By Camille-Cerise Gessant and Lionel Changeur
INTRODUCTION
Denmark, which holds the Presidency of the EU Council of Ministers from 1 January to 30 June, is looking to be more European than in any of its six previous presidencies. It will, of course, be responsible for coordinating how the economic and social and debt crises are handled, and above all for preparing the European Union for the decisions likely to be taken at the end of 2012 on the next financial perspectives for 2014-2020 and on reforms particularly of the common agricultural policy and cohesion policy. While Denmark intends to operate “in a focused way to create the momentum that Europe needs”, it will have its work cut out during its presidency.
Denmark, which has been a member of the EU since 1973, decided by referendum in 1992 to opt out of the Maastricht Treaty before overturning that decision one year later after obtaining four derogations. During this period of crisis for the euro, Denmark could be more of a spectator than actor in managing the crisis, as it has not adopted the single currency after a referendum in 2000 in which 53% voted to retain the krone. An opinion poll for the Dansk Bank revealed on 21 December that the Danes are more than ever against adopting the euro: 72% would definitely or probably vote against the euro, compared with 27% who would or might vote for adoption of the single currency.
Denmark has also opted out of the European, common defence policy and Union citizenship policy. Nor does it take part in European policies on immigration, asylum, counter-terrorism and serious crime. Yet Denmark has made a safe Europe, with amendments on the Schengen area, one of its priorities.
Helle Thorning-Schmidt, who became the country's prime minister in September 2011 and leads one of the EU's few Centre-Left coalition governments (Social Democrats, Social Liberal Party and Socialist People's Party), is increasingly sending signs of European integration. As a former student of the College of Bruges, married to a Briton and a member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004, she may, indeed, be described as a committed European.
Hers is the first Danish government to have a European Affairs Minister, a post held by Nicolai Wammen. And scarcely had she been appointed to the post of prime minister that Thorning-Schmidt travelled to Brussels to assure the European Commission president of her commitment to Europe.
It is her intention to hold referendums on two of Denmark's opt-outs, though she has given no further details. In her government's programme, she stated, however, that she wanted to consult the people of Denmark on taking part in judicial cooperation and in the common defence policy. That Denmark has announced that it would look at these opt-outs is a demonstration of the country's determination with regard to Europe, José Manuel Barroso has said. In 2008, the then prime minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, announced that he would hold a referendum on Denmark's opt-outs. He had to change his mind, however, after polls revealed the depth of feeling against removal of the opt-outs.
Thorning-Schmidt also reversed the plans of the previous government to reinstate controls at Denmark's borders with Germany and Sweden. She believes that freedom of movement is one of the EU's major achievements - as do 59% of her fellow-Danes, according to a Eurobarometer survey of November 2010.
Thorning-Schmidt's most difficult task, however, will perhaps be to have her fellow-citizens, who remain antipathetic towards adopting the euro, share her love of Europe. “I hope that Ms Thorning-Schmidt will persuade her compatriots that they are at home in the European Union”, Barroso says. In 2010, 35% of Danes see the EU in a positive light, compared with a European average of 38% (Eurobarometer). (CG/transl.rt)
INTERVIEW WITH DANISH EUROPEAN AFFAIRS MINISTER NICOLAI WAMMEN
“WORKING CLOSELY TOGETHER AS A GROUP OF 27”
Agence Europe (AE): Your post has just been created. What does this signify and what are your objectives as Minister for European Affairs in Denmark and within the Danish Presidency of the EU Council?
Nicolai Wammen (NW): It's the first time in Danish history that there is a permanent minister of European affairs and it's a clear sign that the new Danish government is very committed to Europe, not only during the presidency but also in general. When the prime minister, who is a former MEP, presented the platform of the government it was very clear that Europe is a very important part of the government programme.
The border control issue was the first concrete sign of a new approach from Denmark towards Europe: it was a waste of money but also a bad signal to our European friends. Therefore the statement that we want to change the Danish opt-outs by referendum and the appointment of minister for European Affairs can be seen as a clear commitment to closer relations with the rest of the EU.
My job is to be Mister Europe in Denmark and also the face of Denmark in Europe. Of course the prime minister will play an important role. And the whole cabinet is engaged in this task but I have a special responsibility as minister for Europe in this regard.
AE: Where does the Danish government stand in its resolve to organise a referendum on two of the Danish opt-outs to the Maastricht Treaty and to what does this relate?
NW: The Danish government, in its programme, states that we would like a referendum on two of the opt-outs in Defence and Justice and Home Affairs. We have said that we want to have a referendum during this government term but we have not set a date. What we have said very clearly is that it will not take place during the Danish presidency. We will put our efforts into the Danish presidency so that it is a successful presidency, so it is not a good idea to have this referendum doing the presidency.
AE: Are you afraid of the results?
NW: No, the Danish government will not be afraid by the result, but the Danish presidency will take a lot of energy in itself. One step at a time, we will get back to the referendum at the appropriate time but not during the Danish presidency.
