, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE NON-STATUTORY BOARDS The Honorary Board 3.1

The Honorary Board and its Chairman are nominated by the Executive Board.

3.2

The Honorary Board has the power to have meetings to enhance the profile and exposure of the Centre.

3.3

Meetings have to be approved by the Executive Board.

The Academic Council 3.4

The members of the Academic Council and its Chairman are nominated by the Executive Board for a period of 3 years.

3.5

The Academic Board is composed of esteemed academics and researchers. – APPENDICES – 355

3.6

The Academic Board secures and maintains the high academic standards of the Centre by reviewing the progress of the Research, publications and Studies of the Centre and giving recommendations to the Executive Board.

3.7

The Academic Board has a duty of promoting the Centre and its activities to the academic world.

3.8

The Academic board has a maximum of 15 members.

3.9

The Academic Council will be supported by an ‘Academic Council Group of Experts’ composed of a maximum of 40 experts.

3.10

The Experts are nominated by the Executive Board.

3.11

Experts are academics, researchers and individuals who can contribute significantly to the research and communication projects of the Centre.

3.12

Experts function as a network of the Centre and support the Research Activities of the Centre.

3.13

Experts are not members of the Academic Council.

3.14

The Academic Council can nominate temporary ad-hoc working groups of experts to assist in a particular research project.

3.15

The members of the Academic Council Group of Experts and of the adhoc working groups do not have regular meetings unless otherwise instructed by the Executive Board.

4. POLITICAL AUDITORS 4.1

Political Auditors are responsible for conducting an independent appraisal of the Centre’s financial activities within the limits of the council regulation (EC, Euratom) No1605/2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities.

4.2

The political auditors are responsible for giving assurance to the General Assembly and the Executive Board on financial aspects of the Centre.

4.3

The political auditors have the right to access all financial documents of the Centre which it considers necessary to fulfill its responsibility.

4.4

The political auditors are nominated by the General Assembly for a mandate of 2 years.

– APPENDICES – 356

4.5

Political auditors are not a statutory position unlike the external auditors and hold no executive position in the Centre.

4.6

There is a maximum of 4 political auditors.

5. FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE 5.1

The Fundraising Committee will be responsible for searching for sponsors, and donors and for their screening. The Fundraising Committee will be responsible for planning all fundraising activities in support of sponsored events and/or sponsored publications of the Centre for European Studies. The Committee will be chaired by the Chairperson appointed by the Executive Board.

5.2

The members of the Fundraising Committee will be proposed by the Chair of the Fundraising Committee and accepted by the Executive Board.

5.3

The Fundraising Committee and its Chair will be responsible to the Executive Board and all the decisions regarding the functioning of the Fundraising Committee and the sponsoring activities will be due for the approval of the Executive Board.

6. SPECIFIC GUIDELINES Guidelines for Co-operation 6.1

Centre in this section refers to Statutory and non statutory boards, auditors and the Secretariat of the Centre.

6.2

Co-operations in the sense of the internal regulations do not imply any obligations unless specifically agreed upon.

6.3

To fulfill its objectives and to broaden its exposure, the Centre has the right to enter on an individual basis to specific forms of co-operation with Universities, organisations, think tanks, institutes, foundations, NGOs and other relevant organisations.

6.4

Co-operations must be completed in order to enhance the work of the Centre.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 357

Guidelines for the election of the Executive Board 6.5

All candidatures for a position on the Executive Board must be submitted to the Secretariat at least a week prior to the election.

6.6

The Secretariat then informs the Executive Board of the candidatures.

Guidelines for membership 6.7

For the ordinary member application of a Political Foundation/Think Tank to be valid it must be submitted at least 28 days prior to the next General Assembly meeting.

6.8

Political foundation/Think Tank ordinary membership applicant will be invited to a General Assembly meeting to present the membership application with the agreement with the President of the Centre.

Guidelines for Membership Suspension 6.9

An expulsion of a member under article 7 of the By-Laws of Centre can only be exercised by the General Assembly once the concerned member has had a hearing on the matter of expulsion in front of the General Assembly.

6.10

If a member is absent at his expulsion hearing the General Assembly has the right to suspend the member at its discretion.

6.11

A suspended member loses his voting powers, his speaking power and the right to propose candidates for positions within the Centre until the suspension is lifted by the General Assembly.

Guidelines for expulsion 6.12

An expulsion under article 7 of the By-Laws may only be decided after a hearing of the member concerned by the General Assembly.

6.13

If the member does not show up for his hearing the General Assembly has the power to expulse him at its discretion.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 358

Part 2 | INTERNAL FINANCIAL REGULATIONS The ‘Regulations governing Political parties at European level: statute and funding (amend. Reg. (EC) 2004/2003)’ prevail over the internal regulations of the Centre in case of conflict of interpretation.

1. SIGNATORIES 1.1

Authorised signatories for the approval of orders and issues of cheques on behalf of Centre are:

· The President · The Secretary Treasurer · The Director

1.2

All payments need to be approved and signed by two signatories.

1.3

Authorised signatories cannot approve costs incurred by their person.

2. BANKING 2.1

The Director and/or the Secretary Treasurer are responsible for, on behalf of the Executive Board, liaison with the Centre’s bankers in relation to all bank accounts and the issue of cheques.

2.2

Cheques/Paying in slips shall be ordered only by the Director who shall make arrangements for their safe keeping.

2.3

All bank accounts shall be in the name of Centre for European Studies.

2.4

The Director is responsible for ensuring that all bank accounts are regularly reconciled.

3. ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT ARRANGEMENTS 3.1

The Director will keep the following documents on behalf of the Centre for a period of six years: · Orders · Invoices · Bank statements · Receipts · Audited accounts – APPENDICES – 359

3.2

The Treasurer will arrange for an annual audit of the Centre’s accounts to be presented to the General Assembly meeting once a year.

3.3

The audit will be exercised by the external statutory auditor and the Internal Auditors.

3.4

All invoicing will be arranged through the Director.

4. BUDGET 4.1

The Executive Board will prepare an annual budget to be presented to the Annual General Meeting for approval.

4.2

Projects with a value of 50.000 Euro or more must be approved by the Executive Board prior to being executed.

4.3

The Executive Board when face with a 4.2 request can take a decision outside of a scheduled meeting via mail, fax or E-mail.

4.4

A decision taken by the Executive Board outside of a scheduled meeting requires a simple majority of Members in order to be valid.

4.5

All expenses of over 10.000 Euro outside of research proposals and expenses falling under the “restricted calls”1 must go through a tender a process and be presented with three competitive offers.

4.6

All expenses from 5.000 Euro to 10.000 outside of research proposals and expenses falling under the “restricted calls” must go through a tender a process with three competitive offers. These competitive offers can be presented in a single document signed by a staffer or representative of the partner organisation, indicating the price offer, time the offer was received, and the contact details of the service provider.

5. AUTHORITY TO PLACE ORDERS 5.1

All substantial purchases for goods and/or services must have prior approval of the Executive Board.

6. EVENT INCOME 6.1

The Event organiser will submit the balance from the conference to the Director as soon as possible after the end of the conference.

(1) i.e. only possible service provider, one specific location or venue suitable for person or the service provider has been used before and it can be demonstrated that services is still the most advantageous.

– APPENDICES – 360

7. EXPENSES 7.1

Members of the Secretariat may make claims for reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence when on an official Centre mission. All the requests need to be approved by the Director.

7.2

All claims for payment of travel, subsistence and incidental expenses should be presented to the Director within one month of being incurred using a Centre claim form and be accompanied by appropriate invoices.

7.3

Any claims for overnight accommodation must first be approved by the Director.

7.4

Claims for work lunches or dinners by staff members must be introduced with the bill of the set lunch or dinner accompanied with the names of the people attending it and the purpose of the meal. The reimbursement if it meets the criteria must be approved by one of the authorised signatories for the claim to be executed.

7.5

The nature of costs spent while representing the Centre must remain reasonable and proportional to the occasion. Luxurious consumable items are not authorised.

7.6

No internal representation is allowed between staff members of the Centre.

7.7

Honorariums and financial fees paid to the Members of the CES organs and advisory bodies should be considered exceptions and require decisions of the Executive Board.

8. LOANS 8.1

No Staff member of Centre may enter into loans or other credit on its behalf.

9. INVENTORY 9.1

An inventory of all equipment owned by the Centre will be kept by the Director and reported to the General Assembly.

9.2

The disposal of any assets must be agreed in advance by the Executive Board.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 361

APPENDIX IV

15.11.2003 Official Journal of the European Union (Acts whose publication is obligatory)

REGULATION (EC) No 2004/2003 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 4 November 2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 191 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (1), Whereas: (1) Article 191 of the Treaty states that political parties at European level are important as a factor for integration within the Union and that they contribute to forming a European awareness and to expressing the political will of the citizens of the Union. (2) A number of basic rules should be laid down, in the form of regulations, for political parties at European level, in particular with regard to their funding. Experience acquired in applying this Regulation should reveal the extent to which these regulations should, or should not, be supplemented by further rules. (1) Opinion of the European Parliament of 19 June 2003

(not yet published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 29 September 2003.

– APPENDICES – 362

(3) Experience has shown that a political party at European level will have as its members either citizens gathered together in the form of a political party or political parties which together form an alliance. The terms ‘political party’ and ‘alliance of political parties’ used in this Regulation should therefore be clarified. (4) In order to be able to identify a ‘political party at European level’, it is important to set ertain conditions. In particular, it is necessary for political parties at European level to observe the principles on which the European Union is founded, as set out in the Treaties and recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. (5) The procedure to be followed by political parties at European level which wish to receive funding pursuant to this Regulation should be laid down. (6) Provision should also be made for regular verification of the conditions applied for identifying a political party at European level. (7) Political parties at European level which have received funding under this Regulation should submit to obligations aimed at ensuring transparency of sources of funding. (8) In accordance with Declaration No 11 on Article 191 of the Treaty establishing the European Community annexed to the Final Act of the Treaty of Nice, the funding granted pursuant to this Regulation should not be used to fund, either directly or indirectly, political parties at national level. By virtue of same declaration, the provisions on the funding of political parties at European level should apply, on the same basis, to all the political forces represented in the European Parliament. (9) The nature of the expenditure that can be funded under this Regulation should be defined. (10) The appropriations allocated to funding under this Regulation should be determined in accordance with the annual budgetary procedure. (11) It is necessary to ensure maximum transparency and financial control of political parties at European level funded from the general budget of the European Union. (12) A scale should be set for distributing the appropriations available each year, taking into account, on the one hand, the number of beneficiaries and, on the other, the number of elected members in the European Parliament. (13) Technical assistance to be afforded by the European Parliament to political parties at European level should be guided by the principle of equal treatment.

– APPENDICES – 363

(14) The application of this Regulation and the activities funded should be examined in a report from the European Parliament which should be published. (15) The judicial control which falls within the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice will help ensure the correct application of this Regulation. (16) In order to facilitate transition towards the new rules, the application of some of the provisions of this Regulation should be postponed until the European Parliament has been formed after the elections due in June 2004, HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Subject matter and scope This Regulation establishes rules on the regulations governing political parties at European level and rules regarding their funding. Article 2 Definitions For the purposes of this Regulation: 1. 2. 3.

‘political party’ means an association of citizens: · which pursues political objectives, and · which is either recognised by, or established in accordance with, the legal order of at least one Member State; ‘alliance of political parties’ means structured cooperation between at least two political parties; ‘political party at European level’ means a political party or an alliance of political parties which satisfies the conditions referred to in Article 3

Article 3 Conditions A political party at European level shall satisfy the following conditions: (a) it must have legal personality in the Member State in which its seat is located; (b) it must be represented, in at least one quarter of Member States, by Members of the European Parliament or in the national Parliaments or regional Parliaments or in the regional assemblies, or it must have received, in at least one quarter of the Member States, at least three per cent of the votes cast in each of those Member States at the most recent European Parliament elections; – APPENDICES – 364

(c) it must observe, in particular in its programme and in its activities, the principles on which the European Union is founded, namely the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law; (d) it must have participated in elections to the European Parliament, or have expressed the intention to do so. Article 4 Application for funding 1. In order to receive funding from the general budget of the European Union, a political party at European level shall file an application with the European Parliament each year. The European Parliament shall adopt a decision within three months and authorise and manage the corresponding appropriations. 2.

