EPP in Action 2008

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2008

European People’s Party · www.epp.eu · European People’s Party · www.epp.eu · European People’s Party · www.epp.eu · European People’s Party · www.epp.eu · European People’s Party · www.epp.eu · European People’s Party

01 w W elcome to the EPP 02 w EPP in the Europe a n Council | EPP Sum mits 04 w EPP He a ds of State a nd Gov er nment 05 w EPP in the Europe a n Com mission EPP-ed Group in the EUrope a n pa r li a ment

06 w epp in the osce-pa

in the Com mit tee of the R egions 07 w EPP EPP in the Council of Europe

08 w EPP Pr esidenc y a nd Politic a l Bur e au 10 w EPP Wor k ing Groups, Confer ences 1 2 w EPP For eign A ffa irs 13 w EPP ELector a l c a mpa igns 14 w di a logue t v 16 w EPP Com munic ation Str ategy 18 w EPP stat ute a nd pa rt y funding 19 w EPP Inter nship a nd EPP He a dqua rters 20 w EPP A ssoci ations 22 w Centr e For Europe a n St udies 24 w EPP Foundations a nd Instit utes 25 w EPP highlights 2008 26 w W ho is W ho - Pr esidenc y a nd Secr eta r i at 28 w EPP Member Pa rties a nd Observ ers 30 w M a p of Europe

EPP Team· december'08

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Welcome to the EPP

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Welcome to the European People's Party, the largest European-level party.

With 71 member-parties from 39 countries, 18 heads of government (twelve EU and six non-EU), nine European Commissioners, including the President, and the largest Group in the European Parliament with 288 members, including the President, the EPP is the leading political force in Europe.

The EPP is the political family of the centre-right, whose roots run deep in the history and civilisation of the European continent and has pioneered the European project from its inception. The EPP is committed to a federal Europe, based on the principle of subsidiarity – a democratic, transparent and efficient Europe. Our vision is one of mutual respect, of inclusion of all free citizens, encompassing all European countries and regions, no matter how diverse – a Europe for all. The EPP wants a Europe that upholds a prosperous and peaceful future for all its citizens.

2008 was an important year for Europe. During the course of the year, the EPP led the three main EU institutions – the Council - in the first half of the year with the Slovenian Presidency headed by Prime Minister Janez Janša and in the second half with the French Presidency headed by President Nicolas Sarkozy - the Commission with José Manuel Barroso, and the Parliament with Hans-Gert Poettering. Despite the negative vote in the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, the conflict between Georgia and Russia, and the global financial crisis, the roles of Prime Minister Janez Janša and President Nicolas Sarkozy and the support of the EPP were vital: Europe managed to produce convincing responses to all these challenges and to provide leadership.

2008 was also marked by a number of important political successes by our member-parties: the victory of Silvio Berlusconi and his Forza Italia-led coalition, the victory of Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats in Lithuania led by Andrius Kubilius and the election victory of the Democratic Liberal Party led by Emil Boc. Prime Ministers Kubilius and Boc are already actively engaged in our policy-making process at the EPP Summit of heads of state and government, in addition to the long experience of Prime Minister Berlusconi. Moreover, the EPP newly-established think-tank, Centre for European Studies, made a strong showing with the successful launch of its start-up activities.

Following the recent revision of the EU Regulation that governs European political parties, the EPP has now been given the exclusive mandate to organize the horizontal campaign for the 2009 European elections. Thus, the EPP will be preparing in close cooperation with its member-parties the campaign strategy, internet-based communication efforts, and the election Manifesto that will respond to a number of important policy challenges such as the economic crisis, security, climate change, demographic challenge, foreign policy, a.o. The EPP will formally launch its election campaign at a special Congress in Warsaw, Poland on the 29th and 30th of April, 2009.

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EPP in the European Council | EPP Summits

At the Summits, the EPP Heads of State and Government, party leaders in coalition governments and in opposition, the EPP Presidency and the EPP Presidents of the Council, the Commission and the Parliament, meet prior to the European Council Summits. These important sessions offer EPP leaders in an informal and confidential setting the opportunity to air their differences and to seek consensus within the EPP family in an effort to develop common positions at the European Council.

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In 2008, five summit meetings were held while the EPP occupied the helm of the European Union with its “trias politica”: Janez Janša and Nicolas Sarkozy, respective Presidents of the European Council in the first and second half of the year, José Manuel Barroso, President of the Commission and HansGert Poettering, President of the European Parliament.

The discussions focused on the global economic crisis, the safeguarding of our energy supply, the challenge of climate change and the ratification of the Lisbon Reform Treaty. Our leaders also gathered at an extraordinary Summit in Dublin in support of Fine Gail’s campaign for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the Irish referendum.

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EPP Sum mit Highlights Statutory Sum mit, Brussels, 13 M a rch 2008

Statutory Sum mit, Brussels, 15 October 2008

Congratulations went to the representatives from Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Czech Republic on joining the EU’s Schengen zone; Malta and Cyprus on joining the Eurozone; the European Parliament on its 50th anniversary;

While Manuela Ferreira Leite (Portugal) and Josef Pröll (Austria) were welcomed as newly elected chairs of their parties, Andrius Kubilius, Chairman of TS-LK and Prime Minister-in-waiting in Lithuania was congratulated on his success in the parliamentary elections.

Amongst the policies reported on by Janez Janša, President of the European Council and José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission support was expressed for further impetus for the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs and the strengthening of the financial stability framework. After Commissioner Stavros Dimas’ report on the Bali Conference for Global Leadership on Climate Change the need for sustainable and secure supplies of energy and for an effective internal energy market was expressed. The issue of Kosovo and Serbia was also reviewed.

Le a ders' Meeting, Dublin, 14 A pril 2008

Nicolas Sarkozy’s, President of the European Council, personal leadership, conviction and willpower in diffusing the conflict in Georgia and the handling of the global financial crisis were considered proof of the need for the Lisbon Treaty and the foreseen establishment of a permanent President.

Jyrki Katainen, Deputy prime Minister of Finland reported on the developments of the financial crisis. A worse scenario had been prevented thanks to the Euro and the coordination mechanisms with the Council Presidency and Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the Euro-Group in coordination with the ECB and the EIB. A framework-regulation was necessary to correct the proven flawed banking situation.

A statement was released to the press in full support for the Europeanwide concerted plan to counter the financial crisis in Europe.

On the invitation of Enda Kenny, leader of Fine Gail, EPP leaders met in solidarity to support the campaign for the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty in the Irish referendum on 12 June 2008.

Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister of Ukraine and Wilfried Martens, the President of the EPP made a joint statement to the press on Ukraine’s European vocation and appealed for the strengthening of the “orange coalition” in the country.

Statutory Sum mit, Brussels, 19 June 2008

Statutory Sum mit, Brussels, 1 1 December 2008

Congratulations went to Silvio Berlusconi, Prime Minister of Italy, to Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium, to Nikola Gruevski, Prime Minister of FYROM, and to Mikheil Saa'kashvili, President of Georgia for their respective victories and government formations, and to Traian Băsescu, President of Romania for his party’s positive results in local elections. Jyrki Katainen, Deputy Prime Minister of Finland reported on the oil and food crisis.

Angela Merkel (CDU), Horst Seehofer (CSU-Germany) and Mariano Rajoy (PP-Spain) were congratulated for their re-election and election as Chairmen of their parties, and President of Romania Traian Băsescu on the PD-L winning the elections and leading the next grandcoaltion government.

The leaders decided to examine the reasons for the “No” vote in the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty and supported the continuation of the ratification process. Donald Tusk, Prime Minister of Poland invited the EPP to hold its Congress in preparation of the European elections in Warsaw on 29 and 30 April 2009.

A statement was released in support of the continuation of accession negotiations with Croatia.

The Prime Minister of France, François Fillon reported on the achievements of the French Presidency of the European Council, while the Czech Prime Minister, Mirek Topolánek, on the priorities or “3 E’s” of the upcoming Czech Presidency. With respect to the economic crisis Commission President José Manuel Barroso appealed for the unity, which citizens expect and need and German Chancellor Angela Merkel proposed a new EU economic order on the basis of the social market economy model, which would be an example for the world. The cooperation within the EU and the EuroGroup was proven vital and strengthened confidence in the European economic system.

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EPP Heads of state and government

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EU Members

The EPP continues to sustain its position as the strongest political force in Europe. With 12 Governments of EU Member States and 6 of non-EU countries, our EPP member-parties have the widespread trust of European societies.

