European Agenda 02 2008

WHAT’S ON IN POLITICAL BRUSSELS?

I S S U E 0 2 / 2 0 0 8

Sustainable Development A spotlight on the topic that is on everybody‘s agenda

p. 18

ICT Special

Current events and issues in the IT and Telecommunications sector

p. 43

Spring Fever

in European Politics: The EU Agenda for March/April 2008 Interview

U.S. political adviser Terry A. Nelson on public affairs, politics and transatlantic strategising p. 14

Events

A comprehensive overview of the highlights on the EU calendar for March/April 2008 p. 27

People

Who is new: Recent personnel changes in the EU Who was where: Pictures of Brussels’ recent top events p. 53

EDITORIAL

Editorial

T

he Europe-wide drive towards a sustainable future

The European Union takes a front seat in the global class of sustainabil-

is moving from years of constructive talk and debate

ity champions – it is safe to assume that what is decided here now will

feels like we are at the brink of a new, eco-friendly

not the only actor in this game. In this issue of European Agenda, we in-

more and more towards concrete action. It almost age if you just take a look at all the initiatives that

have been taken up by European politics and business. The paradigm shift towards lessening man-

kind’s footprint on our beautiful planet created a huge wave of activism that left virtually no industry untouched.

At last everyone is running in the same direction, one could say. But this

is neither true nor just. There are political decisions to be made that are

not only decisive for Europe’s future economic viability and competitiveness. It is also an almost historic chance to convey to European citizens

serve as a blueprint for global conduct. Needless to say, however, that is terviewed Terry Nelson, a former Political Director for the Bush presidential campaign in 2004 and now Washington consultant. It is always fas-

cinating to have an outside perspective on Europe, and Mr. Nelson gives us his view on the room for growth of lobbying in Europe, which pales in

comparison with the established industry over in the US. He also offers

his thoughts on the promotion of the idea of a European public sphere, and the need for popular discussion and clarification of the status of the

EU. This just to remind us that, albeit all the justifiable pride off being a global champion in sustainable development legislation, there is still a lot to be done towards building a sustainable European Union.

what good pan-European legislation can do to their every day life. Take the proposals on Climate Change or the Energy package published on 23

January this year, which puts forth the main strategic points which need to be met if progress is to be achieved across Europe in grappling with

the economic, environmental and social requirements of sustainability

– issues that are impossible to resolve on a national level.

EW_210x120_adv2.qxd:Layout 1 20/2/08 14:15 Page 1

Rudolf Hetzel Publisher

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CONTENT

Letters to the Editor

7

News from EU Brussels

8

Typically American, typically European

12

Interview Terry Nelson

14

Sustainable Developement Facts & Figures

18

Sustainable Developement 20 20 by 2020

21

Sustainable Developement Opinion

22

Sustainable Developement Interview

24

Agenda March/ April 2008

27

IT & Telecommunication Events

44

IT & Telecommunication EU Regulator

46

IT & Telecommunication E-Health

48

IT & Telecommunication ITC and Sustainability

50

People Winner and Loser

53

People Personnel Changes

54

People Gala

58

Brussels Insider Tidbits

63

Brussels Insider Networking

64

Brussels Insider Eurocrat’s Babble

66

Editor in Chief: Grit Fiedler

Photo Editors: Albrecht Noack, Olga Bode

Editors: Azra Ahmed, Christine Holthoff, Daniel Le Ray, Elke Nussbaum, Christopher Robotham, Sara Schützeberg, Susi Teichmann, Paul Thomas

Cover: www.marco-urban.de

Graphical Concept: Steffi Butter, Marcel Franke, Daniel Schnatterer Layout: Steffi Butter Illustration: Burkhard Piller

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Managing Editor: Max Obenaus (max.obenaus@europeanagenda.eu) Business Development Director: Cristina Silva (cristina.silva@europeanagenda.eu) Publisher: Rudolf Hetzel

Agenda March: EU Summit p. 30

Personnel changes: New CoR President p. 54

Gala: Sustainable Energy Award p. 60

Editorial office: 13-15, Rue de la Charité, B-1210 Brussels Tel.: +32 (0)2 219 22 90 Fax: +32 (0)2 219 22 92 E-mail: info@europeanagenda.eu www.europeanagenda.eu Helios Media Friedrichstraße 209 D-10969 Berlin Print: Druck Vogt GmbH, Schmidstraße 6, 10179 Berlin

— 5—

FERRMED CONFERENCE

FERRMED Standards, the Keystone of Rail Freight Competitiveness in Europe

Brussels – 29 May 2008 Meeting Point of EC Representatives, Logistic Operators, Different Industry Actors, Main Shippers, Infrastructure Managers, Rolling-Stock Manufacturers, Rail Operators, etc.

FERRMED Standards promote the development of a rail network in the whole EU, in the form of reticular and polycentric network with a great socio-economic and intermodal impact.

The Association suggests that the Great Axes network should have a double line, one giving priority to freight and the other to passengers. The line meant for freight should have the capacity of handling long and heavy trains.

The objectives of the Conference: Proposal FERRMED standards and their progressive implementation Discuss technical, social, environmental, and economic issues related to rail freight with key experts in Workshops and Round Table Discussions: • •

• • • • •

Reticular and polycentric rail network of high socioeconomic and intermodal impact Freight line characteristics: UIC width of the tracks; UIC-C gauge; 25 tons per axle; limited slopes of maximum 0.012; and 25.000 Volts Long and heavy trains (up to 1.500m long and 3.600÷ 5.000 tons) Unified and improved management, operational systems, and legislation Network of intermodal, polyvalent, and flexible terminals Free competition and advantageous fees Reduction of environmental impact

For more information: www.ferrmed.com

FERRMED a.s.b.l.

Secrétariat Général, Rue de Trèves 49 - box 7, B-1040 Bruxelles - BELGIUM Tél.: +32 2 230 59 50, Fax: +32 2 230 70 35

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EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 7—

NEWS

News The EU Commission has made its language da-

expansion: new terminal at south charleroi

tabase freely

Euro Payments Ar-

The over a

The new Terminal at South Charleroi Airport was

lations in 22

building has been designed to be easily expand-

of the 23 EU

languages will surely be a valuable resource for the developers of translation software. The EU possesses many more translated texts than any other organisation. If you do your maths, with

all documents in all 22 languages, it adds up to a

staggering 253 language combinations. Up until now an englishman had an arsenal of available language tools at his disposal, but the poor soul looking to translate Maltese into Slovak may

have been a little disappointed with the palette of services on offer.

ea) on the 28th of

tences and their trans-

To mark the launch of SEPA (the Single

accessible. million sen-

sepa: official launch of single euro payments area

opened on January 29th 2008. The new terminal able, and new parking facilities with 43,00 spaces have also been built. According to CEO Marcel

Buelens, the terminal should serve 3 million pas-

sengers in its first year, a significant expansion as this more than doubles the number of pas-

sengers expected to travel through Charleroi in the coming year. Whizz Air has already announced three new flights per week to Bucharest departing from the new terminal. Reports also suggest that Ryanair is to announce five additional flights from March.

lobbying: leaving footprints?

January, the European Central Bank

and the European

Payments Council jointly held “SEPA

Goes Live”, with guests from the

Charly McCreevy

EU payments mar-

ket, at the Charlemagne Building in Brussels.

SEPA enables people to make cashless payments

throughout the euro area as quickly, safely and

easily as national payments. SEPA considers all euro payments domestic and made with one set of payment instruments.

interel grows with acquisitions

On the 12th of

February Interel

announced the

The 6th of february saw the release of the Draft Report on the devel-

acquisition of

opment of a framework for the activities of lobbyists in European in-

leading London-

stitutions. It suggests that the issue is far from being settled. Stubb

based Public Af-

– the rapporteur in charge of the report – suggests MEPs include

fairs consultancy

“legislative footprints” of persons consulted in the drafting of their

Politics

reports, but adds that it should be left to the discretion of the MEPs. The report´s definition of lobbyists is very broad, and the desirability

the deal, Interel

in principle of a common register for Parliament and Commission

hopes to consoli-

is underlined, but it suggests that a joint working group be set up

Frederik Lofthagen, CEO, Interel

disputed issue of a mandatory/voluntary registration of lobbyists,

porate Affairs consultancy in Europe. The deal

register, and recalling that Parliament’s register is already de facto

affairs consultancy Cabinet Stewart, and Berlin-

to consider its implications. It makes no recommendation on the

simply noting the Commission’s decision to start with a voluntary

mandatory, because registering is a prerequisite for gaining ac-

cess to Parliament. In contrast to the Commission’s proposal, the report states that the requirement of financial disclosure must ap-

ply equally to all interest representatives, but makes no mention of what information should be disclosed.

— 8—

Inter-

national. With

date its position as a leading Cor-

follows the acquisition of the Brussels-based EU

based PA consultancy Claudia Conrad last year.

Interel aims to gain a strong UK public affairs presence, whereas Politics International hopes

to benefit from Interels’ pan-European reach

and greater depth of resource in related communications disciplines.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: archive(2); Etienne Ansotte/European Community 2008; archive; private

help at hand for malteseslovak translations!

NEWS

ec transparency: online interaction with commissioners

On the 29th of Janu-

New in Brussels

ary there was an on-

Euroregion Alps-Mediterranean

held which allowed

1050 Brussels

Rue du Trone 62

line discussion forum

citizens of the European Union to take part

in discussions with the likes of Margot

Last October saw the launch of the Euroregion

Alps-Mediterranean, aiming to affirm the role of these regions in the European Union. Their new office was opened on January 31st.

Wallström (Vice-Presi-

Academy of European Law

Commission), Com-

1000 Brussels

1040 Rue Belliard 159

dent of the European missioners Stavros

Margot Wallström

Dimas (Environment)

and Adris Piebalgs (Energy). The forum hopes to encourage EU citizens to voice their opinions on subjects related to the European Union, to give

them feedback and to provide follow-up information. It should be seen in

opened their Brussels office with guest speaker

Lovro Sturm, Slovenia’s Minister for Justice. The ERA Academy in Trier will also be expanded.

context of the new European Transparency Initiative, which aims to recon-

German Fire Brigade Association

in the Commission’s Plan D for Democracy, Dialogue and Debate. The new

1040 Brussels

nect Europe with its citizens and is similar to the debate forum included forum focuses on 3 domains: Energy and Climate Change, the Future of

Europe and Intercultural Dialogue. The hope is not only to further stimu-

late debate and constructive dialogue on European issues, but also to contribute to the creation of a new European public space on the internet.

honoured: adenauer, antall, brandt and politkovskaya Following a series of highly

political discussions taking Photos: G.Boulougouris/EC; Region Paca; archive(2); private(2); archive; private(2); archive(2)

On January 22nd the Academy of European Law

into account party-political affiliation, relation to the EU

and nationality, the Bureau of the European Parliament

19, Avenue de I’Yser

The German Fire Brigade association, the largest

in Europe, have opened a representation in Brussels. Their office is situated in the Representation of the German Land Hessen.

Movings Latvian Representation to the EU Avenue des Arts 23, 1000 Brussels

The Latvian Representation moved into its new

building in Brussels on the 25th of January. The official inauguration ceremony for the buildings will take place in the middle of March.

has announced the naming

Representation of North Rhine-Westphalia

sels constructed to house the

1000 Brussels

of several buildings in Brushundreds of new member

state MEPs that have arrived in Brussels since 2004. A new

Assembly Building and the

Rue Montoyer 47

The new offices of the permanent Representation of the German State of Northa Rhine-Westphalia were officially opened with a reception in February.

bridge connecting it to the

Michelin Public Affairs Department

have been named after Willy

1040 Bruxelles

existing Parliament complex

Brandt and Konrad Adenauer

respectively. For the first time, an EU building has been named after a politician from a new member state, with the late Hungarian Prime minister Józseph Antall lending his name to one of the new wings of the European

12, Avenue de Tervuren

As of the beginning of this year, Michelin has re-

located its EU office in Brussels to this address, which can be contacted through its public affairs department.

Parliament. Finally, the EU Press Room now bears the name of the murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 9—

OUR HEART BEATS EUROPE

European Consultancy of the Year 2007 – Holmes Report Amsterdam Berlin Bonn Brussel-Bruxelles Bucuresti Budapest Dresden Düsseldorf

Frankfurt Genéve Genova Graz Hamburg Innsbruck Kyiv Klagenfurt

Leipzig Linz London Milano Moskwa München Paris Praha

Roma Salzburg Stuttgart Tiel Warszawa Wien Zagreb Zürich

Public Affairs Contacts Brussels: Cornelius Winter, European Practice Group Leader Public Affairs +32 (0) 2 213 40 40, cornelius.winter@pleon.com Peter Lochbihler, Business Director +32 (0) 2 213 40 42, peter.lochbihler@pleon.com www.pleon.com

BEYOND COMMUNICATIONS

NEWS

2010: european year for combating poverty

enterprise europe: innovation in european smes The Enterprise Europe Network launched on February 15th this year will serve to support

SMEs, providing them with feedback, business and co-operation services. Furthermore, it will On 12 December the European Commission of-

ficially designated 2010 as the European Year for

Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion. The 17 million euro campaign aims to reaffirm the EU’s

commitment to making a decisive impact on the eradication of poverty. Currently the EU has

78 million people (16 per cent of the population) living under the threat of poverty. 19 per cent

of children in the EU are at risk of poverty and one European in ten lives in a household where no one works. The 2010 European Year aims to

reach EU citizens and all public, social and eco-

encourage businesses to participate in FP7, the

7th Research Framework Program, and provide

up-to-date information on technology transfer. The network will be hosted by business or-

ganisations at national and regional levels. The extent to which the new network will improve the current service remains to be seen, as it

Günther Verheugen

will be centralising the services currently offered by IRC (Innovation Relay Centres) and the EIC (Euro Info Centres). Andrej Vizjak, the Slovenian Minister for the Economy, was one of the keynote speakers at the Network’s launch, and in his address he emphasised the key role SMEs have to play in the

European economy, as well as the chief role the Network will play among the policy instruments in the SME area. He added that more work and cooperation could be achieved in the domain.

nomic stakeholders, and calls for the commit-

ment of all actors, beleiving that real progress requires a long-term effort that involves all levels of governance.

new second language: english in brussels

eu tax: a dead starter?

book review: eu: how does it work?

Alexander Stubb MEP, Elizabeth Bomberg

Most academics agree that the development of

burgh) and John Pe-

the modern State. With the process of European

Photos: archive; Etienne Ansotte/European Community 2008; private; archive

(University of Edin-

taxation was a key element in the formation of

terson (University of

integration, the question of EU-level taxation

Edinburgh) present an Alexander Stubb

was bound to be raised at some point. But taxa-

accessible look at the

EU with “The EU: How

tion is also a sensitive subject, having histori-

Does It Work?” Authors include academics, EU

As if the linguistic situation in Belgium wasn’t

book introduces EU topics and clearly describes

Brussels have seemingly complicated things

gurus as well as professionals in EU politics. The the EU for those who wish to learn the basics quickly. The 298-page book includes a number of concrete examples, background stories and

definitions that explain how the EU really works.

Online resources include multiple choice questions for students, PowerPoint presentations

and seminar questions for teachers. The first

edition of the book (Bomberg & Stubb, 2003) was a bestseller, with more than 12,000 copies sold. The book is Stubb‘s thirteenth on the EU. EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

causing enough problems, english speakers in further by overtaking their Dutch-speaking counterparts in numbers to grab second

spot. Indeed, The Economist reports on further changes in Brussels brought on by the growing expatriate community. It cites a recent study by

the Free University of Brussels, which claims to show that, in the past seven years, the number of English speakers has overtaken the number

of Dutch residents, with 35 per cent of the population to the Dutch-speaking 28 per cent.

cally been the cause of many a revolt. Of course, up to now national governments have retained

sole responsibility for levels of direct taxation; when the EU gets involved it is usually in a pure-

ly regulatory manner. A recent German study

by the Centre for European Economic Research has examined the more technical aspects of the

problem. The study conducted for the German finance ministry concluded that an EU-wide tax would lead to unfair differences between EU

citizens, and that the resulting correction mechanisms would make it too complicated to introduce. Those who think it will have definitely put the matter to rest should however, think again.

— 11 —

FACTS & FIGURES

Typically American?

Fuel prices continue to be significantly more expensive in Europe compared to the US, but because each American drives an average of over 19,000 km per year in typically less fuel-efficent vehicles, they still spend more overall than European drivers, who drive 9,795 km per year.

27%

4.9%

According to the Department of Labor, unemployment rates were at 4.9% in January of 2008. Between 4-6% is considered “healthy.”

66.3%

Boasting 17 of the

Is the percentage of Americans

world’s top 20 universi-

who are overweight, whereas in

ties it may come as no

the EU it is 48%.

surprise that - with 27% of the population having a degree - American

78

university graduates outnumber Europeans by a full 17%.

Lucky Americans and

$5,000

life

78 years, giving

the average Ameri-

them over a dec-

can household spent

ade more to enjoy

for residential energy

than the world av-

services and gasoline

erage of 67.

in 2007.

Is the percentage of Americans who own a Bible, meanwhile 54% believe that intelligent life exists on other planets, and 23% believe they have encountered a ghost.

— 12 —

expectancy

of approximately

Is the amount that

90%

Europeans

share the same

42% Is the percentage of households with a broadband internet connection in the USA. Europeans are currently at 30%

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Sources: all facts and figures from Eurostat; the CIA World Factbook; the US Dept. of Labor; EUbusiness.com; der Standard; the New York Times and europa.eu

19,000

FACTS & FIGURES

Typically European?

