Fuente: © European Union
http://europa.eu.int

EU: Top News from the European Commission 13 May to 8 June 2008

Background notes from the Spokesperson’s service for journalists The European Commission reserves the right to make changes

/noticias.info/ Tuesday 13 May: Improving the fight against fake goods

The news:

The Commission wants to step up the measures against counterfeiting and piracy. A high-level conference will be held to discuss with Members of the European Parliament and various stakeholders representing business, public administrations and civil society what can be done in the fight against fake goods.

The background:

Counterfeiting and piracy, or the infringement of intellectual property rights such as copyright, trade marks, designs or patents, are a rapidly growing phenomenon, both at the global level as well as within Europe.

Counterfeiting and piracy have devastating effects on the economy, including job creation and the health and safety of the citizens. A recent OECD study estimated that global trade in fake goods represented 200 billion USD.

The event:

The conference starts at 9.00, in the Charlemagne Building, Rue de la Loi 170 in Brussels.
Programme and registration are available via this site:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/iprenforcement

* The conference will also be webstreamed via:

http://scic.ec.europa.eu/streaming/char/

A press conference with Commissioner McCreevy will take place (date + time to be confirmed).

* EBS coverage
* Memoclip

The sources:
On counterfeiting and piracy:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/iprenforcement

Charlie McCreevy's web site:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/mccreevy/index_en.htm

* I-049330 Counterfeit Goods : Operation FAKE - 2005, set up to seize counterfeit goods carried out by Community customs officers and coordinated by OLAF and the Taxation and Customs Union DG
* I-052567 Counterfeit Goods (10/2006)
* I-055383 Cigarette Smuggling (11/2007)

The contacts:
Oliver Drewes: +32 2 299 24 21 oliver.drewes@ec.europa.eu
Catherine Bunyan: +32 2 299 65 12 catherine.bunyan@ec.europa.eu

Wednesday 14 May 2008: Results of the negotiations on structural funds 2007-2013

The news:

The Commission will present a "Communication on the results of the negotiations concerning cohesion policy strategies and programmes for the programming period 2007-2013."

The new generation of European sectoral and regional cohesion policy programmes supports new investments of some €347 billion in the period 2007-2013. Following intensive dialogue between the Commission and the Member States, 429 out of the 455 cohesion policy programmes are now in place.

As a result of the negotiation process, the quality of the programmes has improved substantially, and their content has become more closely aligned with major Community priorities. The new generation of programmes will boost investment in up-to-date technologies and will improve skills, helping regions move up the value chain to produce high-quality goods and services that can compete in the global marketplace.

One of the key elements in the negotiations was the focus on the Lisbon targets of incrasing R&D expenditure to 3% of GDP, increasing the employment rate to 70%, and improving energy efficiency through support for investments in basic infrastructure, education and training, skills and the adaptability of the workforce, the creation of new knowledge or know-how and energy efficiency to save 20% of the EU's primary energy consumption and increasing the share of renewable energies to 20%. As a result, a vast majority of cohesion policy resources (65% in the Convergence regions and 82% in the Regional Competitiveness and Employment regions) will be targeted on the Lisbon-oriented priorities.

The background:

The added value of the negotiation process goes well beyond the financial resources. The discussions with Member States, regions, partners and local actors demonstrated that the policy had acted as a catalyst for change. It had provided a platform for designing effective regional or sectoral strategies to enhance growth, generate more and better jobs and improve financial and delivery mechanisms achieving a long-term impact and a more effective use of public funds.

The event:

Joint press conference with Commissioners Danuta Hübner and Vladimír Špidla on 14 May 2008, 11.15 a.m. in the press room of the Berlaymont building in Brussels.

• Available on EbS

The sources:
IP/07/1904 - Cohesion Policy set to give major boost to Lisbon strategy for 2007-2013

Commissioner's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/hubner/index_en.htm

http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/spidla/index_en.cfm

* Watch video clips on sample ESF projects:
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/esf/discover/esf_library/videos_en.htm

The contacts:
Eva Kaluzynska +32 2 299 26 15 eva.kaluzynska@ec.europa.eu
Katharina von Schnurbein +32 2 298 14 08 katharina.von-schnurbein@ec.europa.eu

Wednesday, 14 – Thursday, 15 May 2008: What is the future for the Canary Islands, the Azores, Madeira and the four French overseas departments?

The news:

Europe's seven outermost regions (ORs) – the Canaries, the Azores, Madeira, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion – will be the focus of discussions at the conference on the future of Europe's strategy for the outermost regions. This conference is to be held in Brussels and will be attended by Commissioner Danuta Hübner, the seven Presidents of the regions and representatives of the French, Portuguese and Spanish Governments (almost 250 people are expected).