Worth of particular mention were the EPP election victories in Italy, Lithuania and Georgia. On 14 April 2008, Silvio Berlusconi was elected Prime Minister of Italy in a landslide victory, which took his centre-right coalition back into office for the third time. In Lithuania, the TS-LKD won the October 2008 parliamentary elections and formed a centreright government under the leadership of Andrius Kubilius. A month later, the PD-L of Romania won the parliamentary elections and its leader, Emil Boc, became Prime Minister. In Georgia, Mikheil Saa'kashvili was victorious both in the January presidential elections which reconfirmed him as President of Georgia, and in the May parliamentary elections.

Jan Peter BALKENENDE, Netherlands, CDA

Traian BĂSESCU, Romania, PD

Silvio BERLUSCONI, Italy, Forza Italia

Lawrence GONZI, Malta, PN

Jean-Claude JUNCKER, Luxembourg, CSV

Andrius Kubilius, Lithuania, TS-LK

Kostas KARAMANLIS, Greece, ND

Angela MERKEL, Germany, CDU

Fredrik REINFELDT, Sweden, MOD

Nicolas SARKOZY, France, UMP

Donald TUSK, Poland, PO

Herman VAN ROMPUY, Belgium, CD&V

The EU Presidents and Prime Ministers of the EPP played a key role in the decisions taken at EU level in 2008, especially as far as the adoption of the EU Reform Treaty and the resolution of the global financial crisis are concerned.

non EU Members

Sali BERISHA, Albania, DP

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Recep Tayyip ERDOĞAN, Turkey, AKP

Nikola GRUEVSKI, F.Y.R.O.M., VMRO-DPMNE

Mikheil SAA'KASHVILI, Georgia, UNM

Ivo SANADER, Croatia, HDZ

Victor YUSHCHENKO, Ukraine, NSNU

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EPP in the European Commission

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José Manuel BARROSO

With a total of 9 European Commissioners belonging to the EPP family, we have continued to maintain an essential role inside one of the pillars of the European institutions – the European Commission. With José Manuel Durão Barroso at the helm, and a key figure among the EPP family, the current Commission has managed to implement crucial EU policies in areas such as telecommunications, immigration, transport and energy, environment and external relations among others.

Finally, the EPP welcomed the arrival of the new Italian Commissioner, Antonio Tajani, who took up the portfolio of Transport Commissioner following the departure of Franco Frattini.

"Today the European Union continues to exert a major force for democratic and economic change based on the rule of law, an internal market and the gradual abolition of internal borders in neighbouring countries, especially in candidate countries but also in Eastern Europe and in the Mediterranean area. The great task of peace and reconciliation that gave rise to the European reconstruction is today matched by the challenges of globalisation. In the face of such challenges, we need to adapt our political institutions and our sense of democracy almost as much as we need to adapt our policies."

Jacques BARROT (Justice, Freedom and Security - France)

Antonio TAJANI (Transport - Italy)

"European citizens expect the EU to ensure their individual and collective protection and to safeguard their freedoms and fundamental rights. At the same time, citizens expect Europe to be able to respond to the major challenge of migration flows. We need to develop a coordinated system of management for legal and illegal immigration and for asylum between Member States and with third countries, based on solidarity and respect for human beings."

"I am personally convinced that our societies can only tackle today's challenges by working on a European scale, particularly in transport sector, as a major feature of the internal market, free movement of our citizens and our goods.

We must, therefore, strive to communicate our endeavours as effectively as possible, explain to all citizens the importance of transport policy and its effects on our lives."

Ján FIGEL' (Education & Culture - Slovakia) Joe BORG (Fisheries & Maritime Affairs - Malta) "The enthusiasm in Europe for an integrated maritime policy is very much in evidence. I believe that the signs for the future of fisheries and maritime policy in Europe are promising. If we all pull together, we can secure lasting economic prosperity and environmental sustainability for our proud maritime regions."

"Education and training are crucial for the future of the European Union. Better knowledge and skills are factors for personal and societal development, employability, social cohesion, cultural awareness and civic maturity. High quality and accessible education is essential for all citizens entrepreneurs, workers, researchers, i.e. all those who are able to contribute to the European knowledge society."

Andris PIEBALGS (Energy - Latvia) Stavros DIMAS (Environment - Greece) "Moving to a low carbon economy will encourage innovation, provide new opportunities and create new green jobs. By implementing concrete measures to achieve our ambitious targets, the EU will be demonstrating its leadership and determination in tackling climate change.

Convincing European action will also be essential to demonstrate to our international partners, in particular developing countries that it is possible to reduce emissions without hampering economic growth."

Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (External Relations & ENP - Austria) "The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is in many ways a response to our citizens’ aspirations and wishes.

It is a strategic policy to support the reform agenda in our partner countries and bring more prosperity and stability to Europe’s neighbourhood. We want to prevent the emergence of new dividing lines between the enlarged EU and its neighbours. The ENP gives us a framework to achieve all this. It is a real partnership for reform, a jointly owned process leading to better mutual understanding in our “globalised” world."

"The measures proposed by the Commission to tackle climate change represent a global standard on how to deal with global warming and, at the same time, address the underlying elements that threaten our energy security. I am convinced that, as the rest of the world comes on board and really deals with climate change, these measures: radically improving our energy efficiency and increasing indigenous renewable energy generation, will provide the EU with a real and tangible competitive advantage. Indeed, at the end of the day, our energy security policy and climate measures are working towards the same goal, a secure and sustainable energy economy for future prosperity."

Vivianne REDING (Information Society & Media - Luxembourg) "Information and Communication Technologies are the principal motor of growth and competitiveness of industries, the driver of efficiency and effectiveness of our public sector and the means of raising the quality of life of our citizens. They are crucial for the achievement of the Lisbon Strategy. Therefore, we must prioritise European R&D into key areas, facilitate the emergence of new markets and foster more competition, and we must simultaneously pull through market demand and push through research and new technological developments. All of this will create new jobs and growth for Europe."

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EPP-ED GRoup in the european parliament  EPP in the osce-pa

Antonio López-Istúriz

Joseph Daul

Wilfried Martens

Martin Kamp

EPP Secretary General

EPP-ED Group Chairman

EPP President

EPP-ED Group Secretary General

The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with its 288 Members from all 27 Member States.

Joseph Daul, (UMP, France) chairs the Group since January 2007.

Major successes of the Group include the energy and climate package, which places the EU in the global forefront in the fight against climate change. Says Chairman Daul: "With the adoption of the energyclimate package, the European Parliament has taken an historic step in the fight against the climate changes which threaten to make life unbearable on our planet. The EPP-ED Group has worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this political project, of major importance for generations to come. Without the centre-right, this result would not have been possible. We have listened to all the political and economic actors, in order to facilitate and put in place conditions for a compromise, without ever losing sight of the need to reassure the public on their future. Thanks to the vote in the European Parliament, Europe is putting itself on the frontline in the fight to save the environment, and will assume its role as a world leader in this field."

The response of the EPP-ED Group to economic crisis has been resolute: EU must act to restore stability, growth and employment. While acknowledging the merits of the extensive overhaul of the European financial services legislation in the past years, the Group has been unequivocal in its demands to the Commission on enhancing financial supervision and global cooperation.

Group successes in the legislative work include the health check of the Common agricultural policy, liberalisation of the energy sector in benefit of consumers and large overhaul of existing EU rules on telecommunications. Better regulation goals have been followed - with the aim to reduce administrative costs of companies and make Europe more competitive in the global arena. The added value of European cooperation is clearly visible in the European digital library project, championed by the EPP-ED Group, which aims to setting up a digital library in the European Union that would enable researchers, students, teachers, and people with physical disabilities to access information without frontiers.

This project of real European identity would also show the cultural and linguistic diversity of the EU. The EPP-ED Group Study Days took place in Paris, France in 2-4 July 2008, concentrating on themes related to security: ranging from our response to terrorism through common security and defence policy to energy supply and food safety. Moreover, the Group has organised parliamentary hearings on topics such as Russia, globalisation, enlargement, transatlantic relations and demographic change.

To communicate more effectively with the citizens, the Group launched its Web TV which highlights the Group's key events in several weekly programmes: www.epp-ed.tv.