7.2% 2/3 In January 2008 Eurozone un-

European countries dominate two-thirds of the top thirty nations in the Human Development Index, which rates countries in terms of quality of life based on numerous economic and social aspects. The US ranks at number 12 while Iceland,

Norway, Ireland, Sweden, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands are in the top 10.

employment rates hit the alltime low of 7.2%.

14.44 500 million

The population of the EU is approaching 500 million. The US has nearly 300

The approximate Gross Domestic

Product (purchasing power parity) for the European Union in 2007 was $14.44 trillion in comparison to the US, which is estimated to be $13.86 trillion.

million.

72%

of Europeans believe that people from

different backgrounds (ethnic, religious or national) enrich the cultural life of their country.

€2,097 Is the average amount of credit card debt for a EU citizen. It appears that Europeans are a more frugal bunch since their debt is equivalent to $3,098 USD, which is less than half the typical American credit card debt of $6,600.

1H58MIN Is

the

daily

average

amount of time Europeans spend watching television.

Americans on the other hand may watch an average of up to 4 hours and 35 minutes.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

30%

of Europeans are optimistic about the future of their country versus 41% in the US.

— 13 —

TOPICS

Interview The EU is progressing towards integration Terry A. Nelson on public affairs, politics and transatlantic strategising

P

by george p. kyriacou and daniel f. le ray

olitical Director for George W. Bush’s

presidential campaign in 2004, Terry A. Nelson has been a Republican Party strat-

How do you see Obama vs. Clinton developing now that it is a two horse race? Is it down to change vs. experience?

The campaign between Obama and Clinton is still fundamentally about

egist, as well as working for the Repub-

change vs. experience. The Obama campaign has put forward a very ef-

Republican Congressional Committee.

challenges. The Clinton campaign is still focused on being ready to lead

lican National Committee and National

He currently works in Washington D.C. as principal in his own consultancy, and until July 2007 was actively working on

John McCain’s presidential campaign. He

spoke to European Agenda about his po-

litical and corporate work, how European and American politics differ, and the future of the EU as a nation state.

European Agenda: Looking back on the presidential cam-

paigns over the last year, it is somewhat surprising to find John McCain as GOP nominee presumptive. How has he man-

aged to outlast Giuliani and Romney, the initial frontrunners, after a serious stumble last summer?

Terry Nelson: A number of factors came together that

made it possible for John McCain to become the nominee.

First, voters in New Hampshire have always had great affection for McCain, and even at the lowest points in his

fective message and promotes optimism that the US can overcome its “on day one”, as Clinton says. This has not been especially effective (con-

sidering their hope to wrap up the nomination on February 5th), but they

are sticking with it. At this point, the best outcome for Clinton would point to winning the nomination at the convention. Obama, if he continues with victories in early March in Texas and Ohio, may be able to knock her out of the race at that point.

If you activate regular people who are not stakeholders, their communication is not as suspicious to policymakers.

What brings you to Europe, and to Berlin in particular?

I made a trip two years ago, just before the German elec-

tions, to Berlin. On that trip I talked about some of the grass-

roots techniques we’d used in the 2004 presidential election, and then as Political Director on the Bush-Cheney campaign.

That was just really to expose people to it. We thought it would be interesting for people to hear about, because it’s

not something that has been done here prevalently. This

time, we’re talking about the impact of terrorism and Iraq on

the US Presidential Elections, both Democratic and Republican primaries, and how it will impact the general election.

campaign, he was still a factor in the New Hampshire primary. Second,

Political communications has taken off in Europe in the last 15 years,

draw from moderate voters, and as Giuliani collapsed, those voters

grassroots work. What kind of progress have you noticed since the last

the collapse of Giuliani brought a lot of his voters over to McCain. Both moved over.

This allowed McCain to secure a significant share of the electorate.

but some would argue that it’s still light years behind US approaches to time you were here?

We haven’t talked a lot about campaign techniques since the last time I

Third, the conservative vote was fractured between Romney, Huckabee,

was here. In general, European political leaders or consultants sense more

though his victories were not overwhelming (for example, his winning

US. I hear most commonly that they don’t think their citizens or country

and Thompson. This allowed McCain to win a number of states, even

vote total in South Carolina was less than his losing total in 2000). Finally, McCain had a message, which the Romney, Giuliani and Thompson campaign lacked. To many people, his success is surprising. But given the above factors, it is not hard to see why he was successful.

— 14 —

hurdles for them in the kind of grassroots organising that we do in the will engage in politics in that way, and a lot of the grassroots activities we

do in the US are geared around volunteer activism and activity. From talking to people here, there’s not a strong tradition of that, and developing it

would be a very difficult undertaking. Many voters would reject that kind EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

TOPICS

of activism. Many voters reject it in the US as well [laughs]. But there is some small percentage of people who do want to participate that way.

What about your work here in Europe? Can you expand a little bit on that?

I haven’t done a lot of work in Europe. I have tried to help the opposition

in Belarus through some consulting, but that’s really been the extent.

An organisation called the International Republican Institute supports emerging democratic forces in various places around the world, and they

asked me around the end of 2005 to come and go through campaign plans with the opposition team. So I spent 3 or 4 days doing that, then

they had their election and I came back in June 2006 to do an after-action: How did it go? What did you learn? What can be done better? They

make periodic trips to Washington, and I usually meet with them, talk about how things are going and give them whatever advice they ask for.

Are you looking to expand your stay here in Europe at some point? Would you like to come back and work here on a sporadic or permanent basis?

I would like to sporadically work from here, to do political work in Eu-

rope. I’ve really been focused on US politics and up to last July I worked

on the McCain campaign. After that I decided to do more political work

ment, a lot of times traditional lobbying techniques don’t work well. So

we run a campaign directed at policy-makers that seeks to activate the

grassroots, communicate with voters and constituents back home, and

elevate the issue through advertising, letters to the editor, direct mail, phone calls, and through that kind of campaign, try to convince the politi-

cian that the solution our client is trying for is the solution that works for

them. We also use campaign techniques for corporations battling other corporations. For example a sports team trying to get a local cable network to carry their programming in a way that’s more accessible to the

average cable user, rather than having to pay an extra fee for that channel. We work for product campaigns, where one product is in the market

competing with another, and they’re trying to define their market share.

We don’t come at it necessarily from a traditional marketer’s perspective, but from a campaign perspective. A lot of clients in both those situations find that approach to be a very effective way of getting things done.

So it’s no longer focusing around the brand itself, but focusing around stakeholders – corporate, governmental, non-governmental?

That’s right. In fact when we talk to people who are trying for some

in Europe and internationally, and do less work in domestic politics. Most

government solution, that’s our point. Say you’re a company president,

politics. So I’m going try to focus more on public affairs work there and

your solution. When a stakeholder comes in there’s automatically suspi-

of my US work now is all corporate/public affairs and I don’t focus on US Photo: www.dreamstime.com

sociations trying to get specific issues accomplished through the govern-

maybe doing international politics abroad.

You’ve got a lot of experience in political communications. How does that help you in your corporate and public affairs work?

One thing we’ve found is that applying the kinds of techniques we use

in political campaigns works well for corporations. In corporations or asEUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

or a lobbyist, or Corporation X, and you’re talking to a policy-maker about

cion about what you’re saying. But if you go out and activate regular people who don’t have a vested interest and are not stakeholders in the outcome, their communication is not as suspicious to policymakers. They’re

much more willing to accept what they have to say as an uninfluenced person not gaining anything by the decision. So we found that that’s a very effective approach. That’s not to say that lobbying doesn’t need to

— 15 —

TOPICS

happen or shouldn’t happen – there’s definitely a role for it – but for a lot

different things. As an outsider, I would say right now that the EU oper-

the case.

are sometimes the same and often different. Just as in the US different

of cases there’s a role for a broader campaign approach that helps make

A lot of people will be interested in what you have to say on Brussels. I

was at British American Tobacco in London three days ago talking about

the lobbying industry. They’re in a very controversial industry, of course, and trying to reach out to their stakeholders.

More in Europe than the US. Lobbyists are part of the game in Wash-

ington.

Lobbyism is growing and gaining tempo, but the thing about Europe is

ates as a confederation of countries with their separate interests that

states have different domestic priorities, and although they would share viewpoints on some things they would diverge on many others. The first

thing you have to do to is to have a more ‘national’ outlook for the EU. You can do that through communication, but you have to also persuade governments and people that we’re a nation, and that, as a nation, we

need to have a broader dialogue on these issues. That strikes me as an

immensely difficult thing to do if there’s no political buy-in from the people of Europe for the concept of what Europe is going to be.

the diverse landscape – different media, different languages and cul-

Because of the lack of public discussion?

in a position to give advice to colleagues coming over here?

to accept the idea that it’s a nation, and there has to be a debate about

work around the EU, mostly for US corporations trying to extend their

because we say we’re going to act that way. It happens because citizens

tures, different geographics. It’s very difficult to penetrate. Would you be

There are a few other companies that do similar work. One has done

goals by involving the EU regulatory process. But they’ve actually pulled

back from European engagement. When it comes to corporate/public affairs, there’s not as much activity here. For those of us who come at

it from the US perspective, in some respects it’s incomprehensible that

it would be that way. The government regulates so much, even more in Europe than in the States, and those regulations provide for

winners and losers in whatever country you’re in, or in the EU at large. When the government makes decisions about

winners and losers in the US, people on one side or the other want to make their case and fight as much as they can for

their viewpoint to prevail, whether over a broad political issue – the right to abortion, which doesn’t really have any

economic consequences – or over things that do have economic consequences. When I talk to folks here who make

the same point, you have to think that European companies will take a more similar view to US companies, they’ll want

to more aggressively fight to make sure their viewpoint

prevails in the system. It will obviously be different because

I wouldn’t even say you have to accept the political rationale. You have

that. That would be a change, and that change isn’t going to happen just

now accept that they’re part of something different, and have different

obligations, needs and conceptions of their relationship to the EU. That’s

very much from an outsider viewpoint and maybe not directly on point, but unless you have that, the political buy-in, it strikes me that you can’t just use words.

You have to persuade people that the EU is a nation, and that we need to have a broader dialogue on these issues.

government and the ways to interact with it are different,

As a last note, where do you see all this going? Do you think

there will be a political buy-in? Do you think this nation state will eventually be conceived of, or do you think there will be a fragmented landscape, a confederation?

I think European political leaders are moving closer to inte-

gration. Historically it has been very difficult for these kinds of enemy countries to exist in a state ‘in between’. You’re always progressing towards something – you may not know what

but your actions are always leading towards something. The EU is not in stasis – I don’t think anybody accepts that it is

in its final form and I believe it is progressing towards closer and closer integration, and maybe 50 or 75 years from now it will be a nation state in the way that we think of other

but in the US it’s a fairly big industry in comparison to Europe, and I

countries like the US. It seems very hard for it just to be a confederation

techniques to get their viewpoint.

in ways that extend beyond the economy. If it was just an economic part-

can’t help but that think that people will look more to these kinds of

Communication is now becoming a big issue in Europe. Vice President

Margot Wallström wants to conceptualise a European public sphere, to

make a broader platform for discussion, but some argue that you have to create at first a public sphere in each country. Looking at the States, and how many years it has taken to actually conceptualise a US national debate and public sphere from a private and corporate point of view, what kind of advice would you give her?

There has to be a way to create a national discussion about issues

that affect everybody. I think that’s the big challenge for the EU. That

since the decision has already been taken that we’re going to cooperate nership, I think the potential is that it could stay how it is, but once you move beyond that I think it makes it very difficult.

about terry nelson

Terry Nelson is founder and principal of Crosslink Strategy. He has played a senior role in the last three

national elections in the United States and was

National Political Director for Bush-Cheney 2004, where he was responsible for the grassroots effort. He

really gets to the central question: is the EU going to be a confedera-

has also been Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Political

but with some broader governmental functions that we think of as

Director of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

tion of countries that have come together mostly in an economic zone national/state functions, or is it going to be a nation? Those are two

— 16 —

Operations at the Republican National Committee (RNC) and Political

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

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ECO-DESIGN OF PUMPS Europump response to draft legislation NEW LEGISLATION: MAXIMUM ENERGY SAVINGS BY ADEQUATE MEASURES

FIRST STEP: A COMPLETE SET OF NEW STANDARDS AND GUIDES ARE NEEDED

P

public buildings and circulator pumps up to 2.5 kW, as it is estimated that these

W

two types account for 50% of the electricity used in pumping systems throughout

the calculation of energy efficiency levels. The work resulted in the definition of

Europe. The study on these two product types has been conducted as part of the

a so-called ‘house of efficiency’. Energy efficiency levels can be used to specify

Ecodesign of energy Using Products Directive. The analysis performed showed

the minimum level for pumps to be placed on the market. The draft standard

that it is the in-use phase that dominates, so improving the energy performance of

will provide specifications on the exact scope of the pumps covered and testing

pumps is key to reducing their lifetime environmental impact. Table 1 summarises

measures. In order to achieve the maximum savings potential, it will address

EU energy consumption for water pumps and circulators and their potential

the circumstances for use of control and monitoring devices and the need to

savings. All circulators operate within a ‘closed loop system’ and can subsequently

optimise the system. In general, the standard will be simple and applicable to

use variable speed control to ensure maximum efficiency is achieved. Also new

all pumps and applications. Europump has prepared a series of three energy

technologies such as permanent magnet motors are being used which account for

guides. European pump manufacturers are committed to invest further in the

the high percentage of savings possible. For water pumps, the improvements to

development of pump energy efficiency standards and in the set-up of support

the hydraulics of the pump alone are of small value. Other measures at product

services in the field of system optimisation.

umps are used in a wide variety of applications to control the flow of liquids.

In order to achieve the climate change target of 20% energy savings for the year 2020, the EC is initially targeting water pumps in commercial and

ithout standards for measurement and testing of energy efficiency, fair competition would be difficult and future legislation ineffective.

Europump has cooperated with the Technical University of Darmstadt,

Germany in a large data collection exercise and analysis of pumps as a basis for

level involving integrating controls and monitoring devices and at system level are necessary to achieve significant savings.

The Europump general eco-policy consists of improving the energy performance of pumps for maximum energy savings by improving the pump design, by integrating control and monitoring devices when necessary, and by optimising the system. In order to be effective, future legislation should take all these requirements into account.

Total Annual Energy Consumption (TWh pa)

Energy saving after 10 years Control System Monitoring (TWh pa) (TWh pa)

Product (TWh pa)

TYPE CIRCULATORS WATER PUMPS

27 144

13 45% 5 3%

THE EUROPUMP COMMITMENT TO ENERGY SAVING AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

53 37%

Table 1: Energy Consumption and potential Savings - source: Europump

Europump has launched the ‘ECOPUMP’ initiative which aims not only to achieve ecoefficiency of pump systems in several market segments but also, and most importantly, to communicate Europump efforts to: ➜ all customers or end users of our industry in order to increase their awareness of energy consumption and environmental protection;

SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY SELF-COMMITMENT: LABELLING OF CIRCULATORS

I

n March 2005, an industry self-commitment was signed by European pump

➜ government institutions and stakeholders at European and Member States level in order to express the preference of our industry for voluntary commitments rather than legislative measures.

manufacturers accounting for 80% of the EU 27 market to improve the energy performance of stand-alone circulators through energy labelling.

Over a period of three years, a change in buying patterns on the market has been observed. The energy label has helped consumers to choose the most energyefficient products. Manufacturers are encouraged to develop and produce more of these energy-efficient products. Current legislative proposals are in line with

Europump, the European Association of Pump Manufacturers, represents 18 national associations in 14 Member States, Turkey, Romania, Russia and Switzerland. The member associations represent more than 450 companies with a collective annual production worth about € 8.2 billion.

this initiative. More stringent energy efficiency levels are expected to be set on an ongoing basis. New standards for measurement and testing for circulators are also under development.

For further information please contact: Guy Van Doorslaer, Secretary General - secretariat@europump.org

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

Sustainable Development Facts and Figures defining sustainability

Though it has only recently cemented itself in the public consciousness,

social

the concept of sustainable development dates from as far back as 1987, when the Brundtland Report by the UN’s World Commission on Environ-

bearable

ment and Development defined the term as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future genera-

environment

tions to meet their own needs.” This initial definition is helpful in ques-

tioning the widely-held presumption that sustainable development is all

equitable sustainable viable

economic

about environmental protection and sustainability – though this is a big part of sustainable development, it is by no means the entire focus.

Scheme of sustainable development: at the confluence of three preoccupations

The United Nations’ definition for the topic includes, for example,

biodiversity, demographics, international law, climate change and

mental and social concerns into the day-to-day running of a business.

out that such a fluid definition does not lend itself to practicality. Cultural

implemented in a variety of ways, and varying interpretations are some-

at the heart of the development of mankind, and is often considered the

it as a strategy, from environmental lobbyists to international business

transport, but critics of the sustainable development movement point

diversity is another important factor in sustainable development, being fourth precept of sustainable development.

The UN’s Agenda 21 proposal in 1992 identified the key factors in helping

countries to achieve sustainable development as information, integration

and participation. The movement often identifies grassroots activism as a major contributor to its popularisation, and most advocates favour a different approach to doing business: moving from a sector-based focus to encouraging cross-sectoral dialogue which integrates both environ-

Sustainable development is, to an extent, free to be interpreted and

what inevitable when one considers the number of groups that accept

conglomerates. Some argue that it follows the path of the traditional model of economic growth, but with added emphasis on the costs of en-

vironmental degradation and abuse of natural resources – this is often referred to as the Conventional Economic Growth (CEG) model. But others believe that a global change of lifestyle is needed in order to become

less dependent on finite natural resources, and that we all need to follow the Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyles (ESL) model in the future.

1987

Brundtland Commission (World

1997

Development) defines “sustainable

sembly) appraises the

Commission on Environment &

Rio+5 (UN General As-

development”.

