European Agenda 05 2008 by Steffi Portfolio

I S S U E 0 5 / 2 0 0 8

French Presidency

Facts & Figures, Personalities & Priorities

Strategy and Practice

Microtargeting, Digital Public Affairs & Lobbying via the Member States

Sustainability

Biofuels, Carbon Labelling & Electra

Environmental Performance

Europe looks towards 2020 and beyond

EDITORIAL

French Resolutions

rom now until the end of the year, all eyes are ﬁrmly ﬁxed

This issue of European Agenda also continues the magazine’s new edi-

on France as she takes up the Presidency of the EU. In con-

torial direction: Not content with merely covering the most important

cally pro-EU and pro-US ﬁgure, and this is his chance to show

of the magazine by including more analysis of cutting-edge strategies

trast to his immediate predecessor, Sarkozy has been a voa new side to France in relation to her European neighbours, as much as to new allies across the Atlantic. In this issue

of European Agenda, we explore some of the key priorities

France has elected for its Presidency, presnting expert opin-

ions from think tanks across Europe, and introduce some of the key players that we will all be hearing a lot more of over the course of the next six months.

One of the central planks to the French Presidency will be the Envi-

ronment and Sustainability, and this issue also features an interview

with Stavros Dimas, European Commissioner for Environmental Affairs, who speaks to us about his work promoting environmental sustainability. The challenges of reconciling environmentally-sound practices

on the one hand, and sustaining economic growth on the other, is one

news, topics and debates in today’s EU, we are also extending the reach used in political communications and public affairs. Michael Meyers, who has much experience in assisting political campaigns in the States, tells us how microtargeting voters is key to successful campaigning; James Stevens from Fleishman-Hillard writes on the importance of improving

your google factor when it comes to public affairs work in Brussels; and

Peter Lochbihler from Pleon explains the ﬁner points of lobbying via the EU’s Member States.

And ﬁnally, the onset of the summer break brought out a rash of glam-

orous EU celebrations, which we have faithfully covered in our Gala section - be sure to check it out.

European Agenda will return in the month of September and so we

wish you a succesful—and hot— July and August!

of today’s key issues, and one which we explore in the following pages. Dimas also speaks to us about Carbon labelling, which is receiving a lot

of pan-European attention at the moment: if information is power, then accurate labelling of daily products, alerting us to the carbon emissions

incurred in their production, could be a highly potent tool in our search for a greener future.

Grit Fiedler

Editor-in-Chief

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Photos: European Commission; Joerg Mitter/Euro Newsroom; www.marco-urban.de

CONTENT

TYPICALLY France: A Country in Numbers

NEWS from EU Brussels

INTERVIEW with Commissioner Stavros Dimas

FRENCH PRESIDENCY Facts & Figures

FRENCH PRESIDENCY Troika

FRENCH PRESIDENCY Priorities

STRATEGY & PRACTICE Microtargeting

STRATEGY & PRACTICE Regulatory Developments

STRATEGY & PRACTICE Digital Public Affairs

STRATEGY & PRACTICE Lobbying via the Member States

PEOPLE Women in the EU

PEOPLE Personnel Changes

PEOPLE Gala

SUSTAINABILITY Biofuels Pro & Con

SUSTAINABILITY Carbon Labelling

SUSTAINABILITY Electra: New Report

SUSTAINABILITY Events 2008/09

AGENDA July - December 2008

BRUSSELS INSIDER Cultural Institutes in Brussels

BRUSSELS INSIDER 9 EU Presidency Logos

Editor in Chief: Grit Fiedler

Photo Editors: Albrecht Noack, Olga Bode

Editors: Azra Ahmed, Beatriz Gamboa, Varvara Garneli, Dafydd Phillips, Daniel Le Ray, Sara Schützeberg, Paul Thomas

Cover: European Commission, www.marco-urban.de

Graphical Concept: Stefﬁ Butter, Christina Ohmann

Managing Editor: Max Obenaus (max.obenaus@europeanagenda.eu)

Layout: Stefﬁ Butter, Melanie Schröder

Business Development Director: Cristina Silva (cristina.silva@europeanagenda.eu)

Illustration: Burkhard Piller

Publisher: Rudolf Hetzel, Torben Werner

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Interview: Stavros Dimas, p. 12

Gala: Energy Globe for Gorbachev, p. 41

Agenda: European Council, p. 60

Editorial ofﬁce: Rue Philippe le Bon 64, 1000 Brussels, Belgium 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—

TYPICALLY

Typically French? 64.5

As of January 1st, 2008, 64,473,140 people live in the

French republic: 61,875,822 live on the mainland, whereas 2,597,318 live overseas.

99%

When it comes to Adult Literacy rates, France boasts almost top marks.

The number of visitors to EuroDisney in 2006, making it France’s most popular tourist site, with the Louvre coming in second place with 8.3 million visitors.

Due to overseas départements and territories,

France is spread over 4 continents: Europe, N. America, S. America & Antarctica.

population stands at 22 per cent. 7 per

Sources: European Commission Staff Regulations. Rules governing the ofﬁcial traineeship scheme of the European Commission

22%

France’s immigrant

12.8m

cent were born abroad, nine per cent are ﬁrst generation born in France, and six per cent second generation born in France.

9.7% Percentage of the GDP France spends on Health.

9.8

The

urban

population of Paris in

millions, France’s largest urban population. Compare it to London’s 8.2 and Berlin’s 3.7.

4.6

There are 4.6 marriages per 1000 popula-

tion, as opposed to 2.1 divorces.

— 6—

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

TYPICALLY

A Country in Numbers

843

The French

s t at e

wa s

formed in 843,

with the Treaty of Verdun. The current constitution dates back to 1958.

25.3.1957

France acceeded to the European Union on March 25, 1957.

551,670

France covers 551,670 sq. km

(220,668 sq. miles), making it the largest west European

country, about four-ﬁfths the size of Texas.

14.7.1790 July 14th is France’s national day. Despite being called Bastille Day in English, it has nothing to do with the storming of the Bastille in 1789, but celebrates the Fête de la Fédération, which happened on the same date the year after.

7.5%

The French unemployment

rate in 2007 was 7.5 per cent, down from 9.7 per cent in 2006.

It is actually recommended that you should wait at least thirty months af-

ter making Comté cheese before settling down to eat the stuff. It’s worth the wait.

89.2%

Almost ninety per cent of the popula-

tion prefer to spend their holidays in France.

There are twenty seven wine regions in France, and in an

average year between 50 and 60 million hectolitres of wine are produced, or some 7 to 8 billion bottles. Santé!

Number of Nobel laureates (Literature 13, Physics 11, Peace 9, Physiology &

Medicine 8, Chemistry 7, Economics 1). JeanPaul Sartre was awarded the prize for Literature in 1964, but declined it, naturally.

25.1

Percentage of the population under

the age of twenty, as opposed to 20.7 per cent over sixty.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 7—

NEWS

News from EU Brussels Award

Energy Globe Awards The Energy Globes reward local and regional projects that contribute to energy conservation, environmen-

tal protection, or the supply of basic resources such as

water and electricity to remote and poor communities. The 9th Energy Globe Awards for local environmenztal projects were presented on May 26 at a gala ceremony in

Parliament`s plenary chamber. Projects from around the

world promoting the use of clean and renewable energies competed in ﬁve different categories: Eath, Fire, Water, Air and Youth. Singers Dionne Warwick, Alanis Morrisette and Zucherro provided musical entertainment. The

ceremony also presented an lifetime acheivement award Received the lifetime achievment award: Mikhail Gorbachev

Launch

Football Hotline

to Mikhail Gorbachev.

Assessment

Campaign

Emergency? Call 112 Are you at risk? The European Agency for Safety and Health

at Work (EU-OSHA)

has developed a European-wide information campaign foment. It’s slogan is

“Healthy Workplaces:

Viviane Reding

Good for you, Good

Meglena Kuneva

EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva

announced the launch of an EU UEFA information campaign and helpline to advise fans trav-

elling to the Euro Championships this summer. The hotline, open for the duration of June, will be

open to answer questions on consumer rights, shoppers’ rights and passenger rights. The freephone service is available from 9h00 to 18h30 CET on weekdays, 00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11. www.euro2008.com

www.supportersrights.eu

— 8—

The single European emergency number 112

for business” which

was introduced in 1991. Its aim is to provide one

Vladimír Špidla

the EU, thus making emergency services more

to demystify the risk assessment process by

raise awareness of 112 ahead of the summer

objective during this period is to reduce the rate

unique number to call in case of emergency in easily accessible, especially for travellers. To

holidays, the European Commission is presenting an assessment of Member States’ performance in ensuring its functioning. This assessment was presented by Commissioner Viviane

Reding on 3 June together with a new website and exhibition dedicated to 112.

will run until 2009. The campaign wants

promoting a simple 5-step-approach. The overall

of accidents at work by 25% across the EU. The

others are improving and simplifying legislation, designing national-speciﬁc strategies and main-

streaming health and safety concerns in other policy areas. The Campaign was presented in a press conference with Vladimír Špidla.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: archive; European Parliament (2); European Commission 2006

cusing on risk assess-

NEWS

Award

European Green Capital Award

Institutions

New rules on MEP`s assistants

Campaign

Subsidiarity is a word.

Dictionary deﬁnition

The Assembly of European Regions launched a Green cities

Martine Roure

The European Commission is launching a new

Plans are underway in Parliament to reform the

en each year to a city judged to be leading the

assistants. The new contracts, which will need

annual European Green Capital Award to be giv-

way in environmentally friendly urban living. The award is intended to help European cities become more attractive and healthier places—“ﬁt

for life”. Starting in 2010, the award will be given

to a city that has a consistent record of achieving high environmental standards, is permanently committed to environmental improvement and sustainable development, and can act as a role

model to inspire other cities and promote best practices in all other European cities.

existing staff regime contract for Brussels-based

to be agreed in detail with the Commission and

the Council, would be administered directly by Parliament`s services, while MEPs would retain

complete freedom to determine the nature and

duration of their assistants` employment, in-

cluding salaries. The detailed implementation of these new guidelines will be developed by

the high-level working group on the Members` statue, assistants and the pension fund, led by Vice-President Martine Roure.

campaign in mid-May for the inclusion of the

word Subsidiarity in every dictionary in every language worldwide. The word’s deﬁnition has been set as “the principle that decisions should be taken as closely as possible to the citizen.” The

call to include the word was sent to 71 dictionaries which have yet to feature it in their publications. Subsidiarity does not appear to be includ-

ed in online dictionaries and is not recognised by the Microsoft dictionary. The AER believes in

a Europe with bottom-up governance which empowers regional authorities to take decisions.

Human table football

Austria triumphs

European Parliament

Equal salaries The 785 EU Parliament members are soon going to be on the same ﬁnancial footing. Starting next year, members from all EU states will

receive the same salary: €7412.69 per month be-

Othmar Karas MEP playing human table football

differences between countries as to pay rates:

As a light-hearted gesture to celebrate football’s

whilst Italian EU ofﬁcials were amongst the

from many countries gathered on May 28th to

Photos: archive; European Parliament; archive

fore taxes. Until this point there had been major

an Austrian member came in at around €8,000 best-payed with €11,000, and most new mem-

ber states from East Europe were much lower. Ingo Friedrich, the longest-serving MEP since

the ﬁrst EU elections in 1979, called it a “great

step towards more transparency” for the way in EU Parliament

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

which the European Parliament works.

European championship, EU parliamentarians take part in the ﬁrst “human table football tour-

nament”, hoping to bring Europe back into the limelight before kick-off. Eight teams took part in the tournament, but in the end it was the

Austrian parliament members who experienced

a sensational victory, trouncing their German colleagues 7:1 in the ﬁnal.

— 9—

NEWS

Initiative

The EU’s Truck Tour The Truck Tour is an EU wide information cam-

Exchange

Israelis and Palestinians at the EP

paign which began in 2003 and aims to raise

awareness of discrimination and the legislation which exists to combat it. This year the Truck

Tour will set off from Prague on the 21st of June from where Commissioner Špidla will give a press conference. The tour will visit ten EU countries, all of them in the east, stopping at music

and ﬁlm festivals, sport events, universities and other social events, to disseminate information

about diversity and discrimination through mu-

Hans-Gert Pöttering

www.stop-discrimination.info/

Twenty-one young Israelis and Palestinians

sicians, NGOs, artists and businesses. Keep on Truckin’

Campaign

Driving home the message of Climate Change

worked together at the European Parliament in

Brussels from 25 to 28 May on the relationship between identities and politics. EP President

Hans-Gert Pöttering organized and hosted the event. Topics included “From hereditary enemies

to pooled sovereignty—the EU integration experience as a model?”, “Creative solutions for Jerusalem”, and “Identity and sovereignty - the ques-

tion of Jerusalem”. As part of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue, this meeting was an

opportunity to exchange political and individual experiences in a neutral environment.

Just off the Rapid

Rain on the EU’s Parade Ireland voted NO to the Lisbon Treaty on Friday

June’s World Environment Day will receive an added boost this year, in the shape of the second wave of a special advertising campaign implemented by the International Association for Public Transport

(UITP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). At the heart of the campaign is a

strikingly simple advertisement in the style of a child’s drawing and narrated by a six-year old girl, promoting the message that using public transport is the easiest way to cut down on carbon emissions. The makers hope that the ad’s no-frills style will cut through the complexities and controversies

surrounding the issue and make an indelible impression on the viewer. The spot was presented at the Cannes Lions international advertising festival in June, and has been short-listed as a ﬁnalist of the

CARE Awards of the European Association of Communications Agencies (EACA). The London-based ad-agency McCann Erikson designed the advertisement, and negotiatiated free air time from major

international networks, including BBC World, CNN, EuroNews, Sky News, Bloomberg, Eurosport, and E! Entertainment. Over 60 companies and organisations have used the animation on national TV, the internet or on board public transport vehicles; and 16 new language versions are on the way.

— 10 —

13th of June, bringing plans for a European con-

stitution to an end. As the only member of the European Union who was to hold a referendum on the treaty, Ireland’s NO means more than just

a simple shake of the head, the plans for this re-

formed constitution have been vetoed and thus ﬁnalised. This time around the renamed constitution appeared to have a stronger chance of sur-

viving eurosceptics’ glance with already 18 of the

27 members having agreed to it. The Irish have

claimed that they do not understand the treaty, but again we see the attempts of the EU to unite

the people of Europe slowly slide into failure. Is

Europe just not ready to take this large step towards a stronger cooperation, or do Europeans still need to believe in a European identity?

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: archive

A still from “The Voice of Reason (Aged 6)”

NEWS

Online Community

Initiative

Myparl.eu MEPs and the 27 national co-ordinators for

AER asks young citizens: “Do you speak European?”

May in Brussels about the possibility of in-

The Assembly of European Regions (AER) is mark-

site for politicians and MEPs to keep up that

rope to young citizens. As part of AER’s “Do you

each member state held talks at the end of vesting in a Facebook/My Space style webnetworking. The goal is not just for the people to network, but their ideas. Myparl.eu

will put forward three main themes for debate—the future of Europe, climate change

and intercultural dialogue in the three main languages of the EU; English, French and

German. The site is planned to be open to the public, who will be able to react to the

issues with letters to the editor, and works as an initiative to lessen the gap between policy-makers at the EU level and EU citizens. Just a click away?

ing Europe Day this year by communicating Eu-

speak European?” competition, young people from Romania, Croatia, Sweden and United Kingdom are today presenting their artistic talents in response to the question “What does Europe mean to you?”Launched this year for the ﬁrst

time, AER’s “Do you speak European?” competition has given young people from 36 regions in

12 European countries the opportunity to explore what it means to be a part of

Europe. Winners from national levels will go on to compete in the

Launch

A Window East: Chinese Exchange On the 2nd of June the EU-China exchange pro-

gramme, “EU WINDOW”, was ofﬁcially launched. The ﬁrst phase of the programme will last for

two years and will consist of two activities: summer training for 50 Chinese Language teachers

from EU member states, and a ten day study

visit of 100 School Headmasters and Education Administrators from EU member states. Participants will be responsible for their own international travel expenses with other expenses be-

ﬁnal on 3rd December in Brussels. The European winners will be awarded

an AER prize and

their presentation

featured

at future AER events.

Speaking European

Initiative

and education through sport) to be developed into cooperation activities in the two forthcoming

Great Synagogue of Europe

in March 2009 which should coincide with the visit of Commissioner Orban to China. In order to

On the 4th of June, Commission President Bar-

pean language experts.

Synagogue of Europe”. Barroso signed a docu-

ing borne by China. The parties agreed on 3 main priority subjects (language teaching, joint PhDs

years. The ﬁrst activity will be the organisation of a conference on languages to be held in Beijing

Photos: archive; www.dreamstime.com; archive

European

prepare the conference, a steering group is being created. It will be made up of Chinese and Euro-

ment of dedication with two chief rabbis. His

Location, location, location European Agenda, Helios Media

Rue Philippe le Bon 64, 1000 Brussels

Please note our new postal address from the 16th of June 2008

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

roso dedicated a Brussels temple as the “Great

name will appear on a plaque in the temple. The

synagogue, an 1878 Romanesque-style building

in Brussels’ central Rue de la Regence, is to become a symbolic focal point for Judaism in Eu-

rope, a little like St Peter‘s Basilica in Rome is for Roman Catholics. A prayer especially written for

this event was read following a performance by the European Choir, a choir created in 1958.

— 11 —

INTERVIEW

Interview Changing behaviours for a changing climate EU Commissioner Stavros Dimas talks to European Agenda about the Sustainability Package, carbon footprint labelling and environmental protection as an economic opportunity

Photo: European Commission

by grit fiedler

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

INTERVIEW

“Sustainability” is a concept that is much talked about at the moment,

and that virtually everybody is laying some claim to. How do you personally deﬁne the term “sustainability” in your work?

consumption, and we will take further steps to encourage governments to ‘buy green’ through their procurement policies.

It is a very useful concept, because it enables us to express the fun-

You have mentioned that providing European citizens with more product

social well-being. An economist would tell you that for something

friendly purchasing decisions. Do you think that a mandatory carbon foot-

damental relationship between the environment, the economy and to be sustainable, production costs should be in tune with the prices

paid by the consumer, so that production can continue as long as raw

information may be one way of helping them to make environmentallyprint product label, for example, could be a way to achieve that aim?

Looking at the carbon footprint of products can be useful, and can re-

materials and labour are available and for as long as the consumer is

veal the key stages in the life cycle of products where carbon impacts are

be sustainable there should be broad equilibrium between people’s

of products in a meaningful way for the purposes of labelling. There is

willing to pay the price. A sociologist would tell you that for society to sense of well-being and their expectations about where their lives

are going, with employment and an adequate range of social services at their disposal. But the environment—while taking those two elements on board—completes the picture: our environment is the basis of everything. It provides the infrastructure that underpins our society, both socially and economically. So in fact all three are closely intertwined.

For sustainability to be achievable we need to balance

those three elements—environmental, social and economic —based on a full awareness of what is essential

in each domain, and preferably with mutually supporting objectives in each domain. That is what we are trying to achieve.

Do you encounter any particular deﬁnitions of the term

—e.g. in corporate ads—that misinterpret the concept in your opinion?

I wouldn’t say they ‘misinterpret’ it, but I would agree

that there are many different views on what sustainability

is and many different ways of presenting it. This question

highest. But it is still technically difﬁcult to calculate the carbon footprint

no standard methodology, and no uniﬁed database. It is also very complex, time-consuming and expensive. There is a risk of inaccuracy, and it

may be difﬁcult to make useful comparisons between certain products. There is also a danger that labelling carbon footprints could lead to other

important environmental considerations being overlooked

Our environment is the basis of everything. It provides the infrastructure that underpins our society, both socially and economically.

and ignored.