The first application shall be accompanied by the following documents:

(a) documents proving that the applicant satisfies the conditions laid down in Article 3; (b) a political programme setting out the objectives of the political party at European level; (c) a statute defining in particular the bodies responsible for political and financial management as well as the bodies or natural persons holding, in each of the Member States concerned, the power of legal representation, in particular for the purposes of the acquisition or disposal of movable and immovable property and of being a party to legal proceedings. 3. Any amendment concerning the documents referred to in paragraph 2, in particular a political programme or statute, which have already been presented, shall be notified to the European Parliament within two months. In the absence of such notification, funding shall be suspended. Article 5 Verification 1. The European Parliament shall verify regularly that the conditions set out in Article 3(a) and (b) continue to be met by political parties at European level. 2. With regard to the condition specified in Article 3(c), at the request of one quarter of its members, representing at least three political groups in the European Parliament, the European Parliament shall verify, by a majority of its members, that the condition in question continues to be met by a political party at European level. Before carrying out such verification, the European Parliament shall hear the representatives of the relevant political party at â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 365

European level and ask a committee of independent eminent persons to give an opinion on the subject within a reasonable period. The committee shall consist of three members, with the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission each appointing one member. The secretariat and funding of the committee shall be provided by the European Parliament. 3. If the European Parliament finds that any of the conditions referred to in Article 3(a), (b) and (c) is no longer satisfied, the relevant political party at European level, which has for this reason forfeited this status, shall be excluded from funding under this Regulation. Article 6 Obligations linked to funding A political party at European level shall: (a) publish its revenue and expenditure and a statement of its assets and liabilities annually; (b) declare its sources of funding by providing a list specifying the donors and the donations received from each donor, with the exception of donations not exceeding EUR 500; (c) not accept: · anonymous donations, · donations from the budgets of political groups in the European Parliament, · donations from any undertaking over which the public authorities may exercise directly or indirectly a dominant influence by virtue of their ownership of it, their financial participation therein, or the rules which govern it, · donations exceeding EUR 12 000 per year and per donor from any natural or legal person other than the undertakings referred to in the third indent and without prejudice to the second subparagraph. Contributions from political parties which are members of a political party at European level shall be admissible. They may not exceed 40 % of that party‘s annual budget. Article 7 Prohibition of funding The funding of political parties at European level from the general budget of the European Union or from any other source may not be used for the direct or indirect funding of other political parties, and in particular national political parties, which shall continue to be governed by national rules.

– APPENDICES – 366

Article 8 Nature of expenditure Appropriations received from the general budget of the European Union in accordance with this Regulation may only be used to meet expenditure directly linked to the objectives set out in the political programme referred to in Article 4(2)(b). Such expenditure shall include administrative expenditure and expenditure linked to technical assistance, meetings, research, cross-border events, studies, information and publications. Article 9 Implementation and control 1. Appropriations for funding political parties at European level shall be determined under the annual budgetary procedure and shall be implemented in accordance with the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (1). 2. The valuation of movable and immovable property and its depreciation shall be carried out in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 2909/2000 of 29 December 2000 on the accounting management of the European Communitiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; non-financial fixed assets (2). 3. Control of funding granted under this Regulation shall be exercised in accordance with the Financial Regulation and the implementing rules thereto. Control shall also be exercised on the basis of annual certification by an external and independent audit. This certification shall be transmitted, within six months of the end of the financial year concerned, to the European Parliament. 4. Further to application of this Regulation, any funds improperly received by political parties at European level from the general budget of the European Union shall be refunded to that budget. 5. Any document or information required by the Court of Auditors in order to carry out its task shall be supplied to it at its request by the political parties at European level receiving funding granted under this Regulation. Where expenditure is committed by political parties at European level jointly with national political parties and other organisations, evidence of the expenditure incurred by the political parties at European level shall be made available to the Court of Auditors.

(1) Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1). (2) OJ L 336, 30.12.2000, p. 75.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 367

6. Funding of political parties at European level in their capacity as bodies pursuing an objective of general European interest shall not be subject to the provisions of Article 113 of the Financial Regulation relating to the decreasing of the funding. Article 10 Distribution 1. Available appropriations shall be distributed annually as follows among the political parties at European level which have obtained a positive decision on their application for funding as referred to in Article 4: (a) 15 % shall be distributed in equal shares; (b) 85 % shall be distributed among those which have elected members in the European Parliament, in proportion to the number of elected members. For the application of these provisions, a Member of the European Parliament may be a member of only one political party at European level. 2. Funding charged to the general budget of the European Union shall not exceed 75 % of the budget of a political party at European level. The burden of proof shall rest with the relevant political party at European level. Article 11 Technical support All technical support from the European Parliament to political parties at European level shall be based on the principle of equal treatment. It shall be granted on conditions no less favourable than those granted to other external organisations and associations that may be accorded similar facilities and shall be supplied against invoice and payment. The European Parliament shall publish details of the technical support provided to each political party at European level in an annual report. Article 12 Report The European Parliament shall publish a report not later than 15 February 2006 on the application of this Regulation and the activities funded. The report shall indicate, where appropriate, possible amendments to be made to the funding system. Article 13 Entry into force and application This Regulation shall enter into force three months following the date of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Articles 4 to 10 shall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 368

apply from the date of the opening of the first session held after the European Parliament elections of June 2004.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States. Done at Brussels, 4 November 2003. For the European Parliament The President P. COX For the Council The President G. TREMONTI

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 369

APPENDIX V

27.12.2007 Official Journal of the European Union

REGULATION (EC) No 1524/2007 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 December 2007 amending Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 191 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, Acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 251 of the Treaty (1), Whereas: (1) Article 12 of Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (2) provides that the European Parliament is to publish a report on the application of that Regulation, including — where appropriate — possible amendments to be made to the funding system. (2) In its Resolution of 23 March 2006 on European political parties (3), the European Parliament considered that, in light of experience gained since its entry into force in 2004, Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 should be improved as regards a number of points, all of them with the overriding objective of improving the funding situation of those political parties and the foundations affiliated with them. (1) Opinion of the European Parliament of 29 November 2007 (not yet

published in the Official Journal) and Council Decision of 17 December 2007. (2) OJ L 297, 15.11.2003, p. 1. (3) OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 127.

– APPENDICES – 370

(3) Provisions to provide financial support for political foundations at European level should be laid down, as political foundations at European level affiliated with the political parties at European level may through their activities support and underpin the objectives of the political parties at European level notably in terms of contributing to the debate on European public policy issues and on European integration, including by acting as catalysts for new ideas, analysis and policy options. This financial support should be provided in the section headed ‘Parliament’ of the general budget of the European Union, as is the case for political parties at European level. (4) It remains an important objective to ensure the broadest possible participation of citizens in the democratic life of the European Union. In this context, political youth organisations can play a special role in fostering interest in, and concrete knowledge about, the political system of the European Union amongst young people, actively promoting their participation in democratic activities at European level. (5) In order to improve the conditions for the funding of political parties at European level, while encouraging them to ensure adequate long-term financial planning, the minimum co-funding requirement should be adjusted. The same level of co-funding should be required for political foundations at European level. (6) With a view to further enhancing and promoting the European nature of the elections to the European Parliament, it should be established clearly that appropriations received from the general budget of the European Union may also be used for the financing of campaigns conducted by the political parties at European level in the context of European Parliament elections, provided that this does not constitute a direct or indirect financing of national political parties or candidates. Political parties at European level act in the context of European Parliament elections in particular in order to highlight the European character of those elections. In accordance with Article 8 of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, annexed to Council Decision 76/787/ECSC, EEC, Euratom (4), the funding of and limitation of election expenses at European Parliament elections is governed in each Member State by national provision. National law also applies for election expenses at national elections and referenda, HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: Article 1 Amendments to Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 is hereby amended as follows: 1.

the following points shall be added to Article 2:

(4) OJ L 278, 8.10.1976, p. 1. Decision as amended by Decision

2002/772/EC, Euratom (OJ L 283, 21.10.2002, p. 1).

– APPENDICES – 371

4. “political foundation at European level” means an entity or network of entities which has legal personality in a Member State, is affiliated with a political party at European level, and which through its activities, within the aims and fundamental values pursued by the European Union, underpins and complements the objectives of the political party at European level by performing, in particular, the following tasks: · observing, analysing and contributing to the debate on European public policy issues and on the process of European integration, · developing activities linked to European public policy issues, such as organising and supporting seminars, training, conferences and studies on such issues between relevant stakeholders, including youth organisations and other representatives of civil society, · developing cooperation with entities of the same kind in order to promote democracy, · serving as a framework for national political foundations, academics, and other relevant actors to work together at European level; 5. “funding from the general budget of the European Union” means a grant within the meaning of Article 108(1) of Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 (*) (hereinafter referred to as the Financial Regulation). (*) Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of

25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities (OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1). Regulation as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1525/2007 (OJ L 343, 27.12.2007, p. 9).’;

2. in Article 3, the sole paragraph shall become paragraph 1 and the following paragraphs shall be added: ‘2. A political foundation at European level shall satisfy the following conditions: (a) it must be affiliated with one of the political parties at European level recognised in accordance with paragraph 1, as certified by that party; (b) it must have legal personality in the Member State in which its seat is located. This legal personality shall be separate from that of the political party at European level with which the foundation is affiliated; (c) it must observe, in particular in its programme and in its activities, the principles on which the European Union is founded, namely the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law; – APPENDICES – 372

(d)

it shall not promote profit goals;

(e)

its governing body shall have a geographically balanced composition.

3. Within the framework of this Regulation, it remains for each political party and foundation at European level to define the specific modalities for their relationship, in accordance with national law, including an appropriate degree of separation between the daily management as well as the governing structures of the political foundation at European level, on the one hand, and the political party at European level with which the former is affiliated, on the other hand.’; 3.

Article 4 shall be amended as follows:

(a)

paragraph 2(a) shall be replaced by the following:

‘(a) documents proving that the applicant satisfies the conditions laid down in Articles 2 and 3;’ (b)

the following paragraphs shall be added:

‘4. A political foundation at European level may apply for funding from the general budget of the European Union only through the political party at European level with which it is affiliated. 5. Funding for a political foundation at European level shall be allocated on the basis of its affiliation with a political party at European level, subject to Article 10(1). Articles 9 and 9a shall apply to the funds thus allocated. 6. Funding allocated to a political foundation at European level shall only be used for the purpose of financing its activities in accordance with Article 2(4). On no account may it be used to finance elections or referenda campaigns. 7. Paragraphs 1 and 3 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the political foundations at European level when assessing applications for funding from the general budget of the European Union.’; 4.

the following paragraphs shall be added to Article 5:

‘4. Paragraph 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the political foundations at European level. 5. If the political party at European level with which a political foundation at European level is affiliated forfeits its status, the political foundation at European level in question shall be excluded from funding under this Regulation.

– APPENDICES – 373

6. If the European Parliament finds that any of the conditions referred to in Article 3(2)(c) are no longer satisfied, the political foundation at European level in question shall be excluded from funding under this Regulation.’;

Articles 6, 7 and 8 shall be replaced by the following:

‘Article 6 Obligations linked to funding 1. A political party at European level as well as a political foundation at European level shall: (a) publish its revenue and expenditure and a statement of its assets and liabilities annually; (b) declare its sources of funding by providing a list specifying the donors and the donations received from each donor, with the exception of donations not exceeding EUR 500 per year and per donor. 2. A political party at European level as well as a political foundation at European level shall not accept: (a)

anonymous donations;

(b)

donations from the budgets of political groups in the European Parliament;

(c) donations from any undertaking over which the public authorities may exercise directly or indirectly a dominant influence by virtue of their ownership of it, their financial participation therein, or the rules which govern it; (d) donations exceeding EUR 12 000 per year and per donor from any natural or legal person other than the undertakings referred to in point (c) and without prejudice to paragraphs 3 and 4; (e) donations from any public authority from a third country, including from any undertaking over which the public authorities may exercise directly or indirectly a dominant influence by virtue of their ownership of it, their financial participation therein, or the rules which govern it. 3. Contributions to a political party at European level from national political parties which are members of a political party at European level or from a natural person who is a member of a political party at European level shall be admissible. Contributions to a political party at European level from national political parties or from a natural person shall not exceed 40 % of the annual budget of that political party at European level.

