Europe at work The Danish EU Presidency 2012
Foreword by the Minister for European Affairs... 3 The Danish EU Presidency... 4 Meeting Chair and Ministers Representative... 4 Imprint on the agenda... 6 1. A responsible Europe... 6 2. A dynamic Europe... 7 3. A green Europe... 8 4. A safe Europe... 8 Factbox: The logo... 9 Organisation of the EU Presidency... 10 Brussels-Luxembourg-Strasbourg-Copenhagen-Horsens... 10 Active communication... 10 Focus on Denmark... 12 Factbox: A green and sustainable Presidency... 13 Factbox: EU Institutions... 14 The Council of the European Union... 14 The European Parliament... 14 The Commission... 15 Factbox: Milestones in European Cooperation... 16 The Treaty of Rome... 16 The Single Market... 16 The Euro... 16 Enlargement to the east... 17 The Treaty of Lisbon... 17 Factbox: What does the EU mean for your daily life?... 18 Follow the EU and the Presidency... 19 2
Foreword by the Minister for European Affairs Denmark has the EU Presidency from 1 January to 30 June 2012 and will for the seventh time chair thousands of meetings in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg. It will be six busy and exciting months, in which Denmark will have a pivotal role at the heart of the EU s engine room and where Denmark can inject momentum and, to a certain degree, set the EU agenda. The objective of European cooperation is to secure economic prosperity, stability and safety in Europe. One of the greatest strengths of EU cooperation is its ability to help Member States tackle challenges in a changing world and compete successfully in the global market. Denmark takes over the Presidency at a time when the EU is facing perhaps its greatest ever challenge. The debt crisis and lack of confidence in Europe s ability to effectively address the crisis gives the Presidency a difficult starting point. However, European challenges require European solutions, and the Danish Government will be an open, accessible and professional Presidency that works hard to help achieve the best possible results for Europe. The objective of this leaflet is to provide general insight into what the task of a Presidency entails, how Denmark will execute the task and what Denmark will place focus on during the Presidency. Nicolai Wammen Minister for European Affairs 3
The Danish EU Pre The Presidency of the European Council of Ministers with 27 Member States is held on a rotating basis by the Member States for a six-month period. In the first half of 2012, Denmark will chair the work for the seventh time, as Denmark has previously had the Presidency in 1973, 1978, 1982, 1987, 1993 and most recently in 2002, when the major enlargement of the EU with ten countries was negotiated into place. Meeting Chair and Ministers Representative The rotating Presidencies provide dynamism to EU cooperation and strengthen anchoring of the Union in the Member States, because the Presidency drives the work and leave its imprint on the EU s agenda. The country which holds the EU Presidency has two main tasks: Chair: The Presidency prepares and chairs the meetings in the Council and is responsible for driving the work forward and securing results. The Presidency must be neutral and impartial, 4
sidency 2012 so as to ensure good cooperation, and draws up compromise proposals that can gather support among Member States. Representative: The Presidency represents the Council in the EU s other institutions and as such is the extended arm of the 27 Member States in negotiations with, for example, the European Parliament and the Commission. With the Lisbon Treaty, which came into effect on 1 December 2009, the role of the Presidency has changed in a number of ways. Firstly, new EU actors have entered the stage with whom the Presidency must work closely, namely the Permanent President of the European Council, Herman van Rompuy and the EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. Van Rompuy chairs the work in the European Council, while Ashton chairs the work on the EU external policy in the External Affairs Council. In all the other nine Council configurations, it is Danish Ministers who will chair the work and negotiations during the Presidency. 5
Secondly, the European Parliament has acquired much greater influence, and the cooperation with the European Parliament will be an important task during the Presidency. Imprint on the agenda The vast majority of matters that are to be dealt with during an EU Presidency are matters that are already on-going, and therefore it can be said that Denmark is inheriting a number of matters that are to be taken forward and possibly to completion. The Danish Presidency will also initiate the consideration of a large number of matters which will need to be settled by future Presidencies. As holder of the EU Presidency, Denmark will place focus on leaving its imprint on the European agenda. Under the umbrella of the Trio Presidency Programme, each Presidency holder draws up a programme over which areas and priorities it will devote particular focus to. Denmark takes over the Presidency at a time when the EU faces perhaps its greatest ever challenge. By working for a responsible, dynamic, green and safe Europe, the Presidency will deliver a contribution to future-proofing Europe economically, socially and environmentally. Concrete results in these areas will contribute to uniting and strengthening the EU as well as demonstrating the value and necessity of European cooperation. 1. A responsible Europe Sustainable green growth and job creation require that Europe emerges from the economic crisis through pursuing a responsible economic policy, securing public finances and implementing necessary reforms. Treaty amendments, enhanced European economic governance, as well as regulation of the financial sector are important issues. The negotiations on the EU s budget ceilings for the period 2014-2020 and reforms of the major underlying policy areas such as agriculture, structural funds and research, will be one of the most important issues for the Danish Presidency. The EU budget is to reflect the economic situation and focus on areas where the EU can make a difference. The negotiations will not be completed 6