By which other means do you hope to convince the industry to actively improve the environmental performance of their products? Do you think that voluntary labels like the

EU Ecolabel and Green Procurement policies alone can provide the industry with enough incentive to achieve a fundamental change?

The Commission is looking into how it can help provide

guidance on carbon footprint measurement and labelling. After revising the EU Ecolabel scheme, we are now moving

on to Green Public Procurement policies. These schemes may include criteria on the carbon footprint, but will also

cover other environmental impacts and issues. The EU Ecolabel scheme will reach 25 further key product groups over

is frequently a basis for analysis and debate. What is a sustainable prod-

the next ﬁve years, and will also specify public procurement criteria. The

the life cycle? Carbon footprint? Use of recycled or recyclable materials?

vironmental performance it can play an important role in policy-making

uct? What are the most important environmental factors to consider in

Emissions to water, air, soil or hazardous substances? Everyone needs to be very careful before making sustainability claims—after all, the

Ecolabel cannot solve all our problems, but as a benchmark of good enand help shift production practices in the right direction.

most sustainable product on the market is nothing at all!

Do you think European consumers would be inclined to trust a scheme

The Commission is about to launch a new “Sustainability Package”. Could

mitments by the industry?

you sum up the main points of the initiative for us in a few sentences?

that falls short of mandatory requirements and relies on voluntary comEuropean consumers can certainly trust the EU Ecolabel, which doesn’t

The package you refer to contains an Action Plan on sustainable con-

fall short of any mandatory requirements! As it is a third-party certiﬁed

weeks. The unsustainable nature of our current consumption and pro-

could not be stricter. Perhaps the question to ask is whether there will

sumption and production, and it should be ﬁnalised within the next few

duction patterns is at the root of many of today’s environmental prob-

lems, including climate change and the loss of biodiversity, so action in this area is vital. The major innovation will be the introduction of minimum environmental standards for selected types of products that have a

labelling scheme, the requirements for putting the label on products be sufﬁcient uptake of the label to give consumers real choices when

purchasing goods. The Commission hopes that with the revision of the scheme the answer to this question will eventually be ‘yes’.

signiﬁcant impact on the environment. At the same time producers will

It seems that, by now, a large part of the European public is aware of

basis by taking part in the EU Ecolabel scheme, which will be revamped

difﬁcult one) to take is moving from awareness to action and changed

be encouraged to go beyond these minimum standards on a voluntary to make it more attractive and more efﬁcient. We will also work with retailers to harness their expertise in the cause of promoting sustainable EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

the problem of climate change. The next step (and probably the more behaviours. Which measures does the Commission propose to facilitate this step?

— 13 —

INTERVIEW

We should not forget that it is about mindset and mentality.Large changes only happen with shifts in mentality and with speci�c, concerted action on the basis of those changes.

At the rate we move now, do you think that we have a realistic chance of

Our far-reaching, inﬂuential campaign has generated a signiﬁcant

to cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 60-80% by 2050. We need to

gases on the environment. After that success we are now starting on a second, more targeted campaign, aimed at ﬁve of Europe’s newer countries, to help boost understanding of climate change and the role that

citizens can play in the ﬁght against it. Regarding the bigger picture, in January this year, the Commission proposed a dynamic package of

proposals delivering on our ambitious commitments to ﬁght climate

change and promote renewable energy up to 2020 and beyond. In everyday terms, this legislation proposes at least 20% of cuts in green-

The EU’s climate policy is aimed at limiting global warming to 2 degrees

Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels (meaning anything measured

before 1860). This is what scientists are telling us to do to avoid drastic

negative effects from global warming. In order to reach this goal we need get started on this reduction path in the next 10 years or so, ﬁrst in de-

veloped countries, and then in developing countries like China and India. That is why it is so important that we get an international agreement

at the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen later this year, setting the rules for long-term action. Ultimately, we need to do more—both in the EU and elsewhere. We should not forget, however, that it is also about

mindset and mentality. Large changes only happen with shifts in mentality and with speciﬁc, concerted action on the basis of those changes.

house gases by 2020 as well as a 20% share of renewable energies in

The necessity of a constant growth in production and consumption rates

actions. And lastly, regarding the behaviour of industry, the EU Emis-

you think a balance can be achieved between environmental sustainable

EU energy consumption by the same year. Those are all very concrete sions Trading Scheme was set up to provide incentives to change overall

investment behaviour. Something which we are beginning to see more and more.

— 14 —

seems ingrained in our economic system. Against this background, how do development and economic sustainable development?

Economics and the environment are rarely thought of as being the

best of friends, but in reality they can work together extremely well. EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photo: European Commission

amount of awareness about the devastating effects of greenhouse

reversing the effects of climate change?

INTERVIEW

about stavros dimas Stavros C. Dimas was born in 1941 in Athens, Greece and is currently European Commissioner for the Environment at the Directorate General Environment. He has studied law and economics at the University of

Athens in Greece and New York University in the USA. Prior to his political career, he worked as a lawyer for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., as

well as holding positions with Sullivan & Cromwell, a Wall Street Law Firm, and with the Hellenic Industrial Development Bank. He has been

elected to the Greek Parliament ten consecutive times since 1977 and has held leading posts in Greek politics before becoming Commissioner

in 2004. He moved to the Directorate General for the Environment in November of that year. political career 1977-2004: Member of the Greek Parliament representing the party of New Democracy

An Action Plan on sustainable consumption...should be �nalised within the next few weeks. The unsustainable nature of our current consumption and production patterns is at the root of many of today’s environmental problems, including climate change and the loss of biodiversity, so action in this area is vital. on international competitiveness. The EU, the United States and Japan have similar levels of environmental protection; they all spend about 2% of their GDP on this area. On the contrary, thanks to EU environmental standards, companies in Europe are in a privileged position to develop

leading technologies with the added bonus of being able to export them around the globe.

We are conscious of the short-term impacts environmental policy ini-

1977: Member of the negotiating committee for the accession of Greece

tiatives can have, and we are looking at them. In the recent proposal to

1977-1980: Deputy Minister of Economic Coordination

has said it will consider increasing the share of free emission allow-

to the EEC

1980-1981: Minister of Trade

1985-1989: Parliamentary spokesperson for New Democracy 1989-1990: Minister of Agriculture

1990-1991: Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology 1995-2000: Secretary General of New Democracy

2000-2003: Senior Member of the Political Analysis Steering Committee of New Democracy

2000-2004: Head of the New Democracy delegation, Council of Europe

revise the EU Emissions Trading System, for example, the Commission

ances for certain energy intensive industries that could be vulnerable to competition from countries that do not impose comparable constraints on emissions. We obviously do not want European industries relocating to such places since we would lose jobs and global emissions would

probably rise under laxer environmental rules. We will take a decision on this by mid-2010 in the light of the international climate agreement that is due to be concluded at the end of next year.

march 2004 - october 2004: European Commissioner for Employment

Within the EU, the different Member States are at varying stages when

from november 2004: European Commissioner for the Environment

present you with the biggest challenges as you try to coordinate the

and Social Affairs

Good environmental performance, such as the more efﬁcient use of en-

it comes to the implementation of environmental policies. What areas contrasting and different demands and expectations of individual EU Member States?

Commission compliance and enforcement work addresses all environ-

ergy and resources, is good for economic competitiveness. It also leads

mental policy areas, including nature conservation, water, waste, air pol-

companies. The EU eco-industry sector now has an annual turnover of

out any one area, although I would mention that there is a particularly

to household savings. Environmental protection is a big opportunity for

over €200 billion, and it is growing fast. But at the same time, negative

environmental habits are growing and contributing to climate change,

lution, climate change and so forth. I think it would be wrong to single high level of public interest in the work we do on nature conservation.

pollution, biodiversity loss and the depletion of natural resources. Prices

Both the EU and the Commission have been very active in recent years

reﬂect the full social cost. This is why the EU increasingly favours the use

is now to assure the implementation of this legislation. Could you give one

paid by industry and consumers for environmental goods usually do not

of market-based instruments—such as environmental taxes or trade-

able emission rights—to improve price signals, so that economic actors change their behaviour to make it more sustainable.

How do you address the fear that the comparatively ambitious environmental plans of the EU will prove an economic disadvantage in competition with the U.S. and emerging markets like India and China, at least in the short term?

There is no evidence that environmental policy has a negative impact

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

drafting environmental legislation. As you have said yourself, the challenge concrete example where you still see shortcomings in the implementation, and which measures the Commissions proposes to implement it?

As an example of a deﬁcit, I would mention urban waste-water treat-

ment. In 1991, the EU-12 committed themselves to ambitious goals of treating the waste-water of bigger cities and towns by deadlines ranging

from the end of 1998 to the end of 2005. Unfortunately, while major in-

vestments and upgrades were begun, not all the work was completed on schedule. The Commission has been addressing the gap by encouraging the use of Community funds and by targeted legal action.

— 15 —

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

France in the EU Political Leaders PRESIDENT: NICOLAS SARKOZY

PRIME MINISTER: FRANCOIS FILLON

Since his time as French Interior Minis-

Francois Fillon, 58, became Prime Min-

vigorous French involvement with

advisor in Sarkozy’s campaign

ter, Nicolas Sarkozy has called for a

ister following his role as a political

the EU. As the face of a ‘new’,

for President. Prior to that he

more inclusive France, Sarkozy

was the French Education and

promoted himself through-

Social Affairs Minister. It was

out his election campaign as

Mr Fillon who, in a speech in

breaking with the country’s

Strasbourg on 19 February, out-

traditional ruling elite, and he

lined France’s priorities for its

made much of his roots as the

tenure during the Presidency of

son of immigrants – it will be inter-

esting to track the course of immigra-

the European Union. Given his boss’

hyperactivity, Mr Fillon could be said to

tion and asylum policies under the French EU presidency. Another Sarkozy

stand in Sarkozy’s shadow, reduced to merely faithfully parroting the Presi-

Prime Minister Fillon and Foreign Minister Koucher have left or left-lean-

the left-leaning newspaper Libération in a headline the morning after a

characteristic thus far has been his eagerness to appeal to the left – both ing backgrounds. He has promised to return France to the heart of Europe and to make amends with the USA. Although negative stories continue to circulate over the state of his relationship with Angela Merkel, he is largely

dent’s pre-delivered messages: “Fillon spotted at the Assembly”, mocked

major speech by the Prime Minister. Perhaps the six-month presidency will be his chance to step into the spotlight.

responsible for helping her to overcome the European Union constitution stalemate in the guise of the new Lisbon Treaty.

9 May 1950

May 1952-1954

French Foreign Minister Robert Schu-

The Paris Treaty is signed in 1952, inaugu-

deeper cooperation between France and

However, this treaty would not be ratified

Germany through the future creation of

the European Coal and Steel Community. Every 9th of May is now celebrated as ‘Europe Day’.

rating the European Defence Community. due to uneasiness in the French parliament

concerning loss of sovereignty. As a result, Jean Monnet, President of the ECSC, resigned in 1954.

1951

19 March 1958

April-June 1965

France, Italy, the Benelux countries and West Ger-

Schuman is elected President of the

Treaty instituting a Council and Commission

what would later become the ﬁrst EU institutions.

Strasbourg.

Brussels. France ratiﬁes this treaty in June.

many sign the Treaty of Paris, creating the ECSC and

— 16 —

European Parliamentary Assembly in

of the European Community is signed in

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: Marco Urban; Benjamin Lemaire; European Community

man presents Jean Monnet’s plan for

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: BERNARD KOUCHNER

MINISTER IN CHARGE OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS: JEAN PIERRE JOUYET

Bernard Kouchner has a long history

Jean Pierre Jouyet has been the French

tion. He worked in Biafra as a

his accession to the post follow-

with foreign affairs and interven-

Minister for European Affairs since

doctor for the Red Cross in 1968,

ing Nicolas Sarkozy’s election to

and has been involved in inter-

French President last Spring.

vention work since then. He

In 1991, he worked for Jacques

and his friends founded Mé-

Delors’ European Commission

decins sans Frontières, carrying

Presidency as Deputy Head of

out humanitarian projects all

Cabinet until he became Head

around the world with the help of

his media skills. Kouchner is a great

of Cabinet in 1994, a post he held

for one year. In recent months, Jouyet

believer in the West’s duty to provide care to those who cannot afford it,

has been taking part in many interviews and has shown interest in environ-

in favour of the Iraq war, citing humanitarian reasons, and his expertise

increasing military and civilian capabilities. Since December of last year,

and wrote and published a book entitled “The Duty to Intervene”. He was

gained him the role of UN Special Representative from 1999 to 2001. An MEP for three years in 1994, he will focus on the admission of Turkey into the EU in the upcoming French Presidency. As a member of the socialist

mental and immigration issues. However, he has leant especially towards Jouyet has had regularly updated his political blog online (www.jpjouyet. eu), allowing him to interact with voters in a Web 2.0 environment.

party, Kouchner was always the most pro-American, and Sarkozy’s pick may be seen as a conciliatory gesture towards both the left and the US.

17th - 20th July 1979

January 1985

2004

Jacques Delors be-

European Convention

The ﬁrst part-session of the directly-elected

the new Commission and in June presents

d’Estaing. A plan is

Photos: Marco Urban; G. Boulougouris/EC; EP 2007; archive

Parliament is held in Strasbourg. Simone Veil, known as the ﬁrst lady of Europe, was elected by an absolute majority becoming the ﬁrst President of the European Parliament.

comes President of

a draft on the com-

pletion of the Single Market, known as

the Delors Report.

July 1965 - January 1966

drafted for an eventual

European Constitution.

July 2008 Nicolas

Sarkozy’s government

General de Gaulle leads France in the “empty chair” crisis, an open boy-

will take over the Presi-

principle of a qualiﬁed majority in order to reach decisions about the

Council for the twelfth

cott of Commission and Council meetings because of his rejection of the Community.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

is chaired by Giscard

dency of the European time since 1959.

— 17 —

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Troika On the of 28th of May, the trio of France, the Czech Republic and Sweden,

tradictory: ﬁght climate change and increase competitiveness; keep food

der equality to ﬁshing, the next 18 months will be a very busy time. At ﬁrst

health; keep control of immigration but free up the movement of labour.

presented their 18-month programme for the upcoming troika. From gen-

glance, the challenges they set themselves may appear ambitiously con-

prices down and improve sustainable development and commitment to But then again, some say ambition is all you need...

CZECH REPUBLIC: JANUARY-JULY 2009

2009 will be an important year for Eastern Europe as it celebrates 20 years since the fall of the Iron Cur-

tain, and to kick start the year, the Czech Republic will take the Presidency of the European Union. Under the logo, “Europe Without Barriers”, the ﬁrst six months will aim at removing borders within Europe re-

garding the labour market. During this time we should look out for Alexandr Vondra, Minister for European Affairs. The Czech Presidency will continue the Troika’s focus on energy and climate change when it

holds talks with Russia, but overall they have an impressive past with this issue as their greenhouse gas

emissions were reduced by more than 20% in the last 15 years. In an interview with Vondra, the Minister

made clear that there should be a more balanced attitude towards Sarkozy’s Mediterranean Union, and compared the idea to the creation of a Baltic Union or a Black Sea Union.

2004

1995 $24,236

The Czech Republic makes its EU accession in May of 2004

The Lobbying Disclosure Act is passed, requiring lobbyists toThe register GDPsemiannual of the Czechreports Republic of their is activities

1.0% 5.36

approximately $24, 236 per capita Czech contribution to EU budget: 1,0% in 2006

The total labor force in the

Czech Republic is 5.36 million

SWEDEN: JULY-DECEMBER 2009

Sweden’s Summer-Autumn Presidency has outlined four Cs to take centre stage during the six months: Competitiveness, Climate change, Creativity, and Co-ordination. Climate

change will be important in following the Troika agreements, but the Swedes are more

focused on reforming the EU budget so that money can be diverted towards education, research and development, entrepreneurship and infrastructure. The Presidency will also have to overlook the appointment of a new Commission. Whilst they understand

the difﬁculties in consolidating the necessity of immigration with the importance of security, the Swedes hope to open the labour market and seem more accepting of Tur-

key’s joining the EU. The CAP is also a sore point for the Swedes as they seem unwilling

to concede over 40% of the budget to the CAP, and so, like the Czechs, would like to see a reform of both the budget and the Common Agricultural Policy.

— 18 —

1995

Sweden joined the European Union in 1995

$36,900

2.6% 4.839

Sweden’s average GDP per

capita is aproximately $36,900

The contribution of Sweden to Euro-

pean Union budget was 2.6% in 2006 The labor force of Sweden cur-

rently totals approximately 4.839 million workers

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Priorities Presidency promises ‘A more protective Europe’: The concept of protecting Europe was introduced

this will be one of the last six-month rotating EU presidencies before the job

tober last year. The idea is to defend Europe’s social and economic model from

seem determined to see it off with a bang, and so among Nicolas Sarkozy’s

by Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Secretary of State for EU Affairs, at a conference in Octhe pressures of globalisation. If the reforms of the Lisbon treaty are ratiﬁed,

IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM

Weiss’ opinion of

gration. Read Elizabeth Collett’s opinion

DEFENCE

and Prime Minister Fillon has spoken of

read Tomasz

plans to push ahead for the greater secu-

rity of energy supplies, to the detriment of any plans to separate distribution and production activities, which France is widely held to be against.

top priorities for the six months of the French Presidency of the EU are:

Turn to p. 16 to

ENERGY

Energy is France’s biggest industry sector,

is handed over to one president for two and a half years at a time. The French

France’s plans for the future of EU

France faces tough decisions on immion p.20.

Defence.

C.A.P Find the

out

French

what

can

expect from the

Common Agricultural Policy in Nad Photos: www.dreamstime.com (2); archive; www.dreamstime.com; archive; www.dreamstime.com

ège Chambon’s article on p. 22.

NUCLEAR ENERGY

As the second largest producer of nuclear

THE MEDITERRANEAN UNION

clear energy as a key source that ensures

‘union-within-a-union’ for several countries

energy, France will make the case for nudiversiﬁcation and security of supply.

Plans to push ahead with Sarkozy’s propsed

THE ENVIRONMENT

France aims to promote the EU as a global leader in battling climate change.

along the Mediterranean, including non-EU countries. See Dana Moss’s opinion on p. 23.

FOREIGN POLICY

With new leaders for Russia and the US, it

will fall to France to establish new relations with the two super-powers.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 19 —

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Opinion Discussing Defence despite treaty limits by tomáš weiss

their differences (and the EU has no tools to inﬂuence the process any-

defence policy among their priorities. Even if the

Another problematic goal is the creation of a genuine European inter-

presidency, and they have included the European

more), no Presidency will be able to strengthen the NATO-EU relations.

Presidency has little power over whether the Coun-

nal defence market. There is no doubt that the EU countries need to in-

agenda and to propose ideas for the discussion is a

ropean competition is the way forward. However, weapons have always

cil reaches a compromise or not, the right to set the powerful tool that may inﬂuence the developments

in the EU. However, we should not be too optimistic

about what can be reached during the next months, because the European defence may

turn out to be too complicated even for such a big and experienced

country as France. French politicians have identiﬁed a number of issues that deserve attention. These are the

EU security strategy update; strengthening European civilian and military capabilities; developing instruments of Defence Europe; and reinforcing partnerships

with other organisations and countries (such as NATO or Russia).