AE: You said that the eyes of European citizens are upon you and that solutions must be found to solve their daily problems. How can the Danish Presidency restore confidence in the European Union among European citizens, including among Danish citizens?
NW: All 27 member states, the Commission and European Parliament face a lack of trust on the part of our citizens, that we have to deal with in a constructive and engaged manner. You can have as many conferences, publications, slogans as you like but, if there are not enough concrete results that change the lives of EU citizens in a positive way, they will look with scepticism at the EU. Therefore, I believe that it is very important when it comes to the single market that we make reforms benefiting consumers as well as business. Just two examples for instance: the trade on the internet which could be safer, easier, more competitive to the benefit of consumers and also roaming prices for using mobile phones where we can bring down prices and also make progress for ordinary citizens of Europe.
AE: How do you plan to make Europe more “responsible”?
NW: We want to continue the work on, for instance, the European semester, and also the “6 pack”, which member states will be implementing during the Danish presidency.
We will certainly do everything we can to support the process of the agreement of the 9 December so that it can be implemented in a way that is beneficial to you and to make sure that we get the EU back on track when it comes to the economy. There is no miracle but a lot of hard work and also implementation of the decisions already made and the willingness to take the next steps necessary to make sure Europe is going in the right direction.
AE: How can Denmark provide a strong presidency, one that leaves its mark, if it is not a member of the eurozone?
NW: I believe that Denmark could be a “uniter” in a time of crisis. We want to be a “bridge over troubled waters”. From the Danish point of view, it's extremely important that we are not divided into a club of 17 euro member states and another club of 10 outside of the euro, but that we have one European Union. If we are to solve the crisis which is the deepest since the Second World War, then we must work closely together. Therefore it will be the clear aim and purpose of the Danish government to make sure that as much as possible is done. That goes for reforms of the single market, for budget, MFF negotiations, a broad range of issues we want for the member states to come together on and also in very close cooperation with the Commission and the European Parliament. This is not a time for institutional in-fighting: this is a time for collaboration between all the positive and engaged forces of the EU.
AE: On the subject of the eurozone, you speak of a “bridge over troubled waters”. In practical terms, what do you plan to do to form that bridge between the 17 eurozone member states and the other 10, including the special case of the United Kingdom?
NW: Concretely, we have a job to do in the General Affairs Council where we can make sure that all the 27 are debating the issue. It's also very important from the Danish point of view that informal European Council meetings on growth and jobs are among all 27. It's a clear signal we are working together, we have a common agenda and it will be our approach that there are 27 national structures and the community method is the spine of the European family. I fully respect the fact that the 17 must work together and they have their meetings. They have also special responsibilities. But it is equally important to say that what goes on among the 17 has consequences for the 10 and vice versa. Therefore we must have all 27 present as often as possible.
AE: Will the non-eurozone countries continue to meet on the sidelines of the Eurogroup?
NW: There is not a formal meeting calendar. Denmark will meet with all of the other 26 member states and we have not joined the club of 10 nor do we want to see a club of 17.
AE: How can one defend the Community method when management of the crisis remains intergovernmental?
NW: That will be a challenge. I would have liked to see an agreement where the 27 countries participate within the existing European structures but it was not possible. The job now is to get an agreement with hopefully as many countries taking part as possible, and then have a pragmatic approach to using the existing EU institutions and also to engaging, for instance, the European Parliament which has already been the case, so that we make sure that, even though it is not an agreement within the EU framework but an intergovernmental agreement, the EU Parliament will play an important role on what will happen after that and I believe that it's essential for the process.
AE: How will the Presidency help the Parliament to have a special role?
NW: The Parliament already has a role in this and what we will see in the longer term, I expect, is that this agreement with time will be more and more integrated in the EU treaties in general and it is in the interest of everybody to engage the Parliament and also of course to use existing institutions to collaborate. It would be a mistake to make a dual part of institutions and rules. It would be much wiser to use the existing institutions.
AE: According to Denmark, austerity measures and economic growth are not contradictory. What can be done to stimulate growth?
NW: We see austerity measures and growth as two closely linked steps to work in a responsible Europe. We need to tighten our belts and take austerity measures and get Europe back on a more responsible financial track. But, at the same time, we need to create growth to be able to secure Europe in the longer run. We would like to use reforms of the single market and also the MFF to invest in the jobs of the future, especially for young people. I mean we have a very high unemployment rate for young people in Europe in some countries. We can see, from the Danish point of view, that reform of the single market combined with green growth and a clearer job cohesion perspective within the Multiannual Financial Framework would be very helpful in this.
AE: What do you want to do to reform the internal market?
NW: The 12 proposals presented by the Commission will be the frame for what we'll be doing. We'll work very closely with the European Parliament. I hope that we can have some first agreements with the EP on some of these issues, making sure decisions are taken as soon as possible with full respect for the procedures of the European Parliament.
AE: And what about the European patent?
NW: I hope that we can achieve results on the European patent. It would be in the interest of all the European member states and it would be helpful for business and job creation. This is high on the Danish agenda.
AE: What will you be aiming at in the talks on the next multiannual financial framework?
