The rEPPorter: July-August 2015

July-August 2015

The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions

Editorial

With the beginning of the summer season, Europe’s debates related to the problems with migration continue to be heated. Just weeks after the June European Council fiercely debated the relocation, resettlement and return policies, Europe’s local and regional representatives will also adopt a resolution on a sustainable EU approach to migration at the CoR’s Plenary Session in July. This follows on from the inspiring debate we had with Roberta Metsola, MEP in June.

We have also re-launched our constructive dialogues with Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. I believe that we have convinced the Commission President that regions and cities want to contribute to making the Investment Plan a success story. We strongly welcome the vote in Parliament and the endorsement by the Council and will continue to count on his support to make sure that the political goals of cohesion, which complement the Juncker Plan, are not put at risk as a result of bureaucracy or red tape.

EU Urban Agenda: Time to move from talk to actions

In that regard, I’m looking forward to the discussion and adoption of Ivan Žagar’s opinion assessing the outcome of the negotiations on the partnership agreements and operational programmes in the Member States in July. The high level group on simplification, as proposed by Commissioner Cretu, is very necessary and we are ready to play our role in it.

Lastly, the July Plenary Session will bring a chance to reflect on the EU’s Energy Union together with our guest Commission’s VicePresident Šefčovič; perfect timing as our colleague Pascal Mangin prepares the CoR’s dossier on the matter.

I am also looking forward to an exchange of views on the involvement of the regions in science, discovery and Knowledge Exchange Platform with Commissioner Moedas. Whilst we enjoy the summer holidays, you can rest assured that the CoR will continue to closely follow the developments with Greece and decisions related to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the CoR

After 25 years of conferences, declarations and resolutions, it is time to make the EU Urban Agenda a reality: Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, has underlined, following the adoption of the Riga Declaration on 10 June. “This declaration and the Presidency Trio’s commitment to consider the urban dimension in an integrated way is a positive development for cohe-

sion across Europe’s regions and cities. We particularly welcome the acknowledgement that urban areas of all sizes can contribute to achieving common goals and will continue to promote the use of impact assessments to better consider how EU proposals could affect the local reality.” Speaking at the ministerial meeting in Riga, Markku Markkula, President of the CoR, underlined that the objective of the EU Urban Agenda should be

“a genuine cross-cutting anchoring of the urban dimension in the EU decision-making process and not a specific EU strategy or programme”.

This is something which the EPP Group strongly supports and looks forward to developing into concrete actions at its OPEN DAYS: European Week of Regions and Cities seminar entitled Cities of the Future, which is taking place on 14 October.

New ideas and smarter investment: time for a new pact for innovation?

“Innovation in Europe can only produce results if it is implemented in partnership with the four key actors: the public sector, business, academia and citizens. You have our commitment to steer the EU in this direction” explained Markku Markkula, President of the Committee of the Regions, at the annual Open Innovation 2.0 conference in Espoo on 8-9 June. Making a direct proposal to the members of the Committee of the Regions, Lambert van Nistelrooij, MEP, said: “Let’s launch today a new pact for innovation to support the EU investment plan, the urban agenda and industry 4.0. This is an invitation by me, as a Member of the European Parliament, to the President of the European Committee of the Regions. We also want to invite the European Commission to drive innovation from the bottom up. I hope the mayors of Europe and the regional presidents can bring real commitment too.”

Yanyi EU-China: a blossoming partnership Chinese entrepreneurs are lining up to invest in Europe’s tech industry, Chinese ambassador to the EU Yang Yanyi said at the European Committee of the Regions in June. “China is now shifting its economy away from a manufacture driven export mod-

for cities were reiterated at the 2015 China-EU Urbanisation Partnership High-level Forum on 29 June, where CoR President Markku Markkula stressed the readiness of EU regions and cities to cooperate on urban matters.

Creating stronger ties for the benefit of the European Fund for Strategic Investment

Members on the Field

■Building ■ Europe together Raffaele Cattaneo called on the Visegrad Capital Cities network to play an active role in the discussions on indicators of well-being beyond GDP at the Visegrad Capital Cities and Regions Forum 2015 on 10 June in Bratislava. He also underlined that “together, we can provide answers to how Europe’s future should be modelled and to determine, shape and implement European policies on the ground.” According to Pavol Frešo, who hosted the forum: “the potential of the inter-regional cooperation among countries of the Visegrad Group has not been sufficiently exploited yet.” Adam Struzik, Marshall of Mazovia Voivodeship, also participated.