In addition to representatives from the European institutions and the Member States concerned, staff from the regional and local authorities are also expected to attend.

This conference will mark the end of the public consultation launched by the Commission following the adoption of its Communication on 12 September 2007 (COM/07/507).

The Annual Conference of Presidents of the Outermost Regions will be held in French Guiana in October 2008, with Commissioner Danuta Hübner attending.

The background:

The conference will address four major challenges for the outermost regions: climate change, demographic changes and migratory flows, the future of agriculture, and the role of the outermost regions in the EU's maritime policy.

Representatives of the Commission, the European Parliament, the Committee of the Regions, the EESC, the Member States, the regions, local authorities, and experts from research centres and universities will have the opportunity to present their views and thus play a part in developing future prospects for the strategy for the outermost regions.

The event:

The conference on the future of Europe's strategy for the outermost regions will be held in Brussels, in the Charlemagne building and the Albert Borschette Conference Centre (CCAB). The media may attend the discussions.

* EbS coverage

The sources:
IP/07/1305: The Commission adopts a new communication on the outermost regions (ORs)

COM/2007/507: Communication from the Commission – Strategy for the Outermost Regions: Achievements and Future Prospects

Regional Policy – Inforegio:
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/themes/rup_en.htm

Commissioner Hübner's website:


http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/hubner/index_en.htm

• I-054967 Press conference by Danuta Hübner on adoption of a new Communication on the outermost regions 12/09/2007

The contacts:
Eva Kaluzynska +32 2 299 26 15 Eva.Kaluzynska@ec.europa.eu
Constantina Avraam +32 2 295 96 67 Constantina.Avraam@ec.europa.eu

From Wednesday 14th to Friday 30th May: Three international opportunities for Commissioner Dimas to defend European policy in the battle against climate change

The news:

In May, the Commissioner for the environment, Stavros Dimas will partake in three important international events, which are also opportunities for the European Union to make its voice heard on the topics of climate change, bio-diversity and sustainable development.

The first meeting is in New York, the 16th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, where Commissioner Dimas will highlight what, according to the EU, the priorities are and the best practices are concerning agriculture, rural development, land settlement, desertification, drought and sustainable development in Africa.

Closer to the Berlaymont, in Brussels, Commissioner Dimas will take part in the first Global Carbon Market Forum. There he will explain the merits of the common exchange system of quotas of emissions of global warming causing gases (SCEQE) in the battle against climate change and will call for the construction of a future world system based on the European experiences.

Finally, the Commissioner will approach the delicate problem of the destruction of the natural environment, during the conference of the parties of the convention concerning bio-diversity (COP 9) which will take place in Bonn. This convention will cover numerous topics linked to the protection and the responsible exploitation of biological diversity, as much from the point of view of species as genes or habitat. The focus will be specifically on the management of forest and marine ecosystems.

The event:

From 5th to 16th May: 16th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development, at the UN headquarters in New York

From 14th to 16th May: Participation of Commissioner Dimas

The 19th and 20th May, from 9 to 17 o'clock: Global Carbon Market Forum at the Management Centre Europe, rue de l'aqueduc 118, Brussels

19th May, 09:30: Opening speech by Commissioner Dimas

From 19th to 30th May: COP 9, the 9th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties at Maritim Hotel, Bonn, Germany

From 28th to 30th May: Commissioner Dimas will take part in the High Level Segment

The sources:
European Portal on sustainable development:
http://ec.europa.eu/sustainable

UN Division for sustainable development:
http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/index.html

For the history of the UN commitment on the environmental issue and its cooperation with the EU:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/international_issues/relations_un_en.htm

ICAP:
http://www.icap-carbonaction.com/

ICAP membership:
http://www.icap-carbonaction.com/members.htm

Global Carbon Market Forum page:
http://www.icap-carbonaction.com/docs/ICAP_conference_program_mrvce.pdf

The programme, press releases and speeches can all be downloaded from
http://www.bmu.de/english/nature/un_conference_on_biological_diversity_2008/general_information/doc/39656.php

Commissioner Dimas' website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/dimas/index_en.htm

* I-053854 Energy and climate change - 2007

The contacts:
Barbara Helfferich +32 2 298 20 10 barbara.helfferich@ec.europa.eu
Lena De Visscher +32 2 296 36 94 lena.devisscher@ec.europa.eu

Thursday 15 and Friday 16 May: Brussels Economic Forum

The news:

The Brussels Economic Forum, the flagship economic conference of the European Commission, will this year debate the successes of 10 years of Economic and Monetary Union and, more importantly, the challenges facing the euro area in the next decade and beyond. See also separate Top News for May 7 on EMU@10 – successes and challenges of 10 years of EMU.