NW: The Danish presidency would like to direct more EU funds than today for innovation, education, science and green growth, the job of the future. We can do it in two ways, we can take funds from the agricultural policy and cohesion policy and put them into other areas and, within existing areas, we can use money more wisely when it comes to creating jobs.
AE: One of the priorities of the Presidency is a greener Europe. During times of economic crisis, is not the promotion of a greener Europe somewhat incongruous? What are the main ways to promote a greener Europe?
NW: One important way to do it will be the energy efficiency directive. We will work very hard on that during the presidency. We hope we will able to conclude it but, even if it's not possible, we will bring it as far as we can. In my opinion, green growth, green jobs will be created on a global scale, the question is not, “Will they be created or not?”, the question is, “Will they be created in the USA, in BRIC or in Europe?”. I believe they should be created in Europe. And that's why it's very high on the agenda of the Danish Presidency. We would like, of course, with the MFF to direct funds in this the direction. We also would like to do it with the energy efficiency directive. That would be a very clear contribution to a greener Europe.
DENMARK FORMS A LINK
During its term of presidency from January to end June 2012, Denmark will be promoting a “responsible, dynamic, green and safe” Europe, the catchphrase adopted by the country's centre-left ministers elected just 100 days earlier. At the age of 45, Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Social Democrat Prime Minister who heads Europe's youngest government (on average 42 years of age), hopes to prove the sincerity of their European commitment, without, however, putting the Danes' nose out of joint, given that over 60% are hostile to joining single currency.
Denmark is split between its refusal to join the eurozone, which is very unpopular, and its concern to remain anchored to the eurozone as its prosperity depends upon it. It also wants to avoid a multi-speed Europe. In this, Denmark is clearly different from the United Kingdom, the only other EU state with which it shares an opt-out on joining single currency. A referendum on Denmark's entry into the eurozone, which had been contemplated several years ago, is now to be ruled out. All the same, the country - unlike the UK - has decided to link its currency fluctuation to that of the euro. Despite the upheavals in the eurozone over the past two years, this has not been brought into question. Denmark's economic health largely depends on trade with its single currency partners.
Copenhagen is, moreover, haunted by the fear of isolation. The Danish presidency must ensure that a bridge is created between the eurozone, on one hand, which is becoming self-contained within its crisis, and, on the other hand, the 10 EU states that are not part of the eurozone. The determining role in European affairs played by France and Germany is also a matter of concern for Denmark. Margrethe Vestager, Danish Economics Minister, recently said: “Bridge building means to be a presidency listening to what people want and making sure that we're not ending up with a 'EUROPE 2', meaning France and Germany, but EUROPE 27”. “There are a number of forces that want to divide us so we should (do) everything possible to stay together”, she added. To achieve this, the government has distanced itself from London and is expected to sign up to a new budget pact being hammered out, aimed at endorsing tighter budgetary discipline among eurozone members and any others (all except the United Kingdom). Such a project, however, is not without difficulties for Denmark. Bjarne Corydon, Finance Minister, has asserted that Denmark wishes to join the budget pact, not for the sake of the euro but for the sake of the Danish economy. Denmark is opposed to any vague notion that might be put forward by the United Kingdom or the Czech Republic that the ten EU non-eurozone member states could form a coalition within a new informal body that acts as a counter-weight to monetary union headed by France and Germany. Margrethe Vestager has sought to provide assurance by saying: “We're not in any way interested in participating in a 'non-euro group'. We occasionally meet and have dinner and discuss this and that, it's not organised”.
MANAGING THE CRISIS WHILE TRIGGERING GROWTH
“And we must act together if we are to overcome the crisis”, Helle Thorning-Schmidt said on 12 January. She stressed that the “Danish Presidency will make an all-out effort during the next six months to ensure that the EU continues to produce tangible results”. She went on to say: “We aim at stimulating economic growth, creating new jobs, enhancing budget discipline, promoting green politics and ensuring the safety of our citizens”.
The Danish Presidency is expected to continue managing the economic and financial crisis as well as the sovereign debt crisis. On 9 December 2011, the European Council adopted a series of key decisions relating to tougher financial discipline. Implementation of those decisions is to be at the top of the European agenda, especially during the second half of Danish presidency. According to its official programme, the Presidency will define a solution aimed at enhancing financial and economic coordination as part of the short-term and long-term efforts to tackle the debt crisis, mainly pursuant to the international agreement for a stronger economic union and to two Commission proposals dating back to 23 November 2011 on enhanced economic cooperation. Denmark states: “We must work together in order to ensure economic stability in Europe and that growth and employment are put back on a sustainable path”. It also considers that the EU member states must consolidate their public finances and implement the necessary reforms.
In parallel to concrete crisis management, member states have strengthened common rules and the framework for coordination of economic policy. Thus, the European Union has adopted major reforms in economic cooperation, including a stronger Stability and Growth Pact, new cooperation for the management of economic imbalances, and common criteria for regulating national budgets. With the European Semester, they have strengthened the framework of those elements in the coordination of national economic policies. In addition to more rules, all the eurozone countries and six other member states, including Denmark, have agreed on a European competitiveness pact (the Euro Plus Pact).