■Digital ■ Assembly 2015 One Europe, One Digital Single Market

The largest conference on the Digital Single Market took place on 17 – 18 June in Riga. President Markku Markkula was present and underlined the main points from Helma Kuhn-Theis’ draft opinion noting that local and regional authorities are enthusiastically seizing the potential of digitalisation in the context of the digital single market, focusing primarily on the areas of particular interest to them such as modern e-government services for the economy and society, minimising the “digital divide” through a comprehensive expansion of the broadband network, development of digital literacy in all areas of society and promoting a supportive environment for digitally-based SMEs and start-ups.

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el to an innovation oriented one.

As we celebrate this year the 40th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, we are proud to say that the China-EU relationship has been a track record of win-win progress.” The scope for cooperation and joint investment plans

■Lack ■ of local ownership is weaknesses of Millennium Development Goals At a crucial moment for the international development agenda, the CoR hosted the 4th Assises of Decentralised Cooperation for Development on 2 June. The event, co-organised with European Commission, brought together more than 500 participants, including: local and regional leaders from the EU and developing countries, as well as representatives of EU institutions, to offer a platform for sharing knowledge and best practises in the field of development cooperation. Welcoming the opportunity for local and regional authorities to join the debate, Hans Janssen stressed that “it is important for local and regional authorities to be acknowledged as differing radically from civil society organisations, media and industry”. Luc Van Den Brande made the closing remarks.

■Meeting ■ sustainability targets in partnership Marking the 25th anniversary of the European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and Environment, Michel Lebrun

On 29 March, Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the CoR, took part in the 22nd Summit of Chairmen of EPP Parliamentary Groups in the National Parliaments of the EU and the European Parliament, alongside Jyrki Katainen, European Commissioner for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness. “We welcome the new approach of this Commission strengthening the decision making and ownership sharing ties with the regional and local level. Their role

will be crucial to the success of the project. This is not only because of importance of regional investment banks that could partner with the European Investment Bank, but also thanks to the experience regional and local authorities can offer in the area of interregional and cross-border cooperation networks” the EPP/CoR President said. “However, we must make sure that the political goals of cohesion, which go hand in hand with

underlined the relevance of multi-level governance for a successful transition to sustainable energy on 16 June. Welcoming the decision to join the CoR’s Charter for multi-level governance, he said “Only by acting together can responsible actors at all levels of governance close the ‘delivery gap’ ensuring the EU meets its objectives on sustainable growth, quality jobs creation and territorial cohesion.”

In 2014, the Libyan central government collapsed and the United Nations has been struggling to bring political factions together. Despite this, the Mayors are implementing the peace process plan, as proposed by the UN, on the ground.

A number of cities have proclaimed cease-fire and started the process of IDP and prisoner’s exchange. On 9 July, the European Committee of the Regions will therefore step up its support and host five Libyan Mayors: Omar Al Baraesi, Mayor of Benghazi, Mustafa Abdallah (Baruni), Mayor of Zintan, Yosof Ibderi, Mayor of Ghariyan, Hamed Al Khayali, Mayor of Sabha and Abdlrauf Beitelmal, Deputy Mayor of Tripoli, with the aim of starting a partnership process and enhancing cooperation with local and regional authorities in the EU. Speaking

■The ■ Energy Union: cities and regions ahead of the game?

The EU Sustainable Energy Week took place on 16-18 June with a focus on the role of responsible consumers in the new Energy Union and driving the EU towards its sustainable energy goals in areas such as energy efficiency, renewables and greenhouse gas emissions. Chairing a policy session entitled Energy Union: local and regional requirements, Witold Stępień, asked how committed regions and cities really are. It was also an opportunity to promote the On the Spot interview with Pascal Mangin on the role of local and regional authorities in the Energy Union, in his capacity as CoR rapporteur.