For more information on the EPP-ED Group, please visit: www.epp-ed.eu

EPP in the OSCE-PA During the winter session of the OSCE-PA in Vienna on 21 February 2008 Walburga Habsburg Douglas (MOD, Sweden) was elected new Chairman of the “EPP and likeminded” Group succeeding Panos Kammenos (ND, Greece). Senator Consiglio di Nino (CP, Canada), Michel Voisin (UMP, France) and Roberto Migliori (FI, Italy) were elected Vice-Presidents. At the same time it was decided to create an enlarged presidency, where all the Bureau members of the OSCE-PA, who belong to the EPP Group are ex officio members. The main topics of discussion during the Group meetings were the situation in Georgia, democracybuilding, as well as the topic of "Transparency in the OSCE-area".

During the summer meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan (29 June 3 July) Göran Lennmarker’s (MOD-Sweden) term ended, subsequently becoming "President Emeritus" with a seat in the Bureau. The EPP Group succeeded in getting a great majority of the Officers in the Three Com-

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mittees, and a majority of the Vice-Presidents of the Assembly.

The Fall-meeting in Toronto, Canada (18-21 September) mainly dealt with Georgia – our Group members were very active in the debate, especially those from Georgia (UNM). Walburga Habsburg Douglas also led the panel discussion on human rights. During the Group meeting it was decided to hold regular meetings during international events in order to strengthen the coherence of the Group, and at the same time adopted its internal rules to improve its efficiency.

Walburga Habsburg Douglas

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EPP in the Committee of the Regions EPP in the Council of Europe

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EPP in the Com mit tee of the Regions As the largest political Group and the only one to have representatives from each of the 27 Member States, the EPP is the driving force in strengthening the role and influence of local and regional authorities in EU decision-making. This year, Luc Van den Brande (CD&V, Belgium) was elected President of the CoR and in close cooperation with the Group President, Isidoro Gottardo (FI, Italy), the EPP has led the CoR's political agenda.

Isidoro Gottardo

During 2008, the EPP Group held five meetings in Brussels and welcomed a number of external speakers - including European Commissioner Viviane Reding, Chief Executive of the European Policy Centre Hans Martens, and Léonce Bekemans, Jean Monnet Chair at the Padova University, Italy - to debate key topics of regional policy. In addition to this, the Group held met outside of Brussels for extraordinary meetings in Valencia, on the invitation of Francisco Camps Ortiz, and Katerini, on the invitation of Georgios Papastergiou. The first of these meetings was dedicated to climate

change and addressed the concerns of local and regional authorities with respect to energy and water resources. During the conclusions, the EPP Group issued a declaration in support of the Covenant of Mayors and stressed the need for further involvement of local and regional authorities in the fight against climate change. The issue of Europe's limited gas and oil supplies was also the topic for a Group seminar during the Open Days: Week of Cities and Regions, which attracted more than 200 participants and was featured on the EPP's Dialogue TV. In October, the extraordinary seminar in Katerini focussed on the importance of cultural and natural heritage for sustainable regional development with participation from Dolores Cristina, Minister of Education and Culture for Malta, and MEP Georgios Papastamkos.

The EPP continued with its expanded communication strategy throughout 2008 by holding the third edition of the annual "Summer University for regional and local journalists" in June. More than 50 journalists from across the EU discussed the role of the media in a multicultural and religious Europe, during the European year dedicated to this theme. Key note speakers included European Commissioner Ján Figel' and EPP President Wilfried Martens. The Group has also organized a photography competition, Europe@Home, to give young people the chance to show how they see the impact of the European Union at home, in their regions and cities. Moreover, a group of thirty Masters Students from twenty-two countries were invited to Brussels to directly contribute to the CoR Plenary Session during its first EPP/CoR Study Visit.

For more information on the EPP Group in the Committee of the Regions, please visit: www.epp.cor.europa.eu

EPP/CD Group in the Pa rli a menta ry A ssembly of the Council of Europe The Group of the European People’s Party in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe promotes co-operation 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 the EPP. The EPP/CD Group is chaired by Luc Van den Brande (CD&V, Belgium) since January 2005 During the course of 2008, members of the EPP/CD Group at the Parliamentary Assembly participated in election observation missions covering Presidential elections in Serbia; Armenia; the Russian Federation; Montenegro and Azerbaijan and legislative elections in Monaco; Serbia; Georgia; and FYROM. Group members joined Assembly colleagues at the European Friends of Israel seminar in November in Paris and participated in the European day of Tolerance marking the 3rd World Holocaust Forum commemorating the seventy years since Kristallnacht, held in Brussels in November.

Luc Van den Brande

As no other international organisation on the continent, the Council of Europe found itself in August 2008 in a situation of war between two of its Member States – Georgia and the Russian Federation. The Assembly has debated the matter at length and adopted a Resolution and a Recommendation to the Committee of Ministers on the issue. EPP/ CD Group President Luc Van den Brande, Assembly Rapporteur for the Russian Federation, led Assembly visits to both Georgia and the Russian Federation throughout the summer months and held high-level meetings. The Assembly Presidential Committee paid separate visits to the region as did the Council of Europe Secretary General, Terry Davis, and Carl Bildt (MOD, Sweden) Foreign Minister and Chairman in Office of the Committee of Ministers of the Council.

For more information on the EPP/CD Group in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, please visit: www.epp-cd.eu

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EPP Presidency and Political Bureau

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The EPP has three levels of decision-making: Presidency, Political Bureau and Congress.

EPP Heads of Government can give policy recommendations at the level of the EPP Summit, whereas EPP Working groups perform preparatory political work.

The Presidency The Presidency decides on the general political guidelines and presides over the Political Bureau. The Presidency is composed of the President, 10 Vice-Presidents, the Secretary General and the Treasurer. The Chairman of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament is also ex officio Vice President of the EPP

The Congress

The Congress is the highest decision-making body of the Party. It is composed of delegates from EPP member parties, associate member parties, and EPP recognised associations. The number of participants reflects the number of delegates for the Political Bureau. The EPP Congress meets once every three years. It elects the EPP Presidency and decides on the main policy documents, electoral programmes and provides a platform for the EPP Heads of Government and Party Leaders.

The Political Bureau The Political Bureau defines the political positions of the party between Congresses, deciding on membership applications and final political guidelines. The Political Bureau also decides on the budget and safeguards the political presence of the EPP between the Congress meetings. The Political Bureau is composed of designated delegates from the EPP member parties, associated member parties, and the EPP recognized associations. 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 taking decisions by majority. The Political Bureau meets three to four times a year.

The Political Bureau defines the mandate of the Working Groups which prepare the Party’s policy documents and recommendations. All member parties and members of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament have the possibility of participating in the Working Groups.

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Politic a l Bureau Highlights

6 & 7 Februa ry 2008 – M a drid

16 & 17 September 2008 – Brussels

Held in Madrid upon the invitation Mariano Rajoy and the Partido Popular, the EPP adopted its position on climate change. The unanimously adopted document “Combatting Climate Change – Our Responsibility for Future Generations” backs the EU’s world leadership in climate change, promotes dialogue with international partners and emphasises the necessity to improve energy efficiency in all sectors, as well as increase R&D in clean technologies. Commissioner Stavros Dimas, who participated in the discussion, welcomed the document.

The EPP paper on “Tackling the Demographic Challenge – Solutions for the Ageing of our Societies”, after having been amended by EPP member parties, associations and groups, was unanimously adopted and would be part of the EPP Election Manifesto to be adopted during the EPP Congress of Warsaw in April 2009.

The meeting accepted GERB (Bulgaria), led by the Mayor of Sofia, Boyko Borisov, as a member party and Batkivschyna (Ukraine), led by Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, as an observer member party.

The Political Bureau also unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the imprisonment and sentencing of young political activists in Belarus and demanding that all detainees are immediately released and do not face any further penalties.

The application for EPP observer membership of the Georgian party UNM was unanimously approved.

President Martens was asked to make a statement on the situation in Georgia following Russia’s military intervention.

The meeting took due note of the Code of Conduct governing the practice of campaigning for European Political Parties in European Parliament elections, a set of self-regulatory rules agreed by EPP, PES, ELDR and European Greens on 9 April 2008.

13 & 14 Nov ember 2008 – Brussels 15 & 16 M ay 2008 – Brussels The EPP approved a document on “Tackling the Demographic Challenge – Solutions for the Ageing of our Societies” as a draft document. Also, the document on “The Future Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds in the European Economy was also adopted.

It was also decided that the 2009 Elections Congress of the EPP will take place in Warsaw, Poland and be hosted by the Civic Platform (PO) and Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

The participants expressed great satisfaction on the unanimous decision of the IDU Executive Board (Sydney, 21 April 2008) to recognise the EPP as a Regional Union of the IDU.

