Plenary in Focus, by EPP_CoR

OCTOBER 2015

PRIORITIES OF THE EPP GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

OPEN DAYS: the European Week of Regions and Cities speeches from Corina Crețu, Commissioner for Regional Policy, Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Carlos Moedas, Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation.

The October Plenary Session coincides with OPEN DAYS, an annual, four-day event during which cities and regions showcase

their capacity to create growth and jobs, implement European Union cohesion policy, and prove the importance of the local and

EU regions want to be part of the digital revolution Just two weeks after the EPP Group hosted its seventh Study Visit for students, Günther H. Oettinger, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society will address the Plenary Session. He will not only witness the adoption of the CoR’s official position on the Digital Single Market from Helma Kuhn-Theis, but also answer some of the questions posed by the study visit on ways to boost e-literacy and skills.

Speaking at the study visit Helma Kuhn-Theis noted: “If you

want to be part of society, you have to be part of this digital revolution. We need a truly digital environment for school and universities to train the next generation.” Alin Adrian Nica will share the participants’ views in the Plenary.

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regional level for good European governance. In addition to the EPP Group seminar on “Cities of the Future”, there will also be

In both the official welcome session and the EPP seminar, the focus will be on smart, results oriented policies for the twenty-first century.

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A sustainable approach to migration in partnership with local government Local and regional authorities have been doing their best to manage the influx of migrants in the most humanitarian way possible. But, solidarity from the EU is urgently needed in order to provide a response that accommodates everyone’s needs sustainably: this is the message that Federica Mogherini, High representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, is expected to deliver at the CoR Plenary Session on 13 October. Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group, and Jesús Gamallo Aller, will respond on behalf of the EPP Group. To prepare for this debate on topics such as the sustainability of Schengen and Dublin III in contexts of humanitarian crisis, cultural and social integration of migrants and refugees and how to develop a credible, international role for the EU to avoid pull-factor effects in the countries of origin, Janis Emmanouilidis, Director of Studies at the European Policy Centre, will address the EPP Group meeting the day before. ■

Record number of European Commissioners to attend CoR Plenary In addition to the Commissioners mentioned above, Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development will address the Plenary. Ahead of the debate, he had this message for the EPP Group: “Agriculture will have a key role to play in

ensuring balanced regional economic growth across Europe.

Simplification has been the watchword and top priority of my first year in office as EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development. Making life easier for farmers and administrators leads to a better Common Agricultural Policy. A simpler CAP means fewer errors, real delivery on policy goals such as greening,

and more impact for the EU taxpayer.” Mark Weinmeister, NAT coordinator and EPP Group shadow rapporteur on the simplification of the CAP, and Nikola Dobroslavić will respond on behalf of the Group. Miguel Arias Cañete, European Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Debate, will also participate in the Plenary. The EPP Group will actively respond to the interventions and will be followed by short reactions from Pascal Mangin, CoR rapporteur on the Energy Union, Sirpa Hertell and Witold Stępień.

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European Citizens’ Initiative

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The European Citizens Initiative needs thorough improvements and that solutions must be sought to enable more efficient use of this instrument”

Luc Van den Brande, Chair of the Management Board of the FlandersEurope Liaison Agency, VLEVA, Belgium CIVEX-VI/005

Citizens are at the heart of the European project. This is the starting point for this opinion on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), which was introduced under the Lisbon Treaty.

According to the rapporteur, it should be seen as means to answer

the European democratic deficit, bridge the gap between citizens and European policy and to stimulate a Europe-wide debate on issues of concern to European citizens. The opinion notes the limited number of successful ECIs - only three initiatives have so far achieved the goal of one million signatures - and calls into question the legalistic and restrictive approach taken by the European Commission.

It states “the manner in which the Commission will give follow-up to those successful initiatives will largely determine whether the European citizens

will still attach importance to the Citizens’ Initiative as a participative model”. To improve the procedure, the rapporteur suggests an ad hoc impartial “wise people committee” who would check the admissibility, avoiding the Commission being judge and jury. He would also like to see a stronger role for the European Parliament. Notwithstanding the possibilities presented under the ECI, Van den Brande also empahsises the role of local and regional authorities in bringing the EU closer to citizens, in a spirit of multi-level governance.

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EU Agenda on Better regulation

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Better regulation and redu cing unnecessary administrative burdens should not be used as a pretext for deregulation or non-regulation in sectors where citizens have legitimate expectations”

Spyros Spyridon, Municipal Councillor of Poros, Greece CIVEX-VI/007

Better regulation is defined as simple, quality legislative acts that are clear, properly incorporated into the legislation of the Member States and revised where necessary, according to the rapporteur. He

argues that this contributes to deepening the single market, reducing red tape and creating added value for citizens and businesses. Moreover, good – or better – regulation is an issue for all levels of government.