1986

1988

1990

progress of Agenda 21.

1992

1994

1996

1992

Agenda 21 made public

at the UN Earth Summit.

It defines sustainable development policy structure & implementation.

— 18 —

Photos: archive

setting the sustainable agenda

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

199

98

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

rewarding sustainability Along with the increase in public awareness of the themes of sustaina-

consumption. From some of the largest to some of the more unusual

the companies, individuals and institutions who have made the best

whose portfolios stretched beyond mere CSR to incorporate a sustain-

bility and renewable energy sources, there has been a need to recognise

awards, we take a look at the events which are designed to reward those

efforts at combating climate change, global warming and fossil fuel

able life for a company beyond the present.

major sustainability awards

unusual sustainability awards

Sustainable Energy Europe Awards

The Sustainable Building Services Award:

Announced: during the European Sustainable Energy

Host: Building Services Journal and Electrical and Me-

Host: European Commission, DG TREN

Rewards: the very best efforts in sustainable construction

Week in Brussels

chanical Contractor magazines

Winners (2008): ENEA, Italy; AGIRE Energy Agency – Mantova, Italy; ÖKO-

Winner: Rambold Whitbybird

PROFIT - City of Graz, Austria; Innoterm Energetics, Hungary; Province of

The Concrete Centre’s Sustainability Award

Milan, Italy; Energie-Cités, France

Rewards: sustainability in the production or use of con-

Photos: archive; EC/G. Boulougouris; Franka Bruns; archive

Global 100: The Most Sustainable Corporations in the World

crete in a building project

Host: Corporate Knights Inc. and Innovest Strategic Value Ad-

Host: The Concrete Centre, the central development organisation for the

Announced: at the World Economic Forum in Davos

Winner: 1 Coleman Street, London

visers Inc.

UK cement and concrete industry

Winners: List of 100 Companies

Outstanding Sustainable Style Achievement Awards

The Gothenburg Award on Sustainable Development

Rewards: sustainability in the industries which help us “look

Host: City of Gothenburg, Sweden

fabulous, live well and do good”

Winner (2007): Al Gore

Host: The Sustainable Style Foundation Winner: Danny Kaye

Sustainable Banking Awards

Host: The Financial Times and IFC

Winners (2007): ABN Amro Netherlands; Deutsche Bank/Goldman Sachs; Reiffaissen, Zentralbank, Austria

23rd jan 2008

16 feb 2005

10 jan 2007

bal Earth Observation

Change to 2°C: The Way Ahead

th

10-year plan for the Glo-

“Limiting Global Climate

System of Systems.

2000

2002

Climate Change Oppor-

tunity” sets targets for

for 2020 and Beyond”.

2004

2006

renewable energy.

2008

2010

2001

15th nov 2007

dec 2007

Council formulates ini-

gally binding emissions

Conference

Gothenburg European tial sustainable development strategy.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

“20 20 by 2020: Europe’s

th

Parliament calls for letargets for all countries

& a 50% cut in greenhouse gases by 2050.

UN Climate Change (Bali)

gains commitment

to an agreement on cutting emissions.

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                                                                                                                               

  www.wind-integration.eu

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

Setting New Targets 20 20 by 2020 On the 23rd January, the European Council issued a Communication entitled:

fully commit Member States, the Communication also suggests that tar-

next step in the Renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy. The Com-

realistically match the potential of each Member State to save energy and

“20 20 by 2020: Europe’s Climate Change Opportunity”. This represents the munication builds on the progress made by the EU at the UN Climate Change

Conference in Bali in December, where it was agreed that a comprehensive

gets for emission reduction should be legally-binding, and tailor-made to switch to fewer fossil fuels.

“20 20 for 2020” is part of the further goal of halving emissions by 2050.

global policy on cutting emissions would be devised by 2009.

How will its success be ensured by policymakers? The EU plans to bring

The main objectives of the Communication include:

though these have not yet been elaborated upon. There are also grand de-

• 20 per cent renewable energy usage by 2020

• A reduction of at least 20 per cent of greenhouse gases by 2020, rising

to 30% if an international agreement arises which commits other developed countries to a similar emission reduction scheme.

• Updating the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) • 12 Carbon Capture and Storage plants by 2015.

According to the Communication, the advantages of adopting such

a scheme are numerous, including more growth and an increase in the

number of jobs, as well as a more stable economy that does not have to deal to as great an extent with the volatile fossil fuel market. In order to

in mechanisms for monitoring and ensuring Member States’ compliance, signs for the Emissions Trading System, which is to be harmonised across the EU rather than operating on a national basis, with EU-wide rules of auctioning and free allocation.

The plans are ambitious. Whilst the EU wants to take the lead in Climate

Change, providing an example for the rest of the world, if it wants to do

so successfully it must make a bold move, and make it early. Whether the

plans will actually be a success is a question best answered by the people of 2050, but the inevitability of climate change means that the only way

forward is to move away from the limited energy resources of the past.

With this Communication, the EU is planting its feet firmly on the path leading beyond Bali.

Renewable Energy: Targets for 2020

Source: EU Directive on the Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources, 23.01.2008

50

Renewable Energy figures, 2005 Target figures for 2020

40

30

20

10

0

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EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

UK

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

Opinion Action this day

F

The EESC and Europe’s Carbon Challenge by derek osborne

ew Commission proposals have aroused

from power plants and other major sources and storing them safely un-

Change and Energy package, published

hydrogen economy may be around the corner.

as much controversy as the new Climate on 23 January. The proposals are truly

derground for the long term (a process known as “sequestration”). The At the same time there will be an enormous set of tasks requiring

‘historic’, as President Barroso put it. They

major investment and new jobs in redesigning, replacing, reconstruct-

revolution – the transition to a low carbon

leisure activities, our equipment and our consumer products in a more

herald nothing less than a new industrial economy.

The unprecedented threats posed by the

diminishing reserves of oil and gas in the world and the growing impact of climate

ing and re-equipping our homes and workplaces, our transport and our energy efficient way. As consumers and citizens we shall all need to play

our own part in changing our habits and behaviour, our lifestyles and our consumer choices in a more sustainable and less energy-consuming direction.

In order to live up to the challenges and to make the most of the op-

change call for unprecedented measures

portunities, everyone will have to make a contribution, both individually

production and consumption. Europe has

tures we belong to. Businesses, trade unions, NGOs and other civil soci-

and radical changes in our patterns of

therefore rightly set itself ambitious targets

to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 – or even by 30

per cent if other countries will make comparable efforts.

The package of measures and proposals presented by the

Commission now set out to build a robust policy framework

to deliver those target reductions. It deserves and needs the strongest support from member states, politicians and civil

society throughout Europe. There will no doubt be discus-

sion and argument about some of the individual items in the package. But such debates should not distract attention

from the overwhelming importance of adopting a complete package that will in total deliver the overall targets for reductions of emissions.

a necessary change for the better

and collectively through the many different organisations and strucety representatives – all have a role to play in reaching the targets of EU climate policies. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) as the voice of organised civil society at EU level is putting the

As consumers and citizens we shall all need to change our habits, lifestyles and consumer choices.

The Commission’s proposals do not imply economic misery. On the con-

trary: the changes that need to be made will improve the competitive-

ness of Europe and its ability to maintain thriving economies and create new job opportunities. There will be new opportunities for business and

Commission proposals at the heart of its work in 2008.

a large step for mankind

The recent work in our Committee has shown that civil

society as a whole is increasingly ready for the great leap

forward towards the low-carbon age. It is no longer only conservation groups and environmentalists who are calling

for ambitious climate policies. Industries and trade unions alike are asking for a long-term legislative framework al-

lowing for investment in new technologies. They ask Europe and national governments for leadership. In a whole series

of reports the Committee has pushed for and supported ambitious EU greenhouse gas reduction goals. I am confident

that on behalf of civil society the Committee will now want to support

an ambitious set of policy measures to deliver those goals for emissions reductions.

In the coming months the Committee will be assessing the different

new jobs created throughout the energy-related sector. There will be

Commission proposals in detail. Fierce lobbying battles are already under

believe there should be new opportunities for a new generation of safer

ing Scheme, the burden-sharing agreement between member states,

massive investments needed in renewable energies of all kinds. Some nuclear power plants – and in the longer term the long-awaited prospect of commercial application of nuclear fusion technology. A major

effort is needed to develop practicable ways of capturing CO2 emissions

— 22 —

way on some elements of the package. The future of the Emission Tradthe future level of CO2 emissions from cars and other vehicles, the scope

for biofuels are just some of the points on which arguments are raging.

The Committee will explore the merits of all these debates.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

At the same time however we shall want to ensure that we – and Eu-

rope – do not lose sight of the overall reduction targets which Europe has offered to the rest of the world.

At the first round of the international negotiations in Bali last Decem-

ber, Europe showed real leadership that was much admired and influential. But all will now depend on our capability to demonstrate to the rest

of the world that we are ready to practice what we preach. If Europe can put in place this year a set of policies that can deliver its greenhouse gas reduction targets it is much more likely that other countries and blocs

will be persuaded to follow. The Committee will examine the Commission’s package of measures in the broader perspective of the interna-

tional negotiations, and whether they are able to deliver the emissions

Photo: private

reductions we have offered.

The transition to the low carbon economy of the future will be dif-

ficult, and may in some cases be painful, especially given the scale and pace at which we shall have to manage the necessary changes. But we

will generate new opportunities as well as problems. If the world can act

promptly and decisively now there is still time to manage the necessary changes in a way that will enhance employment opportunities, protect

quality of life and improve the prospects of achieving sustainable development. But there is no time to waste. The transition will be harder and

more painful if we delay by even a few more years. We need – in Churchill’s famous words – “ACTION THIS DAY.” The Commission’s proposals are a good start.

Author

Derek Osborn, President of the EESC’s Sustainable Development Observatory

EESC Rapporteur on the International Climate Change Negotiations

should not indulge in doom and gloom scenarios. The changes needed

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

Interview Creating a common agenda Andrew Fisk discusses how Procter & Gamble are aiming for a sustainable future by elke nussbaum and max obenaus

A

ndrew Fisk works throughout Eu-

lars, yet 20 billion dollars by 2012 is a sizeable target. The second is that

Care business unit, covering their

This goes beyond the actual products themselves, and covers the facili-

rope with Procter & Gamble’s Fabric range of detergents and household

products and services. He talks to European Agenda about the increasing

need for companies to act socially

responsibly, as well as sustainably: how Ariel has been marketed as an

we will continue to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. ties in which we manufacture them. Our whole infrastructure is within

this scope and again the target by 2012 is to reduce the environmental

impact by an additional 10 per cent, which will reduce CO2 emissions, energy and water consumption, and waste per unit of production, with 40 per cent reduction for the decade.

The third strategy is on the social side of sustainability, which is im-

energy-saving product throughout

proving people’s lives. Some years ago we realised that we needed to

tainable development through its

the creation of our Live, Learn and Thrive campaign. Our focus is on chil-

Europe; and how P&G supports susnon-corporate services, such as its water-cleaning projects designed to provide children all around the world with clean drinking water.

focus our efforts where we could make the biggest difference. This led to dren. We can help them live: we can do this by reducing disease. We can help them learn: we can educate them through our brands. And we can

help them thrive, which is to help them to become stronger individuals.

Our signature program within this is our Children’s Safe Drinking Water

program, where we aim to eliminate 80 million days of dis-

European Agenda: How would you define sustainable development?

Andrew Fisk: P&G defines sustainable development broad-

ly as “providing branded products and services of superior

quality and value that improve the lives of the world’s consumers, now and for generations to come”. Procter & Gamble has been active in sustainable development for many

years, but what we’re seeing now is an increasing trend

of companies making public declarations to become more transparent about sustainability. You have the three pillars

of sustainable development: environmental, social and eco-

nomic. Where we believe we can make a real difference is by proactively changing things on the environmental and

social side. And if as a result we are able to grow and create employment, then it is in part contributing to economic sustainability. We have re-examined our sustainability efforts

ease, and save 10,000 lives by delivering up to 2 billion litres

What we’re seeing now is an increasing trend of companies making public declarations to become more transparent about sustainability.

and have declared specific goals which we are working on.

The first of these is to reduce the resources used and hence the impact

of our products. This is what we call sustainable innovation. Our target is

that, by 2012, P&G will have put 20 billion dollars of sustainable innovation products onto the market. Our annual sales are over 70 billion dol-

— 24 —

of clean drinking water by 2012.

In what ways have concepts of sustainable development influenced corporate behaviour in recent years?

The fundamental change in the last couple of years is that

sustainability is no longer seen as something that is nice

to do, but something which you should do. For a company

like P&G, this is a real change. Susan Arnold, who is Presi-

dent of all of our global business units, is our sustainability champion. Having a champion that high up in the company

has helped us greatly to become very clear on our company’s goals and has helped the different business units get

much clearer on what sustainability means for them from a strategic point of view. Actually we see sustainability as an opportunity, not only a responsibility.

How has that affected your laundry business?

I would say on our laundry business we can make the greatest dif-

ference on the environmental sustainability side. It seems like a small thing, but when you realise that every household washes 150-200 loads

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

sumers get great performance, they use less energy, so we lower emis-

sions and their energy bills. Early on we realised that it was important to engage with trusted third parties who could independently verify that

what we were saying was true. We have partners in many countries, for

example we work with organisations like ADEME in France, the Ener-

gy Saving Trust in the UK, and the Öko-Institut in Germany. These are credible environmental organisations, and we have a shared interest in encouraging consumers to wash at low temperatures. We help amplify their messages through our advertising and communications.

You said that the second person in the structure of P&G is a sustainable

development champion. Do you think that is a new trend for a new corporate culture for big global corporations?

Yes, I think it certainly is. P&G bases its commitment to social respon-

sibility on ‘always doing what is right’.

Most companies – certainly those in the consumer goods area – are

so resource intensive in their production that there has been a realisa-

tion over the last few years: we need to take a leadership role. Many of

the very large companies – General Electric springs to mind, or Philips, Nokia, and IKEA – take up increasingly active roles in sustainable development.

The other sector which has really embraced sustainability and is driv-

ing the agenda are the retailers. Walmart made a powerful declaration

of intent a couple of years ago, and this has had a knock-on effect globally. Many retailers are increasingly vocal in driving more sustainable behaviour. It is a clear growing trend and there is an enormous amount

of willingness from the supplier side to collaborate, because we know we can’t do this alone.

I’ll give you a classic example which is about 17 years ago now. All the

major detergent manufacturers launched super-compact powders in of laundry per year, the amount of energy being used to heat the water is substantial. And with the high public concern about climate change

we have put a lot of effort into communicating the benefits of low temperature washing. This is the single greatest thing you as a consumer

can do to reduce the impact of doing the laundry on the environment.

And it does work. Our “Turn to 30” campaign has resulted in one out of

every four Ariel users in the UK now claiming to use the 30 degree wash

al move back to the big boxes of less compacted powders. Consumers make their own minds up, and very often they don’t know or they don’t

care what is best for the environment. What they see is a big box and a little box pretty much the same price and they may buy the big box. We

are committed to reverse this at the industry level and this requires close collaboration between manufacturers and retailers.

as their normal programme. This compares to only one in twenty-five

That brings us back to education. Are you encouraging your employees

resources you need to make the product. It really comes down to three

function with regards to a traditionally political realm like that of edu-

in 2002. The other thing we do in our laundry business is to reduce the things: we compact our products, consumers can reduce the energy con-

sumption in the washing process and then we educate people to use

to behave in a sustainable way? Is business now taking up a state-like cation?

We believe that we all have a role to play in educating people to be

products correctly.

conscious of the way they live. However, no company can claim to be

We are sure you know there is this general criticism that self-interested

of their two roles. Firstly their place in the business of sustainability, and

actors – such as companies – are not willing to take into account the

interest of society as a whole, that their aim is always to maximise their profit. So is CSR nothing but a marketing strategy?

Photo: private

small boxes. What we have seen over the last fifteen years is a gradu-

I think that people often wonder whether there is a hidden agenda be-

hind ‘big business’. Consumers fear that they will lose something – and they don’t want to compromise. The simple truth is that we ensure that

our products, like Ariel, are very effective at low temperatures – so conEUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

committed to sustainability if it does not ensure its employees are aware

secondly an awareness of simple steps they can take to reduce environmental impact at work or participate in local community activities.

When public awareness of an issue increases it often leads to increased

regulation. Is Corporate Social Responsibility also used to avoid stricter regulation?

First of all I think that detergents have their fair share of regulation in

— 25 —

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPEMENT

the EU! Indeed there is the detergents regulation, which came into force

Water is involved in everything we do – it is used with virtually all our

in October 2005, as well as many others which help to ensure that all

products. Yes, water is something we are concerned about. We can’t fix

ronment. In the past, stakeholders accused us of not being transparent

treme situations. We have that technology, which we have developed for

marketed detergent products are safe for consumers and for the envi– that our chemicals were unsafe and had never been tested.

the drinking-water problem, but we have made it a priority to help in excleansing water instantly and making it safe for children to

We realised we had to change this misperception. So in 2001

ceinthebox.com). We shared all of our safety information

and scientific studies on human and environmental safety.

We list every ingredient sold in every product on the market

in the EU. We even decided that this was not enough, so we went beyond our minimum requirement. When you go to the site you can click on any ingredient and you can find out

what it is, what it does and its environmental and human

safety profile. Now, the sustainability experts who advise us have said “look, we know your products are safe, we know

that the legislation is strong enough, we don’t need to talk

about that. What we need to talk about is what else are you doing, how are you going to drive the agenda beyond your

responsibility”, and this is exactly what we are really inter-

consume. It is a little packet of powder, which you can pour

Without innovation we never will solve environmental problems. In my humble opinion, there can ever be too much collaboration.

ested in – the opportunities. We know that we can further reduce the impact of laundry detergents.