The panel of speakers is particularly impressive this year and includes Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the Eurogroup and Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Trichet, President of the European Central Bank, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, Guy Verhofstadt, Former Prime Minister (Belgium), Wouter Bos, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (Netherlands), Pedro Solbes, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance (Spain), Christine Lagarde, Minister of Finance (France), Fernando Teixeira dos Santos, Minister of Finance (Portugal), Pervenche Berès, Chairwoman of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Haruhiko Kuroda, President of the Asian Development Bank and Theo Waigel, former finance minister of Germany. Commissioner Joaquín Almunia will give the opening speech on the morning of 15 May.

Journalists wishing to attend need to register online and as soon as possible see below).

The event:
Brussels Economic Forum – Venue: Charlemagne Building (170 rue de la Loi).

Publication of "The Forum" (news from the Brussels Economic Forum) which includes main key messages delivered by the speakers during the conference
Publication of keynote addresses

* EbS will provide highlights on the conference, but the event will also be streamed live on the web: http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/events/event12012_en.htm

The sources:
To register, for more details related to the programme or the organisation of the conference, go to:
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/events/event12012_en.htm

2007 Brussels Economic Forum (included speeches given at this occasion)
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/events/event9543_en.htm

* I-054216 8th Brussels Economic Forum "Global Adjustment and EMU": extracts from the keynote address by José Manuel Barroso


Special website on EMU@10 (to be launched on 7 May):
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/emu10

See also special EMU@10 research website for background and external contributions
http://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/focuson/focuson12123_en.htm

The contacts:
Amelia Torres + 32 2 295 4629 amelia.torres@ec.europa.eu
Marisa González + 32 2 295 1925 marisa.gonzalez-iglesias@ec.europa.eu

Friday 16 May: EU-Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Summit

The news:

President Barroso and Commissioners B. Ferrero-Waldner, L. Michel and P. Mandelson will gather in Lima, Peru with sixty Heads of State and Government from the EU Member States, Latin America and the Caribbean for the 5th EU-LAC Summit.

Nearly ten years after the launch of an EU-LAC strategic partnership at the Rio Summit (1999), EU and LAC leaders will debate two key themes for the bio-regional agenda: poverty reduction and social cohesion; and environment, climate change and sustainable development. The Summit should reinforce cooperation and partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean on these key subjects, and it will allow participants to voice strong support for Association Agreements with two Latin American regional organizations, the Andean Community and Central America.

The Summit will be preceded the on May 15th by the second EU-LAC Business Forum bringing together business and political leaders from Europe and LAC to discuss the major economic issues facing our economies, and will be followed in May 17th by Summits between the EU and Mexico, Chile, the Andean Community and Central America.

The background:

Building on long-existing bilateral relations between European countries and Latin America, the European Union has established and enhanced links with Latin America since the 1960s. The relationship between the two regions has evolved substantially and today’s partnership reflects the increasing importance and growing potential of the Latin American region, and the will of both parties to further strengthen the relationship in the future. The EU is an important economic and political partner for Latin America. It is the leading donor in the region, the first foreign investor and the second most important trade partner.

Every two years, Heads of States and Governments of both regions meet to have a dialogue at high level. The last EU-LAC Summit took place in Vienna (May 2006).

The events:
6 May, after the midday briefing: Press conference by Commissioners Ferrero-Waldner and Mandelson will take place in Brussels

15 May: EU-LAC Business Forum, Lima (Peru)

16 May: EU-LAC Summit, Lima (Peru)

• EbS will cover the Press conference and also the Summit in Lima

The sources:
European Commission's websites:
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/la/index.htm

* I-050401 EU/Latin America Relations: Bolivia and Chile – 2006

The contacts:
Leonor Ribeiro da Silva +32 2 2988155 leonor.ribeiro-da-silva@ec.europa.eu
Christiane Hohmann +32 2 2991196 christiane.hohmann@ec.europa.eu
Concha Fernández de la Puente +32 2 2952977 concha.fernadez-puente@ec.europa.eu
Peter Power +32 2 2961777 peter.power@ec.europa.eu
John Clancy +32 2 2953773 john.clancy@ec.europa.eu

Friday & Saturday, 16-17 May: European meeting of people experiencing poverty - 78 million Europeans directly concerned, 19 million of whom are children

The news:

Entitled “Four pillars in the fight against poverty”, the 7th annual European meeting of people experiencing poverty will focus on the issues of minimum income, housing, social services and services of general interest. The event is organised jointly by the European Commission, the Slovenian Presidency and the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN).