In general, there is little doubt that all addressed topics

are relevant and crucial for the future development of

vest more effectively in defence and that common projects and pan-Eubeen more explosive goods than liquors or bricks and the basic treaty

contains provisions setting up a special regime for defence equipment. In fact, Article 296 EC largely excludes weapons and alike from the scope

of the treaty and the Lisbon Treaty changes nothing in

The Presidency cannot do anything to change the treaty limitations and will have dif�culties to break new ground.

the ESDP. The only problem is that some of the goals are hardly achievable and success of others is well beyond reach of the Council Presidency. LIMITATIONS OF THE TREATY AN OBSTACLE

Let us give some examples. According to the Minister of State responsi-

ble for European Affairs, Jean-Pierre Jouyet, it is no longer a case of ‘NATO

or Defence Europe, but NATO and Defence Europe’. In connection with President Sarkozy’s plans to join the NATO military structure again after more than 40 years, it would seem that the NATO-EU relations are

gaining momentum and that we are witnessing the beginning of an extensive and fruitful cooperation between the two organisations. However, it is not the French opinion on NATO’s role in Europe that has been

hampering the NATO-EU relations in recent years., but rather it has been

this respect. Thus, all initiatives to introduce more competition to the defence market will remain only voluntary

or without any sanctions, such as the EDA’s code of conduct. Again, the Presidency cannot do anything to change the treaty limitations and will have difﬁculties to push through anything groundbreaking.

Nevertheless, whatever the content of the French Presi-

dency priorities in defence and even if the results lag behind the goals, it is important that the EU is going to

talk about defence issues during the next half a year. The raised topics are important and the EU needs to discuss

them constantly. It is not relevant, which country organises the debate, because it will be suspicious every time: the French will be accused of attempts to chase Americans from Europe, the British of being American poodles, and the small member states do not count in defence at all. In

any case, the EU must not stop talking defence and step-by-step, it will be able to take its share of responsibility in the world. Even if the only tangible result of the French presidency was the introduction of ERASMUS-like exchanges for European military academies, we should appreciate that defence issues are not going to disappear from the agenda.

about tomáš weiss

Tomáš Weiss is a research fellow at the Institute

the Cyprus matter above all and the ice-cold relations between the Greek

of International Relations, Prague. His main field

already committed its biggest mistake for decades, namely accepting the

policy with focus on ESDP & counter-terrorism and

Cypriots (members of the EU) and Turkey (member of NATO). The EU has membership of the divided Cyprus (thus giving a disproportionate advantage to the Greek side.) Unless the Greeks and Turkish Cypriots settle

— 20 —

of interest is the EU common foreign and security transatlantic relations .

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photo: private

n July 1, it will be France’s turn to take n the EU

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Opinion Mediterranean Union hostage to power play by dana moss

he renaming of the Mediterranean Union as ‘Barcelona

dency requires consensus, so should Syria wish to assume that position, how

the dismantling of Sarkozy’s grand project. First outlined

arise as a result of Algerian-Moroccan tensions. It is also uncertain that real

Process: Union for the Mediterranean’ (UfM) symbolizes

in February 2007 in Toulon, a recent commission com-

munication embodies the latest transformation of the

idea, and the UfM will ofﬁcially be launched on July 13, under the French Presidency of the EU. Conceived by

Sarkozy, the original idea was a vague enunciation of

cooperation will emerge as a side-effect of such projects when core issues

are not dealt with. An inter-Maghreb highway as championed by the Maghreb Union will not lead to true integration unless headway is made in resolving the Western Sahara crisis.

The expanded version of the Union is another worry, as the involvement of

the desire to rebuild France’s role in the Middle East and

all 27 EU states may lead, as one commentator noted, to “too many meetings,

EU. Initially, the idea was to be distinguished from the

fears of an expansion of an already overly cumbersome European system.

an implicit desire to stave off Turkey’s entrance to the pre-existing Euro-Med Partnership and European Neigh-

borhood Policy, encompassing only the southern states of the EU and the 10 Mediterranean partners. Dogged by the opposition of Northern states, who were suspicious of the emergence of a power block within the EU that would exclude them, the

idea was extensively diluted. It is now fully wedded to the

EU’s machinery, and will, as described by Hans-Gert Potter-

ing “strengthen and further the Barcelona Process.” Encom-

passing all 27 states as well as other Mediterranean coastal

with too many participants that achieve too little.” Such concerns compound

Furthermore, whilst the Commission document speciﬁed that the UfM will ‘complement’ pre-existing instruments, extreme care must be taken in overseeing the linkage, so that duplication is avoided. Another

So far the UfM had become a hostage to European power play.

states such as Croatia, the UfM attempts to distill a sense of

criticism is the lack of detail on how the UfM will link up with the EU’s political reform basket.

However, from this deﬁcit may originate a greater sense

of ownership among Southern partners, long resentful

of the EU’s demands for reform. Yet to achieve the UfM’s stated goal of ‘employment creation’ special care must be

taken to balance the UfM in the EU’s bilateral relations with

ownership by urging co-presidencies, shared by a Mediterranean state and

its neighbors. Without twinning economic reform to political adjustments,

mented by independent funding from Mediterranean countries as well as

rily beneﬁt groups close to the political elite, as opposed to Middle Eastern

a high ranking EU post. Funding will come from existing EU funds, supplethe private sector and observers such as Qatar, thereby hopefully allaying

possible resentment by the Eastern partners. The UfM will retain its earlier, project-centered approach, with possible projects including an inter-Maghreb highway, de-pollution strategies and development of solar energy. DOUBTS PERSIST

A reenergizing of Europe’s relationship to the MENA region has been long

overdue, and certain aspects of the UfM hold much appeal. The aim of fostering co-ownership and the emphasis on project visibility will correct some of the faults of the BP. Yet doubts persist, revolving around the possibility of

pre-existing conﬂicts to derail any achievements, fears of over-bureaucraPhoto: private

would Syrian-Israeli relations be managed? Similar stumbling blocks may

tization and the dearth of good governance demands. The Elysees’s belief that concrete project-centered cooperation ‘will create solidarity between

nations’ has been doubted by some. Acrimonious inter-state relations may

economic advantages gained through the program may continue to primapopulations as a whole.

Aside from these ﬂaws, the project does hold promise for the region. It is

unclear whether, once the French Presidency ends, there will be the same

enthusiasm in the EU to bolster the Union. So far the UfM has become a hos-

tage to European power play and it would be a real shame if this continues, as reform of EU-Middle East relations is long overdue.

about dana moss

Dana Moss has a LLB (Hons) in Law and has received

an M.Phil in Modern Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Oxford. Before joining the Transatlantic Institute, she worked for MEC International.

disrupt the simplest functions of the UFM. For example, the post of PresiEUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 21 —

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Opinion CAP The Last Chance by nadège chambon

A second focus of criticism addresses the CAP’s second pillar, an ensemble

2003 compromise to freeze the level of agricultural

of measures with varying objectives—to do with the environmental, plan-

spectives will be implemented. It could be the dawn

strategy. In addition to that, the disparities between Member States in the

spending will come to an end and new ﬁnancial perof a new era for the Common Agricultural Policy, still

governed by principles decided by the Treaty of Rome in 1957. But this will depend on the coming discussions

in the European Council about the future of the CAP and the budget. Indeed if the health check doesn’t

ning and social issues—which is more a collection of measures than a clear

allocation of the budget are a persistent bone of contention for the Euro-

pean project. And a number of Member States won’t accept that a large

amount of spending should be directed to agriculture, a minor sector of the 21st century European economy.

Hence, Member States’ positions are polarised. However, most stake-

become a discussion about the goals and tools of the

holders in the debate are prepared for a thorough policy reform. Circum-

a new agricultural policy. Firstly, the basis of the next

member states has changed the balance of power: close, long-term coali-

CAP after 2013, Europeans will miss the chance to get

ﬁnancial perspectives will be set up in the 2008-2009 budget revision. After that it will be too late to introduce radical changes in the EU

budget. Secondly, the European Agenda forecasts European

elections and a new Commission in 2009. Once the political

landscape changes, deep discussions such as big policy re-

form will be difﬁcult to imagine. And if Europeans postpone their choices of a future CAP to 2010-2011, the new reform will be inﬂuenced by short-term perspectives.

But the CAP does need a new perspective and a strong

new political compromise. A “new CAP” has been up and

running since 2003: more oriented towards market signals, more connected to world markets, no longer exclusively ag-

stances have changed. In institutional terms, enlargement of 12 new

tions between Member States are a thing of the past. And France, both

France, both an engine and a vehicle of blockages and stalling in the CAP’s history, has announced an ambitious debate.

an engine and a vehicle of blockages and stalling in the

CAP’s history, has announced that it is ready to lead an ambitious debate.

The French presidency will be in charge of ﬁnding a

compromise on the health check. Its leading position

will determine the outcome of the exercise. Even if the Commission has conceived the health check as “an effort to streamline and to modernise the CAP”, France can

transform it into an opportunity for long-term reﬂection. Some signs indicate that French leaders are likely

to do it. One of these is the recent tour around Europe of

ricultural but also concerned with other areas of town and country planning.

Michel Barnier, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, to meet with other

disconnected from production quantities. Despite big achievements, and

he has the political experience and skills to engage all partners into a

After traumatic crises of overproduction, ﬁnancial aid to the sector is now despite important reforms in 1992, 1999 and 2003, these changes and the

relative reduction of spending, CAP subsidies are criticised and the principles

of the CAP are under attack. Likewise, the context is leading to an inexorable decline in the legitimacy of the CAP. CAP CRITICISMS

The main focus of criticism is the architecture of the CAP’s ﬁrst pillar

— market support measures. The total cost of the CAP is high (43 billions Euros or 40% of the budget); compensation payments are hotly contested on grounds of unfairness (70% of the transfers go to 20% of farmers); the

principal beneﬁciaries - large farms - gain the most from price support and

EU agricultural ministries. Besides, as former European commissioner, constructive debate. Whether this will happen or not is unknown today. For the answer, we must wait for the Agricultural Council of Annecy on the 20th and 21st of September 2008.

about nadège chambon

Nadège Chambon is Research Fellow and CAP Project

coordinator at Notre Europe, the Paris-based research

institute. She has received degrees from both the Institut d‘Études Politiques in Lyon and IEP Strasbourg.

direct payments, without providing public good or positive externalities.

— 22 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photo: private

decisive date for European agriculture will be 2013. The

FRENCH PRESIDENCY

Opinion Immigration pact to control movement by elizabeth collett

oliticians face increasing pressure to demonstrate

shadow of the fortress and developed rather from a fear of inﬂux than

that the French Presidency will make immigration a

should not be underestimated, but the EU needs to commit to looking

control of migration ﬂows, and it is in this context

policy priority over the coming months. How it will do so has made headlines in recent weeks and the

Sarkozy government will seek agreement from the

more closely at the impact of its development, trade, agricultural, governance and human rights policies.

There are good reasons for them to do so. Member States have yet to

Member States for a much-vaunted immigration

articulate sustainable policies for sourcing labour at all skill levels. While

The proposed pact conforms to current national

already in-country, others are deeply against amnesties. As the ‘plenti-

pact at the European Summit in October.

political pressures across Europe and focuses on

how best to exert control over migration ﬂows. France intends to make the nearly-agreed Returns

Directive a centrepiece, which establishes common rules for deporting illegally overstaying non-EU citizens.

In addition, the Sarkozy government proposes an EU-

wide ban on mass amnesties for irregular migrants, and has suggested that EU Member States introduce an inte-

gration ‘contract’ for new non-EU citizens to sign before

entering the EU. This would commit them to learning the host language and adopting ‘European’ values.

But in focusing on the control of irregular migration,

are European policy-makers asking the bigger ques-

some fall back on the ex-post facto legitimisation of irregular workers ful’ source of labour from the new Member States begins to peter out, governments need to become more creative.

Speciﬁc agreements with sending countries to obtain seasonal and

temporary workers are currently limited. Circular migration — the mooted panacea for maximising economic beneﬁt while mini-

Migration policies can no longer be conceived, drafted and implemented in isolation.

tions? Instead, the particular strength of the EU could be

mising social impact—will be difﬁcult to put in practice and has to be considered a partial solution at best.

Migration policies can no longer be conceived, drafted

and implemented in isolation. Not only do immigration policies affect integration outcomes, and border policies

affect asylum outcomes, but foreign affairs, trade rules, development aid, social models, employment laws all affect—and are affected by—immigration to Europe.

This is the central challenge facing the French Presidency.

in taking a multidisciplinary approach to immigration policies, and there

However polarised the national debate has become, the European Union is

At the EU level, one of the key innovations of the past few years has

investigate the potential of key neighbours such as Turkey and Morocco.

are a number of opportunities over the next six months.

been the philosophical shift from constructing border controls and common rules for admission towards looking outwards at partnership between sending and receiving countries. This has been labelled the Global Approach to Migration.

GLOBAL APPROACH TO MIGRATION

As part of this, the EU launched two pilot mobility partnerships—

frameworks for cooperation on migration issues—with Moldova and Cape Verde in June, and will pursue similar agreements with Georgia Photo: private

a longer-term perspective. The symbolic importance of such dialogues

and Senegal in the coming months. In addition, the French Presidency will also host the second Euro-African Ministerial Meeting on Migration

in October, a few days after the European Summit. At the moment rela-

well-placed to begin a serious debate over how to source such labour, and Integrating this challenge into a broader migration policy agenda is necessary to deliver a genuine and innovative Global Approach to Migration. But

it will also determine the success of partnerships with third countries, and ultimately Europe’s success in managing migration to its shores.

about elizabeth collett

Elizabeth Collett is an analyst at the European Policy

Centre, an independent Brussels-based think tank, where she coordinates the Migration and Integration Forum.

tionships with non-EU countries remain fairly shallow, conceived in the EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 23 —

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

Microtargeting Matching medium with message Microtargeting expert Michael Meyers on communicating with the voting public by grit fiedler, sebastian lange and daniel f. le ray

European Agenda: You’re an expert on microtargeting, which originated

etc. We add all that information, 400 or 500 pieces, and create another

tics just a product that candidates sell?

tion has to sell product, and we are selling something a bit different so

in marketing. But it obviously works well in political campaigns—is poliMichael Meyers: Well we’ve spent a lot of time adapting it to make it

work. Some of the basic ideas are the same. Whether it’s a product or an

idea, you ﬁrst have to get people interested, and if they’re not interested, you can’t sell it, they can’t vote for it. That was the basic element: how

can we get people more interested in what the candidates are saying, whether they’re things the voter cares about, things the politician cares

200 or 300 pieces that are more applicable to politics. All that informawe want to manipulate that stuff. We want to take a look at single-mother homes, homes where grandparents are caring for grandkids…

So when you have found single mothers then you send your people to the door to talk to them, try to get them to vote for the Republicans?

First of all we’ll get all that information, then conduct a large survey off

about. Talk to them about their top issue, get them more interested in

of that. Now we’ve asked them a bunch of political questions, we have the

to a knock on the door. So it’s certainly different to selling a product but

consumer marketers. We can take those survey responses and say: single

the process, get them to open the mail, to listen to the phone, to listen there are some similarities to stimulate demand and create awareness.

Could you tell us about how you work, about the facets of microtargeting? What do you do ﬁrst?

First you really need to get what we call ‘data islands’, where the cam-

paigns have lots of information at their disposal but in lots of different

places. We get all the lists together and put them into one big ‘master

ﬁle’. The Republican National Committee spent most of the last decadeand-a-half to two decades building a voter ﬁle—a list of

everybody in each district in each state who’s registered to vote in those districts. We can generally match about 95-98% of the voters to a consumer ﬁle that has at least

some information. There are probably about 400 or 500

pieces of information and we’re really beneﬁciaries of

the businesses who are wanting this information. It’s a multibillion dollar business keeping the data fresh, real and useable. We’ll take a look at what part of the district

they live in, what’s the racial make-up of that area, how

much the home is worth, how big it is, what kind of cars are in the garage or the driveway.

answers to all the political questions plus all of this information from the mothers that make under $50,000 a year in this part of this state, don’t

have credit cards and drive older cars—their top concerns are education

and healthcare, and so we talk to them about education and healthcare. We may ﬁnd other neighbours - an older couple getting ready to retire. We need to send them stuff about capital gains tax cuts, how we’re going to protect their investments and their retirement future. Traditionally

campaigns have been run at a geographic level: break a city up into 400

or 500 little pieces and look at each and say, is this a Republican or a Dem-

ocrat area? Republicans we would send all kinds of mail,

One thing in politics you have to account for is that if you win, everything you did you did right; and if you lose, everything you did was a big mistake.

How do you get this information?

all basically the same, talking about Republican issues. We look at the next neighbourhood and only 30% of the people vote Republican. We would pretend nobody voted

Republican in that area and not send any information, because you were throwing away 7 out of every 10 efforts

that you make. Then you have these middle areas where

you didn’t know if they were Republican or Democrat, and you send everyone education or healthcare mail.

If you have found a district which is mixed Republican

and Democrat, is this where you put your focus—on the swing voters?

Our clients will come to us and say, these are the ﬁve

It’s all either public, or certain pseudo-public information. In some

issues I want to talk about. Then we’ll start to say, how much money do

everywhere for tax purposes. There’s no health record or individual trans-

very supportive of you, likely to vote, we don’t want to spend any money

states we can’t get as much information. Housing information is public

actions, so I don’t know that somebody went to this store on Tuesday, but I would know that they’re the type that buys high-end audio equipment

— 24 —

we have, how many people can we talk to? We may say, these people are on them because they’re going to show up and vote. Save that money

to talk to this person, who is very supportive of you but hasn’t shown EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

up in past elections. Or people that always show up but swing back and forth between Republican and Democrat. So we have two halves: provid-

mass media & modern political marketing

porters; and persuasion amongst people who are most likely to vote. We

With the mass production and distribution of content—whether movies,

money can be better spent. This year we’ll spend more money and more

mass media. Though the consultants of the 1930s and ‘40s might have

ing motivation to get people to vote that are already likely to be supdon’t think it makes sense to talk to people who aren’t likely to vote, that time on that middle group than we did in 2004.

Was that one of the reasons for George Bush’s success in 2004? Was his strategy different to John Kerry’s?

Kerry did seem to work with micro-targeting [but] I think that we were

ahead of them at that point on the technology side. We think that we

have some more creative uses than they had in 2004. Gov. Mark Warner

from Virginia, who’s running for senate now, is a real creative user on the Democrat side. But one of the big advantages is that the Republican party has spent the last 15 or 20 years trying to build this base ﬁle, and the

Democrats really just started in 2004. There are elements of an arms race

Photo: www.albrecht-noack.com

about this, but we can all buy the same computers, the same software. Our advantage is not only understanding the statistics and the science of it, but the art of it and where the best targets are. I think in 2004 it was obviously successful. One thing in politics you have to account for is that

if you win, everything you did you did right; and if you lose, everything you did was a big mistake. I think we really helped provide some edge.

What does microtargeting mean in practice? After the analysis, do you simply send materials and autocall? How do you get the message out? EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

products or people—the US was instrumental in the development of been the starting-point of political marketing, as television reached a

high saturation level in the ‘60s, reaching a large target audience at

one fell swoop became far easier. Marketing was becoming more acute,

targetting consumer groups more precisely through ’microtargeting’. Corporations could consult marketing ﬁrms with large databases of

consumer information which helped direct marketing impact. And as the mass media politician became standard fare, brand became

as important as message: think JFK’s “Ich bin ein Berliner” or “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your

country” being beamed around the world. Direct marketing, research

and demographics became more important over the 1970s and ‘80s as voter groups became less distinct and apathy increased. Though some

microtargeting was done in California in ‘92, it only became a buzzword of US politics in 2004. Karl Rove used the method to get Bush’s re-

election message out to more states than would otherwise be possible through direct mail campaigns and phone calls, reaching around 92% of Bush voters. As the Republican Party’s ‘Voter Vault’ of information

may have proven determinant in 2004, recently the Democrats have launched their own version: ‘VoteBuilder’.