In view of the world economic crisis, the document on “EPP Recommendations on the Effects of the Financial Crisis in Europe” was adopted by unanimity. The proposals of the document would be integrated into the EPP Election Manifesto.

It was agreed that an EPP fact-finding-mission to Montenegro would be organized in early 2009.

The EPP unanimously adopted a resolution on Slovenia regarding “the achievements of the Slovenian Government under Prime Minister Janez Janša and his coalition partners from the EPP family, and express dissatisfaction over the recent election campaign.”

The meeting took note of the candidatures for the 2009 EPP Statutory Congress

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EPP Working Groups, Conferences

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Europea n Polic y (WG 1) In 2008, and under the leadership of EPP President Wilfried Martens and EPP Vice President Peter Hintze, the WG1 has undertaken the difficult task to provide the EPP member parties with a coherent and comprehensive electoral Manifesto in view of the forthcoming European elections in 2009. This document will outline the key priorities of the EPP family in areas such as economic and social policy, climate change and environment, demographic change, immigration and food security, and Europe’s role in the world. These 5 main policy concerns have in part already been discussed during the first part of this year inside the WG1, while the remaining parts will be finalized within the end of this year. In addition, the member parties will have time to review and complete the document at the beginning of 2009. The final electoral program will be officially unveiled during the EPP Congress in Warsaw in April 2009.

Christian Kremer EPP Deputy Secretary General

Economic & Social Policy (WG 2) The WG2 mainly discusses issues related to the economic and social policy in Europe, bringing together all the delegates of the EPP member parties that deal with these issues at party level. Under the dual chairmanship of Ria Oomen-Ruijten (MEP) and Peter Jungen (SME Union and European Enterprise Institute), the major topics debated by this Working Group focused mainly on the developments of the global financial crisis and the economic slowdown in Europe. Overall, the following documents were adopted by the WG2 members in 2008 outlining the main causes of the financial crisis, its main effects on the

world economy and the European banking system, and the main EPP Recommendations in order to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible: 1) “The Effects of the Financial Market Crisis on the European Banking System” 2) “The State of the Global Economy” 3) “EPP Recommendations on the Effects of the Financial Crisis in Europe” Furthermore, other important papers that were adopted include “The Future Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs) in the European Economy” and “The Future Role of EU Development Aid” in a globalised world.

As far as contacts with international institutions are concerned, the WG2 has organized a successful meeting with the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Paris in September 2008, in cooperation with the French UMP party, and it has continued to build important links to the European Central Bank, ECOFIN and several international experts of both academia and the European Commission.

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EPP Membership (WG 3) WG3 has a mandate to promote, facilitate and incorporate new parties who request to become either full members, associate members or observers of the EPP family. Once admitted to the EPP, elected representatives of the accepted party automatically join the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, and/or all other EPP Groups in the EU and other international organizations. Following a thorough review which is often preceded by a fact-finding mission, WG3 members have the right to give a recommendation to the EPP political Bureau which, in turn, takes the final decision on all membership requests.

EPP Vice-President Corien Wortmann-Kool has successfully led this Working Group throughout 2008, focusing on Central and Eastern Europe and the membership requests which were previously advanced by GERB (Bulgaria), Motherland party (Ukraine) and the UNM party (Georgia). All three parties were accepted into the EPP, with full member status for GERB (decided in February 2008) and an observer status for both Batkivschyna (Ukraine) and UNM (Georgia), (decided in February and September of this year respectively). Although no new fact-finding missions were organized in 2008, there was a decision to plan a fact-finding mission to Montenegro in early 2009.

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EPP Foreign Affairs

In recent years, the EPP has begun to develop its international profile in the global political arena. In view of the EU’s expanding relations with many countries around the world, the EPP is actively assisting in the promotion of these relations on a political level, whilst influencing Europe’s foreign policy priorities. Thus, the EPP’s international relations have a dual aim: to advance both its political principles and values beyond the EU, and to promote EU interests around the world.

Tr ansatlantic Relations In the framework of our international activity, the EPP is committed to expanding transatlantic relations on the basis of constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue with like-minded North American politicians and organisations for the promotion of common goals. Therefore, in the framework of our transatlantic contacts, we are currently in close contact with the US Republican Party and the Conservative Party of Canada.

In the United States, the EPP is continuing to deepen its relationship with the International Republican Institute (IRI). In 2008, a number of high-level political delegations from the EPP and the IRI met in Washington and Brussels, and there was regular cooperation on many issues of common interest.

In early September 2008, a high-level EPP delegation led by President Wilfried Martens participated at the Republican Convention in St. Paul-Minneapolis. At the sidelines of the Convention, the EPP organized a successful public relations event that attracted over 300 participants including many high profile US politicians, businessmen, journalists, etc. At this event EPP President Wilfried Martens announced the intention to open in 2009 an office in Washington.

In the spirit of the good bilateral cooperation between the EPP and the Conservative Party of Canada, EPP President Wilfried Martens made a public, oncamera endorsement of Prime Minister Stephen Harper prior to the October 14, 2008 Canadian parliamentary elections. Stephen Harper and his party subsequently won a stronger parliamentary mandate and formed once again the government.

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

Kostas Sasmatzoglou EPP Secretary of External Relations

Working with EU Delegations around the world In order to maximize the impact of our international activity, the EPP works closely with the Delegations of the External Service of the European Commission. Always having as our primary goal the promotion of EU interests in the countries of EPP engagement, our cooperation with the respective EU Delegations and their Ambassadors has proven to be particularly successful. In the eventual ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, the EPP looks forward to working with the future EU Diplomatic Service, which will function under the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

EPP Foreign Ministers In 2007, EPP inaugurated a new political process with the gathering of EPP Ministers of Foreign Affairs that continued with success in 2008. The purpose of the Foreign Ministers’ meeting is to discuss in a private and informal setting the wide-range of foreign policy priorities of the European Union.

The result has proven to be particularly successful since the EPP Foreign Ministers now meet on a regular basis and discuss issues such as the Western Balkans, European Neighborhood Policy, the Middle East peace process, etc.

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EPP Electoral Campaigns



As the most influential political force in Europe, the EPP actively supports its member parties in their national campaigns.

In 2008, our EPP leaders were present at a large number of the most significant elections, in which our political family was able to achieve many important victories. The President and the Secretary General of the EPP, Wilfried Martens and Antonio LópezIstúriz have also personally travelled to take part in several key campaigns and conventions of EPP member parties.

Thus, the EPP was represented in Madrid to support the Partido Popular in the Spanish parliamentary elections. In Italy, it celebrated the landslide victory of Forza Italia and its leader, Silvio Berlusconi. In addition, EPP firmly supported the successful electoral campaigns of the Nationalist Party (Malta), G17plus (Serbia), United National Movement (Georgia), VMRO-DPMNE (FYROM), TS-LKD (Lithuania), Kokoomus (Finland) as well as PD-L and RMDSZ (Romania).

Although the EPP respects the result of the Irish referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, it is nevertheless disappointed that it was not able to fully commit its resources to the YES campaign, due to current regulations that forbid European political parties from participating directly in referenda campaigns. On the other hand, the EPP supported the work of the EPP Vice-President and Fine Gael leader, Enda Kenny, who campaigned in favour of the Treaty.

The EPP is looking forward to organize the horizontal campaign for the upcoming 2009 elections for the European Parliament.

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DIALOGUE TV

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The EPP has understood the importance of political communication through new media and online E-Campaigning, and in 2008 rose to face this challenge by investing time and energy in its audiovisual communication.

Despite limited manpower , the EPP went on to set up its own branded channel “EPP TV” on YouTube (www.youtube.com/epppress), which seeks to provide a “behind the scenes look” at the EPP. Visitors to this site can find video reports and individual interviews from a variety of EPP activities including the Summits.

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But it did not stop there, and in a bid to further increase its long-term brand awareness, the EPP has also initiated its own web TV channel, DialogueTV (DTV) (www.epp.eu/dialoguetv). Until now, this website has only been publicized internally amongst its member-parties on a “dry run” basis. However, as one of the communication tools for the European Elections in 2009, the platform will be officially launched early next year with the aim to present to the European public not only audiovisual material, but also relevant articles, documents, related links, quotes, and polls on the EPP’s five electoral themes: Climate Change, Demographic Change, A Prosperous Europe, A Safer Europe and Europe in the World. Through a series of in-depth and exclusive interviews, events, debates and Vox Pops, it hopes to provide information on the EPP's work and a platform for experts, EU officials, politicians, and citizens to enter into dialogue with one another. Every time a new video is added to one of the categories, a DialogueTV video newsletter will be sent to an email database of over 25,000 qualitative addresses with the option to view the latest clip immediately. Please email us at info@dialoguetv.eu if you would like to receive these updates.

info@di a loguet v.eu · w w w.di a loguet v.eu · w w w.epp.eu

DialogueTV and EPP TV on YouTube

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EPP communication strategy

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In 2008, the EPP continued to work in close cooperation with not only European media, but also journalists from other continents in an aim to futher reach the citizens and promote our activities and political ideas. In particular, the EPP President and Secretary General met regularly with journalists to inform them directly about the EPP's goals and objectives.

