Echoes, PES Group newsletter, Nr 34, may 2012 by PES CoR

Newsletter of the European So c ialist s in the C ommi tte e of the Regi ons

M ay 2012

NEWS OF THE PES GROUP IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS 02 OTHER VOICES: INTERVIEW WITH HANNES SWOBODA, PRESIDENT OF THE S&D GROUP IN THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

PLENARY SESSION OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS (3 – 4 MAY 2012) 04 COR COMMISSIONS: WHAT'S NEW? AND NOW OVER TO PES MEMBERS

08 12

NEWS OF THE PARTY OF EUROPEAN SOCIALISTS 14 A LOOK AT SOME RECENT LOCAL AND REGIONAL ELECTIONS

w w w. p e s . co r. e u ro p a . e u Published by | PES Group Secretariat Rue Belliard 101 | 1040 Brussels +32.2.282.22.23 | pes-group@cor.europa.eu

Dear friends, When you hold this newsletter in your hands, we will all just have celebrated May 1st, the international labour and workers’ day. We will also have seen, about a month ago, on April 1st, not just a number of April-fools jokes, but a serious and important innovation in the EU context, namely the entry into force of the European Citizens’ Initiative – a new instrument of direct democracy to complement the representative EU structures. What do these two dates have in common, and what do they mean for us as locally and regionally elected members of the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions? Obviously, work in general, and decent work in particular, allowing people to gain a living and offering them the chance to fulfil their potentials and desires, is our key concern. This is as burning an issue as ever: while a few EU Member States are doing very well and see unemployment falling, a large majority of our countries see scandalously high rates of people looking for jobs, with skyrocketing youth unemployment. Moreover, we are also confronted with a growing problem of ‘working poor’ and of people who, in the name of flexibility, have to work in unacceptable conditions and/or for unacceptable wages. This is felt in our cities and regions, and many people will put the blame for this situation on the European Union, because short-sighted austerity policies are pushed through at the EU level and under the pretext of calming down the financial markets. It is true that the issues of employment, of employability and of decent work must be tackled at European level, and if the European Union we have today cannot provide at least part of the answers to these challenges, our citizens are right to criticise it. But at the same time, we have to be aware that much of what is happening (or not happening)

today is due to the member state governments. As we know, a large majority of them are led by conservatives or liberals, for whom it may also be convenient to put the blame for the difficult situation onto the European Union. We, as social democrats and socialists, therefore have a double challenge before us: we must offer alternative solutions and we must explain, at all different levels, who is responsible for what and that the European Union must be and can be part of the solution. This is where the European Citizens’ Initiative comes in: this new tool may help to create a genuine European debate on issues which go beyond the Member States. Measures at EU level to stimulate growth, improve education and qualifications, regulate speculative markets or show to the politicians that many people do indeed want a financial transaction tax, are just some ideas for citizens’ initiatives. These will not happen over night, and the fact that citizens will be in charge through this instrument does not relieve us politicians of our responsibility. On the contrary, we have to use the momentum, maybe even the anger which citizens feel and which may lead them to propose citizens’ initiatives, and try to channel this into political change – at EU and national, but also regional or local level. I hope by the time you read this, we will also be only days away from seeing the first signs of political change happening in France! With social democratic greetings,

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ President of the PES Group in the CoR

NEWS OF THE PES GROUP IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

n 3 February, the PES Group Secretariat hosted an information session for the assistants of Members of the European Parliament of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D Group), its sister political Group in the European Parliament. Opening the session, PES Group President KarlHeinz LAMBERTZ underlined the added value of a close cooperation between the two groups, which ultimately reinforces the voice of European Socialists, Social Democrats and Progressives in the European decision-making process and successfully takes forward a European agenda based on solidarity (see also Interview with the President of the S&D Group, Hannes SWOBODA, p. 03).

n 1 March, the PES Group launched its photo competition “Life 2.0 – Ready for a new start”, inspired by the theme of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations. European amateur photographers aged 18 -108 are asked to send in a photo that illustrates how senior citizens lead independent lives by staying fit and healthy, take an active part in society and continue to develop their potential. The competition runs until 30 June 2012. The first prize of the competition consists of two trips for two persons to two European cities and a tablet computer.

t its meeting of 15 February, ahead of the CoR plenary session, the PES Group had an exchange views with Ferenc VICSEK, chief editor of the Hungarian independent radio station Klubrádió, on the situation of media freedom and democracy in general in Hungary. Claudette BALDACCHINO, Deputy Mayor of Qrendi (Malta) and PES Group Vice-President in charge of Media and Communication, commented on the meeting: “Being both a politician and a journalist, I firmly believe that the presence of an open media landscape is a necessity for the sustainable existence of a democratic environment”. She expressed her serious concerns about the recent developments in Hungary with respect to the new media laws, through which the Hungarian government attempts to silence internal opposition. “The situation that the Hungarian citizens are currently experiencing reminds me that democracy is not something we should take for granted, but what we must constantly nurture and protect. On joining the European Union, we all become members of a much larger family, with its rights and obligations. It is evident that the new Hungarian Constitution itself runs counter to the spirit of European Union Law. Now we need to put pressures on the European institutions and our national leaders to take decisive action”, she concluded.

he PES Group, in cooperation with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), held its fourth seminar in the lunchtime cycle on Sustainable Europe, focusing on the Future of Europe’s agricultural policy. Key speakers were PES Group member René SOUCHON, President of the Auvergne Regional Council (France) and CoR rapporteur on the Reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and rural development post-2013, and Nella MIKKOLA, Policy Advisor at the Committee of Professional Agricultural Organisations and General Confederation of Agricultural Cooperatives in the European Union (COPA-COGECA).The debate was moderated by Mark ROGERSON, Director of Consilia Ltd.

n 15 May, the PES Group will present, alongside the meeting of the S&D Group in the European Parliament, its publication on a European agenda for social Housing. The publication concludes the PES Group’s campaign on social housing and includes best practices on the ground provided by PES Group members, general information on social housing systems in different Member States, compiled with the help of CECODHAS Housing Europe, as well as the key interventions at the workshop organised by the Group on this issue within the framework of the PES Convention (November 2011). The publication is complete with photographic material by Belgian photographer Loïc DELVAULX, who put into pictures housing realities in five European cities: Brussels, Budapest, Dunkirk, Lisbon and Malmö. To realise this project in each of the five cities, Loïc was assisted by PES Group members Alain HUTCHINSON, Gabor BIHARY, Michel DELEBARRE, Antonia COSTA and Ilmar REEPALU. His work, which is part of a broader project called Europa Habitabilis, will be

exhibited at the European Parliament.

he PES Group’s extraordinary group meeting will take place on 31 August in Rijeka (Croatia), at the invitation of Vojko OBERSNEL, Mayor of Rijeka and member of the Croatian Social Democratic Party (SDP). It will focus on real economy, re-industrialisation and structural funds. Since the February CoR plenary session, the PES Croatian delegation has been associated to the works of the PES Group in their quality of observers. For more information on our activities, please visit the website of the PES Group in the CoR at: www. pes.cor.europa.eu