— 25 —

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

I think we get closer each year to matching the messenger to the

message. With a lot of new technology, you can actually come in and

say ‘these are the issues I care about’, give that to the person running

Have you ever received requests from other countries? Do you think your method would work in Europe?

The Tories have a version of this that the National Committee helped

the phone operation, and they can give you a speciﬁc list of people that

set up. We’ve talked a lot to different parts of the Canadian right-of-

yet. These robocalls have become very popular. Candidates rely on them

not as strong in Canada because politicians are afraid to use it. What I

match those things. Most campaigns have not gotten that sophisticated

too much because they’re so cheap and they think they can solve all their problems.

Microtargeting was ﬁrst used in marketing in the 1960s. Why has it become so popular again?

I think there are a couple of things. Computers are faster than they

ever were before, but what really has blown up is the ability to store and

treat information. The other really big part was necessity: up through the ‘50s and into the ‘60s the Republican party was able to rely on its system of precinct captains and local leaders to know who the Republicans

were, what issues they cared about, know who needed the special touch. Through the ‘60s that kind of fell apart—people didn’t know their neighbours, the parties weren’t as powerful—so we started to turn to the tel-

ethon. But as more and more people were taking their phone numbers off the list, we were left in a situation where you could only get half the

numbers and few of those people would actually answer your questions. Our philosophy is that the earlier system is the best: nothing can trump

a neighbour knowing a neighbour, understanding what issues they care about and saying, ‘hey, John McCain really is the right guy’, but this is

really ﬁlling a practical gap where we just can’t gather that information the way we used to.

centre parties, but a lot of it is privacy laws. The market for this data is encourage is: whether you can actually do this process or not, under-

standing the individual pieces that make up your winning coalition is always important. Too often we just look at one data point and the candidate will say: I’m doing really poorly with women—how do I ﬁx it?

Really you’d need to break that data down and say: you’re doing pretty

good with older woman; and we’re doing OK with young women, except young woman who make less money and live in this part of the

state. So that’s where to focus. The places where the President saw his

biggest games in 2004 were in Democrat areas where we were taking the traditional 30% and were taking it to 35, 38, 39%. And a thousand votes, wherever they come from, are a thousand votes. Somebody mentioned that if the Republicans were here in Europe, we’d probably be

three parties, certainly two. In Europe you tend to build coalitions with

parties but in the US we tend to build coalitions within one of the two

parties, so it is better to understand how to build that coalition within your own party. It’s not just that CDU voters are reacting to social stimuli; they vote for the CDU because of two or three issues. There’s very few cases where you would line up 10 people and all 10 would give you

the same answer of why they voted. Understanding how each of those 10 comes to their answer is very helpful.

Do the national privacy laws you mentioned limit the inﬂuence of microtargeting?

There’s obviously a different sense for privacy here than in the US. We

about michael meyers

all get the letter from companies that sell this data which says: here’s

Michael Meyers is Partner and President of Target Point Consulting.

information. Almost nobody bothers to sit back and say, no, stop. Even

Meyers has most recently worked to provide microtargeting and direct voter contact consulting for Bush-Cheney ’04 and the Republican National

Committee. His other clients have included the National Republican

Senatorial Committee, the Republican Governor’s Association, Senators

Burr (NC) and Thune (SD), Governors Schwarzenegger (CA) and Lingle (HI). He has also worked with Wal-Mart, Pﬁzer and Magnolia Pictures/2929 Entertainment.

During the 2002 election cycle, Meyers was executive director of

the Michigan Republican Party and helped to gain two Republican

congressional seats. His work on Presidential campaigns began in 1996 as a ﬁeld representative for Dole-Kemp, and he has also worked with former

Michigan Lt Governor Dick Posthumus and on the Technology and Energy, and Senate Republican Campaign Committees.

Michael graduated from James Madison College at Michigan State University with a Bachelors Degree in International Relations in 1995. He currently resides with his wife Angela in Alexandria, VA.

— 26 —

our privacy policy, unless you tell us differently we’re going to sell all the

the most paranoid people who don’t want to give any information to anybody get a magazine subscription and it says, we’ll give you a free

umbrella if you answer the following questions. I think if you went to

ask people, they would say, we don’t like this, we don’t think it should be going on; but almost no one takes the steps they could to restrict the

information. But it is an interesting marketplace; there’s lots of informa-

tion out there. The next big step will be as television inbreeds with the internet, whether you could start actually sending individualised ads

to people, applying the same technology, from the television side. It’s a

pretty big group of people, and the same way you send a piece of mail to someone you could send them a particular advertisement.

In presidential campaign years you probably work 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

We will get really busy. In 2004 we started just before Thanksgiving of

the year before. This year almost all the analysis will be done in June, July and August so that it’s really fresh, up-to-date and ready to go, so those will be long months. Luckily most of our hard work is done before Election Day, so we can watch and try to provide some perspective to clients as they’re going nuts in October!

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

Regulatory Developments The Transatlantic Economic Council An initiative to deepen the EU-US strategic partnership by Catherine Gilliard

he EU-US political relationship has passed through

where do we stand today?

changed the nature of transatlantic diplomacy and

ington, D.C. and one on May 13th 2008 in Brussels. May set the tone for fu-

tic; but indications are that we are emerging from this

the 2008 US presidential elections and the 2009 European Parliament elec-

a difﬁcult period in recent years. The Iraq War has created political suspicion on both sides of the Atlanperiod. Efforts are underway to step up the constructive dialogue across the Atlantic. The main initiative to

deepen the EU-US strategic partnership came at the EU-US Summit in April 2007, when Chancellor Merkel

and President Bush agreed to create a Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC).

the transatlantic economic council

Superﬁcially, the TEC is uncontroversial, aiming for:

• more effective and transparent regulatory co-operation;

• progress on so-called Lighthouse Priority Projects established under the TEC’s predecessor, the Transatlantic Dialogue; and

• promotion of economic integration in key areas, including intellectual property rights, secure trade and ﬁnancial markets.

The TEC supplements existing co-operative efforts focusing on speciﬁc

policy areas, e.g. the EU-US Financial Markets Regulatory Dialogue, but

goes beyond these to bring together senior members of the EU and US ad-

ministrations to address regulatory issues across industry sectors and with

The TEC has now held two meetings: one on November 9th 2007 in Wash-

ture work in the TEC during what will be a transition period characterised by tions and change of Commission. Like all transition periods, it is also a matter of opportunities and risks and will be critical for deﬁning the future of EU-US relations. The May meeting recognised this and decided on the need for a compelling work programme, setting out priority regulatory areas. In

discussing the work programme, commitments were made by the Commis-

sion and the US administration to make progress on several controversial

policy areas, including the import of chlorine-treated US poultry into the EU, US safety rules for electrical and electronic equipment, and the equivalence of US accounting standards to EU rules. The TEC also adopted a statement

on open investment, emphasising the EU and US commitment to promoting open investment policies at home and abroad and the role that these policies play. It declares that such an approach is compatible with policies

addressing national security as long as the latter are transparent, predicta-

ble, proportionate, and precisely circumscribed. Given that security concerns have been cited with regards to political interference with business investments (primarily in the US), and considering the ongoing debate on sover-

eign wealth funds, this is an interesting statement. It remains to be seen whether its principles are adhered to in practice.

the political impetus to resolve them. The TEC is co-chaired by Daniel Price,

added value?

missioner Verheugen, Vice-President of the European Commission respon-

ﬁciently addressed. It constitutes a new structure that still has to show

of EU Commissioners and US Cabinet members responsible for the policy

the US presidential elections and 2009 European elections and change of

Assistant to the US President for International Economic Affairs, and Comsible for Enterprise and Industry. In addition to them, the TEC is comprised

areas covered. The TEC is assisted by a Group of Advisors representing the

views of legislators, consumers and producers from the EU and the US on priorities for transatlantic economic co-operation, and consisting of:

• Chairs of the Transatlantic Legislators’ Dialogue (MEPs and Members of Congress);

• Chairs of the Transatlantic Consumer Dialogue (representatives of consumer organisations); and

• Chairs of the Transatlantic Business Dialogue, (business representatives) providing a useful avenue for providing business input into the process. EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

The TEC recognises that neither side is satisﬁed that its concerns are suf-

the added value it can bring to transatlantic relations. Its survival beyond Commission will depend on it. about catherine gilliard

This section on the TEC is contributed by Freshﬁelds

Bruckhaus Deringer, an international law firm. Catherine Gilliard is an EU Public Affairs Consultant in

Freshﬁelds‘ EU Public Affairs Practice based in Brussels, which advises clients on EU legislation and policy.

— 27 —

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

Public Affairs

Can digital communications revolutionize public affairs? How the internet influences public affairs work in Brussels

by james stevens

any of us may do it for a living, but

to the internet for information but such information is more likely to

“public affairs” actually is. Deﬁni-

research can be found online at http://www.fhdigital.net/InﬂuenceIn-

there is still debate about what

tions vary. Some use the term interchangeably with “government

relations”. The collective wisdom of

Wikipedia prefers to equate public affairs with “lobbying” plain and

simple. Whatever your deﬁnition,

inﬂuence the decisions they make than print and broadcast media. This

dex/. As such, conversations about you and your issues are increasingly taking place online. These conversations can take place with or without

you. They will have an impact on public policy, either directly as decision-

makers read them, or indirectly as they ﬁlter through the media or shifts in public opinion.

one trend is apparent: the scope of

POLICYMAKERS ARE NO DIFFERENT

stitute “public affairs” has expand-

ers from the US suggest that they are using it just as much as the rest

witness the rash of issue advertis-

Congressional staffers use the internet as their primary research tool in

what activities are judged to coned over the years. One only has to

ing in this and other Brussels based publications, the plethora of policy events in our diaries each day or the number of job adverts that seek a

“Public Affairs and Communications Manager” to see this trend at work.

In the use of the internet for research purposes, surveys of policymak-

of us. One survey from the National Journal found that around 50% of the 24 hours before a vote, with 70% of them looking for position papers and 53% looking for tutorials to explain complex topics.

A number of factors suggest that the ﬁgures are just as likely to be as

Given the nature of Brussels, communicating to policymakers directly

high, if not higher, for the European Parliament. Firstly, most assistants

getting your message across. This of course assumes you meet the right

of the internet as a research tool. Secondly, European Parliamentarians

through one-on-one meetings will remain the most effective means of people at the right time and say the right thing. But is it sufﬁcient to

achieve our goals as organizations and what role, if any, should digital play in our public affairs toolbox? YOU ALREADY DO DIGITAL

are relatively young and therefore more likely to be au fait with the use have a much smaller and less experienced staff than most US federal representatives. Finally, the large number of technical issues that pass

through the institutions are likely to lead to the need for the most basic information on any given issue.

With this in mind, the presence of your information online, whether

The good news is that, for a large part, the internet has already changed

on EU policy portals like Euractiv, your own website or your own blog, is

of receiving reams of faxed amendments from the Parliament. As long

second condition is of course that policymakers are able to ﬁnd it. If your

the way public affairs practitioners work in Brussels. Gone are the days

as you can know how to point and click, you can ﬁnd most of the documents you need on the EU institutions websites. EU information has

become a commodity that is accessed through one of the largest public websites in the world. As a result, we have more time to concentrate

our efforts on gathering political intelligence, conducting outreach and ensuring we have the right strategy to get to our objectives.

In this behavior, we are simply mirroring a wider shift in the way we

a necessary condition for communicating effectively to policymakers. A

information is tucked away on a trade association site somewhere, will it be found by an assistant googling for a speciﬁc search term? For key search terms on an issue, both search engine optimization to increase

your search engine rankings and search engine marketing to move your

information up the “paid for” results should be considered as part of any public affairs campaign.

get our information. When we want to know about something today, we

THE INTERNET CAN BECOME OUR ALLY IN ADVOCACY

Research recently conducted in Europe by Fleishman-Hillard and Har-

ternet to reach out to voters. The presidential elections in the US have

do what everyone else does. We go to a trusted website or we google. ris Interactive has found that not only do Europeans increasingly turn

— 28 —

Policymakers are also increasingly leading the charge in using the in-

led the way in terms of using the internet to harvest political donations

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

and ﬁnd and motivate supporters to take action both online and ofﬂine.

and in the media inﬂuences the likelihood that your message ﬁnds reso-

increasingly seeking to use the internet to reach out to citizens. It has a

and understand issues, so digital should become part of our toolbox of

In a Brussels context, both the Commission and the Parliamentarians are number of beneﬁts. It is relatively cheap as a form of communication. It

is also effective, as it enables you to be targeted in reaching out to peo-

nance. As the online world has changed the way we receive information public affairs tactics.

There are a few barriers to overcome before you can go beyond “hav-

ple that actually care about your issues. It also bypasses the traditional

ing a website” and use the internet to its full potential in your public

prism of “red lines” and foreign ministers.

knowledge. For certain, most of us are more au fait with Parliamentary

national media, who often only see the Brussels agenda through the These beneﬁts not only apply to the use of the internet by policymakers

but could also apply for those seeking to practice public affairs in Brus-

sels. Many of the legislative issues we deal with are of personal relevance to the daily lives of many of our fellow EU citizens. If only they realized it was the EU that legislates on them. On the internet, for every issue

there is a self-selecting group of citizens that gravitate towards certain sites, blogs and Facebook groups. For public affairs in Brussels, the inter-

net offers a cost-effective way of ﬁnding and motivating interested third parties to advocate either directly or indirectly towards policymakers, be

affairs activities. Firstly, you should not be afraid of your lack of technical procedure than terms such as “blogs”, “RRS aggregators” and “social media”, but at heart the principles behind online communications are little

different from other forms of communications, including public affairs. Secondly, we should stop making an artiﬁcial distinction between “public affairs” and “communications”. Public affairs is at its heart communications towards policymakers to inﬂuence policy. The trend of integration needs to continue and public affairs practitioners should consider digital as part of their day jobs.

If we can integrate digital into what we do, there is a real world

they organizations or individuals. In a town where issues tend to be the

of opportunity for us and our organisations. Firstly, it is one of a

Several campaigns have already sought to use such techniques. The

tion already in the process to thinking about how to shape the policy

primary focus, such techniques should be second nature to us.

disabled rights lobby and the European Parliament’s oneseat.eu cam-

paign have both collected over a million signatures using an online cam-

paign website, supported by both digital and ofﬂine activities to drive supporters to their sites. Such people power may be politically hard to

ignore in the context of the Lisbon Treaty provisions on citizens’ petitions, even if the right of legislative initiative remains with the Commission.

While a million signatures may be a noble aim, to be successful in

number of tools that can help us all move beyond reacting to legisla-

debate to come. Secondly, by helping us to make this shift, we can move closer to other communications colleagues and become integrators within our own organisations. Finally, it can help us succeed in public affairs more often, by ensuring that our message is found in the place where all decision-makers are increasingly looking for their information.

inﬂuencing policy an online campaign does not need to gather such a

eu online grassroots campaigns

in the past used postcard campaigns to great effect. An inbox made up

www.1million4disability.eu

be ignored by policymakers who are themselves concerned about their

the European Union on discrimination

multitude of voices. On topics such as REACH, the NGO community has of individual contacts from concerned citizens is not something that can

connection with citizens. The nature of the internet should make it pos-

The disability rights lobby collected 1 million signatures for action by

sible for all Brussels organizations to harness these views from across

www.oneseat.eu

often dry, factual arguments with the emotional and persuasive weight

ber States continue to say “non” to a move to one seat for the Euro-

the Union, a move which would allow them to supplement what are of “real” people expressing themselves in their own words.

Despite a million signatures online for this campaign, certain Mempean Parliament

OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

www.whodoicall.eu

much as your one-on-one meeting with them. Expressing yourself online

cebook group to argue for one individual to be both EU Commission

Policymakers are of course inﬂuenced by the world around them as

Bloggers Jon Worth and Jan Seifert launched a website, blog and Faand Council President

the conversation will happen with or without you Search for your issue in Google or Yahoo and see what results are returned. This is the information that Parliamentary researchers and Com-

Photo: private

mission desk officers are finding on your subject matter. Who is talking about your issue or organization in the blogosphere? Try typing in your issue on www.technorati.com to find out. Blogs are increasingly used and read by those who influence policymakers, such as journalists.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

about james stevens

James Stevens is an Associate Director at FleishmanHillard EU and co-chair of the company’s European Digital Practice Group. He is regular contributor to

Fleishman-Hillard EU’s blog Public Affairs 2.0 on the use of digital in public affairs and politics.

— 29 —

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

Public Affairs It’s the Member States, stupid! How to lobby Brussels via the EU’s member countries by peter lochbihler

ver 80 percent of all legislation affecting the busi-

NGOs, civil society organisations and business associations, think tanks

at EU level”, said Internal Market Commissioner

Europe and beyond. Keeping track and shaping policies in this context

ness community is adopted by majority voting Charlie McCreevy in May 2008 in the build-up to the Irish referendum, addressing apparent con-

cerns on the decline of Member States’ power.

and consultants to representatives of public institutions of a multi-level

requires more speciﬁc skills regarding languages, cultural and political understanding than ever before.

The EU plays an ever important role in tle life of

MEMBER STATES CONTINUE TO BE CRUCIAL

But even if Brussels is the place where decisions

to favour more and more centralised decisions in Brussels (“The EU has

Member States. Networked lobbying, i.e. coordi-

that national interests continue to play a crucial role in any decision taken

citizens and businesses—no doubt about that. are made, politics still takes place largely in the nated lobbying in Member States and Brussels, is

an essential cornerstone of successful advocacy in today’s European Union.

THE COSY DAYS ARE OVER

Since its early days in the ﬁfties, the European Union has undergone a

process of tremendous enlargement and change. Long gone are the days

of a cosy European Community of six, nine or twelve. The Community has

not only become bigger, but much more diverse in terms of languages and cultural characteristics, with the question of how and whether to

deﬁne deﬁnite boundaries not being answered yet. In today’s EU, policy

formulation takes place in 27 capitals (plus some more ‘regional capitals’ in federal Member States) and is inﬂuenced by manifold national back-

At ﬁrst sight, the development of the institutional setup might seem

decided...”, “Brussels bureaucrats suggest that…”). However, it is obvious at EU level. By deﬁnition, national interests are represented in the Council, but national issues matter in other European institutions as well, like the Commission and the European Parliament. Alan S. Milward, the author of “The European Rescue of the Nation State” and Andrew Moravcsik seem to have a point: The political process encompasses much more than only

the formal decision-making phase. Taking for example the co-decision procedure alone as a measure of inﬂuence in the European Union would

be a limited view. Dividing the policy cycle into a simpliﬁed three phase procedure, it becomes evident that Member States play an essential role

in each phase. They are the element continuously involved so that corresponding public affairs activities always need to consider the national dimension adequately.

grounds. Public opinion, the media landscape, national and regional elec-

AGENDA SETTING

Commission are also exposed to such national aspects.

standing relevance for each stakeholder. Even though political issues are

vocacy at EU level has also developed. The old way of high-level diplo-

enter a public sphere. And despite some niche European media the EU

tion campaigns do not only inﬂuence governments; the 785 MEPs and the In this context of a changed political framework, the approach to ad-

matic lobbying behind closed doors, as practised in the early years of the Community, is no longer the recipe for successfully representing interests in the EU. A modernised, professionalised and wider approach to Public

Affairs saw a boost in the 1990s. Today a vast number of stakeholders, a

broader range of policies and more complex procedures characterise the

EU of 27. Commissioner Siim Kallas puts the current number of lobbyists in Brussels at around 15, 000, and a long standing member of the Euro-

pean Parliament summarises that “pressure, competition for awareness and simply the amount of requests from lobby groups have increased

exponentially.” Actors involved range from national and transnational

— 30 —

Whether a topic becomes a political issue or not is a question of out-

often discussed in Brussels for years, they only gain impetus when they still lacks a common public sphere: Key media have a purely national fo-

cus, and politicians are accountable to the parties and constituencies in their home country. Hence, societal discourses as a strong driving force of politics emerge predominantly in the national arena. Take the example of

food labeling: Although common rules on food labelling are set in Brussels, the debate which steered the policy discussion spilled over from the UK. It

was shaped both by international organisations such as the World Health Organisation and by the intense obesity debate in UK.

