EPP/CoR Plenary in Focus, July 2015

July 2015

Priorities of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions

Energy Union and the road to Paris

The Energy Union aims to ensure secure, affordable and climate-friendly energy for citizens and businesses throughout the

European Union. According to the European Commission, energy related actions at European, regional, national and local lev-

els should all contribute to the Energy Union’s objectives in a coherent way. With 80% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with urban activity, Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy, had these words for local authorities gathered at the Summit of mayors of EU capitals and large cities in Paris in March: “European Cities are the most ambitious when it comes to climate and energy…

By becoming Energy Union ambassadors at home and abroad,

European cities will continue to lead the fight against global climate change.” On 8 July, Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-president of the European Commission, will address the Committee of the Regions Plenary Session to underline the need for support at local and regional level, if the Energy Union is to be a success.

Pascal Mangin, the CoR rapporteur on the Energy Union, will reply on behalf of the EPP Group, as will Marek Woźniak.

■

A new pact for innovation

Eastern Partnership: the next steps

“In just 30 years, more than 8 in 10 Europeans will live in urban areas. This will mean a great deal of added pressure on our urban environments within our own lifetimes, but it’s also swift becoming a very real opportunity to innovate how cities and towns are conceived, built and developed.” Carlos Moedas, European Commissioner in charge of Research, Science and Innovation, told the EPP/CoR. As Europe slowly comes out of the economic, financial and social crisis, it is the right time to create an innovation-friendly environment that makes it easier for great ideas to be turned into products and services that will bring our economy growth and jobs. According to statistics provided for the Europe 2020 Strategy, reaching the target of investing 3% of EU GDP in research and development by 2020 could create 3.7 million jobs and increase annual GDP by €795 billion by 2025.

Commissioner Moedas, will make the case for more investment and entrepreneurial support at the Committee of the Regions Plenary Session on 9 July. Alin Adrian Nica and Christian Buchmann will address the Commissioner on behalf of the EPP Group.

■

On the occasion of the fourth Eastern Partnership summit in Riga, EU leaders met with the representatives of the Republic of Armenia, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine on 2122 May 2015 to reconfirm the importance the EU attaches to this cooperation. The Summit conclusions welcome the steps taken by the Conference of local and regional authorities of the Eastern Partnership (CORLEAP) in promoting cooperation at the regional and municipal levels of government and invite the European Commission to ensure appropriate, targeted support to local and regional authorities to assist their role in pursuing the goals and objectives of the Eastern Partnership. Taking stock of these conclusions, Roland Freudenstein, Deputy Director and Head of Research at the Martens Centre for European Studies, will join the EPP Group meeting. Prior to the meeting, he underlined: “Cities and regions are crucial to making the Eastern Partnership a success story.

Thanks to their experience, they are indispensable to our efforts to support democracy, prosperity and the rule of law in our partner countries.” The opinion of Nikolaos Chiotakis on steps towards a new European Neighbourhood Policy is due to be adopted on 9 July.

■

Towards a new European Neighbourhood Policy

Nikolaos Chiotakis, Municipal Councillor of Kifissia CIVEX-VI/004

The European Neighbourhood future. A cornerstone should shared values, foremost among Policy was developed in 2003 therefore be progressive inte- those being democracy, respect to strengthen relations between gration through the implemen- for human rights and the rule the EU and its neighbouring tation of political, economic of law. He also proposes that countries. In this opinion look- and institutional reforms, bear- close cooperation on energy ising at is role in the future, the ing in mind the commitment to sues should be a significant part of the EU’s relations CoR rapporteur calls with its neighbours for the policy to be “The revision of given that many of the developed in a way the Neighbourhood Eastern Partnership which involves local policy comes at the right moment. With countries are signifiand regional authorithe ongoing changes cant suppliers of enerties in all phases: from in our neighbourgy sources for the EU setting priorities and hood we need more Member States. Lastly, evaluating outcomes responsive, differCouncillor Chiotakis to auditing the conentiated and politiproposes that a macrotent of government Edward Kukan, cally driven policy. policies. He notes that regional approach could MEP and EPP Group The EU also has the new European be applied to the spokesman on the European to get back to baNeighbourhood Policy Neighbourhood sics and support its Policy will have litMediterranean basin partners in building more stable, secure and prostle or no impact if based on the successful perous neighbourhood. This would not be possible experience in the Baltic there are not benefits without connecting with all parts of society and and Danube macrofor citizens nor if the especially efforts coming from regional and local regions.