The financial crisis has underlined the need to step up regulation and oversight in the financial sector, Denmark believes. The Presidency will seek to reach consensus within the Council with regard to the proposal aimed at revising the directive on adequacy of own funds (Directive CRD4), with a view to transposing the Basel III committee's standards into European law. Also, the Presidency will be working towards setting up a common European framework for crisis management in the financial sector, and will seek to gain consensus within Council with regard to review of the regulation on credit rating agencies. Furthermore, the Presidency plans to give pride of place to negotiation with the European Parliament on the regulation of the trade in derivatives. The Danish Presidency will also carry forward work on the rules regarding markets in financial investments, etc. (MiFID), and on the rules governing market abuse (MAR).
On the subject of the internal market, the Danish Presidency will carry forward work on reform of the European patents system, which is vital for European competitiveness and growth. It will also place emphasis on the following key areas: - a digital single market; - the social dimension of the internal market (by strengthening application of the posted workers directive, and clarifying the legal framework between social rights of workers and the exercise of freedom of establishment of companies); - public procurement; - and the internal energy market.
PREPARING A COMPROMISE ON THE MULTIANNUAL FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK
During the European Council (28-29 June, in Brussels), the Presidency hopes to present a “negotiating box” containing as few open items as possible. The Presidency acknowledges that the negotiating box will, however, contain quite a significant number of open items, such as: - figures for revenue, final figures for expenditure, distribution of expenditure for the different categories and budget lines, and also relating to some of the key issues in approximately 60 legal acts, such as distributing principles in cohesion policy and macroeconomic conditionality.
Denmark had not signed the letter from several countries calling for the current level of EU budget credits to be frozen during the years 2014 to 2020, mainly due to the Danish Presidency's approach. However, on substance, Denmark does not conceal the fact that it is one of the countries that also recommend keeping the 2014-2020 budget more or less at the same level as it is at present.
Denmark is in favour of changing the financial framework to the benefit of future spending with real added value (as foreseen under the heading “competitiveness” in the EU budget, such as research and innovation, etc.). It is also in favour of a fairer system for financing the EU budget (clear position of countries, budget rebates, etc.).
The future European budget should, Denmark asserts, reflect the need to consolidate member states' public finances while creating a new framework for growth and employment. The Danish programme reads: “The funds must be used more effectively and in a way that offers greater benefit to citizens. The EU can and must generate economies of scale through the adoption of common solutions and a future-oriented budget”. Greater priority will be given to talks on the EU's multiannual financial framework for the new budgetary period 2014-2020. Member states will seek to reach a compromise on the multiannual financial framework at the end of 2012. The Danish Presidency will seek to inject momentum into the negotiations and thereby prepare the ground for the final negotiations. It plans to take discussion as far forward as possible, especially on reform of agriculture and fisheries policies, structural policy and European programmes in areas such as research and development, energy, climate, the environment, education and external action. According to a Presidency source, “The expectation from us is that we will be providing most of the work that should take place at the level of the Council before this matter is taken to the level of the European Council … aiming at the end of the presidency to have the elements for a final compromise, (a negotiating box), but not the final compromise”. The Presidency hopes to bring the Council to partial general guidelines (on legislative texts but including amounts in brackets) in most policies relating to the 2014-2020 financial framework.
A GREENER EUROPE
Helle Thorning-Schmidt says that Europe cannot spend all its time on its budgetary discipline rules and that it is time to think about growth, about the dynamic green Europe she would like to see. For her government, this has to begin with relaunch of the single market, refusal of all forms of protectionism, speeding up the negotiations on free-trade agreements that are taking place with a number of countries (Canada, India and Japan) and, especially, with a fresh push on green policy to re-assert Europe's lead in clean energy. Her government is keen to see a directive on energy efficiency adopted that is far tougher than the current rules. The Danish Socialists do not seem to be particularly enthusiastic about the financial transactions tax (FTT), fearing its possible effects on employment.
Energy. The draft directive on energy efficiency is, then, a key priority for the Danish Presidency. The proposal makes provision for energy savings at all stages along the energy chain, from transformation to final consumption. The Presidency will work actively to achieve tangible results with a view to reaching the target of 20% energy savings by 2020 and to focusing energy efficiency efforts beyond 2020. If there is to be rational integration and use of increasing quantities of renewable energy, smart, efficient electricity grids will have to be built. The Presidency will, therefore, give priority to the proposal on energy infrastructure in the EU. With regard to the period after 2020, the Presidency will seek to ensure that the energy roadmap to 2050 stays on track in seeking to turn the European Union into a low-carbon economy by the middle of the century, to ensure stable energy supply and to support jobs in Europe. Outside the EU, the Presidency will seek adoption of the proposal on an information exchange mechanism and of a new “Energy Star” agreement, which relates to the labelling of the energy efficiency rating of office equipment, with the United States. Finally, a debate will be held within the Council on the proposal on tightening up safety rules in offshore oil and gas activities.