The lesson to be drawn from a European public affairs perspective is that

early issue tracking in Member States is a neglected means of identifying EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

and influencing future trends. Focus countries which shape the debates in the relevant policy field need to be identified and taken into consideration. Consequently, proactively par-

ticipating in such discussions helps to avoid misunderstandings and critical developments at an early stage. POLICY FORMULATION AND FORMATION

In elaborating policy proposals the European Commis-

sion relies heavily on expertise and opinions of stakehold-

ers. The extensive consultations bear witness to both limited resources regarding in-house expertise and the pursuit

A permanent monitoring of political trends in Member States is a precondition for a successful European lobbying campaign.

of legitimacy. Apart from stakeholders, national ministries

this phase of the policy cycle. Continuous dialogue with

the working level in relevant departments of ministries

and authorities can be as important as the direct access to a minister.

PRACTICAL RULES FOR LOBBYING THE EU VIA MEMBER STATES

In a nutshell, representing interests in Brussels is one

important, but not exclusively sufﬁcient approach to EU

Public Affairs. So what are the ‘golden rules’ on how to lobby the EU via Member States? It is crucial to follow

and authorities are the sources of expertise, from which legitimate and

one central lobbying strategy and implement it locally. By interconnect-

communications and energy sectors, Member State interests reach far be-

can be achieved. Apart from this, the general rules of lobbying also apply

high quality input stem from. Drawing on current examples in the teleyond the formal role of national governments in decision-making. Where

‘national champions’ or serious national interests are concerned, the divides within the European Parliament go along national patterns rather than following the underpinning philosophy of the political groups.

Once again, lobbying in Member States directly inﬂuences decisions in

Brussels. While decision-making in Brussels is often characterised by factual arguments, national public spheres determine the political and societal dimension of discussions. Thus, a last minute change of position by a minister

ing political and public spheres at national and European level, synergies to lobbying in the Member States:

• Have local people on the spot who know the country’s political, economic and cultural background. It is obligatory that people dealing

with Public Affairs in a country speak the local language in order build a network.

• Show continuous presence towards national parliaments, ministries and regulatory bodies. Do not only show up in emergency cases, but establish a continuous dialogue.

ahead of a Council meeting can often be attributed to publicly perceived,

• Don’t rely on top-level contacts only, do also approach the working level.

MEPs. Therefore, to only look at what is going on in Brussels and Strasbourg

• Don’t count on one strong advocate in the Council only, even if you are a

Member States is a precondition for a successful European lobbying cam-

• Take an integrated approach to Public Affairs, built upon thorough

emotional issues emerging in the home country; and the same applies to

it is too narrow a perspective. A permanent monitoring of political trends in paign, as is a direct contact to decision-makers in national bodies. IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT

EU legislation has become more and more detailed and technical in

recent years. As a consequence, a lot of implementation work is done Photo: private; www.dreamstime.com

Member States’ institutions play a major role also in

through comitology procedures by representatives of national min-

istries and authorities at working level. To assume that only minor technical details are decided in these committees chaired by the Com-

mission would be a dangerous under-estimation of their role ( just as the relevance of standardisation is still neglected by large parts of private business). Often, it is exactly the details that decide about which

technical solution will be apt to fulﬁl the requirements of legislation. And when it comes to enforcing EU law, there is always a margin of

Consider carefully at what stage to contact which level.

‘national champion’. Build issue-speciﬁc, cross-country alliances.

monitoring and analysis as a necessary precondition before any active lobbying starts. Lobbying is only one element within Public Affairs.

• Consider adequately public opinion, other stakeholders and media in your approach. It is public opinion that politicians care about.

about peter lochbihler

Peter Lochbihler is Business Director in the Brussels

ofﬁce of PLEON, a leading communications and Public Affairs consultancy with 33 ofﬁces around Europe. He has been active in EU Public Affairs since 2001.

interpretation in the hands of public authorities. Applied to lobbying, EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 31 —

STRATEGY & PRACTICE

Books of the month media

strategy Tom Curtin

Paul Richards

Managing Green Issues

Be Your Own Spin Doctor: A Practical Guide to Using the Media

Palgrave Macmillan 2007 2nd ed.

Politico’s 2005 2nd ed.

“Managing Green Issues” deals with how companies can manage environmentally

This guide to today’s media is set to aid

controversial projects properly. The book

campaigners and communicators in the

dedicates a few chapters to stakeholders

dark and mysterious world of press cover-

(a word which, along with “sustainabil-

age and spin. Spin, Richards argues, is an old

ity”, Curtin believes is overused). A wider

profession, one which has simply gained

deﬁnition of the word is provided, encom-

new ground with the fast development of

passing any organisation or individual

media access and consumption. Arguing

that might be affected by the operations

that “the truth is a difﬁcult concept”, spin

is put forward as the art of making people

of another company or organisation.

believe what you want them to believe. Reputation matters - take care

Curtin proposes a new approach to managing issues, CHARM: Consult,

newsworthy and strategise your spin. With a clear structure providing key

to establish green credentials when almost all the company’s activities

of it. Get to know the inner-workings of the media hounds, learn what is points to summarise the chapters, this guide to using the media will help

even those who do not work in spin to understand the profession better and lead the way to becoming their very own spin doctor.

damage the environment and the closing chapter concludes that “Green

can be irrational”. Overall, the work is a brilliant account of marketing and communications management of green issues.

statistics Jan Werts

The European Council John Harper 2008 1st ed

If anyone is in the position to write an au-

Gunter Schäfer et al.

Europe in Figures—The Eurostat Yearbook 2008 Eurostat 2008

thoritative book on the European Council,

Eurostat’s yearly look at the European Un-

ent who has reported on the majority of

for 2008. The yearbook is a must-read for

it’s Jan Werts, a veteran EU correspond-

Council meetings since the 1970s. Werts’ book is designed to be the ultimate guide to a political body which isn’t exactly easy

to get to grips with, and, thankfully for us, achieves its aims with clarity and ﬁnesse.

ion in ﬁgures is back to grace our shelves

anyone who wants a picture of how Eu-

rope really stands in cold hard fact, and is

an essential tool for journalists, academics, Eurocrats and casual observers alike. It also proves to be particularly useful by acting

It charts the history of the Council from

as a guide to the vast realm of information which can be found on the

tions and proceedings of the Council today, in the new era of 27 member

tively easy to understand format. Organised into logical subsections, the

its inception, thereby giving us a clear context in which to judge the acstates. Werts then uses the Council’s current modus operandi as a jumping-off point for considering how its role will change under the Treaty of

Lisbon, making intelligent predictions and advisory comments. All in all the book is a thoughtful and well-researched addition to the canon of EUrelated literature.

— 32 —

Eurostat website, picking out key information and presenting it in a rela-

yearbook is bolstered by its useful inclusion of background information on each area. This year it also spotlights data related to Europe’s ageing society, and the attendant demographic signiﬁcance. A more thorough statis-

tical guidebook would be hard to ﬁnd, and this yearbook simply reinforces the usefulness of Eurostat as an organ for understanding the EU.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: archive

analysis

Harmonise, Adjust, Reinforce and Maintain. Advice is also given on how

PEOPLE

Women in the EU A look at the work towards gender equality in Europe, and profiles of some of the key female players in the Union

EUROPEAN WOMEN UNITE!

A WOMAN FOR EU PRESIDENT?

Decision-making in Politics and the Economy’. Despite its wordy title, the

about? It seems that in the eyes of the media and most of the people on

This month has seen the launch of ‘The European Network of Women in aims of the network can be summed up in one word: equality. Women have always been in the minority when it comes to holding high-pow-

ered positions, both in business and in politics. At present, only a third of MEPs are women and, interestingly enough, only a third of the Barroso Commission are women. The launch of this new network would be

What of the newly-minted top job of ‘EU President’ that everyone’s talking the street, only men have been considered for the race so far. The website

www.femalesinfront.eu asks the question “250 million women in the EU: Not a single one good enough?” and hosts a petition demanding at least one female leader of the EU.

widely regarded as a step in the right direction along the EU’s Roadmap

to Equality, a destination we’re due to arrive at by 2010. The network’s launch was attended by Commissioners Špidla and Wallström, amongst

LOBBYING FOR EQUALITY

el. Due to present its ﬁrst results in 2009, the signiﬁcance of the network

minding us that there is still some way to go before 2010. This month they

others who have vocalised the importance of Equality on an EU-wide levwill be realised in its ability to ﬁnd practical means of overcoming the gender imbalance in European professional structures. Will these means ﬁnd their way into the European Institutions too?

MARGOT WALLSTRÖM

Meanwhile, the European Women’s Lobby www.womenlobby.org is reare calling on the EU to remember the importance of gender when consider-

ing a new anti-discrimination directive, pointing out that it deserves a level footing with other grounds for discrimination such as age and religion.

ANGELA MERKEL

A Swedish high-school graduate who was once

Twice named the most powerful woman in the

colourful variety of experience to her cur-

can hardly be underestimated. Inevitable

the CEO of a TV company, Wallström brings a

world by Forbes.com, Merkel’s clout in the EU

rent role as ﬁrst Vice-President of the Com-

comparisons with Margaret Thatcher thus

mission. Dubbed by some as ‘The Citizens’

abound, and if those who call her ‘king-

Commissioner’ the cause of gender-equality

maker’ are to be believed, it is she who holds

is clearly close to her heart, as some of her im-

most power when it comes to deciding who

passioned blog entries prove.

Photos: EC; www.marco-urban.de; Miguel A R Lopes; EC

ANNA ZÁBORSKÁ

will become the ﬁrst President.

TARJA HALONEN

MARY MCALEESE

Perhaps the most con-

Finland’s ﬁrst female

The Presidency of Ire-

ure in the EU, MEP

to do with the

ceremonial, but is

troversial female ﬁg-

President has much

Záborská currently

country’s percep-

stands as Chair of

nevertheless inte-

tion as liberal and

the Committee on

gral to Irish polity.

f o r w a r d - t h i n k-

Women’s Rights and

Mary McAleese

ing. Tarja Halonen,

Gender Equality—a

controversial appoint-

land may be largely

is the second suc-

seen by many as

a mother-figure for

cessive female Irish

President, and has re-

ment, considering her strongly anti-abortion

the Finnish people, made her name as a Social

cently been taking steps to deﬁne the country’s

on issues such as trafﬁcking, with the Commit-

as the advocation of gay and lesbian rights and

vote in the country’s referendum on the Lisbon

views. She has, however, taken a strong stance tee’s ‘Red Card on Forced Prostitution’. EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Democrat, and maintains it with policies such humanitarian issues.

role within the EU by urging the Irish people to Treaty.

— 33 —

PEOPLE

Personnel Changes New MEP Jan Cremers

Institutions

Boursier joins the EP

European Parliament

Nationality: NL

Nationality: FR

MEP

Start Date: 19.05.2008 Catherine Boursier

JAN CREMERS has joined the European Parlia-

CATHERINE BOURSIER has joined the EP as a

tee on Employment and Social Affairs, and of the

Justice and Home Affairs, the Delegation for re-

ment as a permanent member of the CommitDelegation for relations with Israel. He is also a

substitute member of the Committee on the In-

ternal Market and Consumer Protection. Mr Cremers is part of the Socialist Group in the European Parliament. He has also been a researcher at the University of Amsterdam since 2007.

Institutions

New Italian MEP

member of the Committee on Civil Liberties, lations with the Mashreq countries and the Delegation to the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly. She is also a substitute member

of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs and of the Delegation for relations with the Maghreb countries and the Arab Maghreb Union.

Iva Zanicchi joins the EP European Parliament

Start Date: 16.05.2008

Nationality: IT

Start Date: 16.05.2008 Iva Zanicchi

ment as a permanent member of the Commit-

IVA ZANICCHI joined the European Parliament in

Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary

will be a member, are yet undeﬁned. Ms Zanicchi

tion for relations with Israel although as a substitute member. Mr Ciani belongs to the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe.

— 34 —

Nationality: GR

Start Date: 03.06.2008 Konstantinos Droutsas

KONSTANTINIOS DROUTSAS has joined the Eu-

ropean Parliament with the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group. He will be a permanent member of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, the Delegation to

the EU-Armenia, EU-Azerbaijan and EU-Georgia Parliamentary Cooperation Committees, and of

the Delegation to the Euro-Mediterranean Parliamentary Assembly.

Head of Cabinet Head of Cabinet Nationality: BE

MEP

Fabio Ciani

Assembly. He will also take part in the Delega-

MEP

European Commission

MEP

tee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

European Parliament

Institutions

European Parliament

FABIO CIANI has joined the European Parlia-

Droutsas at the EP

MEP

Start Date: 08.05.2008 Jan Cremers

Institutions

mid-May although the Committees of which she

Start Date: 01.05.2008 Kurt Vandenberghe

Kurt Vandenberghe has been named head of the

cabinet of Janez Potonik, European Commissioner for Research and Development.

is rather a celebrity in Italy having been a singer,

TICKER

She won the Sanremo Festival three times and

Droll, Head of Unit, DG Enterprise, European

a TV presenter and a writer during the sixties. collaborated with Mikis Theodorakis and Charles Aznavour. She is a member of the European People’s Party.

Michel Delebarre, President, M.O.T +++Peter Commission +++ Peter Van Ijsselmuiden, Mem-

ber of the Board, Cedefop +++ Aloys Rigaut, President, LYMEC +++

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: European Parliament (2); private; private; European Parliament; private

Institutions

PEOPLE

Companies

From GE to Microsoft

Companies

Hasson at PWC

In his new Microsoft position, JOHN VASSALLO

will be responsible for leading the company’s

Pricewaterhouse-

creation of this role reﬂects the increasing im-

EU Business Develop-

EU Corporate Affairs and Regulatory team. The

Coopers

portance of Microsoft’s engagement with the

ment Manager

European Union across a wide range of policy areas. He will also serve as Associate General

Nationality: NL Tal Hasson

Counsel for the company. Mr Vassallo lived for 15 years in Sweden working with the Euroc

TAL HASSON has recently joined the Pricewater-

Union, NATO, and Belgium, where he negoti-

he is responsible for developing the ongoing

ated his country’s timing for the EU and NATO. Vassallo resigned his diplomatic assignment

and joined GE in 1997. Since February 2007, Mr

Microsoft

Vassallo is Chair of AmCham EU, the lobbying

Vice President, EU Affairs

organisation in Brussels that represents 140

Nationality: MT

Languages: MT, EN, FR, SE, IT Start Date: 30.05.2008

Media

Vincenti as Parliamentary Editor

companies of US parentage at the European Institutions and EU governments.

Media

Manrique Aquí Europa

business relationship with the European Union

Institutions and supporting the implementation of PwC EU strategies to improve the efﬁ-

ciency of PwC’s participation in public tenders. Mr Hasson is also in charge of promoting the

PwC brand in the European Union institutions. Prior to PwC he spent seven years working for DG Enlargement at the European Commission.

Consultancies

Perissich Joins APCO Worldwide

Aquí Europa

APCO Worldwide

Nationality: IT/FR

Nationality: ES

Nationality: IT

Editor in Chief

Languages: FR, IT, EN, DE

Senior Counsellor

Languages: SP, EN, FR Beatriz Manrique

Languages: IT, EN Riccardo Perissich

Start Date: 15.05.2008

DANIELA VINCENTI-MITCHENER joins EurActiv

BEATRIZ MANRIQUE has taken over from María

RICCARDO PERISSICH, former Public and Eco-

leads 33 professionals across Europe (national

digital newspaper which reports daily on news

Group, has joined APCO Worldwide as Senior

as Parliamentary Editor. At EurActiv, Ms Vincenti

correspondents, three moderators and three polPhotos: Wim Beddegenoodts; private

houseCoopers EU Account Support Team where

EurActiv

Parliamentary Editor

Vincenti-Mitchener

Start Date: 01.04.2008

Corporation of Malmo and during the 1990s

became Ambassador of Malta to the European

John Vassalo

Languages: NL, EN, FR

icy assistants) to build an online community of

national and European parliamentarians ahead of the European elections in 2009. Ms Vincenti developed the communications activities of the

Platform of European NGOs (Social Platform). In 2007 she joined Notre Europe to promote the ﬁrst pan-European deliberative poll.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Ruiz Nievas as Chief Editor for Aquí Europa, a

in the European Union. Ms Manrique has been working in journalism since her studies when

she interned at the radio station of the Univer-

sidad de Navarra, and when she worked at a newspaper. She graduated from the University of Navarra last year with a degree in Journalism.

nomic Affairs Director of Pirelli Telecom Italia Counsellor. Perissich began his career with the

Instituto Affari Internazionali in Rome, where he

quickly came to serve as deputy director of the institute before moving to the European Commission in 1970. After holding the ofﬁce of “chef

de cabinet” for four members of the Commis-

sion, he became Deputy Director-General of DG Internal Market and Industrial Affairs in 1986.

— 35 —

PEOPLE

Associations

Da Ponte for Brewers

Associations

Verschueren ACE Director General

The Brewers of Europe President

Nationality: PO

ACE

Start Date: 27.05.2008

Nationality: BE

Languages: PO, SP, FR, EN

Director General

The Brewers of Europe have elected ALBERTO DA PONTE as the new President. Since 2004, Mr Alberto Da Ponte

Start Date: 02.05.2008 Christian Verschueren

Da Ponte is Chief Executive Ofﬁcer of the Soc.

CHRISTIAN VERSCHUEREN comes to ACE with

the Board of the Fladgate Partnership / Taylor’s.

tions involved in environment, agriculture & food

Central de Cervejas in Portugal and a member of Before this post, Alberto Da Ponte was Managing Director at Unilever Bestfood (Fima) in Portugal.

extensive experience in leading business associapolicies. Previous roles have enabled him to build contacts with regulators, NGOs, media and other stakeholders at both a European and internation-

al level. For the past 7 years, Mr Verschueren was

Director General of CropLife International, the

Keating follows Norman Dupuy

New Chairman of CEPF

Associations

Rev. Gary Wilton joins CSC

EIM

CEPF

Nationality: UK,CA

Nationality: SW

Church and Society

Start Date: 08.05.2008

Associated Staff

Public Affairs Manager

Chairman

Languages: EN, FR Patrick Keating

Global Federation of the Plant Science Industry.