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As transparency and decimination of information are priorities for the EPP, the press service used both traditional channels - such as press releases, newsletters, newspaper articles and publications - as well as new web-based tools such as Facebook, YouTube and “DialogueTV” . (see information on page 14)

Over dozens press releases were sent to journalists covering European affairs in Brussels and other capital cities. The EPP President and Secretary General also published articles in some of the most well know newspapers, such as the “Financial Times” and “El Mundo”, and the EPP continued to advertise events and publish articles on its members' websites as well as on private online portals.

During the course of the year, the EPP also went on to develop its audiovisual service, including its own branded channel on YouTube (with interviews and clips on EPP Summits and seminars). In recent months both the number of videos uploaded has increased as well as the number of viewers.

The EPP website has also recently been improved through regular updates, and enriched further to make it more user-friendly, interactive and informative for the citizens.

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EPP Statute and Party Funding

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Public Funding

10 European parties were recognized in 2008 and received funding from the European Parliament  w w w w w w w w w

European People's Party (EPP) Party of European Socialists (PES) European Liberal Democrat and Reform party (ELDR) European Democrate Party (EDP) European Federation of Green Parties (EFGP) Party of the European Left (GUE) Alliance for Europe of the Nations (AEN) European Free Alliance (EFA) Alliance for Independent Democrats in Europe (AIDE) EU Democrats Alliance for Democracy (EUD)

A new step to increase the awareness and significance of European Political Parties In 2008, under the impulse of EPP, the European Parliament and Council approved the Commission’s proposal to improve and adjust the existing regulation on European Political Parties allowing them to increase their role in the European public debate and boost their awareness and significance.

The 2008 European Union budget set aside €10.5 million for party funding.

15% of the budget is distributed among the parties in equal shares. 85% is distributed on the basis of the number of Members of Parliament accounted for by every European party. The EPP accounted for 238 MEPs (MEP’s elected on a list of an EPP Member Party and Individual Members who have signed a declaration of EPP affiliation).

The European funds were allocated as follows (in million EURO):  w w w w w w w w w

EPP PES ELDR EFGP EDP GUE AEN AIDE EUD EFA

3.3 3.0 1.2 0.6 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.4 0.2 0.2

The European Parliament funds constitute / of the EPP income. The rest of the income is generated through the membership fees. The membership fees of the ordinary Member Parties are calculated on the basis of the political strength of the party and the number of MEPs. The membership fee of the associate and observer member parties is calculated on the basis of the votes obtained by these parties during the last national elections.

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Luc Vandeputte EPP Deputy Secretary General

The new regul ation focuses on 3 key issues



European Political Parties can now participate in the European election campaign:

Provided that they do not directly or indirectly finance national political parties or their candidates, European parties will now be allowed to use part of their European subventions to campaign. In close cooperation with the campaign managers of our member parties, the EPP established a task force that will coordinate the 2009 European election campaign and EPP’s service- providing function.



Financial Reserves:

European political parties will be allowed to build-up savings from their own resources (membership fees) and are also able to carry over part of their non-spent European subventions to the following year. Thus, the EPP is now finally given the ability for long-term financial planning.



Creation of Political Foundations:

European Foundations at European level have an important role to play in underpinning and promoting the activities and objectives of the political parties at European level. European Foundations will contribute to the debate on European public policy issues and European integration and will therefore receive public funding. Thus, the EPP established the ‘Centre for European Studies’.



EPP INTERNSHIP | EPP HEADQUARTERS

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Internship Progr a m me EPP continued its successful Internship Programme that was launched in 2007. This Programme is focused on immersing young university graduates with the short-term and long-term political planning and activities of the Party: organizing meetings and conferences, preparing reports and press releases, editing publications, updating the website and databases, communicating with member-parties, EPP Groups, associations and other affiliated organizations, liaising with officials from the European institutions, etc.

The 2008 interns : w w w w w

Marianne Bardsgjerde, Norway (Sep ’07 – March ‘08) Nesrin Aydoganoglu, Turkey (Nov ’07 – May ‘08) Jessica Benito Pescador, Spain (March ’08 – August ’08) Santa Sermole, Latvia (Sep ’08 -) Marta Przysiecka, Poland (Oct ’08 -)

Marta

Ivan

Santa

EPP Hea dqua rters: the Brussels Meeting Point of the EPP Fa mily The EPP Headquarters in the rue du Commerce, at the heart of Brussels' 'European Quarter', in walking distance from all the European Institutions, are certainly the place to be!

The new EPP Headquarters have become the true meeting point for everyone that is linked to the big European People’s Party family. Our meeting rooms and attractive lounge have hosted numerous Working Groups, Conferences, Seminars, Presidency meetings, including lunches, dinners and cocktails.

Almost daily the EPP HQ welcomes visitors from Member Parties and high level delegations from all over the globe. All of them are charmed by the modern, efficient and inviting look and feel of our office building.

Apart from the EPP Secretariat, our offices also host most of the EPP Recognized Associations, the CDI, the Forum for European Studies, the Constantine Karamanlis Institute for Democracy and the newly created EPP think-tank ‘Centre for European Studies’.

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EPP ASSOCIATIONS

European Democr at Students (EDS) EDS is the official students’ organization 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.

Led by its Chairman Thomas Uhlen who was elected in July 2008, the structure has 37 member organizations, representing nearly 500.000 students across the continent. Currently, EDS is represented in 34 countries, including non EU member states like Belarus and Georgia.

The first EDS event of 2008 was the bureau meeting in Moldova, where the evaluation of the working year took place and where plans for the months ahead were laid. The traditional Winter University took place in Budapest, Hungary in February, under a name “Democracies growing up – success stories from New Europe”. In April EDS hosted a Council Meeting and a seminar in Gdansk, Poland. EDS Policy Days took place in Plovdiv and Sofia, Bulgaria. In July the annual meeting in Malta elected the new Chairman and a new Bureau who got their working mandate for the upcoming working year. The new bureau held its first Bureau Meeting in September in Istanbul, Turkey. The first Council Meeting took place in Trier, Germany in December. In addition to the meetings and seminars, the permanent Working Groups and the Council are producing new policies for the interest of Students, and they launched a new freedom campaign on the Tibet issue.

For more information on EDS, please visit:

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Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Union of the EPP (SME UNION)

The SME UNION is the business organisation of the EPP, and the network for pro-business Christian-Democrat, Conservative and Centre-Right politicians and political organisations. As an officially recognised EPP Association, its main objective is to shape EU policy in a more SME-friendly way in close cooperation with the SME Circle of the EPP-ED Group in the European Parliament, DG Enterprise and the SME UNION members within the EPP member parties. The SME UNION is led by former President of Eurochambres and President of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, Christoph Leitl.

The importance of the work of the SME UNION derives from the fact that SMEs are the key drivers for sustainable jobs, growth and prosperity. 80% of the national business legislation is shaped in Brussels. Therefore, the SME UNION’s top priority is to reform the legal framework for SMEs all over Europe, and to promote and support the interests of small and medium-sized enterprises which - due to their willingness to take risks and responsibility - are the engines of the European economy. The Topic of the Year 2009 will concentrate on “Creative SMEs as key drivers for innovation and growth: New solutions for the energy challenge!” In May 2007 Christoph Leitl was re-elected President of the SME UNION.

www.edsnet.org

w

European Senior Citizen’s Union (ESU) The ESU, founded in Madrid in 1995 and led by its President, Bernhard Worms, is the largest political senior citizens’ organisation in Europe. The ESU is represented in 24 Member States with 38 organisations and about 540,000 members. The ESU is dedicated to the advancement of rights of European senior citizens and their engagement in society.