■ benefits will only be authorities.” visible in the distant

Outcome of the negotiations on the partnership agreements and operational programmes

Ivan Žagar, Mayor of the Municipality of Slovenska Bistrica COTER-VI/001

The negotiations on the Partnership Agreements and Operational Programmes show that while local and regional authorities were consulted in most cases, their involvement did not amount to full partnership. The rapporteur therefore warns that the partnership principle cannot be perceived as an empty concept, but rather a precondition for the success of cohesion policy. Moreover, effective partnership means faster development opportunities for EU citizens. Throughout this opinion, he underlines that regional and local authorities want structural and investment funds to be implemented in a much more effective way and stand ready to contribute as full partners. In situations where the partnership is superficial, the rapporteur calls on the European Commission

to assist in identifying the levels and a lack of available mechanisms, which would subnational financial resourcput the partnership back on es. In this regard, it praises track. Turning to the European European Investment Bank’s Commission’s decision to pro- Structural Programme Loans duce annual reports summaris- and calls on the Commissions’ ing the implementation reports Investment Plan, targeting difof the Member States from ferent policy levels, to comple2016 onwards, Mayor Žagar ment the cohesion funds and invites Commissioner Crețu programmes.

■ to discuss the findings with the Committee of the Regions.

Following the finan“In article 5 of the cial and ecoCommon Provisions nomic crisis, Regulations we saferegions are guarded the wish of concerned the CoR to work in about the a strong partnership with the regions and high levcities. This agreement els of debt in the “Code of Conand austerLambert van Nistelrooij, duct” has not been folity measures EPP Group coordinator for lowed in some memthat are beregional affairs ber states. Ivan Zagar ing imposed puts the finger on the painful reality”. by higher

A sustainable EU approach to migration

Migration is one of the ten political priorities of the Juncker Commission. Speaking at the June Plenary Session, Roberta Metsola MEP said: “We are

sending a very strong message to citizens affected by the tragedies in the Mediterranean Sea that Europe is with them. Europe should not be a fortress.” The CoR resolution was postponed at that time and will be adopted on 8 July. Primarily, it suggests actively involving and using the experience of local and regional authorities to improve standards with regard to reception

conditions and asylum procedures, and that training and assistance with networking be provided for reception authorities. When it comes to the proposed EU-wide resettlement scheme, the Committee of the Regions will underline that the ability to successfully integrate migrants and achieve social cohesion is essential. Moreover, the European Structural and

Investment Funds can play an important role in supporting integration policies. It also reiterates its call for “migration and integration partnerships” to be set up between cities and regions in the countries of origin and destination in order to enhance cooperation and mutual trust. Eleni Loukaidou will take the floor on behalf of the EPP Group.

■

Reduce food waste by 30% by 2025: CoR tells Commission Sustainable Food will be the subject of a resolution at the July Plenary Session. The resolution highlights the importance of food safety and security as well as calling for a reduction in waste, realising the potential of the Common Agricultural Policy and harnessing the

power of the “blue revolution”.

Following in the footsteps of the EPP Group declaration in Milan, the CoR resolution also expressed its concern about food waste and gives its support to the European Parliament’s call for 2016 to be dedicated to the European Year against

Food Waste. Supporting and communicating regional and local best practices are also encouraged. Mark Weinmeister, NAT coordinator, will take the floor on behalf of the EPP Group. “Maintaining a sufficient and sustainable global food supply for the coming

years is a one of the main objectives of agriculture in the EU. The correct approach in this context is producing regional products to ensure supply.” ■

Improving the functioning of the European Union: Lisbon Treaty and beyond In this resolution, the Committee of the Regions states that it must take part in the debates on the future of Europe, including its full involvement in a future Convention. It follows on from a debate at the last CoR Plenary Session where Elmar Brok MEP proclaimed that he wanted to continue the European construction as a federal system during a

debate with the European Parliament’s rapporteurs of the report on “Improving the functioning of the European Union, building on the potential of the Lisbon Treaty” and “Possible evolutions and adjustments of the current institutional set up of the European Union”. The resolution, which is due to be adopted on 9 July, demands that a clear reference to the CoR be included in the draft

Inter-institutional Agreement on better law making in recognition of the increased competence of the CoR under the Lisbon Treaty. It also notes that the CoR should be actively

involved in all discussions relating to economic, social and territorial cohesion so as to tap some of the unused potential that exists in the current Treaty. However, in the context of a future revision of the EU Treaties, the CoR asks to be given the status of an EU institution. Jesús Gamallo Aller will respond on behalf of the EPP Group.