The meeting will be attended by over 200 people, including delegations of people experiencing poverty from 27 countries together with representatives of national governments, EU institutions and European NGOs. Around

The background:

The purpose of these annual meetings is to listen to people experiencing poverty and to establish a dialogue with policy- and decision-makers both at European and national levels. It also aims to include marginal groups in the process of seeking solutions and building strategies and policies to improve their lives.

In 2000, EU leaders established the Social Inclusion Process to make a decisive impact on eradicating poverty by 2010. Since then, the European Union has provided a framework for national strategy development as well as for policy coordination between the Member States on issues relating to poverty and social exclusion. Participation by actors such as NGOs, social partners and local and regional authorities has become an important part of this process.

The event:

The conference will take place in the Palais d'Egmont, Place du Petit Sablon 8, 1000 Brussels, starting at 09.30 on Friday, 16 May. Journalists are welcome to attend - access granted on production of a press card.

Press conference with the participation of the European Commission and the Slovenian Presidency at 10.30 on 16 May at the Palais d'Egmont.

The sources:
Commission 's website on social inclusion:
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/social_inclusion/events_en.htm

Video News Release on child poverty:
http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/video/video_prod_en.cfm?type=detail&prodid=5300&src=1

Commissioner Špidla's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/spidla/index_en.cfm

The contacts:
Katharina von Schnurbein +32 2 298 14 08 katharina.von-schnurbein@ec.europa.eu
Carmel Dunne +32 2 299 88 94 carmel.dunne@ec.europa.eu

Monday 19 May: European films in the spotlight at Cannes Film Festival

The news:

The 6th Europe Day event will take place on Monday, 19 May 2008 during the Cannes Film Festival. Amongst the films nominated to appear at Cannes are expected to be a number that have benefited from EU support, via the Media Programme. Building worldwide partnerships will be the theme of Europe Day, under the multilingual banner: Cinema, Dianying Yan, Kino, Chalchitra, Cine: Building a world of exchanges.

During the event, Commissioner V.Reding will have an informal exchange of views with EU Culture and Audiovisual Ministers about the possibility of creating a future programme on international cooperation in the audiovisual area.

While the geographical sphere of the current MEDIA programme is essentially European, a future programme would aim both to widen the circulation of audiovisual works to other countries of the world and to strengthen cooperation between audiovisual industries in the EU and in third countries. In anticipation of a future programme, a new preparatory action has been set up to support the screening of films from other countries within European markets and vice-versa.

The background:

Patron of this year's Europe Day is Cristian Mungiu, Romanian film-maker and last year's Palme d'Or winner for his film 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days.

MEDIA programme contributed to support successful films such as The Counterfeiters (2008), La Vie en Rose (2008), Persepolis (2008), The Lives of others (2007) or The March of the Penguins (2006

The preparatory action MEDIA International was agreed by the EP in December 2007 with a budget of € 2 million for 2008. It will run for a three-year period covering: - training of professionals, - promotion of cinematographic works, - cinema networks. In this respect, a call for proposals was launched in April 2008 (deadline 13 June 2008). ).

The event:

A press conference by EU Media Commissioner Viviane Reding will take place at 12:00 in the Palais des Festivals. An information session on the MEDIA International call for proposals will also be held at 15h30 on 19 May during Cannes Film Festival (Salon des Ambassadeurs, Palais des Festivals).

* EBS Coverage

The sources:
MEDIA programme's website
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/index_en.htm
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/media/prep_action/index_en.htm

Cannes Film Festival's website:
http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en

* I-054176 Cannes Film Festival: arrivals and ceremony of the prize "New Talent" 25/05/2007

The contact:
Martin Selmayr +32 2 298 1230 Martin.Selmayr@ec.europa.eu

Monday 19 May: Commission presents 2007 report on seizures of counterfeit goods: cigarettes, medicines and personal care products still on the top of the list

The news:

The Commission will present its yearly report on customs activities related to counterfeiting and piracy at the EU border.

The 2007 statistics show a marked increase in the amount of customs actions involving infringements of intellectual property, even though the total quantity of products seized is less than in 2006. This is partly due to a growing number of seizures involving smaller quantities of counterfeit and pirated articles.

Cigarettes continue to be counterfeited in large quantities, though the overall quantity seized is much less than in 2006. Elsewhere however, major increases were reported in nearly all sectors including medicines and personal care products.

The background:

The report contains statistics on the seizures of fake goods by customs and includes information about the type and quantities of goods seized, as well as a breakdown of results by Member States, the provenance of the goods, the means of transport used and the type of intellectual property infringed.

The drawing up of such statistics on a yearly basis provides useful information to support analysis of counterfeiting and piracy in the EU and the development of appropriate counter-measures by customs.