– APPENDICES – 374

4. Contributions to a political foundation at European level from national political foundations, which are members of a political foundation at European level, as well as from political parties at European level, shall be admissible. Those contributions shall not exceed 40 % of the annual budget of that political foundation at European level and may not derive from funds received by a political party at European level pursuant to this Regulation from the general budget of the European Union. The burden of proof shall rest with the political party at European level concerned. Article 7 Prohibition of funding 1. The funding of political parties at European level from the general budget of the European Union or from any other source may not be used for the direct or indirect funding of other political parties, and in particular national parties or candidates. These national political parties and candidates shall continue to be governed by national rules. 2. The funding of political foundations at European level from the general budget of the European Union or from any other source shall not be used for the direct or indirect funding of political parties or candidates either at European or national level or foundations at national level. Article 8 Nature of expenditure Without prejudice to the funding of political foundations, appropriations received from the general budget of the European Union in accordance with this Regulation may only be used to meet expenditure directly linked to the objectives set out in the political programme referred to in Article 4(2)(b). Such expenditure shall include administrative expenditure and expenditure linked to technical assistance, meetings, research, cross-border events, studies, information and publications. The expenditure of political parties at European level may also include financing campaigns conducted by the political parties at European level in the context of the elections to the European Parliament, in which they participate as required in Article 3(1)(d). In accordance with Article 7, these appropriations shall not be used for the direct or indirect funding of national political parties or candidates. Such expenditure shall not be used to finance referenda campaigns. However, in accordance with Article 8 of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage, the funding of and limitation of election expenses for all parties and candidates at European Parliament elections is governed in each Member State by national provision.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 375

in Article 9, paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be replaced by the following:

‘1. Appropriations for funding of political parties at European level and political foundations at European level shall be determined under the annual budgetary procedure and shall be implemented in accordance with the Financial Regulation and its implementing provisions. The implementing procedures of this Regulation shall be laid down by the authorising officer. 2. The valuation of movable and immovable property and its depreciation shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions applicable to the institutions as laid down in Article 133 of the Financial Regulation. 3. Control of funding granted under this Regulation shall be exercised in accordance with the Financial Regulation and its implementing provisions. Control shall also be exercised on the basis of annual certification by an external and independent audit. This certification shall be transmitted, within six months of the end of the financial year concerned, to the European Parliament.’; 7.

the following Article shall be inserted:

‘Article 9a Transparency The European Parliament shall publish jointly in a section of its website created for the purpose the following documents: · an annual report with a table of the amounts paid to each political party and each political foundation at European level, for each financial year for which grants have been paid, · the report of the European Parliament on the application of this Regulation and the activities funded, as referred to in Article 12, · the provisions for the implementation of this Regulation.’; 8.

in Article 10, paragraph 2 shall be replaced by the following:

‘2. Funding charged to the general budget of the European Union shall not exceed 85 % of those costs of a political party or political foundation at European level which are eligible for funding. The burden of proof shall rest with the relevant political party at European level.’;

– APPENDICES – 376

Article 12 shall be replaced by the following:

‘Article 12 Evaluation The European Parliament shall publish, by 15 February 2011, a report on the application of this Regulation and the activities funded. The report shall indicate, where appropriate, possible amendments to be made to the funding system.’ Article 2 Transitional provisions The provisions laid down by this Regulation shall apply to grants awarded to political parties at European level as from the financial year 2008. For the financial year 2008, any applications for funding of political foundations at European level pursuant to Article 4(4) of Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 shall relate exclusively to eligible costs incurred after 1 September 2008. Political parties at European level that have duly submitted their applications for grants for 2008 may, by 28 March 2008, submit a supplementary application for funding based on the modifications introduced by this Regulation and, where appropriate, an application for a grant for the political foundation at European level affiliated to that political party. The European Parliament shall adopt appropriate implementation measures. Article 3 Entry into force This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 18 December 2007. For the European Parliament The President | H.-G. PÖTTERING

– APPENDICES – 377

For the Council The President | M. LOBO ANTUNES

APPENDIX VI

Brussels, 12.3.2013 / C(2013) 1303 final

COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION ON ENHANCING THE DEMOCRATIC AND EFFICIANT CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT of 12 March 2013 THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 292 thereof, Whereas: (1) Article 10(2) of the Treaty on European Union states that citizens are directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament. This helps to ensure thatdemocratic control and accountability occur at the level at which decisions are taken. (2) Article 10(3) of the Treaty on European Union states that every citizen shall have the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union and that decisions shall be taken as openly and as closely as possible to the citizen. (3) The Treaty of Lisbon enhances the role of citizens of the Union as political actors, establishing a solid link between citizens, the exercise of their political rights and the democratic life of the Union. (4) Reinforcing the democratic legitimacy of the EU decision-making process and bringing the system closer to Union citizens is particularly relevant in view of the actions required at EU level to address the financial and sovereign debt crisis. (5) The Commission Communication of 28 November 2012 on „A blueprint for a deep and genuine economic and monetary union – Launching a European debate“1 underlined that reinforced democratic legitimacy and accountability are a necessary part of any European Union reform.

(1) COM(2012) 777 final/2.

– APPENDICES – 378

(6) Article 10(4) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 12(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union confer a key role on European political parties highlighting their contribution to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of the citizens of the Union. (7) To enable European political parties to fully accomplish their mission, on 12 September 2012 the Commission presented a proposal for a Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations2. This proposal aims at ensuring that European political parties can benefit from a more visible status and a more flexible, transparent and efficient framework for theirfunding. The Commission also proposed that European political parties would have to take, in the context of the elections to the European Parliament, all appropriate measures to inform citizens of the Union of the affiliation between national political parties and the European political parties. When adopted, the new Regulation would repeal and replace Regulation (EC) NÂ° 2004/2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level and the rules regarding their funding3. (8) Creating a transparent link between the national parties for which citizens of the Union cast their votes and the European political parties to which the national parties are affiliated should allow European political parties to express more directly the will of citizens of the Union and should have a powerful impact on the transparency of decision-making in the Union. (9) Further enhancing the transparency of the elections to the European Parliament will contribute to better reflecting the strengthened role and powers of the European Parliament under the Treaty of Lisbon. Strengthening the connection of citizens of the Union to the democratic process of the Union is a necessary corollary to closer institutional integration. (10) Additional measures would enhance the visibility of the European political parties during the whole electoral process, from the campaign to the casting of votes, and enable them to efficiently bridge the divide between politics and citizens of the Union, complementing the information obligation foreseen for European political parties by the Commission proposal for a Regulation on the statute and funding of European political parties and European political foundations. (11) It is already an established practice in a number of Member States for some or all national parties to indicate on the ballots for elections to the European Parliament their affiliation to a European political party. To ensure the visibility of the European political parties during the whole European electoral process, it would be important that all Member States encourage and facilitate the provision of information to the electorate on the affiliation of national parties to European political parties. To further enhance the transparency of the elections to the European Parliament whilst at the same time increasing the accountability of political parties participating in the European electoral (2) COM(2012) 499 final. (3) OJ L 297, 15.11.2003, p. 1.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 379

process and voters‘ trust in this process, national parties should make publicly known, ahead of the elections, their affiliation to a given European political party. Apart from various party events, such as party congresses, the electoral campaigns of the national parties are indeed the most appropriate and efficient means of making this affiliation known and give it strong visibility. (12) Decision 1093/2012/EU4 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 declared that 2013 is the European Year of Citizens. Further enhancing the power of citizens in European Parliament elections is an important step to take place this year. (13) Since the Treaty of Lisbon, the President of the Commission is elected by the European Parliament, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union, and taking into account the arrangements foreseen in Declaration No 11 to the Treaty of Lisbon. These procedures require that the elections to the European Parliament must be taken into account and that appropriate consultations between the European Council and the European Parliament must be carried out in electing the President of the Commission. These provisions thus reflect the increased role of the European Parliament in the designation of the President of the Commission and the relevance in this process of the outcome of the elections to the European Parliament. (14) In its Resolution of 22 November 2012 on Elections to the European Parliament in 20145, the European Parliament urged the European political parties to nominate candidates for President of the Commission, noting that it expected those candidates to play a leading role in the parliamentary electoral campaign, in particular by personally presenting their programme in all Member States of the Union. This resolution further emphasises the increased role that the elections to the European Parliament play in electing the President of the Commission. (15) In its Communication of 28 November 2012 on „A blueprint for a deep and genuine economic and monetary union - Launching a European Debate“, the Commission highlighted the nomination of candidates for President of the Commission by political parties in the elections to the European Parliament of 2014 as one of the important steps to foster the emergence of a genuine European political sphere. (16) It is therefore appropriate to raise the awareness of citizens of the Union regarding the pivotal role of their vote in determining who will be the President of the Commission and regarding the candidates for that function who are supported by the parties they vote for in the elections to the European Parliament. (17) If European political parties and national parties make known the candidates for President of the Commission they support, and the candidate‘s (4) OJ L 325, 23.11. 2012, p. 1. (5) European Parliament resolution of 22 November 2012 on the elections to the European Parliament in

2014 (2012/2829(RSP)).

– APPENDICES – 380

programme, in the context of the elections to the European Parliament, this would make concrete and visible the link between the individual vote of a citizen of the Union for a political party in the European elections and the candidate for President of the Commission supported by that party. This should increase the legitimacy of the President of the Commission, the accountability of the Commission to the European Parliament and the European electorate and, more generally, increase the democratic legitimacy of the whole decision-making process in the Union. Political broadcasts serve the purpose of allowing the electorate to make informed choices. Therefore it is appropriate that national political parties should also use this means to make known which candidate for President of the Commission they support and the candidate‘s programme. (18) Elections to the European Parliament currently take place over a period of several days as they are held on different days in different Member States. A common European voting day with polling stations closing at the same time would better reflect common participation by citizens across the Union and therefore is part of the representative democracy on which the EU is founded. (19) Citizens of the Union have the right to vote and to stand as candidates in elections to the European Parliament in the Member State where they choose to live, pursuant to Article 22(2) TFEU put into effect by Council Directive 93/109/EC of 6 December 1993 laying down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals6. (20) Directive 93/109/EC establishes an information exchange mechanism aimed at ensuring that citizens cannot vote or stand as candidates in more than one Member State in the same elections. (21) A number of Commission reports on the application of Directive 93/109/EC over the years7, and most recently the 2010 report on the evaluation of the 2009 European elections8, have revealed deficiencies in the functioning of the mechanism to prevent multiple voting and candidacies. Those deficiencies are due in particular to the insufficient personal data that the Member States of residence notify under the Directive to the home Member States of citizens of the Union. The deficiencies are also due to the differences in the electoral calendars of the Member States. As a consequence, large numbers of citizens of the Union who registered to vote in their Member State of residence could not be identified by their home Member State. (22) Measures based on extensive consultations with Member States‘ experts and drawing upon good practices identified in this context could effectively address some of those deficiencies so as to improve the functioning of the mechanism in the 2014 European elections and to alleviate the administrative burden on national authorities.

(6) OJ L 329, 30.12.1993, p. 34. (7) COM(97)731 final, COM(2000)843 final, COM(2006)790 final. (8) COM (2010)605 final.