In order to achieve its aims of better regulation, Councillor Spyridon proposes broad consultations, which facilitate the input of stakeholders and citizens at the early stages of law making and impact assessments throughout the entire legislative cycle – including territorial impact assessments. Here, the rapporteur insists on the need

to reduce red tape on local and regional authorities and SMEs as well as simplified procedures for accessing EU funds. The Commission’s decision to include a CoR representative on the new Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) platform is welcomed.

Lastly, the rapporteur underlines the CoR’s readiness to inform local and regional authorities about the new procedure for better regulation for better results and to contribute to better implementation of legislation at EU, national and regional level.

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Strengthening Cross-border Cooperation: the need for a better regulatory framework?

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Border areas are unique testbeds for the process of European integration”

Nikola Dobroslavić, Prefect of DubrovnikNeretva County, Croatia COTER-VI/007

Stronger cross-border cooperation is one of the Luxembourg Presidency’s priorities; a move that is welcomed by the rapporteur, along with the call for a better regulatory framework for cross-border cooperation.

Despite the strides that have already been made at EU level, and particularly the European

Grouping for Territorial Cooperation, Dobroslavić believes there is much potential for further development. He specifically points to the need to raise awareness and provide information for stakeholders regarding the opportunities for developing cross-border cooperation offered through the existing legal framework, in particular by the EGTC Regulation. Cohesion funds could support this action especially given that border regions are often at a particular

disadvantage compared with the rest of Europe. Within this context, the opinion calls for simplified procedures in the planning and management of EU-funded cross-border programmes and projects. This is particularly necessary for small, one-off crossborder projects.

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The future of European aquacultur

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Aquaculture soon looks set to overtake fishing – in the same way that agriculture once replaced hunting”

Jesús Gamallo Aller, Director-General for External Relations and Relations with the European Union, Region of Galicia, Spain NAT-VI/002

Aquaculture, the farming of finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants, is one of the world’s fastest growing food sectors and already represents around 40% of total fish production. In Europe, it accounts for about 20% of fish production and directly employs approximately 80 000 people. EU aquaculture is renowned for its high quality, sustainability and consumer protection standards. Despite

this quality stamp, competition is rife, particularly from Asia, which accounts for around 88% of global production. The CoR opinion therefore includes a proposal for a labelling system for aquaculture products, which “will distinguish European products, instil confidence in consumers, enhance products’ quality image and set them apart from competitor products”.

Another major obstacle to the development of aquaculture in Europe is linked to the complex and lengthy procedures involved in obtaining operating licences and permits. Given that, in Europe, it is generally the

responsibility of regional and local authorities to grant licences and support small and mediumsized enterprises operating in their area, the rapporteur suggests better training for public officials. Gamallo also proposes a “one-stop shop”, which would make it possible for all documents to be submitted to a single administrative body.

Lastly, he underlines the need to establish a proper definition of “sustainable aquaculture” given that this is the first condition imposed by the 2014-2020 Common Fisheries Policy.

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The decision-making process on genetically modified food and feed

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Mark Weinmeister, State Secretary for European Affairs, Land of Hesse, Germany NAT-VI/003

It is surprising that the promise of a review has yielded only a proposal on the use of genetically modified food and feed, as opposed to a radical revision of the authorisation procedure as had been indicated”

There is a widespread mistrust and lack of acceptance among the general population with respect to genetically modified organisms, according to the rapporteur, which must be addressed. He therefore pro-

poses to reject the proposed EU regulation as it insufficiently addresses the revision of the GMO authorisation procedure. In his view, the European Commission needs to take on board the social considerations that have been expressed by some Member States during the authorisation procedure rather than solely on the European Food Safety Authority’s risk assessment. Whilst recommending that the proposal for a regulation be rejected, Weinmeister proposes measures to improve the current authorisation procedure namely that at least a

qualified majority from the Standing Committee or the Appeal Committee would be necessary to grant a positive decision, better examination of the environmental concerns and a single risk assessment system. Moreover, Member States should be granted the right to adopt decisions at national level to restrict or to ban the use of GMOs in food and feed that are authorised at EU level. Within this context, the CoR opinion calls for steps to be taken to reduce the hurdles for a Member State to impose a ban at national level.

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Digital Single Market

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Local and regional authorities are enthusiastically seizing the potential of digitalisation in the context of the digital single market”

Helma Kuhn-Theis, Member of Weiskirchen Municipal Council, Germany SEDEC-VI/005

The Digital Single Market should contribute to promoting and securing international competitiveness in the long term by creating a connected digital single market in Europe, according to the European Commission’s

objective. According to the rapporteur, local and regional authorities are prioritising: 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 and promoting an environment which creates better development prospects for digitally-based SMEs and start-ups. Whilst broadly welcoming the Commission proposals, Kuhn-Theis regrets that

the Commission communication only scratches the surface when it comes to “the sharing economy”. Turning to the development of digital skills, she highlights the local and regional authorities are responsible for schools and educational institutions in many cases and therefore have a key long-term role to play.

