Brussels, 29/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - The Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR) welcomes many aspects of the European Commission's work programme for 2008 (see EUROPE 9531) but is disappointed that services of general interest and concessions are not mentioned.
The CEMR welcomes the overall spirit of the work programme and the 'holistic and integrated approach', since many subjects cut across the strategic objectives (climate change, energy, migration flows, etc). It also welcomes the European Commission's stated intention to consult key players in the EU. 'We hope that this also includes local and regional governments that implement many EU political initiatives and legislation,' said Angelika Poth-Mogele, CEMR's head of policy, in a press release published on 26 October. She added that the Commission's intention to prepare impact assessments on all strategic and priority initiatives will take into account the impact on local and regional governments and the financial implications for them.
Angelika Poth-Mogele added: 'We find it surprising that the work programme does not mention services of general interest (SGIs) or concessions, especially since the Commission is examining whether to propose legislation on concessions, which would lead to a draft directive or a communication in 2008!' She explained that 'Europe's legal and regional government urgently need clarification on this crucial issue'.
The CEMR welcomes the European Commission's intention to propose further steps towards a common policy on migration, especially the reference to a 'multi-dimensional approach', since in most cases local and regional governments have to deal with the issue. The CEMR hopes it will be consulted on the announced initiatives on patient safety and quality of healthcare services. In many member states, local and regional authorities are responsible for healthcare, it explains.
The CEMR also welcomes the European Commission's plan to put European citizens at the centre of the European project. The CEMR equal opportunities and development cooperation officer, Sandra Ceciarini, welcomed the Commission's commitment to install a genuine partnership with member states to tackle discrimination and achieve equal opportunities, arguing that 'this must go hand in hand with the implementation of concrete programmes in favour of equality'. (O.L.)