Associations

Start Date: 02.06.2008

Languages: SW, EN Christer Segerstéen

Commission Brussels Nationality: UK Gary Wilton

Languages: EN

PATRICK KEATING has joined the European Associ-

CHRISTER SEGERSTÉEN, is the new Chairman of

Affairs Manager. Prior to joining EIM, he was a Senior

ter Segerstéen, born in 1950, is owner and manager

The Church and Society Commission of the Con-

the chairman of the Federation of Swedish Forest

announce the arrival of REV. DR GARY WILTON,

ation of Rail Infrastructure Managers (EIM) as Public

Consultant at Prisma consulting, where he was responsible for advising clients on European transport

policy, with a particular focus on the aviation sector. In addition from 2006-2008, Patrick served as Executive Secretary of the European Rail Circle.

CEPF, the EU-organisation for family forestry. Chris-

of a forest estate in southern Sweden. He has been Owners for almost ten years. He is also Vice Chairman of the Federation of Swedish Farmers and the Forest Owners Association, Södra.

TICKER

Christelle Roche, Head of Market Intelligence, CECIMO +++ Ralf Kuhlmann, Chairman, APPE +++

Matthias Fenner, President, ESN +++ Hanneke de Leeuw, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Manager, ACE +++ Anna Hedrzak, Senior Marketing Manager, European Wind Energy Association

— 36 —

Start Date: 28.04.2008

ference of European Churches (CEC) is pleased to the EU representative of the Church of England

as associated staff of the Church and Society Commission in Brussels. In addition to his representative role, with a current focus on issues

related to climate change, Gary Wilton will serve at the Holy Trinity Chaplaincy of the Church of

England. As associated staff of CEC, he will be based in the Ecumenical Centre in Brussels and

will work as a member of the Church and Society Commission staff.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: private

Associations

PEOPLE

Associations

UNICA appoint Desplechin

Associations

New President at EICTA Eicta, the industry body representing the information and communications technology

and consumer electronics industries in the European Union announced that ERKKI ORMALA

UNICA

Representative to

has been elected as President and Chairman

the EU

of the Executive Board. He has chaired the Eic-

Nationality: FR Emmanuel Desplechin

ta Digital Economy Policy Group since 2004.

Languages: FR, EN, SP

UNICA, the Brazilian sugarcane industry asso-

ciation, has appointed EMMANUEL DESPLECHIN

He is Vice President, Technology and Trade Policy of Nokia Corporation where his respon-

sibilities cover political, regulatory, economic, market access and other business environ-

Erkki Ormala

ment related issues. The main Eicta policy is-

as their Representative to the European Union.

sues are in his area of responsibility at Nokia.

UNICA’s members account for more than 60%

of the sugar and ethanol produced in Brazil,

He takes over from Rudy Provoost, who led the

and their experience is particularly relevant at

EICTA

tainably reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Nationality: FI

a time when European countries look to susCompared to gasoline, sugarcane ethanol pro-

duction and use help to reduce greenhouse gas

organization for the past four years. Mr Or-

President and Chairman Start Date: 23.05.2008

mala participated extensively in R&D strategy formulation and was one of the key ﬁgures in

shaping the Nordic R&D cooperation in late 70s and early 80s.

emissions by up to 90% and is economically and environmentally viable.

Associations

Scaratti replaces Burmester

Panagopoulos President of EFCA

President

At the 2008 Annual General Meeting in Slovenia, FEDIAF elected LUCIO SCARATTI, President

and Director General Nestlé Purina Pet Care Southern Europe based in Milan, as new Presi-

dent for 2008-2010, replacing Hardu Burmester.

Photos: private

Mr Scaratti has spent almost three decades in

pet food, including a four year period in Brazil. Before his election, he was already longstanding FEDIAF Executive Committee member.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Plastics Europe

Nationality: GR

Nationality: BE

President

Languages: FR, DU,

Languages: IT, EN, Start Date: 15.05.2008

EFCA

Languages: GR, EN,

Nationality: IT

Lucio Scaratti

New President at Plastics Europe

President

FEDIAF

PT, FR

Associations

Panos Panagopoulos

Start Date: 29.05.2008

EN, IT Jacques Van Rijckevorse

PANOS PANAGOPOULOS will take over as Presi-

JACQUES VAN RIJCKEVORSEL, member of the

ing Consulting Associations from Yann Leblais

Plastics/Europe/ President. Mr. van Rijckevorsel

dent of the European Federation of Engineer(France) during the May 2008 General Assem-

bly meeting. Mr Panagopoulos will focus on raising the awareness of EU decision-makers

about the importance and impact of the industry. He is Managing Director of ECOS Consulting S.A., which he founded in 1989.

Executive Committee of Solvay SA, is the new replaces John Taylor as the head of the associa-

tion. Mr van Rijckevorsel is General Manager of

Plastics Sector and Group Innovation Sponsor. He is a veteran of Solvay and has been with

them since 1974 when he graduated from UCL in Belgium where he studied Civil Engineering.

— 37 —

PEOPLE

Gala Photos: archive; Andreas Herrmann/Stadt Aachen; Horst Wagner/www.eup-images.com; www.albrecht-noack.com; Andreas Herrmann/Stadt Aachen

Brussels & EU Event Highlights

Congress of Europe

60th Anniversary May 24-25, 2008—The Hague, Netherlands The 60th Anniversary of the Congress

of Europe took place in the Hague and

brought together the EU Institutions

and Civil Society by allowing European citizens to directly address key EU politi-

cians with their concerns and recommendations about Europe’s future. The Presidents of the EU institutions and main European political parties were present.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 39 —

PEOPLE

EUROCHAMBRES

Piano and Bel Canto for 50th anniversary June 5, 2008—Brussels, Belgium

On 5 June, to celebrate its 50th anniversary, EUROCHAMBRES organised a recital entitled “Singing Europe” at the Royal Conservatory in

Brussels. Over 300 people attended the event, including Ambassa-

dors, EU Commissioners, MEPs, Chambers and media representatives.

European Economic and Social Committee

EESC 50th anniversary celebrations May 28, 2008—Brussels, Belgium On 28 May 2008, the

EESC celebrated the 50th anniversary of its

first plenary session

Photos: Friends of Europe; Hanns-Seidel-Foundation

with a series of high-lev-

el debates and cultural events.

— 40 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

PEOPLE

Energy Globe Portal

Energy Globe for Gorbachev “Green Glasnost” May 26, 2008 - Brussels, Belgium A Special Award presented to

Mikhail Gorbachev and his Green

Cross Foundation was one of the highlights of the Energy Globe

Awards gala held on Monday evening at the European Parliament in Brussels. Awards for the categories Air, Water, Fire, Earth

and Youth went to Austria, Mozambique, Spain, Peru and South

Photos: Joerg Mitter

Africa.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 41 —

PEOPLE

European Commission

European Day in Cannes May 18, 2008—Cannes, France

José Manuel Barroso, President of the EC, and Viviane Reding,

Member of the EC in charge of Information Society and Media, were both present at the 61st Cannes Film Festival.

The Brewers of Europe

50th Anniversary May 27, 2008—Brussels, Belgium On the 27th of May the Brewers of Europe held their 50th Anniversary Reception in Brussels. They were joined

by friends including European Com-

missioners, Ambassadors, Members of the European Parliament and many other special guests from the world of

EU policy making. Europe is the cradle

of world brewing, and this dynamic Photos: European Wind Energy Association; State of Hessen

sector represents the best of the EU’s Lisbon Agenda – sustainability and innovation. The growth of micro- and

small brewers in many European countries is phenomenal.

— 42 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

PEOPLE

AmCham EU

AmCham EU Gala night May 29, 2008—Concert Noble AmCham EU held its Gala Night

2008 on Thursday May 29th at the glamorous premises of the Concert

Noble in Brussels. This year, they presented the ﬁfth AmCham EU Transatlantic Business Award to President

Barroso, who was key to establishing

the Transatlantic Economic Council at the April 2007 US-EU summit. The

performers for the evening were two laureates of the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition for Singing 2008.

European Union of Medical Specialists

UEMS 50th Anniversary April 17-19, 2008—Brussels, Belgium This year, The European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) celebrates

its 50th Anniversary since its incep-

tion, and organised for this purpose a three-day event with a Scientiﬁc

Conference and Gala celebration on

18th April 2008. The UEMS was established in 1958 with the aim of representing medical specialists within the newly created European Economic

Photos: www.albrecht-noack.com

Community.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 43 —

For more information, please visit our website: www.alde.eu/climatechange

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABILITY PRO & CON Biofuels

IN FOCUS Carbon Labelling

OPINION New Report on Electra

AGENDA Sustainability Events 2008/09

Biofuels

Photos: European Commission (2); www.dreamstime.com; European Commission

meps debate the ten percent target

SPE

CIAL

Electra new report

Carbon Labelling

Events 2008/09

a global challenge

european sustainable energy week 2009

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 45 —

SUSTAINABILITY

Biofuels Pro: 10% the right target Biofuels are vital by werner langen, mep

Europe needs biofuels in order to

reach its environmental targets. The

introducing the debate

of 10 percent biofuels in the transport

Key to plans by the European Commission to lead the world in bat-

ganic materials such as wheat, rape

source of energy. However, the “binding” target of 10% for the

Commission is right in setting a target

sector by 2020. Fuels made out of orseeds or sunﬂower oil are a key com-

ponent of Europe’s energy and environmental strategy, reducing both

greenhouse gas emissions as well as

Europe’s dependence on foreign oil and gas. Under the Commission’s

calculation, sugar beet ethanol saves almost 50 percent of typical

greenhouse gas emissions, sugar cane ethanol even 74 percent. Figures

for sunﬂower biodiesel and rape seed biodiesel show savings of 58 percent and 44 percent respectively. What’s more, the next generation of

tling climate change is the promotion of Biofuels as an alternative

use of biofuels in transport by 2020 has come under scrutiny, with the EEA Scientiﬁc Committee calling for it to be suspended. Other groups, alarmed at the effect of biofuel production on food prices

and the prospect of a food crisis, have called for it to be scrapped altogether. The Commission has been forced into a rethink, with a dramatic U-Turn a real possibility. Here we present two key MEPs at

the heart of the discussion and ask: Is the 10% target achievable or desirable?

biofuels will use new materials – often non-food-based – and will be

In doing so, biofuels add to a number of objectives which are key to

careful management and planning in order to ﬁnd the best possible

fuels strengthens Europe’s security of energy supply and reduce the

change in the biofuels market towards greater sustainability. Second

Europe’s energy and environmental needs. Increasing the share of bio-

dependence on fossil fuels. Biofuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions, thus also contributing to a cleaner local environment. Lastly, they bet-

ter protect soil and groundwater and reduce health hazards by using non-toxic substances. The potential of biofuels is huge, and should not

mix between food and energy production. Already today, we notice a

generation biofuel crops are produced from feedstocks other than food crops such as by-products in forestry, solid waste or recycled vegetable oils.

As the biofuel market expands, it is based less and less on cereals used

be discarded easily in the current discussion on food supplies and food

for food production. In addition, the obligation for European farmers

of foodstuffs and the European Commission’s proposed 10 percent tar-

while import duties on cereal have been suspended. Sustainability

prices. There is no correlation between the current increase in the price get of biofuels by 2020.

CAREFUL MANAGEMENT REQUIRED

True, the Commission’s estimates show a rise in agricultural commod-

to set aside 10 percent of their arable land has already been dropped, should also apply to biofuels imported from third countries, for example by introducing a certiﬁcation procedure identifying those suppliers that do not use cereals for their biofuel production.

Biofuels and Europe’s supply with secure and affordable foodstuffs

ity prices by about 70 percent, most notably concerning wheat, maize

therefore need not be contrasting aims. If basic criteria for sustainabil-

demand in countries outside the EU, most notably China, India or Bra-

agricultural, environmental and energy policies.

and rice as well as dairy products. Driving this price increase is higher zil. Higher fuel and energy prices also make foodstuffs more expensive by adding to the price of diesel or fertilisers.

Biofuels on the other hand currently only account for about 1 per-

cent of Europe’s cereal production. Clearly therefore, biofuels cannot

be blamed for rising food prices in Europe. What soaring food prices do demonstrate, however, is that reaching the 10 percent target requires

— 46 —

ity are being considered, both pave the way for a new stage in Europe’s

werner langen, mep

Werner Langen has been an MEP since 1994. Since 2006 he is a chairman of the CDU/CSU group in the European parliament.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photo: private

more efﬁcient in the extraction of their energy content.

SUSTAINABILITY

Biofuels Con: 10% too optimistic 8 % a better target by anders wijkman, mep

The transport sector’s high depend-

have serious implications for food security, for biodiversity as well as for the

end. While other sectors have been able

signiﬁcant contribution, but developments in Europe would be based pri-

ence on fossil fuels must come to an

to reduce their emissions, GHG emis-

sions from EU transport have increased by 26 per cent since 1990. Oil continues to dominate and alternatives are few

and far between. It is clear that the use of renewables for transport, not least biofuels, must be part of the solution.

marily on agro-fuels. We are presently in the early stages of biofuels development. In addition to the concerns about food and biodiversity, it is vital

that the policy pursued is closely in line with the efforts for enhanced fuel efﬁciency as well as the development of electric vehicles, fuel-cells, etc.. TEN PER CENT TOO HIGH

Because of all the unknowns – both with regard to technology develop-

But if biofuels are not done in the right way, they could end in a big fail-

ments but also to land use changes – there is a compelling argument for

as environment and poverty reduction goals. Not to mention discrediting

too optimistic. The objective should not be to reach the target at all costs,

ure - undermining climate change mitigation and energy security as well the EU’s 10 % target for renewable energy in the transport sector.

The 10%-objective for renewable energy from transport was based on

several conditions. One was the adoption of strict sustainability criteria.

Another was the availability of the so called 2nd generation of biofuels, based primarily on cellulosic materials.

Stringent sustainability criteria must be developed. The main objectives

for such criteria ought to be that biofuels produced: a) deliver signiﬁcant GHG savings

b) do not compromise biodiversity

c) do not have negative effects on poverty reduction and food security SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR EUROPE’S FOOD

The EU Commission proposal has its merits. But many questions emerge:

What is a reasonable GHG saving? Here the EU Commission proposal of

35% is no doubt not ambitious enough. How to account for direct and indirect land use changes? How to avoid the fact that increased demand for biofuels - like biodiesel from rapeseed - lead to indirect effects, like rainforests being cut down? The indirect land use changes are by some experts seen as the real challenge! How to direct efforts for biofuel production to

marginal lands and waste and residue materials? How to stimulate in a Photo: European Parliament

rate of rainforest destruction. Imports of sugarcane ethanol could make a

big way the developments of cellulosic biofuels? While research efforts into the next generation of biofuels look promising, the problem is the

caution and a step-by-step approach. In this light, the 10 % goal seems

rather to implement policies which result in a signiﬁcant beneﬁt for the climate and that avoid a series of unintended consequences. It would be

regrettable if the EU would stick to its 10 % target in spite of the many uncertainties. These uncertainties are becoming all too obvious in the eyes of the rest of the world and were the main reason why reputable scientiﬁc

institutions, like the EEA Scientiﬁc Committee and the JRC, went as far as

recommending a suspension of the 10% target. This being said, it must be

pointed out that biofuels bashing has gone overboard. It would be tragic

if the poorly-designed American ‘corn for ethanol’ programme, the grossly exaggerated appraisals of the link between biofuels and the food crisis, and

biased reporting on sugar-cane plantations in Brazil should hamper efforts

to develop sustainable biofuels. The responsible way forward seems to be

to reverse the decision about the 10% renewable target and, instead, go for a lower target – like 8 % - and undertake regular reviews of the whole

policy, including the target. At the same time, stringent sustainability criteria must be implemented - with a 50 % GHG saving as a minimum and

strict criteria on both direct and indirect effects on land use. A responsible climate policy is the one that sets high goals, but also takes time to adjust the lens and aim with precision. Not the one that blindly shoots for the stars - and eventually ends up shooting itself in the foot.

time perspective. While some experts are quite optimistic, many others

anders wijkman, mep

able in a signiﬁcant way within the next ten to ﬁfteen years. If the latter

Environment, Public Health and Food Safety. He is also a substitute for

doubt that technologies based on ligno-cellulose will be commercially vi-

prediction is right—and the EU maintains its 10% binding target – biofuels production will expand rapidly, based primarily on agro-fuels. This could EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Anders Wijkman sits on the European Parliament‘s Committee on the the Committee on Development.

— 47 —

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SUSTAINABILITY

Carbon Labelling Taking a step towards a greener footprint Quantifying our carbon emissions, labelling initiatives are popping up all over the EU by Daniel F. Le Ray

CARBON LABELLING IN THE EU An increasing number of

GERMANY A project entitled

ion which are taking on the problem of greenhouse gasses and offsetting

initiated last April in Berlin, with

organisations and initiatives are appearing throughout the European Uncarbon footprints head-on. The Carbon Labelling Consortium, compris-

ing companies in the UK, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany and Malta, is pledged to bring carbon research and labelling issues to the fore in every-

day business. CO2 Star leads more initiatives across Germany and the EU, and the Carbon Trust in the UK have launched one of the ﬁrst labelling systems according to EU guidelines. Here we take a look at the initiatives aiming for a greener Europe.

FRANCE

The French retailer Casino has recently begun using an en-

vironmental labelling system in cooperation with ADEME (Agence de

l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie) which will display the carbon impact caused by the packaging, distribution and waste production of their products. This came about after the Grenelle de l’environnement

think tank talks on the environment between July and October last year. The goal of “making France the most carbon-efﬁcient economy in the Eu-

ropean Union” by 2020 was ﬂoated at the Grenelle conference, but there

“Product Carbon Footprint” was an aim to convincing people to reduce their carbon footprint in everyday life. The campaign was launched by the WWF (World

Wide Fund for Nature), the Öko-

Institut, the Potsdam Institute

for Climate Impact Research (PIK) and THEMA1, as well as seven leading German manufacturers, packaging companies, telecoms ﬁrms and food

retailers who will allow their products and services to be assessed on the merits of their carbon footprint. The long-term aim is to make the public aware of how carbon offsetting can be achieved. As seen above, German petrol station company Q1 has begun with promoting the use of biodiesel fuel in association with www.CO2Star.eu

UNITED KINGDOM

The Carbon Trust has been spearheading

the carbon labelling campaign within the EU.

is some debate as to how to ﬁnance such a large-scale project. Current la-

Proposed labels will show both greenhouse gas

bels use colour-coded images corresponding to the environmental costs

emissions and the carbon footprint of a product,

caused by transport, packaging and waste, as shown below.

taking into account its whole lifecycle from pro-

duction through to disposal. Sponsored by the

Carbon Trust and DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), the labels will follow

guidelines set out by the British Standards Institu-

tion (BSI) and have already been partially implemented by some producers and retailers, including supermarket chain Tesco. The guidelines will be based on:

• A standard method for the assessment of the lifecycle of greenhouse gas emissions;

• The Product-related Emissions Reduction Framework (PERF), which sets out the requirements for making credible claims regarding reduc-

Photos: archive

tions on greenhouse gases;

• A Product-related Emissions Communications Guidance (PECG) to communicate the product-related lifecycle greenhouse gas.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

— 49 —

SUSTAINABILITY

Electra

A refreshing modern day alternative to a Greek tragedy Opinion on a new report launched on growth and investment to 2020 and beyond by robert mahler

power production systems.

exactly what the European electronic and electrical

the security of energy supply, fostering of competitiveness, growth stim-

tions and more solutions. In a refreshing report entitled

the ﬁeld of energy efﬁcient technologies.

tions!’ often rings out in business circles. Well that is engineering sector is doing, offering solutions, solu‘Twenty Solutions for growth and investment to 2020

By making the necessary adjustments there will be improvements to

ulation thereby supporting the development of lead customer markets in

The investment trend in Europe in most segments is such that we need to

and beyond’, the European Institutions are gently guid-

take into account that about 80% of the installed base of 2020 has already

in place – the European Union can address it’s ‘20% CO2

or retroﬁtting to guarantee the target will be achieved. Time is therefore

ed precisely how – with the right framework conditions

reductions, 20% increase in energy efﬁciency by 2020’ promises, using technologies that are available now.

been built. Policies and measures must therefore foster early renovation critical because of the size of the required change and the effort required to work through the installed base. It is a matter of urgency.