Environment. The Danish Presidency advocates: - 1) an economy that is efficient in terms of the environment and resources: defining the framework of a seventh EU action programme for the environment, preparing the UN conference, RIO +20, on sustainable development (June 2012), completing the revision of the rules on electric and electronic waste, ratifying the Nagoya protocol on biodiversity, continuing work on dangerous substances in surface water, and reaching political agreement on the review of the directive on the deliberate release of genetically modified organisms (the proposal makes provision for member states to be able to ban, limit or prevent the cultivation of genetically modified organisms throughout the whole or part of its territory); - 2) relationship between health and the environment: improving the effectiveness of policies on chemical products (incorporating combined effects and nano-materials, beginning discussions on the directive on the sulphur content of marine fuels, concluding work on the trade in dangerous chemical goods, continuing talks on the prevention of accidents involving dangerous substances, making progress in negotiations on international rules on mercury; - 3) ambitious climate action: the Council will be responsible for following up on decisions adopted at COP 17 in Durban and preparing for later negotiations. The Presidency intends to open debates on possible definition of benchmarks for climate action after 2020 (for example, for 2030 and 2040) to help reach the target of an 80-95% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050. The Danish Presidency will give priority to initiatives on sustainability criteria for biofuels.
Agriculture. The Council will continue work on reforming the common agricultural policy (CAP). The Presidency hopes to take forward as far as possible ministerial negotiations which will be closely linked with negotiations on the multiannual financial framework. As a result, negotiations on the reform will not be concluded before the end of 2012. The Danish Presidency suggests focusing the CAP more on how to meet new challenges and on the provision of public goods (environment, nature, organic products and climate).
The forthcoming CAP reform will have to incorporate a greening of aid and a shift to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture, Danish Agriculture Minister Mette Gjerskov told the Agriculture Council on 14 November 2011. Direct aid should go and in its place should come support for matters of public interest (environment, climate, nature, ecology), Denmark argues. The greening of aid to farmers (up to 30% of direct aid under the Commission proposal) has the backing of Denmark. It takes the general view that, over the coming years, the EU will have to reduce the amount spent on the CAP. Denmark is also unequivocal in its support for the Commission proposal on a fairer allocation of aid between the older and newer member states, even though it is a country that will see one of the largest falls in direct payments.
Denmark argues that rural development measures have to be focused on the challenges of the future: the environment, climate change and biodiversity. Europe is facing an economic crisis and a “green” crisis, Gjerskov said recently. Denmark suggests that unused crops should be used for biofuels or in the chemical industry. “More greening of the CAP will be advantageous globally and will create growth”, in Gjerskov's view.
The Council will continue discussions on the reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP). Denmark believes the CFP should be based on an ecosystemic approach and should contain environmental objectives. Making fishing an economically viable activity in the future requires sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources, the Danish work programme says. Thus, priority will be given to ending the discarding of fish at sea, along with putting in place a system and more selective catching gear. A management system through catch quotas and fully documented fishing must, therefore, be built into the reform, in Denmark's view. The reform should also address: - simplifying the rules; - a balance between the size of the fleet (fishing capacity) and fishing opportunities; - the regionalisation of decision-making; - adaptation of the common market organisation for fisheries products to international developments. Denmark also believes that the new financial instrument in fisheries should encourage the realisation of the objectives of a reformed common fisheries policy, through the application of the principles of sustainability and conservation of fish stocks and through promoting innovation in the fisheries sector.
FOREIGN AFFAIRS: DENMARK EMBRACES ENLARGEMENT
Denmark may not have a great deal of influence on foreign policy. Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, the permanent representative of Denmark to the EU, has said: “We're well aware that the EU now has Herman Van Rompuy and Catherine Ashton, so we won't be setting out specific presidency priorities in this regard”. European Affairs Minister Nicolai Wammen asserts the Presidency will be “supportive” of the European External Action Service and the High Representative in order to be able to speak with a single voice and ensure predictability of EU relations with its neighbourhood. The Presidency will also be more consistent when it comes to action taken at the European and national levels. Wammen explains that one of the Presidency's main objectives is to promote EU cooperation with its strategic partners and support the reform efforts being made by its neighbours.
The Danish Presidency places emphasis on enlargement, which it considers as a true priority and an important part of its work. Wammen stresses that the Danish Presidency has six months of hard work ahead of it and that this is a top priority for the government. He said the Presidency wants to be the “honest broker”, working with everyone and achieving results. Villy Soevndal, Foreign Minister, went on to add that he hoped there would be more enlargement during the coming decade.
The Presidency's attention is on Iceland. Without saying that it is a priority, one Danish diplomat points out that the two countries are very close, both historically and culturally. The Presidency hopes to go as far as possible in talks but cannot ensure that all chapters are opened by end June. “Iceland's negotiations are progressing more quickly. Iceland is already applying many parts of the acquis, so some chapters will just open and close again. But fishing will pose problems further down the line”, explained Transholm-Mikkelsen.