OTHER VOICES Interview with Hannes Swoboda, President of the S&D Group in the European Parliament

Could you tell us briefly about the priorities of your presidency, especially those relating to the regional and local level?

s President of the S&D group I have emphasised the need for further cooperation between parliamentary groups and the other bodies within our political family. It is vital that the Parliament and its members are in touch with their representatives in the regions. Prior to my election, I said that under my presidency the S&D group would begin a comprehensive dialogue and network on a European basis. To that end, I am currently undertaking a â&#x20AC;&#x153;European tourâ&#x20AC;? to meet various stakeholders who range from leading politicians to regional and municipal bodies, thinktanks such as the FEPS, trade unions, youth organisations and others. My priorities as president have centred on offering the people and governments of

Europe an alternative economic plan as a counterbalance to the harsh austerity measures pushed through by the Commission, the Council and the majority of national governments. I have advocated the creation of a comprehensive programme for economics and employment which should form the basis of our early work and which will include the involvement of external experts. Our economic revival must be based on growth and sustainability and offer specific measures to the general public. Austerity will inevitably be a burden on regions, cities and municipalities and it is vital that we as Socialists and democrats stand together and show people all around Europe that there is an alternative to austerity.

What are your expectations of the PES Group in the CoR with regard to preparing the European Parliament elections in 2014?

or us as a European parliamentary group, it is vital to maintain a structural dialogue with the regional level. Close cooperation between us and the PES group in the Committee of Regions is therefore important. As the S&D group has limited resources and cannot be active all over Europe, it is essential that our members are supported by their local and regional parties. Although the elections are on a pan-European level, they are held and

won locally. Close cooperation between MEPs and locally elected officials is therefore crucial to the success of our campaign. Without effective coordination and dialogue between the regions and the Parliament, we, as Socialists and Democrats, will not be heard by the European citizen. Being close to citizens and their needs is one of my declared aims; this is why close cooperation with the CoR is at the centre of my activity.

Plenary session of the Committee of the Regions (3 – 4 May 2012) The May plenary session will examine 18 draft opinions, 8 of which by PES rapporteurs. The President of the European Council Herman VAN ROMPUY will take the floor in relation to economic governance and the preparation of the June European Council.

OPINIONS IN BRIEF

General regulation on the Structural Funds Catiuscia MARINI (PES/Italy)

he draft opinion of the President of the Umbria Region was adopted unanimously by the COTER commission and will be presented in plenary under the simplified procedure (Read more under COTER commission, p. 09, and Interviews, p. 13).

European Social Fund Konstantinos SIMITSIS (PES/Greece)

future cohesion policy. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur is sceptical whether the proposed timid increase of the ESF budget will be commensurate with the fund’s ambitious goals. He also criticises that the ESF is too much oriented towards serving the Europe 2020 strategy, while neglecting its original objective of social solidarity with the most disadvantaged regions. According to the rapporteur, support provided through the ESF should be tailored to the needs and particularities of individual regions and the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality should be effectively applied when it comes, for example, to the setting of thematic concentration of the fund or investment priorities. He also stresses the need to develop more reliable evaluation procedures. Finally, he welcomes the simplification measures put forward by the European Commission, while underlining that further improvement can be made through the use of a series of innovative measures, already discussed by the CoR (such as revolving funds for microcredit operations, “social bonds” and “citizen bonds”). In the COTER commission, some ALDE amendments opposing the setting of a minimum ceiling of 20% of ESF resources to the benefit of the promotion of social inclusion and the fight against poverty were defeated and the opinion was adopted by a large majority. (Read more under interviews, p. 13).

Revision of the TEN-T legislative framework Bernard SOULAGE (PES/France)

he draft opinion of the mayor of Kavala responds to a European Commission communication on the future European Social Fund (ESF) covering the period 2014-2020, as part of an overall legislative package for the EU’s

he draft opinion of the Vice-President of the Rhône-Alpes Regional Council was adopted unanimously by the COTER commission and will be presented in plenary under the simplified procedure (Read more under COTER commission, p. 09, and Interviews, p. 14).

EU Programme for Social Change and Innovation Enrico ROSSI (PES/Italy)

he draft opinion of the President of the Tuscany Region responds to a European Commission proposal that incorporates three existing instruments, that is, the Programme for Employment and Social Solidarity (Progresss), the European Employment Services (EURES) and the European Progress Microfinance Facility for employment and social inclusion. The overall aim of the programme is to boost the Europe 2020 Strategy for Jobs and Growth and it covers the period 2014-2020. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur underlines the need to focus the action under the programme mainly on vulnerable groups and in particular young unemployed people, who have been hit particularly hard by the crisis. In order to shape labour market reforms, he highlights the importance of carrying out social experimentation projects that address the political priorities of society, sharing more effectively experiences and disseminating good practices. Another important aspect is to ensure overall consistency in European action and between the various funding programmes. The

microfinance facility, for example, should provide more concrete support to innovative and social small enterprises and must, at the same time, be better coordinated with the European Social Fund. Regarding EURES, the rapporteur calls for improved evaluation procedures that focus on the quality of the service provided. Last but not least, Enrico Rossi calls for more targeted action to tackle the obstacles to the free movement of workers. The opinion was adopted by overwhelming majority by the ECOS commission. (Read more under interviews, p. 13).

Erasmus for All Yoomi RENSTRÖM (PES/Sweden)

Reform of the Common Agriculture Policy René SOUCHON (PES/France)

rasmus for All brings together all the current EU and international schemes for education, training, youth and sport, replacing seven existing programmes with one: Lifelong Learning Programme (Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius, Grundtvig), Youth in Action, Erasmus Mundus, Tempus, Alfa, Edulink and the bilateral cooperation programme with industrialised countries. The aim of the new programme is to increase efficiency, make it easier to apply for grants, and reduce duplication and fragmentation. The Commission is proposing a budgetary increase of approximately 70% compared to the current seven-year budget, that is, allocate €19 billion for the period 2014-2020. The new programme will focus on EU added value and systemic impact, with support for three types of action: learning opportunities for individuals, both within the EU and beyond; institutional cooperation between educational institutions, youth organisations, businesses, local and regional authorities and NGOs; and support for reforms in Member States to modernise education and training systems and promote innovation, entrepreneurship and employability. Two-thirds of the funding would be spent on mobility grants to enhance knowledge and skills. The draft opinion of the PES/EDUC coordinator underlines the role of local and regional authorities in implementing both the EU’s education programmes and other relevant European initiatives, since in many European countries the main responsibility for general and vocational training at primary and secondary level, as well as for adult education, lies with local and regional authorities. The text is however critical of the emphasis on mobility and higher education, which is strongly reflected in the name of the new programme; it therefore proposes a new title, that is, Learning Europe. The draft

Health for growth programme Tilman TÖGEL (PES/Germany)

