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NEWS

The PES Group Secretariat meets the assistants of MEPS of the S&D Group

Brussels, 3 February 2012

The PES Group Secretariat hosted today an information session for the assistants of Members of the European Parliament from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D Group), its sister political Group in the European Parliament.

Opening the session, PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ underlined the added value of a close cooperation between the two groups. "In order to strengthen the progressive forces in Europe, it is important to work together on a daily basis", he stressed, referring in particular to topics of high political relevance, such as the introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax, the negotiations on the future cohesion policy and services of general interest.

The meeting was also an opportunity for the PES Group Secretariat to explain to EP assistants how the Secretariat can facilitate the exchange of expertise between the rapporteurs of the two groups and the launch of joint initiatives which could also be organised in the CoR premises. The Secretariat also informed EP assistants of the possibility to receive S&D visitors' groups in the CoR and to present them the institution as well as the work of the PES Group.

RADIO INTERVIEW
"Europe needs socially just and sustainable growth", underlines PES Group President Karl-Heinz Lambertz

Brussels,26 January 2012

In an interview broadcasted by the German radio station Deutschlandradio, the President of the PES Group in the CoR and Minister-President of the German-speaking community of Belgium, Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, underlines the need for a comprehensive European response to the current debt crisis.

"It is true that fiscal consolidation is at the moment necessary, and cuts to spending in the public sector are unavoidable –but there must be a constant dialogue between the governments and the relevant social partners", he underlined, referring to his own country, Belgium, where the adoption of a major reform package of the pensions system and the labour market is currently under discussion.

"The way out of the crisis cannot be paved only at the expense of ordinary people in Europe", stressed Karl-Heinz Lambertz, calling for a fair burden sharing. "This is why one of the measures I welcomes the introduction of a Europe-wide financial transaction tax, aimed at stabilising the financial markets and providing for a fairer system for all", he explained.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz expressed doubts about expanding the German constitutional approach on debt brakes to other EU countries. "The EU's best self-investment against the crisis is the one that puts socially just and sustainable growth clearly at its heart", he concluded.

One day earlier, Karl-Heinz Lambertz had opposed in a letter to the editor of the German daily "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung" the causal relationship between the current economic and financial crisis in Greece and the disbursement of EU structural funds to the country. He also objected to the short-sighted vision expressed by the concept of net-payers.

 

Karl-Heinz Lambertz congratulates Hannes Swoboda, newly elected S&D Group leader

Brussels, 18 January 2012

The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialist and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament (EP) elected today Hannes SWOBODA MEP (Austria) as their new Group leader. Succeeding Martin SCHULZ, who was elected yesterday President of the European Parliament, he will guide the S&D Group until the 2014 European elections.

On behalf of the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions, PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ warmly congratulated Hannes SWOBODA on his election. "Hannes is an experienced European politician, who has always defended social democratic values", pointed out the PES Group President. "I am confident that given his strong commitment to a truly democratic EU, he will contribute towards putting solidarity and growth back to the top of the European political agenda ", he added.

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ added: "I know Hannes as an indefatigable partner of local and regional authorities, especially on enlargement issues and I look forward to strengthening the cooperation between the S&D Group and the PES Group in the CoR in the following months on crucial topics, such as the negotiations on the future EU cohesion policy".  "It is important that our Groups are heading in the same direction", he concluded, pointing out that Hannes Swoboda's election sets the best preconditions for strengthening the progressive forces ahead of the 2014 European elections.

Hannes Swoboda has been a Member of the Parliament since 1996, where he held the positions of leader of the Austrian Delegation of Social Democrats and first Vice-President of the S&D Group. Before his European career, he was i.a. Member of the Vienna Assembly and Municipal Council (1983-1988), where he was Socialist Group coordinator and municipal councillor responsible for urban development, planning, staff, transport and external relations.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz sees in Martin Schulz the best ally that local and regional authorities ever had at the Presidency of the European Parliament

Plenary session of the European Parliament, Strasbourg, 17 January 2012

Martin SCHULZ MEP (S&D Group, Germany) was elected today already in the first round with an overwhelming majority of 387 votes President of the Institution for the second half of the EP's term of office (January 2012-June 2014).

On behalf of the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions, PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ warmly welcomed the election of the new President and emphasised three major expectations from his presidency.

"At a moment when Europe is at a turning point and governments sideline the institutions that represent the higher European interest, we need at the European Parliament's wheel a confident leader who takes a renewed course of solidarity.  I am convinced that Martin’s commitment to progressive values will help him in taking up the difficult challenges Europe needs to address in the coming months and in particular, the need to restore the primacy of politics over the financial markets, to preserve the European Union's fundamental values and institutional unity and to provide the EU with a budget which resists national egoisms and paves the way out of the crisis".

"As the youngest mayor in office in his home region when he got his first mandate back in 1987 and his 11-year experience in this position in a region bordering three countries, Martin Schulz has throughout his career in the European Parliament been extremely sensitive to the positions expressed notably in relation to cohesion policy and public services by local and regional authorities in general and the Committee of the Regions in particular. He is the best ally we could ever had at the presidency of the European Parliament”, concluded President Lambertz.

Martin Schulz has been a Member of the European Parliament since 1994 and was leader of the EP's Socialist and later S&D Group from 2004 up until his election to the EP presidency.

  • Read the news and watch the video on the election of Martin Schulz on the website of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

Socialists in the Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament set up Task Force on the future of EU cohesion policy

European Parliament, Brussels, 11 January 2012

Socialist CoR and EP political coordinators, as well as rapporteurs and shadow rapporteurs on the 2014-2020 Structural Funds gathered today .for a constitutive meeting of a political Task Force to follow up the European Commission's legislative proposals on the future EU cohesion policy.

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, President of the PES Group in the CoR, and Patrizia TOIA, S&D Vice-President in charge of cohesion policy, took the commitment to present a joint progressive position on the legislative package on the future Cohesion Policy 2014-2020, to be presented to the Commissioner in charge of Regional Policy, Johannes HAHN by mid-2012.

The Task Force members stressed that, in times of economic and social crisis, cohesion policy is the main EU solidarity policy able to address citizens' needs on the ground. They welcomed several key policy issues of the new legislative framework, such as the accessibility of cohesion policy for all regions and the introduction of a category of intermediate regions. However, Socialists and Social Democrats in the two institutions called for a stronger and clearer role of regional authorities within the partnership contracts and rejected too strict thematic concentration.

Participants also opposed a short-sighted vision of cohesion policy, mainly expressed by the concept of net payers and the principle of macro-economic conditionality, which would establish a link between cohesion policy and compliance with the stability pact, thus resulting on the suspension of  EU funding for countries that breach economic governance rules.

The CoR opinion on the General Regulation by Catiuscia MARINI, First Vice-President of the PES Group in the CoR and President of Umbria region (Italy), together with the opinions on the specific regulations will be discussed and adopted at the meeting of the COTER commission on 5 March 2012, and further at the 3-4 May CoR plenary session. The European Parliament plans the adoption of the report on the General Regulation, co-drafted by S&D MEP Constanze KREHL in the REGI Committee in spring and the adoption of the whole legislative package by the end of 2012.

  • Consult the text of the European Commission Communication on the general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund, COM 92011) 615

The PES Group has a new visual identity

Brussels, 16 December 2011

At the PES Group meeting of 14 December 2011 members approved the proposal for a new visual identity.

The new project follows the minimalistic square approach that has been adopted by numerous member parties and organisations of the Party of European Socialists over the last decade.

The shape of the new logotype is inspired by the "Jacques Delors" building, housing the headquarters of the Committee of the Regions. The result is a strong 3-dimensional red parallelepipede, symbolising stability and solidity.

The new PES Group visual identity will be officially launched on 15 February 2011, with a new graphical charter for the PES Group website and publications.

"The involvement of regional and local authorities in space technologies creates EU added value", argues Hermann KUHN

Brussels, 15 December 2011

Adopted unanimously by the plenary session of the CoR, the draft opinion of the member of the Bremen Regional Parliament (Germany) responds to the European Commission communication on a Space strategy for the European Union that benefits its citizens.

"The role o regional and local authorities in the sustainable development, implementation and utilisation of space technologies should not be underestimated", urged the PES/ENVE coordinator in his introductory speech.

In its communication, the European Commission sets out the main priorities for the EU space strategy, which include: ensuring the success of the EU's two flagship space programmes Galileo and Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES); the protection of space infrastructures; and the development of an industrial space policy in close cooperation with the European Space Agency.

"Nowadays, Bremen is home to major space technology companies, which have made valuable contributions to the  GMES and GALILEO programmes", pointed out the rapporteur, who explained that over the last 20 years, regions like Bremen have been undergoing profound structural changes. "We have had to bid farewell to shipbuilding as a key industry and pursue a new path", he continued, stressing that space technologies were made a key element of the regional development strategy.

His draft opinion addresses the local and regional relevance of a series of key issues of the proposed strategy such as the earth observation initiative led by the EU, environmental protection applications, the role of space policy in promoting research, innovation and competitiveness, and the possible financial framework for this policy.

"Political support is crucial" underlined the rapporteur, who went on to explain that in 2009, Bremen founded the Centre for Communication, Earth Observation and Navigation Services, a regional contact point where partners from the scientific community, government and business come together to develop user-driven, application-based projects.

Last but not least, the rapporteur proposes to strengthen existing networks of regions that are already involved in space technology. The knowledge and structures developed in the region are of added value when you want to develop innovative solutions and meet partners on the global market, as is has been the case for Bremen's involvement in the Network of European regions using space technologies (NEREUS)",  he concluded.

Reservations towards Intergovernmental Treaty and focus on growth relaunch  key elements of the Committee of the Regions' Resolution on 2012 priorities

CoR Plenary Session, Brussels, 15 December 2011

In the presence of Maroš Šefcovič, European Commission Vice-President responsible for inter-institutional relations and administration, CoR members adopted today a resolution on the institution's priorities for 2012. It responds to the European Commission's Legislative and Work Programme for 2012 and reflects some of the PES Group's key political priorities.

"We need to re-establish the primacy of politics and democracy over the financial markets", stressed 1st Vice-Group President Catiuscia MARINI, taking the floor on behalf of the PES Group.

A PES amendment expressing strong reservations on the outcome of the European Council of 9 December 2011 was adopted. As a consequence, the CoR "regrets that so far, an excessively narrow approach has been taken with the project to enshrine only budget discipline in an intergovernmental Treaty". The CoR also insists that "any possible reform of the fundamental rules of the European project is only to be envisaged through a convention established along the same lines as the Convention of the future of Europe".

As first immediate priority of an EU growth agenda the CoR calls for an agreement on an ambitious European budget that allows structural investments targeted at regional and local authorities, which are particularly affected by the consequences of the current crisis. Further legislative action on credit rating agencies also received support from the CoR.

The PES Group also urged for public services to be more concretely addressed in the Commission Work Programme. In particular, referring to the Single Market legislation, the Group reiterated the need to update the regulation on services of general economic interest.    

Other key PES amendments that were endorsed referred to important CoR opinions adopted during the year 2011 and re-iterated their call for an EU framework for Social Housing, the provision of which, together with high-speed broadband access, should become a public service obligation.

“It is cities and regions that make the difference in the transition to sustainable development and green economy”, says Ilmar Reepalu

Brussels, 15 December 2011

In the presence of Janez POTOCNIK, European Commissioner for the Environment, the Committee of the Regions' (CoR) plenary adopted today by unanimity the draft opinion of the Mayor of Malmö (Sweden) on Contributions of the EU's local and regional authorities to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development 2012 (Rio+20).

“In times of a growing world population, sustainable development and green economy are essential elements to address the problems of global poverty, social injustice and climate change, which concern us all“, stressed the Socialist rapporteur.

His draft opinion formulates the CoR input to the European Union's position for the fourth UN Earth Summit on Sustainable Development, to take place in Rio in Brazil on 4-6 June 2012.

"The Green economy Roadmap outlined by the European Commission needs to trigger action at all EU levels and is closely linked to the development of capacity building schemes", said Commissioner POTOCNIK in his introductory speech.

In his draft report, Ilmar REEPALU calls for a unified EU position at the conference and proposes to set up an ambitious Green Local Economy Roadmap.

“If the EU wants to get its message through at Rio and take a leading role, like at the Durban climate change talks, we need to push for concrete targets and implementing deadlines”, urged the rapporteur, who will be representing the CoR at the Rio conference together with CoR President Mercedes BRESSO,.

“This however requires cooperation between all levels of governance and an approach of shared responsibility that makes better use of the skills and experience of regions and cities”, he stressed, emphasizing that it was the local and regional level which are asked to deliver on the results of international agreements at the end of the day.  

Key actions of the green local economy roadmap address the challenges of urban areas and their relation with the countryside, the question of capacity development for the transition to a green urban economy, the promotion of an international Covenant of Mayors and Regions, dialogue with the civil society and the call for appropriate funding,

"As 80% of the EU population lives in cities, the solution is clearly linked to projects on urban planning, intelligent mobility solutions, water and waste management", explained the rapporteur, citing his own city of Malmö as an example of the dynamism which the transition to a green and sustainable economy can create.

Last but not least, the rapporteur calls for some changes in the governance structures at the global level in order to give full recognition to the key role to be played by local and regional authorities. He supports the creation of a Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and a Standing Committee for subnational and local governments in the UN context “We need to ensure the long-term involvement of local and regional authorities in the follow-up of the Summit”, he concluded.

"Regional and local authorities must promote concrete targets on energy efficiency", stresses Jean-Louis Joseph

Brussels, 14 December 2011

After the discussion of 39 amendments on a topic that revealed deep divisions across political groups and national delegations, the draft opinion by the Mayor of La Bastidonne and former CoR rapporteur on the Second Strategic Energy Review was adopted by majority by the CoR plenary.

“Against the backdrop of a major economic crisis, greater energy efficiency would enable the European Union to reduce its energy dependency and revitalise its economy by generating major opportunities for the energy, research and labour markets, especially at local and regional level”, argued the rapporteur in his introductory speech.

Jean-Louis JOSEPH generally welcomes the proposed EU directive on energy efficiency, criticising however a number of shortcomings. “I am particularly concerned about three major elements: the lack of binding national targets, the timetable for the implementation and the limited range of areas in which the measures will apply”, underlined the rapporteur.

 In his draft report, Jean Louis Joseph highlights the need to fully involve regional and local actors in the process of developing and implementing energy efficiency programmes and to provide adequate financial resources in order to trigger effective investment in the energy sector.

“My own region, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, has taken out a loan with the European Investment Bank in order to renovate secondary schools, applying the principles of environmental quality and sustainable development”, he explained.

“I am convinced that the regional and local level must take up the real challenges on the ground and set an example when it comes to achieving concrete targets", the rapporteur continued.  "This is why, amongst others, I proposed to support the 3% objective for the renovation of the public sector's building stock, as included in the Commission's draft directive, and I regret that we were not successful in defending this line in the CoR plenary. I cannot understand why some CoR members were so opposed to the idea of European-level targets, when we all know that without clear objectives, progress on this important issue will not happen".

Taking the floor during a heated discussion around quantified targets, PES Group member Alain HUTCHINSON reminded CoR members that local and regional authorities were responsible for the provision of a wide range of services on which energy efficiency measures could have a positive impact. “For sectors such as housing, transport, vocational training for specialists and labour, energy efficiency measures become more and more important as they provide cost-efficient and sustainable solutions", he underlined.

Jean-Louis Joseph proposed a series of compromises for the problematic amendments that were tabled to the draft opinion and succeeded in maintaining most key messages of the text, including overall support for the proposed directive, a call to make the 20% energy efficiency target legally binding, and the obligation for Member States to ensure that their public bodies only purchase products and services of the highest energy efficiency standards.

"I live, therefore I move.  I move, therefore I live.": Winning amateur photographers come to Brussels to collect their prizes

Brussels, 14 December 2011

PES Group President Karl-Heinz Lambertz and Alain Hutchinson, President of the jury, welcomed today the winners of this year's photo competition "I live, therefore I move.  I move, therefore I live.", organised by the PES Group in the CoR and  inspired by the "Youth on the Move" flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy.

President Karl-Heinz Lambertz reminded that the main objective of the photo competition, being organised since 2008, was to bring citizens closer to the EU by raising their awareness about European initiatives and inviting participants to articulate their views on them through creativity and artistic expression. He also pointed to the role of the photo competition as a means of increasing the visibility of the PES Group as well as the Committee of the Regions, and of communicating their activities to European citizens.

Alain Hutchinson awarded the prizes to the winners of the category 18-35 years, who were invited at the headquarters of the Committee of the Regions in Brussels for the awards ceremony.

The next edition of the photo competition will be organised in the first quarter of 2012. Visit this website for more information.

PES Group members Michel Delebarre and Jean-Yves Le Drian in François Hollande's campaign team

Paris, 12 December 2011

Michel DELEBARRE, Senator-Mayor of Dunkirk and President of the Committee of the Regions' Commission for Territorial Cohesion (COTER), has joined the campaign team of François HOLLANDE, Socialist candidate running for the 2012 French presidential elections. Under the thematic field "Territories, public services and rural development", Delebarre will be responsible for local and regional authorities. François Hollande himself is Member of the French Parliament and President of the Corrèze department, in the region of Limousin.