One of the Presidency's aims is to open accession talks with Montenegro by the end of its term of office in June 2012. Although Denmark supports candidate status for Serbia, which is possible in March, it remains cautious about progress made during the next six months, underlining that the opening of talks under Danish Presidency is first and foremost a political issue.
The Presidency trusts it will be possible to move forward in negotiations with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, as long as there is progress on the name issue. It will also keep an eye on Croatia's continuing reform programme.
Copenhagen hopes to take talks forward with Turkey, setting a positive agenda in place. Denmark supports the opening of new chapters, on condition that an effort is made on Turkey's side also. “No accession negotiations have been opened for over a year, so I am not promising stellar progress”, warned Tranholm-Mikkelsen.
The European development policy priorities of the Danish Presidency are to continue along the course begun by the Polish Presidency. Denmark's Development Minister Christian Friis Bach underlines that the fight against poverty is a key priority. Review of this policy and negotiation on development funding instruments for 2014-2020 will be two of the top Presidency priorities. It is also likely to be under Danish Presidency that the Council will decide on allocating funds paid out to the governments of developing countries, and also decide on the management of those funds. The Parliament and Council are expected to examine the proposal to establish a European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps. During the next six months, the Commission will present a report on progress accomplished to ensure consistency of policies in the service of development, to be discussed in Council.
The Danish Presidency will also work in favour of active and constructive participation on the part of the EU at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (“Rio+20”) in order to obtain ambitious, development-related results.
Under Danish Presidency, the official negotiation process for a free trade agreement with Japan is due to be triggered, and Denmark would like to bring to a conclusion the talks begun in June 2007 with India. It also hopes to develop bilateral trade agreements with Canada and Tunisia.
Another aim of the Danish Presidency is to strengthen market access for the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China), and the new emerging economies, including talks on a free trade agreement with Brazil and the other Mercosur nations. It hopes to possibly begin talks on an investment agreement with China, too. The Presidency underlines the need for managing EU accession to free trade agreements with Colombia/Peru and Central America and the need to implement such agreements.
The Presidency will make a special effort to conclude talks on review of the Generalised System of Preferences. This relates to preferential access granted by the EU to its market for development countries and also progress on Bilateral Investment Treaties (BIT). (CG/AN/transl.jl)
POLITICAL CALENDAR OF DANISH PRESIDENCY OF COUNCIL OF MINISTERS OF EU
January
11-12 Meeting between the Danish Government and the College of Commissioners of the European Commission (Copenhagen)
12-13 EU-US Senior Officials Meeting (Copenhagen)
16-18 Workshop on civil protection (Copenhagen)
16-19 European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg)
18-19 Opening conference of the 2012 European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between Generations (Copenhagen)
23 Eurogroup meeting (Brussels)
23 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)
23-24 Opening workshop for EU climate negotiators
24 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Brussels)
26-27 Informal meeting of JHA Council (Copenhagen)
30 European Council
30 Foreign Affairs Council (Brussels)
31 General Affairs Council (Brussels)
February
1-2 Mini plenary session of the European Parliament (Brussels)
1-3 Informal meeting of competitiveness ministers (Copenhagen)
2-3 Conference on smart borders (Copenhagen)
2-3 Conference on future meat inspection (Copenhagen)
7 Conference on Energy Roadmap 2050 (Brussels)
10 Education, youth, culture and sport (Brussels)
13-16 European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg)
13-14 Seminar on combating child pornography on the internet (Copenhagen)
14 Energy Council (Brussels)
16-17 Seminar on e-justice
17 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Council (Brussels)
20 Eurogroup (Brussels)
20-21 Competitiveness Council (Brussels)
20-21 Thematic workshop on climate finance (Copenhagen)
21 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Brussels)
23 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)
23-24 Meeting of Heads of Medicines Agencies (Copenhagen)
27-28 Foreign Affairs Council (Brussels)
27-28 European high-level conference: A Single Digital Market by 2015 - A driver for economic growth and jobs (Copenhagen)
28 General Affairs Council (Brussels)
March
1-2 European Council (Brussels)
5-6 Conference on accessibility and participation (Copenhagen)
6-7 Meeting of Directors General for Fisheries (Copenhagen)
8-9 Justice and Home Affairs Council (Brussels)
8 European Competition and Consumer Day
9 Environment Council (Brussels)
9-10 “Gymnich” - Informal ministerial meetings (Copenhagen)
12 Eurogroup
12 International conference on countering terrorism and improving human rights (Copenhagen)