– APPENDICES – 381

(23) The majority of Member States have already set up a single contact authority for exchanging data on voters and candidates in the framework of Directive 93/109/EC. The overall efficiency of the mechanism would be increased if all Member States were to set up such an authority. (24) The dates when electoral rolls close vary widely between Member States, ranging from two months to five days before election day. It would increase the efficiency of the mechanism if the Member States, taking into account the timing of the electoral process in the other Member States, would send the data on voters at a time when the national arrangements of the respective home Member States still allow for taking the necessary measures. Several further technical aspects of the transmission of data could be improved in order to increase the efficiency of the mechanism. These include the use of a common electronic format and a common character set, the mode of transmission and the encryption method applied to guarantee an appropriate level of protection of personal data. (25) The provision of certain additional personal data on voters to be notified by the Member States of residence, which are not expressly required by Directive 93/109/EC, would allow home Member States to identify more efficiently their nationals on the electoral rolls. The personal data which may be necessary for the efficiency of the mechanism varies between Member States. (26) Any processing of personal data within the framework of the information exchange mechanism should comply with the national laws implementing Directive 95/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 October 1995 on the protection of individuals with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data9. (27) The majority of Member States have already set up a single contact authority for exchanging data on voters and candidates in the framework of Directive 93/109/EC. The overall efficiency of the mechanism would be increased if all Member States were to set up such an authority.

HAS ADOPTED THIS RECOMMENDATION: DEMOCRATIC CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS Encouraging and facilitating information for voters on the affiliation between national parties and European political parties 1. Member States should encourage and facilitate the provision of information to the electorate on the affiliation between national parties and European political parties before and during the elections to the European Parliament, inter alia by allowing and encouraging the indication of such an affiliation on the ballots used in those elections.

(9) OJ L 281, 23.11.1995, p. 31.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 382

Informing voters about the affiliation between national parties and European political parties 2. National political parties participating in the elections to the European Parliament should make publicly known ahead of those elections their affiliation with European political parties. National political parties should prominently display their affiliation with European political parties in all campaign materials, communications and political broadcasts. Support for a candidate for President of the European Commission 3. European and national political parties should make known, ahead of the elections to the European Parliament, the candidate for the function of the President of the European Commission they support and the candidate‘s programme. National political parties should ensure that their political broadcasts in view of the European Parliament elections are also used to inform citizens about the candidate for the function of President of the European Commission they support and about the candidate’s programme. Common voting day 4. Member States should agree on a common day for elections to the European Parliament with polling stations closing at the same time. EFFICIENT CONDUCT OF THE ELECTIONS Single contact authority 5. The Member States should set up a single contact authority in charge of the exchange of data on voters, for the implementation of Article 13 of Directive 93/109/EC. Transmission of data 6. Member States should take account, as far as possible, of each other‘s electoral arrangements, so that the Member State of residence sends the data on voters in time for the respective home Member State to take the necessary measures. Additional data allowing for more efficient identification 7. The Member States of residence are encouraged to transmit, in addition to the personal data foreseen in Article 9 of Directive 93/109/EC, all relevant personal data, which may be necessary for the identification of voters by the authorities of their home Member State.

– APPENDICES – 383

Technical means for safe and efficient transmission of data 8. For exchanging the data as provided in Article 13 of Directive 93/109/ EC the Member States should use a uniform and secure electronic means, as set out in the Annex. The Member States should transmit the data in one single package per home Member State, with one further transmission at a later stage for updates, where necessary. This Recommendation is addressed to the Member States and to the European and national political parties. Done at Brussels, 12.3.2013

For the Commission Viviane REDING Vice-President of the Commission

ANNEX Detailed technical arrangements for the implementation of Article 13 of Directive 93/109/EC 1. For exchanging the data as provided in Article 13 of Directive 93/109/ EC the Member States should use files following the Extensible Markup Language format (“XML”). These XML files should be transmitted exclusively via electronic means in a secure way. 2. The Member States should use the Universal Character Set Transformation Format – 8-bit(UTF-8) to record and transmit the data of voters within the information exchange mechanism. 3. The Member States should use the W3C XML Encryption Syntax and Processing recommendation, involving the exchange of a Public key and a Private key, to guarantee an appropriate level of protection of the personal data transmitted.

– APPENDICES – 384

APPENDIX VII

The European Parliament, –

having regard to Article 10(4) of the Treaty on European Union and Article 224 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–

having regard to Article 12(2) of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

–

having regard to Regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 November 2003 on the regulations governing political parties at European level (political parties and their foundations as defined in Article 2(3) and (4) thereof) and the rules regarding their funding 1 (the Funding Regulation), particularly Article 12 thereof,

–

having regard to its resolution of 23 March 2006 on European political parties2,

–

having regard to the Secretary-General’s report to the Bureau of 18 October 2010 on party funding at European level, submitted pursuant to Article 15 of the Bureau decision of 29 March 2004 3 on implementing the Funding Regulation,

–

having regard to the Bureau note of 10 January 2011 as the revised version of the Bureau decisions taken on 13 December 2010,

OJ L 297, 15.11.2003, p. 1.

OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 127.

Amended by Bureau decision of 1 February 2006 and 18 February 2008.

– APPENDICES – 385

–

having regard to Rules 210(6) and 48 of its Rules of Procedure,

–

having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A70062/2011),

A. whereas Article 10(4) of the Treaty on European Union states that ‘political parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of citizens of the Union’, while Parliament and the Council, in accordance with Article 224 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, lay down the regulations governing these parties and their political foundations and, in particular, the rules regarding their funding, B.

whereas the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union states clearly that political parties at Union level contribute to expressing the political will of the citizens of the Union,

whereas the European Union must function on the basis of the principle of ‘representative democracy’, as stated in Article 10(1) of the Treaty on European Union,

D. whereas the foundations for European political parties were laid in the Treaties of Maastricht and Nice, which introduced the possibility of funding and thus gave them operational autonomy vis-à-vis the parliamentary groups, E.

whereas in 2007, following a call by Parliament4, the Commission presented a proposal introducing the funding of political foundations at European level (European political foundations), which was adopted in December 2007, with a view to supporting the European political parties in the debate on public policy issues and on European integration,

whereas the 2007 amending Regulation 5 seeks to facilitate the integration process for European political parties by enabling the political parties within the Union to structure and organise themselves more effectively,

G. whereas the 2007 amending Regulation considerably enhanced the role of the European political parties in elections to the European Parliament by stipulating that their expenditure could include funding for election campaigns; whereas, however, this option was restricted by the condition that the appropriations concerned should not be used for the direct or indirect funding of national political parties or candidates, H. whereas all the European political parties that are funded have signed a code of conduct, regarded by the Bureau as binding on all parties, laying down rules to be complied with during election campaigns, 4 5

Resolution of 23 March 2006 on European political parties, paragraph 14 (OJ C 292 E, 1.12.2006, p. 127). Regulation (EC) No 1524/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2007, OJ L 343, 27.12.2007, p. 5.

– APPENDICES – 386

whereas the enhancement of the role of European political parties is necessarily tied to their involvement in elections to the European Parliament,

whereas the 2007 amending Regulation calls for more formal recognition of the European political parties,

K. whereas the 2007 amending Regulation is oriented towards the creation of fully organised and effective political parties at European and Member State level through a balanced process of institutionalisation, L.

whereas the 2007 amending Regulation seeks to bring about the organisational convergence of political parties and their foundations at European level, while at the same time recognising the different tasks pursued by, respectively, political parties and political foundations,

M. whereas this organisational convergence can be achieved only by establishing a common political, legal and fiscal status for the European political parties, although this must not entail any standardisation of the organisation of European political parties and their foundations, for which the European political parties and their foundations themselves have sole competence, N. whereas the requirement to adopt a legal statute for the European political parties and their political foundations based on the law of the European Union is a clear and substantial step towards enhancing democracy in the Union, O. whereas organisational and functional convergence and improvements to the funding process can be achieved only by adopting a uniform and common European statute for all European political parties and their political foundations based on the law of the European Union, P.

whereas the regulation on political parties at European level does not draw a distinction between the recognition and the funding of political parties,

Q. whereas the Bureau note of 10 January 2011 recommended tightening the criteria for the funding of European political parties; whereas this amounts to a restriction of party competition at European level as long as the criteria for the legal recognition and funding of political parties are identical, R. whereas the 2007 amending Regulation provides a clear legal and financial basis for the establishment of integrated political parties at European Union level in order to raise European awareness and effectively express the will of the citizens of the European Union, S.

whereas the funding of European political parties is subject to the provisions of Title VI, ‘Grants’, of the Financial Regulation1 and its Implementing Rules7,

Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002, OJ L 248, 16.9.2002, p. 1.

Commission Regualation (EC, Euratom) No 2342/2002 of 23 December 2002, OJ L 357, 31.12.2002, p. 1.

– APPENDICES – 387

whereas the Bureau, as the body responsible for implementing the Funding Regulation within Parliament, decided in 2006 on a number of significant improvements to the implementing rules, such as increasing the prefinancing option from 50 % to 80 % in order to simplify the procedure and improve the solvency of the beneficiaries, and relaxing the rules on transfers between chapters in the budgets of beneficiaries in order to enable them to adjust their budgets to changing political circumstances,

U. whereas experience with the funding of European political parties and their affiliated European political foundations has shown that they need more flexibility and comparable conditions as regards the carrying-over of funds to the following financial year and the building-up of reserves from own resources over and above the prescribed minimum level of expenditure to be financed from their own funds, V.

whereas the European political parties spend on average almost half of their budgets on centralised administration (staff, rent, etc.) and another quarter on meetings of (statutory and non-statutory) party bodies, the rest being spent on election campaigns and support for affiliated organisations,

W. whereas the European political foundations have a different expenditure pattern, spending on average 40 % of their budgets on centralised administration and meetings and another 40 % on external services, such as studies, research, publications and seminars, X. whereas the main source of the European political partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own resources is membership fees collected from the member parties, and whereas less than 5 % of their total income is made up of individual membership subscriptions and donations, Y.

whereas the share of their total income accounted for by funding from the Union budget is higher in the case of the European political parties than in that of the European political foundations,

whereas donations do not yet represent a significant part of the funding, with only three parties and two foundations receiving donations on a regular basis in 2009,

AA. whereas there is a potential conflict between, on the one hand, the aim of facilitating and speeding up funding, thus making it more effective, and, on the other, the aim of minimising the financial risk to the Union budget, AB. whereas during the period covered by this report, 2008-2011, no penalties have had to be imposed on any party or foundation funded, AC. whereas the European political parties and foundations have to acquire legal personality in accordance with the law of the Member State of their seat in order to be eligible for funding, and whereas they do not have a common legal status, â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 388

AD. whereas the subsidies for European political parties and foundations are ‘grants’ within the meaning of Title VI of the Financial Regulation and its Implementing Rules, but their specific nature means that they are not comparable with any grant awarded and administered by the Commission; whereas this is reflected in a significant number of provisions in the Funding Regulation setting out exceptions; whereas this solution is not satisfactory,

The new political environment 1. Notes that political parties – and their linked political foundations – are essential instruments of a parliamentary democracy, holding parliamentarians to account, helping to shape the political will of citizens, drawing up political programmes, training and selecting candidates, maintaining dialogue with citizens and enabling citizens to express their views; 2. Stresses that the Treaty of Lisbon provides for this role of the political parties and their foundations with a view to creating a European polis, a political space at EU level, and a European democracy, of which the European Citizens‘ Initiative is a key constitutive element; 3. Notes that the European political parties, as they stand, are not in a position to play this role to the full because they are merely umbrella organisations for national parties and not directly in touch with the electorate in the Member States; 4. Notes with satisfaction, however, that the European political parties and political foundations have nevertheless become indispensable actors in the political life of the European Union, in particular by shaping and voicing the respective positions of the various ‘political families’; 5. Emphasises the need for all European political parties to conform to the highest standards of internal party democracy (as regards the democratic election of party bodies and democratic decision-making processes, including for the selection of candidates); 6. Takes the view that, once it has met the conditions for being regarded as a political party at EU level, a party may receive funding only if it is represented in the European Parliament by at least one of its members; 7. Points out that political parties have rights, obligations and responsibilities and should therefore follow converging general organisational patterns; considers that this organisational convergence can only be achieved by establishing a common legal and fiscal status based on EU law for the European political parties and their political foundations;

