Brussels, 06/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - The EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) is to examine, on Friday 7 December, a draft mandate for the Independent Reflection Group that the heads of state and government will be approving during the European Council in Brussels on 14 December. The setting up of this group, initially known as the Committee of Wisemen, had been suggested by French President Nicolas Sarkozy in order to reflect upon Europe during the period 2020-2030. France makes this a condition for pursuing membership talks with Turkey (EUROPE 9544). According to the draft text, the group (composed of about twelve well-known figures) “is invited to identify the key issues and developments which the Union is likely to face (during the above period) and to analyse how these might be addressed”. This includes, inter alia, “strengthening and modernising the European model of economic success and social responsibility, sustainable development as a fundamental objective of the European Union, global security, migration, energy and climate protection, the fight against international crime and terrorism”. “Particular attention” should be given to ways of better reaching out to the citizens and addressing their expectations and needs. On the other hand, the group will discuss neither institutional issues nor the next financial framework. Neither will the group have to review existing Community policies, the draft mandate reads. Results of reflection will be presented to the European Council in June 2010. (H.B.)