Besides Delebarre, Jean-Yves LE DRIAN, President of the Brittany regional Council, is another PES Group member in Hollande's team. The former CoR rapporteur on the Green paper for Territorial Cohesion is in charge of the defence portfolio.

"The territorial dimension is a clear priority of the Socialist presidential programme", pointed out Michel Delebarre. "The time has now come to put forward our Socialist ideas on the ground and to propose a large reform for more decentralisation in France, which would make of the French local and regional authorities stronger European players and partners", he added.

Michel DELEBARRE has been CoR rapporteur on the 5th Cohesion Report. His report was adopted in April 2011. He is currently rapporteur on the revision of the regulation on the European Grouping for Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), due to be adopted at the February 2012 plenary session of the CoR.

"The European grouping of territorial cooperation must become a preferred tool for implementing European policies", stresses Michel Delebarre

Meeting of the Committee of the Regions' Commission for Territorial Cooperation,

Brussels, 5 December 2011

With just one vote against, members of the COTER commission adopted the draft opinion of Michel DELEBARRE, Mayor of Dunkirk (PES/France), on the Revision of the regulation on the European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC).

"The future of regions goes through territorial cooperation", said the rapporteur in his introductory speech. "I am convinced that the EGTC is a viable cooperation tool that responds to the real needs of European citizens", he added.

The rapporteur welcomed that the European Commission proposal had taken into account many of the recommendations in previous CoR opinions. "In only 4 years, 25 EGTCs have been created, grouping together more than 550 local and regional authorities in 15 Member States and fulfilling a wide range of tasks", he explained, giving as an example the EGTC Dunkirk-West Flandern, which cooperates along the French-Belgian border on public health and early diagnosis of cancer. "We need to further explore the great potential and the flexibility of this cooperation instrument", he argued.

In this context, the rapporteur proposed to extend the list of undertakings participating in an EGTC to services of general economic interest that are financed by public service compensation.  He also underlined that EGTCs should be eligible for responding to initiatives and calls for tender and for implementing European programmes.

Michel DELEBARRE also wishes to facilitate the creation of bilateral EGTCs involving members drawn from a single Member State and members from a single non-EU state or overseas territory.

Finally, regarding the direct involvement of the Committee of the Regions, Michel Delebarre suggests to publish information from the so-called "EGTC register" in the Official Journal of the European Union and to strengthen the monitoring role of the CoR's EGTC Platform, aimed at facilitating the exchange of best practices. 

The draft opinion is foreseen for adoption at the February 2012 plenary session.

  • Read the European Commission Communication on a European grouping of territorial cooperation (EGTC), COM (2011) 610

"The voice of regional and local authorities needs to be better taken into account in the reform of the structural funds ", urges Catiuscia Marini

Brussels, 5 December 2011

The 1st Vice-President of the PES Groupin the CoR and President of the Umbria Region (Italy) presented today her working document on the General Regulation laying down common provisions on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the European Social Fund (ESF), the Cohesion Fund, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).

The presentation took place in the framework of the structured dialogue on the reform of EU structural funds, organised by the CoR with the participation of Johannes HAHN, Commissioner in charge of Regional Policy, László ANDOR, Commissioner in charge of employment, social affairs and inclusion, representatives of associations of regional and local authorities and other key stakeholders.

Under the chairmanship of COTER President Michel DELEBARRE, Mayor of Dunkirk (PES/France), PES Group members Konstantinos SIMITSIS, Mayor of Kavala (Greece) and CoR rapporteur on the ESF, and Petr OSVALD, Councillor of Plzen (Czech Republic) and CoR rapporteur on European territorial cooperation, also contributed  to the discussions.

"The main objective of cohesion policy is to adequately address the needs of EU citizens. This is why local and regional authorities – the institutions that are operating on the very ground - need to be fully involved in preparing, negotiating and enacting the upcoming reform on structural funds and become signatories to the new partnership contracts", emphasised Catiucia MARINI. 

On 6 October 2011, the European Commission adopted a draft legislative package that will frame EU cohesion policy for the period 2014-2020. The General Regulation  lays down common provisions for the structural funds, which should concentrate on priorities strongly linked to the Europe 2020 strategy, focus on results, monitor progress towards agreed objectives and simplify delivery. To ensure an integrated use of the funds so that they deliver common objectives, the General Regulation establishes a common strategic framework for the ERDF, ESF, CF, the EAFRD and EMFF. Moreover, it proposes a Partnership Contract between the European Commission and each Member State, listing the country’s commitments to delivering European objectives and targets.

"The structural funds package needs to better address imbalances in the EU on a long run", said Commissioner HAHN, recalling the political framework of the ongoing discussions on the legislative reform package and the new multi-annual financial framework. Furthermore, Commissioner ANDOR emphasised the importance of ensuring better coordination between the funds in the next programming period.

Addressing in her working document the key elements of the European Commission proposal, CoR rapporteur Catiuscia MARINI evidences a series of shortcomings. "The criteria to attribute EU funds need to be balanced and fair, this is why we need to take into account other indicators in addition to GDP when determining the level of development of European regions", she highlighted. In this context, she also stressed the importance of the concept of "transition regions", which the CoR has already endorsed in its opinion on the 5th Cohesion report, adopted in April 2011.

Regarding the thematic priorities proposed by the European Commission, Catiuscia MARINI stressed that in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, regional authorities should be responsible for choosing investment priorities and distributing the structural funds between the ERDF and the ESF. "Addressing citizens' needs and local development requires a broader flexibility", she argued.

The President of the Umbria Region finally warns against the introduction into the new legal framework of the so-called principle of macro-economic conditionality, which would establish a link between cohesion policy and compliance with the stability pact. She is also very critical of any provision introducing the possibility to suspend EU funding for countries that breach economic governance rules. "These provisions would clearly penalise the regional and local level", she concluded urging for an ex ante conditionality mechanism that is preventive rather than repressive.

Catiuscia MARINI will present her draft opinion to members of the COTER commission on 5 March 2012 in Lisbon, whereas the adoption of the draft opinion is scheduled for the May 2012 CoR plenary. She invites all stakeholders to contribute to the public consultation (blog) launched on her website.

  • Consult the text of the European Commission Communication on the general provisions on the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund and the Cohesion Fund, COM 92011) 615
  • Find out more about the structured dialogues between the European Commission and the Associations of Local and Regional Authorities

"The introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax is more urgent than ever", says Ralf Christoffers

Brussels, 2 December 2011

After the discussion of 45 amendments on a topic that highlighted divergent points of view amongst political groups, the own-initiative draft opinion on a Common System of financial transaction tax (FTT) by the  Minister for Economic and European Affairs of the State of Brandenburg (PES/Germany) was adopted by majority by the members of the ECOS commission.

 “The introduction of a European financial transaction tax is an important step to stop short term speculative activities and to re-establish the supremacy of democratic politics over the financial markets", underlined Ralf CHRISTOFFERS in his introductory speech.

The European Commission proposal, adopted on 15 November, aims at ensuring that financial institutions make a fair contribution to covering the costs of the recent crisis and that tax mechanisms are created to discourage financial market participants from engaging in transactions which damage the economy as a whole. 
The rapporteur generally welcomes the planned steps for harmonisation of the internal market in financial services. However, he criticises a number of shortcomings, such as the fact that currency transactions are exempted in the current text proposal and that different rates of taxation for shares and bonds on the one hand and derivatives on the other are set. "This favourable tax treatment presents a stability risk, this is why I am calling for a single rate of taxation applicable to all taxable financial transactions", he explained.

"In addition to the establishment of a European FTT system, we need to push for a more comprehensive reform and reorientation under which the financial markets operate and even go beyond the finance sector, aiming at European coordination of national economic and fiscal policies", concluded Ralf Christoffers.
During the discussion, PES members underlined the importance of a FTT for the local and regional authorities, who often need to rely on long term financing programmes and plans. Most of the EPP amendments tabled to the opinion and opposing the introduction of a FTT or aimed at weakening the substance of the text were defeated. 

It is worth noting that the PES Group in the CoR has been fully associated to the FTT campaign launched in 2010 by the Global Progressive Forum (GPF), the Party of European Socialists (PES) and the Europeans for Financial Reform. To this effect, the PES Group contributed earlier this year, at the initiative of PES/ECOS coordinator Henk KOOL, to the European Commission consultation to the European Commission consultation on the introduction of a FTT.

  • Read the text of the European Commission Communication on a common system of financial transaction tax, COM (2011) 594

“Respect for human dignity is a key principle of European integration”, stresses Per Bodker Andersen

Brussels, 1 December 2011

Members of the CIVEX commission adopted today unanimously the draft opinion by Per BODKER ANDERSEN, Deputy Mayor of Kolding (PES/Denmark), on Victims’ rights. The document responds to a package of one European Commission communication and two legislative proposals, which set minimum standards for the protection of victims of crime and propose measures to make victims' protection orders enforceable in different Member States.

“Local and regional authorities are in most cases the first point of contact for victims of crime and responsible for providing a wide range of support services as well as finding appropriate solutions to ensure protection for vulnerable victims, mainly women, young people and children”, pointed out the rapporteur.

In his draft report, Per Bodker ANDERSEN proposes some concrete amendments to the European Commission text. In particular, he argues that there is a clear need for a differentiated approach, which is tailored to the victim's age and type of crime and ensures fair treatment as well as a balanced solution between the damage suffered by the victim and the support offered. The rapporteur therefore suggests the inclusion of a general proportionality principle in the text of the directive.

“It is vital that local and regional representatives exchange best practices and expertise and feed into the overall debate at EU level”, underlined Per Bodker Andersen, emphasising that such efforts should go hand in hand with adequate funding and improved training for police officers, social workers and other professional groups at local level.

The rapporteur finally highlights the need for better cross-border coordination and cooperation, especially when criminal proceedings have a cross-border dimension.

The PES Group in the CoR fully subscribes to the principles for action of the Party of European Socialists

Brussels,1 December 2011

The Council of the Party of European Socialists (PES), the organ which debates major policy issues and decides the PES priorities in the year ahead, gathered in Brussels on 24 November and unanimously adopted the PES Declaration of Principles. The document, which has been the fruit of extensive work over the last year, identifies fundamental values that should govern any action undertaken by the PES. The PES Group in the CoR has been closely involved in the elaboration of these principles.

"This is a text that all PES member parties and organisations can identify with", said PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, who highlighted the Group's contribution throughout the drafting process. Indeed, the PES Group vehemently defended the need for 'strong public authorities all along the democratic chain, from the local, regional and national levels, to the European level of government', for decent housing and for equal access to public services.

The PES Council also adopted a general political resolution and a resolution regarding the procedure for the election of a PES candidate for the European Commission Presidency post 2014.

PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ congratulates new Interim President of the Party of European Socialists

Brussels, 25 November 2011

Following the unexpected resignation of PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen for personal reasons, the PES Presidency elected on 24 November Sergei STANISHEV, Chairman of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and former Prime Minister (2005-2009), to the position of PES Interim President. Mr Stanishev will hold this office until the next ordinary PES Congress, (to be held in Bucharest on 28-29 September 2012), which will elect the next PES President.

Ruairi QUINN, Irish Minister for Education and Skills since March 2011, former leader of the Irish Labour Party (1997-2002) and former Minister for Finance (1994-1997), will preside – from now until the next Congress - the meetings of the PES Presidency, the organ which takes decisions on the daily management of the work of the PES.

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ had the opportunity to personally thank outgoing President Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN for his unifying leadership and the excellent cooperation between the Party of European Socialists and the PES Group in the CoR. He also congratulated Sergei STANISHEV and Ruairi QUINN on their election to the Party's leading positions.

The EDUC commission overwhelmingly supports Mia De Vits' opinion on the modernisation of higher education

Brussels, 23 November 2011

With just two votes against, members of the EDUC commission adopted the draft opinion of PES Group member Mia DE VITS, member of the Flemish Parliament (Belgium). The document responds to the European Commission's reform agenda for higher education, which is part of the EU strategy for growth and jobs, aiming to help the EU economy overcome the current crisis.  

"No one denies the economic value of education, but it should above all empower people to develop their talents to the maximum and grow into strong, open and multi‑faceted individuals who can assume their responsibility in society to the full", pointed out Mia De Vits.

The rapporteur urges for measures to attract students from under-represented groups and "non-traditional" students, in a way that breaks with conventional role models and thus combats stereotypical study choices and the resulting segregation of the labour market. Moreover, she is critical of rises in student fees and adopts a cautious approach as to the development of a student loan guarantee facility at European level. Finally, she calls for the participation of the CoR in the high-level group that the European Commission will set up to analyse key topics for the modernisation of higher education.

The European Commission communication identifies priority areas where EU countries need to do more to achieve shared education objectives and sets out how the EU can support their modernisation policies. Moreover, it foresees EU-level initiatives, including a multi-dimensional university ranking, aiming at better informing students about the courses which are best for them.

LET'S KEEP MOVING – Smart, sustainable and fair transport policy solutions for Europe

Brussels, 10 November 2011

 

The PES Group held its third seminar in the lunchtime cycle on Sustainable Europe, focusing on Smart, sustainable and fair transport policy solutions for Europe in cooperation with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS). Key speakers were PES/CoR Group member Antonio COSTA, Mayor of Lisbon (Portugal), rapporteur on the EU's White Paper on Transport, and Laurent DAUBY, Director of knowledge and membership services at the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

The debate, moderated by Mark ROGERSON, Director of Consilia Ltd, focused on the issues raised in the European Commission's Transport White Paper and responses by local and regional authorities and the Committee of the Regions. "The transport sector is faced with a series of new challenges and the main one is of course the need to fight climate change and growing CO2 emissions", underlined Antonio COSTA, CoR rapporteur on the White Paper, in his introductory remarks. "Cities and regions are therefore more then ever asked to come up with innovative solutions for transport management", he added

Both speakers shared the view that the Transport White Paper was right in its analysis of the present situation, but in terms of its proposals for action was - even if pointing in the right direction – far too long-term oriented. "In order to develop new models for transport management, regional and local authorities need interim goals that provide concrete guidance", stressed Antonio Costa. Referring to his experience as Mayor of Lisbon, he underlined that mobility was also a social matter. " Sustainable and smart transport solutions must ensure people's mobility between the spaces for living, working, entertainment, shopping and so on", he pointed out, underlining that modern transport systems need to be collective and also address the needs of less advantaged people in order to be sustainable. "A significant challenge in my own city is getting transport actors to provide integrated solutions such as common tickets for all means of transport", he said. In this context, he also highlighted the need to strengthen public-private partnerships to provide innovative models with adequate funding, a model that which has worked well in in Portugal with regard to setting up a network of charging stations for electric cars. 

Presenting the perspective of an association that operates world-wide and on the entire supply chain active in local public transport, Laurent DAUBY stressed the need to promote a holistic approach based on a mix of policy, technology and behavioural change. He focused on energy efficiency and collective low carbon mobility as possible answers to the development of high quality public transport services. Stressing that "a green traffic jam is still a traffic jam", he underlined that electro-mobility, for example, may solve the issue of localised air pollution, but not the problem of productivity lost in congestion. Therefore, the called for integrated and holistic solutions, including an improved modal shift, intelligent traffic management and the decarbonisation of urban public transport.

Reacting to questions from the floor, both speakers agreed that, especially in times of privatisation of transport services, a better integration of different modes of transport based on sharing and on a collective response was needed. The application of the "polluters pay" principle and the need for a real change in the economic model underlying transport systems was also highlighted.

The overall political message was that technology alone cannot deliver the objectives of the Europe 2020 strategy, but local and regional authorities can and must actively contribute to the development of innovative policies that take citizens' real needs into account.

  • Consult the European Commission White Paper: Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system, COM(2011) 144

"Public procurement policy must be socially and environmentally sustainable,
and SME-friendly", stresses Henk Kool  

European Parliament, Brussels, 20 October 2011

Henk KOOL, PES coordinator of the CoR Commission for Economic and Social Affairs (ECOS) and Vice-Mayor of the City of Den Haag (PES/Netherlands), represented today the CoR at the S&D Group meeting on the revision of the public procurement directives. "Making public money work for people – towards a revision of the public procurement Directives" brought together decision-makers, trade unions and social and environmental NGOs. It was organised at the initiative of Stephen HUGHES MEP (UK), S&D Group Vice-President, and in cooperation with Alejandro CERCAS MEP (Spain), S&D Group coordinator of the European Parliament's Committee on Employment and Social Affairs.

The S&D meeting was an opportunity for Henk KOOL, whose report on the modernisation of public procurement had been adopted quasi unanimously last May by the CoR plenary assembly – to present the perspective of local and regional authorities on public procurement and to participate in pragmatic and technical debate with concerned MEPs and stakeholders on the issue.

"My experience in the city of The Hague has taught me that public procurement rules are currently much too complicated for small and medium size enterprises", he pointed out, underlining that, in order to enable SMEs to be a driver of growth, quality jobs and good working conditions, "we need to ensure at the European level that the procedures of applying for public contracts are simple, transparent and flexible".