– APPENDICES – 389

Is convinced that authentic legal status for the European political parties and a legal personality of their own, based directly on the law of the European Union, will enable the European political parties and their political foundations to act as representative agents of the European public interest;

Takes the view that the European political parties should interact and compete on matters relating to common European challenges and the European Union and its development at three levels: regionally, nationally and at European level; considers that it is of the utmost importance for European political parties to be efficient and productive at EU and national level and beyond;

10. Stresses the important challenges in terms of organisational capacity that the European political parties will have to face in the light of the reforms that may be made to the European electoral system (creation of an additional constituency, establishment of transnational lists), ; 11. Notes that this is, in principle, in keeping with the idea of European political parties participating in referendum campaigns, when the referendums concerned are directly linked to issues relating to the European Union; 12. Decides, therefore, to request the Commission to propose a draft statute for European political parties in accordance with Article 225 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union; 13. Notes that what is needed on a shorter-term basis is an improved regulatory environment for the European political parties and foundations, involving, as a first step, the adoption of the European statute;

Additional reform proposals 14. Considers that Members sitting in regional parliaments or assemblies should be taken into account in connection with the fulfilment of the funding conditions only if the parliament or assembly in question is endowed with legislative powers; 15. Points out that the award of funding and the closure of the accounts of the European political parties and foundations are bureaucratic and cumbersome procedures; considers that this stems to a great extent from the fact that funding payments are regarded as ‘grants’ within the meaning of the Financial Regulation, which is appropriate for the funding of projects or associations, but not for parties; 16. Takes the view, therefore, that the Commission should propose the creation of a new title in the Financial Regulation devoted solely and tailored specifically to the funding of European parties and foundations; considers that the Funding Regulation should, as far as its implementation is concerned, refer to the provisions of this new title; – APPENDICES – 390

17. Stresses that the self-financing of parties and foundations is a sign of vitality; believes that it should be encouraged by raising the present limit of EUR 12,000 per year for donations to EUR 25 000 per year/per donor, combined, however, with a requirement to disclose the donor’s identity at the time of receipt, in accordance with the legislation in force and in the interests of transparency; 18. Considers that requiring the submission of ‘annual work programmes’ as a precondition for funding is inappropriate for political parties; points out, moreover, that such a requirement does not exist in any EU Member State; 19. Underlines the fact that the timing of funding is crucial if it is to fulfil its purpose; calls, as an exception to the implementing rules for the Financial Regulation, for the funding to be made available at the beginning of the financial year at 100 %, not 80 %; considers that in view of positive past experiences the risk to Parliament is negligible; 20. Points out that the Financial Regulation stipulates that grants ‘may not finance the entire operating expenditure of the beneficiary body’; observes that complying with this rule is especially difficult for foundations and leads to evasive bookkeeping techniques (for example ‘contributions in kind’); points out that almost none of the funding schemes in Member States require partial selffinancing, as this can disadvantage smaller or recently established parties; 21. Points out that the independent resources that the European political parties are required to demonstrate could be reduced to 10 % of their total budget, in order to further enhance their development; at the same time, believes that their own resources in the form of physical resources should not exceed 7.5 % of their total budget; 22. Notes that in the case of European political foundations the revision of the legal instrument should be taken as an opportunity to abolish the requirement to demonstrate that they have resources of their own; 23. Points out that in the context of this revision the limitation imposed on European political foundations requiring them to use their funds within the European Union should be removed; thereby enabling the foundations to play a role both inside and outside the EU; 24. Emphasises, however, that relaxing the funding regime would have to be counterbalanced by providing for sanctions in the Funding Regulation where they are currently lacking; these sanctions could take the form of financial penalties in the event of infringements of the rules concerning, for example, the transparency of donations; emphasises the need to lay down the same conditions governing the building-up of reserves from own resources above the limit and the carrying-over of funds for both European political parties and their affiliated European political foundations;

– APPENDICES – 391

25. Points out that since 2008 European political parties have been entitled to use sums received as grants for ‘financing campaigns conducted ... in the context of the elections to the European Parliament’ (Article 8, third paragraph, of the Funding Regulation); also points out, however, that they are prohibited from using these sums for financing ‘referendum campaigns’; believes, however, that if European political parties are to play a political role at EU level, they should have the right to participate in such campaigns as long as the subject of the referendum has a direct link with issues concerning the European Union; 26. Invites the European political parties to start a process of considering the terms for direct individual membership and appropriate arrangements for individuals’ direct or indirect participation in the internal activities and decisionmaking processes of the parties; °

27. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

– APPENDICES – 392

APPENDIX VIII

European Parliament resolution of 22 November 2012 on the elections to the European Parliament in 2014 (2012/2829(RSP)) Strasbourg, 22 November 2012

The European Parliament , –

having regard to Articles 10 and 17 of the Treaty on European Union,

–

having regard to Articles 10 and 11 of the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to the Council decision of 20 September 1976, as amended(1) ,

–

having regard to the statement by the Commission of 22 November 2012 on the elections to the European Parliament in 2014,

–

having regard to Rule 110(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas citizens are directly represented at Union level by Members of the European Parliament; B. whereas political parties at European level contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of the citizens of the Union; C.

whereas the President of the European Commission is elected by Parliament on a proposal from the European Council, acting by a qualified majority, which must take into account the result of the elections to Parliament and which must have held the appropriate consultations before making its nomination;

D. whereas the Commission, as a body, shall be responsible to the European Parliament; E. whereas the new Parliament needs sufficient time to organise itself in advance of the election of the Commission President; F.

whereas for the new Commission to be ready to take office on 1 November 2014, the election of the Commission President should take place at Parliament‘s constituent part-session in July 2014; – APPENDICES – 393

G. whereas Parliament votes its consent to the appointment of the whole college of Commissioners after having heard the candidates proposed by the Council, in common accord with the President-elect, on the basis of suggestions made by the Member States; 1. Urges the European political parties to nominate candidates for the Presidency of the Commission and expects those candidates to play a leading role in the parliamentary electoral campaign, in particular by personally presenting their programme in all Member States of the Union; stresses the importance of reinforcing the political legitimacy of both Parliament and the Commission by connecting their respective elections more directly to the choice of the voters; 2. Calls for as many members of the next Commission as possible to be drawn from Members of the European Parliament, to reflect the balance between the two chambers of the legislature; 3. Calls on the future President of the Commission to ensure that a gender balance is achieved in the European Commission; recommends that each Member State propose both a female and a male candidate for the next College of Commissioners; 4. Considers, in view of the new arrangements for the election of the European Commission introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon and the changing relationship between Parliament and the Commission which will stem from them as from the elections in 2014, that reliable majorities in Parliament will be of paramount importance for the stability of the Union‘s legislative procedures and the good functioning of its executive, and therefore calls on the Member States to establish in their electoral law, in accordance with Article 3 of the Act concerning the election of the representatives of the Assembly by direct universal suffrage, appropriate and proportionate minimum thresholds for the allocation of seats so as to duly reflect the citizens‘ choices, as expressed in the elections, while also effectively safeguarding the functionality of Parliament; 5. Asks the Council to consult Parliament on holding the elections on either 1518 May or 22-25 May 2014; 6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the Council, the Commission and the parliaments and governments of the Member States.

Council Decision 76/787/ECSC, EEC, EURATOM (OJ L 278, 8.10.1976, p. 1) as amended by Council Decision 93/81/Euratom, ECSC, EEC (OJ L 33, 9.2.1993, p. 15) and by Council Decision 2002/772/EC, EURATOM (OJ L 283, 21.10.2002, p. 1).

– APPENDICES – 394

APPENDIX IX

European Parliament resolution of 4 July 2013 on improving the practical arrangements for the holding of the European elections in 2014 (2013/2102(INI)) Strasbourg, 4 July 2013

The European Parliament, –

having regard to Articles 10 and 17(7) of the Treaty on European Union,

–

having regard to Article 22(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

–

having regard to Articles 11, 12(2) and 39 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights,

–

having regard to the Act concerning the election of the members of the European Parliament by direct universal suffrage annexed to the Council decision of 20 September 1976, as amended 1 ,

–

having regard to Declaration 11 annexed to the Lisbon Treaty on Article 17(6) and (7) of the Treaty on European Union,

–

having regard to Directive 93/109/EC and its amending Directive 2013/1/EU, which lay down detailed arrangements for the exercise of the right to vote and stand as a candidate in elections to the European Parliament for citizens of the Union residing in a Member State of which they are not nationals,

–

having regard to the Commission communication of 12 March 2013 entitled ‘Preparing for the 2014 European elections: further enhancing their democratic and efficient conduct’ (COM(2013)0126),

Council Decision 76/787/ECSC, EEC, Euratom (OJ L 278, 8.10.1976, p. 1) as amended by Council Decision 93/81/Euratom, ECSC, EEC (OJ L 33, 9.2.1993, p. 15) and by Council Decision 2002/772/EC, Euratom (OJ L 283, 21.10.2002, p. 1).

– APPENDICES – 395

–

having regard to the Commission recommendation of 12 March 2013 on enhancing the democratic and efficient conduct of the elections to the European Parliament, addressed to the Member States and the European and national political parties (C(2013)1303),

–

having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2012 on the elections to the European Parliament in 2014 2,

–

having regard to its resolution of 13 March 2013 on the composition of the Parliament with a view to the elections in 20143,

–

having regard to Rules 41, 48 and 105 of its Rules of Procedure,

–

having regard to the report of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs (A70219/2013),

A. whereas it has been agreed that the polling days of the election are to be brought forward to 22-25 May 2014 and, therefore, that the constitutive session of the new Parliament will take place on 1 July; B. whereas citizens are directly represented at Union level in the European Parliament; C. whereas every citizen has the right to participate in the democratic life of the Union; D. whereas political parties at European level are actors in the European political sphere; whereas they contribute to forming European political awareness and to expressing the will of the citizens of the Union; E. whereas the 2014 elections will be the first to take place after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty – which widens significantly the powers of the European Parliament, including its role in the election of the President of the Commission – and, accordingly, will provide a key opportunity to increase the transparency of the elections and strengthen their European dimension; F.

whereas the major European political parties appear ready to nominate their own candidates for the Presidency of the Commission, in the expectation that those candidates will play a leading role in the parliamentary electoral campaign, in particular by personally presenting their political programme in all the EU Member States;

Texts adopted, P7_TA(2012)0462.

Texts adopted, P7_TA(2013)0082.