The event:

Technical Briefing with Mr John Taylor (head of the Anti-Counterfeiting Team in DG TAXUD), at 11:00 in the Berlaymont's Press Room, Brussels.

The sources:
IP/07/735: Customs: Commission publishes 2005 Customs seizures of counterfeit goods

MEMO/07/214: 2006 customs seizures of counterfeit goods – Frequently Asked Questions

Commissioner Kovács' website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/kovacs/index_en.htm

The contacts:
Maria Assimakopoulou +32 2 29 59 842 maria.assimakopoulou@ec.europa.eu
Emer Traynor +32 2 29 215 48 emer.traynor@ec.europa.eu

Tuesday 20 May: The "health check" of the CAP reform

The news:

Following a thorough debate on its Communication from November 2007, the Commission will now adopt legal proposals for improvements to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the so-called "health check".

The main questions it addresses are:
- How to make the Single Payment Scheme more effective, efficient and simple?
- How to render market support instruments more relevant in a globalised world and an EU of twenty-seven?
- How to master new challenges, from climate change to water management, by adapting to the new risks and opportunities?

The "Health Check" is not a fundamental reform, rather it essentially aims to ensure that the CAP functions effectively and to simplify it where possible.

The proposal will be sent to the Council and Parliament. The idea is to adopt it during the French Presidency, before the end of the year.

The background:

The 2003/2004 reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) introduced decoupled direct payments and strengthened Rural Development Policy.

This process continued with reforms in the sectors of sugar (2006), fruit and vegetables and wine (2007).

For the CAP to continue to be a policy of the present and of the future, it needs to be able to evaluate its instruments, to test whether they function as they are meant to do, and consequently to identify any adjustments needed to meet the stated objectives, being able to adapt to new challenges as they emerge. This is the purpose of the so-called "Health Check".

The event:

Press conference by Commissioner Fischer Boel in Strasbourg - time tbc.

* Available on EbS

The sources:
IP/07/1720 from November 2007

European Commission website:
http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/healthcheck/index_en.htm

Commissioner Fischer Boel's blog:
http://blogs.ec.europa.eu/blog_fischerboel/

* I-055494 Health check of the Common Agriculture Policy (11/2007)

The contacts:
Michael Mann +32 2 299 97 80 michael.mann@ec.europa.eu
Johan Reyniers +32 2 295 67 28 johan.reyniers@ec.europa.eu

Tuesday 20 May: Advanced Safety features and Tyres for Cars

The news:

The Commission is coming forward with a proposal for a Regulation on the general safety of motor vehicles which will lay down harmonised rules on the construction of motor vehicles. The proposal aims to enhance the safety of vehicles by requiring the mandatory fitting of some advanced safety features, such as Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems.

In normal driving conditions, ESC can reduce accidents by more than 20 percent while its benefits are even more significant under wet or icy conditions where the accident reduction rate increases to between 30 and 40 percent.

The proposal on safety will also introduce requirements for Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and Low Rolling Resistance Tyres, which will not only contribute to improving safety but are also part of the integrated approach to reduce CO2 emissions from cars.

The background:

In February 2007 the European Commission adopted a comprehensive strategy for the European car industry, to keep the manufacturing of motorcars viable on a long term basis, at prices affordable to consumers. The strategy covers a variety of areas, (including for example, reduction of administrative burdens, environmental sustainability, and road safety). The Commission in its Communication on “A Competitive Automotive Regulatory Framework for the 21st Century” welcomed the recommendation from the CARS 21 report to simplify the current whole vehicle type-approval regulatory framework.

The technical requirements for the type-approval of motor vehicles with regard to numerous safety and environmental elements have been harmonised at Community level to avoid requirements that differ from one Member State to another, and to ensure a high level of road safety and environmental protection. New technologies now available can dramatically improve vehicle safety (such as ESC) or reduce CO2 emissions (such as low rolling-resistance tyres). Research has shown that there would be significant benefits if such technologies were introduced as standard on new vehicles.

The automotive industry is a major pillar of the European economy, representing 3% of the European GDP and 7% of employment in the manufacturing sector.

The event:

Adoption by the Commission

The sources:
IP/07/157: New Commission strategy for long term viability of European car industry

* I-055102: Employment in the Automobile Industry


MEMO/07/47: The EU’s automotive sector: new challenges, responsibilities and opportunities

Competitive Automotive Regulatory System for the 21st century:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/automotive/pagesbackground/competitiveness/cars21.htm

The contacts:
Ton Van Lierop +32 2 296 65 65 ton.van-lierop@ec.europa.eu
Catherine Bunyan: +32 2 299 65 12 catherine.bunyan@ec.europa.eu

Tuesday 20 May: EU celebrates first European Maritime Day to generate greater public awareness of the importance of Europe's oceans and seas, as expressed in the new Integrated Maritime Policy

The news:

20 May marks the first European Maritime Day to be celebrated annually throughout the EU. President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering, Council President Janez Janša, and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will officially launch the event.