Henk Kool proposed the creation of a Europe-wide public procurement passport for SMEs, a tool already used in his own city, explaining that it is a certificate replacing various standard documents that companies are always required to submit in the case of procurements.

He also underlined the need to encourage social and sustainable procurement, innovation and environmental protection - in the broader context of the Europe 2020 strategy - through public procurement. "The contracting authorities should control the environmental and social impact of contracts awarded", he stressed. "There is currently too much confusion on which criteria are really relevant in what case and t. hat's why we need to share best practices", he continued, giving the example of his own city, in which, 5% of each public procurement contract  is used to boost employment for the unemployed, people with disabilities or trainees.

"I welcome the fact that the two sister groups in the European Parliament and the Committee of the Regions are acting in concert on important key issues, such as the incorporation of social and environmental clauses into the public procurement Directives as well as references to include past performance of tenderers in future calls for tender", he concluded.

The CoR opinion and the European Parliament report are based on the European Commission Green Paper on Public Procurement, a politically highly relevant dossier.

Consult the programme of the S&D meeting

Read the Draft opinion of the Committee of the Regions on the modernisation of EU Public Procurement

Read the text of the European Commission Green Paper on the modernisation of EU public procurement

Active Ageing: turning the challenges into opportunities

Brussels, 12 October 2011

Only a few months away from the European Year for Active Ageing 2012, the PES Group held a workshop in the framework of this year's Open Days on active ageing. The aim of the debate was to discuss the challenges and opportunities of active ageing by sharing good practices and by putting forward concrete policy proposals.

Special attention was paid to active ageing at local and regional level. PES members Per BODKER ANDERSEN, Deputy-Mayor of Kolding (Denmark), and Clemens LINDEMANN, President of the District of Saar-Palatinate (Germany), were amongst the panel speakers.

In her opening speech, Irene OLDFATHER, former PES Group Vice-President (PES/Scotland), who has extensive expertise in the field of active ageing, stressed that it was essential to inform older people about their rights, empower them to realise their potential and find innovative solutions to the current economic and social challenges facing our ageing society.

Ralf JACOB, Head of Unit for Active Ageing, Pensions, Healthcare of the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and inclusion of the European Commission (DG Employment),  focused on the motivation of dedicating the European Year 2012 to the topic of Active Ageing. Given the changes in the population pyramid in European Member States over the next 50 years, there will be an increased need for social spending on pensions, health and long-term care for older people, but also a rise in taxes to be paid by the younger generations. "Appropriate policies that promote active ageing policies are therefore the precondition for solidarity between the generations and need to include both employment strategies (e.g. the promotion of healthy work places) and measures for social participation (e.g. senior volunteering and adult learning), he said. Consequently, the European Year 2012 aims at raising awareness, focusing on the opportunities of active ageing and strengthening the commitment to initiatives in the field. Local and regional authorities are encouraged to actively participate in the launch of age-friendly initiatives during the European Year 2012.

 Anne-Sophie PARENT, Secretary General of the AGE Europe Platform, presented the perspective of one of the leading NGOs involved in active ageing and the European Year 2012. She underlined the need to mobilise a wide range of stakeholders from all levels of governments in an effort to create a more age-friendly environment. "We need to implement a shared vision of society of all ages, an age-friendly EU that goes beyond the targets set for 2020", she stressed. She also welcomed the creation of age-friendly networks, such as a European Covenant of Mayors on Active Ageing, calling for the provision of adequate funding for such initiatives. 

Giuseppe PORCARO, Secretary General of the European Youth Forum, presented the view of the youth on the topic of active ageing. "What we urgently need is a new solidarity pact amongst the generations and appropriate reform policies", he said, underlining that regional and local authorities can play an important role in this process. He also referred to the relationship between volunteering, participation and active ageing.

Claudia MENNE, Confederal Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), focused on the need to create the right conditions on the labour market for all and provide citizens with adequate public services. She continued saying that "active ageing is also linked to the educational level", explaining that people who have embraced lifelong learning throughout their life, also tend to age more actively.

Focusing on projects that promote active ageing at local level, Clemens LINDEMANN, President of the District of Saar-Palatinate (PES/Germany), presented the action programme "50 fit- Employment and health orientation in the Saar-Palatinate district", targeted at older people who are long-term unemployed, suffer from health problems and are socially excluded. The project is based on four pillars: health promotion activities, actions for social inclusion, labour market integration and consulting activities. "According to my experience on the ground, what matters most is to offer people a real perspective and give them the feeling of being  part of society", he said, highlighting the successful outcome of this regional initiative.

Per BODKER ANDERSEN, Deputy-Mayor of Kolding (PES/Denmark), reported about his experience with projects on care for elderly people, such as projects that prevent dependency of people who suffer from dementia and training programmes for their family members. "The development of policies for active senior citizens at local level needs to be openly discussed between the local authorities and citizens of all age groups", he reminded.

Contributions from the floor highlighted the need to better involve older people in policy making, experiment new forms of dialogue and social inclusion and promote intergenerational solidarity.
Speakers and participants agreed on the importance of well designed lifelong-learning programmes and on the need of better access for all to these programmes. 
Finally, participants stressed the usefulness of more specific European funding programmes, such as the Interreg project Cities in Balance  for active cities for all ages and greater "silver inclusion".

The overall political message was that older people need to play an active role in their communities and mix with younger generations, having more opportunities both on the job market and in society. Being close to the citizens, local and regional authorities are well placed to contribute to the formulation and implementation of active ageing policies and encourage various forms of mobilisation and participation on the ground.  

"Concrete steps are needed at EU level to promote mobility for local and regional authority staff within and beyond the EU", argues Mireille Lacombe

Brussels, 12 October 2011

Adopted unanimously by the CoR plenary, the draft own-initiative opinion of the Vice-President of Puy-de-Dôme General Council (France) calls for long-awaited legal provisions that would lift existing barriers to temporary secondments of local and regional authority staff to other local and regional authorities.  "Such mobility would facilitate the implementation of the European acquis, contribute to cohesion and foster cooperation amongst local and regional authorities, ultimately contributing to territorial development", pointed out Mireille LACOMBE

The measures proposed include: "mobility meetings" organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the CoR, bringing the European institutions and local and regional authorities together; an information campaign conducted by the European Commission on the added value of mobility for local and regional authority staff; maintaining financial support for mobility in the EU's new financial perspectives; and the establishment of a European exchange programme for civil servants and other staff working for local and regional authorities. The aim of this list of measures - which does not claim to be exhaustive - is to upskill human resources, enabling staff to grasp and anticipate European policies.

"Local and regional authorities are best placed to raise awareness about citizens' fundamental rights", argues Lotta Hakansson Harju

Brussels, 12 October 2011

Lotta Hakansson HarjuAdopted unanimously by the plenary session of the CoR, the opinion of the Member of Järfälla Municipal Council (PES/Sweden) responds to the European Commission communication on the Strategy for the effective implementation of the Charter of Fundamental Rights by the European Union.

"It is at the local and regional levels that many of the fundamental rights are provided for and guaranteed", underlined Lotta HAKANSSON HARJU, noting the added value brought by the expertise of local and regional authorities with regards to healthcare, education and social security.

The rapporteur criticises the fact that despite a general commitment to involve other levels of governance, the first European Commission annual report on the application of the Charter, as well as the newly defined strategy make no reference to local and regional authorities.  
"The fact that the sub-national level is not even mentioned in these documents means that there is a strong need to raise awareness of politicians as well as officers on all levels in the public sector", she highlighted.

The opinion also addresses a crucial limitation of the EU's Charter of Fundamental Rights, that is, the fact that it only applies to EU institutions and their actions and is extended to EU Member States only when they apply EU law, not national law. "The Charter embodies the expectations of citizens for an EU that is a community of values with a high level of protection of fundamental rights", she explained,  calling on local and regional authorities to adopt proactive strategies to show-case their own actions aimed at protecting fundamental rights and promoting them in a European context.

Last but not least, the rapporteur underlined the need for clearer dissemination of information to citizens.  "In order to be able to claim their rights and respect the rights of others, citizens first of all need to know more about these rights", she pointed out, adding that local and regional authorities should also evaluate how the fundamental rights are safeguarded within their areas.  
Referring to her own experience on the ground, she noted that in Sweden, several municipalities have set up and made use of human rights indicators at the local and regional levels. "These evaluations could also serve as input for the Commissions annual report on fundamental rights", she concluded.

It is worth noting that on 17 October, Lotta Hakansson Harju will chair a round table during the Third Annual Dialogue on Multi-level Protection and Protection of Fundamental Rights of the CIVEX commission and the European Fundamental Rights Agency, to be held in Brussels.

The PES Group elects its new Executive

Brussels, 11 October 2011

Meeting ahead of the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, the PES Group elected today Catiuscia MARINI, President of the Umbria Region (Italy) as its First Vice-President, also responsible for cohesion policy. She will assist Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, Minister-President of Belgium's German-speaking Community, who had been elected in June as new President of the PES Group. A convinced European and former MEP (S&D Group), Catiuscia Marini will work closely with President Lambertz to take forward the Group's political priorities, increase its impact within the European institutions as well as strengthen its cooperation with the PES family.

"Together we will work to anchor the European project in our regions and cities, in accordance with the principles of solidarity and cooperation", told the newly elected Vice-President PES Group members.

The other Vice-Presidents who were elected are:

Claudette BALDACCHINO, responsible for Media and Communication
Claudette is a professional journalist. Member of the Malta Labour Party Executive Committee since 1998, she is  Deputy Mayor of Qrendi. She has been a Member of the CoR since 2006 and sits in the EDUC and ECOS commissions.

Per BODKER ANDERSEN, responsible for Enlargement and Neighbourhood
Per is Deputy Mayor of the town council of Kolding (Denmark), where he acts as President of the Union of the Baltic Cities. Member of the Committee of the Regions since 2006, he sits inthe CIVEX and COTER commissions and he is the Chair of the FYROM Joint Consultative Committee.

Albert BORE, responsible for the follow up of political priorities and strategic planning
Albert is the Labour Leader of Birmingham City Council. He has been a member of the CoR since 1994. From 1998 to 2002, he was President of the PES Group in the CoR and from 2002 to2004 President of the CoR. Former President of the COTER commission, he is currently the PES Group Coordinator within the same commission in charge of territorial cohesion.

Apostolos KATSIFARAS, responsible for Sustainable Development
Apostolos KATSIFARAS is President of the Region of Western Greece and has been involved in local government policies for many years. From 2004 to 2010, he was member of the Greek Parliament and Deputy Minister of Justice.  He sits in the ENVE and EDUC commissions.

Yoomi RENSTRÖM, responsible for Education and Culture
Yoomi is Mayor of Ovanåker, Sweden. From 2005-2006, she has been a member of the Swedish Parliament. She has been member of the CoR since 2009 and is PES coordinator of the EDUC commission.

Leszek SWIETALSKI, Treasurer
Leszek is Mayor of Stare Bogaczowice, Poland. He has been working many years in government and council administration on management and executive positions. Member of the CoR since 2006, he is member of the ECOS and COTER commissions.

¨Europe needs to invest in social housing policies and foster solidarity on the ground¨, urges Alain Hutchinson

Brussels, 11 October 2011

With only two votes against, CoR members adopted today the draft own-initiative opinion by the Member of the Brussels-Capital Regional Parliament on A European agenda for social housing.

¨For the first time, our institution raises this topic of prior concern to the other European institutions and asks to set up a real European agenda for social housing¨, underlined the rapporteur in his introductory remarks.

The own-initiative opinion of the former State Secretary for housing and energy of the Brussels-Capital Region (1999-2004) and former MEP (2004-2009) aims at making heard the call of local and regional authorities for a European agenda for social housing. ¨In times of financial, economic and social crisis, thousands of citizens all over Europe experience greater difficulties in finding decent and affordable housing¨, he pointed out. ¨Local and regional authorities are in the front line when it comes to implementing social housing policies that provide an answer for all¨, he reminded.

The Socialist rapporteur  pointed out that although responsibility for housing policy clearly lies at national or regional level, the choice of implementing measures can be heavily influenced by European policies. ¨The aim of my report is to highlight these interactions¨, he explained.  

In his draft opinion, Alain HUTCHINSON identifies a series of key political areas affecting social housing and linked to the Europe 2020 strategy: the prevention of and fight against poverty and social exclusion; social innovation, demographic change and cohesion; state aid; energy efficiency; services of general economic interest to competition policy as well as economic and financial stability.

¨As we enter the negotiating phase on the EU's political and budgetary priorities post 2013, it is also worthwhile pointing to the substantial contribution that social housing can make in achieving the European objectives of cohesion and sustainability¨, he stressed, underlining that a high quality of life in regions and cities, including qualitative housing, is a precondition for socially and economically sustainable development.

In this context, the rapporteur also calls for appropriate financial instruments to allow for investment in affordable and decent housing. ¨We need to push for a reference to funding in social housing in the upcoming revision of the European structural funds regulations¨, he concluded.

Last but not least, PES amendments introducing an important reference to social services of general economic interest and to a system that ensures moderate increases in property prices and adapts tax policy to limit speculation were adopted.

Throughout 2011, the PES Group has continued its campaign 'A roof over our heads', dedicated to social housing and launched in November 2010. The opinion by Alain Hutchinson will also be the discussion basis for the PES Group workshop on Social Housing, to take place within the framework of the Convention of the Party of European Socialists (PES), to be held in Brussels on 25 November 2011.

"We need to boost our industry policy through a coordinated response at regional and local level ", argues Paxti Lopez

Brussels, 11 October 2011

Members of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted today by unanimity the draft opinion of the President of the Basque Government (Spain), responding to the European Commission's Europe 2020 flagship initiative on an Integrated Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Area.

"Industry policy is an important driver for growth at regional and local level", stressed Paxti LOPEZ in his introductory marks.

"It is essential to coordinate our efforts and to be efficient and share experience and knowledge built up by European regions in the development and application of their industrial policy", pointed out the rapporteur, reminding that in some cases, regions have broad legislative powers in those areas and can directly lead the development of technological infrastructure, clusters, international promotion and innovation. "A European answer to an industrial industry is part of the completion of the internal market", he argued.

The Socialist rapporteur underlined the need to facilitate a systematic transfer of this knowledge between regions. "Only together, we can be drivers of growth and ensure that Europe does not fall behind in the globalisation era", he said, reminding at the same time that this process must be compatible with economic and social development as well as environmental sustainability.

In his draft opinion, the President of the Basque Government also emphasises the need to better address existing imbalances amongst EU regions. "The development of European forums, networks and clusters, led by industrial regions with successful track records will help to enhance the quality of all regions in industry policy", he said. 

Another essential point of his draft opinion is to encourage people to develop the skills required for globalisation through re-skilling and re-training. "It is about moving beyond sector-specific considerations and a better use of existing financial instruments", he explained.

He finally underlines the important role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Europe, stressing that EU public policies should focus on the 'think small first' principle and take SMEs' needs into account.

  • Read the text of the European Commission communication on An Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Area, COM (2010) 614

"Local and regional authorities play a key role in restoring confidence in the EU", tells Martin Schulz MEP to the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions

Brussels, 11 October 2011

Martin SchulzThe President of the European Parliament's S&D Group and candidate to the EP presidency for the second half of the mandate (January 2012 - June 2014) addressed today the members of the PES Group, meeting ahead of the Committee of the Regions' (CoR)  plenary session.

PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ opened the debate, pointing to the dramatic repercussions for local and regional authorities from the imposition of austerity measures by national governments across the EU.

Martin SCHULZ MEP, who himself had served as a mayor for over a decade between 1987 and 1998, gave an overview of the challenges currently facing the EU, underlining the growing mistrust of the EU by both the citizens and the markets. "Local and regional authorities are part of the solution for restoring confidence in Europe", he pointed out, highlighting the need for more European integration.

Martin Schulz called for a greater shift of competences from the national to the EU level, arguing that the magnitude of the challenges ahead, from financial and economic to social and political – requires supra-national solutions. "The CoR and the local and regional authorities it represents is to play a growing role in strengthening the dialogue with citizens", he said, underlining that the European Parliament is an ally of the Committee of the Regions in taking forward the European project.

Newly elected PES Group First Vice-President Catiuscia MARINI, President of the Umbria Region (Italy) and former MEP, urged for a close cooperation between the two sister groups in the two institutions, not least in preparation of the response to the European Commission's legislative package on the future regional policy. Voicing her concerns about the risk of renationalisation of certain European policies, such as the cohesion policy, Catiuscia Marini underlined the need for European Socialists and Social Democrats to propose a new growth model, commensurate with the challenges posed by the current crisis.

In his concluding remarks, Martin Schulz reaffirmed his intention to contribute to the strengthening the ties between the European Parliament and the CoR, pointing to the need to halt the process of growing alienation between the EU and European voters.