– APPENDICES – 396

G. whereas internal party democracy and high standards of openness and integrity on the part of political parties are an essential basis for increasing public trust in the political system; H. whereas the resolution of the current crisis of governance in the EU requires a fuller democratic legitimation of the integration process; I.

whereas Union citizens have the right to stand and vote in the European Parliamentary elections even when residing in a Member State other than their own;

whereas electoral campaigns continue to focus primarily on national issues, pushing debate on specifically European issues into the background, which has a negative impact on the level of participation in elections to the European Parliament;

K. whereas turnout at the elections is likely to be enhanced by a lively political campaign in which political parties and their candidates compete for votes and seats on the basis of alternative programmes which address the European dimension of politics; L.

whereas repeated opinion polls suggest that a large majority would be inclined to vote if they were better informed about the European Parliament, the political parties, their programmes and candidates; whereas all media outlets are therefore encouraged to bring maximum attention to the elections;

M. whereas the President of the European Commission is elected by Parliament on the proposal of the European Council, which must take into account the results of the elections and must consult the new Parliament before making its nomination(s); N. whereas the detailed arrangements for the consultations between Parliament and the European Council on the election of the Commission President may, according to Declaration 11 annexed to the Lisbon Treaty, be determined ‘by common accord’; 1. Calls on the political parties to ensure that the names of the candidates selected to stand for election to the European Parliament are made public at least six weeks before the start of polling; 2. Expects the candidates to commit themselves, if elected, to taking up their mandates to serve as Members of the European Parliament, unless appointed to a post which renders them ineligible pursuant to Article 7 of the Act on the direct election of the European Parliament (1976); 3. Calls on the Member States and the political parties to press for a higher proportion of women on the lists of candidates and, as far as possible, to encourage the drafting of lists that ensure equal representation; – APPENDICES – 397

4. Urges the Member States and political parties to see to it that the names – and, where appropriate, the emblems – of the European political parties appear on the ballot paper; 5. Asks the European political parties to nominate their candidates for the Commission presidency sufficiently well in advance of the election for them to be able to mount a significant, European-wide campaign that concentrates on European issues that are based on the party platform and on the programme of their candidate for the Commission presidency; 6. Insists that political parties at all levels adopt democratic and transparent procedures for the selection of candidates for election to the European Parliament and for the Presidency of the Commission; 7. Calls on the national political parties to inform citizens, before and during the electoral campaign, about their affiliation with a European political party and their support for its candidate for the Commission presidency and for his or her political programme; 8. Encourages the Member States to permit political broadcasts by the European political parties; 9. Urges the European political parties to hold a series of public debates between the candidates nominated for the Commission presidency; 10. Recommends that the Member States take all necessary steps to give effective implementation to the measures agreed on to assist citizens who wish to vote or stand as candidates in states other than their own; 11. Calls on the Member States to organise a public campaign to encourage citizens to turn out to vote, with the aim of halting falling participation rates; 12. Encourages national political parties to include on their lists of candidates EU citizens residing in Member States other than their own; 13. Insists that, pursuant to Article 10(2) of the Act on the direct election of the European Parliament, no official result shall be published in any Member State until after the close of poll in the Member State whose electors are the last to vote on Sunday 25 May 2014; 14. Proposes that detailed arrangements for the consultations between Parliament and the European Council on the election of the new Commission President should be agreed by common accord in good time before the elections; 15. Expects that, in this process, the candidate for Commission President put forward by the European political party that wins the most seats in the Parliament will be the first to be considered, with a view to ascertaining his or her ability to secure the support of the necessary absolute majority in Parliament; – APPENDICES – 398

16. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the parliaments of the Member States and the European political parties.

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 399

APPENDIX X

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY (CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS) IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT June 2009

CHAPTER I · The EPP Group Article 1 Constitution The Group was constituted on 11 September 1952. It was officially recognised on 23 June 1953, pursuant to the Resolution adopted on 16 June 1953 by the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community. It was reconstituted on 19 March 1958 within the framework of the European Parliament. The Declaration of Constitution, containing the first name of the Group, the signatures of its founder members and the composition of its Bureau, was handed to the President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community and published on 28 April 1954 in the Official Journal of the European Coal and Steel Community (Vol. 3, No 7, page 309). The Declaration of Reconstitution, also containing the signatures of the Group members, was forwarded to the President of the European Parliament. Article 2 Name of the Group The political group is called: in Bulgarian: Група на Европейската Народна Партия (Християндемократи) ЕНП in Czech:

Poslanecký klub Evropské lidové strany (Křesťanských demokratů) ELS

in Danish:

Det Europæiske Folkepartis Gruppe (Kristelige demokrater) EPP – APPENDICES – 400

in Dutch:

Fractie van de Europese Volkspartij (Christen Democraten) EVP

in English:

Group of the European People‘s Party (Christian Democrats) EPP

in Estonian:

Euroopa Rahvapartei (kristlike demokraatide) fraktsioon ERP

in Finnish:

Euroopan kansanpuolueen ryhmä (kristillisdemokraatit) EPP

in French:

Groupe du Parti Populaire Européen (Démocrates-Chrétiens) PPE

in Gaelic:

Grúpa Pháirtí an Phobail Eorpaigh (Na Daonlathaithe Críostaí) PPE

in German:

Fraktion der Europäischen Volkspartei (Christdemokraten) EVP

in Greek:

Κoιvoβoυλευτική Ομάδα τoυ Ευρωπαϊκoύ Λαϊκoύ Κόμματoς (Χριστιαvoδημoκράτες) ΕΛΚ

in Hungarian: Európai Néppárt (Kereszténydemokraták) Képviselőcsoport ENP in Italian:

Gruppo del Partito Popolare Europeo (Democratico Cristiano) PPE

in Latvian:

Eiropas Tautas partijas (Kristīgie Demokrāti) grupa ETP

in Lithuanian: Europos liaudies partijos (krikščionių demokratų) grupė ELP in Maltese:

Grupp tal-Partit Popolari Ewropew (Demokristjani) PPE

in Polish:

Grupa Europejskiej Partii Ludowej (Chrześcijańscy Demokraci) EPL

in Portuguese: Grupo do Partido Popular Europeu (Democratas-Cristãos) PPE in Romanian: Grupul Partidului Popular European (Creştin Democrat) PPE

– APPENDICES – 401

in Slovak:

Poslanecký klub Európskej ľudovej stranyn (kresťanský demokrati) EĽS

in Slovenian: Poslanska skupina Evropske ljudske stranke (Krščanskih demokratov) ELS in Spanish:

Grupo del Partido Popular Europeo (Demócratacristianos) PPE

in Swedish:

Europeiska folkpartiets grupp (kristdemokrater) EPP

Article 3 Membership of the Group (1) The Group shall consist of Members elected to the European Parliament on the lists of the member parties of the European People‘s Party. (2) Other Members of the European Parliament may become Members of the Group of the European People‘s Party if they subscribe to the political programme of the European People‘s Party and accept these Rules of Procedure. (3) These Members (Article 3 paragraph 1 and paragraph 2) are committed to a policy, which, on the basis of a Constitution, pursues the process of federal unification and integration in Europe, which is a constituent element of the European Union as a Union of citizens and States. (4) Acting on the basis of the Community model within the EU, they define their values and aims in line with the current election programme of the EPP, in accordance with principles such as freedom and democracy, as well as the rule of law, respect for human rights and subsidiarity. Article 4 Allied Members of the Group Members of the European Parliament may become allied Members of the Group if they subscribe to the basic policies of the Group of the European People‘s Party and if they accept these Rules of Procedure. Article 5 Admission of Members (1) Decisions according to Article 3 paragraph 2 and Article 4 on the admission of Members have to be supported by the majority of Group Members. The delegation/delegations of the Members elected in the same Member State as – APPENDICES – 402

the applicant shall be consulted at least 14 days prior to that decision. (2) Each new Member shall sign two copies of the Declaration of Constitution of the Group. One copy shall be passed by the Group secretariat to the Secretary-General of the European Parliament; the other shall be preserved in the Group records. Article 6 Voting in Plenary and Committees (1) Members commit themselves to support, as a rule, the Group line during votes; however, they have the right to vote according to their conscience and political convictions. Members are supposed to inform the Chairman of the Group or the Group Plenary Assembly the day before the vote in case they intend not to vote along the Group line in an important issue. (2) Members should inform, by electronic means, the responsible Vice-Chairman if they cannot participate in a vote in plenary. (3) Paragraph 1 and 2 shall apply mutatis mutandis to votes in committees. Article 7 Termination of Membership (1) Membership or allied membership of the Group shall end on the termination of a Member‘s appointment to the European Parliament or on resignation. (2) The Group‘s Plenary Assembly can decide upon the exclusion of a Member of the Group by secret ballot. A proposal for exclusion from the Group has to be submitted to all Members of the Group in writing at least three days before the vote. The Group shall hear the opinion of the Members of the same nationality as the Member in question. The decision is taken by a two-thirds majority of votes cast. The decision shall be valid if at least half the Members have participated in the vote.

CHAPTER II · Group Organs Article 8 Group Organs: Membership and Powers The organs of the Group of the European People‘s Party are: - the Plenary Assembly (Art. 9); - the Presidency (Art. 11); - the Group Presidency and Heads of National Delegations (Art. 14); - the Bureau (Art. 15). – APPENDICES – 403

Article 9 Group Plenary Assembly (1) The Plenary Assembly meets on convocation of the Presidency at least once during group weeks and once during plenary sessions. (2) At the request of one third of the Members or one national delegation, the Presidency convenes the Plenary Assembly to an extraordinary meeting. (3) The Plenary Assembly may deliberate, adopt the agenda and vote, whatever the number of Members present. (4) At the invitation of the Presidency, other persons may attend meetings and speak. (5) The minutes of the Group Plenary Assembly meetings shall include a record of attendance, the names of speakers and the decisions taken. They shall be made available to the Members of the Group and preserved in the records of the Group. Article 10 Responsibilities of the Group Plenary Assembly The Plenary Assembly shall: (a) decide on admissions and termination of membership of the Group; (b) take decisions on all political matters dealt with inside or outside the European Parliament; (c) elect the Presidency; (d) set up Standing Working Groups of the Group; (e) appoint, on proposal by the Presidency, Members to fill any vacancies set aside for the Group on Committees, Sub-Committees, Temporary Committees and Inter-Parliamentary and other Delegations; (f ) establish, on proposal by the Presidency, the Group‘s annual budget, adopt the balance sheet (statement of accounts) and decide whether to grant a discharge in respect of the implementation of the annual budget; (g) appoint three auditors; (h) take decisions concerning the Group‘s Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulation (revisions and amendments).

– APPENDICES – 404

Article 11 Composition of the Presidency (1) The Presidency shall consist of the Group Chairman and ten Vice-Chairpersons. (2) The Members of the Presidency shall agree among themselves on an allocation of tasks, including the task of Treasurer and the Chairmanships of the Standing Working Groups. This decision shall be brought to the notice of the Group. Article 12 Responsibilities of the Presidency The Presidency shall be responsible for: (a) convening and presiding over Group meetings, the meetings of the Standing Working Groups and leading the Group in plenary sittings; (b) representing the Group externally; (c) taking decisions, on proposal by the Secretary-General, on the composition of the secretariat and the working method of the secretariat; (d) informing the Group on strategic and political decisions it has taken at its meetings; (e) taking decisions in urgent cases instead of the competent body; any such decisions shall be submitted to the competent body; (f ) preparing Bureau and Group decisions in the financial field; (g) preparing the Bureau‘s deliberations on the Group‘s Financial Regulation (revisions and amendments); (h) external communications, including press releases, on behalf of the Group. Article 13 Election of the Group Presidency (1) The Group Plenary Assembly shall elect the Chairman and the ten ViceChairpersons. (2) The elections shall be held before the beginning of the new legislature. (3) The term of office of the Group Presidency shall be the same as the effective term of office of the President of Parliament. If this term ends before the end of the legislature, new elections shall be held at least one month before the end of term of office of the President of Parliament. – APPENDICES – 405

Article 14 Group Presidency and Heads of National Delegations The Group Presidency and the Heads of National Delegations shall meet at least once a month to discuss key and strategic issues, to prepare political decisions of major importance and to deliberate on questions of special internal relevance to the Group. Article 15 Composition of the Bureau of the Group 1) The Bureau of the Group shall consist of: (a) the Members of the Presidency; (b) the Heads of National Delegations and an additional Member for every ten Members; (c) the Members of the Presidency of the Parliament belonging to the Group; (d) the Chairmen of Standing Committees belonging to the Group; (e) the Coordinator within each of the Standing Committees; (f ) the Chairman and the Secretary-General of the European People‘s Party, if they are Members of the European Parliament. 2) If the Chairman and the Secretary-General of the European People‘s Party are not Members of the European Parliament, they are permanently invited ad personam to the meetings of the Bureau. Article 16 Responsibilities of the Bureau of the Group 1) The Bureau of the Group shall: (a) prepare the strategic and political decisions of the Group; (b) prepare for the plenary sessions highlighting the most relevant questions for the Group from the different national perspectives; (c) propose to the Group, on an initiative from the Presidency, the Group‘s Rules of Procedure and Financial Regulation. 2) The Bureau shall meet at the invitation of the Presidency. The Bureau, a national delegation or one third of the Members of the Group may also request that a meeting be convened. – APPENDICES – 406

