SP(2008)0473/2

SP(2008)0411

Results of vote in Parliament

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the Commission legislative and work programme for 2008, welcoming the focused structure of the Commission's work programme and the Commission's effort to continue improving its political content. It requested the inclusion in the future of an indicative timetable of Commission initiatives. It supported the crucial importance accorded in the work programme to growth and jobs, sustainable development, climate change, energy and migration, and the emphasis on better regulation, correct implementation and reinforcing the role of Europe as a world partner. The Commission was asked, nevertheless, to be more ambitious in its initiatives aimed at securing fundamental rights, freedom, justice and social inclusion.

Growth and jobs : Parliament called on the Commission to step up efforts to extend and deepen the internal market. It asked also for particular emphasis on the coherent implementation of the Services Directive, and the effective implementation of Points of Single Contact so as to promote access to the single market. It went onto call for the following, inter alia :

- improving market surveillance, in particular in order to establish strong credibility for CE marking and to tackle counterfeiting;

- clarifying the legislative grey area in fields such as on-line auctions;

- examining very carefully and in close cooperation with the Member States, the business community and consumers possible ways to enhance the quick, efficient and fair resolution of conflicts between businesses and consumers, as easier access to court is vital for the protection of consumers in a globalised environment. However, this process should not lead to the creation of new barriers to free movement in the internal market;

- in the framework of the Social Reality Stocktaking, identifying initiatives for economic and social governance;

- an adequate level of protection of intellectual property rights;

- proposals which could effectively improve European prudential supervision, including that of hedge funds and rating agencies. Parliament wanted the Commission to conduct a thorough analysis of the origins and consequences of the sub-prime mortgage crisis in the United States, including a risk assessment for European markets, and an evaluation of the current systems and instruments of prudential supervision in Europe. There must be close consultation with Parliament, leading to clear recommendations on how to improve the stability of the financial system and its ability to provide secure long-term finance for European business.

Parliament urged the Commission not to sacrifice the social dimension of the Lisbon strategy by considering that it is a handicap to competitiveness, but requested the Commission to respect the balance between its different pillars. Proper investment in knowledge created a more prosperous economy which could fight problems such as poverty, social exclusion and unemployment and ensure the better protection of workers.

Parliament regretted the following :

- that the Commission did not intend to proceed with a legislative proposal regarding the Fourteenth Company Law Directive (transfer of the registered office), while stressing that this long-awaited directive would fill a gap in the internal market for the benefit of undertakings;

- that the Commission was not intending to come forward with an initiative regarding the creation of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base.

Sustainable Europe : whilst welcoming the Commission's ambitious proposals on climate change, Parliament asked the Commission to enhance the synergies between employment and industrial development on the one hand and development and the use of clean technologies on the other.

It called on the Commission for the following :

- a comprehensive legislative framework for the promotion and the use of renewable energy in the EU, including binding targets ;

- to take the Energy Efficiency Action Plan and Biomass Action Plan fully into account, helping the EU to meet renewable energy and energy efficiency objectives;

- on public health, to contribute to the reinforcement of patient safety, patient information, patients" rights and to tackle the determinants of rare diseases;

- to intensify its efforts to work out a coherent policy with regard to emergencies in the health sector, people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and information to patients. Particular attention should be paid to the pandemic-preparedness issue;

- on fisheries, to define specific proposals on the implications and the detailed rules of the MSY model (Maximum Sustainable Yield), to propose concrete legislative proposals on the eco-labelling scheme and to put forward a proposal for simplification of Council Regulation (EC) No 850/98 for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms;

- to present an EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region during 2008.

An integrated approach to migration : a common migration, visa and asylum policy and effective economic, social and political integration of immigrants on the basis of common principles are two sides of the same coin and represent key challenges.

Parliament asked for the following from the Commission ;

- to strengthen measures for tackling human trafficking and illegal immigration, and to examine the implementation of the Council's 2005 Action Plan in this area;

- to improve education and integration policies in order to establish a clear and safe framework for economic immigrants, notably skilled workers, which clarifies their rights and obligations;

- to involve Parliament and national parliaments very closely to ensure the smooth functioning of the Schengen system and the integrity of the EU's external borders;

- greater operational cooperation at European level in the fight against terrorism and greater involvement, where appropriate, of Parliament. It was emphasised that effective and enforceable data protection instruments were not to be seen as obstacles in the fight against terrorism or any sort of radicalisation, but as indispensable confidence-boosting mechanisms in the exchange of information between law enforcement agencies.

Putting citizens first : Parliament stressed the importance of cultural diversity and of dialogue between cultures in an enlarged Union. It noted that the Commission's priorities for 2008 highlighted the potential contribution of lifelong learning to raising employment rates, but regretted that this was not reflected in a single concrete proposal. It went on to suggest the creation of a European force that could immediately react in emergencies, as proposed in the Barnier report, and asked the Commission to formulate a concrete proposal to this end.