CoR opinion also stresses the need for the new programme to ensure that all target groups (such as youth or lifelong learners) are reached. Since the allocation of funds for the new programme will be performance-based, the CoR calls for clear and transparent qualitative and quantitative criteria, which should avoid direct competition amongst different target groups and ensure that even smaller educational institutions can be financed. Several amendments were tabled in commission and the rapporteur accepted most of them as they ensured a coherent stance vis-à-vis the new programme. Some further amendments on the importance of regional partnerships in education may be expected in plenary.

he draft opinion of the President of the Auvergne Regional Council responds to the European Commission’s legislative proposals aimed at reforming the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) by strengthening the competitiveness and the sustainability of agriculture, while guaranteeing quality food production and preserving the environment. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur underlines that the major challenge facing the CAP post-2013 is to ensure the full integration of the territorial dimension, which reflects the real social, environmental and local specificities of agriculture production and to allow for greening and innovation measures. He also highlights the need for improved market stabilisation measures, aimed at ensuring stable prices which are based on effective public control of agricultural production. He also emphasises the importance of supporting areas with natural handicaps by strengthening measures, such as: swiftly introducing convergence criteria for direct payments in the Member States; allowing for a better redistribution of funds to disadvantaged areas by lowering capping levels; strengthening rules on coupling and raising the overall ceiling for funding for those areas as well as support for small farmers. Last but not least, the rapporteur calls for an adequate and stable budget that ensures the continuation of the CAP’s strategic dimension over the 2014-2020 period.

he draft opinion of the Member of the Landtag of Saxony-Anhalt (PES/Germany) responds to a European Commission proposal on the third multi-annual programme of EU action on healthcare policy, covering the period 2014-2020. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur welcomes the general focus of the programme on innovative and sustainable healthcare systems, better deployment of resources, sickness prevention and cross-border networks to prevent and tackle health threats. However, he is extremely critical of the programme title, which reduces health to a mere question of economic utility, and therefore proposes to replace it by: “Better health for sustainable growth”. The rapporteur emphasises the need to involve regional and local authorities in the preparation, implementation, assessment and analysis of the programme. He regrets the fact that, although these authorities are responsible for and provide healthcare services, they are not at all mentioned in the communication. In this context, he also suggests a reference to the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), which can be a useful instrument for cross-border cooperation on health. Finally, the rapporteur highlights the need for more funding, given the economic benefits of avoiding sicknessrelated costs and absences from work, and to better redirect the support to structurally weak regions. The draft opinion was adopted by an overwhelming majority in the NAT commission and no controversial amendments are expected in plenary (Read more under Interviews, p. 12).

Green paper on family reunification Sergio SOAVE (PES/Italy)

Out of the 280 amendments tabled to this draft opinion in the NAT commission, the rapporteur succeeded in adopting mostly those that strengthen the substance and coherence of the text. (Read more under Interviews, p. 12).

he draft opinion by the Mayor of Savigliano responds to a European Commission Green Paper aimed a examining a number of key aspects on the right to family reunification of third-country nationals living in the EU. Given that the implementation of the existing legislation on family reunification by the Member States has so far not been very successful, the Green Paper asks a series of questions, on how to improve implementation and whether some of the ‘integration measures’ required by Member States in the context of family reunification really foster integration or rather, they constitute indirect barriers to the arrival of immigrants’ family members. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur underlines that immigration policies need first of all to comply with the fundamental right of people to live with their family, which is a right that is independent from access to citizenship and any wider considerations of immigration policy. As local and regional authorities have a key role to play in managing integration of migrants and promoting social cohesion on the ground, they should be fully involved in discussions on the rules for family reunification, because it is a key element of successful integration. In particular, the rapporteur proposes to further clarify the legal guarantees for migrants at European level, for example by establishing a minimum length of residence, which would reconcile the need for stability with respect for the right to a family life. His draft opinion was adopted by a majority by the members of the CIVEX commission. It remains to be seen which conclusions the European Commission will draw from the responses it has received to the Green Paper and whether new legislation will be proposed. In view of these developments, the CoR opinion may have to be updated at a later stage.

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Michael SCHNEIDER (EPP/Germany)

he draft opinion by the EPP Group President and State Secretary and Delegate of the State of Saxony-Anhalt for the German Federation (Germany) stresses the need for a more flexible approach for the allocation of funds under the ERDF, mainly aimed at boosting competitiveness. The rapporteur underlines that even in more developed regions, investment in infrastructure in the areas of environment, transport and information and communication technologies may be necessary. When it comes to funding research and innovation, the ERDF should – according to the rapporteur -not only support the public sector, but also open it to the private one. The rapporteur strongly rejects the creation of an urban platform which might double the activities of existing bodies. Finally, in areas with natural or demographic constraints, the operational programmes should take greater account of the challenges of democratic change. The draft opinion was adopted by majority by the members of the COTER commission. Following the discussions in the COTER commission around the General Regulation and the ERDF, further amendments can be expected in plenary on the thematic concentration aiming at softening the

Review of EU air quality and emissions policy: Cor LAMERS (EPP/Netherlands)

CoR position, instead of radically rejecting any concentration.

Cohesion fund: Romeo STAVARACHE (ALDE/Romania)

he draft opinion of the Mayor of Bacău was adopted unanimously by the COTER commission and will be presented in plenary under the simplified procedure (Read more under COTER commission, p. 09).

Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy: Mieczyslaw STRUK (EPP/Poland)

André VAN And An AN DE N NA ADOR O T OR

Pierre Pi Pie rrre Ma rrre Maill ille ille

he draft opinion of the Marshal of the Pomeranian region responds to a European Commission legislative package which sets out proposals for a modern and simpler Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) making fishing environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. The rapporteur generally welcomes the proposals while making several amendments to the new legislative framework. They refer to an effective long-term management of fish stocks and the management of discards, fishing concessions and ways to encourage Europe’s international partners to fish responsibly. He also calls for increased regionalisation of the CFP and for the creation of appropriate financial support towards its priorities. The draft opinion had already been submitted to the February plenary session. However, given the incoherent outcome on the vote, it was referred back to the NAT commission, where the 66 amendments tabled evidenced the persisting complexity of the debate (namely, the divergent national positions with regard to fishing quotas and undesirable captures, the control of discard and fishing concessions). Most amendments tabled by PES shadow rapporteur Pierre MAILLE, which were aimed at improving the coherence of the draft opinion, were adopted and the draft report was adopted by a majority. Further controversial amendments might be tabled in plenary, but they are unlikely to obstruct the final adoption of the opinion.

he draft opinion of the Mayor of Houten responds to a request of the European Commission ahead of the review of the EU air quality policy in 2013, which will set new longterm objectives for the period after 2020. The document focuses on the question of how to improve air quality in order to guarantee public health and how to best address the implementation problems at regional and local levels. The main challenge is to find the right balance between the prevention of harmful emissions at the source and the measures to deal with the results (i.e. set maximum pollution levels). Given the importance of air quality management for many municipalities and regions in the EU, the issue provoked a lively debate and divergent views in the ENVE commission, and the 93 amendments tabled to this opinion showed the complexity but also the political pertinence of the issue.