“Regions and cities count on an integrated approach to cohesion policy”, argue Michel DELEBARRE and Giorgos KAMINIS

Opening session of the 2011 Open Days, European Parliament, 10 October 2011

Under the motto “Investing in Europe's future: Regions and cities delivering smart, sustainable and inclusive growth”, the President of the Committee of the Regions, Mercedes BRESSO (PES/Italy) opened today together with the European Commissioner in charge of Regional Policy, Johannes HAHN and the Chair of the European Parliament' Regional Development Committee (REGI), Danuta HÜBNER the ninth edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities (OPEN DAYS).
The PES Group was represented by the President of the CoR's Commission on Territorial Cohesion Michel DELEBARRE, Mayor of Dunkirk and member of the French Senate, and Giorgos KAMINIS, Mayor of Athens (Greece).

This year’s OPEN DAYS come only a few days after the adoption by the European Commission of its legislative package on the future regional policy, offering a first opportunity to discuss this major political initiative.

Michel DELBARRE underlined that “the Europe 2020 strategy and cohesion policy need to go hand in hand”. Warning against cuts in the funding of several actions under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in the next programming period, he underlined the need to promote an integrated approach to cohesion policy.

Giorgos KAMINIS added that “the same integrated territorial approach is essential when it comes to the urban dimension”. “Cities are both an engine for sustainable growth and a particular challenge for cohesion", he pointed out, urging the European Commission to mainstream urban policies throughout the new European Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund.

Amongst the keynote speakers of the opening session were the President of the European Parliament, Jerzy BUZEK, the President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel BARROSO, and the Polish Minister for Regional Policy, Elzbieta BIENKOWSKA.

Co-organised by the European Commission and the Committee of the Regions, the OPEN DAYS brings together over 6000 regional and local partners from over 200 EU regions.

It is worth noting that within the framework of the Open Days, the PES Group will hold on 12 October a workshop on the topic of Active Ageing (14h30-17h00, Room JDE62, rue Belliard 101, Brussels).

The PES Group in the CoR fully supports the call of the Party of European Socialists for a democratic, accountable and transparent credit rating system

Meeting of the PES Presidency, Brussels, 6 October 2011

Represented by Alain HUTCHINSON, Member of the Brussels-CapitaKlaus Wowereitl Regional Parliament (Belgium), the PES Group participated yesterday in the works of the Presidency of the Party of European Socialists (PES), the highest organ for the management of the day-to-day business of the PES and for the execution of the tasks as set out by these Statutes. The Presidency adopted a declaration calling for immediate regulatory measures to tackle the most urgent problems of the private credit-rating system and the creation of a European Independent Credit Rating Agency.

Alain Hutchinson expressed the PES Group's support to the declaration, pointing out that the eurozone crisis, largely caused by the downgrading of Government bonds, has stunted growth and jobs, seriously endangering the European integration project.  "It is high time we put an end to wild speculation, which has lead to housing bubbles that have made it impossible for millions of low-income households to access housing", he pointed out, stressing the need to make social housing a priority in the European social democratic project.

“We need to promote regional and local energy efficiency plans that take up the real challenges on the ground”, says Jean-Louis JOSEPH to ENVE members

Malmö, 3 October 2011

Klaus WowereitResponding to the European Commission communication on energy efficiency, the draft opinion of Jean-Louis JOSEPH, Mayor of Bastidonne (France), obtained the overwhelming support of ENVE members, having gathered at the external ENVE meeting in Malmö (Sweden).

The European Commission communication proposes a series of new measures on energy efficiency aiming at reaching the target that the EU has set itself, that is, to cut energy consumption by 2020 by 20%. The proposed measures include: the establishment of energy saving schemes in all Member States; the obligation for the public sector to purchase energy efficient buildings, products and services; energy consumption audits for enterprises, and the promotion of responsible energy consumption.
In his draft opinion, Jean-Louis JOSEPH generally welcomes the text of the European Commission communication. However, he criticises a number of shortcomings, such as the lack of binding national targets, the limited range of areas in which the measures will apply, the absence of measures to raise public awareness and to train market actors and, last but not least, the minor role assigned to regional and local actors.  
 
“I am particularly concerned about the timetable of the proposal for a directive that leaves too much space for optional measures”,  pointed out the PES rapporteur. “If energy efficiency is really at the heart of the EU’s Europe 2020 Strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth and for the transition to a resource efficient economy, we need to provide binding targets that cover all economic sectors and that go beyond 2020“,he argued.

Jean-Louis Joseph, former CoR rapporteur on the second strategic energy review, also stressed the need for full respect of the principle of subsidiary when applying energy efficiency measures. “We need to boost the involvement of regional and local actors – those who are responsible for local housing, labour, transport and training policies -  in the process of preparing and implementing concrete energy efficiency programmes”, he said, reminding also that financial resources, such as the structural funds, need to be available to trigger effective investment in the energy sector.

The debate of his draft opinion evidenced strong political divide. Out of the 40 amendments tabled to this opinion, the rapporteur succeeded in accepting only those that added value to the political message of the text. EPP amendments opposing concrete action of the European Union in this field were largely defeated.

"The promotion of environmental democracy is driven at grassroots level", argues Ilmar Reepalu

Malmö, 3 October 2011

Members of the ENVE commission adopted today by unanimity the draft opinion Ilmar REEPALU, Mayor of Malmö (Sweden), on The contribution of the EU's local and regional authorities to the UN Conference on sustainable development 2012 (Rio+20).

"Cities and regions make a vital contribution to the creation of a sustainable society", said in his introductory speech Mr Reepalu, who is the Chair of the CoR Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE). "We need to make sure that the Rio+20 conference adopts a coherent multilevel governance approach, based on partnership, synergy and shared responsibilityglobally and between all levels of governance", he emphasised.

The draft CoR opinion responds to a European Commission communication that prepares the ground for the EU's position for the fourth UN Earth Summit on Sustainable Development. The Summit will take place in Brazil on 4-6 June 2012 to mark the 20th anniversary of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro, and the 10th anniversary of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg. Ilmar Reepalu will be representing the CoR at the aforementioned conference.

The European Commission communication outlines objectives and specific actions on the two inter-linked themes of the Conference: enabling the transition to a green economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and ensuring better governance for sustainable development.

In his draft opinion, the rapporteur underlines that sustainable development includes economic, environmental and social development. "We need to rethink the traditional concept of growth by adding new indicators that take into account climate change, biodiversity, resource efficiently and social inclusion", he argues.  

The mayor of Malmö also proposes to set up a specific Green Local Economy Roadmap, aimed at addressing, amongst others, the major challenges of urbanisation and green urban economy and at promoting an international Covenant of Mayors and Regions. "This tool should also kick-start new public and private financing initiatives and partnerships", he explained.

Regarding the promotion of better governance, the rapporteur proposes the creation of a Sustainable Development Council (SDC) and of a standing committee for subnational and local governments, ensuring the long-term involvement of local and regional authorities in the follow-up of the Summit.

"Ensuring environmental democracy is, after all, a question of raising public awareness about the opportunities that sustainable development offers us and provide citizens with adequate education and training", he concluded, underlining that regional and local authorities were best placed to act as driver and encourage citizens' direct participation.

The rapporteur took on board several constructive amendments, tabled by PES/ENVE coordinator Hermann Kuhn, aiming at a results-oriented approach and strengthening the unified EU position for the UN conference. 

 

René Souchon regrets Agriculture Council deadlock over European food aid scheme

Brussels, 28 September 2011

The President of the Auvergne Regional Council (PES/France) and CoR raKlaus Wowereitpporteur on the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) deeply regrets that the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, because of the opposition of a small number of Member States, does not support the European Commission's proposal for amending the legislation to allow the full allocation of 500 million euro planned for the European Programme of Food Aid for the most Deprived (PEAD) to be released for both 2012 and 2013. The Council met in Brussels, on 20 September.

"Since 1987, this food distribution scheme has proved its worth. It must continue to embody the spirit of solidarity which underpins the European project, especially at regional and local level", said the PES-NAT coordinator.

In September 2010, the European Commission proposed to improve the current food distribution programme for the most deprived persons in the European Union by increasing the budget and extending the range of products which can be provided.

In its opinion adopted in January 2011, the Committee of the Regions stresses that the European Union needs to continue to significantly contribute to the financing of food aid. The European Parliament also recognises the fundamental role of the PEAD, especially in times of economic and social crisis.

"The Council needs to act quickly now and find a solution for the implementation of the programme, raising above purely national interests", urges René SOUCHON, adding that "the reform of the PEAD needs to go hand in hand with the negotiations on the future of the common agricultural policy and the post-2013 cohesion policy".

  • Read the CoR opinion on Distribution of food products to the most deprived persons in the Union (NAT-V-008)

Karl-Heinz Lambertz congratulates Klaus Wowereit for his re-election as Berlin mayor

Brussels, 20 September 2011

Klaus WowereitThe Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) emerged as the strongest force in Sunday's election in the city-state of Berlin. The current mayor, Klaus WOWEREIT, was confirmed in his office for the third time.

"I warmly congratulate Klaus for his re-election", said PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, who added: " For the seventh time in the round of the seven regional elections held in Germany this year, the Social Democrats get into government and this result will no doubt be reflected also in the next national elections".

Karl-Heinz Lambertz pointed out that, in times of crisis, the Berlin result is also a confirmation of the good performance of Social Democratic forces at regional and local level and of their close link to citizens. "This will encourage a stronger cooperation of progressive city leaders at European level", he added.

Klaus Wowereit was elected as governing mayor of Berlin in 2001, and re-elected in 2006. He has been a member of the SPD since 1972, and its deputy federal chair since 2009.

Karl-Heinz Lambertz congratulates Social Democrat Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Denmark's next Prime Minister

Brussels, 16 September 2011

Social Democrats and their centre-left allies won yesterday's parliamentary elections in Denmark, defeating the Liberal Democrats of Lars Løkke Rasmussen, the outgoing prime minister.

"Helle Thorning-Schmidt has put an end to the ten-year Liberal-Conservative rule and her election as the country's first ever woman Prime Minister signals a bright new start for Danish politics", said PES Group President Karl-Heinz Lambertz.

"Helle has a clear European vision and I am confident that this victory is an important step towards a more progressive Europe", he added, pointing to the significance of the change in the country's political direction just in time for their upcoming presidency of the Council of the EU (January 2012-June 2012).

Helle Thorning-Schmidt has been Chair of the Danish Social Democrats since 2005. From 1999 to 2004, she was Member of the European Parliament.

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ congratulates Martin SCHULZ on his nomination as S&D candidate to the EP Presidency

European Parliament, Strasbourg, 14 September 2011

The Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament (EP) nominated yesterday its leader, the German MEP Martin SCHULZ, as candidate to the presidency of the European Parliament  for the second half of its term of office (January 2012-June 2014). If elected, he will succeed current EP President Jerzy Buzek (EPP/Poland).

Martin Schulz has been a Member of the Parliament since 1994 and President of the EP's Socialist and later S&D Group since 2004.

On behalf of the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions, PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ warmly congratulated Martin SCHULZ on his nomination. "At a moment when Europe is facing a deepening political, social and economic crisis, I am convinced that Martin's strong commitment to the European social democratic values will contribute to a true renewal of the European project and strengthen the progressive forces ahead of the 2014 European elections", commented President Lambertz, reminding that Martin Schulz had himself been Mayor for over a decade. "Martin knows the true meaning of local democracy and he can count on the support of the PES Group in the Committee of the Regions in his efforts to bring at grassroots level a loud and clear message about a strong social Europe that leaves no one behind", he added.

"If we really want to enforce territorial cohesion, we need to better connect people within Europe", tells Michel Delebarre to the European Parliament 

European Parliament, Brussels, 8 September 2011

The President of the CoR Commission for Territorial Cohesion (COTER) and Mayor of Dunkirk (PES/France) represented today the CoR at the discussions of the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism on the draft report of Mathieu Grosch (EPP/Belgium) on the European Commission's White Paper - Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area.

Michel Delebarre welcomed the fact that the EP draft report takes up some important points of the relevant CoR opinion such as the call for intermediate objectives as part of a longer monitoring process. The opinion, drafted by Socialist rapporteur Antonio COSTA, Mayor of Lisbon (Portugal), was adopted unanimously at the CoR June 2011 plenary session.

However, the President of COTER pointed out that the EP draft report lacks ambition in several essential issues such as the internalisation of external costs, where the CoR explicitly called for harmonised taxation across all modes of transport. Furthermore, he regretted the EP rapporteur's preference for co-modality rather than a drastic modal shift, which is defended by the CoR.

"We need to encourage a modal shift from road to rail, provide efficient mobility solutions and link the peripheral areas", added Michel DELEBARRE, who is also the CoR rapporteur on a Single European Railway space.

M. Delebarre further criticised the lack of reference in the EP rapport to the post-2014 budget and the effective integration of transport funds within it. He argued that those funds should remain part of the structural funds, which would allow for an integrated and decentralised approach regarding transport. What is more, he proposed Eurobonds as innovative instruments to finance the transport infrastructures required to establish the trans-European transport networks (TEN-T).

Michel Delebarre finally underlined the need to further elaborate the concept of urban mobility plans, (including the CoR proposal for a blue flag scheme for urban areas with low levels of pollution and congestion) and initiatives in the maritime transport sector (i.e. motorways of the sea).

"We need proactive policies to provide decent and affordable housing for all", argues Alain HUTCHINSON

Brussels, 5 July 2011

With only one vote against, members of the ECOS commission adopted today the draft own-initiative opinion by the Member of the Brussels-Capital Regional Parliament on A European agenda for social housing. "Decent and affordable housing and living conditions are a fundamental human need, and a basic human right" said the rapporteur reminding that, as statistics show, the challenge of ensuring housing for all is still immense in a number of countries.

The own-initiative opinion of the former State Secretary for housing and energy of the Brussels-Capital Region (1999-2004) and former MEP (2004-2009) aims at contributing to the creation of a European agenda for social housing, by making the voice of local and regional authorities – those who are in many cases responsible for formulating and implementing social housing policy - heard in the political debate. Underlining the potential positive interaction between European policies and housing policies, Alain Hutchinson pointed out:"Whereas social housing is first and foremost a social policy issue, the overlapping of several EU policy areas and its impact on housing cannot be ignored, this is why we need to promote an integrated and comprehensive approach to the issue".

The rapporteur called for new financial instruments currently under development, such as European project bonds for funding infrastructure and the forthcoming mutual investment fund, to explicitly allow for investment in affordable and decent housing. He also urged for a study on the issuing of specific European social housing bonds. In addition, existing options, such as the use of European structural funds for marginalised groups, especially in disadvantaged areas, need to be better explored. "A variety of housing solutions needs to be developed to meet the variety of needs", he concluded.

In his draft opinion, the rapporteur identifies a series of key political areas, affecting social housing and linked to the Europe 2020 strategy: the prevention of and fight  against poverty and social exclusion; social innovation, demographic change and cohesion;  energy efficiency;  services of general economic interest to competition policy as well as economic and financial stability. However, during the vote in commission, the conservatives expressed the view that the current European rules capping public deficits do not endanger the provision of social housing to their citizens, considering that, despite the current crisis; no action is needed in this area. Likewise, they do not see the point of any kind of legislation ensuring EU-wide housing rights for citizens.

It is worth reminding that in 2010, the CoR adopted an own-initiative opinion on Combating poverty and homelessness, drafted by PES rapporteur Tore HULT, Vice- President of the municipal council of Alingsås (Sweden).
Moreover, the PES Group continues throughout 2011 its communication campaign called  'A roof over our heads', focusing on social housing and launched in November 2010.

"Industry policy should play a key role as driver for growth", argues Patxi Lopez

Brussels, 5 July 2011

Responding to one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, ECOS members expressed their unanimous support to the draft opinion of the President of the Basque Government (Spain) and PES member of the CoR on an Integrated Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Era. "We need to make sure that Europe does not fall behind in the globalisation era", stressed Patxi LOPEZ in his introductory remarks. "The process of boosting our industry to make it competitive at global level must therefore be compatible with economic and social development and respect for the environment", he added.

In his draft opinion, the Socialist rapporteur underlines the importance of a coordinated response through European policies that actively involve the local and regional level. "Many local and regional authorities have already built up skills and experience in the field of industrial development and of other policies that are directly related to competitiveness; this is why we need to make better use of their experience and create synergies between their grassroots knowledge and other levels of knowledge", he pointed out. In this context, the rapporteur also emphasises the need to better address the existing imbalances amongst regions across the EU.

Patxi Lopez also underlined the important role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and stakeholders in Europe, stressing that EU public policies should focus on the 'think small first' principle and take SMEs' needs into account. "We can only be competitive if our SMEs are competitive", he pointed out.

Another essential point of his draft opinion is to encourage people to develop the skills required for globalisation through re-skilling and re-training. The rapporteur also opts for a horizontal approach to growth that moves beyond sector-specific considerationsand calls for the better use of existing financial instruments, such as the European Globalisation Fund as well as new forms of public-private cooperation.

Last but not least, the rapporteur suggests the implementation of a follow-up and evaluation procedure, providing a regular update on milestones achieved in implementing industrial policy. In this context, he calls for qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure development in industrial policy, covering aspects such as job creation, competitiveness, sustainable development and progress regards innovation. 

The draft opinion is scheduled for adoption at the October 2011 plenary session.