■A ■ fresh cooperation with Libyan Mayors

The activity report of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions

the structural funds, are not put at risk as a result of bureaucracy or red tape.” Commissioner Katainen responded with the promise of a dedicated communication of the European Commission on how the Structural Funds could be potentially used as co-financing element with EFSI in future.

in March, High Representative Federica Mogherini said: “Libya is at a crossroads and local communities are bearing the brunt of the conflict and the military operations. The EU acknowledges the tremendous challenges and difficulties local authorities and all people in Libya are confronted with. Municipal leaders, being in the frontline in Libya, have a crucial role to play in seeking the end of the conflict for the sake of their people.” During the meeting, President Markku Markkula will invite a delegation of Mayors from Libya as observers at the forthcoming plenary session of ARLEM, which will be organized in Nicosia, Cyprus in January 2016.

Luxembourg EU Council Presidency There is a great willingness and eagerness to make sure that this twelfth Luxembourg Presidency will be a success both for the EU and for its citizens.

HE Ambassador Christian Braun, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg to the EU From 1st July onwards, Luxembourg will hold the rotating Presidency of the Council

ONGOING OPINIONS CIVEX

of the European Union for the twelfth time. Taking account of Europe’s most pressing challenges, Luxembourg has chosen to place an emphasis on the following five priorities: • furthering the Growth and Jobs Agenda, • the social dimension of Euro­ pean policies, • the implementation of the European Agenda for Migration,

• the Energy Union, • the reform of the Economic and Monetary Union.

Moreover, with two crucial events during the Luxembourg Presidency, the 21st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) taking place in December in Paris and the transatlantic talks on TTIP, the EU will be counting

on Luxembourg’s ability to find consensus and take leadership on behalf of the European Union, member states and the regions and cities of Europe. During the informal Meeting of Ministers for Regional Policy and Territorial Cohesion, on 20-21 May in Riga, the Presidency also underlined its support for the development of an EU Urban Agenda.

Spotlight on results of regional funding in Luxembourg In the period 2007-2013, cohesion policy helped to transform the ty of students, researchers and teachers, enriching courses and resouth of Luxembourg into a second economic centre by redeveloping search profiles, while enhancing the reputation and attractiveness of vacant industrial sites, develop the R&D sector and improve the liv- the partner universities and the region. The network brings together ing conditions in the urban centres. around 125 000 students, teachers and researchers.

The “University of the Greater Region” project is a cooperation pro- The contribution from the European Regional Development Fund, ject bringing together six universities in four countries (Germany, under the “Greater Region” operational programme for the programFrance, Luxembourg, UK) with a view to improving the mobili- ming period 2007-2013, amounts to EUR 3 212 640.77.

More information Cohesion Policy in Luxembourg http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas2007/luxembourg/index_en.htm http://www.feder.lu – http://www.europaforum.lu

Q. Of all the Luxembourg Presidency priorities, is there one that is most relevant at local and regional level?

Ali Kaes, Mayor of Tandel and Luxembourgish member of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions I’m confident that the Luxembourg Presidency will put forward the idea of an inclusive, democratic and respectful Europe in which I

A. The implementation of the Investment plan for Europe, launched by the European Commission President, complies with one of the Luxembourg Presidency priorities to boost growth and employment by investments.

We need to make sure that the investments will benefit all regions in Europe according to the objective of territorial cohesion. After the economic and the financial crisis and the scars it left behind, deepening

COTER

■■ Ivan Žagar Outcome of the negotiations on the partnership agreements and operational programmes ■■ Adam Struzik Financial Instruments in support of territorial development ECON

■■ Luis Gomes Social Economy to combating unemployment and restore growth ENVE

■■ Pascal Mangin Energy Union package NAT

■■ Jesus Gamallo Aller The future of EU aquaculture ■■ Mark Weinmeister Genetically modified organisms SEDEC

■■ Mauro D’Attis Employment guidelines

An interview with Ali Kaes strongly believe, and without which Luxembourg would not be what it is today.

■■ Nikolaos Chiotakis European Neighbourhood Policy

of the European Union’s social dimension must be according to me the highlight of the Presidency. The recent migrant boat tragedies are also an issue will be addressed by Luxembourg during its six-month presidency and I am one of those who believe that the European immigration policy requires a long term solution.

