Brussels, 20/09/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commissioners left their seminar on 19 September in Profondval (EUROPE 9267) with a stronger resolve to pursue their approach for a “Europe of Results” to renew links with citizens, stimulate growth and the creation of jobs, and to face up to the challenges of globalisation. “The point of departure of the discussion was that the guidelines defined by the Commission for a Europe of Results and the launching of concrete projects has put the EU on the right track”, Johannes Laitenberger, Commission Spokesman, told the press on Wednesday. “The Union is in better shape than two years ago; there is reason for confidence”, he said.
The internal market was the focus of the exchange. “Improving the way the internal market works is the first and best chance of the EU to equip itself for globalisation and create new jobs”, Mr Laitenberger commented. The Commissioners therefore restated their resolve to strengthen the four freedoms (goods, capital, services and workers), pursue the elimination of remaining obstacles and resist “economic patriotism”. The Commissioners also identified several priority sectors for completing a true internal market: energy, transport, telecommunications, financial services (banking services, insurance, etc.), intellectual property and health. The Commission also restated its determination to move forward in the field of “better regulation” and legislative simplification. The Commission's aim is to “ensure that an internal market that works all across the board is transparent and innovation-friendly and produces advantages that can be enjoyed by citizens in their daily lives”, Mr Laitenberger explained. As announced in its communication of 10 May this year (EUROPE 9189), the Commission is carrying out an internal market review to exactly identify in what sectors there is still work to be done, and what measures are necessary. It will present a comprehensive report accompanied by an action plan during the first half of 2007. An intermediary report will already be submitted to the Spring European Council 2007 under German Presidency. In parallel, the Commission will do some social reality stocktaking to add a social dimension to the internal market review.
Future revision of the structure of the EU budget, foreseen for 2008-2009, was also discussed during the seminar in Profondval. During the implementation of the financial perspectives 2007-2013, the Commission will assess the situation “without taboos” by carrying out a broad public consultation and by giving priority to a “conceptual discussion” on the policies that the Union will need in the future. “The Commission's watchword is to engage on polices first, and on money only later”, Mr Laitenberger stressed. A number of first indications on the future Commission roadmap for budgetary revision will be given by the end of the year but final procedural decisions and decisions on the timetable will not be taken until the second half of 2007, the spokesman said.
The Commissioners also appealed to the ministers of justice and internal affairs of the EU25 who are currently meeting in informal Council in Tampere. Given the current difficult circumstances (terrorism, illegal immigration, etc.), it is more than ever necessary for the Member States to use the “bridging clause” (set out in the current Treaty) to go from unanimity to qualified majority for judiciary and police cooperation as well as for cooperation on legal immigration. “Given the current context, there is no excuse for not using this possibility”, the Commission spokesman said.
The European Constitution and EU enlargement were also briefly discussed, but only in the context of the more general debate on the future of the Union, the spokesman said.