CHAPTER III · Organisation of work within the Group Article 17 Fixing of the Agenda, Quorum The Plenary Assembly may deliberate and fix the agenda whatever the number of Members present. Article 18 Decisions Except where otherwise provided for in the Rules of Procedure, a simple majority of votes cast shall be required for the decisions of all organs. Article 19 Elections (1) Elections shall be notified at least three days in advance. A deadline for nominations of at least two days shall be set; this deadline shall expire at least 24 hours before the vote starts. (2) All elections shall be held by secret ballot. (3) If a number of candidates have been nominated for one post, the candidate obtaining the absolute majority of the votes cast shall be elected. If more than two candidates participate and no candidate obtains the required majority at the first and second ballot a final ballot shall be held between the two candidates who got the highest number of votes at the second ballot. (4) If the same number of candidates have been nominated for a number of posts, a collective ballot can be held. If a higher number of candidates have been nominated for a number of posts, the candidates obtaining the highest number of votes cast shall be elected. Article 20 Committee Working Groups (1) The Members of the Group belonging to the same Parliamentary Committee shall form a Working Group coordinated by a Coordinator elected from among these Members. The Working Group may elect a Deputy Coordinator. (2) The Coordinator is the responsible spokesperson of the Group with respect to the remit of the Committee Working Group and is responsible for the co-ordination of the work of the Group‘s Members in the respective committee. – APPENDICES – 407

Article 21 Standing Working Groups (1) Committee Working Groups may be grouped together to form Standing Working Groups. Each Member of the relevant Committee Working Groups is a Member of the Standing Working Group. Each Member of the Group can participate in every Working Group meeting and has an advisory vote. (2) The Standing Working Groups shall be chaired by a Member of the Presidency (Vice-Chairperson of the Group); they are the responsible spokespersons of the Group with respect to the remit of the Standing Working Group and are responsible for the coordination of the work of the Group‘s Members in their respective committees. (3) The Working Group proposes to the Group Plenary Assembly a list of Members who will speak in the Plenary on behalf of the Group. (4) The agendas of the Working Groups are made available to all Members of the Group. Minutes are taken for each meeting and are sent to the Members of the Presidency. Article 22 Internal Rules of Working Groups The tasks of Standing Working Groups and Committee Working Groups shall be laid down by internal rules. Article 23 Parliamentary Initiatives Members shall inform the Presidency and the responsible Coordinator in advance on legislative initiatives in accordance with Article 5 of the Members‘ Statute.

CHAPTER IV · Group Secretariat Article 24 The Group Secretariat The staff of the Group secretariat shall fulfil a supranational function and is subject to the Regulation laying down the Staff Regulations of Officials and the Conditions of Employment of Other Servants of the European Community.

– APPENDICES – 408

Article 25 Tasks of the Group Secretariat The secretariat shall assist the Group. The secretariat shall perform conscientiously and to the best of their ability all duties assigned to them in the Group secretariat, exclusively serving the Group‘s interests and neither seeking nor accepting instructions from any body or person outside the Group in the performance of these duties. Article 26 Secretary-General of the Group (1) The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the Bureau on a proposal from the Presidency. (2) The Secretary-General shall head and coordinate the Secretariat. He shall also prepare the deliberations of the Bureau and Presidency relating to the secretariat itself.

CHAPTER V · Budget Article 27 Group Budget and Balance Sheet Before the beginning of a new financial year, the Treasurer shall, with the assistance of the Secretary-General, submit the draft estimates to the Presidency and to the Bureau which, having established them, shall forward them to the Assembly for approval. Article 28 Representation The Chairman or his delegate shall be empowered to commit expenditure on behalf of the Group within the limits of the estimates adopted by the Plenary Assembly. Article 29 Auditing implementation of the annual budget.At the first meeting after the beginning of a new financial year, the Group shall appoint three auditors who are not Members of the Bureau. They shall audit the accounts of the previous financial – APPENDICES – 409

year, submit a report in writing to the Plenary Assembly and propose that a discharge be granted in respect of the implementation of the annual budget. Article 30 Group‘s financial regulations Financial transactions shall be governed by the Group‘s financial regulations.

CHAPTER VI · Final Provisions Article 31 Modifications of the Rules of Procedure Amendments to the Rules of Procedure may be adopted by a two-thirds majority of votes cast. The decision shall be valid if at least half the Group Members have participated in the vote. Article 32 Entry into force This version of the Rules of Procedures replaces that of 17 December 2008 with effect from 17 June 2009.

Annex A staff committee shall be constituted, consisting of members elected by the staff of the secretariat. This committee shall give its opinion to the Presidency of the Group on all problems concerning the staff. Its terms of reference shall be set out in details in a protocol established by common accord between the members of the secretariat and the Presidency of the Group.

– APPENDICES – 410

APPENDIX XI

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS December 2009

CHAPTER I · Constitution Rule 1 The Group shall be called the “Group of the European People‘s Party”, hereinafter referred to as “the Group”. Rule 2 The Group was established on 8 March 1994. CHAPTER II · Membership Rule 3 The Group shall comprise: a)

Full and alternate members of the CoR, who belong to the member parties of the European People‘s Party.

Full and alternate members of the CoR, belonging to parties whose MEPs have been members of the EPP Group and former EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament and are in sympathy with EPP‘s local and regional government policy, accept these Rules of Proceedure, and who have indicated to the EPP General-Secretariat that they wish to join the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions.

Rule 4 Full and alternate members of the CoR may also join the Group, if they are in sympathy with the EPP‘s policy and accept these Rules of Procedure. The Group shall decide on their admission by a majority vote. Rule 5 Membership of the Group shall end either on loss of CoR office, on resignation or on loss of membership of one of the EPP member parties or parties which belong to the EPP Group in the European Parliament, or by a decision adopted – APPENDICES – 411

by two-thirds of the votes cast by Group members. Such decisions shall be valid only if an absolute majority (50% + 1) of entitled members has taken part in the vote. Rule 6 Only full members are entitled to vote within the Group. Alternates may, however, vote if instructed to do so by a full member in the latter‘s absence. CHAPTER III · Constituent bodies: powers and membership Rule 7 The constituent bodies of the Group shall be: · the Plenary Session; · the Bureau; · the Presidency; · the President. Rule 8 The Group Plenary Session shall: · take decisions on all political matters dealt with inside or outside the CoR; · elect the Group President and Vice-Presidents; · nominate Commission spokesmen (coordinators) and other office holders; · arrange funding for the Group‘s activities with particular responsibi lity for the preparation and discharge of the budget; · take decisions on the Rules of Procedure. Rule 9 The Group Bureau shall comprise: · the Group President; · the nine Group Vice-Presidents, one of whom shall act as treasurer; · the CoR President, CoR Vice-President, full members of the CoR Bureau or in their absence, their duly mandated alternates, Commission Presidents, the heads of national delegations, and former Presidents of the CoR provided they are Group members. Rule 10 The Group Bureau shall: · prepare Group decisions on all political, administrative and financial matters and monitor their implementation; · assign various responsibilities, after hearing the interested parties, if they so wish and shall brief the Group accordingly; · monitor the work of the Secretariat.

– APPENDICES – 412

Rule 11 The Group Presidency shall comprise the Group President and the Group VicePresidents. Its duties shall be as follows: · to ensure implementation of the duties designated by the Group Bureau; · to represent the Group inside and outside the CoR; · to endeavour to support the President on Group matters; · to ensure implementation of any other task determined by the President of the Group or the Group Bureau; · in the event of an emergency, to take decisions on behalf of the competent bodies; in that event, the bodies concerned must be informed of the decisions taken. Rule 12 The Group President, acting in conjunction with the Group Vice-Presidents, shall: · convene and preside over Group meetings; · represent the Group within and outside the CoR; · take decisions, after consulting the Group Bureau, on the composition of the Group‘s Secretariat, recruitment, the termination of contracts and promotions; · prepare decisions of the EPP Bureau. Rule 13 The Group President and Vice-Presidents shall be elected by secret ballot and their term of office shall coincide with that of the President of the CoR. This election shall take place before the beginning of the new term and at all events when the Plenary session is renewed. They shall be eligible for re-election. Candidates obtaining an absolute majority of votes cast by eligible members on the first ballot shall be elected; in the event of a second round a simple majority shall suffice. Abstentions will not be taken into account. CHAPTER IV · Organisation of Group activities Rule 14 The Group Plenary Session and the Group Bureau shall generally assemble for ordinary CoR meetings on notice from the Group President. Convening notices for Group Plenary Sessions must normally be sent out by the Secretariat two weeks before the meeting, at the latest. An extraordinary meeting may be convened at the request of one-third of Group members or by a majority of the Group‘s Bureau members. Rule 15 Group Plenary Sessions and Group Bureau meetings shall not be public; the confidentiality of the discussions must be respected. Representatives of the European, national and regional institutions as well as members of national Parliaments or other officials may attend and address meetings at the invitation of the Group President. The Group President may invite experts to assist the Group in defining its position on specific issues. By way of exception, persons – APPENDICES – 413

not belonging to the Group may attend meetings as observers at the invitation of the Group President. Rule 16 The Group‘s Plenary Session may deliberate regardless of the number of members present and define the agenda, provided it has been duly convened. It may take decisions where there is a quorum, i.e. where at least 50% of those entitled to vote are present; these are full members, or alternates who have been authorised to vote by an absent full member. Each Group member shall have a maximum of three proxy votes. Rule 17 The decisions of all the Group bodies shall be taken by a simple majority, unless otherwise provided by the Rules of Procedure. Members must endeavour to achieve consensus; they are not, however, bound by Group decisions. CHAPTER V · Group Secretariat Rule 18 The Group must have a Secretariat to service it in line with the CoR Rules of Procedure. The Secretariat shall assist the Group in the performance of its duties; its composition shall be decided by the Group Bureau. The Secretariat shall be headed by a Secretary-General who shall also prepare discussions of the Group Bureau and of the Group Presidency. Rule 19 The Secretary-General shall be appointed by the Group Bureau, on a proposal from the Group Presidency. Rule 20 By signing the contract of employment, Secretariat staff undertake to carry out their duties conscientiously and loyally in the exclusive interests of the Group and not to seek nor accept instructions from any person outside the Group when carrying out these duties. CHAPTER VI · Budget and balance sheet Rule 21 Before the beginning of each financial year, the Treasurer, assisted by the Secretary-General, shall submit the draft estimates to the Group Bureau for submission to the Group Plenary Session after review. Rule 22 The Group President and Treasurer shall be empowered to incur expenditure on behalf of the Group, within the limits of the budget adopted and approved by the Group Plenary Session.

– APPENDICES – 414

Rule 23 At the first meeting in each financial year, the Group shall designate three auditors who shall not be members of the Group Bureau. The auditors shall examine the accounts for the previous financial year, shall submit a written report to the Group Plenary Session and propose that a discharge be granted in respect of the annual budget. CHAPTER VII · General provisions Rule 24 Amendments to the Rules of Procedure shall require a two-thirds majority of the votes cast at the Group Plenary Session. The requisite quorum shall be an absolute majority (50% + 1) of members entitled to vote. Rule 25 The Group shall be represented in the constituent bodies of the European People‘s Party by its authorised members. Only members or alternate members belonging to a national party which is a member of the EPP can represent the EPP Group in the EPP Congress or in any other meetings of the EPP and/or EPP Group in the European Parliament. Rule 26 Members of the EPP Group in the European Parliament and Commissioners of the European Commission as well as delegates of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe (CLRAE) belonging to the EPP Group can participate in the Group‘s Plenary Sessions as observers.

– APPENDICES – 415

APPENDIX XII

RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE'S PARTY / CHRISTIAN DEMOCRATS IN THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE July 2007

A · OBJECTIVES, NAME, HEADQUARTERS Article 1. Objectives The Group of the European People‘s Party/Christian Democrats in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe promotes cooperation in Europe in a democratic and social framework, based on individual freedom, linked to the concept of christian responsibility and according to the principles and the values of moral law. Article 2. Name The name of the group is : Group of the European People‘s Party/Christian Democrats in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in its abbreviated form: EPP/CD hereafter referred to as „the Group“. Article 3. Headquarters The Group has its headquarters in Strasbourg.