Do you feel that P&G is appreciated by European politics for these initiatives?

Our brands tend to be well-known, but not always the company. I am

into dirty water and make it clean.

With our laundry detergents in Spain we didn’t do any

energy saving campaign because nearly 80 per cent of consumers wash at 30 degrees or less already. However water is

scarce. So, over the last two years we have run an education

campaign with Ariel in Spain to encourage consumers to be more efficient with water in their homes and when they do

the laundry. We will be expanding this program to other European countries.

Finally, at a corporate level we have raised this as a main

theme. We have goals for water saving on the manufacturing side. We have to achieve that.

What about water pollution? Surely there are products you actually don’t need, like fabric softener?

Your point of view is very interesting. First of all I should say that our

products are and have always been safe for the environment, and the

detergents regulation has been a great help in raising the standard of the industry as a whole.

But we consider it the consumer’s choice whether they use a product

sure that, in certain policy areas, we are known to officials and politi-

or not. People used fabric softeners and other products because they

believe in engaging where we think we have something to bring. The

ucts correctly and our responsibility to ensure they are safe.

cians, such as in DG SANCO and DG Environment among others. We

whole sustainability area is so important that we must work together.

It’s not about creating competitive advantage out of sustainability – it is about creating a common agenda.

need and like them. It is our role to educate consumers to use the prod-

In closing, how do you think companies can contribute to sustainability in the future?

One big skill of companies like P&G is innovation. Innovation in tech-

What happens when politics and big business disagree? When a piece of

nology and innovation in communication. We are always looking for

I think the Commission is very good in involving stakeholders. We

Without innovation we never will solve environmental problems. Most

legislation hampers the business development of a company?

know our business but we don’t know how to make legislation. Legislators may not appreciate the effect some decisions can have on today’s

very complex business environment. It takes time to work out the impact of legislation on the process of manufacture, sourcing, on how we

change our advertising etc – everything can change. So when you have a piece of legislation like REACH, for example, it is useful that the industry is involved. And then it is about finding the right middle ground.

We are not against regulation. What we want to avoid is legislation

how can we do things better, how can we do things more efficiently. importantly however is partnership. I am highly encouraged by the will-

ingness of government and NGOs to listen and work with business to drive the sustainability agenda. In my humble opinion there can never be too much collaboration.

about andrew FIsk

Andrew Fisk has been at P&G for 20 years and is currently European Director of External Relations for

that makes the wrong thing to happen for the right reasons. This is criti-

their Fabric Care business unit. After graduating from

cal in the area of sustainability – we need to work together to ensure

Birmingham University with a degree in Chemical

business is not restricted in its ability to innovate and become more sustainable.

“Businesses are doing too little to tackle a looming water crisis” says

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon. You chose “water” as one key

theme for your sustainable development engagement. Do you feel you were being addressed with this criticism?

— 26 —

Engineering, he started his career in P&G’s Newcastle

Technical Center, and has held positions in Research and Development,

Finance and Corporate Communications. Mr Fisk is based in Brussels, where he has lived for the last 19 years. He is married and has three young children.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photo: private

we launched our website “Science-in-the-Box” (www.scien-

AGENDA

AGENDA 03.03.-13.04.2008 CSR Alliance High European Council Level Meeting Spring Summit

Photos: Marc Ravet; Council of the EU; German Presidency of the EU; Georges Boulougouris/European Commission

04.03.08

13.03.08 – 14.03.08

Informal Meeting of European Wind Foreign Ministers Energy Conference 28.03.08 – 29.03.08

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

31.03. – 03.04.08

— 27 —

AGENDA

WEEK 03.03. – 09.03.2008

04.03.08

CSR Alliance High Level Meeting location: brussels, belgium host: European alliance for csr

On 4 March 2008, European Com-

businesses and the EU are facing

Vladimir Spidla will be meeting

tiveness and sustainable develop-

missioners Günter Verheugen and with the CEOs of companies that

have expressed their support for the European Alliance for CSR. This second High Level Meeting of the

Alliance builds upon the first meet-

ing held in February 2007. The goal of these Meetings between companies and the European Union is to

review the progress of the Alliance and to discuss the challenges that

— 28 —

Photos: Georges Boulougouris/European Commission; archive

Making Europe a scion of excellence in corporate social responsibility on demographic change, competiment. The aim of the 2008 meeting is to review the progress of the

Alliance’s activities and to discuss strategic priorities that will impact

businesses’ futures, sustainable growth and competitiveness. Alli-

ance partner organisations CSR Europe, Business Europe and UEAPME

are actively involved in the preparation of the March meeting.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

AGENDA

04.03.08

Territorial Dialogue 2008 location: brdo, slovenia

The Slovenian Presidency

host: slovenian presidency of the european union & committee of the regions

the Regions are intro-

04.03.08

08.03.08

The 2008 Growth and Jobs Summit

Brussels Press Revue “Sarkozy fan tutti”

On the eve of the Europe-

and the Committee of

location: résidence palace, brussels

ducing the Territorial

Council convenes its annual, one-of-a-kind rally

“European Regions and

economic performance but rising global uncer-

of the European Union

Dialogue under the title Cities – Partners for the Jobs and Growth Strat-

egy.“ This event is timely in the run-up to the Eu-

ropean Spring Council 2008, and the start of the

new Lisbon Governance Cycle 2008-2010. Local

bon Agenda, the Lisbon

location: bibliothèque solvay, brussels, belgium

of progressive leaders. At a time of improved

host : friends of europe

an Council Spring Sum-

mit devoted to the Lis-

The Brussels Press Re-

vue, on the evening of March 8th 2008 at the Albert Hall, is a leading annual entertainment

event for the international press in Brus-

tainties, Europe must manoeuvre with great care

sels. Attended by 450-500 people, it is popular

sustained and developed. Yet, the challenges also

public affairs/communications consultants and

and foresight if the economic recovery is to be present a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership, particularly in the battle against climate change. Guests include, among others: José

Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission; Joachim Fels, Morgan Stanley; Holger

Schmieding, Bank of America and Bart van Ark, Economics, University of Groningen.

among the Brussels press corps, EU employees, a range of opinion formers. The evening begins with traditional theatrical entertainment drawn from a series of Brussels and EU ‘themes,’ after

which comes a tombola prize draw that benefits selected charities. The event finishes with dancing to a live band.

Janez Jansa Prime Minister of Slovenia

and regional politicians will have the opportuni-

ty to voice the challenges and expectations they are facing in implementing the revised Lisbon

Strategy to Commissioners and EU Presidency representatives and engage in a constructive

José Manuel Barroso

This year’s motto: “Sarkozy fan tutti”

dialogue. Keynote speakers include: Janez Jansa, Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia; Danuta Hübner, European Commissioner for Regional

further events

Policy; Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner

03.03.2008 2nd Joint UCESA – EESC meeting with the participation of Mr Dimitriadis, President

for Local Government and Regional Policy of the

Dunn MEP, Brussels +++ 04.03.08 – 05.03.08 Senior Officials and EuroMed Committee meetings,

for Science and Research; Dr Ivan Zagar, Minister Republic of Slovenia.

Photos: private; www.flickr.com; archive

Brussels +++ 06.03.08 ALDE public meeting on the evaluation of the implementation of the 1998 UN Plan: Towards a drug-free world by 2008, Brussels +++ 05.03.2008 Entrepreneurial diversity in a unified Europe, Brussels +++ 05.03.08 MINEM Reception on migrant workers, Brussels +++

birthday of the week

05.03.08 – 06.03.08 COGEN Europe Annual Conference 2008, Brussels +++ 06.03.2008 Governing 04.03.1951

Glenis Willmott MEP, PSE

Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

Nationality: UK EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

of the EESC, Brussels +++ 04.03.08 BCCB – EU Committee Business Lunch with Mr. Bill Newton

Council meeting of the ECB, Frankfurt +++ 06.03.08 Seminar on migrant workers, EP, Brussels +++ 06.03.08 – 07.03.08 Healthcare 2008, European Voice, Brussels +++ 09.03.08 – 10.03.08 Conference

on Higher Education, Slovenian Presidency of the European Union, Brdo Slovenia +++ 09.03.08 Informal Dinner of Trade Ministers, Brussels +++ Parliament: Monday Environ.

Council

Session

Committees

Tuesday ECOFIN / PSC

Groups

Wednesday COREPER I + II / PSC

External Parliamentary Activities Thursday COREPER II

Friday COREPER I

Saturday

Sunday

— 29 —

AGENDA

WEEK 10.03. – 16.03.2008

13.03.08 – 14.03.08

European Council Spring Summit Host : Council of the European Union Location: Brussels, Belgium

At the Spring Summit 2008, EU

to their progress in implement-

ernment will discuss the future

and invite all actors involved – the

heads of states and heads of govof the Lisbon strategy and adopt

the conclusions for the new three-year cycle (2008–2010). According to the priorities of the

Slovenian Presidency, the Council will adopt integrated guidelines (macroeconomic, microeconomic

and employment guidelines) as well as specific recommendations for Member States with regard

— 30 —

Photos: Council of the EU; archive (3); European Council; archive

Relaunching the Lisbon strategy under a new treaty

ing national reform programmes, Council, EC, EP – to implement the

Community Lisbon Programme.

It will also support some key ac-

tivities and goals in four priority fields: Europe’s concern for the environment; Europe’s concern

for its citizens and their social sta-

tus; efforts towards a more active Europe; efforts towards a more innovative and creative Europe.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

AGENDA

10.03.08 – 12.03.08

World Health Care Congress Europe Hosts: European Commission, Bundesministerium für Gesundheit und Frauen Location: Berlin

Organised under the

11.03.08 – 12.03.08

External Border Conference

high patronage of the

Host: Slovenian Presidency

and the German Federal

Location: Brdo, Slovenia

European Commission Ministry of Health, for

the 4th consecutive year, the World Health Care

12.03.08 – 13.03.08

World Biofuels Markets Congress

Since managing exter-

nal borders is one of its

Host: Green Power Conferences

Slovenia is organising a

Location: Brussels Expo

Presidency priorities, ministerial conference which will discuss the

With 1300 participants

from 58 countries at-

tending in 2007, the World Biofuels Markets

Congress is Europe’s largest gathering of bio-

European Commission’s vision of the develop-

fuels professionals. Since its inception in 2006,

system, comprising a Communication on the

the must-attend conference for industry experts

ment of the EU’s external border management

evaluation and future development of the Frontex Agency, a Communication on new tools for

an Integrated Border Management Strategy and

the congress has grown exponentially to become

looking to share best practices and attract new

clients. The congress is structured to maximise

a Communication on the creation of a European

Border Surveillance System (EUROSUR). Slovenia’s aim is that the discussion between Mem-

ber States at the conference will form the basis Ulla Schmidt, German Federal Minister of Health

Congress Europe presents the only major inter-

national forum where over 600 health leaders

for conclusions the Council will consequently adopt, which will provide political guidelines for future work in this area.

share best practices and successful initiatives for

Europe’s largest Biofuels Conference & Exhibition

ipating opinion leaders include health ministers,

business opportunities as well as provide the

innovators, decision makers from public and pri-

lenges. This year’s agenda includes over 200 top

improved delivery and outcomes in Europe. Partic-

leading government officials, hospital directors, IT

latest update in industry innovations and chal-

vate insurance funds, pharmaceutical and medi-

speakers and is organised into three streams

cal device companies, and heath care industry

with five workshops. Several networking events

suppliers. Keynote speakers include: Ulla Schmidt,

are also built into the program, offering partici-

Federal Minister of Health, Germany; Dr Ab Klink, Welfare and Sport, The Netherlands; Dr Ágnes

pants plenty of time to meet new contacts and visit the 100 exhibitors.

Hot discussion topic lately

Horváth, Minister of Health, Hungary; Dr Jimmy Devins, Department of Health and Children, Ireland; Professor Uwe Reinhardt, Princeton Univer-

sity, USA; and Patrick O’Connell PhD, Managing Director BT Health, JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Photos: www.marco-urban.de; archive

10.03.08 – 11.03.08 European Nuclear Forum, Marketforce Communications Ltd, Brussels +++

10.03.08 – 14.03.08 Student Forum Maastricht 2008, Concordantia – European Studies’ Association, Maastricht +++ 10.03.08 Debate: The citizens of Saarland and Brussels, Representation of Saarland to the EU, Brussels +++ 11.03.08 European Business Awards, Paris +++ 11.03.08 – 13.03.08 Transmission

birthday of the week

& Distribution Europe 2008, Amsterdam +++ 12.03.08 Women Talk: Rachel Goldman, EJCC, Brussels 12.03.1965

Javier Moreno Sánchez

MEP, PSE

Committee on Civil

Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Nationality: ES EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

further events

+++ 12.03.08 – 13.03.08 CEI-Bois Spring meeting, Brussels +++ 12.03.08 – 14.03.08 Conference on Customs Cooperation in South-East Europe, Slovenian Presidency of the European Union, Brdo, Slov-

enia +++ 13.03.08 “Getting along in Europe”, Brussels +++ 14.03.08 10th European Consumer Day, ECSC, Brussels +++ Parliament:

Session

Monday GAERC / PSC

Tuesday GAERC / PSC

Committees

Groups

Wednesday COREPER I + II

External Parliamentary Activities Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

— 31 —

AGENDA

EASTER SPECIAL The European Parliament will not be in ses-

sion this week, as the hard-working people responsibilities to celebrate Easter. The most

Astrid Lulling EPP Lux

turgical year, Easter has become a holiday for

“Beyond its traditional religious significance,

We asked some MEPs about how they spend

the calendar. As the Easter weekend often co-

of Brussels take a well-earned rest from their

important religious feast in the Christian lireligious and non-religious communities alike.

Easter, and found out about Easter traditions all over the EU.

Easter represents for me a turning point in incides with the spring equinox, the feeling is

starting to sink in that the often cold and mis-

Handmade Easter Whip

erable winter is behind us and that we can look

In the Czech Republic, Hungary

spending time in my garden to admire the first

day for males to throw buckets of water over

The landscape changes and becomes more col-

ping her about the legs with a whip made of

forward to warmer weather. Over Easter, I like

seasonal flowers which are starting to blossom. ourful. Easter eggs are of course a tradition we cherish in Luxembourg. Families get together

to colour eggs before they are hidden for the kids to find them. Egg-shaped chocolates and Easter bunnies are also very popular with children and grown-ups alike.”

and Slovakia, Easter Monday is the

the girl who has caught their eye, before whipwillow branches decorated with coloured rib-

bons. Though it sounds rather startling, the

whipping is painless and all in good humour.

Legend has it that females should be whipped in order to retain their health and beauty for

the coming year. The female in question often

gives a coloured egg to her whipping suitor, as a token of thanks.

Andres Tarand PSE Estonia “I’ll spend Easter in the countryside with my

grandchildren. As in many countries, children paint the eggs in different colours and then adults hide them. We usually say that they’re

brought by rabbits, a custom which probably comes from Germany. People also offer branchChristian tradition, people also go outside ask-

ing the children if “the sun is dancing”. Finally,

Swedish children often dress as

type of cream made from cottage cheese ac-

door, in exchange for decorated pussy willow

is a tradition which is linked to my childhood

mixture of the Scandinavian Easter witch tra-

on that day, we eat a very special and delicious

companied with raisins and nuts. For me Easter

and associated with home and family. It is the most beautiful season of the year.”

— 32 —

Swedish children in witch costume

witches and collect candy door-to-

branches. This tradition has evolved from a

dition, and the Orthodox tradition of blessing houses with willow branches.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: www.sxc.hu; archive

es of willow katkin to each other. Regarding the

AGENDA

Eva Lichtenberger Greens/EFA Austria

Ville Itällä Alde FI

“I’m going to spend Easter

“I think the most common Easter traditions in

little town in the heart of

fer to eat lamb, and there are certain Finnish

with my family in Hall, a the Tyrol. This year Easter

is on the 23rd of March,

that’s quite early. Therefore

the main question will be: Is there still snow?

As a tradition for kids, colourful Easter eggs, sweets and small presents are hidden in the

house or in the garden by the ‘mythological’ Easter Bunny. On Easter Sunday religious fasting comes officially to an end. Time for a huge

Easter brunch with sweet bread and coloured eggs. There are two kinds of Easter eggs: deco-

rative and boiled ones. Decorative Easter eggs, which we have carefully blown out before, are

hung into the window on plants or foliating twigs of sallow. And last but not least we play

the Egg-Knocking Game: We pair up and eve-

ryone then chooses an egg. The two partners take turns tapping their partner’s egg with

theirs. The first egg to crack loses and the win-

ner goes on to challenge other winners. All the cracked up eggs go to the final winner!”

Finland relate to big family meals. Many preEaster desserts like mämmi, which is dark malt porridge which is baked in an oven. For children

a must is of course the chocolate Easter eggs, that have a surprise toy or gift inside. Finland

has a minority of Eastern Orthodox Church.

Celebrating Easter in the Eastern Orthodox

A procession in Northern Spain

traditions is more significant than for us Lu-

therans. Some of the traditional Finnish Easter

In Spain, Seville is where hooded

pasha, a traditional Easter dessert made from

the Virgin Mary. Seville has a total of 52 reli-

family. We are going to rest, be outside and eat

part in parades that start at first light and

foods are of Eastern Orthodox tradition, like

curd. I’m spending the Easter break with my well. Easter for me personally is a time for a retreat and relaxation. In Finland Easter time is also the best time to have

sunny winter days. In this

sense for the Nordics Easter

processioners sing love songs to

gious brotherhoods, whose members take

continue until early the next morning. The origins of some of these brotherhoods date back

to the 13th century, when they were bands of men organised to rescue the wounded from battlefields during the re-conquest of Spain by the Moors.

is the start of the spring. My favourite aspect of Easter is the quiet but joyful atmosphere and the possibility to be with my loved ones.”