Both the PES shadow rapporteur André VAN DE NADORT, Mayor of Ten Boer (Netherlands), and PES/ENVE coordinator Hermann KUHN, member of the Parliament of Bremen (Germany) supported the emphasis on air quality as a key factor of quality of life and stressed the need for local and regional authorities to be assisted in their efforts to improve air quality by clear political guidelines for emission control, as well as by source-based measures. The opinion was adopted by majority and a number of further amendments may be tabled to further clarify the political message of this opinion.

Trans-European Telecommunications Networks: Alin-Adrian NICA (ALDE/Romania)

he Proposal for a regulation on guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks is part of the European Commission’s “Connecting Europe Facility”, a €50 billion plan to fund investment with a view to improving Europe’s transport, energy and digital networks. The draft opinion of the EDUC focuses on the importance of trans-European availability of fast Internet access and digital services for economic growth and the Single Market. The European Commission initiative is anchored in the Europe 2020 Strategy, which puts digital infrastructures at the forefront through the flagship initiative

“Digital Agenda for Europe”. It underlines the need to ensure by 2020 the roll-out and take-up of broadband for all, at increasing speeds, through both fixed and wireless technologies, and to facilitate investment in the new very fast open and competitive internet networks that will be the arteries of a future economy. The rapporteur agrees on the need to remove bottlenecks which hinder the completion of the Digital Single Market by ensuring connectivity to the network and access, including across borders, to an infrastructure of public digital services. He also recalls the key role of local and regional authorities in helping to ensure equal and affordable broadband access in areas where the market fails, in leading pilot projects aimed at bridging the e-Accessibility gap, and in developing new approaches towards people-centred public e-services. Adoption in plenary is expected to be uncontroversial.

Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2011-12: Stanisław SZWABSKI (EA/Poland)

esponding to a European Commission communication on the enlargement strategy and main challenges in 2011-2012, and, not least, in view of the accession of Croatia to the EU in July 2013, the draft opinion by the Chairman of the municipality of Gdynia underlines the progress that candidate countries and potential candidate countries have made as well as the main challenges ahead for the ongoing reforms. The rapporteur recognises the important role of local and regional authorities, of other associations as well as of crossborder cooperation in supporting every stage of the EU enlargement process, encouraging citizens’ participation and helping to implement the subsidiarity principle in these countries. Several PES Group members contributed to the lively discussion in the CIVEX commission and had tabled a number of amendments. Debates focused (once more) on some issues related to Turkey’s membership application. The overall result is a rather balanced text, which was adopted by majority

Energy efficiency in cities and rural districts: Brian MEANEY (EA/Ireland)

n response to a request by the Danish EU Presidency, the Member of the Clare County Council and Mid-West Regional Authority will present his draft opinion as a rapporteur general. Given the need to meet the deadline of ministerial debates on the issue in May, CoR President Mercedes BRESSO decided to ask for this opinion to go straight to the plenary. The key challenge raised by this opinion is the need to support in particular rural areas, where improvements in energy efficiency in many cases are more difficult to achieve than in cities, due to the nature of the building stock (older buildings), the problem of more dispersed buildings (no economic viability of technologies such as district heating), and generally less dense population. At the same time, urban areas and rural areas depend on each other

Innovation – Smart Health – Better Lives: Sustainable welfare, the welfare technology of the future, ageing populations and active ageing: Arnoldas ABRAMAVICIUS (EPP/Lithuania)

and a key challenge is to improve the efficiency of transport links between them. The ENVE commission has therefore only held a general debate on 17 April, and a number of amendments on the document are likely to be tabled for the plenary.

Consumer programme 2014-2020: Istvan SERTO-RADICS (ALDE/Hungary)

n his draft opinion, the Mayor of Uszka generally welcomes the main elements of the European Commission proposal for a regulation, which aims at: strengthening the market monitoring mechanism on product safety of the Community system for the rapid exchange of information on dangers arising from the use of consumer products (RAPEX); improving information to consumers and awareness of their rights; strengthening effective redress, especially through alternative dispute resolutions; and strengthening enforcement of cross-border rights. The rapporteur also emphasises that local and regional authorities should have a key role in protecting consumers, including through support to networks and university centres that are active in this field and through the promotion of mutual exchange of experiences. The NAT commission adopted the amendments tabled by PES shadow-rapporteur Heinz-Joachim HÖFER, which aimed at clarifying and reinforcing the text. The draft opinion was adopted by majority and no major controversies are expected in plenary.

his draft outlook opinion has been elaborated at the request of the Danish Presidency and due to time constraints, the ECOS Chair and Mayor of Zarasai District Municipality was appointed as rapporteur-general. The issue of an ageing European population has a strong impact on local and regional authorities in urban and rural areas alike. The draft opinion seeks to better understand how social innovation can help tackling the challenge of social exclusion and dependency as well as ensuring a healthier late life. It also looks into the positive economic and social impact that an ageing population can have on society, including the expansion of economic activities related to services to older people.

European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF): Gerry BREEN (EPP/Ireland)

he draft opinion of the Member of Dublin City Council and Dublin Regional Authority responds to a European Commission communication on the future EGF covering the period 2014-2020. The fund is aimed at addressing unemployment and at intervening in cases of significant redundancies. According to the rapporteur, key challenges include the establishment of a more efficient intervention mechanism, the simplification of procedures, the definition of higher rates for co-financing, greater flexibility in the application of the fund and the extension of the EGF to groups such as ownermanagers of SMEs and self-employed workers. Last but not least, he highlights that the potential of local and regional authorities should be better exploited when coordinating and implementing measures for workers. The most controversial point remains whether the European Commission proposal of extending the EGF to farmers affected by trade agreements is useful. The opinion was adopted by majority in the ECOS commission and its adoption in plenary should be rather uncontroversial.

CoR Commissions: What's new? CIVEX (Brussels, 9 February 2012)

EU on the one hand, and the urgent need to reduce brain drain in the countries of origin, on the other. The rapporteur stresses that the right to leave any country, including one’s own, is a fundamental human right. A further discussion and adoption of the draft opinion is foreseen for 27 April. p

P Bo Per B dker ANDERSEN

Sergio Ser g SO SOAVE AVEE

he CIVEX commission adopted by majority the draft opinion on Family reunification, by Sergio SOAVE, Mayor of Savigliano (PES/Italy) (Read more under plenary, p. 05). CIVEX members also adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Enlargement strategy and main challenges 2011-2012, by Stanisław Szwabski, Chairman of the municipality of Gdynia (EA/Poland) (Read more under plenary, p 07). p.