  • Read the text of the European Commission communication on An Industrial Policy for the Globalisation Area, COM (2010) 614

"On transport policy, Regions and cities need to make their voices heard when it comes to transport policy", argues Antonio COSTA

Brussels, 30 June 2011

In the presence of Siim KALLAS, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Transport, members of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) adopted today by unanimity the draft opinion of the Mayor of Lisbon (Portugal) on a Roadmap to a single European Transport Area, responding to a European Commission's White Paper. "As mayor of a major European capital who believes that the future of sustainability relies on more efficient, cleaner and sustainable cities and regions, I see the White Paper as a fundamental guiding map in terms of the transport sector for present and future generations", said the Socialist rapporteur.

In his draft opinion, the mayor of Lisbon considers that the proposed 10 main goals for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system (aiming at achieving a 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2050) are too ambitious and too long-term oriented. He therefore recommends setting intermediate milestones and targets as part of a larger monitoring process and stresses the need for regional and local authorities to have concrete guidance and a clear framework on midterm assessment criteria.

According to the rapporteur, the future Single European Transport Area needs to "provide better access and promote mobility for people within Europe, while linking the continent with the Mediterranean and the Atlantic area as well as the EU's external boarders and its outermost regions".

Another important tool to shape the Single Transport Area is adequate infrastructure. To this effect, Antonio COSTA proposes to concretely finance infrastructure projects with the help of European loans and Eurobonds. In this context, he regrets that the White Paper barely addresses the issue of budgetary and non budgetary resources in EU transport policy and infrastructure, pointing out that the White Paper's objectives can only be fully realised if the appropriate funds are in place. 

Having defeated a series of amendments aimed at weakening the overall message of the text, the rapporteur succeeded in introducing an important PES Group amendment that calls on the European Commission to introduce co-financing for so-called urban mobility plans, a view already adopted by the CoR in response to the Commission's Action Plan on Urban Mobility (PES rapporteur: Albert BORE).

  • Read the text of the European Commission White Paper: Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area – Towards a competitive and resource efficient transport system, COM(2011) 144
  • Read the European Commission Communication on an Action Plan on Urban Mobility, COM(2009) 490

"Sustainable water management is about providing access to water for all", says Nichi VENDOLA

Brussels, 30 June 2011

In response to a request by the Hungarian Presidency,  the Committee of the Regions adopted today by overwhelming majority the draft outlook opinion of the President of the Puglia Region (Italy) on the role of regional and local authorities in promoting sustainable water policy.

"Access to water for all is an inviolable universal human right that we need to guarantee and preserve for future generations", said the rapporteur in his introductory speech, underlining the importance of a multilevel-governance approach to this issue and, in particular, the role of regional and local authorities.

The rapporteur points out that regional and local authorities all over Europe face different problems related to water, ranging from droughts  to floods and insists on the need to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of the water cycle, share experiences and promote a sustainable approach to the daily management of water resources.

In this context, he also highlights the importance of well-functioning public services that provide access to water, deal with licensing issues, manage infrastructures and define service standards:  "Water is a public asset and, as such, cannot be governed by market forces or competition rules", stresses Nichi VENDOLA.

The rapporteur also proposes a renewed policy on water pricing, based on the principle that "not only those who pollute, but also those who waste water must pay for it."

He further underlines the need to promote an integrated approach to water management and to better link water policies to other sectors, such as energy, agriculture and transport.

During the discussion in plenary, the PES group in accordance with the rapporteur succeeded in introducing an important amendment that proposes 20% targets for water savings, recycling and re-naturation, as an extension of the EU's existing 20-20-20 targets on climate change. The opinion now also contains an important call to include water issues within the scope of the Covenant of Mayors. The opinion will feed into the review process of EU water policy that the European Commission will carry out by 2012, as part of the 'Resource Efficiency' flagship initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy.

It is worth noting that a referendum was held in Italy on 12-13 June, putting to the citizens' vote four crucial questions, two of which referred to water. The overwhelming majority of voters expressed their wish for water to continue being considered both a public good and a public service.

"Regional and local authorities are best placed to meet local and regional employers' needs ", stresses Henk KOOL

Brussels, 30 June 2011

The draft opinion by the Member of the Executive Council of the City of Den Haag (Netherlands) on the Agenda for News Skills and Jobs, responding to one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy was unanimously adopted by the members of the Committee of the Regions.

"In my draft opinion, I advocate the incorporation of a stronger local and regional dimension in the new skills and jobs policy and justify this by highlighting the scale of the challenge that exists at local and regional level across the EU", explained the rapporteur and PES Group coordinator with the CoR Commission for Economic and Social Policy (ECOS).

The rapporteur suggests the establishment of a framework that would tackle specific local and regional problems and would propose tailored solutions. "What is needed is a more localised approach to strategic planning in terms of labour market profiling, forecasting and policy interventions", he points out, adding that, while the proposed EU Skills Panorama is welcome, a more local/regional form of this tool would act as a strong complement in terms of identifying skills mismatch and incentivising investment in response to local demand.

The opinion also calls for the services already provided by many local and regional authorities on skills and jobs to be explicitly acknowledged in the Flagship.
"It is about bridging the gap between the world of education and work", says the rapporteur, providing a series of examples for local and regional action, such as: more flexible school curricula, adult literacy and numeracy and lifelong learning strategies; improved conditions for job creation; social dialogue with local partners on labour and employment policies; regional centres of excellence for tomorrow’s jobs; and actions on the future supply of workers in key sectors.

Out of the 15 amendments tabled to this opinion, the rappporteur succeeded in defeating those of purely national interest. He also succeeded in introducing an amendment that asks for an assessment of the budgetary impact of the measures proposed, as well as an amendment asking to maintain sheltered employment for vulnerable groups, which are those suffering the most on the labour market from the consequences of the economic and financial crisis.

  • Read the text of the European Commission Communication on New Skills for New Jobs COM 2008 (868)

"Integration of climate change must be a top priority of the EU budget", points out Ilmar Reepalu

Brussels, 30 June 2011

The draft outlook opinion of the President of the CoR Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE), on Integrating the issue of climate change in the future EU budget responding to a request from the European Commission in view of its proposal on the EU's financial perspectives 2014-2020, was unanimously adopted by the members of the Committee of the Regions. "The key message of my draft opinion is that climate change needs to be mainstreamed as a major consideration and condition in all EU policy areas and programmes", stressed Ilmar REEPALU.

The socialist rapporteur and Mayor of Malmö (Sweden) considers climate action an important element linked to several aspects of the Europe 2020 strategy. He underlines that such action can have positive impacts in terms of economic development, green jobs and quality of life, and it can contribute to achieving the overall goal of social and territorial cohesion.However, the outlook opinion highlights that investing in climate friendly actions requires significant long-term financing as the transition to a low carbon economy will require a focus on investments, such as energy efficiency, (including in buildings), renewable sources of energy or clean transport for a more efficient use of resources.

In this context, Ilmar Reepalu underlines that, instead of asking for specific funds for climate change, it is important to refer to existing instruments and sources, including the structural funds and the funds for agriculture and rural development. "Mainstreaming means reprioritising existing policies to promote sustainability, while recognising that the same action can and should pursue different objectives at once", he explains, encouraging also innovative funding approaches, such as public-private partnerships. According to him, it is vital to sensitise policy-makers to the challenges and opportunities arising from climate change since he firmly believes that climate change mitigation and adaptation can only be successfully addressed when all levels of government are involved and when local and regional authorities have their say.

A number of amendments by PES members, in agreement with the rapporteur were adopted, calling, among other things, for a strengthening of the Covenant of Mayors and underlining the important role of structural funds in supporting research and innovation to fight climate change.

Research and innovation at local and regional level crucial for a stronger Europe of greater solidarity, argues Claude Gewerc

Brussels, 30 June 2011

Adopted unanimously by the plenary session of the CoR, the opinion of the President of the Picardy Regional Council (PES/France) responds to the European Commission's Green Paper about a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation funding. This framework will cover the current Framework Programme for Research (FP7), the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), while bringing together the current funding instruments and programmes. "EU innovation policy must be supported by a strong scientific base and robust industrial policy" underlines Claude GEWERC, who calls for synergies between research, innovation and cohesion policy, not least at regional level, and underlines the strong regional dimension of clusters.

The socialist rapporteur addresses in particular the need to give the EU a world-competitive science base, able to tackle through innovation major challenges such as climate change, resource efficiency, energy and food security, health and an ageing population. He also insists that easier access to funding through simpler procedures is crucial for the attainment of this aim.

Funding remains the key issue of the draft opinion and the rapporteur urges for greater consideration of innovation and research in the EU budget, underscoring the inadequacy of the current Community research budget of just 4%.

However, it is worth noting that in the new EU financial perspectives, adopted by the European Commission on 29 June, 80 billion euros are allocated to research and innovation for the period 2014-2020, compared to 60 billion in the previous programming period (2007-2013). Funding will be further increased through the Structural Funds. 

  • Read the European Commission Green paper: From Challenges to Opportunities: Towards a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation Funding COM(2011) 48 final
  • Read the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions: A Budget for Europe 2020

 

Europe's Coming Energy Revolution: Who is in Charge?

Brussels, 16 June 2011

In cooperation with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), the PES Group held its second seminar in the lunchtime cycle on Sustainable Europe, focusingon 'Europe's Coming Energy Revolution'. Key speakers were PES/CoR Group member Neil SWANNICK, member of Manchester City Council (UK), and Gerd HARMS, independent consultant with Enertrag, a supplier of sustainable energy and former CoR/PES Group member.

The overall aim of the debate was to discuss what role local and regional authorities play in the current and future energy scenarios, how the element of decentralisation of energy production, distribution and consumption can figure into the equation, and how to best identify other existing and new players. In his introductory remarks, Neil Swannick stressed that the current energy scenario represents a good opportunity to put multilevel governance to the test since the energy revolution will challenge the cooperation between various actors and levels of governance, as well as different generations and groups of people.

Both speakers agreed that the change in the composition of the current energy mix – conventional fuel, solar, biomass and wind - affects citizens' everyday life and local and regional authorities are first in line to reconcile the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with security of supply and affordable prices. In this context, Neil Swannick underlined that local authorities are asked to contribute to reduce energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, adapt citizens' behaviour and offer new jobs and skills. On the basis of his experience in waste management at local level, he considers that citizens could be empowered by taking up the role of so-called 'prosumers', that is, producers and consumers, making active choices and thereby feeding back into the overall system.

Presenting the perspective of a supplier that operates in the field of renewable energy, Gerd Harms focused on ways to generate sustainable investment into renewable energies. One important point he raised was the fact that investment depends on transparent information on the financial return, based on a clear legal framework which gives long-term stability both for investors and consumers.

Concerning the role of the European Union, both speakers underlined the need to promote an integrated energy future by using existing infrastructures and grids and providing appropriate funding opportunities for renewable energy projects implemented at local and regional level, for example through the  structural funds. Neil Swannick also favoured an EU wide regulation on a carbon tax.

Reacting to questions from the floor, both speakers agreed that the energy question was closely linked to the concept of social responsibility when it comes to the access to affordable energy solutions, not least in relation to sustainable and energetically viable housing for poorer people.

The overall political message was that local and regional authorities and a strong public sector are urged to face up to the energy challenge and cooperate with private actors, in particular at a local and regional level, in order to bring about an energy revolution which benefits all.

 

Join the "Change Europe" appeal

Brussels, 14 June 2011

On 10 June, the S&D Group in the European Parliament launched an appeal that protests at the calling into question of the fundamental values of solidarity, social justice, equal opportunity and sustainable development, threatened by an ideologically conservative conception of economic governance. The appeal urges for progressive policies, focusing on productive public investments, an equitable tax system that is rebalanced towards less taxation of work income and more taxation of capital income, and a tax on financial transactions.
"Europe is not in a good shape. We are faced with the threat of renationalisation of important policies and are lacking a shared vision on Europe's future. That is why I very much welcome this progressive wake-up call", said acting PES Group President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ.

The appeal has already been signed by a large number of major, progressive political, academic and trade union personalities, including the President of the S&D Group Martin SCHULZ, the President of the Party of European Socialists Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN as well as the Co-Presidents of the Greens/EFA Group in the European Parliament Rebecca HARMS and Daniel COHN-BENDIT.

Lacombe opinion on mobility of local and regional authority staff unanimously adopted by the EDUC commission

Brussels, 9 June 2011

EDUC members expressed their overwhelming support to the own-initiative opinion of the  Vice-President of Puy-de-Dôme General Council (FR/PES), on European and international mobility for local and regional authority staff. "Local and regional authority staff are in close contact with both the public and elected representatives, this is why their role in putting across the European message could be boosted by making mobility part of their continuous training via temporary secondments to other local authorities", said the rapporteur, commenting on the pertinence of an own-initiative opinion on this issue.

Mireille LACOMBE notes that European and international mobility of local and regional authority staff facilitates the implementation of the European acquis, contributes to cohesion and fosters cooperation amongst local and regional authorities, which is a powerful engine for territorial development. Amongst the measures proposed are: "mobility meetings", organised by the European Commission in cooperation with the CoR; a European Commission information campaign on the added value of the mobility of local and regional authority staff; an urgent request to maintain the financial support for local and regional authority staff mobility in the EU's new financial perspectives; and a European exchange programme for civil servants and other staff working for local and regional authorities.

 

"Improving accessibility and mobility should be top priority for the new EU transport policy", stresses Antonio COSTA

Brussels, 19 May 2011

COTER members adopted by overwhelming majority the draft opinion of the Mayor of Lisbon (PES/Portugal), responding to the European Commission's White Paper on a Roadmap to a Single European Transport Area.
"Transport affects citizen's everyday life in many ways, this is why an efficient and sustainable transport policy beyond national borders is vital", underlines Antonio Costa.

The European Commission's White Paper sets out a comprehensive strategy for a competitive and resource-efficient transport system aimed at increasing mobility, removing barriers in key areas and fuelling growth and employment. The proposals also seek to reduce Europe's dependence on imported oil. The 10 European Commission goals include halving conventionally-fuelled cars in cities, a higher use of sustainable low carbon fuels in aviation and a relevant cut in shipping emissions as well as a shift of medium distance intercity passengers and freight journeys from road to rail and waterborne transport.

In his draft opinion, the PES rapporteur welcomes the European Commission's objectives, but criticises its long-term vision for being "too forward looking". "We need to set short-term interim goals as part of a larger monitoring process in order to provide effective guidance to national, regional and local authorities", he argues.

According to Antonio Costa, the future Single European Transport Area needs to better link people within Europe. "We must establish fairer access conditions across European regions and provide transport links to all main cities, for example by combating the fragmentation of the European rail market and the adoption of intermodal transport solutions", he insists. The rapporteur emphasises the importance of ports and airports and underlines the need to better link Europe with the Mediterranean and the Atlantic area, the East and the West, as well as the EU's external boarders and its outermost regions. One important tool to shape the Single Transport Area is an adequate infrastructure. In his draft opinion, Antonio Costa proposes to concretely finance infrastructure projects with the help of European loans and Eurobonds.

Another key element of the White Paper is Urban Mobility. In this context, the rapporteur welcomes the establishment of Urban Mobility Plans, a key demand that was initially put forward by a previous CoR opinion drafted by PES member Albert BORE (UK). Out of the 58 amendments tabled, the rapporteur took on board a series of constructive ones, many of them tabled by Bernard SOULAGE (PES/FR), focusing on the so-called concept of internalisation of external costs, on co-modality and services of general interest and also asking for consistency between cohesion and transport funds.

The draft opinion will be adopted in the CoR June plenary session.

RADIO INTERVIEW
"The Committee of the Regions is an important tie between local, regional and European level", underline Mercedes BRESSO and Michel DELEBARRE

Brussels, 18 May 2011

In an interview broadcasted by the French radio station Eur@dioNantes, CoR President Mercedes BRESSO (PES/Italy), and COTER President Michel DELBARRE (PES/France), discuss the role of the Committee of the Regions and the contribution that the regional and local level can make to the European project.

"Over the past years, especially after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the role of the Committee of the Regions has grown stronger", underlines Mercedes BRESSO, highlighting that this corresponds to the need to better communicate Europe at regional and local level. "It is vital to explain to the citizens how closely European legislation affects their daily lifes", she says, giving the example of the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC), a legal tool promoted by the CoR and aimed at simplifying the rules for delivering cross-border infrastructures and public services to citizens.

Michel DELEBARRE, comments on the overall need for the EU to develop its capabilities for astronger European disaster response, which was the theme of one of the CoR opinions adopted at the plenary. "More than ever, Europe needs to give prove of its capability to citizens", stresses Michel Delebarre, insisting on the need for an integrated and coordinated approach at European level.  Referring to his experience as Mayor of Dunkirk, a seaport which hosts 20% of the annual European maritime traffic - including dangerous freights, Michel Delebarre reiterates his conviction that "Issues of European proportions require European solutions".  

"Differentiation by quality maximises the added value of the EU's agricultural products", stresses René SOUCHON

Brussels, 12 May 2011

CoR members adopted today the draft opinion of the President of the Auvergne Regional Council (France) on the proposed European Commission Regulation on agricultural product quality schemes.