during the Danish Presidency, but the Danish Presidency will work towards taking them as far forward as possible. 2. A dynamic Europe The Single Market is a cornerstone of EU cooperation, which over the past two decades has tied Europe together and created growth and prosperity. More than ever, we need a market that creates jobs and growth for Europeans. Growth in Europe requires the further development of the Single Market in a way that benefits both citizens and companies, and we will strengthen education, research and innovation. The Single Market must be expanded to new areas and we must, for example, utilise the opportunities offered by the digital market. Similarly, Europe must be a strong home base for leading high-tech companies and establish better rights for consumers. During the Danish Presidency, the Government will, among other things, work towards strengthening the Single Market by placing particular focus on the development of a digital single market so as to ensure lower prices for international roaming calls and broadband access as well as for buying and selling on the Internet. 3. A green Europe Denmark will promote the concept of a green economy and enhance focus on sustainability in Europe. This requires action to address the rising problems of pollution, resource scarcity and climate change. The EU must work on achieving its climate and energy targets regarding, for 7
example, increased energy efficiency by 2020, more renewable energy, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Work is to be carried out on securing the adoption of an efficient and green transport policy and common green standards in the Single Market as well as the widespread adoption of sustainable patterns of consumption and production. An environmentally sound and climate-friendly agricultural sector is also part of the solution. Similarly, work is to be carried out on securing a sustainable reform of the EU fisheries policy. The funds for research and development within the environmental and energy sphere are to be increased. 4. A safe Europe The safety of citizens and Europe s international clout in a globalised world is best promoted through common action and strong European cooperation. Effective action to combat and prevent terrorism and cross-border crime is high on the agenda. Both the Arab Spring and an increased influx of asylum-seekers and illegal immigrants to the EU via eastern and south-eastern external borders have emphasised the need for cooperation for better migration management, among other things on refugee matters. This area concerns politically sensitive issues, but it is also an area where close cooperation offers enhanced opportunities to find the best solutions. It is therefore important to achieve concrete results in the negotiations on the Common European Asylum System and on strengthening the Schengen cooperation 8
Factbox: The logo The logo is a dynamic visual narrative about the Danish EU Presidency at the beginning of 2012. The take-over is illustrated by the dual symbolism between the digits 1 and 2, which both illustrate that Denmark is now taking over the Presidency and signals the halfyear duration of the Presidency. The logo also signals the dynamism of EU cooperation a cooperation that is constantly undergoing change and renewal. Many of the major EU policies are to be negotiated during the Danish Presidency, and Denmark will, among other things, work towards future-proofing EU policies up to 2020 in order to benefit EU citizens. In this way, the logo also signals that development in and around Europe is not static and that we need to engage in effort to renew and develop cooperation in Europe, so as to enable Europe to meet the challenges of the future. Lastly, the logo also signals openness and cooperation values that are crucial for a successful Presidency. The logo highlights the Danish colours of red and white and also emphasises one of the Danish strongholds in Europe and the world, i.e. the Danish tradition for design. 9
in order to ensure that we keep an area without internal border controls, where European citizens are able to circulate freely. Europe s international influence within fields of security, trade and development is to be maintained. The Danish Presidency will actively support EU institutions and Member States in the work on strengthening the global role of the EU and on ensuring that the European External Action Service (EEAS) becomes a strong actor. The Danish Presidency will support the wish of EU neighbouring countries for closer cooperation, including access to EU markets, and contribute to ensuring the continuation of the enlargement process. Organisation of the EU Presidency Danish government departments have long been preparing the Danish Presidency. In particular, focus has been concentrated on ensuring that the Presidency is implemented in a professional, open and sustainable fashion. Brussels-Luxembourg-Strasbourg-Copenhagen-Horsens Regardless of the fact that the conditions have changed since Denmark last held the Presidency, the Presidency still continues to be an enormous task. Formal Council meetings are held in Brussels and Luxembourg, and Denmark will need to chair thousands of meetings among Ministers and officials. Similarly, Danish Ministers will pay regular visits to the European Parliament. A number of larger meetings will also be held in Denmark during the Presidency. For example, the entire Commission will come to Denmark at the beginning of January, and later, for example, the EU Foreign Ministers, Finance Ministers and Food Ministers will come to Denmark in order to attend informal ministerial meetings. During the first three months of the Presidency, the meetings will mainly be held in the Bella Center in Copenhagen and during the last three months mainly at Forum Horsens in Jutland. Approx. 15,000 politicians, officials and journalists 10