2020 under the umbrella communication ‘Global Europe’. p

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CIVEX members also had an exchange of views on the working document on Intra-EU solidarity in Asylum Policy, by PES member Theodoros GKOTSOPOULOS, Municipal Counsellor of the Municipality of Pallini, Attica (Greece). The rapporteur underlines that an improved EU legislative framework is needed in the asylum area, not least because of the increased migration from North Africa and the Middle East, triggered by the ongoing political upheavals. He also calls for a clearer recognition of the role of regional and local authorities and for a more comprehensive definition of the principles of g of responsibility. p y solidarityy and of fair sharing

They also had a discussion on activities of the CoR’s Joint Consultative Committees (JCC) and Working Groups (WG). Both configurations are set up by the CoR Bureau and their work ties in with the CoR’s external relations strategy. Their aim is to establish contacts between the CoR and local and regional representatives of the candidate countries for EU accession. PES members Per Bodker ANDERSEN, Chair of the JCC for the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Bernard SOULAGE, Chair of the WG on Turkey, contributed to this debate with experiences from the face-to-face exchanges with partners from these countries.

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Furthermore, PES member Nichi VENDOLA, President of the Puglia Region (Italy), had an exchange of views with CIVEX members on his working document on the Global approach to migration. The document focuses on the involvement of regions and local authorities in the implementation of the global approach, which must centre on migrants and on respect for human rights in source, transit and destination countries alike. It also explores the link between migration and climate change, and the delicate balance between the idea to allow for ‘selective immigration’ to address skills shortages in the

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The CIVEX commission also appointed Lotta HAKANSSON HARJU, Member of Järfälla Municipal Council (PES/Sweden), as rapporteur for the opinion on the Commission proposals for funding EU External action for the period 2014-

Finally, in view of the entry into force of the regulation on the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) on 1 April 2012, CIVEX members also took part in a round table on this topic. The debate focused in particular on which role the CoR should play concretely (via the dissemination of information etc.) in promoting the ECI as a new tool of democratic participation, and what contribution it could make to the follow-up

and Delegate of the State of Saxony-Anhalt for the German Federation (Germany).

of those citizens’ initiatives which receive one million support signatures.

The draft opinion on the Cohesion Fund by Romeo STAVARACHE, Mayor of Bacău (ALDE/ Romania), was adopted unanimously. The rapporteur stresses that local and regional authorities should be fully involved in decisions at national and European level on investment priorities funded by the Cohesion Fund. He calls for better strategic planning of investments and for a result-oriented approach. Finally, he is concerned about the fact that there is no clear formula for determining the budget share for the Connecting Europe Facility and, in this context, he stresses that this should not have a negative impact on the budget related to cohesion policy funds.

COTER (Lisbon, 5-6 March 2012)

Konssta sttantiinos o SI S MITTSIS

Ca ius Cat uscia cia MA M RIN IN NI

he COTER commission adopted unanimously the draft opinion on the General regulation on the Structural Funds by Catiuscia MARINI, 1st Vice-President of the PES Group and President of the Umbria Region (Italy). The European Commission document lays down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). In her draft opinion, the rapporteur supports the creation of a new category of transition regions, including all regions with a GDP per capita between 75% and 90% of the EU-27 average; confirming thereby the approach already taken by the CoR in its opinion on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, adopted in December 2011, and the opinion on the 5th Cohesion Report (rapporteur: COTER President Michel DELEBARRE, PES), adopted in April 2011. The President of the Umbria Region also stresses the introduction of a flexibility reserve for thematic concentration on key Europe 2020 goals and reiterates her firm refusal of any macroeconomic conditionality penalising regional authorities as a result of Member States’ failure to comply with their obligations. Last but not least, the rapporteur suggests the setting up of partnership contracts that guarantee a stronger involvement of regional and local authorities, who should be responsible for choosing investment priorities and distributing the structural funds between the ERDF and the ESF on the basis of concrete territorial analysis. The COTER commission also adopted by majority the draft opinion on the European Social Fund by Konstantinos SIMITSIS, Mayor of Kavala (PES/Greece) (Read more under plenary, p. 04 and interviews, p. 13).

COTER members also endorsed unanimously the draft opinion on the Legislative Framework on Trans-European Transport Networks (TEN-T) by Bernard SOULAGE, Vice-president of the Rhône-Alpes Regional Council (PES/France). In his draft opinion, the rapporteur welcomes the European Commission approach based on a so called ‘dual-layer’ transport network. This involves putting in place a comprehensive network by 2050 and a core network, including the most strategic routes that offer the highest European added value by 2030. The rapporteur suggests that TEN-T infrastructure projects should be based on existing networks and efforts should focus on improving and interconnecting them, promoting the most resource-efficient use and enhancing cross-border transport operations. He stresses the need to fully involve regional and local authorities in preparing and implementing the proposed actions (i.e. corridors) adopted as part of the TEN-T programming. Finally, given the strategic importance of the TEN-T networks for territorial cohesion across the EU, he underlines the need for sufficient funding to be made available for the selected investments, also through the mobilisation of innovative financial tools and p project bonds. j

H la DUN Hel D GER DU GER-LÖ -LÖ ÖPER

The PES Group obtained the rapporteurship on Cities of tomorrow: sustainable cities on environmental and social levels, a dossier which was referred to the CoR on a request by the Danish Presidency. The draft opinion will be elaborated by Hella DUNGER-LÖPER, State Secretary of the Land of Berlin to the Federal Government and for European Affairs (Germany).

ECOS (Brussels, 8 February 2012)

Be naar Ber ard SOU O LAG GE

Furthermore, COTER members adopted by majority the draft opinion on the European Regional Development Fund by EPP Group President Michael SCHNEIDER, State Secretary

En ico Enr o ROSSSI

he ECOS commission adopted by majority the draft opinion on the EU Programme for Social Change and Innovation by Enrico ROSSI, (PES/Italy) (Read more under plenary, p. 04 and Interviews, p. 13).

the EU workforce, that is, 8.5 million people) to overcome market fragmentation and difficulties in accessing financing. The working document raises a series of questions related to the role of local and regional authorities in enhancing the implementation of capacity-building measures in the cultural sector, facilitating the transition to digital services and evaluating the leverage effect of the current Culture, MEDIA and MEDIA MUNDUS programmes. Moreover, it calls for a debate on the main obstacles to the promotion of European cultural activity in third countries and of international cultural exchanges.

C aude Cla Cl udette ude tte A Ab bela eella BALDA LD CCH CC INO

EDUC (Brussels, 27 February) He KOOL Henk

The PES Group also obtained the rapporteurship for a key political dossier on The award of concession contracts, to be drafted by PES/ ECOS coordinator Henk KOOL. The European Commission proposal aims at reducing legal uncertainty on the award of concessions contracts, which is currently governed by case law. As local and regional authorities are responsible for the majority of public spending in Europe, they should benefit from transparent and outcome-oriented European-wide procedures. ECOS members also adopted by majority the draft opinion on the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for the period 2014-2020 by Gerry BREEN (EPP/Ireland) (Read more under plenary, p. 07). Furthermore, ECOS members had an exchange of views on the working document on the Responsible business package by Satu TIETARI, Member of Säkylä Municipal Council (ALDE/ Finland). The document stresses the need to make better use of the potential, strengths and opportunities presented by regions when it comes to setting and developing social enterprises and local businesses as well as creating valuable networks. Moreover, members had an exploratory debate on a referral of the Danish EU Presidency on Innovation - Smart Health - Better Lives (Read more under Plenary, p. 07). Finally, they had a roundtable debate on gender equality. PES Vice-President Claudette Abela BALDACCHINO, Deputy Mayor of Qrendi (Malta) and former rapporteur on Non-discrimination, equal opportunities and the implementation of the principle of equal treatment between persons, was among the key speakers.

