Brussels, 12/06/2001 (Agence Europe) - The Committee of the Regions will, on Wednesday and Thursday, be holding its 39th plenary session, to be attended by Belgian State Secretary for European Affairs, Annemie Neyts. It will present the programme of the Belgian EU Council Presidency. The Committee will give its position on:
maritime issues: Commission communication on the second "Erika package"; proposal of directive on setting in place a Community system for follow-up, control and information on maritime traffic; proposal of directive on the establishment of a fund for compensating damage due to pollution by hydrocarbons; and a proposal of regulation establishing a European Agency for Maritime Safety.
justice and home affairs: proposal of directive on the granting of temporary protection in the event of massive inflow of displaced persons; communication and proposals for a framework decision on the trade in human beings and the fight against the sexual exploitation of children; Commission communication on crime prevention in the EU; reflection on common guidelines and proposals in favour of Community financial support; and the Hippocrates programme.
the environment: Commission communication and proposal of decision on the 6th Community action programme for the environment "Environment 2010: Our Future, Our Choice"; Commission communication on a new policy for bathing waters; Commission Green Paper on integrated products policy; proposal of directive providing for public participation during the elaboration of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment.
Other themes pertain to: - the regional consequences of European agricultural and rural policy; - the young and European agriculture; - the communication on employment strategies in the information society; the communication on the guidelines for EU actions in research (2000-2006); - the proposal of regulation establishing the general principles and the general provisions of food legislation, and establishing the European Food Authority; - the Commission communication on evaluation of the TIDE transition phase (Technology for the socio-economic Integration of the Disabled and Elderly); - the promotion and the protection of regional and minority languages; - the memorandum on education and training throughout life; - and the strategy for the internal market for services.