"The quality of the EU's agricultural products is a major added value of the Common Agricultural Policy and one of its key assets", underlined the coordinator of the PES Group coordinator within the CoR commission for Natural Resources (NAT). In his draft opinion, he makes several concrete recommendations aimed at promoting these products both within the EU and - through a system of geographical indicators - on the international market.

The CoR rapporteur insists on a balanced division of the economic activity on the EU territory, based on differentiated models of development. "It is indeed through the differentiation on the markets that the least favoured rural areas can maintain an agricultural production, by relying on the existing quality system", he argued. "Farming in the most disadvantaged regions must cope with various restraints, such as climatic conditions or production costs", he said, while pointing out that many such regions have made quality the watchword for their farming economy, thus creating invaluable local added value. René SOUCHON gave the example of mountain products, which contribute sustainably to the economic development, spatial planning and environmental protection and should therefore be recognised within the EU quality system.    

The opinion further calls for the promotion of so-called 'low-food-mile systems' - encouraging the geographically shortest production, processing and marketing chains - and of 'direct selling' by small-scale producers on local markets: "These systems restore a strong link between producers and consumers, by anchoring the products in their region of origin", explained the rapporteur, who is proposing to create a new logo for local products that provides transparent information for consumers. He also clearly states that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) should be excluded from the specifications for quality signs.

From the 22 amendments tabled to the draft opinion, the rapporteur succeeded in  negotiating the adoption of only those that improved the substance of his opinion.

Resolution on impact of revolutions in the Mediterranean adopted unanimously by the CoR

Brussels, 12 May 2011

CoR members adopted today a text jointly submitted by all political groups, sending a strong political message as to the urgent need for both an immediate and a long-term coordinated response on behalf of the European Union to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Southern Mediterranean. "If Europe is really built on solidarity and cooperation, we need to express this solidarity in facts, not just words", pointed out Claudette ABELA BALDACCHINO (Malta), taking the floor on behalf of the PES Group.

The CoR calls for a shared European response to the challenges of migration and the current refugee problem, expressing solidarity with the peoples of North Africa in their fight for societal, economic and political reform as well as with those EU Member States and local communities that are most affected by uncontrolled migration flows.

"Both in the immediate response to the crisis and the long-term response, we call for a strong commitment of all levels to the principle of burden-sharing, based on a fair allocation of operational and financial responsibilities", said PES Group member Michael COHEN (Malta), underlining the need to involve local and regional authorities in the elaboration and implementation of burden-sharing action plans.

Regarding the long-term response, the resolution calls for the review of the current asylum legislation, the development of a comprehensive common migration and asylum policies and an enhanced role of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) and of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM).

All 5 PES amendments, calling for the respect of fundamental human rights and of the Schengen acquis, which guarantees the free movement of citizens within EU borders, were adopted.  
On the other hand, EPP amendments strongly opposing the principle of burden-sharing and a more precise definition of 'mass immigration influx' were finally rejected.

The text of the resolution will be transmitted to the Presidency of the European Council, which will discuss the migration issue at its meeting on 24 June.

Jean-Louis DESTANS questions criteria for the reform of EU state aid rules on Services of General Economic Interest

Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions, Brussels, 12/05/2011

Taking the floor on behalf of the PES Group, the President of the General Council of the Eure (France) responded today to the intervention of Joaquin ALMUNIA, European Commission Vice-President in charge of Competition, who gave an overview of the challenges currently facing the efficient delivery of Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI) and their compatibility with internal market rules.

The Commissioner also presented the key objectives that will govern the new package of rules, which will enter into force in January 2012 to replace the current framework put in place in 2005 (known as the 'Monti-Kroes package').

"By consulting the CoR on the reform of state aid rules on SGEI, you make a first promising step to involve local and regional authorities which are the engine of public services", said Jean-Louis Destans, welcoming the first ever visit of a Competition Commissioner to the CoR and stressing that the new package should respond to European citizens' expectations in times when they are hit hard by the crisis and need public services more than ever.

Jean-Louis Destans expressed the PES Group's concerns over the European Commission's choice of legal basis for its new package, that is, Article 106 of the Lisbon Treaty, which subjects to competition rules undertakings entrusted with the operation of SGEI. The CoR rapporteur highlighted instead the pertinence of Article 14, which foresees the co-decision procedure for the definition of principles and procedures governing the SGEI.

Other contentious issues for the PES Group are the measurement of the efficiency of SGEI, whichbelongs to the awarding local and regional authorities and is beyond to the remit of the European Commission, and the Commission's excessive focus on tendering procedures. "This could be in violation of Protocol No 26 on Services of General Interest and is indicative of the Commission's blind faith in tendering procedures on the one hand, and unjustified lack of trust in the management of local and regional authorities on the other", pointed out Jean-Louis Destans.

Mr Destans welcomed Commissioner Almunia's proposal to extend beyond social housing and public hospitals the scope for SGEIwhich do not affect trade between Member States and are therefore exempted from notification. However, he was critical of the proposal to add population as a criterion for defining the size of the public authorities which provide SGEI not relevant for the internal market.

It is worth noting that the CoR appointed today PES Group First Vice-President Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ rapporteur-general on the European Commission Communication on the 'Reform of the EU State Aid Rules on Services of General Economic Interest'. His opinion is due for adoption on 30 June 2011.

"We need to promote SME-friendly public procurement", stresses Henk KOOL

Brussels, 11 May 2011

Henk KOOLWith only one abstention, CoR members adopted the draft opinion of the Member of the Executive Council of the City of Den Haag (Netherlands), which responds to the European Commission's Green Paper on the modernisation of EU public procurement, a politically highly relevant dossier.

"EU public procurement rules, already in existence since 1972, have grown to become fragmented, expensive and too complex - especially for Small and Medium Enterprises", argued the rapporteur explaining that this is partly due to detailed jurisprudence both at Member State and European level.

Henk KOOL highlights the importance of SMEs for the economy and their contribution to employment, underlining the need to ensure that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) do not miss out on public sector contracts because of the complexity of the procedure.

In his draft opinion, the rapporteur addresses a series of points for the improvement of EU public procurement law, including simplification of existing procedures and codification, flexibility, the guarantee of transparency and the prevention of conflicts of interests, the efficiency of competition in procurement markets, a facilitated bidding procedure across intra-European borders for SMEs and clearer contract conditions.

Henk KOOL insists on the access for SMEs to procurement procedures, proposing a public procurement passport for SMEs. "Such a passport system is already in operation in my city, The Hague", he pointed out explaining that it is a certificate replacing various standard documents that companies are always required to submit in the case of procurements. "This is how we can make a major contribution to reducing red tape and the financial burden for SMEs", he said.

At the same time, the opinion addresses the importance of public procurement procedures for local authorities, making a number of recommendations which aim at increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of public spending.  Furthermore, it underlines the need to encourage innovation, social procurement, sustainability and environmental protection through public procurement.

The rapporteur took on board one amendment, which aimed at further improving the system of the passports. Attempts by ALDE members to weaken the progressive approach of the text, namely by deleting a reference to social and environmental criteria in public procurement contracts, as well as attempts by some national delegations to weaken the definition of 'cross-border' activities, were rejected. 

"We need to put forward an integrated approach to water policy" urges Nichi Vendola

Brussels, 5 May 2011

The draft outlook opinion of the President of the Puglia Region (Italy) on the role of regional and local authorities in promoting sustainable water policy was adopted quasi-unanimously by the members of the ENVE commission. 

"Access to water for all is an inviolable universal human right that we need to guarantee now and preserve for future generations", stressed Nichi VENDOLA, pointing out that the key concern is how, in times of climate and demographic change, and given growing water consumption, a sustainable management of water resources can be achieved.

As part of the "Resource Efficiency" Flagship Initiative of the Europe 2020 strategy, the European Commission will carry out a review of EU water policy by 2012. In this context, the Hungarian Presidency of the EU has asked the Committee of the Regions to elaborate an outlook opinion, the recommendations of which will be forwarded to a High level conference organised by the Hungarian Presidency in June.

"I am aware of the fact that different European regions are faced with completely different problems related to water, ranging from scarcity on the one hand and excess on the other", underlined the rapporteur. According to him, adaption measures have to take into account the different geographical, economic and social characteristics of the region.

In his draft opinion, he stresses that local and regional authorities need to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of the water cycle and play a crucial role both in the prevention of risks related to extreme events as well as in the development of a sustainable approach to the daily management of water resources.
In this context, the rapporteur highlights the importance of well-functioning public services that provide access to water, deal with the concessions to use it, manage infrastructures and define service standards. "I am proposing a renewed policy on water pricing: not only those who pollute, but also those who waste water should pay", he explained to ENVE members.

The rapporteur further underlines the need to promote an integrated approach to water management and put forward new models of governance that affect the entire range of policies related to water, such as energy, agriculture and transport. He also calls for the promotion of innovative solutions, also by creating better synergies amongst the partners present on the ground, such as institutions at various levels and social partners.
"Working on this key topic from the perspective of a region suffering from water scarcity and listening to different points of view and concerns from other parts of Europe has been a real learning experience for me and one of the rare moments of true happiness in my political life", said Nicki Vendola when presenting his draft opinion to the ENVE commission.

35 amendments had been tabled to this draft opinion, many of which were accepted by the rapporteur. On several sensitive aspects, the rapporteur proposed compromise solutions to take account also of different situations regarding water issues in regions from different geographic areas in Europe.
Given the animated debate and the crucial concerns of all local and regional authorities in the area of water management, further amendments are to be expected for the June plenary.

Read the draft CoR opinion
available on the CoR website in all EU languages (under reference EDUC-V/008)

Working together or drifting apart? Challenges for EU cohesion policy

Brussels, 26 April 2011

The PES Group launched in cooperation with the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS) the first in a series of lunch debates with the theme of Sustainable Europe. The debate focused on the European Commission's 5th Cohesion Report and subsequent response of the Committee of the Regions. 'Cohesion policy is the EU's human public face that can be understood by all citizens', underlined in his introductory remarks the CoR rapporteur on the 5th Cohesion Report Michel DELEBARRE, Mayor of Dunkirk and Member of the French Parliament.

The debate, moderated by Mark ROGERSON, was led by Michel Delebarre and Péter BALÁZS, former EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Professor at Central European University (Budapest, Hungary). Speakers agreed that all too often the real benefits of cohesion policy, a policy funded by the EU, are little or even not known to people. Nonetheless, the excellent results achieved so far are not to be underestimated.

Concerning the two key issues highlighted in the 5th Cohesion Report, namely competitiveness and convergence, Péter Balázs noted their importance in the light of the last enlargements. He also underscored the need to agree on common standards as different Member States, and even regions within them, have different starting points when it comes to competitiveness. Michel Delebarre drew attention to existing cases of growth distortions within the same region and called for the creation of an intermediate category of regions with a GDP of 75-90%, which would make some 50 EU regions eligible to EU Structural Funds. "This new category would not require supplementary cohesion funds but the redistribution of those no longer used by regions having exited from 'Objective 1', therefore no longer lagging behind", he explained, stressing the necessity of equipping such intermediate regions with an adequate strategy to overcome their difficulties.

Both speakers, as well as the overwhelming majority of the participants, agreed that GDP cannot be the sole indicator for eligibility for Structural Funds. They urged for complementary indicators such as those quantifying poverty, social exclusion, early school leaving, (female) unemployment or environmental sustainability,. They also added that quantifying even social distortion could be envisaged in the near future. Michel Delebarre went on to point out that, even regions with high GDP are not spared from social challenges requiring focused action. The importance of the urban agenda was also highlighted by the discussants.

The overall political message that came through loud and clear was that cohesion policy continues to be highly relevant in a European Union of 27 Member States and it therefore needs to be maintained, further developed and modernised by continuing working together.

"The EU is faced with a strategic choice when it comes to Turkey's accession", argues Bernard SOULAGE

28 April 2011

Bernard SoulageIn an article published in the French Newspaper Le Monde on 22 April and co-signed by French Green Member of the European Parliament Hélène FLAUTRE, the President of the CoR's Working Group on Turkey Bernard SOULAGE (PES Group/France) underlines the important role that Turkey plays as an interface between Europe and the Middle East. "By ignoring Turkey's candidacy for EU membership, Europe risks missing a major opportunity to become a weighty interlocutor in the Mediterranean and on the international scene", he warns.

"In the context of the uprising in several Arab countries, the real question is whether the European Union has the courage to affirm its common history with Turkey and to transmit a strong message to the Southern Mediterranean countries", points out the Vice-President of the Rhône-Alpes Regional Council. He goes on to stress that a  democratic Turkey in the EU, that is, a country that is economically dynamic, politically independent and with strong regions, can be a vital source of inspiration for those countries that are currently experiencing an important transition towards strengthened democracy and human rights. The authors of the article consider that Europe needs to take on its responsibilities and keep its promise of democracy to a country that, in return, needs to deepen its democratisation process. The authors therefore urge to continue opening new negotiation chapters with Turkey during this year. 

Finally, the PES member reminds that, "even if some Member States, in particular France, are rather opposed to Turkey's accession to the EU, this accession would mean that Turkey becomes the link between the West, which risks becoming increasingly introvert, and a turbulent young North Africa that admittedly has a long way to go but without which, the EU will have no future".

The EDUC commission adopts quasi-unanimously the opinion of Claude GEWERC

Brussels, 14 April 2011

With just one vote against, EDUC members adopted the report of the President of Picardie Regional Council (PES/France), responding to the European Commission's Green Paper about a Common Strategic Framework for EU Research and Innovation funding. "Funding research and innovation is a key issue for Europe's cohesion, as well as the future of our regions and cities", underlined the rapporteur, noting the added value brought by the expertise of local and regional authorities with regard to the complex relationship between research, innovation, and economic, social and environmental development.  

According to the rapporteur, strengthening research and innovation fosters the development of EU regions and cities and constitutes the best way of addressing economic, and most particularly, industrial change.  

The rapporteur highlights the need for EU innovation policy to be supported by a strong scientific base and robust industrial policy. He calls for synergies between research, innovation and cohesion policy, not least at regional level, and underlines the strong regional dimension of clusters. Funding remains the key issue of the draft opinion and Claude Gewerc urges for greater consideration of innovation and research in the EU budget.

Read the draft CoR opinion
available on the CoR website in all EU languages (under reference EDUC-V/014)

Read the European Commission's Green Paper

CoR President Mercedes BRESSO contributes to the debate about European Socialist, social democratic and progressive values

Mercedes Bresso on our Values from PES_Party of European Socialists on Vimeo.

Brussels, 8 April 2011

"It is not our values that need to be changed, but the way we interpret them", points out Mercedes Bresso in a video commentary filmed within the context of a broad debate launched by the Party of European Socialists (PES). "The values of freedom, justice, democracy, or social progress will never lose their relevance but we must rethink the language and tools we use to take them forward", underlines the Socialist President of the Committee of the Regions.

COR President Mercedes Bresso stresses the need to nourish these values with hope rather than fear, insisting on the key role of young people in the renewal process that the PES has launched in an effort to reverse election trends across the EU. She also points to solidarity as a pivotal means for Socialists, Social Democrats and Progressives of taking people out of the crisis.

The PES, together with its member parties and organisations are undertaking a far reaching exercise in rebranding their message to people today across Europe. The aim is to reconnect to the citizens and regain their confidence in social democracy. The so-called PES Progressive Societies project will lead to the PES declaration of principles in late 2011. Four major themes are being discussed within the process: our values, an analysis of today’s society and the individual's place in society, a new growth model, and Europe in the world.

"Cohesion policy post 2013 must have adequate resources to address persisting imbalances between and within EU regions", stresses Michel DELEBARRE

Brussels, 1 April 2011

After the discussion of some 110 amendments on a topic that revealed divergent points of view amongst political groups and national delegations, the draft opinion by the Mayor of Dunkirk and President of the COTER commission was adopted by an overwhelming majority by the CoR plenary. The opinion constitutes the CoR official position on the European Commission's 5th Report on Economic, Social and Territorial Cohesion, which assesses economic, social and environmental progress achieved so far through cohesion policy and proposes ways of addressing challenges post 2013. "Globalisation, unemployment, demographic ageing, climate change and energy dependence, together with the impact of the financial and economic crisis, are putting cohesion policy under increased pressure", pointed out the PES rapporteur.

Michel Delebarre makes concrete proposals concerning the architecture of cohesion policy, the relationship of this policy with the Europe 2020 Strategy, its implementation and finally, the simplification of rules governing its management.

The rapporteur supports the proposal for a  new intermediate category for regions whose GDP is between 75% and 90% of Community GDP, in order to limit the effect of the threshold of 75% of EU GDP and to guarantee equal treatment of the concerned regions. This system is intended to replace the current phasing-out and phasing-in system. Furthermore, he insists on the necessity to maintain the European Social Fund (ESF) in cohesion policy, and calls for the definition of a minimum percentage at EU level for the distribution of Structural Funds.