In order to give all member organisations in Europe the chance to take an active part in the ESU work, ESU has organized its political projects by way of regional conferences. 2008 saw the following conferences taking place, Mediterranean region: 'Youths Today Seniors Tomorrow', Nicosia/ Cyprus, 23rd-26th May 2008, w South-Eastern region: 'The Political and Economic Response to Demographic Trends in Europe', Vienna/Austria, 29th-30th May, 2008, w Northern region: 'Experience of Eastern European Senior Citizens in Gaining Freedom and Political Responsibility', Vilnius/Lithuania, 15th-18th June 2008, w An Executive Committee Meeting took place in Berlin, 6th November 2008, welcoming the German Chancellor Angela Merkel who appreciated the political work of the ESU and the relentless efforts of its president Bernhard Worms. w

For more information on ESU, please visit: www.eu-seniorunion.info

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Annual SME UNION Topic of the Year Conference and Political Entrepreneurship Awards 2008

On Monday 13 October 2008 the SME UNION organized a Conference on the topic: SBA & Micro Financing. The conference started with the welcome address of Wilfried Martens, President of the EPP. In his speech he mentioned 'The SME UNION is one of the most active and dynamic organizations of the party, and all its contributions constitute, a precious source of innovation and progress for the EPP, the SMEs and Europe'.

w

SME UNION & EIB tackle financial crisis

In the speech of Christoph Leitl, he clarified that politics do not create jobs, but rather the entrepreneurial spirit of the SMEs. He explained that the SME UNION contributed extensively from the beginning to the input of the SBA and it’s most important input was nevertheless the results of their “Low Level Group for Better Regulation” presented, last June to Commissioner Verheugen and the public its package of concrete measures and political demands to substantially reduce red tape. He continued by saying that dealing with the European Small Business Act has the potential to completely change European SME policy.

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

EPP Women

EPP Women is the official women’s organisation of the European People's Party. The EPPW brings together the women’s organisations of nearly all EPP member parties. Currently, the EPPW represents women’s organisations from nearly 40 countries, including non-EU Member States. The EPPW, led by its President Doris Pack, MEP, has the following aims: to defend and promote the interests of women and their participation within the parties, society and the EU; to promote and organize activities at the European level; and to ensure a permanent cooperation between the EPPW member organisations.

In 2008 the EPPW organized two main events expressing these aims. From 16 to 20 July 2008 a Summer Academy for leading political women from the EPP parties was organized. Nearly 50 women from highranking national political positions took part in it. The initiative was taken because of the upcoming European Elections of 2009. The aim of the Summer Academy was to make our leading women aware of the importance of taking part in politics, stressing the role of women by strengthening our knowledge and exchanging viewpoints. The Summer Academy took part on Mallorca, on the invitation of Francisca Bennassar Tous, former EPPW Vice-President and Mayor of Mallorca.

European Union of Christian Democr atic Workers (EUCDW) The EUCDW is the workers‘ organisation of the EPP with 24 member organisations from 18 countries. As the officially recognised EPP association of workers, the EUCDW led by its President Elmar Brok, MEP, 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 cooperation with the workers and their organisations.

In 2008 the EUCDW dealt especially with three major items in the field of European Social Policy: Firstly with the decisions of the European Court of Justice and their implications on worker mobility in Europe. The EUCDW concluded that a revision of the directive concerning the posting of workers is now more than necessary. The EUCDW bases its position on the Charter of Fundamental Rights as well as the regulation of the European Services Directive, that the provision of services does not affect labour law, the regulation of working conditions and social security legislation, which Member States apply in accordance with national law which respects Community law. Secondly the EUCDW followed the revision of the Directive on European Works Councils, whose conclusion at the end of 2008 will strengthen the information and consultation of workers in cross border companies.

Thirdly the EUCDW stressed in view of the working time directive its position that any kind of “opt-out” has to come to an end in near future if we want to achieve a political union which is based likewise on an economic as well social union. In all these questions the EUCDW acted as partner and also mediator between political actors and trade unions.

For more information on EUCDW, please visit:

In October 2008 the EPPW organized the 3rd so called ‘EWA Congress’ in Berlin. The EWA is the umbrella organization of the EPPW and the European Union of Women that is a Europe wide non-governmental women’s organisation with UN accreditation. The EWA thus is the linking pin between the largest political and non-governmental women’s organisations on the center-right spectre of Europe. The theme of the 3rd EWA Congress was ‘The role of women in the integration of migrants into our societies’. The Congress was hosted

by Prof. Dr Maria Böhmer, President of the CDU-Women and Germany's Minister of State on Integration.

The Congress adopted a resolution in which the EWA recommends the protection of immigrant women's’ basic rights; the participation of immigrant women in social and political life; the gradual introduction of a common European integration policy which ties in with the Tampere and The Hague programmes and addresses the ‘gender dimension’.

For more information the EPP Women, congress documents

www.eucdw.org

Youth of the European People’s Party (Y EPP) YEPP 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. Led by its President Yannis Smyrlis, the purpose of YEPP and all 56 member organisations 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 more than 1,4 million youngsters in 37 European states. This makes YEPP the largest party-political youth organisation in Europe.

In 2008, YEPP tackled crucial topics such as cultural diversity, financial programs for youth structures, Institutional changes in the EU reform treaty, Common Agricultural Policy, the Lisbon Treaty and the Irish referendum, European Young Consumers and European Neighbourhood Policy. During its Chairmen’s Conference in Porto, almost all young leaders approved a Charter that agreed on a common vision towards the future of Europe and the upcoming European Elections.

and resolutions, please visit: www.epp-women.org or send an e-mail to

More information can be found at:

eppwomen@epp-eu.

www.yepp-eu.org or by sending an e-mail to: yepp@epp-eu.org

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centre for european studies

The creation of a European People’s Party think-tank has been a long-term goal of the EPP that finally took shape in Autumn of 2007. With the establishment of the Centre for European Studies, the EPP created a platform of centre-right political thought that produces research papers, academic journals, concise and extensive studies, and organises seminars, training sessions and conferences for the benefit of European citizens, opinion-shapers and decision-makers.

The Centre is committed to promoting intellectual freedom, raising awareness and facilitating the growth of EU politics. Its perspectives and arguments grow from the ideologies and the central values of the EPP and its centre-right partners.

In this mission, the Centre maximizes its dissemination of ideas and debate, by hosting a network of like-minded foundations. Member foundations include political think tanks from Malta, Hungary, Spain, Germany, Norway, Greece, Slovakia, Sweden, Finland, Austria, the Netherlands, Croatia, Cyprus and Slovenia. These member foundations are often affiliated to EPP member parties in national contexts. With this structure the Centre for European Studies acts as a catalyst, bringing together intellectuals and groundbreaking research to create an environment from which new ideas and relationships emerge.

The core products of the Centre for European Studies are its research projects and joint activities with its member foundations. The research topics and conference topics generally coincide and are executed in conjunction with the member organisations. By researching topics relevant to centre-right policy and engaging active participation on these topics through seminars, conferences, and training sessions, CES strives to make a significant contribution to public awareness amongst European citizens and decision-makers alike.

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Under the leadership of President Wilfried Martens CES closes its first year to resounding successes in publication, activities, and growth. Pilot years are always challenging and this one has presented the Centre with many opportunities to test and refine its strength.

Through the dedicated efforts of staff, partners, and members CES has published 7 publications in the course of 2008. The main publications in 2008 were the spring and autumn editions of the European View, CES’ academic journal; the European Factbook 2008: the EPP and the Centre-Right Politics, a one–of-a-kind encyclopedia of the European centre-right; Series on Christian Democratic and Conservative Thought, reflections of professor Steven Van Hecke on basic ideas and principles; Man Where are You?, exploration of the Christian democratic portrayal of mankind; What Municipalities Should Know about the European Union, manual for local authorities with best practices; József Antall Prime Minister of Hungary, collection of historic speeches of the late Prime Minister; Turkey’s Accession to the EU;

The Citizen and Europe, a Christian democratic vision for the EU community of values; and Crossing Bridges, Democratisation in the Middle East and a Christian democratic approach. These publications covered a wide range of political issues within CES’ five research themes, namely Political Organisations, Institutions, and the Process of Policy; Economic and Social Policy Reforms; the Role of EU Foreign Policy in Democratisation and Transatlantic Relations; Environment and Energy; and Ethics, Values and Religion.

To facilitate its research activities, in 2008 the Centre created instruments to ensure best research practice. It established the Academic Council, permanent relationships with recognized researchers, and a peer review – expert review system to be followed for each of its research projects.