Gááb bor BIH IHARY IHARY A Y

Y mi Yo Yoo m RENSTR REN ENSTRÖM M

DUC members adopted by majority the draft opinion of Yoomi RENSTRÖM, Member of Ovanåker Municipal Council (PES, Sweden), on Erasmus for All (Read more under Plenary, p. 05, and Interviews, p. 12). They also adopted by majority the draft opinion of Alin-Adrian NICA, Mayor of Dudeştii Noi (ALDE/Romania) on the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation on guidelines for trans-European telecommunications networks (Read more under Plenary, p. 06). The EDUC commission also discussed the working document of Gábor BIHARY, Member of Budapest General Assembly (PES, Hungary), responding to the European Commission’s proposal for a regulation establishing the Creative Europe Programme. The new programme will replace the current Culture and MEDIA programmes which have supported the cultural and audiovisual sectors for more than 20 years. The proposed €1.8 billion budget for Creative Europe represents a 37% increase on current spending levels. The aim of the new programme is to help Europe’s cultural and creative sectors (representing around 4.5% of European GDP and accounting for 3.8% of

Finally, the EDUC commission discussed the working document of Markku MARKKULA, Member of Espoo City Council (EPP/Finland), on the European Commission’s new Framework Programme for Research and Innovation ‘Horizon 2020’, which brings together all EU research and innovation funding under a single programme, covering the period 2014-2020. It focuses on turning scientific breakthroughs into innovative products and services while drastically cutting red tape through the simplification of rules and procedures. In his working document, the rapporteur announces that the CoR opinion on Horizon 2020 will have two main pillars: on the one hand, it will address fundamental policy questions related to excellence, capacity-building, smart specialisation, regional research and innovation eco-systems; on the other hand, it will make concrete recommendations on issues affecting local and regional actors. These issues include, but are not limited to: public procurement; researcher mobility; access to complementary finance; research infrastructure; and strategies for R&D and regional development (in particular with respect to smart specialisation). One of the key questions asked is how to ensure that new effective instruments with a strong regional dimension will be developed and taken up. It remains to be seen to what extent the draft opinion will incorporate the key messages of the CoR response, elaborated by Claude GEWERC (PES, France), to the European Commission’s Green Paper in preparation of Horizon 2020.

enhance EU rules in this field with a view to meeting the EU’s climate and energy targets for p the period 2013-2020.

An A Ann nn n e KAR ARRJAL ARJ ALA L INEN INE NEN

It is worth noting that the PES Group obtained the rapporteurship of the European Commission legislative package on Open data and the reuse of public sector information, to be drafted by Anne KARJALAINEN, Member of Kerava City Council (Finland).

ENVE (Brussels, 7 February 2012)

he ENVE commission adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Review of EU air quality and emissions policy by Cor LAMERS, Mayor of Houten (EPP/Netherlands) (Read more under plenary, p. 06). ENVE members also had an exchange of views on the working document on Trans-European energy infrastructure by Heinz LEHMANN, Member of the Saxony Landtag (EPP/Germany), responding to a European Commission proposal for a regulation, aimed at laying down guidelines for the timely development and interoperability of priority corridors and areas of trans-European energy gy infrastructure.

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Ilm mar REE REEPAL PALU U

Finally, ENVE members participated in a roundtable debate on the outcome of the Durban climate negotiations and, more particularly, the global agreement that countries will sign to curb greenhouse gas emissions in 2015. ENVE Chair Ilmar REEPALU, Mayor of Malmö (PES/Sweden), who had represented the CoR in the official EU delegation to the COP17 meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, held in Durban (South Africa) in December 2011, was among the key speakers. Jo LEINEN MEP (S&D/Germany), former Chair of the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee, took also part in the debates. The discussion focused mainly on the implications of the international climate agenda for EU climate policy in general and for local and regional action in particular.

NAT members also adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Health for growth programme by Tilman TÖGEL, Member of the Landtag of Saxony-Anhalt (PES/Germany) (Read more under Plenary, p. 05. and Interviews, p. 12). Moreover, they adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Reform of the Common Fisheries Policy by Mieczyslaw STRUK, Marshal of the Pomeranian region (EPP/Poland) (Read more under Plenary, p. 06). Finally, the NAT commission adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Consumer programme for 2014-2020 by Istvan SERTO-RADICS, Mayor of Uszka (ALDE/Hungary) (Read more under Plenary, p. 07).

NAT (Brussels, 26 March 2012)

Reen ené SOUC CHON H N il SSW Neil Ne Nei WANNICK WANN WAN WA NI K

The ENVE commission appointed PES member Neil SWANNICK, Member of Manchester City Council (UK), as rapporteur on a Mechanism for monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, which proposes legislation to

he NAT commission adopted by majority the draft opinion on the Reform of the Common Agriculture Policy by René SOUCHON, President of the Auvergne Regional Council (PES/ France) (Read more under Plenary, p. 05. and Interviews, p. 12)

AND NOW OVER TO PES MEMBERS “How can local and regional authorities contribute towards ensuring that the new programme reaches all relevant target groups, including parts of the population that are unfamiliar with study or financially disadvantaged groups?”

and work placements can give young people experiences that support their development. We can also contribute at local level by looking for international experience, highlighting good practice, contributing local resources and developing support structures. The correlation between weak school results and socio-economic deprivation is a recognised fact, and if the EU wants to meet the education and employment goals of the Europe 2020 strategy, efforts with these vulnerable groups must be given more weight in the budget allocation for the new education programme. Local and regional authorities must also remember to prioritise these groups in their planning. In your draft opinion, you stress the fact that the greatest challenge for the CAP post-2013 will be to ensure that territorial aspects are fully integrated into the policy. What does this approach comprise and what will be its added value at European level?

Yoomi RENSTRÖM, Member of Municipal Council (PES, Sweden):

relating to rural development, could be comanaged by the regions, along the lines of other structural policies. Likewise, I would like the regions to be able to be involved in implementing all or part of the funds coming under the first pillar. The Commission does offer this possibility, such as in the arrangements for providing support for less-favoured areas. I believe, however, that it is particularly in relation to «greening» the CAP that the involvement of local and regional levels is necessary. It is wrong to think that this «greening» process will be uniform across the whole of the European Union. To take into account the diversity of the different farming and ecosystems in the EU, greening measures have to be geared to local contexts. This is what I am proposing in my draft opinion with «territorial pacts». Surprisingly, the proposal for a regulation on the EU’s Health for Growth programme makes no mention of regions and municipalities. So why does their contribution matter – especially when it comes to taking a more strategic approach to health?