Furthermore, Michel Delebarre insists that GDP is not sensitive enough to measure social and sustainable development, as well as well-being. Building on Vicente ALVAREZ ARECES' (PES/Spain) previous opinion on moving beyond GDP, he urges for indicators other than GDP in the future programming period not only for evaluating EU-funded projects but also for adapting aid intensity among intermediate regions.

Despite the numerous amendments tabled, the rapporteur succeeded in finding clear majorities on all of them without compromising the essence of his opinion.

'Citizen's day-to-day needs are at the core of the internal market',
reminds Jean-Louis DESTANS

Brussels, 1 April 2011

CoR members adopted by a large majority the opinion of the President of the General Council of the Eure (France) on a Single Market Act. In his draft opinion, the rapporteur stresses that existing imbalances in the European Commission's three-pillar approach to the internal market (consisting of an economic, a social and a governance component) need to be more clearly addressed. "The concept of a Single Market Pact - which brings together all the EU institutions, the Member States, their local and regional authorities, European citizens and their businesses - needs to pave the way for building a highly competitive social market economy", stressed the rapporteur.

Because the debate of his draft opinion at ECOS commission level had evidenced strong political divide, the rapporteur had tabled a series of important amendments to improve the quality of the text. All were accepted by the CoR Plenary.

In particular, he argues that the 'European Commission needs to better prioritise its numerous proposals and refocus them on citizens' daily concerns'. He therefore proposes 'an initial package of measures on access to core services, aimed at restoring the confidence of European citizens into the internal market.' 

The rapporteur also succeeded in introducing via amendments to his text important references to social services of general interest, to the implementation of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base and to transparent tendering procedures.

Finally, highly contested amendments tabled by EPP members aiming at deleting the reference to public services and concessions as well as to eurobonds were rejected.   

"The post-2013 European Social Fund must be implemented through a regional differentiation of measures", insists Catiuscia MARINI

Brussels, 1 April 2011

Adopted by unanimity, the outlook opinion of the President of the Umbria Region (Italy), makes the case for a future European Social Fund (ESF) with a strong territorial dimension. "In the next programming period, the ESF must retain its characteristics as a structural fund, and thus remain a key instrument under European cohesion policy", argued the PES rapporteur.

Catiuscia Marini stressed that the ESF should be targeted at all citizens, with a view to empowering people to have access to better jobs and qualifications, protecting income and enhancing social safety.  

The rapporteur underlined that the ESF should target all citizens, but argued against the implementation of the fund through national programmes alone, with little or no regional differentiation of measures. "It is important to take account of the real needs of stakeholders and regions, which are indispensable to effective planning of the measures", she pointed out.

She went on to defend the active involvement of regional and local authorities - alongside the Member States and the European Commission - in negotiations on setting investment priorities and allocating resources for the territorial pacts, which could be "instrumental in strengthening the territorial dimension, in accordance with the subsidiarity principle and the implementation of multilevel governance, which embodies the positive values of better governance enshrined in the Lisbon Treaty".

The CoR rallies behind the PES Group and issues a strong resolution about the natural catastrophe and nuclear disaster in Japan

Brussels, 1 April 2011

The Committee of the Regions adopted today by overwhelming majority a resolution initiated by the PES Group and tabled by jointly by all political factions on the lessons for the EU from Japan's nuclear disaster. Despite divergent views on nuclear energy across and within political groups, the adoption of the resolution constitutes an important step in the attitude towards nuclear energy by local and regional authorities across the EU. "More and more people have come to realise that nuclear energy is not only the most hazardous form of energy but also the most expensive one", underlined PES Group President Karl-Heinz KLÄR, noting the colossal costs of nuclear waste storage and the hidden cost of insurance against nuclear incidents, including nuclear pollution and melt-downs.

Hermann KUHN, PES Group coordinator within the CoR Commission for the Environment, Climate Change and Energy, expressed the sympathy and solidarity of CoR members with the people of Japan and the victims of the natural and nuclear disasters. He also noted the broad consensus amongst CoR members on the need to address four key points: make nuclear power stations as safe as possible through regular inspections based on common standards; be fully prepared for a nuclear accident; gradually reduce the dependency on nuclear energy through the development of sustainable sources of renewable energy; and last but not least, make nuclear safety a European task.

Despite some isolated voices criticising the text of the resolution for being "too emotional" and even "populist", or those attempting to argue in favour of nuclear energy as a way to reduce  the EU's dependency on oil and gas from unstable countries, the CoR agreed on a strong message, stressing the need to address nuclear safety for existing and future plants, not only from an EU cross-border perspective, but also involving countries neighbouring the EU.

'We need to address persistent inequalities in a more ambitious way', urges Christine CHAPMAN

Brussels, 31 March 2011

With only one vote against, the CoR voted the opinion of the Member of the National Assembly of Wales (UK), on the European Platform against poverty and social exclusion.
Responding to one of the seven flagship initiatives of the European Commission, the opinion stresses the importance of the territorial dimension to poverty. 'The place where people live has a big role to play in influencing the likelihood of them living in poverty, and this is a reality that local and regional authorities see on the ground on a daily basis', stressed the PES rapporteur.

'The real test is, whether the flagship makes any difference on the ground', warned Christine Chapman, pointing out that the onus very much rests on local and regional authorities and other stakeholders to drive forward an agenda for change, working in partnership.

She also warned about the underlying assumption that economic growth was seen as the best route out of poverty. 'This goes against the evidence of the last 10 years, where Europe saw economic growth whilst at the same time poverty levels persisted or increased. Instead, we need to move towards a more equitable, more socially just and sustainable way of living and working', she concluded.

The rapporteur took on board all 10 PES amendments, which aimed at further improving the substance of the text. Attempts by Swedish EPP and ALDE Members to weaken it, namely by deleting references to concrete action in the field of social inclusion, to the EU social housing policy as well as to the promotion of sustainable economic activities and the take-up of a minimum income, were defeated.   

"Third-country nationals legally working in the EU must be treated on an equal basis as EU citizens", argues Graziano Ernesto MILIA

Brussels, 31 March 2011

CoR members adopted by an overwhelming majority the opinion of the President of the Province of Cagliari (Italy), which responds to two European Commission proposals for directives concerning third-country nationals working in the European Union. "The current situation does not provide an appropriate level of legal certainty neither forthoe workers concerned, nor for their colleagues from within the EU, but rather, creates the preconditions for illegal work", warned the PES rapporteur.

One important element of Graziano Milia's opinion is the proposal to extend the right of residence for third-country nationals in the EU from 6 to 9 months.  The rapporteur further stresses that the two directives should empower local and regional authorities to be more involved in the administration of the migration flows. "Local and regional authorities provide individuals with a wide range of services, such as social security, employment and healthcare. Therefore they directly or indirectly contribute to the quality and level of legal migration in the EU", he pointed out.

All five PES amendments that had been tabled with the aim to further strengthen the social dimension of legal migration and the need for a coordinated European approach to the issue, were warmly welcomed by the rapporteur and endorsed by the CoR plenary.

Online Banner Button - 150*56pxPES Group members contribute to the European Commission consultation on financial sector taxation

Brussels, 31 March 2011

PES Group members reiterated today their full support to the campaign launched by the Global Progressive Forum (GPF) and the Europeans for Financial Reform, calling for the swift introduction of a financial transaction tax (FTT). "Ordinary citizens have so far paid three times for the financial crisis: through huge bank bailouts, massive job and pension losses, as well as austerity budgets and drastic social security cuts", pointed out Javier MORENO SANCHEZ, GPF Secretary General, who urged PES Group members to take part in the European Commission consultation on this issue.

The PES Group has been fully associated to the FTT campaign from the very start and has now agreed also to contribute to the consultation, despite the highly technical nature of the questions asked and their availability in just one language, English. "The European Commission barely hides the fact that the consultation is primarily addressed to stakeholders from the financial sector but in the end, they will have to hear us out", stressed PES Group President Karl-Heinz KLÄR, who reminded members the importance of making those who caused the crisis pay for their recklessness.

"Local and regional authorities need to rely on long term financing programmes and plans, and the introduction of an FTT would put a stop once and for all on short term speculative activities on the financial markets", he added.

Coordinated by Henk KOOL, PES Group coordinator on social and economic policies, a common response to all 57 questions of the consultation, covering the Financial Transactions Tax, Financial Activity Tax and Bank Levy, is being elaborated. To maximise the impact of progressive local and regional authorities, PES Group members were encouraged to submit in addition their individual responses to the consultation.

It is worth noting that a major breakthrough on the introduction of an FTT was achieved earlier this month with the adoption by the European Parliament of the Report on Innovative Financing by Anni PODIMATA MEP (S&D Group, Greece). Despite strong calls by the European Parliament for the introduction of an FTT at global, or at least EU level, the European Commission, through its member in charge of Taxation and Customs Union Algirdas SEMETA, continues to argue that it is "too early to decide whether we should have an FTT at EU level".

The deadline for a reply to the European Commission is 19 April 2011. All responses will be published on the website of the PES Group.

Upcoming CoR Plenary session – What is on the agenda?

Brussels, 30 March 2011

The March Plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, taking place in Brussels on 31.3.2011-1.4.2011, will be dominated by opinions drafted by PES rapporteurs.

There are five PES Group draft opinions on the agenda. Michel DELEBARRE, Mayor of Dunkirk (France), will present his draft opinion on the 5th Cohesion Report, followed by Catiuscia MARINI, President of the Umbria Region (Italy), and her draft own-initiative opinion on the Future of the European Social Fund. 

Members of the CoR will also discuss the draft report on the European platform against Poverty by PES Group Christine CHAPMAN, Member of the National Assembly of Wales (UK). Furthermore, the plenary will examine the draft opinion of Jean-Louis DESTANS, President of the General Council of the Eure (France), on a Single Market Act and the one by Graziano Ernesto MILIA, President of the Province of Cagliari (Italy), on Seasonal workers and intra-corporate transfer.

Last but not least, the President of the CoR, Mercedes BRESSO (PES/Italy) will present, together with CoR First Vice-President Ramón Luis VALCÁREL SISO (EPP/ Spain) the CoR draft opinion on the EU budget review. 

PES Group President Karl-Heinz Klär and CoR President Mercedes Bresso address the PES Leaders

Athens, Greece, 4-5 March 2011

Economic governance and progressive answers to the crisis, the PES political strategy and fundamental values, and a debate on the situation on North Africa were the key items on the agenda of the two-day event, hosted in Athens at the invitation of Greek PM George Papandreou. Represented by its President, Karl-Heinz Klär, the PES Group gave a strong message, underlining that local and regional authorities are in the front line when it comes to managing the social consequences of the crisis, and calling for due consideration of this aspect. The presence of CoR President and ex-officio PES Leader Mercedes Bresso further reinforced this message.

Taking also the floor at the debate on North Africa, Karl-Heinz Klär urged the PES not to miss the opportunity to establish a strong link with the progressive forces in the region. He reminded PES Leaders that in the 60s, European Socialists and Social Democrats left the progressive nationalist movements in Africa and the Middle East to the communists, and neglected to become a significant political force in the area.  'Our task now is not to repeat the mistakes of the past', stressed Karl-Heinz Klär.

The PES issued a declaration on North Africa, emphasising the role of opposition political forces in ensuring a smooth transition to democracy and guaranteeing freedom and pluralism. “Europe is in the wrong hands” -Our alternative to a Conservative Europe: a strategy for jobs, fair growth and social progress was the key declaration of PES Leaders concerning economic governance and the PES progressive alternative to ‘austerity only’. The documents makes concrete proposals on how to generate new and fair growth, create new jobs and deliver true social progress, achieve more effective public spending and finally, handle the public debt in the eurozone and develop its economic pillar in a fair way.

  • Read the PES Declaration on European economic governance and the way out of the crisis
    Read this document in English FR
     
  • Read the PES Declaration on North Africa
    Read this document in English

President of the Committee of the Regions strongly criticizes a nearsighted perspective on the future budget

European Parliament, Brussels, 2 March 2011

Mercedes Bresso represented today the PES Group at the Hearing of the European Parliament's S&D Group on the Added Value of the EU Budget. "From a regional and local point of view, the budget plays the function of a strategic control lever", she explained. 'By ensuring on the ground the access to funds, the principle of co-financing is not only favouring a broad mobilisation of public and private resources, but is also – as a consequence of the multiannual programming – supporting local and regional public authorities to improve their long-term investment strategies and their planning capacities.'

The hearing was an opportunity for President Bresso to express major concerns of the CoR on the incoherent position of the European Commission: 'I strongly criticise that the debate on the budget post-2013 is centred on the principle of fair return, which is exclusively based on quantitative national indicators. In particular, the Commission's position refers only to macro-economic indicators (such as the public finances and the GDP), but does neither mention the return of EU investments for the real economy nor those complementary indicators, that had been proposed by the Commission itself in a communication of 2008.' Bresso also remarked that 'the added value of the budget is currently analyzed only for the national level, but neither for the regional or local level', reminding however that 'it is mainly on those levels that the costs of less Europe and the benefit of more Europe show their real impact".

She concluded by stressing the main priorities of the PES Group in the CoR on this issue, namely: a refusal of re-nationalisation of community policies and structural funds (such as the European Social Fund); the promotion of an inclusive approach based on a strong cohesion policy (opposed to weak sector approaches); and, finally, the need for a revised EU budget based on authentic own resources. 

'We must help Tunisia become the first tangible example of democratic transition in the area', stresses Karl-Heinz Klär

Meeting of the Presidency of the Party of European Socialists, Brussels, 24 February 2011

Representing the PES Group in the CoR within the PES Presidency, President Klär underlined today the need for the PES political family to provide all the necessary support to Tunisia on its way to democratisation. His call was welcomed by participants, in particular Mustapha BEN JAFAR, Leader of the Democratic Forum for Labour and Liberties (FDTL) party, the PES main partner in Tunisia. Mr. Ben Jafar was invited to the meeting by PES President Poul Nyrup RASMUSSEN and gave an overview of the situation in his country.

'We need a concrete proposal for action for Tunisia, taking into account its specificities', stressed Karl-Heinz Klär, explaining that a one-size-fits-all PES strategy for the countries fighting for democracy in Northern Africa would jeopardise their efforts. Mustapha Ben Jafar confirmed Mr Klär's approach, emphasising the different starting points for each country in the area. He also stressed the need for the EU to seriously reconsider its development policy and to open a frank communication channel with democratic parties in his country.

The PES Presidency adopted a Statement on 'Democratic transition: Tunisia, Egypt and beyond', highlighting the important role of the PES vis-à-vis the EU’s action in the region and proposing a concrete Action Plan in this direction.

»  Read the Statement of the Party of European Socialists

The winners of the 2011 SOLIDAR Silver Rose Awards

This year's ceremony for the SOLIDAR Silver Rose Awards, is taking place on 1st March, in the European Parliament in Brussels. The Awards, launched in 2000 and structured around three categories – European, International, Lifetime Achievement - are an annual event that celebrates individuals and organisations contributing to social justice and solidarity in Europe and throughout the world.

The 2011 winners are the Latvian Trade Union of Health and Social Care Employees (European Category), the Labour Education Foundation, Pakistan (International Category), and French lawyer and former French Minister for Justice Robert Badinter (Lifetime Achievement).

» For more information, please go to www.solidar.org

President of Asturias Álvarez Areces calls on Commissioner Hahn to break the GDP monopoly as the sole indicator for the post-2013 structural funds.

Brussels, 15 February 2011

President Areces met Johannes Hahn, Commissioner in charge of Regional Policy, to present the CoR opinion on 'Measuring Progress – GDP and Beyond', which had been unanimously adopted by the CoR Plenary in October 2010. Vicente Alvarez Areces strongly insisted that a comprehensive set of environmental and social indicators is urgently needed to complement the GDP in order to accurately assess economic performance and social progress.

Vicente Alvarez Areces underlined that progress cannot be identified only through macro-economic growth as GDP. "We must take into account other factors such as life expectancy, the unemployment rate, the degree of social cohesion or the level of greenhouse gas emissions in order to establish a more complete and meaningful way of measuring prosperity, well-being and quality of life in the EU", he explained to Commissioner Hahn. Both agreed on the fact that European regional policy needs to be maintained as a key political priority, especially in the context of the Europe 2020 strategy, thus avoiding the risk of renationalisation. President Areces regretted that the 5th cohesion report was defending GDP per capita as the sole indicator to measure progress and subsequently determine eligibility for structural funds.

A few weeks ago, however, Janez Potocnik, Commissioner in charge of Environment, had stated in a meeting with President Alvarez Areces that 'GDP shows how well the engine is working but does not show what kind of resources it uses, how much it spends and what its impact is'. Such divergent views are indicative of a lack of consistency within the European Commission on the role of GDP in future policies.

The most obvious contradiction consists in the announcements of the priorities of the Europe 2020 strategy by the European Commission on the one hand, and their practical implementation on the other, which has followed the same method of eligibility as in the previous programming periods. The present situation illustrates a move away from what the European Commission itself had advocated in its own Communication on 'GDP and Beyond' released in August 2009 in the context of the Stiglitz-Fitoussi-Sen commission. This Communication had set out five actions to better measure progress, one of which was to complement GDP with environmental and social indicators. It also comes in sharp contrast with the text of the CoR opinion, which makes concrete proposals on the development of complementary indicators for measuring welfare, well-being and quality of life in the EU.