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The digital revolution is unstoppable – and we want to be part of it A fully digital education system and a once-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and start-ups were the main demands made by 50 EU students gathered in Brussels for the 7th edition of the EPP Study Visit on 21-22 September, under the title Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills for All: Reaching our Potential Together. The conclusions of the two-day event, which was co-organised by the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions and the European Democrat Students (EDS), will feed into proposals for a new Skills Agenda and will be shared with EU decision-makers.

40 % of EU citizens have no or low digital skills. This is a major cause for concern given that civic duties are rapidly being transferred online and that the digital economy is disrupting almost every walk of life. “Forecasts predict that 90% of all jobs will require some level of digital skills in the near future” Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, explained. “Local and regional authorities have a strong role to play in ensuring that Europe is sufficiently equipped for a digital future, especially given their competences and responsibilities for schools and educational institutions in many Member States.” Rodrigo Ballester, from Commissioner Navracsics’ cabinet, agreed underlined the timely debate. “Contact with regions will be crucial.” he underlined.

Speaking in her capacity as rapporteur for the CoR opinion on the Digital Single Market, Helma Kuhn-Theis noted: “If you want to be part of society, you have to be part of this digital revolution. We need a truly digital environment for school and universities to train the next generation.”

During the panel debates on the first day, it was more than apparent that the Digital Single Market offers an incredible potential for Europe and young people entering the labour market. “With possible annual gains of over 400 billion euros and hundreds of thousands of new jobs we simply cannot let this opportunity pass us by” Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions underlined.

Business representatives from Microsoft and DIGITALEUROPE were also keen to note the vast opportunities for creative, skilled entrepreneurs. “With possibilities in data, cloud computing and the app economy, it’s a superb time to be an entrepreneur” Simon McDermott insisted.

Before heading back to their home cities and towns, the students had an opportunity to share their proposals with Siegfried Mureşan, MEP and EPP spokesman. Concluding the event, Giorgos Chatzigeorgiou, Chairman of the European Democrat Students, said: “The digital revolution is unstoppable. If we combine an entrepreneurial mind-set with strong, digital skills, we can surely achieve a lot.”

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EPP Study Visit demands for the Digital Single Market Europe needs digital champions

Entrepreneurship should not just be for the brave few

1) Schools and universities need to go digital – the system needs to be reformed

6) A network of entrepreneurs and a mentoring system for start-ups should be created

2) Digital education should be a compulsory part of the curricula – from an early age as possible

7) An EU-led platform on how to get financial support should be created

3) Digital tools, such as tablets, apps and online material, should be used across faculties and subjects

9) Mobility of workers, companies and entrepreneurs should be encouraged

4) Educating teachers should be seen as an investment 5) Business representatives should be involved in the education system and make visits to classrooms

8) EU wide competitions for new apps would encourage creative thinking Smarter cities mean smarter citizens 10) Free wifi should be available everywhere 11) EU funds should be targeted to ensure high-speed wifi is available in rural areas 12) The development of digital libraries should be encouraged

Financial Instruments in support of territorial development

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Under-regulating the use of financial instruments is as harmful as over-regulating it”

Adam Struzik, Member of the Mazovia Regional Assembly, Poland COTER-VI/005

As the financial perspective 20142020 is still in its early stages, this opinion urges all necessary legal solutions to be adopted without delay so as to avoid repeating the mistakes that occurred at the beginning of the 2007-2013 financial perspective. This will require a permanent dialogue between representatives of regions, the EC and the EIB on the interpretation of the bind-

ing legal provisions, the effects of implementation, or emerging problems, Struzik suggests. Once Member States have started to implement instruments financed using the European Structural and Investment Funds, the rapporteur adds that regulation at EU level should be introduced only in exceptional circumstances and then only in close consultation with the regional authorities.

He also calls for an institutional framework, in cooperation with the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, to maximise the benefits of im-

plementing instruments financed from the European Structural and Investments Fund. The opinion concludes by underlining that the implementation of financial instruments should focus on achieving long-term positive effects for the European economy.

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Energy Union Package

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European energy policy is an important catalyst for territorial cohesion at the EU level”

Pascal Mangin, Member of Alsace Regional Council, France ENVE-VI/003

According to the rapporteur, the adoption by the Commission of the nonlegislative Energy Union package as a “step towards a better-integrated energy market across the 28 Member States and as a framework for wider debate on current key challenges in the area of energy policy”. Within this context, he regrets the absence of references to local authorities

in key areas dealt with by the Energy Union Package, such as renewable energy, innovation and technology, security of supply and external relations.