■

A territorial dimension to the Commission work programme The July Plenary Session will see the adoption of the Committee of the Regions Resolution on the 2016 Work Programme of the European Commission, which focusses on six distinct areas: cohesion policy, economic governance, jobs and sustainable growth, the digital single market, environmental action, migration and stability. Under the heading of cohesion policy, the CoR asks for synergies

between the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI) and the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). It further notes the importance of the EU Urban Agenda with a call for a White Paper as well as a White Paper on Territorial Cohesion. The resolution pushes for a mid-term review of Europe 2020 strategy so better coordination can be found between the various

EU policy strata and the presentation of a more resilient blue print for the Economic & Monetary Union. An action plan regarding the role of the Covenant of Mayors is also encouraged in particular to energy and climate policies. The CoR’s response to the EC Work Programme 2016 is due to be debated on 9th July with Arnoldas Abramavicius taking the floor on behalf of the EPP. ■

Save the date: EPP Group meeting on how to make EU investment work EPP Group President, Michael Schneider, spoke with ​European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, during the 22nd Summit of EPP Parliamentary Groups in the National Parliaments of the EU on 29 June to underline the readiness of local and regional authorities to implement

the EU’s Investment Plan. “Making EU investments work in regions and ­cities” will be the topic of an EPP Group meeting in Madrid on Wednesday, 21 October 2015, within the auspices of the European People’s Party 2015 Statutory Congress.

■

Luxembourg Presidency Just seven days into the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Dan Kersch, Ministry of Interior, will address the Committee of the Regions Plenary Session on 8 July. Over the next six months, Luxembourg will have to deal with many pressing issues, including the Greek debt crisis, an increase in irregular migration and the preparation for the climate change conference in Paris in December. The priorities of the Luxembourg Presidency coincide with many of the topics on the CoR agenda and include:

1. Stimulating investment to boost growth and employment 2. Deepening the European Union’s social ­dimension 3. Managing migration, combining freedom, justice and security 4. Revitalising the single market by focusing on its digital dimension 5. Placing European competitiveness in a global and transparent framework

6. Promoting sustainable development 7. Strengthening the European Union’s presence on the global stage The CoR Bureau will meet in Luxembourg on 2 September for a discussion on cross-border cooperation. President of the EPP Group, Michael Schneider, will respond to these priorities on behalf of the Group before Pavol Frešo intervenes.

■

EPP Luxembourgish MEPs “As a member of the transport committee, it is important to me that the fourth railway package is finalised with a satisfactory result for companies, customers but also railway employees.

Growth and jobs are priorities for the social sphere. I expect to see concrete measures for youth employment, but also proposals on fighting long-term unemployment and on increasing the participation of female employees.”

Georges Bach “Rarely, if ever, have the challenges facing a Luxembourg presidency been so many and so great: a migration crisis; a Greek crisis; a United Kingdom that threatens to leave the Europe as we know it. If it was not enough, the European economy lacks investment, dynamism and growth. Fixing all this in six months will be impossible. Managing it as best as we can would be in the tradition of Luxembourg presidencies. We have to succeed. As so often, there is no alternative.”

Frank Engel “Only by putting in place consistent policies followed by all member states can we tackle the challenges we face. Luxembourg has to give a new impetus to this. Economic growth and stability could be created by setting up a genuine common digital market, deepening the economic, monetary and financial union as well as concluding balanced trade agreements. Luxembourg will also be able to show leadership in balancing relations between Europe and its neighbours and responding firmly to foreign threats.”

Viviane Reding

Secretary General: Heinz-Peter Knapp | Editor in chief: Kathryn Owens, kathryn.owens@cor.europa.eu, +32 2 282 2400 | Press Officer: Dominik Krakowiak www.epp.cor.europa.eu