In its first year, the Centre for European Studies organised more than thirty events on highly diversified topics, covering EU and non-EU countries and for all demographic groups. Issues ranged from demographic developments to youth policies, from religious dialogue to climate change, and from enlargement to regional initiatives. The conferences, seminars, workshops and other events were held throughout the year in various locations around Europe, breaking the stereotype of Brusselsbased activities and bringing European politics closer to its citizens. The Centre was particularly pleased with its success in engaging the widest possible range of target audiences, both demographically and geographically.

To the already impressive number of fourteen member foundations CES welcomed two new additions. From Cyprus CES was joined by the Institute for Eurodemocracy “Glafkos Clerides” and from Slovenia the Institute Dr. Jože Pučnik. By expanding the research network CES hopes to reach wider audiences and bring more issues under debate.

In its pilot year CES has learned to navigate and lead in times of ease as well as times of turbulence. These lessons will be put to use in the coming year when CES plans to follow an equally ambitious program continuing its commitment to excellence.



The European View

The European View, is the Centre for European Studies’ Academic Journal published by Springer, is an intellectual platform for politicians, opinion makers, and academics that tackles contemporary themes of European politics.

The 2008 Spring edition of the European View analyses the process of transition to democracy in Europe and worldwide. This issue features articles by Wilfried Martens, Fredo Arias-King, Constantine Arvanitopoulos and Nikolaos Tzifakis, Dimitar Bechev and Kalypso Nicolaidis, Coetzee Bester, Boyko Borisov, Joseph Y. S. Cheng, Mart Laar, Jan van Laarhoven, Anatoly Liabedzka, Oswaldo José Payá Sardiñas, Ivo Sanader, József Szájer, Yulia Tymoshenko, Andrej Umek, Thanos Veremis, Bernhard Vogel, Jan Zielonka, Erik Zsiga, Nino Burjanadze and Mikuláš Dzurinda.

The 2008 Autumn edition of the European View analyses the process and consequences of demographic changes in Europe and worldwide. This issue features articles by Werner Fasslabend, Jan-Peter Balkenende, José Manuel Barroso, Janez Janša, Thomas Mann, Mariano Rajoy, Gabriele Stauner, Arnstein Aassve, Hideki Ito, Janina Jóźwiak and Irena E. Kotowska, Wolfgang Lutz, Alexandra Tragaki, James W. Vaupel and Kristín G. V. Kistowski, Arij Lans Bovenberg and Raymond Gradus, Filippo Calciano and Mario Tirelli, Ralf Mai, Lord Stewart Sutherland, Steven Van Hecke, Gustavo Anriquez and Libor Stloukal, Jack A. Goldstone, Nico Keilman and Ursula Lehr.



The European Factbook 2008

The European People’s Party and Centre-Right Politics is a unique publication, providing a snapshot of the active centre-right political participants in 2008. It is first and foremost a tool, a resource, from which one can become acquainted with the research, communication and political policy formulation of the centre-right as well as national political parties and foundations.

In order to make this unique tool available to a wider range of political actors, students, researchers and journalists, the Centre launched the online version of the Factbook. Web edition and downloadable version of the Factbook are to be found on www.eurofactbook.eu.

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EPP foundations and institutes

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Europea n Idea s Net work

The Robert Schum a n Foundation

The European Ideas Network is a pan-European organisation designed to promote new thinking on the key policy challenges facing the European Union and its member states. Launched in 2002 by the EPP-ED Group with active Party support, the network has rapidly emerged as an important meeting point and intellectual crossroads 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 non-party experts and commentators interested in the issues being addressed.

The Robert Schuman Foundation for Cooperation among Christian Democrats in Europe, founded in 1989, is an entity of the EPP-ED Group, 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. The majority of those who complete the programs remain faithful to the policies and values they originally adopted. Every two years the Foundation organises meetings of former interns in the form of political seminars.

In 2008, the Robert Schuman Foundation organised a number of conferences, debates and training days. Such events included the “Training seminar on the Governance of local communities in a democratic, rule of law state", "Training seminar for Russian youth in France", "Training of Ukrainian youth”, "Conference on Europe for its citizens", "Conference on European Identity", and “Conference on the future of the European Union".

For more information on the Robert Schuman Foundation, please contact: Corinna Zehler, corinna.zehler@europarl.europa.eu

The Robert Schum a n Institute 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 in their annual summer university. They attract prominent policy experts as chairmen and rapporteurs to participate in these summer university gatherings.

The European Ideas Network Summer University of the 18th – 20th of September 2008 took place in Fiuggi, Italy and focused on the financial crisis. The session was entitled 'The World in 2025: The Place for Values in an Uncertain World'. At the summer university a wide range of European decision makers and opinion leaders gathered to debate the challenges and the future of Europe with a focus on the global financial crisis.

The Robert Schuman Institute Union 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.

Based in Budapest, the RSI organises international courses for potential young leaders, party members, and officials of the EPP, and co-operating parties of the developing democracies in the region. At these they receive both theoretical and practical training.

Since the 2004 EU enlargement, the Institute has focused mostly on Eastern and Southeastern European countries.

Further details of EIN activities can be found on the EIN website: www.ein.eu

Centre for Politic a l Pa rli a menta ry Educ ation a nd Tr a ining The “EPP-ED Centre for Political Parliamentary Education and Training” (CET) was established in 2002. The goal of CET is to contribute to the successful work of the EPP-ED Group by organising educational activities: workshops, seminars, conferences and special meetings. The main activities CET participated in and organised during the course of 2008 included “Strengthening Parliamentary Work on Local and Regional Level”, “Local self-government: A step towards effectiveness”, “Policy-making in the EPP and in the EPP-ED Group”, “Strengthening Parliamentary Work on Local and Regional Level”, and “MEP Assistant Training”.

For more on the Centre for Political Parliamentary Education and Training, please contact: cet@t-online.hu

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In 2008 the Robert Schuman Institute’s main activities included “Future Tendencies and challenges of political education in new Central Eastern European Member States”, and a number of courses such as “Young Leaders XV 2008-2009” and “Media and Politics VII”.

For more on Robert Schuman Institute, please visit: www.rschuman.hu

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EPP highlights 2008

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page 25



who is who - epp presidency



PRESIDENT Wilfried MARTENS, Belgium

VICE PRESIDENTS

Michel BARNIER, France, UMP

Joseph DAUL, France, UMP

Mario DAVID, Portugal, PSD

Peter HINTZE, Germany, CDU

Jyrki KATAINEN, Finland, KOK

Enda KENNY, Ireland, FG

Viktor ORBAN, Hungary, FIDESZ

Hans-Gert POETTERING, Germany, CDU

Alojz PETERLE, Slovenia, NSI

Jacek SARYUSZ-WOLSKI, Poland, PO

Antonio TAJANI, Italy, FI

Corien WORTMANN-KOOL, Netherlands, CDA

Honorary PRESIDENTS

Sauli NIINISTÖ, Finland, KOK

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Leo TINDEMANS, Belgium, CD&V