He also asks to be more closely involved in the work of the Commission, specifically in setting up a new initiative on “Financing for Smart Buildings” and as regards the measures to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings.

The opinion recalls that the European electricity system is currently in transition and that the electricity market faces great challenges, not least with regards to declining wholesale market prices and

infrastructure demands. The Covenant of Mayors is cited as best practice example of how local and regional authorities can be involved in energy policies through a system of multilevel governance. Lastly, the focus on consumers is welcomed by the rapporteur who believes that tackling energy poverty should be a European priority.

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Towards a new CoR communication strategy and stronger inter-institutional relations

On the occasion of the discussion and decision on the CoR Communication Strategy 2015-2020 at the CoR Bureau on 12 October, EP Vice President for Information Policy, Press and Citizens Relations MEP Mairead McGuinness (EPP/IE) shared her views on the inter-institutional cooperation on communication.

In its opinion of December 2014, the CoR called for better coordinated, open, two-way and participatory communication approach to reconnect citizens with the EU institutions.

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Communication on Europe is mostly too technical, top down and one way. We have to fully focus on an open dialogue with the citizens as they are the real owners of European democracy and the European project. This will be the only way to rebuild trust and to feel the added value of Europe”.

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The Committee of the Regions is a trusted partner of the Parliament, playing a key role in communicating with citizens, particularly at a local level. The hugely successful EuroPCom conference and the Open Days are central to our cooperation and I look forward to discussing with colleagues on the CoR Bureau how we can strengthen our ties and work together.”

Mairead McGuinness, Member of the European Parliament ■

Luc Van den Brande, Special Adviser to the President and Commissioners of the European Commission on outreach towards citizens

EPP Statutory Congress The EPP 2015 Statutory Congress will take place on 2122 October in Madrid, Spain, and is hosted by the PARTIDO POPULAR. Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, and Markku Markkula, President of the CoR, will both address delegates and the EPP Group is also hosting a seminar entitled “Making EU Investments Work in Regions and Cities”, which will take place on the first day.

The EPP local and regional leaders are committed to making a success of the Investment Plan for Europe. With this in mind, the event will focus on financial solutions that strengthen investment capacity in Europe and make public and private money reach the real economy. The EPP Group has also produced a step-bystep guide to accessing the Investment Plan, which will be widely distributed at the EU OPEN DAYS and the Madrid Congress.

The Congress aims to show the people of Europe that the EPP is the political family with the right solutions to Europe’s challenges. The economic policies which have helped Spain and other European countries to overcome economic difficulties and return to growth and job creation will, therefore, be a major topic for the Congress in Madrid. Discussions will also centre on the EPP priorities of achieving a digital single market and helping the people of Europe to acquire the e-skills needed to succeed in the digital era. This priority is strongly supported by the CoR’s rapporteur on the Digital Single Market, Helma Kuhn-Theis, and through the participation of fifty students to the EPP Study Visit in September.

The EPP will also use the occasion to address diverse challenges at the doorstep of Europe which make clear that a separation between internal and external threats no longer exists. The threats that exist in Europe’s Eastern and Southern neighbourhoods are a major concern for Europe’s regions and cities. The wars in Ukraine, Syria and Libya, as well as migration flows, failed states and terrorism are just a few. This is the reason the EPP Congress in Madrid will also focus its debates on foreign and security policies.

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Making the EU Investment Plan work in Europe’s regions and cities

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We all know that regions and cities play a crucial role in the ‘investment offensive’ launched by the European Commission and the EIB with the European Fund for Strategic Investment.

We will act as proactive partners and cooperate closely to ensure regions and cities make the most efficient use of public spending at the local and regional level.”

On the occasions of OPEN DAYS and the EPP Congress in Madrid, the EPP Group has published a practical guide to using the Investment Plan for local and regional authorities. In January 2014, the EIB and CoR agreed on a joint Action Plan with the objective of simplifying procedures and speeding up the implementation of quality EU projects supported by the EFSI. 18 months later, on 1 and 2 September 2015, a delegation from the Committee of the Regions met representatives from the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg to discuss the implementation of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI), structural funds and the future of cooperation between the two. The EPP Group in the CoR is committed to supporting Europe’s local and regional authorities by helping mobilise the EIB’s expertise in addressing their needs and alongside the meeting in Madrid, this publication aims to make steps in this direction.

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Michael Schneider, President of the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions

Making the

EU Investment Plan Work in Regions and Cities A PRACTICAL GUIDE

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