Europe as a world partner : Parliament welcomed the fact that the Commission's work programme stressed the need to continue the enlargement process, and regarded the Western Balkans as a priority area. It expected further evaluations and proposals on EU assistance to Kosovo as the situation evolved. Members called on the Commission to develop further specific proposals, including an action plan with specific objectives and benchmarks to enhance cooperation between the EU and the countries of the Black Sea region. In addition, they wanted further steps towards a common external energy policy in order to ensure access to sustainable energy for all Member States. The Commission was asked to take a clear approach in the dialogue with Russia. Parliament moved on to emphasise the need for a successful conclusion to the Doha Round, and underlined that the EU also needed to reinforce its engagement with emerging economies through bilateral or regional free trade agreements seen as complementary to the multilateral approach. Provisions on the implementation of core labour standards should be included. A comprehensive new strategy on China was important, as was stronger protection for intellectual property rights.

Horizontal issues : Members felt that it was a key priority to reach the goal of a 25% reduction in administrative burdens on undertakings at EU and national level by 2012 and stated that they would examine legislative proposals in this light. They called for a stronger mechanism for the monitoring and enforcing of the implementation of EU legislation in the Member States. Parliament insisted on the proper implementation of the new comitology procedure and the safeguarding of Parliament's rights in this respect, and attached particular importance to comitology procedures in the field of financial services (the Lamfalussy procedure.) With regard to the budget, Parliament demanded its full association with the review both of EU spending and of the EU own resources system. In order to achieve a positive Statement of Assurance from the Court of Auditors, the Commission should undertake the technical preparations and urge the Member States to issue national declarations as suggested in Parliament's 2003, 2004 and 2005 resolutions on the discharge. The audit summaries were only a first step in this direction. Parliament expected a more proactive approach from the Member of the Commission responsible for transparency and good governance. Parliament then called on the Commission to reform without delay its procedures and to involve more closely the Parliament and its competent committees during the process for the selection and appointment of Agency Directors. It would take the necessary measures to allow for a more in-depth process for the selection of Agency Directors.

Communicating Europe : the Commission must intensify its efforts to develop a more effective communication policy in order to achieve a better understanding on the part of citizens of EU action and its contribution to addressing their concerns, with a view to preparing the way for ratification of the Lisbon Treaty and the European elections in 2009. Lastly, Parliament asked the Commission to set out clearly how it intends to put into practice the content of its communication priorities, particularly the priority relating to the Lisbon Treaty.

T6-0613/2007

B6-0500/2007

B6-0501/2007

B6-0502/2007

B6-0504/2007

B6-0506/2007

B6-0508/2007

RC-B6-0500/2007

2830

A motion for a resolution winding up this debate was due to be put to the vote on 12 December 2007.

Debate in Parliament

PURPOSE: to present the European Commission’s 2008 work programme ( COM(2007)0640 final ).

CONTEXT: as in 2007, the Work Programme for 2008 is focused and concentrates on a limited number of new policy initiatives. It includes strategic initiatives that the Commission commits itself to deliver during the year, and priority initiatives to be delivered over a 12-18 month period. Recent research shows that the main concerns for EU citizens are the social dimension of the EU in the context of globalisation, in particular jobs and the fear of unemployment, as well as migration and issues related to citizens' security. Interest in energy and climate change is increasing, with widespread support for the energy/climate change package of proposals.

In accordance with the cross-cutting policy-making approach favoured by the Commission, challenges such as globalisation and achieving sustainable development in its three dimensions (economic, social and environmental) will have to be integrated in any communication priority. All strategic and priority initiatives announced in this Work Programme will be subject to the quality discipline of impact assessment. This Programme is also the first to include inter-institutional communication priorities for 2008.

CONTENT: the Commission’s work programme sets out the following priorities for 2008:

Growth and Jobs : raising employment towards the target for the employment rate set under the Lisbon strategy provides a basis for growth, improved quality of life and facing the challenge of an ageing population. The EU needs to find new ways to promote access and opportunity in society, to address the risks and causes of social exclusion and poverty through policies for active inclusion, and to help to anticipate change. Adequate social protection should also be promoted. The Commission will continue to look at new ways to promote education, training, research and innovation as part of its Lisbon strategy.

In addition, the Single Market Review identified new initiatives, many of which will be presented in 2008, that will foster a Single Market. As small and medium size enterprises create most jobs and wealth in Europe, specific measures to improve their market performance will be prepared in a “Small Business Act”.

Sustainable Europe : tackling climate change will be an integral part of the Commission’s priorities in 2008. It will propose a White Paper on the “Adaptation to the impact of Climate Change”. A wide range of EU policies – such as human and animal health, agriculture, fisheries, biodiversity, energy, industry, research and tourism – will need to be adjusted. Particular attention will be given to measures to encourage the greening of the transport sector. The implementation of the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) will provide a powerful tool for this tuning of EU policies. The Commission will present a “2nd Strategic Energy Review”, which will serve as the basis for the new Energy Action Plan from 2010 onwards, and will include a review of the Energy Taxation Directive to better combine fiscal and environmental goals. The reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) will undergo a “Health Check”, to see whether the 2003 reform regarding the single payment scheme and certain agricultural markets and its implementation in the Member States need to be fine-tuned; this will also help to pave the way for the future design and priorities of the CAP. The EU maritime policy is another example of how an integrated EU approach can draw together the threads of different policies for the sustainable development of all sea-based activities and coastal regions. The recast and strengthening of the control framework of the Common Fisheries Policy will represent a decisive step towards ensuring sustainable fish stocks.