At the invitation of Catiuscia Marini, President of Umbria, the Committee of the Regions will dedicate an external seminar taking place on 29 April 2011 in Perugia to continued analysis of the role of territory-sensitive indicators beyond GDP within the future EU regional policy.

 

CIVEX members adopt unanimously Graziano Milia's opinion on Seasonal Workers and Intra-Corporate Transferees

Meeting of the CoR Commission for Citizenship, Governance, Institutional and External Affairs, Brussels, 10 February 2011

Responding to two European Commission proposals for directives, the draft opinion by the President of the Province of Cagliari (Italy) calls for a stronger legal protection of third-country nationals working in the European Union. "Only by providing a clearly defined legal framework, can legal migration of third-country nationals and decent working conditions go hand in hand", stressed the rapporteur to CIVEX members, urging for appropriate monitoring mechanisms in order to avoid the abuse or evasion of rules.

As part of a wider package of measures in the field of legal migration, the European Commission proposes to create a common procedure for entry and residence of seasonal workers from third countries in the EU and to establish clear entry and residence conditions for third country nationals when they are transferred within their company to an EU member state. The first proposal of directive addresses issues such as a simplified entry procedure based on common definitions and criteria, a standard seasonal work time limit of 6 months per year throughout the EU and legal provisions applying to working conditions of seasonal workers. The second proposal focuses on rules for skilled third-country national workers who are working in a multinational company outside the EU and are temporarily transferred to branches in EU Member States.

In his draft opinion, the rapporteur stresses the key role of local and regional authorities in managing migration on the ground and providing basic services to migrants such as health, education or housing and regrets that this role is not duly acknowledged in the European Commission proposals.  'The involvement of local and regional authorities is crucial if we want to prevent and combat discrimination, exploitation and de-humanisation of seasonal migrant workers", he underlined.  The draft opinion also considers such involvement necessary when it comes to defining the volumes of admission of third-country-nationals to a particular territory.

The rapporteur states that a better definition of those sectors that are concretely covered by the communication is needed. In this context, he proposes to extend the right of residence for seasonal workers (in particular those of the construction sector) in the EU from six to nine months per calendar year.

Regarding intra-corporate transferees, Graziano Milia suggests to make use of labour market tests, which check whether a post could not be filled from job-seekers in the EU labour market. He also calls for a clear reference to the right of Member States to refuse an application on grounds of public health, public policy or public security.

The opinion was adopted unanimously in the CIVEX Commission but, given the sensitivity of the issues addressed, it cannot be excluded that some amendments may still be tabled for the CoR plenary of 31 March-1st April.

"Single market policies must restore citizens' confidence in the EU", points out Jean-Louis Destans

Meeting of the CoR Commission for Economic and Social Policy, Brussels, 9 February 2011

The draft opinion of the President of the General Council of the Eure (France), responding to the European Commission Communication on a Single Market Act, gave rise to a lively political debate at the ECOS meeting held on 9 February 2011 as it put forward a strong political message by advocating that the European social model should be defended and that there should be no antagonism between economy and society. "Agreeing on a Single Market Act is proving to be a crucial political move for the future and its core aim should be to bring citizens closer to the European project by defending a social market economy", stressed the PES rapporteur. 

The European Commission Communication, addressing all market participants (companies, consumers, workers and local authorities), proposes concrete measures aimed at further strengthening the single market by boosting growth, competitiveness and social progress.  Key priorities of the Communication include better access to finance for SMEs, improved online-commerce for consumers and a smoother recognition of professional qualifications for workers.

In his draft opinion, the rapporteur supports the 3-pillar approach put forward in the European Commission Communication, that is, the economic, social and enhanced governance strands. However, he strongly criticises existing imbalances in the internal market. "In order to really take into account citizens' concerns, the three pillars on which the single market is anchored must move forward at the same speed and be structurally better linked with the Europe 2020 strategy", he insisted. 

The PES rapporteur argues that the Commission needs to better prioritise its numerous proposals and refocus them on citizens' daily concerns.  In this context, the rapporteur underlines the crucial role of local and regional authorities in re-launching internal market measures.

During the discussion of the 65 tabled amendments, key PES political concerns such as a clear reference to the provision of services of general interest and a call for a stronger legislative approach to concessions proved divisive. The draft opinion was adopted by overwhelming majority but the rapporteur intends to present a number of amendments for further improvement of the text for the upcoming CoR plenary session.

"Economic growth does not automatically drive people out of poverty ", argues Christine Chapman

Meeting of the CoR Commission for Economic and Social Policy, Brussels, 9 February 2011

Members of the ECOS commission adopted by overwhelming majority the draft opinion of the Member of the National Assembly of Wales (UK), responding to the European Commission's Communication on the European Platform against Poverty, one of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy. 'Addressing poverty is what got me interested in politics in the first place', said the PES Group rapporteur, referring also to the particular needs of her constituency, where pockets of deprivation are not uncommon.

The European Commission Communication includes key actions such as the promotion of innovation in social policy, the effective use of EU funds (e.g. the European Social Fund), better social protection and services as well as the creation of new partnerships. The overarching aim is to reduce poverty and social exclusion by at least 20 million by 2020. To this effect, Member States will implement National Reform Programmes and report their progress annually to the European Commission.

In her draft opinion, Christine Chapman welcomes the clear reference that the Communication makes to the territorial dimension. "Local and regional authorities are indeed directly driving forward the fight against poverty because they deal with the problem on the very ground", she underlined. However, the rapporteur also stresses the need for a more explicit reference to the concept of territorial pacts, to the role of NGOs and stakeholders as well as to the national reform programmes elaborated within the context of the Europe 2020 strategy. She also urges for a more ambitious approach when it comes to child poverty.

The PES rapporteur insists that the Committee of the Regions should underline the fact that the European Platform and the EU structural funds are not just delivery vehicles of Europe 2020 but have a broader mission to contribute towards the attainment of social and territorial cohesion, as stipulated by the EU treaties. Christine Chapman also warns against the dangers of attempting to fight poverty through a narrow focus on macro-economic targets, pointing out that, despite evidence of economic growth in the last years, poverty, inequality and high unemployment levels persist, not least amongst young people.

The rapporteur took on board all 7 amendments by PES Member Mia DE VITS, which underline the importance of an explicit reference to the Charter of Fundamental Rights and the horizontal social clause, the need for a minimum low income for the most vulnerable groups and the role of the social economy and special employment schemes.

Attempts by an EPP member to delete a clear reference to social housing from the text were rejected by ECOS members, not least through the intervention of Belgian PES member Alain HUTCHINSON, future rapporteur on an own initiative opinion on social housing.

The draft opinion will be adopted by the CoR plenary of 31 March-1st April.

Read more » 

Karl-Heinz KLÄRPresident Karl-Heinz Klär calls for the immediate resignation of Mubarak

Brussels, 4 February 2011

In Egypt the best forces of civil society are going on to demonstrate forcefully for freedom and democracy. The henchmen of the Mubarak regime are moving heaven and earth to suppress the freedom movement. Nobody should be mistaken, this is now a battle for live and death. If the suppressors of the Egyptian people should stay in power, oppression and revenge against the fighters for freedom and democracy will take a heavy toll.

As chairman of the PES group in the CoR I am shocked by the luke-warm reactions of the EU institutions. In Egypt a decision of world-historic proportions is in the making like in 1989. Where is the unconditional support for freedom and democracy?

I call on the US president, the EU institutions and the governments of the member states to make it massively and unmistakably clear to Mubarak & Co. to resign immediately. The democratic community of states must invite the Armed Forces of Egypt to organise together with decent and uncompromised representatives of civil society a peaceful transition to new elections and the rule of law.

I am sure, social democratic representatives of local and regional authorities all over in the EU are fully supporting the people in Cairo, Alexandria, Suez and wherever they are gathering in Egypt asking for freedom and democracy. There is no greater political idea than freedom and democracy, and it is uplifting to see how this idea set of a spark first in Tunisia, now in Egypt. Europeans and Americans, I think, have all reasons to remember their own histories and helping a peaceful revolution in the biggest Arab country to succeed.

Catiuscia MariniCOTER unanimously adopts Catiuscia Marini's outlook opinion on 'The future of the European Social Fund after 2013'

Meeting of the CoR Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy, Brussels, 3 February 2011

'The ESF must retain its characteristic of being a structural fund and its autonomy with respect to the other European funds because it is the only one that favours employability, vocational training, helping both workers and businesses', underlined PES Group rapporteur Catiuscia MARINI, President of the Umbria Region (Italy), when presenting her draft outlook opinion to the COTER commission. Members adopted unanimously the report, which was drafted upon the request of the European Commission to the CoR.

The outlook opinion emphasises the particular added value of the ESF in promoting economic growth and fighting poverty and social exclusion, as well as in contributing overall to the attainment of the objectives of cohesion policy. The rapporteur underlines the role of this instrument in taking forward the priorities of the Europe 2020 Strategy, especially in the context of the current financial and economic crisis and firmly opposes any suggestion of re-nationalisation of cohesion policies.

Catiuscia Marini stresses the ESF's particular added value in comparison to national funding resources because of its greater flexibility and the capacity to take into account the territorial dimension, which has to be strengthened in the future. Complementarities with other territorial dimension funds, in particular with the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), should also be considered. Finally, the rapporteur supports the more results-oriented approach with regard to delivery and monitoring systems and calls for the reduction of administrative burdens, for instance, through less formal procedures, more focus on achieved results and the development of success indicators in that regard. 

Ahead of the COTER commission meeting, the Socialist rapporteur had the opportunity to meet Laszlo ANDOR, EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. The member of the European Commission expressed his appreciation for the  CoR opinion and underlined, amongst other things, the necessity to maintain the Fund's current budget. 'This is necessary otherwise the credibility of our growth strategy, namely Europe 2020, will be at stake', said the Commissioner.

The outlook opinion will be adopted by the CoR plenary of 31 March-1st April under the simplified procedure.

Youth mobility requires adequate funding at European level, stresses Marc Schaefer

European Youth Day, Brussels,
31 January 2011

Presenting the main features of the 'Youth on the Move' CoR opinion adopted last week, PES Group rapporteur and CIVEX coordinator Marc Schaefer addressed today the first edition of the European Youth Day, an initiative of the European Youth Action Group, established by trainees in the European institutions. He insisted on the importance of educational rather than just employment-driven mobility and warned against the dangers of budgetary cuts in the post-2013 budget concerning European programmes related to non-university mobility.

While stressing the role of local and regional authorities in facilitating youth mobility, Marc Schaefer underlined that the need for complementary funding at European level (for instance, through the European Social Fund) and within the context of multi-level governance. Marc Schaefer underlined the importance of youth mobility for forging a true European identity and allowing for personal development and enhanced employability.

The European Youth Day was structured around two roundtables dealing with education and youth employment. Apart from Marc Schaefer, other key speakers included Katarína NEVEDALOVA MEP (S&D-Slovakia), Shadow Rapporteur on "Youth on the Move" and Vice-President of the European Youth Forum, Doris PACK MEP (EPP/Germany), Chair of the European Parliament's Culture and Education Committee, Milan ZVER MEP (EPP/Slovenia), Member of the same Committee and EP Rapporteur on 'Youth on the Move', and Nadja HIRSCH MEP (ALDE/Germany), Member of the EP Committee on Employment and Social Affairs and Rapporteur on 'Vocational Training and Education'. The event was introduced by CoR President Mercedes BRESSO, EP President Jerzy BUZEK and Androulla VASSILIOU, Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth.

Programme of the event

Read the draft Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Youth on the move »
available in all languages on the CoR website (under reference EDUC-V/8)

Read the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - YOUTH ON THE MOVE (An initiative to unleash the potential of young people to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European Union) »

Opening up railway markets must be a means to improving service to customers and the sector's productivity', stresses Michel Delebarre

Plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, 28 January 2011

CoR members adopted by an overwhelming majority the opinion of the President of the COTER commission and former French Minister for Transport (1988-1990), which responds to the European Commission's proposal for a Directive establishing a Single Rail Area, merging into one simplified and consolidated text three existing directives. Michel Delebarre stressed that behind the technical nature of the dossier, there are clear political challenges, namely the need to ensure non-discriminatory access to essential facilities, a more transparent and solid financing of railway infrastructure, effective regulation and adequate handling of environmental questions.

'Opening railway markets to competition is not an end in itself', warned the rapporteur, who emphasised the need to ensure a level playing field for all railway operators. Michel Delebarre succeeded in introducing via an amendment to his text a proposal to include in the new Structural Funds regulations an earmarking mechanism for funds allocated to sustainable transport which would give preference to the financing of sections of priority TEN-T projects as well as to urban mobility action plans. This is vital if a more balanced modal shift is to be achieved. Amendments pleading for improved interoperability amongst national railway networks and emphasising the impact of railways on territorial cohesion were warmly welcomed by the rapporteur and endorsed by the CoR plenary.

The CoR opinion regrets that the European Commission does not make any binding legislative commitments regarding the total separation of infrastructure managers and railway undertakings, while pointing out that such separation does not automatically lead to privatisation.

Last but not least, Michel Delebarre underlined the necessity for Member States to consult local and regional authorities when developing national rail infrastructure strategies and to explicitly involve them in the negotiation of agreements related to the maintenance and renewal of railway tracks.

Read the Draft opinion of the Committee of the Regions on a Single European Railway Area »
available in all languages on the CoR website (under reference COTER-V/10)

Read the ommunication from the Commission concerning the development of a Single European Railway Area »

Read the proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a single European railway area »

All young people must be able to have access to educational and/or work mobility, underlines Marc Schaefer

Plenary Session of the Committee of the Regions, 27 January 2011

CoR members adopted by an overwhelming majority the opinion of PES Group member and CIVEX coordinator Marc SCHAEFER, Member of Vianden municipal council (Luxemburg), responding to the European Commission's flagship initiative 'Youth on the move'. The rapporteur is critical of the Communication's more worker- rather than student/learner-oriented approach. 'Young people's mobility must not be only labour market driven but should also foster education and training, which are key to employability after all", he stressed.

'Youth on the move' is the first single EU-level strategy that covers both education and employment, and it is one of the 7 European Commission flagship initiatives within the framework of the Europe 2020 Strategy. Its political relevance is very high, especially against the backdrop of a global economic crisis that has heightened precariousness in the labour market, not least for young people. 

The CoR opinion defends the right of all young people to mobility, irrespective of their socio-economic background, gender or geographical handicap of their place of residence. Moreover, the rapporteur calls for the meaningful involvement of local and regional authorities in the elaboration of measures fostering youth mobility. Although he welcomes the European Commission Communication overall, he is sceptical about some particular aspects such as single, open-ended contracts for young people entering the labour market, the length of probation periods and minimum income levels specified for young people. He is also doubtful about proposals for a European student loan facility, as this may result in the commercialisation of access to mobility.

Marc Schaefer succeeded in producing on behalf of the CoR an opinion with strong political messages and a clear goal, namely, that mobility must remain a right but not obligation for young people, who should exercise it for educational and/or professional purposes.

Read the draft Opinion of the Committee of the Regions on Youth on the move »
available in all languages on the CoR website (under reference EDUC-V/8)

Read the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions - YOUTH ON THE MOVE (An initiative to unleash the potential of young people to achieve smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the European Union) »

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ

Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, new First Vice-President of the PES Group

Brussels, 27 January 2010

Meeting ahead of the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions, the PES Group elected unanimously today Karl-Heinz LAMBERTZ, Minister-President of Belgium's German-speaking Community, as its First Vice-President.

He is replacing Mia DE VITS, Member of the Flemish Parliament (Belgium), who had to step down from this position but will continue to be member of the PES Group and support its work in the CoR. A convinced European, Karl-Heinz Lambertz told PES Group members that he will work closely with President Klär to take forward the Group's political priorities and increase its impact within the CoR but also the other institutions.

Mercedes BRESSO

Decentralised communication essential in proving the EU's added value in people's everyday lives, tells Christophe Rouillon to Viviane Reding

European Parliament, Strasbourg, 18 January 2011

Representing the Committee of the Regions within the Inter-Institutional Group on Information (IGI), chared by European Commission Vice-President Viviane REDING, PES Group member Christophe ROUILLON, Mayor of Coulaines (France), intervened at the Group's meeting held in the margins of the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, France. He took the floor to convey a strong message about the necessity to make Europe accessible and concrete in the eyes of its citizens by 'going local'.

'Without a genuinely decentralised approach in terms of communication, we stand no chance of convincing public opinions about the advantages of the EU', stressed Christophe Rouillon, who highlighted the key role of locally and regionally elected representatives in this process. He also reminded VP Reding the contribution of the Committee of the Regions, alongside the other institutions, towards building a European public sphere and reiterated the CoR support to the European Commission's political and communication priorities. Following the meeting, Christophe Rouillon addressed in the name of the CoR an official letter to Commissioner Reding, reaffirming the principles on which European communication should rely and making concrete proposals in this direction.

» Read the letter from Christophe Rouillon to Commissioner Viviane REDING

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