are expected to come to Denmark in connection with the Presidency and will need to be provided with board, lodging and transportation. Active communication The Presidency website, eu2012.dk, is the key instrument in the communication efforts. The website provides everyone with easy access to news about the Presidency s work and results, schedule, documents, background information, contact persons, practical information, etc. You can also follow the Presidency s Twitter accounts. The website is accessible in Danish, English, French and German. Openness and transparency is important for the Danish Presidency. This applies to the website, to press relations and to all interested citizens. A considerable number of press conferences will be held. Similarly, the Danish EU Representation in Brussels and all Ministries have appointed a large number of spokespersons and contact persons who can provide information about the Presidency s work and plans. The Danish EU Presidency provides a good opportunity to place focus on the EU in Denmark and a number of information activities will be implemented, including the preparation of teaching materials for use in upper secondary schools and colleges. In addition, debate events and a series of lectures on the EU 11
Presidency will be held at Copenhagen University and Aarhus University, as well as a photography competition under the heading The EU in daily life. In addition, a number of other events will be held during the Presidency, organised by both the Government and Danish civil society. You can find more information on the Presidency website. Focus on Denmark In the same way that the Danish EU Presidency offers a good opportunity to place focus on the EU in Denmark, it also provides a good opportunity to place focus on Denmark abroad, and the Presidency will also be used to inform people about Denmark s strengths. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has, among other things, entered into an agreement to participate in the green consumer information campaign, Tour2012Europe, which is a campaign that will visit 14 EU capitals and present clean-tech solutions in order to promote the Green Denmark during 2012. There will also be a large number of events organised around Europe highlighting Danish culture. Read more on eu2012.dk. 12
Factbox: A green and sustainable Presidency Denmark wishes to implement the EU Presidency in the most sustainable way possible. This is to be achieved by reducing the direct impact on the environment of the meeting activities and also by demonstrating social and economic responsibility. The Danish Presidency supports a positive development within sustainable and innovative thinking in Denmark. This is to be promoted by means of a number of sponsorships from businesses and companies, which are given an opportunity to display sustainable products and innovative clean-tech solutions in the form of, alternative energy, sustainable food products, environmentally sound transport, building technologies, etc. in connection with the EU Presidency. Sustainability considerations are included in all stages of the planning and implementation of the Presidency, and sustainability requirements are imposed on suppliers to the Presidency in contracts and tender materials. A number of specific initiatives will also contribute to promoting sustainability. Tap water, for example, will be served instead of spring water at meetings, and as far as possible public transport and shuttle buses will be used for transportation. 13
Factbox: EU Institutions The EU comprises several different bodies, of which the Council, the Parliament and the Commission in particular have great importance for the regulations and legislation adopted by the EU. The Council of the European Union The Council of the European Union is often called The Council of Ministers or simply The Council. The Council together with the European Parliament are the legislative institutions in the EU. The Council comprises the 27 Member States Ministers. If the issue concerns environment, the Member States will be represented by their Environment Minister, and if the issue concerns agriculture, the Member States will be represented by their Agricultural Minister, and so on. There are thus different Council configurations, of which there are ten altogether. In some areas, (e.g. foreign policy), there must be consensus among the Member States before something can be adopted, whereas in most areas, a so-called qualified majority is required. The Council meetings are held in either Brussels or Luxembourg, and the meetings are prepared by approx. 150 working groups and committees comprising officials from the 27 Member States. The European Parliament The European Parliament comprises 754 politicians from all Member States. Each Member State elects its representatives by direct elections which are held every five years most recently in June 2009. The number of representatives from each country is dependent on the size of the Member State. Denmark for example has 13 representatives. In the European Parliament, the politicians do not organise themselves according to nationality, but according to their political affiliations, so that Social Democrats from Denmark sit and vote together with Social Democrats from Latvia and France, etc. The work of the Members of the European Parliament is conducted primarily in Brussels, but for approx. one week each month, they attend meetings in Strasbourg. 14