Ovanåker

Local and regional authorities must play a key role if the EU’s education programmes are to have an impact, since in many countries responsibility for the education of children and young people lies with these levels of government. The new programme calls more strongly for schools and institutions to take overall responsibility for projects. The intention is to provide support for individuals and groups seeking cross-border exchanges of experience. Since the programme can be adapted to local situations, the advantages of its integrated character can be more effectively harnessed through cooperation at local and regional level, especially in the case of groups that are more in need of support. Being able to compare different approaches can improve quality, ca p o e qua ty, and a d mobility ob ty in education educat o

René Souchon, President of the Auvergne Regional Council (France): The CAP has undergone several changes over the last 50 years. However the question of its governance has never been clearly raised. Now it is time to do so. European agriculture is highly diversified: there is no one type of agriculture, but there is a multitude of different types. Consequently, the CAP should take this diversity into account. To this end, I feel it is absolutely vital to rely more on local and regional levels of governance. The European Commission is proposing to ensure the consistency of European structural funds in a common strategic framework. This is a development which allows greater responsibility for the management of European funds to be transferred to local and regional levels. In concrete terms, this means that the measures coming under the second pillar of the CAP,

Tilman Tögel, Member of the Saxony-Anhalt Landtag (Germany): “The proposal for a regulation does fail to mention regions and municipalities, even though practically everywhere they’re responsible for securing and organising healthcare services. Issues surrounding education and prevention, and protection against cross-border health risks are also dealt with locally. So if we want to facilitate transfer of know-how or even coordinate measures during a health crisis, for example, it’s not enough to work at Member State level alone. I also think it’s strategically important to take advantage of the benefits and opportunities offered by EGTCs (European groupings of territorial cooperation), which may be useful here in the case of border regions, in particular.

There are large differences in healthcare provision even within Member States. In sparsely populated or remote regions it’s sometimes much poorer, and in any case more expensive than in densely populated or urban regions. Eliminating or reducing these inequalities is a key objective of the programme. But in doing so, the focus has to be very much on people and their health. Economic benefits are all to the good, but they can’t be the main motivation. That’s why I’m also in favour of changing the title of the programme to Better Health for Sustainable Growth, as advocated by quite a few people at the hearings.” There is a lot of discussion at EU level on how best to combat the high youth unemployment rates caused by the economic and financial crisis. How can the European Union Programme for Social Change and Innovation help in this? Could you give an actual example of how your region has reacted to this challenge on the ground?

of applications for this. Finally, we have offered young graduates interest-free loans for advanced study and specialisation both in Italy and abroad. In short, we have come up with a batch of opportunities at European level funded with regional, national and Community resources that can also be backed up by other funds from local authorities and public and private entities.

Regional and local authorities are currently facing heavy budget cuts owing to the economic and financial crisis. In this context, cohesion policy can play a key role in bringing about their economic recovery. What are your main policy recommendations regarding the Structural Funds for the post-2013 period?

This is an example of across-the-board collaboration to achieve a common goal: giving young people their future back. They should not be seen as targets for assistance, but as a resource in which to invest. In your draft opinion, you criticise the European Social Fund (ESF) for being too much oriented towards serving the Europe 2020 strategy, while neglecting its original objective of social solidarity with the most disadvantaged regions. What are your concrete proposals in this regard?

Catiuscia Marini, President of the Umbria region (Italy):

Enrico Rossi, President of the Tuscany Region (Italy): We in Tuscany are convinced that young people are not a problem, but actually the solution for returning to growth and leaving the crisis behind us. We have to focus on the young, give them what they need to take control of their own future, and support them as they begin to gain independence in terms of money, housing and work. This is not just to improve the quality of life of younger generations, who are unfortunately among the main victims of unemployment and job instability, but also to get us all out of the crisis that we are in. With this goal in mind, we came up with and implemented a project called “Giovani sì” (Young People – Yes!), which combines a number of initiatives to enable young people to become self-reliant. We shall be spending more than EUR 334 million on the project up to the end of 2013. The results after the first few months are encouraging: we have launched more than 1 200 paid traineeships; around 2 000 young people have contacted our offices to get a rent subsidy and the same number have begun civilian service. Then we had an initiative to nurture a new generation of young entrepreneurs and we have received hundreds

Konstantinos Simitsis, Mayor of Kavala (Greece): We agree as a rule with the basic principle that tasks and measures under the ESF be linked with the Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. We do have concerns, however, regarding “full alignment” of the ESF with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, as this could restrict the fund’s mission within the context of cohesion policy, as set out in the Treaty, and divert it from its role as the basic driver of cohesion policy to become a tool in the exclusive service of the Europe 2020 strategy. Furthermore, we disapprove of the fact that there is no reference whatsoever to the definition of the ESF’s role, in the context of its full alignment with the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, or to reducing the backwardness of the least favoured regions (rural areas, areas affected by industrial transition, the northernmost regions with particularly sparse population density, and island, border and mountain regions). The amendments to Articles 4 and 10 of the draft regulation are our attempt to address the above dangers.

The public finance situation is extremely critical: on the one hand, heavy cuts in resources (Fiscal Compact) are pushing authorities to use emergency reserves; on the other, there is the need to prevent Community resources merely replacing national resources that are now lacking (additionality). As “other” funding is dwindling, Community funding is coming into play more and more, which means its use needs to be increasingly targeted, result-focused and geared to regional economic development needs, with an approach which is as integrated as possible with regard to the various funds. First and foremost, the European Union needs a budget that is sufficient to implement the Europe 2020 strategy and achieve the specific cohesion policy objectives properly. We must call for greater integration of the European funds (ERDF, Cohesion Fund, ESF, EAFRD, EGF), simplifying management and monitoring rules and strongly encouraging multi-fund operational programmes. I believe that, in line with the subsidiarity principle, it is essential for local and regional authorities to be fully involved in drawing up, negotiating, implementing and revising the various strategic documents: by its very nature, cohesion policy follows a bottom-up (rather than top-down) approach based on a regional assessment which identifies the strengths and weaknesses of regions needing support from the Structural Funds for their development. Moreover, restoring effectiveness and a result-focused approach are also essential, and can best be achieved by enhancing the role of evaluations and making them public and transparent, such that local communities take greater ownership of cohesion policy and its results, and strive for the enhanced reputation that comes when effectiveness can be demonstrated. Lastly, I believe that genuinely simplifying the fund implementation provisions

for management, supervisory and audit authorities will make access to financing easier for beneficiaries. In your draft opinion on the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), you stress the need to do more to include local and regional authorities in the governance system. Could you give a practical example of how regions and cities can contribute to developing the EU’s transport infrastructure?