Finally, the report looks well beyond the 2020 horizon: it also highlights

The Electra Working Group, co-chaired by Vice President Günter Verheu-

the framework conditions that the both the industry and its customers

2007 and has concentrated on 3 areas – Energy efﬁciency, lead customer

ing developed and supported by Electra manufacturers, who are invest-

gen and former Orgalime President, Edward G Krubasik was launched in

markets and framework conditions. Representatives from major EU in-

need in the EU in the long term, as well as technologies offered and being considerable resources in R&D and

dustrial companies such as Siemens, ABB, Alstom, Electrolux, Inﬁneon,

innovation, often in close collaboration

Legrand, Pauwels Schneider Electric, Schréder and others have worked

and with the support of public author-

together to produce a document that highlights a win-win situation.

ities and the world of research. These

Based notably on studies which propose a global mapping of green-

technologies will provide answers to

house gas abatement opportunities, the notion of marginal abatement

the challenges faced by our society

cost curves demonstrating how proﬁtable are energy efﬁciency invest-

in the coming years: growing urbani-

ments in relation to the cost of ton of CO2 and on the results of the High

sation, an ageing population and of

Level Group on “Competitiveness, Energy and Environment”, Electra fo-

course the rising price of energy in the

cuses on the inefﬁcient use of energy and taking up energy efﬁcient tech-

face or increasing scarcity of non-re-

nologies which are already available on the market today. This is techni-

newable supplies.

cally possible and in many cases economically feasible, with investment

The solutions are there – is there the

in energy efﬁciency providing positive returns, in particular in the face

will to match?

of the staggering rise in energy prices. Recommendations are therefore made in market segments which cover most of the energy chain, from the supply side to the demand side.

LOOKING BEYOND THE 2020 HORIZON

Energy efﬁciency will lead to energy savings and, as a consequence, the

projected 2020 CO2 emissions reduction target. Due to the long lead-in time needed to change today’s installed base, the report considers that

it will take longer to reach the goal of 20% of renewable energies, which

will require considerable changes in our traditionally highly-centralised

— 50 —

about robert mahler

Robert Mahler is President of the European engineering

industries association, Orgalime, and President of ALSTOM, France. He previously worked as Project Manager for the steel industry processes, was Director of the Gas Turbine

activity (1985-1993) and President of the Transmission and

Distribution Sector (1993-2000) in ALSTOM.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: archive; private

he old adage ‘don’t give me problems, give me solu-

SUSTAINABILITY

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 2008/09 16.09.08-17.09.08

November 2008

Forum GMES 2008

Education for Sustainable Development Conference on Education for Sustainable Devel-

opment, Gothenburg (Sweden), November 2008. This Conference is a follow-up to the Conference on Education for Sustainable Development

“Learning to change our world” that took place in Gothenburg from 4 to 7 May 2004.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

Gothenburg, Sweden

21.08.08 – 22.08.08

Creating values for Sustainable Development

The ISC 2008 provides a platform for both interdisciplinary- and transdisci-

Günter Verheugen

As a part of its forthcoming Presidency of the EU, France and the European Commission are jointly organising a Forum to mark the launch of the ﬁrst

plinary-oriented social scientists working in the ﬁeld of sustainable develop-

ment. The Conference is committed to promoting dialogue, especially among

economists and other social scientists. Moreover,

GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) services in pre-op-

the Conference aims to act as a meeting-point for

erational mode. The Forum is intended to present GMES and its earliest serv-

committed individuals from the political, corporate

ices to both end-users and to intermediary companies who provide services

and academic worlds as well as for representatives

based on this type of information and wish to build on this public invest-

from civil society.

University of Applied Sciences, Northwestern

ment to develop new markets.

DG Enterprise & Industry, GMES Bureau

Switzerland and the University of Basel,

Lille, France

Klaus M. Leisinger

Switzerland

22.10.08-24.10.08

09.02.09 – 13.02.09

Photos: archive; European Parliament; archive (2); lapresse

2nd UITP Sustainable Development European Sustainable Energy Week 2009 Conference: Making Tomorrow This is the 3rd edition of Europe’s key forum on

The second international UITP

sustainable energy. Dozens of conferences, work-

conference on public transport

shops, seminars and media events will be or-

and sustainable development

ganised in Brussels and other places across the

will take place in the Autumn of

EU. Are you interested in organising an event in

2008. Introduced by the Mayor of

your city or region as part of EUSEW 2009? More

Milan, the sessions will be clus-

Andris Piebalgs

tion that public transport makes

eral for Energy and Transport and supported by other European institu-

objectives for climate change.

European Commission’s Directorate-General for Energy and Transport

and will introduce the contributowards regional and national Letizia Moratti, Mayor of Milan, Italy

UITP

Milan, Italy EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

details should become available on the EUSEW

tered around themes and topics

website in July. EUSEW 2009 is being organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-Gen-

tions and key stakeholders. Brussels, Belgium

— 51 —

��

AGENDA

AGENDA JULY - DECEMBER 08 Open Days 2008

Mediterranean Union Summit

06.10 – 08.10.08

13.07.08

Photos: Messe Berlin; European Parliament; European Commission; Thierry Monasse

Mobility Week 16.09.08 – 22.09.08

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

European Council 11.12.08 – 12.12.08

— 53 —

AGENDA

JULY

13.07.08

Mediterranean Union Summit paris, france host

french presidency of the eu

France, Italy and Spain united be-

have a mission to reunite Europe

ranean Union last December, an-

along the Mediterranean rim and

hind a planned EU-type Mediternouncing a July 2008 summit in Paris of the countries bordering the sea. French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced the summit at

a joint news conference in Rome

with the Italian and Spanish prime ministers, Romano Prodi and Jose

Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. The three leaders are “convinced that the

Mediterranean, crucible of culture

and civilization, should resume its role as a zone of peace, prosper-

ity and tolerance”. The bloc “would

— 54 —

and Africa around the countries

to set up a partnership on an equal

footing between the countries.” The Mediterranean Union will focus on “peace, development and respect

for the environment”. Sarkozy advocates the grouping partly as an

alternative to Turkish member-

ship of the EU. The plan also comes

against the backdrop of attacks in Algeria, and other north-African

states on the Mediterranean, by

Photos: EC

location

the group calling itself al-Qaida‘s Branch in the Islamic Maghreb.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

AGENDA

02.07.08

01.07.08

‘40 Years of Customs The Dynamics of Union’ Web Launch European Space location

brussels, belgium host

european commission

On 1 July 2008 the Euro-

brussels, belgium

sion, the European Com-

ifri

niversary. On this occa-

The French Institute of

location

celebrate its 40th an-

pean Customs Union will

Cultural and Creative Economy

International Relations (IFRI) will be hosting a

host

conference entitled ‘The

French Presidency of the

mission has launched

EU and the Dynamics

a website dedicated to this topic. The launch of

of European Space’, at

the website marks the beginning of a communi-

the Conseil Central de

cation campaign to highlight the important role

The European Confer-

location

brussels, belgium

ence on Cultural and Creative Economy will

host

friedrichnaumannstiftung für die freiheit

l’Economie in Brussels.

of Customs in protecting citizens and facilitating

wishes to contribute to

Union, as well as look-

this development by cre-

ing at space exploration

ating an annual platform

across Europe as a whole, and its management.

Cultural and Creative

programmes, and the project of the development

industries as well as Members of the European

under consideration will be the notion of ‘Space for

Commission. The conference is supported by the

This will include a presentation of current military

of a ‘Code of Conduct’ for space travel. Other topics Africa’ and the signiﬁcance of innovation in develCustoms work is integral for citizen protection

to the European Union.

Europe, the conference

dency of the European

Heinz Zourek

North Rhine-Westphalia

and creative economy in

goals of the French Presi-

tection against counterfeit goods.

sentation of the State of

portance of the cultural

sider the space-related

public about key Customs activities such as pro-

July 2008, at the Repre-

Due to the increasing im-

The conference will con-

trade. The campaign brings information to the

take place on Tuesday, 1

oping space travel and exploration.

for entrepreneurs and representatives of the creative

Parliament and representatives of the European

State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Ofﬁce for Cultural and Creative Economy in Bonn/Berlin.

further events +++ 01.07.2008 Which Mobility Between Neighbours?, MEP Marie Anne Isler, Brussels, Belgium +++ 01.07.2008 CoR: EPP preparatory meeting, EPP Group

Photos: www.dreamstime.com; archive; European Commission; European Parliament

in the CoR, Brussels, Belgium +++ 01.07.2008 ESC Symposium, European Commission, Brussels, Belgium +++ 02.07.2008 ICT Committee Breakfast Brieﬁng

with Mr Gregory Paulger, Director, Directorate A, DG INFSO, British Chamber of Commerce in Belgium, Brussels, Belgium +++ 02.07.2008 “Open Day for Sta-

giaires“ , Blueprint Partners, Brussels, Belgium +++ 03.07.2008 ‘Christian Europe’ and Islam in Europe, COMECE, Brussels, Belgium +++ 03.07.2008 Savoury Snack Summit 2008, European Snacks Association, Brussels, Belgium +++ 04.07.2008 IP Valorisation, ProTon Europe, Brussels, Belgium +++ 07.07.2008 -

18.07.2008 Summer Course on Assessing Public Health in Emergency Situations (APHES), Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), Brus-

sels, Belgium +++ 17.07.2008 - 18.07.2008 European Social Funds (ESF) Support for Public Administrations, Social Partners and SME Development in 2007 -2013, European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), Brussels, Belgium +++ 19.07.2008 Europa Ball 2008, Pro Europa Committee, Velden, Austria +++

birthday of the month

week

03.07.1939

Laszlo Kovács

Commissioner for

Taxation & Customs Union

Nationality: HU

month

July

SA Tuesday

Parliament: Session

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Committees

Groups

External Parliamentary Activities

Conciliation Committee

Flags: National Holidays

— 55 —

AGENDA

SEPTEMBER

16.09.08 - 22.09.08

European Mobility Week After the organisation of two suc-

policies, initiatives and best practic-

events across the whole of Europe,

bility; to contribute to raising citizen

brussels, belgium

cessful “In town without my car!”

european commission

a new initiative: European Mobility

host

the year 2002 marked the start of

Week. The seventh such week is taking place in 2008. Every year since

2002, European Mobility Week is

organised from 16 to 22 Septem-

ber and is dedicated to sustainable mobility. European Mobility Week

provides an opportunity to initiate a wide range of activities and represents a platform for local authorities as well as organisations and associations to promote their existing

— 56 —

es related to sustainable urban moawareness on the damages that current urban mobility trends have

Photos: Ezequiel Scagnetti/EC; archive; private; archive

location

on the environment and quality of life; establishing productive part-

nerships with local stakeholders; be part of a Europe-wide campaign

which shares a common goal and a common identity with other towns and cities; emphasise local commitment towards sustainable urban

transport policies; and launch new longer-term policies and permanent measures.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

AGENDA

16.09.08

11.09-12.09.08

15.09.-17-09.08

SME Banking in Europe

Debating the Future of Forum for Industrial European Transport Biotechnology location

brussels, belgium host

volvo group representation, eu

The European Transport

Forum is a platform for

open debate on transport-related issues. In 2004, Volvo’s EU Group

location

This inaugural event will

brussels, belgium

feature workshops, net-

host

europabio

working sessions and a two-day forum with

approximately 30 lead-

Representation began

ing speakers who will

debates in Brussels on

industrial biotechnol-

a series of high-level

assess the prospects for

the various aspects of

ments from Volvo and

Forum Europe, the event covers a wide range of

topics such as transport policy issues, Integrated

Vehicle Safety and CO2 reduction in transport. The European Transport Forum is one of the major events on transport policy issues on the Brussels conference calendar.

ing demand, banks are

jacob fleming conferences

shifting their focus to this sector, ﬁnding new

approaches that are different from corporate banking, and creating new products to

meet SME’s needs. This

and panel discussions.

year, having been re-

along with endorse-

ing field. With grow-

host

and-answer sessions

a great success and this

Transport Forum, and

dynamic and chang-

presentations, question-

called “Volvo Week” was

Zita Gurmai, MEP

brussels, belgium

ogy in Europe, through

transportation. The so-

named the European

SME banking is a very

location

conference will discuss

Bringing together a high

market

level Advisory Board and

Biotechnology

segmenta -

tion, which is one of

a senior and internation-

the main concerns for

al group of biotechnology producers, chemicals

banks, as the tradition-

and plastics suppliers, biomass and bioreﬁneries,

Camille Fohl

and academia, EFIB2008 will provide a meet-

company is insufﬁcient. Senior executives from

investors of industrial biotechnology. With Dr

knowledge and experience on the principles

and end users from a wide variety of industries ing place for science, industry, policymakers and

Alfredo Aguilar, Head of Unit Biotechnology Research, European Commission.

al segmentation based

on the turnover of the

leading ﬁnancial institutions will share their and techniques of successful SME Banking.

further events +++ 08.09.2008 - 11.09.2008 Meeting of the Bureau of the ACP/EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, African Caribbean and Paciﬁc Group of States (ACP), Brussels +++ 08.09.2008 - 10.09.2008 Joint European Conference, NAID-Europe & PRISM International, Budapest +++ 08.09.2008 - 11.09.2008

Preparatory Meetings for the 13th Session of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly, Brussels +++ 10.09.2008 EU Committee Breakfast Brieﬁng with

Mr. Stephen Bill, Chef de Cabinet for László Kovács, British Chamber of Commerce, Brussels +++ 10.09.2008 Meetings of ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly Standing Committees, Brussels +++ 10.09.2008 - 13.09.2008 20th EAIE Annual Conference: “Re-designing the map of European

higher education”, European Association for International Education, Antwerp +++ 11.09.2008 External relations of the European Union with Mus-

lim countries and international responsibility of religious communities, COMECE & European Parliament +++ 15.09.2008 - 17.09.2008 European Photos: archive; private; Georges Boulougouris/EC; private

Forum For Industrial Biotechnology 2008, EuropaBio, Brussels +++ 23.09.2008 - 27.09.2008 ABA Section of International Law Brussels 2008 Fall Meeting, American Bar Association, Brussels 27.09.2008 Brussels Job Day: “Europe”, Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry, Brussels +++ birthday of the month

week

05.09.1948

Benita Ferrero-Waldner Commissioner for

External Relations Nationality: AU

month

September

25 26

SA Tuesday

Parliament: Session

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Committees

Groups

External Parliamentary Activities

Conciliation Committee

Flags: National Holidays

— 57 —

AGENDA

OCTOBER

06.10 – 08.10.08

Open Days 2008 brussels, belgium host

european commission & committee of the regions

A record 217 regions and cities from

200 linked events in the Member

partners for the OPEN DAYS 2008

lowing two calls for participation

32 countries have signed up as

European Week of Regions and

Cities, the biggest annual gather-

ing of EU and regional policy-mak-

ers, experts and representatives of

banking, business and civil society groups operating in the regional policy sector. OPEN DAYS is organised by the Committee of the

Regions (CoR) and the European

Commission‘s Regional Policy

Directorate General. It will take place in Brussels from 6-9 Octo-

ber 2008, and involves more than

— 58 —

States throughout the month. Fol—one for regions and cities and

the other for the ﬁnancial and pri-

vate sector– representatives were ofﬁcially informed of the full list

of partners at a meeting in Brus-

sels on April 4th. As in previous

years, the regions and cities have

Photos: European Commission

location

divided themselves into thematic conglomerates. Partners from 26

Member States are represented, and than 5,000 participants overall are expected to take part in the event.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

AGENDA

06.10-07.10.08

Euro-Southeast Asia ICT Cooperation location

brussels, belgium host

eu-southeast asia itc cooperation

This open event will be the ﬁrst of its kind ever organised in Europe and

is planned to be a key

milestone in the development of EU-Southeast

08.10.08

13.10.08

MEP Awards 2008 This year’s Parliament

location

brussels, belgium

Magazine MEP awards is

location

In Europe’s ambitious

best yet, as they look to

host

lives on our roads, Euro-

set to be the biggest and

host

the parliament magazine

develop the annual ceremony, now in its fourth

year, as the consummate

Asia cooperation on ICT

event celebrating the work and achievements of

100 representatives from leading Southeast Asian

successful event they received a number of re-

research. 150 to 200 delegates, including 70 to

organisations in the ICT area, are expected to participate. Held only a few weeks before the launch

of an important FP7 call for proposals related to the ICT theme (Call 4), this forum will particularly aim at thoroughly

European Road Safety Day 2008

the European parliament. After last year’s highly

paris, france european commission - transport and energy dg

project to save 25,000 pean Road Safety Days are intended to raise

awareness, give visibility

to best local practices and European policies

and offer all those in-

quests from MEPs and EU stakeholders asking if

volved the opportunity

it is possible to widen the scope of the awards. In

to work towards more

response, four new award categories were created

road safety in a truly

and developed, and a steering group of Brussels-

European and global

based professionals to work hand-in hand with

community. The ﬁrst Eu-

the Parliament Magazine to ensure that EU stake-

ropean Road Safety Day

holders are central to the nomination process.

on 27 April 2007 was a day for young people sharing experiences. It

discussing the

Invited: Antonio Tajani

strategic

of alcohol and drugs in trafﬁc, and training and

presented in

in 2008, will address the subject of “Road Safety

focussed on the subjects

opportunities

education. The second road safety day, to be held

co o p e rat i o n

in our Cities.” As mentioned in the Commission

the Strategic

Green Paper “Towards a new culture for urban

Projects sec-

mobility”, adopted on September 25, 2007, “one

tion of the web site. ICT Cooperation with Southeast Asia

MEP award winners with Parliament Magazine editor Catherine Stihler MEP

of the next European road safety days could focus on urban areas.”

further events +++ 02.10.2008 - 03.10.2008 European Information and Communication Management - Europe on the Internet - Finding your Way through the European Information Jungle, European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), Maastricht, Netherlands +++ 07.10.2008 -

08.10.2008 Inside Brussels XI: Public Affairs in the New Europe, European Centre for Public Affairs, Brussels, Belgium +++ 08.10.2008 15th An-

niversary: Reflection, Debate and Networking, EuroCommerce, Brussels, Belgium +++ 13.10.2008 CEO & Investors Roundtable Discussions,

Fuel Cell Europe, Brussels, Belgium +++ 13.10.2008 European Road Safety Day 2008, European Commission - Transport and Energy DG, Paris, Photos: www.ﬂickr.com; archive; European Parliament

France +++ 13.10.2008 - 15.10.2008 Fourth European Fuel Cell and Hydrogen General Stakeholder Assembly, Exhibition and Drive&Ride +++ birthday of the month

week

02.10.1948

Siim Kallas

Commission

Vice-President

Nationality: EST

month

October

SA Tuesday

Parliament: Session

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Committees

Groups

External Parliamentary Activities

Conciliation Committee

Flags: National Holidays

— 59 —

AGENDA

NOVEMBER

14.11.08

EU Russia Summit location

With the recently elected Russian

justice and home affairs, environ-

host

installed in the Kremlin, it will fall

the development of the EU’s Euro-

french presidency of the eu

premier, Dmitry Medvedev, ﬁrmly on the French Presidency to amend relations between the EU and Russia. This year’s EU-Russia Summit

will take place in November, and as ever the aim is to foster politi-

cal, social and economic stability in Russia, in the region and worldwide. Main issues include the mod-

ernisation of Russia’s economy and

its integration into the world economy, security issues, international

issues, as well as “soft“ security threats for example in the ﬁelds of

— 60 —

ment and nuclear safety. In light of

Photos: archive (2); European Commission; Eurpean Parliament

nice, france

pean Neighbourhood Policy, there should be increased cooperation in the Southern Caucasus and the

western NIS, and on international issues such as the ﬁght against ter-

rorism and organised crime. International observers, meanwhile, will

look closely for any sign of change in Russia’s attitude under its new

leader, with Medvedev having spo-

ken in favour of more market economy and the promotion of civil liberties since taking over in March.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

AGENDA

04.11.08

World of Health IT 08 location

brussels, belgium host

european commission dg information society and media

The World of Health IT

Conference & Exhibition has been designed for

and by the healthcare

ICT community in the European region includ-

ing: technology end users, vendors, providers

and policy makers. Addressing the perspectives

20.11.08

27.11.08

EMAS Awards

CIAA Congress 2008

Under the slogan “Reduc-

location

brussels, belgium

tion of the climate gases,

host

emas & chambers of industry and commerce

energy use, energy efﬁ-

ciency,” the Commission

awards the EMEA Award

on Novermber 20th this year. The Eco-Manage-

ment and Audit Scheme

(EMAS) is the EU volun-

Exploring the “The Food

location

brussels, belgium

and Drink Industry in the 21st Century”, this

host

congress will tackle is-

ciaa confederation of the food and drink industries of the eu

sues that are ‘top-of-

mind’ for the industry as well as day-to-day

challenges faced by consumers. In parallel

of clinicians, directors and other healthcare pro-

tary instrument which acknowledges organisa-

sessions – Generating

Exhibition offers educational sessions, exhibitions

ance on a continuous basis. The award, which

sumers and Respecting

fessionals, The World of Health ICT Conference & and best practice exchange. Opened by Viviane

Reding, WoHIT 08 will focus on shaping and developing the use, implementation, and evolution of this pillar of the new European marketplace.

tions that improve their environmental perform-

Growth, Serving Conthe Environment - at-

has been running since 2005, goes to those who have implemented exemplary environmental

tendees will be able to access the latest avail-

management and audit systems.

able information on

these important topics

and engage in interactive debates with high-

level speakers from the

European Institutions, consumer

organisa-

tions, science, press and Viviane Reding

EMAS Awards

industry.