Treasurer

Ingo FRIEDRICH, Germany, CSU





who is who - epp secretariat

SECRETARY GENERAL Antonio LÓPEZ-ISTÚRIZ WHITE, Spain

secretary of external relations

DEputies secretary general

Christian KREMER, (Germany) ckremer@epp.eu

Luc VANDEPUTTE, (Belgium) lvandeputte@epp.eu

Galina FOMENCHENKO, Political Advisor (Ukraine) gfomenchenko@epp.eu

Emanuela FARRIS, Political Advisor (Italy) efarris@epp.eu

cabinet of the president

OFFICIALS

Juan MAGAZ, Political Advisor (Spain) jmagaz@epp.eu

audiovisual

Gemma Slaymaker (United Kingdom) gslaymaker@epp.eu

Nicola BRIEC, Senior Political Advisor (France) nbriec@epp.eu

Kostas SASMATZOGLOU, (Greece) relex@epp.eu

press officer

Javier JIMENEZ, (Spain) jjimenez@epp.eu

OFFICIALS

Mélanie DURSIN, Political Advisor (Belgium) mdursin@epp.eu

Ingrid GOOSSENS, Head of President's Cabinet Affairs igoossens@epp.eu

ASSISTANTS

Adina POPESCU, A. to Secretary General apopescu@epp.eu

Ines PRAINSACK, A. to Christian Kremer iprainsack@epp.eu

Daphné LAMAL, A. to Luc Vandeputte dlamal@epp.eu

Pavlina HEYMANS-ŠPAČKOVÁ A. to Kostas Sasmatzoglou jmagaz@epp.eu

Specialised personnel

Yelba TORRES, Working Groups, CDI ytorres@epp.eu

Sophie PAEME, General Administration and Logistics spaeme@epp.eu

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

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

EPP member parties and observers



AUSTRIA Österreichische Volkspartei ÖVP www.oevp.at (Austrian People’s Party) BELGIUM Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams CD&V www.cdenv.be (Christian-Democratic and Flemish) | Centre Démocrate Humaniste CDH www.lecdh.be (Humanistic Democratic Centre) BULGARIA Граждани за европейско развитие на България ГЕРБ/GERB www.gerb-bg.com (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria) | Демократи за силна България ДCБ/DSB www.dsb.bg (Democrats for a strong Bulgaria) | Съюз на Демократичните Сили CДC SDS/UDF www.sds.bg (Union of Democratic Forces) Демократическа партия ДП/DP www.dpblg.hit.bg (Democratic Party) | Земеделски Народен Съюз ЗHC/ZNS www.zns.bg (Agrarian People’s Union) CYPRUS Δημοκρατικόs Συναγερμόs DISY www.disy.org.cy (Democratic Rally) CZECH REPUBLIC Křesťanská a Demokratická Unia – Česká Strana Lidová KDU-CSL www.kdu.cz (The Christian Democratic Union – Czech People’s Party) DENMARK Det Konservative Folkeparti DKF www.konservative.dk (Conservative People’s Party) | Kristendemokraterne KD www.kd.dk (Christian Democrats) ESTONIA Isamaa ja Res Publica Liit IRL www.irl.ee (Pro Patria and Res Publica Union) FINLAND Kansallinen Kokoomus KOK www.kokoomus.fi (The National Coalition Party) | Suomen Kritillisdemokraatit SKD* www.kd.fi (Finish Christian Democrats) FRANCE Union pour un Mouvement Populaire UMP www.u-m-p.org (Union for a Popular Movement) GERMANY Christlich Demokratische Union CDU www.cdu.de (Christian Democratic Union) | Christlich-Soziale Union in Bayern CSU www.csu.de (Christian - Social Union of Bavaria)

EU mEMBER states

GREECE Νέα Δημοκρατία ND www.nd.gr (New Democracy) HUNGARY Fidesz – Magyar Polgári Szövetség FIDESZ www.fidesz.hu (Fidesz – Hungarian Civic Union) | Magyar Demokrata Fórum MDF www.mdf.hu (Hungarian Democratic Forum) Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt KDNP www.kdnp.hu (Christian Democratic People’s Party) IRELAND Fine Gael FG www.finegael.ie (Family of the Irish) ITALY Forza Italia FI www.forzaitalia.it (Forward Italy) | Unione dei Democratici Cristiani e dei Democratici di Centro UDC www.udc-italia.it (Union of Christian Democrats and Centre Democrats) | Popolari UDEUR www.popolariudeur.it (Popular Party UDEUR) | Südtiroler Volkspartei SVP* www.svpartei.org (South Tyrolean People’s Party) LATVIA Tautas Partija TP www.tautaspartija.lv (People’s Party) | Jaunais Laiks JL www.jaunaislaiks.lv (New Era Party) LITHUANIA Tėv ynės Są jungos-Lietuvos Krikščionys Demokratai TS-LKD www.tsajunga.lt (Homeland Union – Lithuanian Christian Democrats) LUXEMBOURG Chrëschtlech Sozial Vollekspartei CSV www.csv.lu (Christian Social People’s Party) MALTA Partit Nazzjonalista PN www.pn.org.mt (Nationalist Party) THE NETHERLANDS Christen Democratisch Appèl CDA www.cda.nl (Christian Democratic Appeal) POLAND Platforma Obywatelska PO www.platforma.org (Civic Platform) | Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe PSL www.psl.pl (Polish People’s Party) PORTUGAL Partido Social Democrata PSD www.psd.pt (Social Democratic Party) ROMANIA Partidul Democrat – Liberal PD–L www.pd.ro (Democratic-Liberal Party) | Uniunea Democrată Maghiară din România/Romániai Magyar Demokrata Szövetség UDMR/RMDSZ www.rmdsz.ro (Democratic Alliance of hungarians in Romania) | Partidul National Taranesc Crestin Democrat PNTCD www.ppcd.ro (Christian-Democratic National Peasants‘ Party) SLOVAKIA Slovenská Demokratická a Kresťanská Únia - Demokratická Strana SDKÚ-DS www.sdkuonline.sk (Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party) Strana Maďarskej Koalície/Magyar Koalíció Pártja MKP www.mkp.sk (Party of Hungarian Coalition) | Kresťanskodemokratické hnutie KDH www.kdh.sk (Christian Democratic Movement) SLOVENIA Slovenska Demokratska Stranka SDS www.sds.si (Slovenian Democratic Party) | Slovenska Ljudska Stranka SLS www.sls.si (Slovenian People’s Party) Nova Slovenija – Krščanska Ljudska Stranka NSI www.nsi.si (New Slovenia – Christian People’s Party) SPAIN Partido Popular PP www.pp.es (People’s Party) | Unió Democràtica de Catalunya UDC www.unio.org (Democratic Union of Catalonia)

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SWEDEN Moderaterna m www.moderat.se (Moderate Party) | Kristdemokraterna KD www.kristdemokraterna.se (Christian Democrats)

ALBANIA Partia Demokratike e Shqipërisë PD* www.partiademokratike.al (Democratic Party of Albania) BELARUS Беларускі Народны Фронт БНФ/BPF* www.pbnf.org (Belarusan Popular Front) | Объединенная Граж данская Партия ОГП/UCP* www.ucpb.org (United Civil Party)

Other Europea n Countries

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Stranka Demokratske Akcije SDA* www.sda.ba (Party of Democratic Action) | Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica Bosne i Herzegovine HDZBiH* www.hdzbih.org (Croatian Democratic Union of Bosnia and Herzegovina) | Партија Демократског Прогреса/Partija Demokratskog Progresa ПДП/PDP* www.pdpinfo.net (Party of Democratic Progress) CROATIA Hrvatska Demokratska Zajednica HDZ www.hdz.hr (Croatian Democrat Union) | Hrvatska Seljačka Stranka HSS www.hss.hr (Croatian Peasant Party) FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (F.Y.R.O.M.) Внатрешна македонска револуционерна организација – Демократска партија за македонско национално единство ВМРО-ДПМНЕ/ VMRO-DPMNE* www.vmro-dpmne.org.mk GEORGIA ერთიანი ნაციონალური მოძრაობა/Ertiani Natsionaluri Modzraoba UNM* www.unm.ge (United National Movement) MOLDOVA Partidul Popular Creştin Democrat PPCD* www.ppcd.md (Christian Democratic People’s Party) NORWAY Høyre www.hoyre.no (Conservative Party) | Kristelig Folkeparti KrF* www.krf.no (Christian Democratic Party) SAN MARINO Partito Democratico Cristiano Sammarinese PDCS* www.pdcs.sm (Sammarinese Christian Democratic Party) SERBIA G17 PLUS www.g17plus.org.yu | Демократска странка Србије/Demokratska Stranka Srbije DSS www.dss.org.yu (Democratic Party of Serbia) Vajdasági Magyar Szövetség/Saveza Vojvođanskih Mađara VMSZ/SVM* www.vmsz.org.yu (Alliance of Hungarians in Vojvodina) SWITZERLAND Christlichdemokratische Volkspartei CVP www.cvp.ch (Christian Democratic People’s Party) TURKEY Adalet ve Kalkınma Partisi AKP* www.akparti.org.tr (Justice and Development Party) UKRAINE Батьківщина/Batkivshcyna* www.byut.com.ua (Fatherland Party) | Народний Союз „Наша Україна”/Narodnyi Soyuz Nasha Ukrayina NSNU* www.nuns.com.ua (People’s Union „Our Ukraine“) | Народний Рух України/Narodnyi Rukh Ukrajiny НРУ/NRU* www.nru.org.ua (People’s Movement of Ukraine)

Single Party Government Senior Coalition Partner Junior Coalition Partner Not in Government

*

Observer Status

Symbols next to the country name correspond to governmental status of EPP member parties in the respective country.

Order of national member parties is correlated with their governmental status or representation in respective national parliaments.

Asterisk next to the party name corresponds to observer status within the EPP.

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European People’s Party · www.epp.eu

2008

European People’s Party 10, rue du Commerce · B-1000 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 285 4140 · Fax: +32 (0)2 285 4141 info@epp.eu · www.epp.eu

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