Brussels, 25/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - Speaking to press on the sidelines of the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions (CoR) Swedish Minister for local Government and Financial Markets Mats Odell said: “A new EP has just been elected, so changes are to be expected within the Commission and a new treaty could come into effect under Swedish Presidency of the EU, depending on the situation in Ireland. In these circumstances, the Council will have the task of continuing to move the EU on in areas such as climate change and financial market reform. To meet this challenge, it is clear that the Presidency would appreciate the help of the CoR in several areas, beginning with its contribution on e-government”. CoR President Luc Van den Brande immediately assured the minister of the Committee's unstinting support.
Sweden has asked the CoR to draft an opinion on e-government ahead of the ministerial meeting on this issue, to be held in Malmö on 18-20 November. The Committee will also take part in a conference organised by the Swedish Presidency in Göteborg on 10-11 November on the Lisbon Strategy after 2010. The Bureau of the CoR will meet in Uppsala on 10-11 September. (G.B./transl.rt)