Jean Martin, CIAA

further events +++ 04.11.2008-05.11.2008 EBN BIC Master classes: Advanced Training on Investment Readiness, The European BIC Network, Brussels, Bel-

gium +++ 04.11.2008-05.11.2008 AESGP Conference, Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP), Paris, France +++ 5.11.2008

-07.11.2008, Essentials of Clinical Study Management, Drug Information Association, Vienna, Austria +++ 13.11.2008 AER launches 2008 Award for Innovative Regions, Assembly of European Regions, Tampere, Finland +++ 13.11.2008-14.11.2008 Workshop “Five Years Of An Enlarged EU A Positive-Sum Game“, European Commission Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs, Brussels, Belgium +++ 17.11.200818.11.2008 European Regulatory Affairs, Drug Information Association, Paris, France +++ 17.11.2008-18.11.2008 7th Annual World Food Tech-

nology and Innovation Forum, 2008, World Trade Group (WTG), Rotterdam, Netherlands +++ 20.11.2008-22.11.2008 The 3rd European Quality Assurance Forum, Corvinus University, Budapest, Hungary +++ 24.11.2008-25.11.2008 Regulatory Affairs Forum, Drug Information AssociaPhotos: Marc Ravet; European Commission (2); private

tion, Munich, Germany 25.11.2008-26.11.2008 ESA Council meeting at ministerial level, European Space Agency, The Hague, The Netherlands birthday of the month

week

27.11.1965

Igor Senčar

Ambassador Permanent

Representative Nationality: SL

month

November

25 26

Tuesday SA

Parliament: Session

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Committees

Groups

External Parliamentary Activities

Conciliation Committee

Flags: National Holidays

— 61 —

AGENDA

DECEMBER

11.12.08 – 12.12.08

European Council brussels, belgium host

european council

The European Council meets two

Council. These meetings are particu-

ber—at the end of every six-month

ence of the most inﬂuential person-

times a year—in June and Decem-

presidential term. Intermediate Euro-

pean Councils in March and October also take place. The European Coun-

cil is the supreme political body of the European Union. It is composed of the heads of state or government

of the Member States and by the

president of the European Commission. The chair of the meetings of the European Council (in general four

times a year) is taken by the head of state or government of the country that holds the presidency of the

— 62 —

larly important because of the presalities in European political affairs as well as the most relevant and often

Photos: www.marco-urban.de; EU Council (3); private

location

controversial questions which are

discussed here. The European Council has no legislative power, but it

does make political decisions which duly reinforce the developmental

directon of the Union, deﬁne its the political axis and coordinate the EU’s

positions regarding international is-

sues. This body essentially deﬁnes the overarching political principles of the European Union.

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

AGENDA

03.12–04.12.08

European Agenda Summit location

brussels, belgium host

european agenda

The European Agenda

Summit is a constructive platform for political

communication, management and lobbying

Recent trends in Euro- Intellectual Property Summit pean employment location

frankfurt am main host

ecb, cepr

The European Central

Bank (ECB) and the Cen-

tre for Economic Policy Research (CEPR) will hold their ﬁfth joint la-

which welcomes deci-

bour market workshop in December 2008. On

side and outside the EU. Taking place at a crucial

trends in European employment”. In Europe, the

sion-makers from politics and business both indate – right after the challenging US elections and

just before the European Parliament elections in 2009 – this year’s Summit aims to explore the

question “What can we learn from America?” in

terms of public affairs, political communication and campaigning. Keynotes will be given by six renowned American political communication and public affairs professionals. The relevance of their

American perspective for Europe will be discussed

along with many other topics related to European Photos: www.dreamstime.com; Jochen Keute/Tourismus+Congress GmbH Frankfurt am Main; www.dreamstime.com; European Parliament

04.12.-05.12.08

11.12–12.12.08

affairs in around 32 workshops and panels.

this occasion the workshop will focus on “Recent

past decade has been marked by relatively strong employment growth, while labour productivity

and labour shares have experienced a decline in

brussels, belgium

dedicated to providing guidelines on the present

host

the wall street journal europe, managing intellectual property, premier cercle

use and the future trends of Intellectual Property

regulations on a pan-European scale within the

global context. Two main

pillars will sustain the de-

bates in 2008: IP Outside: Owners, Free Riders &

a number of countries, in particular in the euro

Consumers; and IP Inside: from Intellectual Prop-

plications of employment dynamics is important

high level plenary sessions, innovative expert pan-

area. Understanding the patterns, sources and imfor the effective conduct of monetary policy, since

they play a central role in conjunctural developments, long-term growth prospects and inﬂation-

erty to Global Performance. With more than 50

els, and networking events, its offers an opportunity to reﬁne strategies to manage IPR portfolios.

ary pressures emerging from labour markets.

Frankfurt, Germany

US and EU elections

This two-day forum is

location

Managing Intellectual Property

further events +++ 03.12.2008 WG Governance meeting, EUROCITIES, Brussels, Belgium +++ 03.12.2008-04.12.2008 Seminar: EU Environmental priorities during the

Slovene Presidency, European Journalism Center, Brussels, Belgium +++ 04.12.2008-05.12.2008 FAEP quarterly meetings in Brussels, European Federation of Magazine Publishers (FAEP), Brussels, Belgium +++ 04.12.2008-05.12.2008 Building EC Projects Seminar: CIP for BICs & Incubators, The European

BIC Network, Brussels, Belgium +++ 04.12.2008-05.12.2008 pan-European Intellectual Property Summit 2008, Premier Cercle, Brussels, Belgium +++ 10.12.2008 88th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers, African Caribbean and Paciﬁc Group of States (ACP), Brussels, Belgium +++ 04.12.2008-05.12.2008

Understanding Decision-Making in the European Union: Principles, Procedures and Practice, European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA), Maas-

tricht, Netherlands +++ 12.12.2008 Brussels Job Day: “IT, engineers and technicians” , Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry, Brussels, Belgium +++ birthday of the month

week

01.12.1943

Manuel António dos Santos

Vice President of the

European Parliament Nationality: PT

month

December

25 26

SA Tuesday

Parliament: Session

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Committees

Groups

External Parliamentary Activities

Conciliation Committee

Flags: National Holidays

— 63 —

BRUSSELS INSIDER

Cultural Institutes Sampling Europe in BXL 2008 is the Year of Intercultural Dialogue, and where better than Brussels to sample the best that European cultures have to offer and to learn something new from the exchange? And what can you take from Brussels to share back home? Here we introduce just a few of Europe`s leading cultural institutions to be found in Brussels, as well as their their directors. Where in Brussels would you recommend to get a ﬂavour of your country?

Fins Cultureel Instituut

“The Finnish game “Mölkky” will be

played at Club Recyclart on July 18th at 7

20, rue du Luxembourgstraat, B-1000 www.ﬁnncult.be

pm. The game is easy to learn, no previous experience is needed! The ﬁlm “Mother of Mine” will be shown at the European Parliament on 6.11. as the Finnish contribution to the European Film

Festival on Intercultural Dialogue organised by EUNIC Brussels.

Employees:5 Kalle Jämsén

Also, Finnish documentary ﬁlms will be shown at “Filmer à tout

Recent Activites: New Finnish courses level 1-2

starting in October. Book and pay in June for a discounted price.

prix” documentary ﬁlm festival in Brussels. And something for

your diary: On Feb 11th 2009 the KVS theatre will premiere a coproduction by the KVS and the Smeds Ensemble from Helsinki, Finland. “Trans-European Comedy of the Holy Hate” is a play of

Where in Brussels would you recommend

Intercultural dialogue is a two-way process. You work to pro-

“Trying to answer this question I ﬁnd

to get a ﬂavour of your country ?

the European Union and the national identities.”

mote the culture and language of your own country in Brussels;

myself thinking of characteristics

what do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home?

common to the whole of the UK. The two which come to mind

Belgium we hope to establish permanent relationships that will

diverse and exciting, and second (and this probably tells you as

“By bringing together cultural organizations in Finland and in lead to cultural exchange between the two countries.

Some examples: In the fall 2009 the KVS theatre will perform in Helsinki with the Finnish Smeds Ensemble at the major

national theatre venue. We are negotiating to organize a tour for a Belgian jazz band in Finland, and photographers Vincent Beeckman & Sarah Michielsen, will hold an exhibition in Finland, spring 2009.”

most readily are the multi-cultural mix which makes the UK so much about myself as Britain) it’s a country which is football mad. In which case, a good place to get a ﬂavour of the UK

would be my sons’ bedrooms which are covered with pictures of

players from their favourite English football team (the Wolves in case anyone’s interested) – a mix which comes from all parts of Europe, but also includes Africa and Asia.”

What do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home? “The British Council’s focus in Europe is no longer about

straightforward promotion of the UK. Instead we build pro-

grammes which bring people from the UK together with their counterparts from the rest of Europe, working together to

British Council Brussels

create new links and ﬁnd shared solutions to some of the chal-

Leopold Plaza 108, rue du Trônestraat, B–1050

lenges Europe faces today. Inclusion and Diversity in Education

www.britishcouncil.be

and Migrant Integration Policy Index are two examples of this

Employees: around 30

conference for teachers, learners and education policy makers from 47 schools across Europe

taking part in our project on Inclusion and

new way of working. Through projects like these we are conNigel Bellingham

necting people from the UK with Europe, creating development opportunities for them and – we hope – helping to build a stronger Europe.”

Diversity in Education.

— 64 —

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photos: private

Recent activities: In February 2008 we hosted a

BRUSSELS INSIDER

Where in Brussels would you recom-

mend to get a ﬂavour of your country?

Ceské Centrum

“There is the Czech restaurant Le Golem

60, rue de Trônestraat, B-1050

in Brussels /Rue du Aqueduc 63/ where

www.czechcentres.cz/brussels

you can taste Czech food and drinks including Pilsner Beer.

Employees: 3

Recent activities: exhibitions, concerts, conferences

On June 12th, 2008 the Czech community in Brussels is preparPetr Polívka

ing the Czech Street Party in front of the Czech House, rue

Caroly, where some Czech pop and rock music as well as food and drinks, will be served.”

Where in Brussels would you recom-

mend to get a ﬂavour of your country?

“I really recommend Gallery Puls, for danish ceramics: www.pulsceramics.com.”

What do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home?

“The Belgian tradition of cultural houses is extremely advanced

Intercultural dialogue is a two-way process. You work to promote

the culture and language of your own country in Brussels; what do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home?

“Above all just intercultural dialogue. Almost nowhere in the world can such a concentration of nations be found. An irreplaceable experience…….”

and well-developed, the rest of Europe can only be jealous. They

are very well organized, get a lot of money from the authorities,

and they do a fantastic job. What we can learn in Denmark is the intercultural dialogue in Brussels, in the sense of how they deal

Det Danske Kulturinstitut

selves and a multi-lingual society. In August, my tourist guide

www.dkibenelux.org

Koningsstraat 35, rue Royale, B-1000

with people of other cultures, but also how they deal with them-

Number of Employees: 9

“Turen gar till Brussels” will be published by Politikens Forlag.” Lone Leth Larsen

mend to get a ﬂavour of your country?

58, rue Belliardstraat, B – 1040

“For ﬂavours: Urbanus – Avenue J.

www.goethe.de/bruessel

Detrooz 34, 1150 Woluwé-Saint-Pierre

Number of Employees: about 30

programmes featuring Germany and present-

ence on both MySpace and Facebook

Where in Brussels would you recom-

Goethe-Institut

Recent activities: Organizes and hosts cultural

Recent activities: They`ve established a pres-

Tel. : 02 770 03 08. Galleries: L’Usine Galerie Photo - Rue du DoyMargareta Hauschild

Where would you recommend to go for an authentic taste of Brussels?

“Maybe the Rue Haute in the Marolles tells something about Brussels yes-

terday and Brussels today. The street is a melting pot of new

‘creatives’ and old ‘authentics’. The world is meeting in these

enné, 40 – 1180 Brussels – Tel. : 02 3445245 - www.l-usine-galerie. org/ Books : Lesezeichen – Rue van der Elst 38 – 1959 Kraainem – Tel. 02 784 23 34 www.buchkatalog.de/lesezeichen“

What do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home? “Flavours: Belgian chocolates (my favourites are Galler chocolates) and Belgian deserts. Contemporary Art: Signed Pan-

amarenko posters from the Antwerp Luchtshipbouw. Antique

Books from Brussels’ many antique bookshops, and design jewellery from Rue Dansaert.”

areas. There is a lot of hope, there are problems but it is an area of generosity.”

What do you take from Brussels that you can promote at home?

Vlaams-Nederlands Huis deBuren 6, rue Leopoldstraat, B-1000

“We invite people to debate on several cultural, social and political issues. We do have activities in French and English. Brussels

www.deburen.eu

Flemish and the Dutch invite people to share their opportunities

Recent activites: Hosts ‘De Acht Hoofdzonden’,

Employees: 10

Photos: private

is the only Belgian City with a cosmopolitan character. The

The Eight Deadly Sins is a new series of discus-

and their concerns. We always say deBuren is a house in which people listen with the same power as they speak.”

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Dorian van der Brempt

sions/debates under the heading of one of the seven deadly or cardinal sins.

— 65 —

BRUSSELS INSIDER

Picture perfect? Presidency Logos A not-so scientific study of what the choice of logo says about the EU Presidencies

UK 2005 The UK ac-

tually comes up trumps

two Hermès scarves elegantly drapped over a

hat-stand in some parisien

apartment, the ﬂags of the EU and France dom-

inate the logo of the new French Presidency. The text is similarly classic and rather formal. But haven’t we been promised a new, radically-

different style of French leadership? This image is more Napoleonic military campaign than

Sarkozy euro chic. Couldn’t they have asked Carla Bruni to design the logo?

GERMANY 2007

with the design for their

Someone’s four-year

2005 Presidency: Instead of 12 stars, we have

the results are a little too simplistic for our

ideas of co-operation and leadership in a

old has been busy with the crayons, and

tastes, more suitable for a football championship than a EU Presidency. Also, further

points are deducted for the unnecessary small star ‘borrowed’ from the ‘05 Luxembourg logo (see the box on the right if you don’t believe us).

SLOVENIA 2008

FINLAND 2006

certainly outdoes itself

bling the outline of

Just slightly resem-

This year’s Slovene logo

12 swans ﬂying in a V formation, combing

classically elegant image. It also ties in nicely with representing the EU at that year’s UN Climate Change negotiations. Almost makes

up for the fact that they put a moratorium

on handing out ﬂashy memorabilia during their Presidency —not even an i-pod.

LUXEMBOURG 2005

For its 2005 Presidency, the

Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

when it comes to symbol-

the Sydney opera house, Finland’s logo for

held an open design competition to ﬁnd a

shooting star, Mount Triglav and the elements

light waves of blues and greens overlapping,

summery and lively design, combining the

ism, managing to cram images of an oak leaf, a of earth, air, ﬁre, water and ether into one little

logo. Apparently these together attest to quali-

ties as diverse as solidity, openness and ‘healthy living’. Obviously a great deal of care has been

taken in the design—perhaps too much for the average viewer to take it all in?

the second half of 2006 is perfectly pleasant, meant to evoke the Finnish landscape, northern lights and the usual ideas like ‘transparency’, ‘common values’ , ‘growth and devel-

opment’ etc. Very calm, Scandinavian, and undramatic - and thus very appropriate for the 2006 Finnish Presidency.

unusual take when it came to choosing its logo, going

for an impressionistic design of a blue ﬂower. Recalling the circle of stars we all know in its form, the logo was reformed in various colours

to stand for particular events during the Presidency, e.g. by taking on a green hue for the EU

Africa Summit. For such a hot-blooded country, it’s a curiously placid design. Did they get a Scandinavian logo in the post by mistake?

— 66 —

red, white and blue of the Luxembourg ﬂag

and the blue and yellow colours of the EU. Interestingly, this is the only logo who’sn ofﬁcial website describes as ‘digniﬁed’. Not sure about that one, but a success nevertheless.

SPAIN 2002

PORTUGAL 2007

The Portugese favoured an

suitable logo, and in the end opted for this

By law, any image repre-

AUSTRIA 2006

When it came to choosing a logo for their

senting Spain has to feature a ﬂamenco dancer, a

bull, or both. This logo opts

2006 Presidency, Austrians went to Rem

for the latter, in an abstract yet immediately

ally kind of cheating when you think about

ably described by the designer as ‘vibrant

Koolhaas, a Dutch designer, which is actuit. Since Hundertwasser was just about as

colorful, they may be forgiven, though. The barcode design is very arresting and appropriately digital, yet somehow also evoking

Big Brother associations - if EU Presidencies

recognisable shape drawn in a colour probred’. For reasons best known to itself, the bull

is leaping towards the sun, another required spanish symbol. All that’s missing is a spot of ﬂamenco and an Olé! or two.

are barcoded, what about our lives?

EUROPEAN AGENDA 05/2008

Photo: archive

FRANCE 2008