Brussels, 30/12/2003 (Agence Europe) - 'Working Together for Growth' is the title given by the Irish Presidency to the chapter of its programme dealing with the Lisbon Strategy, where it highlights the need for Europe to return to growth and employment. At the Spring European Council (Brussels, 25/26 March), the Irish Presidency 'intends to give renewed impetus to the reform goals set out at Lisbon.' The document sets out the priority target areas:
Growth and investment. The Presidency will encourage 'investment in physical and human capital as well as research and development' and will support the process of implementation of the European Action for Growth (approved by the 12 December 2003 European Council in Brussels) by the Member States, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank.
For land and air transport, the Presidency will focus 'on measures aimed at stimulating growth in an enlarged Union. It will work with the European Parliament towards adoption of the revised trans-European Networks proposals' and will work on the finalisation of the Second Rail Package and first discussion on the forthcoming Third Rail Package. Aviation agreements will be negotiated with the US and other countries and Galileo will be used to help develop the EU's strategic satellite navigation capacity. For maritime transport, the Irish Presidency will focus on measures to reduce the risk of marine pollution through the introduction of adequate sanctions for those responsible and will work to increase the attractiveness of the seafaring profession with a view to promoting 'quality shipping' in the EU. The EU's maritime relations with third countries, both at a bilateral and multilateral level, will also be addressed.
For telecommunications, the Presidency will strive to build on and develop existing initiatives to extend the information society to all. 'The mid-term review of the eEurope Action Plan will reflect the opportunities of enlargement' and 'the Hungarian government, with the support of the Irish Presidency, will host a European Ministerial meeting on the Information Society in Budapest'. Key decisions regarding eGovernment will be taken during this Presidency.
On energy, the Presidency will focus on developing the internal market. In June 2004 an international conference will be held on renewable energy in Bonn.
To encourage R&D, the Irish Presidency 'will prioritise initiatives to advance the creation of a European Research and Innovation Area 'and support the further development and implementation of a workable light open method of coordination' and will work to initiate debate and ensure effective follow-up on the recent White Paper on European Space Policy. It will work towards progressing discussions on the financing and organisations issues relating to the establishment of ITER (see Europe of 23 December, p.8, about postponing until February 2004 the decision on where the experimental thermonuclear reactor is to be based, with Cadarache in France competing against Rokkashomura in Japan).
'The enlarged Union is rich in human capital and the Irish Presidency will foster measure sot ensure the availability of education, training and lifelong learning which will be required if people are to realise their full potential in the knowledge society.' The Irish Presidency will particularly focus on the 'Europass' initiative for transparency of qualifications and competencies.
Competitiveness. The Irish Presidency 'will give priority to those actions needed to stimulate entrepreneurship and research and development within the EU so as to give added impetus to the development of new businesses and economic activity.' It will work on the draft chemicals regulation to strike a balance between economic, social and environmental concerns (see Europe of 24 December, p.5, on last week's debate at the Environment Council). 'While much as been achieved over the last 10 years in ensuring that citizens and businesses benefit from the Internal Market, many obstacles persist. The Irish Presidency will give high priority to making progress on the Financial Services Action Plan in order to ensure that an integrated financial services market can become a reality by 2005.' Other priorities include discussions on the first legislative proposals emerging from the Corporate Governance and Auditing Action Plans, proposals on unfair commercial practices, the Framework Directive on Services, 'the final steps necessary for the introduction of the Community patent', amending the Community Customs Code and an EU system for accrediting and managing authorised customs operators.
Taxation priorities include work 'to resolve outstanding issues in the taxation and savings area regarding the conclusion of satisfactory arrangements with certain third countries so as to ensure the application by Member States of the provisions of the Taxation of Savings Directive' and the expected proposal on VAT regarding the place of supply of services.
Employment and Social Inclusion. The Irish Presidency will 'convene the Tripartite Social Summit in advance of the 2004 Spring European Council… to promote closer cooperation with the social partners'. Key initiatives will include finalising the reform of regulations on coordinating social security systems for workers moving in the EU (see Europe of 2 December, p.13 on the most recent Social Affairs Council debate on updating Regulation 1408/71); progress regarding 'making work pay' to ensure that social protection and employment policies are mutually supportive; and progress in relation to national action to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion. On equality, key issues will include progressing negotiations on the draft directive on equal treatment of men and women in access to and supply of goods and services (see Europe of 6 November, p.11, on Social Affairs Commissioner, Anna Diamantopoulou's proposal, strongly challenged in the media and by insurance companies) and finalising the Daphne II programme on violence against women and children. A report on gender equality will be presented for the first time to the European Council in March 2004.
The Irish Presidency notes that more and better jobs for EU citizens is a vital priority for the EU's economic development and will follow-up on the recommendations by the Employment Task Force chaired by former Dutch prime minister Wim Kok (see Europe of 27 November, p.12, on the Kok report, and 12 December, p.9, on the Tripartite Social Council ahead of the Brussels European Council).
Sustainable development. The Irish Presidency will 'place an emphasis on growth and social progress decoupled from environmental damage. It will work to advance the Environmental Technologies Action Plan… and legislation to support implementation of the Kyoto Protocol.'