The Commission The Commission is situated in Brussels and comprises 27 Commissioners one from each EU Member State each with responsibility for their policy area. The Commissioners are appointed for a period of five years by the Member States governments after approval by the European Parliament. The present Commission was appointed in 2010 and will sit until 2014. The Danish Commissioner is Connie Hedegaard and has responsibility for climate action. As a general rule, the Commission has exclusive rights to present legislative proposals in the EU and is also responsible for monitoring to ensure that Member States comply with EU legislation and adhere to EU budgets. The EU Commission has the overall responsibility for the EU s budget. In addition, the Commission is responsible for checking that Member States comply with EU rules and regulations. In instances where Member States fail to comply with the rules and regulations, the Commission can raise the matter before the European Court of Justice. 15
EU Member States use the euro as their currency. The common currency offers a number of advantages for the countries in the euro area. For example, the cost of exchanging money when travelling or doing business within the euro area has disappeared. Similarly, the cost of transferring money to another country in most cases has either disappeared or been dramatically reduced. Enlargement to the east The EU has gradually been enlarged with more Member States. During the last Danish EU Presidency in 2002, the EU Member States agreed to enlarge the EU with ten new countries from primarily Central and Eastern Europe. This is the largest enlargement in the EU s history. The enlargement had its roots in the collapse of Communism and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, which made it possible to unite the European countries in the EU. In 2007, an additional two countries joined the EU, namely Rumania and Bulgaria. Today, there are thus 27 Member States in the EU. The Treaty of Lisbon The most recently adopted EU treaty, the Treaty of Lisbon, has led to a number of decisive changes to how the EU functions. The EU has become more democratic, with greater influence for the European Parliament; it has become more efficient, with more straightforward decision-making procedures and voting rules and a permanent President of the European Council; and it has enhanced its profile internationally, with a common High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. 17
Factbox: What does the EU mean for your daily life? In many ways, the EU has importance for the daily lives of ordinary Europeans. This applies to everything from the number of additives permitted in toys and the quality of the food we eat, to the price of phone calls and air tickets. It is difficult to specify what percentage of national legislation in reality stems from the EU system. Assessments from experts fluctuate between approx. 80 per cent of legislation and below 30 per cent. In general, however, it can be said that most national legislation is influenced by the EU to some degree or other. If you would like to know more about how the EU has an influence on your daily life, visit the Presidency website, eu2012.dk, where you can also participate in the Presidency s photography competition, which specifically focuses on visualising what effect the EU has on our daily lives. 18
Factbox: Milestones in European Cooperation The Treaty of Rome The foundation stone for the EU that we know today was laid shortly after the Second World War, when Europe was in chaos. In order to ensure peace, stability and economic growth, the idea was born of close and regular cooperation between the previously warring countries. On 9 May 1950, the French Foreign Minister, Robert Schuman, presented a proposal regarding the European Coal and Steel Community. The proposal emerged out of a desire for common control of the industries that had made a military arms race possible before and during the war. Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Italy, Luxembourg and Germany signed the Treaty on the European Coal and Steel Community, which came into force in 1952 and thus laid the foundation for the cooperation that we know today as the EU. In 1957, the six countries signed the Treaty of Rome, which entailed the establishment of a customs union as well as a common market based on the principle of the free movement of capital, goods, services and persons. The Single Market In 1986, the Member States decided with the Single European Act to complete the work on creating a single market for Europe, with full integration between the national markets of Member States based on the principle of the free movement of capital, goods, services and persons. Through the removal of trade barriers, the harmonisation of Member States legislation and the introduction of common European standards, the Single Market was fully implemented in 1992. The Single Market has enhanced European competitiveness, benefiting both companies and citizens. Consumers have gained access to a larger, cheaper and more varied range of products, and the companies domestic market has been expanded to the whole of the EU with approx. 500 million inhabitants. The Euro On 1 January 2002, the euro was introduced as legal tender in 12 EU Member States instead of the national currencies. Today, a total of 17 16
Follow the EU and the Presidency At eu2012.dk you can find much more information about the Danish Presidency and the EU in general. The website will be regularly updated with the most important news and activities during the Presidency. Here you can also find links to Twitter profiles, videos, quizzes and teaching material and much more. The EU Information Centre of the Folketing (Danish Parliament): www.eu-oplysningen.dk The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark www.um.dk The European Parliament www.europarl.europa.eu The Commission www.ec.europa.eu The Council www.consilium.europa.eu Tour2012Europe www.tour2012europe.eu 19
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Asiatisk Plads 2 DK - 1448 Copenhagen K Tel.: +45 3392 0000 www.um.dk Visit the Presidency website