At the same time, several regional stakeholders around the EU will organise their own activities linked to the European Maritime Day. Some examples:

* The Week of the Sea in the Netherlands: a key maritime event starting for 9 days, on 24th May
* RORO 2008 at Gothenburg, Sweden: a large shipping industry event, from 20th to 22nd May with over 100 exhibitors
* The 68th International FISHING Fair at Ancona, Italy: from 23rd to 25th May, it will focus on equipment and innovative technologies, logistics, and quality for professional fishing

The Day will also be marked by the adoption of a report on the Integrated Maritime Policy by the European Parliament. This year's events will include, this time in Brussels, a stakeholder conference, with the participation of Joe Borg, Commissioner for fisheries and maritime affairs. It will focus on the regional approach to the implementation of the IMP and dialogue with stakeholders.

The background:

The European Maritime Day, decided jointly by the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council, aims to generate greater public awareness of the importance of Europe's oceans and seas, as expressed in the new Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) for the EU, adopted by the Commission in October 2007 and endorsed by the European Council in December.

The European Maritime Day will highlight the contribution that oceans and seas make to helping Europe meet the challenges of a globalized world. It will be an opportunity to celebrate Europe's maritime heritage and maritime identity. It will help raise awareness of the importance of the maritime industries and sectors in Europe's overall economy, and emphasise the key role of Europe's coastal regions.

The event:

On 20 May in Strasbourg, President of the European Parliament Hans-Gert Pöttering, Council President Janez Janša, and Commission President José Manuel Barroso will officially launch the first European Maritime Day by signing the Joint Tripartite Declaration establishing a "European Maritime Day". A photo opportunity/press point will be organised at the EP.

Stakeholder conference in Brussels, 19-20 May, Charlemagne building. Journalists are invited to attend the conference. In order to register to the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference please download and fill out the registration form and send it to Mare-European-Maritime-Day@ec.europa.eu.

The sources:
Information on the European Maritime Day Stakeholder Conference and other regional events:
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/maritime-day-2008_en.html

* I-051623: Maritime security 2006


An Integrated Maritime Policy for the EU:
http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/subpage_en.html

The contacts:
Nathalie Charbonneau +32 2 299 16 30 nathalie.charbonneau@ec.europa.eu
Lone Mikkelsen +32 2 296 05 67 lone.mikkelsen@ec.europa.eu

Tuesday, 20 May: Commission proposals on the Union for the Mediterranean

The news:

The Commission will be presenting its proposals on the Union for the Mediterranean in preparation for the Summit of Heads of State and Government to be held on 13 July 2008 in Paris.

The background:

In March 2008, the European Council called on the Commission to present proposals to the Council for stepping up cooperation between the EU and the third countries bordering on the Mediterranean on the basis of the acquis of the Barcelona Process and the European Neighbourhood Policy.

The proposals to be put forward by the Commission on the initiative "The Barcelona Process: a Union for the Mediterranean" will be discussed by the EU Heads of State and Government at the European Council in June, in preparation for the Euro-Mediterranean summit to be held in Paris on 13 July 2008 under the French Presidency of the Union.

The event

Press conference in the European Parliament's press room in Strasbourg

* EbS coverage

The sources
European Commission site:
http://ec.europa.eu/external_relations/euromed/

The contacts
Christiane Hohmann +32 2 29 91196 Christiane.Hohmann @ec.europa.eu
Concha Fernandez de la Puente+32 2 29 52977 Concha.Fernandez-Puente@ec.europa.eu

Thursday 22 May (date tbc): Realising a single labour market for Researchers

The news:

The European Commission will issue a Communication on "Better Careers and More Mobility: A European Partnership for Researchers." The aim of this partnership between the Member States and the Commission is to ensure that the necessary human resources in research are available to sustain and enhance the contribution of science and technology to a dynamic, knowledge based European society.

It is essential to establish a single and open European labour market for researchers, making the researcher's career more attractive and ensuring effective "brain circulation" over national borders, between institutions and between academia and the private sector.

The background:

The European researchers' partnership is one of five policy initiatives planned by the Commission to follow up the 2007 Green Paper "The European Research Area: New Perspectives." The results of the public consultation following the Green paper suggested that a single labour market for researchers should be the top priority for action at EU level. Highly skilled researchers are key agents for the production, transfer and exploitation of new knowledge and the partnership will address their needs by tackling the systemic human resources weaknesses in Europe's research system.