B · MEMBERSHIP Article 4. Conditions for Membership 1) All members of the Parliamentary Assembly being members of a member, associated member or observer party of the European People‘s Party (EPP) can become members of the Group. 2) Any new member of the Parliamentary Assembly who is willing to fulfil his/ her mandate in the Council of Europe in accordance with the values indicated in Article 1 of these Rules of Procedure may become a member of the Group. – APPENDICES – 416

3) Membership in the EPP/CD Group is also open to the representatives of member parties which were members of the EDU but not of the EPP at the time of the EDU’s dissolution and who are willing to fulfil their mandate in accordance with the values indicated in Article 1. Article 5. Procedure of Admission 1) Members of the Parliamentary Assembly qualifying under Article 4 (1) of these rules are automatically members of the Group, unless they explicitly disconnect themselves from the Group or if they affiliate themselves to another political group in the Parliamentary Assembly. 2) Insofar as a member of the Parliamentary Assembly would like to be admitted to the Group and being not a member party of the EPP, the approval of the majority of the members of the Group is required. If an applicant to the EPP / CD Group is a representative of a Member State where the EPP already has a member party, the representatives of this party must indicate their approval of the admission. In the case that their approval is not forthcoming, the applicant can be admitted by a three quarters majority of the members of the Group after the opinion of the EPP Political Bureau has been requested and given. Article 6. Observers The EPP/CD Group can decide to accept and to invite observers coming from countries not being Member States of the Council of Europe, sharing the values articulated in Article 1. Article 7. Rights of the Members All Members have the right to take part in the activities of the Group, in votes and in elections within the Group. Article 8. Guests The Group can decide to invite members of the Parliamentary Assembly as guests to its Group meetings. Guests are allowed to be present but are not allowed to take the floor or to take part in elections or to vote. Article 9. Members, Assistant Members and Observers may not at the same time be Members, Assistant Members or Observers of another political group.

– APPENDICES – 417

C · ORGANS Article 10. Group Organs The organs of the Group are: 1) the Plenary Assembly 2) the Enlarged Bureau 3) the Bureau Article 11. Composition of the Plenary Assembly The Plenary Assembly is made up by all the members of the Group. It meets at least once during each Ordinary Part Session of the Parliamentary Assembly. Article 12. Competences of the Group 1) The Plenary Assembly deals with both matters relating to the Parliamentary Assembly and to the external affairs of the Council of Europe. The Plenary Session prepares decisions to be taken on the basis of Reports presented to the Parliamentary Assembly and elaborates its own proposals. 2) The Plenary Assembly decides also on the cooperation between the Group and other political groups within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and with those represented in other European institutions. 3) The Plenary Assembly elects the members of the Bureau: · the President · fifteen Vice Presidents · the Treasurer 4) The Plenary Assembly examines the reports of the Bureau and of the Treasurer and takes appropriate decisions concerning these issues. The Plenary Assembly votes on the annual budget of the Group. 5) The Plenary Assembly elects two Auditors who notify it of the results of their audit. 6) The Plenary Assembly proceeds, if necessary, to the dissolution of the Group. Article 13. Composition of the Enlarged Bureau 1) The Enlarged Bureau of the Group consists of members of the Bureau and one representative of each national delegation which is not already represented within the Bureau of the Group.

– APPENDICES – 418

2) The enlarged Bureau can invest the members of the Group with particular missions. These members are therefore members of the Enlarged Bureau with non voting rights. Article 14. Competences of the Enlarged Bureau 1) All political questions and issues concerning the organisations of the Group fall within the competence of the Enlarged Bureau insofar as such questions are not within the competence of the Plenary Assembly. 2) The Enlarged Bureau meets during each Ordinary Part Session of the Parliamentary Assembly, in order to prepare the plenary sittings of the Parliamentary Assembly. Article 15. Composition of the Bureau 1) The Bureau consists of the President, fifteen Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, two Auditors and the Secretary General who is appointed by the Enlarged Bureau on the proposal of the President. 2) Members of the Bureau can not be substituted for in their absence. Article16. Competences of the Bureau 1) The Bureau leads the Group. It carries out decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly and the Enlarged Bureau. 2) The Group is represented in external matters by the President and the Secretary General. 3) The Treasurer manages the finances of the Group in agreement with the Bureau. 4) The day-to-day running of the Group is dealt with by the Secretary General of the Group working in close cooperation with the President of the Group. Article 17. Elections 1) Members of Bureau of the Group are elected for two calendar years. The election should take place during the First Part of the Ordinary Session. 2) The election of each member of the Bureau requires an individual ballot. Article 18. Sessions of the Organs of the Group 1) The President convenes the organs of the Group. 2) The President or one of fifteen Vice Presidents chairs Group meetings. During the re election of the Bureau, the oldest member of the Group exerts the presidency. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; APPENDICES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 419

D · PROCEDURES Article 19. Quorum 1) An election can only be valid if the members of the Group have been convened at least two weeks in advance of the meeting and have received the Agenda. 2) Within the Bureau and the Enlarged Bureau, at least half of the members having the right to vote, must be present in order to ensure that the election is valid. Article 20. Majorities Required In matters upon which the present Regulations have not anticipated other arrangements, decisions are adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast. If the vote is tied, the proposal is considered to be rejected. Amendments to the present Regulations require an absolute majority of the members of the Plenary Assembly having the right to vote. A decision on the dissolution of the Group requires a three quarters majority of the votes. Article 21. Votes 1) Votes may take place by acclamation, by a show of hands, or by secret ballot if three members present so request it. 2) During a vote each member has the right to abstain if he/he so wishes. Article 22. Elections 1) The election of members of the Bureau shall take place by secret ballot. However, if there is only one candidate for one function, the election can take place by acclamation or by a show of hands in the event that there is no objection to this procedure. 2) The majority of valid votes cast is required for each election. In the event that no majority is reached, a second ballot shall take place between the two highest placed candidates. If several candidates obtain the same number of votes as the candidate in second place, they are included in the second ballot. 3) If following the second ballot none of the candidates has obtained a relative majority, lots will be drawn. 4) Abstentions and invalid votes are not taken into account in the calculation of the majority.

– APPENDICES – 420

APPENDIX XIII

GROUP OF THE EUROPEAN PEOPLE’S PARTY AND LIKE-MINDED MEMBERS IN THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF THE ORGANISATION FOR SECURITY AND CO-OPERATION IN EUROPE September 2008

RULES OF PROCEDURE A · OBJECTIVES, NAME, SECRETERIAT Article 1. Objectives The Group of the European People‘s Party (EPP) and like-minded members strives to promote political cooperation at the level of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) in Europe and its respective participating states. Through its work, it will promote and uphold center-right values and democratic principles, with particular emphasis in countries of democratic transition. Article 2. Name The official name of the Group is: “Group of the European People‘s Party and likeminded members in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.” Its abbreviated form is: “EPP Group.” Article 3. Secretariat The Secretariat of the Group is based in Brussels.

– APPENDICES – 421

B · MEMBERSHIP Article 4. Conditions for Membership All members of the Parliamentary Assembly being members of a full-member, associated-member or observer-member party of the European People‘s Party are automatically members of the EPP Group. Membership is also open to members of member-parties of the International Democrat Union. All other membership requests are subject to approval by the Group Presidency. Group members may not at the same time be members of another political group. Article 5. Guests The Presidency of the Group can decide to invite members of the Parliamentary Assembly as guests to its Group meetings. Guests are allowed to be present but are not allowed to take the floor or to take part in elections or to vote. Article 6. Rights of the Members All Members have the right to take part in the activities of the Group, in votes and in elections within the Group.

C · ORGANS Article 7. Group Organs The organs of the Group are: 1) the Plenary Assembly, 2) the Presidency. Article 8. Composition of the Plenary Assembly The Plenary Assembly is made up by all the members of the Group. It meets at least once during each Ordinary Part Session of the Parliamentary Assembly. Article 9. Competences of the Plenary Assembly 1) The Plenary Assembly deals with all matters relating to the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. The Plenary Session prepares decisions to be taken on the basis of Reports presented to the Parliamentary Assembly and elaborates its own proposals. 2) The Plenary Assembly decides also on the cooperation between the Group and other political groups within the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. The Group cooperates on relevant matters with other EPP Groups in other international organisations and/or European institutions. 3) The Plenary Assembly elects the members of the Presidency: - the Chairman - five Vice Chairmen - the Treasurer – APPENDICES – 422

4) The Plenary Assembly examines the reports of the Presidency and takes appropriate decisions concerning these issues. 5) The Plenary Assembly proceeds, if necessary, to the dissolution of the Group. Article 10. Composition of the Presidency 1) The Bureau consists of the Chairman, five Vice Chairmen, and the Treasurer. 2) Members of the Presidency can not be substituted for in their absence. Article 11. Competences of the Presidency 1) The Presidency leads the Group. It carries out decisions taken by the Plenary Assembly. 2) The Group is represented in external matters by the Chairman. He/she also participates and reports at the Political Bureau of the European People‘s Party. 3) The Treasurer manages the finances of the Group in agreement with the Bureau. 4) The day-to-day running of the Group is run by the Brussels Secretariat in close cooperation with the Chairman of the Group. In particular, the Secretariat will disseminate all relevant information to the members of the Group and will update regularly the Group’s membership list. Article 12. Elections Members of Presidency of the Group are elected for two calendar years. The election should take place during the First Part of the Ordinary Session. Article 13. Sessions of the Organs of the Group 1) The Chairman convenes the organs of the Group. 2) The Chairman or one of the five Vice-Chairmen chairs the Group meetings.

– APPENDICES – 423

D · PROCEDURES & PROVISIONS Article 14. Quorum Within the Plenary Assembly and the Presidency, at least half of the members having the right to vote, must be present in order to ensure that the election is valid. Article 15. Majorities Required In matters upon which the present Regulations have not anticipated other arrangements, decisions are adopted by a simple majority of the votes cast. If the vote is tied, the proposal is considered to be rejected. Amendments to the present Regulations require an absolute majority of the members of the Plenary Assembly having the right to vote. A decision on the dissolution of the Group requires a three-quarters majority of the votes. Article 16. Votes 1)Votes may take place by acclamation, by a show of hands, or by secret ballot. 2) During a vote each member has the right to abstain if he/he so wishes. Article 17. Elections 1) The election of members of the Presidency shall take place by secret ballot. However, if there is only one candidate for one function, the election can take place by acclamation or by a show of hands in the event that there is no objection to this procedure. 2) The majority of valid votes cast are required for each election. In the event that no majority is reached, a second ballot shall take place between the two highest placed candidates. If several candidates obtain the same number of votes as the candidate in second place, they are included in the second ballot. 3) If following the second ballot none of the candidates has obtained a relative majority, lots will be drawn. 4) Abstentions and invalid votes are not taken into account in the calculation of the majority. Article 18. Working Language Due to financial limitations, which do not permit the hiring of translation services, the working language of the Group will be English. Done in Toronto, Canada 19 September 2008 – APPENDICES – 424

– APPENDICES – 425

EUROPEAN FACTBOOK 2013 The European People’s Party and Centre-Right Politics “The European Factbook, now in its sixth year, is the consolidated annual publication with all relevant data and documentation about the European People’s Party (EPP), the largest EU-level party which represents the political family of the centre-right. The 2013 edition includes the latest updates and information from both European-level and national level politics. The EPP is currently the leading Europarty in the three main EU institutions: the European Council with 12 out of 28 heads of state and government, the European Commission with 13 out of 28 members, and the European Parliament with 273 out of 766 MEPs. Apart from the structure of the EPP and its role in the EU institutions, the European Factbook includes information about EPP memberparties in EU and non-EU countries, EPP parliamentary groups in the Council of Europe, the OSCE and NATO, EPP member associations, as well as information about EPP’s think tank the Centre for European Studies (CES) and its member foundations. This will also serve as a useful tool leading into the campaign for the 2014 European elections. Finally, the European Factbook provides readers with a set of important supplementary documents including the EU Regulation that governs political parties at European level, as well as documents from the Commission and Parliament related to the 2014 European elections.” Kostas Sasmatzoglou, Editor-in-Chief

ISSN 2031-0196