Ljudmila Novak MEP Slovenia “I am going to spend Easter in Slovenia with

my family. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Monday I shall attend church services. During Simnel Cake

In the United Kingdom, Easter is a

time for mass consumption, par-

ticularly of chocolate eggs. Another favourite

sweet treat is Simnel cake, a fruit cake covered with eleven marzipan balls, representing each

of Jesus’ true apostles (Judas is excluded). In the North of England, some still follow the tra-

dition of rolling decorated eggs down a steep hill in a race to the finish.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Gaekkebreve

the morning service on Easter Sunday there is a

A unique Danish Easter tradition

‘happy alleluia’ and after the service, we wish

or ‘teaser letters’. These letters are written in

for Easter breakfast, we prepare blessed Easter

signed with a number of dots corresponding to

tradition in Slovenia that we sing a song called

all our friends and family a happy Easter. Then, eggs, ham, white-radish and ‘potica’. Potica is a traditional Slovenian pastry. We light a candle

and offer each other a special flat bread called ‘oblat’. On Easter Monday my family and I climb

to the top of a local mountain to attend a service in a little church there.”

is that of sending ‘Gaekkebreve’,

poem or rhyme, and are sent anonymously, but

the number of letters in the sender’s name, so

that the recipient can make a calculated guess as to who the sender is. If the receiver cannot

guess the sender’s identity within a certain period of time, the receiver will have to give an Easter egg to the sender.

— 33 —

AGENDA

WEEK 24.03. – 30.03.2008

28.03.08 – 29.03.08

Photos: German Presidency of the EU; Miguel Lopes (3); Tim Hoesmann; Miguel Lopes

Informal Meeting of Foreign Ministers “Gymnich”: Meeting of EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs location: brdo, slovenia host: slovenian presidency of the european union

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs

place at the Brdo Mansion around

European Union will convene at

was the case at the original meet-

of the 27 Member States of the the traditional semi-annual meeting – the “Gymnich”. This informal

meeting of foreign affairs minis-

ters will allow the most pressing, significant and important issues

of relevance to European foreign policy to be discussed on a pan-

European stage. Under the 2008

Slovenian EU Council Presidency, the “Gymnich“ meeting will take

— 34 —

20 km northwest of Ljubljana. As ing in Gymnich in 1974, the foreign

ministers will be able to discuss very frankly the urgent challenges Europe faces in its relations with its neighbours and partners. In

keeping with the Gymnich tradi-

tion, the topics on the agenda will be limited so as to allow plenty of time to examine issues in depth and in a relaxed atmosphere.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

AGENDA

27.03.08 – 28.03.08

27.03.2008

27.03.2008 – 28.03.2008

Forum for the Future The WCO - Inventing The revival of our future nuclear energy of Agriculture location: bibliothèque solvay, brussels host: european landowner‘s organisation, syngenta

Syngenta and the European Landown-

location: brussels, belgium

(ELO) have come

host: wco

ers Organisation

together to create a

The purpose of this ma-

jor conference is to map

location: paris

The objective of the con-

operations of the Wolrd

host : confrontations europe

lenge for the European

out the future role and Customs Organisation,

forum on the future

so that it can continue

of agriculture in

which the main challenges facing the sector can

stood and discussed. The inaugural meeting of

out of the question to oblige countries to pro-

for Customs services. together a variety of

international experts representing the private sector, the WCO’s

partner

institutions

and members of the academic world. They will conduct a strategic exploration of various key

the forum will be focused on the need to agree on the objectives for European agriculture in the

21st Century. Themes to be addressed: Tackling global poverty; Use of natural resources; Role of agricultural technologies; Role of food in health and well being; Role of agro-fuels in climate

change; Impact of climate change on production; Link between sustainable agriculture and

rural development. Franz Fischler, former EU Agriculture Commissioner, Chairman of the RISE

Foundation; John Bensted-Smith, Director for

Economic Analysis, Perspectives & Evaluations, DG Agriculture, EC; Stefan Tangermann, Director, Food, Agriculture & Fisheries, OECD.

duce nuclear energy when they are against it. But

their national choices have major repercussions

on their neighbours. Due to these “externalities”, cooperation among States becomes an obliga-

tion. The 2008 conference will bring together key figures, and guests include Claude Fischer, Direc-

tor of Les Entretiens européens; Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy; Alain Bugat, CEA, France; Fulvio Conti, ENEL, Italy; Gérard Mestrallet, Suez, France.

ing process and the nature of its instruments, supply chain security and trade facilitation, how the responsibilities of Customs are changing and the importance of an appropriate capacity

building strategy, as well as issues surrounding

the regionalisation of activities. All of the speak-

ers will be non-members of the WCO, this being a means of visualising the future of the Organisation as perceived by its main partners. WCO

Members will have an important role to play in the ensuing discussions.

Andris Piebalgs, European Commissioner for Energy

further events 27.03.08 Young Professionals Kick-off Reception, Brussels +++ 26.03.08 – 27.03.08 Temporary Commit-

tee on Climate Change, Brussels +++ 26.03.08 ALDE Seminar: Enlargement of NATO – Opportunities Financial Affairs (CAFA), Brussels +++ 27.03.08 Meeting of the Specialised Section for “Agriculture, Rural

28.03.1944

Gisela Kallenbach

Committee on Re-

gional Development Photos: archive

aspects of the WCO, such as the decision-mak-

mon understanding and a balanced debate. It is

for European Security and Defence Policy, Brussels +++ 25.03.08 CoR: Committe for Administrative and

birthday of the week

MEP, Greens

Nationality: DE

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

debate in the European

challenges that the

The Forum will bring

Franz Fischler, former EU Agriculture Commissioner

Union” is to stimulate a

Council in order to lay the groundwork for a com-

21st Century will pose

Tapani Erling, Chairman of the WCO Council

nuclear energy: a chal-

to support its Members as they face the

be addressed and the necessary responses under-

ference “The revival of

development, environment” (NAT), Brussels +++ 27.03.08 – 28.03.08 Third Western Balkans Conference on HIV and AIDS, Sarajevo +++ 28.03.08 – 29.03.08 Perspectives in Central Nervous System Malignan-

cies IV, Berlin +++ 25.03.08 – 26.03.08 Training: Cognitive behavioural therapy: principles and practice, London +++ Parliament: Monday

Session Tuesday

Committees

Groups

Wednesday COREPER II

External Parliamentary Activities Thursday

Friday COREPER I / PSC

Saturday

Sunday

— 35 —

AGENDA

WEEK 31.03. – 06.04.2008

31.03.08 – 03.04.08

European Wind Energy Conference location: brussels exhibition centre brussels, belgium host: european wind energy association

The European Wind Energy Confer-

companies and institutions will

eral Meeting for the international

business, policy, science and tech-

ence & Exhibition is an Annual Genwind energy community. Visitors represent all relevant parts of the

decision-making chain – from engineers, purchasers and analysts to

political representatives and board members. It is the only event that

covers every key aspect of the wind

market, giving access to business contacts and networking opportunities. In forty sessions spread over

four days, presenters from leading

— 36 —

Photos: EC/ Georges Boulougouris; archive(3); private; archive

Annual General Meeting for the international wind energy community speak on topics which relate to

nology. The sessions will be complemented by over three hundred

poster presentations and a number

of side events, which focus on specialist subjects and projects. Con-

firmed speakers: Georg Wilhelm Adamowitsch, European Coordinator for connections to offshore

wind power in Northern Europe and Andrej Vizjak, Slovenian Minister of the Economy.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

AGENDA

31.03.08 – 02.04.08

Conference: The Future of Internet location: bled, slovenia

The Internet has undergone far-reaching changes and is today a

02.04.08 – 04.04.08

03.04.08 – 04.04.08

NATO Summit 2008 location: bucharest, romania host : nato

The capital of Romania, Bucharest, will host the

2008 Summit meeting of NATO Heads of State and Government on 2, 3

critical infrastructure for the economy and so-

and 4 April 2008. There will also be an expanded

by 3 billion more when mobile devices begin to

Atlantic Partnership Council and of the NATO-

ciety. Today’s 1 billion users will soon be joined

make use of an all-pervasive wireless Internet

infrastructure anywhere, anytime. This open

meeting on Afghanistan. Meetings of the EuroUkraine Commission will also be held at Summit

European Water Management Law location: brussels, belgium host : academy of european law (era)

The purpose of the “Per-

spectives on European Water

Management

Law” conference is to make overriding current

structures and future trends in the dichotomy

level in Bucharest. High-level meetings, includ-

between economic and ecological interests tan-

ment, may also be held in other configurations

analysing exemplary issues. At the same time,

ing at the level of Heads of State and Govern– these will be announced if they are confirmed.

The Summit will be chaired by the Secretary

General of NATO, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer. The Romanian President, Mr. Traian Băsescu will host the meetings.

gible, and to examine them in greater depth by

the conference seeks to provide a forum to discuss and exchange views on competing visions

and concepts within the Community and in the Member States, and to contribute towards the further development of law in this field. The

target audiences include legal practitioners in water management, competition and environmental law, as well as lawyers and economists employed by ministries and water management authorities and business enterprises.

EU Commissioner Janez Potonik

conference identifies the long term societal and

economic trends of future online societies, how they will impact the underlying network and

service technologies, and how they subsequent-

ly drive research and technology requirements Photos: European community 2005/Thierry Dauwe; private; archive; EC/Christian Lambiotte

towards a “Future Internet,” hence defining future actions at European level in a domain that

has now become a global issue with bold initiatives started in the US and Asia. The conference will assemble European and international key

speakers and bring together more than 40 EU

Chaired by the Secretary General of NATO, Mr. Jaap de Hoop Scheffer

European Water Management

further events

research projects instrumental in defining the

03.04.08 – 04.04.08 The Future of the Franco-German Engine in the European Union, Brussels +++

under the Slovenian Presidency of the EU.

European Climate Conference, Rovigo +++ 03.04.08 – 04.04.08 Conference “Public Finance in the

future of the Internet. This event is organised

EU,” Brussels +++ 01.04.08 BCCB – EU & ICT Committee Breakfast Briefing with Mr. Fabio Colasanti, Director General, DG Information Society & Media, Brussels +++ 02.04.08 Conference: Giving stronger

birthday of the week

voice to civil society in the EU neighbourhood – Development of civil dialogue and partnership rela31.03.1962

Dr Olli Rehn

Commissioner for Enlargement

European Commission

Nationality: FI

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

05.04.08 16th Meeting of the Western Balkans Contact Group, Brussels +++ 02.04.08 – 04.04.08

tions between civil society, national governments and EU institutions, Brdo +++ 02.04.08 – 03.04.08

Meeting of the High-Level Committee on Public Health, Brdo +++ 04.04.08 European Policy Seminar: International rankings and indicators – what they tell us and what they don’t, Brussels +++ Affairs Conference, European Generic Medicines Association, Brussels +++ Parliament: Monday

Session

Committees

Tuesday PSC

Groups

Wednesday COREPER I + II

External Parliamentary Activities Thursday

Friday COREPER I

Saturday

Sunday

— 37 —

AGENDA

WEEK 07.04. – 13.04.2008

07.04.08 – 08.04.08

The Brussels Tax Forum Host: European Commission, Taxation and Customs Union

The Brussels Tax Forum is an annu-

bution that taxation can make to

policy makers, experts, stakehold-

ness in the European Union, while

Location: Brussels, Charlemagne building

all over the world to discuss tax

al conference that brings together

ers and the general public from

issues of political and general interest. The Brussels Tax Forum is

hosted by László Kovács, the EU Commissioner responsible for

Taxation and Customs Union. The

topic chosen for 2008 is “Taxation

policy: Enhancing competitiveness and growth in a European way.” The conference will focus on the contri-

— 38 —

Photos: archive, European Parliament, ETUC, Slovenian Government, EC

Taxation policy: enhancing competitiveness and growth in a European way promote growth and competitive-

bearing in mind social aspects.

Speakers include: Pervenche Berès, Chairwoman of the European Par-

liament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs; Christine Lagarde (TBC), French Minister of Finance; Günther Verheugen, Vice-

President of the European Commission; Andrej Bajuk, President of EU

ECOFIN and Slovenian Minister of Finance.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

AGENDA

10.04.08 – 11.04.08

08.04.08 – 10.04.08

Combating Corruption in the EU

Euromaintenance 2008 location: iors Brussels, Belgium

Euromaintenance 2008 is an ambitious three -day

conference

10.04.08 – 12.04.08

on

maintenance, production reliability and asset

management. Euromaintenance is an initiative

of the EFNMS, the European Federation of Na-

tional Maintenance Societies. The 19th edition of this conference will be organised by BEMAS and

location: trier, germany host: academy of european law (era)

Europe in Action 2008

This forum follows on from “Combating Cor-

location: Vienna, Austria

Annual Forum”, in 2007.

host : Inclusion Europe

ruption in the EU – First

Topics will include incen-

tives such as amnesty,

Each year, Inclusion Europe organises an annual congress called “Europe

in Action”. In 2008, the topic will be “Education for all”. It will focus on

immunity, mitigation or

the policies and practices that support inclusive

ly involved, protection of witnesses and whistle-

and teachers should be doing to make sure that

voluntary disclosure regulations for those directblowers, guidelines for public officials as well as

deterrents such as debarment, blacklisting etc.

Examples of best practices and experiences from Member States with specialised authorities for

corruption will be given. Particular problems of prosecution with regard to the financial interests of the EC will be analysed; Possibilities for

education and will look at what governments schools can be open to all children across the European Union. The main topics of the conference

will be: Education objectives for young people and their families; Structure and organisation of inclusive schools and the policies; structures and systems of inclusive education.

administrative, police and judicial cooperation

between the EU Member States and candidate

countries will be scrutinised. The target audience for this conference is Experts of the Association

of European Lawyers for the Protection of the

Maintenance 2007

Financial Interests

easyFairs. Euromaintenance 2008 will feature

of the European

several distinct themes and topics: Integrating

Community, EU

Operations & Maintenance: Lean Manufactur-

institutions, pub-

ing, Lean Maintenance & TPM; Maintenance &

lic prosecutors,

Asset Performance; Contracting & Outsourcing;

defence lawyers

Boosting Performance of Maintenance People;

and judges.

Reliability Engineering & Process Excellence; Best Practices in Maintenance Execution, Plan-

ning & Scheduling; E-maintenance; Energy

Education for all

further events

Management & Environmental Improvements

06.04.08 – 07.04.08 Informal Meeting of Experts on Article 133 Committee (Services), Brdo, Slovenia

Legal Issues in Maintenance; Purchasing and

08.04.08 CoR: EPP Bureau, Brussels +++ 07.04.08 – 08.04.08 Seminar: Understanding Decision-Mak-

Through Maintenance; Budgetting, Finance & Managing Spare Parts and MRO.

Photos: archive, www.dreamstime.com

ing in the European Union: Principles, Procedures and Practice, Maastricht +++ 08.04.08 – 10.04.08

Euromaintenance 2008, EasyFairs, Brussels +++ 08.04.08 Temporary Committee on Climate Change, Brussels +++ 09.04.08 ALDE Seminar Energy ‘islands’ in the EU – implementation of the 3rd energy

birthday of the week

package, Brussels +++ 09.04.08 PES Presidency, Brussels +++ 09.04.08 – 10.04.08 Conference: 2nd 08.04.1948

Danuta Hübner PhD Commissioner for Regional Policy European

Commission

Nationality: PL

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

+++ 07.04.08 – 08.04.08 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (TTE), Luxembourg +++

Biomarkers in Drug Development, London +++ 10.04.08 PES Diversity & Integration Network Meeting, Brussels +++ 10.04.08 Governing Council meeting of the ECB, Frankfurt +++ 11.04.08 BDG Demystifying Series, “The Limosa Law, how it can affect your business?”, Mr. Philippe de Wulf, partner TaylorWessing, Brussels +++ Parliament: Monday TTE

Session

Committees

Tuesday TTE/ PSC

Groups

Wednesday COREPER I + II

External Parliamentary Activities Thursday

Friday COREPER I / PSC

Saturday

Sunday

— 39 —

Common weed?

Think again...

The dandelion.

A garden delicacy.

Seen by many as an unsightly gardening nuisance, the dandelion is also enjoyed by a discerning few as a delicious natural jam or tea.

Common perceptions are not always well founded instinct often replaces considered thought.

Think again.

Convergence is not only a dream.

Convergence is happening now.