Attractive careers and seamless mobility are essential for researchers but far from being a reality. In practice, transparent competition for recruitment is the exception rather than the rule. Geographical and sectoral mobility tends to be penalised rather than rewarded. And the existing social security measures do not always fit with the specific needs of mobile researchers. This is why so many European graduates and doctorate holders either move away from research careers or pursue research in countries where they find better opportunities – mainly in the US.

The initiative is part of the overall Lisbon strategy aimed at transforming the EU economy towards more knowledge intensive activities. It is a dynamic process which complements and builds on planned or existing initiatives at national and Community levels

The event:

Press conference (day and time tbc) by Commissioner Janez Potočnik in the Berlaymont's press room.

* EbS coverage

The sources:
Green Paper "The European Research Area: New Perspectives."
http://ec.europa.eu/research/era/pdf/era_gp_final_en.pdf

Commissioner Potocnik's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/potocnik/indexfl_en.htm

The contacts:
Michel Claessens +32 2 295 99 71 michel.claessens@ec.europa.eu
Sophie Andersson +32 2 295 02 08 sophie.andersson@ec.europa.eu

Tuesday 22 and Friday 23 May: European Nuclear Energy Forum in Prague

The news:

Underlining the high importance, Commission President Barroso and Commissioner for Energy, Andris Piebalgs will participate to the opening session of the 2nd European Nuclear energy Forum in Prague, together with several Prime Ministers, high representatives of the Member States, members of the European Parliament, key CEOs from the Industry and high ranking representatives of the civil society.

The purpose of the European Nuclear Energy Forum is to organise on the basis of the European Council's mandate, an open and structured debate, without taboos, on key issues with regard to opportunities and risks of nuclear energy in the EU.

The background:

The need to come gradually to a low carbon energy supply in Europe opened again the view towards the role of nuclear energy. Therefore, more and more EU Member States reconsider the continued, increased or new use of nuclear energy in a low-carbon energy mix, especially to assure base load capacity.

The request of the 2007 Spring Summit of the Head of States and Governments to consider launching an open debate on the opportunities and risks of nuclear energy proved to be very timely and appropriate. The Commission responded to this request by creating the European Nuclear Energy Forum, which had its first meeting in November 2007 in Bratislava. See conclusions below.

The event:

The European Nuclear Energy Forum will take place at the Czernin Palace (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Prague.

The first day ends with a dinner at the Lichtenstein Palace.

* The participation in the opening session of President Barroso and commissioner Piebalgs will be covered by EbS

The sources:
European Commission's website on nuclear:
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/index_en.html

First edition of the European nuclear Forum in Bratislava 26 & 27 Nov 2007
http://ec.europa.eu/energy/nuclear/forum/bratislava_prague/2007_11_26/index_en.htm

Special Eurobarometer "Europeans and nuclear safety (February 2007)
http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_271_en.pdf

President Barroso's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/president/index_en.htm

Commissioner Piebalgs' website:
http://europa.eu/comm/commission_barroso/piebalgs/team_en.htm

The forum web page will only be operational after the forum meeting.

The contacts:
Ferran Tarradellas +32 2 296 6293 ferran.tarradellas@ec.europa.eu
Marilyn Carruthers +32 2 299 9451 marilyn.carruthers@ec.europa.eu

Wednesday 28 May: Around 50% of the adult population in EU-10 do not have a bank account – improving access to basic financial services

The news:

"What is financial exclusion? What are the levels of financial exclusion? Who is most likely to be financially excluded? The Commission is organising a high-level conference "Financial inclusion: improving access to basic financial services". The event will present the results of the study "Financial services provision and prevention of financial exclusion"

Public authorities, financial service providers, consumer protection bodies and social stakeholders from all over Europe will discuss the current situation and the role of the financial services sector, governments and the EU in guaranteeing better financial inclusion of all.

The background:

Access to financial services has become a necessary condition for participating in economic and social life. Yet, there are still many Europeans who do not have adequate access to these services, either because they are excluded from them or because they face obstacles in using them (lack of information, insufficient literacy, administrative burden, etc.). Currently, 10% of the adult population in EU-15 and 47% in EU-10 do not have a bank account.

The Conference is a follow-up to the European Commission's "Single Market Review" which stated in November 2007 that, "by a certain date, nobody should be denied access to a basic bank account". It is in line with the objectives of the European strategy for social protection and inclusion and is closely connected with the social vision of the Commission emphasizing opportunities, access and solidarity.

The event:

The conference will take place in the Charlemagne building, in Brussels.

Journalists should register in advance (for organisational purposes) at this site: https://secure.destree.be/ei/getdemo.ei?id=154&s=_2I00XRVD6 They can however also enter when showing their press badge.