Bernard Soulage, Vice-President of the RhôneAlpes Regional Council (France): All too often people forget that local and regional authorities finance a significant share of the trans-European networks and their access routes. Without this critical financial input, many projects would never come into being. The fact is that the EU contribution only amounts to between 20 and 40% of projects’ real cost and Member States no longer have the resources to make up the difference. Regions and cities therefore have a crucial role to play in financing these projects. By virtue of their proximity to the public, regions and cities also have a fundamental part to play in winning public support for large-scale transport infrastructure projects. There is no shortage of good projects. However, the public need to be persuaded that the changes entailed are not necessarily a bad thing and that small sacrifices are sometimes necessary to make major advances in terms of mobility, sustainability, the environment or solidarity. Regions and cities support major European transport infrastructure projects because they bolster territorial cohesion and the attractiveness of their areas within the single market. It is a shame that Member States are penalising the trans-European transport networks so as not to have to justify their shortcomings to the European Union.

News of the Party of European Socialists O

n 9 February, the PES Presidency met for the fist time under the new interim President Sergei STANISHEV. The meeting aimed at setting the pace of PES work up until the PES Congress, due to take place in Bucharest (Romania), on 28-29 September 2012. Advancements in the procedure for the selection of a PES candidate for the presidency of the European Commission post 2014, as well as the timeline for the elaboration of the PES Fundamental Programme were the main issues discussed.

Gáborr Bih Bihary aryy

The Fundamental Programme is part of the PES renewal process, launched at the 2009 PES Congress in Prague, and it follows on from the PES Declaration of Principles, adopted by the PES Council last November. The programme’s broad goal is to develop a common programmatic basis for all PES member parties, while outlining the PES vision for a progressive Europe. The PES Fundamental Programme will be adopted by the PES Council in spring 2013. Based on bottom-up consultations, the programme will cover the four overarching themes of the PES Convention: Fair

Economy, Equal Societies, a Just World and Active Democracy. Gender Equality will be the fifth consultation theme. The PES Presidency also agreed on the 2012 PES campaign, which will focus on youth unemployment. ‘My future is your Future’ calls for a European Youth Guarantee, which would ensure that every young person (under 25) is offered a job, further education or work-focused training at the latest four months after leaving education or becoming unemployed. The official launch of the campaign is due in late April. The PES Group was represented at the PES Presidency by Gabor BIHARY (Hungary), who reiterated the Group’s full commitment to the elaboration of the PES Fundamental Programme and unreserved support to the PES youth unemployment campaign. It is worth noting that, within the framework of the Open Days 2012, the PES Group will be organising a workshop on ‘Youth (un)employment: Exploring solutions that work’, due to take place in Brussels, on 10 October,

which will be enriched through contributions by PES Group members.

borders, and finally, women at risk of multiple discriminations.

The PES Financial and Economic Network met on 7 March to discuss the latest developments in EU economic and financial policies. The agenda included a legislative update on the credit rating agencies and the state-of-play with regard to the new Treaties, i.e. the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance (TSCG).

Another item on the agenda was the state of play concerning the introduction of quotas for women in company boards. An extensive exchange of views took place on the renewal process launched within PES Women, especially with regard to the structure and responsibilities of their Executive and in view of the forthcoming elections within the framework of the PES Congress. Last but not least, PES Women adopted a declaration welcoming the Danish Presidency’s gender equality priorities to combat youth unemployment The PES Group was represented by its Vice-President Yoomi RENSTRÖM, who underlined the significance of the local and regional perspective in the fight for gender equality.

The members of the network also exchanged views on the draft PES investment strategy for jobs and growth in Europe. The PES proposes concrete measures that will translate into the creation of 12 million new jobs in Europe by 2020. The strategy would be financed through the reform of tax policy to create room to manoeuvre for investment, the use of current instruments to their full capacity and the use of new tools to redirect capital towards long term investments in the EU. The key axes of proposed action revolve around nine priorities: redefining competitiveness; improving the quality of education and formation; strengthening active labour market policies; strengthening innovation in Europe; reducing the use of energy and resources; decarbonising and modernising energy production; investing in strong health care and long-term care systems; modernising transport infrastructure in Europe; providing high-quality internet access and communication infrastructure for jobs and growth in Europe.

On 29-30 March, the PES organised a conference in Tunis (Tunisia), in cooperation with the Global Progressive Forum, the European Parliament’s S&D Group and the FEPS. The Arab Spring Conference, which was entitled “A Progressive Agenda for a new Arab World”, aimed at supporting PES partners in the region as well as informing the European institutions about the latest developments. The conference focused on how to strengthen the democratisation process in areas such as the media, police or justice and how to empower progressive political parties and movements. Participants shared experiences of the ongoing transition processes and discussed perspectives for future trade agreements and g g regional integration.

Kaa l-H Kar -H Hein ei z LAMBERTZ

It is worth noting that PES Group President KarlHeinz LAMBERTZ has taken the initiative to bring to the attention of PES Group members the existence of over 150 PES City Groups, created by PES Activists. The President underlined the added value of synergies with the PES City Groups and encouraged PES Group members to explore the full potential of such exchanges.

Finally, members discussed the elaboration of the PES Fundamental Programme. It is worth noting that the PES Group in the CoR has contributed to the consultation on the theme Equal Societies, and in particular the challenges facing a progressive social model and welfare states. p g

Bernar Ber n d SOUL nar SOUL OULAGEE

The PES Group in the CoR was represented by Bernard SOULAGE, who underlined the key role of local and regional authorities in the democratisation process in the region. Yo oomi REN NSTR ST ÖM

PES Women held their statutory meeting in Copenhagen, on 23 March. They discussed their involvement in the 2012 PES campaign through a particular focus on young women’s unemployment, and in the elaboration of the PES Fundamental Programme. Their input will be articulated around six key policy areas: equal representation of women and men, women’s economic independence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, violence against women, gender equality for women beyond EU

A look at some recent local and regional elections Malta (10 March 2012)

Saarland, Germany (25 March 2012)

This year’s local elections in Malta involved just over half of the country’s local councils (68 in total). Malta’s Labour Party (LP) won almost 56 % of the votes cast, increasing its share by 6% and taking control of 19 out of 35 councils. The ruling conservative party (PN) suffered an electoral meltdown just 12 months before the general election and obtained less than 42 % of votes. PES Group members Ian BORG and Joe CORDINA were re-elected in their position as mayors of Dingli and Xaghra respectively.

At the regional elections held in Saarland, the Social Democratic Party (SPD) came second with 30.6 % (after the Conservatives, who obtained only 35.2%), increasing their share of votes over 6% compared to the 2009 elections. The left wing party Linke came third with 16.1%, followed by the Pirate Party (7.4%) and the Greens (5%). The Liberals, currently in coalition with the Conservatives in Angela Merkel’s government, were punished by voters and obtained only 1.2%.

POLITICAL BALANCE IN THE CoR POLITICAL GROUPS

30.5%

MEMBERS (FULL)

■ PES .................................................................. 105

12.2%

■ EPP .................................................................. 129

37.5%

■ ALDE .................................................................. 42 ■ EA ...................................................................... 18

5.2% 7.3%

7.3%

■ NA ...................................................................... 25 ■ Pending appointments ......................................... 25

TOTAL CoR

w w w.p es.cor.europa.eu 16

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