We take it further. www.etno.eu/thinkagain

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS Events The ICT Agenda for 2008

44

Opinion MEP Angelika Niebler on a new EU regulator 46 E-Health Changes ahead for Europe’s Citizens

48

Best Practice ICT and Sustainability

50

31.03.08 – 02.04.08

The Future of the Internet

SPECIAL

25.11.08 – 27.11.08

ICT Event 2008 location: lyon, france

host: slovenian government with support of the ec

host: french presidency of the eu, european commission

Photos: European Community 2005; archive

location: bled, slovenia

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 43 —

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

ICT EVENTS 2008 04.03.08 – 09.03. 08

CeBIT 2008

06.03.08

26.03.08 – 28.03.08

Women & ICT: Move Internet of Things out of the Shadows

The term “Internet of

CeBIT is not only the

location: hanover, world’s largest trade germany fair showcasing digital host: deutsche IT and telecommunicamesse ag tions solutions for home

and work environment;

with more than 1,200 lectures and presentations

on the agenda, it also ranks as the world’s largest and most important ICT congress. www.cebit.de/events

31.03.08 – 02.04.08

host: european commision, dg infso

host: slovenian government with support of the ec

24.04.08 – 25.04.08

The EU Framework for Electronic Comms The conference will pro-

vide insights into the experiences, expectations and perspectives

conference will bring

leading researchers and

location: bonn, germany

technical workshop plan to offer a coherent ap-

host: wik

host: eth zurich, university of st. gallen, mit

together to facilitate the sharing of applications, research results

and knowledge. Keynote speakers include Dr. Peter Zencke, Executive

Board Member, SAP AG, and Dr. Bob Iannucci, CTO of Nokia.

www.iot2008.org

13.05.08 – 14.05.08

location: brdo, slovenia

tory experts. Their multi-

host: slovenian presidency

and independent regula-

tion. Through the exchange of ideas and emerg-

location: Zurich, Switzerland

officials, market players

ment, other government

area of the future life of

practitioners from both

academia and industry

of the European parlia-

Authorities, members

propose solutions which overcome barriers and

ple, varied viewpoints will be communicated

After the first i2010 con-

ference, hosted under the UK Presidency in

2005, and the event on the “Ubiquitous Europe-

an Information Society”

through presentations

in Helsinki in 2008, the EU policy framework for

Moreover, the confer-

cussed this time in Slovenia. i2010 is currently

and panel discussions.

for excellence and innovation, enabling Europe-

ence will provide opportunities to network with

nity to master and shape the future. Keynotes by

most challenging issues. With Fabio Colasanti,

— 44 —

cal world of objects. The

i2010 High Level Conference

of National Regulatory

the Internet, to identify common problems and

www.fi-bled.eu

out into the real, physi-

tor. Viviane Reding, Com-

dex_en.htm

and worldwide in the

Commissioners Potočnik and Reding.

the Internet to reach

staff in this crucial sec-

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/in-

ing researched in the EU

an actors within the Internet world an opportu-

disciplines that enable

combat the shortage of

young women to start a career in ICT.

understand what is be-

proach to the Future of the Internet as a vehicle

nologies and research

reer in ICT is essential to

with a one-day conference aimed at motivating

offer an opportunity to

ing solutions, the Conference and the associated

scribe a number of tech-

women to take up a ca-

following up last year’s “Shadowing exercise”

This Conference aims to

present the key elements of a roadmap of ac-

Things“ has come to de-

young

missioner for Information, Society and Media, is

The Future of the Internet location: bled, slovenia

Encouraging

high-ranking industry experts and to discuss the EC DG INFSO, and MEP Malcolm Harbour. www.wik.org/content/rec/rec_main.htm

the information society and media will be disundergoing a mid-term review to make sure that

it remains up-to-date with the rapidly-changing ICT environment. The updated strategy will be presented in Spring 2008.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: archive(2); private

location: brussels, belgium

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

13.05.08 – 15.05.08

A New Reality

This year’s “Next Generation Telecommunica-

03.06.08

Deutsche Telekom: “Talk in Brussels”

changes that are shaping both the telecoms and media landscapes. It aims to review new service concepts, assess the changing economics that

the likely futures of both existing players and

location: brussels, belgium

http://guest.cvent.com/EVENTS/Info/Summary.

host: deutsche telekom ag

aspx?e=61410032-54e8-497e-81a3-04c337f61fb5

The 15th ICT will be held in St. Petersburg, Russia

—the meeting point of East and West. Keynote

govern this new world, consider the benefits

new entrants.

International Conference on Telecoms location: st. petersburg, russia

tions” conference will discuss the fundamental

those changes will bring to society, and assess

15.06.08 – 19.06.08

Deutsche Telekom AG hosts its annual “Talk in Brussels” Reception at

the Representation of the State North RhineWestphalia to the EU.

22.10.08 – 24.10.08

presenters include: David G. Belanger, AT&T Labs

Chief Scientist; Monique J. Morrow, Cisco USA; G.S. Kuo, Professor, Beijing University. http://ict08.org/index.html

25.11.08 – 27.11.08

ICT Event 2008

eChallenges 2008 location: stockholm, sweden host: vinnova

This is the eighteenth in

a series of Annual Con-

ferences supported by the European Commis-

sion, which regularly attracts over 650 delegates

Photos: Thomas Ernsting/Deutsche Telekom AG; archive; European parlament

from leading commercial, government and research organisations around the world to share knowledge and experience in the areas of ICT

29.09.08 – 02.10.08

ICT Symposium location: brussels expo, belgium host: belgacomproximus-telindus

The Telindus Symposium has grown in previous

years to become the leading ICT event in Belgium

and beyond. Hosted by

the leading telecom &

ICT players in Belgium, it gives ICT professionals a

chance to discover the newest and most original converged ICT solutions and receive a strategic and technical update.

www.ictsymposium.eu/ EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

for Networked Enterprise & RFID, eGovernment

& eDemocracy, eHealth, Collaborative Working Environments, Technology Enhanced Learning

and ICT Skills, Security and Identity Manage-

location: lyon, france

The biennial ICT Event

host: french presidency of the eu, european commission

discussing research and

(formerly called the “IST

Event”) is a forum for

public policy in information and communication

technologies at Europe-

ment, and GRID and Mobility. eChallenges pro-

an level. The “Inventing the Future” theme will

forum to discuss lessons learned from applied

information and communication technologies

vides participants from these industries with a Information and Communications Technology

(ICT)-related research at European level (FP6 & FP7) as well as Regional, National and Commercial initiatives. International cooperation and

discussion of commercialisation, exploitation & interoperability issues are key aspects of the programme.

www.echallenges.org/e2008/

comprehensively cover major research trends in (ICT) such as new computing paradigms, ICT-

bio and nano, photonics, cognition robotics and

the use of ICT for science. The 2009-2010 Work Programme for ICT research in the EU’s Seventh

Framework Programme (FP7) will be presented in detail.

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/ events/ict/2008/index_en.htm

— 45 —

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Opinion Do we need a new EU telecoms regulator?

MEP Dr Angelika Niebler comments on the Commission’s recent proposal

— 46 —

all issues related to electronic communications.

tronic Communications Regulatory Framework.

its proposals are correct. Irrespective of the last Telecom Review Package

its long-awaited proposals for the reform of the Elec-

The review of the Telecom package constitutes, in the

Commission’s own words, a significant reform of the cur-

rent framework. The remarkable core of the proposal is clearly the creation of a European Electronic Communications Market Authority (EECMA). This new body would

merge and finally replace the European Regulators Group

(ERG), the assembly of national regulators and the Euro-

The objectives the European Commission would like to achieve with

adopted by Parliament and Council in 2002 and its successful implementation in the Member States, there are still some markets in electronic communications where there is still no fair competition and, thus, strong regulation required.

However, it has to be carefully examined as to whether such regulation

really needs a new regulatory authority. First reactions in the European Parliament and the Council clearly show that there are reservations.

As a starting point, it has to be recalled that the basic goal of liberalis-

pean Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).

ing the communications markets is to finally apply common European

ency in the application of EU law by acting as a cen-

thority does not exactly point in this direction. Although there are still

This new authority is expected to improve the consist-

tre of expertise and advisory body to the Commission, upon request or in certain cases on its own initiative, on

competition law to the telecommunications sector. Creating a new auproblems in several sectors of the telecommunications market, as well

as the European telecommunications legal framework, it has experiEUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photo: www.dreamstime.com

I

n November 2007, the European Commission presented

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

enced significant changes and developments. There is an overall under-

tence. In the long run, it could become a real central regulatory body.

test of time.

main: How should it be designed? How can we guarantee its independ-

in fact another European agency which the Commission would like to

tween national regulators and the EECMA be handled?

standing among stakeholders that the current framework has stood the

Though the terminology refers to the EECMA as an “authority”, it is,

establish. As Europe already has a considerable number of agencies, any

If we really decide to establish the EECMA, three basic questions re-

ence with regard to the European Commission? How will conflicts beIn my opinion, an alternative to the establishment of a new agency

proposal to create a new one needs detailed and thorough scrutiny. A

could be that the powers vested in the national regulators are strength-

garding the principle of subsidiarity, building up new centralistic struc-

on the most efficient way for a further opening of the markets in the

new agency often means new bureaucracy and more centralisation. Retures where it is not absolutely inevitable is always questionable. In this special case, the definite need for centralized regulation seems at least contestable.

What would the EECMA implicate? It would mainly take over respon-

sibility for network information and security issues from ENISA, and

ened as well as those of the existing ERG. Parliament will carefully work interest of consumers.

Author

Research and Energy and a member of the Committee

provement of the current situation with ERG and ENISA seems rather

on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. Born

marginal and would not justify the creation of a central authority with over 130 staff and a budget of more than € 20 million.

Furthermore, once a central administrative body exists, experience

shows that in the course of time it will attract more power. It is possible that, in a 3rd or 4th telecommunications package, the EECMA will quite

probably play a more important role and centralize even more compe-

The European Commission’s position & proposal a summary by Christopher Robotham In its proposal the Commission makes clear that it feels there are still

considerable inconsistencies in the implementation of the European regulatory framework and that the current system risks jeopardising the

competitiveness of the telecom sector in terms of the exploitation of the

economies of scale of the single market and its 500 million consumers.

The proposed reform package suggests as a remedy the establishment

in Munich, she has been a Doctor of Law since 1992.

She is a member of the CDU/CSU Group and EPP-ED Group Executive in the European Parliament, and of numerous professional boards and foundations.

assisting national regulators and the Commission in coordinating and

harmonising telecom regulating and ensuring that it is applied more

consistently and more swiftly across all EU Member States. This would

both strengthen weaker national regulators and allow the Commission to benefit from the expertise of national regulators. For those worried

about the cost, the cost-benefit analysis shows that under a conservative scenario it could be estimated that it has the potential of bringing

total economic benefits far exceeding its budgetary costs by a factor of

around 10-30 times (i.e. the order of magnitude of the benefits would be around € 250 – 800 million).

of a European regulator, in the form of the European Electronic Commu-

Background

Regulators Group (ERG). The proposal to create this new body was taken

The full opening of national telecoms markets was achieved in 1998,

regulation itself, and secondly the impossibility of enhancing the ERG

tor dating from 2003 and designed to meet the objectives of promot-

nications Market Authority (EECMA), ultimately replacing the European

following the Commission’s assessment that it couldn’t take over the satisfactorily. The model of the EECMA is mainly based on the perceived

shortfalls of the ERG, which, according to the Commission, has had dif-

ficulties in ensuring consistent implementation of the telecom rules within the 27 Member States due to its “lowest common denominator approach”. Differences among regulators have often prevented it from

identifying solutions. The new Authority would gather the 27 national

regulators in its Board of Regulators and be managed by an Executive Director, appointed for five years. It would use majority voting to take Photo: private

Dr Angelika Niebler has been an MEP since 1999 and is

currently Chairwoman of the Committee on Industry,

advise and inform the Commission about the NRA’s measures. The im-

decisions and would employ about 120 people tasked with complementing at European level the regulatory tasks performed by the national

regulatory authorities. It should combine the expertise of national reg-

ulators with the single market powers of the European Commission, EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

with the current regulatory framework governing the telecoms sec-

ing competition and consolidating the internal market for electronic communications. The Commission’s latest proposed review was

adopted in November 2007. It contains one controversial proposal:

the creation of the European Telecom Market Authority. During a

first exchange of views on the package in the Industry Committee, several MEPs asked whether a new Electronic Communications Mar-

ket Authority was necessary and raised concerns about the increase

in powers for the European Commission. Some MEPs also queried the costs and benefits of functional separation, that is, separating the

transmission infrastructure from content. The proposals will now be

debated in the European Parliament and in the Council. The Commission is hopeful that it could be in force by 2010.

— 47 —

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

E-Health Changes ahead for Europe’s Citizens On the Verge of a new Digital Age

D

by christine holthoff

uring the next couple of years European

citizens will certainly have to adjust to major changes in the health care sec-

tor. Prescriptions for medication will be given by e-mail, electronic health cards

containing not only insurance data but

the patient’s whole medical history will

be established and electronic health records accessible for doctors all over Europe will provide transparent clinical documentation.

Under the umbrella of the Commis-

sion’s new policy framework i2010, which aims to promote convergence in information and communication technologies (ICT) by 2010, an Action Plan

was established to support the implementation of e-Health in Europe. EHealth can be understood as the application of ICT across the whole range

Plan, countries have furthermore contributed to the emergence of an “e-

manager, via nurses, data processing specialists, social security administra-

become the third largest industry in the health sector. This was also con-

of functions that affect the health sector, from the doctor to the hospital tors and the patients. In a broader sense, the term characterizes not only a

technical development, but also an attitude to improve health care locally, regionally, and worldwide.

By making use of ICT for health care services, it is not only the advance-

ment of medical knowledge which can be accelerated, e-Health is meant

to facilitate independent living and to provide safer health care, seeing to

Health industry”, which, according to the Commission, has the potential to firmed by Agneta Granström, County Councilor of Norrbotten, speaking at

an Assembly of European Regions conference: “Developing such innovative

technologies also contributes to a region’s overall economic development, by attracting companies specialized in this field and creating new employment opportunities.”

E-Health is however not welcomed with open arms by everyone. The

it that all medical steps are documented in a transparent way.

Standing Committee for European Doctors, for instance, reminds us that

tantly, by reducing the scope for medical errors, it can save lives. We need

trustful relationship. The designers of e-Health applications should thus

E-Health can empower patients and improve healthcare. Most impor-

a partnership between health ministers, technology providers, patient

groups and health NGOs to release the full potential of e-Health in Europe, says Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou. In this sense, implementing

e-Health services does not only mean improving the efficiency of health

systems in terms of saving money, but enabling access to best quality

care for all European citizens. By following the objects of the EU Action

— 48 —

the face-to-face contact between physicians and patients is crucial for a

keep in mind that these applications need to support and enhance this contact, and that security and confidentiality of systems are of paramount

importance. Although there is still a long way to go and stages of implementation differ from country to country, electronic information services

and cross-border cooperation in the health care sector will soon become reality.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

E-Health Implementation in the Member States belgium

romania

- Electronic Health records: On the market since 1986; ongoing labeling

- Electronic Health records: Currently under preparation by collecting

- E-Prescription: Ongoing process; activities were supposed to end this

- E-Prescription: No project has been started yet

process of EHR systems month

- Health cards: Still in preparation

- Health portals: Ongoing process; most universities and larger hospi-

tals are offering similar services, providing on request data about their in-patient

germany - Electronic Health records: Currently under preparation; patient admin-

istration systems are already used in private practice, but often not on clinical documentation

- E-Prescription: Application in preparation

- Health cards: Electronic insurance cards existent for more than 10

data on all citizens

- Health cards: Two types in preparation – a national and European health insurance card

- Health portals: No national health portal any more; information is provided, for instance, by the Ministry of Public Health

spain - Electronic Health records: Established in all Spanish regions - E-Prescription: Pilot projects in the majority of regions - Health cards: Established in all regions

- Health portals: Public health service institutions give general information on prevention and health promotion, especially via the internet

years, but have never been used for medical purposes; cards for health professionals are also being introduced

- Health portals: Large number available, with a trend towards regional health portals

sweden - Electronic Health records: Ongoing process; pilot projects in 2004 and 2006

- E-Prescription: Ongoing process; differing technical solutions at different stages of implementation; plans to implement personal signature and national database

UK - Electronic Health records: Ongoing process until 2010; interactive patient record service, accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

- E-Prescription: To be established until 2010

- Health cards: No plans for individual cards, although all patients have their own unique identification number

- Health portals: National health portal existent

most important health events

- Health cards: Personal electronic ID card with an electronic certificate

world health care congress

health conference 2008

- Health portals: Ongoing process; plan of a national health portal for

Berlin, Germany

Portorož, Slovenia

for health and social service employees existent

citizens and telephone support; service also via Internet and information leaflets

10-12 March 2008

6-8 May 2008

med-e-tel 2008

world of health it 2008

Luxembourg

Copenhagen, Denmark

16-18 April 2008

3-6 November 2008

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Best practice ICT and Sustainability How BT is busting Carbon by stephen crisp

C

limate change is firmly on the agenda of

see BT saving the equivalent amount of carbon as that resulting from the

chief executive, Ben Verwaayen, recently

lation of Liverpool and Cardiff combined – for every year of the contract.

the business community. British Telecom’s headed a task force within the Confed-

electricity consumption of over 300,000 households - roughly the popu-

eration of British Industries on Climate

bt and wind power

and involved some of the UK’s main busi-

level). This year we decided to go even further and to build our own wind

response to the climate change challenge.

they shall provide up to 25 per cent of its existing UK electricity require-

Change. The task force was composed of

ness leaders, who analysed the country’s Its final report “Climate change: Every-

one’s business” points to the great sense of urgency in the UK regarding the issue.

Information and Communications Tech-

nologies are key enablers and play a major role in finding solutions for the reduction

of carbon emissions. BT has a track record

in reducing not only its own carbon emission footprint, but also in offer-

ing solutions for others to do so. By the end of the 2006 BT had reduced

BT’s plan is to reduce its CO2 emissions by 80% by 2016 (based on 1996

farms. With the aim of starting to generate power from 2012 onwards

ments. The wind farm scheme represents the UK’s biggest corporate wind power project outside the energy sector. The project, costing about

330 million Euro, will bring together third party funding and renewable energy partners to safeguard future supplies of clean, green energy. This

would prevent the release of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 each year – equiva-

lent to a quarter of a million return air trips from London to New York.