A technical briefing is scheduled. Time to be determined.

The sources:
Conference "Financial inclusion: improving access to basic financial services":
http://ec.europa.eu/employment_social/spsi/events_en.htm#financial_exclusion
The financial inclusion website developed by the study team:
http://www.fininc.eu
Video News Release on financial inclusion (available 23 May 2008)

• www.tvlink.org I-050907 Competition: Bank and Credit cards
- tourist using his Spanish credit card in Brussels
- withdrawing money from a different bank than the holder's, in the same country
- checking account extracts to see how much was charged for the operation
- different credit and bank cards

The contacts:
Katharina von Schnurbein +32 2 298 14 08 katharina.von-schnurbein@ec.europa.eu
Oliver Drewes +32 2 299 24 21 oliver.drewes@ec.europa.eu
Catherine Bunyan +32 2 299 65 12 catherine.bunyan@ec.europa.eu
Carmel Dunne +32 2 299 88 94 carmel.dunne@ec.europa.eu

Monday 2 June: Annual report on quality of bathing water in Europe

The news:

With the summer holidays approaching the Commission is set to present its annual report on the quality of bathing water in Europe.

The report offers information about the quality of water used by millions of European swimmers each summer. The report draws on data and analysis carried out over the course of the 2007 bathing season.

The background:

The main objective of the legislation is to safeguard public health and protect the aquatic environment in coastal and inland areas from pollution.

High quality bathing water in Europe is a must to ensure the well-being and health of millions of Europeans and foreign tourists who swim in seas, rivers or lakes throughout Europe during the summer months.

The event:

Commissioner Dimas will hold a press conference at 12:30 in the Berlaymont's Press room. This will be followed by a technical briefing.

* Infoclip by EbS

The sources:
European Commission website:
http://ec.europa.eu/water/water-bathing/index_en.html
http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/l28007.htm

Commissioner's website:
http://ec.europa.eu/commission_barroso/dimas/index_en.htm

The contacts:
Barbara Helfferich + 32 2 298 2010 barbara.helefferich@ec.europa.eu
Lena De Visscher + 32 2 296 3694 lena.devisscher@ec.europa.eu

Wednesday 4 June: Towards more sustainable, safety and better performing aviation with an expected doubling of traffic by 2020

The news:

The Commission is tackling the forecast doubling of air traffic and accompanied environmental consequences with a second package of the Single European Sky initiative (first package April 2004).

A package of proposals will be presented to (1) update the existing legislation, to (2) bring the technological platform of air traffic management from the 1960's to the present day with the SESAR program and to (3) complete the remaining gaps in the European Safety Regulatory framework by extending the competences of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to aerodromes and air traffic management. It will also ensure that airport capacity – which is quickly becoming the biggest capacity bottleneck – is properly integrated in other aviation initiatives.

Perhaps the biggest change is that environment becomes a core element of the Single European Sky and that air traffic management (ATM) will realise its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. Prospective improvements are in the order of up to 10% per flight, in total up to 5 million tons of CO2 per year.

The background:

The air traffic management system ensures the safe and smooth organisation of air traffic in our airspace. In addition to the core air traffic control services, it consists of a range of other services, such as meteorological, communications, surveillance or aeronautical information services. The current European system handles some 28 000 daily commercial flights in addition to a wealth of other traffic, with an expected doubling of traffic by 2020.

The original Single European Sky (SES) regulations focused on creating a tool-box for capacity building, but the take-up by the States and their service providers of these tools has been low. Furthermore it has become evident that the current system, which is still based on technologies and concepts of the 1960's, is poorly equipped to cope with the traffic growth and growing environmental concerns. In safety regulation EASA has become competent on all other areas of aviation safety, but air traffic management and aerodromes form a gap in its total system approach.

The event:

Adoption by the Commission.

The sources:
Communication on the results of the first package of Single European Sky:
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/com/2007/com2007_0845en01.pdf
Report of the High Level Group on Aviation Regulation:
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/hlg/doc/2007_07_03_hlg_final_report_en.pdf
European Commission's websites (to be completed after adoption):
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/traffic_management/index_en.htm (SES)
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/safety/index_en.htm (Safety)
http://www.easa.europa.eu/ws_prod/g/g_about.php (EASA website)
SESAR websites:
http://www.sesar-consortium.aero/ (SESAR consortium)
http://www.sesarju.eu/public/subsite_homepage/homepage.html (SESAR Joint Undertaking)

The contacts:
Michele Cercone +32 2 298 09 63 michele.cercone@ec.europa.eu
Maria Quillinan-Meiland +32 2 299 40 14 maria.meiland@ec.europa.eu notas_de_prensa_archivo