12-13 Seminar on a multi-disciplinary approach to combating organised crime (Copenhagen)
12-15 European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg)
13 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Brussels)
14-16 Meeting of the Competent Authorities Medical Devices (CAMD) (Copenhagen)
14-15 Seminar on combating anti-microbial resistance (Copenhagen)
15-16 Conference on the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU (Copenhagen)
16 External Trade Council (Brussels)
16 High-level conference on development aid policy (Copenhagen)
18-21 Youth Conference (Sorø, Denmark)
19-20 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)
19-20 Sportvision2012 Conferences: Volunteering/Fitness doping/Financing & Health (Copenhagen)
19-21 High-level seminar on compliance and compliance risk management in Customs (Copenhagen)
19-20 Conference on HIV in Europe (Copenhagen)
20-21 Meeting of Directors General for Youth (Sorø)
21-23 International conference on research infrastructures (Copenhagen)
21 First meeting of the Troika Directors General (Copenhagen)
22-23 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Brussels)
22 Defence Council (Luxembourg)
23 Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
22-23 Conference on collective redress in a European perspective (Copenhagen)
26 General Affairs Council (Brussels)
28-29 Mini plenary session of the European Parliament (Brussels)
30-31 Informal meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Copenhagen)
April
2-3 Meeting of Directors General for Higher Education (Copenhagen)
12-13 EU Chief Dentist Officer meeting (Copenhagen)
12-13 EU Chief Medical Officer meeting (Copenhagen)
12-13 EU Chief Nursing Officer meeting (Copenhagen)
16-19 EWEA (European Wind Association) 2012 (Copenhagen)
17 Conference on the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) (Copenhagen)
17-20 European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg)
18-20 Informal meeting of the Energy Council and the Environment Council (Horsens, Denmark)
18 Steering Group on, access to medicine in Europe (Copenhagen)
18-19 Conference on children's access to art and culture en Europe (Copenhagen)
19-20 Conference on democratic values and social cohesion (Vejle, Denmark)
19-20 European network of competent authorities for pricing and reimbursement of medicines (Copenhagen)
22-24 Meeting of Directors General for vocational education and training (Copenhagen)
23 Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
23-25 Informal meeting of the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumers Council (Horsens)
23-25 Science in Dialogue (Odense, Denmark)
23-27 10th meeting of the International Resource Panel (Copenhagen)
24 General Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
24-25 Meeting of the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network (Copenhagen)
24-25 Conference on vocational education and training (Copenhagen)
25-27 Meeting of the Budget Group (Copenhagen)
26-27 Justice and Home Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
26-27 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)
26-27 Conference on young people on the labour market (Horsens)
26-27 Informal meeting of the Pharmacovigilance working party - human (Copenhagen)
May
7-9 High Level eHealth Conference 2012 (Copenhagen)
8-9 Meeting of Directors General responsible for spatial planning and territorial development (Copenhagen)
8-9 Conference on deradicalisation and prevention of extremism and polarisation (Copenhagen, Denmark)
8-9 Celebrating 25 years of the Erasmus programme (Copenhagen)
9-11 New Skills Event (Copenhagen)
9-10 European Parliament mini plenary session (Brussels)
10-11 Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council (Brussels)
10 Informal meeting of the General Affairs Council (Horsens)
10-11 Conference on the nitrates directive (Copenhagen)
10-11 Informal meeting of the Council working group on export credits (Copenhagen)
10-11 Informal meeting of the coordination group for mutual recognition and decentralised procedures (CMD(h)) (Copenhagen)
10-12 Library Conference: the role of libraries in an innovative Europe (Copenhagen)
10-11 Meeting of Rural Development Directors (Copenhagen)
14 Eurogroup (Brussels)
14 Foreign Affairs Council (Brussels)
14 Development Council (Brussels)
14-15 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Brussels)
14 Second Troika secretariat meeting (Copenhagen)
14-16 Informal meeting of working group for enforcement officers (WGEO) (Copenhagen)
15 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Brussels)
21-22 Workshop on European service delivery systems (Copenhagen)
21-24 European Parliament plenary session (Strasbourg)
22-23 Meeting of Directors General for Nature (Horsens)
22-24 Customs workshop on the role of customs in environmental protection (Copenhagen)
23-24 Meeting of SIS-TECH working party (Copenhagen)
23-24 Informal meeting of the Committee for Orphan Medicinal Products (Copenhagen)
23-30 Joint Parliamentary Assembly ACP-EU (Horsens)
24-25 Informal meeting of the Committee for Advanced Therapies (CAT) (Copenhagen)
24-25 Informal meeting of the Paediatric Committee (PDCO) (Copenhague)
24-25 Meeting of the Commission group of EIA/SEA national experts (Copenhagen)
24-25 Conference on financing large infrastructure projects (Copenhagen)
29 General Affairs Council (Brussels)
29-31 Meeting of EURES working party (Copenhagen)
30-31 Competitiveness Council (Brussels)
31 External trade (Brussels)
31 Informal meeting of the Committee on Veterinary Medicines (CVMP) (Copenhagen)