We are currently identifying high wind yield sites on or adjacent to BT-

owned land and are committed to working closely with local communities throughout the development process.

the company’s CO2 emissions by 60% compared to 1996. This is equiva-

good for business

savings already exceed the EU’s and UK Government’s target of 20% by

the issue from a cost-based risk to an integrated part of their revenue

lent to an annual saving of almost 1 million tonnes of CO2. BT’s emissions 2010 (from a 1990 baseline) as well as those of the Kyoto Protocol.

bt’s strategy to tackle climate change is four-pronged: • reducing its own emissions

• influencing its supply chain to produce lower carbon-emitting products

• influencing customers by proposing lower carbon solutions

• engaging its more than 106,000 strong workforce to reduce their per-

sonal carbon footprints and empowering them to influence their local communities

As a consumer of 0.7 per cent of the UK’s entire electricity consumption,

BT is well-placed to make a significant contribution. In 2007, the company

extended its Green Energy contract – one of the biggest in the world– until 2010 with npower and British Gas Business. The two suppliers provide

BT with 1 terawatt hour (TWh) of renewable energy and 1.2 TWh of accredited combined heat and power (CHP) per year. The arrangement will

— 50 —

To make real progress in tackling climate change companies must move

stream. BT aims to run its business on a sustainable basis and to keep a

balance in a way that is good for its customers, shareholders, employees, the environment and the world in which we live. An important part of

this experience is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). BT has been top

in its sector on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for seven years in a row now.

BT is uniquely placed to harness the potential of networked IT services

and the positive effect that they will continue to have on reducing car-

bon emissions through, for example, cutting down on unnecessary travel.

More than 80 per cent of BT staff already work flexibly some or all of

the time thanks to our broadband technology, while BT’s teleconferencing business is the fastest growing in the world. BT will also commit to incorporating energy consumption and environmental impact into its

procurement processes, ensuring that all suppliers are compliant with BT’s environmental targets.

Climate change is not just a moral issue. Through the use of conference

calls and home working BT saved around 315 million miles of business

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

IT & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

travel, which lowered the companies CO2 emissions by 20,000 tonnes

– apparently the environmental cost of the Strasbourg Plenary sessions.

Our teleconferencing systems alone saved BT 60 million Euro in 2006.

Congestions and delays cost business money – according to the UK industry federation CBI about 27 billion Euro per year - and almost any

mode of transport creates pollution. ICT has the potential to reduce the

amount we travel. Think not only about teleworking and teleconferencing but also about on-line shopping, egovernment, ebanking or more ef-

ficient traffic management and logistics. Maybe, we should even consider the integration of transport and ICT policy.

One of the biggest consumers of energy are BT’s datacentres. BT has

made them a particular focus. In 2006, BT consolidated 3,000 servers

through a mixture of virtualization, the move to blade servers, and alternative operating systems such as Linux. This resulted in electricity

savings of 23GWh (gigawatt hours) and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 3,300 tonnes. We also decided to implement fresh-air-cooling instead of

air-conditioning in the 107 datacenters required for its 21st Century network, resulting in an 85% reduction in datacenter energy use. BT found

that most were running at a temperature of between 20C–24C. The companyBT challenged the conventional wisdom and took a that the opti-

mum running temperature for IT and network equipment is around 22C.a different approach to refrigeration with much higher temperatures than originally envisaged. Furthermore, BT’s 21st Century Network in which we

are investing 15 billion Euro over five years, will save energy in its own right by consuming a third less power than the one it replaces.

the big switch off

But BT is also actively engaged in an ongoing campaign aimed at em-

expected fault rates from high rainfall levels. BT is thinking carefully

when they are not in use. BT estimates that this will save enough energy

company also works on more resilient, water tight cable joints.

monitors, printers, computers, lights, and other electrical equipment

to power 40,000 homes over four years. It also encourages home-work-

about where to place the new nodes for our 21st Century Network. The

The risks presented by climate change are too big to ignore and we aim

ing and the use of teleconferencing and videoconferencing facilities to

to play a positive part in meeting the many challenges that will arise,

suring that all new equipment uses less energy than that which it re-

June 2005 with more than 20 other multinational businesses including

replace business travel wherever possible. Other measures include enplaces. Related to this is the fact that BT is focusing on managing the

large desktop/laptop estate of its over 106000 employees worldwide.

This includes shutting down laptops that are not in use, as well as printer consolidation.

But, there is another important element which we are becoming in-

creasingly aware of in our recruitment of young graduates. Corporate

Social Responsibility issues are very high on their agenda when they are

considering which companies they would like to join. At BT we recruit 300 graduates per year and almost all of them ask about BT’s CSR policy.

Photo: www.dreamstime.com; private

BT scientists have done a great deal of computer modelling to predict

ployees called “The Big Switch Off” that encourages them to turn off

long-term problems require long-term solutions

BT has a huge investment in the UK telecommunications infrastruc-

whilst helping Europe remain competitive. This is why BT joined forces in

BP, HP, Ford, HSBC, Toyota and Cisco to call on G8 governments to take ac-

tion on climate change. It is a long term problem needing a well planned, long term solution. The problem should not be left to politicians alone as we all have a role to play.

Author

Stephen Crisp was appointed as Director European Affairs for BT in January 2005. Based in Brussels, he

heads the EU Affairs team who represent BT’s interests to the EU institutions. Between 2003 and 2005 he was the key policy adviser to the UK’s Environment

ture and that will be increasingly at risk. The severe gales in the winter of

Minister. Crisp first joined BT in 1995, working as BT’s Labour Party

that BT experienced a vast increase in the numbers of cable faults, over-

lobbying team. Prior to joining BT, he worked in the House of Commons

2004/5, following one of Scotland’s wettest summers on record, meant

head cables down and a whole car park full of vehicles ruined and immo-

bilised by floods. This resulted in a huge rise in customer complaints and the backlog of necessary work.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

specialist before establishing and leading BT’s first commercial

and House of Lords. He is an Executive Board member of the European Telecommunications Network Organisation (ETNO).

— 51 —

PEOPLE

People: Winner and Loser Who came out on top and who was a flop in recent months

Andris Piebalgs

With the ambitious Climate Change and Energy package presented on 23

January, Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs is definitely more than fit

to be considered a winner in this round of steps towards a more responsible and sustainable future for the EU. Combating climate change will, of

course, have to be a worldwide effort to produce the desired outcomes, but by forging the way with these most recent proposals the Energy

Commission is certainly setting standards which can be held up as solid examples of the kinds of actions and dedication needed in the 21st century if the world is to make progress on the issue. The European council of leaders from all 27 nations had initially announced their intention to

commit to drastic carbon cutting measures in March of 2007. This Climate Change and Energy package embodies those commitments by not

only tackling emissions concerns head-on vith viable economic options, but also by loosening restraints which will allow the EU to work more as a whole in their efforts to meet these 2020 goals.

Daniel Bouton

With the loss of an estimated 4.9 billion euros on reputedly unauthorised deals, we didn’t have to rack our brains too much to find this month’s loser. Société Générale’s board of directors spared Chairman and CEO Daniel Bouton, who will stay on in his position, but nevertheless the damage has

already been done. The losses which Société Générale incurred by trader Jerome Kerviel’s massive unauthorised bets on European futures mar-

kets have seriously dented the bank’s public image and reputation, and

also left the bank open to rumours of the prospect of a hostile takeover, with Credit Agricole and BNP Paribas reputed to have been interested.

This talk went so far as to prompt the French Prime Minister Francois Fil-

lon to state the government would defend the bank against hostile bids, and the French government was subsequently warned against adoptPhotos: European Commission; archive

ing a protectionist stance by the European Union. Since then the bank launched a bid to raise nearly 8 billion dollars in fresh capital through a heavily discounted rights issue, designed to fill a gap in funds blamed on

the massive trading scandal. It said it would offer new shares to existing shareholders at 47.50 euros (68.94 dollars) - nearly a 40 per cent discount to SocGen’s previous closing share price of 77.72 euros (112.80 dollars).

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 53 —

PEOPLE

Personnel Changes EU Institutions and National Representations New President of the Committee of the Regions elected

New head at Czech RP

Luc Van den Brande

Milena Vicenová

Committee of the Regions

Czech Permanent Rep-

President

Ambassador

Nationality: BE

resentation to the EU

Start: 01/02/2008

Nationality: CZ

Start: 07/01/2008 Milena Vicenová has taken up the post of Czech

Van den Brande, former First Vice-President, has been appointed President of the Committee of

the Regions. He is currently a Belgian Senator and has held a series of high profile posts including

President of the Group EPP/CD in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Vice-Presi-

dent of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe,Belgian Minister of Employment and Labour. He holds a doctorate in Law and a Licence of Notary.

Permanent Representative to the EU. The first

woman in the post, she will lead the Representation during the upcoming Czech Presidency. A

graduate of the University of Veterinary Medicine at Brno, she was named Czech minister of

Agriculture in 2006. She gained experience with the EU and Czech foreign policy as director for

the pre-accession SAPARD programme, and ne-

New President at the ECA

Jos Delbeke

Vítor Manuel da Silva

General

President

Deputy Director EC DG ENV

Nationality: BE

Start: 15/01/2008

Caldeira ECA

Nationality: PT

Start: 01/2008

The European Commission has appointed Jos

Vítor Manuel da Silva Caldeira has been elected

vironment (DG ENV). The 52-year-old Belgian has

He became a Member in 2000 and has been the

Delbeke as Deputy Director-General for the Enheld various positions in the DG ENV, where until recently he was responsible for climate change

and air. Under the guidance of the Director Gen-

eral he will now be responsible for the overall strategy and policy orientation. In the past , he

has worked at Social Affairs DG, spending a year at the IMF in Washington DC, and he was a professor at the Flemish Business School (Brussels).

— 54 —

the European Court of Auditors 11th President.

Dean of the group responsible for coordination, evaluation, assurance, development and communication since 2005, and the Member directly responsible for audit development and reports

during the last two years. Previously, Caldeira

was responsible for the coordination of the Eu-

ropean Community audit and internal audit system of the Portuguese Financial Administration.

TICKER

Brigitte Fourré, MEP, European Parliament +++ Herbert Ungerer, European Commission, Deputy Director-General for state aid policy +++

Koen Vervaeke, EU Special Representative to

the African Union and Head of the Commission Delegation +++ Magor Imre Csibi, MEP, European Parliament +++ Andrea Dahmen, Head

of Communications, Commission’s DG Translation +++ Geert Dancet, Executive Director,

European Chemicals Agency +++ Lluis Maria de Puig, President, Parlimentary Assembly of the

Council for Europe (PACE) +++ Ramona Nicole

Mãnescu, MEP, European Parliament +++ Calvo Basaran, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission-DG for Enterprise and Industry +++

Claire-Françoise Durand, Acting Director-General, European Commission Legal Service +++ Emmanouil Angelakas, MEP, European Parliament +++

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: archive

Delbeke moves up at DG ENV

gotiating team for European structural funds.

PEOPLE

Associations CECIMO appoints Geerts

CEPI announce new Chairman Magnus Hall

Filip Geerts

Magnus Hall

CECIMO

CEPI

Secretary General

President

Nationality: BE

Nationality: SE

Start: 01/02/2008

Start: 01/01/2008

The European Committee for Cooperation of

the Machine Tool Industries has welcomed Filip Geerts as its new Secretary General. Geerts pre-

The Confederation of European Paper Industries has announced the appointment of Magnus Hall

as secretary-general of different national and

He holds an MSc degree in Industrial Management and Engineering from Linköping Institute of

viously worked for Fabrimetal as manager and EU trade associations. Since 2001 he has worked for Agoria, the federation of the technology industry in Belgium. He is the President of the International Electronics Recycling Congress.

as the new CEPI chairman. Mr Hall has been the president and CEO of Holmen since April 2004.

Technology in Sweden, was a Fulbright scholar at Georgetown University in the US in 1985 and has

been with Holmen since then. He is also chairman of the Forest-Based Sector Technology Platform (FTP) and vice chairman of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation.

New President at CEPIS

Wilks elected at CPME

Niko Schlamberger

Michael Wilks

CEPIS

CPME

President

Nationality: SL

Start: 24/11/2007

President

Nationality: UK

Start: 01/01/2008

Niko Schlamberger has been appointed President of the Council of Euro-

CPME’s new President Michael Wilks has been a member of the UK delega-

the Slovenian Society Informatika, VP of the International Federation of

chaired its ethics committee until December 2007. He has been a member

pean Professional Informatics Societies. He is also currently President of Information Processing, and the Government Secretary for special projects

at the Statistical Office of the Republic of Slovenia. Previous positions include Head of the Slovenian Government IT office.

tion to the Standing Comittee of European Doctors (CPME) since 2002, and

of the British Medical Association’s Medical Ethics Committee since 1994, and chaired the committee until September 2006. He also chaired the BMA’s policy-making forum.

TICKER

+++ Inês Alves, Policy Officer, European Youth Forum +++ Philip Aminoff, Chairman, European Group of Owner-Managed and Family Enterprises +++

Tobias Berger, Communication & Data Manager, Union for the Co-ordination of Transmission of Electricity +++ Janina Clark, Head of Communications and

PR, European Insurance and Reinsurance Federation +++ Adel El Gammal, Secretary General, European Photovoltaic Industry Association +++ Piero Fratini, Photos: archive

Coordinator for Public Affairs & Media Relations in Europe, IFPD +++ Hervé Guider, General Manager, European Association of Cooperative Banks (EACB)

+++ Joachim Jobi, Head of EU-Liaison Office, BAK, BIngK, BAIK and ECEC +++ Frédéric Melchior, Researcher, Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) +++ Martin Ohneberg, President, Yes for Europe +++ Jamie Page, Executive Diretor, Health Care Without Harm Europe +++ Andreas Renscher, Chairman of Commercial Vehicle Board, European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) +++ Alfonso Ruiz de Assín, President, Association of European Radios (AER) +++ Magda Stoczkiewicz, Director, Friends of the Earth Europe +++ Mika Vidgren, President, Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union +++ EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 55 —

PEOPLE

Ben Butters at EUROCHAMBRES

Pleister new President for EACB

Ben Butters

Dr Christopher Pleister

Eurochambres

EACB

Director of European Affairs Nationality: UK

Start: 07/01/2008

President

Nationality: DE

Start: 01/12/2007

Ben Butters has been appointed new Director of the European Affairs De-

Dr Christopher Pleister, Chairman of the German Cooperative Bank As-

merce and Industry. Mr. Butters has been working in Brussels since 1996,

Cooperative Banks. Since 1999 Dr Pleister has been a Member of the Super-

partment at Eurochambres, the Association of European Chambers of Com-

including stints in both the European Commission and Parliament. Between 2001 and 2007, he was Managing Director of Smallbusinesseurope.

sociation, has been appointed President of the European Association of

visory Board of Management of DZ BANK. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee of the European Banking Industry Committee.

Media and Think Tanks

Lorenzo Robustelli

Change at the European Movement Belgium

Brussels Bureau Chief

Anne van Lancker

Nationality: IT

European Movement Belgium

APCOM

Start: 15/11/2007

Lorenzo Robustelli has been appointed Brussels Bureau Chief of Apcom,

President

Nationality: BE

Start: 24/11/2007

the second Italian national news agency, for whom he has been an Edi-

Anne Van Lancker follows M. Charles-Ferdinand Nothomb as President

worked as the Head of the press office of Agenzia per il giubileo, political

European Parliament since July 1994, focusing on social topics such as

tor for political, internal and Vatican affairs since 2003. He has previously correspondent for Reuters, economical and political affairs journalist for Italian media, and ministerial spokesperson for Italian government.

Weiss for Bertelsmann Foundation in Brussels Stefani Weiss Director

Bertelsmann Foundation Nationality: DE

Start: 01/11/2007

Stefani Weiss has taken office as Director of the Brussels office of the German Bertelsmann Foundation. She had been working as Project Manager at

the foundation’s headquarters since 1999. Prior to that, Ms. Weiss was Director of Studies, European Law & Politics at the Gustav-Stresemann Institute.

— 56 —

of the European Movement Belgium. She has been a Member of the

equal opportunity policy, development cooperation, sexual and reproductive health, poverty, social consultation, and sexual education.

New at TI Brussels Jana Mittermaier

Head of Brussels office

Transparency International Nationality: DE

Start: 01/01/2008 Jana Mittermaier is the new head of Transparency International’s Brussels

office. She joined TI in June 2006, coordinating the anti-corruption pro-

gramme for South Eastern Europe and Turkey. Prior to that, Jana worked as a political desk officer in the European Correspondent’s Office of the Ger-

man Foreign Office, and as Senior Public Administration Reform Advisor in the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: archive

Robustelli at Apcom

PEOPLE

Companies Lücke joins Robert Bosch

Reynaart starts at UTC

Nyenhuis now with DPWN

Kai Lücke

Thomas Reynaert

Malte Nyenhuis

Robert Bosch GmbH

UTC

Deutsche Post

Director Public Affairs

Head of Brussels office

Nationality: DE

Policy Officer

Nationality: BE

Start: 01/02/2008

World Net

Start: 22/01/2008

Nationality: DE

Start: 01/12/2007

Robert Bosch GmbH strengthens its Brussels of-

United Technologies Corp has selected Thomas

Malte Nyenhuis has joined the corporate repre-

Baden-Württemberg with the appointment of

gards to its government relations activities in

sels as policy officer. Mr Nyenhuis, who gradu-

fice in the representation of the federal state of Kai Lücke as Director of Public Affairs. Born in Hamburg, Germany, and educated at the London School of Economics, the Institut d´Études

Politiques de Paris and the College of Europe

in Brussels, Mr Lücke has previously worked for ACEA (the European association of car, truck and bus manufacturers) and the company formerly known as DaimlerChrysler.