Q. The CoR has also been vocal about the need for transparency and simpler legislation.

What role will the Luxembourg Presidency give to these issues?

A. Of course, the ongoing discussions about the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) will be also in the spotlight. Therefore, I am pleased that

the Luxembourg Presidency promised a maximum transparency in this regard. Following the European Commission objective to make EU law simpler and reduce regulatory costs, Luxembourg announced that it would support efforts to review the interinstitutional agreement on better law-making and implement the Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT). The Committee of the Regions should pay special attention to active participation in the process, in order to share its expertise. The CoR needs to ensure that local and regional aspects are reflected in the legislation.

Q. As uncertainty prevails in many Member States, what do

■■ Luis Gomes The role of the Social Economy in combating unemployment and restoring growth ■■ Helma Kuhn-Theis Digital Single Market

you think the Presidency can do to make sure that citizens’ concerns are heard?

A. A guideline of the presidency is to make a Union for the citizens, enabling them to be at the heart of the European project. This could not be achieved without the contribution of the representatives of the locals and regionals authorities. Our message to the Presidency must be crystal clear: we’re ready to play our role and share the responsibilities in order to work for the well-being of the European citizens.

Quotes from EPP family members

All constructive forces in the EP must now close ranks & fight resolutely to bring good results in the interest of citizens @EPPGroup #ENF”

In the EPP’s view, the competitiveness of Europe depends on a strong Digital Single Market, with a focus on e-skills. This will bring growth and jobs to the people of Europe. The EPP advocates for more competition in this sector.”

EPP press release, Oslo political assembly, 2 June

Manfred Weber via Twitter on 16 June upon presentation of new political group in the European Parliament

Now the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council are in agreement on the legislation, the EU Investment Plan can be launched and the CoR is a key partner. Regions and cities have the right and the duty to present new projects.”

Jean-Claude Juncker, Committee of the Regions plenary session, June

May - June 2015

Leading EPP regions and cities: leading examples

Political priorities for the European Committee of the Regions 2015-2020 The European Committee of the Regions started a new five year mandate in April 2015. As adopted at the June Plenary Session, the CoR has set out five main priorities for the mandate: 1. A fresh start for the European economy: creating jobs and sustainable growth in cities and regions to provide a better quality of life for citizens The CoR will promote a bottom-up approach, which stimulates targeted investment in the real economy and triggers an exchange of best practice.

At the same time, it will address citizens’ demands for quality spending and sound implementation of public policies. A new entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a functioning Digital Single Market and Smart Specialisation, should lead to new skills, knowledge, innovation and employment.

2. The territorial dimension of EU legislation matters: working in the interest of citizens, no matter where they chose to live and work The CoR wants to see EU policies, which bridge distances and knowledge gaps between regions and cities, turning territorial, economic, social, cultural, geographical and demographic characteristics into

strengths in both urban and rural areas.

3. A simpler, more connected Europe: reconnecting citizens and businesses at local and regional level The CoR must encourage debate on the questions of how to make it easier for European’s to benefit from the added value that the EU provides, and how to help businesses to thrive. It is essential that the new initiatives be transparent. Cutting red tape, improving access to finance for SMEs and promoting innovative public procurement shall continue to be at the heart of our priorities.

4. Stability and cooperation within and outside of the European Union: supporting our neighbours on their path towards European values The CoR should ensure that efforts to cooperate with our neighbours are founded on cooperation between local and regional authorities and people-to-people contact.

Institutional and capacity building, political solidarity and city-diplomacy have been successfully used in the past

to establish European values in neighbouring countries and they should be the main tools for the future.

5. Europe of the citizens is Europe of the future: enhanc-

ing forward-looking partnerships between European Union and its people.

The CoR must help to reconnect Europe with its people by encouraging dialogue with local and regional representa-

tives, and citizens of all ages.

We should also publicise our work effectively and focus on showcasing the added value of the EU and results achieved at home.

Secretary General: Heinz-Peter Knapp | Editor in chief: Kathryn Owens, kathryn.owens@cor.europa.eu, +32 2 282 2400 | Press Officer: Dominik Krakowiak This issue is also available at www.epp.cor.europa.eu | Join us on

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