An integrated approach to migration : the Commission will propose further steps towards a common policy on migration. It requires effective action against illegal migration and human trafficking. In 2008 the work of the External Borders Agency will be evaluated and Member States will be supported in tackling illegal migration through a European surveillance system. The Commission will be shaping the future of a coherent and efficient Common European Asylum Policy. This will notably include adapting the European legislation on reception conditions and assessment criteria and will progress towards a single procedure for assessing applications for refugee status.

Citizen comes first : one of the main objectives of this Commission is to put the citizen at the centre of the European project. The Social Reality Stocktaking has been looking at the changes under way in Europe's societies, with a view to identifying how the well-being of Europe’s citizens can be best advanced in a globalised world. The European dimension to health services will also be taken forward with concrete initiatives on patient safety and quality of health services.

Enlargement : the Commission will report on progress made in the countries involved in accession negotiations and in the stabilisation and association process, and make the appropriate recommendations to adjust the EU's enlargement strategy. Particular attention will be required to support the implementation of the future status of Kosovo. The European neighbourhood policy has become established as the central platform for deepening relationship with the countries it covers, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean. The Commission will also examine any new avenues to be followed in its work to implement the Millennium Development Goals . It will present an ambitious package on Financing for Development and on Aid Effectiveness in view of the top-level international meetings in Accra (September 2008) and Doha (December 2008).

Implementing agreed policies : 2008 will be a crucial year for taking forward the Energy and Climate Change proposals presented by the Commission in 2007. The implementation of the RTD Framework programmes will continue in 2008 and initiatives will be taken to deepen the European Research Area. The European Institute of Technology should move ever closer to become operational during 2008.

As regards financial markets, a number of issues have been identified where further analysis is required, such as: transparency for investors, markets and regulators; valuation standards; prudential framework, risk management and supervision in the financial sector.

Work will also be continued in order to allow companies to choose an EU-wide tax base as set out in the 2008 Annual Policy Strategy.

On the international scene : accession negotiations with Turkey and Croatia will continue. The expected completion of the network of Stabilisation and Association Agreements with the Western Balkans will strengthen bilateral political and economic ties and accelerate reforms. A second set of progress reports will be submitted under the European neighbourhood policy. 2008 will also be the first year of the Economic Partnership Agreements and the 10th European Development Fund .

Other agreements will also be negotiated and or concluded with, inter alia, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iraq, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Andean Community, Central America and Mercosur. The Commission will take the first steps to establish formal relations with Libya.

Management of financial programmes : the EU budget is one of the key instruments to realise the EU's policy objectives. With the new generation of financial programmes largely in place, 2008 will be a year of consolidation and implementation. The budget authority is shortly expected to take a decision on the Commission's proposals for the 2008 budget, amounting to around EUR 129 billion in commitments and EUR 122 billion in payments . More than 44% of commitment appropriations will be reserved for activities supporting growth and jobs in Europe through investment in areas like research, competitiveness and innovation, transport and energy networks, lifelong learning and economic and social cohesion.

Managing the Community acquis : the Commission will continue to make great efforts to ensure compliance with EU legislation, with a special emphasis on transport, environment, food safety, animal health, animal welfare and plant health standards. It attaches great importance to the cooperation with Member States to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of EU law, establishing mechanisms for prior monitoring of new national legislation, promoting active participation in the SOLVIT network and working with informal networks like the Forum of Judges.

Future initiatives : the Commission is working in many different areas linked to an agenda for sustainable competitiveness as part of efforts to promote sustainable development. The conclusions of the social reality stocktaking will carry through into the modernisation of EU social policies, reflecting the challenges of globalisation and the need to anticipate and manage change. The Treaty of Lisbon will provide a new impetus to the area of freedom, security and justice. The Commission will present a Communication on the next multi-annual strategy to establish an area of freedom, security and justice. Finally the Commission will prepare the 2008-2009 Budget Review to optimise Europe’s capacities to address the key challenges of the next decade.

Improved regulatory environment : the Commission’s work programme highlights that improving the regulatory environment in Europe remains a core priority. In this context, a strategic review will present the progress made in 2007 under the different strands of the Better Regulation agenda, taking account of the views expressed by the other EU-institutions and stakeholders.

With a view to simplifying legislation , the Commission intends to withdraw 30 pending proposals in 2008 . The simplification programme will continue in 2008 and new efforts will be made in the following areas (e.g. on waste electrical goods; biocides; the automotive sector; pharmaceutical products and General Block Exemption Regulation on State aid) to reduce administrative burdens.

Lastly, as stated above, this Programme is also the first to include inter-institutional communication priorities for 2008 . These are as follows:

Inter-institutional communication priorities envisaged for 2008: Reform Treaty; energy and climate change; European Year of Intercultural Dialogue. Communication priorities envisaged for 2008: Reform Treaty; the Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs and better regulation; energy and climate change; migration; EU´s role in the World; the Budget Review.