Reynaert to take up a directorial role with rethe European Union. Prior to joining UTC, Rey-

naart led Nortel’s government relations and regulatory affairs in Europe, the Middle East

and Africa. He has almost fifteen years of experience in the Union in government affairs, corporate marketing and business development in

the European high-tech, ICT and venture capital arenas.

sentation of Deutsche Post World Net in Brusated in social sciences at the University of Göttingen with a thesis on CO2-emission regulation

in the automotive sector, will deal with financial services issues as well as questions concern-

ing transportation and environment. In 2007 Nyenhuis gained EU Affairs experience in the Volkswagen Liaison Office to the EU.

Consultancies Petite advises Clifford Chance

Baeyaert new SVP at WSW

Michel Petite

Paul Baeyaert

Clifford Chance

Weber Shandwick

Strategic Advisor

Senior Vice-President

Nationality: FR

Nationality: BE

Start: 10/01/2008

Michel Petite, who recently joined Clifford

Paul Baeyaert was previously Vice President for

28 years in a number of senior positions within

tice at Weber Shandwick Brussels. In this role he

Chance as Strategic Advisor, has worked for over the Commission, most recently as Director-Gen-

eral of the Legal Service. As Director-General, Pe-

tite headed a staff of 200 and represented the Commission at the ECJ and at the WTO. At ClifPhotos: private

Start: 06/02/2008

ford Chance, Petite will provide strategic advice

to the firm’s global client base on a wide range of EU policies.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Client Services and Director of Consumer Pracheaded numerous high-profile pan-European campaigns, several of which have won SABRE

Awards: best pan-European campaign 2006 (Goodyear RunOnFlat); best campaign in the

automotive sector 2006 (Goodyear RunOnFlat); and best campaign in the automotive sector

TICKER

+++ Tom Antonissen has joined

LOGOS Public Affairs as a Senior Consultant +++ Florian

Eisele head of the new Brussels office at Amgott Mitchell

+++ Valerie von Eberhardt and David Martín join Burson-

Marsteller Europe as Associate and Senior Associate +++ Irene Janssen opens up new

EU Public Affairs consultancy +++ Nickolas Reinhardt joins Fleishman-Hillard in Brussels

as Senior Policy Adviser +++ Christoph P.M. de Preter promoted to the position of sen-

ior counsel Crowell & Moring’s Brussels office.

2007 (Opel CMONS).

— 57 —

PEOPLE

Gala Brussels’ Event Highlights

Slovenian Presidency of the EU

Photos: Bojan Marijan Leskovsek

Concert & Party November 30, 2007 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels Before its official start, the Slovenian Presidency of the EU prepared for its kick-off with a

“Concert of Neisha” and “An evening of revelations” in Brussels. Hundreds of people joined the lively party at the Ancienne Begique last November.

— 58 —

Celebrating the Start of the Slovenian Presidency in Brussels

Singer Neisha

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

PEOPLE Janez Janša and Hans-Gert Pöttering

Slovenian Presidency of the EU

Opening Events of the Slovenian Presidency January 7-8, 2008 – Ljubljana/Brdo

Slovenia kicked off its EU Presidency by hosting the opening ceremony of the Eu-

ropean Year of Intercultural Dialogue in Ljubljana, with the traditional meeting between the European Commission and the ministers of the country holding the

Presidency of the EU Council in Brdo the next day. Vice-President Margot Wall-

ström and other Commission members visited Slovenia in order to get acquainted with the priority tasks of Slovenia’s EU Presidency and exchange opinions with the Slovenian Government. Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Janša also met with the President of the European Parliament, Hans-Gert Pöttering.

Plenary discussions between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the European Commission

Benita Ferrero-Waldner, Margot Wallström and Janez Janša

Photos: Slovenian Presidency of the EU

Ján Figel at the Opening Ceremony of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

Reception hosted by the President of the Republic of Slovenia Danilo Türk (right) Opening Ceremony of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

— 59 —

PEOPLE

EU Sustainable Energy Week

Awards Ceremony January 29, 2008 – Concert Noble

On 29 January six winning projects from four EU member states – Italy, Austria, Hungary and France – were awarded trophies at the Sustainable Energy Europe

Awards ceremony taking place under the umbrella of the second European Sus-

tainable Energy Week. The winners were selected by an independent selection committee from more than 240 project nominees. The award ceremony was one of

the highlights of European Union Sustainable Energy Week and brought together

energy experts from all over Europe to celebrate the efforts of the projects that promoted the use of sustainable energy.

Maurizio Fontanili, Provincia di Mantova (right)

Family Picture of the Energy Award Winners

Evonik Industries

Reception

Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs (left)

February 12, 2008 – Bibliothèque Solvay onik Industries held their

annual reception at the

Bibliothèque Solvay. It was

extremely well attended, featuring among the guests MEP’s Lutz Goepel and Paul

Rübig. This was the first time the Evonik group celebrated it’s yearly reception under it’s

new name, until its strategic

realignment in September

Jo Leinen, MEP; and Klaus Engel, Chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Degussa

it had operated under the name RAG Beteiligungs-AG.

— 60 —

Karlheinz Maldane, Head of the Evonik Degussa Representative Office

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: European Commission (6); Veldeman Photo Brussels

On the 12th of February Ev-

PEOPLE

The German Times

Anniversary Celebration January 23, 2008 – Résidence Palace The German Times, a monthly newspaper for decision

makers reporting on politics and business in English, celebrated its first anniversary with a well attended reception party, reflecting on the past year and challenges ahead.

Petra Erler, European Commission; Gudrun Heinze, Prinz Media

Theo Sommer, Publisher German Times; Stefani Weiss, Bertelsmann Foundation

MEP Jorgo Chatzimarkakis; Dr Jürgen Wickert, Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Ingo Friedrich, MEP ;Theo Sommer; Rolf Baron von Hohenhau; Detlef Prinz, Prinz Media

Ingo Friedrich, Detlef Prinz, Theo Sommer; Virginie Morel; Günther Oettinger, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg

Theo Sommer; Markus Russ, HSS; Petra Erler

Oxera Consulting

Economic Council Launch January 15, 2008 - Bibliothèque Solvay Following the Oxera Economic Council’s inaugural Photos: The German Times; Oxera Consulting

meeting, over 120 individuals representing a

wide range of private and

...and some serious discussion

public sectors attended a reception to celebrate the launch. They included

members of the European

Commission, senior management and policy advisers from multi-national companies and law firms.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Celebrating the launch of the Oxera with a bit of fun...

— 61 —

PEOPLE

Blueprint Partners

5th Anniversary January 5, 2008 – “Cityscape” wooden sculpture More than 200 guests joined Brussels consul-

tancy Blueprint Partners to celebrate the compa-

ny’s 5th anniversary. In keeping with the theme of the evening, wood, the celebration was held

in Brussels “Cityscape” wooden sculpture. The

Louise Harvey, Anastasia Alvizou and Mathew Hocken (from left to right) enjoy the barn dance

surprise of the evening was a barn dance, led by British band “The Hot Rats”.

Guests enjoying themselves at the party

Partners at Blueprint (from left to right): Debbie Parriss, Julia Harrison, Sue Couldery, Louise Harvey.

Representation of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia

Karneval goes Europe

January 31, 2008 – Representation of the State of NRW, Avenue Michel-Ange 8 The important tradition of “Karneval” in the German State

of North Rhine-Westphalia was followed in style by their Representation in Brussels. Cologne and Düsseldorf have particularly strong Karneval traditions, and with the dress code strictly adhered to, the party in Brussels will have banished

Photos: Blueprint; Representation of the State of NRW

all thoughts of the party going on back home.

Traditional “Funkenmariechen” Guests and Staff of the Representation of NRW

— 62 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

BRUSSELS INSIDER

Tidbits More than a free lunch New Year always sets the stage for a frenzied exchange of mountains of pro-

lease or celebration is accompanied by some themed rubix cube or anti-stress

an indecent number of pens, diaries, key chains, etc. featuring logos, contact

to keep track, we suggest you need only empty your bag, and the fresh mints

motional material as companies, consultancies and other associations order details – and for a more personal touch – the occasional team photo. Nowa-

days, this practice is not limited to the New Year, as it seems every launch, re-

ball. Need to know what you did last week? As a novel and more amusing way adorned with some auto-manufacturers logo, the branded beach ball and European Agenda pencil sharpener will give you more than a vague idea…

GREENS

In the Green corner we have this rather

ELDR

dashing apron featuring a slightly menacing fork-wielding fist inviting one to join the food revolution. In keeping with the culinary theme, a number of fold-out cards highlight some issues the Greens are campaigning for, all fittingly illustated with various foodstuffs.

EUROCHAMBRES

TETRA PACK

Celebrating its 50th anniversary

If you attended the Sustainable Energy Week

in 2008, Eurochambers pro-

you could have received a drink in a Tetra Pak

duced this rather fancy novelty

carton with a bib illustrating their eco-friend-

pen which starts flashing when

liness. They are produced with green energy.

you write. With it, the next Eurochambers

meeting

could turn out to be rather a colourful occasion. Who cares for a metor shower when a Eurochambers event is a more than adequate replacement?

This year, the European Liberal Women’s Network WN),

(EL-

aiming

for something more personal, has produced this calendar of

SLOVENIAN PRESIDENCY The practice of each new presidency distributing scarves for ladies and ties for the men was followed by the Slovenian presidency, who also produced this rather Photos: archive

cute rucksack with hat and winter scarf. In the spring, they will be distributing beach towels also featuring the presidency logo.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

“liberal women.” For each month we get a nice picture and short description of a prominent member of ELDR. In addition each month has a short feature on one of the special days of the month (such as World Health Day, World Women’s Day, Human Rights Day etc...)

— 63 —

BRUSSELS INSIDER

Social Brussels: Networking & relaxing Life in Brussels: The right places to relax and to socialise with fellow EU professionals by daniel f. le ray and max obenaus For a long time, it was down to Brussels professionals to make their own

From intern to ambassador, making and maintaining contacts from all

pleasure. But as the heart of the European Union, with the EC and count-

mentioned here tailors to a slightly different aspect of the European pro-

contacts and to set up their own networks of people, be it for business or less lobbying groups and diplomats from all over the world, Brussels has always been ripe for the picking when it comes to EU social and networking events. Over the last few years a number of events have sprung up

throughout the city geared towards EU professionals and politicians, as well as to those working for just a short time in Belgium.

walks of life is a vital asset to working in the EU, and each of the events fessional’s life and work. Whether it be relaxing and making contacts over dinner, or exchanging business cards - or Blackberry details - on the dance floor, finding the right person at the right time is paramount to getting

along in the world of communications, politics and business, as well as in life at large!

>>> @seven

>>> Eurolunch

WHERE IS IT?

WHERE IS IT?

WHEN IS IT?

WHEN IS IT?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

WHO IS THERE?

WHO IS THERE?

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

www.atseven.eu

Mirano Continental

www.eurolunch.eu Espace 53

At the discretion of individual members

Entrance fee 7 euro, membership 45 euro/75 euro

Expats, the wider EU Community

@seven is a club of ‘friendsetters’ from all corners of the globe, ranging

in age from their late twenties to their forties. The club consists of peo-

ple of all nationalities, who meet directly after work in order to socialise, relax and exchange new experiences and cultures in a relaxing setting.

@seven takes place every Thursday evening at 7pm in the Mirano Con-

tinental hotel, offering the Brussels professional a perfect extension to their out-of-office social

life, which nonetheless complements their networking skills. All companies, institu-

Depends on services provided and individual profile

Professionals living and working in the EU

Eurolunch was created to simplify the often un-

comfortable search to meet the “right” contacts in Europe. Created by a group of professionals with experience in PR, networking, lifestylecoaching and dating, Eurolunch provides

services to people living in or travelling

through Europe, and aims to help them enjoy

a good lunch in great company. Of course,

nothing can replace personal contact between two

tions and European Union staff working

people, and Eurolunch facilitates it in a more personalised way than ads,

club, which is a community of “world

needs, provide the right set-up to reduce the stress of that first meeting

in Brussels can become members of the wide people” with a passion for life.

internet dating or big business networking. Their services, based on your and help prepare you for follow ups. Through Eurolunch, you could be

invited to great business and/or dating events across Europe, and meet other clients that also use their services.

— 64 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

Photos: archive

Thursdays, 7pm

BRUSSELS INSIDER

>>> Soirée Internationale WHERE IS IT?

Restaurant “Les Ailes des Anges”

WHEN IS IT?

artists. After cocktails, partici-

pants are introduced, a buffet is

enjoyed, and it is considered “im-

polite” to sit longer that 30 minutes at one table. At around 10.30pm a

Monthly

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Varies according to financial means - between 20 and 35 euros

WHO IS THERE?

Anyone from intern to ambassador, on personal invitation only

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Each month, Ex-MEP Frank Schwalba-Hoth hosts his “Soirée Internationale” with 60 to 80 participants - a mix of MEPs, interns, diplomats and

“special guest” is introduced - an actress or MEP, a Minister or novelist, fol-

lowed by questions and answers. At 11, the person whose birthday falls closest to that date gets a cake,

and dessert and jasmine tea are

served. Next events are planned for 3 March (with Lester Brown, Earth

Policy Institute) and 31 March (Christophe Leclercq, Euractiv).

>>> 6to9

>>> EU Bubble Dinner Party

WHERE IS IT?

WHERE IS IT?

WHEN IS IT?

WHEN IS IT?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

WHO IS THERE?

WHO IS THERE?

www.6to9.be

www.bubbledinnerparty.eu/

Espace 53

No permanent venue

Thursdays, 6pm

Friday, 4th July 2008 (TBC)

5 euros

Professionals from EU Institutions, Brussels political workers

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Every Thursday from 6pm until 1am, the 6to9 Club features a social playground, great

music, special offers and the fantastic

company of the international community working in Brussels. Food is served in the bar and restaurant at Espace 53, which

arranges and organises the event, and

each week sees a new theme for the party

and events: in the past there have been

massage events and in-house wine tast-

ings, and future 6to9 gatherings promise fun casinos, animation events, and much

Photos: archive

more. Every week there is live music from

8pm onwards, offering the best in live

music and DJs to keep the party atmos-

phere going through the evening.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008

65 euro/10 euro

Active EU professionals and opinion-shapers

WHAT’S HAPPENING? The EU Bubble Dinner is a private event

for all active professionals and

opinion-shapers working in the

European Union, and Brussels in particular, who are often too

busy to socialise in a relaxing

party atmosphere. The unique European Union Bubble

evening starts with a “mo-

ment détente” followed by a

“moment deluxe.” And for those on the VIB access list, there’s an

after-dinner party starting at around

11pm, with dancing and partying as well as, course, networking.

of

— 65 —

Should I stay or should I go now?

Should I stay or should I go now?

If ILiving go there will be trouble in Brussels An’Should if I stayI stay it willorbe double should I go?

So come on and let me know!”

EUROCRATS BABBLE

Don’t you hate all those people banging on about how they are just here in Brussels for a year or two, to further their professional career and then choose the working destination of your dreams? Well, don’t forget you once were one of them. Here are 7 reasons for and against a city whose expat-citizenry oscillates between ignorance and love at second sight…

7 REASONS TO STAY:

7 REASONS TO GO:

1

Brussels life is Expat life for beginners: There are all these foreigners

2

Belgium has lovely food, and they don’t make a fuss about it. You

1 2

around, but just last night you happened to run into that guy from

your home village at Place Lux.

have, among many others, chocolate, freshly baked waffles, raw

meat, Steaks, and of course the mouth-watering Moules Frites. Then you have, of course, beers – whit beer, old beer, black beer, brown beer, strong

beer, fruity beer salty beer etc. You might as well accept the fact that in

a couple of years, you will have a magnificent beer belly and a couple of kids that go to an international prep school.

3

Brussels does not only create a lot jobs, it also gives birth to the most

impossible job titles. Ever gotten across a “Deputy Head of European

Strategic Communications Consultant Representative Unit of Under Secretary Producers Associations”? No? Well, this could be you very soon.

4

The Belgians endured centuries of occupation and are therefore famous for their culture of civil disobedience. Learn from this. Don’t

mind the police car standing next to you when crossing those red traffic

lights. Go pay those taxes when YOU feel like it, and never pay attention to who is in government and what language they speak. They will pass.

5

Be honest: Despite all polemics about the inefficiency of European bureaucracy – you really believe in this! Just remember this Ameri-

can tourist which you recently told that you feel more “European” than English/German/French/Slovenian/etc

6

If you make that extra little effort and travel a bit through the Bel-

You are fed up of being the adult, aged and wrinkled equivalent of an Erasmus student.

You have only left for a month’s holiday and come back to find

that half of the people you knew seem to have gone off to work

somewhere else and yet, for some obscure and rather suspect reason

you always seem to see the same old faces at the receptions you go to.

3 4

Real life takes place a 2hours plane away from Brussels, starting Friday noon and ending Sunday night .

The highly unpredictable and depressing grey dampness that

periodically smothers the entire country, let alone city - it’s time to

remind yourself what the sun really looks like.

5

Buzzwords and Eurospeak – you never want to meet/see/hear

of/smell a stakeholder ever again. You are over-networked rather

than overworked and want to live somewhere where everyone speaks one language well rather than here where everyone speaks lots of languages quite badly.

6

You can’t face next week’s conference meeting on Safety Stand-

ards and harmonisation in the rubber duck manufacturers indus-

try. Plus: You tried to get into/out of a Metro car the other day.

7

You have been the subjected to a very well orchestrated, intense

yet subtle lobbying campaign, and so don’t really know why you

want to leave, but just feel deep down it’s the right thing.

gian countryside, you might finally realize that you do live in a very

nice country. The grass is always greener on the other side – just ask yourself, would you really be more happy at the French Riviera?

7

Another thing we can learn from real Brusseleirs: They stopped caring about who is Wallonian and who is Flemish centuries ago. They

are the real Europeans.

— 66 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 02/2008