1 July 2005
The priorities are economic reform and social justice; security and stability, and Europe’s role in the world.
We will take forward the issues of future financing and CAP reform as part of the wider debate on the future of Europe. In more detail:
Future financing: the UK Presidency will make as much progress as possible. With the Commission, we shall undertake a period of consultation with partners to find a way forward. We will also seek consensus on a general review of the EU budget structure and priorities.
CAP reform: an important part of a budget review will be the CAP. The UK’s starting position has never been that it should simply be abandoned or slashed overnight. We need a properly planned process of reform building on previous changes to ensure European farming can meet the challenges of globalisation. The UK Presidency does not intend to be prescriptive on that reform, it is a matter for a review.
Economic reform and social justice
The UK Presidency will promote economic reform to deliver growth and social justice. A Europe better able to create jobs, higher living standards and modernised social protection. The Commission has already identified the steps needed:
Implementing the Kok report of 2004: promoting the knowledge society; strengthening the Internal Market; improving the business climate; the Sapir report of 2003; and driving through Lisbon’s national labour market reforms.
Better regulation : delivery of the Commission’s Better Regulation Agenda of March 2005. Including stronger impact assessments on new EU legislation, increased business input into the legislative process and simplification/withdrawal of some existing legislation.
Working Time Directive: the UK Presidency will consult widely, leading technical and political discussions with a view to resolution.
Services Directive: free movement of services was foreseen in the original Treaty of Rome. Realising this is a crucial next step for the Single Market, vital for growth and jobs. The UK Presidency will take forward discussion with a view to resolving the political and social concerns about the Directive.
Financial Services Action Plan: wewill take forward the remaining dossiers in the Financial Services Action Plan and the debate on the Commission’s recent Green Paper on the post-FSAP agenda.
The Chemicals Regulation (REACH): seeking significant progress to ensure the protection of public health and the environment while promoting competitiveness.
Security and stability
Europe is stronger together on issues such as terrorism, organised crime and illegal migration. More stable, secure and prosperous as an enlarged Union. We will begin implementing the Hague Work Programme. In particular:
Counter terrorism: taking forward EU Counter Terrorism Action Plan including measures such as the European Evidence Warrant which will enable law enforcement agencies to quickly access important evidence from elsewhere in the EU.
People trafficking and migration: developing an Action Plan on people trafficking and working for greater EU-wide police co-operation. Managing migration into the EU through stronger links with the main source countries worldwide and strengthening the EU’s borders.
Enlargement: taking forward existing commitments on enlargement including opening negotiations with Turkey on 3 October. Starting accession talks with Croatia as soon as the conditions are met and p reparing for Bulgarian and Romanian entry in January 2007.
Europe’s role in the world
A strong Europe should be an active player in foreign policy. The UK Presidency will work with partners, High Representative Solana and the Commission:
For an outcome on Doha at the WTO Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong that paves the way for an agreement delivering greater global economic growth, with better access to markets for developing countries.
Developing a long-term strategy for Africa, building on the EU’s historic commitment to double ODA. Centred on governance, peace and security, access to basic services, growth and trade. Pushing this forward at the UN Millennium Review Summit, New York in September.
Representing the EU at the UN Climate Change negotiations in December. Developing a post-2012 strategy; international engagement, particularly with the growing economies of China and India; and addressing the impact of aviation on climate change.
Promoting peace, stability and reform in the Middle East, Afghanistan and Africa by supporting the MEPP, including Israeli disengagement; increasing Palestinian security capacity; delivering EU commitments to Iraq; reform through the EuroMed process; continuing E3/EU dialogue with Iran; and delivering EU commitments to the African Union mission in Darfur.
Entrenching peace and stability in the Balkans through the EU’s, UK-led, military mission in Bosnia; building police capacity in Bosnia and Macedonia; and playing a constructive role in the negotiations to resolve Kosovo’s final status.
Enhancing Europe’s defence capability to take action through the EU battle-groups initiative and European Defence Agency. Either with NATO or, where it chooses not to take part, outside it.
For a market-based, liberalising reform of the EU’s sugar regime - an important element of reform of the CAP. Working with the Commission to help African, Pacific and Caribbean countries adjust.
Further information about the UK Presidency of the EU 2005 can be found on the UK Presidency website at: www.eu2005.gov.uk
delicious
digg
facebook