31 Informal meeting of EU Sport Directors (Copenhagen)
31 Meeting of working party on EU multiannual financial framework (Copenhagen)
June
3-5 Informal meeting of Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Horsens)
4-5 Informal meeting of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) (Copenhagen)
4-5 Informal meeting of Water and Marine Directors (Copenhagen)
5-6 Meeting of the Homeopathic Medicinal Products Working Group (HMPWG) (Copenhagen)
6 Meeting of the Network of European Environmental Lawyers (Copenhagen)
6-8 Informal meeting of Chief Veterinary Officers (Horsens)
7-8 Justice and Home Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
7-8 Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council (Luxembourg)
6-8 Informal meeting of Chief Veterinary Officers (Horsens)
11 General Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
11 Environment Council (Luxembourg)
11-12 EU-United States seminar on countering the financing of terrorism (Copenhagen)
11-13 Meeting of Directors General for Civil Protection (Copenhagen)
11-13 Conference on structural frameworks for open, digital research (Copenhagen)
11-12 Reducing biothreats in the 21st century (Copenhagen)
11-14 European Parliament Plenary Session (Strasbourg)
12 Possibly: Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)
13-14 ESPON (European Spatial Planning Observatory Network) Monitoring Committee (Aalborg, Denmark)
14-15 Meeting of the Heads of Public Employment Services (HoPES) (Copenhagen)
14-15 Informal meeting of senior officials of Ministries of Culture and Foreign Affairs (Copenhagen)
14-15 Meeting of the working party for research and of the European Research Area Committee (ERAC) (Horsens)
14-15 Meeting of the Working Group of Quality Managers (WGQM) (Copenhagen)
15 Energy Council (Luxembourg)
18-19 Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Luxembourg)
18-19 Conference on education in entrepreneurship (Horsens)
19-20 Meeting of the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA 2) (Copenhagen)
20-21 Plenary meeting of the European Judicial Network (EJN) (Copenhagen)
20-21 Meeting of directors of EU paying agencies (Horsens)
21 Eurogroup (Luxembourg)
21-22 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
21 Meeting of the Working Group of Communication Professionals (WGCP) (Copenhagen)
21-22 Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
22 Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
25 Foreign Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
25-27 20th European Social Services Conference (Copenhagen)
26 General Affairs Council (Luxembourg)
25-26 Meeting of Directors General for Forests (Copenhagen)
26-27 High Level Group on Road Safety (Copenhagen)
28-29 European Council (Brussels)
28-29 Informal meeting of the Education Committee under the Council of Ministers (Copenhagen).
DANISH GOVERNMENT
Prime Minister:
Helle Thorning-Schmidt (stm@stm.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 00, website http://www.stm.dk/_a_2762.html )
Minister for Economics and the Interior:
Margrethe Vestager (im@im.dk, tel. +45 72 28 24 00)
Minister for European Affairs:
Nicolai Wammen (europaministeren@um.dk, tel. +45 33 92 00 00)
Minister for Foreign Affairs:
Villy Søvndal (udenrigsministeren@um.dk, tel. +45 33 92 00 00, website http://www.um.dk/en )
Minister for Finance:
Bjarne Fog Corydon (fm@fm.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 33, website http://uk.fm.dk/ )
Minister for Justice:
Morten Bødskov (jm@jm.dk, tel. +45 72 26 84 00, website http://www.justitsministeriet.dk/english.html )
Minister for Science Innovation and Higher Education:
Morten Østergaard (min@fivu.dk, tel. +45 72 31 80 00)
Minister for Taxation:
Thor Möger Pedersen (min@skat.dk, tel. +45 72 37 00 24)
Minister for Transport:
Henrik Dam Kristensen (trm@trm.dk, tel. +45 33 97 00 19, website http://www.trm.dk/en/minister/ )
Minister for Business and Growth:
Ole Sohn (oem@oem.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 50)
Minister for Housing, Urban and Rural Affairs:
Carsten Hansen (mbbl@mbbl.dk, tel. +45 33 92 93 00)
Minister of Employment:
Mette Frederiksen (bm@bm.dk, tel. +45 51 23 28 30, website http://uk.bm.dk/ )
Minister for Children and Education:
Christine Antorini (minister@uvm.dk, tel. +45 33 92 50 01)
Minister for Social Affairs and Integration:
Mme Karen Hækkerup (min@sm.dk, tel. +45 33 92 93 00, website http://english.sm.dk/Sider/Velkommen.aspx )
Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries:
Mette Gjerskov (fvm@fvm.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 01, website http://www.fvm.dk/home.aspx?ID=14541 )
Minister for Climate, Energy and Building:
Martin Lidegaard (min@kemin.dk, tel. +45 33 92 28 00, website http://www.kemin.dk/en-US/Sider/frontpage.aspx )
Minister for Trade and Investment:
Pia Olsen Dyhr (handelsministeren@um.dk, tel. +45 33 92 00 00)
Minister for Health:
Astrid Krag (sum@sum.dk, tel. +45 72 26 90 00, website http://www.sum.dk )
Minister of Defence:
Nick Hækkerup (fmn@fmn.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 20, website http://www.fmn.dk )
Minister for the Environment:
Ida Auken (ministeren@mim.dk, tel. +45 72 54 60 00, website http://www.mim.dk/eng/ )
Minister for Gender Equality and Ecclesiastical Affairs and Minister for Nordic Cooperation:
Manu Sareen (km@km.dk, tel. +45 22 68 85 65)
Minister for Development Cooperation:
Christian Friis Bach (udviklingsministeren@um.dk, tel. +45 33 92 00 00)
Minister for Culture:
Uffe Elbæk (min@kum.dk, tel. +45 33 92 33 70, website http://kum.dk/en/english/ )